Von Winnings Sauvignon Blanc – The fact that this estate is crafting some of the very best dry wines in Germany is no fluke, rather a result of nearly obsessive winemaker Stefan Attman’s and meticulous work in the cellar. the Von Winning label is reserved for the Grosses Gewächs sites vinified dry and in wood. Von Winning maintains some of the oldest parcels in Grosses Gewächs vineyards. Grosses Gewachs means designated top-level dry wines from selected sites. Attman’s every decision is informed by great enthusiasm and experiences at estates of Cote d’Or (Burgundy, France) and abroad. For example, Attman’s newer vines are planted at a very high vine density – 9500 vines per hectare (a hectare is roughly 2.5 acres), as opposed to the more typical less than 5000. This creates competition amongst the vines, forcing the roots to grow deep, naturally reducing yields. Attman has adopted the single cane trellising system, prevalent in Burgundy, and Grosses Gewächs wines ferment in 500mL French barrels. They practice organic and sustainable viticulture.
Attmann describes his winemaking as “not doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.” The estate’s premium wines are treated with a minimalist approach and with the highest respect in the cellar. Winnings is not sweet, nor is it sharply dry. It threads the needle, walks the tightrope; it is all about balance.Everything in equilibrium with no more and no lessthan necessary. Acid, fruit, minerality, density: every element in its right measure. Cooper’s Price $22.99
Marchesi Torrigiani Chianti – The Torrigiani family entered into the “wine world” in the year 1280 (yes this family has been making wine for almost 800 years, that’s more than 30 generations!!!) when their ancestor, Ciardo Torrigiani, joined the Vintner’s Guild in Florence and opened up a shop selling wine. He began a business that extended throughout Italy, into Europe, and is now worldwide. This Chianti is selected from the best grapes of Sangiovese (70%), Canaiolo (20%) and Colorino (10%) grown in the “San Michele” vineyard facing to the southeast on sloping terrain, made up of layers of sea sediment. The estate is located close to Barberino Val d’Elsa and covers an area of 400 hectares, among the sloping hills of which 30 are vineyards kept according to modern technique. The vineyards are presently in a phase of renewal with the introduction of typical clones such as Sangiovese, Merlot and Cab Sauv. The wine has an intense ruby color, with a spicy bouquet of dark cherries and strawberries. On the palate, it brings exceptional structure characterized by soft and alluring tannins along with flavors of dried cherries and macerated raspberries. Pairs well with rich salami, ham, cheeses, and light courses with flavorful sauces. Cooper’s Price $10.99
Parlange & Illouz Cajolle 2014 – Jérémie Illouz cultivates 5.5 hectares (12 acres) on the heights of Cahors using only natural products to help the vine to fight against the pests. Tillage is carried out so as not to disturb the microbial life and the surrounding fauna. All the plots are harvested manually, the fermentations are made thanks to the native yeasts. A low dose of sulfur may be added before the wines are bottled. About his vineyard management and organic practices Jérémie Illouz states, “We want to go beyond certification, we want to go further and produce “a natural wine”. “We wish to go well beyond the constraints imposed by organic. I want to let nature do it, we do not add anything and I refuse to be exposed to pesticides.” The approach is not a return to the methods of the past, but is part of an innovative approach to the profession. “It’s a new culture.” This wine is a blend of Juracon Noir and Malbec with whole cluster vinification and aged 11 months in barrels. The Malbec are 50 year old vines! Jurancon Noir is an relatively rare French grape variety. The variety’s most famous expression is made near the town of Cahors.
Kevin’s Notes: Holy Cow – the wines from this producer are absolutely stunning. They are vibrant, funky reds with extraordinary texture. They are low alcohol making them terrific reds for food or by themselves. They are fantastic! Cooper’s Price $16.99
Treasure Hunter “Thirsty Thug” Cab Sauv – From the Winery: We are wine zealots, winemakers, growers and entrepreneurs. Wine runs through our veins. Our mantra is to deliver exceptional wines at amazing prices, and we are untiring in our effort to bring our customers the very best wines on the planet. Treasure Hunter wines are micro-lot and one time releases. Each represents the best of it’s appellation, varietal and the winemakers who have crafted them.
This proper Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of all five of the classic Bordeaux varietals (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot). Hailing from perhaps the best wine maker in Washington this velvet hammer will pound liquid nails of savory greatness into your very soul.
Cloaked in black cherry this full-bodied, bully of a wine stalks its prey with a mallet made of blueberry cobbler and blackberry jam. Heavy and pondering he uses a vanilla staff to find his way through back alleys of hedonic pleasure lined with wet stone and toasted hazelnut. Discovering your lips and palate he strikes with all his might with a perfectly balanced wallop, leaving you in a state of blissful wonder and ecstasy. This is a highly allocated Cabernet.” We only got 5 cases and we have already sold half of it, but we want our customers to have a chance to taste it. Cooper’s Price $28.99
