Asnella Single Vyd Vinho Verde, Portugal – This is a gorgeous white blend of 60% Arinto and 40% Loureiro. This wine comes from the terrific Portuguese importer, Obrigado Vinhos which is a New York-based importer with 100% focus on Portuguese wines. The meaning of Obrigado is “thank you” in Portuguese. Founded in 2010, the company’s original sole mission was to import just one wine: Vera Vinho Verde, but because of the growing demand for Portuguese wines in the US, today Obrigado represents many Portuguese wine families. All the wines imported by Obrigado have three things in common: quality, authenticity and value.
Kevin’s Notes – Earlier in the year, I said more and more great Portuguese wines are going to find their way to the U.S. and in our store. Asnella Vinho Verde is a very serious wine from 26 year old vines growing through the soils of schist and granite. The wine rests on a very delicate ridge of citrus and tropical fruit with stunning texture and mineral notes. Cooper’s Price $14.99
Tyler Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2016 – Tyler is dedicated to producing wines of delicacy and balance, where structure and nuance are favored above all else. Justin Willetts’ focus is exclusively on exceptional vineyard sites throughout the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley within Santa Barbara County. Within these two appellations, the unique combination of marine-based soils, transverse ranges and valleys, and cool ocean influence make this a truly wonderful place for growing pinot noir and chardonnay. In order to best convey the individuality of each site, Justin aims to be modern in his thinking and classic in his approach. He has made an effort to not only seek out vineyards of pedigree, but also to seek out vines with age. He now works with a number of the oldest vineyard blocks in the county and believes this is essential in his quest for both purity and intensity.
Kevin’s Notes – Last October, Sharon and I were invited to Central Coast, California and we spent an extraordinary half day with the winemaker, Justin Willetts. We toured all of the amazing single vineyards that go into this remarkable Chardonnay. This wine is a blend of the following star struck vineyards: Vineyard Sources: Bien Nacido Vineyard, Dierberg Vineyard, La Rinconada Vineyard, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard – Vine Age: Planted 1973, 1990, 1997, 1971. Do not miss the opportunity of tasting this Chardonnay. This wine drinks well above its price and the winery is out of this vintage. Cooper’ Price $29.99
Tolosa Estate Pinot Noir 2014 – Tolosa’s style of winemaking reflects our commitment to quality. Our goal is to produce a perfectly balanced wine and to stay true to the characteristic of the grape varietal. Selecting only the top 10% of the fruit from our Edna Ranch’s 750 acres allows us to consistently produce distinctive wines. We produce estate grown wines that come from our vineyards planted in the cooler climate of Edna Valley, California. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay make up 80% of Tolosa wines, while Syrah and other small production varietals make up only 20%. Our winery is sustainable in all aspects of the wine growing and wine making process.
Winemaker Notes: Bright red cherry color foreshadows aromas of dried strawberry and red cherry accentuated by a complex combination of cedar, cinnamon, allspice and coco powder. Flavors of red cherry, black plum and pomegranate are framed by a crisp acidity. A full array of tannin along with quince and tart cherry lingers on the finish. Cooper’s Price $26.99
Poe Wines Ultraviolet Cabernet 2016 – 2016 marks the seventh vintage of Ultraviolet Cabernet Sauvignon, by winemaker Samantha Sheenhan of POE and Mommenpop. Samantha’s Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays have always been inspired by the wines of France, thus her California Cabernet project deserves a fitting title. Ultraviolet is a homage to the California climate where Sam Grew up, and a pure expression of fruit ripened under the California Sun. POE also produces traditional Champagne method sparkling wines, rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a nouveau from Pinot Noir. Each wine is made in very limited quantities, and sold directly from the winery and to high-end restaurants around the country.
Winemaker Notes: Ripe notes of blueberry compote, plums, fresh violet petals and currant, a round mouthfeel with hints of blackberry bramble, black pepper and Bordeaux-like earthiness, with bright acidity and velvety, persistent tannin. Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc The wine is aged 10 months in 50% new and 50% used French Oak barrels. Cooper’s Price $16.99
