1. Scar of the Sea Santa Maria Valley “Old Vine” Chardonnay
Regular $31.99 – Cooper’s Price $27.99
Co-owners Mikey Guigni and Michael Brughelli first met in college at Cal Poly before both pursued careers in winemaking.
This Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay is a blend of old vine fruit from Riverbench and Bien Nacido Vineyards, both planted in 1973 on their own roots. Once picked, the Chardonnay is whole-cluster-pressed and allowed to undergo native fermentation in old French oak barrels. Once topped the wine then goes through natural malo-lactic fermentation and is aged on lees for 11 months. The wine is then racked and bottled unfiltered.
Kevin’s Notes: What does “Old Vines” mean for the grapes and the vines? It means the vines roots are 20-30 ft deep searching for nutrients which will impart unique attributes to the taste profile of the wine. This can create a multiple layers of flavors and a richer wine. OLD VINE Chardonnay is VERY rare so this will be a treat! Only 22 bottles
2. Trisaetum Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir
Regular $34.99 – Cooper’s Price $27.99
In 2003, Andrea and James Frey purchased this now steep and rocky piece of land, moved their young children to Oregon, planted a vineyard and founded Trisaetum (tris-say-tum) in one of the few places where climate, soil, and entrepreneurial spirit combine to produce some very special wines. Two years later in 2005, they found another piece of land twenty minutes away on Ribbon Ridge, cleared the site, planted a second vineyard and built the winery where Trisaetum’s wines are made today.
Taste Profile: Deep ruby in color, with aromas of cranberry, blackberry, and baking spices. Dark fruited flavors of plum are brightened by summer blackberry; hints of licorice and star anise linger on the complex finish.
Kevin’s Notes: This is an outstanding Pinot Noir and it’s my favorite Pinot Noir for under $29. Its nose punctuates bright red fruit with a stunning, rich, succulent mid-palate that falls into bright acidity. This is an eye opening wine for under $50! I LOVE IT !!!!
3. Chateau Bel Orme Tronquoy de Lalande 2010
Cooper’s Price $32.99
The architecture plans of Château Bel Orme Tronquoy-de-Lalande were drawn by Victor Louis (1731-1800), the famous architect who drew the Grand Théâtre in Bordeaux and the Palais Royal arches in Paris. In 1936, Château Bel Orme Tronquoy-de-Lalande became the home of the Quie family. The Chateau owes its name to the Tronquoy de Lalande family, who owned it in the 19th century and contributed significantly to its fame.
Grape varieties: 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Wine Critic: 90 Points James Suckling: Attractive nose with loads of candied violets, raspberries and rose petals. Plum and some licorice. Full and nice texture on the palate with charming fruit and fine tannins. Enjoyable finish with medium length and a tasty licorice note. Drink from 2016.
89/100 – Wine Spectator “Château Bel Orme Tronquoy-de-Lalande 2010 shows a gutsy feel, with lightly mulled plum and steeped cassis fruit melded with singed apple wood and smoldering charcoal. The long, fleshy finish lets the roasted wood edge play out. Needs a little cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2024”.
Kevin’s Notes: This is going to be a blast because this is an OUTSTANDING and it’s got age!
4. Hugh Hamilton “The Villain” Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale
Regular $24.99 – Cooper’s Price $19.99
“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and likes to see us happy.” Benjamin Franklin, and Hugh agrees.
Hugh is the fifth generation of the family that planted the first vineyards at Glenelg in 1837, less than one year after European settlement in South Australia. As with all families one is a black sheep and Hugh Hamilton is it. You can expect therefore to enjoy the difference.
Kevin’s Notes: The importer for Hugh Hamilton came by the store and we had a wonderful time tasting six of wines and The Villain Cabernet really stood out for the quality and price.
This is a full-bodied extremely well made Cabernet so it’s going to be our $20 go to Cabernet for some time after we negotiated this incredible price.
