Wine of the Day: Bossard Domaine L’Ecu Orthogneiss 2013 4-15-16

Guy Bossard Domaine de l’Ecu Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Orthogneiss, Loire 2013 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19 special

Charming and complex in equal measure, this bottle proves that there’s much more to Muscadet than oysters and easy-drinkin’. The dryness and minerals you’d expect meet a unique palate of melon, citrus fruit, salty ocean air, and an intriguing touch of savory herbs. A lovely problem-solver of a wine, whether one seeks refreshment, no-fuss food pairings, or a respite from the unwarranted barrage of boring white wines which mid-August so often falls victim to. Pro tip: the Orthogneiss also ages terrifically! -Tyler

Wine Enthusiast 91 points “This wine is creamy, rich and has a fragrant, aromatic character. It is full in the mouth, hinting almost at toastiness, certainly vanilla and rich yellow fruits.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Crowley La Colina 2013 4-14-16

Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) Buy Now: $51.90 special

The Dundee Hills AVA is delineated in part by the soil, termed Jory. Jory soil is a very old, dark red loam, silt and clay soil formed from the decomposed basalt deposited by 15 million year old lava flows. The soil is well-draining and is credited for giving the AVA’s wines classic red fruit and dusty spice notes. The vineyard in question, La Colina, was planted by George Hillberry in 1999. Since 2005 (first under the Entre Nous bottling and now also as a single vineyard) Tyson Crowley has worked with the non-irrigated vineyard. La Colina is between 450 and 550 feet in elevation and boasts over 6 feet of Jory soil.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Aw, Shucks! Servin ‘Les Forets’ 2013 (with Oysters!) 4-13-16

Domaine Servin Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $26 special

The days of winter are coming to an end and spring is in the air. Things are changing. The trees are blossoming in the streets and the air smells sweet. We say goodbye to our winter coats and warm wool socks. Sadly, it’s almost time to say goodbye to months with “R” in them: oyster months. Not to worry, there is still time. I suggest we do what is only right by celebrating these last days of April with some fine Chablis and oysters.

Millions of years ago the Chablis region of Burgundy was an ocean floor and the area has many sea fossils. Over the eons, this developed in a mineral rich soil which makes for distinctive chardonnays. … Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis 2013 4-12-16

Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis 2013 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $28 special
Why we love it: Efficiency. There’s a relentless energy to this wine, so packed with flavor and layers yet sitting so delicately on the tongue. Lemon sorbet, ripe peach, white flowers, and a kiss of spice make it classic, yet the texture of it all lends a really lovely distinctiveness. I’m crazy about this one. – Tyler

“The 2013 Chablis Villages is a blend of vines up to 60 years old, 90% in vat and 10% in barrel. This came from the latest of three bottling that Thomas Pico makes. It has a clean and precise bouquet with citrus fruit and just a faint touch of white chocolate.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Geltz-Zilliken Riesling 4-11-16

Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Riesling Kabinett Erste Lage 2013 750ML ($37.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special
Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Riesling Kabinett Erste Lage 2013 375ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $14 special
“This opulent Riesling has an aroma of crushed peaches and mint. It’s sourced from the estate’s top vineyard (Rausch), which is covered in Devonian slate. It’s rich and full in body with a lingering waxy texture and a surprising vibrancy given its lushness. The sweetness is nicely balanced by the high acidity. Enjoy on its own or with spicy pork dishes.” -Suzanne

Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2013 Riesling Kabinett Saarburger Rausch is a rich, sappy, juicy, piquant and elegant Riesling with an extremely stimulating and lush fruit intensity. With 7.5% alcohol the wine is light (though not light-bodied) but intense in its tropical fruitiness with mango, peach and pineapples flavors.… Read the rest