Wine of the Day: Mas Cal L’Infidele 2010 4-10-16

Mas Cal Demoura “L’infidele” 2010 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $27 special
“I have no shame in loving the rough-and-tumble wines of southern France. When the yields are kept in check and the wine’s development isn’t stunted by efforts of standardization, the resulting wines can be at once charming and startling. These sorts of blends have a broader appeal than I think we allow – I’d bet a day’s wages, for one, that you could get a Napa Cab guy and a Loire geek to agree on some gems of the Languedoc.

“One such gem comes from Mas Cal Demoura, situated not far from Montpelier along the slopes of the Cévennes mountain range. These wines are soulful, playful – reverent, even, as they’re not shy to display the seemingly-paradoxical traits of their terroir: bold, fresh, mineral-laden, layered, dynamic…“L’Infidele” integrates all five varietals of the domaine each vintage: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Carignan.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day – Evesham Wood Puits Sec 2013 4-9-16

Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $33 special
“Russ Raney founded Evesham Wood Winery in 1986. He studied wine in Germany before eventually moving to Portland to find an ideal US site for Burgundian and Alsatian-style wines. He is now enjoying semi-retirement while importing southern French wines from Clos Canos and Chateau de Cabriac, among others. Erin Nuccio took over as wine-maker and owner after working several years with Russ while also developing his Haden Fig label.

“The estate vineyard, Le Puits Sec, is planted on an east facing slope overlooking the Willamette River. It has iron-rich soils and is planted to several varieties. While the Evesham Wood wines tend toward elegance and the Haden Fig wines towards more fruit-forward notes, both are expressive examples of their (all dry-farmed) vineyards.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine Léon Barral Faugeres 2012 4-8-16

Domaine Leon Barral Faugeres 2012 750ML ($37.95) Buy Now: $31.90 special

“I remember my first Faugeres wine like my first Jimi Hendrix record: I don’t recall where, or which it was, even, but I remember perfectly the feeling that this was unique, special, worthwhile… So many of the producers in Kermit Lynch’s portfolio have achieved that same effect, at once jarring and welcome. The Faugeres from Barral – like Hendrix – so wonderfully walks that line between edgy and suave, punk and soulful.

“Didier Barral is a postcard producer for Lynch, someone to check in on from time to time to get a feel for that vintage and region, even if he’s riffing differently than the other guys. Farming biodynamically, he relies on a miniature ecosystem in order to work his vines.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Teofilo Reyes Ribera del Duero 2011 4-7-16

Teofilo Reyes, Ribera del Duero 2011 ($29.95) Buy Now: $24 special
Case-12 Teofilo Reyes, Ribera del Duero 2011 ($319.95) Buy Now: $259 special
Bodegas Reyes was founded by Juan Jose and Luis in 1994, under the supervision of his father, Teofilo Reyes, who hoped to bring some continuity from his 50 years of experience.% 100 Tempranillo. The wine is hand harvested and aged in French and American oak for 16 months. On the palate, wonderfully dense, layered dark fruit gives way to supple tannins and a nice, long finish. Notes of spice, oak, and anise compliment this well produced wine. Great value at $24 per bottle, or our case-12 special for $21.58 each! -Troy… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine Cheveau Macon Davaye ‘Les Belouzes’ 2014 4-6-16

Domaine Cheveau Macon Davaye Les Belouzes, Burgundy 2014 750 ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special
Case-12 Domaine Cheveau Macon Davaye Les Belouzes, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($279.95) Buy Now: $219 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Domaine Cheveau deliver, principally, two crucial things: value and terroir. Their cuvees succinctly and playfully get at the heart of what each vineyard is trying to say. With “Les Belouzes”, it’s a triangulation of honeysuckle, toast, and lemon which lingers on the palate without overstaying its welcome. This is the kind of bottle to convert Chardonnay-sayers over to the good side. Fantastic wine. – Tyler… Read the rest