Category Archives: Special Features

Wine of the Day: Charles Smith CasaSmith ‘Cinghiale’ Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope, Washington 2014 6-24-16

Charles Smith CasaSmith ‘Cinghiale’ Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope, Washington 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

sangTuscany’s famous grape meets Washington’s Wahluke Slope: Casa Smith Sangiovese is big enough to bridge continents, and flavorful enough to satisfy Old and New World tastes. Whole cluster fermentation breeds a wine with backbone, and 12 months in barrel (35% new oak) gives added depth and finesse to this Italian/Washingtonian stallion. Rich notes of cherry and earth carry across smooth tannins and just enough acidity, proving that Italy’s best grapes make for happy immigrants to the Evergreen State. – Daniel… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Francoise Bedel ‘Cuvee Entre Ciel et Terre’ Brut Champagne NV 6-23-16

Francoise Bedel Cuvee Entre Ciel et Terre Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) Buy Now: $71.90 special

bedel champThere’s a local spot on the other side of town known for their illustrious, borderline-obsessive selection of Champagnes. The wine list hits the table with a weighty thud… Navigating their offerings is equal parts daunting and exciting, so packed with famed producers that it resembles what Sir Winston Churchill’s Christmas list. While barside a few months ago, a friend noticed Mme. Bedel’s name among the selections and nearly leapt for joy. Without hesitation, a frosty bottle and two glasses were summonsed, our server nodding with approval.

First, some context. Francoise Bedel is about as real-deal as you can get in Champagne. Her estate has practiced biodynamic agriculture for twenty years; harvest is performed by hand and wines are held for a minimum of five years prior to release.… Read the rest

Wines of the Day: Andre Dezat Sancerre + Pouilly-Fume 2014 6-22-16

Andre Dezat & Fils Sancerre, Loire 2014 750ML ($279.95) Buy Now: $219 special
Case-12 Andre Dezat & Fils Sancerre, Loire 2014 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

Andre Dezat & Fils Domaine Thibault Pouilly-Fume, Loire 2014 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $18.80 special
Case-12 Andre Dezat & Fils Domaine Thibault Pouilly-Fume, Loire 2014 750ML ($249.95) Buy Now: $199 special

dezatThe 2014 vintage stands among the Loire Valley’s finest in ten or fifteen years. Perhaps it’s an overstatement, but a vigneron in the Valley was quoted by saying “you’d need to work hard to make a bad wine this year…” But truly – with no embellishment –  it was a fantastic year for Loire. Dezat’s selections are by no means an exception, priced quite fairly and ready to contend against the summer months!… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva 2007 6-21-16

Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2007 750ML ($379.95) Buy Now: $249 special

Unico2007If Spain had an aristocracy of wines, Vega Sicilia would be king. (Pingus you could call a usurper to that throne.) Founded in 1864, over a century before creation of the Ribera del Duero DOC, the estate’s various owners have made singular wine ever since. In fact, Vega Sicilia can hardly be compared to other Spanish wines, not even the greats of La Rioja. For one thing, the grape varieties originally planted and still grown in Vega Sicilia’s 500-acre limestone-soil vineyard include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, though eighty percent of the vines are Tempranillo. As a result, Vega Sicilia doesn’t taste like other Tempranillo-based wines from Spain.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero 2014 6-21-16

Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero 2014 750ML ($17.95) Buy Now: $11.90 special

emilmoroSometimes summer isn’t hot enough – or it’s too hot – and I need a burst of wine from a place known for summer heat (and winter freeze). In such cases, I head for a Ribera del Duero. The 2014 Emilio Moro Finca Resalso fits the bill, for just over ten bucks. Made entirely from young Tempranillo vines planted in Emilio Moro’s original vineyard, this wine warms the palate while refreshing the spirit. Four months in American and French oak lends backbone and sweet smokiness to this fruit-forward tinto. The tannins are smooth and round, as is the finish. Try it with paella, grilled veggies, or anything barbecued.… Read the rest