Tag Archives: Staff Pick

The Iconic Wines of Zind-Humbrecht

May 20th, 2018

Zind Humbrecht at Vinopolis: Buy Now

The Wines of Zind-Humbrecht are legendary for a reason. Founded in 1959, they own parcels of some of the best vineyards in Alsace and have consistently been a winery that others have been judged against. Currently helmed by Olivier Humbrecht, a Master of Wine, they’re turning out some of the finest wines in the storied estate’s history.

These are full bodied, flamboyantly rich whites. The hallmark of Zind-Humbrecht has always been intense power allied with minerality and freshness on the back end. These are breathtaking wines that can stop conversation. We have a tremendous assortment in stock, from dry to sweet— and all are worthy of attention. You can view all of them on our webstore by clicking here, or just drop in or give us a call.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Philippe Pacalet Moulin a Vent 9-8-16

Philippe Pacalet Moulin A Vent, Beaujolais, France 2014 750ML ($59.95) Buy Now $49 special

Never patient when it comes to Beaujolais, I drank Pacalet’s intrepid Moulin-a-Vent the very night it arrived at our shop. A simple salmon dish served as accompaniment, and I poured some out into a decanter in order to contrast normal and accelerated evolution of the wine as it aerated. Cherry aromas soared out of the glass, with an immediate flavor profile of goji berries, plum, Bing cherries, and a touch of leather. The fruit bears this intriguing crunchiness, with the acid mingling but never overarching beyond the wine’s overall feel. There is a playful energy this Beaujolais, which went lovely with the salmon and danced between being a little showy and a bit mellow over the course of four hours.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Cameron ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir 2014 6-18-16

Cameron Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $24 special

With each release from Cameron, don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ’till it’s gone? Each time the wine comes into the shop, five-or-so cases high, I wonder how soon until our shelves need replenishing. The point being, this stuff sells – with good reason, too! We’ve secured another stash, but that’s not to suggest this little guy will be around forever…

The Dundee Hills cuvee is declassified Abbey Ridge + Clos Electrique selections from younger vines; the body is light but not flighty body, with rambunctious cherry and raspberry fruit leading into an herbal and measured finish. It’s probably the most precise and elegant release from Cameron in 2014, and warrants a drinker who occupies the space between decadent and disciplined – that is, to say, I suggest you buy ten or twelve bottles and drink a few now and a few later.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Belle Pente Gamay Noir 2014 6-5-16

Belle Pente Gamay Noir, Belle Pente Vineyard, Yamhill Carloton 2014 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

Those who watch these pages closely know of affinity for Gamay. I love it all – from the ten Crus of Beaujolais and the Loire to the Valle d’Aoste, Upstate New York and – of course! – our home terrain of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In turn, I nearly leapt for joy when Brian from Belle Pente swung by to taste the new releases and a Gamay came out of the bag.

Floral aromas and red-violet fruits leapt from the glass; the wine registers as a little on the light-to-medium side of the spectrum. Think of the structure of a Moulin-a-Vent with the fruit n’ flower attributes of Juliénas – broad on the palate, with ample spice, wild flowers, and red fruit on offer.

… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Crowley Rose of Pinot Noir 2015 6-4-16

Crowley Rose of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $18 special

Welcome summer with the first ever release of Crowley Rose! This wine shows poise, balance and thought. It opens with a bright, fresh nose of white cranberries and dried ginger. On the palate is again a lovely red berry note with touches of fresh milk and black tea.

This rose is from the coolest single block in the Four Wines Vineyard. It was whole cluster pressed and underwent a slow malolactic fermentation (finishing at 13.68% alcohol and 3.4-3.5 pH for those inquiring minds).

The Four Winds Vineyard is within the McMinnville Coast Range. Planted in 1990 to 100% Pommard clone, the vines are all own-rooted. The soil is Jory-Nekiah (uplifted marine sedimentary loam and silts with alluvial overlays – an ideal soil type for Oregon Pinot Noir). … Read the rest