AVLF thanks our wonderful friends at United Distributors for coordinating the donation of the exciting wines and spirits that were poured at the 23rd Annual AVLF Winetasting.

Wine

Serre, Prosecco

The Serre Estate, a fifty acre vineyard, is situated in the heart of the prestigious Conegliano Valdobbiadine zone of the Veneto. Located in northeastern Italy, it is world-renowned for its production of the sparkling wine known as prosecco. High altitudes and a large percentage of old vines, some which are 60 years old, produce grapes perfectly suited for the production of prosecco with delicacy and great complexity. Medium pale straw in color, subtle bubbles and dry flavors.

Wine By Joe, Pinot Gris, 2013

This is Oregon’s answer to the Italian wine we enjoy as pinot grigio. Produced by Joe Dobbes and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, the wine is approachable with true varietal character. Select pinot gris blocks from the Willamette Valley are blended after fermentation to assure depth, elegance and balance. It is dry, medium bodied and produced from Oregon’s first LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certified winery.

Matua, Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc, 2014

This refreshing, crisp and dry sauvignon blanc is sourced from more than 100 vineyards across Marlborough on the South Island of New Zealand. In addition, fruit is sourced from the premium sub-regions of the Wairau and Awartere, known for some of the country’s most important viticultural parcels. Pressed gently and cool fermented in stainless steel tanks, combined with a proprietary yeast strain enhances the natural fruit flavors of these ripe sauvignon blanc grapes. Bright herbal aromatics, combined with citrus and tropical pineapple flavors. Delicate sage and fresh mint accent the wines vibrant personality. It is a natural wine mate to shellfish, seafood, chicken, and goat cheese.

Raeburn, Russian River, Sonoma County, Chardonnay, 2013

The Russian River Valley is a unique sliver of vineyards producing chardonnay of class and distinction. The native flora and fauna have a direct relationship with the cool, coastal environment that helps produce outstanding chardonnay. This chardonnay exhibits an array of complex fruit tones ranging from white pear and granny smith apples to nectarine. Barrel fermentation and aging offers some delicate accents of toasted oak, vanilla and hints of warm creme brulee.

La Crema, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, 2013

The vineyards found in Monterey are both pastoral and austere with the deep and cold Monterey Bay to the west and the great mountain divide to the east, the ever present breeze rises from the ocean and cools the rolling vineyards. The region is rocky, windswept and unrestrained. The pinot noir fruit was harvested at night, followed by early morning gentle whole cluster pressing. Fermented in open top tanks and transferred to French oak barrels to age for seven months. Bright flavors of red fruits, red cherry, orange zest, sweet spice and subtle minerality.

Lunatic Red, California Red Wine Blend, 2013

This wine is about innovation and discovery. A unique blend every vintage, this wine is produced from sangiovese, syrah, malbec, alicante boushchet and petite sirah. Each varietal is treated individually, fermented separately, blended and aged for 18 months. Dark ruby in color, it is concentrated with flavors of blue and black berry juice with a spiciness of vanilla and baking spices. Exotic layers of violets and a softness of velvety tannins round out its long, medium dry finish.

Piattelli Family, Premium Malbec, 2012

High in the Andes Mountains surrounding Salta, the distinctly colorful northwest Argentina Mountains are formed by many geological layers. Pure water sourced from Andean snow melt, high altitudes sometimes exceeding 4,500 feet above sea level and dramatic temperature swings identify the region as one of the premier growing regions of the world. After fermentation the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels. Purple in color with aromatic notes of ripe plums and violets, it is dry and full bodied with a soft, supple mouthfeel.

Emblem, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012

The Mondavi family has always championed cabernet sauvignon as Napa Valley’s premier grape. Emblem represents the continuation of a commitment of excellence established by Robert Mondavi. The grapes for Emblem are a blend of several valley floor, volcanic hillside, and mountain vineyards, which contribute to the layers of complexity found in the finished wine. It offers rich flavors of cassis fruit, blackberry cobbler, and delicate vanilla overtones due to its aging in French oak barrels for 15 months. The cabernet sauvignon is blended with syrah, petite sirah, zinfandel and petit verdot. The wine is accessible now and will also evolve nicely in your cellar for future enjoyment.

Santa Cristina, Cipresseto Toscana Rosato, 2014

A dry rose produced primarily from the famous Tuscan Sangiovese. Cipresseto recalls the iconic cypress trees which dot the landscape. Grapes are gently de-stemmed and macerated, then gently pressed before racking into stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Pale, salmon pink in color, the wine shows an elegant floral nose of roses and delicate jasmine. Crisp and savory on the palate, it is delicious with antipasti such as cured meats, salami, prosciutto, and firm Italian cheeses such as reggiano parmigiano.

Riva Leone, Piedmonte, Italy, Gavi, 2013

Produced from native Italian white grapes called cortese, this rare Piedmontese dry wine carries the prestigious DOCG designation. Recognized for quality, the delicate cortese grapes are pressed, fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and racked off the gross lees and bottled. High toned aromas of green apples with subtle vanilla flavors and a complex mineral accent. An elegant aperitif wine which is also quite delicious with simply prepared seafood dishes and pasta with cream sauce.

Spirits

Westland Distillery, Seattle, Washington – American Single Malt Whiskey, Peated Malt Whiskey, & Sherry Wood Malt Whiskey

Founded in 2010, Westland Distillery is a family-owned business with roots in the Pacific Northwest reaching back five generations. Inspired in large part by the world-class natural ingredients available in the state of Washington, Westland delivers a uniquely American-style single malt that rivals the finest whiskeys in the world. Set in the heart of downtown Seattle, the distillery is one of the largest – if not the largest – single malt distilleries in America. Co-founders Matthew Hofmann and Emerson Lamb oversee a 13,000 square foot distillery that produces a range of single malt expressions, from core portfolio whiskeys such as the distillery’s flagship American Single Malt Whiskey and Peated Malt Whiskey, to special releases that include sherry-finished and single cask bottlings.

Old 4th Distillery, Atlanta, Georgia – Handcrafted Vodka

Three childhood friends decided to open Atlanta’s first distillery since 1906, taking a neighborhood-centric sustainable approach to creating the finest spirits available at any price. We use sustainable non-GMO sugar cane to make our vodka, using less energy and creating zero waste. Old 4th Distillery’s only byproduct is pure, distilled water. Our cane sugar base and hands on approach creates a soft, round mouthfeel and a subtle caramelized sugar aroma. Every bottle of O4D is made by hand in our 1,100 square foot distillery in the Old Fourth Ward. Three guys create the fermentations, do the distillation, bottle, and package every drop of our signature vodka. We use a custom, handmade CARL copper still.