2016 Tasting Opportunities
Gérard Bertrand Code Rouge
Sparkling White
This sparkling wine Blanc de Blancs blend is produced from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and the rare Mauzac grape variety. The cuvée comes exclusively from vineyards located within the oceanic climates of Limoux, France. Labeled Brut Eternal, the wine is dry with subtle tree fruit notes and delicate bubbles. Wonderful aperitif with Mediterranean inspired seafood and tapenades.
Panther Creek Cellars
Pinot Gris
This Alsacian styled wine, sourced from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is fermented in stainless steel temperature controlled tanks in order to retain the crisp flavors of apple, Meyer lemon, and green melon. This three vineyard blend accents this variety with a medium body and richer mouthfeel than its Italian cousin Pinot Grigio. Rich cheeses such as Brie.
Innocent Bystander
Sauvignon Blanc
This French grape variety has been grown very successfully in New Zealand and the region of Marlborough, one of its most important sub districts. Produced by renowned Australian winemaker Phil Sexton, this partially aged on lees blend was engineered in stainless steel, and exhibits lemon, peach, and nectarine fruit flavors. This very aromatic dry white wine is crisp, zesty and refreshing. Oysters, seafood raw bar.
Cambria Estate Winery
Bench Break Chardonnay
Located in the famed Santa Maria Bench in Santa Barbara County, this cool coastal site consists of ancient fossilized seashells, shale, limestone, and sand. This pure Chardonnay is a selection of four specific clones, each chosen for its compatibility to the vineyards microclimate. Lots are selected for barrel ageing in seasoned and new filled French oak casks. Spicy aromas, tropical fruit, rich and full-bodied with cleansing acidity. Roasted chicken or textured white fish.
BEX Winery
Riesling
In the southwestern part of Germany lies the region of Nahe (pronounced Nah-heh). Temperate climate fosters slow maturation of the famous Riesling grape in the red slate soils. These volcanic soils help yield wines with fresh fruit and floral aromas are prevalent. Minerality is also often expressed in the wines flavor. Orange blossoms, white peach, and apricot aromas. Soft on the palate with a delicately sweet characteristic. Great with spicy Asian cuisine.
SeaGlass
Rose of Pinot Noir
Produced from Pinot Noir and a splash of Syrah growing in the vineyards of Monterey County California, it reflects the bright fresh flavors of subtle red berries, delicate fragrance, and crisp acidity. Very food friendly pairing well with prosciutto and melon or crab cakes with spicy aioli.
Lyric by Etude
Pinot Noir
The “Etude” or study of Pinot Noir has achieved great success in Santa Barbara County, California. The Fiddlestix Vineyard and the North Canyon Vineyard contribute fruit to this French oak barrel aged blend. These two very cool vineyard sites accent the unique terroir. Warm days and very cool nights provide long maturation or in wine speak, the hang time. Ruby red in color, bright aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and subtle baking spice notes. Grilled salmon or pork chops.
Marchese de Frescobaldi
Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina Riserva
This magnificent Tuscan estate is in the region of Rufina, northeast of Florence. Produced from the classic Sangiovese grape, it has a long heritage to the estate of Castello di Nipozzano. For more than 600 years, the Frescobaldi have carried on their tradition of fine winemaking. After harvest, the grapes are crushed and juice is left to macerate on the skins for more than three weeks. After the alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wine is matured for two years in cask and an additional three months in bottle before release. Ruby color with purple reflections, the wine exhibits black fruit aromas with violet and licorice spice notes. Full bodied, extremely mouth filling with a long, persistent finish. Roasted or grilled red meat and aged cheese such as Reggiano Parmesano.
Tenet
The Pundit Syrah
This Rhone style red wine blend is grown in the high desert of the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington. Syrah with the white viognier grape is blended with 10% Grenache and Mourvedre, reflecting the style produced in this warm climate by two Frenchmen and a man from Idaho. Aged for 13 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, the wine is deep purple in color with ruby highlights. Ripe cherry, plum, and earthy undercurrents of smoky cocoa and cola. Toasty vanilla flavors coat the full flavored wine. Super with barbecue ribs, pulled pork, and sausages.
Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters
Red Blend
This blend of Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for three months in ex bourbon barrels gives added aroma and bourbon inspired flavors to the finished wine. This soft and velvety red wine is dark in color with concentrated jammy black fruit compote flavors. Rich flavors with a long, lingering finish. The California appellation gives Cooper & Thief the flexibility to source quality grapes from the best regions each vintage.