Winery of the Month – JAN 2016
Top 100
Every year Wine Spectator Magazine picks what they believe to be the 100 most exciting wines of the year. The list comes out around the end of November. We decided for January we would also feature some wines that were on the Top 100 list for 2015 that we offer at The Italian Market.
Mount Eden Vinyards Chardonnay
First up, we have Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay 2012. This wine was number 5 on Wine Spectators list. Mount Eden has been making terrific wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains since the eighties. The Chardonnay comes from two different mountain top vineyards and less than 2000 cases are produced each year. You will taste stone fruit with some accompanying citrus flavors. There is a touch of smoky vanilla and light buttery notes that come from the judicious oak and malolactic regime. Regularly $87.99 Sale $69.99
Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone
The next that we also love is their number 8 Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone 2008. This wine is made from the Vaio Armaron vineyard which is managed Masi. The small family owned winery made 3,750 cases of the 2008 vintage. The grapes for this wine are the traditional blend of Crovina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The wine undergoes the Appassimento process (air drying on straw mats) for three months. Generous black cherry and plum flavors with a hint of raisin alongside some spicy oak and tobacco flavors are what have made Amarone popular. Regularly $99.99 Sale $79.99
Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano comes in at number 26. This wine is made mainly from Sangiovese, called locally Prugnolo Gentile. Vino Nobile has yet to gain the international attention of it well-known neighbors Brunello or Chianti. Lots of bright red cherry flavors are in this one with some leather and pipe tobacco. This is a great inexpensive wine from Tuscany. Regularly $29.99 Sale $24.99
Colene Clemens Margo Pinot Noir
Colene Clemens Margo Pinot Noir is number 45 and our final pick. It comes to us from the Chehalem Mountains in Oregon. Family owned and operated, this winery has some of the most stunning views in all of Oregon. The estate is farmed sustainably and all fruit is hand harvested. The wine is light bodied with a delicate tannic backbone. This Pinot Noir has lots of the typical red and dark cherry fruit with a little raspberry, mint and mushroom running through. Regularly $39.99 Sale $33.99