Winery of the Month – JAN 2017
Top Wines from 2016
Every year in December Wine Spectator magazine comes out with their Top 100 wines that they reviewed for the year. So we decided to showcase some of these in January.
#36 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2011
The winery was founded in 1972 in Vergne. The vineyards here are pretty high up with elevations between 1300 and 1600 feet above sea level. 2011 was a warm vintage that in the right areas created some amazing Barolos. The wine has all the hallmarks of Barolo, full body with solid a solid tannic structure, loads of dark fruit and rose aromas. You could drink this one now with an hour in the decanter, but it would prefer to sit untouched for at least five years. 1500 cases made.
Regularly $84.99 – Sale $62.99
#48 Fournier Pere & Fils Sancerre Les Belle Vignes 2015
Today the Fournier’s have over 200 acres under vine throughout the regions of Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, and Pouilly-Fume. A far cry from the 13 acres they had in the 1800s. The brothers oversee everything with Claude overseeing the winemaking and Jacques taking care of the vines. 2015 was a great year for the Fourniers and Sancerre as well. The wine takes the mineral character from the flinty soil, but packs all the bright citrus fruit and refreshing acidity that one comes to love from great Sancerres. 7000 cases imported.
Regularly $26.99 – Sale $19.99
#60 Roberto Anselmi Veneto San Vincenzo 2015
Roberto Anselmi, while in the Soave region, has taken to blending some non-allowed varieties into his wines. This means he cannot label this wine Soave. While this has caused some friction locally his wonderful wines and exceedingly clean wine-making have helped the quality revolution in the North East of Italy. This wine is a blend of 80% Garganega 10% each Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The wine is bright and fresh with lots of stone fruit and a touch of creaminess, think peaches and cream. 41660 cases made.
Regularly $19.99 – Sale $14.99
#68 Lemelson Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Thea’s Selection 2014
Lemelson has always been a great example of Oregon Pinot Noir. The grapes for this wine come from his seven organically farmed vineyards throughout the valley. It displays everything that has made Oregon famous, bright red cherry and raspberry fruit, slight hints of baking spices and some earthy undertones reminiscent of mushrooms. A medium to light bodied wine with plenty of acidity that will go with a whole range of foods. 9950 cases made.
Regularly $34.99 – Sale $26.99
#76 Carpineto Vino Nobile Montepulciano Riserva 2011
The 2010 version was also in the top 100. Carpineto has four different properties throughout Tuscany. This one is from the southern tip of the Montepulciano zone. The wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile. Carpineto wines are made in a modern style so they have toned the acidity and the tannins down and bought out more upfront red fruit flavors. There are some light vanilla notes showing off the time in barrel. There is a reason the wines have garnered so much press in the last couple of vintages. 15000 cases made.
Regularly $29.99 – Sale $22.99