Wine Club Newsletter - August 2023
The Ten “S” of Wine
- Sharing
- Sight
- Swirl
- Smell
- Sip
Continuing my series . . .
The Ten “S” of Wine
6. Swallow
When you swallow the wine, you have a much more finite definition of the wine’s characteristics. Most specifically, the texture:
Is it rich, light, or medium in body and richness?
Is it tannic, acidic, or is it smooth and soft?
Is it sweet or dry?
Is it fruity or lean?
Is it long in the mouth, or does it finish short?
Is it silky or harsh?
Is it old or new?
The more you understand about wine, the greater level of appreciation you can experience from this incomparable gift of a beverage mankind had developed thousands of years ago.
Next up:
Savor!
...
L.A. Police Hunt Wine Shop Thieves after Major Heist
A Los Angeles fine wine retailer targeted by thieves, who sawed through the roof of its cellar room and stole precious bottles thought to be worth at least $500,000, has said a police investigation was ongoing and thanked customers for their support.
Top Bordeaux, Burgundy and California wines were among those taken after thieves broke into the cellar room at Lincoln Fine Wines in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles.
After cutting a square hole in the cellar room’s roof, burglars escaped with wines and spirits estimated to be worth at least $500,000 to $550,000, and possibly more, said Nick Martinelle, wine buyer and manager at the retailer.
He said most of the stolen stock had been identified, but the team was still discovering wines as missing. Some of the bottles taken are irreplaceable, having been purchased years ago, he told Decanter.
The retailer said Los Angeles police was investigating the burglary, which offers further evidence that fine and rare wines are a target for thieves.
Those breaking into Lincoln Fine Wines’ cellar room focused on higher-priced labels, such as Bordeaux first, second and third growths, Burgundy grand cru wines, and top Rhône and California labels.
Thieves also took large-format bottles, targeting the retailer’s collection of celebrated Italian wine Quintarelli, among others. They appeared to have hoisted a 15-litre bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne up to the roof, said Martinelle via email.
‘It is all very surreal to us. As a close-knit, small group we feel violated,’ he said.
‘Our boss and owner of the store, Nazmul Haque, has had this establishment for over 16 years. Never in his life did he – or anyone else in this wine community – think that this could happen on this level, let alone with the precision of a Mission Impossible-type heist.’
Martinelle has sent out lists to trade members, including auction houses, and said he was optimistic that something might turn up.
He said the thieves might have had a plan for offloading the wines, ‘but perhaps they aren’t that smart and will try to sell to a store or auction house at some point’. He said he couldn’t comment further, however, due to the ongoing police investigation.
On Instagram, Lincoln Fine Wines recently thanked its customers for their support and affirmed it was open for business as usual as it looks to ‘move forward and upward’ from the burglary. (LINK)
‘We are still devastated, but we are moving on as best we can,’ said Martinelle. The retailer asked anyone with information to get in touch or contact police.
---
Sometime ago, a similar series of events happened to wine shops here in San Diego. Major losses occurred, and the perpetrators were never apprehended. They did their homework and devised ingenious methods to pull off their various local heists. One victim was amazed when the thieves broke into their wine shop by cutting a hole in the wall from an empty/vacant suite next door.
GP
...
Cheers!
Gary Parker, Owner
The WineSellar & Brasserie
2022 Rose’ of Sangiovese, Pauli Vineyard, Sassoferrato
Growing Region Mendocino County, California
Varietal Composition 100% Sangiovese
Fermentation Stainless Steel
Alcohol Content 12.5%
Suggested Retail $29.00
WineSellar Club Price $26.09
Broad Strokes:
Grapeseed Wine Company was founded in 2015 in Healdsburg, CA, by a small team of wine industry insiders who share a passion for the kind of artisan winemaking. too often lost in an increasingly corporate landscape. They started out to with the aim of giving artisan winemakers the freedom to pursue their dream projects. These projects and offerings were created under the direction of Chief Winemaker, Matt Smith. Matt was tasked to create wines for GrapeSeed, too, when we launched his Sassoferrato brand.
Matt’s selections increased even more when we opened the tasting room experience in Healdsburg inside the Paul Mahder gallery. The connection between art and wine is exceptionally strong, and Matt was inspired to create series of wine collections inspired by artists featured in the Gallery.
Appearance:
I like the watercolor label image of a hilly vineyard, which could be anywhere in the world. The font on ”Sassoferratto” is very Italian looking, perfect for representing the Italian the grape varietal “Sangiovese”. The wine has a lovely pinkish/red grapefruit hue emanating from the clear glass bottle.
Nose:
Watermelon and honeydew essence comes across early on, with hints of citrus from lime and grapefruit. White pepper.
Texture:
Medium in body, with bright acidity for our first impressions. The wine is evenly balanced, clean, and mouth-watering in the middle palate. Finish is also clean, lasting, with a kiss of melon fruit lingering.
Flavors:
Solid notes of honey dew and watermelon. Smooth and gentle notes of citrus, lime, grapefruit and even a bit of kiwi. Red fruits of strawberry and raspberry provide pretty accent to this balanced, clean, refreshing Rose’ wine.
Serving Suggestions:
Summer is still here! Drink in the back yard, by the pool of grill, or enjoy indoors with melon and prosciutto.
2016 Rioja Crianza, Limited Edition, Ramon Bilbao
Growing Region Rioja, D.O.Ca., Spain
Varietal Composition 100% Tempranillo
Fermentation 14 Months New French & American Oak
Alcohol Content 14%
Suggested Retail $24.00
WineSellar Club Price $23.99
Broad Strokes:
Their winery, which has recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic in Rioja. In the Drinks International magazine Ramón Bilbao was named one of the top 50 in their list of "The World's Most Admired Wine Brands of 2019."
At Bodegas Ramon Bilbao they produce the highest quality matured wines, thus increasing both the Denominacion de Origin's and our founder's prestige. Their daily work is based on using the best prime materials, which we choose with the greatest care: grapes from the best estates and vineyards and barrels made of the best oak from European and American woods.
Their aim is to obtain the best matured wines so that you can enjoy a wine for drinking, savoring and tasting again.
Appearance:
A handsome looking package in our all-Darth Vader mode, black and silver domination. Really like the embossment, the rounded shoulder bottle, and the simplicity and easily readable label. The wine is very dark red, with opaque and blackness at the core. The tears dripping down the glass are very dark.
Nose:
The aromatics are very intense, with dark fruit and wood smoke connotations. Spice, black pepper, grilled toast and very dark chocolate truffle. You can detect the American oak by a hint of coconut and dill.
Texture:
As anticipated from the very dense and powerful nose, we find a dark, brooding, intense and lively wine in the mouth. Power and still youthful after seven years from the vintage, it is not showing signs of cooling off or mellowing out. Still firm with a bite of verve in the middle and on to the finish.
Flavors:
Yes, black fruits, everything black and dark: blackberry, black licorice, black currants, dark (black) chocolate. A bit of cigar box, black tea, vanilla, dill, and coconut (American Oak).
Serving Suggestions:
Undoubtedly, this wine can go another fifteen years and keep improving with age in the bottle. For today, grilled meats or tomato-based dishes.
2017 Grenache “Osiris”, Kaleidos
Growing Region Paso Robles, California
Varietal Composition 95% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre
Fermentation Barrel Fermentation
Alcohol Content 15.4%
Suggested Retail $52.00
WineSellar Club Price $39.59
Broad Strokes:
Kaleidos is my passion, encompassing many elements of my life, including my love of family, Rhône varietal wines, and the rolling hills of west Paso Robles.
This project came about after I spent time working for both Clos Pepe Vineyards in Santa Rita Hills and Summerwood Winery here in Paso Robles. I bought 24 acres of beautiful westside Paso Robles property in 2004, parked my Airstream trailer, and rolled up my sleeves. I have planted about 2500 vines on a little more than an acre and have five more acres to cover. It’s slow going, but it’s important to me that this work gets done to my exacting sustainable standards, as I plan to be here for a long time.
The Kaleidos label is named for a shop my mother had when I was young, where she sold kaleidoscopes and other works of art. The name resonates with me personally, but also relates directly to my wines. As the light and colors of a kaleidoscope come together to create unique images, the vines here combine the elements of soil and sunlight to develop distinctive fruit characteristics. Steve Martell, Owner/Winemaker/Winegrower.
Appearance:
I really like the name, the story behind it, the energy surrounding it, and the packaging for it. And I really like the wine too! Dark ruby-red, going to clear around the edges.
Nose:
Beautifully scented cherries and dried cherries, with rose petal, cherry cola, black licorice, and black plum.
Texture:
A great “juicy”, luscious feel to this wine, as the balanced, mouth-watering entry is medium full in weight and body, and quite pleasing.
Flavors:
Excellent Grenache characteristics of stewed strawberry and cherry, with dried herbs and leather. Add brown spices and vanilla, some smoke and tobacco, dark fruit and prunes or perhaps dates. So wonderful in the palate!
Serving Suggestions:
Another wine that has excellent aging potential but is drinking very well today. Versatile with foods of all sorts, pastas, grilled meats, duck, pork and poultry.
2020 Sparkman, Cabernet Sauvignon, Holler
Growing Region Colombia Valley, Washington
Varietal Composition 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 2% Petite Verdot, 2% Syrah
Fermentation 35% New French & American Oak
Alcohol Content 14.5%
Suggested Retail $35.00
WineSellar Club Price $32.39
Broad Strokes: 93 Points International Wine report
Sparkman Cellars is about family. Upon learning that he was going to be a grandfather for the first time, Dick “Pop” Nauman, suggested that the family consider starting a family business. After considerable conversation and more research, it was concluded that what we needed was a winery.
And so, in May 2004, Sparkman Cellars opened in Woodinville, Washington, with the hope that we would make some extra tasty vino. Our vineyards are absolutely the key to our success. Nothing is more important. Good thing we're in some of the best vineyards in Washington, if not the galaxy.
Appearance:
A rather standard looking package, with black and silver again reigning on the look. Reads clear and concise. The wine is very dark ruby red, glimmering and reflecting the light with energy.
Nose:
This is what I would call an “invigorating” set of aromatics. Lively, yet tightly woven dark grained wood oak notes, with lead pencil, spices, vanilla, cassis, and spices of nutmeg and cardamom.
Texture:
Open and then tight, open and then tight, open and then tight, yes three times for that. Once it stayed open, it provided a beautiful mouth feel, almost balsamic like. The winery calls it muscular with exceptional power and I do agree with that assessment.
Flavors:
Ripe blackberry and sweet vanilla oak, over even, balanced Cabernet sauvignon fruit. Dark chocolate, continued deep dark berry, racy depth, spice, cedar and gobs of complexity. The flavor profile just keeps changing. Fabulous!
Serving Suggestions:
Another wine that has excellent aging potential but is drinking very well today. Have it with BBQ steaks or any rugged meats.
2018 Chateau Lassegue, St. Emilion
Growing Region St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
Varietal Composition 62% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermentation 60% New French Oak
Alcohol Content 14.5%
Suggested Retail $60.00
WineSellar Club Price $53.99
Broad Strokes: 95 Points Decanter, 94 Points James Suckling
Located in St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France and first built in 1738, the estate was purchased by the Jackson & Seillan families in 2003. The vineyards are southwest facing: bathed in sunlight from dawn to dusk and protected by cool northern winds on the ‘Côte’or elevated slope of St. Emilion, with an average vine age of 40 to 60 years. The Côte benefits from exceptional hillside drainage, and unique soil promotes the growth of a deep root system and access to nutrients. Only 3%, or 400 acres, of all St. Emilion vineyards are located on the ‘Côte’.
From the Winery:
The Lassègue 2018 shows a deep and intense color. The estate’s terroir maximized the potential of this excellent vintage thanks to our 50+ year-old vines and the freshness from the limestone soils. On the nose, the richness of the Merlot is complemented by the extravagance of the Cabernet Franc, and after aeration the bouquet develops subtle notes of cassis and violet.
The palate explodes with silky round red and black fruit, while the finish is dominated by black fruit with barely perceptible rounded tannins. The 2018 is among the great vintages that are characterized by their freshness, complexity and power, a reflection of the estate’s clay and limestone soils on the slopes. This is a vintage with an excellent potential for aging.
From the Gary:
• The winery did such a great job of defining their wine I had to share it with you.
• I believe this is a wonderful, and exciting Bordeaux. These days, getting a wine of this quality and character would easily cost double, over $100 retail.
• The depth, the savory character, racy, spicy, seductive, velvet, satin and silk.
• You can almost taste the clay soil.
• Deep cherry, Madagascar vanilla oak.
• Put 6-12 bottles away for fifteen to twenty years.
95 Points Decanter
This is a young wine that is knitted down in flavour but it is not tight or difficult to navigate. You feel the breadth and complexity to the fruit, along with juicy powerful freshness, and the gourmet packing of liquorice and chocolate. These are big wines that are big but expertly balanced by slate and crushed stone minerality, giving balance and succulence.
2020 “Bedlam”, Cordant
Growing Region Central Coast, California
Varietal Composition 35% Petite Sirah, Grenache & Syrah Base
Fermentation Barrel Aging
Alcohol Content 15.5%
Suggested Retail $42.00
WineSellar Club Price $37.79
Broad Strokes:
David and DeAnn Taylor founded Cordant Winery in 2014 with the goal to produce Pinot Noir and Rhone-style wines that would become favorites in their own cellar, and hopefully those of friends, family, and customers.
Today we make about 3000 cases of wine per year, from Monterey County in the northern California Central Coast moving south through Santa Barbara County, a distance that covers almost 200 miles.
Certain wines we vineyard-designate which allows us to present those vineyard sites through their unique terroir, micro-climates, and soil conditions. It is always a joy to taste vineyards side-by-side to understand their unique contributions.
Appearance:
Very nice artwork on the label, an abstract of vineyards and other landmarks the Taylor family finds pertinent and valuable. Nice solid bottle too. The wine is very dark, black at the core, with a magenta rim.
Nose:
You can detect the three different varietal characteristics in the nose. Petite Sirah has blueberry, black tea, Grenache is the strawberry, ripe plum, leather, and the Syrah is black fruit, tobacco and black pepper.
Texture:
Full bodied and looms large in the mouth, without the harshness of some highly tannic or high alcoholic wines. Power is reigned in, and the wine has an even balance, long lasting finish.
Flavors:
Both red and black fruits are dynamic, showing deep, ripe dark plummy character, laced by wood notes, lead pencil and a firm line of mineral. From the nose comes waves of leather, black pepper, black tea and tobacco.
Serving Suggestions:
This wine has solid aging potential and will improve in the bottle for another ten to fifteen years. It would be good to keep a few for at least ten years and delight in how well time has treated this well-crafted wine.
NV Champagne Phillipe Gonet, Rosé, Extra Brut
Growing Region: Champagne, France
Varietal Composition (Cepage): 90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir, 70% of 2018 vintage, 30% reserve wines.
Vinification (From the winery): Methode Champenoise, Aged in stainless steel tanks. Aged over 3 years on the lees.
Dosage: 7 g /l
Alcohol Content: 12%
Suggested Retail: $63.00
WineSellar Club Price: $56.69
From the Winery:
Founded in 1830, Phillippe Gonet is located in the heart of Le Mesnil -sur-Oger. The 20 hectares of the family’s vineyards are spread out on 35 plots planted in 8 different villages.The Phillipe Gonet style combines minerality and pleasure. Our vines benefit from the legendary terroir of limestone subsoil, rich in fossils, 40 meters deep.
Appearance:
A shimmering salmon in hue
Nose:
Cranberries, strawberries, peach and sourdough
Texture:
Small, precise bubbles
Flavors:
Floral, note of rose petals, tangy red fruits…cranberries, strawberries and cherries. There are also notes of peach, and a hint of spice. Structured and juicy!
Serving Suggestions:
Capellini Pomodoro sings with this Champagne… the fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic are the perfect foil for Champagne Phillipe Gonet Rosé! Great, fresh summer pairing!
NV Portal Da Calçada, Cuvee Prestige, Brut
Growing Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal
Varietal Composition (Cepage): 70% Loureiro, 30% Arinto
Vinification (From the winery): Methode Champenoise
Dosage: 5.6 g/l
Alcohol Content: 12 %
Suggested Retail: $22.00
WineSellar Club Price: $19.79
From the Winery:
Casa Da Calçada was built in 1707, and in 1809 Napoleon’s invading army took up residency reputedly extending their stay there to take advantage of the Casa’s wine supply! Calçada has been one of the great innovators in vineyard and winery methods in Portugal, and was the first producer to export Vinho Verde wines!
Appearance:
Pale lemon in color
Nose:
Aromas of lemon, lime, white flowers
Texture:
An elegant, lively mousse
Flavors:
Fuzzy peaches, lime, green apple, chamomile tea, creamy & elegant on the finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Seared scallops are lovely with this Portuguese sparkler! The salinity in the wine plays wonderfully with the sweet sea flavor of the scallops. Sear with butter, finish the scallops with lime juice and enjoy as a great summer snack or addition to your dinner! Or great for a beach day!
NV Rack & Riddle, Blanc de Noir
Growing Region: Sonoma, CA
Varietal Composition (Cepage): 100% Pinot Noir
Vinification (From the winery): Methode Champenoise, 18-22 months on the lees.
Dosage: 1.2 g//l
Alcohol Content: 12 %
Suggested Retail: $22.00
WineSellar Club Price: $19.79
91 pts Wine & Spirits:
Appearance:
Ever so pale pink in hue
Nose:
Brioche with a hint of berry, and bright citrus
Texture:
A very fine mousse
Flavors:
Honey crisp apples, cherries, strawberries and anise. Lingering note of citrus on
the finish inviting you back for more!
Serving Suggestions:
With this bright acidity, this would be delicious enjoyed with Korean BBQ!
Dinner-Style Salad with Rose’
For summertime enjoyment, especially during these heated days, a lighter meal seems appropriate. I love the Sassoferrato Rose’ of Sangiovese we have in the WineSellar Wine Club this month and thought I would offer one of my salad recipes that will go well with it. I think the croutons play an important part to the dish. I use gluten-free bread and they turn out great every time probably because they have plenty of garlic in them. Serves four.
Ingredients
Croutons . . .
- 2 Slices of bread, cut into ½ inch squares
- 1 Clove garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 Tablespoon Ghee Butter
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
Salad . . .
- 1 Head Romaine lettuce, chopped into one-inch squares (or your favorite lettuces)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ¼ red onion, sliced thin and chopped
- 2 Persian Cucumbers cut into small 1/8-inch cubes
- 2-3 cups of cooked chicken white meat, cubed
- 4 one-inch squares of Goat Cheese marinated in oil (like Meredith Dairy, Farmstead)
Dressing . . .
- ¼ cup of plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of oil from marinated goat cheese
- 1 Small clove garlic chopped fine
Method
-
Toast the croutons in your toaster oven on a small cookie sheet or pan, toast one cycle, set aside
-
In a small pan, add the Ghee, olive oil and garlic and melt slowly, set aside
-
In a small bowl. combine the dressing ingredients and whip lightly.
-
In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients
-
Add the dressing to the salad toss gently
-
Take the small pan and turn up to medium heat, making sure you do not burn or brown the garlic
-
Add the croutons and toss so they are fully coated by the Ghee and Olive oil mixture
-
Turn off heat, and add croutons (still warm) to the salad
-
Toss the salad again lightly to integrate the croutons
-
Plate and serve