Tasting Selections this Week- New Summer Stock has Arrived!

It’s been a busy week at the Cellar d’Or as our shelves are full of new wines, brews and spirits which we have carefully selected this spring.  We have new wines from Provence, Languedoc, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Tuscany, Veneto, Priorat and more, including over a dozen selections of rosé wine. Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample a few highlights.

_As always purchases of 3 Bottles from the Tasting Table get 10% off._

’13 ‘AIX’ Saint Aix Rosé, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France – A deliciously fresh Provence rosé made from Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Counoise grapes.  The pale pink color displays aromas of fine herbs, red berries, mineral tones, and a touch of orange zest followed by lush flavors and a balanced, clean finish.  Try this wine with raw oysters.  $19.99  Also available in magnum for $38

’12 Reuilly ‘Les Pierres Plates,’ Domaine de Reuilly, Loire, France – Denis Jamain is committed to sustainability and producing wines with a distinct sense of place and purity of flavor. Reuilly is a lesser known appellation often falling in the shadow of the more well known districts of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé.   This wine is made from organically grown Sauvignon Blanc grapes resulting in a subtle nose of wild rose and grapefruit followed by a rich and well-structured palate and crisp finish.  Loire Valley Sauvignon blanc is excellent with smoked salmon, goat cheese, and seafood in general.  $19.99

’11 Nita Priorat, Spain -  Priorat is largely known for dense, barrel aged reds though there has been a recent explosion of young winemaking talent producing wines in an array of styles.  Maritxell Palleja is a young third generation Priorat winemaker using biodynamic practices in her vineyard management.  The non-oak aged wine is blended from old vine Garnacha and Cariñena resulting in dense fruit aromas, a supple, medium bodied palate with a fine tannic finish.  This is a great accompaniment to cured and roasted meats.  $25.99

Cheers!

Join us Fri. & Sat. May 2nd & 3rd from 3-6 as we sample 3 delicious new selections from Spain and France.

As always purchases of 3 Bottles from the Tasting Table get 10% off.

’12 Condes de Albarei Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain – Albariño is probably the most well known Spanish white varietal, the finest examples coming from Rias Baixas, located in the southwestern coast of the Galicia region. This light to medium bodied wine shows fruity and hints of floral aromas giving way to bright citrus fruit flavors and a strong, lingering finish. Albariño is an excellent match with most seafood, which is plentiful in Galicia. $14.99

’12 Rios de Tinta, Ribera del Duero, Spain –With a mix of traditional and modern winemaking, Ribera del Duero produces some of the finest and most highly touted wines in Spain. This wine is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, known locally as Tinta del Pais, displaying a lighter, fresh style with aromas of red berries, flowers, and a hint of pepper. On the palate, flavors of juicy raspberries and cherry give way to a clean finish with very slight tannins. This is a good wine with pork dishes or sausage and pasta. $14.99

’11 Chinon ‘Vieilles Vignes,’ Domaine Fabrice Gasnier, Loire, France – The Loire Valley is famous for the finest Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc in the world, often overshadowing some wonderful red wines from the region. Chinon is an appellation known for its great Cabernet Franc. This wine is produced from vines planted in 1935 resulting in intensity and subtle layers of aromas and texture. The perfume is of violets, raspberry, and clay, followed by flavors of blackberry, forest floor and chalky tannins. Loire Valley Cabernet Franc is an excellent pairing with cured meats, grilled meats, and a range of pungent, soft and semi-soft cheeses. $17.99

Picks of the Week!  

Join us Fri/Sat April 25/26 from 3-6pm as we sample some gems on the tasting table.  Also, check out our latest selection of seasonal craft brews from Mystic, Anderson Valley, 21^st Amendment, Dogfish Head, and Mayflower.

’11 Burgogne Blanc ‘Vieilles Vignes,’ Maison Roche de Bellene, Burgundy, France – This is a superb entry level Chardonnay from one of Burgundy’s finest winemakers, Nicolas Potel.  The grapes are sustainably harvested from 65 year old vines in the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise regions.  The wine shows aromas of tropical fruit, light oak, and a hint of almond, with a creamy texture and remarkable freshness.  This is an excellent wine to pair with a variety of cheeses and crustaceans.  $19.99

’12 Pali ‘Huntington’ Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, California – Pali Wine Company was started in 2005, the height of the US Pinot Noir craze, and is committed to producing quality Pinot and Chardonnay from the finest districts in California and Oregon.  The Huntington Pinot Noir displays aromas of wild berries, white pepper, violets, and a touch of oak, followed by a luscious palate of sweet black cherry, cinnamon, and cocoa.  This is a nice match with roasted salmon or various duck preparations.  $26.99

’09 Three Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington – Here is another stunner from Washington!  Sourced from choice vineyards in Columbia Valley, the ’09 Three Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon shows a bouquet of blueberry, cherry, chocolate, currant, and smoked meat.  The palate is rich, luscious, and supple.  This is a good pairing with barbecued meat and blue cheeses.  $19.99

Easter Wine Pairings

Easter Wines – Join us Fri. & Sat. April 18,19 as we sample wines to accompany traditional Easter feasts. These 4 wines are suggested pairings with baked ham or roasted lamb in mind.

’11 Oppenheimer Sackträger Riesling Spätlese, Dr. Heyden, Rheinhessen, Germany– A delicious Riesling from the Rheinhessen region, Spätlese refers to the fully ripe harvest level, while Oppenheimer Sackträge refer to the village and vineyard site. This wine displays dried herb and light spice aromas with a luscious mouthfeel full of flavors of tropical fruit, lemon acidity, and dark mineral. The finish is remarkably dry. These types of Riesling are excellent with baked ham or as a starting wine for a lamb dinner. $16.99

’11 Chénas, Pascal Aufranc, Beaujolais, France – Chénas is one of the ten cru Beaujolais designates, which are the very best sites in the region, producing wines that are age-worthy, fuller bodied, and have more concentrated flavors than Beaujolais-Villages and barely resemble the well known Beaujolais Nouveau wine. This wine is made from 80 year old organically farmed vines, producing a aromas of spice, red fruit, and some floral hints. Not only is this a perfect wine for baked ham, but also red meat, charcuterie, and goat cheese. $17.99

’11 Bordeaux Supérieur, Château Beaulieu ‘Comtes de Tastes,’ Bordeaux, France – Bordeaux contains some of the most famous and sought after wines in the world and also some of the priciest. However, there are many great wines from the large Bordeaux Supérieur appellation and incredible value can be found. Here we have a sumptuous blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc displaying aromas of violet, cassis, and clay followed by candied red fruit, vanilla, and light tannins on the palate. Red Bordeaux and lamb are a historic match, and who are we to argue with history. $16.99

’11 Saint Estèphe, Château Lilian Ladouys, Bordeaux, France – Saint Estèphe is one of the finest appellations in the Médoc, producing the finest Cabernet Sauvignon based wines in the world. While still showing signs of youth, this wine shows dark berry fruit, firm tannins, and a spicy wood character. Opening well in advance and decanting will be rewarded, as will serving this with braised lamb. $33.99

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Cheers!

Flavors of Italy

Think Spring! Rosés Are In!!

Join us Friday & Saturday April 11&12 from 3-6 as we taste our way around Italy, ranging from Piedmont to Abruzzo.

’13 Roero Arneis, Valdinera, Piedmont – Though known for its reds, Piedmont also produces some interesting white wine, notably those made from the Arneis grape. This wine is made at the Valdinera estate near the city of Alba using sustainable farming practices. Aromas of peaches and honey give way to a luscious mouthfeel with a vibrant finish. Arneis pairs well with a variety of seafood dishes. $17.99

’12 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Gran Sasso, Abruzzo – Montepulciano can be a delicious fruit forward style grape, usually providing tremendous value though the quality can vary. The Gran Sasso displays a ripe and spicy nose with a perfume of red berries and chocolate, followed by smooth, supple tannins and ripe blackberry flavor. This is a great wine for bbq and grilling. $8.99

’07 Barbera d’Asti ‘Boschetto Vecchio, Guasti Clemente and Figli, Piedmont –Barbera has long been overshadowed by the noble Nebbiolo grape, used to produce the great wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. In recent years it has been given greater attention as an expressive varietal, with better vineyard sites and more attention to the winemaking. This mature Barbera is bright and fruity with hints of rose and a touch of earth on the nose. On the palate, it shows typical Barbera acidity, tempered by a neutral oak aging. These are great food wines pairing well with grilled meats and pasta dishes, particularly with heavy tomato based sauces. $19.99

Rosé

Come check out some of our 2013 rosé wines that have started to come in. We have 6 new ones and the collection will only be growing!

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Cheers!

Friday & Saturday April 4/5

The World of Pinot Noir - Pinot Noir is perhaps the most expressive grape in the world, displaying a broad range of styles and characteristics while showing a true sense of its terroir, when produced from skilled hands.  No other grape can display such a high degree of elegance and subtlety or intensity and power.  Join us from 3-6 as we taste our way around the globe, exploring 4 distinct expressions of this sublime grape.

NV Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rosé, Lucien Albrecht, Alsace, France - A beautiful crisp, clean sparkler from Alsace, made from 100% Pinot Noir.  Displaying aromas of strawberries and a hint of toast, this is a great pre dinner wine or a great match with shellfish.  $19.99

'13 Fleur Pinot Noir Rosé, North Coast, California - The 2013 rosé wines are arriving, which means warm weather is not far away!  This balanced rosé shows fruit and floral aromas, giving way to a mouthful of fresh strawberry and honeysuckle, finishing refreshing and palate cleansing.  A good pairing with oysters or baked salmon.  $15.99

'10 Stoneburn Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand - New Zealand Pinot can be somewhat inconsistent and underwhelming, but we have certainly found a winner here, and at an unbelievable value.  A soft, rich nose of raspberry is framed by silky tannins and balanced acidity.  Pair this wine with fleshy fish, such as grouper, chicken, or pork and soft, pungent cheeses.  $13.99

'11 Bourgogne Rouge 'Vieilles Vignes,' Maison Roche de Bellene, Burgundy, France - Burgundy is unquestionably home to the greatest Pinot Noir in the world, with some of the wines from the Grand Cru vineyards being the most sought after and fetching the highest auction prices.  Here we have a fantastic entry level Pinot from organically farmed old vines and the talented hands of Nicolas Potel, whose family has been highly regarded for generations.  This is a lighter bodied wine with an elegant fragrance of berries and bramble fruit, with notes of bing cherry and bright acidity on the palate.  Pair with a variety of cuisines, including Asian influenced dishes.  $19.99

Wines off the Beaten Path

Spring Beers are Arriving!

Join us Friday & Saturday March 28-29 from 3-6 as we sample three wines that may not be household names, but may become your new favorites once you try them.  These wines are certainly among our favorites.

’11 Bohigas Blanc de Blancs Xarel-lo, Catalunya, Spain – Xarel-lo is one of the three grapes used to produce Cava, but here we have a delicious still wine made from organically farmed vineyards, which date back to the 13th century.  This refreshing wine displays floral and mineral aromas with soft acidity, bright peach flavors, and an elegant finish.  Pair this wine with seafood and lightly spicy dishes. $11.99

 

2012 Sablet Côtes du Rhône Villages, Domaine de Piaugier – Sablet is a small commune in southern Rhône, classified as a Villages wine.  The blend is 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, producing a smooth medium bodied red, with aromas of red fruit, clay and a hint of smoke and earth.  The fine tannins are well integrated into the smoothly textured, structured finish.  This is simply one of the greatest values on the shelf.  Pair this wine with rich lamb or beef dishes.  $16.99

 

’10 Bernabeleva ‘Navaherreros’ Garnacha, Madrid, Spain – This is an amazing wine produced from vineyards roughly 75 minutes from the city of Madrid, from 40 to 80 year old vines using biodynamic farming.  Garnacha, known as Grenache in France, is a wonderfully expressive  and important grape in many regions of Spain and southern France.  Here we have a well structured wine displaying aromas of cherry, raspberry and dusty earth, followed by flavors of black cherry, chalk and grainy tannins through a lingering finish.  Pair with cured meats, game, and roasted fish.  $22.50

Spring Beers!

Come check out some of our Spring Beers as spring looks like it is (hopefully) finally here!

Dogfish Head Aprihop

Anderson Valley Spring Hornin' IPA

Stone 'Enjoy By' 4/20 IPA- Limited release and super fresh!