If
you're familiar with the park
across the
street from Renegade (on Haley St) you're
probably familiar with the expert trapeze
performances that take place there. Think
Cirque du Soleil. The owner (and expert)
came in the other day and saw the wine
bottle with the label you see above. "What
do you think?", we asked. He gave us a wide
smile. "I'll take a bottle, but drink it at
home."
With Summer
in full swing and new wines arriving almost
daily it's an exciting time. Here are a few
of our most recent acquisitions.
As always,
read, sip, relax, enjoy.
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2023
Domaine Henry Pellé Menetou-Salon
Morogues
(France, Loire Valley,
Menetou-Salon) $28
We
will begin with this wine simply because
we actually have a waiting list for it.
The last time it graced our shelves was
during the holidays of 2024. The new
vintage finally made it across the pond,
to the West coast, and on to our shelves.
This
2023 vintage is not a dazzler, and we are
grateful for that. Back in 2020 -a very
hot vintage- the wine came across as
tropical. In 2022 -another warm vintage-
it was almost juicy. Still excellent
wines, but not exactly what was 'typical'
in years passed.
We
are extremely pleased to report that this
vintage, this Sauvignon Blanc (quick note:
Menetou Salon shares a boarder with
Sancerre), is subtly fabulous. The savory,
salty minerality is back. There's depth
and spice but also a real poise
throughout. Sipping the wine now and
thoughts of oysters on the half shell come
to mind, then a greek salad with grilled
swordfish, finally roast chicken. This
wine could pair with each.
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2024
Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko Le Nord
(Greece, Macedonia) $24
First,
check out the beauty of this Macedonian
winery. Then stop by for a bottle.
It's divine. There's a deep minerality
then a familiar orchard fruit attraction,
but lean, not overt. Citrus zest, acacia
blossom, more stone fruit, all in balance.
Vibrant and fresh and expressive.
And yes, the label shot depicts the 2023
vintage. But we are talking about the 2024
(no time for a re-shoot).
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2024
Mas Champart Saint-Chinian Rosé
(France, Languedoc, Saint-Chinian) $20
We
do not come across wines from Saint
Chinian often. In the last 10 years we've
only carried one other!
Now,
thanks to Kermit Lynch, we are proudly
carrying what might be the Rose surprise
of the Summer. We call this wine a most
'elegant, snazzy, Bandol
impersonator'. Why?
We
begin with the blend: like Bandol this is
predominately Mourvedre with about 30%
Cinsault, and a splash of Syrah. It's
cravable, this one, and at a price you
could enjoy often.
Fresh red berries, peach, assorted citrus,
spice, savory mid-palate, vivid finale.
This one has it all.
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2023
COS Terre Siciliane Zibibbo in Pithos
(Italy, Sicily) $42.50
2023
COS Frappato
(Italy, Sicily) $32
We
have two new vintages here. On the left we
have a white crafted from the Zibibbo
grape, also known as Muscat of Alexandria.
Fermentation is spontaneous in terracotta
amphorae, on the skins with indigenous
yeasts. This orange wine has intense
floral aromas; orange blossom,
honeysuckle, with a 'sweet' spice (not
sweet tasting) and an iron-like
minerality. There are subtle earthy
undernotes, lemon confit, dried apricots,
salinity and a marvelous ending.
We
pause for a moment, then continue:
Frappato.
Jumping
right in: fragrant wild strawberries,
raspberries, and cranberries dominate,
with hints of candied orange peel, floral
notes, and a touch of cinnamon. Savory and
mouthwatering.
COS
has been delivering ground-breaking wines
for the past 42-ish years. We appreciate
you!
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2023
Domaine de Pallus Chinon Messanges Rouge
(France, Loire Valley, Chinon) $24
We
can read and read and read and sometimes
we miss a beat; in this case a definition:
Messanges is an old Loire Valley name for
Cabernet Franc (see label above). Next
time you're at a dinner party...
We
love the style of this Cab Franc: fresh,
bright, juicy with the noblest hint of
rusticity (i.e., ruggedness, earthiness,
and authenticity). There's a mild spice
and a gentle savory character here, along
with a faint graphite/mineral edge. This
is old world goodness in a bottle.
And remember:
Franc is Fun!
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