2006 TELMO RODRIGUEZ Gago "g" Toro
$17.95 bottle...$178.00 case
Telmo Rodriguez is a ridiculously talented, passionate winemaker who has projects running almost the breadth of Spain. He never seems to lose sight of the goal, which is delivering absolute top quality wine from each appellation he inhabits. This 2006 Gago "g" perfectly illustrates this fact. 100% Tinto de Toro (the local clone of tempranillo), I first tried this fabulously satisfying bottle about 9 months ago when the local importer dropped a sample bottle by. I absolutely loved it. Rich, ripe, and darkly colored, with succulent yet savory black fruit, earthy spice, and a beautiful texture that frankly wowed me. However (and so many times in this business there's a big old "however") it also wholesaled at $22 a bottle. Not that it wasn't worth $30+ on the shelf, because it absolutely was. But at that point my $30+ Spanish slot was kind of jammed. Fast forward to about 3or 4 weeks ago, when the whole Telmo line switched to a different distributor here in PDX, leaving the old wholesaler with a big pile of Telmo's wine they didn't particularly want. The new distributor didn't want the old vintages, so the old supplier was forced to do some serious discounting. Now I remembered how thrilled I was by my initial tasting of the "g" bottling, and badgered my rep for a deal. Much hemming and hawing ensued, until finally, and I was SHOCKED at how much they dropped the price, they cut lose with all 40 cases of the 2006 Gago "g" which I delightedly scooped up and can now offer to you at slightly more than half its original price, and four dollars under the old wholesale cost!! This is nothing less than one of the best closeout deals I've ever come across, and this wine at this incredible reasonable price is a flat out steal! Needless to say it is limited to the 40 cases...well, actually 39 because I'm keeping one...so I highly encourage your serious consideration on this. Parker's Wine Advocate gave it 92 points and called it "....an opulent, buxom beauty that will deliver pleasure now through 2018." To which I might add that this passionate Spaniard also has a heckuva lot of class and style!
I'm going to reprint a writeup I did on this wine back in March, when I thought I had sold through all of the bottles of ONE OF THE BEST WINES I'VE HAD IN THE LAST TEN YEARS! All caps really aren't my thing...kind of like shouting at you. But if ever a wine deserved to be shouted about it is this unbelievable Rioja. I took a bottle out into the "wild" on our recent 4th of July camping trip and poured it for others. It once again simply stunned me. And now I am thrilled to lay my hands on 15 more wooden six packs. It isn't cheap, but is totally worth splurging on a bottle or six. You will be astounded by this sensual, even sexy Spanish tinto, I promise!
2001 BODEGAS LUIS CANAS Rioja
Reserva "Seleccion de la Familia"
$34.95 bottle...$180.00 six pack (in wood boxes!)
This was the bonus-bonus in last Friday's tasting and when I tasted it at the end of the evening I liked it quite a bit, but as usual after a 13 hour day my palate wasn't at its sharpest. I had almost a full bottle left so I took it home and stuck it in the fridge to keep it fresh. We had some friends over for paella Sunday night so it seemed the perfect time to pull it out. So I did. And the swooning commenced! I don't geek out on too many wines, but as I was letting this sit in my glass, taking sips (okay, more like gulps) I was absolutely blown away by how good this is. This really is one of the best Spanish wines I've had in the last ten years. The quality and character of the fruit is simply astounding. 2001 was a great, classic year in Rioja. The Rioja vintage as a whole was rated at 93 points by The Wine Spectator. This Cañas 2001 was also given 93 points by The Wine Advocate, who raved: "Dark ruby-colored, the enticing aromatics include cedar, spice cabinet, mineral, violets, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to an evolved, complex, ripe Rioja with superb intensity and depth. It has a long, pure finish and should continue to evolve for several more years. Drink it through 2020."
2006 GOZZELINO Barbera d'Asti "Sciorio"
$19.95 bottle....$195.00 case
For long time VINO denizens a wine that almost needs no introduction. A staple of our shelves in Sellwood for years, this single vineyard wine from Beppe Gozzelino mysteriously disappeared for two vintages. Now it's back, and not to be sales cliché guy, but it really is better than ever. I can hardly tell you how excited I was to take this home and give it a test slurp after my importer dropped off a sample bottle. The last time I'd had it was the 2003 vintage, and now to have a bottle from the classic 2006 vintage to try....well, my glass was all a quiver! My anticipation was amply rewarded, as Beppe did not disappoint. The 2006 Piedmont vintage is known for it perfect balance of just right ripeness allied with firm, but not harsh tannins and a perfect dose of that needed acidity. This darkly hued Barbera is richly textured, with loads of cherries rolling across your palate on first taste. Then the intrigue starts, as plum jam, spice, smoke, and that delicious Piedmont earth starts to emerge, tantalizing and teasing me back for another taste...and another...and.... reminding me once again how much I LOVE great Barbera. There are ample tannins here to back up all that fruit, so even though this is superb to drink right now, I can easily see it lasting for 5-8 more years in a cool basement. As I've said innumerable times, Barbera is one of the world's best food wines. The Gozzelino "Sciorio" in truly one of the world's great Barberas. Add those two facts together and this is firmly in "Must Buy" territory!
For your current consumption, three different (with apologies to Vietti for leaving them out of the photo!) and delicious Barberas to salivate over. I keep coming to the conclusion that Barbera may well be the greatest food wine in the world. Any of the following will add to fuel to that fire!
2007 COPPO “L’Avvocata" Barbera d'Asti
$15.95 bottle....$158.00 case
The 2007 vintage for Barbera was pretty much perfect. In the hands of Massimiliano Coppo the ’07 l’Avvocata Barbera was everything it should be, brimming with cherry, spice, smoke, and earth edged fruit. It has great texture and balance and is drinking perfectly right now. Fabulous with food, this is a wine in search of a perfect plate of pasta! Here's the adjectives from The Wine Advocate: "The 2007 Barbera d’Asti L’Avvocata is just plain delicious. This cask-aged Barbera impresses for the clarity and fragrance of its ripe fruit as well as for its impeccable balance. It is a gem, especially at this price!"
2009 MONTARIBALDI "Consolina" Barbera d'Asti
$13.95 bottle...$138.00 case
In one of his last great acts as wine columnist if our local bird cage liner The Oregonian, Matt Kramer raved about the '09 Montaribaldi "Consolina" Barbera. Unfortunately the local importer had barely any on hand. They have just recently reloaded, and now the pipeline is blessedly full. I'll let MK give his rundown on this fabulous deal: "It's an experience many travelers have had. You go to some location -- France, Italy, even Oregon -- and you're served a wine at dinner. It's inexpensive and you exclaim, "This is wonderful stuff. Why can't we get this at home?" This is that wine -- at least if you were traveling in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. "La Consolina" 2009 is precisely the kind of really good Barbera that you'd be served in a restaurant in the Piedmont region. Young, fresh and brimming with flavor, it slides right down with your pasta or pizza and before you know it the bottle is empty -- and you're looking for more. Worth noting is that this also is an accurate reflection of the style of Barbera that comes from the Asti zone, which is to say silky, refreshingly crisp and devoid of unneeded oak or any other winemaking flourishes that signal "importance." If this wine were human you'd say it had confidence and charm!"
2008 VIETTI "Tre Vigne" Barbera d'Asti
$18.50 bottle...$182.00 case
Always one of the top Barberas and never a bad thing to have on your dinner table, Vietti in 2008 does not disappoint. Usually I prefer their "Alba" bottling over the "Asti" version, but in '08 I found the "Tre Vigne" from Asti to be much more interesting. Absolutely pops with bright cherries, spice, floral, and earthy aromas and flavors. It's moderate, well-integrated tannins and perfect acid balance let you know that this is gonna be great with dinner. It received 89 points from both The Wine Advocate and The Wine Spectator, which not only gives it much deserved praise, but also consensus on its quality!
THE BARBERA BOX: Buy a mixed case of four bottles each of the above three dinner-perfect wines for just $160.00!!
Now stepping up to the plate are the heavy hitters. 100% nebbiolo grapes from three different vintages, made by three of the Piedmont's best producers. I've had all of the following wines on numerous occasions. I can guarantee that they are absolutely...as goes the current idiom...all that!
2003 BREZZA "Sarmassa" Barolo
$36.95 bottle....$188.00 1/2 case...$355.00 case
One of the very few silver linings to the current economic slowdown is the fact that there are oceans of unsold back vintages of truly spectacular wines. They've got to be sold, so we're seeing our distributors slash pricing to move them. The good news for you is they have done some of the cellaring for you. This amazing single-vineyard '03 Brezza is a prime example. On release this was $65 a bottle. Now it's almost half that. And man is it drinking well. I had a bottle last week and was frankly blown away by its richness. 2003 was a very hot vintage, and the normally reserved Barolos were made from much riper grapes than usual. That is to the advantage of someone like the Brezza family, who are very much of the old school. They use very large old barrels, eschew a new oak regimen which is the worst thing to throw on top of hot vintage fruit. Te result is stunning. I've never had a Barolo I would call lush until now. It just kept getting better and better as it sat in the glass. I'm just thrilled at the prospect of my next bottle (and yes, mine are already tucked away in my basement). Here's some added love from The Wine Advocate, who nailed this wine: "Readers should run not walk to check out the 2003 Barolo Sarmassa. This is an immensely rewarding, generous Barolo loaded with tons of sweet dark fruit that blossoms onto the palate with terrific expansiveness and remarkably well-integrated tannins. The wine beautifully reconciles the warmth of the vintage with a traditional approach to winemaking. This truly delicious Barolo is sure to provide great drinking over the next few years, if not longer. 91 points!"
On a side note, this past weekend I had a bottle out of my cellar of 1997 Brezza "Sarmassa", also from a very hot, ripe vintage. It was incredible!
2005 PAITIN "Sori Paitin" Barbaresco
$35.95 bottle...$184.00 1/2 case...$345.00 case
Another traditionalist is Giovanni Paitin. His Barbarescos are benchmarks of the region. Impeccably made, structured tightly would and slow to develop, but when they do watch out. The pleasure meter simply goes off the charts. 2005 was another wondrous vintage, and at his small winery in the hills above Alba Giovanni once again did what he does, which is to make a perfectly ripe, balanced, and incredibly character-filled Barbaresco. Rated at a staggering 93 points by both The Wine Advocate and The Wine Spectator, and deserving of each and every point.
From The Wine Advocate: "...it is a gem. The 2005 Sori Paitin is a gorgeous wine redolent of flowers, ripe red fruit and subtle French oak nuances. This Barbaresco offers lovely overall balance and superb purity. Today the wine is bursting with primary fruit and needs at least a few years in bottle to develop its tertiary aromas and flavors. This is a terrific effort from Paitin!"
Now The Wine Spectator: "Dense and concentrated, with lots of berries and cherry, with a cut wood note. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a mouthpuckering finish. Needs lots of time in the bottle to come around, but should be really outstanding in the end."
2006 MONCHIERO Barolo
$30.95 bottle...$158.00 1/2 case...$297.00 case
You may remember this wine from fall of last year. It was another Matt Kramer rave that we sold several cases of, only to see it vaporize far too quickly leaving a lot of you...and VINO...without. I was shocked in all the right ways when my rep at the importer told me they were getting another slug of it. This is just ridiculously good for the money and represents what I would call a prime example of the smart side if world class winemaking. Instead of charging an exorbitant price when you release your wine, why not charge a reasonable price right from the start so leftover inventory isn't a problem? Wait a minute...that makes too much sense. There must be something wrong with that theory. Or not! Here's the Kramer rave that was absolutely spot on: "Speaking of old school, the real Barolo, that 100 percent nebbiolo wine from the small Barolo district in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, should be a wine of formidable character as well an intense, utterly memorable perfume. Only a great pinot noir can rival a Barolo for a scent of berries and rose petals. Such classic Barolos -- wines full of nebbiolo's distinctive flavors without the sweetish, come-hither veneer of new oak -- are not only rare, they're famously expensive as well, typically asking (and getting) $75 to $150 a bottle. That's what makes the 2006 Barolo from the small family producer Monchiero such a deal. At $30.95 a bottle, a Barolo this fragrant and classic is dirt cheap. If you've ever wondered what a really fine Barolo tastes like -- but didn't want to fork over a fortune to find out -- this is your ticket. Get it while you can!"
THE B/B CASE: buy a mixed case of four bottles each of all three wines above and receive the same full case discounts. That would be twelve bottles of nebbiolo nirvana for just $332.00!!
I just found out today (3/17/11) that our local importer just got more of this nexus of nebbiolo in stock. My advice: GRAB IT WHILE YOU CAN!! This is my write up from a few months ago. It still applies, only the wine is drinking even better after a few more months in the bottle. Awesome juice here!!
2006 MONCHIERO Barolo
$29.95 bottle....$160.00 per six pack
Ah, Barolo.....I just like saying it....Barolo. And the heights to which the nebbiolo grape can climb. In this case quite high. Absolutely lovely wine here...rich, powerful, world class. Here's what Herr Kramer had to say in his Oregonian column recently: "The real Barolo, that 100 percent nebbiolo wine from the small Barolo district in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, should be a wine of formidable character as well an intense, utterly memorable perfume. Only a great pinot noir can rival a Barolo for a scent of berries and rose petals. Such classic Barolos, wines full of nebbiolo's distinctive flavors without the sweetish, come-hither veneer of new oak, are not only rare, they're famously expensive as well, typically asking (and getting) $75 to $150 a bottle. That's what makes this 2006 Barolo such a deal. At $29.95 a bottle, a Barolo this fragrant and classic is dirt cheap. If you've ever wondered what a really fine Barolo tastes like -- but didn't want to fork over a fortune to find out -- this is your ticket! Get it while you can."
Monchiero always over-delivers for the money. I recently had a bottle of their 1999 vintage Barolo and it was stellar!
2009 Duck Pond Syrah
“Desert Wind Vineyard”
$9.95 bottle….$99.00 case
Being the jaded wine merchant, nothing much surprises me anymore. This little gem, however, shocked the he** out of me. You may remember me mentioning a few weeks ago that I was on the judging panel for the Seafood and Wine Festival and how most of the local wines we tasted were shockingly mediocre...or worse. But you get enough of anything together (with the exception of Fox News talking heads) and something exceptional is bound to stand out. Such is the case here. In that great Sea of Below Average this delicious syrah jumped out at me. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, black pepper, smoke, and spice rolled from the glass. On the palate it was full, juicy, with enough grip and texture to really make me take notice. If you had asked me what it was I would have sworn someone had slipped in a nice Cotes du Rhone from France into the tasting. It was just a pleasure to drink. When I found out what it was I was amazed. When I found out the price I was all over it! How strongly do I feel about this one? Just let me say that the last time I carried a Duck Pond wine was never. And I am very happy to have this one. I even voted for it to receive a Gold Medal at the wine judging! Great warm weather slurping wine here, especially with something delicious off the grill, plus this is the perfect crowd pleaser!
2006 CHERRY HILL WINERY Estate Pinot Noir
$16.95 bottle....$165.00 case
I have to admit I had never heard of these guys before they brought their delectable 2006 pinot noir in for me to taste. Apparently they grow grapes at their vineyard for some of Oregon’s big name winemakers. They also recently started bottling a bit of their own, and man is this stuff good, especially at this exceptionally affordable price (all too rare for Oregon noir, right?!) Classic Oregon noir, with aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, plum, spice, and smoke with touches of Willamette Valley earth around the edges. This ’06 is drinking exceptionally well right now. Rich and ripe, with lovely texture and feel on the palate. The finish is broad and full, velvety smooth and leaving a silky layer of fruit in your mouth. For the money this is a steal, and I highly recommend you add this one to your repertoire. Perfect for dinner tonight with some roast chicken or grilled salmon. Not bad all by its lonesome either!
2009 MAS CARLOT “Les Enfants Terribles”
Costieres de Nimes
$14.95 bottle...$148.00 case
If ever I needed proof that good things come to he who waits, this fabulous bottle of southern French goodness is it! The last vintage I was able to carry was the 2005. It was tremendous. In fact I just opened a bottle of it a couple of months ago and it was awesome. Now…finally…the Enfants Terrible has reappeared, and it is sensational. Super-rich, layered with dark fruit and a full, palate-coating texture. This has everything I want and love about Rhone reds. Also jumping on the terrible Babies bandwagon is Parker’s Wine Advocate, where he raved thusly: “This is one of the best run estates in Costieres de Nimes. Owned by the husband and wife team of Nathalie Blanc-Mares and Cyril Mares, The 2009 Enfants Terribles is superb. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of blackberries, blueberries, camphor, licorice and sautéed mushrooms. The wine exhibits good density and richness as well as a heady finish. It should drink nicely for 5-6 years. 90 points!”
I already have some tucked cozily away in my basement. I very much encourage you to grab some. Whether you have it now or later, you’ll be most
2009 MONTARIBALDI "La Consolina" Barbera d'Asti
$13.95 bottle....$138.00 case
It's hard not to mention again how much I love Barbera. Perhaps the best food wine in the world....lovely cherry scents and flavors...juicy texture. It's all here in this bargain '09 from Montaribaldi. Check out once again our man MK's rave review: "It's an experience many travelers have had. You go to some location and you're served a wine at dinner. It's inexpensive and you exclaim, "This is wonderful stuff. Why can't we get this at home?" This is that wine -- at least if you were traveling in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The "La Consolina" 2009 from Montaribaldi is precisely the kind of really good barbera that you'd be served in a restaurant in the Piedmont region. Young, fresh and brimming with flavor, it slides right down with your pasta or pizza and before you know it the bottle is empty...and you're looking for more. Worth noting is that this also is an accurate reflection of the style of barbera that comes from the Asti zone, which is to say silky, refreshingly crisp and devoid of unneeded oak or any other winemaking flourishes that signal "importance." If this wine were human you'd say it had confidence and charm!"
The goal of the Best Buy Club is to offer you the opportunity to experience some of the world's greatest wine values. This two-bottle offering is only $20.00 per month. Vino has always sought out hard-to-find, reasonably priced wines from all the growing regions around the globe. We feel strongly that a person doesn't have to pay $15-20 a bottle to enjoy fine wine. The rapport we enjoy with our distributors and importers will ensure that each month you'll receive what we feel are some of the best bargains to be found anywhere. And these wines are offered at a discount from our already low retail prices. Along with your shipment of wine you'll receive tasting notes, including background information on the winery, plus food- matching suggestions. And you don't have to worry about missing out on all the great finds we come across here at Vino. each month as a member you'll automatically receive these selections at your home or office. You can also arrange this as a wonderful thank- you gift for a business associate or a welcome gift to any friend or relative. You can specify the length of the membership and can cancel at any time. Sign up now by sending us an email or call the store (503.235.8545). Each monthly club selection can be picked up at the store, delivered locally here in Portland, or shipped wherever you want. Just give us the details and we'll handle the rest!
This premium wine club has the same format as our Best Buy Club. As a member of Vino's Cellar Selection Club, you'll receive two wines for $33.00 per month. The wines will have a suggested retail price of $18 or higher per bottle. These will be wines that we feel offer exceptional interest and complexity and, while delicious to consume now, will benefit from extra time in the cellar. You'll receive our tasting notes, background information on the wineries and suggested food pairing. The Cellar Selection Club is an excellent way to try new wines you may consider for your own cellar, without having to buy by the case to receive a discount. Again, this is an excellent gift to yourself, or a valued client or relative. If you're interested in becoming a member of Vino's Cellar Selection Club, simply email or call the store at 503.235.8545.
VINO's Friday Flights happen every Friday from 4:30-8:00pm. You can drop by anytime to get your share of what's pouring that week.The cost is ten dollars for our first five wines, then a nominal extra charge should you decide to venture into whatever bonus pours may be on offer. We highly encourage you to bring cheese, salumi, and other snacks along with you. We provide Grand Central Baking sliced rustic baguettes. We hope you'll come check us out!
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Spanish wines sound so good right now. Wines that practically shout warmth, richness, and the earth where they're grown. Maybe it's the sun outside that's got me in the mood. Or perhaps it's my unending wanderlust. Could be the fact that I just found out the "man bun" is the new look for certain hipster-ish types. Although that only makes me need a drink of whatever is set in front of me. The man bun. Really?? Better to think of Spain, I say. Even better to drink of Spain, whatever reason moves you. As always tomorrow at VINO we've gathered together some truly wonderful, character-filled bottles of Iberian produce. Things that I promise you'll love (hint: if you want to love them more, grab some Olympic Provisions Rioja Chorizo to bring along) and will enhance your personal and edible well being. Just wait. One sip of these and the reason for the wine love will be self-evident....
* 2007 LUNA BLANCA Toro Tempranillo $10.95
* 2007 CUATRO PASOS Bierzo Mencia $11.95...90 pts- Wine Advocate
* 2009 CASA CASTILLO Monastrell $14.95...90 pts-Wine Advocate
* 2004 BODEGAS VALDEMAR Rioja Reserva $17.95...90 pts-Wine Advocate
* 2006 BODEGAS GUELBENZU Vine de la Tierra "Azul" $18.95
And then your bonus rewards come calling....
* 2006 ISIS Montsant $22.95
* 2007 CASAL NOVO Mencia "Valdeorras" $24.95..91 pts-Wine Advocate
* 2004 CIMS DE PORRERA Priorat "Solanes" $34.95....91 pts- Wine Advocate
This drinkable Spanish armada sets sail at 4:30 tomorrow and won't stop until 8:00. You can certainly drop by anytime to get yours. Just bring the usual ten dollars for the first five wines, and a bit more should the bonus temptation overtake you. Just be sure to make time because this is a trip not to be missed.
*** SATURDAY/SUNDAY SAMPLING ***
I just checked the weekend weather. According to the infallible internet it looks like pretty mild weather outside, which means it will be the perfect time to get out and taste some anything-but-mild wines inside at VINO during our FREE weekend wine soirees (Sat: 11-6:30; Sun.: 12-5:00). Delicious new toys have fallen into our wine loving laps, and you will absolutely find something to love among these delights....
* 2010 MAS DE LIBIAN Cotes du Rhone $15.95
* 2008 BRUSCO DEI BARBI Sangiovese Toscano $17.95...an unoaked Tuscan rosso that has Sarah saying "Baby Brunello!!"
* JACK TONE Red Wine 3.0 BOX!!! $22.50....our new box is a rocking good red. A richly decadent mix of petite sirah, syrah, zinfandel, and petite verdot. This is the deal for you box wine skeptics!
* 2009 palazzino Orvieto Classico "Terre Vineate" $9.95
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