Boise Coop Wine Shop

Weekend Wine Tasting: A Mixed Bag

• February 1, 2012
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Charles Ellner Brut Rosé, $59.00
The House of Ellner possesses more than 54 hectares (140 acres) of vineyards in 15 villages situated in the principal vinegrowing areas of Champagne. It is interesting to note that Charles Emile Ellner, the founder of the House, began acquiring small vineyards in Epernay while he was at the start of a career as a professional “riddler.” This marked the beginning of his adventure in the world of Champagne. From the start, he set up in business as a grower and producer. He was admirably assisted by his only son, Pierre, thanks to whose energy and foresight the House made remarkable headway. This non-vintage Rosé is made of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. A rosé with a delicate rose petals color, a nose recalling rip red fruits, fresh and fruity on the palate and a well balanced wine of character with a long finish .

2009 Mirth Chardonnay, $9.99
Mirth means happiness and this wine is just that. 100% stainless steel fermented, this is a clean, vibrant Chardonnay. Flavors of golden delicious apples, Meyer lemon and just a hint of ripe tropical fruit marry together beautifully while a balanced acidity gives it a bright clean finish. Pair this refreshing Chardonnay with a chanterelle herb frittata, lemon roasted chicken, or a mango avocado and smoked salmon salad.

2004 Ch. La Caussade Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, 375 ml.,  $18.99
La Caussade is one of the oldest and most renowned estates of the Cotes de Bordeaux. For more than a century, the Armand family has worked in the vineyard of Sainte-Croix du Mont, adjacent to world famous estates such as Chateaux d’Yquem. The chalky soil deriving from fossilized oyster shells, is perfect for enhancing the flavors of Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc, particularly in late harvest and noble wine styles. For this reason they make an outstanding wine that competes with any Sauternes. Yves Armand has made the most of this estate and his wines have all the character of well-known chateau of the region.

2008 Villata Valpolicella Ripasso, $14.99
This Valpolicella is made use the unique “Ripasso” technique where the wine is passed over the semi-dried grapes used to produce Amarone, thereby inducing a secondary fermentation. Made from indigenous Italian grape varieties, the resulting wine is ripe and concentrated, wonderfully smooth and elegant with aromas of dark chocolate and roasted nuts. An excellent partner to roasted red meats, game, stew and full-flavored mature cheeses.

2007 Trisagio by Benvenuto de la Serna Red Blend, $23.00
Benvenuto de la Serna is located in premier wine region of Valle de Uco, Mendoza, where their single-estate Vista Flores vineyard stands 3400 feet above seal level, at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This high elevation and exposure to hot desert sun, develops fruits with ripe, rich flavors and deep colors, yet maintains a balanced acidity. Their winemaker is renowned enologist Angel Mendoza (of Trapiche for 25 years). A blend of 34 percent Malbec, 33% Petit Verdo and 33% Tannnat, the Trisagio is a powerful wine that stands out for its elegance and finesse.

2006 Ch. Haute Selve Graves, $23.00
Chateau Haut Selve, located in the northern part of the Graves in a unique terroir consisting of three different soil types: deep stony, limestone stony and clay stony. The estate consists of some 80 acres and yields are kept low. This blend of 50 percent Cabernet and 50 percent Merlot spent 14 months in new oak. The result is a complex, well-balance wine with and elegant roundness, ripe fruit and nicely integrated tannins. Drinking great now, but will continue to improve with age.

Drop by the Wine Shop this Friday, February 3 between 4:30 and 6:30 pm, or Saturday, February 4 between 2:00 and 4:00 pm for a free taste of these six wines.