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.

Colter’s Creek

• January 17, 2012
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Mike Pearson (Owner, Vineyard Manager) and his wife Melissa Sanborn (Owner, Winemaker) have always shared an interest in wine. On a cold, winter drive along the Clearwater River, they took a side path home and came across an overgrown yet picturesque vineyard for sale along the Potlatch River—the rest is history. They have since focused their zeal into establishing Colter’s Creek Winery and Vineyards.

Melissa studied wine chemistry and sensory science in grad school at Washington State University and now applies it to winemaking. Mike, a self-proclaimed engineering geek, enjoys designing both winery and vineyard systems. The grapes and wine now receive their full attention, which shows in both the beauty of the vineyard and the quality of the wine.

Not many know, but the Clearwater River Valley was once home to a prosperous grape and wine industry. In 1872, vies were planted near Lewiston, Idaho. Throughout the following 40 years up to 40 varieties of grapes covered the slopes of the Clearwater River canyon and its tributaries. The region is distinguished by its fertile soil, steep slopes, and long, hot growing season. The industry thrived until Prohibition. In the past 10 years, new vineyards have been established, with their fruit being turned into premium Idaho wine. There is little doubt that this region will once again stand out as one of the great wine regions of the world.

2010 Estate Riesling, $8.99
The little vines that produced this Riesling are some of the oldest in the state of Idaho. These vines are naturally cooled by the river, resulting in a crisp, flavorful wine. Slight hints of apricot and honey compliment its subtle sweetness.

2009 Syrah, $10.99
Sourced from the Dallas Vineyard on Candy Mountain near Richland, Washington, this 100% Syrah was aged in new American oak. It is a rich, full-bodied wine, with a nose of black pepper and vanilla, and flavors of black cherry and plum.

2009 Koos-Koos-Kia, $18.99
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Well balanced with aromas of plum, sage, current, and leather, this blend finishes with a slight minerality characteristic of our soils and clear water.

2009 Cabernet Franc, $28.00
Normally only available at their tasting room, 2009 provided perfect conditions at Colter’s Creek for this 100% Estate Cabernet Franc. They aged this delicate wine in French oak for 10 months. A nose of plum, raspberry, and a hint of clove are followed by cranberry and cherry flavors with a mineral finish. Pairs nicely with light pastas, seafood and white meats, or soft cheese such as brie.

Columbia Crest

• January 10, 2012
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Get reacquainted with a Northwest icon famous for offering top quality wines at bargain basement prices since 1984. Columbia Crest was one of the first wineries to pioneer vinifera grape growing in Washington state. Today, they are a leader in viticultural research and sustainability. Their mantra is that environmental stewardship and responsible practices in the vineyards and winemaking facilities not only helps to make the best quality wines possible, but they are the right things to do.

“The perfect grape-growing climate, the best viticultural practices, and a people committed to crafting the best bottle of wine vintage after vintage is what Columbia Crest’s winemaking is all about.” – Juan Muñoz Oca, Head Winemaker

2010 Columbia Crest Two Vines Gewurztraminer, $6.49
With over 42 “Best Buy” / “Best Value” designations in the last five years, Two Vines delivers a style that exhibits richer flavors, brighter color and an expression of fruit that’s perfect for everyday enjoyment. This wine offers the typical Gewϋrztraminer aromas of rose water, spice and lychee fuse with notes of fragrant orange peel. Upfront, candied fruit flavors give way to a pink grapefruit essence, finishing with bright acidity that balances the wine’s subtle sweetness.

2010 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc, $6.49
This fresh, lively Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of lemon zest, honeydew melon, dried herbs and a hint of freshly cut grass which are typical notes of the variety. Juicy fl avors of melon, gooseberry and kiwi end with a lengthy, bright citrus-like finish.

2009 Columbia Crest Grand Estate Merlot, $9.99
Aromas of vanilla bean, coffee bean, and mocha introduce this classic Merlot. Dark chocolate covered cherries, caramel and nutmeg flavors meld with silky tannins and create a long and elegant finish. Five percent each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in this wine add structure and depth.

2009 Columbia Crest H3 Le Chevaux Red Blend, $12.99
From Horse Heaven Hills vineyards (H3), “Les Chevaux” is French for “the horses,” a reference to the wild horses that once roamed this region. “Aromas of fresh blueberries, anise and earth lead to firm and supple tannins on the palate. This red wine blend presents incredible depth, with layered flavors of candied nuts, licorice and dark chocolate that lead to a mocha finish featuring ample, sweet tannins.” Juan Munoz Oca

2006 Columbia Crest Walter Clore Red, $24.00
The Walter Clore Private Reserve is a unique blend of traditional Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) and represents the pinnacle of winemaking mastery at Columbia Crest. Aged in the finest French and American oak barrels and blended to express the terroir of the most premium vineyard sites, the Walter Clore is a wine that is easily worthy of aging for 10+ years.

L’Ecole No. 41

• January 5, 2012
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L’Ecole N° 41 is a second generation, family-owned artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on their label. Founded in 1983, they are the third oldest winery in the Walla Walla Valley.  L’Ecole Nº 41 is known for producing reliable, superior quality wines that are terroir-driven, distinctive and expressive; wines that are crafted for richness and complexity, vintage after vintage.

“…what has been proven beyond a doubt is that anyone who values tradition, continuity, and a track record of excellence, will eventually find their way to L’Ecole’s wines. A lot of wineries succeed at making a few barrels of something good in their first or second vintage. The real challenge is to make consistently fine wine, over many years and vintages, across a wide number of varietals and blends.” -Paul Gregutt,  Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Today they are at the forefront of sustainable farming in the Walla Walla Valley, notably with their Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, but all of the Walla Walla Valley wines are made from grapes sourced from vineyards which are certified sustainable and Salmon Safe. Here’s a rundown of just a few of the wines from their outstanding portfolio:

2010 Chenin Blanc, $11.99
This fresh, tart and delightfully fruity Chenin Blanc shows Asian pear, perfumed honeysuckle and orange blossom aromas with flavors of apple, apricot, and grapefruit on a crisp mineral, lightly sweet finish.

2010 Chardonnay, $17.99
Some of the best Chardonnays in Washington State are grown in the slightly cooler growing conditions of Yakima Valley and in the northern latitudes of the Columbia Valley. The Schmitt Vineyard (Yakima Valley) provides nice tropical fruit, while Evergreen (latitude 47 on the Columbia River) contributes crisp acidity and minerality.

2008 Merlot, $23.50
Rich with pretty aromatic aromas of nutmeg, clove and spice, this dark and brooding Merlot shows black cherry, blackberry, and earthy dark fruit flavors encased in a peppery, cocoa, toasty finish.

2008 Syrah, $22.00
This luscious and exquisitely balanced Syrah shows aromas of ripe blackberry, alluring spice and earth. With dense mineral and oxblood tones, this rich and expressive wine shows opulent black cherry and black plum with peppercorn and olive tapenade on a finely textured and lengthy finish.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla, $32.00
With an elegant, old world structure, this sophisticated Cabernet shows aromas of dark fruit, earth, and fresh herbs. A seamless core of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry mingle with notes of earth and leather on a smooth, lushly structured finish.

Holiday Wines

• December 21, 2011
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Lucian Albrecht Brut Rosé, $21.00
The grapes are hand picked. The whole cluster grapes are directly pressed in a pneumatic press with a long and soft pressing, hence the coral/ light pink salmon color. Cremant Rosé is made by the Champagne Methode. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle. Afterwards it stays on its lees for 9 months follow by the remuage and disgorging. “An elegant rosé crémant, featuring fresh cherry, strawberry and green plum notes. This is lively and balanced, with a lingering juicy finish. Drink now.” Wine Spectator

Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Sparkling Riesling, $11.99
Dr. L Sparkling Riesling is 100% pure Riesling — the crisp, fruity grape that has made German wine famous for centuries. It is made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation is done in a pressurized tank to keep the bubbles in the wine. This method produces bright, clean sparkling wines in a more affordable way, which makes it possible to offer this charming bubbler at a very nice everyday price.

2009 Writer’s Block Pinot Noir, $16.49
A small project begun at Steele Wines in 2002 by Jed and his son Quincy Steele, Writer’s Block has blossomed into an acclaimed line of wines. Aromas of candied bing cherries, brown sugar and spice suggests that this wine is all Pinot Noir, but on the pallet the Writer’s Block has more body and texture than the typical Pinot. This wine offers up juicy cherry and raspberry flavors with hints of cinnamon and tobacco. The mouth feel is round and supple, and finishes with soft tannins.

Fleur de Lyeth Red Blend
Fleur de Lyeth is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec that remains true to Lyeth’s roots of exceptional Bordeaux-style blends. Perfectly balanced, the wine opens with luscious flavors of Bing cherry and plum, accented by graceful notes of strawberry and cherry cordial. Very smooth and easy drinking

2009 Carchelo C, Jumilla Red, $13.99
Bodegas Carchelo was founded in the early 1980s in one of the earliest efforts to bring Jumilla into the age of modern wine. In addition to the indigenous Monastrell (Mourvèdre) variety, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are grown to enhance structure. Achieving a fresh and balanced style, by the early 1990s Carchelo’s rich young red had put Jumilla on the road to international respectability. “This starts with a smooth impression of ripe fig before fresher red fruit scents reveal the wine’s tension. If you open it now, you’ll need lamb to tame its rustic young tannins. But the sweet fruit and crunchy acidity will sustain it as those tannins mature in the cellar-probably at its best in four or five years.” Wine & Spirits

2009 Paringa Shiraz, $9.99
“Supple, polished and appealing for its dark, brooding, licorice-accented boysenberry pie flavors, complete with baked dough notes on the enticing finish. Drink now through 2014.”  89 points, Wine Spectator