Boise Coop Wine Shop

Vale Wine Company

• May 3, 2010
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With abundant sunshine and a climate perfect for growing a variety of crops, Vale Wine Co. and Vale View Vineyard were born on the Oregon Trail.  Like the pioneers over a century ago, they too were attracted to the fertile hills and valleys near Vale, Oregon.  John Danielson heads things up. As a fourth generation Idaho native, Danielson is a lifetime resident of the Snake River Valley AVA. He spent many hours interviewing winemakers and volunteering in wineries in Idaho, California and Washington to learn first hand about the wine making process. Returning to his farming roots, he also took on the job of planting a vineyard. As a complement to his practical experience, John is completing a certification in Oenology and Viticulture from the University of California at Davis. John loves the camaraderie of the wine industry. Today, Vale Wine Co. and Vale View Vineyard are testimonies to his attention to detail and the desire to produce high quality wine. Surrounded by mountain views and a variety of crops, Vale View Vineyard is located on the south facing slopes north of Vale, Oregon. The fertile soil, perfect exposure and clean water from the Owyhee River have enabled the vineyard to thrive. Covering about five acres, the vines planted in 2006 are painstakingly cared for by John and Vicki, along with family and friends who generously volunteer their time. Vale View Vineyard is truly a labor of love.

A Trio from France

• April 29, 2010
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Domaine d’Antugnac, La Closerie des Lys

In 1997, Domaine Antugnac was purchased by Christian Collovray and Jean-Luc Terrier. The two were childhood friends from the village of Davayé, and grew to become business partners of Domaine Des Deux Roches in the Mâconnais. Looking to expand, they focused on Languedoc where land prices were much better than in Burgundy. Antugnac quickly became the clear choice.

The domaine is roughly fifty miles west of Carcassonne in a lovely, isolated mountain valley hidden in the Pyrenean foothills, anchored by the old village of Antugnac (its church was built as a kind of bastide, or fortified building, to protect the villagers from marauding bands in the middle ages). The vineyard parcels start at the village but the majority climb the heights of the south-facing flanks, growing between 280 and 530 meters above sea level in meager limestone soils.
In 2000, the partners installed David Serodes as manager of the estate. It proved to be an inspired choice—Serodes understood at once that what this location offered was Languedoc’s southern exposures tempered strongly by mountain coolness. Wine from these mountain vines could achieve sunny ripeness coupled with distinct freshness. And in David’s hands, it does, at every level.

Beginning in 2002, the partners began planting new, high-density parcels on Antugnac’s hillsides. Today, the domaine farms 180 acres. The majority is planted in Chardonnay, but thirteen varieties are cultivated. Three ranges of wine are made including the base range of fresh wines labeled Closerie des Lys featured here.

2008 La Closerie des Lys Blanc, $9.99
Equal parts Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vermentino.
2008 La Closerie des Lys Rouge, $9.99
Based on Syrah, with Cinsault and Grenache.

2009 Domaine de la Madone Beaujolais le Perréon, $14.99
This is a cru Beaujolais in everything but name—it is both the smart purchase of the appellation and the no-brainer collector for the vintage. The 2009 vintage is a stellar year for Beaujolais, and may well be for most of France—but here’s the first fruits to get your taste buds ready. The town of Le Perréon boasts extraordinary terroir, with pink granite soils that remind of cru Fleurie. The vineyards themselves are ridiculously steep and are some of the highest in the region (more than 1,500 feet above sea level). Completely tank made, to preserve every bit of fresh, aromatic and concentrated fruit from the family’s ancient (some more than 100 years old) vines. Aromas remind of a berry tart on the nose, an intoxicating blend of spices, blueberries and raspberries. The mouth is all supple and sweet, with endless waves of red and black fruits, good grip and freshness. What’s especially pleasing with “Le Perréon” in 2009 is its concentration—the complexity here is astounding and of a caliber to which many a Côte d’Or wine could only aspire. The smart buy in Beaujolais: a cru wine for a decidedly non-cru price.

An Eclectic Quartet

• April 22, 2010
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2007 Georges Duboeuf Mâtcon-Villages, $9.99
Born in 1933 in Pouilly Fuisse, the son of wine growers, Georges Duboeuf started selling the family’s wine from the back of his bicycle to now legendary chefs such as Paul Bocuse and Paul Blanc. In 1964 Georges realized his dream and founded his own company. Over the years he has established long standing relationships with the regions top growers and winemakers. Georges is involved in every aspect of his enterprise and is known for his passion and his legendary palate. This marvelous white Burgundy made from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes tastes the way many feel Chardonnay is meant to taste. The rich, medium-bodied wine is un-oaked to preserve its freshness and offers aromas of floral bouquets, lemon, pear, apple cider and spice. On the palate, citrus notes emerge, joined by bright green apple and melon, honey, almonds, balanced acidity and a crisp, clean, lingering finish.

2005 Andre Lurton Châtteau Bonnet Rouge, $9.99
Château Bonnet lies to the North of the Entre-Deux-Mers, on the clay-chalk slopes of the commune of Grézillac, overlooking the Dordogne valley some seven miles south of Saint Emilion. The estate dates back to the 17th century. When André Lurton took over in 1956 (having inherited the estate from his grandfather), it comprised 75 acres of vineyard. That same year the vines were almost completely destroyed by an historic frost. Since then Lurton has worked to replant and extend his vineyards, which in fifty years have expanded ten fold. Today it is a completely modern winery combining today’s techniques with age old traditions. This red is a fifty-fifty blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

2007 J. Vidal-Fleury Côtes du Rhône, $9.99
J. Vidal-Fleury was founded in 1781 in the Côte Rôtie. With more than two centuries of continuous operation, it is undisputedly the oldest funtioning winery and wine firm in the Rhône Valley. Founder Joseph Vidal strove to produce wines that expressed the typicity of the various soils and to achieve the highest degree of quality possible. Recognizing the enormous potential of the estate, Rhône leged Marcel Guigal bought the company in 1986. Modern equipement in a spotless environmet is used to implement the traditional methods of winemaking. True to the founders goals the winery contiues to produce wines that are the finest expression of their appellation. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre, this wine is from the exceptional 2007 vintage. Rich and round now with an explosion of red fruit flavors, it should age gracefully for years.

2007 Napa Cellars Zinfandel, $17.99
A part of the Trinchero Family Estates, Napa Cellars embodies the classic Napa Valley style – ripe, rich, balanced and collectible. Most importantly, the wines of Napa Cellars taste of the depth of this great wine region as much as the grapes themselves. Napa Cellars Zinfandel is the perfect middle ground between the spicy Zinfandels of the Sierra Foothills and the fruity jammy Zinfandels of Sonoma. Both characteristics can be found in moderation with this wine. You can expect a swirl of the glass to reveal intense, sweet ripe berries, cinnamon and black pepper spice with elements of sun-baked earth. Zinfandel and BBQ are a natural.

Kestrel Vintners

• April 15, 2010
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Kestrel opened their Prosser, Washington winery in 1999 with the intent to innovatively craft wines of the highest caliber, showcasing the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest. Here’s the scoop on five of their wines:

Kestrel Pure Platinum, $11.49
An elegant white table wine carefully created by blending Gewürztraminer and Viognier. The two grapes were harvested simultaneously and blended as fruit in the press. This wine possesses the brilliant spice of the Gewürztraminer grape and the floral perfume of the Viognier. On the nose you will find hints of honeysuckle, passion flower and orange blossoms. The mouth explodes with sweet citrus and stone fruits (tangerine, apricot, peach), with hints of sweet clover honey on the lingering finish.
2008 Kestrel Rose, $12.49
The Rosé is the winery’s melting pot wine: most every variety they have found its way into this wine including Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah and Viognier. It’s created by a process called Saigné, which literally means to bleed. They pull off some of the juice immediately after crushing to increase the skin to juice ratio. By doing this they create a red wine that is darker and richer. The Saigné juice that’s been bleed off is fermented in stainless steel at low temperatures, then immediately bottled to preserve freshness and fruitiness. The result is a beautiful, coral colored wine that offers floral aromas and flavors of peach, pomegranite, currant and cranberry. The taste is delightfully refreshing and crisp.
Kestrel Lady in Red, $12.49
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah, this wine offers enticing aromas of blueberry, cherry and red currant. The palate has intense red fruit flavors balanced by touches of by tea, tobacco, cedar, earth, dried herbs, white pepper, and vanilla. It finishes with lingering cherry, dried herbs, and blueberry notes. An exceptional value.
2006 Kestrel Merlot, $18.99
The majority of the fruit for this wine came from the Kestrel View Estate Vineyard, located on the Rosa, just six miles North of Prosser. A dark crimson, almost inky wine, both the aroma and the palate are filled with multiple layers of ripe red fruits: black cherry, blackberry, elderberry, dried cranberry, black currant, dried blueberry and plum. There are also hints of dried herb, rose petal, violet, sage, vanilla, clove, cardamom, white pepper and tobacco. The wine is full bodied, complex, and boasts a long finish with firm acidity. Should age well for years to come.
2006 Kestrel Cabernet Sauvignon, $18.99
Sourced from a medley of vineyards near Prosser, including their own Kestrel View, with the grapes picked and sorted by hand. The wine is a very deep purple, with aromas marked by dark fruit including black cherry and currant, and backed by dark spice, dried herbs, toasted coconut and vanilla. This expansive and generous wine is full bodied, dense, and elegant, with firm tannins and a lingering finish.

An Eclectic Line-Up

• April 1, 2010
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2008 Reginato Blancs de Blancs, $12.99
Jose Reginato, joined by his son Pepe, has been crafting some of Mendoza’s most sought-after, limited-production, boutique bubbly since 1986. Unlike many other “factory” sparkling wine producers in Mendoza, the Reginato family personally manages the entire process, from grape to bottle, to handcraft these dry, refreshing bubblies. They manage the vineyards, select the grapes, harvest at the optimal time, make the base wine, and do secondary fermentation at their own winery. When you think of a partying wine, you want something bubbly, light, refreshing, but certainly not boring or tiresome. The Reginatos feel the same way, so they pack lots of fresh fruit flavor onto a crisp, refreshing frame that will keep you sipping while you hang in the sun or dance the night away at your favorite club. Pear skin aromas leads to a pleasant mix of sweet, tart, and fruitiness with notes of peach pit gracing the edges. Perfect as an aperitif with your Easter brunch or before dinner.

2008 Hall Savignon Blanc, $18.99
Since first working in her family’s Mendocino vineyards, Kathryn Hall dreamed of a place to showcase fine wines alongside expressive art and masterful architecture. Now, Kathryn and Craig Hall are creating an unrivalled destination in the Napa Valley—where winemaking excellence meets contemporary design to celebrate life and inspire the senses.This Sauvignon Blanc combines the richness and complexity of well-ripened fruit with the purity and vibrancy of 100% stainless steel fermentation. The fruit was sourced primarily from a vineyard partner with an esteemed vineyard in a cool microclimate of Yountville and is complemented by our nest estate-grown Hardester and Napa River Ranch harvest. This vintage offers effusive aromas of citrus peel, pink grapefruit and ripe tropical fruits. The palate is lush and layered with guava, gooseberry underpinned by a poetic wet- stone minerality.

2008 Saracco Moscato d’Asti, $15.99
The Saracco winery is located in the picturesque village of Casilglione Tinella. Casiglione Tinella is located uniquely in the heart of the Piedmont Region called the Langhe which is famous for great wine and incredible cuisine; between two of the most well known towns in the Piedmont: Alba and San Stefano Belbo. Grapes were first cultivated in the hills surrounding Castiglione Tinella in the 1600’s and though many different grape varieties were planted Moscato proved to be the perfect grape for this appellation. For four generations the Saracco family has been dedicated to growing the best Moscato d’ Asti in the region. Moscato d’ Asti is highly aromatic with notes of fruit and white flowers, Paolo Saracco keeps tight control of the harvest to ensure a perfect acid balance to the natural sweetness of this grape. A slight sparkle is traditional for Moscato d’Asti, it lifts the fruit and guarantees a wine that is light and refreshing. This wine is perfect as refreshing aperitif or a light finish to a meal.

2007 Kamiak Rock Lake Red, $11.99
Kamiak Wines are made from grapes of character, intensity and distinction in the sun-drenched Columbia Valley. During the mid-1800’s, Chief Kamiak of the Yakama Tribe initiated irrigation of the fertile Columbia Valley soil. A second label for the Gordon Brothers, in 1907, their grandfather established Kamiak Ranch in eastern Washington. The 2007 Kamiak Red is a harmonious blend of 4 different grapes, with each varietal contributing something special. Cabernet Sauvignon is the core of the wine, providing the framework on which the other grapes play their roles. Merlot adds sophistication by providing bright aromatics and notes of juiciness on the palate. Malbec wins the best supporting actor award by top noting the wine with floral aromatics and a hint of black pepper. Syrah brings darker berry notes and a sense of weight to the wine; the underlying current that ties everything together. With these players all contributing to a layered and succulent wine, Kamiak Red is at home in any social gathering from picnics to a formal holiday get togethers.

2007 DaMa Cow Girl Cabernet Sauvignon, $21.00
DaMa, a joining of the winemakers’ first names, is also the Spanish word for lady, defined as refined and well-spoken, which describes DaMa Wines. The vision of two of Walla Walla’s premiere female winemakers, Dawn Kammer and Mary Tuuri Derby, DaMa wines are the balanced, graceful expression of world class terroir that are not of fad or fashion. After all, “fashion fades, only style remains the same” (Yves Saint Laurent). DaMa’s commitment to using only small lots of premium wine and blending impeccably result in wines that are approachable, true to the varietal and affordable. The 2007 Cow Girl Cabernet scored 90 points from the Wine Enthusiast, and is the perfect choice to pair with your Easter lamb.

2007 J. K. Carriere Pinot Noir, $40.00
For its first ten years, J.K. Carriere operated from a historic barn nestled in a working hazelnut orchard in Yamhill County, Oregon. In November 2007, J.K. Carriere purchased 40 acres of grape-growing land on the southeast flank of Parrett Mountain, about three miles due east of its original location, in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The first vineyard blocks were planted in March 2009, and the new winery facility and tasting room opened in September 2009. The philosophy here is focused on winemaking of classically structured, ageable, high-acid, smooth-tannin Pinot noir (and a little bit of Chardonnay). Nuance, movement and grace are the goal. This 2007 Pinot is clean, serious and vibrant. It’s a transluscent wine that delivers high-tone cherry, pepper and grilled meat on the nose. The palate is sour cherry, fresh raspberry, cherry PEZ and watermelon Jolly Rancher with just a hint of rare grilled steak and white pepper. Insanely mineral with very fine front of mouth tannins, it’s a perfect choice to go with your Easter ham.