Boise Coop Wine Shop

Morandé Premium Wines of Chile

• November 9, 2011
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Vina Morandé was founded in 1996, in wine terms they are but an infant. However, some infants are born a little unique! Morandé wines are derived from such a category. Under the sterling stewardship of founder Pablo Morandé, they have jumped light years in terms of producing wines of immense character and quality. They have always sought to produce wines with identity, with results that are specific to the vintage and enhanced by their particular terroirs. All of this is supported by the knowledge, experience and technology they have acquired over the years. The constant desire to find areas that best reflect the aromas and flavors of each grape variety has led Vina Morandé to diversify their fruit production between different valleys within Chilean territory. Here is a description of their varied vineyards:

Casablanca (545 acres) / The main geographical feature of this valley is the influence of the sea, entering from the Pacific Ocean and producing a morning mist that acts as a temperature moderator. This characteristic favors the best possible development of the vineyard, while requiring special treatment in order to achieve the desired ripeness. The varieties that grow best in this zone are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Maipo (532 acres) / This valley is the one with the greatest wine producing tradition in Chile and is the most famous worldwide. It has a temperate climate with a dry, hot summer. It is a zone that is almost frost-free and the rainfall is concentrated between April and September. The soils are alluvial in origin, stony, with good drainage and average fertility. Its climatic conditions favour the development of red wine varieties, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon.

Rapel (317 acres) / The valley has a warm climate with a high concentration of rainfall in the winter months, frosts in spring and high temperatures in the summer. Its climate helps red varieties to develop best. Although most of the planting corresponds to Cabernet Sauvignon, the main varieties identified with this valley are Merlot, Carmenère and Syrah.

Curicó (62 acres) / This zone has a sub-humid Mediterranean climate, influenced by the Pacific anticyclone. It is characterised by its strongly marked seasons, with rainy winters and dry summers, cloudless and sunny. The breadth of the thermal range, so necessary to obtain optimum quality, spans 20º C, allowing the adaptation of a number of varieties. The wines have a high concentration of fruit, with Sauvignon Blanc being the most representative.

Maule (112 acres) / The climate of this region can be defined as sub-humid Mediterranean, though it is recognised as the valley with greatest climatic diversity of all the different areas. The rainfall is heavy and concentrated in winter and temperatures tend to be low, with greater thermal variation between day and night. The soils are alluvial and volcanic in origin. The main varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère.

Here are the wines we’ll be tasting this weekend:

2010 Pionero Chardonnay 2010, $8.49
Ripe peach and roasted hazelnut aromas with fresh tropical fruit flavors, that are superbly balanced with a long, round finish

2007 Reserva Carmenère, $11.49
Wild blackberry, blueberry aromas are backed by a touch of green pepper. This is a superbly balanced wine with a long, velvety finish.

2003 Gran Reserva Syrah, $16.99
Opens with red fruits, dried cherry, cinnamon, black chocolate and intriguing touches of ash. A complex wine with soft, ripe tannins

2007 Edicion Limitada Cabernet Franc, $23.50
Filled with black cherry fruit aromas laced with candied fruit and coffee. Again, balance is the hallmark on the palate where ripe fruit flavors play against smooth tannins.

2008 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, $12.49
Prepared with grapes affected by noble rot, harvested late and selected by hand. In the winery a second selection takes place, first by clusters, to separate out those that have gray rot, and then grape by grape. The wine offers a golden yellow color with greenish tones, together with a particular sweetness and aromas of vanilla and honey.

Something for Everybody

• October 27, 2011
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With reds from Spain, Australia, Italy and California and a white from the Santa Lucia Highlands, it’s an intriguing mix of wines this time around.

2009 Morgan Pinot Gris, $14.99
In the early 1980s, long before the Santa Lucia Highlands became an official appellation, Dan Morgan Lee was already sourcing fruit from vineyards in the area for his new Morgan label. In 1996, he and his wife Donna Lee invested in their vision, purchasing and planting a 65 acre property in the northern end of the newly named, still not well known AVA. The cool climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands is perfectly suited for Pinot Gris. Rated coolest (Zone 1) on the UC Davis scale, the region is comparable to Alsace in France. The R & D Franscioni Vineyard is directly across the road from Rosella’s Vineyard. Here the influence of nearby Monterey Bay enables slow, gentle ripening. Morgan Pinot Gris is a limited production gem that is snatched-up quickly by long-time fans. Mango, banana and white peach aromas give a graceful, appealing nose. Rich fruit flavors and bright, balancing acidity make this wine a natural pairing with shellfish, ceviche, and bold pesto dishes. A Pinot Gris with more subtlety and complexity than most wines in this category, it deliciously demonstrates the talents of the Morgan winemaking team and the Santa Lucia Highlands A.V.A.

2010 Bodega Martinez Cepas Antiguas Tempranillo, $12.49
For three generations the Martínez family has been committed to sustainable organic vitculture of their 225 acres of 40-100 year old head-pruned vines, located within the Najerilla river valley in the heart of Rioja Alta. In 2006 the family constructed a new state-of-the-art winemaking facility. The grapes hand harvested from 40 year old vines in the Rioja Alta undergo whole berry fermentation. The result is a wine with black fruit aromas of plum and blueberry, followed by a rich and velvety palate and a lingering, refreshing finish.

2008 Alpha Box & Dice, Tarot Grenache, $11.99
Alpha Box & Dice is former Red Heads Studio’s head winemaker Justin Lane’s new winery. Based right in the heart of McLaren Vale, just down the road from his former digs, Justin is sourcing fruit from some of the oldest and best vineyards, primarily in the Vale but also in other parts of South Australia and making some of the most interesting blends from that fruit. His Tarot Grenache is stainless steel fermented and sees no oak. The result is a refreshing wine with a spicy bouquet and bright flavors of plum and spice.

2008 Dievole Chianti, $12.49
Located in the heart of Tuscany, near the fabled town of Siena, in the Etruscan hamlet of Vagliagli, is the home of the over 1000 acre fenced private Dievole Estate. Dievole began producing wine in 1090. To put this in perspective, 1090 was the year when Chinese discovered gunpowder, when Pope Urban II ordered the Crusaders to the Holy Land and when Viking Leif Erikson set sail for North America. Dievole vineyards are the perfect alliance between tradition and scientific technical innovation. Viticulture in Dievole means revealing the area’s extraordinary potential. It also means creating the perfect plant production balance and making the most of the “divine valley”, as Dievole’s etymology suggests. This Chianti is a blend dominated by 85 percent Sangiovese and offers the characteristic plum and cherry fruit flavors balanced by good acidity and persistent smooth tannins.

2009 Deloach Cabernet Sauvignon
DeLoach Vineyards has been a pioneering producer in the Russian River Valley since 1975. They strive to produce distinctive wines that spotlight unique terroirs in a socially and environmentally responsible way, practicing sustainable viticulture and minimally intrusive winemaking. Their 2009 California Cabernet Sauvignon was made from carefully selected Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown throughout California. The select lots of wine were blended to develop complexity and true varietal character, while retaining an approachable, fruit-forward style that is appealing both at the dinner table and al fresco. This easy-to-drink Cabernet is classic in style. Aromas of black currant intermingle with fresh herbs, sure to entice. On the palate, lush, mouth-watering Santa Rosa plums mix with spicy black pepper, as the taste of rich caramel fills your palate. While soft upon entry, this well-balanced Cabernet firms up for a long, lasting finish.

2010 Heron Pinot Noir, $11.99
Heron owns no vineyards but they source grapes from some of the top growing regions of the world. Their original wine was a groundbreaking Merlot value from St. Chinian in southwest France. Today they make wine in California, France and Spain focusing on the purity of fruit. Their goal is to make high quality, approachable and affordable wines. This 2010 Pinot is an elegant combination of sustainably farmed grapes from several of California’s cool, marine influence micro-climates. Nine months in a mix of new, one and two year old French oak barrels results in a smooth wine with a definite finesse. It has dark cherry and blueberry flavors and aromas, nicely balanced and well structured.

An Eclectic Quintet

• October 19, 2011
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This week we are featuring five very different wines from the portfolio of Idaho Wine Merchants. Two whites, one from Oregon and one from California, and three reds, one from Argentina and a pair from California. It’s and exciting line-up with something for everybody.

2009 Witness Tree Pinot Blanc, $13.99
Like many wineries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Witness Tree Vineyard is a small producer of premium-quality wine. The vineyard takes its name from an ancient oak tree used as a surveyor’s landmark in 1854, during the Oregon Trail era. The tree was used to mark the Northwest corner of the original Donation Land Claim No. 51 and still stands today in their vineyard. Witness Tree is 100 percent estate bottled. Every grape that goes into their wines has been grown on their property. This gives them complete control (at least as much as Mother Nature allows) over the quality of the fruit. Not many Oregon wineries have this ability. The Pinot Blanc variety is grown in very small quantities in the Willamette Valley. At Witness tree they have two and a half acres in production (which includes an acre and a half that came on-line as of the 2005 harvest). This limited bottling offers delightful fruit flavors reminiscent of apple and pear, balanced beautifully by a crisp refreshing acidity. Serve it with lighter table fare, crab or other shellfish, or simply on its own.

2009 Morgan Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay, $20.00
In the early 1980s, long before the Santa Lucia Highlands became an official appellation, Dan Morgan Lee was already sourcing fruit from vineyards in the area for his new Morgan label. In 1996, he and his wife Donna Lee invested in their vision, purchasing and planting a 65 acre property in the northern end of the newly named, still not well known AVA. Named the Double L (Double Luck, in honor of twin daughters), today this vineyard is one of the most famed wine growing properties in California. Each vintage of Morgan’s Highland Chardonnay showcases the unique attributes of their Double L Vineyard and the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The 2009 cuvée includes 61 percent fruit from the Double L and the balance from outstanding neighboring estates, including Rosella’s and McIntyre. The Double L Vineyard has been “Certified Organic” since 2002 but has been conscientiously farmed in this method since the original plantings in 1997. This focused, elegant Chardonnay’s aromas feature creme brulee, walnut and lime zest. On the palate, the rich flavors are complemented by a light touch of butterscotch and refreshing grapefruit with bright acidity. Incredibly food friendly, the 2009 Highland Chardonnay is a perfect match with cream-sauced pastas, roast chicken and pork, and seafood.

2009 Bogle Petit Sirah, $9.49
The family owned and operated Bogle Winery is tucked into the Sacramento Delta among 1,000 acres of vineyard land and sits along side of Elk Slough in Clarksburg, California. Thirty-two years after it was first produced by the Bogle family in 1978, Petite Sirah is today considered Bogle’s “heritage” varietal. Once again Thirty-two years after it was first produced by the Bogle family in 1978, Petite Sirah is today considered Bogle’s “heritage” varietal. Once again the trademark qualities shine through in a wine that is the perfect integration of fruit and oak. Voluptuous and full-bodied on the entry, the heady aromas of black currants and plums awaken the senses. Lusciously jammy and inky in appearance, the concentrated fruit wraps itself around tones of pipe tobacco, leather and cocoa, to mesmerize the palate. Juniper and spice seduce the supple tannins, as this wine finishes long and lingering, but not before a final touch of acidity charms the balanced mouthfeel yet again. the trademark qualities shine through in a wine that is the perfect integration of fruit and oak. Voluptuous and full-bodied on the entry, the heady aromas of black currants and plums awaken the senses. Lusciously jammy and inky in appearance, the concentrated fruit wraps itself around tones of pipe tobacco, leather and cocoa, to mesmerize the palate. Juniper and spice seduce the supple tannins, as this wine finishes long and lingering, but not before a final touch of acidity charms the balanced mouth-feel yet again.

2010 Tinto Negro Mendoza Malbec, $9.49
TintoNegro, meaning “black wine” in Spanish, is meant to celebrate the essence of Malbec in Mendoza. Known for its dark, blackish color, Malbec is definitely a Tinto Negro. The project was born of the long time friendship and professional collaboration of Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, colleagues at Bodega Catena Zapata for almost 15 years. Sourced from Mendoza’s Primera Zona of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu the Mendoza blend is meant to showcase the exceptional value and approachable profile of Malbec. The wine’s soft, drinkable style is accompanied by light oak aging for additional complexity.

2010 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rouge, $17.99
Tablas Creek Vineyard was founded by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Haas, longtime importer and founder of Vineyard Brands. They chose the hilly Las Tablas district of west Paso Robles for its similarities to Châteauneuf du Pape: limestone soils, a favorable climate, and rugged terrain. The partners imported the traditional varieties grown on the Perrins’ celebrated estate, including Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Counoise for reds. ablas Creek follows the centuries-old Châteauneuf du Pape tradition of blending chosen varietals, which produces wines that are more complex, better balanced, and richer than single varietal wines. The Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas is a blend of four red Rhône varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise. The wine incorporates fruit from seven top Rhône vineyards in Paso Robles, each vineyard selected for its quality. Like many red wines from the Rhône Valley, it is based on the dark fruit, mineral and spice of Syrah, with the brightness and fresh acidity of Grenache, the structure and meatiness of Mourvèdre and a small addition of Counoise for complexity.

Four from Oregon’s Joe Dobbes

• September 22, 2011
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Joe Dobbes Family Estate

In 2002, after 17 years in the business working for others internationally and in Oregon, Joe Dobbes started his company with a small amount of money in his back pocket, a lot of experience and passion, and sufficient ignorance of what he was up against. There are no outside partners or investors in Dobbes Family Estate and Wine by Joe — just determined, honest, hardworking people that make it work. Today this multi-faceted wine company is one of the largest in the state. They own 214 acres of vineyard and benefit from the work of more than 20 full-time, dedicated employees, as well dozens of other part-time and seasonal workers. All have made a significant mark on the success of the company. At Dobbes, they are passionate about letting the grapes speak in an effort to bring forth the flavors, the textures, the colors and aromas that the fruit is eager to share. In addition to their own vineyard, the winery has relationships with some of the best growers in Oregon’s Willamette and Rogue valleys. Dobbes understands the important role terroir plays in the character development of wine, so he carefully selects fruit from vineyards with differing elevations, soil types and clones. The ingredients, after all, are the most important factor in producing the most expressive Pinot Noirs.

2009 Dobbes Family Estate Grand Assemblage Pinot Noir, $26.00
A bright garnet wine with aromas of dark cherry, red licorice and a hint of forest floor. In the mouth it is a sensuous wine, balanced and bright with good grip and acidity. The flavor is a mix of dark cherry and blackberry, with a little of that red licorice coming through on the palate.. This is what everyone should identify with Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Drink now through

Wines by Joe

Joe Dobbes is a pretty laid-back guy, but he couldn’t be more serious about making really excellent wine. This bodes well for the world as we know it, because these dueling demeanors bring forth a true gem: Wine by Joe. This is your go-to wine. Delicious, but never pretentious. A high-quality bottle at a no-nonsense price, meant to be shared with people who make you happy. It’s smooth and “drinkable,” as they say. But it’s rich and complex, too. Wine by Joe, priced at less than 20 bucks, is as comfortable at a dinner party as it is on a Thursday evening in your backyard. And its consistency from bottle to bottle ensures you’re going to be happy every time you pour it.

2010 Wine by Joe Pinot Gris, $12.99
This wine explodes with sweet aromas of fresh cut pears, green apples, and hints of vanilla and cream. The light, clean flavors in the mouth encompass citrus and green apple, well-balanced by refreshing and flinty acidity for a perfect and lively finish with lingering hints of that citrus. A lively, crisp, fruity and perfect “solo” sipper that also marries well with food.

2010 Wine by Joe Pinot Blanc, $12.99
Opening with aromas of vanilla, pears, flint and apples, the medium-bodied mouth feel of this wine delivers rich and rewarding flavors of peach and citrus fruit balanced by refreshingly crisp talc-flinty acidity. A medium-bodied, rich, but crisp wine with text book Pinot Blanc nuances.

2010 Wine by Joe Pinot Noir, $16.99
An excitingly complex and well-balanced Pinot Noir with gorgeous mouthwatering aromas of blackberry and a touch of leather. This wine slips into your mouth with juicy, lip-smacking flavors that mirror the aromas. It is balanced by vivacious acidity and a soft and velvety mouth feel, which wraps around your tongue, delivering an impression of sweetness from the soft ripe tannins.

Turning to Italy

• September 13, 2011
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We are highlighting a quartet of wines from Dalla Terra (of the earth in Italian), a direct importer of a limited selection of Italy’s finest wines.

2009 Marco Felluga Collio Pinot Grigio, Mongris $16.59
Marco Felluga is situated in Gradisca d’Isonzo, province of Gorizia. Founded in 1905, the estate is both a pioneer in quality as well as innovation and today comprises 325 acres of vineyards of which production is roughly seventy percent white grapes. All of the wines come from vineyards within the most important DOC known as Collio Goriziano, or Collio. The white wines are filtered before being fermented at controlled temperatures in stainless steel vats. A certain proportion of the wine is refined in wooden casks. The equipment used in the winemaking is of the latest technology updated through continual experimentation and in order to obtain the ideal results in harmony with respect for tradition. The property today is managed by Alessandra and Roberto Felluga, children of the prominent Marco Felluga, the inheritor of the founding Marco. The in-house oenologist is Rafaella Bruno. The name Mongris comes from the contraction of “mono variety” and the Friulano word for pinot grigio, Gris. Pinot Grigio arrived in Friuli Venezia Giulia over 150 years ago, and is now considered an indigenous grape. Today, it is one of the region’s most widely planted white grapes. This wine has an intense and immediate bouquet with pronounced hints of acacia flowers, straw and apple. In the mouth this wine is elegantly fruity, medium bodied and well-structured with a remarkably long finish.

2009 Li Veli Passamante Salice Salentino, $10.50
Masseria Li Veli is an imposing building on the southern most slopes of the Murge hills in Italy’s Salento region that occupies the heel of that country’s boot. The project is the realization of the Falvo family (proprietors of Avignonesi in Tuscany) who have strong ties to the region. The pre-existing stone structure dating to the late 19th Century has been transformed and enlarged, according to a well-planned and functional design in keeping with the style and layout of the original building. Today the estate comprises 88 acres of vineyards planted with the traditional Apulian varieties: Negroamaro, Primitivo and Malvasia Nera. The Negroamaro grapes for this wine are hand picked with the primary fermentation occurring in temperature controlled tanks. The juice is then transferred into French oak barriques for malolactic fermentations. The result is a dense ruby red with a purplish rim, that is immediately intense on the nose with marked aromas of ripe and fleshy red fruits, notably cherries followed by spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg; in the mouth it is full, powerful, smooth and very long, with a well defined acid streak which makes it fresh and pleasing.

2008 La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abrruzzo, $13.99
Fattoria La Valentina was founded in 1990 in Spoltore, a village nestled amongst Pescara hills on the central coast of the Adriatic. Following initial research in the Santa Teresa vineyard, the winery’s objective and passion became the quest for quality and the desire to promote the Abruzzese DOCs. The unique features of the region’s microclimate, combined with vines well-suited to the land, give the wines their distinctive qualities. The nearby forests, mountains and the Adriatic sea are all determining factors in expressing the vine’s originality. “La Valentina’s 2008 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a gorgeous wine that stands head and shoulders above most of its peers in this price range. Dark cherries, juicy plums and spices are some of the notes that emerge from this juicy, highly pleasurable Montepulciano. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.” — Wine Advocate.

2009 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina, $16.99
Selvapiana is a classic Tuscan fattoria located in the Chianti Rufina zone east of Florence, situated on 600 acres, 113 of which are devoted to vineyards and 77 to olives. It was originally a summer residence for the Florentine bishops and then later belonged to a series of Florentine merchant families. Purchased in 1827 by Michele Giuntini Selvapiana, since 1957 it has been run by the fifth generation Giuntini family member, Francesco Giuntini Antinori. With great energy and intelligence Francesco has worked to restore the prestige that Chianti Rufina enjoyed up until 1716, the year of the famous proclamation of Cosimo III de’Medici, when the Pomino denomination was recognized as one of the most important in Tuscany. In recent years the estate has been managed by Silvia and Federico Giuntini Masseti who are loyal to the path forged by Francesco, and continue to work closely with Franco Bernabei, the consulting oenologist at Selvapiana since 1978. “The 2009 Chianti Rufina opens with a burst of red fruit. It is an intensely perfumed, seductive wine loaded with personality. Sweet, silky tannins frame the exquisite finish. This is another drop-dead gorgeous wine from Selvapiana. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029. Selvapiana is a reference point for fine, traditionally made Chiantis that can age beautifully. The Chianti Rufina is a consistent overachiever within its price range.” — Wine Advocate.