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.

Wine 101 Classes & Tasting at Café Vicino

• January 31, 2012
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Join us for a three part series—it’s a whirlwind tour of wines from around the globe. We’ll taste wines from east to west, from north to south, from the old to the new. The classes will be taught by our own Leil Cardoza at Café Vicino. They’ll run from 2 to 4 pm on Saturdays, with the first class scheduled for February 4. That one will give a broad overview of all the major wine growing regions. Two weeks later on February 18, the focus will be on white wines. Then on March 3, we’ll shift our attention to reds. Beginners are warmly welcome, and questions are encouraged, so if there’s anything you’ve ever wanted to know about wine but never got to ask, this is your chance.

The cost of admission for each class is $20 per person, or $50 for the group of three. Call the Wine Shop at 472-4519 for reservations
I — General overview, Saturday, February 4
II — Focus on white, rosé and sparkling wines, Saturday, February 18
III — Focus on red wine, Saturday, March 3

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.

Winter White Sale

• January 13, 2012
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Beat those Wintertime Blues

The white on the ground has been conspicuous by its absence, but those inevitable inversions just keep on coming, generating hazy days that contribute to an oppressive malaise. If you’ve got a case of the wintertime blues and can’t cure it with a day on the slopes, may we suggest a little springtime in a bottle. We’re talking our Winter White Sale. Instead of pouring another glass of a heavy red, fix yourself a dish of light pasta, fresh fish or grilled chicken and pop the cork on a refreshing white. It couldn’t hurt.

Here’s a list of delicious white wines (all on sale) designed to help you beat the Winter Blues, and if you buy six or more, you’ll save an additional 10%!

	Was	Now
Berger 2010 Grüner Veltliner, 1 liter	$12.99	$11.99
Chateau Coustaut 2009 Bordeaux	$8.99	$7.99
Domaine de Pouy 2010	$7.99	$6.99
Hiedler 2010 Grüner Veltliner	$15.99	$12.99
Le Bois Martin 2010 Sauvignon Blanc	$14.99	$12.99
Leitz 2010 Dragonstone Riesling	$16.99	$14.99
Raphael 2010 Verdicchio	$9.99	$8.99
Rayun 2009 Chardonnay	$7.99	$6.99
Selbach 2010 Riesling Kabinett	$12.99	$11.99
Sydney Ann 2010 Pinot Grigio	$8.99	$7.99
Tariquet 2009 Sauvignon	$8.99	$7.99

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.