Boise Coop Wine Shop

A Taste of Argentina

• February 2, 2010
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This Friday and Saturday we are featuring four Argentine wines from the portfolio of Sun Valley based Tastevin. These are unique offerings ranging from a surprising sparkler to the more expected Malbec.

Reginato Blanc de Blancs, $12.49
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. This eclectic blend of 70 percent Chardonnay and 30 percent Chenin Blanc is sure to please.

2007 Luca Chardonnay, $28.00
Laura Catena grew up in a wine-making family in Mendoza. Although she now splits her time between Mendoza and San Francisco (where she is a Emergency Room Physician, university professor, mother of three, and accomplished tango dancer!), Laura’s heart remains in Argentina and winemaking. She had a vision of creating a new breed of Argentine wines: small quantities, artisan quality, and true to their individual terroirs. A true pioneer of small-grower relations in Mendoza, Laura’s incredible, limited production wines come from some of Argentina’s best fruit from low-yield, high elevation, family-owned vineyards. Luis Reginato, the winemaker at Luca Winery, is a highly trained, experienced, and respected vineyard consultant and winemaker who receives high praise from wine critics and is definitely a winemaker to watch. The winery is named after Laura’s first-born son.

This Chardonnay was sourced from vineyards with an average elevation of over 4700 feet and scored an impressive 92 points in the Wine Advocate. It offers enticing aromas of lemon creme, baking spices and some tropical notes. The aromas carry through to the palate, and are joined by hints of tropical fruit, spiced baked pear, and a stony/mineral quality that creates a stylish wine that seems part New and part Old World. Pairs well with most fish, lobster, crab, chicken, and even many pork preparations. Particularly recommended with dishes using sauteed wild mushrooms or butter sauces.

2007 Susana Balbo Malbec, Signature, $22.00

Known to many as the “Queen of Torrontes” or the “Evita of Wine”, one thing is certain: Susana Balbo is reputed throughout Argentina and the world for her incredible winemaking skill, experience, and passion. Susana has been making wine since she earned her enology degree in 1981, and she has probably produced a wider variety of wines than any other winemaker in Argentina. She has made wine in Australia, California, Chile, France, Italy, South Africa, and Spain, and she spends a month each year in a different wine region of the world studying with local winemakers and growers. Her Signature wines are the ultimate expression of her skill and artistry. Top barrel selections from her overall production are complex and powerful, yet with an elegance and finesse that only Susana can achieve quite so perfectly.

This Malbec (blended with 10 percent Cabernet) explodes with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and violets framed by hints of oak and mint. The wonderful aromas are mirrored on the palate, and they are joined by ripe plum fruit and a hint of toasty vanilla and bittersweet chocolate. This is a ripe and rich style of wine, but the Cabernet adds structure, reigning in the fruit and focusing it into a long finish. A wine that truly struggles between its fun and serious side, the Wine Advocate rated it at 91 points. Pairs well with a wide range of foods from beef and pork to game birds or even meat-based pastas.

2007 Tikal Patriota, $17.99

Tikal is owned by Ernesto Catena and is named after his son. Ernesto spent his childhood in the vineyards of Mendoza among wine-growers and local pundits. Since then, he has experienced a kaleidoscope of cultures, living in New York, Buenos Aires, Berkeley, Cambridge (MA), Milan and London. But his heart remains in his homeland of Argentina (where he now lives), with its natural beauty of mountains, streams and vineyards, its wines, and its people who hold a special passion for living. There are few wine brands that reflect the sensibilities of their owner more than Tikal. A skilled horseman, fashion designer, software developer, and book editor, Ernesto pursues all that gives pleasure in life. This hedonism (in the best sense of the word) shows through in the wines. It is a style meant to provide enormous pleasure rather than provoke contemplation; an expression of emotion rather than intellect.

The Patiota is a 60/40 blend of Bonarda and Malbec. it’s a gorgeous deep purple hued wine with aromas of ripe bing cherry and berry fruit. Like swallowing a whole bowl of mixed ripe berries at once. Big body yet very balanced, with luscious layers of raspberry and cherry that quickly move to an intense dark chocolate finish. Pairs well with grilled meats such as beef and pork, smoked ham, and even pizza with meat toppings. Incredibly fun to drink, this one garnered a 92 from the Wine Advocate.

Revelry Vintners

• January 26, 2010
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Located in the Walla Walla Valley, Revelry Vintners is a Washington State winery rethinking the crafting and enjoyment of fine wine. It’s founded on the idea that truly great wine is created from quality fruit, and that it should remain both accessible and unpretentious. Founder Jared Burns drew on a unique and experience filled upbringing. With encouragement to color outside of the lines , Burns learned winemaking on the job, working with some of Washington’s finest winemakers. Harvesting fruit throughout the Columbia Valley’s distinct and varying microclimates—from the Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, and Red Mountain AVAs—and employing both traditional and modern winemaking techniques, Revelry is an homage to the heritage and excellence of Washington States unrivaled winemaking tradition, creating wines of uncompromised quality at unparalleled value.

2007 Revelry Chardonnay, $11.99
Revelry’s Chardonnay program is somewhat different from most. They cold age our white wine in stainless steel tanks for 18 months, during which time they also expose the wine to 100% French oak for four months. The balance in acidity, the pear, pineapple and banana present throughout the palette in this wine all may throw you. It is Chardonnay as you rarely find it.

2007 Revelry Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.99
French oak infuses flavors of vanilla and spice into this multi-layered red wine. With the appeal of deep berry notes, and an irresistible finish, this award winning Cabernet drinks well on its own, but explodes when paired with spice rubbed meats and robust cheeses. Winemaker Jared Burns has complimented the wine with the addition of Cabernet Franc, and it really shines through in this vintage. Great fruit shows across the palate, with a hint of pepper on the finish.

2006 Revelry Merlot, $11.99
Featuring fruit from some of the warmer sites in the state, this Merlot is a ripe balance of body and tannins. If you’ve ever relaxed in a cozy chair, you know what this Merlot is all about:  Soft, smooth, and luxuriously deep, with flavors of blueberry and black cherry supported by subtle suggestions of oak and spice. One of the TOP 10 BEST Red Wines Under $20 from Washington State says Seattle Magazine. “Fresh and juicy. A core of ripe blueberry and currant fruit morphing into mocha as the finish lingers.” - Wine Spectator

2007 Revelry, The Reveler Red, $14.99
The Reveler is the product of years of sourcing tremendous Cabernet Franc, coupled with winemaker Jared Burns’ appreciation for the traditional Bordeaux styled wines and that nagging urge to color outside of the lines. Production is limited to just 1,600 cases of this wine. It was aged for 18 months in oak prior to bottling, 40% new (80% French, 20% American).

A Very Mixed Bag of Wines

• January 19, 2010
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This week’s line-up features a global quintet of wines, one white from New Zealand and four reds, on from Argentina, one from Spain and two from California.

2008 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, $17.99

This New Zealand winery was founded in 1994 by Greg and Sue White and winemaker Simon Waghorn. For Greg and Sue, the move to Marlborough was a classic lifestyle change after careers spent in financial markets and marketing. For Simon, the motivation was the pursuit of quality winemaking within a company structure where he could share in the success of his efforts. Simon came to Whitehaven following a distinguished career as senior winemaker at Corban’s Gisborne winery. His continued success at Whitehaven has shown that with excellent fruit he will produce outstanding wines. Whitehaven sources fruit from 40 acres of its own vineyards and from 30 contracted growers located in carefully selected vineyard sites across Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys. Viticulturist Stephen Dempster joined the Company, in 2002 and his role’s major focus is working with Whitehaven’s growers to obtain the best possible quality fruit. This 2008 Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant citrus and gooseberry aromas, with freshly cut herb undertones. It is a full flavored, medium bodied wine, with an abundance of archetypal currant and gooseberry flavors, that linger on the dry, clean finish.

2008 Alamos Malbec, $9.99

A wine of the Andes, Alamos is named for the poplar trees that line the high altitude vineyards of Mendoza and protect them from the mountain winds. The Andes are some of the highest mountains in the world. The create a cloud curtain that blocks storms from the Pacific Ocean, thereby creating Mendoza’s desert climate. High altitude means cooler nights for better acidity and synchronized ripeness of sugars and polyphenols. High altitude means more intense sunlight which enhances the aromatics of Malbec and creates thicker skins, leading to richer, more intense wines. The nose on this 2008 Malbec shows ripe black fruits, black pepper spice and floral notes. The mouthfeel is full yet soft and supple, with black raspberry and currant flavors mingled with notes of sweet spice and a touch of leather. The finish is long and persistent with soft, sweet tannins.

2004 Condado de Haza Ribera Del Duero Tint, $18.99

Spanish winemaking legend Alejandro Fernández of Pesquera fame discovered an abandoned hillside on the banks of the River Duero in the mid-1980s that seemed to bring together the ideal conditions to become one of the best vineyards of the region. It had a gentle southern-facing slope that ended at the river and different soils composed of gravel, clay and gypsum that promised to produce the nuances needed to create complex wines from Tempranillo grapes. Thus began an arduous three-year period of negotiations destined to purchase the small individual allotments that made up the hillside. The first 200 acres were finally planted in 1989. Today the property, which is named after the nearby town of Haza, has a continuous covering of almost 50 acres of excellent Tempranillo vines. The brilliant 2004 Condado de Haza offers up fragrant aromas of cedar, tobacco, black currants and blackberry. There is a supple mouth-feel and generous cherry and black fruit flavors and enough ripe tannins to ensure good longevity. Drink this hedonistic effort now and over the next 10-12 years.

2007 Cline Ancient Vine Mouvedre, $12.49

In the latter part of the 1800s, Oakley, Contra Costa County was a booming farming community with thousands of acres of orchards and healthy vineyards. Fred Cline’s maternal grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi of pump and spa fame, called this place home. On summer visits to his grandparents, Fred learned both the love of agricultural life and the mysteries of vinifying grapes into wine. These lessons led Fred to obtain a degree in Agriculture Management from U.C. Davis. In 1982, with an inheritance from his grandfather, Fred founded Cline Cellars near Oakley, California. Here, he preserved and restored many ancient vine sites to their rightful reign as premier California wine lands. In 1991, Fred and his wife Nancy relocated the winery from Oakley to the Carneros region of Sonoma County on a historic 350-acre estate with new vineyards and facilities. While much of the cool Carneros region is planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot, Fred pioneered the planting of Rhône varietals including Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, and of course, this Mouvedre. This 2007 is a big and intense wine, with minty bay leaf scents joining ripe, rich blackberry and wild berry flavors that are framed by gritty, minerally tannins and a dash of pepper. Great now, it should drink well over the next few years.

2004 Peju Merlot, $33.00

The love of farming and a passion for wine brought Anthony Peju and his wife Herta to the Napa Valley. A series of ideas—starting in his birthplace on the Caspian Sea, then France, England and eventually, Los Angeles—helped create their Napa Valley winery. In 1982, they purchased 30 acres of land with the magic ingredient - location. Neighboring vineyards at Rutherford included Robert Mondavi, Inglenook and Beaulieu. Situated between Highway 29 and the Napa River, the acreage included a 1900-era house and rambling vineyards, some 60 or more years old. Looking to the future, Tony and Herta have introduced their two daughters, Lisa and Ariana, to the workings of the wine business. Both of the young women are immersing themselves in all aspects of Peju Province Winery. Grapes for this 2004 Merlot came from the Persephone estate vineyard with extremely low yields averaging just 2.9 tons per acre. The result is a richly flavored wine with bright fruit aromatics, a full, rich mouth feel and a nice, long finish.

Cabernet Tasting at Café Vicino

• January 13, 2010
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Join us for a Cabernet Sauvignon tasting on Saturday, January 16 from 2 to 4 pm at Café Vicino. The emphasis will be on Cabs from California and the Northwest with a few surprises, and Chef Richard will prepare something special to match the wines. Just $25 per person, call the restaurant at 472-1463 for reservations.

A French Quartet

• January 7, 2010
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Grange des Rouquette

Across the Rhône River from Avignon, and just south of the appellations of Lirac and Tavel, is the tiny village of Fournès and the estate of Thierry & Véronique Boudinaud. The Boudinaud family have been winegrowers and winemakers in the western Rhône Valley for five generations. Thierry traveled extensively in his quest for knowledge about winemaking, working in California, New Zealand and Bordeaux. Ten to 15 years ago they planted the vineyards around their Domaine of Grange des Rouquette. They now own about 65 acres of vineyards within the Côte du Rhône appellation, and farm an additional 65 acres. Planted on the plateau between the villages of St.-Hilaire, Estézargues and Montfrin are old-vine Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Cunoise, with seven and half acres of Viognier and five acres of Marsanne.

2008 Grange des Rouquette Marsanne Viognier, $9.99
This bottling is a blend of 55% Marsanne, with the balance in Viognier. The two varietals are picked separately and the grape clusters are pressed whole, very slowly, to extract maximum flavors. After a short period of skin contact, two-thirds of the wine is fermented in stainless steel, with the remaining third vinified in new, one and two year-old barrels. The wine is then aged on its lees for three to four months. Bottling in early Spring ensures impeccable freshness. Aromas of white peach and citrus rind melt into the round, tropical palate that finishes on a bright mineral note.

2008 Grange des Rouquette Syrah Grenache, $9.99
This new bottling of red wine from Grange des Rouquette is produced from fruit grown on their best terroir. A blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, the three varietals are harvested separately, allowing each to attain maximum ripeness. Most of the wine is fermented in tank, with a small amount of the old-vine Syrah vinified in barrel. The beautiful, sweet red fruit in the nose is round and soft on the palate. A terrific new addition to the Grange des Rouquette line-up.

Domaine les Grandes Vignes

This Domaine goes back to the 17th century, and has been in the Vaillant family since that beginning. The Vaillant family owns close to 140 acres in the appellations of Anjou, Bonnezeaux, and Coteaux du Layon, and has been working organically since 2006. Two thirds of the vineyards are planted with red varieties, and one third with white varieties. The vines grow on soils mainly composed of schist and gravel. All the grapes are destemmed.

2007 Domaine les Grandes Vignes, La Varenne du Poirier, $18.99
The Anjou Blanc is all Chenin Blanc grown on grey-black schist. The wine is fermented and pressed using a pneumatic press, then matured 15 months in 400 liter oak barrels.

2007 Domaine les Grandes Vignes, Les Cocainelles, $18.99
The Anjou-Villages Rouge is entirely made of Cabernet Franc. The malolactic fermentation takes place in third-wine oak barrels.