Boise Coop Wine Shop

Who We Are and What We’re Drinking

We’re always drinking wine. It’s our job, but more than that it’s our love. We’d like you to get to know a little more about us, and more importantly, about what we’re drinking now.

Barry

I became interested in wine on a trip to Australia in 2007. All the great wines and beautiful wineries there really impressed me. When I returned to Boise from down under I immediately got involved with the Co-op wine department. Since then I have been to Napa Valley, gotten my CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators. I’m always trying new things and I’m always interested in learning more about wine.

September Pick: 2008 Castello Poggiarello Collerosso, $22.00
This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot. The estate usually makes three different wines in any given year but, in 2008 due to difficulties in the vineyard, they chose to make only one wine. I applaud that decision because it has resulted in an outstandingly balanced and approachable wine that could also be aged for several more years. Get some before it’s gone!

November Pick: 2010 Cepas Antiguas Tempranillo, $12.49
Complex with a velvety mouth-feel and a long finish, this wine is worth at least double the price.

January Pick: 2008 L’Ecole Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla, $32.00
This wine is amazingly complex and focused with blackberry and sandalwood dominating the palate and a finish that goes on and on. Hurry and buy some before I grab it all!

Bruce

September Pick: 2009 Lenotti Valpolicella Classico, $11.99
It’s the perfect time of year for this lighter bodied red….perfect for patio-sipping, picnics, pizza and pasta. Light in tannins but full of plum and berry flavors, with a juicy finish. In a word: quaffable.

October Pick: 2009 La Ferme Saint Pierre, $11.99
The perfect “in-between” red: not too light, but not too serious–just right for the autumn transitional season. It hails from Ventoux, the gateway to the Rhône on the west, and Provence to the south and east, and it shares some of the characteristics of both. Pleasantly fruity, with an expressive nose of fresh red fruit, cassis, with a hint of licorice; soft and easy on the palate with good balance throughout. A perfect wine for any sausage, cheese and bread combo, but with enough depth to accompany heartier dishes of Fall such as stews and grilled meats.

November Pick: 2009 Mongeard-Mugneret Hautes Côtes Nuits, $14.99
My new favorite CdR for drinking now, before the leaves are all gone. Ripe, plush black cherry and raspberry fruit coat the palate, with hints of licorice, herbs, and soil–the essence of what the French in the southern Rhone call “garrigue”. This is a brilliant example of the flamboyent style of the excellent 2009 vintage in that region.

February Pick: Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rosé, $21.00
This Pinot Noir based sparkler is full-bodied, round and creamy on the palate,with excellent length and persistence on the finish. With it’s beautiful rose color, it is the perfect fit for a romantic Valentine’s evening. But why limit yourself to Valentine’s Day? Turn any evening into a celebration with this lovely sparkling wine.

Carl

Carl Della Badia is the latest member of the Wine Crew, having come on board this summer of 201l. He’s worked at other wine shops around town, and you might know him from Grape Escape. In his other life he writes both poetry and fiction and teaches composition at the College of Western Idaho. Look for him in the Wine Shop, but he’ll be spending much of his time on the grocery side of the parking lot.

July Pick: 2009 Santa Duc Rasteau, Les Blovac, $16.99
This wine rewards the patient. Thirty minutes open, a slight reduction of temperature—15 minutes in the fridge before serving—and it sings like Anna Moffo’s Mimì in La Bohéme (or, for all you non-opera fans, Eric Clapton’s guitar in the Beatles’ tune While My Guitar Gently Weeps). The nose on this wine smells like raspberry preserves mixed with fresh picked sage and the slightest hint of dried tobacco. In the mouth it’s surprisingly concentrated. Red fruits dominate initially: raspberry, cranberry and a tart bing cherry that gives way to a luscious mid-palate coy as a French mistress (think Juliette Binoche in the adaptation of Milan Kundera’s novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being). The finish is everything a Rhône fan loves, and balances that brambly garrigue flavor with a gamey red-meat quality that lingers over the tongue like a superb bite of Wagyu beef. At 15% alcohol it packs quite a wallop, and isn’t for the faint of heart, but for 16 bucks it’s not a bad way to spend a Tuesday night, particularly if its paired with a grilled lamb burger that’s smothered in raclette cheese and side saddled by rosemary garlic yam fries. Vive la France!

November Pick: 2009 Cordella Rosso di Montalcino, $18.99
This wine exhibits classic Sangiovese fruit and structure. Layered with tart raspberry and a little clove, the finish is long, textured, and injected with a tarred tobacco flavor that is evocative and appealing. Great with pizza, pasta, or osso bucco.

December Pick: 2009 Robert Groffier Bourgogne, $44.00
This is one dynamic wine, and the best Bourgogne I’ve tasted this year, maybe ever. Approachable and ready to drink, it contains distinctive complexity for an entry level Burgundy. The lush, silky red Pinot fruit melds seamlessly with a complex array of elegant spices, and the long, well-balanced finish coats the tongue completely. Well worth the price (it’s so refined, one thinks it’s a bargain). Drink now or cellar, but mostly drink now because it’s so delicious.

January Pick: 2008 F. Gueguen Chablis “Les Grandes Vignes” $25.00
I like wines that make me think. This wine showcases the truly diverse possibilities of Chardonnay. A green apple and citrus nose, accompanied by surprising florality, give way to a weighted and lush mid-palate that forces one to contemplate how it is that such brooding thoughts can be instigated by a white wine. The finish is crisp, mineral infused, and lashes across the tongue with a style that lingers. Pairs great with chanterelle mushrooms and fettuccine in a gorgonzola cream sauce.

February Pick: 2007 Sori’Paitin Barbaresco, $35.00
Simply beautiful Nebbiolo! Fresh floral aromatics and high toned berries fuse with an impressive finish. Made in a sensual, feminine style that is both seductive and rewarding, this is a tremendous value for Barbaresco. Drink now or cellar for several years.

Danielle

My career leading me into wine started in restaurants seven years ago. As I moved my way up from bistros to finer dining, I recognized my constantly growing appreciation for the world of wine. Eventually I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work at the Co-op Wine Shop. I have been able to learn so much about my new passion for wine, and to continue exploring and learning at the same time as I’m sharing the knowledge I have with our customers.

October Pick: 2010 Independent Producers Chardonnay, $12.49
Fall and winter are soon approaching, but I haven’t given up having a glass of chilled white on the patio just yet! I recently discovered this lovely Washington Chardonnay. If the label doesn’t sell itself, the wine definitely will. It is completely unoaked, fresh and bright with lots of tropical fruit on the nose. Medium bodied on the palate, it can be easily enjoyed on its own, or with chicken and veggie based courses, as it retains balancing acidity. Lots of friendly apple and other crisp fruit on the finish, this is great wine to bring to any dinner party, even if it’s just your own.

November Pick: 2008 La Fone du Vent CdR, Les Promesses, $12.49
This Grenache Syrah blend is surprisingly racy, with flavors of tart cherry and plum. Sturdy, simple, and a good value, this would be a great choice to accompany cheese plates, meat assortments, and hearty soups—just in time for your holiday parties and get-togethers.

December Pick: 2009 Domaine Michel Magnien Pinot Noir, $22.00
Want to give that wine lover on your Christmas list something special without breaking the bank? This delicious Bourgogne is a steal. The nose is full of fragrant flowers and fruit, and it smells as silky and sexy as it tastes. The palate is fresh and delicate, with lovely ripe plums and raspberry and a clean finish. I also have to say the packaging is also appealing—very simple in its elegance. Treat a friend; treat yourself.

January Pick: 2010 L’Oustal Blanc K10, $13.99
As if I didn’t love the 2009 vintage enough, we just recently received the new batch of this Carignan blend last week! The color was gorgeous, and the nose was incredibly inviting. After a few swirls in the glass, my tasting partner and I agreed that this was approachable and elegant. Perfectly balanced, it’s a mix of dark juicy flavors, mocha, and light earth, maintaining complexity on the palate through to the finish, while still carrying the lush blackberries all the way to the end. It was a perfect addition to our movie night, and will continue to be one for quite a few more.

February Pick: 2009 Columbia Crest H3 Les Chevaux, $12.99
I’ve always been a sucker for Northwest wines, finding many of their blends to be fruit forward and friendly. I’ve tried a few wines from The Horse Heaven Hills AVA over the past few years, and I am always delighted with what I find. This Les Chevaux (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller amounts of Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc) is a deep ruby in color that’s delicious just to look at. On the nose, I get rich blue and black fruit. On the palate it’s a great combination of dark fruit with a touch of coffee. Next time I’ll try it with a flavorful cheese—maybe baked Cambozola with roasted garlic.

David

July Pick: 2007 Starry Night Zinfandel, Sonoma, $17.50
What could be a better match for an all American summer barbecue than this all American grape? Unfortunately, the modern trend for Zin has been towards big, jammy, high alcohol wines better suited for sipping in front of a winter fireplace. Happily, this wine has all the smooth blueberry and dark cherry fruit that makes Zin so appealing, but with the light touch and balance that is too often missing. Light up the grill.

September Pick: 2010 Rapahel Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, $9.99
The fifteen day forecast calls for summer like weather with temperatures in the 80s to lower 90s. This wine, with its lean but lively aromas of gooseberry and grapefruit that segue into crisp and refreshing citrus fruit flavors, is a perfect match for that last gasp of warm weather.

October Pick: 2010 Mann Chenin Blanc, $8.49
South Africa has a special affinity for this grape which they also call Steen, and Mann produces one of the best values around. There’s a nice richness to the nose here, offering a mix of ripe peach and lemon pound cake. Impeccably well balanced on the palate, crisp peach and lime mingle with spice and fresh garden greens. A great choice as we transition to cooler fall weather.

November Pick: 2009 Terredora Di Paolo Falanghina, $13.99
South Africa has a special affinity for this grape which they also call Steen, and Mann produces one of the best values around. There’s a nice richness to the nose here, offering a mix of ripe peach and lemon pound cake. Impeccably well balanced on the palate, crisp peach and lime mingle with spice and fresh garden greens. A great choice as we transition to cooler fall weather.

December Pick: 2001 Poças LBV Ports, $20.00
Late Bottled Vintage Port is a fortified wine made from grapes from a single vintage, then aged for four to six years in barrels before bottling. Unlike regular vintage Port, it’s ready to drink on release. Poças is one of the last family owned Port houses, and what sets their LBV apart is that it‘s unfiltered and cork finished, allowing it to continue to improve in the bottle. At ten years of age, this is a silky smooth delight with sweet berry fruit flavors that linger nicely. Classic pairings are Stilton and walnuts, or chocolate based desserts. A sublime winter warmer.

January Pick: 2010 Scaia Garganega/Chardonnay, $10.99
What can I say: I love everything about this Italian white, from its cool glass stopper (sans cork), to its equally cool blend of grapes (50 percent Garganega, 30 percent Chardonnay, 20 percent Trebbiano). Stainless steel fermentation and aging keeps it fresh and lively. The aromas are an intense combo of pineapple, papaya, kiwi, kumquat and jasmine. The same mix of ripe tropical fruit flavors explode on the palate while vibrant acidity adds balance. Definitely food friendly (try it with fish, pasta or risotto), but equally great on its own.

Divit Cardoza Artist, Chef, Wine geek.

I was working as an apprentice for Chef Bruce LeFavour in 1975 & 76 when my wine eyes were opened and my wine love began. I had only tasted wines from California at that time so when Bruce got the “good glasses” out for something special I knew I was about to get schooled. He poured the 1966 La Tache into my glass and my nose had barely reached the rim before the aromatic sensations began to control my very soul. The first sip offered waves of flavor that I can still taste today as I think about it. I was caught hook, line and sinker for life.

Needless to say I have spent a lot of time since them chasing the pleasure of wine through California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho in this country as well as through most of Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. My love still lies in Burgundy where ecstasy can be elusive but so great when you find it, but hey, there is a lot of great wine in the world at just about any price so I am never thirsty!

September Pick: 2009 La Posta Malbec, $14.99
If you know my taste in wine (I lean toward Burgundy and Rhônes—wines with an old world sense of style, restraint and balance) then my picking a New World Malbec might come as something of a surprise. The wine is reasonably priced, cleanly made and does not have any of the “funky side” of Malbec. On top of all that they went to screw caps with this vintage. Plenty of berries, not much tannin, soft enough for most people but enough complexity to hold my interest as well.

October Pick: 2009 Joseph Drouhin Côtes du Nuits-Village, $18.99
This is the single best buy red Burgundy in the entire store and even though this wine is a great buy every year this is the best offering since 2005. In fact, I like it even better than the 2005 as it is more forward and easier to drink right now.

November Pick: 2009 Mas de Boislauzon Côte du Rhône Villages, $14.99
A beautiful nose of black cherry and red raspberry fruit with allspice and anise notes lead way to a big structured wine that is dense and rich with fruit and minerality. This wine continues to open with time in the glass and will improve in the bottle for another 2-3 years at least. I love the balance of acidity on the finish that offsets the ripe berries.

December Pick: 2006 Castel Veccio Armida Reserva Vin Santo, $30.00
I first tasted this wine while in Italy in June and I thought it was spectacular. Lush, sweet, perfumed with floral notes and candied orange peel. A beautiful wine for sipping with fruit desserts or soft cheeses. Vin Santo or “holy wine” is made in small quantities from grapes that are dried on mats until they become raisined and the sugar is very concentrated. The wines are aged in small barrels and they slowly oxidize, gaining an amber color and a richness that is like nothing else in the world. This one is a real gem.

January Pick: 2010 Heidler Gruner Veltliner Loss, $15.99
Last year I went through a winter white phase in January and I really had a blast trying different wines with fresh fish. This new vintage of Heidler has all the things I like in a versatile white. Clean crisp fruit (but not too fruity), a good bit of richness (but no oak), and a long finish. A great buy.

February Pick: 2009 Domaine Boisson Clos de la Brussiere Massif D’Uchaux Côtes du Rhône Villages, $19.99
Kind of a long name but that is how it drinks, as well. Incredible aromas of berries and lilac flowers lead to a rich, dense profile that evolves over time. This wine was good when I first opened it but over the course of three hours it continued to get better and better. I sent one of our wine crew home with the bottle, and he said it was even better the second day.

Kathy

I always appreciated wine, my usual beverage of choice, but I didn’t get passionate about it until I took over as beverage manager at Cost Plus World Market. I was intrigued with the intricacies and complexity of the winemaking process and the simple enjoyment of wine itself. After 3½ years there I was recruited to work at a distributorship in Boise. I worked at Idaho Distributing for 6 years. I learned a lot, but when I was offered the opportunity to work at the Co-op Wine shop, I jumped at the opportunity to leave the fast-paced world of wholesal and go back to the more intimate one-on-one of retail sales, interacting with customers and enjoying the Co-op’s friendly atmosphere.

September Pick: 2008 Koyle Reserva Syrah, $14.99
The Wine Crew tried this wine recently and we all agreed it was a great value.  Having tasted it again last evening, I was really impressed with its depth and complexity.  Rich with concentrated flavors of blackberry, plum and toasted vanilla, balanced with nice bright cherry and acidity.  Full-bodied and smooth, it drinks well on it’s own, or pair it with a big, meaty steak.

October Pick: 2009 Domaine de Fondereche Fayard, $14.99
have always love the wines from Fonderche and this one is especially good.  A blend of 50 percent Grenache, 30 percent Syrah, 10 percent Carignan and 10 percent Mourvedre, this wine has deep texture and intense fruit.  Medium to full bodied, great structure and enough acidity to seem bright and rich at the same time.  Definately one worth trying and re-buying!

November Pick: 2010 Cadaretta sbs, $21.00
This wine has always been a favorite of mine, and having tried the 2010 last week, it’s still on my list.  It’s 75 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 25 percent Semillon, with notes of gooseberry, key-lime and stone fruit. The acidity of the Sauv Blanc balances nicely with the Semillon for a crisp, round finish.  A great wine as we move into the colder months that will pair well with heartier dishes.

December Pick: 2010 Starling Castle Riesling, $21.50, magnum
I admit a fun label or package will catch my eye, and that goes for wine too. But, I can be skeptical of the kitschy just as easily, so when I was presented with the 1.5 liter of Riesling in a beautiful bottle, I was not sure the wine would measure up to the packaging. I was wrong to worry. It was bright and fresh, with a touch of sweetness, balanced out by a crisp finish. Notes of peach and green apple were followed by zesty citrus. And what a statement a big bottle makes, at a party or as a gift for your favorite wine lover.

January Pick: 2009 Degani Valpolicella Classico, $14.99
With all the spending during the holidays, it’s time to rein it in and start shopping for values, and that includes my wine buying. With that in mind, this wine is a definite bargain. On the nose it is bright, with fresh berriesand red fruits. The palate is loaded with dark raspberry and black currant flavors, with tangy notes of red cherry on the finish. Velvety and smooth, dry and nicely balanced, it shows that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money.

February Pick: 2008 Seven Hills Planing Mill Red, $17.99
This great wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It’s loaded with black fruits, spice and vanilla with just a hint of cedar. It has a lush mouth-feel and soft, smooth tannins. I’ve always thought Seven Hills Winery did a great job and now I have a new favorite from them.

Leil

I got my bachelor’s degree in Theatre, and shortly after graduation I was putting that degree to good use, by waiting tables in New York City. I had gone there to pursue acting and stand-up comedy, but the more I became involved in the food and wine scene, the more I liked it. I spent two years at an all-Italian wine bar on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, before moving to a wholesaler, where I spent two years broadening my wine knowledge. New York has it’s charm, but it eventually began to wear on me, so when the wine department was moving to it’s new location and there was a position available here for me, I decided to return to Boise.

Most people assume I inherited my interest in wine from my father, and while the passion may be hereditary, my own experiences have shaped my taste and my opinions about wine. I still have a deep love for Italian wines, and I geek out like crazy over cool, obscure Italian wines. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit the wine regions of Oregon, California, and Washington, as well as France. In 2009 I was able to spend 6 weeks in France for a winemaking internship. It was a fantastically informative experience that made me appreciate even more just what it takes to get wine from the vine to the glass.

July Pick: 2009 Casamatta Tosacana Red, $10.99
I got visibly excited when I first tasted this wine. I think I may have even jumped up and down a little. It’s one of those wines that just has everything I think an inexpensive wine should. It has gorgeous, expressive red fruit and floral aromatics, medium body, great acidity and balance. It’s easy to drink on it’s own, and goes great with food, especially summer salads and grilled chicken.

September Pick: Quattro Mani Franciacorta!, $15.99
My new favorite Italian sparklything. Franciacorta is a growing region in Lombardy which was established specifically to see how closely the style of Champagne could be mimicked in Italy. They use all traditional Champagne-method fermentation and varieties, though they do allow addition of a bit of Pinot Blanc, this one being 80% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero, and 10% Pinot Bianco. The Quattro Mani project recruited winemakers from all over Italy who were iconic in their respective regions. In this case Mario Falcetti, a Pioneer in the Franciacorta region. The wine is beautifully crisp and complex, full of apple and stone fruits, and at $15.99 it’s just an absurdly great value.

October Pick: 2008 Scott Paul La Paulee Pinot Noir, $29.00
There was a nearly palpable sense of excitement in the store when this wine finally came back into stock. Stylistically it is one of those few that manages to perfectly walk the line between new and old world. Classic Pinot character of flowers, red fruit, and baking spice. Up front it’s vibrant and lively, even playful. I couldn’t help smiling the first time I tasted it. It also shows great potential for longevity, though I would doubt my own ability to resist the temptation to just drink it all right now.

November Pick: 2009 Achaval Ferrer Malbec, $24.00
I tasted this wine in a blind tasting, which is why I can objectively say I absolutely love it. Full of dark fruit with fine, chalky tannins, powerful and concentrated yet elegant. Distinctly new world, but with just a little bit of old world rustic funkiness.

December Pick: 2010 Honoro Vera Garnacha, $8.99
This wine just has everything going for it. It’s a killer deal. The package is just cool looking, and to top it all off the juice in the bottle is awesome! Medium-bodied with bright, red fruit and a bit of potpourri and baking spice in the nose. This is one of the best under-$10 bottles in the store right now.

January Pick: 2010 Qauttro Mani Barbera, $12.99
The newest addition to our store from Quattro Mani is this Barbera from winemaker Danilo Drocco. Offering bright fruit and great acid, I tried this for the first time with Panang curry, and since then I’ve had it with salmon and brussels sprouts, and roast chicken and root vegetables. It’s delicious—you should seriously try it.

February Pick: NV Le Petite Vin d’Avril, $12.99
As a general rule, wines bearing the humble designation Vin de France are simple and inexpensive. Normally, they are table wines, meant to be consumed more or less immediately, and not pondered over too much. However, when Paul Avril, winemaker of the legendary Chateauneuf du Pape house Clos des Papes, decides to make a Vin de Table using fruit from several old-vine parcels, the result is startling and impressive. The nose is packed full of cherry, dark berries, and savory herbs. The palate is full and rich, but not oppressively tannic, with fantastic acidity on the finish. I seriously love this wine.

Leslie

September Pick: 2008 Brian Carter Cellars, Oriana, $20.00
Brian Carter has been making wine in Washington for over 20 years and his new collection is outstanding. I picked this white blend for September because of it’s rich aromas and flavors of peach, melon and food friendly acidity. It is made with Viognier, Roussanne and a touch of Riesling and would pair easily with fish, pork, game hens and curries.

December Pick: 2008 Dom. Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem, $22.50
I have always been a fan of the wines from M. Chapoutier and boy, this one does not disappoint! It’s no wonder to me that it received a score of 92 from Wine Advocate and 91 from Wine Spectator. This full -bodied gem is crafted from Grenache, Syrah and old vine Carignan, With flavors of mocha, licorice and rich fruit, it is a mouthful of wine at a terrific price. My suggested food pairing is lamb shanks with fresh rosemary sitting atop creamy, parmesan polenta. Enjoy!

January Pick: 2010 Domaine les Aphillanthes VDP, $9.99
An unfiltered blend of Merlot, Syrah and Grenache, this lively wine has a fruity bouquet of cherries, strawberries, black fruits and a bit of earth and spice. It finishes with soft edges and perfect acidity. I’ve been drinking it over the last month with a variety of dishes (wild mushroom ragout with polenta, lamb burgers and roast chicken, to name a few) and am yet to be disappointed.