AUGUST 2009 NEWSLETTER

NEW FOR AUGUST ...

RED WINES

OREGON – RED

2007 Westrey, Pinot Noir, Justice Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon … 18.99/203.00
Since 1993, Amy Wesselman and David Autrey have been handcrafting fine wine in Oregon. The winemakers’ 2007 Pinot Noir from the Justice Vineyard is a gorgeous example of Oregon Pinot in the up-front, fruit-forward style. A limpid plum-garnet color, the wine simply bursts with freshly crushed boysenberry and black cherry fruit. Suave on the palate, with the rich fruit buffering latent acidity, the Westrey Pinot combines velvety fruit accented by earthy cranberries with a deep mineral undercurrent. Tangy and juicy on the finish, the Westrey Pinot lingers with earthy fruit and a coda of bitter chocolate. This is superb, single-vineyard Oregon Pinot for a song. Buy a case for enjoyment now, and to serve over the coming five years with grilled salmon, roast pork, zucchini casseroles and, if you dare, veal sweetbreads.

COLUMBIA VALLEY – RED

2008 Owen Roe, Abbot’s Table, Columbia Valley Red Wine … 19.99/213.50
Each year’s release of the Owen Roe Abbot’s Table is a reason for celebration here at L&E. David O’Reilly’s most popular wine and one of our most requested selections, the Abbot’s Table offers a potent mélange of richness, intensity and impact for its modest price tag. The newly-released 2008 opens with an opaque purple-ruby color and aromas of black cherries, caramel, smoke and wood spice. The flavors burst as soon as they hit the palate, showing spicy notes of cinnamon, cola, cloves and sandalwood with dark fruit suggestions of sweet plums, brambly blackberries, cassis and Bing cherries. Finishing notes of vanilla, plums and caramel add complexity to a wine already bursting with personality. With its amazing richness, intensity and complexity, balanced by fine tannins and juicy acidity, this year’s Abbot’s Table is without a doubt another winner. Taste and judge for yourself, but please don’t hesitate; this superb blend (24% Zinfandel, 22% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Blaufränkisch, 4% Malbec) will sell out quickly. Pair with grilled burgers, steaks, lamb chops and other hearty fare now or over the next two years.

FRANCE – RED

2007 Domaine de Fontenille, Côtes du Lubéron, Southern France … 13.50/144.50
Superbly situated in Provence, the red wines of the Côtes du Lubéron offer the peppery, berry-driven fruit of a great Côtes-du-Rhône infused with the earth and cherry scents of a fine wine from Aix-en-Provence. Pierre and Jean Leveque of Domaine de Fontenille (known affectionately here at L&E as The Captain & Fontenille) make perhaps the most Châteauneuf-like wine of the Luberon. With a cuvée of 70% old vine Grenache and 30% Syrah, both cropped at very low yields, the wine casts an opaque black-plum color and the deep, jammy Grenache-based aromas that call to mind a Rayas-influenced Châteauneuf-du-Pape. On the palate, the Fontenille adds dark, complex earth and leather notes. With its sappy, ripe, old-vine fruit, its firm tannic structure and its amazing violet and earthy nuances, this is a superb value. Enjoy this lusty red wine now with grilled lamb, or to age three to five years to allow for even more complexity to develop.
Robert Parker – 88 points

2006 Joseph Drouhin, Côte de Beaune-Villages, Burgundy, France … 19.99/213.50 reg. 21.99
When the dust settles, lovers of red Burgundy are going to wish they had put more wines from 2006 vintages in their cellars. 2006 is a classic red Burgundy vintage: pure, very Pinot, and true to the terroir. The problem: it followed 2005. Think of 1991, which we feel is an apt comparison. Don’t you wish you had more 1991 red burgs in your cellar? Yes! How often do they appear on the aftermarket? Very, very rarely. Drouhin’s 2006 Cote de Beaune-Villages fits the bill perfectly. It’s a pure, raspberry-scented, red-fruited wine that boasts a satiny texture, lip-smacking acidity, and the special limestone earthiness that adorns the most honest of red Burgundies. Based a blend of fruit from villages throughout the Côte de Beaune (Aloxe-Corton, Beaune, Pommard and Volnay excepted) Drouhin’s ’06 Cote de Beaune-Villages is a gorgeous, snappy, affordable red Burgundy that can be enjoyed now with heartier fare like duck, roast chicken and pork, or will age nicely for five years in your cool cellar.

ITALY – RED

2007 Luigi Giusti, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, Marches, Italy … 13.50/144.50
Giusti’s Lacrima has become a staff and client favorite since we featured the 2003 debut vintage. Lacrima is the name of an ancient aromatic red varietal from the Marches region of central Italy. Lacrima (Italian for “tears”) is believed to have originated from the varietal’s propensity to burst easily and, thus, “shed tears.” Whatever its origin, Lacrima produces one wildly aromatic red wine with perhaps the most explosive profile of any red grape varietal. A beautiful saturated purple color in the glass, Giusti’s Lacrima explodes with perfumed Muscat-Brachetto-Gewürztraminer style aromas of freshly crushed boysenberries, cloves, rose petals, potpourri, musk and violets. On the palate the Lacrima adds notes of tar, bitter orange peel and Earl Grey tea. The opulence of the Lacrima’s fruit is countered by an appetizing bitterness and firm, framing tannins, which will make it a wonderful accompaniment to braised meats, BBQ ribs, and pasta dishes featuring sun-dried tomatoes. We also think it will accompany bitter chocolate. We adore this wine and think that it’s truly one of Italy’s most distinctive offerings, but please be sure to drink it young to capture all its fresh berry fruit and exotic aromas.

WHITE WINES

OREGON – WHITE

2007 Wallace Brook, Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon … 9.50/101.50
Though not designated, Wallace Brook is indeed the second label of the great Adelsheim winery, and the handcrafted quality of Adelsheim’s exemplary portfolio shines through in this affordable Pinot Gris. A pale lemon gold in the glass, the ’07 Wallace Brook Pinot Gris opens with unmistakably Alsatian-like aromas of pear skin, smoke and the noble rot, botrytis cinerea. Broad and fleshy on the palate, the wine balances its sweet pear fruit with notes of roasted hazelnuts, smoky minerals and spice. Long, balanced and very Alsatian in style, the wine finishes ripe and fleshy with pure Comice pear fruit blended with litchi nuts, wildflower honey and sweet white meadow flowers. Lovers of Alsatian Pinot Gris, here’s your Oregon doppelgänger. Lovers of Oregon Pinot Gris, here’s a gorgeous homage to the old-world varietal. Enjoy now and over the coming three years with cedar plank salmon, halibut, herbed roasted chicken, grilled summer squashes, washed rind cheeses and savory tarts.

FRANCE – WHITE

2008 Domaine des Cassagnoles, Réserve Sélection, Cuvée Gros Manseng, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne, Gascony, France … 10.99/117.50
The L&E staff unanimously loves the crisp, quaffable white wines from Gascony in southwestern France. These humble vins de pays offer unparalleled value for crispness, drinkability and pleasure. Considered by many to be Gascony’s leading producer, Gilles Baumann’s Domaine des Cassagnoles, has fashioned a wine that both satisfies as the summer quaffer that we’ve all come to love from Gascony, and adds a complexity, spine and nerve rare for the genre. Straw-gold in the glass, with beautiful green glints, the wine summons refreshment with a snappy nose of grapefruit, freshly cut grass, kiwi, lime zest and minerals. On the palate, the Cassagnoles bursts with a clean, snappy citrus fruit expression followed by hints of basil, Earl Grey tea and candied lemon. Briskly acidic but full of charm, body and fruit, the wine finishes with clean lemon-lime fruit and a final lashing of salty minerals. Chill this well and enjoy it as an apéritif, or, ideally, pair it with shellfish, light freshwater fish dishes or vegetable frittatas.

ITALY – WHITE

N/V Murgo, Etna Bianco, Sicily, Italy … 11.50/123.00
Carricante, a white grape indigenous to Sicily, was once quite prominently planted on the island thanks to its ability to produce substantial yields. Combine Carricante with Catarratto, now Italy’s most widely planted white varietal, and you have a southern Italian bianco worthy of celebration! And such is the case with this Carricante-Catarratto blend from Murgo. Murgo’s bianco, grown on Mount Etna at over 1,500 feet above sea level, is a lovely pale green-tinged lemon-gold in the glass, and offers shimmering notes of crushed pears, grapefruit, chamomile and menthol. Murgo’s Etna bianco is bright and lively on the palate, with citrusy acidity playing along with tropical fruits, honey and herbal freshness. The finish is clean and crisp with more peppery, herbal notes and a smoky mineral presence that offers rare complexity and grip for Sicilian bianco. Enjoy with all frutti di mare; it will also work well as an intriguing and attention-grabbing aperitif. Drink now and over the coming year.

2008 Vestini, Pecorino, Terre di Chieti IGT, Abruzzi, Italy … 8.99/96.00
Pecorino is not always a tasty, tangy sheep’s milk cheese. No! In this case it’s a rare white grape indigenous to the hills of the Abruzzi along the Adriatic coast. We owe thanks to the shepherds of the Abruzzi who saved the Pecorino grape from extinction and made it the focus of this very special bottle. Pale straw in color, Vestini’s Pecorino opens with pear and herbal notes followed by lemony, citrus flavors accented by salt and limestone minerality. Crisp, refreshing and tactile with dissolved minerals, the wine is low in alcohol but high in food friendliness and refreshment. Here is a wine that will both stump your favorite wine geek and also work extraordinarily well with dishes featuring shellfish, fresh and mildly-aged cheeses, veal and pork. This is a must try! Drink young.

2008 Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Scaia Bianca, Bianco del Veneto IGT, Veneto, Italy … 9.50/101.50
From the land of Soave and Amarone comes this crisp and oh-so-refreshing bianco. Tenuta Sant’Antonio’s Scaia (not to be confused with sciatica) is a painless and quite delicious blend of 50% Garganega, 30% Trebbiano di Soave and 20% Chardonnay. A lovely pale gold in the glass, the Scaia opens with citrus aromas of grapefruit and lemon zest, followed by floral acacia notes and herbal suggestions of vetiver and basil. Crisp and juicy on the palate, the Scaia transitions from a brisk attack to a broad, fleshy mid-palate featuring notes of lemongrass, bergamot and pink grapefruit. Juicy and undeniably delicious, the wine finishes with suggestions of lime zest and hints of bitter almond. Soave-like, yet far more compelling than your average Soave, this is a gorgeous northern Italian white that with work well both as an apéritif and as a foil for shellfish, freshwater fish dishes, grilled summer squashes and zucchini casseroles. A lovely wine to be enjoyed young, fresh and often.

PORTUGAL – WHITE

NV (2008) Casal Garcia, Vinho Verde, Portugal … 7.50/80.00
Brisk, refreshing and low in alcohol, few wines slake the summertime thirst better than the crisp vinho verdes of northeastern Portugal. Pale, shimmering and vibrant with newly-bottled freshness, they refresh and revive the spirit on hot sunny days. This zesty, citrusy vinho verde from Casal Garcia, a part of the esteemed Quinta da Aveleda estate, still sports some trapped CO2 in its pale lemon-green robe. Based on the classic vinho verde varietals – Trajadura, Loureiro, Arinto and Azal – the Casal Garcia vinho verde casts musky, floral, lemon and herbal notes around cinnamon-tinged citrus fruit. Brisk and guaranteed to raise the hair on your spine, the Casal Garcia continues on the palate with fresh lime zest, bergamot and lemon verbena, coupled with cinnamon-tinged brioche complexity. Juicy, minerally, and oh-so-gulpable, the wine’s lightness and verve wakes up the palate and prepares it for another bite of fresh seafood, grilled summer squashes, light salads or pasta tossed in a light olive oil sauce. Dee-lish.

ROSÉ WINE

FRANCE – ROSÉ

2008 Château Margüi Rosé, Côteaux Varois en Provence, Provence, France ... 14.99/160.00
Provence rosés have a special place in the hearts of the L&E staff. Unfortunately, they are often too expensive to grace our tables as often as we’d like. Thanks to the efforts of a local direct importer, we’re pleased to offer this dynamite rosé that offers real Provençal character at an unusually affordable price. Based on an equal bend of Grenache and Cinsault, the Margüi rosé casts a pale salmon color from the glass and refreshing aromas of rose petals, golden raspberries and sweet Rainier cherries. In the mouth, the wine is brisk and refreshing with lovely floral notes mingling with hints of watermelon, raspberries and herbal garrigue. Invigorating and undeniably delicious, this is the rosé of the season, both for quality and for value. Pair now with eggplant casseroles, bouillabaisse, grilled salmon, chicken marinated in lemon, olive oil and herbes de Provençe and the entire myriad of seafood. Great, great rosé.

RED WINES

FRANCE – RED

2007 Dom. de la Guicharde, Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône Valley, France ... 9.99/107.00
The march of incredible 2007 Southern Rhônes continues with one of our consistently favorite selections, the superb Côtes du Rhône rouge from Domaine de la Guicharde. Domaine de la Guicharde’s Grenache and Syrah beauty returns with a vengeance in 2007 with a deep plum color and a bright core of raspberry-inflected Grenache fruit. Swirl and sniff and you’re greeted with healthy, vibrant aromas of tree-ripened plums, licorice, star anise, tar and stony earth. Bright on the palate and bursting with energy, vibrancy and stony minerality, this is again the best value going in authentic, old-school Southern Rhône rouge. You can’t afford not to take home a bottle to enjoy with grilled eggplant, lamb, burgers and anything scented with rosemary, garlic or anchovies. We’re fairly certain you’ll call back the next morning for a case to enjoy over the next five years. The 2005 vintage of this lusty rouge turned many a head, and we sold out pronto. Don’t delay on this even spicier and more character-filled 2007. Utterly delicious!

2006 Domaines Elie Sumeire, Réserve de la Famille, Côtes de Provence, France … 11.99/128.00
Sumeire’s Reserve de la Famille rouge is a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache from the terroir of Montagne St. Victoire. Opaque black-purple in the glass, the Reserve de la Famille offers spicy, earthy aromas of black cherries, bacon fat, leather and tar. On the palate, the wine opens with spicy, tarry garrigue and a stony soil signature accenting the sumptuous plum fruit core. Leathery notes emerge thanks to the noble Mourvèdre component. The wine segues to a long finish featuring hints of bitter chocolate, olives, tobacco and plentiful fine, food-friendly tannins. The Reserve de la Famille is a lovely wine to help with the transition to the coming autumnal months. We suggest enjoying it by itself or over the coming three years with grilled meats, braised rabbit and garlicky potato dishes.

2005 La Bastide Blanche, Bandol, Cuvée Fontanéou, Provence, France … 28.99/310.00
If the Sumeire Reserve de la Famille (above) heightened your appreciation of the noble Mourvèdre grape, you owe it to yourself to try the big daddy of them all, Bandol. It is in sunny Bandol, overlooking the Mediterranean, that the Mourvèdre reaches its apogee in finesse and in complexity. La Bastide Blanche Cuvée Fontanéou, a blend of 96% Mourvèdre and Grenache, defines exactly the taste of great Bandol. Deep black-purple color in the glass, the Cuvée Fontanéou casts aromas of ripe plums alongside suggestions of tar, leather and herbal garrigue. On the palate, the Cuvée Fontanéou’s plum and blackberry fruit is complemented by complex notes of baker’s chocolate, menthol, tobacco and dusty limestone soil. Long and superbly balanced, the wine finishes with reprises of plums, tar, leather, tobacco and a lashing of fine tannins that bode well for a long evolution in your cellar. Enjoy now and over the coming twenty years with hearty Provençal recipes.

ITALY – RED

2007 G. D. Vajra, Langhe Rosso, Piedmont, Italy … 13.99/149.50
Early word about the 2007 Piedmont vintage indicates that it’s another terrific vintage of early appeal and stunning aromatics. This Langhe Rosso release from the unjustly overlooked G.D. Vajra estate offers an early glimpse into the goodness that will follow. Opaque black-ruby in color and sporting aromas of ripe cherries, vanilla and menthol, Vajra’s blend of Nebbiolo, Freisa, Barbera and Dolcetto fires on all cylinders. Lush and velvety in the mo
uth and showing forward cherry and loganberry fruit, the wine morphs to reveal a more serious side with complex leather and tar notes, firm acidity and fine, framing tannins. The combination of dazzling aromas, lush fruit, crisp acidity and firm tannins will make Vajra’s Langhe Rosso a lovely choice at the table with pasta, grilled burgers, beef, lamb, pizza – anything that calls for a robust red. Vajra’s Langhe Rosso is a terrific glimpse into the character of Piedmont’s 2007 vintage and offers far more flavor, complexity and outright deliciousness than its price tag demands. Enjoy now and over the next three years.

SPAIN – RED

2006 Bodegas Faustino, Faustino VII, Rioja, Spain … 9.99/107.00
Authentic, old-school red Riojas are truly a thing of beauty and are becoming more scarce each year. The Faustino VII is the bodega’s entry into Faustino’s classic portfolio. A blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, the Faustino VII opens with a translucent black-ruby robe followed by classic Rioja aromas of dried leaves, blond tobacco, ripe wild cherry fruit and hints of vanilla bean. Broad on the attack, the Faustino VII fuses its leafy cherry fruit with complex nuances of cigar tobacco, cloves, cinnamon and smoky soil. Long, inviting and incredibly high-toned, this is a wine that begs you drink it with gusto. Fortunately at this price, you can enjoy it with impunity alongside grilled lamb, burgers, tapas, summer vegetables and roasts of beef. This is superb, traditional, distinctive Rioja for a song!
Wine Spectator – 87 points

WHITE WINES

FRANCE – WHITE

NV Maison Vergnes / Domaine de Martinolles, Le Berceau, Blanquette de Limoux … 11.99/128.00
We were thrilled by the elegance and class of this bubbly from Maison Vergnes. A lovely gold color in the flute, the Berceau shows persistent effervescence and a flinty bouquet of lemon peel and crushed apples. The palate is creamy and assertive, with lemon and apple fruit playing with an underpinning of smoky minerals. The wine grows and blossoms in the glass, becoming richer and creamier with aeration. The Berceau’s finish shows notes of apple peel and wheat toast. This is a lovely, satisfying bubbly that offers tons of character and quality for its most affordable tariff. Enjoy now as a festive apéritif, as a wonderful wine for toasts and celebrations, and also as a match for roast chicken, broiled white-fleshed fish dishes or roasted root vegetables.

2007 Clos Lapeyre, Jurançon Sec, Southwest France … 12.99/139.00
Jean-Bernard Larrieu farms ten hectares in the Jurançon appellation in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Larrieu produces the full range of Jurançon wines, including this minerally dry white produced entirely from the indigenous Gros Manseng grape. A gorgeous lemon-gold color accented by green glints, Lapeyre’s Jurançon Sec casts notes of grapefruit, chamomile, apricot, white flowers and limestone minerals on the nose. The palate begins with brisk citrus fruit, but then opens to show Chenin Blanc-like waxy texture and suggestions of gooseberries, lemon pith, menthol and a persistent mineral undercurrent. The finish lasts forever, reprising the wine’s citrus fruit, the wine’s core of apricot, and its urgent minerality. This is a superb introduction to the fascinating and oft-overlooked wines of Jurançon. Buy a case and enjoy over the next three years with duck confit, freshwater fish dishes, roast chicken and vegetarian fare featuring porcini mushrooms, potatoes, artichokes, celeriac or eggplant. Superb wine!

ITALY – WHITE

2007 Compagnia di Ermes, Cibele Bianco, Lazio IGT, Italy ... 13.50/144.50
Here’s one for the annals of wine geekdom: a brilliant, distinctive Italian white wine made from two grapes we’ve never heard of, much less tasted! This tasty straw-gold wonder comes from Lazio and is made from the obscure grapes Ottonese and Bollone, also known as “uva pane.” Grown in Lazio’s wooded Selva zone and named for the goddess of the earth and agriculture, the Cibele rewards the faithful with fascinating aromas of mango, hay, apple and smoke. Broad on the palate yet seemingly weightless, the wine transforms with aeration to reveal notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, pineapple and muskmelon. Long and resinous on the finish, the Cibele adds weight and further notes of pine nuts and nutmeg. This fascinating wine will stump any wine geek chump and yet will also please the ardent Italian white wine lover with its flavors and versatility at the table. Enjoy this rare and delicious beauty with grilled prawns, zucchini and chicken marinated in lemon, olive oil and herbs.

2008 Gioacchino Garofoli, Guelfo Verde Frizzante, Marches, Italy … 8.99/96.00
Here’s the spring wedding and summer sparkler value of the year! This lightly sparkling (frizzante) white from central Italy’s Marches region is our vote for the best value, most charming party sparkling wine on the market. Made from a blend of Verdicchio, Trebbiano, and Chardonnay, the Guelfo Verde opens with a pale straw-yellow color and aromas of honeydew melon, minerals and sugar snap peas. Dry, crisp and irresistibly quaffable, the natural sparkle lifts the wine’s pear and melon fruit and makes it super refreshing and zippy. One sip and one glance at the price tag will have you buying this wine by the case for quaffing over the coming warm weather months. Enjoy at spring and summer celebrations, or pair it with light fish dishes and mild semi-firm cheeses.

PORTUGAL – WHITE

2005 Ramos-Pinto, Adriano, Douro Valley, Portugal ... 11.99/128.00
The Douro Valley is best known for its incomparable Ports, but it also has a long and storied history of producing excellent dry red and white wines. From the Port house of Ramos-Pinto, we’re blessed with this distinctive red that marries the Douro’s four most important red varietals: Touriga Francesa for structure and fruit, Tinta Roriz for tannin and spice, Tinta Barroca for color and smooth tannins, and an accent of Touriga Nacional for finesse and floral aromas. A deep plum color, the Adriano is ripe and ready with up-front wild cherry and boysenberry fruit coupled with notes of black pepper, allspice and smoky earth. Superbly balanced and transparent from start to finish, the Adriano frames its ebullient fruit expressions with firm, round tannins. A great introduction to the dry red wines of the Douro, the Adriano is also a terrific value. Versatile at the table, it will complement everyday fare like pastas, pizzas, casseroles and hamburgers. Enjoy now and over the coming five years.
Wine Spectator – 87 points

2007 Herdade do Esporão, Monte Velho Branco, Alentejo, Portugal … 9.99/107.00
You may have figured out by now that we’re nuts about the distinctive and food-friendly wines of Portugal. Our grills are fired and our glasses are filled with these brisk, versatile white wines. New to our palates is this riveting Monte Velho, a blend of indigenous Roupeiro, Antão Vaz and Perrum from Alentejo. Brilliant lemon gold with green highlights, the Monte Velho casts brisk, musky notes of green melon, lime zest and lemon balm. The wine’s crisp but broad palate adds notes of fresh bay leaf, peach, and Comice pear. A distinctive menthol note emerges on the back-palate and propels the Monte Velho to a long sumptuous lime and melon-tinged finish. At this price, grab a case to get you through the warm weather, and pair it with the entire spectrum of grilled seafood, white-sauced seafood pasta dishes, sautéed summer squashes, tapas, and any summertime fare featuring lots of garlic and olive oil.

SPAIN – WHITE

2008 Huguet de Can Feixes, Blanc Selecció, Penedès, Spain … 13.50/144.50
The historic Can Feixes estate is situated on the graveled amphitheater-like slopes near the famous Montserrat pinnacle. Vineyard plantation at Can Feixes dates back to 1400, and the estate has been in continuous production since 1690. Only the estate’s finest high-altitude Montonec (a.k.a. Parellada), Macabeo (a.k.a. Viura) and Chardonnay fruit goes into Huguet’s Can Feixes Blanc Selecciò. In the glass, this crisp, green-glinted, straw-colored white offers appetizing aromas of lemon oil, Bosc pear and intense gravelly minerality. On the palate, the Blanc Selecciò’s spine-tingling acidity meshes seamlessly with its bracingly mineral-infused lemon, melon and Mirabelle plum fruit leading to a clean finish marked by another lashing of smoky, gravelly minerals. Enjoy this crisp, refreshing, low-alcohol summer white over the coming two years as a wonderful alternative to old-school French Chablis, Aligoté or Sancerre, and pair it with oysters, white-fleshed fish selections, scallops and other fruits du mer.

ROSÉ WINE

ITALY – ROSÉ

2008 Rigoloccio, Rosato, Maremma, Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy … 9.99/107.00
Tuscany’s Maremma zone is home to the granddaddy of all the Super Tuscans, Sassicaia. As evidenced by this terrific Cabernet Franc rosé, the region’s flair with traditional Bordeaux varietals works as well at the affordable end of the spectrum as it does in the fiscal stratosphere. Rigoloccio’s 2008 rosato shows a brilliant orange-tinged watermelon color and the earthy, herbal notes that define the noble Cabernet Franc. On the palate, the rosato balances ample watermelon and cranberry fruit alongside brisk acidity and complex notes of limestone terroir. Smoky, rich, yet totally refreshing, Rigoloccio’s rosato finishes long and clean, adding suggestions of red raspberries, wild strawberries and that refreshing herbal streak that brings Chinon to mind. Delicious and priced well below its quality level. Lovely by itself as an after-work refresher, it will also pair well with just about anything off the grill.

LINER & ELSEN
2222 NW Quimby St.
Portland, OR 97210
800-903-9463
503-241-9463

Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
CLOSED: Labor Day, Mon. Sept. 7

NEW FOR AUGUST:

PRE-ARRIVAL OFFER
2007 Cameron Abbey Ridge Pinot Noir Cuvée L & E

RED WINES
2007 Westrey Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard Oregon
2008 Owen Roe Abbot’s Table Columbia Valley
2007 Dom. de Fontenille Côtes du Lubéron
2006 J. Drouhin Côte de Beaune-Villages
2007 Luigi Giusti Lacrima di Morro d’Alba

WHITE WINES
2007 Wallace Brook Pinot Gris Oregon
2008 Dom. des Cassagnoles Réserve Sélection Cuvée Gros Manseng
N/V Murgo Etna Bianco Sicily
2008 Vestini Pecorino Terre di Chieti IGT
2008 Tenuta Sant’Antonio Scaia Bianca, Bianco del Veneto IGT
NV (2008) Casal Garcia Vinho Verde Portugal

ROSE WINE
2008 Ch. Margüi Rosé Côteaux Varois en Provence

MORE FEATURED WINES:

MIXED-CASE SAMPLER - KERMIT LYNCH WINES
Ch. St. Martin de la Garrigue, Languedoc

RED WINES
2007 Dom. de la Guicharde Côtes du Rhône
2006 Dom. Elie Sumeire Réserve de la Famille Côtes de Provence
2005 La Bastide Blanche Bandol
2007 G. D. Vajra Langhe Rosso
2006 Bodegas Faustino, Faustino VII Rioja

WHITE WINES
NV Maison Vergnes / Dom. de Martinolles Le Berceau
2007 Clos Lapeyre Jurançon Sec
2007 Compagnia di Ermes Cibele Bianco
2008 Gioacchino Garofoli Guelfo Verde Frizzante
2005 Ramos-Pinto Adriano, Portugal
2007 Herdade do Esporão Monte Velho Branco, Portugal
2008 Huguet de Can Feixes Blanc Selecció, Spain

ROSE WINE
2008 Rigoloccio Rosato, Toscana IGT

FRIDAY TASTINGS:
First and third of the month
5:30-7:30, fee

Aug. 7 Is the promise of Oregon Chardonnay being met? Come and taste from among the best of Oregon’s Chardonnay.

Aug. 21 Superb White Burgundies from the Cote de Chalonnaise.

Sept. 4 Who said 2007 Oregon Pinots Noir aren’t good? The real news is in the bottle!

SATURDAY TASTINGS:
Weekly; Starts at noon, no fee

Aug. 1 Stella Schulte from Young’s-Columbia will pour Murgo Etna Bianco, Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune-Villages, and Wallace Brook Pinot Gris. At table two: Westry Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard, and Owen Roe Abbot’s Table.

Aug. 8 La Belle France: Ch. Margüi Rosé Côteaux Varois en Provence, Dom. des Cassagnoles Réserve Sélection Cuvée Gros Manseng, Clos Lapeyre Jurançon Sec, Dom. de la Guicharde Côtes du Rhône, Dom. de Fontenille Côtes du Lubéron, and Dom. Elie Sumeire Réserve de la Famille Côtes de Provence.

Aug. 15 Viva Italia! Rigoloccio Rosato Maremma, Vestini Pecorino Terre di Chieti Abruzzi, Compagnia di Ermes Cibele Bianco Lazio, Tenuta Sant’Antonio Scaia Bianca Bianco del Veneto, Luigi Giusti Lacrima di Morro d’Alba Marches, and G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso Piedmont.

Aug. 22 Lovely wines from the Iberian Peninsula: Casal Garcia Vinho Verde, Herdade do Esporão Monte Velho Branco Alentejo, Bodegas Faustino Faustino-VII, and Ramos-Pinto Adriano Douro Valley.

Aug. 29 Brilliant! An afternoon of refreshing and titillating sparkling wines from all over the world.