Spring 2020 Shipment
2018 Envinate Benje Bianco Cuvee Viticole
2018 Envinate Migan Cuvee Viticole
GRAPE: Benje - Listan Blanco Migan - Listan Negro
TASTING NOTES
Las Arenas: The freshness of this site just continues to impress. This is a less oxidative version of 2017 with nervy acidity and a seamless, salt-tinged texture.
Cuvee Viticole: this is the purest and most free example of Listan Negro yet. The majority of the blend did not see wood. There is an undeniable energy and pleasure factor provided by Tío Luis. La Habanera adds complexity, length and mid-palate depth.
RECOMMENDED DRINK WINDOW
Las Arenas: Best 2020 – 2033+
Cuvee Viticole: Best 2022 – 2040+
SEASONAL PAIRING
Las Arenas: shellfish, light fowl, soft mild cheese
Cuvee Viticole: meats with a vinegar-based sauce
2018 Envinate Lousas Cuvee Viticole
2018 Envinate Lousas Parcela rosende
GRAPE: Mencia
TASTING NOTES
Cuvee Viticole: a spectrum of dark and red fruits reveals cracked black pepper and high toned stemmy nuances. This is elegant and full of energy. A grown-up version of our 2016 CV bottling.
Rosende: More red-fruited in nature and linear like Pinot or Trousseau. It’s a brooding monster today but will unfold with layers upon layers in the years to come. The patient will be rewarded!
RECOMMENDED DRINK WINDOW:
Disclaimer: while these wines are accessible now, they will really benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age, especially Rosende which is sleeping giant.
Cuvee Viticole: best 2022 – 2038+
Rosende: best 2025 – 2050+
SEASONAL PAIRING:
Mencía: There is none greater than a little grilled or seared Octopus. Do as the Gallegos do and drizzle with olive oil, salt and paprika. Vegetarians can enjoy spice-laden Mediterranean options and be in a happy place.
2018 Whitcraft Pinot Noir La Lie Fine Cuvee viticole
2018 Domaine de la cras Bourgogne cuvee viticole
GRAPE: Pinot Noir
TASTING NOTES
Whitcraft: Umami red fruit floating on clouds. This is the Beaujolais of the Sta. Rita Hills.
Soyard: This smells like a spicy forest with stemmy exotic florals. SOOO much energy on the palate thanks to the electric Hermaion and a barrel of Equilibriste. We added one more barrel of Cras which added flesh and complexity with some signature dill notes.
RECOMMENDED DRINK WINDOW:
Whitcraft: best now – 2036+
Soyard: best 2021 – 2038+
SEASONAL PAIRING:
Whitcraft: shellfish, beets, and lighter fowl…
Soyard: duck casserole, herb-roasted lamb
2018 Walter Scott Chardonnay Cuvee Viticole
2018 Hiyu Smockshop Band Grenache Cuvee Viticole
GRAPES: Walter Scott - Chardonnay Hiyu - Grenache
TASTING NOTES
Walter Scott: The salt/crunch cuvee - light reductive notes on the nose mingle with citrus. On the palate the wine is generous and expansive, but free of heaviness with ethereal delineation. LONG, salt-tinged finish.
Hiyu: exotic spice, herb and floral notes: stemmy evergreen, black pepper, dominate a red fruited bouquet that is pure savory liquid energy in the mouth. Hints of truffles (a classic Gorge note), will gain prominence with bottle age.
RECOMMENDED DRINK WINDOW:
Walter Scott: drink 2021 – 2050+
Hiyu: drink 2020 – 2038+ **DISCAIMER** This bottling is going through a funky phase as does befall many natural wines early in their life. Lay it down and I'll let you know when it's in a good place. Trust me. The wait will be worth it! -Brian
SEASONAL PAIRING:
Walter Scott: roasted chicken or simple pasta with grated cheese (why not add mushrooms or truffles). Summer corn in its season…
Hiyu: chickpea stew with salsa verde, most any grilled protein in a tomato-herb sauce; sautéed mushrooms
2018 Marie et Florian Curtet Cuvee Viticole
2018 Dom. des Ardoisieres Schiste Blanc Cuvee Viticole
GRAPES: Curtet - Jacquere / Altesse Ardoisieres - Jacquere, Roussanne, Malvoisie, Mondeuse Blance
TASTING NOTES
Curtet: Tasted yesterday at the winery. This is crisp and saline but tightly coiled and focused. Expect the soaring alpine high notes to reveal themselves in a few years.
Ardoisieres: This is true vin de garde wine that is accessible now should you not be able to control yourself. But expect the nobility of Ardoisieres wines to unfold in lengthy, layered detail for years to come.
RECOMMENDED DRINK WINDOW:
Curtet: Best 2022 - 2038
Ardoisieres: Best 2022 – 2045+
SEASONAL PAIRING:
Curtet: Ethereal texture and energy, showcasing everything you’d expect out of something alpine: fresh, salty and soaring…
Ardoisieres: This is true vin de garde wine that is accessible now but will age like a champion.
2018 poderi colla langhe nebbiolo cuvee viticole
GRAPE - Nebbiolo
TASTING NOTES
Picture a room full of roses and candied orange peels and that’s where the nose of this wine starts. Soft gentian root spices linger underneath. The texture is both delicate and luxurious. We’re not going to bowl you over with power here. This wants to float...
RECOMMENDED DRINK WINDOW:
Best 2023 – 2040+
SEASONAL PAIRING:
Get all up in some truffle risotto or roasted lamb or pecorino cheese or chanterelle mushrooms. You’ve been dared.
