Happy Hour Tasting Featuring Summer Whites and Reds

“Someone said drink the water, but I will drink the wine / Someone said take a poor man, the rich don’t have a dime / Go fool yourself, if you will, I just haven’t got the time / I’ll give you back your water, and I will take the wine.”

Frank Sinatra
The Voice

Water and wine are the only two things that I drink for the most part and hey why do we need water after all wine is 80-85% water!!

The party continues this summer at the Wine Bar we have another great line-up of wines for another Happy Hour style tasting.  This is our more casual walk around events and to start this tasting out we are popping a 3 Liter Bottle of Taittinger Brut La Franciase Champagne… because nothing says party like a Jerobaum of bubbly.  This week’s theme is summer whites and reds, some of the wines in this line-up are up to 50% off their regular price!!

We have over 20 wines on the table tonight from all over the world and Chef Toni will be making some tasty treats to accompany the tasting wines.  The fee for this event is $95 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.

Happy Hour Wine Tasting Featuring Summer Whites and Reds!
Thursday, July 21st
6:00pm

NV TAITTINGER BRUT LA FRANCAISE CHAMPAGNE 3 LITER
Price: $315.00        Your Price: $277.20          Quantity in Stock: 8
This Champagne is a blend of some 30 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards, respectively 40% and 60% of the total, from several harvests of perfectly ripened grapes.  Nothing says party like a big bottle of Champagne, and we start off the evening with a Jerobaum!!  I bought all that they had as you may know I LOVE big bottles!!!

2018 ST SUPERY VINEYARDS PROPRIETARY WHITE VIRTU NAPA
Price: $27.75           Your Price: $24.42
Elegant shades of pale yellow are displayed in this blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Aromas of lemon grass, lime and a hint of pear are framed by a fantastic French oak quality of toasted oak. Flavors of green lime, lemon grass and kiwi fruit are met with a creamy texture from the sur-lie maturation. The palate is complete with a subtle thread of toasted oak adding complexity to this bright and vibrant white wine.

2018 ALEX GAMBAL BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
Price: $32.50           Your Price: $28.60
Our Bourgogne Chardonnay now comes only from our parcel in Volnay and bio grapes that we harvest in Puligny. The Bourgogne has a wonderful balance between the vintage's acidity and the inherent richness of Puligny and Volnay. 

2018 PATZ N HALL CHARDONNAY SONOMA COAST
Price: $33.00           Sale Price: $22.50 (30% off)
Aromas of smoky, toasty oak, fresh buttered toast opulent tropical fruit and mineral highlights on the nose. Lush and fruity on the palate with just the right touch of toasty oak, balanced acidity leading to a long complex finish. Finish 40+ EXCELLENT +

2018 PATZ & HALL PINOT NOIR SONOMA COAST
Price: $37.50           Your Price: $25.00 (30% off)
(93 Points) Eighteen small, independent family-owned vineyard sites come together in this gorgeous display of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This is an approachable Pinot Noir showing alluring freshness and purity. The nose displays intense aromas of Bing cherry, strawberry, dried rose petal and licorice notes. Nicely dense and full on the palate, the fresh acidity and bright red fruit flavors resolve on a juicy, detailed finish. This 2018 offering has the essential elegance, purity and complexity that defines great Pinot Noir.  Wine Enthusiast, April 2022

2020 JULES TAYLOR PINOT NOIR MARLBOROUGH
Price: $24.00   Sale Price: $19.75
This Pinot Noir is very generous on the nose, showing vibrant aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and plum combined with spicy oak notes. It has an impressive concentration of flavor and a nice acid backbone. The finish is dry with a nice touch of dark chocolate and subtle French oak coming through.

2018 QUARTZ REEF PINOT NOIR BENDIGO SINGLE VINEYARD CENTRAL OTAGO
Price: $43.00   Your Price: $37.84
(93 Points) This is an impressively dense Pinot Noir, almost cordial-like in its concentration. It's dark and intense with black cherry, coffee and dark chocolate – the equivalent of an espresso coffee. Abundant muscular tannins coat the palate, followed by long length. There's no doubting the ambition and quality of this wine, which will suit those who like their Pinots punchy rather than pretty. Drinking window: 2023 – 2030 Vinous

2015 ELYSE ZINFANDEL MORISOLI VINEYARD NAPA
Price: $45.00   Your Price: $22.50 (50% OFF)
From old vines, this Zinfandel is aromatically teasing and lush all the way across the palate. Aromas of sweet briary fruit lead to flavors of kirsch, cherries, raspberries and hints of white chocolate and toffee with an underlying mineral component. The wine is seamless on the palate with a lovely creamy texture and long pleasing finish.

2018 DOMINIO DE ATAUTA RIBERA DEL DUERO
Price: $39.00   Your Price: $34.32
Location: The Atauta Valley is located at the very beginning of the Ribera del Duero appellation and only 50 km. away from the birthplace of the Duero River in the province of Soria at 1,000 meters above sea level. This valley is highly eroded and has a highly diverse variety of soil profiles especially when taking into account its relatively small dimension (4 km long by 1 km wide).
Vineyard: the winery is made up of 15 ha. and controls 30 ha. of vineyards. The years of experience and hard work in this area have helped us to get to intricately know the singular characteristics of each of our more than 500 micro-plot vineyards. Each plot is managed individually maintaining a maximum respect of its unique essence and characteristics .Alt. from sea level: 980- 1050 m
Climate: This area has a continental climate with a Mediterranean influence that is characterized by very long and rigorous winters and by short and hot summers.
Average rainfall: 430 mm/year
Soils: In the Atauta valley there are a myriad of soil profiles, exposures and orientations to be found that will lend a unique personality and characteristics to the grapes of each particular vineyard. Something that is common to all the plots is that they are all have a sandy layer in the top layer of the soils. This sandiness is a key reason why this valley has resisted the onslaught of phylloxera. Apart from this, they all have calcareous bedrock that lends minerality and complexity to the wines and that act as a barrier to the roots.
Average vine age: pre-phylloxeric. 120 and over 140 years

NV 1818 Inspiration Champagne
Price: $40.50   Sale $35.64
Charles Le Bel “1818” Brut NV is a delicious, classic champagne with aromas of brioche, almonds and pears. An excellent quality/price ratio and an exceptional opportunity to get this champagne for parties and grandiose evenings.

The champagne house Billecart-Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ handles the vinification of this champagne. The grapes come from vineyards with younger vines. The entire operation, including the degorgement and dosage take place in the Billecart-Salmon cellars. This is an absolute guarantee of originality and character.

Blend: Chardonnay 37%, Pinot Meunier 30%, Pinot Noir 33% (Reserve wine 70%)
Appearance: Very fine and crystalline bubbles, golden yellow light
Aroma: Impressive nose, with aromas of brioche, almonds, butter, apple and pear
Palate: A beautiful stroke, mineral, very good balance between acidity and roundness, citrus fruits and long finish

2020 Truchard Pinot Noir Carneros
Price: $36.00   Sale $31.68

Vintage: The 2020 vintage will be remembered as nearly perfect. A cold winter with average rainfall made for a late bud-break. Ideal spring weather allowed for a heavy set. Mild conditions throughout summer and fall allowed the crop to slowly ripen and develop maximum flavor. The wines of 2020 are powerful but elegant with firm acidity and beautiful balance. This could be the vintage of the decade!

Vineyard: Seven separate clonal selections of Pinot Noir grow on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. Two "Martini clones", the "Pommard" clone, the "Swan" clone and several new selections from France -Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777. Each selection provides a unique element of aromatic fruit, spice, and texture to the blend. The vines range from 20 to 42 years and are planted in several sites that take full advantage of the this soil, rolling hills and cooler temperatures. These are factors that make the Carneros an ideal spot to grow Pinot Noir.

2020 Daou Pessimist Blend Paso Robles
Price: $18.75   Sale $16.50
(92 Points) Deep ruby-purple, the 2020 Pessimist is a blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 18% Syrah, 18% Zinfandel and 2% Lagrein, matured for 10 months in 60% new French oak. It's scented of black cherries with touches of purple flowers, graphite and grilled meats, and the medium-bodied palate is grainy and fresh with a long, perfumed finish. This offers fantastic quality for the price.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2019 Halter Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
Price: $30.00   Sale $26.50
Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot.  The 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of black cherry, red currant, cassis, and a touch of pencil lead. The palate is soft and rich, exuding flavors of raspberry, blueberry, and a hint of cocoa. Lengthy, integrated tannins lead to a seamless finish.

2018 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Price: $85.50   Sale $75.24
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of dusty cedar and sage. Notes of dark cherry, sassafras, and fresh fig on the nose compliment floral notes of lavender and violets. Brambly red fruit layered with tobacco, bay leaf, and cassis round out the expressive bouquet. On the palate bright red and blue fruits of cherry and boysenberry burst from the glass. This bright fruit evolves into darker notes of brambly blackberry and black plum all layered with savory flavors of olives and sage. The fruit is balanced with toasty oak and a powerful tannin structure that is truly indicative of the 2018 vintage. While this structure will allow the wine to age gracefully for many, many years to come, the bright intense fruit which Spring Mountain is known for allows this wine to be enjoyed now.

2019 Crown Point Relevant Red Santa Barbera
Price: $75.00   Sale $66.00
The next great spot for Bordeaux varietals in California, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and they have 50 acres of vines. A big bouquet with 15.5% Alcohol with dark currant and cassis berry fruit. A smooth and polished wine with ripe round tannins and a nice touch of lightly toasted oak spice, chocolate and nice balance and freshness through the finish. Finish 45+ Excellent +

2020 Twomey Pinot Noir Russian River
Price: $60.00   Sale $52.80
The 2019 growing season began with a strong, wet weather pattern that recharged the soil moisture profile and set the vines up for success. The hydrated soil delayed budbreak slightly, but the vines were ready to push healthy, strong canopies throughout the relatively mild spring and summer months. Extended periods of warm, beautiful weather in the summer and fall helped the vines transition from building canopy architecture to ripening fruit. This long, slow ripening period was ideal for our Russian Valley River Pinot Noir vineyards because the cool, foggy sites had time to develop  and mature while the warmer sites did not lose their freshness and vibrancy. Fall temperatures were warm and consistent, allowing for excellent, even ripening and leading to wines that are forward, juicy and elegant. The warmer Pinot vineyards began trickling in at the beginning of September, and all the fruit was picked by September 25. The 2019 vintage is a classic expression of the Russian River Valley, with the depth of fruit, plush mouthfeel and energy that we love year after year.

NV Ca Del Bosco Prestige Cuvee Franciacorta
Price: $37.50   Sale $33.00
A virtue found in the etymology of an ancient word: idem, or being the same. Cuvée Prestige, the essence of Franciacorta, Ca' del Bosco style. A jewel created in 2007 from thirty year's experience. Only the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco grapes from the best vineyards, vinified separately and skillfully blended with reserves of the finest vintages (at least 20%) go into the magical rite of Cuvée creation. It will take almost 24 months of refinement on yeasts before this wine is ready to express all its richness and identity. A classic, well-balanced Franciacorta, pleasantly fresh and crisp. Perfect for any occasion.

2019 Kettmeir Pinot Bianco Sudtirol
Price: $18.75   Sale $16.50
Straw yellow in color with greenish reflections, floral scents of wisteria and fruity notes of green apple. Dry palate with good acidity, persistent and delicate minerality.

2019 Fattoria Sardi La Cicale Toscana
Price: $30.00   Sale $26.50

Variety: Organic Syrah and Vermentino grapes.

Vinification and aging: Harvested by hand. Maceration time depending on the year, in pneumatic press. Low temperature juice racking and spontaneous fermentation by adding pied de cuve from the vineyards. The fermentation and aging in wood on fine lees. Clarified with bentonite and filtered. Sulfites are added to the wine.

2021 Fattoria Sardi Rose Toscana
Price: $18.75       Sale $16.50

Soft rose, hues of mango, and grapefruit. Crisp and refreshing on the nose, with notes of wild roses, raspberries and melon with a fading aroma of cream. Luscious, refreshing and enjoyable with well-balanced acidity. Fresh fruit on the finish.
With its unique bouquet and refreshing taste, Fattoria Sardi Rosé can be served as a pre-lunch/dinner drink or is ideal for seafood or light pasta dishes, especially on a spring or summer afternoon.

2018 Roco Private Stash Oregon
Price: $105.00    Sale $92.40

ABOUT PRIVATE STASH PINOT NOIR; ROCO’s premier Pinot Noir, Private Stash is a numbered series of small production Pinot Noir sourced from a 2-acre plot on the Soles’ private 21-acre vineyard. This complex Pinot offers layer upon layer of intense, silky, full-bodied flavor that is elegantly balanced. Derived from Rollin’s special clonal propagation, 3A, otherwise called “the ROCO selection” these vines produce smaller than normal clusters of tightly packed berries. We hold that this wine will stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest Pinot Noirs from around the globe. The 2015 Stash is No. 13 in the production series that began in 2003.

VINTAGE NOTES 2018:  2018 vintage was completely different from the previous three years when vintners harvested their grapes earlier than normal. The wet, cool spring delayed flowering until late June, setting the stage for a later harvest. Hot, dry conditions prevailed through the summer and fruit set was higher than average requiring thinning to ensure incredible wines. There is a fresh fruit component and complexity that emerges to the forefront in the wines.

2019 Roco Knudsen Vineyard Oregon
Price: $52.50      Sale $46.20

ABOUT KNUDSEN VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR:  One of the oldest plantings in the Willamette Valley, Knudsen Vineyards was planted by Cal Knudsen in 1971 and is still owned by the Knudsen family. These vineyards sit atop the world famous Dundee Hills AVA at 800ft of elevation and are entirely red clay Jory soils. ROCO is one of a few wineries able to source this amazing fruit due to Rollin’s long-standing relationship with the Knudsen family. Knudsen Vineyards produce strong, dark fruit flavors with spice notes on the front and mid-palate and a distinct minerality on the finish that is unique to ROCO Pinot Noir.

2019 VINTAGE NOTES:  This was quite the “Yo-Yo” growing season, so definitely not boring to this old Veteran Vintner, Rollin Soles. The warmer-than-normal start in May with temperatures into the 90’s was a worry as there is normally a colder temp at the time. Then, when the shoots were a good 6 -8” long, a cold, rainy mid-May hit came for a full two-week period. Then, a warm long summer kicked in. And just as anticipated, from first of September to the 19th, we were presented with nearly 3” of cold rain. Mt. Hood looked fantastic with its early mantle of white snow! Cool temps and refreshing rains after such a long time dry in the vineyards, lifted the aromatics (think “floral” qualities) and the elegance in the palate and in the fruit flavors.It’s becoming a pattern here in the Willamette, where we receive a “refreshing wash” of cold rain at the end of August or into early September (15, 16, 17, 19 for example). Seems to brighten and lift the fruit and acidity of our wines.

2017 Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva Gran Selezione
Price: $49.50       Sale $43.56
Its color is a deep ruby red with a faint garnet tinge. Its aromas are the extremely distinctive ones of Sangiovese: the fundamental notes are those that characterize a Chianti Classico of breed: iris, spices (pepper) and wild berries. On the palate, the oak, held at bay by the wine’s ample fruit, leaves room for nuances of preserves and of spices, which are in perfect harmony with the bouquet.

2016 Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella
Price: $60.00       Sale $52.80
(95 Points) Ripe black-skinned fruit, blue flower and baking spice aromas form the nose of this full-bodied red along with a whiff of cedar. Concentrated but possessing a weightless elegance, the smooth, enveloping palate delivers prune marinated in spirits, black cherry, licorice and cocoa framed in velvety tannins. Cellar Selection. Wine Enthusiast

Menu
Shrimp Ceviche Shooters
Tuna Tartar Tacos served with diced Cucumber and Basil Aioli
Mini Chicken Quesadilla with Avocado Sour Creme
Pork Belly bites with Honeyed Orange Marmalade
Short Rib Empanadas with Mole Sauce
Beef Sliders with Mushroom Truffle mayo
Steak fries with Reggiano Parmesan and White Truffle

The fee for this tasting which includes all of the wines on this offering and more!!  is $95 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com