Fantastic Italian Red
Posted on Dec 05, 2011 by Will Richey.
This is what you might call an Italian Table Wine, meaning, it’s under $10 and good for many meals and situations. What sets this particular wine apart from that rather general category of lower priced wines is that this wine is unbelievably fantastic.
Absolutely no hyperbole, I would have been happy paying $16-$18 for this Dolcetto.
I first tasted the wine over a month ago with the sales rep. You may remember as I offered the Barberesco from the same estate. I wanted to offer the Dolcetto then but the 200 cases they had in stock were immediately purchased by another retailer in the Northern Virginia area. I have been waiting for its return to offer out and it is finally back.
This wine marks maybe one of three for the year in the category of drinking quality that at double its price point would still have you thinking it was a steal. The flavor reminded me of a quality of Dolcetto I had not had in some time, deep and brooding tart berry flavors, ruby velvet in both color and feel with a good tannic grip to let you know you have something of worth to bight on to.
This is a tremendously solid red that is priced for everyday drinking. It is my #1 holiday red wine pick as it will please almost all of your guests whilst having the unique ability of also being delightful to you as well.
My highest recommendations for this quality and price point
2009 Franco Serra. Dolcetto
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Retail Price: $10.99
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Beaujolias and Thanksgiving
Posted on Nov 21, 2011 by Will Richey.
I spent the entire day yesterday slaughtering Turkeys for Thanksgiving. It was so beautiful out, overcast, warm and still. We did the work out by my fire pit under a 200 year old oak tree. The smoke from a slow burning fire occasionally blew over us as we plucked the wild sprays of feathers from the beautiful birds. I had set out Oysters and homemade hard cider, cold and bone dry, we snacked as we worked but when the birds were cleaned and put into refrigeration and my friends had left I straightened up the site, made myself a ham sandwich and popped the cork on a 2009 Cru Beaujolias. Surrounded by the orange-brown horizon of fallen oak leaves, the silver and gray stripes of bare tree trunks and the thin whisping bead of an open hard wood fire I gulped the wine down in huge mouthfuls and felt like an old woodsman from a German story book.
This is the wine of Autumn feasting.
Many folks feel like drinking Beaujolias with Thanksgiving dinner is a must. I am one of these people. This is a good thing as it seems like the quality of Beaujolais just keeps getting better every year.
No joke. If you have not tasted a Cru Beaujolias in the last 7 years you are missing one of the more delightful trends in the wine world.
The 2009 Domaine de la Voute des Crozes, Cote de Brouilly from Kermit Lynch imports is by far my top pick for this years T-day celebration. We will be able to get this in Wednesday before Thanksgiving for all of the die-hards who realize that having a good Beaujolais is as necessary as having Gravy for your mashed potatoes.
This Cote de Brouilly almost drinks like a Burgundy. In that I mean it has none of those qualities that would make someone qualify a wine as Gamay-y. The wine is deep and dark with brooding tannic fruits that are also somehow lively, refreshing and delightful.
I believe this to be the perfect wine for all your Thanksgiving needs with my highest reccomendations.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
You may also note that we are getting a significantly better price for our member pricing due to the power of the Guilds bulk buying ability. Hurray for group buying power. Yeah Guild!
Last of all I will leave you with my favorite November poem by Robert Frost:
My Sorrow, when she’s here with me,
Thinks these dark days of autumn rain
Are beautiful as days can be;
She loves the bare, the withered tree;
She walks the sodden pasture lane.
Her pleasure will not let me stay.
She talks and I am fain to list:
She’s glad the birds are gone away,
She’s glad her simple worsted gray
Is silver now with clinging mist.
The desolate, deserted trees,
The faded earth, the heavy sky,
The beauties she so truly sees,
She thinks I have no eye for these,
And vexes me for reason why.
Not yesterday I learned to know
The love of bare November days
Before the coming of the snow,
But it were vain to tell her so,
And they are better for her praise.
2009 Domaine de la Voute des Crozes, Cote de Brouilly
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Retail Price: $24.99
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The Latest Chapter in My Sordid Love Affair With Mont Olivet
Posted on Oct 27, 2011 by Evan Williams.
I've been waiting for an opening in the schedule so I could bring you what I consider to be a perennial champion of the wine world, from one of my favorite Rhone producers, and it's finally here. I'm drinking a bottle of the 2009 Clos du Mont Olivet 'Montueil - la Lavade' Cotes du Rhone, and all I can say is that it's pure, stunning deliciousness wrapped in a shell of classic Chateauneuf-esque garrigue and earthiness, tied up with a ribbon of restrained classicity that a wine of this price has no business getting anywhere near.
My ire towards the world of village-level CdR is well-known, and well-founded. I think, more than any other type of wine, the proportion of frumpy, uninteresting, "generic red table wine" Cotes du Rhones that I've had has been so overwhelming that for a long while, I just gave up on them altogether (as I've done with Chianti and other common basic-level European wines from time to time), waiting for something to bring me back from the brink whenever it felt the urge. Well, last year, when I tried the 2008 vintage, that day finally came. In a difficult vintage, here's this inexpensive little village wine that tastes like a scaled-back Chateaunuef---we're back in business, baby!, I said to myself. Well, I've tasted plenty of village CdR between then and now, and none have really done it for me like the La Lavade does it for me. So when the 09 shipment came in, I knew you all deserved a heads-up.
The La Lavade, as I said, has a core of pure deliciousness; it's big without being sappy or extracted; it's luxurious without being cloying or candied. The nose is full of garrigue, limestone and ripe berries with just a hint of woodiness - it promises depth and breadth, while not being overly obvious, which just draws you in further. The first sip is a bit like tart cherry pie: big acid for structure, soft tannins, bright fruit and a velvety chocolate element that winds its way through your palate. The finish is lingering, but not obnoxious.
As I said a year ago, I've been in love with Mont Olivet ever since, years and years ago, one of their aged Chateaunuefs unexpectedly transported me to another world. They walk that line between classic ageable brilliance and drink-now approachableness, and their wines always tell a story. My verdict here, though, is that Rhones of this caliber at this silly low price only come along a few times a year, and with a vintage like 2009, this has the potential to last five years (which is saying a lot for a wine at this price). Not that I think you can wait that long, but hey, maybe you forget about a few bottles down in the back of your cellar, right?
Okay, Autumn is upon us, and it's time to move on only the best reds for winter. This is my first entry in that column. Go!
2009 Clos du Mont Olivet 'Montueil - la Lavade' Cotes du Rhone
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Retail Price: $16.00
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First Burgundy of the Season
Posted on Oct 17, 2011 by Will Richey.
There is tradition that says when God banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden he gave them a young vine, the last and only item they were able to take from Eden. The Burgundians trace their very clone of Pinot Noir back through an ancient migration that would have originated exactly where we believe Eden to have been.
I just made made that up, but it is basically how I feel about Burgundy.
If you are new to the Guild you may not have heard that Burgundy is my favorite wine. I love the stuff, I revel in it, Burgundy is proof to me that God loves us, it is a glimpse into heaven, a taste from the realm where all things originate, it is perfection.
I am such a geek for Burgundy that I will only drink it in the Fall and Winter when I believe it tastes its absolutely best. I wont write the essay on why I think that here, just trust me on this one.
The Burgundy I have today is a Guild favorite. We have been strong supporters of this Domaine since our origin. In fact the lessor brother to todays wine was once a Defcon wine for us in a much more average vintage. That was the 'Grands Pretans,' today I have the 2009 Domaine Xavier Besson. Givry 1er Cru. 'Petit Pretan.'
This wine is from a much smaller Pretan. No, sorry, again I am joking. I have not looked up the wine makers notes on this wine or checked on a map to see where the different vineyards sit. I only know what I have tasted and I can say without a doubt that this is the finest vintage I have ever tasted of this wine.
Besson's style has been a favorite for me since the late 90's. His wines are approachable, huge with flavor, deeply Burgundian and all about ready ripe fruit. I have always used this wine to turn California/Oregon Pinot drinkers on to Burgundy. As much as finding good drinking Burgundy can be a crap shoot, Besson's wines are on and drinking stunningly almost every time.
If Besson's wine is a sharply dressed gentleman, the 2009 Petite Pretans is Bond in a tuxedo. There is more of everything here. The Petite Pretan is already a deeper wine than the Grands Pretan, more brooding and dark as the Cote Nuits is to the Beaune. Both wines transcend their Givry home in the Cote Chalonnais, though possessing a brightness of fruit one associates with that area.
There is just so much more here, stones and black cherry, chasm like depth, roundness, length, it is a blustery day of fallen leaves, forest floor, "stone rock, stone, steal, stone, oak leaves horses heels."
I am often baffled by explanation when I love a wine so perfectly.
My highest recommendations for all palate types and in all cases.
2009 Domaine Xavier Besson. Givry 1er Cru. 'Petit Pretan.'
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Retail Price: $30.50
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Autumn’s Rose
Posted on Oct 13, 2011 by Will Richey.
Last evening, with the help of some good neighbors, I loaded a rather wild pig onto my trailer for delivery to the abattoir this morning. It was pouring down rain and I was calf deep in mud, I did take one ride landing horizontal in what I like to think was just mud but know deep down wasn't. Monday I slaughtered my first Turkey for the season along with some Roosters who were unnecessary for our uses. I will eat that Turkey on Friday, I like to give fowl at least five days aging before I roast them.
I love Autumn with all its chores and blessings and I could eat roast Turkey from September to March. It is one of my favorite foods. And along with the foods of Autumn and Winter I begin to think of my favorite wines. This is the great culinary time of the year when foods and wine taste best and for me it is a time to open my best and oldest bottles but also it is a time to revel in the perfect pairing of wine to food at every level.
Like eating soup, I drink Rose all year long. Sure it is crisp and satisfying in the Summer time and many types of Rose even signify Summer to me. But there are many styles of Rose and I'd be a damn fool not to open up the correct ones with the right food no matter what temperature it is outside.
For Thanksgiving and even Christmas time this year I am thrilled to be recommending a Virginia Rose. From newest label in town, the 2010 Knights Gambit, Rose is utterly delicious. With a light natural effervescence and medium crisp body this wine is enjoyable, palate cleansing and thoroughly gulpable. The Rose is 100% Merlot with 3-4 cold macerations followed by pressing then neutral barrel fermentation, crafted by local wine hero Michael Shaps and owner Paul Summers this is an excellent effort to be enjoyed by all.
There was not a lot made but the wine has just been released so there should be plenty to load up on to delight guests with a delicious example of what we do here in Virginia all season long. I recommend this wine to all palate types, it is a stunning dry rose distinctly in the old world style, it will be perfect for almost any meal and an no brainer cocktail wine.
2010 Knights Gambit, Rose
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Retail Price: $15.63
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A Return To Qupe Chardonnay
Posted on Oct 11, 2011 by Will Richey.
I finally made it out to The Commonwealth Restaurant and Sky Bar a couple weeks back to meet some friends for drinks. I am not the first to say it but this restaurant is an instant C-ville classic. The decor and the service are impeccable, the Sky bar is a great environment to relax and have a few drinks. This will certainly be the first stop we all take our out of town guests when they visit and want to see something that is specifically and interestingly C-ville. I wasn't able to work my way around the food much on this visit but did enjoy the BBQ Croquettes. This may be my new favorite place to sip through a bottle of wine. Continue reading...
Tasting: “New World” Wines For Fall
Posted on Oct 05, 2011 by Staff.
Brycen with Republic National will be joining us tonight to pour a handful of wines from California and South America that are perfect to welcome the wonderful weather that is finally descending upon us (and the great food that comes with it). It'll be a great evening for getting out with some good wine and good company, so we'll see between 5:30 and 7:30 tonight. Cheers,
Châteauneuf du Pape Going Fast!
Posted on Oct 04, 2011 by Staff.
I was going to wait until later in the week to send this but it is almost already sold out.
There are only 8 cases available and we need to know by today if you want any. The great wines from this epic vintage will all be going fast. This is one of the best prices I have seen for wine of this caliber in this vintage.
2009 Clos du Mont Olivet. Chateauneuf du Pape 'Les Cuvee du Papet'
Continue reading...
White Burgundy that will bring you to your knees!!!
Posted on Oct 03, 2011 by Chad Zakaib.
Over the summer, I asked our friends at The Country Vintner for samples of some older white wines. Of about 100 labels, we chose 8 wines, ranging widely in vintage, price and origin, and found two worth your time. You'll recall our foray into this topic with a beautifully aged and preserved Macon from 2006.
Today's wine is the stunning 2005 Bouzereau Meursault Les Tessons. Continue reading...
Saturday 9/31/11 Barbera and the Goat
Posted on Sep 30, 2011 by Staff.
A reminder that we're open Saturday from 10am-1pm for tasting and pick-ups. We'll have an open bottle of the Damilano Barbera D'Asti 2009, a simple yet full, everyday-priced Barbera currently on our floor. Will's previous notes:
"Bouquet, petals and all, bright fruit, tremendous follow through. Mary Poppins! Mary Poppins is my inside joke to myself to mean, 'Practically perfect in every way.' This wine was awesome, medium to full bodied, balanced, easy to enjoy and tons to latch on to. This is no Pizza and Spaghetti wine, it is more a Steak or cocktail wine though it would do well with all sorts of foods. Really it is the sort of thing you just want to be drinking by the mouthful at any given time."
“Stupid Good” Table Wine
Posted on Sep 29, 2011 by Will Richey.
Well I tried to go to the new Commonwealth restaurant last night but it was packed. The place looks awesome though and I can not wait to go eat there. I did make it to Tempo though, the new restaurant in the old Ventana space. I had been for lunch already with Michael Davis and we were wowed by excellent food and reasonable prices. Dinner was good, I think they have a very exciting chef who will bring some incredible dishes to our foodie town. I highly recommend dropping into Tempo for a bite and am hopeful that the service will quickly elevate to the level of the cuisine. The decor is growing on me, we'll see. Continue reading...
Premier Cru Chablis
Posted on Sep 26, 2011 by Will Richey.
Chablis, at its finest is the greatest expression achieved by the Chardonnay grape. It is also damn fine at the middle level.
This is from one of our favorite producers. We have offered out his wines many times as we (The autonomous collective of board members) find this to be one of the best and most consistent values for really good Chablis wine. Continue reading...
Months with an ‘R’ in them
Posted on Sep 22, 2011 by Will Richey.
Autumn through early Spring is the best time of year in my book. You have to wonder if Jefferson planned it that way when he first named the months of the year. However it happened, September through April is one stunning and exciting time, not just because of the natural beauty during the Fall, Winter and Spring and the break from the heat but because eating and drinking wine is at its best during the 'R' month seasons.
The phrase itself comes from the rule of thumb about eating oysters. Only do it when there is an 'R' in the month or else it is too warm and the chances of getting a bad one that much more risky. Personally I love oysters. Heck I love any food that acquiring the taste for begins with a dare. Let's face it no one pops back one of those little slimy, salty, cold, mushy creatures and says, "oh my gosh where has this incredible flavor and texture combination been hiding my whole life" You have to want it at first, but once you get it there is something to them, delicate, subtle, refreshing and invigorating. Continue reading...
DEFCON 5: Bordeaux
Posted on Sep 12, 2011 by Will Richey.
Have you ever struggled with turning someone on to Bordeaux? You look through your collection and realize your tastes have drawn you on to particulars. Should I open this one? No they won't get the subtle elegance of well aged Bordeaux and will lose the charm in want of fruit. How about this one? No they may balk at the youthful tannins and break my heart by telling me it's a bit dry.
I will not draw out the fine details of the wine as I hate the laborious adjectives of the trade. The agreement that this was a DEFCON 5 wine was instantly decided on between Evan, Rives and I. The style is immediate, delicious Cabernet fruit, pure but with an underlying classic Bordeaux feel. Continue reading...
Sicily
Posted on Sep 01, 2011 by Will Richey.
The Wine Advocate gave this one 92 points. Let's just get that out of the way first. This is a Biodynamicaly produced wine by Valle Dell'Acate and is every bit of what the new geek wine movement would refer to as a "real wine." A funny thing because the Advocate and the new geek wine movement rarely agree. Continue reading...
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