A MOTHER’S DAY POEM BY CAROLYN BROWN
Oh, Mother dear, what would you say, if I bought you a bottle of the finest rose’
The one from Bandol, in Provence, that can age
All the wine critics say, it’s quite the rage
Or Mother dear, would you prefer some fine bubbles from Champagne so rare
Oh the Yellen Rose’ by Herbert Beaufort, or Francois Dubois Brut, if you care
Perhaps my dear Mother, it’s a white wine you crave
South African Chenin is a brand new fave
The critics all say it’s the new summer splash
To enjoy by the pool without paying much cash
Our friends on the other side of the world
Are making Sauvignon Blanc boasting kiwi and lime
You might enjoy “The Better Half” it’s great for summertime
When you’re done with your nails, and finished the spa day
We’ll hand you a grand Burgundy made from Chardonnay
Or if you want red, we’ve got mellow cherry, something light
A beautiful Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Bethel Heights
If its Cab that is king, then Mom is the queen
So a Merlot from Napa would set the right scene
but not from a celeb and not just a fad
A boutique with estate fruit isn’t too bad
Hendry Ranch has been farming for 85 years
The flavor and ratings will bring about cheers
Oh Mother of mothers, you’re simply the best
And we know you probably just need a rest
But on this day we celebrate you
A mixed case of selections from Ed’s should do!
Here are a few examples of the fine wines mentioned above to celebrate Mom or just enjoy. All are available to order or could be on our shelves or fine wine room- ask us! We’re here to help.
La Bastide Blanche Rose’ Bandol, Provence is among the top producers in all of France. A blend of Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache and Clairette, hand harvested (as is required in this Appellation). Mouthwatering aromas of strawberries and cream on the nose, the refined palate features distinct melon and peach flavors. The clay-limestone soil lends to texture and character on the finish. We give it three bones.
Herbert Beaufort Yllen Grand Cru Brut Rose’ is our top choice to impress Mom this Mother’s Day. Herbert Beaufort winery dates back to the 6th century and the lands of Bouzy, near Reims, in Champagne, France. 100% Pinot Noir, the current release is made from the base year of 2014. There are cherries and rhubarb and rye bread on the nose, with luscious flavors of the same. This Champagne will age many years, we hope Mom will too! We give it three bones.
Francois Dubois Champagne dates back to the historical property of his family near Reims since 1764. The Pur Rose’ is an assemblage of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, the light copper color and ample nose of orange zest reveal a palate of fresh red fruits and great efflorescence. We give it three bones.
Babylonstoren Chenin Blanc (often referred to as “Steen” in South Africa) shows tropical fruits and melon, elegant and refreshing with flavors of pineapple, and gooseberries. The wine is fruit driven, with a slightly acidic finish. The winery is renowned for its gardens, restaurant and hotel, and of course, groundbreaking world class wine from Stellenbosch, South Africa. We give it three bones.
The Better Half Sauvignon Blanc is named in jest for the husband of New Zealand’s most famous winemaker, Jules Taylor. Jules, having tenured nearly a decade at the famous Kim Crawford winery under the tutelage of Kim, himself, later planted a few rows on her own. She and husband George eventually broke out on their own and began production of their own label. George produces a totally different style from the Jules Taylor wines, labeled “the better half” with more kiwi and less grapefruit, and a mellow acidic finish. We give it three bones.
Chateau de la Greffiere Macon La Roche Vineuse Villes Vignes Blanc is an affordable answer to drinking white Burgundy from France. Mom will love this Chardonnay from the Maconnais with aromas of hazelnut and bright peach. The Chateau uses some new oak integrated with used barrels which gives the wine a touch of spice and richness, with traditional flavors of pear. The Chateau, since 1924, has had four successive generations of the Greauzard family vinify the different local soils and appellations. Located in the La Roche Vineuse area of Macon, the hilly landscape is in southern Burgundy. We give it three bones.
Bethel Height Pinot Noir This winery originated in 1977 born from two families who fell in love with the walnut groves and south facing slopes, and dreamed of making wine. The Casteel and Dudleys did it all for the first twenty years, from farming to marketing, and to this day, don’t produce more than 13,000 cases of their boutique wines annually.
The wine is blended from famous vineyard sites, Justice and Lewman, showing youthful expression of fruit yet brooding, earthy complexity. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is world famous for the best of the best of American Pinot Noir- Wine Spectator says “expressive raspberry and red plum flavors laced with black tea, forest floor and hints of mineral.” The tannins are medium and the finish is divine, they give it 93 points, we give this wine three bones!
Hendry Ranch Merlot Napa Valley The Hendry family has been farming the same land in Napa since 1939. With over 70 vintages the Hendry Ranch has 114 acres situated in the hills north and west of the town of Napa. All Hendry wines are made from grapes grown on the estate. Through the subtle use of oak, and restraint in ripeness, the wines are made to express the vineyard terroir. This Merlot is big and juicy, grown in the benchlands to the west with thin, stony, clay soil. The San Pablo Bay morning fog and strong afternoon breezes assure the perfect climate at 300’ elevation. Grandson George Hendry still actively participates in grape selection. This vintage Merlot expresses a deep purple and ruby color with hints of blue fruit and soft oak. Pretty herbal accents followed by brighter cola, raisin and spice. A gentle and velvety finish. We give it three bones.
To all the Moms – enjoy your day, you’re the best of the best, Happy Mother’s Day from all of us here at Ed’s Fine Wines.
By CRBrown
