SOUTH AFRICAN WINERY BABYLONSTOREN
Dating back to 1692 this farm estate is rich in South African history, located about an hour north of Cape Town. One of the original Cape Dutch farms in the Drakenstein Valley has preserved farmland, vineyard and a winery. The 200 hectare estate (nearly 500 acres) has one of the most revered gardens in the world. Growing everything from fruits and vegetables, harvesting honey from bees, and using sustainable agriculture. Seized by Dutch settlers in the late 1600’s the original farm was set up by Pieter Van der Byl. It is the oldest European farm in South Africa. Van der byl became a prominent citizen of Stellenbosch, which became another well -known wine growing area. The winery name developed from the koppi (small conical hill) that the estate sits below. The Dutch dubbed it Bablinische Tooren, which later became translated as Babylonstoren. The main house dates to 1777 and is a beautiful example of traditional Cape Dutch architecture.
Phylloxera hit Babylonstoren in 1886, and all the vines and fruit trees had to be pulled. In 1844 the farm was sold to the Louw family, who stayed until 2007. Current owners are Koos Bekker and his wife Karen Roos, who have restored many of the outbuildings and farmhouse and now operate a 14-room boutique hotel and spa on the property, as well as restaurants and shops. Karen is the former editor of South Africa’s Elle Decoration, and her husband Bekker, a former telecom billionaire, have lovingly and painstakingly restored everything from wall paint colors to architectural features of the estate. The gardens are awe inspiring, as well as the vineyards and winery.
The pipe on the logo represents the farm, the flower represents the garden, and the bird represents nature- the philosophy of the family is truth and simplicity for the earth. The state of the art wine making facility showcases the region’s terroir. Over 230 acres are planted to vine, the Babylonstoren label’s first official vintage was 2011. The winery exports several varietals that we carry here at Ed’s. All of them are stellar examples of the world-renowned wines South Africa is capable of producing.
BABYLONSTOREN
Candide is a blend of Chardonnay, Semillion, Chenin Blanc, Rousanne and Viognier. The growing areas where the grapes are sourced are high elevation on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountains between Stellenbosch and Paarl, on the Western Cape. The wine is dry and crisp, medium bodied showing a beeswax character with hints of melon and lemon. We give it three bones.
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. We give it two bones.
Viognier is made from 100% estate fruit from Tabletop Mountain. 20% of the wine underwent fermentation in French oak barrels. Succulent white peach, apricot, and apple blossom aromas followed by a creamy depth and complexity on the palate. Floral and rich, we give it three bones.
Rose’ of Mourvedre The grapes for this wine rested on the skins for a mere two hours, then the wine rested on the lees for three months before bottling. Strawberry and rose petal notes and a juicy acidic finish. We give it two bones.
Cabernet Sauvignon The grapes here are picked from eight different vineyard blocks, each sourced with care by head winemaker Klaas Stoffberg , who grew up among his family vineyards, also in South Africa. The wine is matured in new and used French oak barrels. Opening aromas of plum, blueberry, and rich dark fruit. Flavors of cassis and cherry with gripping tannins garnered 92 points from The Wine Advocate, we give it three bones.
Shiraz A beautifully seductive, full bodied, fruit forward Syrah- blackberries and spiced plum with hints of new leather and a cherry mocha finish that lingers, this 100% Shiraz is from the Paarl Region. We give it two bones.
Babel This red blend of Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot are hand harvested separately and vinified separately before the blend. Succulent black fruit with a savory edge of graphite and cigar box. Blackberry, mulberry and plum lead to a finish that has a touch of sweet spice and dark chocolate. We give it two bones.
Nebukadnesar is Babylonstoren’s flagship Bordeaux style red blend using all five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec are vinified separately and matured in French oak for 23 months before marrying in a tank to meld into perfection before bottling. An intriguing essence of violets and herbs such as thyme, and intense blackberry are up front, then the superbly crafted palate with great balance of cigar box, black currant and dark cherry fruit offer a multi layered experience, with silky tannins and a long finish. We give it three bones.
Sout Africa’s winemaking story has been up and down; a glut of wine produced, over production associated with poor quality and consistency. Add to that the politics of Apartheid, by 1990 less than 30% of grapes harvested were used for wine production. In 1973 the WO program, Wine of Origin was put in place, legislating wine growing regions and overseeing labeling, and things began improving. The main growing regions include Constantia, Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek Valley. Irrigation is necessary for most regions due to the dry climate, and chapitalization (the addition of sugar in winemaking) is illegal. Most problems associated with the climate have been a lack of acidity in the grapes. Over the last two decades the main focus of the industry has been improving the quality of production. South Africa represents a kind of melding of Old World and New World styles, producing “international” styles that appeal broadly. Most wineries are located within 100 miles of Cape Town, the southernmost tip of the African continent. The mild Mediterranean climate, coupled with the ancient graphite, sandstone and shale soils is friendly to Bordeaux varietals and even sparkling wine production. Take a trip to South Africa with us here at Ed’s with Babylonstoren’s many wonderful offerings. See you soon! Salute’
By CRBrown
Mid-winter wine and food pairing
February in Florida brings temperature spikes and drops, one day we are wrapped in blankets with the oven on enjoying a hearty, big red wine, the next day we have the AC running and are thinking about a nice crisp Rose’. The “President’s Week” vacationers are filling our restaurants and highways, and Valantine’s Day out is filled with tables for two and steak dinners. Here at Ed’s our selection of imported Italian foods is growing, so we thought we would share some recipe ideas for an easy weeknight dinner, or even a grand Italian gourmet meal, paired with some lovely wine choices, of course.
It started with Olive Oil. Ed found the best Italian Olive Oil and began importing it at the store several years ago. Then came the imported Italian Plum tomatoes, the chocolates, the wonderful Italian dried pasta, amazing sauces, and Parmacotto Italian Salami.
The legend of Marco Polo bringing pasta to Italy following his exploration of the Far East in the 13th Century has been debunked. Pasta is made from wheat, whereas rice was the common grain in the Far East. The word pasta is Italian, meaning paste, which refers to the dough made of flour, egg and water. Often the word maccaronaro which means “kneading dough with energy” and was used to describe pasta in Italy. Pasta was also thought to have been brought to Italy through Sicily by the Arabs. Prior to that it is believed the Romans and Greeks had their own form of pasta called Lagana. Even Greek Mythology has the god Vulcan pushing dough through a machine to create thin sheets of edible pasta. Eventually the drying process allowed for longer storage, it was inexpensive to make, and by the 17th century pasta was considered a staple in Naples. Tomatoes were an altogether different story, in the early 1500’s Italians believed tomatoes were satanic and possibly poisonous. Tomatoes were brought to Europe by the Spaniards and the earliest recipe for tomato sauce was by a Neapolitan Chef in 1694. Today, the town of San Marzano is home to some of the most coveted tomatoes for cooking.
Our first amazing recipe pairing begins with basil. The aromatic herb was prolific near Genoa and when crushed with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan Cheese and Olive Oil, Pesto (paste) is an amazing sauce for pasta. Pair some Flora Egg Fettuccini with a jar of Pesto Genovese and a lovely Sauvignon Blanc and you’ve got flavor heaven. We recommend going straight to the heart of the famous Marlborough Region of New Zealand with Kim Crawford. Over the past decade Kim Crawford became synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, and New Zealand is known for the grass and grapefruit flavors. The wine is herbaceous with vibrant acidity, with notes of grapefruit, tropical fruits and herbs. We give it two bones.
If you’re in the mood for shellfish, try some Tortellini with Flora White Clam Sauce paired with a crisp white from Bolgheri. We love the Antinori Guado al Tasso Vermentino, slightly similar in style to Sauvignon Blanc, it has less grapefruit flavors and more lemon and acidity and a subtle oily characteristic. Nearly half of Italy’s Vermentino production is made in Sardinia, crisp with hints of salinity, it pairs especially well with the clam sauce. We give it three bones.
The Flora Red Clam Sauce is just as yummy over pasta, try it with Borgo Scopeto Borgonero a Super Tuscan lies within a hamlet of Chianti Clasico. This blend of 40% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot show delicate fruit yet bold flavors of leather and tobacco. The wine is elegant and refined with a long, soft finish, we give it three bones.
Pairing a lovely Italian pasta with the Spicy Sicilian red sauce? We’ve got a showstopper- Organic Casa Marrone Primativo- the iron rich soils of Puglia off flavors of dark cherries, baked plum, subtle oak, and a touch of spice. Primo means “first” in Italian, and Primativo is one of the first red wine varietals to ripen. This wine is vegan and made using biodynamic practices, we give it three bones.
The Puttanesca Sauce- also rich in history from the Naples region, is made by combining anchovies, capers and olives to the tomato base. Rumors abound it is the sauce of prostitutes, as when it was invented Italy’s reputation during WWII for beautiful ladies entertaining the soldiers, well, it is all speculation. But somehow the salty sauce became associated with the ladies of the night. Pair with Giovanni Rosso Etna Rosso made with Nerello Mascalese grapes from the famous hillside of Mount Etna in Sicilia. The wine exudes alluring notes of eucalyptus wild berry, pomegranates and some saline and mineral qualities. We give it three bones.
If it’s just good old spaghetti and marinara sauce, we have that, too. And one of our favorite pairings is the Sangiovese grape with a rich tomato sauce. We like the Vino Dei Fratelli Chianti with a slightly perfumed nose of black fruit, smooth tannins and well balanced acidity. Fratelli is a conglomerate of families that grow grapes throughout Italy, specializing in indigenous varieties grown with superior care. We give it three bones.
We also offer a variety of specialty chocolates from Victoria Richards. Each chocolate is hand crafted with the finest ingredients. One of our favorites to pair with any chocolate is the Collefrisio “Sottosopra” – wine and sour cherries from Abruzzo. The Montepulciano grapes are hand harvested, then fortified and blended with a black cherry syrup from Abruzzo, a tradition of the region. We give it two bones.
Make sure to check out our growing selection of imported specialty foods- if you’re in a pinch and need a quick meal for a weeknight, or planning a food and wine pairing extravaganza, we’re here to help with all your needs. From Sparkling wine and Prosecco for the Super Bowl parties, to fine chocolates and Port for Valentine’s, or to kick off the arrival of Snow Birds. See you soon!
Salute’
By CRBrown
THE ANTINORI FAMILY
The news is out! Recent trade publications have announced that the famous Italian winemaking family, Antinori is now owner of Stag’s Leap Winery of Napa. Stag’s Leap was held by the Chateau Saint Michelle company of Washington state. The new company, born out of this transaction is now called Vinattieri 1385. It all goes back six centuries ago, that’s right, in 1385 Giovanni di Piero Antinori was awarded a “Vintner’s Gold” for arts and winemaking. He was contributing and preserving the arts as well as maintaining quality vineyards in Italy. Twenty-six generations later, Patriarch Marchesi Pieri Antinori’s three daughters are currently running the show. In between those nearly 700 years, the family (whose properties are mostly Tuscan) purchased the Palazzo Antinori in Florence. In February 1506, Nicoli di Tommaso Antinori continued his family’s tradition of quality grape growing, wine making, and art preservation. Eventually the magnificent building he purchased and restored, had to be sold- so as to continue funding the wineries.
Persevere they did, In 1970, after working many years to save the vineyards after near destruction from World War II, the “Super Tuscan” blend of Sangiovese (the famous Tuscan varietal used to make Chianti) was blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the world loved it! Now, world famous Tiganello put Antinori on the map for one of the greatest wines of all time! Later, Solaia was created, from 10 hectares of property next to the Tiganello site.
In 1981 Pieri bought out a brother and a sister in the family, to become the sole proprietor. But things were still not great financially, and the company that is famous for Cht Ste Michelle wine became a partner. At the time they were looking to expand their holdings internationally. Ste Michelle also backed Warrern Winiarski of Napa’s Stag’s Leap Winery- striking a deal that gave Ste Michelle 85% control of the winery, and 15% to Antinori. At that time Antinori was making Antica, a beautiful Napa Cab sourced from 1200 acres on Atlas Peak the family owns. Antinori has been involved in the Napa Valley winemaking business since 1985. A partnership with Stag’s Leap was a natural progression for a world-famous winery.
Today the three sisters, Albiera, Allegra and Allesia manage Marchesi Antinori winery, and as of May of 2023, the family took full ownership of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and have complete control of the Antinori wines of Italy, in Tuscany and Umbria. The amicable agreement made sense for Ste Michelle, seeking to put a greater focus on their Washington State properties. It also made sense for the Antinori family to now have full control over all financial operations of their wineries after all these years.
Let’s review some of the most highly sought after properties in Italy, and where some of the most beautiful wine in the world is produced by the Antinori family.
Tiganello (translated means “young shoot”) of Tuscany, was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine to be blended with untraditional varietals (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon)and one of the first red wines produced in the Chianti Classico region to not use a white varietal as a blending grape. Tiganello is a milestone, Antinori’s flagship “Super Tuscan” created with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Because the wine is made in a non-traditional manner, it is labeled an IGT. Notes of ripe, red fruit, cherries, strawberries, and blackberries, accompanied by a delicate floral hint, roasted coffee and cocoa. We give it three bones!
Peppoli Chianti Classico This Tuscan wine is recognized and appreciated for the full expression of its fruit. The estate is located a few miles northeast of the Tiganello vineyards, in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Floral and fruit, red raspberry, currants, and pomegranate. Lively supple tannins on the finish. We give it three bones.
Pian Delle Vigne A Rosso di Montalcino from the town of Montalcino in Tuscany. Perfumed with Lavendar and violet tones, giving way to masses of ripe plum and cherry. Balsam herbs and hints of chalk develop in the glass. Pian dell Vigne means “flatlands of vines” growing in the lower elevation with heavier red soils. We give it three bones.
Villa Antinori This Toscana Rosso was first crafted in 1928 by Marchese Niccolo Antinori, as the family’s signature wine. The nose is intriguing with notes of blackberry, cherries and plum jam. Together with hints of Boxwood, tobacco and vanilla, it shows smooth, silky tannins, we give it two bones.
Today the three sisters, Albiera, Allegra and Allesia manage Marchesi Antinori winery, and as of May of 2023, the family took full ownership of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and have complete control of the Antinori wines of Italy, in Tuscany and Umbria. The amicable agreement made sense for Ste Michelle, seeking to put a greater focus on their Washington State properties. It also made sense for the Antinori family to now have full control over all financial operations of their wineries after all these years.
Let’s review some of the most highly sought after properties in Italy, and where some of the most beautiful wine in the world is produced by the Antinori family.
Tiganello (translated means “young shoot”) of Tuscany, was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine to be blended with untraditional varietals (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon)and one of the first red wines produced in the Chianti Classico region to not use a white varietal as a blending grape. Tiganello is a milestone, Antinori’s flagship “Super Tuscan” created with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Because the wine is made in a non-traditional manner, it is labeled an IGT. Notes of ripe, red fruit, cherries, strawberries, and blackberries, accompanied by a delicate floral hint, roasted coffee and cocoa. We give it three bones!
Peppoli Chianti Classico This Tuscan wine is recognized and appreciated for the full expression of its fruit. The estate is located a few miles northeast of the Tiganello vineyards, in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Floral and fruit, red raspberry, currants, and pomegranate. Lively supple tannins on the finish. We give it three bones.
Pian Delle Vigne A Rosso di Montalcino from the town of Montalcino in Tuscany. Perfumed with Lavendar and violet tones, giving way to masses of ripe plum and cherry. Balsam herbs and hints of chalk develop in the glass. Pian dell Vigne means “flatlands of vines” growing in the lower elevation with heavier red soils. We give it three bones.
Villa Antinori This Toscana Rosso was first crafted in 1928 by Marchese Niccolo Antinori, as the family’s signature wine. The nose is intriguing with notes of blackberry, cherries and plum jam. Together with hints of Boxwood, tobacco and vanilla, it shows smooth, silky tannins, we give it two bones.
DON’T BE A CHAMPAGNE SCROOGE!
Holy Moly, we almost made it through another year- and that’s cause to celebrate! Let’s take a closer look at what’s available, and investigate why some bubbles are pricier than others- why should you celebrate with Champagne?
The average bottle of French Champagne is around $50 and can climb well into the hundreds. There are almost hundreds of reasons why. Champagne is a sparkling wine that must originate from the Champagne region of France to legally say “Champagne” on the label. Champagne the province is located in the Northeastern corner of France, about an hour and a half drive from Paris. There are 16,200 winemakers, 400 official Champagne houses, and the wine ages between 15 months and ten years. Storing wine in a cellar for years before release does not make much profit.
The terroir (soil) is unique to the Champagne region; rich in limestone, chalk and marlstone. This terroir provides a unique natural drainage to the vineyards, as well as giving the grapes a flavor all their own. Under the rules of the appellation of Champagne, only Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier can be used to produce the sparkling wine. The rules also dictate the grape yields, pruning, and winemaking methods (traditional) and time for aging. The traditional “Method Champenoise” has been used for centuries. This method means the second fermentation occurs in the bottle, not in a tank or a vat, which other methods of production of sparkling wine use, acceptably, outside of Champagne. There are sweetness levels, from Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut (meaning very dry), Extra Dry, Sec, Demi Sec and Doux (meaning sweeter, more sugar added). Sugar? Indeed, Champagne allows the addition of sugar, and tops off their bottles with a “dosage” which usually corrects the level of acid and sweetness in the final product. Dosage occurs after the disgorging process. Disgorging is when the Champagne bottles are turned upright, often the neck of the bottle is frozen quickly, and the cork pops, losing some of the liquid along with the unwanted solids. Very few sparkling wines are consumed these days that are high in sugar, so most Dosage is Brut to Extra Dry.
These are the terms used in the traditional method of production of Champagne.
Assemblage-the blending of wines from different vineyards
Riddling-the turning of the champagne bottles (often by hand) to dislodge the sediment.
Disgorging-as described above, when the sediment is released.
Dosage-the amount of reserve wine and sugar added back into the bottle.
Liqueur de tirage-the mixture of sugar, yeast, and yeast nutrients added to the cuvee’ for the second fermentation.
Remuage-The person who does the actual turning of the bottles, a painstaking process that takes great wrist action, and is often a well-paid position that is held in high regard.
So, the process is complicated and expensive, which helps explain why Champagne is so special. The Champagne methode was believed to have been created accidentally by the Sistine monks in the late 1600’s. Hence the famous line of Dom Perignon claiming he was “tasting the stars” created by the accidental carbon dioxide- bubbles! Champagne can be very complex with flavors of bread dough and yeast and nuttiness, as well as apple and citrus. The bubbles themselves tend to be smaller when less sugar is added to the dosage.
Crémant is made exactly as Methode Champenois but is produced in regions outside of Champagne. Crémant can be very good sparkling wine and also worth every penny.
If you see the word Charmat on the bottle, it means the secondary fermentation happened in a tank. This is another method of producing sparkling wine at a more economic level. Prosecco is the most well-known sparkler where the tank method is common. The tank is held under pressure and the yeast and sugar cause a forced release of carbon dioxide- bubbles! Here are a few Champagnes and Sparkling wines that are well worth the investment.
Saint Hilaire The Benedictine Monks in the Abbey of Saint Hilaire in the southern foothills of France (specifically the Limoux Region) date back to 1531 -on record for making Sparkling wine. France’s oldest sparkling precedes Champagne by more than a century, using a grape variety called Mauzac. Champagne may be king, but this affordable sparkler does not disappoint. We give it two bones.
Willm Cremant d’ Alsace Today, the Alsace region is known specifically for Pinot Gris, Pino Blanc and Riesling, and has become the top AOC (Appellation) for sparkling wine in France outside of Champagne. Using the traditional method Maison Willm produces high quality bubbles at a fair price. Dominated by Pinot Blanc, this wine is fresh and offers flavors of green fruit and herbal notes. We give it two bones.
Moet Chandon Imperial This legendary house of Champagne is celebrating 270 years as one of the world’s most loved Champagnes! Dating back to King Louis XV, one of his madam’s and a most powerful woman for her time, helped make Moet & Chandon famous by saying it is “the only Champagne in the world that makes every woman beautiful”. And Napoleon himself is credited with the tradition of sabering a Champagne bottle with his sword, favoring Moet, of course. The Imperial is bright and fruity, a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay showing the elegance and flavor of brioche and nuttiness. We give it two bones.
Champagne Billecart Salmon Is at the top of our list for fine Champagne. The vineyards for the house are located from the Cote des Blancs to the Montagne de Reims, top Grand Cru vineyards in the heart of Champagne near Epernay. This house has over 200 years of history -in 1818 when Nicholas Francois Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon were married. Over 7 generations, the family has endeavored to continue the tradition of producing Champagne of excellence. A floral nose followed by flavors of fresh fruit, and pear. The Brut Reserve is a blend of three different vintages, 30% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay. We give it three bones.
With the rich history that is French Champagne and historic sparkling wine, we must mention a California favorite.
Roederer Estate Brut Founded in 1982, nestled in Mendocino’s fog shrouded Anderson Valley, Roederer is among very few California sparkling wine houses that use predominantly estate grown fruit. The traditional method Champenoise produces a lovely fine bubble, it offers crips, elegance with complex flavors of pear and spice. We give it three bones.
Whether you’re entertaining friends and family, watching the ball drop by yourself on New Year’s Eve, or choosing a gift for someone special, we have a selection of bubbles that is perfect for you. Stop by and say “Cheers” and have a wonderful holiday season and a blessed New Year.
By Carolyn R Brown
WINES TO PAIR WITH YOUR THANKSGIVING MEAL
The most traditional of all American holidays usually kicks off the season with a roasted turkey or ham, and all the wonderful, flavorful side dishes. Grocery stores are stocking up on the big birds and cold boxes are filled with holiday ham, and we’re stocking our shelves, too. One of the most difficult challenges is to find a wine (or two) that pairs with all of those wonderful flavors of the Thanksgiving table. We’ve picked a few different varietals to pair with your bird, oyster or sausage stuffing, cranberry sauce, yams and potatoes! Why not stock up and bring home a few choices for your family and guests to experiment with and to enjoy? Here are a few of our favorites.
Thousand Islands Winery Riesling
The largest farm winery in northern New York State, Thousand Islands was founded in 2002 by Steve Conway and his wife Erika. The land along the majestic St Lawrence River has been farmed since 1836. Alexandria Bay is home to many varietals from the Eastern European Gewurztraminers and Rieslings, to traditional Cabernet and Chardonnay. This Reisling pairs nicely with the salt of a ham and the caramel of sweet potatoes. Cool climate sweeter style shows a fruity aroma of peach and apricot with a touch of citrus. We give it two bones.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir
Founded in 1983 by Oregon native Jim Bernau, who Wine Enthusiast calls one of America’s great Pinot Noir producers. Jim’s dream of producing world class cool climate varietals has come true. Though his beginnings were humble- Jim’s first vintage of Pinot Noir grapes he literally watered by hand with a 75’ garden hose – 17 of them! Since these humble beginnings a stewardship of the land has prevailed, and Willamette Valley Vineyards is one of the top producers in Oregon.
The “Estate Pinot Noir” expresses the terroir of three valleys in Oregon: Eola-Amity Hills, Salem Hills. The wine shows classic aromas of red cherry and cola, with raspberry and cranberry flavors, followed up with leather and earth and an herbal note to the finish. We give it three bones.
Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel
Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols started out as landowner neighbors in the heart of Paso Robles when they decided to collaborate their properties and team up to grow grapes. The pair now own and farm over 300 acres in Paso. Opolo harkens back to Quinn’s Serbian roots, the name coming from wine grown on the Dalmatian Coast. This 100% Zinfandel spends 9 months in French oak- sourced from old vines dating back to the late 1800’s. The winery is SIP certified (Sustainable In Practice) the wine shows robust flavors of raspberry, blueberry, and tobacco leaf, the nose leads with roasted coffee and black plum, and the finish lingers with a velvety smoothness. We give it three bones.
Beaulieu Vineyards BV Tapestry Red Blend
One of the most iconic Napa Valley wineries produces a World Class red blend, that is another perfect match for your Thanksgiving table. Over 100 years ago George de Latour and his wife, along with wine “Maestro “Andre Tchelistcheff established a legacy of quality American wine. Current winemaker Trevor Durling presides as one of only 5 winemakers in the 119-year history of Beaulieu Vineyards. The BV Tapestry is a wine that expresses the artistry of blending five Bordeaux varietals, which contribute to layer upon layer of flavors, grown on the estate in Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine its core, with blackberry and cassis, while Merlot tames the tannins and lends a silky-smooth blue fruit quality. Malbec contributes the plum notes, while Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot complete the blend from nuances of roses, forest loam and graphite. A truly spectacular wine, showing the elegance and allure of Napa Valley, we give it three bones.
We’re here to help you choose anything for your table from value wines for the uncle who guzzles, to the “good stuff” you break out after everyone leaves and it’s time to do the dishes! However you celebrate this most American holiday, we’re thankful to our customers and friends for all the years. Salute’
By CRBrown
A Haunted Hallowine!
We’re discussing wineries that are haunted and hauntingly good wines for your Halloween pleasure. The spirit world has always been intriguing; unexplained noises, phenomenon, sightings, moving objects, often with the history of tragedy.
There is an actual tour of ghostly wineries throughout the country- you can book through wineries and travel agencies. We begin our stories with the famous Beringer Winery in Napa Valley. Beringer’s Rhine House is said to be haunted by Fredreick Beringer. The estate itself was modeled after some of the magnificent Chateau in France. Beringer was one of the first wineries founded in Napa in 1876, and it was one of the first wineries to use caves and cellars to store their wine. Employees say objects have been thrown around Fredreick’s former bedroom, and his liekness has been spotted walking the halls of the upstairs. There is a long list of paranormal activity that has been logged by employees there, some of whom just quit because it is too creepy for them. Brothers Jacob and Frederick emigrated to the US from Germany and purchased over 200 acres in Napa, turning the land into beautiful vineyards, including the grandiose 17 room estate. Jacob made the wines while Frederick handled the finances. Jacob brought in Chinese laborers to hand dig the tunnels into the side of Spring Mountain. Rumors abound for years that some of the workers died when cave-ins buried them alive. There are reports the walls moan and workers tell of an unexplained “freezing cold in isolated spots”. Other incidents reported are furniture being shoved, objects floating and being moved, missing items turn up in other parts of the mansion, doors shut on their own, even a full body apparition was seen, believed to be Frederick, who died there in 1901.
Trefethen Winery, also in the heart of Napa Valley, was first recognized as a boot leg operation in the 1920’s – founded in 1886 by brothers George and James Goodman, the winery was known as Eschol- Hebrew for Valley of the grape. During Prohibition the winery was believed to house a major boot legging operation. Rumor has it, once during Prohibition, a man came in to steal liquor from the estate. It is believed he was lynched in the rafters of one of the upstairs areas of the winery. Some have said they feel a presence while others have experienced seeing a shadow of a human-like swinging overhead.
Bartholomew Winery in Sonoma is almost known more famously for their hauntings than their family’s wines. The winery has served as a morgue, a women’s prison and a hospital. The main building of the winery, primarily used as offices today, is the scene of what has been reported as ghost visitations. The cellar where the wine is stored once housed women prisoners, and employees and visitors have reported hearing women’s voices speaking and even singing.
Miles Wine Cellar of Long Island is said to have a resident ghost who has slammed doors, and even shown a mist rising from the floor. One family member says a comforter on the bed is routinely flung across the room or found crumpled at the base of the bed as a regular occurrence.
The Biltmore in Asheville NC was constructed in 1886 by Geroge Washington Vanderbilt. His former library is said to be haunted. It was Vanderbilt’s habit to retreat to the library, particularly when a storm was approaching. Visitors believe they still see a shadowy figure in the library usually when the skies are dark, and storms are looming. Guests and employees often report hearing splashing in the pool and a woman’s voice (possibly his wife Edith) calling him to retreat from his library.
Other ghostly sightings of note at wineries include Simi Winery in Sonoma, where there is believed to be the ghost of proprietor, Isabelle Giuseppe (wife of one of the founding Italian brothers) who reportedly saved the winery during Prohibition by hiding a large stash of their wines behind fake walls. She later invented California’s first tasting room.
Freemark Abbey has had sightings of Josephine Marlin Tychson, who had the winery built in 1886 and was known to be California’s first woman winemaker.
At Charles Krug, “ A lady in white” paces the Redwood Cellars which were built in the 1870’s,according to guests and employees.
If these ghost stories aren’t enough to scare you, we’ve got some amazing wines and spooky labels on the shelves for your Halloween adventures. Here are a few.
Armida Winery Dry Creek- makers of Poizin complete with a red skull and cross bones for their label, the wine is “to die for” an inky black Zinfandel with seductive blackberry, plum and smoky oak aromas. We give it three bones.
The Owl and the Dust Devil A lovely Malbec blended with a hint of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot was inspired by the watchful eyes of the Lechuza Owls that protect the vineyards at Finca Decero in Mendoza, Argentina. In a normally tranquil environment, the Remolinos, or whirlwinds can arise, and the Owls take flight in chase, until the mysterious Remolinos disappear into thin air. The wine is aged in small French oak barrels. Deep and concentrated dark fruit with hints of herbs, and a vanilla finish. There is a virtual showcase of the happening between the Owl and the Dust Devil on their website- quite a phenomenon. We give it two bones.
Ghostrunner “Ungrafted Red” is a Lodi appellation blend that includes Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah. Rich mixed berries and black cherry preserves with hints of spice, black peppercorn and a touch of bacon, we give it two bones, and the name says it all!
Minister of the Vinterior Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a creepy skull label surrounded by colorful flowers. The winemaking pair negotiants pull grapes from some of California’s most respected vineyard sites to create this devilishly good Cab. The nose is red currants and blackberries and hints of pipe smoke, while the palate is black cherry and espresso with a lingering vanilla finish. We love this fun little wine team who love to jest. We give it three bones.
Orwin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon (with the caped skeleton on the label) is iconic for its label as well as the juice in the bottle. Creepy and cryptic, the wine expresses a classic left bank Bordeaux style nose with ripe cassis, blackberry and assorted blue fruits. The bright finish rounds out with a lingering touch of orange peel. We give it three bones.
Stop by and we will gladly show you around the not so haunted aisles! Don’t be afraid, just come on in and explore the many ghouls and goblins that await for your Halloween pleasure. See you soon!
By CRBrown
El Pino Club
The Foley Family winery created El Pino Club for their love of Pinot Noir- and the fact that they produce this most beautiful juice in many of the new world’s top viticultural areas. Producing brilliant Pinot Noir in a humorous and quirky way, welcome to El Pino Club!
Each “member” of the El Pino Club is an homage to its terroir and the hands that produced it. Clones are artfully blended from some of the best estate vineyard blocks, and these site-specific Pinot Noirs allow you to explore the signature style of each region.
The winemakers in “the club” are given poetic license to create a perfect expression of their land and winemaking style. Curated by the founders of Foley Family Vineyards of California’s Central Coast, the Foley’s have grown to holdings in France, Argentina, and New Zealand, as well as California, Oregon and Washington State. They continue their commitment to the land through sustainability at all of their properties.
El Pino Club is a whimsical expression of the fickle and funky grape Pinot Noir. There are three current “members” available here at Ed’s.
Sea Floored Is a Sta. Rita Hills appellation Pinot from the Pommard clone. The fruit was sourced exclusively from two sites that are influenced by the cooling Pacific Ocean. The Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard is planted on steep south facing slopes of heavy limestone. Rancho Las Hermanas is the westernmost property in the AVA, with vines growing in six different soil types, all of ancient marine origin. Sea Floored is an ode to the ancient sea floor in which our vineyards are planted. Concentrated fruit, balanced acidity, and fascinating minerality. On the palate, deep flavors of Chambord, red pomegranate, and cranberry with mild earthy tannins. Finishes with hints of tobacco and oak roasted coffee bean. Wine Enthusiast gave the 2019 vintage 94 points. We give it three bones!
High Haven Is 100% Pinot Noir sourced from Anderson Valley, with ten months in French oak aging. Drought conditions in 2021 made for less production, as summer temperatures were above average with less cooling fog at night. Middle Ridge Ranch sits at over 1,100 feet elevation where warm winds and open hills produce fruit driven wines. From the shadows of the giant Red Wood Trees, High Haven opens with aromas of black mission figs, raspberry bramble, fresh tapped maple tree sap, and vanilla bean accents. The medium bodied wine is bright and lush with harmonious flavors of rose hip, dried cranberries, cola, and graham cracker. We give it three bones.
Funky Jory Pinot Noir was born of Pommard clones grown in the Dundee Hills Appellation of Oregon. Aged for 16 months in French oak, the 2021 vintage in Willamette Valley was also one of record setting heat and dry conditions. Mild rain during bloom reduced the yield further. All the grapes are sourced from our vineyard sites that are, not surprisingly, red Jory soils; rich in nutrients, high in clay content- this basalt volcanic soil produces Pinot Noir with high acidity, soft tannins, and a red fruit flavor profile. The wine opens with aromatics of black cherry, mulberry, sandalwood, and a touch of baking spice, which comes from light use of new French oak barrels. The finish is long and silky. The Funky Jory is a love letter to the deep, red Jory soils of the Dundee Hills. A classic Oregon style Pinot Noir reminiscent of the Old World. We give it three bones.
Foley Family was established by Bill Foley in 1996 – a portfolio of highly acclaimed wineries from California, Oregon, and New Zealand. Bill and his wife Carol purchased 1,000 acres of lush farmland in the Santa Barbara region, Sta Rita Hills. Their plan was to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reflecting the best of California’s Central Coast, named after their daughters, Lindsey, and Courtney. Lincourt Vineyards was born. In the 25 years that followed, the company expanded to include other world-famous wineries including Chalk Hill, Chalone, Silverado, Ferrari Carano and Clifford Bay, to name a few. They recently diversified into the world of spirits- re opening a distillery in Nevada, and they just re-released a New Zealand gin called Lighthouse.
We hope to see our Pinot fanatics come by and check out El Pino Club and these truly amazing wines.
By Carolyn R Brown
Joseph Carr
The man, the myth, the legend! Joseph Carr came from humble beginnings and is arguably building an empire of quality brands- his own namesake wines, and a line of Josh Cellars wines inspired by his hard-working father, to a new collaboration inspired by his grit as a wrestler in school, later turned dancer!
Joe Carr likes to mention he wasn’t born into a winemaking family, he didn’t even taste wine until he was 18 years old! His roots began in rural Upstate New York in the restaurant industry, from busboy, server, bar tender to Sommelier. Joe then turned to the distributor world where he became an executive, working with suppliers and experiencing some of the best wines all over the globe.
Before he went off to college, Joe hitchhiked his way across the country and experienced his first wine tasting in the Napa area. It was love at first taste and he didn’t forget it. He attended a State University of New York College on a wrestling scholarship. However, the school cut the wrestling program shortly after he began (Joe was planning on becoming a gym teacher) so he had to switch his major. He decided to study Fine Arts (and yes, did Modern Dance and Ballet). Needing to pay for that Fine Arts degree, he got a job as a bus boy at a local fine dining restaurant. The manager took Joe under his wing, and a fine wine ambassador was born. Twenty years later, Joseph Carr was back in Napa, California. In 2004 Joe and his wife Dee decided to work with the many associates they had met over the years in the industry, including his longtime associate, winemaker Tom Larson, and started making Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was so successful a second tier of wines was created as an homage to Joe’s father, Josh. His Dad was a lumber mill worker and Joe, and his twin sister grew up without a lot. Josh wines are dedicated to his family’s blue-collar history, offering quality and affordability. Joe says, “The values my dad instilled in me are reflected in every bottle of Josh Cellars that we painstakingly make”. Just 15 years ago, Joe was selling his wines out of the back of his car. In 2021 the Josh tier of his wines became so popular and successful he was named Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s American Winery of the Year. Joe’s wines are crafted with his love of Bordeaux and Burgundy influences, but remain uniquely California.
It hasn’t been all sunshine and wine and roses for the Carr family though. In 2018 Joe lost his wife and partner after a 15-month battle with brain cancer. Deirdre Carr was the President of the company, and she was behind many things, including his expansion. Joseph Carr started out with just one wine, a Napa Cabernet, and Dee liked Burgundy and pleaded with him to make a Chardonnay. He joked with his friend Tom, “Can you help me a make a Chardonnay so I can get my wife off my back!” Turns out, it was wildly successful, and Dee would say “You should have listened to the president of the company in the first place”. Joe lives in Cape Cod with his Pit Bull rescue, Molly, when he is not in Napa. He tirelessly gives back to the community, firefighters, veterans, and brain cancer research, among others. In 2005 Joe sold 1200 cases of wine. Today his labels top 2 million in sales and new wine is coming! Stay tuned for Force & Grace, from the wrestler to the dancer. For now, let’s look at what we have on feature here at Ed’s Fine Wines.
Josh Cellars North Coast Reserve Chardonnay Sourced mostly from Sonoma and Lake Counties in the North Coast American Viticultural Area, this Chardonnay is elegant, crisp, and well balanced. Bright citrus, lemon, and peach on the nose, with a lingering vanilla finish. We give it two bones.
Josh Cellars North Coast Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Fruit forward and well balanced with flavors of rich dark cherries, mocha, and toasted hazelnuts. We give it three bones.
Josh Cellars Reserve Buttery Chardonnay Juicy ripe fruit on the nose with marshmallow and crème brulee’ tease the palate, hints of butterscotch on the finish. We give it two bones.
Josh Cellars Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon The award-winning Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for two months in rustic bourbon barrels, imparting notes of cedar and caramel with a touch of bourbon hint on the finish. We give it two bones.
Josh Cellars Reserve Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon Cool morning fog and intense midday sun abound in the AVA of Paso Robles. Aromas of red fruits are backed by powerful scents of black peppercorn. The wine features flavors of raspberry, coffee, and vanilla with bold tannins at the finish, three bones for Paso!
Stop by or call in and we will help you choose one of the many wonderful wines from Joesph Carr.
PINOT GRIS/GRIGIO
It’s Summer, it’s hot, and other than a cold beer after just a short time outdoors, we can only appreciate light, white, refreshing wines at this time. Let’s explore the Pinot Gris/Grigio varietal, which is virtually the same, thought to be a mutant clone of the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Noir, you ask? Isn’t that a red wine grape? Indeed, it is, but Pinot Gris and Grigio are white wines born out of a grayish color grape, not really red, but not green, either. Researchers determined that Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir have very similar DNA, with literally the color of the grape being the only distinction.
Pinot Gris was known in Burgundy, France since around the Middle Ages, and has been grown in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, and then became known as Pinot Grigio in Italy. Pinot Grigio flourishes in regions of Northern Italy like Lombardy, Alto Adige, Friuli and the Veneto. The varietal Pinot Gris, as mentioned, originated by the French is also referred to as Pinot Gris in some parts of the New World- Oregon uses Pinot Gris, as do some California, New Zealand and South African wineries on their labels. The varietal shows great variety based on terroir, where the grapes come from, as well as the winemaker’s style.
Alsatian style Pinot Gris can be spicy and more full bodied, where Italian Pinot Grigio tends to be lighter and more acidic. Flavors can range from tropical fruit and melon to citrus, lemon and carry a nutty finish.
In Switzerland in the 1300’s Emperor Charles IV reportedly took a liking to the grape variety, and had cuttings sent to Hungary via the Cistercian Monks. They referred to the wine as “Szurkebarat” which translates to “grey monk”. Gris and Grigio loosely translate to “grey” an apt description of the color of the grape. Today there are a few Pinot Grigio producers that are bottling the wine after a small amount of maceration with the skins- literally a pink Pinot Grigio, called Ramato.
Pinot Gris/Grigio is grown in nearly every wine producing country in the world, however, Alsatian Pinot Gris is where it began. Alsace is located in Northeastern France, and is an AOC, Appellation d’Origine Controlee for wines specific to a region, governed by the French. It was declared an AOC in 1962, however, grape growing and wine making date back to the 600’s in this area. Known for the terroir that is graphite and slate, and the famous Vosges Mountains that shield the vineyards from wind and rain. Alsace is one of the most famous wine regions in the world for its white wine varieties.
Gustave Lorentz Reserve Pinot Gris Alsace, France The House of Lorentz is still family operated since 1836. The grapes are sourced from a tiny village, Begheim from calcerous hillsides. The juice is free run, fermentation is with natural and selected yeasts, and separated from the lees. A nose of fresh melon and hints of dried apricot, medium bodied with balanced acidity. This wine will age up to 8 years. We give it three bones.
In Italy the Pinot Grigio grape is usually picked much earlier than Pinot Gris in France, so the wines are more tart and acidic. Over 150 million bottles of Pinot Grigio are exported annually, and more than half of Pinot Grigio produced globally is grown in Italy. The Italians have been producing the wine since the late 1300’s.
Jermann Pinot Grigio Friuli, Italy This winery’s roots go back to a tiny village in between Austria and Slovenia, where Stefanus Jermann grew grapes. Eventually, Anton Jermann settled in Friuli in 1881, and today Silvio Jermann is producing some of the most adored and critically acclaimed Italian Pinot Grigio in the world. Friuli borders Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea, the region was once an important stop along the Mediterranean Spice Route. The climate is ideal for crisp white grape growing, with the sharp Dolomite Mountains, and most vineyards facing south along the foothills of the Alps. Most appellations in the region require 100% of the varietal to be in the bottle. The bouquet on this Jermann Pinot Grigio is fruity and elegant with just a touch of almonds, and a hint of citrus and spice, honey, peach, and apple blossoms. We give it three bones.
David Lett from Eyrie Vineyards was the first American to plant Pinot Gris in Oregon in 1965. The wine was a slow mover until the 1990’s when the King family started marketing their Willamette Pinot Gris. There are approximately 1600 acres of Pinot Gris planted in Central and South Coastal regions of California, where it is often called Pinot Grigio, as the style is more closely associated with the Italian style; more acidic. Pinot Gris is also grown in Ohio where it is considered part of the American “Pinot Trail”.
King Estate Domaine Pinot Gris Willamette Valley, Oregon Founded in 1991 by the King family, with a commitment to sustainability, King Estate is the largest certified Biodynamic winery in North America. Set on nearly 300 acres, the wines are handcrafted with “Domaine” wines representing the best of the best from the prestigious Willamette Valley. Aromas of lemon, white peach, and ripe pear; there is honeysuckle, damp slate and crème brulee’. The wine is aged for 6 months on the lees after stainless steel fermentation. We give it two bones.
Sun Goddess by Mary J Blige Pinot Grigio Ramato, Friuli, Italy The word Ramato means auburn or copper in Italian, the wine is produced with the skins, and the hue can range from pale pink to copper depending on the maceration time. Mary J Blige partnered with the Fantinel Winery to create this exceptional Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio, hints of melon and berries with a soft, mineral finish. We give it two bones.
In the “New World” Pinot Gris/Grigio comprises almost 100,000 acres according to a 2018 poll. South Africa is the 9th largest wine producing market in the world. Known mostly for their signature red varietal Pinotage, the country has been producing wines of exceptional quality since the 17th century.
Craven Pinot Gris Stellenbosch, South Africa The “Newlands Vineyard” was planted in Stellenbosch by Mick and Jeanine Craven. The couple, originally from Australia, met while working in Sonoma, CA. They started Craven in 2014 where the Pinot Gris grape grows well.
Showing a lovely copper tone to the color after six days on the skins; also aged in neutral oak barrels after five months concrete tank aging. There is a lively strawberry, cherry and herb flavor with a savory characteristic. We give it two bones.
Whether it’s Italian or California Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris from Oregon, France or South America or South Africa, each wine will reflect both the terroir where it was grown and the individual winemaker’s touch. Stop by and we’ll help you make some selections to try.
Salud!
By CRBrown
The “Estranged” Merlot
If you remember the movie Sideways, you know the greatest irony of the movie was at the end, Miles drank a beautiful French Merlot. Throughout the entire story, one of the main characters’ themes was hating the varietal, and touting the virtues of Pinot Noir, instead. The cultural change that this one movie made on the wine industry had ripple effects for decades. This is a fine example of how powerful Hollywood is. History books have already been written describing, based on the success of a movie with a silly story, that thousands of Merlot grape vines were ripped up throughout California (and consequently, the temperamental and higher priced Pinot Noir grape became forever more popular). Sideways became an historic wine industry movie.
Merlot, an original “Right Bank” varietal of Bordeaux – meaning it is most widely grown on the banks of the Dordogne River on the north side. Home to sub regions famous since before the 1855 French Classification- only Saint Emillion is a “classified growth” since 1955. The other sub regions include Blaye, Cotes de Bourg, Fronsac, Graves de Vayres, and Lalande de Pomerol. Look for these regions on a label to find a French Merlot based wine. Limestone and clay dominate the soil of the Right Bank, where Merlot thrives on the extra moisture held by the clay soil. The wines are smooth and supple in their youth with up front raspberry, black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, spice, chocolate and herbal notes. Right Bank wines show lower acid and tannins than those of Cabernet based wines just a stone’s throw away in the Left Bank.
Here in the US Cabernet is king, and Merlot faced a battle after the “Sideways Effect”, though prices were falling prior to the release of the movie in October of 2004, as growers had somewhat over produced the varietal. Today, nearly 20 years later, Merlot is generating a comeback, with the USDA reporting increased plantings and prices of the varietal. France still accounts for the majority of Merlot production, followed by Italy, then the US, Spain and Chile.
Speaking of Chile- a “fun fact” about Merlot was the case of mistaken identity! The grape was believed to have flourished from the 1970’s to the 1990’s. Post Phylloxera plantings were confused in many vineyards. The Merlot was ripening differently and had a distinctly different flavor than Merlot grown elsewhere. Alas, a French researcher in 1994 discovered Carmenere grapes growing in a vineyard marked Merlot, which DNA sampling later confirmed. Carmenere (another approved Bordeaux original varietal) had been thought to be extinct in Chile, when it was indeed being marketed as Merlot. Today Merlot is doing well in Chile, along with Carmenere. Here a few great bottles of Merlot you can find at Ed’s.
Mate’ Mantus Merlot Tuscany This 100% Merlot spends 18 months in French oak barrels. A Roman vineyard over 2,000 years ago, the Mate family settled in this village near Montalcino in 1990. Ferenc Mate is an international best-selling author and his wife, Candace, a painter. They fulfilled their dream of renovating an ancient abandon farm in the hills of Tuscany where their neighbors are the famous Gaja wine making family. The mineral and white stone of the terroir show through in the finish with soft acidity, plush fruit, black cherry and velvety tannins. Production is limited with about 4,000 cases made. We give it three bones.
Meeker Merlot Handprint, Alexander Valley, CA Charles and Molly Meeker bought their first vineyard at the end of West Dry Creek Road in Sonoma in 1977. In 1984 with Charles as a part time winemaker, Meeker produced some well-regarded wines. In the meantime, Charlie’s career as a Hollywood executive took off, and they hired a full-time winemaker while he was running Metro Goldwyn Mayer. By 1999 Charlie had returned to Sonoma full time and the winery expanded. Today, Charlie’s son Lucas has assumed the role, as Charlie passed away in 2021. The winery is still family run and produces several varietals. This 100% Merlot sourced from both Dry Creek and Alexander Valley regions offers a well-balanced and elegant nose of cherry pie, with a deep core structure of blackberry and red earth, toasted vanilla bean and a long finish. The package is beautiful as well with the artist painted handprint. We give it two bones.
La Playa Estate Merlot Chile The Estate operates in Valle Central of Chile, with property in many of the country’s growing regions. La Playa offers some incredible value wines with a heavy commitment to the land. This Merlot is cheerful and boasts great dark cherry and rich blueberry flavors, with hints of vanilla and oak. The estate wines are certified Vegan and 1% of sales goes to help with Coastal Water resources. The winery uses no chemical weed control, and only uses native yeasts and no GMO’s. They use cover crops and recycled organic matter and have been estate grown and bottled since 1980. We give this Merlot two bones.
Chateau Yon St Emillion In the heart of Libournais district lies St Emillion, this vineyard overlooks an iconic Romanesque Church and 13th Century Tower. Sustainable in practice since 2011, the estate is flanked by limestone vineyards. An appealing nose aromatic of pepper and black cherry. 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc aged in French oak for 12 to 14 months. We give it two bones.
Whether Merlot from Europe, the US or any wine growing area of the New World, today’s Merlot is very different than that of 20 or 30 years ago. We hope you’ll come by and check out the Global selection of this no longer estranged varietal. If Cab is reigning King, Merlot is surely the Queen.
By CRBrown