nwa uncorked

With the holidays behind us and the onslaught of frigid temperatures in front of us, I have picked a couple of reds that are sure to warm your insides and keep Jack Frost in your pocket. The A’pic from Washington State, the “Knotty Vine” Zin and Anthony Bells 06 Cab are sure to do just that. Whether it is cuddling in front of the fire, escaping Old Man Winter’s best or out huddled together for a sled ride down the neighborhood hill. These wines are sure to appeal to the beefiest of the beefy wine lovers.

BUNNELL FAMILY VINEYARDS, 2005 “A’PIC” STONETREE VINEYARD, WAHLUKE SLOPE, WASHINGTON - $28.49 – This amazing Southern Rhone inspired red from Washington is a huge homerun from Ron Bunnell formerly of Chateau Ste. Michelle acclaim. Wine Spectator gave this bad boy Rhone Ranger 91 points. Rich and savory. A mouthful of roasted meat, blackberry, dried blueberry and black pepper flavors, lingering on the spicy, focused finish. Not a big, fat wine, but sharply focused to show off its distinctive flavors. Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre and Cinsault all come together to rival the best that Chateau Neuf du Pape has to offer.

RODNEY STRONG, 2005 ESTATE “KNOTTY VINES” ZINFANDEL, SONOMA COAST - $19.67 – Another excellent offering from winemaker Rick Sayer. Truly one of the best winemakers Sonoma County has to offer. This wine is bright and ruby in color, with immediate appealing blueberry, raspberry, cherry and red rose. Licorice, boysenberry and cherry fruit linger with the mocha finish with a nice lift of violet and mint. The amazing oak component gives this Zin a vanilla layer that is fine and well integrated into the tannins that linger well after the initial drink.

BELL WINE CELLARS, 2006 NAPA VALLEY, CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $24.28 - Drawing on his experience with Cabernet Sauvignon clones and his intimate knowledge of sub-appellations within the region, Anthony Bell has created a wine that builds upon the unique terroir of Napa Valley. Our 2006 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (33% Clone 4, 21% Clone 6, and 30% Clone 337). This amazing Cab is a blend of (84%), Petit Verdot (7%), Merlot (5%), Cabernet franc (3%), and Malbec (1%), from vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, Oakville, and Yountville. An amazing lesson about Napa Cabs straight from the bottle to ones mouth.

STONELEIGH, 2009 SAUVIGNON BLANC, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND - $12.99 - Located on the northern side of the Wairau Valley, in close proximity to Marlborough’s main river, the Wairau, the vineyards are on shallow rock and gravel-exposed soils. The wine is light straw in color with green highlights. This wine displays vibrant fruit intensity. Ripe grapefruit, citrus and passion fruit flavors dominate, and to layer over this is an added mineral complexity. The palate shows balance, both ripe flavors and fresh acidity. 90 Points from Wine Spectator.

I can be found at County Line, Tuesday thru Saturday for any of your wine or entertaining questions that you might have during the long nights of winter. All of our Riedel Stemware is on sale for 25% off during the month of January. Come explore our inventory reduction wall of wines. Up to 45% off.

Enjoy!

Mark Hatwig