Spokane’s own talented Nodland Cellars just released 2008 Bebop Riesling: Orange blossom, lime, lemon, apples, pineapple, mineral with a nice finish. It has just been added to our glass pour list for your enjoyment. Pairs well with shellfish, cheese and salads…. it disappeared quick last year so don’t delay if you are curious.
Beringer Alluvium Red, Knights Valley, CA ‘06 - Aptly named for the soils of Knights Valley, this red blend contains five Bordeaux varietals; Merlot and Cab Sauv heavy, with an elegant blend of Cab Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Aged for 12 months in French Oak, this wine has big berries, a smooth body and rich smoky flavors on the finish. - While it lasts.
It is always a joy to highlight the exceptional wine values when they come around. The latest gem to arrive is
2006 Ehlers Estate St. Helena Merlot
The 2006 Estate Merlot leads with enticing aromas of black cherry, spice, brown sugar, mint, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine’s plush, silky texture and fine tannins carry flavors of caramel, cola, pepper, and red apple skin. The overall impression is one of richness and balance.
This is a noteworthy value and will be on our glass pour while it lasts. Enjoy.
Tim Nodland is playing jazz guitar tonight from 6:30 - 9.
We also have his new 2006 Private Blend Red release in the house. This should make a good combination.
Zolo - Currently on our wine special, this Mendoza region high altitude Torrontes offering from Tapiz winery is tangy up front with honey, flowers, and peach notes, ripe and dry with a waxy hint on the finish; delicious paired with spicy chicken chopatoulis….while it lasts
Mendoza sits to the far west of Argentina, is surrounded by arid plains or desert foothills on the
west high in the Andes Cordillera. Mendoza is closer to Santiago, the capital of Chile, than to Buenos Aires. It is the main grape producing province because the area is very sunny and dry which favors the color of the grapes and
the relative humidity is low but also relatively cool. Water is easily controlled by irrigation. Most vineyards are at altitudes above 2,800 feet. The grapes grow in very beneficial conditions with little rot and few insects or diseases and
can attain complex flavors thanks to a long growing season.
Here are a few of the favorite wineries we visited.
Alta Vista The most unique wine was the 07 Bonardo, an Italian varietal, but the 05 Alto blend (75% Malbec, 25% Cab) was the highlight; figs, raspberry and chocolate with beautiful fine-grained tannins.
Carlos Pulenta Loved the 08 Tomero malbec with grapes grown at 4,000 ft in the Uco Valley
Belasco Baquedano The aromatic room would have stolen the show at this winery except for the outstanding lunch (corn tart pictured above) and the beautiful “Swinto” malbec and the Rosa malbec rose.
Catena Zapata 
Catena Zapata One of the biggest production wineries in Agentina - 8 million bottles per year, multiple labels and an amazing production facility. The favorite line we taste was the Angelica Zapata, not yet available in the US. The malbec was fantastic.
We are back from a trip to Argentina and will be devoting a few posts to our discoveries.
Yesterday we hosted a Small Vineyards wine tasting. Thomas Kelly presented wines from various regions of Italy that were spectacular. This tasting was for industry only by invitation but in the future we plan to open these to the public so check back.
Even though the upcoming April 21st Vegetarian dinner is all about the creative food, we decided to pair it with some cool organic wines. Here are the selections that will be poured:
Nuevomundo Cab/Carmenere (Chile ‘06) - Expressive aromas of black fruit and exotic earthy spices. On the palate, blackberry and black cherry fruits meet layers of earth, spice, herbs and a delicate hint of mint lingers on the robust finish.
Organic Vintners Merlot (CA ‘06) - Soft and plump. Aromas of tea, roses and berries. Ripe prune and plum expressions are paired with elements of baked cherry fruit, spice and rosemary.
Organic Vintners Pinot Grigio (Italy ‘07) - Aromatic scents of tropical fruit and flower blossoms. On the palate, orange and melon elements intersect with undertones of lemon zest and apple.
Casal Dos Jordeos Tawny Port (Portugal) - Smooth and easy drinking. Aromas of raisin and baked spice cake. On the palate, notes of molasses, brown sugar and dried plum fruit flavors.
P.S. We still have 8 seats left so call now for your reservation. 838-8338
This time of year is when the allocated wines arrive. Yippee! For those who don’t know, some wine is so sought after, the wine maker will sell only to select buyers and limit the purchased quantities. This is an enviable position for most wine makers because it insures their wine will be sold every year and although many restaurants may try to add some of these diamonds to their list, they are often left out of the allocation.
Over the last five years we have developed relationships with wine superstars and have secured a position on their lists. Here are a few gems that have arrived:
Leonetti Merlot
Joseph Phelps Insignia Red Blend
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Opus One Red Blend
Abeja Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Abeja Chardonnay
Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Spring Valley Muleskinner Merlot
Sheridan Vineyard L’Orage, Red Blend
Sheridan Vineyard Syrah
Pendfolds RWT Shiraz
Come and get it while it lasts.
