Everyday Wine Club - August 2018
Wholly Cow, it's August 9 and we haven't put out the list yet. The dawg days of summer have arrived for sure. So let's get to it. This month we are offering the usual over-performing selections in the $15 and under price category. We'll also throw in a few from the previous months' selections that stood out. Still get inquiries about how to join the club, and we might start calling it a co-op. And then maybe charge to join! Just kiddin. If you're reading this and want to join, there is no joining, no fee, no monthly cc charge or shipments. Just send us which wines you want to procure and we will procure them. Pickup this month will be Thursday, August 16. We will be available to meet you at any time that day, but we will open up the shop and have glasses and good times available beginning at 4:30 pm.
All prices include SC tax.
Elizabeth Spencer, Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc (2017) $ 15
Elizabeth & Spencer share a love and respect for wine. Their Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing version that everyone loves, it has lovely peach aromas and flavors, along with the usual lime, but maybe some ginger as well? Good minerality and acidity. With food or not. From certified organic vineyards. Stainless steel fermentation. Yummy.
Heritage Altes, Terra Alta Garnaxta Blanca (2017) $ 12
How's your Espanol? No worries, this is White Grenache from Spain, which is light and dry, fermented 4 months, so it has a wonderful freshness, they stirred it during fermentation to add some weight, it's a wonderful alternative white to Pinot Grigio or the aforementioned SB. Imported by European Cellars in Charlotte, whose portfolio of wines is nothing short of amazing.
Simonet Blanc de Blancs Brut $ 11
This is champagne for a beer budget. It’s made the same way champagne is, but can’t be labeled as such. Those French! Hints of smoke and crystallized honey accenting flavors of white peach, marzipan and a touch of bread dough. Expressive, with bright, mouthwatering acidity and refined texture, this is 100% chardonnay and quite delicious.
Raats Family Wines, Chenin Blanc Original Stellenbosch (2018) $ 15
Our first wine to taste with this year's date on it. (It's from South Africa.) Here is the winery boasting a little, but they deserve to. Original Chenin is crafted without the use of any oak in order to preserve the wine’s “original,” vibrant fresh fruit character. Now in its 18th year of production, it boasts an unquestionable consistency in quality and style. The Original Chenin Blanc 2018 is a classic example of old vine Chenin Blanc grown in very specific soil types. Bursting with fresh fruit flavors, this lively wine shows a distinctive yellow apple and pineapple core, alongside notes of green melon and limes. The wine displays zesty citrus flavors and a long mineral finish.
Domaine Tournon, Mathilda White $ 13
This wine is made of Viognier and Marsanne, by Michel Chapoutier, legendary French winemaker, from his Australian vineyards. It has a big body, and abundant stone fruit flavors. It will be gold in your glass, and have a big bouquet as well. It's fresh and supple, with good minerality. This is a cool alternative white wine that we love, you may have had it in the shop before, it's on our list by request this month. Yeah, we do that. Cheers!
Domaine Tournon, Shiraz Mathilda (2017) $ 14
Guess what? Michel also makes a great Shiraz! Might as well try this one, too. Too many underwhelming Aussie reds are everywhere you look and there's wine for sale. That's just the way it goes. But Michel is French, and a well-regarded producer from the Rhone, so he knows what to do with Syrah or Shiraz. Same grape. This one is not oaked, but it's pretty big nonetheless. The black fruit flavors burst out of the glass, and the tannins are silky. Way to go, amigo.
Viña Bujanda, Crianza (2014) $ 14
Aromas of blackberry with spicy tones (clove and cinnamon) from American oak, mild tobacco and light balsamic notes. The Tempranillo variety showing its typical elegance and complexity. Fresh and silky tannins, developing a great volume and structure. Long and tasty ending. First class Rioja at a bargain price. This is one of those re-dos from the May list.
Chateau Fontenille, Bordeaux (2015) $ 14
Terra de Falanis, Montsant Llenca Plana (2016) $15
Terra de Falanis is a new winemaking project with the vinification overseen by Pere Obrador and Miguelàngel Cerdà from the highly regarded Anima Negra winery (Mallorca) whose wines have gained both national and international acclaim. This is a blend of Carignane and Grenache, it’s full bodied and savory, and the fruit is a bit crunchy, typical of Montsant reds. 90 points easy, this wine is fabulous. You will not be disappointed here. Yes, this is a redo from the May list as well.
