Château Paloumey Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2009

My husband is an immense fan of Bordeaux, so before going out to dinner to celebrate his birthday we snacked on a cheese plate including German brie with wild mushrooms and double cream gouda and gave a pre-celebratory pour to Château Paloumey Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2009. During the beginning of the 19^th century Château Paloumey, located on the left bank of the Gironde River, produced wines highly regarded wines. [Paloumey is from a Gascon wood referring to the wood pigeon “palombe” which migrates over the vineyards in autumn.] The wars took their toll on the estate, by the 1950’s it lay abandoned and in ruin. In 1989 it was purchased by Martine Cazeneuve who set about restoring it to its 19^th century glory. She was rewarded in 2003 when the estate was bestowed with a Crus Bourgeois Supérieur classification. Respecting “nature, terrior and the environment” is a priority, they employ many organic methods and strictly control the use [if any] of synthetic pesticides.

Inky dark garnet in colour, after decanting aromas of black cherry, black currant and toasty oak rose from the glass. Black cherry, blackberry and black currant flavours were joined by traces of spiced vanilla and espresso in the medium to full body. Sweet cigar box spices, crushed black pepper and smoky cedar comprised the lengthy finish. Rich and velvety, this is a powerful yet refined glass that keeps you reaching for more.

51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot

Haut-Médoc
France
Mis en Bouteille au Château [Estate Bottled]
14% Alcohol
Enjoy now thru 2015

Rated 90-93 points by Wine Spectator

Espelt Coralí Rosé 2012

I had thoroughly enjoyed Espelt Garnacha 2010 so as a storm began to brew in the hot, late afternoon I was enthusiastic to give Espelt Coralí Rosé 2012 a pour. Espelt is a family estate that began growing grapes in the Emporda region in northeast Spain in 1910. Over the years they have flourished into distinguished winemakers; in 2000 they built a modern winery and today grow 17 different varietals on 200 hectares of land using sustainable viticulture, including biodynamic and organic methods.

Pale coral in colour, aromas of wet slate and soft peach rose from the glass. Strawberry, apricot and grapefruit flavours comprised the light to medium body. Clean minerals were joined by zippy lemon zest in the crisp finish. Well balanced and refreshing, this is a fantastic glass for the patio and warm weather.

100% Garnacha

Emporda
Spain
Produced
13.5% Alcohol
$11
Enjoy now thru 2014

Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red 2011

After a long, tiring day I fancied an uncomplicated yet substantial glass. My thoughts ran towards a California blend so I gave a pour to Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red 2011. Shannon Ridge Winery is a family owned and operated certified sustainable estate located just north of Napa Valley in Lake County California. In addition to creating high quality wines, the 1000 acre ranch focuses on natural land management and preserving wildlife. Only 60 to 70% of the land will be devoted to vineyards, and the vineyards are placed so as to not disturb the corridors of migrating animals or nesting areas. The grapes for the 2011 Wrangler Red were sourced from vineyards located on the hills and steep slopes of their “ultra-premium” vineyards in Lake County.

Dark red-violet in colour, aromas of spiced plum and traces of toasted oak rose from the glass. Bright, tart flavours of cherry and pomegranate were underscored by rich mocha notes in the medium to full body. Spicy black pepper and dark chocolate elements comprised the velvety finish. Straightforward and easy drinking, this is a great value fantastic at the table.

45% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon

Lake County
California
Produced and Bottled by Shannon Ridge Winery, Healdsburg
14.5% Alcohol
$12
Enjoy now thru 2015

Domaine Lafage Miraflors Rosé 2012

I barrage of near 90 degree heat and humidity in the middle of May had me reaching for a refreshing Rosé. I was enthusiastic to give Domaine Lafage Miraflors Rosé 2012 a pour, especially since I adore glass corks. Jean-Marc Lafage’s family have been grape growers in the Roussillon for 6 generations, however it was Jean-Marc that stopped just selling grapes and transformed the vineyards into a domaine. He and his oenologist wife Eliane founded Domaine Lafage in 1996, today the estate encompasses more than 200 hectares in the Roussillon, 138 hectares of which are vineyards. With a spotlight on old vines, they employ both recent technology such as foliage analysis and field monitoring, along with traditional methods such as organic farming and hand harvesting. Their mindset is one of “a healthy form of viticulture that respects the environment through a sound culture”.

Pale coral in colour, aromas of strawberry, pear and minerals rose from the glass. Strawberry, melon and traces of peach comprised the light to medium body. Citrus zest and a crisp minerality brightened the snappy finish. Refreshing and bright, this is a zippy glass wonderful for warm weather and spicy summer dishes.

70% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache Gris
Côtes du Roussillon
France
Mis en Bouteille au Domaine [Estate Bottled]
12.5% Alcohol
$15
Enjoy now thru 2014

Rated 90 points by the Wine Advocate