~2012 Villa des Anges Rosé~
The Villa des Anges 2012 Old Vines Rosé (villa days angshz if you want to sound French) is 100% Cinsault from 30-40 year old vines. “Villa des Anges” is crafted by winemaker Jeff Carrel at the Espitalet des Anges domaine in Capestang (Some of you may be familiar with Jeff’s work, having enjoyed another wine he makes, Puydeval). The winery is situated on the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, the domaine is owned by Jaqueline Menard de Ginestous, who married-into and is herself from a prominent Languedocienne wine-growing family. The vineyard encompasses about 173 acres situated in clay/limestone and ancient alluvial terroirs to the northwest of Beziers. Planted 57% to red varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cinsault, Pinot Noir), and 43% to white varietals (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier). This Vin de Pays d’Oc undergoes stainless steel vinifcation. It is matured on the lees and 20% underwent malolactic fermentation.
Serve With: As an aperitif it is the perfect warm weather gulper and also pairs well with a wide range of salads, seafoods, lighter dishes and grilled white meats and poultry.
Accolades: ★★★, “A really gorgeous rosé, the wine exhibits great finesse and balance with lovely peach and melon fruit accented by a touch of citrus and a very faint tinge of spice. Don’t miss this great value.” – Underground Wineletter May 2012 (2011).
90 pts, “…a wine to buy by the case…” – The Rhone Report, 3/11 (2010).
Special $13.99 per bottle for a taste of Spring!
Mary’s pick for the upcoming warmer weather is Hunky Dory’s 2011 Sauvignon Blanc
Hunky Dory Sauvignon Blanc is a succulent Marlborough style of wine, from the South Island of New Zealand. Visually it’s pale straw in color, with a bit of green tint. On the nose, you get passion fruit, lime and other tropical fruits. On the palette ~ again passion fruit, pink grapefruit and gooseberry. Good intense minerality, with a long finish and great mouthfeel.
I’m pairing this wine with Cornish Game Hens stuffed with Chèvre, sun dried tomatoes and fresh marjoram, potatoes Au Gratin and grilled brussel sprouts.
Winemaking Notes: Grapes are sourced primarily from two vineyard sites. The lower Rapaura block provides richly flavoured Sauvignon Blanc grapes with a wide breadth of characters. The other main site is on the northern terraces of the Awatere River in the Lower Dashwood. The grapes from this vineyard showed the excellent minerality and fine acidity typical of the Awatere Valley. This component provides a firm structure to the blend.
Food Matches:
Hunky Dory Sauvignon Blanc is designed for casual dining and can be enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif. It is excellent with salads, seafood (especially oysters!) or anytime a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc is called for.
Special Pricing $14.99
Runquist 1448, 2010 California Red
Reg. $17.99, now just $14.99!
Winemaker Jeff Runquist was only making straight varietals and hasn’t been known for his blends, until now. The 1448 is a great blend giving you a deep, thick red color. The kind you would expect from a 58% Syrah blend. But don’t let the big grapes fool you, 1448 brings ripe fruit aromas and easy tannins. Think “The Prisoner”, but for a third of the price!
Chateau Saint Baulery 2010
From the Saint-Chinian AOP in Southern France’s Languedoc comes this beautiful red blend of 40% Carignan, 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache.
The wine is ruby in color, somewhat light with a little glass staining. The nose will keep you coming back for more on it’s own. With notes of smoked bacon, black pepper, blueberries, rasberries, and a nice little undertone of chalk. Once you get to the palate you are greeted with a fresh and bright wine that is well balanced with flavors of tart fruits like cranberry, rasberry, and strawberries. Additional notes of black pepper, some woodsieness, and even some meatiness makes this a wine worth trying. Check out the video version of this tasting.
Score – 90 Sale Price – $14.99
April 2013
