April Showers Leschi with New Wine
Spring has arrived! Along with the longer days and gradually rising temperatures comes NEW WINE. Just a smattering of new arrivals are featured this month, so be sure to come into the store to see what else is new.
RED
2013 Château Fortia Tradition Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($36.99)
“This Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the total expression of the power of symphony. With each mouthful, you sense the release of the most beautiful sonorities. This wine draws its power and mellowness, its color and its solidity from the three principal grape varieties - Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.” –Vinous / Antonio Galloni, 90-points.
2015 Kevin White Red Blend Yakima Valley ($16.79)
Woodinville winemaker Kevin White, who works full time at Microsoft, was in 2015 named by Seattle Magazine as the “Winemaker to Watch.” He has created quite a stir by releasing a red Rhône-style wine priced under $20.00, which easily competes with wines at twice that price. 31% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre. 44% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre. Cases Produced: 375.” –Winemaker notes.
WHITE
2015 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi Italy ($14.99)
“A dense and layered white with dried pineapple and peach character. Medium to full body. Bright and layered finish. Love the richness and density with freshness. Drink now.” - James Suckling, 92-points.
2015 Grand Fief de la Cormeraie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine ‘Sur Lie’ ($13.99)
The term ‘sur lie’ sorts the wheat from the chaff in the world of Muscadet. An extended period of lees contact after fermentation leads to a greater complexity of flavor and character. With ripe fruit aromas, a pleasant richness and fine minerality, this is a classic Loire white. Bottled with a slight natural spritz to help retain freshness.
PINK
2016 Tranche Pink Pape Estate Rosé Blackrock Vineyard Yakima Valley ($14.99)
“Pale salmon in color with a light pink hue. Delicate aromas of rose petal, white peach and honeydew, with lifted notes of sweet pink grapefruit and lemon peel. The wine falls effortlessly onto the palate as light mountain berry and stone fruit flavors combine with fresh citrus qualities and a crushed river rock minerality. Driving acidity provides excellent focus and direction, drawing out the palate to a lingering, mouthwatering finish. A blend of Grenache, Counoise and Cinsault.”
2016 Miradou Rosé Côtes de Provence ($11.19)
Miradou Rosé de Provence from the heart of Provence is quickly becoming a rising favorite among wine lovers in America, yet has long been enjoyed in bistros, cafes and restaurants throughout the south of France. Why, because the wine is food friendly, it’s the “gold standard” of Rosé de Provence quality. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault.
2016 Barnard Griffin of Sangiovese Rosé Columbia Valley ($10.59)
“Mouthwatering raspberry, orange and pomegranate flavors are balanced by the perfect amount of juicy acidity. Dry, tangy and vibrant! Just a touch of lime and mineral notes checks in on the long finish. Taste for yourself why Barnard Griffin Roses have won eleven Best of Class and numerous gold awards at prestigious wine competitions since our first Rose release in 2002.” - Winemaker notes.
Cheers! Enjoy!
Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket.