Seven Sinful Selections For October
RED
2014 Gramercy Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley ($29)
“Under the leadership of Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss, Gramercy Cellars is unquestionably in the top handful of producers in Washington. This Syrah is medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated and beautifully textured. It’s another smoking wine from this estate that has real character and depth.” ~Wine Advocate, 93-points.
2010 Vina Sastre Crianza Ribera del Duero ($27)
“Spicy, high-pitched aromas of blueberry, violet pastille, licorice, cola and black pepper. Very concentrated but lively and precise, offering palate-staining dark berry and floral flavors and suggestions of mocha and smoky minerals. Finishes with excellent clarity and power, smooth tannins and lingering florality.” ~Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 92-points.
2014 Efeste ‘Final Final’ Red Columbia Valley ($24)
“Juicy flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cinnamon convey a lovely light touch. Still a bit tight but finishes very long and ripely tannic, with the structure to support a graceful evolution in bottle.” ~Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 92+ points.
2016 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga ($23)
Along with 2015, Fèlsina will recall 2016 as one of the most beautiful vintages in the last decade. This Chianti has a perfumed nose of wild red berries, cherries and nuances of mixed spices. On the palate, the fruit is forward, supported by supple tannins. This finish is long.
WHITE
2016 Château Grand Boise Blanc Côtes de Provence ($27)
Our high altitude is unique in Provence. It gives us fruitiness, depth and well-balanced wines. The typical profile of Château Grand Boise is its freshness. The vines are mainly planted on North facing slopes, on limestone, clay and pink marble soils. To preserve this delicate balance, our vines and wines are Certified Organic.
2015 Tranche Pape Blanc Estate Blue Mountain Vineyard Walla Walla ($20)
“Vibrant melon and stone fruit aromas are complemented by notes of honeysuckle, citrus, white tea and baking spice. The wine is fresh and tactile on the palate with flavors of cantaloupe, white peach and nectarine, enhanced by flint and lightly toasted notes. A blend of 29% Viognier, 22% Roussanne, 16% Grenache Blanc, 15% Marsanne, 10% Clairette Blanche and 8% Picpoul Blanche. 489 cases produced.” ~Winemaker notes.
2017 Lobo Hills Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley ($14)
“Owner and winemaker Tony Dollar ferments and ages this wine in stainless steel tanks that include rocks from the vineyard, trying to capture a little something else from the terroir. Does it work? Well, there’s an unexpected mineral edge to a wine that’s loaded with kiwi and white grapefruit flavors, as well as far more acid than you typically see in a Washington Sauvignon Blanc. How much do I love this wine? I bought six bottles.” ~“The 30 Most Exciting Wines in Washington,” Seattle Met Magazine, September 2018.
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 the Dahlia Lounge, and currently 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.