September Wine

Hello and welcome back Leschi!

We have loved being a part of your summer festivities. As we slowly ease back into Fall routines, let’s take this opportunity to update you on anything you may have missed wine-wise down at the Market. First, an announcement!

The Madrona Neighborhood Association has announced their Fall Wine Tasting! Save the date of Saturday, October 12th. More details to come, and you are always welcome to check in at the store for updates and tickets as we get closer.

Following is a list of TEN red wines sure to help you get into the Fall spirit. There really is something for every red wine drinker here. All have great scores and accolades, as well as represent a wide variety of different grapes from various places.

Enjoy!

2014 Schiavenza Barolo Prapò Piedmonte ($56)

“A bright, open and fruity style, boasting cherry, strawberry, tobacco, iron and saline flavors. Firm and linear, with a tight cohesiveness and a long, detailed finish. Best from 2023 through 2042. 290 cases made; 65 cases imported.” ~Wine Spectator, 94-points.

2016 Avennia Valery Red Columbia Valley ($47)

“Merlot from old blocks at Boushey Vineyards make up 70% of this wine, with the rest Cabernet Franc from esteemed Champoux Vineyard. Fascinating aromas of ripe red raspberry, earth, green herbs, cigar box and flower are followed by ripe, hedonistic fruit flavors that show the warmth of the vintage. Coffee notes linger on the finish. Best after 2023. Cellar Selection.” ~Patrick Sullivan, 96-points.

2014 Buty Connor Lee Viney Merlot/Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley ($42)

“A classic wine from this estate, the 2014 Conner Lee Vineyard is a blend of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. It offers an herbal edge in its ripe black cherry, red plum, chocolate and earthy bouquet. This gives way to a rich, medium to full-bodied red that has polished tannin, integrated acidity and a great finish.” ~Wine Advocate, 92-points.

2010 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza ($20)

“The richness and depth of complex dried wood and spice here is seamlessly sewn into the dried red and dark cherries. The palate is pinned around a fresh-blackberry core that marries still sweet fruit to more savory style. Long and balanced. The tannins are fine yet assertive. It freshens into the finish nicely. Drink or hold.” ~James Suckling, 95-points.

2017 Syncline Subduction Red Columbia Valley ($20)

“Plump, elegant and expressive, with layered black raspberry, smoky beef and licorice flavors that build structure toward refined tannins. Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2026.” ~Wine Spectator, 92-points.

2016 Two Vintners Syrah Columbia Valley ($20)

“Refined and sleekly built, with expressive raspberry, tarragon and smoked pepper flavors that built tension toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2026. 925 cases made.” ~Wine Spectator, 91-points.

2017 Soter Vineyards Planet Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($20)

“This offers some wild-raspberry and strawberry aromas with a very fresh and primary attitude. The palate is succulently fresh, lithe and juicy with raspberry flavors holding fresh and juicy.” ~James Suckling, 90-points.

2016 Bear Flag Zinfandel Sonoma County ($19)

“Blended of 89% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah and 4% Teroldego. The wine bursts from the glass with baked raspberries, redcurrant jelly and Black Forest cake notes with hints of tree bark, cracked pepper and Indian spices plus a waft of potpourri. Full-bodied, rich, velvety and wonderfully spicy in the mouth, it gives up loads of earthy layers on the long finish.” ~Wine Spectator, 91-points.

2018 G.D. Vajra Nebbiolo Clare J.C. Langhe Piedmont ($18)

“Bright red. Explosively fruity aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry nectar, sweet spices and violet. At once big, dense and juicy, but vibrant, with a hint of aromatic perfume that is extremely inviting as is the underlying sweet spice component. This is absolutely delicious. I couldn’t put my glass back down once I started tasting this. ~Vinous Media, 92-points.

2012 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva Spain ($16)

“A thick, firm texture carries ripe flavors of blackberry and fig paste in this solid red. Notes of dark chocolate, smoke and forest floor add complexity. The tannins are well-integrated, and balsamic acidity keeps this lively. Tempranillo and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2028. Smart Buy.” ~Wine Spectator, 91-points.

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.