Thankful for Wine
Happy Thanksgiving Leschi! Leschi Market is your one-stop-shop for the upcoming holiday. Turkey, prime rib, Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, pecan pie and of course, wine!
Here are six reds, two whites, and two pinks that are in good supply and sure to please the whole family. The Market will be well staffed to help you with all your needs. Don’t forget the cranberries!
Red
2016 Château Fortia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Baron ($42)
“Rocking aromas and flavors of garrigue, kirsch liqueur, dried flowers, and spice. Deep, medium to full-bodied, elegant and weightless on the palate, it’s the finest example of this cuvée since the 2003. The blend is 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre. Despite the high Syrah part, it just screams Grenache.” ~Jeb Dunnuck, 94-points.
2016 Shulman Estate Betty Lou Red Wine Walla Wally Valley ($40)
“This 100% Cabernet possesses all of the traits you have been looking for: poise, balance and elegance. Supple tannins, bright acid, and dark-red fruits with aromas of crushed berries and licorice. Subtle spice and smoke add to the complexity of this energetic ager. Proceeds from each bottle sold will be donated to City of Hope in loving memory of Leschi Market founders Betty Lou and S. Leonard Shulman.” ~Winemaker notes.
2018 Paetra Pinot Noir Eola Amity Hills Oregon ($23)
“Our 2018 Paetra Pinot Noir is fresh and elegant with moderate alcohol and a long finish. It is very red-fruited (strawberry, raspberry) and aromatic with notes of rose and hibiscus. The best vintage of 2018 produced a special Pinot Noir of lighter and brighter character with soft tannins.” ~Winemaker notes.
2017 Lydian by Avennia GSM Columbia Valley ($23)
First Release. The Lydian GSM is the first of a complete line up of wines that it will be releasing each year of second labels. “Fresh and lively on the palate, with strawberry, red cherry, and hints of savory earth, fresh mint, and lavender. A delicious wine. A blend of 53% Mourvèdre, 26% Syrah and 21% Grenache.” ~Chris Peterson, Winemaker.
2017 Leschi Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($20)
“Leschi Cellars is proud to introduce Pinot Noir to our stable of wines. This one of a kind Pinot Noir accurately captures the elegance and complexity created by the volcanic soils of Oregon. The blackberry and cherry aromas give way to finely developed tannins, mushroom and earth on the lengthy dry Burgundian finish.” ~Winemaker notes.
2017 Hand Work Red Tempranillo Castilla La Mancha Spain 1L ($13)
The Tempranillo checks all the good boxes: It’s organic, biodynamic, low sulfites, vegan and delicious! Juicy red fruit flavors are balanced with medium tannins to give it great structure. The gentle slope is covered in chalky clay and a fine layer of pebbles on the surface that capture and radiate the heat of the sun—a key benefit during the desert nights.
White
2018 Ross Andrew Pinot Gris Celilo Vineyard Columbia Valley ($17)
“This lively and delicious Pinot Gris comes from one of the greatest vineyards in the PNW (Celilo Vineyard). It’s like stuffing a Bosc pear, lemon zest, white peach, ginger and a few dashes of mineral in the bottle; resulting in fantastic aromatics. The palate is crisp, vibrant and refreshing. Enjoy!” ~Winemaker notes. New vintage.
2018 Lobo Hills Dry Riesling Yakima Valley ($16)
“The 2018 Dry Riesling comes from two Yakima Valley vineyards: Lonesome Springs Ranch 65% and Airport Ranch 35%. The wine truly reflects an Alsatian wine with a slight amount of sugar and a well-balanced acidity. The wine smells of white peach, apricot skins and honeysuckle blossoms; its flavors reflect apricot and pineapple.” ~Tony Dollar, Winemaker.
Rosé
2018 Bastide Blanche Rosé Bandol ($22)
“Continuing its consistent excellence, this Domaine’s 2018 Bandol Rosé looks to be another fine performance. Crushed stone, under-ripe peach and pineapple notes mark the nose, while the medium-bodied palate is creamy and rich, with just enough pepper and licorice-tinged spice on the finish to provide freshness and length.” ~Wine Advocate, 90–92-points.
2018 Tranche Cellars Pink Pape Rosé Yakima Valley ($19)
“Pale salmon in color. Delicate aromas of mountain berry, white peach, citrus blossom and honeydew. The wine is bright and focused on the palate, with fresh citrus and stone fruit qualities underscored by a wet stone-like minerality. Driving acidity provides excellent focus and direction, drawing out the palate to a lingering, mouthwatering finish.” ~Winemaker notes.
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.