|
|
|
|
Wine of the Week
Chateau Fonsalade Saint Chinian
"Grand Cuvee" 2019
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
$14.99, $13.49 for Wine Club Members
Average internet price survey came in @ $24!
We are back from vacation and so ready to start 2025. Let's just jump right into it with a HUGE value red from the south of France. To start things off in the new year, let's introduce you to a French flyer that will be a perfect wine to roll out for this weekends NFL playoff's.
Way back in October our supplier sent out an email freaking out - they were able to score a take-all price on a gorgeous tranche of Fonsalade. Our ears were peeled, as we've enjoyed Fonsalade "Grande Cuvee" over the years, and at the usual mid $20 retail price. They were able to negotiate with the winery at less than half price. Prepare to step into the Time Machine, because we are selling the top-tier Saint Chinian at the rate we last saw during Ronald Reagan's second term.
"A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2019 Saint Chinian Grande Cuvée offers up a fruit-forward, pure, elegant profile carrying lots of framboise and kirsch-like fruits, notes of peppery herbs, leather, and loamy earth, medium to full body, and a great finish. This pure, balanced, character-filled Grenache is ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years or more." "92 Points" Jeb Dunnuck.
Château Fonsalade has been at the heart of Languedoc for almost 130 years. The 80 acres of vineyards within the Saint-Chinian and Roquebrun appellations afford all the advantages of the two types of soils present in the region: limestone-enriched soil, which allows them to make structured, fruity, and elegant wines, and also schist soils, which yield tannins that are more supple for silky and velvety wines.
TIME FOR CASSOULET!
One of my all time winter dishes is Cassoulet and what has me craving it is this wine. They get each other. Something I really like about this dish is that you can easily alter the recipe to fit what is on hand. Truly, beans and sausage can seal the deal in a pinch. If you want to go all out and experience the authentic, this recipe will take you there.
Toulouse-Style Cassoulet by Food & Wine
2024 Year in Review
We thought it would be interesting to give you a review of our TOP 12 Selling Wines from 2024. It's always fascinating to see what you all enjoy.
12) La Solitude 2023 Cotes Du Rhone Rose 2, FR $15.99
11) Vistalba 2020 Malbec Cabernet Corte C, AR $14.99
10) Alki 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, WA $14.99
9) Rezabal Txakoli Rose, SP $16.99
8) Chateau Vieux 2014 Moulin Listrac Medoc, FR $16.99
7) Vincent Wengier 2022 Chablis, FR $30.99
6) Cavatappi 2023 Pinot Grigio, WA $12.99
5) Vite Colte 2021 Barbera d’Asti, IT $14.99
4) Ashan Cellars by Gorman 2019 Chardonnay, WA $21.99
3) Charles Heintz 2016 Pinot Noir Swan Selection, CA $29.99
2) Mas des Flauzieres 2019 Gigondas la Grand Reserve, FR $29.99
NUMBER 1 Selling Wine for 2024
1) Kevin White 2022 Blue Label Red Blend, WA $21.99
We are often asked how we go about selecting wines for the shop. Simple answer: we taste a lot of wines. In 2024 we tasted well over 3,000 wines. That's an average of 100 wines per week. This is our main avenue for bringing in items. We also, over the years, have followed many producers and importers that we are totally devoted to. Over time they have proven again and again to be leaders in their specific zones. When we do taste we are looking for wines that have a sense of place and show excitement along with a balance of fruit, acid, and tannins. It's all about balance. And finally, it comes down to price to quality ratio. To give you a sense of how selective our process is, out of the 3,000 plus wines we tasted last year, we only brought in less than 5%. Finding these gems for you is what it's all about. We look forward to the new year and what treasures it may bring.
FRIDAY TASTING
Wines of the Iberian Peninsula-
Spain & Portugal
With Amy Pickering-Elliott Bay Distributing
Friday, January 17th, 3-5:30 pm
The vertigo-inducing slopes of Portugal’s Douro Valley and the orange-tinted soils of Spain’s expansive vineyards have long inspired poets, writers, and vintners. During the colonial era, when Portuguese and Spanish ships ruled the seas, the region’s wines became the standard bearers for lush reds and opulent fortified wines. Today, despite often being overshadowed by high-priced bottles from Burgundy and Bordeaux, the Iberian Peninsula remains a mecca for lovers of rich, full-bodied wines with great cellaring potential.
We welcome our good friend Amy Pickering from Elliott Bay Distributing to show off examples from Spain and Portugal.
Friday, January 17th, 3-5:30. $5 fee. Wine Club Members receive one free tasting per membership at every event.
The Line-up
Avancia 2021 Godello "Cuvee de O", Valdeorras, Spain $21.99
Gota Dao 2021 Branco Prunus Private Selection, Dao Portugal $14.99
Gota Dao Tinto 2022 Prunus Private Selection, Dao Portugal $14.99
Veedha Douro 2020 Red Wine, Douro Portugal $14.99
Bluegray 2022 Priorat, Priorat Spain $24.99
Clio by Bodegas El Nido Clio 2022 Tinto, Jumilla Spain $45.99
Upcoming Tastings
Donkey & Goat Winery, Berkley California
with Jesse Hufstader, Puget Street Imports
Friday, January 24th, 3-5:30 pm
American Northwest Import Portfolio Tasting
with Buck Rogers
Friday, January 31st, 3-5:30 pm
Fidelitas Wines, Red Mountain Washington
with Will Hoppes
Friday, February 7th, 3-5:30 pm
Two Vintners Winery, Washington - Meet the Winemaker
with Morgan Lee
Friday, February 21st, 3-5:30 pm
$5 fee. Wine Club Members receive one free tasting per membership.
CLICK FOR MORE INFO
HOURS OF HAPPINESS
Tuesday-Saturday
10-6 PM
360-393-3271
In-Store Shopping / Door Service / Store pick up / Curb side
ORDER ON-LINE
Email: ted@sjwinemerchants.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
