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Wines of the Week
Blagden 2010 Pinot Noir
"Sangiacomo Vineyard"
Sonoma Coast, California
$29.99, $26.99 for Wine Club Members
Winery Price $60!
Once again, we found an amazing aged wine for you to drink right now. For those of you who don't have the ability to age wine in a dark, cold cellar and wait patiently for decades to enjoy the hidden treasure, we have one for you this week. We were greatly excited when the wine continued to evolve as the day progressed. Simply put, the time is right to enjoy this beauty. The aromatics just sing out of the glass shifting from bright fruit to savory, earthy, and dried fruit notes. Aromas include dried cherry, raspberry, forest floor, mushroom, tea leaf, tobacco, leather, and hints of spice or cedar. It has lost its candied fruit notes and takes on a more refined character.
What we have is a cool climate Pinot Noir from one of the most respected vineyards in Sonoma. For most of the past 100 years, Angelo Sangiacomo and his family have been farmers in Sonoma County. Early on, they specialized in fruits and nuts, but now they deal exclusively in wine grapes. Winemaker Bruce Neyers had this to say- "I first met Angelo when I moved to the Napa Valley in 1972, and we bought grapes from him when I worked at Mayacamas. In 1975, I went to work for Joe Phelps, and Angelo was an important grape supplier to us. When we began Neyers Vineyards in 1992, Angelo was our first grower. The Sangiacomo family has had a role in my entire wine career. Angelo died in February, at the age of 93. He was admired and respected by all, and was one of the most honorable men I ever met."
Blagden is a small producer of Vineyard Designate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast and Cabernet Sauvignons from Moon Mountain and Napa Valley. Annual production is usually less than 500 cases and most lot sizes are no bigger than 200 cases. Not all grapes make it into the Blagden production as Catherine Blagden chooses only the best barrels for each release, assuring the best quality wine from that vineyard. Catherine has an M.S. from UC Davis and has been making wine since 2003. Blagden’s 2013 Sangiacomo Pinot Noir won the 11th Annual International Women’s Wine Making Competition which was announced June 2018.
The 2010 Blagden Sangiacomo Pinot Noir is a mature, complex Sonoma Coast wine, offering an upfront earthy nose, candied cherries, and black raspberry notes, framed by crushed gravel and subtle spice. Offering a, balanced, and elegant profile with a long, delicate finish. A strong example of a 12+ year old California Pinot with a textbook savory note from the Sonoma Coast.
Giddy up, we only captured 5 cases of this aged beauty.
NEW ARRIVALS
Notes by Tim Johnson
Valminor Albarino Rias Baixas 2024
Rias Baixas, Spain
$32.99, $29.69 for Wine Club Members
The vineyards of Northwest Spain’s Galicia region are strongly influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. The climate of RĂas Baixas is maritime, not dissimilar to our own Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1997, the fully modern Adegas Valmiñor winery is located in the O Rosal sub-region of RĂas Baixas.
Winemaker Cristina Mantilla coaxes considerable depth out of these grapes, whose vines were planted on schist soils. The hand picked fruit is de-stemmed, then cold soaked and fermented (long and cool) in stainless tanks. The result is next-level Albariño. It’s an impeccably balanced and pleasingly textured mid-weight with expressions of papaya, briny mineral, Meyer lemon, coriander and nectarine. Pair with fish tacos or asparagus risotto.
"Elaborate swirls of lime, lemon, passionfruit and white peach entice the nose whilst the pristine purity of acidity and mineral freshness disarms the terroir-driven palate. Salty, linear and tangy, demonstrating Atlantic style at its best. 97 points” Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, Platinum Medal
“Another 100% varietal white, the grapes for 2024 Albariño come mostly from the seaside O Rosal area, a microclimate of warmth and greater sunlight exposure. It exudes stone fruit flavors and aromas, with a hint of orange blossom. Medium-bodied, it sees no oak or bâtonnage, and there’s an extra sense of ripeness and texture to the fruit, with the acidity integrated more in the background. This is a fine wine at an affordable price point, ready to drink now and for another 3-5 years. 93 points” Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck
Lamblin & Fils Chablis Vaillon 1er Cru 2023
Burgundy, France
$36.99, $33.29 for Wine Club Members
The Lamblin family story goes back 300 years in Chablis. Based in the northern village of Maligny, brothers Didier and Michel now operate what is effectively a hybrid negotiant winery, where 20% of grapes are estate sourced and the remaining production is from partner growers. The scale of this allows Lamblin to produce higher quality wines at what can only be called reasonable prices in Burgundy.
The Premier Cru hill of Vaillon is located on the left bank of the Serein River (in front of the Grand Crus). The famous Kimmeridgian clay limestone soils here were deposited some 150 million years ago, when a warm shallow sea covered what is now Burgundy. The Chardonnay is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to allow the Chablis minerality to be fully expressed. Post fermentation, the wine is aged for six months on the fine lees before bottling. This vintage is medium (+) in weight and creamy on the palate with yellow apple, nutmeg, Asian pear, orange blossom, Mirabelle plum, and telltale crushed oyster shell qualities. It’s expressive and flavorful without the intrusive flavors of oak and butter.
Pair with creamy lemon garlic pan-seared scallops and gougères (savory cheese puffs).
NEW ARRIVALS
Notes by Stefano Brandi
Moutard Blanc de Blanc Brut
Burgundy, France
$19.99, $17.99 for Wine Club Members
Domaine Moutard is located in Polisy, Côte des Bar, where Lucien Moutard began producing Champagne in 1952. A passionate advocate for the region, he created a regional union in Aube protecting the Champagne designation, and expanded the family’s vineyard holdings, with the Moutard and the Diligent families uniting in 1960. Lucien’s children Agnès, Véronique, and François now continue the family legacy. Most recently, the Domaine expanded into Burgundy, a logical avenue given its proximity to Champagne, with land in Tonnerrois and Chablis.
This sparkling Blanc de Blancs is sourced from clay-limestone soils and Kimmeridgian marl in Tonnerre, just over the borders of Champagne. The Chardonnay grapes are gently pressed in a pneumatic press, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats at 65-68°F. After secondary fermentation in bottle as per the méthode traditionnelle, the wine is aged on lees for a minimum of three years. Dosage is of a modest 5 g/L.
The wine opens with fine froth and delicate aromas of white flowers and almonds. On the palate, it delivers citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, with a persistent finish and freshness, supported by a good structure.
This Blanc de Blanc is obviously great by itself, and is an ideal match for oysters, clams, and scallops. It pairs beautifully with fresh goat cheese, roast chicken with pan roasted turnips, leek soup, and creamy or seafood risottos. It makes also a great combination with fried chicken, calamari, tempura, and a good brunch companion to enjoy with silky scrambled eggs topped with fresh herbs, and smoked salmon buttered toast.
100% Chardonnay
Chateau Meyney Saint Estephe 2019
Bordeaux, France
$44.99, $40.49 for Wine Club Members
Located on Bordeaux’s Left Bank near the Gironde estuary, Château Meyney, originally built as a convent in 1662, is one of the oldest estates in the appellation. Today owned by Crédit Agricole Grands Crus, the property has undergone a steady qualitative evolution over recent decades. This renewed focus on vineyard expression has firmly reestablished Meyney as a benchmark producer, with wines considered among the most consistent and compelling of Saint-Estèphe and the broader Médoc.
The estate’s vineyard spans approximately 124 acres in a single contiguous block adjacent to the famed Château Montrose. Vines are planted on classic Garonne gravel soils, but distinguished by a rare subsoil feature: a deep vein of blue clay, comparable to that found at Pomerol’s most renowned sites. The 2019 vintage is the result of a dry and mild winter, and a wet spring, followed by a warm summer, ensuring full ripeness. The sustainably farmed grapes were hand-picked, rigorously sorted, and vinified parcel by parcel, with cold pre-fermentation maceration preceding fermentation. Malolactic fermentation occurred in new oak barrels, followed by aging in French oak, 35% new.
“Cassis, currants, ripe tobacco, and cedar pencil notes define the bouquet of the 2019 Château Meyney, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated Saint-Estèphe that shows the elegant, moderately concentrated, yet nicely structured and balanced style of the vintage. It's already accessible with a decant but will benefit from just a handful of years in the cellar and have 15 years or more of longevity. Maturity: 2022-2038. 92 Points.” Jeb Dunnuck
This is a red wine of substance and depth that would pair greatly with herb crusted rack of lamb, grilled ribeye and entrecĂ´te, beef filet with rosemary and thyme, braised duck and venison, or simply with a rich cheeseboard featuring aged hard cheeses.
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 16% Petit Verdot
Croix de Beausejour Saint Emilion Bordeaux 2019
Bordeaux, France
$44.99, $40.49 for Wine Club Members
Château Croix Beauséjour is the second wine of the historic Premier Grand Cru Classé estate of Château Beauséjour in Saint-Émilion. The property has been in the Duffau-Lagarrosse family since 1847. Since 2021, Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse has taken over management in partnership with the Courtin family of the Clarins Group, continuing the estate’s tradition of precise, terroir-driven winemaking.
The estate’s 16 acre vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot (76%) and Cabernet Franc (24%), reflecting the classic blend of the Right Bank. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes were harvested by hand. Great care and attention is given to each parcel and every vat. After fermentation in French oak, the red blend was aged 14 to 16 months in oak barrels, 40% of which were new.
The 2019 Croix de Beauséjour shows aromas of ripe red fruits complemented by subtle spice and soft wood. The palate is round and generous, supported by well-integrated tannins and a refined lingering finish. With already some age in the bottle, the wine is ready to be enjoyed now or in another three to four years.
I recommend going all in with the flavors and enjoying this wine with hearty, rich, and savory dishes such as Osso Buco alla Milanese, grilled or roasted red meats and poultry, beef or venison stew, braised lamb. Pairs nicely also with a mix board featuring game cold cuts, and soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert.
84% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc
Osso Bucco alla Milanese by La Cucina Italiana
NEW ARRIVALS
Notes by Hannah Green
Allimant Laugner Cremant Rose
Alsace, France
$26.99, $24.29 for Wine Club Members
This is the bubbly you want to pop! Elegant, delicious and pale cherry blossom pink, cremant rosé is sophisticated, approachable luxury.
Domaine Alliment Laugner has been making wine in Alsace for eleven generations. Their Cremant is 100% Pinot Noir, making it a beautiful light pink with charming florals and fresh red fruit.
This incredibly pretty cremant rosé shows finesse alongside a welcome dryness on the palate. Wild strawberry and lemony brightness lend energy, with subtle white flowers, bing cherry and green apple on the palate. The wine is fermented on natural yeasts and does not undergo malolactic fermentation, and is aged 12 to 18 months on the lees. Made in the traditional Methode Champenoise, this cremant is very high quality at an incredible price.
Pop open a bottle just before you start cooking for your dinner date. You’ll look great wearing a smart apron and holding a glass of sparkling rosé in hand.
Lions de Suduiraut Sauternes 2020 375 ml
Bordeaux, France
$19.99, $17.99 for Wine Club Members
You’ve planned the date, set the menu, arranged the flowers and opened the dinner wine to breathe. Bring it all home with a dessert wine to perfect the night.
Sauternes is the dessert wine of Bordeaux. A gorgeous blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, this rich and honeyed wine is famous for its balance of sweetness and vibrant acidity, and for the alchemy that is botrytis, a beneficial fungus that dries the grapes on the vines, intensifying their flavor. Grapes are harvested late in the season, allowing full ripeness and the development of botrytis, also known as noble rot.
Sauternes is heavenly served with foie gras, gorgonzola dolce or fruit tarts. It’s an impressive finish to any meal, and if you serve it lightly chilled with a slab of gorgonzola dolce, it’s an easy yet dramatic slam dunk.
"The 2020 Lions de Suduiraut is a gorgeous, approachable Sauternes that emphasizes bright, floral accents. Tangerine oil, almond, dried flowers, light honeyed notes and apricot all grace this airy, wonderfully nuanced Sauternes. The 2020 is 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. This is simply impeccable. 92 Points" Vinous
Friday Tasting
Upchurch Vineyards
Meet the winemaker/owner, Chris Upchurch
Friday, February 13th 3-5:30
From humble beginnings as the Founding Winemaker at one of Washington’s premier wineries DeLille Cellars, to breaking ground at his own winery and vineyard, Chris Upchurch brings more than 30 years of Bordeaux-style winemaking to Red Mountain. It is a dream come true that most winemakers only hope for.
Upchurch Vineyard is an 18.5-acre site uniquely situated on a small plateau at the southern tip of the Red Mountain AVA in Washington State. Established in 2007, Upchurch Vineyard is owned and operated by Winemaker, Chris Upchurch, and his wife, Thea Upchurch. Chris has been and continues to be the Founding Winemaker and Partner at DeLille Cellars.
It's a great privlage to have one of Washington's leading winemakers in the house to present his project from Red Mountain.
The Lineup:
2021 Southwest Facing Sauvignon Blanc $29.99
2022 Counterpart Merlot $45.99
2022 LTL Cabernet Sauvignon $30.99
2022 Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon $74.99
2022 UV Cabernet Sauvignon $79.99
Friday, February 13th, 3-5:30 pm. $5 fee. Wine Club Members receive one free tasting per membership at every event.
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Upcoming Tastings
Upchurch Vineyard–Red Mountain, Washington
Meet the owner/winemaker, Chris Upchurch
February 13th, 3-5:30 pm
Orr Wines–Woodinville, Washington
Meet the owner/winemaker, Erica Orr
February 20th, 3-5:30 pm
Exploring Burgundy
Meet the Importer: William Woodruff of Chloe Imports
February 27th, 3-5:30 pm
Pecchenino Winery-Piedmont Italy
Meet the owner/winemaker, Orlando Pecchenino
March 6th, 3-5:30 pm
Lobo Hills, Woodinville, Washington
Meet the owner/winemaker, Tony Dollar
March 13th, 3-5:30 pm
All tastings $5 fee. Wine Club Members receive one free tasting per membership at every event.
CLICK FOR MORE INFO
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