Winery Tasting Notes: “Enticing primary aromatics of raspberry, boysenberry, and white pepper spice are complemented by subtler notes of vanilla and lilies. Wonderfully soft on entry onto the palate, this blend is rich with red fruit notes of raspberry, pomegranate and cranberry and finishes with a lovely lingering spicy note.”

Blend: 37% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre, 13% Cinsault, 5% Counoise, 2% Viognier
Alcohol Level: 15.4%
Cases Produced: 758
Winemaker Name: Kendall Mix
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  BBQ/Smoked Pork, Beef, Lamb or Chicken.  Bleu or gorgonzola cheese, mushroom and spices

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – This is a real treat for two simple reasons: winemaker Kendall Mix and the incredible Rhone grape varieties coming out of the Columbia Valley.  Let’s start with Kendall Mix.  First and foremost, Mix was a UC Davis grad who began his winemaking career with Chateau Ste Michelle in 1993.  After a decade, he moved away from that family to become winemaker at Tranche Cellars and Corliss Estates.  If you are familiar with CV’s history of sourcing wines, you know how fond we are of Corliss Estates.  They specialize in small production cab’s and red blends that consistently score in the mid-90’s from all the wine critiquing periodicals.  Thing is the Corliss wines retail for upwards of $75/bottle…so scoring the 2013 Buried Cane “Heartland” Red Wine at $25/bottle (wine club price reflected on receipt) it has an absolute sensational “QPR” or “QUALITY-TO-PRICE RATIO!”

Back to the fruit.  If you asked me about for my top three favorite growing regions in the US, the Columbia Valley would be in the mix.  Here are some interesting statistics of why

• Established in 1984

• 58% red to 42% white

• Washington’s largest viticultural region, covering almost 11 million acres (4,451,700 hectares) which represents a full third of Washington State’s land mass.

• The Columbia Valley contains 99% of wine grapes grown in Washington State – 50,316 acres.

• 8,080 vineyard acres of wine grapes are planted in the Columbia Valley AVA and not included in any other sub-AVAs in Washington.

• Columbia Valley’s vast size allows for a number of meso- and micro-climates.

• Vineyards are planted on predominately south-facing slopes, increasing solar radiation in summer and promoting air drainage in winter.

• Riesling, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted varietals.

• Growing season of 180-200 days with annual rainfall averaging 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm).

• The Columbia Valley contains the American Viticultural Regions of Red Mountain, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake Hills, Horse Heaven Hills, Snipes Mountain, Lake Chelan, Naches Heights and Ancient Lakes within its borders.

• With the exception of Puget Sound and Columbia Gorge, all other growing regions in Washington are sub-appellations of the Columbia Valley.

Information provided by https://www.washingtonwine.org/wine/facts-and-stats/regions-and-avas/columbia-valley

With all that said, the wines created here are not just good…but GREAT.  The 2013 Buried Cane “Heartland” Red Wine is a perfect example of the best of what the Columbia Valley represents.  Stimulating aromatics, huge fruit flavors and a balanced acidity/minerality that completes the wine.  So I hope you will enjoy this wine as much as I do…screwcap means drink now whether it be at a BBQ, camping, home on the back porch or whatever reason you find fitting!  Cheers!

Winery Tasting Notes: “INTRINSIC is a truthful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington’s Columbia Valley, yet its uniqueness stems from chances taken.  Most Cabernet Sauvignon stays on the skins for up to 1 month; however, INTRINSIC remained on the skins for nine months, resulting in an unexpected silkiness and smooth mouthfeel. As a nod to the urban aesthetic, 10% of the wine fermented in a concrete tank, lending the mineral notes in the wine. The end result is a rustic, yet sophisticated wine as captivating as the cities in which it will be savored.

Tremendously complex, this Cabernet Sauvignon boasts leather and cherry aromas, subtle mineral notes, and a finish that goes on forever.”

Wine Spectator Review (92 pts):  SMART BUY “Firm in texture, brimming with raspberry, black cherry, violet and herb flavors that come together harmoniously on the finish against refined tannins. Offers presence and persistence. Best from 2018 through 2024.” – Harvey Steiman

Blend: 100% Grenache
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced: 30,000
Winemaker Name: Juan Muñoz-Oca
Maturity: 2018 – 2024

Pairings:  Grilled/Roasted/Smoked Lamb, Beef, Pork.  Seared Vegetables.

Staff Review:  JAY JOHNTSONE – The 2014 Intrinsic Cabernet epitomizes all of what Washington cabernet sauvignon is meant to be.  It is comprised 100% cabernet sauvignon sourced from two stunning vineyards located in the Columbia Valley.  65% Beverly Vineyard which is a low yielding site overlooking the Columbia River where the days are hot and the evenings are cold.  The remaining 35% is from Eagle & Plow Vineyard located in the heart of Horse Heaven Hills AVA.  The cabernet that went into the Intrinsic remained on the skins for nine months compared to most cab’s only staying on one month, and the result is a SILKY SMOOTH wine perfect for any occasion.

Where the Intrinsic Cab truly delivers is taste.  Loaded with wonderful flavors of BLACKBERRY, PLUM, and just the right amount of BAKING SPICE, you’ll be pouring more in your glass in no time!  Hints of MOCHA round out the tannin giving it a BALANCED and EASY finish.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Enticing primary aromatics of raspberry, boysenberry, and white pepper spice are complemented by subtler notes of vanilla and lilies. Wonderfully soft on entry onto the palate, this blend is rich with red fruit notes of raspberry, pomegranate and cranberry and finishes with a lovely lingering spicy note.”

Blend: 37% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre, 13% Cinsault, 5% Counoise, 2% Viognier
Alcohol Level: 15.4%
Cases Produced: 758
Winemaker Name: Kendall Mix
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  BBQ/Smoked Pork, Beef, Lamb or Chicken.  Bleu or gorgonzola cheese, mushroom and spices

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – This is a real treat for two simple reasons: winemaker Kendall Mix and the incredible Rhone grape varieties coming out of the Columbia Valley.  Let’s start with Kendall Mix.  First and foremost, Mix was a UC Davis grad who began his winemaking career with Chateau Ste Michelle in 1993.  After a decade, he moved away from that family to become winemaker at Tranche Cellars and Corliss Estates.  If you are familiar with CV’s history of sourcing wines, you know how fond we are of Corliss Estates.  They specialize in small production cab’s and red blends that consistently score in the mid-90’s from all the wine critiquing periodicals.  Thing is the Corliss wines retail for upwards of $75/bottle…so scoring the 2013 Buried Cane “Heartland” Red Wine at $25/bottle (wine club price reflected on receipt) it has an absolute sensational “QPR” or “QUALITY-TO-PRICE RATIO!”

Back to the fruit.  If you asked me about for my top three favorite growing regions in the US, the Columbia Valley would be in the mix.  Here are some interesting statistics of why

• Established in 1984

• 58% red to 42% white

• Washington’s largest viticultural region, covering almost 11 million acres (4,451,700 hectares) which represents a full third of Washington State’s land mass.

• The Columbia Valley contains 99% of wine grapes grown in Washington State – 50,316 acres.

• 8,080 vineyard acres of wine grapes are planted in the Columbia Valley AVA and not included in any other sub-AVAs in Washington.

• Columbia Valley’s vast size allows for a number of meso- and micro-climates.

• Vineyards are planted on predominately south-facing slopes, increasing solar radiation in summer and promoting air drainage in winter.

• Riesling, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted varietals.

• Growing season of 180-200 days with annual rainfall averaging 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm).

• The Columbia Valley contains the American Viticultural Regions of Red Mountain, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake Hills, Horse Heaven Hills, Snipes Mountain, Lake Chelan, Naches Heights and Ancient Lakes within its borders.

• With the exception of Puget Sound and Columbia Gorge, all other growing regions in Washington are sub-appellations of the Columbia Valley.

Information provided by https://www.washingtonwine.org/wine/facts-and-stats/regions-and-avas/columbia-valley

With all that said, the wines created here are not just good…but GREAT.  The 2013 Buried Cane “Heartland” Red Wine is a perfect example of the best of what the Columbia Valley represents.  Stimulating aromatics, huge fruit flavors and a balanced acidity/minerality that completes the wine.  So I hope you will enjoy this wine as much as I do…screwcap means drink now whether it be at a BBQ, camping, home on the back porch or whatever reason you find fitting!  Cheers!

(Not Available For Retail Purchase)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Grown on Alluvial washdown with a Double Guyot Trellising System, Sangiacomo Vineyard at Roberts Road in the Petaluma Gap, gives dark fruit and lush flavors, the grapes here are our last crops harvested in the Sonoma region.” 

Other Wine Process Statistics:

• Grapes were hand-picked and hand-sorted ~ 100% de-stemmed

• 5-day pre-fermentation cold maceration ~ 14 days total cuvaison

• BGY, Merit & Assmenhausen fermentation

• Hand-punched in one ton bins, three times per day

• Inoculated malolactic fermentation in barrel

• Aged 16 months in 100% French Oak: 20% new / 60% blend of 1 & 2 yr. old

• Coopers: François Frères – Radoux & LeRoi

• Bottled: Oct 2014 – 100% unfined and unfiltered

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Level: 14.9%
Cases Produced: 400
Winemaker Name: Eric Hall
Maturity: 2018 – 2026

Pairings:  Chicken, turkey, duck w/ thyme, oregano or basil.  Chanterelles, maitakes or morel mushrooms.  Soft cheeses.

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – “TLC” (Tender/Love/Care) is the name of the game with this wine and if skipped over the above list of stats…make sure you count how many times “hand” was used.  Everything from picking, sorting, punching down (3x per day) and even dipped waxed tops was done by hand.

We found this outstanding Pinot Noir like we do with many of our wines…by way of customer request.  I feel after 14 years in the biz, that I have a pretty good knowledge for all California wineries but this one definitely stumped me.  After bringing in the 2013 Roadhouse “Tina Marie” Pinot Noir for our by-the-glass program I thought it would behoove me to ask the fine folks at Roadhouse…” What else do you have?”  Well, the 2013 Roadhouse “Green Label” Pinot Noir was the one that we felt best fit our wine club members budget and flavor profile.

Its elegant and mature which is what you would expect from fruit coming out of Sangiacomo Vineyard and/or the Petaluma Gap.  Flavors/style are highly comparable to some of the big boys such; Martinelli, William Selyem and Kosta Browne but less the price.  Unfiltered and unfined this wine will definitely be cloudy and carry a little sediment (more with time) but that is the true backbone of this wine.  This is a special bottle for you pinot lovers so give it some time to mature even more by laying it down for a nap over the next year or two!  Cheers!

(Not Available For Retail Sales – Member Price Reflected on Receipt)

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The appellation, usually a slow-ripening one, benefited from an extraordinary end-of-summer: Blue skies, sunny and dry conditions, light winds and cold nights…all the elements required for a complete and perfect ripening of Chardonnay grapes. The condition of the grapes —  which were less abundant than in 2011 due to coulure and millerandage — was perfect, enabling the development of impeccable aromas. This vintage of cold maturation, which implies neither heat excess nor heaviness, has developed elegant, aromatic, well-balanced and generously mineral wines.

• Appearance: Clear, bright limpid yellow
• Aroma: Typical spring blossom aromas with a delicate mineral finish
• Taste: A silky mouthfeel supported by lively, racy acidity”

Wine Advocate Review (91 pts): “The 2012 Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots, which comes from 4.56 hectares of vine, has a more Burgundian bouquet furnished with almond and hazelnut infusing the slightly reduced nose. The palate is well-balanced with a gras-like entry, very good concentration here with good depth and intensity on the finish. Very fine. Drink 2015-2025.”  –Neal Martin

Wine Spectator Review (92 pts): “Rich, with vanilla and sweet spice notes accenting the peach, melon and stone flavors. Balanced, showing power and poise, finishing clean and bracing.”–Bruce Sanderson

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Level: 13.5%
Cases Produced: 2,500
Winemaker Name: Gregory Vinennois
Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Oysters/Raw, light white fish in white wine sauce, green veges/salads

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – You scored CV WC Members!  This is an absolute stellar, stellar wine that comes from one of the most prestigious Chablis houses in all of France.  This Chardonnay was fermented for 3 weeks on 60% stainless steel and 40% French Oak to then be aged for 14 months with the same combination of barreling.  If you are a fan of big/creamy/buttery style Chardonnay then this isn’t for you.  BUT…if you like clean & lean with great fragrant aromas and bright acidity…you are going to love this wine!

Winery Tasting Notes: “The results of a selection of Pinot Grigio grapes softly-pressed, fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks and 2 months in bottle before release.

Vento di Mare Pinot Grigio is produced from organic grapes grown in picturesque vineyards located on the sunny island of Sicily. This refreshing wine reveals delicious notes of pear and citrus fruit and delivers a fragrant, fruity finish.”

Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio *Organic*
Alcohol Level: 12.5%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: NA
Maturity: Drink Now – 2015

Pairings:  Oysters/Raw, poached Shrimp or even Lobster, light White Fish in white wine sauce, green veges/salads

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – It’s summertime and this month’s selection is…” just a bit of a break from the norm…just a little somethin’ to break the monotony” (throwback to Fresh Prince for that…but it works) of wines that we have been sending.  Today we are going for something bright, crisp and extremely delicious.  Oh, did we mention it was organic as well?  Coming from Sicily, Italy, we have the 2014 Vento Di Mare Pinot Grigio that is PERFECT to quench your thirst during the remaining couple summer months.  Not as crisp as Pinot Gris, this wine definitely has a richer, honey or viscous style, giving it considerable more weight in the mouth.  I appreciate the fact that the citrus/pear notes are definitely are a “break from the norm” compared to most flavor profiles found in domestic Pinot Gris/Grigio.  This wine is definitely produced to be consumed in its infancy so straight to the cold box…not the rack!

Winery Tasting Notes: “The Estate Pinot Noir came in during the last week of August, earlier than any of the preceding years at Zotovich. We were able to capture the lushness of Pinot Noir while still retaining the brightness of acidity that is a showcase of Zotovich Vineyards.  This wine spent 12 months in barrel before bottling and then saw 12 months of bottle condition prior to its release.  It was aged in 100% French oak barrels, 30% of which were new. The wine is drinking very well now, however, we advise aging it for another 5 years.  A little richer style than some past vintages from the estate.

Color = Garnet

Nose = Strawberry, Raspberry, Toasted Oak.

Palate = Richness, Spice, Ripe Red Berry Fruit.”

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Level: 13.6%
Cases Produced: 625
Winemaker Name: Dan Schuler-Jones
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Game Meats and heavier dishes.  Perfect w/ Osso Buco.  Hard Cheeses including Cheddar & Pecorino

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT –  This is a “ding-ding” wine (especially for the price) if you are a fan of big, huge, ginormous Pinot Noir!  I have always been a fan of Zotovich, a family-owned winery located in the Santa Rita Hills that not only produces their own wine but is currently selling (or has sold) grapes to the following wineries; Brewer-Clifton, Devolet, Paul Lato, Palmina and Tyler winery.  Believe me folks, this is a “who’s who” list when it comes to So Cal wine producers and a definite kudos to Steve Zotovich and his team.

They keep it simple!  Zotovich only grows and produces their own estate grapes; Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Rose and Viognier.  They keep it local!  Winemaker Dan Schuler-Jones who has been with the winery since 2012 as Assistant Winemaker before being promoted to Head Winemaker last year!  Schuler-Jones, a graduate of CalPoly, began his illustrious wine career as a cellar rat for famed So Cal wineries Fiddlehead Cellars and Beckman.  His experience there along with a harvest in Australia (2012) have helped hone his skills to what we now enjoy when opening a bottle of Zotovich.

Buckle up when you pop the cork on this baby because as stated earlier…it’s got everything you would come to expect from a wine 2x the price.  You don’t have to go much further than the list of wineries purchasing their grapes to understand how great the caliber of juice is in this bottle.

Winery Tasting Notes: “The results of a selection of Pinot Grigio grapes softly-pressed, fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks and 2 months in bottle before release.

Vento di Mare Pinot Grigio is produced from organic grapes grown in picturesque vineyards located on the sunny island of Sicily. This refreshing wine reveals delicious notes of pear and citrus fruit and delivers a fragrant, fruity finish.”

Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio *Organic*
Alcohol Level: 12.5%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: NA
Maturity: Drink Now – 2015

Pairings:  Oysters/Raw, poached Shrimp or even Lobster, light White Fish in white wine sauce, green veges/salads

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – It’s summertime and this month’s selection is…” just a bit of a break from the norm…just a little somethin’ to break the monotony” (throwback to Fresh Prince for that…but it works) of wines that we have been sending.  Today we are going for something bright, crisp and extremely delicious.  Oh, did we mention it was organic as well?  Coming from Sicily, Italy, we have the 2014 Vento Di Mare Pinot Grigio that is PERFECT to quench your thirst during the remaining couple summer months.  Not as crisp as Pinot Gris, this wine definitely has a richer, honey or viscous style, giving it considerable more weight in the mouth.  I appreciate the fact that the citrus/pear notes are definitely are a “break from the norm” compared to most flavor profiles found in domestic Pinot Gris/Grigio.  This wine is definitely produced to be consumed in its infancy so straight to the cold box…not the rack!

Winery Tasting Notes: “Sauvignon Blanc grapes ripen very early and need to be picked at the precise time, determined by tasting the fruit before harvesting, in order to obtain the full intensity that is characteristic of this grape variety.  The grapes are picked during the night to preserve the freshness of the fruit.  They are delicately pressed upon arrival to the winery.  Around 10% of the wine is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats at a cool temperature to preserve the fullness and freshness of the flavors.  After light fining, bottling takes place fairly early on to preserve the wine’s fresh fruity character. 

This Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by its attractive citrus, and sometimes menthol aroma that gives way to a nicely rounded palate.  With partial oak aging, the wine has excellent structure followed by a lengthy finish. 

Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol Level: 12%
Cases Produced: 800 cases
Winemaker Name: Gerard Bertrand
Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Oysters/Raw, light white fish in white wine sauce, green veges/salads

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – When it comes to value wines from France, Gerard Bertrand has been an absolute stellar find for us at Carpe Vino.  We started selling Gerard Bertrand Brut Rose about 5 years ago where it quickly became one of our best-selling sparkling wines under $18/bottle.  This was then followed up by their still Rosé which was insanely awesome for the $$$ but one of the coolest packages too!  If you looked closely, the bottom of the bottle or “punt” was actually shaped as a rose (flower).  I know there are purist who say it should never be about the bottle (marketing) but what’s inside the bottle!  Part of me agrees with that statement.  On the contrary, I also feel marketing your product in a way that the customer will remember you/it by, is more important than ever right now because of the overall sheer numbers of wines available for purchase.  So…I like the rose punt and the wine that’s in it!  Bravo Gerard Bertrand.

The 2015 Perles is a newer project for Gerard Bertrand which pays tribute to its region (along Mediterranean coast) symbolizing the pearls that can be found in the oysters.  The glass stopper with a blue color evokes the Mediterranean coast and/or the cradle of this wine.  The bottle, wearing its pearl necklace (actually has protruding necklace) is a unique model in the world imagined by the designer Chatal Thomass, a well-known French designer.

In my opinion, when it comes to flavor this is much more of a blend of Loire and Bordeaux-style Sauvignon Blanc.  You have characteristics of both but not as flinty as Loire can bring and/or bone dry as Bordeaux.  This is just a fruit forward (subtle), not super complex (acidity or tartness) fruit forward, approachable, crowd-pleasing wine.   Cheers!

Here is an interesting tid bit: Gérard Bertrand (born January 27, 1965) is a former rugby union player who represented France, RC Narbonne, and the Stade Français. He retired from his rugby career to take over the family estate after the accidental death of his father and is now a renowned winemaker of Languedoc-Roussillon.  WIKIPEDIA

(Not Available For Retail Purchase)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Grown on Alluvial washdown with a Double Guyot Trellising System, Sangiacomo Vineyard at Roberts Road in the Petaluma Gap, gives dark fruit and lush flavors, the grapes here are our last crops harvested in the Sonoma region.” 

Other Wine Process Statistics:

• Grapes were hand-picked and hand-sorted ~ 100% de-stemmed

• 5-day pre-fermentation cold maceration ~ 14 days total cuvaison

• BGY, Merit & Assmenhausen fermentation

• Hand-punched in one ton bins, three times per day

• Inoculated malolactic fermentation in barrel

• Aged 16 months in 100% French Oak: 20% new / 60% blend of 1 & 2 yr. old

• Coopers: François Frères – Radoux & LeRoi

• Bottled: Oct 2014 – 100% unfined and unfiltered

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Level: 14.9%
Cases Produced: 400
Winemaker Name: Eric Hall
Maturity: 2018 – 2026

Pairings:  Chicken, turkey, duck w/ thyme, oregano or basil.  Chanterelles, maitakes or morel mushrooms.  Soft cheeses.

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – “TLC” (Tender/Love/Care) is the name of the game with this wine and if skipped over the above list of stats…make sure you count how many times “hand” was used.  Everything from picking, sorting, punching down (3x per day) and even dipped waxed tops was done by hand.

We found this outstanding Pinot Noir like we do with many of our wines…by way of customer request.  I feel after 14 years in the biz, that I have a pretty good knowledge for all California wineries but this one definitely stumped me.  After bringing in the 2013 Roadhouse “Tina Marie” Pinot Noir for our by-the-glass program I thought it would behoove me to ask the fine folks at Roadhouse…” What else do you have?”  Well, the 2013 Roadhouse “Green Label” Pinot Noir was the one that we felt best fit our wine club members budget and flavor profile.

Its elegant and mature which is what you would expect from fruit coming out of Sangiacomo Vineyard and/or the Petaluma Gap.  Flavors/style are highly comparable to some of the big boys such; Martinelli, William Selyem and Kosta Browne but less the price.  Unfiltered and unfined this wine will definitely be cloudy and carry a little sediment (more with time) but that is the true backbone of this wine.  This is a special bottle for you pinot lovers so give it some time to mature even more by laying it down for a nap over the next year or two!  Cheers!