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588 Cabot Street North Beverly, MA Hours:
Monday-Saturday
10 am- 8 pm
Sundays
Noon-4 pm
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Notes from the Cellar
Last week I asked you
to mark your calendars for our upcoming special event introducing some spectacular Italian wines to the New England wine scene. The more I learn about the wines, the
winemakers, and the talented gentleman coming to the Wine Cellar to showcase
the new labels, the more certain I am that this is an event you will not
want to miss. After all, how often do you get the chance to taste a $100 Italian red -- on a Monday night?! See below for all the details about the Poggio al Tesoro and San Polo wines, as well as a brief bio on our engaging, multi-lingual guest host.
Facebook update: 208 fans and counting.
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Upcoming Special Event: Italian Introduction
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th from 6 PM to 8 PM
The excitement continues to build for this landmark event. Joining us for the tasting will be Robin Shay, Market Manager for
the Americas for San Polo and Poggio al Tesoro, as well as Allegrini.
Robin will introduce two lines, both partnerships between Veneto
winemaker Marilisa Allegrini and Winebow owner Leonardo LoCascio. Robin
has chosen a select group of
wine stores in which to showcase the Poggio al Tesoro and San Polo wines during his visit to the U.S.
Robin boasts an impressive wine resume. Originally from St. Helena in the Napa Valley, he has a degree in
International Business from the University of San Pablo in Madrid and
lived for the past 10 years in Europe, where he first worked as a
winemaker in Duoro Valley of Portugal and later as a professionally
certified sommelier in Rome. We are told that Robin speaks four languages -- very handy in the wine business.
About the Wines:
San Polo is a beautiful estate located in the southeastern part of
Montalcino, overlooking the Sant' Antimo valley and Mount Amiata. The vineyards at San Polo were planted between 1990 and 2000 and the
first wines were produced in 1997. All vineyards have been planted at a
high density with Sangiovese and Merlot grapes. In an effort to employ
environmentally sound and sustainable agriculture, natural compost and
nitrogen-rich plants have replaced the chemical treatments in the
vineyards. The picturesque olive groves and a magnificent farmhouse
enrich the property with a natural, genuine Tuscan charm, while the
modern, underground winery and cellar provide the best environment and
technology for state-of-the-art winemaking.
2007 San Polo Rubio IGT Toscana ($18)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 88 points: "San Polo's 2007 Rubio is made from the estate's youngest Sangiovese
vines (plus some purchased fruit) in and around the property in
Montalcino. This unoaked red offers plenty of varietal character in its
cherries, earthiness and tobacco in an easygoing, pleasing style that
is sure to find many admirers. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011."
2006 San Polo Rosso di Montalcino DOC ($30)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 89 points: "The 2006 Rosso di Montalcino is an intense offering loaded with dark
fruit, sweet herbs and spices. This is a fairly full-bodied style of
Rosso to enjoy over the next few years. Anticipated maturity:
2009-2012."
2005 San Polo Mezzopane Sant' Antimo DOC ($38)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 89 points: "The 2005 Mezzopane is 65% Merlot and 35% Sangiovese from vineyards in
the Sant'Antimo appellation, just outside the Brunello production zone.
The wine reveals terrific balance and length in its jammy blue and
black fruits, with pretty notes of spices that are woven throughout.
Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012." Also Wine Spectator 89 points.
2003 San Polo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG ($45)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 90 points: "The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is a sleek, stylish effort very much in
the style of consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini. This mid-weight
Brunello opens to reveal vibrant dark cherries, spices, menthol and
licorice with a nice inner sweetness and freshness to its core. The
tannins are firm, yet well-integrated into the wine's fabric. Another
year or two in bottle should help it come together. Anticipated
maturity: 2009-2018.
Poggio al Tesoro is located in the prestigious area of Bolgheri, a
premiere appellation situated in the upper part of Tuscany's Maremma,
south of Pisa and just two miles from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The perfect quantity of sunlight throughout the year, the proximity to
the sea, and the uniqueness of Bolgheri's terroirs are reflected in the
style of Poggio al Tesoro's wines; ripeness, muscular body, and
richness are effortlessly combined with complexity and elegance. The
best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit
Verdot have been planted at Poggio al Tesoro, with the precise purpose
of crafting top-class wines with a bold international style.
2008 Poggio al Tesoro Solosole Vermentino IGT Toscana ($20)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 89 points: "The 2008 Vermentino Solosole (from a late-ripening clone) comes across
as distinctly different from previous vintages. The aromatics take
center stage, and the wine possesses a touch less fat, with a
personality that seems more typical of Alto Adige than the Tuscan
coast. Lime peel, petrol, and flowers emerge from this fresh, perfumed,
Riesling-like Vermentino. The Solosole also happens to be a great
value. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012."
2006 Poggio al Tesoro Sondraia IGT Toscana ($55)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 92 points: "The 2006 Sondraia is a soft, plush wine packed with dark fruit, new
leather, spices and licorice. It is a classic expression of Bolgheri
that captures all of the qualities that make reds from this Tuscan
appellation so irresistible; namely generous fruit and a warm,
harmonious personality. The 2006 Sondraia is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon,
25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak barrels, 50% of
which were new. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016."
2005 Poggio al Tesoro W (Dedicato a Walter) IGT Toscana ($100)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 92 points: "The 2005 Dedicato a Walter (Cabernet Franc) is a wine that continues to
impress. Varietal aromas emerge from the glass followed by a warm,
generous expression of dark fruit as this beautiful, undeniably sexy
wine flows from the glass. It offers lovely weight on the palate, with
a variety of roasted coffee bean, spice and sweet herb overtones that
emerge with air. From start to finish, the wine reveals superb balance
and harmony. It is an outstanding effort in this vintage. Anticipated
maturity: 2009-2020."
2006 Poggio al Tesoro Mediterra IGT Toscana ($28)
Wine Spectator 92 points: "Displays aromas of chocolate and berry, with hints of cedar. Full, soft
and round, with plenty of juicy fruit. Long and beautiful, with a
lovely finish. Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010.
3,300 cases made."
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Tasting this Week
Yes, I know that we have planned three tastings within a very short period of time. In the spirit of the back-to-school season, we challenge you to think of the Thursday/Saturday tastings as regular homework, while Monday's special event is like the big semester project or final exam. So yes, you should attend them all!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th from 4 PM to 7 PM
2007 Alois Lageder Riff Pinot Grigio; Tre Venezie, Italy ($14.99)
The complex mineral backbone
of this wine reflects the alluvial soil found in the foothills of the Dolomites,
a part of the Alps rich in limestone made of fossil deposits left by an ancient
ocean ("Riff" is German for reef). It's lively and refreshing with aromas of
citrus and spice.
2007 Magnificent Wine Company "Fish House" White; Columbia Valley, Washington ($12.99)
See below under New Arrivals
2007 Magnificent Wine Company "Steak House" Red; Columbia Valley, Washington ($12.99)
See below under New Arrivals
2008 Mona Sangiovese; Terre di Chieit, Italy ($11.99)
See below under New Arrivals
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th from 2 PM to 5 PM
2008 Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois; Loire, France ($12.99)
The family has been making highly-regarded Sancerre and Pouilly Fume in the Loire for generations, so it's not surprising that even their entry-level white has the mineral complexity we associate with the best wines in the region. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus and herb notes on a pretty frame. Great with seafood.
2008 Chateau de la Greffiere Macon la Roche Vineuse Sous le Bois; Burgundy, France ($17.99)
See below under New Arrivals
2006 Tutunjian Estate "Pacifico Sur" Carmenere; Chile (reg. $9.99; sale $7.99)
A deep plum colored wine with glints of blue. Full-bodied, with
well-balanced acidity, it possesses complex
aromas of mature red and black fruits, rounded out by an intense and persistent finish. www.tutunjianwines.com
2008 Alto los Hormigas Malbec; Mendoza, Argentina ($12.99)
Wine Spectator 87
points: "This is ripe, with raspberry and boysenberry fruit laced with
notes of mocha and fruitcake. Fleshy and round. A crowd-pleaser. Drink now."
Wines offered during the tastings will be discounted 10% (except for sale wines).
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Celebrating the Season: Octoberfest
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd from 2 PM to 5 PM
Our first annual Octoberfest
celebration will feature beers from local favorite Samuel Adams. Not
just a tasting -- we're talking about a party. A tent outside in the
parking lot will extend the amount of space available for our devoted
beer lovers, while a spread of foods from Henry's Market -- including
all the necessary grilled sausages, cheeses and other goodies to make
our Octoberfe  st really authentic -- will be served. Bob
Cannon, brewer for Sam Adams and something of a local celebrity -- he
is featured in the breweries television ads -- will join us as we
sample a wide array of beers, including seasonal specialties. Read "10
Questions for Bob Cannon" at www.winetalk.org. Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for further details. |
New Arrivals: Wine
DOMESTIC
2005 Dunham Cellars Trutina; Columbia Valley, Washington ($29.99)Handpicked Selection: "Rich, ripe pomegranate and lavender notes with hints of black cherry
round off in the mouth with lush blackberry and floral notes. As in the
meaning of the Latin word "Trutina," we have found a wonderful
"balance" in these four blended varieties: 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 13% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc. www.dunhamcellars.com 2007 Magnificent Wine Company "Fish House" White; Columbia Valley, Washington ($12.99) Wine Spectator 86 points: "Light and refreshing, with apple and pear aromas and flavors, hinting
at pineapple on the finish. 100% Chardonnay, unfined and unfiltered. Drink now. 5,000 cases made."
2007 Magnificent Wine Company "Steak House" Red; Columbia Valley, Washington ($12.99) Wine Spectator 89 points "Best Value": "Smooth and round, with a lovely open feel to the cherry, currant and
loamy earth flavors, lingering on the fine-grained finish. 100% Cabernet
Sauvignon. Drink now through 2012. 5,000 cases made."
IMPORTED
2007 Domaine Grand Nicolet Rasteau Vielles Vignes; Southern Rhone, France ($24.99) Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 91-93 points: "Chocolate, creme de cassis, graphite, and pen ink characteristics can
be found in the inky/purple-colored 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages
Rasteau Vieilles Vignes. Old vine Grenache dominates this full-bodied,
powerful, tannic, brawny, muscular wine. Think of it as a nose tackle
in professional football, it's that big. Anticipated maturity:
2011-2020+.
2007 Domaine Grand Nicolet Cotes du Rhone; Southern Rhone, France ($17.99) Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 90-93 points: "A tank-aged blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Carignan, the
2007 Cotes du Rhone exhibits a dense purple hue as well as a sweet,
creamy, raspberry, and cherry nose with hints of licorice, roasted
herbs, and peppery spice. It is an opulent, fleshy 2007 revealing
succulent fruit in addition to superb purity, texture, and length. This
outrageously delicious, complex Cotes du Rhone should evolve nicely for
5-6 years."
2007 Chateau de la Bonneliere Chinon; Loire Valley, France ($17.99) Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 87 points: "...displays a satisfying amalgam of bitter-edged black
fruits, toasted nuts, salt, and herbs with positively lip-smacking
sappiness and a tart, but persistently invigorating finish. I would
plan to enjoy it over the next couple of years." Organically grown Cabernet Franc.
2008 Chateau de la Greffiere Macon la Roche Vineuse Sous le Bois; Burgundy, France ($17.99) Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 88 points in 2007: "Vincent Greuzard's 2007 Macon-La Roche-Vineuse Sous le Bois offers a
delightful nose of honeysuckle, fresh apple, and chalk dust.
Refreshing, silken-textured, and (for its 13.5% alcohol) surprisingly
delicate on the palate, its understated but persistent finish delivers
subtle notes of lees, chalk, and toasted nuts and grain."
2007 Cantina del Pino Dolcetto d'Alba; Piedmont, Italy ($17.99) Tasting Notes: Renato Vacca takes care of the wine-making at this small Piedmont estate, while his father works the vineyards. The Dolcetto d'Alba is the wine that first made the estate's reputation, and it's easy to understand why. Often compared to Beaujolais, Dolcetto has the versatility of the French wine, but is earthier, gutsier, and for some of us, much more interesting. A combination of rich, earthy flavors and bright, juicy fruit makes it a great partner for home cooking." www.idealwine.us 2008 Mona Sangiovese; Terre di Chieti, Italy ($11.99) A silky, fruit-scented Sangiovese, this
wine is brimming with black cherry aromas and flavors as well as
delicious spicy notes. Medium-bodied and slightly richer than its
Tuscan counterparts, this wine is very supple and is ready for any
pasta dish or pizza night. Note: Fans will recall this wine as "Memo" Sangiovese in previous vintages.
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At Henry's Wine Cellar we hope to provide you with outstanding service and selection, competitive pricing, and exciting special events. Let our beautiful new store be your neighborhood wine shop.
Best wishes,
John Keohane, Owner
Kurt Reming, Manager |
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