July Wines of the Month


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Our Fabulous Finds for July
July 9th, 2009
Greetings!

We hope everyone had a really terrific Fourth of July.  It was so beautiful outside!  We are eating outside almost every meal. To fully enjoy our summer meals and relaxing outside, we have chosen some of our summer favorites as the July Wines of the Month.  Descriptions of each can be found below. 

We want you to know that we are constantly looking for wines that offer a terrific value at all price points for you.  Over the last couple of weeks we have had the opportunity to take advantage of some wonderful wine offers from vintages past, and some that are more recent at substantially reduced prices.  These are terrific bargains.  Two of those selections are featured during Friday's tasting this week:  The Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2005 for only $24.99 - yes RRV Pinot for under $25.  The second wine bargain, and it is stunning, is the Frank Phelan St Estephe 2004 (second label to Chateau Phelan Segur) a steal for $34.99. Both Stacy and I put a case in our cellars.  You won't want to miss out!  We look forward to seeing you and helping you select a few bottles or a mixed case for your sipping pleasure!

July Wines of the Month:
A to Z Winery Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2007
$15.99 a bottle, $163.08 for a case, or $13.59 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
A terrific example of Pinot Gris from Oregon.  The wine is blended from over 18 lots of grapes from different vineyards all within the Willamette Valley.  The wine has a creamy mouthfeel, yet still has bright acidity that balances the ripeness of the fruit.  This is possible because the winemaker allowed only a small portion of the wine to undergo
malolactic fermentation.  Malolactic fermentation is what adds the creaminess.  The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel for six months, so the fruit is bright and crisp on the palate.  It is just delicious and it really is a different white wine you must try!
Domaine Yves Martin Sancerre Chavignol 2007
$21.99 a bottle, $224.28 for a case, or $18.69 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
This has become my "house" white and I just love it!  It's from Chavignol within Sancerre and without a doubt is an incredible value!!  Domaine Yves Martin is a family run estate, with Karine Lauverjat firmly in command. She is producing classic, medium weight Sancerre that strikes the perfect balance of citrus and melon.  Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc in a traditional Loire Valley style, the wine combines fruit with minerality beautifully.  With a crisp, dry finish, it leaves you wanting more!  This is a terrific summer wine to be enjoyed as an apperitif, with summer salads, seafood, goat cheese, and chicken, too.

Domaine de Triennes Rosé 2008
$16.99 a bottle, $173.28 for a case, or $14.44 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Another delicious rosé from Provence.  It actually comes from two of Burgundy's greatest names, Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.  They are the partners behind this pioneering property in Provence, northeast of Marseille and due east of Aix-en-Provence.  In less than two decades, they have transformed this stunning 46-hectare site into one of the top wine estates in Southern France.  This rosé is made from grapes pressed following only a very brief period of skin contact which results in a rosé of a very light pink color.  An aromatic nose of red fruits is followed by a round, harmonious and seamless palate. This wine will seduce you by its freshness and elegance.  Before you even ask... yes, it is dry!  Actually, it is crisp, dry, elegant and very refreshing. 
Loios Vinho Tinto 2007
$13.99 a bottle, $142.68 for a case, or $11.89 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Loios is a wine produced in the Alentejo region, located in southern Portugal. Its name originates from the title given in the 15th century to the members of the ancient Priest Congregation of St. John Evangelist, known simply as Loios.  The Loios Vinho Tinto is a blend of traditional red varieties from this region; such as Aragonês, Trincadeira, and Castelão.  After careful selection and pressing, the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, perfectly preserving the unique, fresh fruit character of each variety.  This easy drinking red shows an intensely fruity aroma, jammy and meaty all at the same time. Soft and easy going, it is nevertheless able to complement all cuisines.  Perfect with barbecue, tomato based pasta dishes, or even a pizza.
Lavradores de Feitoria Tres Bagos 2005
$19.99 a bottle, $203.88 for a case, or $16.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Named as one of the 20 "Best New Wineries" by Food & Wine Magazine in 2005, this winery continues to impress.  Tres Bagos is a delicious find from the Duoro region in Northern Portugal.  The vineyards cling to the sides of the valley overlooking the river - it really is amazing to see.  This wine is crafted from a blend of indigenous Portuguese grapes, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo).  It is filled with rich red berries and cherries with spice on the finish.  Nicely balanced, it will definitely delight throughout the summer.  The spicy finish longs to be paired with some barbecue!  
 
Friday's Wine Tasting:

A to Z Winery Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2007
$15.99 a bottle, $163.08 for a case, or $13.59 a bottle as part of a mixed case

A delicious white from our July Wines of the Month.  For a complete description, see the left hand column.

Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2005
$24.99 a bottle, $254.88 for a case, or $21.24 a bottle as part of a mixed a case.

This is steal at this price!!  Still youthful and vibrant, with a classic pinot noir nose of bright cherry and a touch of earthiness.  Look for flavors of rhubarb, strawberry, and caramel to add complexity.  The wine has polished tannins and good acidity to create a nice balance and structure.  Very food friendly, we think it pairs well with pork, tuna and mushrooms.  Best now through 2012.  Only 2,126 cases were produced.

Frank Phelan St Estephe 2004
$34.99 a bottle, $356.88 for a case, or $29.74 a bottle as part of a mixed case

This is one delicious Bordeaux!   Filled with cassis, cherries, a touch of earthiness, and lots of complexity on the palate it is just fabulous.  The wine is medium bodied and the tannins are well integrated.  You can enjoy it now and over the next 8 to 10 years.  This quality at this price, what a fantastic value!  And if you happen to be eating at Matt's Red Roster anytime soon, this pairs beautifully with his steaks.

 
Our Wine Clubs:


Our July selections will be made next week!

The Boutique Series
$50 a month plus s&h,
complimentary local delivery

Grape Distinctions
$75 - $100 a month plus s&h, complimentary local delivery

Cellar Collectibles
$100 - $150 a month plus s&h, complimentary local delivery

To enroll or if you have questions about the clubs, email us at info@tewksburyfinewine.com
or call 908-439-0007.


We hope you are enjoying your summer.  We'll open the wines for Friday's tasting around 4:00.  Looking forward to seeing you soon, and most importantly, thanks for your continued support!
 
Cheers!
Andrea
Contact Information
Andrea Maranca
One Old Turnpike, PO Box 377, Oldwick, NJ 08858
T:  908.439.0007  F:  908.439.9997     www.tewksburyfinewine.com