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Peay Vineyardsand small-case selections
November 2012
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Greetings!
I'm delighted to announce that we have wines from Peay Vineyards available for the holiday season! This tiny winery is one of the most exciting in northern California. If you've never heard of them, it may be because in an abundant year they might produce 4,000 cases. In a year like 2010, when fruit-set was halved by weather, they might make 2,000. This is truly a labour of love, artisan level winemaking, inconceivable by most wineries' standards.
Vanessa Wong, the winemaker, has had a storied career, honing her skills at Domaine Jean Gros, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Peter Michael Winery. She is married to Nick Peay, a UC Davis trained winemaker who is the viticulturist. Vanessa's brother-in-law Andy Peay left the world of finance to handle sales and marketing.
In 2009 the San Francisco Chronicle named them the U.S. Winery of the Year. Eric Asimov of the New York Times called their wines, "Exceptional wines of rare precision and intensity." To quote Matt Kramer's Wine Spectator article "Seven Wines to Try Before, well, You Know" (Nov 30, 2009) "..to taste the indisputably original savour of Pinot Noirs from producers such as Flowers, Hirsch and Peay is to marvel at America's Pinot Noir treasures."
Alpana Singh, Master Sommelier raves, "As for the wines, they are my new obsession. In a market where I see way too many over blown wines that lack balance, the Peay wines are focused, elegant and restrained." (whatwouldalpanadrink.blogspot.ca)
We have two wines from 2010, the Estate Chardonnay and the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. We also have a vineyard designate from 2009, the "Scallop Shelf" Pinot Noir.
In addition, I have selected for you some exciting wines that come in small case selections including the rare Tierra Roja Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa's epicentre of Cabernet production.
For more wines, our blog and catalogues, please visit Rogers & Company
on the web.
All the best,
Chris.
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Peay Vineyards "Estate" Chardonnay 2010
cases of six, $76.95 per bottle
400 cases made Peay's Chardonnay is some of the finest and most exciting being made in California right now. Peay's Estate displays a minerality and finesse similar to great white Burgundy. If you enjoy Montrachets (Chassagne-, Batard-, Puligny-), or the Sonoma wines of Marcassin and Peter Michael, Peay's would be a Californian Chardonnay for you.
Vanessa says, "The nose combines the slight richness of curds with notes of citrus and green apple. A sappy, pine quality also sneaks in. The acidity on the palate is mouth-watering with ginger notes accenting the citrus and limestone qualities. Though it was allowed to go 100% through malolactic fermentation it is by no means buttery or heavy. The result is a body with a touch of roundness yet incredible snap and focus."
"Pale yellow-gold. Intensely perfumed bouquet of melon, pear skin, white flowers and iodine, with a chalky overtone. Deeply pitched, palate-staining orchard fruit and lemon curd flavours are lifted by zesty acidity and pick up a smoky quality with air. Rich but light on its feet, finishing with outstanding thrust and lingering florality. I also had the chance to retaste the 2009 bottling of this wine and it has put on weight since last year without loss of vivacity; I'd bet on it being at its peak in about three years." 93 points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2012
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Peay Vineyards "Sonoma Coast"
Pinot Noir 2010
cases of six, $62.95 per bottle
875 cases made The second vintage of "Sonoma Coast" Pinot Noir is a step up from the delicious 2009 as it has more "depth and ballast" while remaining still feminine and seductive. The colour displays a transparent ruby colour. The nose is fresh and open with complexing aromas of citrus, fresh mushrooms and duck sauce. On the palate the wine is fruity with medium weight. The typical Peay Vineyards terroir expression of dried pine needles is supported by cherry, new leather, and cinnamon stick accents. The wine is young and exuberant and will age wonderfully. "Light, bright red. Expressive, seductively perfumed nose evokes wild red fruits, potpourri and Asian spices, with a subtle smoky note in the background. Sweet, palate-caressing strawberry and raspberry flavours show impressive intensity and a weightless quality. The red berry and floral notes carry through on the bright, racy finish."
91 points, International Wine Cellar, May 2012
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Peay Vineyards "Scallop Shelf" Pinot Noir 2009
cases of six, $79.95 per bottle
850 cases made
Eons ago, the ridge where Peay is situated was at the bottom of the Pacific. Tectonic movement pushed this ridge into the sky, and to this day one can find fossilized sea shells throughout the vineyard. The most structured Pinot Noir that Vanessa makes is drawn from a section in this particularly mineral-rich soil so they call it "Scallop Shelf". The 2009 vintage was abundant, by Peay standards, and one of the best vintages in quality in recent years. By comparison, in 2010 they only made 320 cases. This is a Pinot to decant if drank now, or set in a cellar for up to 3 years and then enjoy over the next 2-4 years while at its peak. "Bright red. Explosively perfumed aromas of candied red fruits, potpourri, blood orange and Asian spices, with a smoky overtone. Incisive raspberry, cherry and rose pastille flavours show an alluring sweetness buffered by zesty mineral and spice notes. Silky, focused Pinot with excellent back-end cut and finishing power." 94 points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2012
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Small Cases of six or three bottles!
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Lis Neris "Lis" 2007
cases of six, $54.95 per bottle
From our new, exciting Italian winery Lis Neris comes a luxurious blend unlike any other. Winemaker and owner Alvaro Pecorari believes that Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc best reflect the terroir of Friuli. These grapes are blended together to create the complex yet harmonious "Lis". The wine is fermented in 500 litre French oak barrels and then aged on the lees in the same barrels for 11 months with frequent stirring. Three more years in bottle have allowed the blend to harmonize. This is a bespoke blend that showcases what heights of quality the whites of Friuli are capable of. If you enjoy complex white Burgundy, this beauty would be right in your comfort zone. Subtle and complex aromas, delicate but intricate on the palate and long on the finish. "The 2007 Lis is another fabulous wine from Lis Neris. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly from this textured, dazzling white. The Lis is impeccable from start to finish. The wine continues to blossom on the palate, showing remarkable elegance and finesse. Lis is 50% Pinot Grigio, 30% Chardonnay and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. I can't remember tasting a vintage in which the blend has been so harmonious. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." 93 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Feb 2012 |
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2010
cases of six, $64.95 per bottle
Chateau Montelena's Napa Valley Chardonnay turns on its head the idea that Napa Chardonnay is rich, tropical, spicy and buttery. This is the Napa equivalent of Grand Cru Chablis. Because the secondary malo-lactic fermentation in barrel is prevented, this wine retains high acidity, presents its oak gracefully and ages well for up to a decade. You can pour this with anything from delicate fish to veal chops and it makes a perfect companion to an artisan cheese plate. "The 2010 Chardonnay is quite a bit fresher and more linear than the 2009, partly because of the length of the growing season, partly because it is a year younger. Slate, minerals, crushed rocks and grapefruit linger on the precise, crystalline finish. This is a very Chablis-like Napa Valley Chardonnay. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022." 92 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec 2011
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Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva
"Vigna del Sorbo" 2008
cases of six, $71.95 per bottle
One of my favourite wines is the "Vigna del Sorbo". This wine takes Chianti Classico to another level. Sourced from Fontodi's organically farmed, southwest-facing Vigna del Sorbo vineyard, the addition of 10% Cabernet Sauvignon to the blend provides the tannins and mid-palate dark-fruited power that Sangiovese frames with higher-toned aromatics, fine tannins and structural acidity. This is the wine for Chianti fans who love "big-wines". "Lots of blueberry and vanilla character in this rich and balanced Chianti Classico. Full body, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Try it in 2012 to let it come together more in the bottle. This single vineyard Chianti Classico Riserva from Fontodi is always a killer."
94 points, JamesSuckling.com, July 2012
"The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is beautiful in this vintage. It shows gorgeous mid-palate depth and pliancy, with wonderful richness in its sweet dark fruit, smoke, licorice and grilled herbs. The 10% Cabernet Sauvignon works particularly well in this vintage, as it seems to give the wine a measure of depth and delineation that is less obvious in the Flaccianello. Higher toned floral notes add lift on the finish. The Vigna del Sorbo is a touch restrained in 2008, as are most wines, yet it shows fabulous balance and tons of personality. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028. " 93 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Aug 2012
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 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot 2009
cases of six, $59.95 per bottle
Founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, the eponymous winery is not only a Bordeaux-varietal specialist but a Merlot specialist. Captivated by the wines of St. Emilion and Pomerol, what was then mostly a blending grape in Napa was elevated by the Duckhorns to first-class status. Today Duckhorn owns seven estate vineyards located mostly in St. Helena and on the alluvial fans of Napa and on the stunning slopes of Howell Mountain.
"A lovely Merlot, this is pure, vibrant and elegant. It has classic cherry, red currant and cedar flavours and while there's a sweetness at the core, the finish is thoroughly dry. Wonderful to drink now with steak or lamb."
91 points, Wine Enthusiast, Oct 2012
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Tierra Roja Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
cases of three, $164.95 per bottle
Sitting on the eastern terminus of Silverado Trail and Oakville Crossroads, above the vineyards of Plumpjack and Screaming Eagle and below Maya and Pedregal is a true artisan winery, Tierra Roja. This tiny, steep, red-soiled vineyard (Tierra Roja means "red earth" in Spanish) is one of Napa's great Cabernet vineyards and a true "boutique" property.
We were turned onto Tierra Roja by a Napa Valley "insider", and were lucky enough to meet the proprietor Linda Neal for a tasting. We were enamored by multiple vintages of this singular Cabernet and gratefully accepted a small amount to sell.
Linda has been farming this vineyard since 1987 and due to a tiny annual production of 250 cases, few have ever tasted it. The magic, weathered, volcanic soil produces supple, rich, mocha and crushed-nut laced Cabernet with length to spare. This wine is exciting and collectable but above all else delicious.
"Wow. This is really elegant and refined with lots currants, milk chocolate and hints of hazelnuts and lightly toasted oak. Full body, with velvety tannins and a long, flavourful finish. Give it two or three more years to come together."
94 points, JamesSuckling.com, June 2011
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Chris McLean
416 961 2294 x 29
c.mclean@rogcowines.com
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