wine tasting:
Jura Adventure, Part 1 JACQUES PUFFENEY
FRI. MAR. 8, 4-7p, Belmont
SAT. MAR. 9, 2-5p, Concord
SPECIAL PRICING OFFERED AT TASTINGS
"Jagged wines in a velvety-smooth universe." -- Eric Asimov, New York Times Wines from the Jura have become very trendy, even hip in recent years, curious for such an isolated, back-water, non-touristic region with tiny production. What makes them hip? For starters, they're different. While a few will find love at first sip, for most, Jura is an acquired taste -- but once acquired, occasional craving sets in. And, they're hard to find. What makes JURA wines DIFFERENT? LOCATION/CLIMATE: The Jura is 25 miles due east of the Cote d'Or, in the Alpine foothills (Jura mountains). Soil is dense clay infused with marle. Climate is cool and wet, great for wines with bracing acidity and long-aging potential. GRAPES: In the Arbois region of the Jura, in addition to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, local grapes such as Savagnin (white) and Trousseau (red) are unique to the region. VINIFICATION After fermentation, wine is put into barrels for aging. Over time as the wine begins to evaporate, the barrels are NOT topped off to keep oxygen out, as is done in normal wine production. Instead, a yeast forms on the surface of the wine, (much as in sherry production) which protects the wine and contributes to its characteristic flavor. Wines made in this style are called sous-voile, or "under the veil.' This traditional method creates the unique flavors and textures in the Jura wines, with notes of honey, toasted nuts, salinity, and refreshing acidity embodied in a richly concentrated wine. Not all Jura wines are made sous-voile, many are made in a more conventional manner.
ARE JURA WINES FOR YOU? TASTING IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIND OUT!
 VINTAGES is pleased to present the wines of JACQUES PUFFENEY, known as the "pope of Arbois."
Jacques is the most prominent and recognizable of the Jura winemakers, and this trio is an outstanding introduction to the authentic, distinctive traditions of the Jura region.
Special pricing on wines during the tasting on Friday & Saturday.
JACQUES PUFFENEY, Arbois 2011 Arbois Chardonnay $30; Special $25.50 This classic Jura Chardonnay transforms this grape into an entirely different and compelling taste experience. The concentration of all elements is exceptional with brisk acidity underlying a honeyed-texture and notes of hazelnut, beeswax, and the fresh mountain air that infuses the great wines of this region. Conventional vinification. 2009 Arbois Savagnin $35; Special $29.75 The Savagnin grape of the Jura is a one-of-a-kind variety; a fickle grape, not easy to ripen, that does best in clay soils infused with marl. Often harvested in mid-to-late October or later, Puffeney's Savagnin is fermented in both steel and wooden foudre (large barrel); afterwards, the wine is racked into smaller oak barrels for aging, often for 2-3 years. Pungent aromas of toasted nuts and citrus peel; flavors of sappy peach, lemon, salinity and smoky notes. Vinified "sous-voile." 2010 Arbois Poulsard $30; Special $25.50 The Poulsard (also known as Ploussard) is a fascinating grape that is local to the Jura. Its skin is often a pale rose color which can result in wines with a light red, almost grey- tinted color. However, it is quite distinctly not a "rosé". The old-vine Poulsard for this cuvée is sourced from several different parcels in Montigny and Arbois. It is bottled after 20 months and expresses cherry fruit with an intensely mineral character with great persistence on the palate and fine tannins in the finish. JOIN US Fri. March 8, 4-7pm in Belmont and Sat. March 9, 2-5pm in Concord. | |
SHAFER CABERNET One Point Five 2010 94 pts. $90; $74.45 net
"In particular, this year I was impressed with the Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five, which for my money is one of the best wines in Napa Valley in its price range." -- WA
What's in a name? One Point Five takes its name from the term "a generation and a half," coined by John and Doug Shafer to describe their long father-and- son partnership. Since 1983 they have worked side by side to manage their Stags Leap District winery. The 2010 One Point Five celebrates their 30th anniversary as a team.
2010 SHAFER Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five $90;
$74.45 net! Quantities limited.
"Mocha, tar, spices and tobacco all flow from the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five. A rich, intense wine, the 2010 impresses for its depth and sheer power. This is far from an easygoing Cabernet. I imagine the 2010 might still be going strong at age 20. The cold, late season yielded an utterly magnificent Cabernet that will challenge the top labels of many other properties. 94 pts."
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2007 Barbaresco from ROAGNA: special pricing through 3/15
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With a family viticultural history that extends 150 years, Luca Roagna is the fifth generation to make wine from his family's prime vineyards in the Langhe. As always, the winemaking style at Roagna is deeply imbued in tradition. Late harvests, extended macerations and long aging in neutral oak inform wines of great personality.
2007 Roagna Barbaresco "Paje" $65 ($55.25 special through March 15th) 660 cases produced
"A rich, broad-shouldered Barbaresco, the Paje flows with  the essence of tobacco, smoke, plums and orange rind. There is an exotic quality to the Paje that is deeply intriguing. Although appealing today, the 2007 should also continue to drink well for a number of years. 93 pts." --WA
2007 Roagna Barbaresco "Paje" Vecchie Vigne $125 ($100 special through March 15th) 100 cases produced
"The 2007 Barbaresco Paje Vecchie Vigne is a serious wine. Juicy dark cherries, tar, mint, licorice and menthol burst from the glass in this exuberant, intensely perfumed wine. As open and seductive as this is, there is plenty of underlying structure. The 2007 is wonderfully alive and vivid in the glass. The finish is at once powerful and weightless in the way only Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo can be. This is an exemplary wine in every way. 95 pts." -WA
2007 Roagna Barbaresco "Montefico" Vecchie Vigne $125 ($100 special through March 15th) 100 cases produced
"All the best elements of the house style come together in the 2007 Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Vigne, a wine that is at once open because of the year yet also structured. Mint, freshly cut flowers and red berries all come to life in this precise, chiseled Barbaresco. The firm Montefico tannins support the finish, giving the wine much of its focus and sense of proportion. As always, Montefico shows the vibrant, nuanced side of Barbaresco. 94 pts." -WA
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SAMAROLI SCOTCHES ARE IN!
SILVANO SAMAROLI: The return of a Scotch whiskey master
 Years ago we were introduced to a remarkable independent Scotch bottler, Silvano Samaroli, in Italy, of all places. Not being a scotch connoisseur, but having an educated palate, I quickly came to the conclusion that Silvano was producing some of the finest examples of whiskey on the planet. The elegance, balance, complexity, finesse,  and depth of flavor were without rival. One of the seminal bottlings and indeed one of the most exquisite spirits I've ever tasted was a vatted Scotch simply named "No Age" (now called "EVOLUTION"). This whiskey was a blend of single malts from countless distilleries, all traditional production, and from ages of 10 to over 40+ years of age. So deftly and seamlessly were these single malts integrated that the whiskey almost transcended into the realm of art. We sold everything we could get some 6 years ago and have had many converts inquiring from time to time if we could still get Samaroli Whiskey. We are happy to announce the new releases of Samaroli Scotch Whiskey's and Caribbean Rums. We are also happy to announce that individual bottles can be special ordered and arrive in 2-3 weeks time. SILVANO SAMAROLI SCOTCH WHISKEY & RUM Click for a list of Samaroli bottlings available to order. A selection of SAMAROLI whiskeys have just arrived in the Concord store.
Or Call VINTAGES Concord store to order: 978-369-2545. Samaroli Whiskey and Rum can be picked up in the Concord store; local delivery and shipping are also available. Orders will arrive in 2-3 weeks. | |
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2008 Monprivato: Quintessential Barolo
2008 GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO Barolo Monprivato $90 (Quantity discounts apply)
There are few producers whose name and vineyards are so inextricably connected as Mascarello and Monprivato, in Castiglione Falletto. Giacomo Conterno's Cascina Francia and Bruno Giacosa's Falletto di Serralunga are two other monopole Grand  Cru vineyards that are singularly associated with legendary cellars. But for over forty years, the cantina Mascarello has produced one of the quintessential examples of traditional Barolo from the exquisite Monprivato Cru. It would be hard to find a Barolo, as consistently top notch, produced to the same exacting standards, for such an unprecedented number of decades. Monprivato produces a classic example of the fragrant elegance and finesse that are hallmarks of great Barolo from Castiglione Falletto. Only Rocche di Castiglione, perhaps, eclipses the elegance and intensely fragrant Nebbiolo fruit of Monprivato. Always traditionally styled, always balanced and understated, and always extremely age-worthy.
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Treasures of the Sierras
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Easton/Terre Rouge
Old-vine reds loaded with character from the Sierras
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VINTAGES has had a long connection to the wines from Easton & Terre Rouge in Amador County. That's right -- California. We've known owner/ winemaker Bill Easton since we got started, and have been happy to share and enjoy his distinctive and flavorful wines. Decades after the "Rhone Ranger" projects began, all that matters in the end is whether the wines are good; and yes, these Sierra Foothill wines from Bill Easton are very, very good. And, we might add, extremely enjoyable.
"Terre Rouge has emerged as one of the stars of the Amador County. These are all impressive efforts that admirably demonstrate the potential that exists in the Sierra Foothills. Kudos to Terre Rouge!" -- Robert Parker
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TERRE ROUGE & EASTON
TERRE ROUGE "Tete a Tete" $19.99
A an easy-going blend of Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre selected for bantering quaffabiity. But make no mistake, there's plenty here to contemplate in quieter moments.
2007 TERRE ROUGE Syrah Sentinel Oak Pyramid Block $40
Made from the oldest Syrah vineyard in the Sierra Nevada (est. 1982). The vineyard is at 1400 ft in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, right near the winery. Reliably luscious, this is a stunning Syrah of excellent density, texture, richness, and length.
2006 EASTON "Fiddletown" Zinfandel $30
The vineyard is about as old as they come in California with vines dating to the original planting in 1865. Crop yields are incredibly low, 1- 1½ tons per acre. Aged in french oak, the finished wine has thick brambly blackberry fruit with pepper, anise, clove, and other exotic spices.
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Love Red Burgundy? Love the price: $25
| 2010 Dom. Rollin Rouge delivers value
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2010 DOM ROLLIN Hautes- Cotes de Beaune Rouge $25
Year in and year out, Remi Rollin's Hautes- Cotes de Beaune rouge remains one of the great values in
Red Burgundy, and in Pinot Noir for that matter. Fresh red berries, tart cranberries and loamy, earthy notes add depth and complexity to what distinguishes this tasty Cote-d'Or wine. It is amazing how refreshing and thirst quenching Pinot Noir can be when it doesn't taste like cherry cough syrup! Or cherry cough syrup aged in toasted oak barrels! Just the pure, un-adulterated zesty Pinot fruit from a place like no other.
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New Arrivals, Aged to Perfection
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Chassagne Montrachet: one powerful Chardonnay
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2007 HENRI PRUDHON Chassagne-Montrachet 1er cru "Les Chevenottes" Reg. $50; now $45 ($38.25 case price). Wow! A tremendous wine, at perfect drinking maturity, available at an unbeatable price -- what are you waiting for?
What's better than a beautiful, finely etched, elegantly balanced, crystalline pure, 1er cru white burgundy from Chassagne Montrachet? The same on sale! Just so happens the 2007 is drinking beautifully right now, and is really showing its impressive structure and mineral qualities, while having shed some of its baby fat. Stock up now while supplies last!
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Bordeaux, finesse and drinkability
2006 CHATEAU COTES de BALEAU St. Emilion Grand Cru was $40; now $35! ($29.75 with case discount). There is something truly wonderful about Bordeaux when it doesn't try to impress. The subtlety and finesse can approach some of the most extraordinarily fine and complex wines in the world. But that little hint of saline on the finish keeps you reaching for a second or third glass. This example of St. Emilion, infinitely drinkable, and not surprisingly, a tremendous pairing with fish. Proximity to the Atlantic could have something to do with it, or maybe the sandy, clay and limestone rich soils. Or maybe the ocean breeze.
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DID YOU KNOW?
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VINTAGES' website
 There are a lot of "Vintages" on the internet, but don't be confused -- there's really only one that counts: www.VINTAGESONLINE.COM.
What will I find? Check out the Featured Wines at the bottom of the home page --
New Arrivals, Best Sellers, Seasonal, Specials.
FIND a previous email newsletter! Look on the upper right for NEWSLETTERS -- most emails (like this one), are saved in their original format, and it's easy to find what you're looking for. SEARCH our inventory through the search or the "Shop By" button. BUY A GIFT CARD! We'll mail it out right away, or hold for your recipient.BLOG has more information on certain wines and producers, incisive commentary on wine and even what's for dinner. PURCHASE WINE! Yes, you can buy wine right on the website and pay with a credit card or PayPal. Pick up in the store, or ship it. VINTAGES ships within Massachusetts and you can do it all from the comfort of your couch!
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