Opus 1; Brewer-Clifton; WoW

Greetings from Gosford Wine . . . it’s raining outside.  But if it doesn’t turn out to be enough, I’m told that we may have to start a water rationing regime.  And if you can’t pull your drink from a tap, perhaps you’ll consider freshening up with our . . .

Wine of the Week . .(!) which is the 2006 Gagliardo Fallegro, Piemonte, Italy; $12.99/btl.  The Fallegro is and has been a consummate favorite of Gosford Wine, and it’s perfectly suited to salve the wounds resultant to the reemergence of our Indian Summer.  Fallegro is made from the ‘Favorita’ grape, which takes its name from its preeminence among the vineyard hands of the Piemonte – it’s literally their ‘favorite’ from among the grapes of that land.  Melony fresh and white-flower kissed with the gentlest flush of spritz.  Call or e-mail ahead to reserve yours.

A wine by the name of Opus One has arrived in the store . . . I personally have never heard of it.  It’s a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2004 vintage.  There are some names artfully written in cursive on the box: I think that they are ‘Robert Mondavi’ and ‘Baron Philippe Rothschild.’  Perhaps it’s some sort of collaboration.(?)  I feel like I’ve heard of those guys . . .  

Joe has done some research on some rare and interesting wines which we’re privileged to have around.  I’ll include that here:

2005  Artadi Vinas de Gain
A Tempranillo Dry  Red Table wine from Rioja,Spain   Review by Jay Miller
Wine Advocate # 169 (Feb 2007)
Rating: 94
Drink 2007 - 2032
Cost: $25-$35   The 2005 Vinas de Gain is produced from 100% Tempranillo with vines ranging from 40-60 years of age. The wine is aged for 12-14 months in French oak, 40% new. 2005 is a very fine vintage throughout Rioja and this entry-level wine from the superstar Bodegas Artadi is an awesome value as well as mind-boggling in quality. Purple/black in color, it offers up a killer perfume that is super-sexy. Among its elements are truffles, pencil lead, vanilla, cherry, and black raspberry jam. Full-bodied, the wine is opulent yet elegant, concentrated, and superbly balanced. There is enough structure to ensure 6-8 years of positive evolution and it should drink well through 2032. Kudos to Bodegas Artadi for this tour de force! Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

2005  Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Mount Carmel Vineyard
A Pinot Noir Dry  Red Table wine from Santa Rita Hills,Santa Barbara,Central Coast,California,USA   Review by Robert Parker
Wine Advocate # 172 (Aug 2007)
Rating: 94
Drink 2007 - 2022
Cost: $52-$80   A dead ringer for a DRC Echezeaux, the 2005 Pinot Noir Mount Carmel exhibits a medium ruby hue as well as a big, expansive aromatic display of forest floor, sweet cherries, pomegranate, fresh mushrooms, and spring flowers. Fabulous fruit, a silky mouthfeel, a long, heady richness, full body, and moderate tannin suggest this Burgundian-styled California beauty should drink well for 12-15+ years

2005  Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay Mount Carmel Vineyard
A Chardonnay Dry  White Table wine from Santa Ynez Valley,Santa Barbara,Central Coast,California,USA   Review by Robert Parker
Wine Advocate # 172 (Aug 2007)
Rating: 94
Drink -
Cost: $52-$70   The 2005 Chardonnay Mount Carmel (a site which Brewer-Clifton now farms exclusively) exhibits honeysuckle, lemon butter, a hint of popcorn, and orange rind in a full-bodied, deep, chewy style that reminds me of some of the old Batard-Montrachets made by Domaine Michel Niellon in the late seventies and eighties.

2005  Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Rio Vista Vineyard
A Pinot Noir Dry  Red Table wine from Santa Rita Hills,Santa Barbara,Central Coast,California,USA   Review by Robert Parker
Wine Advocate # 172 (Aug 2007)
Rating: 93
Drink 2007 - 2017
Cost: $48-$60   The sexy, medium ruby-colored 2005 Pinot Noir Rio Vista reveals earthy, Allspice, raspberry, and black cherry notes, a broad, textural mouthfeel, full body, and a 7-10 year window of drinkability

2005  Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Cargasacchi
A Pinot Noir Dry  Red Table wine from Santa Rita Hills,Santa Barbara,Central Coast,California,USA   Review by Robert Parker
Wine Advocate # 172 (Aug 2007)
Rating: 92
Drink 2008 - 2023
Cost: $55-$75   Fresh mushrooms, forest floor, pomegranate, sweet cherry, and pepper characteristics are found in the deep ruby-hued, medium to full-bodied 2005 Pinot Noir Cargasacchi. Its earthy, peppery, black fruited character is reminiscent of a premier cru from Nuits St.-Georges. Give it 1-3 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following 10-15.

Don’t forget our wine seminar . . . this week, we’ll be featuring awesome stuff that Bonnie and I like.  We look forward to seeing you all there.

As usual, drop in anytime between six and eight pm on Wednesdays.  Bring your $5 and your friends.