March Wine Club - Royal

Our bubbles this month hail from of course Champagne, France but more specifically the region of Bouzy. Domaine Jean Vesselle grows its own grapes and makes its own wine all on site. This lends to ultimate flavor and character. The family has an affinity to Pinot Noir, 90% of their vineyard are planted with Pinot Noir the other 10% is Chardonnay. The vines are cared for according to the lutte raisonée ('the reasoned struggle'). Dom. Jean Vesselle practice organic farming techniques and avoids chemicals-vineyard rows are plowed to avoid herbicides. In an effort to reduce its energy footprint the estate uses solar energy and recycles rainwater.

The vines are grown in the chalk of Montagne de Reims. (one of the 5 subregions in Champagne.)

Grapes are harvested by hand and pressed gently-then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless tanks. A second fermentation happens in the bottle (méthode Champenoise).

This month I'm bringing you the Brut 'Oeil de Perdrix'. Oeil de Perdrix translates to "eye of the partridge". The wine's has is like the color of a partridge's eye. The grapes are macerated less than 24 hours (for color) and then pressed; fermented on indigenous yeasts. This champagne is aged for 3 years in the bottle. Tasting notes read: "aromas of red roses, orange zest, white pepper and light herbs. Medium bodied." I tasted a red berries and a little pepper on the finish.

March Wine Club - Peacock

This month the Peacock selection comes from Avennia winery. In 2009 Marty Taucher and Chris Peterson came together and formed Avennia. Through their partnership they developed the core principles of Avennia - "a passionate commitment to signature vineyard and natural processed in the cellar - resulting in timeless, world class wines that are solely an d undeniable Washington.

By the end of 2010 - they processed 16 tons of fruit, it was released in 2012 to great acclaim. They have relationships with some legendary growers which enables them to secure the best fruit in the state-Red Willow , Boushey, Sagemoor, Champoux, Upland, and Kiona Heart of the Hill Vineyards. Avennia also has an Estate vineyard, formally known as Tapteil.

The wine this month is the 2019 Avennia 'Arnaut' Syrah from Boushy Vineyards. This marks the 10th vintage. This wine is made with minimal manipulation. Native yeast are used, it is unfined and unfiltered allowing the "place/terrior" to shine.

I deferred to the winemakers notes on this one. Way more eloquent than MMMMM that's good. The fruit on this is what stood out to me. I got super Blue blueberries on the nose and pallet. This wine is not your average Syrah, it is complex and bold.

March Wine Club - Sapphire

The white wine selection for the Sapphire level is one that holds a soft spot in my me heart. For one it was the very first white wine we featured for Sapphire way back in May of 2017. The 2021 Latta Rousanne hails from the Columbia Valley, more specifically the Royal Slope AVA. This wine is has s rich mouthfeel, major hints of honey and the finish on it is clean and crisp

In general I have a soft spot for Washington Rousannes, I think they are exquisite. Rich like a Chardonnay, floral like a Viognier but less cloying.

According to the website, "Latta Wines puts uncommon varietals from the most unique vineyards in Washington state on center stage."

Kentucky native, Andrew Latta founded the small production winery in 2011. He worked his way through the restuarant industry and while working as a Sommelier in Thailand he was exposed to the wines of the world. About 15 years ago, without ever visiting Washington, he worked his first harvest in Walla Walla and hasn't looked back.

I had the chance to taste with him last month and run through his current releases. I'm pretty confident with the wine knowledge rattling around my head but when I get to hear about winemaking directly from the winemaker...I just try to absorb everything. All of his "uncommon varietals" are crafted with love and they are all great expressions of the grape. We will be running a wine special this month with his other label- The Kind Stranger.

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The red wine selection for Sapphire this month comes from a winery that needs no introduction, Spring Valley Vineyards. We have clubbed the wines in the past and it would be hard to have Washington wine month without a selection from them. The history of the winery/family alone contributes to what make the wine great. Check out the links below to find out more.

HISTORY

FAMILY

For this March I have chosen the 2017 Spring Valley Vineyards 'Frederick'. It is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. This wine is

uh-mazing! The notes I have written down (not in any discernible order) herby, green peps, leather, Full bodied, blackberries, grippy tannins.

Check out this dashing couple.

I updated our Coravin list recently. The Coravin is a system that extracts wine without removing the cork. The list is inspired by Washington wine month. We are offering it in a 3oz. or 6oz. glass pour. The prices aren't your usual glass of wine price, but maybe you need to reward yourself for being awesome, or maybe just celebrate a random Thursday. The 2010 'Katherine Corkrum' is drinking so beautiful right now and the 2010 'Uriah'....I have a hard time putting into words when a wine is this good. Come try for yourself, while supplies last.

Aren't they the cutest couple. I was lucky enough to visit the actual vineyard on a distributor sponsored trip. There is a story that Frederick walked all the way from the farm into Walla Walla to meet Nina. It's quite the walk-if that isn't love I don't know what is. I ordered the Nina Lee for another wine club member. Don't forget to hit me up for any special wine needs.