The Inspired Wine Club : May 2009
May 3, 2009 by Ivy Kupec
Filed under Inspired Posts, Monthly newsletter, Sean Chaudhry
Who needs a warm, sunny terrace overlooking the pastoral vineyards in Tuscany? A nice glass of the right wine on your terrace, deck or balcony can bring Italy to you. No long flights, no rushing here and there – just vibrant wine that with a sip transports you. All you need to complete the picture is a little Dean Martin, Louis Prima or Frank Sinatra, a good view, and maybe the movie, The Big Night.
Inspired Wine Club: April 2009
April 2, 2009 by Ivy Kupec
Filed under Inspired Posts, Monthly newsletter
Rhône Rangers to the rescue!
This month we take you a little on the wild side with a pair of lovely red “Rhône Rangers” that are perfect for those rainy spring days when the weather isn’t quite as warm as a new spring promises. Both wines have a bit of fruitiness to keep the hope of nearing warm days alive as they help you dispense with any lingering winter chill. They’re also a perfect accompaniment as you renew life at your backyard grill.
Robert Hall Rhône de Robles 2006 – Paso Robles
Robert Parker has said that creative blending in these wines is what is producing some of the best Rhône wines in California, and here is a wonderful example of that. The wine is predominantly split between Grenache and Syrah, but enhanced by the addition of Cinsault to offset the high alcohol of the Grenache and the tannins of the Syrah, and a wee bit of Counoise that augments the deep fruity flavors. Robert Hall has produced a deep ruby red with cherry and cranberry flavors to accompany Spring’s budding cherry blossoms. The hints of black pepper and spice and tamed, silky tannins make it a wonderful wine for a hearty meal, such as grilled steak or a robust beef or lamb stew.
Matchbook Syrah 2005 – Napa Valley
This wine will light your fire! As a nod to his own wild, pyro-maniacal days, John Giguiere founded Matchbook winery. And this Syrah will certainly warm you up. Including about 10 percent Cabernet, the wine presents full-bodied with raspberry, spice, tobacco and cassis flavors and a hint of vanilla to finish. The Cab addition helps with the wine’s structure and smoothes the Syrah’s touchy tannins. This is a particularly good year, too. Due to their length on the vines, these grapes started out high quality, and their time spent in a combination of new French oak and older barrels created a wonderful richness. This is a wine that is up to pairing with spicy sausages, cured meats and other grilled meats such as chicken, beef and lamb.
Special Case Pricing Available Wine Club Members Only
Robert Hall Red $215.89/case ($17.99/btl) Matchbook Syrah $151.09/case ($12.59/btl)
Interested in joining the wine inspired? Click the links to read about our 6 month and 12 month mberships.
Hinsdale Cellars Wine Club Letter March 2009
March 2, 2009 by Ivy Kupec
Filed under Inspired Posts, Monthly newsletter, News Release, Sean Chaudhry, Vintelligence Archive
Spring is in the air!
Spring is a time of change – to say goodbye to all of the snow and cold weather and welcome in sunshine and flowers. A time when everything is constantly altering; trees come to bloom, the grass becomes green again, and those rabbits pop up on your front lawn again. Sometimes it seems all of these changes occur at a snail’s pace, but we at Hinsdale Wine Shop hope you take the time to enjoy these transformations. We have two offerings for you this month. The first, Three Saints Cabernet, will help you at the beginning of the month when it is still cold and snowing. The second selection for the month is the fresh, crisp Cote Est, a white wine to welcome spring.
2007 Domaine Lafage Cote Est, Catalan
90 Points Robert Parker
Cote Est is a the work of two magnificent wine makers, Eric Soloman and Jean-Marc Lafage. Combining Solomon’s expertise of Spanish grape varietals and Jean-Marc’s passion for French wine making is what makes this wine so special. The composition is 60% Grenache Blanc and Gris, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Marsanne. It has a fragrant nose of toasted grains, almond extract, pineapple, and citrus. This light-bodied white has a smooth, honey-like consistency, prominent floral flavor, and smoky finish. It would pair exquisitely with seafood – shrimp, scallops, and any white fish, such as halibut or snapper. This wine is ready to be savored within the next several years.
2005 Three Saints Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley
Three Saints Cabernet comes from Star Lane Vineyard, located on the eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley. Winemaking at Star Lane always follows the Bordeaux style, with long maturation processes and warm fermentation methods. This particular Cabernet is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. This delectable fruit bomb has flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum. You can detect a dark fruit aroma, with hints of mocha and sage. This red is rich, with a medium body and profound structure. It would be delicious with most beef, duck, or heavy pork dishes. It would also pair well with more stronger pasta dishes. This wine is drinking great now and will reach it’s peak with 4-5 years of aging.
Interested in joining the wine inspired? Click here to read about our 6 month and 12 month memberships.
