And just like that, so long, January! See you next time, and don't let the door hit you on the way out. As we slowly inch our way towards more light and longer days, February brings us some additional bright spots and depending on who you are may determine how bright those spots may be!
February is the month for romance, roses and chocolates, the Superbowl, and of course, wine (and to be honest, what month isn't for wine?). This month's case has something for everyone. Old favorites, new finds, perhaps a wolf in sheep's clothing and maybe even a visit from a walrus. With the average bottle price around $15, this is a case worth considering!
Sparkling
(Italy) NV Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore Brut, $17
Grapes: Glera
Notes: This is a trusted friend you can take anywhere without worrying about the reception. Greeted by the light, flowery nose with hints of just ripe pineapple, it is delicate, refreshing and well-balanced like a lemon curd biscotti. This is bubbles with an attitude that boasts a persistent minerality from start to finish. The slight trace of lees elevates this from your everyday Prosecco. It gives it an uncharacteristically mature drinkability that will leave you feeling like you got the very best - an affordable secret. It's ok. Nobody needs to know, and we won't tell.
(Italy) NV Clara C Fiori di Prosecco, $18
Grapes: Barbera
Notes: Sellwood loves its Clara C, and it shows! We sell more of this lovely sparkling Rose than anyone in the state! The belle of the ball. The Cinderella whose pumpkin will never need to return. The beauty brings together bright strawberry finely beaded bubbles and turns it into Italian bliss without subterfuge. Clean from start to finish, easy, fun, summer in your glass all year long. You know you want some. We have it. Come and get it.
Whites
(Italy) 2019 Falanghina Feudi di San Gregorio, $20
Grapes: Falanghina
Notes: Looking for a big white that is dry but not too dry with medium acidity and a touch of elderberry flower honey? This Falanghina should be your next jam. Citrusy pith and freshly picked granny smith apple on the nose. It is funky yet clean and easily quaffable. Definitely has the distinct essence of cypress mixed with a flinty minerality that quickly lends to preserved lemon on the palate. It remains soft in the mouth, and with some time in the glass, the tropical finish becomes more dominant. Drink with light vegetarian fare, shellfish, or your favorite Superbowl appetizers.
(Spain) 2021 Pablo Padin Albarino, $18
Grapes: Albarino
Notes: Imagine you are casually strolling the beach at sea, and you see a bottle gently rolling in the waves near shore. You reach for it, imagining a message from a faraway land. You uncork the bottle and pull out the scroll of parchment. Just one word. Balance. Yep, that's it. Balance. That is what you will find in this beautiful example of an Albarino from Pablo Padin. It is light, refreshing, and leans dry with a great acidity that would have been a perfect match for our recent calamari special. Dried hay, unripe honeydew, and gooseberry slowly develop into a solid, single-refined wave of a finish as it awaits your sips. Drink now. Like right now.
(Oregon) Love and Squalor NV Mothershucker, $16
Grapes: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
Notes: We all know you shouldn't (but you probably do) judge a book by its cover. And who hasn't grabbed a bottle off the shelf based on clever marketing whose label has roped us in? This bottle does that and so much more, as it delivers one hundred and ten percent. Grassy tart salted apple kissed with a bit of grapefruit pith gives this unique sipper some zing that can hold its own with the best of them. As the label suggests, it could be your new go-to for those delectable oysters we covet in the Pacific Northwest. Don't limit yourself to oysters - think ahi poke and plank salmon on the grill; your seafood delicacies will shine like a true mother shucker. Ya. It's that good.
Reds
(France) 2020 Domaine de l’Amauve La Vigne de Louis, $18
Grapes: Syrah, Grenache
Notes: Purpley, dense and dark, the black and blueberry nose is simply intoxicating. The fruit changes on the palate into black raspberry and finishes with a hint of baking spice. With care and attention both in the vineyard and the winery, this 100% vegan-certified delight is youthful, powerful and juicy, with hints of molten iron from the earth's core. Give it a moment in the glass. You will not be disappointed by how it opens up, revealing even more fruit and depth with elegance and finesse. If Goldilocks had a favorite red wine, it would presumably be this as it is truly "just right."
(Washington) 2020 In Sheep's Clothing, $20
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Notes: Labels, labels, labels. Again with the labels. Andre Mac, featured in the phenomenal documentary "Red, White, and Black" directed by Jerry Bell, surely does not disappoint with this beautiful Cab from Washington. "To protect the sheep, you gotta catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch the wolf (or an Armenian Gampkr). And just like the wolf, or the Gampkr to whom the wolf is an equal adversary, this wine is impressive, powerful with a big personality yet subtle, just like the game the wolf is playing. The label is whimsical, and the wine is just as fun. Serious yet affordable, decadent yet balanced, and with a finish that is actually surprisingly refreshing for a Cab, this is a must for your ribeyes as it drinks just as quickly as a wolf enjoys a sheep. Sorry. Not sorry.
(Spain) 2018 Vina Amezola Crianza, $18
Grapes: Tempranillo, Mazuelo
Notes: This is a lovely and affordable Rioja. Big, bold, and tannic in the best of ways with pleasant acidity making it the perfect match for lamb with couscous, stews of all kinds, red sauces and Moroccan fare. There is a persistent cherry note that is not quite ripe yet not tart, and the finish suggests chocolate and cinnamon, perhaps dusted with cedar. The star is the red fruit on the nose with a brambly finish lurking just behind the scenes. This well-melded wonder would benefit from just a moment of time as it will become more appropriately subdued with proper breathing, just like you.
(Washington) 2019 COR Horse Heaven Hills Momentum, $19
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Notes: Think chewy. Not as in the beloved Chewbacca but as in your mouth as this Bordeaux-inspired blend is just that. An earthy minerality dominates the persistent black fruit notes. A hint of caramel on the nose no doubt lends a hand to the smooth and mellow finish as the silky tannins meld with a truly linear acidity that is so well integrated it's no wonder that the suggestion of bergamot begs for hearty dishes. Think veal, kabobs of any kind, hearty chicken and a lovely beef-dominated cassoulet.
(France) 2020 Pascal Jousselin Petit Cot, $26
Grapes: Malbec
Notes: Mellow, floral, rich, and dense, this easy-drinking Malbec from a 5th generation farmer. It is surprising to think it is the first time (in 5 generations) that the estate has bottled its own wines. Organic, with minimal intervention and no added sulfites, it boasts a clean, pure wine that shows promise now and in the bottle over time. The finesse and care shine like a good deed in a weary world. Beef Bourguignon anyone?? Yes, please!
(France) 2021 La Gascogne D’Alain Brumont, $14
Grapes: Merlot, Tannant
Notes: Please don't let the pale ruby hue fool you. This wine is no joke. Spicy and smooth with a soft finish, the Merlot tames the Tennant perfectly with no pretense or suggestion. The nose is somewhat mysterious like wet, wild black raspberry stems resting in the shade on a hot summer day. The elegance and ease of the darkly fruited Merlot are a perfect match for the grippy tannins of the Tennant. Elegant, sexy and sleek, an ideal pairing for strong-rinded cheeses and pizza yet also ready to hang out and be enjoyed on its own.
(Oregon) JK Carriere Provocateur, $24
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Notes: This gem of an Oregon Pinot Noir brings Burgundian finesse to the New World with grace and style. Cherry cola and over-ripe cranberry flirt with a hint of oakiness and green bell pepper, proving terrier actually matters. A bit on the jammier side for an Oregon Pinot, it is still light, bright and very enjoyable. Noting the black pepper on the back end, mushrooms and marionberries are extremely prevalent even as you contemplate the finish. Oregon Pinot that is delicious and under $30? Sign us up! Get yours while it lasts in the February case of the month. Pair with foie gras, dry-cured meats, olives and tales from the past.
