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May Vino Values

Posted by Jorge in Vino Values on 05/10/13 - (0 Comments)

 

And then there were six! May Vino Values are here:

2011 Bliss Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino (California)
Irv Bliss bought the land that would eventually become Bliss Vineyard in 1943 and it has been kept in the family ever since. Winemaker David Brutocao follows time honored, minimally invasive methods to produce complex and memorable wines. This Sauvignon Blanc is a steal, made in a refreshing style, full of lemony aspects, a hint of the tropics, and plenty of vibrant acid, perfect for patio hangouts and fish fries. Regular $10.99, now $8.99

2011 Eugen Wehrheim Niersteiner Oelberg Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen (Germany)
I am pretty sure this might be only the second time I have a Riesling as one of the wines of the month and again, this one is from Germany. Germans are true artists when it comes to playing with Riesling in all its manifestations. This wine shows tremendous apple and peach combo, biscuits, lemongrass, lemon meringue, and mouthwatering acidity. Riesling is my favorite white grape and this is a great example why: complex, food friendly, and decisively gorgeous. Regular $14.99, now $12.99

2012 Domaine du Vieux Chene ‘Cuvee Friande,’ Vin de Pays de Vaucluse (France)
I had not carried this wine in the previous two vintages because I thought there were better wines out there; however, this vintage just knocked my socks off. The wine brims with red berries, cranberry sauce, hints of lavender, and generous acidity. This one will become your friend by the pool for months to come. Pair with fowl, seafood, and cheeses of course. Made with Syrah and Grenache. Regular $9.99, now $8.99

2012 Cuvee des 3 Messes Basses, Ventoux (France)
Here we have a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan, which gives this wine a bit more body and depth than the previous rosé. I think this wine–like the Villa des Anges– is going to flesh out a bit in the next couple of months; still, we get plenty of strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, and a hint mineral goodness. Another one you must buy by the case and with similar pairing possibilities as the one above. Regular $8.99, now $7.99

2010 Casa Santos Lima ‘Lab,’ Vinho Regional Lisboa (Portugal)
A blend of Castelao, Tinta Roriz, Syrah, and Touriga Nacional. Portuguese reds were some of the first wines I ever bought because you could find some excellent values in the early 90′s and you still can today. For what is worth this wine was considered one of the top values by Wine Spectator. This is how they described it and I agree with such portrayal: “redolent of blueberry and boysenberry, with vibrant shadings of graphite and mocha. Hints of citrus peel on the fresh finish.” Regular $9.99, now $8.99

2011 Chateau des Karantes ‘Bergerie’ Rouge, La Clape (France)
Chateau des Karantes is a magnificent vineyard situated in Languedoc-Rousillon. The domaine is in the heart of a small valley located two minutes away from the Mediterranean. Made with Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre. This wine received a 5 star score from Decanter magazine (their highest score) and this is what they said: “voluptuous, silky-textured style with terrific aromatics of ripe dark fruit, citrus, liquorice and jasmine. Perfumed notes follow to a spicy, leathery palate of blackcurrant and pencil lead, with a hint of fresh mint, eucalyptus and coffee.” Regular $12.99, now $10.99

Everything is Coming up Rosés

Posted by Jorge in Wine Tasting Events on - (0 Comments)

Spring has supposedly sprung but I don’t see much of a sign.  A few more birds are singing, the Sandhill Cranes are coming back, and there are a few green shoots coming through the snow; but it is not spring for real until the rosé wines begin to fill my shelves.  May is the perfect month for a taste of these beauties.  By then most of them have arrived in Michigan, particularly the ones from southern France–my own personal favorites.  I want to taste with you the rosés from the 2012 vintage from this part of the world.  We will have Dan Farley from J et R Selections, and my good friend Joe Moorehouse, who will present the wines of Hand Picked Selections.  Both of these outfits specialize in bringing traditionally made wines from France and other parts of Europe.  A total of ten wines will be there for your pleasure and delight, all will be marked down to special tasting-only prices.  Join Dan, Joe, and the Produce Station team, for a night of pink excellence.  You will be rosy-cheeked by the time you leave.

The List:

Table One

2012 Penya, Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes  $12.99/10.99
2012 Villa des Anges, Pays d’Oc  $12.99/10.99
2012 Chateau du Donjon, Minervois  $17.99/15.99
2012 Commanderie de la Bargemonne, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence $19.99/16.99
2012 Chateau de Lancyre, Pic Saint-Loup $21.99/19.99

Table Two

2012 Domaine du Vieux Chene ‘Cuvee Friande,’ Vin de Pays de Vaucluse $10.99/8.99
2012 Cuvee des 3 Messes Basses, Ventoux $9.99/7.99
2012 Chateau la Tour de Beraud, Costieres de Nimes $12.99/10.99
2012 Domaine Saint Andre de Figuiere ‘Le Saint Andre,’ Vin de Pays du Var $14.99/12.99
2012 Canto Perdrix, Tavel $15.99/13.99

This will all happen on Friday, May 17th from 7:30 to 9 at the Ann Arbor Art Center.  See you there!

Purchase tickets online here:
http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/469911

or in person at
The Produce Station
1629 S. State, Ann Arbor, Mi 48104

Questions? Give us a call or email us!
email: wine@producestation.com
phone: 734.663.7848 (Ask for Jorge)

(un)Corked Wine Tasting with Marimar Estate

Posted by Jorge in Wine Tasting Events on 04/04/13 - (0 Comments)
After many requests to have a tasting of California wines and me just holding back, I have finally found the perfect collective for an exciting event, Marimar Estate and their wines. We will welcome Robert Salz, national sales manager for the outfit, and he will fill us in on all of the estate’s latest news, plans, and of course, wines. We will get to try seven of their wines (all of them Chardonnay or Pinot Noir), which have been on the limelight lately because of some fantastic press and scores.
In 1986, Marimar Torres (herself an intricate part of the extremely influential Spanish wine family Torres) began planning the Don Miguel vineyard, a 56-acre property in a cool microclimate ideally suited to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Today the property encompasses 81 acres, of which 30 are planted with Chardonnay and 30 with Pinot Noir. Also planted to Pinot Noir are 20 acres of a 180-acre property in West Sonoma County. Due to her European heritage, emphasis on the vineyard is a natural concept for Marimar; the wines, made entirely from estate-grown grapes, are truly an expression of their unique terroir. The first release, a 1989 barrel-fermented Chardonnay, debuted in April 1991 to great acclaim. In 1992, a 15,000-case winery was built and the Estate’s first Pinot Noir was produced.Join us on April 17th, from 7:30 to 9:00 at the Ann Arbor Art Center (third floor) for a night of superb California wines and a fine selection of cheeses. Let’s celebrate spring together!
The List of Wines:
2011 Marimar Estate ‘Don Miguel Vineyard’ Albariño, Russian River Valley
The 2010 received 92 points from the Wine Enthusiast: “Marimar’s first Albariño is unquestionably one of the best ever to hail from California. Made without oak, it’s modest in alcohol, giving it a light, transparent mouthfeel that transmits pure, bone dry flavors of peaches, grapefruits and guava, with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc-like gooseberry and enough acidity to make the palate whistle. A real beauty!”  $37.99/$33.99

2010 Marimar Estate ‘Don Miguel Vineyard’ ‘Acero’ Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Wine Enthusiast 93 points: “It’s unbelievable that this Chardonnay is unoaked, it’s so incredibly rich and creamy. Just packed with layers of tropical fruits, peaches, Asian pears and oatmeal cookies. All that butter and cream must be from the malolactic fermentation and aging on the lees. One of the best unoaked Chardonnays ever.” $24.99/$21.99

2010 Marimar Estate ‘Don Miguel Vineyard’ ‘La Masia’ Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Wine Enthusiast 94 points: “There’s a lot of lees influence on this wine, which gives it a sourdough taste and creamy mouthfeel. It’s dense in tropical fruit, citrus, green apple and honey notes, with a touch of sweet, smoky oak. A dry, complex, multi-layered wine, this will gain traction with 2–4 years in the cellar.”  $31.99/$27.99

2008 Marimar Estate ‘Don Miguel Vineyard’ ‘Dobles Lias’ Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Wine Enthusiast 93 points: “This late-release bottling is incredibly interesting. Connoisseurs will appreciate the bone-dry minerality and acidity, the subtle creaminess from lees aging and the citrusy flavors that just begin to suggest tropical fruit. It should continue to develop in the bottle for a few more years.”  $55.99/$49.99

2009 Marimar Estate ‘Don Miguel Vineyard’ ‘La Masia’ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Wine Enthusiast 93 points: “Although this is tight, acidic and tannic, the core is so rich, it should easily negotiate the next 5–6 years in a good cellar. The texture is of pure silk, and the flavors are rich in cherry, pomegranate and spice.”  $38.99/$33.99

2008 Marimar Estate ‘Doña Margarita Vineyard’ ‘Mas Cavalls’, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Wine Enthusiast 94 points: “The winery delayed the release of this block-designated Pinot later than its other 2008s, but even at four years old, it’s still tight and acidic, a wine you really shouldn’t open right now. Bone dry, it has a nice, balanced mouthfeel, with complex flavors of cherry, pomegranate, persimmon, tamari-splashed mushroom and oak.”  $39.99/$34.99

2007 Marimar Estate ‘Don Miguel Vineyard’ ‘Christina’ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Wine Enthusiast 95 points: “Massive, flamboyantly rich, a real treasure in the mouth. Just dazzles with the intensity of cherries, black raspberries, Dr. Pepper, plums, sweet vanilla-scented sandalwood and a wild array of savory spices. The wine is a small-production barrel selection from the estate vineyard, which is in the heart of the Green Valley.”  $59.99/$53.99

Cheers!
Jorge Lopez-Chavez
Wine Director
The Produce Station
Gourmet Market

Purchase tickets online here:
http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/467029

or in person at
The Produce Station
1629 S. State, Ann Arbor, Mi 48104

April Vino Values

Posted by Jorge in Vino Values on 04/03/13 - (0 Comments)

2011 Montgravet, Cotes de Gascogne (France)
Our Gascogne wines seem to be best sellers almost every month and this one should fill a void left by the last one.  These best values of the world are frequently blends of 2 or more grapes but this one is solely composed of Colombard, a grape better known as one of the permitted ones in Cognac and Armagnac.  This wine has the pungent and refreshing nose usually equated with Gascogne whites, adding to that seductive citrus, white peach, and sufficient acidity.  Have this with shellfish or young cheeses.  Regular $9.99, now $8.99

2012 Domaine du Pere Caboche Rosé, Vin de Pays de Vaucluse (France)
From a Chateauneuf du Pape producer that dates back to 1777 comes this stylish and refreshing wine made with equal parts Grenache and Syrah from very old vines.  I am always excited when the first rosés of the season begin to show up because I know true spring is just around the corner.  This wine is very dry, with dominating red raspberry and cranberry aspects, hint of pomegranate, white flowers, and even a touch of red apples.  This should pair very well with fowl, fish, or cheeses.  Regular $11.99, now $10.99

2011 Rio Madre Graciano, Rioja (Spain)
Graciano is a grape often used in Rioja blends with Tempranillo, Grenache, and Mazuelo, to provide a different profile of fruit.  Graciano by itself should never be kept for a long time after buying it; instead it should be consumed within 2 or 3 years after purchase.  This wine has many fans at the Produce Station already and I just wanna make everyone happier.  This is what the Wine Advocate had to say about the 91 points it awarded it: “…exhibits slightly riper blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of licorice, wood smoke, camphor and a vivid floral display. These cuvees are aged in French oak prior to bottling.”  Regular $10.99, now $9.99

2011 Anarkos Rosso, Puglia (Italy)
A blend of Primitivo, Negroamaro, and a little bit of Malvasia Nera, this wine is a fun project from the Accademia dei Racemi in Manduria, Italy.  As they say: “it works as a message, as a manifesto, as an evidence that needs to be handed down to support the people from Apulia together with their viticulture.”  The wine is made in a more modern style, pandering a bit to the U.S. palate which wants a little bit more body and wood.  That being said, don’t think that the wine is heavy-handed or cloying, no; this wine is filled with blackberries, currants, tar, and to add complexity, vanilla, spice, and a smooth finish.  Perfect for hearty fare and red meats.  Regular $11.99, now $10.99

Our Easter Wine Collection

Posted by Jorge in Holiday Wines | Jorge's Picks on 03/26/13 - (0 Comments)


NV The Furst Blanc de Blancs, Cremant d’Alsace (France)
Made of 100% Pinot Blanc grapes in the traditional method. The grapes for this wine come from the Kayserberg AOC within Alsace, and are grown in gravelly and alluvial soil. The first vines were brought to the area in the 16th century from Hungary and grape growing still remains a vital resource for this community. Borrowed notes: “Delicate and persistent mousse awakens the palate and receives the subtle citrus notes and the white flower aromas. Should be savored well chilled.” One of the undisputed highlights of our (un)Corked Sparkling Wine Tasting. $21.99

2011 Chateau de la Cariziere, Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie (France)
Jo Landron is a master at playing with the Melon grape, the one that makes the poor man’s Chablis–Muscadet Sevre et Maine. This wine comes from close to the mouth of the Loire river and it is truly a food-friendly wine. As recently as 12 years ago I often thought Muscadet wines were dull, insipid, and very thin, but with winemakers like Jo (and his most amazing mustache) these wines now have depth, body, and vigor. This one almost has a salinity to it, add to its complexity a solid core of apple, lemon, minerals, and a long finish. Always a superb wine. $14.99

2011 Laurentide Chardonnay, Leelanau Peninsula (Michigan)
One of the newest wineries in the Leelanau Peninsula and they will be stars soon–mark my words. This unoaked Chardonnay is fruit-focused (apples and a hint of pear) clean, expressive, and lush, with bracing acidity to boost. This has become my second favorite of the 7 wines they make (their Sauvignon Blanc is stellar). $16.99

2010 Franco Serra, Dolcetto d’Alba (Italy)
The Sperone family has been making affordable, premium wines for four generations. In 1920, Antonio Sperone opened a small wine shop in Torino where he sold bulk wine directly to consumers. Unsatisfied with the quality and price of the local wine, Antonio started his own winery in Puglia where land was inexpensive and produced good wine. In 1965, the family purchased 75 acres of prime vineyards in Piedmont and built a new winery in Monferrato. Even as the prices fetched for wines from this increasingly fashionable region continue to climb, the Sperone family proudly focuses on value. It is not easy to find any longer a good value Dolcetto when they used to be anything but. This bottle is a delicious, straight-forward Dolcetto. Bright, fresh fruit, a little underlying complexity of earth, leather, with light tannins that compliment a variety of foods. $11.99

2011 Ruta 22 Malbec, Patagonia (Argentina)
Patagonia, the end of the world, tip of the cone of South America, the most beautiful continent of the world; this is where this wine comes from. Most would think that Patagonia is too cold for grapevines but this is not so. The fluctuation of temperature between day and night, the dryness of the land, the extreme winds, the water sources coming down from the mountains, all of these factors help in making this extraordinary value Malbec. This is not a bombastic style Malbec, instead it is refined, plummy, deep, full of brambly fruit, and even a hint of purple flowers. $13.99

2010 Chateau de Montmirail ‘Cuvee des Deux-Freres’, Vacqueyras (France)
I love this wine and have for a few vintages. I have never been disappointed by this producer. International Wine Cellar (one of my most trusted publications on wine) says: “(70% grenache, 20% syrah and 10% mourvedre): Bright purple. Smoky and pungent on the nose and in the mouth, offering deep dark fruit flavors and a hint of bitter herbs. Ripe and broad, with good depth to its bitter cherry and blackberry flavors. Tangy acidity provides bite. Closes with firm grip and a slightly hard edge, the blackberry note echoing.” Let it breath. $23.99

Email Wine@ProduceStation.com and we’ll hold any of these bottles for your right now, before they are gone!