Wine Club Newsletter Dec. 2018
- December 3, 2018
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Wow, here we are at the end of the year! We wish you a fantastic holiday season
and look forward to helping you enjoy it, starting with this month’s Club Wines.
First, though, a few deets:
Your Pick-up Party, which is your opportunity to taste all 4 Club wines for FREE,
falls on Tuesday the 4th, any time from 5-9.
The monthly BOTTLE WINNER is Dave Brennan. Congratulations!
Now let’s get to the wines, Silver Level first. It is our custom in December to offer
something sparkling to accent the holidays. This year we give you the Graham
Beck Brut Rose’ from South Africa. 90 points Decanter:
“This méthode cap classique (South African bubbly made in the same way as Champagne) has a lovely creamy red fruit and apple character, with a rich mousse and brioche finish. It has a vibrant raspberry acidity and a long finish.”
Silver #2 is the 2016 CS Cabernet from Washington superstar Charles Smith. This
received 90+ point scores from everyone you can think of, including this 93 point note from Jeb Dunnuck:
“Aged 13 months in barrels, its vibrant purple color is followed by a terrific bouquet of blueberries, cassis, scorched earth, and spice. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, this is the real deal, ladies and gentlemen, and it’s a no-brainer purchase. Just pretend you paid three times the price.”
Now let’s discuss the Gold level. Both wines are from a boutique producer in
Paso Robles, Kiamie Cellars from the Adelaida District. First up is the 2016
Meritage.
This is an impressive Claret-styled wine (Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot), boasting crushed blueberry, black pepper, currant, and licorice flavors with attractive sanguine notes. Pencil shavings, saddle leather and cigar accents are present throughout, flawlessly mixing with a bold tannic backbone and unctuous mouth feel.
Finally, Kiamie’s 2016 “R’Own” Blend.
This Cote du Rhone inspired wine (Grenache, Tannat, Syrah) is dark and dense yet remains elegant, showing candied blackberry, crème de cassis and pressed mulberry aromas, accented by savory hints of grilled exotic spiced meats. Soft, yet lush and refined tannins engulf the palate, elongating with time, while boisterous acidity accentuates brambleberry and crushed granite flavors. Immensely drinkable now, it will also last for years.