Sparkman Cellars Tasting with Chris Sparkman!

This Sunday, March 8^th, from 6:00-7:15 with Chris Sparkman. Tasting will be hosted by Trademark Wines and will be held @ Lucas Park Grille:

 

Lucas Park Grille

lucasparkgrille.com

 

1234 Washington Avenue

Saint Louis, MO 63103

(314) 241-7770

 

 

CHRIS SPARKMAN, Dad, Director of Winemaking and Head Janitor, spent a couple of decades as sommelier and wine buyer in some of the U.S.'s best restaurants: from Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Michael’s in LA, Todd English’s Olives in DC and Mackay Restaurants in Seattle. He currently serves as Chairman of the Washington State Wine Commission. His Personal Management Team is headed by Stella Mae and Ruby Leigh.

 

http://www.sparkmancellars.com/

 

Inspired by the birth of our first daughter Stella Mae (and later, her sister Ruby Leigh), we decided to have a life focused on family.

Our style produces artisan handcrafted award winning wines, some of them highly sought after. Contributing to our community and to causes that resonate with our family are another way that the wine world helps make our lives rich.

 Wine & Spirit One of the Top 100 Wineries in the world

 Wine & Spirit 2011 Winery of the Year

 Wine Spectator Rising Star 2010

 Wine Enthusiast Rising Cult Winery

 

The lineup for Sunday!!!

 

2013 Sparkman Cellars “Birdie” Riesling - Bacchus Vineyard $10 $120

80% Stainless Steel/20% Neutral Oak

 

2013 Sparkman Cellars ‘Lumiere’ Chardonnay - Columbia Valley $22 $264 100% Chardonnay - 6 months French oak, 40% New

 

2012 Sparkman Cellars “Kindred” Blend - Columbia Valley $15 $180

67% Cabernet Sauv, 20% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot,, 3% Cab Franc

 

2011 Sparkman Cellars ‘Wilderness’ - Columbia Valley $21 $252 29% Cabernet Franc, 27% Syrah, 22% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec

 

2011 Sparkman Cellars ‘Stella Mae’ - Red Mountain $22 $264 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

 

2011 Sparkman Cellars ‘Ruby Leigh’ - Red Mountain $22 $264 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec

 

2011 Sparkman Cellars ‘Kingpin’ Cabernet Sauvignon - Red Mountain $45 $540

Moillard Burgundy Presell!

The Moillard family has been cultivating vines in Nuits-Saint-Georges since the French Revolution. The arrival of the railway in Nuits-Saint-Georges opened up new commercial opportunities and the Maison Moillard began its activity as wine merchants in 1850.

From generation to generation, the Thomas family extended the properties, buying up precious plots and developing the trade. In 2008, Vincent Sauvestre succeeded the Thomas family in running the Maison Moillard and perpetuating its prestigious reputation as one of the finest winemakers in Burgundy.Equipped with small open vats, the winery has been conceived to respect the integral quality of the grapes. After a very selective sorting phase, the healthiest grapes are taken in small tubs to the vats, avoiding any pumping of the precious juices. In keeping with the traditions of the Côte de Nuits, the vatting is allowed to last a long time.

The objective is to produce elegant and powerful wines that will age well and that can be appreciated at any time.  The wines are put into oak casks by using gravity and stored in the very old vaulted cellars of the property, which house over 1,000 barrels. They are carefully monitored by our oenologists throughout the ageing process, which lasts 14 to 20 months. The wines develop their complexity during this time and reveal all the qualities of the terroir.

Boutignane Corbieres Cuvee Classique Rosé 2012

Regular price $8.50/btl - $102/cs   Presell price $6.75/btl - $81/cs                                  

Moillard CDR Les Violettes Rosé 2012

Regular price $8.50/btl - $102/cs        Presell price $6.75/btl - $81/cs                

Moillard Cotes de Provence Rosé Cengle 2012

Regular price $11.25/btl - $135/cs        Presell price $9/btl - $108/cs                  

Boutignane Corbieres Cuvee Classique 2011

Regular price $8.25/btl - $99/cs        Presell price $6.50/btl - $78/cs                   

Clos Des Miran CdR Cuvee Speciale 2010

Regular price $9.25/btl - $111/cs        Presell price $7.25/btl - $87/cs               

Moillard Bourgogne Pinot Noir Tradition 2011

Regular price $12/btl - $144/cs        Presell price $10.50/btl - $126/cs                

Moillard Bourgogne Chardonnay 2011

Regular price $12/btl - $144/cs        Presell price $10.50/btl - $126/cs              

Moillard CDR Les Violettes Rouge 2011

Regular price $10/btl - $120/cs        Presell price $8/btl - $96/cs                         

Moillard CDR Les Violettes Rouge 2011 375ml

Regular price $5.75/btl - $69/cs        Presell price $4.75/btl - $57/cs                  

Moillard CDR Les Violettes Blanc 2011

Regular price $10/btl - $120/cs        Presell price $8/btl - $96/cs                      

Moillard Macon Villages Blanc 2011

Regular price $11.75/btl - $141/cs   Presell price $9.50/btl - $114/cs                 

Moillard Pouilly Fuisse Tour De L’Ange 2011

Regular price $16.75/btl - $201/cs   Presell price $13.25/btl - $159/cs                

Moillard Savigny Les Beaune Rouge 2011

Fresh and clean with notes of strawberry, cherry, cinnamon, spices and smoke. Elegant, balanced and focused with gorgeous fine silky tannins and a delicate, yet spicy finish. Lots to like in this pretty Savigny-lès-Beaune. - March, 2013 (JD) 90 points, International Wine Report

Regular price $18.50/btl - $222/cs   Presell price $14.75/btl - $177/cs                

Wines should arrive early June.

Please call in orders by Thursday, May 15th before 4:45 p.m.

Grand and Premier Cru

Robert Parker rated the 2009 vintage from Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune 95 points.

Domaine Moillard Nuits-Saint-Georges “Les Richemones” Premier Cru 2009

9 cases available

This has the lovely perfumed quality that several of the wines in the range display with slightly darker and riper fruit aromas that are discreetly laced with a variety of spice notes. There is good volume and richness to the round, delicious and generous yet entirely serious medium-bodied flavors that possess a bit more dry extract that buffers well the moderately firm structure that shapes the finish.  An understated, persistent and mildly austere wine that needs some time to blossom. 91 points, Burghound.com, 92 points Wine Enthusiast

Regular price $55.25/btl - $663/cs   Presell price $43/btl - $516/cs                     

Domaine Moillard Pommard Premier Cru “Les Rugiens” 2009

 9 cases available

A reserved, even reticent nose of fresh red Pinot fruit and subtle wet stone notes marries into delicious, intense and well-delineated medium weight flavors that possess reasonably good punch on the balanced and moderately austere finish that exhibits sneaky good length. At present, this seems rather compressed and the question is whether it will add more complexity with time in bottle as it is borderline one dimensional at present. We’ll see. 89 points, Burghound.com

Regular price $61/btl - $732/cs        Presell price $47.50/btl - $570/cs                Ordered:

Domaine Moillard Pommard Premier Cru “Les Epenots” 2009

 9 cases available

A moderately complex nose of ripe dark berry fruit, earth and attractive violet hints gives way to nicely rich, round and delicious medium-bodied flavors that possess an attractive mouth feel, all wrapped in a dusty, sappy and balanced finish that delivers solid persistence. This is an understated effort that is well made and while not offering truly distinguished quality, this is more than respectable plus it should be capable of delivering 8 to 10 years of upside development. 90 points, Burghound.com, 89 points

Regular price $54.50/btl - $654/cs        Presell price $43.50/btl - $522/cs                       

Domaine Moillard Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru “Les Beaux Monts” 2009

4 cases available

This is ripe but relatively cool within the context of a very ripe vintage with a mix of red berry liqueur, red currant and subtle amounts of the hallmark Vosne spice.  There is a sense of lift from the overt minerality on the middle weight and well-focused flavors that possess good underlying tension on the mildly lean and linear finish that, like many of the wines in the range, display mild backend austerity. This is a bit like the Rugiens in the sense that there is good balance and persistence but limited depth for a first class Vosne Premier Cru. Time will tell but I prefer to remain conservative in this case. 89 points, Burghound.com, 92 points Wine Spectator

Regular price $66.75/btl - $801/cs        Presell price $53.50/btl - $642/cs                      

Domaine Moillard Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2009

12 6 packs available

There’s a hint of black pepper in the aromas of this red, offering flavors that range from black cherry jam to raspberry, with a hint of licorice. Civilized for this appellation, benefitting from the benevolent 2009 vintage. The finish is fine, if not great. Best from 2014 through 2027. – B.S.

91 points, Wine Enthusiast, 90 points, Burghound.com

Regular price $125/btl - $750/6pk       Presell price $99.50/btl - $597/6pk                     

Wines should arrive by mid-Summer.

Please call in orders by Thursday, May 15th before 4:45 p.m.

Bordeaux Wines from Grand Vin Gironde

                                       

                                         Wines of Bordeaux

Amiral Dubroca Blanc, 2010

100 % Sauvignon Blanc. Amiral Dubroca Bordeaux white is a lovely, brilliant pale yellow colour. The wine has a complex nose of grapefruit, lemon, roasted nuts and candied fruit. This wine is an ideal accompaniment for fish – grilled or cooked in sauce, or with white meat and poultry.

Regular price $9.25/btl - $111/cs

Chateau L'Eglise Bordeaux Rouge, 2011

Château l‘Eglise is run by the Dieuxyssies Family. The vineyard spreads over 29 hectares made of clay-limestone and sandy-silty soil and sub- soil. The grapes are 40 % Merlot , 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.  Vinification is carefully controlled and made in stainless steel tanks, for a period of 18-25 days. Wine is aged in oak barrels.  Fruity and woody notes are well-balanced, tannins are perfectly soft. Ripe fruit aromas are persistent in finale.

Regular price $8.50/btl - $102/cs

Chateau  Lafon Listrac-Médoc 2006

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot. Chateau Lafon vineyard lies in the heart of Listrac-Médoc on the Left Bank, one of the oldest winegrowing properties in the commune. This growth is given great care and attention, and is aged in oak barrels in the purest tradition. Deep, ruby-red color. Complex nose of blackberries and dark cherries, and toasty aromas. Smooth and fleshy with well-integrated solid tannins. Long finish.

$13.75/btl - $165/cs

Chateau Lalande, St. Julien, 2008

The famous route des grands vins goes through the heart of the appellation, offering superb views of the Médoc. Château Lalande was once part of Château Lagrange, and was bought by the current owners in 1964. The grapes are both machine-harvested and hand-picked, with careful plot-by-plot vineyard management. This wine undergoes careful temperature-controlled fermentation, and ageing for twelve months in oak barrels. Chateau Lalande offers a beautiful, intense colour, between deep-red and ruby-red, and a very elegant bouquet of black fruit, cedar, and toasty hints. Full-bodied and round on the palate with a generous structure and well-integrated oak. Beautiful long aftertaste with blackcurrant flavours. Fine ageing potential.

Regular price $29.25/btl - $351/cs

Chateau Columbier Monpelou, Pauillac, 2006

Merlot 25%. Cabernet Sauvignon 65%. Cabernet Franc 5%. Petite Verdot 5%. Naturally turned towards the vast Gironde estuary, Pauillac has been a port town for centuries. The Columbier Monpelou vinyard covers a single block on the famous gravel plateau overlooking the town of Pauillac. The fruit is sorted by hand. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Vatting lasts three to four weeks, and ageing for eighteen months in the estate's underground cellars in barrels. The deep garnet-red colour reflects the richness of the wine, displaying an excellent balance between oak and fruit. Aromas of blackcurrant compote and cedar, with smokey highlights. A firm structure leads to a long finish of black fruit and elegant oak.

Regular price $33.00/btl - $396/cs

Washington's Finest: Sleight of Hand Cellars

Hi all!

In case I did not mention during my last visit, I have included below Classique’s lineup of new wines from Sleight of Hand Cellars from Washington State.  These boutique style wines received top press (Rand Sealey – Washington State Review, Parker, Spectator, Enthusiast, Wine and Spirits, and Tanzer - http://www.sofhcellars.com/News.aspx), and represent the highest quality fruit from the most prestigious vineyards throughout Columbia Valley and Walla Walla.

These wines are highly allocated! Thus if think that you would like to have one of these wines on your wine list, please let me know ASAP, as I only have a grand total of 2 btls - 2010 Archimage (45% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot), 3 cases - 2011 Spellbinder (42% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 12% Merlot, and 11% Sangiovese), and the 2 btls-  2010 Illusionist Cabernet… I know, right? (I actually never say that in real life, so I thought I would trot it out in this email announcement!)

2010       Archimage          $40.00

This vintage is composed of 45% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot from the Blue Mountain, Red Mountain and Va Piano vineyards. It exhibits a brilliant ruby color and enticing aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed roses, mulberry, sandalwood and anise. The dark fruit flavors are thick and fleshy, yet deep and focused, underlain with black licorice, bittersweet chocolate, French roast and stony minerals. The back reveals sensations of macerated berries, roasted nuts, spiced cherries and plums, leading into a integrated oak (50% new French) and satiny tannin finish that lingers on and on….March 2013 Review of Washington Wines - Rand Sealey

2011       Spellbinder         $15.75

The 2009 Spellbinder is a blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 12% Merlot, and 11% Sangiovese. Fragrant cherries, herbs, and spices lead to a savory, ripe, pleasure-bent red perfect for quaffing with pizza and burgers. This balanced lenghty effort can be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years…

2010       Illusionist Cabernet        $40.00

Blended with 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, this is a classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon. It displays a brilliant ruby color and a rich, smoky nose of wild blackberries, Bing cherries, black currants, attar of rose, sandalwood, cigar box, olive, rosemary and sage. The dark fruit flavors are wrapped around a deep core, underlain with black licorice, dark chocolate, Sumatra roast and scorched earth minerals. The back reveals notes of squeezed berry juices, cherry liqueur, crème de cassis, roasted chestnuts, mocha, pencil lead and toasty integrated oak (60% new) and leads seamlessly into a deep, penetrating finish that shows fine fruit acids (.61 g/100ml) and fine grained tannins on the lingering, well defined finish….March 2013 Review of Washington Wines - Rand Sealey

You can find more here @ Sleight of Hand Cellars http://www.sofhcellars.com/ , http://www.sofhcellars.com/About-Us.aspx

and/or below. 

Cheers!!

Adam Pashea

(314) 267-2414

Classique Wine & Spirits

Sleight of Hand Cellars

Launched in 2007, Sleight of Hand Cellars has but one focus, and that is to craft exceptional wines from exceptional vineyards here in the state of Washington. The winery has only been in operation for a short time, but in that time, Sleight of Hand Cellars has been named as one of the "The Next Generation" of up and coming wineries in Washington State by Seattle Magazine in July of 2008, as well as  one of "The Next Cult Wineries" by the same magazine in August of 2009. These articles, along with some great scores along the way, only push us to strive for making even better wines, year in and year out.

As we have said before, we have never been more excited about a vintage than the 2010's; but with harvest in full swing, and near perfect grape growing conditions translating into unbelievably intense, flavorful fruit, we are already looking forward to the day when we can sit down and open the 2012's and we can't help but wonder if 2012 won't surpass even the 2010's.

This has been an incredible year for the winery and we are extremely excited not only about this year's vintage, but also about the long term future of the winery. We are deeply grateful to all of our supporters; but especially to the members of the Wine Illusionist Society for all their encouragement and loyalty. We will continue to try to exceed your expectations. Keep an eye on your emails, as we are working on trying to put together something special for Spring Release Weekend for members of the wine club.

Oregon and California Pinot Tasteoff!

Wine Thursdays August 16, 2012   Adam from Classique Wines PRESENTS: 2009 Red Hawk Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 San Simeon Pinot Noir 2008 CAW Pinot Noir 2008 Mi Sueno Pinot Noir Last week's winner: 2010 Nicholson Jones Sauvignon Blanc Glass 5 Half Bottle 10 Bottle 20 ... Bibamus et Invenio! Every Thursday we invite a different wine distributor to share their most interesting offerings of the week with our guests at Truffles. All we ask from our guests is to give us their opinion on which one of the wines drank the best. In return we promise to pour the "winner" by popular vote, the entire following week AT COST!!! This way you are able to enjoy your favorite at the best price possible. (If you do not wish to subscribe to this email, please hit "reply" with "unsubscribe" in the subject line     SHARE FOLLOW REVIEW DOWNLOAD TODAY'S MENU MAKE A RESERVATION   9202 Clayton Road  |  St. Louis, Missouri 63124  | 314.567.9100 |  Directions Tuesday - Saturday  |  Bar Open 3pm  |  Dinner 5pm

Wines of Umbria

ROCCAFIORE località chioano 06059 todi / Perugia T +39 075 8942416 / F +39 075 8948754 - P.Iva 02539610549          info@roccafiore.it  /  http://www.roccafiore.it

Producing vineyards: 11 hectares of organic farming
Location: Todi, central Umbria, Italy
Altitude: 350 m above sea level
Orography: hills with micro terraces
Soils: clayey and sandy
Climate: cold and rainy winter, hot and windy summer
Exposure of vineyards: south/south-east, excellent for the ripening of grapes
Culture system: guyot
Density per hectare: 7500 stumps/ha
Yield per hectare: about 70 q/ha
White grapes: Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino, Moscato giallo (yellow Muscat)
Red grapes: Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Montepulciano, Merlot
Cellar Oenologist: Hartmann Donà
Vineyard caretaker: Cristian Giorgioni  

Atop a hillside within view of Todi, the South Umbrian town surrounded by medieval, Roman and Etruscan walls, nestled among a spectacular landscape of vineyards and olive groves, lays the Roccafiore Resort and Winery.

Through the cultivation of the vines and winemaking, Roccafiore owners Leonardo Baccarelli and his son Luca, follow a tradition which has been passed on for generations.  Each day, they love to share and discuss the intimate aspects of the winemaking process, noting fruit development at each step of the way, from spring budbreak to fall harvest.  They also love to join (with all those who are interested), guests on pleasant walks through the vineyards, as they share in the beauty and delicate care of the precious rows of vines, while continually assessing and discussing the evolution of the upcoming vintage.

The quality of our wines not only reflects our commitment to technology and innovation, but displays our desire to faithfully express the bounty of our precious family-owned Umbrian vineyard.  We believe that our attention to the smallest details make the distinctive difference in our wines, for it is through man’s hands and heart from which the true character of a wine emerges.

More than an oenological trend, we believe that responsible stewardship is the only way to create a wine that exudes the synergy between the land, microclimate and vines.  We hope that you have a chance to enjoy our wines, and share in our toast to Umbria!   

At our family vineyard, we grow and hand harvest traditional Umbrian varietals, including Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Montepulciano, and Moscato Giallo or “Yellow Muscat”, which go into our blends and single varietal wines bottled under the Vigna dei Fiori and Vigna d’Autore labels.  

2010 Fiorfiore Bianco

Grechetto di Todi dei Colli Martani

Making good wine is not enough. Modern methods must be strictly applied to the ancient art of winemaking.  Persistence is necessary, because quality is achieved working day after day. This sweet toil is made up of lots of little victories and endless difficulties. Obstacles make the challenge even more exciting. This is how this wine is made from the grapes of Grechetto vines, the historic vines native to the area around Todi.

Grapes are harvested in the first ten days of September and carefully selected before being gently pressed. The precious musts are left to ferment in steel vats with controlled temperatures for a few weeks before being transferred to large Slavonian oak barrels for about 12 months. The final stages of maturation take place in bottles, producing a full, pale yellow wine, smelling of pineapple, golden apple, small yellow flowers and with very delicate sweet spice notes.

This incredibly elegant and complex wine tastes warm and soft. It is best served three or four years after the grapes were harvested.

It is perfect with vegetable-based first courses, white meats and soft cheeses. Excellent served at 10 or 11°C.

2009  Prova d'Autore

Red Umbria IGT Wine

 Our idea of quality is the love for a land rich in culture and history, trying to produce high-quality wines in new, untested ways so that they are unique, yet deeply bound to the territory in which they were made.

Quality is made by men, their dreams, experience and commitment to a cause. To achieve this, it is important to know the history of the cause and love it. This is the only way to understand from where stems the vital energy from which we pour into our work, both from the vineyards and the cellar. Our passion and efforts coalesce with our Prova d’Autore, made from three great Umbrian red varietals, Sangiovese (30%), Sagrantino (30%) and Montepulciano (40%).

These grapes are carefully selected, and the wines are made separately in stainless steel vats with controlled temperatures, where fermentation occurs naturally. The wine is then stored for two years in new barriques and left to stand for a year in bottles, to protect the ideal synergy of these unique and perfectly balanced grapes.

Their structure, elegance and complex taste and aromas blend into one another, yielding a high-class wine which improves with age.   We hope you agree that our Prova d’Autore, is a perfectly executed piece of art.

Falcor Tasting @ Wines of Wildwood

I’ll be joining Mike Bee, owner of Falcor Winery (www.falcorwines.com), for a very special wine tasting at Wines of Wildwood on Sat. June 23rd from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

Through the stewardship of Napa wine-making pioneer Ray Coursen (Elyse, Whitehall Lane) Falcor Winery selects the finest fruit from some of the most prime vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valley to create truly masterful wines.

Mr. Bee's selection will include an award-winning Chardonnay from Durell Vineyard, a Bordeaux blend "Le Bijou" from Napa, and an old clone vine Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley.

The tasting is free.  Here is the lineup: 

2006    Falcor Chardonnay,  Durrell Vineyard

Lavishly layered and complex, the 2006 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay exudes sensations including spice, butter, ripe apples, pear and vanilla flavors. It also showcases a bouquet of caramel and grapefruit with soft mineral characteristics.  Flanked by seductive toasty oak and refreshing acidity with hints of mango are front and center in this Burgundian style wine. Displaying power and grace, our Chardonnay is approachable on release yet can merit three to five years of aging.

2006    Falcor Sangiovese

This Sangiovese, crafted in the super Tuscan style, seduces immediately with its alluring richness.  With an exotic and complex nose, this blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with layers of wild cherries and ripe plums.  The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon lends chewy tannins, a firm backbone and a lasting finish.  Only 300 cases produced.

               

2006       Falcor "Les Bijou", Napa Valley

Le Bijou "the jewel" in French, is an elegant Bordeaux-style blend of 79% Cabernet, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and 2% Petite Verdot.  Opening with rich aromas of tobacco, cassis, cedar, cola berries and dusty earth, this wine is loaded with opulent blackberry and blueberry fruit, balanced by sweet tannins and subtle new oak.

               

2006   Falcor Syrah, Napa Valley

Our 2006 Syrah comes from the Shifflet Vineyard in Yountville and the Castle Rock Vineyard in Mt. Veeder.  It was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, coopered by Meyrieux Fils in Burgundy.  Aromatic notes of fresh berries, black truffle, and smoke marry beautifully with the toasty aromas imparted by the Meyrieux barrels.  On the palate, juicy, primary fruit flavors give way to preserved berries, black pepeer, and smoked meat.

2005       Falcor Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Our 2005 Falcor Dry Creek Zinfandel was produced from old vines in Sonoma County's Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys.  It opens on the palate rich flavors of spicy black fruit, and through its long finish this Zinfandel reveals complex characteristics of vanilla, clove, and dark chocolate.