by Mark Patykewich on March 14, 2019
We got so excited about hosting this tasting and getting a preview of the wines yesterday, we are late in sending out an email.
The short version – we are hosting Francis from Vallana Wines tonight for a fantastic tasting of Nebbiolo and perhaps the best value Barbera in the store.
Now, to be clear, we won’t be tasting that many wines tonight, but we will be tasting the following:
2015 Barbera
2007 Campi Raudii
2013 Spanna
2008 Gattinara
2010 Boca
The picture more so gives a great example of not only the range but the tradition of the wines coming from the Vallana estate in Alto Piemonte. Think the Piedmont you know (Barolo and Barbaresco) but heading in to the mountains where higher elevation brings greater finesse. And, finesse these wines have a plenty. As well, the wines age beautifully. We recently had a 1968 Barbera that was amazing in its aged leathery nuance and intrigue. Tonight you get a glimpse of that with a 2007 vintage.
These wines have been described as “respectfully, unapologetically traditional: long bottle age, no perceptible wood, high on the acid, medium on the sulfur.” Tasting them yesterday this rings true but I think Frances is bringing a little bit more traditional richness and depth of flavor to the wines. The Barbera has long been a favorite in the store and this vintage may be unassailable as a best value. But equally enticing is experiencing the range of flavors Nebbiolo can express from this terroir and in the hands of an artisinal wine maker. This is a tasting not to be missed, both educational and delicious, so plan on joining us at
Hope you can join us,
Russ and Mark
by Mark Patykewich on March 5, 2019
Foillard’s Baujolais
Allocated and Sought After
It is about time we saw some sun and it seems as rare as this allocated Beaujolais. Jean Foillard has long been one of the most respected and sought after producers of Beaujolais.
Côte du Py is one of Beaujolais’ great vineyards. Foillard is undoubtedly the master of the site. Each year, we eagerly await the release of Foillard’s Côte du Py.
Few producers render this region with equal clarity, complexity or textural beauty. Foillard’s Côte du Py captures the wild cherry, mineral, and floral-tinged quality of the vineyard in an unparalleled way. For me, his wines tip towards Pinot Noir from Burgundy with their elegance and finesse. But, don’t allow this to mislead you on their ageability.
The 2017 is a relatively ripe vintage and Foillard’s 2017 Morgon has an unusual amount of presence and depth while still being seriously gulpable. The vintage allowed Foillard to produce a layered and powerful Côte du Py with a vibrant, driving core. There’s a lovely balance between richness and energy.
Cote du Py 1.5. $88 (3 available)
Cote du Py $44. (26 bottles available)
In addition, for the first time, we have Foillard’s Beaujolais Villages.
To keep this simple, if you are looking for pure drinking enjoyment, simple gulpability in a wine that is surging with flavor but not full of tannins or too heavy in alcohol, this is the wine to get. It is another example of buying entry level wines from top producers; the price to quality ratio is almost always impossible to beat.
This is classic Beaujolais but so lively and bright with fresh fruit flavors it will put to shame Crus bottlings from lesser producers. The floral nose is full of impressions of violets and roses, ripe red cassis and hints of loganberry, finishing with an enticing and lingering note of raspberry. This is one to buy 4 to 6 bottles of, it will go quickly and you will wish you had more. $26 a bottle.
