Rain City Wines

Azienda Agricola Mauro Molino

2014-02-25T23:37:00.001-08:00

Azienda Agricola Mauro Molino

Saturday at 2PM

Free

Azienda Agricola Mauro Molino is a 12Ha estate located in the commune of La Morra. They claim holdings in some of La Morra's best vineyards: Gattera, Gancia, Conca and Gallinotto. The family has owned the farm since 1953, but Mauro was the first to bottle wine in 1978 and the first Barolo was 1982. Now Mauro's son Matteo and daughter Martina are taking on a large role in the estate; truly a family operation. La Morra is on the soft side of Barolo, the western side, it has blueish soils of chalk, calcerous clay that are mixed with sand and are more fertile than soils in the Eastern side. The supple nature of La Morra Nebbiolo and Barbera are on full display at the Molino estate. Total production of all wines at the estate is a mere 6000 cases, this level of production allows the family to control all aspects of the vinicutlutre and wine making.

The farm is located at the lower eastern side of the La Morra hill, in the hamlet of Annunziata. Annunziata is a sub section of La Morra and is where the Conca vineyard is located. http://www.giulianaimports.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/producer.content/producer_id/97

The wines we'll be diving into will be the following:

2012 Mauro Molino Dolcetto d'Alba - This Dolcetto is all about fresh, rich to the point fruit with a hint of earth lingering around. I'd try this with some nice lamb chops with a light red wine reduction. Good stuff. ($16)

2011 Mauro Molino Barbera d'Alba - Almost purple in color with the nose full of red vine fruit with notes of minerals on the end. Dry & full-bodied yet still pretty mellow. Solid all the way through. This is totally a great bottle of juice. ($18)

2011 Mauro Molino Langhe Nebbiolo - This a pretty rich Nebbiolo, which is why I love it so much. Spends some time in stainless steel then moves over to oak. This is a perfect example of how to use oak but not over do it. Bring on the meat! ($21)

2009 Mauro Molino Barolo - This is their entry level Barolo which makes me imagine what the next level is like. You need to take your tim with bottle still, let her breathe and walk around in the decanter. After about 2 to 3 hours you'll start to notice the aromas of some dark fruit, spices and dark chocolate. Once this delight hits your palate you'll notice the mighty yet silky tannins as the swim off and on your taste buds. This is the kind of Barolo you sip on all night...well we'll be sipping on it this Saturday. ($45)

Domaine de Bel Air Bourgueil, Clos Nouveau 2008

2014-02-25T22:51:00.002-08:00

Domaine de Bel Air Bourgueil, Clos Nouveau 2008

As many of you know I love Cabernet Franc in a big way. There are so many different ways the grape grows, thus so many ways a producer can put in their special touch when producing the wine. My love will only show once you find the Cab Franc section in the shop, and notice I have thirteen bottles from the Loire Valley. Out of all my favorite style of Cab Franc I think I still prefer the elegant subtle ones that hide behind their nose, only to come out on the palate and scare the living hell out of you. For me it usually sounds like this, “Where the hell did that come from?”

The Cab Franc comes from one of the most prized vineyards in Bourgueil, which used to belong to the monks at the local abbey. The vineyard is surrounded by a ten-foot tall wall hence the “Clos” part, meaning “walled in site”. The vineyard is located just inside the village of Benais.

The vineyard fell into disarray and needed to be restored. Upon finding out the vineyard was available; Pierre jumped for it and began the process of bringing the vineyard back to its glory. With almost the same geology as Clos Rougeard, this site is a rare treasure.

There were only 36 – 750ml bottles brought into the state this year and I have acquired 12 of them. $50 per 750ml, these will not last. Check out my notes below…

2008 Domaine de Bel Air Bourgueil, Clos Nouveau
Notes: At only 13% alcohol, this wine is less about power, and more about elegance & finesse. A hint darker than Burgundy with delicate notes of minerals backed up by some pretty firm tannins. Tannins are slightly sweet with ripe, seductive fruit showing it’s long legs like it’s on the catwalk. The finish…like no other Cab Franc I have had. You think its over and she just comes back with a firm slap across the face…with a silk glove. This was one of those rare chances when I tasted a wine and was blown away by it. If you don’t pick up a few bottles of this, you will kick yourself in the ass later! Wine will go great with red meat, rabbit, lamb chops or just by itself. I would be proud to serve this at my table!

Santo

Piero Busso Offer

2014-02-19T00:45:00.002-08:00

Rain City Wines

Presents

Agricola Piero Busso

I know I have been talking about this winery for some time now but I have finally gotten all my notes together and am ready to present to you my favorite Italian producer. I first fell in love with the Busso wines back in 2002 when I tasted a bottle of ’98 Barbaresco. I was hooked. Ever since then I have been tracking them down and buying up as much as I could afford.

Last year in our old location we brought in 10 mixed cases from Piero Busso through the standard channels and even though prices were high for the bottles, we sold ten cases in three days. Matter fact Nicole and I never even got a single bottle. This year we’ll be doing things a bit different…we’ll be importing the wines directly from Piero Busso to the shop. These wines will only be available at Rain City Wines and three other wine merchants on the North American continent. A handful of high-end restaurants in NYC have them but you don’t want to pay for them there!!!

These wines will need to be prepaid as we are having them shipped from Piedmont Italy and will be on a container for around 1 month until we get them. I would like to get all the orders in by the end of March so we can get them by the start of May. The white wines are something that I'd love for everyone to have for the spring/summer months (if we get sun). Let me know if you have any questions and I'll answer them as best as I can.

Here's the kicker...we are the only shop on the West Coast to be able to offer you these wines and one of three merchants in North America, as I said above. These are the wine your palate never knew it needed. You can quote me on this, "once you taste these wines, you will wish you ordered more than you did!"

Here are the following wines we are offering:

2009 Piero Busso Barbaresco Galina DOCG 750ml $90

Notes: Intense garnet color with the aroma of violets and small fruit undertones. This wine is full-bodied with soft, balanced tannins that have a unique sweetness. 1300 bottles produced.

2008 Piero Busso Barbaresco San Stunet S. Stefaneto DOCG 750ml $67

Notes: Dried berries with hints of flowers and lightly toasted oak on the nose. Full-body, with chewy tannins and fruit and bright acidity. Love the flavor at the finish of ripe strawberries. 4800 bottles produced.

2009 Piero Busso Barbaresco San Stunet S Stefaneto DOCG 750ml $67

Notes: This wine has a rich and brilliant garnet-red color with a perfume that is intense and structured evoking scents of tobacco, spices and fruit. The mouth is really full and well balanced with strong body. Only after a few months in the bottle this wine already shows its grandness, complexity and elegance that will gradually increase over time. 4800 bottles produced.

2010 Piero Busso Barbaresco Borgese DOCG 750ml $62

Notes: This wine is garnet red in the glass and has a nose that is harmonious and balanced that reveals fruity aromas with delicate spices and flower undertones. On the palate this wine is full-bodied and elegant with round, textured tannins. 5500 bottles produced.

2010 Piero Busso Barbaesco Mondina DOCG 750ml $44

Notes: This wine is garnet red in the glass and has a nose that is harmonious and balanced that reveals fruity aromas with delicate spices and flower undertones. On the palate this wine is full-bodied and elegant with round, textured tannins. 5300 bottles produced.

2011 Piero Busso Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 750ml $27

Notes: This wine has a genuine wine, expression of the soil where it is grown. It has a garnet red color and a round body. The nose is harmonious and balanced with nose is a pleasant blend of flower and fruit fragrance (rose and cherry). On the palate this wine is fresh and lively with light acidity and a nice balance of tannins and alcohol, this wine is elegant with a long finish. 5300 bottles produced

2010 Piero Busso Barbera d’Alba S. Stefanetto DOC 750ml $34

Notes: This wine has a deep ruby-red color with hints of purple. The elegant nose is a blend of fruits (cherry, raspberry and blueberry). The mouth has a full round body with a rich structure with an elegant long finish. 2500 bottles produced.

2011 Piero Busso Barbera d’Alba Vigna Majano DOC 750ml $21

Notes: In the mouth this wine is full-bodied and fruity with aromas reminiscent of cherry and cassis. 8500 bottles produced.

2012 Piero Busso Dolcetto d'Alba Vigna Majano DOC 750ml $17

Notes: This wine has a deep red color with violet hues. The perfume is fruity and elegant with floral notes and in the mouth the tastes are vinous, dry with a light almond flavor. 4000 bottles produced.

2012 Piero Busso Langhe Bianco DOC 750ml $23

Notes: The color of this wine is straw yellow with golden reflections. It has a fine nose, pleasant and elegant with deep intensity. This wine is intense, fresh, full and fruity. 5000 bottles produced.

2012 Piero BussoLanghe Arneis DOC 750ml $17

Notes: The soft and elegant perfume of this wine is reminiscent of white flowers with a suggestion of fresh exotic fruits. Brilliant pale yellow with lively green reflections, it is dry and delicately tangy on the palate with lingering pleasant mineral notes and a sharp finish. 3000 bottles produced.

Santo

Bodegas Muga

2014-02-18T23:08:00.002-08:00

I posted a question on our Facebook page and people responded. One of the ideas for this weeks tastings was Spain. I rolled with it. I'm a big fan of Muga so I spoke to the importer and picked up a few other things. With that in mind I also found out about a new Cava that Muga is producing so...Saturday at 2PM, we are tasting Muga. You spoke, I listened.

NV Bodegas Muga Cava Conde de Haro
Notes: The first impression in the glass is of practically no oxidation, with bright yellow-green hues. The foam is dense and persistent, providing an inkling of its structure in the mouth. Looking at the centre of the glass we can see a uniform line of microscopic bubbles rising to the surface. The nose is dominated by tangy fruit and floral aromas. In the background we find fermentative notes from the wine´s transformation in the bottle (honey, vanilla, liqueur).
Honeyed yet fresh in the mouth, thanks to its significant acidity. The combination of fruit, acidity and fine lees results in a surprising sensation of fullness that invites one to continue tasting it. The fruity notes return in the aftertaste, with predominant spices that, for several seconds, leave a very pleasant memory.

2012 Bodegas Muga Blanco
Notes: The wine's appearance maintains the traditional straw-yellow color, with a few golden glints around the rim. The nose is powerful with pineapple, apple and peach aromas, all at a midway point between sharp and ripe fruit. In the background there are sharp notes of white blossom, concluding with smooth, honeyed sensations. In the mouth, it is even more surprising. There is an almost perfect balance of sweetness-bitterness-acidity which really excites the taste senses. It is without doubt one of the most notable vintages of recent times.

2009 Bodegas Muga Reserva
Notes: Brilliant ruby. Black raspberry and smoky oak scents are lifted by enticing mineral and spice-cake notes. Dense, supple and deep, with intense flavors of black raspberry, mocha and vanilla. Very full, velvety wine, finishing with smooth, ripe tannins and a vibrant red berry quality.

2009 Bodegas Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial
Notes: Highly Recommended. Powerful yet harmonious, this rich red delivers black cherry, licorice, fresh herb, smoke and mineral flavors that mingle seamlessly over firm, well-integrated tannins, while balsamic-tinged acidity drives the flavors through the long, spicy finish.

Tasting starts at 2PM and the tasting is free I mean if you like that kinda thing?

santo

Clos Rougeard Release

2014-02-05T18:20:00.002-08:00

Two brothers, Nady & Charlie Foucault took over their family estate that is Clos Rougeard in 1969 and since then, they have been producing wines that have reached cult-‐like status. Their vineyards are small, the yields even smaller, the fruit is of exceptional quality and their know-‐how of their terroir is expert. The 2009 vintage was the brothers’ 40th vintage making wine here. Yes, 40th. They barrel ferment their wines and age the Cabernet Francs for anywhere from 18 to 24 months depending upon vintage. They have a 1.2 hectare vineyard of Chenin Blanc also, a rarity in the Saumur-‐Champigny appellation from which they produce a yes, you guess it, limited production of wine.

The 2009 was vintage was warm and sun-‐filled in the Loire leading to wines of great fruit and roundness. The fruit is more obvious in the Rougeard wines of this year, but the acidity is still quite generous and varietal characteristics very apparent.

Charles Joguet, the great winemaker of Chinon, once said: “there are two suns. One shines outside for everybody. The second shines in the Foucaults’ cellar.”

The Wines

2009 Rougeard “Breze” Chenin Blanc $94 – This Chenin Blanc comes from the 1.2 hectare Breze vineyard of heavy clay and limestone. The grapes grow long and slowly, ripening even later than the Cabernet Franc. The wine has exuberant dried fruit aromas and flavors, a touch of honey and excellent acidity.

2009 Rougeard “Clos” Saumur-‐Champigny $75 – This Cabernet Franc comes from young (for the Foucaults) vines of 25-‐30 years. The wine has great concentration and depth with 2009’s obvious berry fruit, along with dry herbs and stone.

2009 Rougeard “Poyeaux” Saumur-‐Champigny $97 – Poyeaux is a vineyard of 40 to 60 year-old vines. The wine is aged in 50% new Allier barrels while the other half is aged in one year-‐ old barrels purchased from Chateau Margaux and Chateau Haut-‐Brion. The nose is rich in tobacco and spice, cherries and the wine has lingering acidity.

2009 Rougeard “Bourg” Saumur-‐Champigny $136 – This Cab Franc comes from vines of 80+ years and is aged in 100% new oak. It is more age-‐worthy still than the Poyeaux. The nose and flavors have iron and bonfire with strong but not overwhelming tannin.

Please note that I need to have these request in by Tuesday the 11th. Wines are extremely allocated and very rare. These are not sold in shops and are pre-sold only. They just don't make enough to go around.

Santo

Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Release Tasting

2014-02-05T16:31:00.002-08:00

Saturday the 8th at 2PM

FREE!

The Hawks win and so do you!

Welcome to the world of Domaine de Teerrebrune of Bandol

As most of you know, Nicole and I have a soft spot for wines from Provence but more to the point...wines of Bandol. Last Sunday was something amazing for every single person who lives in the shadow of the needle and who have always prayed that we would have a winning team. You know what? The needle is colored in green & blue and the Hawks dominated the Broncos like me dominating a few corn dogs from the Ranch Drive-In.

It's time to taste some new releases from this powerhouse Domaine.

2009 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Blanc
Notes: From the sunny southern region of Bandol in French Provence, this white is lively, fresh and perfumed with hints of white flowers and lilies. Some of you have already tasted this and have fallen in love with it.

2012 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rose
Notes: Light orange. Highly perfumed bouquet of fresh tangerine, peach, strawberry, succulent herbs and white flowers. Pliant and expansive, offering juicy, floral citrus and pit fruit flavors and a touch of red berry preserves. Finishes sappy and very long, with lingering floral, spice and mineral notes and excellent focus.

2009 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rouge
Notes: Terrebrune’s Rouge is made principally from the small, thick-skinned Mourvedre grape, which lends itself to dark, intriguing, structured wines. The ripe 2009 vintage shows aromas of blackberry, garrigue, licorice and a hint of smoke leading into loads of dark and red fruit backed by tannins and acidity. Most definitely approachable in its youthful phase, particularly with decanting and some hearty fare, this wine has a long future ahead of it. As the tannins recede, complex secondary flavors of game, leather, tobacco, cocoa and truffle will move forward —that is if you can hold off drinking up all this delicious, unusual juice. So here’s what you do- pick up a case (we’ve got five) and have a bottle with roast lamb or a steak. Then in a few months, a year(?), check in again, repeat. It’s safe to say one could track the trajectory of this marvelous wine over as many as 30 years. Accept the challenge!?

2006 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rouge
Notes: Made from Mourvedre (minimum 50%), Grenache and Cinsault; deep, intense funky Mourvedre nose, with lots of mineral to balance the rich, elegant fruit. Very nice! I dare you not to like this wine!

1991 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rouge
Notes: Come find out!
This is one of those tastings where your palate will be pushed to the limit. People who love Bandol's know what I'm talking about when I speak of the love and power that these wines can give your palate. Those who have never tried them...please come by and taste something that the US wine regions will never be able to come close too. These are the wines that wine nerds drink in closed doors in the basement of someones house. A true wine nerds delight!

The Legend of Moulin Touchais

2014-02-03T16:51:00.001-08:00

Moulin Touchais Pre-Sale

On the banks of the river Layon in the beautiful Loire Valley exists one of the world's largest and oldest single wine stocks. Miles of underground cellars contain wines dating back to the 1800's. These are the sweet Chenin Blanc wines of Moulin Touchais, one of the Loire Valley's most legendary estates. Their vineyards are among the most famous in the Anjou area, lying in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon region. Like Huët, these wines are some of the most age-worthy on the planet. In fact, Moulin Touchais is the only winery in the world we know of who gives a CENTURY LONG GUARANTEE ON THE LONGEVITY OF THEIR WINES.

These are by definition sweet wines, though not in the classical sense. Over time, the residual sugar melds with the acidity and fruit, leaving the impression they are much less sweet than they actually are. They are wines of great versatility, perfect harmony and among the great hidden gems of the wine world.

Unfortunately, the wines are seldom seen on the market. For one, it is only produced in great vintages. Secondly, they aren't released until at least ten years after date of harvest. When they are, the vast majority is quickly snatched up by locals, leaving very little for consumers here in the US. However, I just got my hands on a lot from their most recent release and am able to acquire good quantities on top back vintages. The wines are not only pristine, but I obtained them at amazing pricing. In fact, really amazing! Wines of this quality, age and provenance simply don't exist in today's market, so I encourage you to take advantage of this unique buying opportunity while you can.

For now please let me know if you would like a few of these beauties. Wines are due in on or around the 20th of February 2014. Prices are per 750ml

2002 Coteaux du Layon $61 Request___
Notes: Lighter gold and markedly more acidity and freshness than the 2003. This has the lovely seamless balance between fruit and acidity that is so characteristic of the 2002 vintage. One of my favorite wines.

1998 Coteaux du Layon $65 Request___
Notes: Light gold, attractively fresh, clean, good weight for difficult vintage with some length but a little dilute in finish. Good apéritif style.

1996 Coteaux du Layon $70 Request___
Notes: A little deeper gold than 1997, some evolution on nose, honey and apricot, lovely texture, clean, good balance with perhaps a hint of drying in finish but has that typical Chenin touch of bitterness in the finish. More complex and intriguing than 1997. One of my favourites.

1985 Coteaux du Layon $74 Request___
Notes: Mid-gold has taken on quite a lot of colour. Plentiful botrytis, richly textured wine with raisin and honeycomb notes as well as a character that is reminiscent of a vin doux natural.

1979 Coteaux du Layon $85 Request___
Notes: Light gold+ with quite youthful color, evolved Chenin honey and quince nose, mid-weight lacks complexity but has good length.

1975 Coteaux du Layon $90 Request___

Notes: Mid gold, honeyed, quite rich and opulent, more botrytis than in the 1976, power, length, evolution and a wonderfully fine balance but high limey acidity. A complex stunning wine!

Even though this is a pre-sale, you will still get 10% if you pre-order 6 or more!

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011
206-890-0535

santo@raincitywines.com

Domaine Tempier Current Releases are here!

2014-01-08T21:29:00.002-08:00

Here we are again...wines from Bandol come in and people begin to act crazy. Okay I start to act crazy as Tempier is one of my favorite producers in the world. At one point in time I actually thought of getting a tattoo of the ship that is on the label of the Tempier bottles! I'm not kidding either. We had opened a few older vintages and one thing lead to another and a few friends and I thought it would be a good idea. Needless to say I passed out before I could make the mark on my chest. Still love the wine though!

So here is what we have in the warehouse now.

2011 Domaine Tempier Bandol Classique Rouge 750ml $48 & 1.5L $108
Notes: A deep ruby color. Aromas of dark fruit. Intense smooth tannins. After 5 or 6 years of aging, the wine will develop notes of leather, forest-floor and small red fruit. 54 cases imported into WA state.

2012 Domaine Tempier Bandol Blanc 750ml $43
Notes: White Bandol is the exception, accounting for just 5% of the wine from this famous and beautiful appellation. It's a blend of some of Southern France's most esteemed white varietals grown on terraced, low-yielding vineyards on clay and limestone-rich soil. What this means to you is that Bandol blanc is good--really good--and interesting, too, showing depth, glycerin-like body and a beguiling herby/garrigue quality that marries wonderfully with whole fish stuffed with rosemary and thyme. And did you notice that this bottling is from the region's top producer? Drink now, or put it away in your cellar for a spectacular white with tons of character over the short and medium term. 60% Clairette, 18% Ugni Blanc, 19% Bourboulenc, and 3% Marsanne. 5 cases brought into the state.

2011 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge "Cabassaou" 750ml $100
Notes: Lying on the terraced midslope band of the La Tourtine vineyard, protected protected from the strength of the Mistral, enjoying temperate breezes and maximum sunshine. There is ripeness, density and power in the wines produced from this tiny 1.5-hectare parcel. 95% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah, and 1% Cinsault. This is the supreme expression of Mourvedre, with the depth and sublime power and longevity of first growth Bordeaux, grands crus Burgundies, and Hermitage. One case brought into the state.

2011 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge "La Migoua" 750ml $68 & 1.5L $150
Notes: The vineyard of La Migoua lies high up on a ridge at about a thousand feet altitude. The wine contains between 50% to 60% Mourvedre. Cinsault figures importantly in the blend, giving the wine a distinct gaminess. Grenache and Syrah make up the balance. Vines average over 30 years old. Very enticing sweet black fruit flavors, lush and soft on the palate. La Migoua offers wild and extremely complex flavors, with a variety of scents and a fine balance that guarantees aging. 10 cases of 750ml and 1 case of 1.5L brought into the state.

2011 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge "La Tourtine" 750ml $68 & 1.5L $150
Notes: La Tourtine vineyard is on terraced hillsides, not quite as high as La Migoua, but nevertheless is well exposed to the sun and is in the direct path of the Mistral wind. The Mourvrdre grape expresses itself fully here and so the wine has a high proportion of Mourvedre, between 70% to 80% of the blend, while the rest is Cinsault and Grenache. Too often Tourtine's tannins could be quite hard, not so in this vintage. The wine is deliciously smooth and well-integrated, with a spectacular concentration and depth unique to this terroir. 9 cases of 750ml & 1 case of the 1.5L brought into the state.

ROSÉ is back!!

2012 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé 750ml $42 & 1.5L $80
There were only 5 cases of the 750ml and 5 cases of the 1.5L brought back in. After this...its all gone.

Next week I will post about Domaine Terrebrune. Please let me know what you would like and I will start filling out the orders. One order came in this morning and I have another coming in on Friday. If you get me you order by 5pm on Thursday I can have it on Friday. These orders must be pre-paid.

Cheers my fellow Bandol lovers.

santo

Vieux Telegraphe Current Release is here!

2014-01-08T13:07:00.001-08:00

There's not much to say other than...OMG! I'm not sure how the brothers tend to make wines like this every year but once again they have turned out a dream of wine in both the rouge and the blanc. The day after New Years I was a bit late in opening the shop. I told many of you that it was a dentist appointment, it was not. I was asked to taste the newest release from the Brunier family at my importers house. Now normally I would be up in arms to taste but I did just loose a filling and Cosmio and I were in the thrust of a serious argument on why he should be allowed to sleep on my pillow while I was using it. He lost.

First up was the 2012 Blanc. Now as most of you know, I love Rhone whites. Not so much in the past but in the last few years they have been something that I really look forward to. So get this...only 13.5% (love it) and smells like magic. With a blend of 40% Clairette, 30% Grenache Blanc, 15% Bourboulenc and 15% Roussane with half of the wine fermented in vats while the other is in oak cask. 15% of the oak in new.

Citrus and limestone notes push out on the nose like a crazy dream. Hints of butter, nuts and some green shrubs followup. Solid structure and acidity make this a wine you can drink now or lay down for a few years. The 2012 vintage is actually pretty light when stacked up against past vintages. I think this is the thing I love most about the '12 vintage blanc...it is lighter yet seems to have more structure. The 2012 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is selling for $75 per 750ml. Only 12.25 cases were brought into the state this year.

Then comes the 2011 rouge! This wine was open for a few hours before I got there so there is a waiting time before you can dive into her. A blend of 65% Grenache, 15% each of Syrah and Mourvedre with a hint of Cinsault and a dash of the white grape Clairette. Some serious depth with spicy red fruit and dark vine fruit. Very rich on the palate with fine yet sweet tannins. Some notes of pepper and roasted meats as this is very typical for this wine. What blew me away was how complex this wine really is. One can spend hours picking out notes while loosing track of time. The 2011 vintage rouge reminds me so much of the 1989 vintage. The 2011 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge La Crau is selling for $80 per 750ml and $170 per 1.5L. A total of only 30 1.5L bottles were brought in this year. Actually with what I have sold do far...only 20 are left.

Let me know asap as these wines usually sell out within a few weeks to a month.

Santo

End of the year tasting

2013-12-26T00:58:00.001-08:00

Guess who this is?

Tasting on Saturday at 2PM for FREE

2011 La Spinetta Vermentino - Rich yet complex with scents of pine and sea grass. A perfect example of what Vermentino should be, brimming with fruits and floral notes adding minerals at the end. Medium-bodied with fresh peach and lime. The crisp acidity and long finish help show this wine’s true indigenous Tuscan class.

2010 Viberti Barbera d'Alba Bricco Airoli - Bricco Airoli is the nickname of an historical area in Barolo where some of the Viberti-owned vineyards are located. Situated at the highest point of the village, bricco is Italian for “hilltop”. Cherry and almond flavors abound in this bright, clean, pleasant bouquet. It is well-balanced on the palate with a great acidity that is supported by the alcohol content.

2005 La Spinetta IL Gentile di Casanova - Intense ruby red, scents of wild flowers, cherries and plum, full bodied, sweet tannins, balsamic note, fine finish, great elegance. Ideal with grilled food, pasta and meat.

2005 Frescobaldi Mormoreto Toscana IGT - Mormoreto, a single-vineyard cru of Castello di Nipozzano, is a Supertuscan of great elegance produced from an assemblage of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 15 % Cabernet Franc. Aged 24 months in new French oak barriques.

Rain City Wines

Syncline Wine Cellars Tasting

2013-12-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday the 21st

We'll be tasting one of my favorite Washington wine producer on Saturday the 21st. Yes I know...I sell and specialize in old world wines, but I do like some of our own state wines. I've been enjoying wines from the little producer since they started out and I always will. Matter fact it's one of Nicole's favorite as well. Not only will we be tasting a handful of their wines, I'll be pulling out our last 2001 Reserve Syrah for fun. Here's the line up.

2012 Syncline Subduction Red - Long inspired by the wines of the Southern Rhone Valley, this is our answer to a Washington version of a Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine. A blend of classic southern French varieties that are unique and expressive on their own; yet each contributes to create a harmonious whole. Ripe and hedonistic, this charming ruby colored wine exhibits black cherry, raspberry, baking spice and black pepper aromas and flavors. The bright, fresh finish provides a wine that is compatible with many foods and occasions. 28% Mourvedre / 26% Grenache / 23% Syrah /13% Counoise / 8% Carignan / 2% Cinsault. 3000 cases produced.

2012 Syncline Grenache Blanc Boushey Vineyard - This intriguing wine has aromas of asian pear and wet stone, complimented by flavors of star fruit, green apple and hints of anise. The overall acid structure and enticing aromas make this a standout wine. 100% Grenache Blanc. 181 cases produced.
2011 Syncline Grenache/Carignan - Wild and untamed, this wine contains substance and personality; certainly not prim and proper, but rarely are the best of times. Avant-garde meets tradition, in pioneering vineyards, two ancient varietals find a new home in the eastern Washington desert. Meaty, spicy aromas and bramble fruit flavors cavort with a refined texture and persistent finish. 55% Grenache/ 45% Carignan. 265 cases produced.

2011 Syncline Pinot Noir - This 100% Pinot Noir shows bright ruby red color and remarkable cherry and cranberry perfumed aromas and flavors. Subtle hints of Anise with silky tannins complete this expressive wine. The overall impression of juicy, red fruit is complemented by bright acidity. The wine is beautiful, with enough acid and silky tannins to really shine with 3-5 years bottle age. Here is a wine that proves great Pinot Noir can be grown in Washington. 125 cases produced.

2011 Syncline Cuvee Elena - Our Southern Rhone inspired blend was selected from our most balanced and elegant barrels from the 2011 vintage. Cuvee Elena delivers blackberry and raspberry aromas and flavors, with delicate violet perfume, complemented by hints of spice, garrigue and graceful length. This wine is mouth filling and intensely satisfying with with a fine, silky finish. 37% Mourvedre / 30% Syrah / 26% Grenache / 5% Carignan / 2% Cinsault. 330 cases produced.

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

2011/12 Vieux Telegraphe Pre-Sale

2013-11-20T17:12:00.000-08:00

We will be receiving our allocation of 2011 Vieux Télégraphe in mid to late December this year and as usual we are now offering an opportunity for you to purchase the wines at pre-sell prices that will be good for 2 weeks after its arrival.

I tasted the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau at tasting last month and it was pretty awesome even it’s youth.. The vintage has a purity of fruit that is quite attractive, and the wine has layers of flavors and depth without being over the top making it very appealing. Again I’m asking you to include some of the incredible 93 Point 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc with your request. We only got half as much of the Rouge “La Crau” this year as we usually do, so those requests without any Blanc included will most likely have their allocations cut back. Please don’t think that the white CDP is weak…it is by far not a light white!

The pre-sell prices will be available for those who get their requests in by the end of the day on Friday, December 6th. You will be notified of the container arrival date 2 weeks before it is due to land in Seattle and you will then have 2 weeks to pick up your allocation at the pre-sell prices before the wines go up to their regular price. If Christmas falls during those two weeks we will extend the pick up window for a third week.

**Sorry we have to be so strict with these wines as we never have enough to go around and some times we get shafted. I just want to make sure you all get what you’d like. Try not to forget about the blanc, it really is amazing juice.

2012 Vieux Télégraphe Châteaunuef-du-Pape Blanc “La Crau” Pre-Sale Price $70 / Regular Price $75

2011 Vieux Télégraphe Châteaunuef-du-Pape Rouge “La Crau” Pre-Sale Price $80 / Regular Price $85

2011 Vieux Télégraphe Châteaunuef-du-Pape Rouge “La Crau” 375ml Pre-Sale Price $42 / Regular Price $45

2011 Vieux Télégraphe Châteaunuef-du-Pape Rouge “La Crau” 1.5L Pre-Sale Price $165 / Regular Price $180

2011 Vieux Télégraphe Châteaunuef-du-Pape Rouge “La Crau” 3.0L Pre-Sale Price $400 / Regular Price $420

2011 Vieux Télégraphe Châteaunuef-du-Pape Rouge “La Crau” 6.0L Pre-Sale Price $790 / Regular Price $830

2011 Vieux Télégraphe Châteaunuef-du-Pape Rouge “La Crau” 9.0L Pre-Sale Price $1200 / Regular Price $1300

2011 Vieux Télégraphe Châteaunuef-du-Pape Rouge “La Crau” 15.0L Pre-Sale Price $2800 / Regular Price $3000

Tasting Notes:

Wine Advocate Issue #209, October 2013: Forward and up-front, especially by this cuvee-s standards, the 2011 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf (65% Grenache from 70-year-old vines, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and the balance other permitted varieties) exhibits perfumed aromas of herbs de Provence, seaweed wrapper, garrigue and olive to go with plenty of sweet kirsch and berry fruit. Medium-bodied, fresh and elegant, with fine tannin, it can be consumed now (with a decant) or cellared for a decade. Drink now-2025.

Wine Spectator Insider 11.13.13 : Tightly coiled for now, with pepper, garrigue and briar notes wrapped around a core of steeped cherry, damson plum and blackberry fruit. Best from 2016 through 2026. —J.M.

Stephen Tanzer’s IWC Jan/Feb 2012:  Deep ruby. Expressive, powerful aromas of blackberry and cherry are brightened by suave floral and spice notes. Lush and creamy, with sappy dark berry flavors, silky tannins and a gentle lift of acidity. Picks up seductive Asian spice notes with air, finishing sweet and very long.

Saturday the 16th Tasting

2013-11-13T21:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday at 2PM

Turkey Times!

As the holidays approach us we start to think about what we are thankful for. You know stuff like good health, family, not getting audited by the IRS, not getting caught by your wife for sneaking all those wines into the cellar and the most important of all...having a wine merchant who actually cares about your palate's needs. This years bird should be a special one in that every year a lot us get the same old wine and are happy with that. what if this year you giggle things up a bit? Here's what I'm thinking.

2011 Brechet Famille Plateau des Chenes Lirac Blanc

Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette. Racy and acid driven. Notes of pear, citrus and salty-like fun. Juicy on the palate with a fresh purity going on. I' even say it smells like teen spirit. This will pair perfect with that fat bird on the table or make it a nice house white. Step away from the Chardonnay and Pinot Gris and come find out what makes this a truly amazing wine.

2012 Domaine Labbé du Pont Royal Vin de Savoie Abymes

With the grape Jacquère, this wine is almost like a Muscadet yet more like a Pinot Blanc. Perfect as a summer sipper yet goes perfect with turkey and all the fixings. Solid acidity leads the palate with some nice minerals. Soft tropical fruit follow along with a POW of a finish. Sitting on the shelf at only $12 a bottle, there is no reason to not have a few of these on hand just in case someone comes over or when someone brings home a Papa Murphy's Hawiian pizza.

2011 André Brunel Cotes du Rhone Villages

The texture is silky and pure, almost Burgundian, but the flavors are distinctly Rhone - baked strawberry, dark raspberries, fresh earth, and touches of the Rhone's distinctive garrigue notes. A great wine to enjoy with roast pork, burgers, grilled mushrooms, or grilled meat. And of course, lamb and the fat bird on the table. For some damn reason this wine is drinking better than it was 6 months ago. Showing like a dream right now. Well it was last night when we had a bottle.

2011 Domaine La Garrigue Cuvee Romaine Cotes du Rhone

This wine is a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah sourced from 60-90 year old vines located on pebbly soils at 450 feet. It was aged for 10-12 months in concrete tanks. Alcohol 14.5%. The color is a light to medium purple ruby. The light nose offers up pepper, red fruit, and some earthy aromas. In the mouth there is red fruit, raspberry, and pepper delivered with brightness and acidity. This is a very approachable wine with acidity on the sides of the tongue. The flavors are a little earthy and easily expands in the mouth with a slightly heady aftertaste. With air there are darker, ethereal flavors in the aftertaste along with some fine youthful tannins and sweet spice. You now know why the last time we tasted it we sold out of it that day until a few weeks ago when it came back in. Perfect timing.

And the special guest....

Here's some hints. Come in a black bottle, 14 years old going on 15, Will last a long time in the bottle and cost less than a Seahawks ticket. Give up? Yeah well you'll need to come down to see what it is and taste for yourself.

Friday the 8th Vertical Tasting "Terre d'Ombre"

2013-11-07T17:18:00.004-08:00

Friday Tasting at 4PM (A Three Year Vertical of Baby Bandols)

Friday we will be tasting one wine from Terre d'Ombre but from three different vintages, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Yes folks, it's a vertical challenge. Here's you chance to tell the difference between the three vintages. The d'Ombre is the baby Bandol from Domaine de Terrebrune. I wanted to try something special yet that would still be easy on the wallet. Plus the importer gave me a sweet deal in that they are normally $20 a bottle but we got them down to only $14 a bottle. That's a $6 saving people!

The Terre d'Ombre is a blend of 80% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache and 10% Cinsault. The age of the vines are around 3-4 years and is fermented in stainless steel then aged for 5 months in foudre (think of a a REALLY big barrel). The wine has some punch to it with a helping amount of dark fruit and spices. The finish reminds me that these wines are perfect with some grilled meats or can be served up with your favorite movie. This is one of those wines you'll want to have around the house when people come over. It taste like a Bandol yet is all declassified fruit, but we'll never tell....

Kermit Lynch & Friends

2013-10-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 26th at 2PM

FREE!

Most people know that Rain City Wines is a pretty big supporter of Kermit Lynch imported wines. The real fact is that we are a supporter of any winemaker that produces amazing quality wines and share them with us at such great prices. The fact the Kermit Lynch imports them is just an added bonus. One greatest things about having the largest collection of wines from the KL portfolio is that when winemakers come to town for only a few hours, I’m asked first if I have time to taste with them.

I’ve never said no to Lyle Railsback (KL West Coast main dude) when he brings me a few winemakers on such short notice. Matter fact, I love it. Gives me no time to clean the shop, I’m usually busy with customers, have some classic rock on and they don’t have to feel like they are preaching. They just come in, smile and we taste and I learn from them. A lot of times customers are tasting as well right along with me.

One morning (11:30AM) I got a call saying there were two winemakers in town for about 2 hours and they wanted to taste with me, Catherin Breton of Domaine de Breton and Christine Campadieu from Domaine la Tour Vieille. I tasted around 6 wines from each producer and was blown out of my socks. Before that day I had no clue about their wines, but now…they are staples in the shop. Here is what we are rocking on Saturday at 2PM that includes wines I tasted with Catherin and Christine.

We’ll also be tasting a special guest…2010 Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas! No tasting notes…you’ll need to come by and taste if you want to know what these wines taste like.

2010 Domaine Arretxea Irouleguy Rouge $20

Grapes: 66% Tannat, 17 % Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Domaine d’Aupilhac Coteaux de Languedoc Rouge “Lou Maset” $18

Grapes: 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Syrah, 5% Alicante Bouchet

2011 Domaine de Breton Bourgueil “Trinch” $22

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

2011 Domaine La Tour Vieille Collioure Rouge “La Pinede” $23

Grapes: 75% Grenache, 25% Carignan (35 to 75 year old vines)

2010 Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas $37

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre

Santo

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

Kermit Lynch Friday

2013-10-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Friday the 25th at 4PM

FREE Tasting

Kermit Lynch has been importing wines into the US for several decades now and while the majority (my opinion) do not know who the man is let alone the wines he imports. Over the years Kermit built relationships with vignerons in every major wine region. Now, every year Kermit sits down, collaborating with some growers to find the “Kermit Lynch Selections”. They both work together towards creating a final blend that shows off the true terrior yet also bringing the wine's in at an amazing price. Here are the wines we’ll be diving into on Friday at 4PM for FREE!

2010 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Kermit Lynch $15

Grapes: Grenache, with Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre

2011 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Kermit Lynch $14

Grapes: Grenache, with Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre

2011 Cotes du Rhone Cypress Cuvee $15

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

2012 Cotes du Rhone Blanc Sunflower Cuvee $21

Grapes: 20% Marsanne, 20% Viognier, 20% Roussanne, 40% Marsanne, Picpoul de Pinet, and Viognier (co-fermented)

As you can see, these are some pretty amazing blends at really nice prices. Normally I’d describe them all to you with my personal tasting notes. Not this time. You’ll have to come in and taste for yourself.

Santo

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

Chateau Musar Portfolio Tasting

2013-10-16T00:08:00.001-07:00

October 19th at 2PM

For Free!

It's that time of year when we brake out some bottles of Chateau Musar and power through these wines from this amazing region of the world. This tasting will be a little different in that we'll be tastingthe entire Musar portfolio except the rosé, which did not make it to the west coast for the last few years. Here is how it will go down.

2012 Musar Jeune Blanc

Pale lemon in color with aromas of tropical fruit – pineapples, lychee's, pears and apricots. There are also hints of orange blossom, honeysuckle and floral notes on the nose as well as on the palate, which is full bodied and concentrated with citrus fruits of mandarins, lemons and limes. As with all Musar bottlings, it has its own distinct personality, which it is not afraid to reveal: with its silky textures, refined acidity and dry refreshing finish.

2011 Musar Jeune Rouge

Unoaked and made with a natural philosophy, Musar Jeune wines are vibrantly fruity and richly concentrated. The resulting wines of this year reflect the fruit characteristics and quality of this vintage.

2009 Hochar Pere et Fils Rouge

Hochar Père et Fils Red has been described as the ‘second’ wine of Chateau Musar, and it does bear some resemblance to the ‘Grand Vin’: rich, spicy and profoundly fruity, with a mellow quality derived from lengthy oak- and bottle ageing. Since its launch in the late 1980s, it has been sourced from a single Bekaa Valley vineyard planted in the late 1940s. When young, the wines are robust and aromatic, with baked plum, warm earth, leather, thyme and dark chocolate characters. With age they become tawnier and spicier.

2004 Chateau Musar Rouge ~~$45~~ Sale Price $25!!!

The 2004 Chateau Musar Red has all the musky, spicy, leathery depth this wine is famous for, but it also has a kind of airy lightness which makes it a beguiling drink.

2005 Chateau Musar Blanc (there will only be 7 bottles of this available)

In youth: yellow-gold, subtly oaky, and creamy-textured, rich yet dry and intensely citrusy, with honeyed nuances. Wholly unique, the style has been described as resembling ‘dry Sauternes’ or mature white Graves. Chateau Musar Whites develop tawny hues and mellow spicy characters as they age. The cellars at Ghazir holds bottles of this wine dating as far back as 1954.

Now you might notice that the Musar Blanc is at the bottom of the list. This is not a mistake as we will be tasting this wine at the end. The Musar blanc in a pretty big wine and is actually stronger and more full-bodied than the 2004 Musar Rouge.

Also...Normally the 2004 Chateau Musar Rouge is $45 but during the tasting it will be on sale for only $25 per bottle. The importer gave me a deal so I figured I'd pass the saving onto to my customers. We will have two cases at the shop with another on hold for us. If I were you...I'd pick up a few before the price goes back up. Just a thought.

Tasting starts at 2PM and I'll only open one bottle of each so if you show up late and there is no wine left...you'll have to wait till the next Musar tasting. This is one of the more serious tastings we have every year so I hope you are ready to push your palate over the cliff.

Cheers

santo

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

Veuve Fourny & Fils Champagne Pre-Sale

2013-10-08T16:09:00.001-07:00

Santo with Charles-Henri Fourny

The day started like this...I spilled coffee on my jeans while in the car. Cosimo tried to jump out of his seat into my lap while driving and I'm pretty sure I murdered around 300 fruit flies by noon. Thankfully Lyle from Kermit Lynch and Charles-Henri came by to taste me on five of the nine wines he makes. Let me tell you...some of the most amazing grower Champagnes in the world!

Now these are in no particular order so have a heart. Some of the wine are already in the shop while others are on their way up from Kermit Lynch.

$50 each / 6 or more at $45 each

Unique know-how of the Veuve Fourny House: a blend of hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Premier Cru from Vertus. Kept in small oak casks, the reserve wines enhance the complexity of this exceptional cuvée. A fresh and fruity Champagne, a perfect balance of liveliness and freshness. A great tasting moment. Black label.

$65 each / 6 or more $58.50 each

Hand-picked white Chardonnay grapes in this cuvée, with a selection from old vines in the heart of the Vertus Premier Cru terroir. Only exceptional years are used in this vintage wine… After more than five years in our cellars, the Chardonnay reveals its toasty and buttery notes. Power and complexity : for exceptional moments. 2005 vintage. Brown label. ***picture is not the correct vintage.

$71 each / 6 or more $63.90 each

R for Roger, one of the House founders, who loved to blend Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Noir, this cuvée is fully vinified in small oak casks and waits patiently in our cellars for four years; in the respect of our traditional methods Opulent and mellow: a great Champagne, perfect for exceptional dishes. "R"

$52 each / 6 or more $46.80

A white juice from white hand-picked Chardonnay grapes, this cuvée reveals all the know-how of the Veuve Fourny House, with the blend of grapes from various plots from different harvests. Only pure Chardonnay from Vertus Premier Cru in this great cuvée : Liveliness and purity, finesse and elegance. White label.

$52 each / 6 or more $46.80

Made only from hand - picked up Chardonnay Vertus Premier Cru, Brut nature contains no added liqueur. A harmonious wine, with citrus notes, fine, fruity and balanced in the mouth. It bursts with intensity and freshness. Purple label.

Now the best way to order these wines is by the color of the label. Charles was telling me that they have found that people tend to remember the labels on wines (very true) so they decided to color the labels so it would be easier for people to remember. This is one time where I think it was a good idea and it does actually work.

For now I am only going to post these wines since these are the ones I tasted. I will post the others when I taste them. Let me know what you would like as the area will only get one shipment of these until after the new year. I'd hate for anyone to miss out on these. Lay them down in the cellar and crack them open for special occasions. Think of it this way...Dom Perignon cranks out 166,000 cases a year of their juice and that runs what around $150+? Cristal is around $250+ a bottle? Why? You are just paying for a name friends.

Here's a fun game...go to some other wine shops and look at the Champagnes they have on the shelf. Do they have a special glass case for their Dom Perignon or Cristal? What about the other Champagnes? Do they have them out on the shelf? Why have some behind the glass while the others are out in the open? Do they they have a HUGE selection of 20 different ones or just a selection of around 5-10 that they deem the best. Look at the prices? The point is friends. When Nicole and I decide which Champagnes to bring in, it is not done easy. We don't buy based on names, scores, prices or cause we are getting a deal on it. We bring them in just like we do with every wine in the shop. We taste, talk and think about what it would go with then we pull the trigger.

Let me know.

santo

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

New Italians Tasting

2013-10-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

4PM on Friday

Gonna keep it short and sweet. Found out that there was a new importer in town so I tasted a few and decided to let you guys to the work for me. Out of the 13 I tasted, 3 made the cut for Friday. Now it's up to you to let me know if they stay in the shop or not. Pretty simple.

2011 Illuminati Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso $13
Notes: Riparosso’ is ruby red in color with violet hues when young. There are aromas of red fruit on the nose. The palate is deep, full, round, and well-balanced with a lingering hint of licorice on the finish. Pairs well with roasted red meats, braised meats, game, poultry, medium-aged cheeses, and it is ideal with lamb.

2008 Cantine Sant'Agata Barbera d'Asti $17

2003 Grignano Chianti Rufina Riserva $20

I told you, short and sweet.

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

2011 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Presale

2013-10-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Here it is folks...The 2011 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge. Being that this is a pre-sale, right now I just need to know how many bottles or cases you would like. Yes I said "cases" as some of you last year were pretty excited when I picked up a few more cases for you all.

Pre-Sale price $82 per bottle

$73.80 if you buy 6 or more bottles.

Regular price after pre-sale $90

Tasting Notes: Daniel Brunier is forthright in describing the 2011 vintage; ‘we took some risks waiting for the end of the harvest’ which was for this reason extended for nearly a month. The risks have clearly paid off and the blend is as usual, 65% Grenache, 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre and small volumes of Cinsault and the white grape Clairette. The 45 day maceration and extended maturation cannot hide the exuberant come-hither of the fruit. Beyond all this, as always, there is real depth with spicy red berry fruit now in the ascendant and the darker more saturnine notes, courtesy of the Mourvèdre, left to wait. -Simon Field, MW

We also have the 2011 Vieux Telegraphe "Telegramme" CDP $46 pre-sale / $50 regular price

Think of the Telegramme as the baby Vieux Telegraphe.

Please let me know as as you can. This is one of those wines that goes fast and I'd hate for anyone not to get a few of these amazing wines.

Cheers

Santo

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

Bodegas Ontanon Tasting Plus meat and cheese

2013-10-07T16:35:00.002-07:00

Saturday the 12th @ 2PM

Ontañon is an amazing bodega, located just outside of Logroño, but sourcing fruit from their own vineyards in Rioja Baja. These are high elevation, fairly isolated, wild vineyards, many of which are gently sloping and on poor, stony soils. The wines here show the richness and generosity of fruit for which tempranillo and garnacha-based Rioja Baja wines are known, but with the added elegance, texture and purity that only older vines from top notch vineyard sites can provide. The Gran Reserva is a blend of 95% tempranillo and 5% graciano. It is aged for 24 months in a mix of French and American oak. This is sensational Gran Reserva with aromas of tobacco and cigar box plus dark fruit flavors.

So here is what we'll be tasting:

2010 Bodegas Ontanon Rioja Blanco 'Vetiver'

2010 Bodegas Ontanon Rioja Crianza

2004 Bodegas Ontanon Rioja Reserva

2001 Bodegas Ontanon Rioja Gran Reserva

Notes: The 2001 Gran Reserva is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano that is raised for 36 months in a combination of American and French oak. It has a traditional, dusty, sandalwood-scented bouquet, while the palate has freshness and vitality lent by the acidity. Fresh dark cherry, boysenberry and wild strawberry fruits combine well on the silky smooth finish that urges you to take another sip.

I'll also be having some Spanish cured meats and some cheese from Spain as well. This is your chance to taste Rioja from the white all the way to the amazing Gran Reserva Rioja.

See You here.

Santo

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

The Rebels of France

2013-09-25T00:36:00.002-07:00

What does the above picture have to do with what we will be tasting? Not a damn thing. I just like it.

Time: 4PM

Cost: Nothing

With the wind and rains coming, it's time to hunker down and think about what makes us warm inside. Now, like many of you, Port always comes to my mind. Don't worry...a Port tasting is coming in the near future. Right now though I'm thinking wines that go with a nice beef stew, or some veggie beef. Something hearty that makes the hair on the legs stand up. Here is what I'm thinking for Friday's afternoon tasting.

2011 Chateau Saint-Roch 'Chimeres' Cotes du Rousillon $17

A joint venture between Jean-Marc Lafage and Importer Eric Solomon, the 2011 Château Saint-Roch Côtes du Roussillon Villages Chimères comes from 100-105 year old vines and is a mix of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan that spent 8 to 12 months in a combination of 500-Liter barrels and concrete vats. A deep, fleshy, and rich effort, it has copious black fruits, melted licorice, distilled herbs, and chocolate like aromas and flavors that flow to a full-bodied, impressively pure 2011 that has layers of fruit, solid mid-palate depth, and a chewy, rich finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. Turning more elegant and red fruit driven with air, this knockout effort is already approachable and delicious.

2011 Domaine Lafge Tessellae Old Vines GSM $14

The least expensive offering is the 2011 Tessellae Old Vines Cotes du Roussillon, an intriguing blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Grenache Gris, a rare white grape. It was aged 12 months in concrete tanks prior to being bottled unfiltered. It boasts an expansive, intense, complex bouquet of garrigue, strawberries and black cherries intermixed with a hint of spring flowers, a velvety texture and a voluptuous mouthfeel.

2010 Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone Reserve $17

This is a custom cuvee made for the U.S. market by Eric Solomon from the dynamic, conscientious, remarkably consistent producer of Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhone, Christophe Sabon. This Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Reserve, a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Cinsault aged 12 months in foudre, is gorgeous. Kirsch liqueur dominates the aromatics and flavors. The wine’s deep ruby/purple color is followed by lots of floral, licorice, lavender, pepper, roasted meat and herbes de provence notes. This complex, concentrated, stunning Cotes du Rhone sells for a song.

So there you go. A quick tasting of a few wines from France that will help you get your weekend started off right.

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

www.raincitywines.com

206-890-0535

Wines of Umbria with Charcuterie

2013-09-25T00:34:00.002-07:00

September the 28th at 2PM

Cost: Free

This Saturday we will be stepping into a new phase at the wine shop. Yup, you guessed it...we will only be selling 100 point wines from Washington and California. You all knew this day was coming. From now on I will only buy wines that are listed in Wine Spectator and get at least 100 points. Gotcha!

What I'm really talking about is meat. Not just any meat, I'm talking about Charcuterie. This Saturday we will be pairing up some good old fashion cured meats with some amazing Italian wines.

Here are the following meats we will have to sample with the wines:

Salame NorcinoMild salame with sangiovese wine. Try this with a little Chianti Classico, cheese & bread and you’ve got yourself a little meal waiting to happen!

Wild Boar SalameWild boar enriched with creamy Berkshire fat and lightly cold smoked. Try this with a nice Bandol rouge and you can’t go wrong!

Salame Napoli Napoli Salame is smoked over applewood giving it a complex, hearty flavor traditional to the smoked salame from Naples.

Salame CalabreseCalabrese is a spicy salame that gets its kick from cayenne pepper and paprika. Our Calabrese salame is based on a traditional recipe from Calabria, where spicy sausages are popular.

We'll also have a 10lb wheel of Grana Padano to nibble on. In fact, you'll be able to buy all the wines, meat and cheese at Rain City Wines!

Now for the wines we'll be matching the meat up with....

2011 Roccafiore Bianco Fiordaliso

Dry and medium bodied in the mouth, this 2011 Roccafiore “Bianco Fiordaliso” again leads with a good intensity of pear and green apple flavours. Clean and lively for the most part, this 2011 Roccafiore “Bianco Fiordaliso” displays a good level of well integrated acidity, along with a hint of sage and a textural, almost lees derived quality to the finish that adds complexity. Moderate to long on the finish.

2009 Roccafiore Rosso

The ageing process culminates with the 12-month ageing in second passage French barriques. A last refining in bottle is necessary to obtain a wine of excellent quality: ruby-red with an intense olfactive impact, with tones of ripe plums, small red fruits, tobacco, liquorice. With a good structure, great class and elegance. In spite of its sophisticated typicality, it is an expression of the territory. Excellent with red meat and seasoned cheese.

2008 Perticaia Montefalco Rosso

Medium to full bodied in the mouth, this 2008 Perticaia Montefalco Rosso shows densely packed dark and red fruit on the palate, with blueberry and raspberry flavours woven through a base of dark cherry and blackberry notes. Some earthy rusticity hints at the bottle age that this Montefalco Rosso has now seen and some spiced mineral notes shows the retained influence of the robust Sagrantino.

A finely grained tannin structure supports this excellent wine and whilst this 2008 Perticaia Montefalco Rosso is now drinking beautifully, there is also probably scope for up to another five years of maturation yet.

2008 Paolo Bea 'San Valentino' Umbria Rosso

More than organic in the vineyards, Paolo Bea lets every wine essentially “make itself” with no intervention or manipulation. A blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Montepulciano this dark beauty exhibits ripe fruit flavors and impressive lengh. Try it with black truffles over pasta.

Get ready to have your palate pushed to the limit!

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

1996 Jacquart Brut de Nominee Champagne Pre-Sale

2013-09-24T15:56:00.001-07:00

1996 Champagne Jacquart Cuvee Brut de Nominee $100

“Assemblage” of Half Pinot Noirs and Half Chardonnays of the best crus, mainly from the 1996 Vintage. Each bottle individually numbered. “Tightly knit flavors of white peach, creamed apple, toasted hazelnut, plum and spice are on display in this firm, well-balanced version. The refined texture creates an overall sense of finesse.” - Wine Spectator

Only 25 cases are being brought into the US of which WA will be on a pre-sale only. I’m expecting we will get maybe 5 cases if we are lucky. Wines will be in the state in a month. Tell me what you want and pay us later! -santo

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535

www.raincitywines.com

Rogue Italian Tasting

2013-09-17T21:03:00.004-07:00

Saturday the 21st

Time: 2PM

Cost: FREE

Why the name "Rogue Italian Tasting"? Well, we will be tasting four Italian wines, plus a local producer that uses Italian grape varietals, but in Washington. He is one of my importers that went rogue and decided to try his hand at winemaking! I thought we should taste some Italian wines along with his for fun. I won't tell you who he is or the name of his winery. Come in and taste his wine against other Italian wines. Here's what I am thinking for Saturday...

2010 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina

Ruby-red. Redcurrant, plum and cinnamon on the fruity nose. Fresh and juicy, with ripe red cherry and spicy raspberry flavors given clarity and cut by lovely mineral tang. This outstanding everyday Chianti finishes smooth and long.

2009 Selvapiana Petrognano Pomino Rosso
Textbook, harmonious Super-Tuscan with aromas of dark cherries and herbs from the Sangiovese, and the Cabernet providing rich fruit and dark chocolate notes through the finish, with steely tannins, solid structure and ageability. 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot.

2011 Tua Rita Rosso dei Notri

The 2011 Rosso dei Notri is a gorgeous entry-level wine laced with dark red berries, licorice, mint and sweet spices. It is best enjoyed over the next few years, while the fruit retains its juiciness and freshness. This is a great showing.

2010 Casanova di Neri Rosso di Casanova di Neri

The 2010 Rosso di Casanova offers amazing aromas of ripe black cherries, mocha, anise and floral which leap from the glass. This shows depth and finesse with a wonderful rich velvety texture. Finishes up silky and caressing. This is a remarkable effort and should drink excellent in the short term.

2011 Eccolo Cellars Wahluke Slope Barbera 196 cases produced. The 2011 vintage has two bottlings. The first is an expression of the blend of two flavor profiles, aged in French & Hungarian oak for 18 months, with the goal of creating the best Barbera in Washington state.

Cheers

Santo

Rain City Wines

10129 Main Street

Bothell, WA 98011

206-890-0535