Wine Reviews
Porto Kopke Fine Tawny Port
Kopke (Cop-key) is considered the first Port house in the Port wine history, founded in 1638 by German brothers, Cristiano and Nicolaus Kopke. We think Kopke produces some of the finest values that are available today, and the quality-value ratio is certainly helped by the fact that the wine has been in continuous production at its Quinta São Luiz estate for 373 years. Aged up to five years in small oak casks, the Tawny is simply amazing and should be enjoyed with some blue cheese, almonds, or simply with friends by the fireplace. $17 save $3
Porto Kopke Fine Ruby Port
A beautiful wine for the end of a meal or later in the evening with a piece of chocolate, this ruby port is a fine value with its bright plum and cherry fruit, and fresh quality. A real crowd pleaser, it does not disappoint. $17 save $3
Porto Kopke Dry White Port
White port is not as well known as its red cousins, but is equally as exciting. Perfect served as an aperitif or as a dry dessert wine, it has a racy, spicy, rich nutty character but without the apparent residual sugar as the Ruby. 375ml $12
Orin Swift Abstract
Inspired by the wines of France's Roussillon region, Abstract is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah. The aromas are all berry and black fruits, with neatly integrated caramelized oak. A huge entry coats the mouth. The wine has tons of weight on the mid-palate and is dense with layers of ripe cherry and strawberries. The finish is laced with long, soft tannins that go on and on. $30
Eric Chevalier 2009 Chardonnay
An extremely smart, vibrant, and dry Chardonnay from famed importer Kermit Lynch. $15
La Croix De Bila-Haut Cotes Catalanes
This is a new wine for us from the southwest region of France, but from an old friend, Michel Chapoutier. Bursting with bright red fruits, dried flower, and a bit of herb, it is soft in tannin and long on flavor. Pairs perfectly with a cheese plate, roasted chicken, or hearty fish dishes. $10
Vinum Cellars 2009 Chardonnay
Aged half in French oak and half in stainless steel, this vibrant, lively Chardonnay is nuanced with ripe tropical fruit aromas and flavors, notes of apples and pears, and underpinnings of butterscotch, toffee, and caramel. It's delicious with grilled salmon, cheeses, or with your Sunday quiche. $10 save $3
Vinum Cellars 2009 Chenin / Viognier Blend
This unique blend of 86% Chenin Blanc and 14% Viognier shows fresh guava nectar, jasmine, and honeysuckle aromas. The Chenin delivers crisp green apple acidity, while the Viognier rounds out the texture with apricot and honeycomb flavors. Pairs excellently with goat cheese, the salad course, or delicate seafood. $10 save $3
Estancia 2007 Reserve Meritage
An elegant California wine that is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it is sophisticated, expressive, and full of dark fruits. Wonderful with a grilled steak. $25 save $7
La Spinetta 2008 Langhe Nebbiolo
Giorgio Rivetti is certainly one of the top winemakers in Piedmont, and this baby Barolo is a great example of how he's earned his reputation. This wine shows many of the nuances of great Barolo, with much more reasonable pricing. $30
La Spinetta 2008 Barbera d' Asti Cà di Pian
Giorgio Rivetti makes this Piedmont wine, which displays intense flavors of blackberry and walnut. Perfect with veal and hearty pasta dishes. $27
Champagne at DLM
Are you aware that Champagne is a grape-growing region located in the Marne Valley of France? Look at a map, and you will see it in the northeastern part of the country. It is here that sparkling wine is made according to very strict rules. Only after tedious production
methods is the label allowed to bear the word "Champagne". California, too, produces some world-class sparklers, as do a host of other wine-producing countries. While following the guidelines set by the French, the California producers tend to have a little more fruit to their flavor, the Spanish a hint of oak, and of course the French have that classic hint of bread dough yeastiness that is so good. Here are some that we love and were smash hits at this year's DLM Food & Wine Show:
Chartonge-Taillet NV Brut Cuvée St. Anne
Gaston Chiquet NV Brut Tradition
Jean Lallement NV Brut Grand Cru
Aubry NV Brut 1er Cru
Pierre Gimonnet NV Blanc de Blancs Brut 1er Cru
Peirre Peters NV Brut Cuvée Réserve Grand Cru
René Geoffroy NV Brut Expressions 1er Cru
Winter Beers
There are a number of seasonal brews available for a short time - stock up and enjoy! There is more arriving all the time, though some Brewery's have extremely limited supplies.
Thirsty Dog Brewing Company
12 Dogs of Christmas Ale
Samuel Adams Winter Lager
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome
Goose Island 2011 Christmas Ale
Harpoon Winter Warmer
Breckenridge Christmas Ale
Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner Holiday Cheer
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
Great Lakes Brewing Company Christmas Ale
Scaldis Noel Belgian Ale
Woodchuck Winter Hard Cider
