François Cazin (Le Petit Chambord) - Cheverny Rouge, Upper Loire Valley, France 2019 Exceptional Quality and Value Pinot Noir/Gamay Blend from the Loire Valley's Hidden Gem Cheveryny is one of France's most recent appellation additions (1991). Though the area, located in the south of the Loire, has produced wines since the early 6th century. The soils consist of various combinations of clay, limestone and silica, perfect for cool climate Pinot Noir and Gamay to flourish. The quality here is paramount, as sommeliers we're always looking for the best quality wines at the best price, and these 'under the radar' hidden gems are always a favorite to explore. I love the freshness of this Pinot Noir/Gamay blend, produced in the style similar to 'Passetoutgrains' (Burgundy's affordable best kept secret), the wine shows excellent finesse - flavors of ripe strawberry, macerated blueberry, fresh roses, clean minerals, and a spice filled finish balanced nicely with a crunchy texture and crisp minerality. This is an excellent addition to any lovers of Burgundian Pinot Noir's portfolio, and a unique example of Cheverny style and terroir. Newsletter Special - $17.99
López de Heredia - Rioja "Viña Cubillo", Spain 2013 93 Point Single Vineyard Tempranillo Blend Aged to Perfection from the Undisputed Icon of Rioja, Lopez de Heredia! Viña Cubillo wines come from the vineyard called Viña Cubillas, only 2 miles away from the winery. The 'Cubillas' vineyard is famous for its combination of ancient soil of clay and limestone, high altitude (1,348ft above sea level), and vine age of at least 40 years. The vineyard covers 24 ha, of which 16 ha are under Tempranillo, 4 ha Garnacha, 2 ha Mazuelo and 2 ha Graciano. It is important to note, even though this exceptional wines sold as Crianza, these wines could be easily be marketed as Gran Reservas due to their extensive aging program. This is one of the finest vintages of Cubillo I've tasted in years, a true classic vintage. The wine has tremendous energy and poise - expect elevated classic notes of black cherry cola, vanilla, coconut, savory dill, and earthy tobacco. This is a gorgeous wine in its youth with nearly endless aging potential, and a 'must-have' classic vintage from the regions most iconic producer. Newsletter Special - $23.99
Rocca di Montegrossi - Chianti Classico, Tuscany, 2019 D92/JS92/V91+ Decanter - 92 Points - "Owner Marco Ricasoli recalls the harvest of 2019 as unusually calm – one of the few in which he didn’t have to base his picking strategy on the weather forecast. While his wines never lack freshness, the 2019 is positively racy! Scents of blackberry and fennel are interlaced with smoke, and the palate brings together brambly fruit with fleshy red plum. This is mouthfilling and clean, with ripe, smooth tannins that are chalky textured - plus all of that vibrant acidity." Now on Sale! - $17.99
Cheers! -Alex Alexander Knechel - Certified Sommelier Wine Sales Manager - Plucky Wines alexanderknechel@pluckywines.com
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