Thursday, May 16, 2013 Anson Klock

CORSICAN WINES TONIGHT! 5!16

if you didn't know this about us by now, here it is: we love corsican wines. the producers we have featured are biodynamic, harvest by hand, and craft wines that are totally unique and unmistakably terroir driven. tonight we present clos venturi, one of the oldest corsican estates with unique soils comprised of sandstone, shale, and shisteux. the wines are tended to organically, fermentations done in stainless, and aged in cement vats. they are complex yet harmonious and will seduce you with their purity, freshness and nuanced fruits. these are wines that could only have been made in corsica, with fruit grown at the foot of a spectacular mountain; mineral-laden, with a distinctive mediterranean opulence, the freshness only found at high altitudes and tonight, only at picnic.

we will taste: blanc, rose, et rougue. see you there. #vivelacorse

tonight, 5/16 from 5:30-7:30pm. $9 tasting fee.

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Thursday, May 09, 2013 Anson Klock

Phinney ArtWalk this Friday 5-9+Saturday 12-5

we will not be hosting a wine tasting this Thursday evening because it's time for the *BIG ONE*-the PNA annual art walk, that is. 

please join us in welcoming national geographic photographer josh newman. he has curated a stunning collection of his natural history images from across the globe celebrating earth's remaining wilderness. an added bonus: winemaker travis scarborough of Scarborough Winery will be in the house giving you the first taste of his spring releases! 

this friday from 6-9 + saturday from 12-5

http://www.phinneycenter.org/artwalk/index.shtml

http://www.joshnewmandesign.com/

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Thursday, April 25, 2013 Anson Klock

EARTH WEEK Wine Tasting Tonight! 4/25

as you know, we strive to always present delicious and compelling wines to you. in that process, we have consciously and consistently featured organic and bio-dynamic wines from producers who follow sustainable, environmental agriculture techniques. though some of these fantastic producers we've brought to you don't necessarily tout these practices emblazoned on their labels, we wish to highlight this fact this week specifically in honor of mother earth. we've selected a beautiful flight of wine for you to sip on a glorious evening. please join us and come taste our weekly selections. #everydayisearthday

Barberani Orvieto (Organic)
The 2011 Orvieto Classico Superiore Castagnolo Secco shows lovely density of fruit allied to piercing, saline minerality. This is a gorgeous, vibrant Orvieto laced with flowers and white stone fruits. I would prefer to drink it over the next year or two, while the fruit remains vibrant and crispy. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2014. 88 pts WA, Galloni

Pra Soave 
"Snow Wine Award" Plant protection is copper and sulfur and weed control is mechanical. Yeasts are selected and grapes are ALL estate grown.

Universally regarded as one of a handful of world-class producers in Soave who have revitalised the region, Pra produces 5 wines based on Garganega, covering a wide spectrum of styles and flavors. The 'basic' Soave Classico, described in the 2007 Gambero Rosso guide as 'an absolutely magnificent wine of which every wine enthusiast should have a few bottles tucked away'.

ICardi Cortese - Organic/Biodynmaic
Rich and mouth-filling, with tropical subtle pineapple notes balanced by mineral elements and nice citric acidity. Really, it's got something for everyone and works equally well with food or without. According to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The Cortese L’Aurora is very beautiful. Ripe, juicy peaches and flowers come together nicely in this round, refreshing white."

IGrecco Rosato - Organic
100% Galliopo Skin contact is kept for two days in cold stainless steel tanks. This cold condition creates a very fresh, tangy quality with hints of crushed strawberries and cherries on the palate. The texture is very round and smooth, a very pleasing style of Rosato.

Braida Moscato d'Asti - Organic 
Braida is best known for their high-end Barberas – Bricco dell’Uccellone and Ai Suma in particular – but these entry-level wines deliver tons of pleasure at far more accessible prices.
Moscato d’Asti Vigna Senza Nome possesses gorgeous aromatics and clean, varietal fruit in a vinous style with a finessed mousse and lovely overall balance.

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Thursday, April 18, 2013 Anson Klock

2011 Jean Foillard Morgon "Cote du Py" is Here!

Our hearts are heavy after this past week. We are taking this evening off and will not be hosting a wine tasting tonight. Please do something with your family or with some good friends.

In happier news we have some delicious new wine for you to enjoy. The 2011 Jean Foillard Morgon "Cote du Py" is finally here and we have some. In Burgundy Jean Foillard is a legend and he is one of our very favorite vignerons. Each year we await the arrival of his beautiful wines. Come check out what the Cru Beaujolais fuss is all about. We even have one 3 LITER (double magnum) available should you require one.

Be kind to those around you,

~anson+jenny

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Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Anson Klock

Thursday: Taste Italian Wines from famed imported Louis/Dressner 4/11

This Thursday, join us to taste delicious Italian Wines from famed imported Louis/Dressner. Held in high regard for the wines they select, Louis/Dressner imports wine made with natural viticultural practices: wild yeasts, hand harvesting and minimal or no filtration. These are wines that showcase their place of origin and varietal characteristics.

Thursday 4/11 from 5:30 to 7:30p $9 tasting fee.

Taste:
Cascina degli Ulivi VinoBlanco $20
DEI Rosso Montepulciano $20 
Montesecondo Chianti Classico $25
Fattorie Etna Rosso Allegracore $26
www.louisdressner.com

In their words: "the overblown world of overdone wines is fundamentaly tiresome. We're not looking for tasting specimens but for wines that are great fun and a great pleasure to drink." We say, "Cheers to that!" Hope to see you tomorrow! -a+j

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Thursday, April 04, 2013 Anson Klock

Thursday Wine Tasting: Facelli Winery Italian Wines from Washington

please do join us this rainy thursday evening to taste some very pretty, hand-crafted wines from WA state. what we like most about these wines is that they are lovely to sip while nibbling cheese or charcuterie, but are fundamentally great with food. (take home the barbera tonight with some of anson's famous ragu, a crusty columbia city bakery loaf and VOILA- you've got the perfect dinner!) 

vintage to vintage, lou facelli's winemaking has shown consistent quality and remarkable value. until now, the distribution of these wines has been quite limited. as soon as we tasted this current vintage, we jumped at the chance to share them with you first! come sip+nibble with us...

this thursday, 4/4 from 5:30-7:30om. $9 tasting fee. cheers! a+j

Taste: Fume Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese+Barbera
About Facelli Winery:
Grapes are sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, and Yakima Valley appellations. By selecting fruit from these mature vineyards we best ensure exceptional flavor and balance in all our wines. All grapes are handpicked, hand sorted, and gently processed. Our focus is on single vineyard, 100% varietal wines produced in small quantities to showcase each vintage's unique characteristics. For the past 30 years, winemaker Lou Facelli has triumphed with diligence, skill, hard work and patience, to emerge as one of Washington State's true artisan winemakers.

Facelli winery extends its family values by maintaining an honest respect for everyone working in the vineyards. This philosophy has built longstanding relationships with growers. These time tested relationships have proven to be invaluable in our quality assurance for the best fruit nature can provide.

Current production of 2,000 cases consists of 17 wines from 13 different varietals. We've selected the following flight to share with you this thursday:

2011 Fumé Blanc - Columbia Valley - Sagemoor Vineyard
Our Fumé Blanc is done in a style that is elegant and refined, with a particular emphasis on the fruit. A regional favorite, this popular varietal offers great versatility. Local restauranteurs sing its praises. The 2011 vintage is straw in color, and brilliant in the glass. A slight herbal character is played-up in the aroma and down-played on the palate. It has fine balance and lively acidity. Concentrated flavors of pear, peach, and melon are predominating. The wine is crisp with a dry lingering finish. With seafood dishes, especially shellfish, it is a family favorite. Goat cheese, grilled vegetables, and white meats, are also great pairings. This wine serves as an excellent aperitif.


2010 Pinot Grigio - Columbia Valley
The 2010 Pinot Grigio is our second release from a grape known in France as Pinot Gris. Pinot Grigio is most commonly found in Northern Italy. Made from 100% Pinot Grigio this wine is medium in body with a very attractive floral bouquet. Bursting with aromas and flavors of white peach, pear and honeysuckle, it has a finish that is silky-smooth on the palate. We recommend trying this wine with grilled chicken, grilled halibut, pan seared sea scallops and other seafood dishes. Some other family favorites are proscuitto and melon, crab risotto, chicken piccata, and fontina cheese melted over sliced polenta.


2008 Washington Sangiovese - Sugarloaf Vineyard
This is our fifth release of Sangiovese. This famous Tuscan varietal is used in the production of Chianti and Brunello, and shows great promise here in Washington State. Sugarloaf Vineyard is located near Goldendale perched high above the Columbia River. The wine is a beautiful medium-ruby color with flavors of plum, strawberry and tart cherry. Elements of violets and cedar add to its complexity. There is a great harmony of fruit, tannin, and lively acidity. Aging in French oak barrels has further enhanced its depth. This wine demands food! Family favorites include any tomato inspired dishes, grilled chicken, wood-fired pizza and roasted duck.



2008 Barbera - Columbia Valley - Sagemoor Vineyard
This single vineyard offering of 2008 Barbera is our third release of this classic Italian grape from the Piedmont area of Northwest Italy. Our family is from this same region and makes production of this wine especially fun and gratifying. It is rapidly becoming one of our most popular varietals. The naturally high acidity along with intense flavors make this wine a "must have" with food. The gentle tannins in Barbera help make it an easy wine to pair with many different dishes. It is medium in body with a rich purple/ruby red color. This wine exhibits lovely aromas and flavors of raspberry, tart cherry and plum fruit with a hint of vanilla. Family favorites include braised rabbit or chicken served over creamy polenta and Osso Bucco with mushroom risotto.

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Anson Klock

Austrian Wine Tasting Thursday 3/28 5:30-7:30 $9 tasting fee

This week we taste Austrian wine. Taste: Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Blaufrankish and Zweigelt

All smaller production houses, Markus Huber, Hugo and Preisinger are the rock stars of the Austrian wine world. By hand harvesting, focusing on the fruit, and employing biodanymic practices the wines return to a more natural...pure state. Think CLEAN, CRISP, REFRESHING. These are the wines for a warm summer's night, a few oysters and some great friends. Our good friend and local wine legend, Jen O'Neil, will be passing on her knowledge and passion for these wines.

Please join us this Thursday, March 28th, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. $9 tasting fee. Case discounts are available.

Markus Huber 2011 Riesling Terrassen
Markus Huber 2011 Gruner Veltliner Terrassen
HUGO 2011 Gruner Veltliner
Preisinger 2010 Blaufrankisch
Preisinger 2011 Basic (Zweigelt:Blaufrankish 50:50)

photo: www.circovino.com

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Wednesday, March 20, 2013 Anson Klock

walla walla vintners tasting this thursday 3/21 5:30-7:30; $9 fee

Walla Walla Vintners this thursday 3/21 5:30-7:30; $9 fee

we've sold these wines since the day we opened in 2008 and it's with great pleasure we have this stellar line up to share with you. join us for an evening of fine wine + good folks all under one roof. we may be ushering in spring, but we have many more a blustery night to warm up with these heart warning reds, which we find consistently to be some of the finest food WA wines.
Walla Walla Vintners is one of Washington State’s most revered wineries, started by pioneering winemakers Myles Anderson and Gordy Venneri.

One of the state’s first wineries, Walla Walla Vintners continues their limited production of award winning red wines, widely regarded as consistently high quality at prices below many of their peers.

The winery, in the shadow of the Blue Mountains is one of the most picturesque in the state. It reflects Gordy, Myles and their tight knit team’s commitment to sustainable wine-making, environmental values and a love of the beautiful place they live. Since the beginning their focus remains squarely on their customers – treating them as friends who are always welcome at the winery.

2010 CV Sangiovese
2010 CV Cab Franc
2010 CV Malbec
2010 Merlot
***and an extra special library treat from the library :2008 bello rosso: (very limited)

2008 COLUMBIA VALLEY BELLO ROSSO

This SuperTuscan-like blend of 50% Desert View and Kiona vineyards Sangiovese and 50% Sagemoor Cabernet Sauvignon is stunning with its dark cherry nose, fresh berry compote mid-palate and a lengthy mushroom duxelles finish. This crimson-hued wine of incomparable finesse wants to accompany 12 ounces of Italian tuna in olive oil, chopped garlic, parsley, and anchovy simmered in 28 ounces of San Marzano crushed tomatoes seasoned with salt, black pepper and tossed with one pound of buttered rigatoni.

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Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Anson Klock

Thursday Wine Tasting: DARBY WINERY! 3/14, 5:30-7:30pm $9 tasting fee

Thurs 3/14, 5:30-7:30pm TASTE: Marsanne, cab franc, cab, merlot+Syrah! $9 tasting fee #WaWine

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Tuesday, March 05, 2013 Anson Klock

**SPANISH Wine Tasting Thursday Eve (3/7; 5:30-7:30; $9 tasting fee)**

Break out the paella pan! It's time to taste some Spanish Wine. This Thursday evening from 5:30-7:30pm. $9 tasting fee. Modern farming and winemaking methods have taken Spanish wine to a whole new level. We hope to see you there. Salud! a+j 

Taste:

2011 K5 Argiñano Txakolina 
2011 Peza do Rei Blanco
2011 Eidos de Padrinan 
2010 Cellar Dosterras
2007 Alconte Ribera Del Duero

more:

2011 K5 Argiñano Txakolina 

100% Hondarribi Zuri, grow at 300mts above sea level in mineral rich soils of chalk, limestone, and shale.

The Atlantic climate marks a major character, based on the influences of the Bay of Biscay and the altitude, which provides for higher temperature ranges resulting in better aeration and a natural freshness.

For maximum concentration of aromas and flavors, the grape production is on trellises framework while grape yields are kept low with averages between 1.5 and 2.0 kg. These factors are what provide an unprecedented personality to "K5" that distinguishes it from other wines.

2011 Peza do Rei Blanco
Region: Galicia
Appellation: D.O. Ribeira Sacra 
City: A Teixeira-Abeleda

Beginning in the early 1990s, the DO Ribeira Sacra began to take form and the Enríquez family started the process of reclaiming their historic site, Peza do Rei. Eight acres of vertiginous, single-row slate terraces form a perfect south-facing amphitheater on the Edo River tributary of the Sil. Varieties planted are Mencía for reds, Godello, Treixadura and Albariño for whites.


2011 Eidos de Padrinan 
Region: Galicia
Appellation: D.O. Rías Baixas 
City: Padriñán-Sanxenxo
Winery Website:www.adegaeidos.com 
Winery GPS Coordinates: 42° 24.446', -8°48.348

‘Eidos’ are the backyard garden arbors constituting the traditional Albariño vineyard. Selected grapes from vines over 50 years are destemmed, crushed and macerated under temperature control for maximum aromatic extraction.
Natural yeasts are encouraged for a prolonged fermentation, the wine bottled beginning in April following the vintage after extended contact with the fine lees. Richly textured and exotically intense Albariños are the result, the salty sea breeze and granitic soils evident in a mouthwateringly mineral finish.

2010 Cellar Dosterras
Founded in the early 2000s by Josep Grau upon a base of Garnatxa and Samsó (Carignan) vines between 40 and 100 years of age in the traditional Priorat villages of Marça, Capçanes and Falset. Llicorella, chalk and clay terroirs exist side by side, allowing for subtle interplay between boldness and minerality. Maximum attention is paid to minimization of oak influence.

"Opaque ruby. Sexy, intense aromas of candied red berries, cherry pit, potpourri and woodsmoke, with a vibrant mineral overtone. Juicy, penetrating raspberry and cherry flavors pick up notes of licorice and cola with air, along with a touch of candied violet. Bright and spicy on the finish, which shows refreshing bitterness and lingering red fruit nuances."
92 Points
Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sep 1, 2012

2007 Alconte Ribera Del Duero

55 acres in the heart of Ribera del Duero at high altitude and on poor, chalky/stony soils. Vines are planted in a range of five distinct soil types at elevations varying from 2150 to 3500 feet, resulting in a multifaceted harvest essential for coaxing maximum complexity from mono-varietal Tempranillo. In each vintage up to 21 distinct terroirs are fermented and aged separately, allowing for an assemblage that achieves richness with subtlety.

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