Chartogne-Taillet, Cuvée Sainte Anne, Champagne, Merfy, France, NV
One of my favorite Grower Champagne. (What is a Grower Champagne? Read more in Rimple's Blog).
Managed by Alexandre Chartogne, one of the young Grower in Champagne, who has converted to bio-dynamic agricultural practices. Made from 60% Chardonnay and 40 % Pinot Noir, this is an outstanding Champagne. It has been voted as one of the best Champagnes under $50 and has scored over 90 points from almost all of the major wine critics.
This is the only Grower Champagne in the village of Merfy. Definitely on the drier side, this Champagne has very round qualities, probably due to the high proportion of Pinot Noir. Shows green apple notes on the mid-palate from the Chardonnay. It retains nice crispness on the palate with some chalky hints on the finish. A Champagne that begs to be poured again and again. Don't be surprised if you reach for the second bottle.
The total production of Chartogne-Taillet is a miniscule 7,500 cases. Compare that to the millions of cases made in a factory facility of the big Champagne houses. This is one business where being small is nice, because you do not have the overhead of the big guys and can thus offer an artisanal product for far less than the mass produced product - think no massive advertising budget that has to be recouped somehow from consumers like us.
We are offering a great deal for the holidays.
Regular Price: $49.99
Our Special To Go Price: $37.99
Please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or reply to this email to reserve your bottles. Please note that this is a special to go price and not available in the restaurant. No further discount. Quantities are limited.
Windsor-Sonoma, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, CA, 2008
The weather is perfect for big reds. And the first big red that comes to mind is Cabernet Sauvignon - the 'King of red grapes'.
If Napa Valley is the first area that comes to your mind when you think of Cabernet Sauvignon, then you may be missing out on beautiful wines from Sonoma. Yes, the Napa wines are big and bold, full of dark brooding fruit and big tannins, but they can also come with a hefty price. There is no dearth of $50 Napa Cabernets.
However, if you are looking for a great wine at a reasonable price, the Alexander Valley of Sonoma is the place to look for. Named for pioneer Cyrus Alexander, this appellation is located at the northern end of Sonoma County. The area's rugged terrain is recognized as one of the New World's premier growing regions for Bordeaux varietals.The shallow and rocky soil adds impressive depth and concentration to the wines from this area.
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Windsor-Sonoma is deep and dark wine, akin to many Napa Cabernets. On pouring the wine into the glass, aromas of black fruits and mocha waft up to your nose. On the palate, the wine is extremely smooth and full of ripe black cherries, plums and cocoa flavors, with just a hint of vanilla and toasty oak character. The wine gains strength on the mid-palate and finishes with firm tannins and a nice balance of acidity. The finish lingers on and on. A crowd pleaser, this is a great wine for the holiday gatherings and parties.
We are offering a great deal for the holidays.
Regular Price: $36.99
Our Special To Go Price: $24.99
Please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your bottles. Please note that this is a special to go price and not available in the restaurant. No further discount. Quantities are limited.
Rimple Recommends for Thanksgiving
Melrose, Pinot Prosecco, Rosé, Italy, NV
Best of both worlds. Bubbles and a Rosé. Made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Prosecco grapes. Beautiful color and well structured. Copious amount of fruits including strawberries and other red fruits. Crisp and so refreshing. This one is to be had from start to finish and in numerous bottles.
Hugel, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France, 2006
Light gold hue. Lovely scents of lychee, mango and yellow flowers. Balanced flavors of white fruit and brown spice are as "dry" as Gewurz can be in keeping with Hugel's always-classic styling. Varietal oiliness emerges in the big close. Great with white meat and sweet sides
Casa Castillo, Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain 2008
Deep ruby. An exotic, highly perfumed bouquet displays dark berries, cola, lavender and a hint of smokiness. Chewy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors show good depth and intensity, with sweet red fruit on the back end. A floral note echoes on the juicy, lively finish. Lots going on here for the money. A gorgeous wine for dark meat and sausage stuffing with herbs.
Laetitia, Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley, CA, 2009
This is a medium bodied Pinot Noir with rich aromas of plum and spice mixed with hints of clove and cedar to accent the nose. The black cherry notes on the palate are framed by velvety tannins that give the wine a nice depth. The finish is long and smooth with a richness that leaves you wanting more. A perfect wine for Thanksgiving. This has nice fruitiness for white meat, but with enough texture and weight for the dark meat.
Marietta, Zinfandel, Sonoma County, CA, 2009
The 2009 Zinfandel is high-lighted by bright and rich red berry fruit aromatics and flavors. The nose is full of raspberries, blackberries, black pepper, and brown spices with really high toned and immediate aromas jumping from the glass. The mouth feel is lush and viscous with ample acidity and tannin pulling through on the finish. Try this with pies and desserts.
HdV, Belle Cousine, Hyde Vineyards, Napa Valley, 2006
A complex nose of dark fruit, fresh spices blackcurrant and blackberry intertwined with Hyde Vineyard's mineral expression of graphite and fresh ground pepper. The wine's definition comes from its powerful, elegant tannins evolving toward a balanced and lasting finish. A wine will provide immediate enjoyment and also age harmoniously for years to come.
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