Joe's Winos Wine Club July 2015

albert bichot

ViRé-CLESSÉ burgundy 2012

Viré-Clessé is the most recent AOC in the Maconnais of Burgundy.  It has a beautiful soil composition of clay & silt which contribute a lovely & lively acidity.  The 2013 vintage was a very low producing one so yet again we have taken all that is left in the United States.  There is only one extra case so if you like it you better come snatch it up.  To retain the freshness & integrity of the Chardonnay they vinify 20% in oak & 80% stainless steel. It has a distinctive umami like quality with nutty savory aromas & flavors as well as notes of poached stone fruit & citrus.

Pairings:

Red snapper with black-eyed peas, smoked fish on rye crackers.

Bergevin Lane

Calico Red 2012 Red Blend

The blend on this red reads like a Who’s Who of the best vineyards in the US; Les Collines, Pepper Bridge, Stone Tree, etc. It’s Cabernet Sauvignon heavy which lends a pure beam of cassis, tobacco & a lively tannic grip. It’s bold yet balanced & not overwhelming.  Notes of smoke, cocoa & blueberries lead to a medium bodied mid palate & elegantly round finish.  This definitely over delivers for the money. 

PAIRINGS:

Anything with a nice char from the grill.  Lamb sausages, double cut pork chops etc.