WEEKLY FLIGHT 6/16 through 6/18/2022 - A ballad for Dad

MARCEL SERVIN

CHABLIS 1er CRU 'VAILLONS' 2019

CHABLIS, FRANCE

 

$50.00 (purchase it online here)

 

Vaillons has the same Kimmeridgian subsoil as Chablis' best vineyards. This chalky clay soil is the result of an ancient sea that once covered the area leading to a limestone rich soil which distinguishes this 1er Cru with minerality and brightness. 

 

Varietal: Chardonnay following the Servin method of winemaking that balances traditional and modern techniques.

 

Taste:  A nose of nicely defined quince, pineapple, lime and light passion fruit aromas. The palate is well balanced-full and rich. Minerality, saline undertones, and some ripe fruit balance a dry finish.

 

GIUSEPPE CORTESE

BARBARESCO RABAJA 2018

PIEMONTE, ITALY

 

$57.00 (purchase it online here)

 

The 2018 vintage stands out for its harmonious, well-balanced expression, with a luscious floral-scented bouquet, magisterial structure, and lingering taste. Crisp and elegant with a succulent dry mouthfeel. 

 

Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in Barbaresco's prestigious Rabajà vineyard, located in the Langhe hills just to the south of Cortese’s winery. Aged 22 months on Slavonian oak barrels then another 13 months after bottling.

 

Taste:  Unfiltered to preserve its richness, this remarkably elegant Barbaresco offers concentrated aromas of raspberries, roses, violets, leather and spice. Light red fruit some orange peel on the palate. Full-bodied with robust flavor and firm tannins. Some aeration helps mellow the bouquet.

CHATEAU PAVIE

"ESPRIT DE PAVIE" 2016

BORDEAUX, FRANCE

 

$36.00 (purchase it online here)

 

Esprit de Pavie is the 3rd label of Château Pavie- the famed Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) from Saint-Émilion. Ripe berry fruits are well integrated with soft tannins and acidity to give a harmonious, perfumed wine with a warm, juicy texture.

 

Varietal: 100% estate-owned fruit consisting of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Émilion and the Castillon region of the Right Bank. Alcoholic fermentation begins naturally in temperature controlled tanks. After several weeks of vatting, malolactic fermentation is made in tank. The wines are then aged for 15 months in barrels.

 

Taste: The wine displays a very attractive profound deep violet color and is youthful in appearance. The aromas are a perfect reflection of the wine's intense color: red currant, fresh fig, and blackberry anchor an attractive aromatic diversity that is lively and spirited, on an underlying foundation of fine oak. A firm, gripping texture shows off well-integrated, finely-grained tannins imparting an attractive balance. Its well-built profile displays a young vintage's liveliness.

BLACKBIRD VINEYARDS

"ARISE" PROPRIETARY BLEND 2018 NAPA, CALIFORNIA

 

$57.00 (purchase it online here)

 

Arise, a classic Napa blend, expresses luscious flavors that showcase terroir-driven Right-Bank inspired winemaking that have become a hallmark of Blackbird Vineyards. The 2018 proprietary vintage is wonderfully aromatic, rich, and polished.

 

Varietal: 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 6% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels (75% new, 25% seasoned). Winemakers: Aaron Pott & Kyle Mizuno.

 

Taste: Beautiful aromas of ripe cherry, black currant, cedar cigar box and coffee in a very integrated yet complex nose. Boysenberry pie, dried fig, and toffee awaken the palate. Supple tannins give buoyancy, leading to a lingering finish of plum, toasted almond, and chocolate.