If you are looking for a splurge or need to find a great gift, I must send you to France 44 for this lovely bottle of Pinot Noir. The packaging alone is magnificent! If you love the melty-wax goodness look of the Maker’s Mark seal, this bottle won’t disappoint. It, too, has a sexy, waxy closure. But, unlike the April “Skank of the Month” I reviewed, this bottle is much more than just a pretty face.
Belle Glos Clark and Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from a single vineyard in Santa Barbara, California. The vines sit at a lower altitude and this warmer climate produces more concentrated berry-fruit flavors. The strands used to make this wine are some of the oldest and largest in California.
Quite simply, it’s just a kick ass Pinot Noir. I had the pleasure of assisting a wine tasting host out at France 44 a month ago and this was one of said bottles. It was a favorite amongst the shoppers and definitely one of mine. Expect tastes that are both smooth, and yet complex. Flavors of tart ripe berries and sweet baking spices swirl with what seems like flavor of the ocean air lends itself to mouth-full of scrumptiousness.
Last, but not least: this is a wine you’ll want to stick your nose in- what a bouquet! Don’t be shy with this one, and retrieve scents of berries with a touch of cinnamon. And, oh yeah, the flavor on the tongue ain’t too bad, either.
I really don’t have much else to say [for once], and you know what? That’s just OK. Some wines just leave you with little more than a warm, fuzzy grin.
A few weeks ago, I sat down with Eugenio & Teresa Meschini, co-owners of the winery Famiglia Meschini. They met at St. Thomas University, where he was a Chemistry major and she was a French and Business major. Guy meets girl, falls in love, marries, they have babies, yadda yadda yadda. A few years later, they invest in a vineyard being developed by a good friend near his hometown of Mendoza, Argentina. For me, THIS is where the magic begins.
Eugenio & Teresa
Early on in our visit, the Meschini’s came clean: they are not wine purists. They are atypically fearless with their blends, always brainstorming new combinations. Also, these folks are not afficianados in lab coats, J Crew khakis and dark rimmed glasses discussing the aromatic nuances of wet dog and feet (two ACTUAL terms used by wine critics- I cannot make this up). The Meschini’s come to the wine industry having been lovers of the grape and making what they enjoy. As Teresa put it, “We make wines, but not to impress. If no one else likes our wine, we’ll just have to drink them.” Amen, sister!
Eugenio then discussed the early 1990s wine-boom in Argentina. In the mid-20th Century, Argentine wines were “crap”- nothing but glorified church wine at best. He firmly believes, though many Argentines don’t want to admit it, that the French influence during the 1970s/early 80s was crucial. He said the French brought new techniques and standards, including the use of stainless steel tanks and coal, that advanced the local production of today.
Famiglia Meschini is located about 3200 ft above sea level right at the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, facing West. The vines get hot sun during the day and cool night breezes to maintain a balanced stress, which provides depth and character to the grapes. Meschini vineyards sell 90% of their grapes to other wineries. What they do with the other 10%, well, let’s find out.
Spring sippin’ on the patio
I tasted two from their line: a white blend and a Malbec-Syrah blend. For those die-hard Malbec lovers, I implore you to try the Malbec -Syrah. The white blend is like a white Bordeaux, but with a Latin kick from the influence of the lightly effervescent Torrontes. I poured a glass one sunny afternoon and sat back on my patio. “Ah, life is good,” I thought to myself. The sun glistened off the condensating glass of light golden nectar. The aroma of apple and citrus fruit are apparent, and upon first sip, these flavors swirl around your mouth. There is also an ever so slight hint of what I’d call vanilla oak. It’s soft and round, not super sweet nor syrupy, yet a little heavier than a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Torrontes due to the Chardonnay. The Ugni Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc keep the crisp acidic citrus and floral notes balanced while the Torrontes gives it that apricot Latin kick of fizz I was referring to earlier. (Whew! Time to grab my labcoat and glasses after that diatribe.)
This is a fun wine! Drink it minus food distractions and you’ll enjoy it. Or, I paired it with a combination of grilled cod, spicy Asian noodles and spinach salad. (I know- WTF? It was at the end of the month as was our grocery budget.) This wine would pair well with fish and salad but it would also pair well with spicy Asian fare. I had enough for one glass, and let a couple girlfriends sample it, instantly they asked where they could get it. That’s a ringing endorsement!
I implore you to support this great family vineyard. If you live in the Western Metro, you know I’m sending you to Byerly’s in Minnetonka (PS, their wine sale is happening right now.) If you live in the Eastern Metro or Western Wisconsin, check out Swirl in Afton. Live in the city? Sorella Wines, France 44, Solo Vino, Thomas Liquor, South Lyndale Liquors are a few as well.
Where buy now: Byerly’s Wines & Spirits, Minnetonka- $14.99
Grapes: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
Region: Yakima Valley, Washington
Vintage: 2007
WJ Meek Red Wine
There are few things that get me to leave the security of the city: good friends, good food and good wine. Oh, I should probably mention family in case any of them are reading this. So, when I decided to make the sojourn out to Minnetonka, I thought, “Great, suburban drivers, high prices and shopping malls, I can’t wait!”
To my surprise, I found the Wines & Spirits shop at Byerly’s near Ridgedale, charmingly sweet! Not too tiny and not too overwhelmingly huge, the store was just right. Well laid out, clean and wide aisles, it comes with friendly staff to boot. Enter Rodney, without knowing what he looked like, you could almost tell who he was by the friendly voice bellowing in the distance. After talking shop with a customer and ringing up a purchase, he came over and we introduced ourselves to one another.
He loves what he does and that is evident by how proudly he shows off his store, from knowing each bottle to the neighborly chit-chat he provides his patrons. He says he likes to watch people shop (not in that weird “To Catch a Predator” kinda way) but he likes to ask questions and build relationships with his customers. This is like your ma’ & pop store with a facelift. Okay, it’s great blah blah blah. Show me a budget, yet outstanding wine. Better yet, show me something not many others have.
Rodney explained that they have three BIG wine sales every year: Spring, July and October. Spring sale dates haven’t been revealed but will be within the next week. With that said, this store doesn’t operate on a sale flyer or catalog system. I asked, “Why not? I love leafing through flyers circling my next big find.” He went on to explain that they carry around 3500 different wines, during their wine sale it is simply, “Buy one bottle, get one half off”. This mantra holds true for every bottle. If the bottle is in the store, it’s part of the sale.
I love that. I love that for a couple reasons. 1) You buy what you truly want. No, “Gosh, I’d rather have bottle X, but bottle Y is actually on sale.” or 2) You may be more apt to experiment with a bottle slightly outside of your comfort zone without breaking the bank. Buy one you know you love and then buy one that’s new to you.
As we continue conversing, in comes Dr. Mike, a regular customer. First, Dr. Mike is smokin’ hot. Oh, what, he’s a surgeon, too? He and Rodney shoot the breeze. Rodney asks how his wife liked a bottle the doctor bought a week ago and the friendly banter continues. Did I mention Dr. Mike had soft flowing locks that were well coifed but not in an Aveda-sort of way. Just natural like he jumped out of his open-aired jeep, wearing flip flops and beachy attire.
“The wine, Lush, the wine”
Yes, back to my story. Rodney asked me if I knew much about the Meek Family. I knew nothing of them so he took me to the bin that held the WJ Meek Red Wine. The owner/vintner , Michael Meek, actually lives right here in our very own state of Minnesota on Lake Minnetonka. Originally from Seattle, he founded the estate in Yakima Valley, Washington, back in 2000 due to a lifelong passion. The WJ Meek name honors his grandfather who was also a winemaker. You can check out http://www.meekfamilyestate.com/Meek Family Estate. The Meek Family Estate must own some pretty sought-after real-estate because their grapes are harvested for a few other name brand wines. However, they also create some killer limited production wines under their own name. I say that because Rodney opened a bottle for me to taste on the spot and I was hooked.
Upon opening, the aromas just smelled great. I know that is vague but don’t you get that sometimes? Something just smells “right”? This Cali table red is reminiscent of really good French Bordeaux. For those in which that means nothing, this red wine is something I can see the natives tossing back with friends while cracking inappropriate jokes, enjoying each other’s company and just relishing the good life.
For something more tangible, it is a Cabernet/Merlot blend. The Cabernet releases a fuller bodied richness with scents and tastes of cherry and blueberry. The induction of Merlot creates this soft-robust wine. Does that make sense? It has boldness, yet softness at the same time. The fruit grabs you but the hints of earth and touch of woody vanilla rounds out the taste leaving you with a pleasant, medium finish. It’s such a smooth, full-bodied red that has personality without getting in the way. You’d believe you were drinking a bottle twice the price. I’ll be honest, I didn’t drink my first bottle with any food. Yes, I said first bottle. No, I don’t have the second, third or fourth but you better believe when that wine sale hits, I’ll be doing the BOGO thing with this wine.
Too good to be true? You can head on in to Byerly’s now for a great price. I know city-folk, I cannot make you leave the confines of Minneapolis or St. Paul. I can tell you if you are out that way, it’s worth the stop. If you live in the Western Metro, make this a go to after you pick up groceries next door. Remember, wine is personal. Do you let any Tom, Dick or Harry cut your hair or give you a physical? No, hell no. You want someone who gets to know you over time. That relationship builds and they can tailor to your needs and personality.
Make sure to tell Rodney I sent you. Strike up a conversation and don’t be hesitant to tell him what kinds of wines you like, otherwise he’ll just “watch” you shop and perhaps offer a swell suggestion when you check out.
Wine for Slobs, Snobs & Swells | The Savvy Lush welcomes the Twin Cities' Sippers & Swillers
