Hello everyone,
It’s that time once again… Limited Edition time!
We are very excited about the varieties that we have for you next year. We will once again be offering 10 brand new wines for you to choose from.
Highlighting the upcoming releases:
– The first ever limited edition Rosé
– Some spectacular red blends
– A few traditional classics
– A white wine with a serious twist
– The return of one of our all time favorites
Introducing the 10 brand new wines for 2017’s limited edition program…
SYRAH – LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
Brand: Passport 2017
Release month: December 2016
Reservation deadline: November 19th
Price: $185 ($6.17 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: Grown in one of the hottest areas in France, the Languedoc region provides the perfect setting for Syrah. Offering the classical peppery notes that Syrah/Shiraz is known for, to go along with beautiful fruit (raspberry, blackberry, black cherry) and earthy notes. Accented by black pepper, oak, a hint of mint, mocha, and faint licorice on the finish. Soft tannins. Nice to see Syrah make a strong appearance here, as we haven’t offered this variety for some time. Long overdue.
Paired with: Homemade burgers with aged cheddar/ grilled meats/ chocolate
Stats: 8-week wine/ dry/ 13% alcohol/ medium oak/ medium-full body
Commercial equivalent: Fat Bastard Pays D’oc Shiraz ($13.99 +tax)
VERMENTINO – TUSCANY, ITALY
Click HERE for a quick video.
Brand: LE16
Release month: January 2017
Reservation deadline: December 3rd
Price: $180 ($6.00 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: First off, to those of you who enjoyed last years’ Pinot Grigio Verduzzo… Do yourself a favor and reserve this one immediately. Better yet, reserve a few! The first Vermentino we have ever offered. Rare in North America, but this grape is a white star. White peach, green apple, and fresh lime are all present here. Quenching acidity, beautifully light and crisp. If you’re a fan of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, or Verdicchio… This ones for you!
Paired with: Regional Italian cuisine/ Mediterranean veggies/ Seafood
Stats: 8-week wine/ dry/ 12.5% alcohol/ unoaked/ light-medium body
Commercial equivalent: Colli di Luni Vermentino ($24.99 +tax)
NERO D’AVOLA – SICILY, ITALY
Brand: Passport 2017
Release month: January 2017
Reservation deadline: November 19th
Price: $185 ($6.17 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: It’s back! Previously released as a regular product a few years ago, it’s sudden disappearance was a little shocking. One of the most popular reds in store history, we’re happy to have it return (even if just for a short while). A lesser known grape varietal on this side of the pond, however, a prized varietal in its native Sicily. On the nose, ripe black fruit and vanilla notes. Big flavors of black cherry and plum on the palate harmonize perfectly with smooth oak, velvety tannins and a long finish. One of our all-time favs, no doubt.
Paired with: Meat! (beef stews, game meats, steak… You name it)
Stats: 8-week wine/ dry/ 14% alcohol/ medium-heavy oak/ full body
Commercial equivalent: Sicilia Nero D’Avola – Cusumano ($16.49 +tax)
CABERNET FRANC – YAKIMA VALLEY, WASHINGTON
Click HERE for a quick video.
Brand: LE16
Release month: January 2016
Reservation deadline: December 3rd
Price: $180 ($6.00 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: Most of the winemaking world uses Cabernet Franc to cross with other grape varietals to make ‘Bordeaux’ style blends. However, there is plenty of reason to celebrate this grape on its own. Walking the line between fruit and spice notes brilliantly. Ripe raspberry, red currant, and soft black pepper. Excellent tannin structure as well. The first straight Cab.Franc that we have offered in years. It’s time this wine had some shine.
Paired with: Rosemary-crusted lamb/ goulash stew
Stats: 8-week wine/ dry/ 13% alcohol/ medium oak/ medium-full body
Commercial Equivalent: Sandhill Cabernet Franc ($18.99 +tax)
RIESLING – CLARE VALLEY, AUSTRALIA
Brand: Passport 2017
Release month: January 2017
Reservation deadline: November 19th
Price: $185 ($6.17 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: Fresh and vibrant. Aromas here are citrus and floral while juicy lemon-lime flavors fill the palate. Accents of orange blossom and apple fit nicely with a slight minerality and crisp acidity. A well balanced Riesling to say the least. Just a straight up solid classic. There’s a reason we so frequently see Rieslings in the limited edition program… You just can’t go wrong.
Paired with: Very versatile. Asian inspired dishes and Mexican food would be a great start!
Stats: 8-week wine/ off-dry/ 12% alcohol/ unoaked/ medium body
Commercial equivalent: Gray Monk Riesling ($13.89 +tax)
MILAGRO – VALENCIA, SPAIN
Click HERE for a quick video.
Brand: LE16
Release month: February 2017
Reservation deadline: December 3rd
Price: $180 ($6.00 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: A superb blend which includes three of Spain’s great red grape varieties… Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Bobal. To go along with the Spanish trifecta, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah pair perfectly to provide firm structure to this wine. A wide range of black and red fruit both on the nose and the palate. Powerful fullness yet supple. Very pleased to see Spain represented in this years’ lineup. Very excited about this blend.
Paired with: Braised beef, Manchego cheese, or even a Spanish classic… Paella
Stats: 8-week wine/ dry/ 14% alcohol/ medium-heavy oak/ full body
Commercial equivalent: Ribera Del Duero Crisnza Senoria de Los Baldios ($22.99 +tax)
CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSÉ – SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Brand: Passport 2017
Release month: February 2017
Reservation deadline: November 19th
Price: $185 ($6.17 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: The first ever Rosé released through the limited edition program. And we are proud to say that this is a proper Rosé. Classically dry with crisp, refreshing acidity and a subtle minerality. Strawberry, watermelon, and cranberry are all present on the nose. On the palate, juicy strawberry and tart red fruit notes.
Paired with: Tapas/ summer salads/ Greek salads/ turkey burgers/ anything off the grill!
Stats: 8-week wine/ dry/ 13% alcohol/ unoaked/ light-medium body
Commercial equivalent: Torres Las Mulas Cabernet Rosé ($15.99 +tax)
BLANC DE NOIR – SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Click HERE for a quick video.
Brand: LE16
Release month: March 2017
Reservation deadline: December 3rd
Price: $180 ($6.00 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: Blanc de Noir is a French term meaning ‘white wine made from dark grapes’. Here, Pinot Noir (arguably the greatest red wine grape on the planet) plays the starring role. After the grapes are pressed, the skins are immediately removed which doesn’t allow the pigment from the skins to transfer into the juice. This results in all of the beautiful complexities of Pinot Noir while keeping the color light and the tannins at bay. Crabapple and strawberry drive the nose while white peach and grapefruit are present on the palate. A very fruit forward, light-bodied sipper. Those looking to try something truly new, we suggest giving this wine a whirl. This is 2017’s classical ‘off-dry’ release from Winexpert.
Paired with: Lobster tails/ eggs benedict/ delicate dishes
Stats: 8-week wine/ off-dry/ 13% alcohol/ unoaked/ light-medium body
Commercial equivalent: Unfortunately, there is no readily available commercial equivalent for this particular release. However, we suggest trying – Unreserved Smooth White ($10.99)
KOOKABURRA RED *W/ GRAPE SKINS* – RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA
Brand: Passport 2017
Release month: March 2017
Reservation deadline: November 19th
Price: $205 ($6.83 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: First off, those of you who are looking for the upcoming ‘grape skins’ releases, LOOK. NO. FURTHER! These final two wines on our list are the red wine monsters of the group. The Kookaburra Red is a big, powerful blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro. Extremely well-balanced, the Grenache brings ripe, jammy fruit with subtle notes of cinnamon spice. The Shiraz provides a punch of blackberry and plum with elements of black pepper, while the Mataro adds savoury, earthy notes and texture. Bold tannin structure and that classic fullness that you would expect from a ‘grape skins’ release.
Paired with: Braised meats/ grilled lamb/ pasta dishes/ stews
Stats: 8-week wine/ dry/ 14.5% alcohol/ heavy oak/ full body
Commercial equivalent: G.S.M. – Yalumba The Strapper Barossa ($23.99 +tax)
GRENACHE CABERNET *W/ GRAPESKINS* – RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA
Click HERE for a quick video.
Brand: LE16
Release month: April 2017
Reservation deadline: December 3rd
Price: $205 ($6.83 per bottle) (taxes included)
Description: Another Grenache based blend to follow the Kookaburra Red. Where this wine differs greatly from the Kookaburra, is the subtraction of Shiraz and Mataro and the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon. Although both of the upcoming grape skins releases have Grenache as a focal point, the CabSauv in this wine is a significant change. Big, bold, heavy, powerful… these are all terms one would use to describe CabSauv. However, in this particular blend, The CabSauv is the yin to the Grenache’s yang. The soft qualities of the Grenache are brought face to face with the robust, dynamic nature of CabSauv. The balance of this wine is something to behold. Jammy fruit and cinnamon notes are once again brought to you by the Grenache, while red licorice, black cherry and raspberry notes are provided by the CabSauv.
Paired with: Grilled steak/ mushroom risotto/ aged cheddar
Stats: 8-week wine/ dry/ 14.5% alcohol/ heavy oak/ full body
Commercial equivalent: Yalumba The Strapper 2013 ($19.99 +tax)
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Final notes:
Reservation deadlines – Passport 2017 (November 19th), LE16 (December 3rd). Process will be the same as every year… Simply reply to this email, call in, or drop by with your reservation(s) and we will contact you as soon as your wine(s) arrives. However, you do not need to start your wine during the release month, at your request, we can hold it for you for an extended period if needed. Please, let us know if you intend to wait before starting the wine. It helps us to manage inventory, and would be greatly appreciated!
If you’re interested in checking out the official pages for the limited edition wines, the links are listed below. These links feature additional information regarding the growing regions, food pairing recipes, etc.
Thank you very much for reading 🙂
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