Gamba Etrusca Velia Red 2016

Gamba Etrusca Velia Red is made from Primitivo, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.

Etrusca Velia is a unique proprietary blend culled from several vineyard sites in the beautiful Russian River Valley. The carefully sourced Primitivo, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grapes for Velia benefit from the AVA’s diverse soil types, and varying micro-climates.

As unique, compelling and mysterious as Velia herself... dark and lively, the nose offers a bounty of fresh berries and subtle notes of cedar. On the palate rich briary patch notes of ripe raspberry, fruit compote, and black cherry glide into a finish of allspice, clove and a hint of anisette. This unique proprietary blend is created from fruit sourced from our prized, and sought-after partner ranches growing in the Russian River Valley AVA. Our mission at Etrusca is growing and sourcing the highest quality grapes and blending them in the spirit of discovery. Enjoy!

Gamba Zinfandel Family Ranches is made from 100 percent Zinfandel.

Sourced from several sites in the heart of the Russian River Valley, the grapes are vinified in our traditional style; with an extended soaking period. The vineyard lots were fermented on the natural indigenous yeasts, each lot fermented separately to highlight the distinctive characteristics and unique distinct flavor profiles of this world famous growing region. Dark ruby-garnet in color, this classic Russian River Zinfandel shows aromas of boysenberry, raspberry, brown spices, and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the Family Ranches Zinfandel is balanced with excellent acidity: a powerful, rich and concentrated wine, with flavors of nectarine, cherry and raspberry that build through the lingering finish. This lovely wine can be enjoyed now, and will continue to develop with bottle age over the next several years. 

Avennia Justine Red Blend 56% Grenache, 31% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah 

Justine reflects our belief that Washington is capable of producing world class blends of grape varieties traditional to the Southern Rhone region of France. The name is inspired by one of the great heroines of recent literature, who also sprung from the imagination of the Mediterranean. Dark, seductive, complex, with a chasm of depth: The Justine is a great reflection of Avennia's mission of expression, and Washington's generous terroir.

 Tasting Note: Big black cherry, blackberry, hints of orange peel, fresh herbs and loam on the nose. Plush and round on the palate. Dark earthy fruits from the Mourvedre, along with citrus high notes, mountain flowers, jasmine, and savory herbs. Balanced and complex without forgetting its hedonistic roots in the Southern Rhone.

Review:

A blend of 56% Grenache, 31% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah brought up all in older oak, the 2016 Justine offers a great core of black fruits as well as lots of peppery herbs, earth, and classic meatiness. It looks to be a great vintage for this cuvée."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2018), 92-94 pts

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Chakana Estate Red Mendoza is made from 75% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc

Deep red color with violet hints. Dark fruits and exotic spices with tobacco and mocha hints. Elegant, well balanced, harmonious, long persistence with chocolate flavors.

Vineyard: Gualtallary in Valle de Uco.

2 days maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 12 days fermentation with selected yeasts allowed to rise to a maximum of 28°C.
The 60% Malbec part of the blend is placed in 3,000 & 5,000-liter foudres and concrete vats, then this same wine is aged in old French oak barrels for 9 months ; While the 40% Cabernet Sauvignon part of the blend is all aged in new wood.

Reviews

"Chakana made some lovely wines in 2016, making the most of the cool conditions to produce reds with real finesse. This Malbec with Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc blend is light, elegant and focused, with floral aromas, red berry sweetness and nuanced tannins. 2019-24"

- Tim Atkin, Argentina Special Report 2018, 93 pts

Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Red is made from

Vineyards: Champoux, Discovery, DuBrul, Galitzine, Klipsun, Palengat, Shaw, Tapteil and Wallula 

Paul Golitzin, Director of Winemaking, comments:
The 2014 Quilceda Creek "CVR" Columbia Valley Red Wine is a Bordeaux-styled wine filled with satisfying layers of black and red fruits, smoke, spice and minerals. The "CVR" is an exciting preview into the 2014's which are historic wines in the making. This blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec was aged 20 months in 100% French oak. Approachable now, this wine will best be enjoyed over the next 15 years.

Review:

"The entry-level 2016 Columbia Valley CVR is a beauty and well worth purchasing, particularly as it drinks well right out of the gate where the top cuvee benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age. Full-bodied, ripe, and sexy, with terrific notes of kirsch, black cherry liqueur, lead pencil shavings, and graphite, it has plenty of tannins as well as terrific balance and elegance."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2019), 93 pts

The 2015 Côtes du Rhône is another beauty by this team. Licorice, roasted herbs, pepper and plenty of sweet fruit come together in this medium to full-bodied, layered, and textured effort. Made from 60% Grenache, and Mourvedre and Syrah that saw mostly concrete tank, it’s a smoking Côtes du Rhône (and a fabulous value) to drink over the coming 3-4 years.

Review:

The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is a winner. Blackberries, flowers, violets, hints of pepper all give way to a fresh, yet rich, beautifully textured red that has fine tannin and the purity of fruit that's common in the vintage. .

-Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points