Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais AOC 2010 - Organically Grown

Here’s a vote of confidence from esteemed importer Kermit Lynch. This bottling used to be sold under the Kermit Lynch label, but he felt that the quality was so good that the winery should get even more recognition, so now it is under the Dupeuble label, with an "Imported by Kermit Lynch" placed squarely on the front of the bottle similar to many other wines Lynch imports. The previous, 2009, vintage of this wine was ripe and juicy, while the 2010 is pitch-perfect, classic Beaujolais. Fresh and clean, it’s loaded with almost crunchy cherry fruit. This is perfectly refreshing and ready to drink with most any meal. The estate dates back to 1512 and is currently run by Damien Dupeuble. The family grows all their fruit organically, uses only native yeasts and very little sulphur, they are essentially natural in their approach. Either way, you won’t notice: this wine is bursting with juicy red fruit, you’ll forget about the pesticides, herbicides and added sulphur you’re missing out on.

Les Vins de Vienne Reméage Rouge 2009

Les Vins de Vienne is a collaboration of three Rhône Valley winemakers, Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard and François Villard. Initially, they set out to revive the Seyssuel vineyard, but the project has gone far beyond that objective. The trio now produces a full range of wine, including those from Seyssuel. This less-expensive blend is mostly grenache and has the feel of a classic southern-Rhône blend, spicy, aromatic with a bit of rustic structure. The wine is fermented naturally and then aged in oak, 75% small French barrels (however, not new), for 12 months. The fermentation and aging add depth and complexity to the wine, giving it just enough to handle lamb chops.

Teatown Cellars Right Bank Blend Napa Valley 2007

This project is operated by industry veteran Peter Sloan. Rather than living in California, Sloan is here on the East Coast, visiting the vineyards and winery frequently to craft his Teatown Cellars wines. This approach allows him to make excellent and affordable Napa Valley reds without the expense of owning vineyards or a winery. This red blend from the superb 2007 vintage is ripe and flavorful, with just the right amount of oak. Dark berry flavors dominate, perfect with all the rich savory dishes that make an appearance on Super Bowl Sunday. Go Big Blue!

Vina Robles Red 4 Paso Robles 2009

While the focus here is very "Californian", the winery is steeped in European know-how. Founder and owner Han Nef has brought his Swiss heritage and savoir-faire to the estate, focusing on only high-quality wines. To assist in the project, he hired fellow Swiss Hans-Rudolf Michel to run the day to day operations. Paso Robles in southern California benefits from warm days, but also from swings to cooler temperatures in the evening. This red blend has the feel of Rhône wine although the non-Rhône petite sirah dominates the blend. It has spent 15 months in 1st- and 2nd-use oak barrels, imparting structure and flavor without overwhelming the fruit. The flavors are dark-fruited plum and prune with some baking spice notes. Great for braised ribs or a pot of warming chili.

Bodegas Huarpe Winery Selection Mendoza 2009

The Toso family, brothers actually, run this winery in Argentina’s Mendoza region, with the Andes as a backdrop. Malbec was once a major player in the red blends of Bordeaux, but now its new home is in Argentina. Here the more temperate climate allows the grape to ripen more fully, smoothing out the rough tannins found in its French counterpart, and upping the rich dark-fruit component. This cuvée has been a winner since we first tasted it almost 6 years ago. This is one of the few wines we've carried since we opened and for good reason. It is rich and perfectly textured. The fruit leans to cassis and a hint of cocoa, making this an ideal wine for braised red meats or a rich Spanish style vegetable gratin.

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