MARIA LOPEZ DE HEREDIA from RIOJA, SPAIN! 

MARIA LOPEZ de HEREDIA will be here at VINTAGES Belmont to present the exceptional red & white wines of her family’s legendary RIOJA estate, Bodegas Lopez de Heredia. Meet Maria at our Belmont store from 5:30-7:30pm Thursday, January 29. DON’T MISS IT!

Following are the wines for the tasting, many with special pricing for Jan. 29 tasting only! Featuring vintages 1973-2002!

White/Rosado
Grapes: Gravonia is 100% Viura; Tondonia a blend of Viura with a little Malvasia. The estate often ages white wines in oak for as long as reds. The Gran reserva is aged for six years spending at least four years in cask.

1998 Viña Gravonia Crianza White Special $25; Reg. $28

1989 Viña Tondonia Reserva Spec. $40; Reg. $45

*1981 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva White $90 (special order only)

1997 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Tondonia Rosado Special $25; Reg. $28
Blend of 60% garnacha, 20% tempranillo, and 20% viura.

Red/Rioja
Grapes: The tempranillo grape is always the predominant variety at 70% or 80% of the blend. Garnacho accounts for 10-15%, and the remainder is split between mazuelo and graciano.
Reservas: Matured for five years, with three years in oak casks.
Gran Reservas: Made only from exceptional grapes from the estate vineyards, and only in the best vintages. Aged in oak barrels at least six years, plus another 5-6 years in the bottle.

2002 Viña Cubillo Rioja Crianza Spec. $25; Reg. $28

2000 Viña Bosconia Rioja Reserva Spec. $30; Reg. $35

1999 Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva Spec. $40; Reg. $45

1987 Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva Spec. $80; Reg. $90

*1987 Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva $90 (special order only)

1981 Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva Special $90; Reg. $120

*1973 Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva $189 (special order only)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FERDINAND!
Following his nose for over twelve years!

Ferdinand the Field Spaniel has been a vital part of VINTAGES since the beginning, when he was just a young dog adjusting to life in a wine shop. During our early days as we were finding our way in wine, Ferdy was a steady, snoozing influence. When we trusted our palates and took a risk on bringing an unusual wine to our market, Ferdy was the loyal tail-wagger at our side, encouraging us to “follow our nose.” When we were tempted to work too late, Ferdy let us know in no uncertain terms that food and fun should never be postponed. Eventually, as his nose for wine developed, he took his “wine dog” responsibilities laying down.
Ferdy has attracted many ardent fans over the years who are equally committed to his philosophy of sniff, taste, and then rollover. Ferdy, so loyal and true, we salute you with a tummy rub and a bowlful of treats!
 

NEW ARRIVAL:  2004 CHATEAU VILLERAMBERT “LA SYRAH” $17.99 (Minervois)
Under viticulture since the ancient Romans, the winery at Chateau Villerambert-Julien was established in the 12th c. The fifth generation of the Julien family is now at the helm; Michel Julien has taken quality to the next level at this estate, which is more than evident in his outstanding 2004 Syrah. “La Syrah” de Villerambert-Julien is 100% Syrah produced from small yields on chalky clay, its preferred soil. Vinified and aged in cask, it offers very pure and powerful aromas, deep cherry fruit and chocolate flavors, beautiful fine tannins and a long, smooth finish. Great example of Syrah from southern France! Highly recommended.

CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE 2005 & 2006!

“2006 is a spicy vintage, with very good energy and depth,” said Thierry Sabon of Clos du Mont Olivet, lamenting that it may be lost in the frenzy for the 2005s and 2007s. “In an earlier generation it would have been the best of a decade.”
2006 CLOS DU MONT OLIVET Cuvee du Papet $68
“Deep ruby. Alluring, highly perfumed bouquet of vivid black raspberry, blueberry and minerals, with a sexy floral overtone. Impressively precise, with sweet red and black fruit flavors braced by tangy minerality and complemented by rose, lavender and succulent herbs. The finish of this impressively balanced wine is brisk and focused, with sneaky sweetness and persistence. 93 pts.” -IWC

2005 CLOS DU MONT OLIVET Chateauneuf Cuvee du Papet $65  “Stunningly fragrant bouquet of fresh red berries, cherry, minerals, Asian spices and fresh flowers; with its combination of power and purity, this smells like a Musigny  94 pts.” –IWC.

2006 VIEUX DONJON CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE $69  “Smoky cherry and blackcurrant aromas convey a wild, gamey quality; smells like a northern Rhone wine. Deep dark fruit liqueur and olive flavors are sharpened by zesty minerals and finish with impressive grip. 94 pts.” -IWC

2006 DOM. MONPERTUIS CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE $45  “Offering bright raspberry, cherry, floral pastille and garrigue flavors framed by gentle tannins. Gains power on the broad, penetrating finish while maintaining freshness and clarity. 91 pts.”– IWC

2003 DOM. MONPERTUIS CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE “Tradition” $68 “Heady aromas of ripe red and dark berries, plum, smoked meat, licorice and rose oil. Sweet, lush and round, with dense flavors of blackberry, cassis and tobacco. 93 pts.”–IWC

MEET THE WINEMAKER TASTING at VINTAGES Belmont

THURS. JAN. 29, 5:30-7:30pm in BELMONT: MARIA LOPEZ de HEREDIA, RIOJA, SPAIN

11 wines will be open at this tasting — 2002-1973!!!

VINTAGES is thrilled to have Maria Lopez de Heredia here in our Belmont shop to present the wines from her family’s legendary bodega in Rioja, Spain. Established in 1877, Lopez de Heredia is now run by the fifth generation, but little has changed in the wine cellars. “We’re proud of not changing,” says Maria, who co-manages this legendary bodega with her father. Maria will present a selection of wines — red, white and rose — at this tasting. Don’t miss it!

White/Rosado

Grapes: Gravonia is 100% Viura; Tondonia a blend of Viura with a little Malvasia. The estate often ages white wines in oak for as long as reds. The Gran reserva is aged for six years spending at least four years in cask.

1998 Viña Gravonia Crianza White Special $25; Reg. $28

1989 Viña Tondonia Reserva Spec. $40; Reg. $45

*1981 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva White $90 (special order only)

1997 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Tondonia Rosado Special $25; Reg. $28

Blend of 60% garnacha, 20% tempranillo, and 20% viura.

Red/Rioja

Grapes: The tempranillo grape is always the predominant variety at 70% or 80% of the blend. Garnacho accounts for 10-15%, and the remainder is split between mazuelo and graciano.

Reservas: Matured for five years, with three years in oak casks.

Gran Reservas: Made only from exceptional grapes from the estate vineyards, and only in the best vintages. Aged in oak barrels at least six years, plus another 5-6 years in the bottle.

2002 Viña Cubillo Rioja Crianza Spec. $25; Reg. $28

2000 Viña Bosconia Rioja Reserva Spec. $30; Reg. $35 

1999 Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva Spec. $40; Reg. $45 

1987 Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva Spec. $80; Reg. $90

*1987 Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva $90 (special order only)

1981 Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva Special $90; Reg. $120

*1973 Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva $189 (special order only)

GREAT VALUES from FRANCE & ITALY
reds
2004 VERGET du SUD CHATEAU des TOURETTES Cabernet Sauvignon “Endes” $19.99
Run circles around your friends’ “Big Domestic Cab” with this ‘little’ European Import. Made by Jean-Marie Guffens of Burgundy fame, this beautiful ruby-garnet colored Cabernet Sauvignon has a character that makes me imagine a hypothetical blend of a Medoc Bordeaux and an excellent Super-Tuscan. Classic creme de cassis aromas intermingle with roasted red cherries as well as notes of cedar. In the mouth the wine is perfectly ripe with flavors of red-berry fruits, balsamic notes, and a long toasty finish.

2006 CHATEAU L’ERMITAGE Syrah “Via Compostelle” Costieres des Nimes Special $12.99! Winter’s chill instills a craving for the sun-splashed warmth of Mediterranean reds. This value-priced Syrah from the Costerieres des Nimes in southern France is grown in vineyards that line the 11th c. pilgrimage route from Europe to Santiago di Compostella.  “Via Compostelle” offers fresh, vibrant and uplifting aromas of blueberries, blackberries, violets, and minerals.  Syrah’s classic hint of white pepper punctuates the finish of this southern french beauty that behaves more like a Crozes-Hermitage from the northern Rhone. A great deal!

whites
2004 JEAN RIJCKAERT Cotes du Jura, Savagnin “Les Sarres” Reg. $23 Special $19.99  Add this to your new year’s resolution: lean, taut, fit, crisp, (but not lacking in exotic complexity), Savagnin, an indigenous white from the Cotes du Jura. Located east of Burgundy, the Jura shares the same Jurassic limestone foundation as Burgundy, giving their wines noteworthy characteristics of creamy stones, dusty chalk, and lemon-tinged minerals. Reminiscent of a great burgundy– think premier cru Chablis–but with a little something different, maybe fresh spring herbs–this is a wine that strikes a perfect balance between multi-dimensional flavor and great ‘Drinkability.’ A perfect match with fondue, scallops, lobster, or a simple buckwheat pasta with aged Fontina, wild mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts.

2005 LA COLOMBERA “Timorasso” Colli Tortonesi Reg. $19.99 Now $14.99!  “Timorasso” is an indigenous Piedmontese varietal unique to Colli Tortonesi, a region sandwiched between Gavi and Oltrepo Pavese. Aromas of baked-spiced, honey-tinged apples jump from the glass. The flavor of the wine is decidedly drier with orchard fruits predominating, leading to a long, powdery- mineral finish. Serve cool, but not overchilled — you’ll miss the parade of flavors!