The Connoisseur: Mixed
Elegant Traditional Mix
BOW & ARROW SAUVIGNON BLANC
From the winemaker: “My name is Scott Frank and Bow & Arrow is my interpretation of the Willamette Valley’s humble terroir. The most important parts of that equation are the Willamette Valley and “humble.” Our growing region is frequently approached as a grand terroir destined to produce prestigious wines with an implicit Burgundian influence. I’m honored to make wine here. Still, the valley I know and love is as much a blue-collar agricultural area as it is a boutique wine destination. It’s as much a collection of relatively simple, clay dominated soils as it is home to multi-generation family estates and renowned AVA’s. Bow & Arrow uses a different template to explore this different, simpler side of the Willamette Valley. Instead of Burgundy, we pay homage to the refreshing and decidedly working class wines of France’s Loire Valley.”
Domaine Jean Chauvenet Nuits-Saint-Georges (Pinot Noir)
From the winery: “The village appellation represents the bulk of the holdings of the domaine … more or less seven hectares of vineyards spread across several parcels principally located in the northern reaches of the village of Nuits Saint Georges on a combination of silt, sand and gravel soils which produce a classic version of the appellation. The average age of the vineyards that compose this cuvee is 45 years. A deeply colored wine with vivacity; somewhat stern in its youth but with excellent balance and black fruit flavours.”
Powerful Traditional Mix
Champagne Fleury Brut Blanc de Noirs NV
From the winemaker: "The Fleury family have been winegrowers for many generations, and own 15 ha of vineyards on the chalky clay slopes of the Côte des Bar in southern Champagne. The estate dates back to 1895, and Jean-Pierre, currently at the helm, holds the distinction of being the first (and now largest) biodynamic Champagne producer. 100% pinot noir, this Blanc de Noirs was fermented in stainless steel and bottled unfined. Elegant, bone dry, and fresh, it offers up classic texture and a lengthy finish. Certified biodynamic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.”
JL Chave Sélection Crozes-Hermitage Silène
About the wine: The vineyards for Silène are hillside vineyards located in Larnage and Gervans. 50% of the Crozes comes from a parcel of young vines planted in 2003 and owned by Domaine Jean Louis Chave. The parcel is on the rear east-facing flank of the Hermitage hill. It is rare for Crozes to come from hillside granitic soil as most Crozes is situated on the alluvial valley floor. The grapes are vinified at the Domaine using indigenous yeasts and aged for 18 months in 600 liter oak casks.