the brew news…
Pfriem Flanders Blonde $11.95
Pfriem shines when it comes to Flemish style ales. This beer is aged 18 months in Pinot Noir barrels which shines throught with delicate notes of French oak. Aroma-wise- it gives a unique buttery, pineapple, granny smith apple combo. Very mild sour with balanced sweetness. Super impressive
Pfriem Druif Rougem $14.95
More Pinot Noir action from Pfriem! The base of this concoction is a lambic (inspired) ale (already aged in Pinot Noir barrels) blended with Pinot Noir grapes. The grae/grain combo is something that these guys do masterfully. Pours shockingly Ruby Red with a stiff, billowy head. Big classic Bretto-funk well supported by a kiwi, melon sour. Well worth the money!!
last but certainly not least…
Deschutes The Abyss 2019 Reserve $ 19.95
Exceptional beer. Not surprised. The consistensy of The Abyss has made this beer so critically acclaimed and sought after that when my first thought as I took a sip was “Ah… that’s Abyss”, I knew they had done it once again. The bouquet is BUSY with dark malt, dried fruit and bourbon heat. Tastes smoky with roasted malt dominant with licorice and cocao. Can’t wait to write the same good review again next year.
and then we turn to the grapes…
Time Waits for No One Monastrell 2017 $ 16.95
Wow! Now I finally understand Monastrell. Very fruit forward, with lots of spice and coffee. Very bold and jammy, almost thick on the palate. This Spanish red woule be absolutely delightful with smoked red meat or wild game. Not for the faint of heart but worth the challenge.
Garage Wine co. Pais 215 BC 2018 $ 23.95
Such a nerdy wine! My first 100% Pais wine (to my knowlege!) The 215 BC name relates to the fact that the Pais grape was around 215 years BEFORE CABERNET. Very spicy and rich with hints of star anise and cardamom. Super easy to drink with a great tannin/acid balance. I think I’m in love.
If you’d like to know more about this very tiny ‘natural’ winemaker check out this link.
https://www.grapex.com/national-portfolio/garagewineco/garage-wine-co-pais-2/
Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta ‘Futurosa’ Rosato 2017 $ 16.95
This rose’ was exactly what I wanted on a warm summer evening. Refreshing with a red berry crispness. Equal parts Barbera and Merlot, with a 24 hour period of skin contact for richer color than many rose’ wines gives this wine fine, intense notes of strawberries. This wine went wonderfully with my earthy garlic scape pesto pasta.
Terrapin Cellars Pinot Noir 2017 $ 16.95
Incredible value for Oregon Pinot Noir! I picked up a lot of spice notes… black pepper, cinnamon, maybe even white pepper. Heavy cherry and black currant flavors with a light lavender florality! Lots of subtle layers, it really kept me thinking! Pair this Pinot Noir with freshly caught Pacific NW fish fro a match made in heaven.