Author: thehappyvine@gmail.com

Dutcher Crossing Grace Reserve Brut Rosé

𝐵𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝓀𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓈𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒶𝒸𝓊𝓁𝒶𝓇 𝓈𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓀𝓁𝑒, 𝒶 𝓅𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓈𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓀𝓁𝑒𝓇 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 @dutchercrossing Debra Mathy is all about family (including 4 legged furry members), #sustainable low intervention, quality crafted #artisanalwine Named after her grand niece, “Grace” this Sparkling Brut Rosé is 95% Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley and 5% Chardonnay from Dry Creek Valley. A blend of 2019 and 2020 vintages and made in the #methodechampenoise utilizing ambient yeast with 50% barrel fermentation, aged for 20 months sur lie. This is the kind of sparkling meant to be enjoyed with loved ones on a sunny day as an apéro as we did. 𝒟𝓊𝓉𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒞𝓇𝑜𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝓈𝑒𝓇𝓋𝑒 𝐵𝓇𝓊𝓉 𝑅𝑜𝓈é A soft salmon coral color pours into the glass with exited bubbles showing off its pep. A medley of aromatics greets you – tart raspberry, cherry and strawberry along with toasted biscuit, pastry dough and freshly picked citrus. A #brut style #sparkling at 8g/L is so well integrated with the lively acidity bringing so much freshness and flavors to your enjoyment. Clean definition and brightness all around with the red berries, almond cream, wisp of caramel and biscuit to finish off with an orange and lemon bang. I cannot stress enough a) how much everyone truly enjoyed the is #rosé brut b) how fast it disappeared alongside salmon #rillettes and cherry tomato mozzarella skewers Cheers to pink #bubblymoments and a big thanks to @dutchercrossing for sharing their lovely bubbly.

Cigliuti Langhe Nebbiolo 2019

Small yields and just delightful. I have said this before and I will say it again, Langhe Nebbiolo is an approachable version of a Barolo, it pleases everyone, period. It’s like the funny uncle at the party that everyone adores. Cigliuti Langhe Nebbiolo 2019 A small family winery established in 1964, previous generations grew grapes for bulk wine for local clientele. Currently Renato, his wife Dina and their 2 daughters Claudia and Silvia mange the estate from the vineyard to the end of production. This wine comes from 20 year old vines planted south-west facing Bricco di Neive Cru at 350m altitude in calcareous-sandy soil. Fermented for 20 days with ambient yeasts in stainless steel, followed by 5 months again in large Slovanian oak casks. A shining ruby jewel in the glass. A rockstar of crunchy red fruit – sour cherry, strawberry, raspberry leaf, touch of violet, vanilla and tobacco. The aromas dominate on the palate from fruit to vegetal, vibrant acid and well integrated soft tannins with added leather, earth, dried fig and anise.rose petals. A vibrant star to discover. It goes without saying this pairing beautifully with homemade pizza Bianca with smoked ham.

Rafael Palacios Louro Godello

I am a sucker got a well made Godello and this one by Rafael Palacios is no exception. Rafael Palacios Louro Godello 2019 Louro is a blend of Godello with a small amount of Treixadura from parcels located in the villages of Chandoiro, Lentellais, Outardepregos and Santa Cruz. After decades of conventional farming, the organic practices of Rafa have begun to revitalize the soils of these sites and Louro is becoming more complex with each vintage. Rafael Palacios Louro Godello 2019: A Radiant Expression of Galician Terroir The 2019 Louro pours a shimmering sun-kissed straw, hinting at the wine’s vibrant personality. A kaleidoscope of aromas unfolds initially with citrus notes leading the charge – think vibrant lime, grapefruit, and tangerine zest. These mingle with white florals like honeysuckle and acacia, adding a touch of elegance. Underlying all this are complex mineral nuances of crushed granite and seashells, whispering of the Galician terroir. As the wine opens up, hints of ripe orchard fruits like pear and quince emerge, adding richness and depth. The first sip is an explosion of freshness, with vibrant acidity playing against the textured richness of the wine. Citrus fruits reign again, joined by juicy nectarine and a touch of honeydew melon. The mineral notes translate beautifully to the palate, leaving a mouthwatering impression of salinity and wet stones. The mid-palate shows impressive weight and concentration, revealing the wine’s potential for ageing. The oak influence is subtle, adding a whisper of toast and spice without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long and lingering, echoing the citrus and mineral notes with a touch of white pepper and a lingering saline quality. Pair with a roast lemon chicken or scallops a la Jimmy.

Caminhos Cruzados Titular Reserva Branco 2020

A unique blend in the Dão region of Portugal, Caminhos Cruzados combined Encruzado, Malvasia Fina and Bical. What interesting about this blend is that its quite rare in Portugal but also has lovely complexity, ageability and texture. It was aged in for 6 months in old oak barriques. Caminhos Cruzados Titular Reserva Branco 2020 The palest of yellow gold with a tinge of green flecked edges, this darling’s characteristics is all about freshness and zingy minerality. The notes of citrus and tropical notes hit you first followed by the saline minerality. The first sip is lip smacking, you would think it was Chablis that’s how zingy it is. It reflects the aromas in the creamy texture with grapefruit, lemon zest, resin, hint of spice from the oak, dried pineapple, salted hazelnuts, ginger and a slight creamy texture. A 13% abv is a welcome refresher with a slight pithy finish that shows its colors lingeringly. A wine enjoyed with friends on a warm spring evening was very welcome. Thanks to Caminhos Cruzados for this lovely bottle that I have enjoyed before and will continue to do so.

Champagne Aubry Le Nombre d’Or 2014

A sunny afternoon spent with the “girls” calls for a bright Blanc de Blancs. The girls being my dear friend and her #chickens Delores, Big Red, Lucy, Lu, Betty White, Duchess, Lacey, Hazel 🐓 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝔸𝕦𝕓𝕣𝕪 𝕃𝕖 ℕ𝕠𝕞𝕓𝕣𝕖 𝕕’𝕆𝕣 𝟚𝟘𝟙𝟜 The Aubry family dates back to 1790 in Petit Montagne de Reims where their 16.5 hectares are divided into 60 parcels, many of which are planted on their original rootstocks (not affected by phylloxera). Twin brothers Pierre and Philippe, enologist and biologist respectively, focus on low yield and cœur de cuvée for their vintage champagnes. Their focus is on the less popular champagne grapes of Petit Meslier, Arbanne and Pinot Blanc as well as vinified in small old barriques. This particular cuvée is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 25% Arbanne,
25% Petit Meslier, 10% Pinot Blanc. A Brut Nature (zero dosage) and aged for 48+ months sur lie and disgorged February 2021
 The nervy bubbles are explosive, livening the pale gold color, The aromas are nervy with tons of white blossom accents, pastry, ginger and bergamot. A brash and breezy Blanc de blancs with very linear in it’s direction – ripe apple, pear and quince, savory minerals, acacia, honeysuckle, honey and citrus are the sensation is so grande and long in its persistance. We paired this champagne with a cheese from #Piemonte called La Tur – a dense, creamy blend of pasteurized cow, goat and sheep milk. Absolutely stunning. #wineandcheese #chickensofinstagram #hens #cheeseboard #cheese #winelover #cheeseandwine #cheeselover #whitewine #cheeseplatter #foodie #wineandfood #wineoclock #food #foodandwine #foodporn #grazingboard #cheeseplate #winery #grazingbox #wineanddine #grazingtable #foodstagram #winestagram

Frog’s Leap North Hill Truchard Vineyard Merlot 2017

𝕄𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘’ 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘, 𝕗𝕠𝕠𝕥𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕪-𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖. 𝔾𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕙𝕒𝕝𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕦𝕟, 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕞𝕖.- 𝕂𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔽𝕣𝕠𝕘 Leaping into summer with a single vineyard Merlot from 𝔽𝕣𝕠𝕘’𝕤 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕡 ℕ𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕙 ℍ𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕍𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕪𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕠𝕥 𝟚𝟘𝟙𝟟. This Napa Valley Merlot is always a delight. Family owned, #organic and #sustainable Frog’s Leap delivers smiles and happiness. Rich ruby color in the glass with an explosion of red plums, black cherry, blackberry, graphite, savory dried herbs, cocoa and vanilla bean. The first sip is terribly silky. It has a rich fruit core that’s perfectly balanced with the fine but grippy tannins and bright acidity. Rich flavors red fruit,chocoloate, earthy goodness ending on licorice, tobacco leaf and cloves plush texture that is oh so addictive. The greatness of #merlot is that it has the smooth structure and expressive flavors to hold up to any dish – roast chicken, charcoal grilled ribeye or grilled portobello mushrooms. Ribbit on my friends and let the smiles flow, happy Saturday !

Taboadella Encruzado

Taboadella Encruzado Reserva 2021 The Amorim family have been making wine for four generations in the Dão and Douro regions of Portugal. The single varietal series are focused on classical Dão regional grape varieties, in their purest form. Selected from two parcels (this case number 2 and 7) to create beautifully balanced terroir driven wines. Microclimate created/protected by mountains from northern winds and Atlantic influences, the 100% Encruzado grown on granite soils at 530 meters altitude. Hand harvested, whole bunches, fermented in a combination of 40% in used 500-litre French oak barrels, 30% in cement Tulipe tanks and 30% in stainless steel tanks. Pours into the glass a very light yellow color. The aromas are so mineral saline rich, if it’s possible you can smell the granite it’s so racy. The mouthfeel is linear with an exuberant acidity, such life to the flavors of highly balanced grapefruit, lemon zest, apple blossom, peach, lemon juice, saline, minerals, savory herbs oregano thyme rosemary ending on almond bread savory herbs. It is a wine layered medium bodied with with a direction has a present and a future.

George Laval Champagne “Cumieres” Premier Cru Brut Nature, NV

“ℂ𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕚𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕡𝕦𝕫𝕫𝕝𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕖𝕠𝕡𝕝𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕡𝕚𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕘𝕘𝕖𝕣 𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖” A hidden gem in the tiny village of Cumières, Vallée de la Marne, this 4th generation grower, George Laval began producing organic artisanal champagne in 1971. His son Vincent took over after his studies 25 years later. Their tiny estate of 2 hectares of seven parcels. The average age of the vines are 30 years up to 70 years. The use of holistic treatments such as physiotherapy, natropathy and essential oils to treat the vines as well as other organic practices. . What makes his approach so unique are: 1- he harvests later than most for optimal ripeness and never chaptalizes (hence the ….) , aged in neutral oak with ambient yeasts, 2- he bottles in the spring following harvest (+/- 10 months) which isn’t common practice , disgorged zero dosage after 18 months and released shortly thereafter. unfined and unfiltered 3 – This technically isn’t a vintage bottle because it hasn’t aged for 3 tmyears in the lees and is never a multi-vintage blend. However, the year of the harvest is revealed above as the last two digits in the item code- tricky devil isn’t he 😉 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝔾𝕖𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕖 𝕃𝕒𝕧𝕒𝕝  “ℂ𝕦𝕞𝕚𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤” ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕚𝕖𝕣 ℂ𝕣𝕦 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖, ℕ𝕍 This gem was harvested in 2017 and is a vibrant blend of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier Golden color with fresh aromas of red apple, wildflower honey, candied ginger, sea spray, bright citrus, chalky minerality, hint of toast and smoke. The bubbles have such energy in its persistence. Pure flavors of saline and earthy minerality are heightened by tightly coiled and mouthwatering acidity. The lemon zest, the citrus juice, apricot and tart apple, creamy texture with toast, toasted hazelnuts, smoke and carry in a long vinous finish. A firework of laser focused, and incredibly complex. It’s so incredibly pure and vibrant with energy You are captivated by its pure presence from the get go😃 forget the photos, the tasting notes. None of that matters. I was present in the moment with the people I was enjoying it with. Hence the photo I took a few days later with an experience I will vividly remember.

Champagne Henriot Brut Sourverain

𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮’𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓿𝓲𝓮. 𝓦𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰. – 𝓙𝓲𝓶 𝓗𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓸𝓷 Champagne Henriot has been female led #womenwinemakers from 1808 to today with cellar master Alice Tétienne at the helm. Apolline Henriot, newly widowed, was looking for a challenge. She was an industrious lady. She found her inspiration one day while flipping through How to Manage a Vineyard and Make Wine in the Champagne Region, which her great-uncle wrote. She wanted to make great wine and “she’d light on the beauty of her land.” Each cuvée tells a story of each #cru #terroir 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓶𝓹𝓪𝓰𝓷𝓮 𝓗𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓲𝓸𝓽 𝓑𝓻𝓾𝓽 𝓢𝓸𝓾𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓷 A blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier from 29 Grand Cru and Premier Cru from Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs with 30% of the blend from reserve wines a minimum of 36 months in the lees. Glistening light gold color with persistent, fine bubbles. The perfumed aromatics are filled with tart green apple and pear, stone fruit, acacia, toasty smoke, salted almonds and brioche. The first sip Is generous with ripe peach and nectarine, tart green apple and under ripe strawberry into vanilla pastry cream and caramel, with a pleasant bitter grapefruit and lime pith and finish. Mouth tingling lively acidity keeps this elegant well structured cuvée dancing harmoniously your mouth. Many thanks to @champagnehenriot for this bottle which created #champagnemoments at #narragansettbeach

Akberg Wines Ercis Karasi 2021

Akberg Wines Lethe Ercis Karasi 2021 Eastern Anatolia, Turkey This wine is a testament to Akberg’s dedication to reviving rare Anatolian grape varieties. The Ercis Karasi was nearly lost to history, and its rediscovery adds a fascinating layer to the wine’s story. I was incredibly impressed by this and their other wines, the freshness and craftsmanship is to be applauded and sought after. Pours into the glass a deep ruby red color with garnet hues, hinting at the wine’s age and potential complexity. On the nose, the Ercis Karasi grape’s unique character takes center stage. Pronounced notes of black fruit, like blackberry and plum, mingle with earthy undertones with a touch of coriander The first sip reveals a structured body with firm, yet elegant tannins. Flavors of dark cherry and plum unfold,echoing the aromas. Acidity is well-balanced, adding freshness and vibrancy to the overall mouthfeel. The finish is long and lingers with concentrated fruit notes, leaving a lasting impression. The winemaker, Guney Kose was a fellow judge at TWC and proudly received a Gold Medal for this wine at the 2023 competition. Congratulations!!