April Showers Leschi With Wine

SAVE THE DATE alert! The end of April brings our annual wine tasting event in partnership with the Lakewood Seward Park Community Club. Join friends and neighbors Saturday, April 28 from 7–9pm, and enjoy tasting wine while nibbling on appetizers and desserts. Only $25 gets you in the door to this annual can’t miss event. More info here: lspcc.org/wine-tasting. Leschi Market hopes to see you there.

Spring has officially arrived! Gone are the dark, gray, cold days. Spring brings cherry blossoms, baseball season, fresh cut grass, longer days, and of course, new wine. Featured here are some of Leschi Market’s favorite new arrivals.

RED

2015 Domaine Jean Royer Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition ($32.69)

“Far and away Royer’s best wine this year seems to finally pull together all of the ideas he’s been playing with (or maybe it discards them?). The blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre spent time in demi-muids and stainless steel and found harmony, developing lots of wonderfully silky, supple tannins that linger easily on the fruit-and-spice-laden finish. Terrific. Drink now through 2030.” ~Wine Advocate, 95-points.

2015 Les Trouvés Red Columbia Valley ($19.99)

“Mourvèdre and Syrah each make up 40% of this blend, with the balance Grenache. The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of garrigue, black pepper and blackberry. The palate is dense and ripe, pulling no punches but delivering a whole lot of hedonistic appeal. The value can’t be beat. Editors’ Choice.” ~Sean P. Sullivan, 92-points.

WHITE

2017 Ostatu Blanco Alavesa Rioja ($13.99)

Bodegas Ostatu is a family winery in the heart of the Rioja, protected by the Sierra Cantabria mountain range. Ostatu dedicates a single parcel to Viura, planted in chalk and clay soil, which gives this great Chablis-like minerality. The vines are approximately 60- to 70-years-old, and aging in neutral barrels adds weight and complexity. ~Technical notes.

2014 Giocato Sauvignon Blanc Goriska Brda Slovenia ($10.29)

“Giocato Sauvignon is a softly aromatic quality wine. Its soft fragrance is reminiscent of elder blossoms, dried grass and kiwi, which is complemented by the soft aroma of melon and ripe pear. In the mouth, it gives a smooth, fresh taste; it is medium bodied with a nicely pronounced acidity. Its after-taste is accompanied with the aroma of grapefruit.” ~Winemaker notes.

PINK

2017 SuLei Pinot Gris Rosé Crawford Vineyard Yakima Valley ($16.99)

“Crisp and bone dry. It highlights some delicate fruit flavors of white peach, honeydew melon and Alpine strawberry.” ~Winemaker notes.

2017 Tranche Pink Pape Rosé Blackrock Estate Vineyard Yakima Valley ($14.99)

“The 2017 Rosé is a blend of three traditional Châteaunuef-du-Pape varieties: Grenache, Counoise and Cinsault. Delicate aromas of lemongrass and honeydew. The wine falls effortlessly onto the palate as light alpine berry flavors combine with stone fruit qualities and crushed shale minerality. Driving acidity provides excellent focus and direction, lingering, mouthwatering finish.” ~Winemaker notes. A Leschi favorite!

2017 Erath Rosé of Pinot Noir Oregon ($11.99)

“The epitome of freshness, this peppy rosé titillates the senses with aromas of nectarine, rose petal and ripe, juicy Casaba melon. Buoyant acidity provides long-lasting flavors of apricot, tangelo and Fuji apple.” ~Winemaker notes.

Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket.