Spring Wine Has Sprung

Happy Spring Leschi! It actually feels as if winter has finally left us. Spring brings forth fresh beginnings, longer days, and of course, new wines! Following are TEN of the Market’s newest, hottest wines to arrive. Here are a few new red, white and rosé to check out over the next month.

Not to be missed: Leschi Cellars newest releases are included here too—the return of our very popular Rosé of Syrah, and the first ever Willamette Valley Pinot Noir! Both are outstanding and have been met with great fanfare upon hitting the shelves. Enjoy! –KB

RED

2016 DeLille Cellars D2 Columbia Valley ($42)

“2016 D2, the 25th vintage of this remarkable cuvee, leaps from the glass with an impressive and inviting abundance of fruit aromas, including pomegranate, fresh blueberry and currant. Restrained oak influence enrobes the fruit, adding essences of cocoa nibs and cherry cordial. Dense and vibrant on the palate, with a pure fruit core, this wine offers elegant tannin and remarkable integration. Incredibly balanced barrel influence and Cabernet presence supports an extended finish.” –Winemaker Notes.

2015 Sous Sol Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard Yakima Valley ($32)

“Sous Sol is very excited for our newly released 2015 Cabernet from the acclaimed DuBrul Vineyard. We are excited to be working alongside Hugh and Kathy Shiels to emulate a true terroir driven project. A nice finessed wine with a bouquet of spice, dark cocoa and mild tobacco with an elegant, textured mouthfeel of dark currant and an earthiness that finishes with supple grape tannins.” –Winemaker Notes.

2017 Leschi Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($20)

“Leschi Cellars is proud to introduce Pinot Noir to the stable of wines. This one of a kind Pinot Noir accurately captures the elegance and complexity created by the volcanic soils of Oregon. The blackberry and cherry aromas give way to finely developed tannins, mushroom and earth on the lengthy, dry Burgundian finish. A great match for Northwest salmon or Leschi Market’s roast chicken. –KB’s Tasting Notes.

2017 Yves Cuilleron “Les Vignes d’à Côté” Syrah Vin de France ($18)

Yves Cuilleron, who makes his home in Chavanay, in the northern Rhône, is widely regarded as one of the rising stars on the French wine scene. The Les Vignes d’à Côté Syrah is Cuilleron’s entry-level Syrah, however it is far from entry-level in quality. Lovely notes of crushed black currant and violets abound in this very pretty Syrah, and the wine exhibits a fine balance between lush fruit and good acidity.

WHITE

2018 Big Salt White Table Wine Oregon ($17)

Founded in 2011 by husband-and-wife duo John House and Ksenija Kostic. They set off to investigate the myriad terroirs of Oregon. They have found sites with blustery Pacific winds, extreme diurnal shifts and rocky, well-draining soils. Their work is among the most compelling white winemaking throughout the Pacific Northwest. This is incredibly limited and Leschi Market is fortunate to have some to share with customers.

2017 Vinosìa Greco di Tufo “L’Ariella” Italy ($16)

Here since 1887, a simple farming family produces unsurpassed traditional wines from the region with minimal impact on the environment. 100% Greco di Tufo from a sustainably farmed, single-vineyard in the core of the district. Powerful aromas of apricot, peach and citrus on the nose; while on the palate mineral and floral notes are framed by apple and pear flavors.

2017 Lobo Hills Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley ($14)

“This wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel, with rocks from the vineyard included in the tanks. After starting out just a touch reduced, it opens to reveal aromas of kiwi, white grapefruit, mineral and herb. The palate is sleek in style with electric acidity. It’s a racy acid white at a terrific price. Pair it with ceviche. Editors’ Choice.” –Sean P. Sullivan, 91-points.

ROSÉ

2018 Domaine Carrel Eugene Rosé Vin De Savoie ($14)

The clear ruby color leads you to the red fruit aromas (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries). The wine is round and appetizing. 80% Gamay and 20% Mondeuse. This wine goes well with cured meat, red and white meats as well as some exotic dishes. Rediscover this refreshing Rosé from the French Alps! A very limited pink. The 2017 vintage sold out before July last year.

2018 Leschi Cellars Rosé Columbia Valley ($13)

“We struck gold again with this delightfully vibrant and refreshing dry Rosé. Tangy salmonberry and rhubarb notes accentuate strawberry fruit. Starts supple, ends with enticing zip. Made for lingering over a leisurely meat of grilled rosemary lamb or Tuesday Chinese takeout.” –Catherine Reynolds’ tasting notes. We doubled our production for the 2018 vintage in hopes of having this around into August.

2018 Underground Wine Project Mr. Pink Rose Columbia Valley ($11)

Mr. Pink, THE cult Rosé is here, and better than ever! Yes, it’s pink, packed with flavors full of fresh Rainier cherries, crisp watermelon and pomegranates, with lip smacking acidity that balances out that mouth-watering fruit. Make Mr. Pink your “go to” rosé for whatever the occasion.

CHEERS! ENJOY!

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 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.