American Express coined the phrase, “Membership Has its Privileges” and we at Nectar agree. With a slight twist, we think memberSIP has its privileges. Many of you are familiar with, and have even joined our popular Club Nectar annual discount program. Yearlong savings and complimentary tastings provide a lot of happy sipping. In response to many requests, we are excited to announce a NEW wine club.

Introducing THE QUARTERLY SIP

You’ve discovered the wineries at Nectar. You even have a few of your favorite wines. The Quarterly Sip gets you our best discount on new wines, exclusive releases and some of your tried and true stand bys. There is NO cost to join and you will receive 4 “shipments” of wine each year. At the time of each shipment, we’ll have a huge pick up party just for members with appetizers, entertainment, and samples. Check out the benefits and sign up today.

• Four “shipments” per year (one per quarter)
• Four –Five wines including new releases, exclusive wines and current favorites
• 20% off selected wines
• Four complimentary wine tasting passes for you to use or share ($20 value)
• 10% off any other wine purchases
• Quarterly pick up party
• Only $99 (billed quarterly)

2011 Quarterly Sips will be May 30, August 31, November 16

Out of town but still want to sip? Shoot us an email and we’ll get you signed up. Additional shipping of $19.95 will apply. info@nectartastingroom.com

We hope you’ll join. Enjoy life with friends and Drink Happy!

Earlier this year I made the observation that I’ve tasted a lot of wine from Washington. While I’m a huge fan of Washington Wine, I made the comment that I needed to expand my horizons and tasting experiences. So far, I’ve been fortunate this year to enjoy wine from Bordeaux, South Africa, Beaujolais (notes coming soon), Chile, and Italy. In 2010 only 1 non-American wine made my top 10 list – a Chilean red blend of Syrah, Cabernet, Carmenere, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Mourvedre. Chile makes a lot of wine. In fact, they are the fifth largest exporter of wine in the world. In all, I’ve officially explored about 20 Chilean wines in regular tastings and Wines of Chile tastings.

• Wines of Chile – Red Blends
• Wines of Chile – Sauvignon Blanc

I’m impressed by the focus on engaging wine bloggers to “get the word out” about the various regions of Chile. While I recently participated in a Chilean wine tasting called #redblends, the following wines were sent by Vina Santa Carolina winery. With over 125 years of history and heritage in seven Chilean wine regions, Vina Santa Carolina showcases quality wine at a value.

The NectarView

2010 Santa Carolina Reserva Pinot Noir

Approximately right in the middle of the long narrow country of Chile is the region of Maule Valley. This 100% Pinot Noir is fairly substantive in the glass with a thicker than expected crimson color. The cooler climate Pinot starts off like many of the Chilean wines I’ve had lately with hints of burnt rubber. After letting this wine sit for about an hour the magic shines through. A very soft perfumed blueberry is shy in the glass. Subtle candy aromas come out as well. In the mouth the wine is soft on the front palate but offers a touch of sweetness, light tannin and pepper on the back end and finish. The 14.5% alcohol is well balanced with the acidity. A little research shows that this wine is available online for around $10. A fantastic value even at $20. Easily a 3+/5 and a tremendous buy for any Pinot Noir lover.

• 88pts Robert Parker and Best Buy from Wine Enthusiast

2008 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon

Hailing from the HOT Maipo Valley is the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The weight of the muscular heavy bottle shouts strength and power. In the glass the wine is dark, thick and inky. The 12 months in new French oak help to impart a nicely balanced aroma of dark chocolate and toast. EVEN more aromas of dark red fruit jump out of the glass along with hints of holiday baking spices (think pumpkin).  In the mouth this wine is a full bodied delight of fruit, cedar and oak. While lacking an evolving flavor profile the straight forward approach is tastefully done. Put Napa on this wine and you’ve got a price tag of $39. This Chilean wine comes in at under $20. 3+/5

• 88 Pts Wine Enthusiast

2008 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Carmenere

Chile’s flagship grape, previously mistaken for Merlot, shines bright in this wine. The 12 months in French oak are not overpowering and offer the perfect balance of fruit and thickness. After a brief decanting the wine loses the notable burnt rubber aroma and gives way to a beautiful minty blackberry aroma. Smelling this wine was almost as enjoyable as drinking it. The wine is dark and intense in the glass. A slight herbaciousness on the nose gives way to a very complex flavor of red fruit, baking spice and thick plum. A light tannin joins the medium finish on the back end. I often describe wine as being ‘one note wonders’ or just offering ‘two dimensions.’ This Carmenere is the full package of aroma and complex flavor. Again, under $20, scores a strong 4/5.

• Robert Parker 90 Pts

In conclusion, these are three wines that I will not only keep my eyes out for, they are wines I will strongly endorse in the good tasting under $20 range. Go Chile – keep up the great work!

Spokane celebrates Spring with the annual Spokane Winery Association’s, Spring Barrel Tasting. For 25 years, Spokane wineries have opened their doors to wine lovers of all ages (21 and over of course) on Mother’s Day Weekend. Spring marks the time when many of the years previous vintages are ready for release and gives oenophiles an opportunity to try wine that is still in the wine making process.

This year two wineries and one new tasting room join the association giving happy sippers 18 locations to enjoy 24 local and regional wineries. Bridge Press Cellars, the most recent addition to the Spokane Winery Association and eMVy Cellars, the proud project of Mark and Valerie Wilkerson will be celebrating the grand opening of the newest tasting room space at 32 W. 2^nd Ave next to Sun People Dry Goods in the Spokane Public Market. Also joining in the Spring Barrel Tasting is Nectar Tasting Room where five Washington wineries share a co-op space at 120 N. Stevens.

Spring Barrel Tasting festivities are from 11AM – 5PM Friday through Sunday, May 6-8. Many wineries will be celebrating their newest releases and will be offering discounts on current and new vintages. Wine tasting gives you a chance to “try before you buy” ensuring you find a wine that you love. Tasting fees may apply and many wineries will waive the tasting fee with the purchase of a bottle.

CLICK HERE to download a Spokane Winery Association map

Nectar Tasting Room Spring Barrel Tasting

While we don’t have barrels at the tasting room, you can choose to taste 5 wines from 5 Washington State wineries. Enjoy a newly released Malbec, a gold medal winning 2010 Viognier, or celebrate Spring with a refreshing Sangiovese Rose. In total, 10 wines will be available and for $5 you can taste 5 (refundable with the purchase of a bottle). Look for a special ½ price case sale as well as other discounts.

Need a special gift for mom? We’re excited to be featuring aNeMonE paper flower arrangements this weekend. These unique arrangements are beautiful and will last far longer than a traditional flower.

End your day on Friday with the First Friday celebration that includes photography from Mark Anthony Productions and music from Spokane favorite Darrin Hilderbrand. Music starts at 6:30 and the party goes well into the night usually wrapping up around 10pm. If you’re out and about on Saturday night come by at 9PM for Spokane’s favorite wine party, The Final Sip. For only $10 you get to sample up to 8 of any of the wines we have open (usually 20-30 bottles).

Nectar will also be open on Sunday from 11AM – 5PM. Bring mom by and treat her to a unique wine tasting experience.

SALE WINES

• Anelare 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $33 (reg $44)
• Hard Row To Hoe 2007 Barbera $18 (reg $24)
• Northwest Cellars 2009 Chardonnay $12 (reg $16)
• Northwest Cellars 2007 Cabernet $18 (reg $24)
• Skylite Cellars 2009 Viognier $15 (reg $19)
• Skylite Cellars 2009 Dry Rose $15 (reg $19)
• Terra Blanca 2008 Riesling $10.50 (reg $14)
• Terra Blanca 2006 Syrah $120 case (reg $240)

7 Tips for Spring Barrel Tasting Weekend

1. Drink water, then drink more water
2. You don’t have to finish every wine sample
3. Don’t hog the tasting bar, make room for others
4. Make a purchase. When you find a wine you like support the local economy and buy it.
5. Eat, take a break for lunch and snacks. Drinking on an empty stomach means trouble
6. Don’t wear heavy perfume.
7. Most importantly…bring a designated driver

Let’s try a little word association game. I say Malbec you say <fill in the blank>. Let’s continue, I say value $10 and under wine, you say <insert thoughts here>. I would venture to guess that the same words might apply to both for a good majority of wine drinkers. Argentinian Malbec has crushed the “value to quality” category over the last few years becoming the fastest growing wine category.

For years Argentinians consumed 90% of the wine they produced (which was a lot at the tune of 60 bottles per capita). This decade has seen a massive shift in the amount of wine exported. Chances are, if you’ve had Malbec, you’ve had wine from Argentina (to the chagrin of the French folks from Cahors).

When I received a box of eight Malbec under the guise of Malbec Madness, I couldn’t help but pair the wine with the exciting college basketball happening in March and early April. I recognized a few of the labels from purchases at a local market and was excited to put the wines to the test with my own Malbec Madness bracket. At first the wines were tasted without looking at the notes. I didn’t want the price points to sway my initial judgment, so I tasted them semi-blind (maybe blurry is a better term – especially after tasting through all 8). There were a few immediate stand outs, but I set aside my notes, re-corked the wines and decided to re-visit them later…over the Elite 8 games.

I decided to pair the wines in an Elite 8 format with the 1-8 seeds based on price point.

Round 1

07 Trapiche Icons ($55) vs. 09 Falling Star ($6)

The 1/8 seed match up was a disjointed sloppy mess of a game. The Icons came out ready to dominate. With a bottle twice the weight of the Falling Star it seemed as if the wine didn’t even matter. Once the game began the 07 Trapiche showed its power with 18 months of aging in new French Oak and amazing aromas of perfume, espresso, and spice. The wine was thick in the mouth without being overbearing. “Oh my god, this is good,” was the play of the night. The Falling Star committed too many turnovers to compete but showed a hint of flare with a bright juicy candy and banana aroma followed with a soft and elegant mouth feel. In the end the sharp off putting finish and lack of multi-dimensional game plan kept this wine from making a game of it.

07 Trapiche Icons Malbec (Mendoza) 4/5

09 Falling Star Malbec (Mendoza) 3/5

10 Michael Torino ($13) vs. 08 Trapiche Oak Cask ($10)

On paper this was a pretty even match up (4 seed vs. 5 seed). The high elevation M. Torino was is a young team with very little experience playing well against the extended maceration 08 Trapiche which spent 12 months in French and American oak. In the end the intensity of the Trapiche and its bold blackberry and vanilla smooth texture won out over the shallow and tart play of the M. Tornio (lacked any layers of fruit or flavor).

08 Trapiche Oak Cask (Mendoza) 3+/5

10 Michel Torino Malbec (Cafayate Valley) 3/5

08 M. Torino Don David ($16) vs. 10 Astica ($6)

This 2/7 seed match up was close until half time. At that point the experience and varied flavor of the Michel Torino Don David came through. With a super thick black core producing aromas of plum, raisin, and almonds the depth of flavor was superior to the restrained nose under-ripe fruit and semi-sweet profile of the Astica. Both wines are very fruit forward but lacked the depth of game to compete at the next level. It will be an interesting round two match up for the M. Torino.

08 Michel Torino Don David Malbec (Cafayate Valley) 3/5

10 Astica Malbec (Cuyo) 3-/5

08 Trapiche Broquel ($15) vs. 09 Trapiche Varietals ($7.50)

The 3/6 seed match up was a very well played game. Both wines showcased their Mendoza fruit forward heritage. For over 125 years Trapiche has been making fine Argentinean wine. With a little sibling rivalry the Trapiche Broquel shows more age spending 25 days of extended maceration in concrete and 15 months in French and American oak. The youthful Trapiche Varietals comes out strong with elegant fruit and hints of rosemary, vanilla and evergreen tree. The soft fruit feel is accented by pencil lead, medium tannin and a good finish. The Broquel also scores with chalk and pencil lead but in the end shows its strength by displaying strong characteristics of blueberry, vanilla smoke and a long finish. At $15 this is a very good bargain.

08 Trapiche Broquel Malbec (Mendoza) 3+/5

09 Trapiche Varietals Malbec (Mendoza) 3/5

Round 2

Round two sees the dominant #1 seed Trapiche Icons advance to play the under $10 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec. The #2 and #3 seed wines advanced with solid play making for a solid second round match up between 08 Michel Torino Don David and the 08 Trapiche Broquel.

The 1/5 match up between the two Trapiche wines was a well played game sure to go down as a classic. Far outmatched the 08 Oak Cask kept pace for most of the game with the 07 Icons. In the end the depth of flavor and aroma of the Icons proved to be too overwhelming. At just $9.99, the Trapiche Oak Cask is a solid wine worthy of many evening sips. Great work keeping pace with a wine 5x its price.

The 2/3 Match up pitted two well matched teams from different areas but of similar price points ($15). Michel Torino Don David (the favorite) started strong but in the end the subtle tannin and long finish of the Trapiche Broquel won out.

The Final

This 1/3 match up was extremely mis-matched in price points ($55 to $15) but very well matched in overall flavor, structure and intensity. While the Broquel fits in to the standard price point for a daily drinker, the Trapiche Icons dominated the boards with a consistent flavor, structure, balance, and finish that showed why it is deserving of the price point.

Overall Winner –07 Trapiche Icons Malbec (4/5)

Best Value – 09 Trapiche Varietals (3/5)

Solid – 08 Trapiche Broquel (3+/5)

Visit Trapiche ON THE WEB – ON TWITTER and ON FACEBOOK

By Clive Pursehouse

Cognac is difficult beverage to wrap your head around and one that I came upon only recently. It’s a wine eau-de-vie, doubly distilled in copper stills and aged in very specific oak casks; it drips with historical and traditional significance, method and practice. Just when you think you might have it cornered, it often eludes and surprises you. That a drink with such origins moves so adeptly through modernity speaks to the sensuality of the beverage. It’s a true beauty, both in process and in the glass.

The French region of Cognac appears on a map like a bullseye. As you move your finger toward the center of the region, you pass through the various crus, or growing areas, of Cognac, from the Bois Ordinaires through the Borderies and into Grand Champagne. The soils, largely limestone and clay, provide the backdrop for the Ugni Blanc grape, and as the terroir becomes more exclusive territory, the grapes provide more finesse and proper acidity for the longer term aging that awaits the region’s most prized brandy. The Grand Champagne Cognacs will very regularly see multiple decades in casks of oak that generally hail from Limousin or Troncais.

Like all vinifera, the St. Emilion grape, Ugni Blanc (or Trebbiano as it is often known through Europe), has moved throughout the world looking for its best possible home. This white wine grape is the second most widely grown grape in the world and its vigorous vines produce thick-skinned grapes that explode with acidity. While it’s made into many a white wine and is probably best displayed in Umbria’s Orvieto Classico, it’s clearly found its true calling in Cognac. The distilling process and long barrel aging provide a perfect example of man’s ingenuity making the most of nature’s bounty. The beautiful aromas of a well aged Cognac prove that only time and patience allow us to see what this fruit can truly do.

So what of Cognac and its place in a wine lover’s home? It’s grown and harvested with the same care and reverence as our beloved Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah before it’s aged and blended to find that perfect balance of flavor and aroma. The time cognac spends in the finest of oak mellows the wine and impart it with flavors of toast and nuttiness and its color (imparted by its time in cask) ranges from a light tan to a burnt sienna.

So how does a wine blogger approach this Cognac mystery, this wine distilled and aged in oaken casks? By tasting it, of course. Never one to be overly scientific, I also wanted to taste some other examples of the varietal, and so I got my hands on some Orvieto Classico. (I know, it’s a whole other country. I’m covered, though – didn’t you just read the bit about not being scientific?) I tasted the Orvieto alongside a V.S. Cognac and a V.S.O.P. The V.S. (Very Special) designation means a Cognac sees at least two years of barrel aging though in many cases more. The V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) spent at least a decade in French oak. Many of the large Cognac producers, or houses, actually do in-house cooperage.

As a wine, the Orvieto Classico is a study in contrasts. The nose opens up quickly, even when chilled. There are floral notes abounding on this wine, but one sip and you’re left scratching your head. There are slight grass notes, a bit of straw, notable acidity, but no finish to speak of. I hold a special place in my heart for Orvieto the Italian hill town, but the Trebbiano-based white wine leaves me hanging.

That same vinifera varietal, known in France as Ugni Blanc, is the country’s second most planted varietal. The primary reason is the production of Cognac. The V.S. (Very Special) was a blend of the Fin Bois and Petit Champagne crus. It sees minimal aging but the tawny butterscotch color and the vanilla undertones speak to the time spent in oak. The wine, er, I mean Cognac, had a light nose of vanilla, beeswax and dried rose petals. Flavors of smoke, and dried figs and raisins came across the palate.

The V.S.O.P (Very Superior Old Pale) was a blend of the Grand Champagne and Petits Champagne crus (with at least 50% of Grande Champagne). In Cognac terms, this qualifies it under the Fine Champagne classification. This Cognac had a darker caramel hue and was loaded with vanilla and coffee aromatics. The depth and complexity of this Cognac was immediately evident, and for this neophyte, frankly a bit surprising. The Cognac hinted at dark cinnamon flavors, which gave way to cloves, prunes and tobacco. The Cognac was layered with flavors and its finish lingered on the palate a long time.

This wine guy was impressed. In Cognac wine drinkers will find a kindred spirit (pun intended). Cognac and wine have much in common, including their shared origins in the vineyard, the marriage to oak casks or barrels, the concept of terroir, the acknowledgement of the place that the grapes come from, and ultimately the patience that their handlers display. If you haven’t considered Cognac, perhaps it’s time you do.

About the Author:

Clive Pursehouse is the Washington Correspondent for The Oregon Wine Blog. He has spent the last year and a half discovering the nuance, passion and people that make the wines of Washington state so dynamic. He lives in Seattle with his lovely wife Gwynne where he holds down a paying job. He enjoys exploring the wines of Washington and Oregon, racing his bicycle and being handsome.  You can contact him at clive@theoregonwineblog.com if you need any pointers on any of those areas.