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White Spring Sipper on Sale
I know some of you saw the subject line and thought, "Who wears slippers in the Spring?"... it's okay... I wrote it, then cracked myself up misreading it...
Domaine Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2011 – Sale $11.99 net / reg. $16.99 – save 29%!
(no review – previous vintage - 90 pts Wine Advocate)
We first discovered this gem in the winter, with the previous 2010 vintage. Sales were brisk, but requests for more were unfortunately denied… we had cleaned the distributor out! We’ve eagerly awaited the arrival of the new vintage… and have loaded up with plenty for all! Well… maybe (hopefully)…
Distributors keep asking me what I am looking for... I am looking for WOW! whites... not just good, quaffable wines, but something that makes me say "WOW!". Here ya go...
Produced by famed Rhone producer Michel Chapoutier at his estate in the wild region of Roussillon, this is an unoaked blend of Grenache Blanc, Macabeo (Viura), and Grenache Gris. Like his Rhone properties, the vineyards’ cultivation has been converted to biodynamic practices. Whether cause or coincidence, there has been a dramatic rise in quality, yet pricing remains wonderfully low!
A kaleidoscope of aromas waft from the glass… ahh… sitting on the porch, just a sniffin’ and a sipplin’… an intro of pink grapefruit is quickly subsumed by notes of honeysuckle and peony, along with both tropical and citrus fruits, melon and meyer lemon, and a hint of a flinty smokiness. More of the same in the mouth… then there is this super-cool, wine-geek kind of thing going on… the wine has a “saline” quality to it… not salty… but a minerality that reflects itself in a mouthwatering, savory way that begs you to drink more… and more… With air (if it lasts that long), the wine takes on more richness and depth, yet never loses its refreshing appeal.
The winery’s website suggests pairing with stuffed squid. That would be quite delicious, but I realize that may not be in everyone’s wheelhouse. Still, the suggestion of seafood combined with richer accompaniment is a great one. Paella, perhaps? Maybe pasta, tossed with shrimp and a little sausage? Surf and turf of a sort…