Wine Thursdays
This is a bi-monthly wine night for the physician team hosted at Arkana Labs in the 2001 conference room. These wine nights sometimes focus on a region or varietal or can be a hodge-podge mix of interesting wines we would like to try and share. The goal here is to decompress from the day, enjoy each other's company, and try some interesting wine!
December 12, 2024
2017 Vina Eguia Rioja
-93 WE, 90 JS
-This is a Rioja that is 100% Tempranillo and a blend from vineyards in Rioja with all vines >20 years old
-14.5% alcohol
-$10 (got it on half price sale)
2018 Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris
-92.5 CT, 91 TP
-This is an Alsatian Pinot Gris with a touch of sweetness which I’ve never tried before. Should be interesting and the high CT score is really intriguing as they tend to hate wines with any sweetness
-13.5% alcohol
-$26
2017 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva
-89.8 CT
-This is a Negroamaro from Salice Salentino in Puglia, Italy. I’ve never tried this varietal before so interested to see how this shows. Negroamaro typically should have black fruit and dried herbs so sounds a touch like a Cabernet Franc to me.
-13% alcohol
-$18
2022 Umani Ronchi Pecorino Vellodoro Terre di Chieti IGT
-92 JS, 88 CT
-This is another uncommon varietal, Pecorino from the Terre di Chieti region of Abruzzi in Italy. Supposed to be bright, citrusy and have a savory mineral character. I feel like this varietal is gaining in popularity. This particular brand is a standard bearer for this local varietal.
-12.5% alcohol
-$18
2020 Commanderie des Hospitaliers GSM
-91 JS
-After trying several Mourvèdre dominant blends like week I thought we should try a Grenache dominant GSM from the Languedoc, France this week for comparison. Reviews say cherries, earth, dark spices and peppercorn. Looking forward to this one.
-14% alcohol
-26
2021 Bodega Sur de los Andes Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
-91 JH, 91 WW, 90 JS
-A near 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Uco Valley and Lugan de Cuyo. Mixed aging in French Oak, American Oak, and stainless steel. Supposedly has a pyrazine (bell pepper) note in the finish which is interesting for a Malbec/Cab blend. Should be interesting.
-14% alcohol
-$14
December 5, 2024
2021 Cooper's Hawk Camille Festive
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This wine is made by Cooper's Hawk which is this interesting restaurant/winery chain in Missouri and the rust belt. It's an interesting and pretty singular model and I've enjoyed a lot of their wines. The Camille series is made by Emily Wines who is a Master of Wine and the entire series is focused on empowerment of women, hospitality and warmth. The previous Camille Audacious was one of the most delicious wines I've ever tasted. This is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Sonoma County in California. $60
2022 Field Recordings Skins
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If you've never tried an orange wine this is your chance. This is a cult favorite and I'm excited to try it. It is a blend of 34% Chenin Blanc, 18% Pinot Gris, 12% Colombard, 9% Xarel.lo, 8% Verdelho, 6% Vermentino, 3% Trousseau Gris, 3% Semillon, 3% Gewurztraminer, 2% Riesling, 2% Malvasia Bianca. I've never tried a few of these grapes so I have no idea what to expect! $25
2019 Domaine du Gros Nore Bandol
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Bandol is an appellation in Provence, France which specializes in a Mourvèdre dominant GSM blend that are considered complex and age worthy. I've never had a serious Bandol before so I'm excited about this one. Generally, these have black fruit, anise, and garrigue on a medium body and can be a touch austere. $60
2020 Duemani Cabernet Franc CiFRA
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https://www.wine.com/product/duemani-cifra-cabernet-franc-2020/1041621
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While I'm not the biggest fan of Cabernet Franc this varietal is definitely having a moment right now. This is a Tuscan Cab Franc that supposedly has all red and black fruit and earthy flavors but also a good bead of acidity that balances it. I've been wanting to try this bottle for a while. $36
2021 Conundrum Wines Rose
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I actually really like Conundrum wines and think they are good QPR. However, I had never tried their rose so I bought a bottle and never got to it so I thought it would be good to see what we all thought. Hopefully, this will be good but I honestly have no idea. It's made from the Valdigue grape which is super uncommon. $20
2018 Bodegas Volver Monastrell Tarima Hill Old Vines
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https://www.wine.com/product/bodegas-volver-tarima-hill-old-vines-2018/988174
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In Spain, Mourvedre is called Monastrell. This wine hails from the Alicante region in Valencia which is in central Spain. This site supposedly has harsh growing conditions with low yields so sounds like a good recipe for a highly concentrated Mourvedre. If you like this, they apparently sometimes sell it at Costco, although I bought it elsewhere. $22
