2011 Wine

Although the more familiar examples of Vermentino come from northern Italy (particularly Liguria) and the island of Sardinia, the grape variety is also found in France, where it is usually referred to as Rolle. Château Pigoudet, located in the north of the “Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence” appellation, has done something quite innovative here, blending the plump, floral Vermentino (85%) with the bright, steely Sauvignon Blanc (15%), to create a light, cool, sophisticated wine that's as airily refreshing as a Mediterranean breeze. Brilliant pale yellow in color, this offers fresh, floral flavors and aromas of peach, almond and Provençal herbs, with notes of white grape jam hovering in the background.

Once again proprietor Alfred Tesseron has produced a wine of first-growth potential. One of the superstars of the vintage, Pontet-Canet’s 2011 exhibits an opaque purple color and a glorious bouquet of incense, subtle toast and copious quantities of creme de cassis. There is a floral underpinning, decent acidity and ripe tannin to this full-bodied effort. Big, rich, round and generously endowed, it should drink well for 20-25+ years.

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from our Horse Heaven Vineyard delivers aromas of ripe pear and notes of citrus fruit. The wine was fermented in a combination of oak and stainless steel tanks. The stainless steel fermentation preserved the Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrant character and refreshing, crisp quality.

The 2011 Eroica Riesling exhibits aromas and flavors of white peach, grapefruit and sweet lime with subtle mineral notes. The mouth-watering acidity is beautifully balanced by flavorful Washington Riesling fruit. After more than a decade we have truly found our “Eroica style,� striving for beautiful bright fruit with crisp acidity and enhanced mineralilty.

Pear, lime zest, and apricot blossom aromas awaken the senses. The mid-palate expands into a rich and long finish. Melon and lychee are supported by flinty minerality, making this wine a perfect pairing for spicy dishes.

Colour: Intense and deep purple red colour. Aroma: Very expressive fruit with outstanding mature berries, forest fruit joined with delicate hints of coffee and toast coming from the barrels. Palate: From the start, it’s a remarkable expression of Carmenere thanks to the typical fruit like plums, blackberries and some spicy touches. The tannins are polished and long with a medium body at the end. Food Pairing: It expresses marvelously well with game meat, garnished with sweet-and-sour sauces and berries.

This wine shows the essence of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Totally fermented in stainless steel tanks, the emphasis is to maintain the vineyard’s character. It has lots of fruit, no wood and is extremely balanced, perfect to be offered by glasses. It also has the structure to accompany main dishes. An intense deep ruby red color, clear and bright, with a marked bouquet of ripe berries typical of Maipo valley. The aromas give way to mature plums and spice. In mouth, it is fresh, with good acidity and firm, velvety tannins and light notes of black fruits, typical of variety. This is an ideal wine to accompany all types of red meats, such as beef or pork ribs, as well as cold cuts and dishes with medium to spicy seasoning. Pairs well with stewed beef, meat carpaccio, ovencooked pastries, stuffed cold meat and sausage