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The
first days of November have brought a wave of Fall
wines to the Renegade front door. Pinot Noir from
the farthest reaches of Patagonia, epic Chardonnay
from the Chablis titan Raveneau, Lulu & Lucien's
Bandol.
2018
Paul Bara Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé
$92
From
a powerhouse of a vintage comes this dynamo of a
Champagne. Bright, electric, luscious, with creamy,
mineral driven notes of pear and honey, white fruit
merging with subtle red berry notes, edging into the
tropical realm. Wow what a bottle! And don't confine
yourself to appetizers with this one. This will
happily pair with roast chicken, breaded pork cutlets,
and...wait for it...Roasted
Beef Tenderloin.
2022
Vincent Pinard Sancerre Cuvée Flores
(France, Loire Valley, Sancerre) $42
Vincent Pinard's
Florès comes from a collection of vineyards in Bué
(Some of the most prized vineyards in Sancerre are
here, alongside Chavignol). Aged in stainless steel
tanks, this classic, racy Sauvignon Blanc infurls
illustrious aromatics, fabled citrus notes, ripe
juicy acidity, and a strong complex terroir
dimension. Not familiar with Pinard? We encourage
the introduction.
2023
Champalou Vouvray (France, Loire Valley,
Vouvray)
$28
While we took
extensive notes while tasting this wine, it's best
to let the expert explain:
"It’s
hard to believe that nearly thirty-five years have
passed since we first began importing Didier and
Catherine Champalou’s wines. Few producers in the
wine world boast such a consistent record, where
each release is an honest and reliable ambassador
to an appellation, a grape, and an entire region.
The Champalous are masters of Loire Chenin Blanc,
producing Vouvray in all styles; this still, dry
rendition, aged in stainless steel, represents
their flagship cuvée. Gentle and refreshing on the
palate, it boasts a delightful balance of stony
minerality with luscious, almost honeyed fruit and
flowery notes, making for a great apéritif or easy
pairing with all sorts of dishes." -Kermit Lynch
2023
Peter Lauer Neuenberg Riesling N°17
(Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer)
$64
This is bonkers wine
here; also one of Lauer’s rarest and most dazzling.
It
is luxurious and textural and glycerin-rich and
layered. It is the Saar’s response to the
generosity and exoticism of a wine like Meursault
Genevrieres. A good decant or a few years in the
cellar can do a lot bring out the depth of this
wine. Funny you should ask what to pair this with;
Steak. Not kidding!
$36
For
the dedicated wine taster who finds themselves in
Buenos Aires with nothing to do, we suggest
renting a car and driving 14 hours South and West
for an intimate visit with Piero Incisa della
Rocchetta, founder of this wild, magnificent
winery. But make sure he's there before you get in
the car.
And
how, you may ask, did this winery come exist? Jean
Marc Roulot (yes, that Roulot) was at dinner at
Guillaume d’Angerville’s place (yes, him) with
their friend Piero (see above)....It all began
with a dinner.
Oh! And the wine?
Vivid!
2021
Domaine Tempier Bandol Lulu & Lucien
(France, Provence, Bandol)
$56
When
you reach legendary status there's not much more
one can add.
Perhaps a simple reminder: that the first
encounter, Kermit Lynch and the Tempier
family, began in a warm kitchen in 1976.
As for the 2021
vintage here, it is one of our recent favorites,
full of finesse and grip. And we like that it has a
bit more Mourvedre in the blend this time around:
75% Mourvedre, 14% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, 2%
Carignan.
2019
Tommaso Bussola Ripasso della Valpolicella
Classico Superiore
Ca' del Laito (Italy, Veneto)
$35
When
a reporter asked Giuseppe Quintarelli, a few years
back, who would achieve your status in a decades'
time. Without hesitation he replied, 'Tommaso
Bussola'.
Ca’del
Laito is a place-name for a vineyard that
straddles the ridge above Quintarelli. As the
saying goes: great neighbors, great wines.
A complex,
full-bodied wine with great aromatics and
complexity. Dark cherry, blackberry, rich
undercurrents of mocha, dark chocolate, and spice,
with a lingering finish. A wine for the table this
holiday season.
Call
805.568.1961 or email
us if interested.
We appreciate your support!
Renegade
Wines
417 Santa Barbara Street Suite A-6
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-568-1961
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