Newsletter
December, 2000
- Creme de la Creme
- Utterly Incredible Values
- Party & Mass Consumption Wines
- Rare Treasures
- Desserts
- Bubbles
- Rare Champagnes
- Archives
T'was the week before Christmas
and all through the store,
we were stocking and cleaning
and sweeping the floor.
Construction cones were placed
at the door with great care,
in hopes that our customers
soon would be there.With Jim in his kerchief and Peggy in her cap,
we were about to settle down
for a much needed nap.
When out in the street we heard such a clatter,
we ran to the door to see what was the matter.Well what in our parking lot should appear,
but a convoy of customers
wanting fine wine and fine beer.
“Thank you for coming,” we all said in unison,
especially with all the construction confusion.For those of you not wanting to travel Uintah
—visit our website—tell ‘em we sent ya.
We offer delivery for a nominal fee,
at your door service—how nice would that be?Just one more verse and this poem is through,
to all of our customers we say thank you.
We hope your holiday is filled with good cheer,
and we wish you the best
in the coming New Year.
Christmas Celebration Sale
Creme de la Creme
1993 Rubissow Sargent – Les Trompettes $29.99/ Sale $25.99: A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. The grapes are hand picked from the steep, south facing slopes on Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley. It is vinified in the classic Bordeaux style. Soft, elegant and subtle the wine is drinking well now but could cellar for 5-6 years. Only 211 cases produced.
1998 Chateau Mongravey, Margaux, Regularly $26.99/Sale 23.99: Whenever we see the name “Margaux”, we drift back to Margaux Hemingway, conceived by Jack Hemingway, he claimed, after quaffing a bottle of Chateau Margaux (thus the name and a superior moniker than say, Lynch-Bages). This is silken and satin like her “Lipstick” performance.
1997 Chateau La Becasse, Pauillac, Regularly $34.99/Sale $31.99: Said of this, the perfect “soi-disant” wine authority, Robert Parker, “One of the top ten small producers.” It’s wondrously minty and earthy. And it has rich neighbors—Latour and Pichon Baron. If you are into what your neighbors do. We have a telescope too. Opens up in the glass.
1997 Consentino Pinot Noir, Regularly $24.99/Sale $22.99: Unfiltered, unfined, hands-off production methods are the keys here. The resulting wine is deep, dusky and complex. Impressive for a California Pinot. Appealing dark fruit in the nose and in the mouth.
1997 Consentino Merlot, Regularly $23.99/Sale $21.99: Yet another success for the people from Consentino. Made by punch-cap fermentation, rather than the common “remontage” (pumping over of must) used for most Bordeaux style wines. This seems to extract more flavor and color. It’s a big style Merlot with spice and black fruits abounding.
1997 Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Regularly $24.99/Sale $22.99: largely enigmatic. Comes from the Mt. Veeder neighborhood, one of our favorites for style and personality. Label it earth, mint, spice and succulent blackberry. The hallowed WINE SPECTATOR scored it 91...“pas mal.”
1998 Marimar Chardonnay, Regularly $24.99/Sale $21.99: From the daughter of the Torres family in Spain. Estate grown grapes from the Russian River Valley, located across from the infamous Dutton Ranch Vineyard. Elegant, with a hint of butterscotch admist the pear flavors. We really like this chardonnay!
1998 Pikes Shiraz, Australia, Regularly $21.99/Sale $20.99: It’s rich, but it’s so perfectly equilibrated. With Loads of black fruit and a hint of mint in the nose. Really opens up in the glass.
1996 Havens Reserve Merlot, Regularly $29.99/Sale $25.99: As far as California Merlot goes, these guys are pretty hard to beat. This is a big boy, as is their wont. If you would like to experience California Merlot at its highest level, try this one.
1997 Kunde Cabernet Sauvignon, Regularly $19.99/Sale $18.49: Sonoma super-star stuff. Lots of fruit, but dark fruit with black cherry overall. Drink this now and delight. Well, we will at least.
1997 Olivaro Palacios, Les Terresses, Regularly $24.99/Sale $22.99: Scratch wolfing, crazy stuff from the Priorat , that confusing part of Spain, south of Barcelona. Whew! But we like it. In fact, everyone likes it. We are lucky to have any of this red honey. We have 20 bottles. Get this stuff.
1996 Barolo Cavarini “Vigna Chiniera,” Elio Grasso, Regularly $39.99/Sale $35.99: Grasso is a reformed lawyer. I think he is a coming force in the Barolo zone. His Dolcettos and Barberas are delightful. This wine is his number two Barolo after the Vigna Casa Mate. It’s lighter and not as age worthy. But it’s very good and will show you what the excitement is with Barolo and this vintage at a comparably cheap price (many of the wines are over $100/bottle on release).
Utterly Incredible Values
1999 Aresti Montemar Cabernet Sauvignon, Regularly $8.99/Sale $7.99: Initially one is struck by the plum and currant flavors. It’s remarkably long on the palate, finishing with a spike of tannin. It is one of the WINE SPECTATORS' “100 Top Value Wines.” So how can you lose?
1998 Chateau de Val de Mercy Chardonnay, Regularly $13.99/Sale $11.99: Imagine a light, round Chablis. This is it. It gives you pure, unpretentious Chardonnay flavors. The vineyards are actually located 15 kilometers southwest of the Chablis.
1998 Chateau Fontareche Corbieres, Regularly $10.99/Sale $9.49: This is from one of the oldest estates in the “wine lake” known as the Languedoc of France. It’s a mouthful of dark fruits, earth and cherry. It makes you want to stick your head in the water, like the flamingos along the “autoroute” down there, and say, “Ain’t life ‘chouette.’”
1997 Chateau Lescalle, Bordeaux Superieur, Regularly $14.99/Saly $12.99: Something unusual...a Bordeaux Superieur coming from the Margaux Commune. It has a fetching mint nose. It has some complexity, i.e., it’s not all fruit and jam, like many low priced Bordeaux.
1998 Chateau Mason Neuve, Montagne-St. Emillion, Regularly $15.99/Sale $13.99: From the other side of the river from Chateau Lescalle comes this hearty number. The nose is earthy. The flavors offer cherry notes. It provides a fascinating contrast between the cherry and earth.
2000 Giesen Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, Regularly $13.99/Sale $12.99: Classic “Kiwi” SB with green apple and grapefruit. There is a puff of herb in the nose that complexes things. Nice body weight on the tongue. Good stuff.
1998 Bridgewater Mill Chardonnay, Australia, Regularly $11.99/Sal $10.99: Well, if you desire a Chardonnay with some butterscotch and cream this is a candidate. It’s not overblown, but it isn’t in a steely, traditional Chablis style either.
1998 Bridgewater Mill Cabernet Sauvignon, Regularly $11.99/Sale $10.99: These “new guys” are doing some nice work “Down Under.” Most Cabernets at this price level are just jammy, fruity things. This has some grit and depth, and it’s surprisingly elegant. Good job mates.
1997 Gundlach Bundschu Zinfandel, Morse Vineyard, Regularly $15.49/Sale $13.99: Jim Bundschu makes good Zinfandel almost every year. Given a fine vintage such as 1997 and he makes very good Zinfandel. This is a zesty, fruity, bright Zinfandel. It’s, well, very good.
1997 Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Regularly $23.99/Sale $19.99: For the instant gratification set (aren’t we all?). Soft, not a great amount of tannin. It’s an easy wine. But, since it comes with the 1997 vintage pedigree, it’s not too easy. Darn.
1999 Chartron e Trebuchet Chablis, Regularly $18.99/Sale $14.99: We crave cheap Chablis. Why? Because the makers don’t have enough money devoted to the wine to jack it up and turn it into a horrid, oaken monster. This is pure Chardonnay...elegant, minerally, mildly acidic, clean and cheap. We love it.
NV Bonny Doon, Ca del Solo, Il Pescatore, Regularly $12.99/Sale $10.99: Another Randall Graham concoction. Don’t even ask the blend, but we’ll tell you that there are peach notes from Rousanne and gooseberry from Sauvignon Blanc. Obviously with the name, “Il Pescatore,” it’s fab with fish.
1998 Bonny Doon, Ca del Solo, Sangiovese, Regularly $12.99/Sale $10.99: Wines like this demonstrate how Grahm evolved from “Rhone Ranger” to “Tuscan Troubadour.” It has a mesmerizing nose. The flavors are pretty good. It’s a bit bulkier than really fine Chianti, perhaps because it has some Syrah thrown in.
1997 Zenato Valpolicella Ripassa, Regularly $15.99/Sale $14.99: “Poor Man’s Amarone,” is what we call Valpolicella Ripassa. Most is mediocre. But this stuff is great. Not as “raisined” as Amarone, but better equilibrated than most. There are some interesting theories on Amarone that we’ll tell you about sometime. Get this. There is hardly anything left.
1998 St. Supery Chardonnay, Regularly $15.99/Sale $14.99: Consider this. It has some pear and pineapple, and some toast in the nose. It’s a little creamy on the tongue. It has adequate back-up acid. It’s kind of an enigma, but it’s good.
1998 Scarpantoni “School Block,” Australia, Regularly $18.99/Sale $17.99: We don’t know, where do these Aussies come up with their names (“Scarpantoni”) and wines (“School Block”)? This is not the normal, blow-hard Australian wine, rather it is soft, fruity and seductive. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
1998 Nostos, Crete, Regularly $13.49/Sale $12.49: Now, here is an oddball. Customers have called us Cretans which might be why we love this velvety, malty red from Crete. A Greek billionaire started the winery a few years back. Or were these customers calling us “cretins?” Huh, maybe we should look into that?
1998 Eola Hills Chardonnay, Oregon, Regularly $11.99/Sale $10.99: Yum, yum, yum. This is a slugging wine for dummies like us. It has a creamy texture provided by malolactic fermentation, not as much from the French oak in which it has been cured. It’s an easy drinking Chardonnay with a large range of appeal.
1998 Fattoria di Petroio Chianti Classico, Regularly $16.99/Sale $14.99: This has one of the prettiest ruby colors you will find in a Chianti. The secret is 2 percent of a grape called “colorino.” There are cherries on the nose and a satin mouth feel that makes you wonder what became of the harsh, acidic Chiantis of our misspent college years.
Party & Mass Consumption Wines
1998 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Umani Ronchi, Regularly $7.99/Sale$6.99: There is a sateen quality to this red, like fine Russian lingerie. There is also something rustic about it, comparable to something we won’t say. Good gulped.
1999 Bordeaux Blanc, Chartron La Fleur, Regularly $8.99/Sale $7.99: We (I), are drinking this now which might explain some of the gaffes in grammar in the section. It’s soft, round, figgy and “faaabulous.” It’s hard to find cheap white wines as good as this one. It’s right up our alley, so to speak.
1999 Gascogne Blanc, Colombelle Plaimont, Regularly $6.99/Sale $6.49: Oh Gascogne, the land of “foie gras” and Armagnac. But, we have always wondered why they make light, white wines like this there. It doesn’t go with “foie gras” or Armagnac. But it does refresh one and quench thirst. Great party fodder.
1999 Domaine de l’Ameillaud, Regularly $8.99/Sale $7.99: Great party fodder in a red. It's soft, fruity, round, without all the priapic threat of a fine, expensive wine. Just sip it, forget about it and look for the guy or girl in the tight leather pants. It might be a dandy “introduction wine.”
Marques de Gelida Cava, Regularly $12.99/Sale $10.99: Though not particularly cheap, this is a wonderful value in a sparkling wine. It comes from around Barcelona, where they make some horrible, junk sparklers and some sublime and expensive ones as well, like Mestres and Torello. This falls in the middle. I’d love it with some fresh, Catalan anchovies.
Rare Treasures
The following is a sampling of some of the highly allocated and rare wines we have in stock at Coaltrain. We may only have a few bottles of some of these so don’t delay. Don’t see what your looking for? Visit our store and in our locked cabinet you’ll find some other rarities. Our selection of California Cabernets from 1997 (declared the vintage of the century) is outstanding. We also have some impressive first Growth Bordeaux which should catch the attention of you Francofiles!
1997 Dominus, Estate Proprietary Blend, $109.99: “A wine of substance and depth. Dark, rich and polished, with complex notes of earthy, meaty currant, anise, spice, cedar and leather, fanning out on the finish. Young and concentrated. Best from 2002 through 2012.” WS –“93”
1997 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon, $79.99: “Elegantly framed, with rich, appealing herb, currant, chocolate and black cherry flavor that's complex and concentrated, finishing with firm, well-integrated tannins. Best from 2002 through 2010.” WS – “94”
1997 Caymus Cabernet, Sauvignon Special Selection, $139.99: “Smooth, rich and concentrated, with layers of currant, mocha, black cherry and wild berry, fairly gushing at midpalate. Long, rich, intricate aftertaste. Drink now through 2009.” (2000 cases produced) WS- “95”. Number 35 in Wine Spectator’s Tops 100 for 2000.
1994 Dominus, Napanook Proprietary Blend, $199.99: “The 1994 is a strikingly thick, compellingly rich wine with the texture of a great Pomerol. It is full-bodied, with thrilling levels of extract and richness, but no sense of heaviness or harshness. This seamless Dominus possesses no hard edges, as its acidity, tannin, and alcohol are beautifully meshed with copious quantities of ripe fruit. This wine offers early drinking, yet has the potential to last for 30+ years. “ Robert Parker WA – “99”
1996 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet, Regularly $89.99/ Sale $69.99: “Rich and complex yet restrained in style, with pretty coffee, currant, black cherry, spice and anise flavors that fan out nicely, this California Cabernet turns particularly elegant and polished on the long finish.” - Wine Spectator Highly Recommended –“95” WA “92”
1997 Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve, $39.99: “Big, Bold, rich and polished, this is an immense and deeply concentrated Cabernet blend laden with plum, currant, anise and cedar notes. Finishes with gripping tannins. Best from 2002 – 2012.” WS – “94”
1997 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon- Hillside Reserve, $89.99: The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Reserve will be a stunning wine. It boasts an opaque purple color, as well as deep, full-bodied aromas exhibiting abundant quantities of black currants, loamy soil, and toasty new oak. In the mouth, jammy blackberries and cassis make an appearance in this tight, full-bodied, pure Cabernet. WA- “91” WS”94”
1995 Latour – Pauillac, $249.99: “This is showing wonderfully at the moment. Dark ruby color. Aromas of mint, blackberry and currant rise gracefully from the glass. It’s full-bodied, with supple, fine tannins and a long finish. Wonderful texture.” Best after 2002. WS- “94”
1986 Cos d’Estournel- St. Estephe, $179.99: “The 1986 is a highly extracted wine, with a black/ruby color and plenty of toasty, smoky notes in its bouquet that suggest ripe plums and licorice. Evolving at a glacial pace, it exhibits massive, huge, ripe, extremely concentrated flavors with impressive depth and richness.” WA “95”
1995 Penfolds Grange, Australia, $175.99: “A massive wine, combining power and grace in equal measure. Flavors of plum, blackberry, chocolate and pepper, with hints of cedar, licorice and mint swirling through the exotic finish. Tannins swarm but do not overwhelm the finish, which echoes all day, and night. Best from 2004 through 2020.” WS “97”1998
Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de Beze, Bruno Clair, $109.99: Bruno Clair is one of our favorite Burgundy makers. He operates in the most northern Burgundian wine village, Marsannay, just south of the car lots and fast food joints of Dijon. This is the best wine he makes. It’s rich, powerful, ageable, Grand Cru wine.
1996 Barolo, Falletto di Serralunga, Bruno Giacosa, $114.99: Why is it that our favorite winemakers and hitmen seem to be named “Bruno?” Of course, Bruno Giacosa is a monument and this wine is a monument too. It’s from the most manly of Barolo's five communes, Serralunga. It's from one of the greatest vintages ever. It’s a huge wine with dried rose, violets and “goudron” in the nose. The addictive Nebbiolo fruit swims laps on your tongue. Simply sublime.
Desserts
Benjamin Port, Australia, Regularly $11.49/Sale $9.49: True Port, of course, comes from Portugal, as true sherry comes from Spain. But some countries, like Australia and our USA, take liberties with it all. A “Super Power” like Australia can get away with it. Us, we better watch it. Anyway, this is like Christmas pudding in a bottle.
Quinta do Noval, 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Regularly $58.99/Sale $55.99: Now this is the “real deal,” what Port should be. It has nutty, silky, tobacco, hazelnut essences and more. It’s long on the palate and finishes basically dry. This is precisely what you hope your vintage Ports to become after 20 years in the cellar. Yes, an argument can be made for buying this rather than vintage and let some one else do the aging.
Bubbles
NV Gloria Ferrer, Sonoma Brut, $18.69: Toast and citrus aromas and flavors weave a pretty patchwork. Light and elegant, offering a fresh, fruity finish redolent of apples and pears. Very French!
NV Ayala Brut Champagne, Regularly $30.99/Sale $27.99: You don't see this one every day. It’s kind of interesting with aromas of light toast and some light apple. It’s kept three and a half years on the yeast which provides its fineness and grace. It’s a good value and we have it in half bottles too at $16.99/Sale $14.99.
Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry, Regularly $10.99/Sale $9.99: A very interesting sparkling wine from Washington state. There is some yeasty-ness and complexity that is unusual for a wine so cheap. It is “extra dry,” which means it is not quite as dry as a “brut.” Before dinner, after dinner or by itself, it’s a wine to consider.
Vin du Bugey-Cerdon, Regularly $21.99/Sale $19.99: Another oddball, coming from under the shadow of Mont Blanc in France’s ravishing Savoie department. It’s a rose with light bubbles and a bump of sweetness. Fabulous alone or with the Christmas “jambon.” By the way, Cerdon is the village it comes from.
NV Geoffroy Champagne, Regularly $35.99/Sale $32.99: Artisan Champagne here of the highest quality. There is a subtle cherry aspect that is delivered by the high percentage of Pinot Maunier grapes in the blend. We’ve been offering artisan Champagnes like this and the Gimmonet, Chartogne-Taillet, Gaston-Chiquet, Billiot for a couple years. We can hardly keep them on the shelf because they are superior to the big names costing twice the price. The bad news is that several major magazines and newspapers have recently reported on these wines with gushing verbiage. So they may disappear or increase radically in price soon.
1999 Coppo Moscato d’Asti, $16.49: You “got” to taste this to believe it. It has such adorable subtle pear essences. Though somewhat sweet, it doesn’t cloy at all. It can hardly be beaten with fruit desserts or even zabaione. We always think of the Piedmont as the motherload of great reds, but this shows that these brooding people can make great white sparkling wines too. We have it in half bottles as well $9.99
Rare Champagnes
1992 Moet et Chandon, Dom Perignon, $149.99: Elegant, with a smooth, creamy texture, this Champagne shows evolved aromas and flavors of toast, honey, grilled nuts and mushrooms in a soft yet balanced structure. Well done. Drink now through 2002.
1988 Piper Heidsieck Brut “RARE”, $69.99: Fabulous flavors, a distinctive and elegant style make this memorable. Admirably dry, with a lingering finish. Plenty of life ahead. Wine Spectator- “95 points”.
COALTRAIN
Wine & Spirits
330 W. Uintah
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
719-475-9700