Organic Wines
We have a great selection of organic wines. The list below is a sample of some of the organic wines that we have in stock. We would love to show you more, so please stop by the store.
Reds
Argentina
Esencias de la Tierra, Malbec, 2006
Awarded a Silver Medal in Vinandino Contest 2003, this wine shows intensive red and bright color with violet hues. Elegant aromas with a perfect conjunction of over ripened red fruits and spices. In the mouth it feels balanced with sweet tannins.
Esencias de la Tierra, Merlot, 2006
Intensive aromas bring to mind fruits and spices. Violet in color, with a strong structure that does not affect the velvety sensation in the mouth.
Austria
Weingut Michlits, Pinot Noir, 2006 (biodynamic)
The nose is dominated by ripe fruits up front. Strawberry, cherry and a smell of jam, suggest good physiological ripened grapes. Dark ruby color and multifaceted berried-aromas dominate the typical Pinot Style. A winning partner for dinner.
Weingut Michlits, Blaufrankish, 2006 (biodynamic)
Ripe bright fruit with a palate offering smooth and grapey flavors with a core of herbs, and notes of spice.
Chile
Natura Carmenere, 2006
Lots of dark juicy plum, blackberry and cherry fruit is layered with sweet toast and hints of tobacco, vanilla and mineral on the finish. Very tasty.
Odfjell Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003
Lots of mocha and vanilla here, but plenty of blackberry and cassis fruit to back it up. Long and ripe on the finish, where a cocoa powder note lingers. Rich, modern-styled Cabernet.
Odfjell Cabernet Franc, 2003
Displays a firm layer of toast, with solid black cherry, currant and tobacco notes followed by nice grip on the finish. A little shy on pure fruit. For fans of the toasty style. Drink now.
Odfjell Malbec, 2003
Lots of flashy vanilla and mocha toast, but there's ample flesh to the plum and blackberry fruit. A touch firm in the end, but food should tame that. For fans of the pumped-up, modern style.
Odfjell Armador Carmenere, 2005
This shows nice ripeness, with plum and black cherry fruit leading the way, followed by hints of cocoa and tobacco on the fleshy finish. Drink now.
France
Mas de Daumas Gassac, 2003
Juicy, with good definition to the sweet and spice flavors, but clamps down with tannins on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon with others. Drink now.
Domaine Barou, Syrah, 2005
From the steep slopes near Saint Joseph (Northern Rhone), the Barou Syrah is an expressive wine with notes of black cherry and cassis, and nuances of cedar and tarragon. The wine presents well the Saint Joseph appellation--the meaty, gamey nose of northern Rhone syrah less polished than Syrahs from Hermitage or Crozes-Hermitage. Hand-picked, organically-grown grapes along with its varietal typicity make this wine a great value.
Camplazens, La Garrigue, 2001
Mature-tasting and well-structured, with dried cherry, meat and mineral notes. Dense, bittersweet chocolate finish. Drink now.
Camplazens, Syrah, 2004
The nose on this wine is rich, smoked meats, incense and stewed cherries, almost a northern Rhone, maybe Cote-Rotie or Cornas, but at one-fourth the price!
Chateau Camplazens is located in the La Clape appellation of Languedoc, though owners Peter and Susan Close have some vines just outside the AOC and from which some of this Syrah comes. Chateau Camplazens practices organic viniculture and hopes to be certified sometime in 2008.
Camplazens, Grenache, 2006
This wine is a blend of both young and old Grenache, all of which is estate grown. The Grenache sees no oak so as to best express its true fruit character of sweet plums with delicate floral notes.
Camplazens, La Clape La Reserve, 2000
Well-structured red with pretty plum, cassis and mocha flavors which linger on the finish. Meaty elements bring added interest. Drink now.
Italy
Castellare Chianti Classico and Reserva, 2002/2003
Only native vines, without Cabernet and Merlot, to maintain the typical formula of the famous Italian wines, without following the fashion, that, using even southern wines, makes the beautiful red ruby of Sangiovese red and black. A wine that wants to reach, with its uniqueness, the maximum elegance.
Hilberg, Barbera d'Alba, 2005 (Biodynamic)
Intense ruby red in color. Ripe fruit aromas of raspberry and black cherry. Bright with fresh acidity, making the wine stunningly quaffable.
Hilberg, Vareij, 2005 (Biodynamic)
80% Brachetto, 20% Barbera. Ruby Red in color with a fresh bouquet of roses, geraniums, cloves and strawberries. Warm on the palate and well balanced. Pairs well with cured meats.
Hilberg, Nebbiolo d'Alba, 2004 (Biodynamic)
Intense garnet ruby red in color. Full complex nose with aromas of violets, rose, licorice and vanilla. Elegant and well balanced, with a beautiful structure and soft on the palate. Complex, sweet tannins.
Pratello Marzemino 2004 (Biodynamic)
Dark ruby-red color. Aromas of black cherries, blueberries, and almonds. On the palate you find a full-bodied wine from this area. Rich, complex with a good balance. The wine has a smooth character and smooth tannin finish.
South Africa
Bon Cap, Syrah, 2004
Juicy and forward, with slightly sweet grape, plum and licorice flavors. Drink now.
Portugal
Carm, Quinta do Coa, Reserva, 2004
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz Quinta do Coa is located in the Douro, the region of Portugal most famous for Port. The Douro is considered by Portugese wine connoisseurs to be the best region in Portugal for dry red wines. Vineyards are planted in the seemingly inhospitable rocky hillsides, subjected to high daytime temperatures and very low rainfall, the kind of growing conditions that make the vines work hard to produce rich-tasting berries.
The Carm vineyards (Casa Agricola Roboredo Madeira) have been in the same family since the middle of the 17th century and are farmed organically, having been certified by the European Commission. Touriga Nacional is the most important grape used in Port, contributing intense color, aromas and flavors, while Tinta Roriz is known as Tempranillo in Spain. Touriga Franca contributes some floral notes, making this wine a tremendous value given the range of aromas and flavors. Under 50% of the wine is aged in French and American oak, with the rest aged in stainless steel for approximately 6 months before bottling. Characterized by rich fruit aromas of spicy blackberry and mulberry, with a hint of cedar on the nose. On the palate, flavors of spicy dark berries and a trace of mint on the elegant finish.
Carm, Quinta do Coa, Reserva, 2004
Dominio de Pingus Ribera del Duero Flor de Pingus 2005
Deep red. Smoky cherry and cassis aromas are complicated by mocha, vanilla and cured tobacco. Coffee-accented red and dark berry flavors are enlivened by zesty minerality, which adds focus. Suave, sweet cherry-cola and anise flavors carry impressively through the vibrant, delineated finish.
Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses, 2004
A blend of Carignan, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a knockout nose of kirsch, blueberry, licorice and minerals. On the palate there are layers of sweet, ripe black fruits, a supple texture, and light, soft tannins to support several more years of bottle aging. This juicy effort will drink well for 6-8 years thereafter. (93/WA)
Dominio de Atauta, Ribera del Duero, 2004 (biodynamic)
Dominio de Atauta has established a track record for excellence. From 60-150 year old, biodynamically farmed tempranillo vines, the wine is aged in 100% French Oak (20% new). It has an expressive nose of spice box, coffee, black cherry and blackberry and admirably combines ripe, sweet fruit with elegance.
Finca Luzon Verde, 2005
Made from 100% monastrell, from an organic vineyard, this dark red wine exhibits wild, meaty, earthy aromas of pungent dark fruits, minerals and leather. This shows classic monastrell character, with dark plummy fruit, serious structure and firm texture. Try with grilled tofu or not dogs.
Vinedos Y Bodegas Pablo, Menguante Garnacha, 2005 (biodynamic)
Vinedos y Bodegas Pablo is a family-owned estate, founded in 1760, emphasizing the use of indigenous varietals and biodynamic farming. This is an impressive portfolio from top to bottom. For starters is the unoaked 2005 Menguante Garnacha produced from 80-year-old vines. Purple in color, it exhibits a fragrant nose of kirsch and blueberry. Medium-bodied, this wine is packed with ripe fruit and layers of flavor all the way through to the finish. This awesome value can be likened to a Cotes du Rhone on steroids, Kudos to the Pablo family! (90-WA)
Vinedos Y Bodegas Pablo, Menguante Garnacha Seleccion, 2004
The 2004 Menguante Garnacha Seleccion raises the bar a bit. It spent 8 months in a mixture of used French and American oak. Dark ruby in color, it is a bit more sophisticated than the two previous wines with its complex nose of vanilla, smoke, cedar, red currants and kirsch. It also offers more structure with ripe tannins nicely concealed by generous quantities of red and blue fruits. There is very good concentration and depth through to the pure finish. Give this outstanding wine several years in bottle for further evolution and drink it over the following 6-8 years. (91-WA)
Bodegas Palacios Remondo, Tinto "Propiedad" Rioja, 2003
The vineyards at Bodegas Palacios Remondo are organically farmed and the wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined. The Tinto is a blend of 45% tempranillo, 40% garnacha and 15% graciano and mazuelo, being a selection of the oldest vines and the best fruit on the estate. It rachets up the intensity both aromatically and flavor-wise with its expressive notes of black cherry, herbs and spice box. Seamless in the mouth with ripe, sweet fruit, it offers elegance and a 6-8 year window of drinkability (90-WA)
United States
Ken Wright Meredith Mitchell, Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2006
Ken Wright Savoya Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2006
Ken Wright Abbot Claim Pinot Noir Oregon, 2006
Turley Pesenti Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2005
Turley Dogtown Zinfandel, 2005
Turley Cedarman Zinfandel, 2005
Benziger Family Winery Merlot, 2004
Shelburne Vineyards New World Red, Vermont 2006
VT grown, from new exciting grape varietals (St Croix and Frontenac) developed in the US to survive and thrive in our climate. Enjoy this dry, medium-bodied wine with a fruity finish, overtones of oak, and a striking ruby red color.
Esprit de Beaucastel, Tablas Creek Vineyard, 2003
(50% mourvedre, 27% syrah, 16% grenache and 7% counoise) Medium-deep red. Perfumed aromas of black cherry liqueur, forest floor scents and meat. Impressively silky and suave on entry, then sweet and supple in the middle, with no sense of excess weight. Compared to the 2002, this is a more fruit-driven blend, offering notes of black cherry, raspberry, iron, licorice and spices. Long, mounting finish features smooth tannins. At 14.8% this is high in alcohol for a wine from Tablas Creek yet quite moderate for a Rhone blend from this neighborhood.
Beaux Freres Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2005
Smooth and velvety, with ripe boysenberry and black pepper flavors that linger on the slightly sharp finish. Best from 2008 through 2012.
Whites
Argentina
Vida Organica, Sparkling, 2006
Perhaps because I tried this for the first time when my two best friends were in town visiting, it tasted like something we should keep at home for impromptu celebrations. We all enjoyed the fresh apple and citrus aromas as well as the yeasty bread dough notes. All those bubbles made for a very lively mouthfeel, with the lemony citrus leaving us refreshed. Now that we have it in stock, this wine will be making many appearances in our household.
Esencias De La Tierra, Moscatel de Alejandria, 2006
From a well ripened harvest, this wine has an intensive and fresh aroma and good structure, giving it a long finish.
Austria
Schloss Gobelsburg, Riesling 2006 (practicing organic but not certified)
Chile
Sincerity, Chardonnay, 2004
Shows elegant pear, toast and mineral notes, with nice length. Juicy, mineral-driven finish. Drink now.
Melania Chardonnay, 2006; Chile (Fair Trade)
Honey color with ripe apples and citrus on the nose. Crisp on the palate with green apple, pineapple and a hint of oak chip.
France
Frederic Mallo, Gewurztraminer, Cuvee Saint-Jacques, 2004
A late vintage Gewurztraminer with 21 grams of residual sugar per liter. A fragrant, luscious wine with a penetrating bouquet of mango, lychee rose petals and, of course, spice. In the mouth, full and round, with a lingering finish of nutmeg and honey. Grapes hand-picked, natural yeasts, fermented in stainless steel and aged in foudres sur lies. Serve as an aperitif or with Thai or Indian food.
Frederic Mallo, Riesling Rosacker, Grand Cru, 2002
Vineyards located in the heart of the Grand Cru Rosacker, adjacent to Clos Ste. Hune, the Mallo Rosacker Riesling presents a classic, grand cru Riesling at a village-level price. This thoroughbred wine offers floral and fruit aromas from aromatic peonies to apricot and honeydew; on the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a trace of residual sugar, complemented by flavors of key lime and minerals. The balance between acid and fruit suggests that putting this wine away another few years will yield rewards for those with the patience to wait. It's also delicious now.
Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Riesling, Heimbourg, 2002
Highly aromatic nose combines honeysuckle, quinine, ginger, licorice and mint. Bright, concentrated and minerally, with superb stony cut and some complicating earth tones. Quite dry on the back, despite residual sugar somewhere between 10 and 20 grams.
Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Gewurztraminer, Wintzenheim, 2002
Jean-Marc Brocard, Bourgogne, "Kimmeridgeon", 2005
Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis, "Extreme", 2004
An interesting combination of flint, iodine and cheese aromas mark this young Chablis. It picks up lemon and green plum on the palate, where it remains long and harmonious. Best from 2007 through 2012.
Philippe Colin, Chassagne-Montrachet, 2004
A creamy, well-integrated version, sporting peach, apple, mineral and piecrust aromas and flavors. Fine concentration and balance makes this approachable now, but the vibrant structure indicates that it will be better in two to three years. Best from 2009 through 2018.
Philippe Colin, Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chenes, 2004
Chateau de la Ragotiere Muscadet 2005
Green-gold. Fresh citrus and melon on the nose, with hints of cress and mint. Firm, dry and brisk, the citrus flavors dusted by talc and minerals. The fruit takes a turn toward orange and gains weight on the back end.
Italy
Argiolas, Costamolino, Vermentino, 2005
From 100% Vermentino grapes; Straw yellow in color with green highlights; subtle on the nose with clean nutmeg and fresh fig characters; Delicate and pleasantly refreshing on the palate. Great with antipasti, pasta and fish, especially Sole Veronique; Robert Parker says "the best Vermentino I've ever tasted."
San Quirico Vernaccia, 2005
America
Grgich Hills Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA, 2005
Dusty, cedary oak robs the apple and pear flavors of a chance to shine. Drink now.
Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, 2006 Navarro Gewurztraminer, 2005
Sparkling Wines
Vida Organica, Sparkling, 2006 – Argentina
Weingut Michlits, Frizzante, 2006 (biodynamic); Austria
This light sparkling wine gets its beautiful salmon color from a short skin contact. A floral bouquet comes from a cold vinification. It is well rounded with a slightly off dry fruitiness, yet it has a crisp dry finish. Perfect as an appertif.
Frederic Mallo, Special Delivery Cremant d' Alsace, NV; France
Vilmart & Cie Champagne Grand Cellier NV; France
Zardetto Prosecco, NV – Italy
Gruet, Brut and Blanc de Noir, NV; United States
I was skeptical of this wine for the first several years I saw it, wondering just how quaffable wine from New Mexico could be. Started by Gilbert Gruet of Gruet et Fils in Champagne, it turns out that New Mexico can indeed produce chardonnay and pinot noir that make a high-value, tasty sparkling wine. The Wine Spectator review noted "bold, tropical fruit, toasty and buttery aromas" and a full-bodied mouthfeel.