Tonight's Lineup: 
2016 Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay $49.99  
About the Winery Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is one of the finest and most important producers in the village of Chassagne-Montrachet. The domaine has its origin in the fine Gagnard-Delagrange holdings of forty-five years ago, as the vineyards hail from the marriage of Richard Fontaine to Jacques Gagnard’s oldest daughter, Laurence Gagnard, in 1982. The Gagnard family has always been very closely-knit, and much of the vineyard work amongst the various branches of the family continues to be done together. Céline Fontaine makes a bevy of fine wines from his excellent holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet, as well as examples of two of the finest Côte de Beaune reds: Volnay “Clos des Chênes” and Pommard “Rugiens”. But the heart and soul of Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is their Chassagne-Montrachets, of which they own a fine clutch of premier crus and vines also in the grand crus of Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet and Montrachet itself. 
About the Wine Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is one of the very best in Chassagne-Montrachet, and a consistently excellent wine. The vineyards for the Bourgogne Blanc are located in the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet, oriented south-southwest situated on clay and limestone soils. Farmed and operated sustainably, after hand harvesting, the grapes are aged in 12 months in neutral barrel. The style of the wine is intense, racy, deep and complex; it starts out classically balanced and accessible, but always with fine expressions of terroir and the underlying structure to age gracefully as well. 2017 Chêne Bleu Vaucluse Rosé $35.99  
About the Winery Chêne Bleu is named for an aged oak tree preserved on this isolated estate high on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. In the foothills of Mont Ventoux, where the boundaries of Gigondas, Côtes du Ventoux, Côtes du Rhône and Séguret come together, the Rolet family discovered an abandoned property with a unique terroir. Dating back to the early Middle Ages, the estate had once been a priory of the Knights Templar. Restoration of the ancient monastery spanned more than a decade. Organic and biodynamic practices are followed to maintain this pristine environment. Being so far south, on the same latitude as Gigondas, Chêne Bleu has more than 300 sunny days per year–this allows the fruit to ripen deliciously without letting it suffer from rotting. The vines enjoy regular exposure to the Mistral and other winds that assist in flavor concentration, but their hilly topography spares them from the full force of the blast and the local mini-tornados. An altitude of 1,600 feet gives the variation in temperature between day and night that is essential for fruit quality. The grapes have the ability to ripen more slowly with better flavor development. 
About the Wine This rosé blend comes from vines that range from 25-40 years old in very stony, clay, and limestone soils. In order to manage the fruit according to biodynamic principles, Chêne Bleu thins the bunches near the end of véraison to ensure even fruit ripeness. Without any synthetic treatments and a brief stay in fine French Oak, this rosé is a true winner. The pale pink color results from delicate cool temperature skin contact during maceraction, which we use to extract maximum armas and flavors from their grapes before pressing. Classic Provençal red fruit aromas with citrus notes. More structured and complex than most rosé, making it a versatile food wine, ideally suitrd to be enjoyed with grilled seafood, roast chicken, fresh lobster, lightly spiced dishes or tender lamb. Served lightly chilled, with an aging potential from now or up to 2 years. 2013 Oddero Barolo Piedmont Nebbiolo DOCG $54.99  
About the Winery Oddero is one of the great, historic, traditional Barolo houses with a long history spanning over 200 years. There are mentions of the Oddero family in La Morra as far back as the 1700’s though the family was likely there even before that point. The winery was among the first producers to estate bottle their Barolo – in the late 1800’s, it was Giacomo Oddero (born 1926) and his brother Luigi (born 1928) who brought the winery into the modern era. They renovated their ancient farmhouse as well as elevated their quality and extended their vineyard holdings. Today, Mariacristina’s son Pietro and niece Isabella are taking over and represent the seventh generation in the family to run the winery. They are both hugely committed to raising the reputation of the winery and have made significant investments in the vineyards and cellar to really push the level of quality at this venerable estate. 
About the Wine A real flagship for Oddero, of course, produced in limited quantities and often held for several years in bottle before release, and a veritable “Treasure Chest” for any serious lover of Barolo. Practicing organic, hand-harvested in mid-October. Sourced from two crus in La Morra (Bricco Chiesa & Capalot with southeast exposure) and one in Castiglione Falletto (Bricco Fiasco with southwest exposure). The soils of Bricco Chiesa and Capalot are made up of fine clays, with sand and limestone. The soil at Bricco Fiasco is predominantly clay with some limestone. Each cru is fermented and macerated separately in stainless steel for about 20 days; then each cru is aged separately for 30 months in a mix of very large 40 to 75 HL casks of Austrian and Slavonian oak. In the spring, the crus are assembled into the final blend and then bottled at the end of summer. Finally, the wine spends a minimum of six months in the bottle before release. When first poured, aromas of spice with black tea. On the palate, expect a firm and chewy red with hints of blackberry, cherry and chocolate character. Full bodied and structured, has good ageability. 2,500 cases produced. 
Critical Acclaim “Oddero's 2013 Barolo is a beautifully delicate and nuanced expression of Nebbiolo from a balanced vintage. This edition offers a solid, firm and complete nature that translates to both the bouquet and the mouthfeel. The finish is polished, long and silky. I've always loved Oddero's base Barolo and this happy wine generously illustrates that preference.”–93 Points, The Wine Advocate “This strikes a nice balance between fruity and savory elements, delivering cherry, strawberry, floral, licorice and tobacco notes on a delicate frame. Harmonious and enjoyable now, though the refined tannins suggest that this will benefit from another year or two in bottle. Best from 2019 through 2032. 2,400 cases made.”–Wine Spectator * * * Cocktail Recipe of the Week: Purple Rain 
It seems like the winter is over, and we’re finally approaching the spring showers…So what better to do when the weather hits you like this than to pour out a cocktail, sit back and enjoy what nature throws at you. Ingredients: 1.5 ounces Barr Hill Gin 6 ounces Cranberry Juice ½ teaspoon Blue Curacao ½ teaspoon Sweet & Sour Mix Dash Soda Water Directions: Pour the gin into an ice filled glass and top up with the cranberry juice. Then add in the other ingredients and stir. Add another teaspoon if the drink is not purple enough… * * * Snack of the Week: Chevre Noir Aged Goat Cheddar 
Technically a cheddar aged for one year, this is one of our 'wow' cheeses. Hard and crumbly, with one of the longest finishes and surprising fruity flavors, this cheese inevitably attracts attention. Have you ever had a goat's milk cheddar? When the (pasteurized) milk ages, it transforms into something entirely sweet and caramelly. Almost like your favorite Gouda with a little bit of crunch, but creamier in the mouth. Try this with a bold, musky wine like an earthy, rustic red from the Rhone Valley. Made in Quebec, Canada! * * * | 
