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A Special Wine Tasting in Coeur d'Alene: Sandpoint Blog

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I have this great part-time job as Wine Steward at Yoke's in Sandpoint. This is the #1 wine store in Yoke's chain and I am very proud of the selections there. In my book Passion for Wine published in 1997, I claimed that Washington state wines were the best in the world. I am not ashamed of that claim, though I was widely ridiculed then. In the last decade, the Wines from Washington have garnered more awards and ratings above 90 points than any other region on the globe.

While to a large part of the nation, we in North Idaho are depicted as low-brow and uncultured, our store sells more wine than beer. The buying populace is sophisticated, and I appreciate that aspect of our community.

Every Friday afternoon from 2:30-5pm I put on a cooking demonstration at Yoke's, often with an accompanying wine tasting paired with the food being presented. I am also very proud of the 100-page Yoke's Sandpoint Wine Notes, listing tasting notes and reviews of all our pertinent wines, along with the 27-page Tasting Panel Workshop.

Last week, Idaho Wine Merchants had their annual wine tasting which I could not attend. Today their representative, Star Jensen, and I went to their HQ to taste some special wines. Star's car needed to be dropped off at her mechanic's shop, so after making a small detour we went to CdA to sample the wines I will detail below.

The Wine Spectator and other wine publications have made clear that they believe this is the year of Rosé. We in the wine industry have heard that before. Sales just have never measured up. Still, I have a wonderful place in my heart for Rosés. Years ago I had been enjoying the annual Aïoli celebration in Provence.

The local classically Provençal recipes such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, salade niçoise, and the garlicky mayonnaise called aïoli (pronounced ay-oh-lee) that's found everywhere in Provence are some of my favorite dishes. In fact, garlic is so highly regarded in Provence that the region hosts an annual summer celebration called Le Grand Aïoli. Villagers gather at community tables for a feast of locally grown boiled potatoes, beets, green beans, carrots, and salt cod served alongside bowls and bowls of homemade aïoli.

Stuffed to the gills we went on a road trip one afternoon to Langedoc-Roussillon. Stopping at a bistro overlooking the Mediterranean we enjoyed a bottle of Five Roses Rosé. With the sun setting on the alabaster buildings, sipping the wine, gaziing out to sea, it was my most memorable wine experience. I returned to my job in Germany later that week, but never forgot how wonderful a fine Rosé can be.

We sampled four Rosés.

First we tried the New Age Rosé. The white is the most popular wine in Argentina, which is lightly effervescent, lightly sweet, and is often drank on the rocks with a squeeze of lime. The Rosé is 50/50 Malbec and Merlot. It is also lightly effervescent, lightly sweet, and at first the nose reveals an earthy funk, revealing a bit of butterscotch and acidic herbaceous tones. Very pleasing.

The Chateau de Compuget immediately reminded of citrus, bring on candied Tangerines. It was dry with balanced acidity and was a jewel to drink. It was crisp and clean and finished well, if a bit abrupt.

Next we tried the Marques de Caceres. The nose showed off mushrooms, and an earthy terroir, with a pleasing fresh milk quality. It was completely dry, and though it was good, it also was clean finishing quickly.

The last was the Cinder from the Snake River AVA. This Idaho wine was a true gem. Thick and glyceral, it was big for a Rosé, enunciating thyme and herbs, crisp acids and floral notes. It was full and dry and a true pleasure.

The Independent Producers Chardonnay by Hedges smelled of mint and tasted of tropical fruits like pineapple. Further tasting gave red apple. It drank like a Chablis, crisp and without the overt oak and malolactic fermentated butter that is so prevalent in many American chardonnays. Like a Chablis the wine had a mineral quality, mostly chalk, then giving way to sour grapes. The grapes are from the famed Dyonysis Vineyards. Good wine.

I tried the Man Vintners Pinotage for the third time. While earthy and herbaceous, it has a diesel quality I can't get past. I will let my manager try it and see what his thoughts are.

We tried several other wines. The Bogle Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir were outstanding in their price range, the Mark West Chardonnay was typical but a good value.

Two surprises were the 40 Nights red blend and the 40 Days white blend from Dusted Valley. Dusted Valley was the Winery of the Year in Wine Press Northwest. They seem to be quiet about the make up of the grapes, but the red drank like a Meritage that would be twice the price, with tones reminiscent of Merlot and the white was lightly sparkling and tasted of Gewurztraminer and Muscadelle. Great date night wines. Red for him, white for her, or vice versa.

Anyway, expect to see a few of these soon. Remember, summer is coming and lighter and whiter is the rule for wine.

Wine tasting at Idaho Wine Merchants

Gary Lirette Wine tasting at Idaho Wine Merchants

Wine tasting at Idaho Wine Merchants

Wine tasting at Idaho Wine Merchants

Gary Lirette at the Wine tasting at Idaho Wine Merchants

Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts.

Gary Lirette, REALTOR & host of the N Idaho Business radio show

E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384
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