wine••sense is devoted to bringing you a selection of wines from around the world that will intrigue and entertain your palate. Thank you for trusting.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 8th: This time Jonathan Tagliani is back. What have I done to deserve so much attention? In-store from 6 to 8.

Thursday, May 15th: In-store tasting from 6 to 8.

Saturday, May 17th: Celebrating seasonal flavors with cookbook author/speaker Betsey Beaven. In-store from 2 to 5.

Thursday, May 22nd: Australian wines. Joining us is Neil Deininger from The Grateful Palate. In-store from 6 to 8.

wine-sense on the Glossy Pages

I was honored by The Merrimack Valley Magazine with a request to write the wine page for the May/June issue, so I did.

Pick up a copy at your nearest newsstand and see what I wrote about. It was my favorite subject. Can you guess?

Grazie,
Samanta e. Turner

Northshore Magazine Readers' Choice Award Best Wine Store 2007

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 11 to 8, Sat 10 to 7, Sun closed (but available for private tastings)

Pinot Noir
STILING VINEYARD
Russian River Valley
374 cases produced
Artist: Tony Speirs

"Dark ruby in color with a bright raspberry nose and a hint of forest floor — did I actually write that? — sorry, but sometimes it’s hard to find the proper words: an elusive combination of pine needles, faint eucalyptus, dry leaves, moist earth. . . I hope that’s a smidge more helpful. All followed by fresh and lively strawberry, cola nut and touch of nutmeg on the palate with moderate tannins and good acidity to see them through to the lingering finish.

Displays the expressive fruit reminiscent of our ’04 Stiling combined with the elegance and greater restraint of the ’05."

Prime drinking: late 2008 through 2011
Graceful ageability: 2013, perhaps longer

Pinot Noir
WINDSOR OAKS VINEYARD
Russian River Valley
220 cases produced
Artist: Sabrina Ward Harrison

"Our first vintage working with four separate blocks from a site that already shows us its potential to be outstanding. At first sniff, pomegranate, rose petals and cherries rise up to greet you. Then an epicurean sip unveils ripe red cherry, plumb and fig wrapped in a velvet mouthfeel with a hint of tea leaves on the finish. A lighter ruby-hued, medium-bodied wine showcasing the silky elegance of a classic Pinot. We look forward to getting to know this vineyard and to crafting wines from their fruit for many years to come."

Prime drinking: mid-2008 to 2010
Graceful ageability: 2012 to 2013

Chardonnay
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
165 cases produced
Artist: Scot Kemp

"A slightly richer gold in hue than its Sonoma Coast sibling, this one is more of a showboat right off the dock. Exotic floral aromas mingle with scents of ripe pear and baking spices that lure you in to discover more pear, apricot, honeydew melon and butterscotch on the palate. A broad and expansive finish leads us to believe it will be ready for its maiden voyage soon enough. That said, we humbly suggest giving it a couple extra months rest in the bottle before setting sail.

While crisp acidity ensures it will be an excellent companion to food, this Chardonnay should also lend itself to solo sipping and evolve into a genuine pool-side pleasure come summertime."

Prime drinking: mid-2008 to 2011
Graceful ageability: through 2014

Chardonnay
SONOMA COAST
154 cases produced
Artist: Bob Stang

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? No, let's not. More like a crisp fall day with blue skies, bright sunshine and an invigorating chill in the air. Light golden straw in color, with a clear almost green tinge at the edges, this youngster leads with a nose of pure citrus and minerality followed by a palate of lemon, lime, tart Granny Smith apple and pineapple, with hints of peach and just a touch of vanilla custard. All backed by mouth-watering acidity and a high-toned, laser-like finish that lasts all the way to the horizon and back.

A tremendous food Chardonnay (wait. . . do they exist? Yes they do!) — tightly wound upon release, it will only gain in texture and body as it matures. We recommend at least 6 - 8 months cellar time before opening up your first bottle in the later days of '08."

Prime drinking: late 2008 to 2012
Graceful ageability: through 2014, perhaps 2015-16