Summery Value Wines from Subtle to Vibrant
We were glad to see several old friends. Downtown is still largely depopulated, but some came quite a distance, and we always appreciate seeing them and you.
June 23, 2021
The clear favorites:
Sauvignon Blanc is not everyone's cup of gooseberry, but all tasters liked the generous lime and melon of the 2020 Dyckerhoff Reuilly Blanc. It validated the tasting theme. More than one person called it a lot of wine for a little money. We sold out of what we had but expect more in another day or two. Our importer tells us that they have already sold more than half of their recently arrived allotment. If you were one of those who loved the 2019 or think you might like this vintage, I would think of buying sooner. It may not be around too long.
The Chablis was as pretty as my notes last week, but we're showing more chalk character than it had when I tasted it first. Everyone likes a bargain. Tasters and email buyers scooped out almost. We have just a scant case left. There is no more until the next, more expensive shipment comes in
BUT, we have and will soon be sending out an email on Gueguen's single-vineyard reserve Cuvee 1975. . It is pure, floral, and entrancing. Watch this space screen.
The 2020 Maison l'Envoye Beaujolais Rose Saint Pâle was a Sprite of a wine. Lively and engaging it appealed to nearly every pallet there. It had the dark strawberry zest of its gamay grape and was direct, light, and fresh on the palate. It's just the thing for a hot summer day, by itself or with any seafood, from a tuna fish sandwich to haddock on the grill.
The 2018 Andis Old Vine Zinfandel Painted Fields was very good at what it did. Lots of dark fruit, expensive in the mouth with rich depth. Some people quite liked it. More left it unremarked.
Strong character is divisive. You either love 'em or hate 'em. None of our tasters had ever had a white like the 2018 Ziereisen Gutedel (Chasselas) or red 2020 Groundwork Counoise before. The Gutedel was sturdy and structured, as square-jawed as a big, dry gruner veltliner. Critics Stephen Reinhardt and I liked it a lot; some, but less than half the tasters also did. The subject is moot. We sold all we have. I am trying to get more but think there is none to be had. If you are one of those people who got some in a mixed case, try it with grilled fish, especially bluefish.
The 2020 Groundwork Counoise was dark in hue but almost rose in color. Medium to light in body, it had very concentrated deep plum fruit with a rumble of tannin below. Some people did not know what to make of it. IMHO, it would make a friendly companion for red meat on the hot weather grill very lightly cooled down.
White
2020 Dyckerhoff Reuilly Blanc
You won't believe it's not Sancerre
Aroma: Very heady dense Firm sweet melon, lifted lemon; Mouth: Clean fresh juicy forward, dense, smooth lime and grapefruit, touched with anise surprisingly elegant; Very Good Plus 17.99 Case, 15.29
2020 Gueguen Chablis
You won't see its price again
2018 Ziereisen Gutedel
"Round, Elegant Fabulous"
round, elegant, beautifully balanced, and accessibly fruity Gutedel with remarkable finesse and highly stimulating salinity. The tannins are delicate, and the wine is light-footed but characterful and reveals great fruit charm … Fabulous." Wine Advocate Very Good Plus 19.99, 16.99 by the case Sold Out. We hope to get more.
Rose
2020 Maison l'Envoye Beaujolais Rose Saint Pâle
"Vibrant strawberry, red currant and blood orange on the perfumed nose. Nervy and sharply focused, offering intense, spice-accented red fruit and citrus pith flavors and building florality. Closes long and taut, with a refreshingly bitter orange zest flourish. Vinous
Aroma: clean, dry lemon citrus, with a touch of Gamay dark plum; Mouth: pure sweet light fruit, rounded, pretty lemony, long; Very Good Plus 14.99; Case, 12.99
Red?
2020 Groundwork Counoise
"fruity & fun, Electric in taste"
Color: dark rose; Aroma: heady relatively light, very fresh, pretty, fine; Mouth: rounded, herbal, clean, fine edge; Very Good Plus 21; Case, 17.99
Red
2018 Andis Old Vine Zinfandel Painted Fields
Bright and Solid Sierra Zinfandel
Color: very dark black; Aroma: earthy, deep, light wood notes, rather deep very full, very ripe; Mouth: classic, sweet on the attack, rich, blackberry-plum clean, bright firm, balanced on a base of fine coffee-inflected tannins; Very Good Plus 22.99; Case, 19.99
Mix any 12 at the case discount per bottle
Any 6 for 10% off
Subject to Availability
Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: order@federalwine.com
Please pass this on to any friends who are wine enthusiasts!
- Len Rothenberg
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downtown on orders more than $75;
in Greater Boston on orders more than $175
