Wine Club - January 2019

“Eden” – Chateau L’Escart (2016)

Grape Variety(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Style: Dry Red

Region: Bordeaux, France

Winemaker: Damien Laurent

Soil: Clay/Limestone

Age of Vines: 40 yrs

We love representing a Bordeaux producer who is practicing all Biodynamic in the vineyard and making great wine! It’s really quite rare to see organic farming practices in this region dominated by mass-produced, export-driven wines.

Like many Bordeaux estates, Damien Laurent is a multi generational farmer and winemaker. His estate, Chateau L’Escart dates back to the 1600s and boasts a long tradition of winemaking. It wasn’t until recently that Damien abandoned the norm for the area and converted his entire vineyard to Biodynamic and Organic viticulture. The reason...more than anything, because they were convinced it made better wine. Additionally, they have a humble understanding that they must treat the land in a way that will preserve it for their children and many generations to come. Bravo!

The “Eden” is tasty and drinks well above its price point. This blend of Cabernet Sauvigon and Merlot seeks barrel aging for about 18 months. A very hearty, powerful red that should be enjoyed with food.

Refosk – Rojac (2015)

Winemaker: Uros Rojac

Soil: Sand

Grape Variety(s): Refosk

Style: Dry Red

Region: Istra, Slovenia

Refosk is an indigenous grape varietal to this region of Slovenia, which sits just south of Trieste, Italy on the Adriatic sea. Historical records show that the Roman Empress Livija Drussila who lived to the enviable age of 86 years (at that time) presumably by many references to her enjoyment of this “black grape” from river Timavo (Triest river from sea). This came from a “rocky hill” which produced very little yields to fill only a few amphorae. These vineyard positions can be none other than the great Refošk vineyards of the current Rojac Family Estate.

One of our staff favorites at the moment, this wine is aged for 18 months in barrel, followed by an additional 6 months in steel. Great balance with ripeness and acidity