Division One - Goalll!!!

Spring time is always exiting around here.  For the past couple of months, we’ve been tasting and considering new wines for spring and summer, and though the weather hasn’t really followed suit with the calendar, the goodies have started to trickle in.    This week, some of my personal faves from Oregon made their way through the door.   Division Winemaking Company is a Portland based winery founded in 2010 by Kate Norris and Thomas Monroe. Inspired by the wineries of Loire, Beaujolais, Burgundy and the Northern Rhone where they first learned winemaking and viticulture, the urban winery creates spectacular Oregon and Washington wines. Determined to make approachable and balanced wines though minimal manipulation, Kate and Thomas have a commitment to work with well farmed terroir expressive vineyards, many of which are organic and/or Biodynamic. Collectively, their wines are very pure and precise; the reds are fruit-driven and vibrant, the whites are compelling and persistent.

We didn’t get a lot to play with so if you’re interested in reserving some, give us a shout.   Or come by on Saturday and we’ll be pouring the three wines we brought in, the Sauvignon Blanc, the Rosé and the Pinot Noir. Take a look:

 Division Villages Sauvignon Blanc ‘La Frontiere’   $25 (18 bottles in stock) Today and Saturday: $23.75/1 bottle: $22.50 any mix of 6 bottles: $21.25 any mix of 12 bottles.

The vineyard source for this wine is run by Myron Redford and Vikki Wetle, true pioneers in the Oregon wine scene.  This is the first time the folks at Divison get to work with these grapes, and the wine shows the clear Sauvignon Blanc characteristics, led by grapefruit, yellow mango and flinty aromatics. They (thankfully) stayed away from the dreaded “cat pee” notes, as well as the Dole tropical fruit cup tendencies that seem to dominate the domestic Sauvignon Blanc scene. The palate is full and vibrant, with secondary notes of wildflower honey. So good!  

Division Villages Gamay Rose ‘L’Avoiron’   $23 (36 bottles in stock)    Today and Saturday: $21.75/1 bottle:$20.75 any mix of 6 bottles: $19.50 any mix of 12 bottles.

2016”l’Avoiron” Rosé of Gamay Noir is a crisp, vibrant and mineral intense rosé wine with a perfect peachy pink hue, and harkens more of white wine in body and texture. We are reminded of Beaujolais rosés with the aromatics that include strawberry, peach, and chalky lime. The palate is bright and mineral rich with a distinct berry intensity. We are sure this rosé will be the perfect accompaniment to spring, summer, and just about any fun gathering that calls for wine

Division Villages Pinot Noir ‘Methode Carbonique’   $30 (24 bottles in stock) Today and Saturday: $28.50/1 bottle: $27.00 any mix of 6 bottles: $25.50 any mix of 12 bottles.

The initial idea for Division’s “Méthode Carbonique” Pinot Noir was never to an be overly complex wine, but rather more of a fun and quaffy wine in style. The 2016 vintage has changed their thoughts and while the wine is classically carbonic in nature (clean and bright), there is much more going on than in past vintages. The wine is aromatically dense with concentrated strawberries, well harmonized cloves, anise and fresh quince. The palate is singing with strawberry compote and a hint of smokiness. All in all a perfect summer red, with plenty of intrigue for discussion, or simply as a lovely accompaniment for just about anything. 

Today and Saturday we will offer the wines as indicated – 5% off bottle one; 10% off a mix of 6 and 15% off a mix of 12.

These may just be the best summer wines you wish you had bought.

See you today, and if not, see you tomorrow.