Spring

After the short winter days and the long winter storms we always look forward to this time of year, not just for those lengthening days and sunny skies but because of all the great new wines that release in the spring. Wineries typically release their new vintages, new projects and varietals two times per year grouped in the spring and the fall, with the spring release not only getting more press but also seeing far more new wine hitting the market.

While Harlan, Bond, DRC, and others are eagerly anticipated by the nationwide wine press these scantily produced and hideously expensive wines are out of most of our reach, but there are always great things to be had. Whether it be new vintages or new wineries and varietals there are fun new things all the time. Here are some of our favorites so far this spring of 2013.

Due in the shop soon, we just tried the 2011 Domaine Drouhin Chardonnay from the Oregon property of this storied French producer. Wow, is all we can say. Apparently Oregon did a bit better than much of the States in 2011. This show stopper is reminiscent of the best white Burgundies, showing minerality and citrus notes on the nose with just a hint of ripe Bartlett pears at the very tail end of a long lovely sniff. The palate is like lemon crme brle with lovely viscosity and restraint on the oak and butter that makes too many Chards nearly undrinkable to me. At 30 not inexpensive but well worth it. I ordered the wine immediately and expect in the shop within a week or two.

We also tried the 2011 Mohua Sauvignon Blanc from Southern Hemisphere SB heaven New Zealand. Another great wine that we envision enjoying all summer long. At $14 it is priced to be a crowd pleaser and useful for larger gatherings whether they be weddings, family reunions or just parties with good friends. The wine is loaded with aromas and palate flavors of pink grapefruit, and limited amount of the sometimes over emphasized "gooseberry" that we find in many "Kiwis."

We are eagerly anticipating the release of favorites like the Elk Cove Rose which will be due here in a matter of weeks, Skylark Pink Belly which is due to arrive in April, and other great bone dry pink wines. As we try these new releases we will report in but anticipate both of these wines to sell out very quickly as they have in previous years.

While we normally wouldn't focus so much on Cabernet going into the warm part of the year the release of the 2009 Alder Ridge Cabernet is truly something to write and rave about. This was our first crack at this Washington State producer and what a treat it was. Another wine we put on the shelf immediately! The wine is so seamless and elegant that the typical Cab flavor profiles are not detectable on their own; it is sophisticated and powerful with no rough edges just a constant force of lovely fruit, structure and finish that will please regardless of the time of year, $30.

We were contacted this past week by the Public Relations firm out of New York that handles the large Italian producer Frescobaldi. We have known these wines for some time, but we were fortunate that one they sent for us to try was new to us, the 2010 Fescobaldi Toscana. While the name and the wine itself when tasted would suggest a Sangiovese lead wine, it is not. The composition dominated by Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot with just a splash of Sangio is surprising when you taste what will become a great summer quaffer for many of us. The wine is a raspberry bomb showing minimal oak treatment and lovely fruit throughout, a perfect light bodied red for all of your summer grilling and gathering. $26, it should be in the shop soon.

Mark West winery out of Sonoma County has gotten their hands on some Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir fruit, and while many appellations in California struggled in 2010 many of those we have taste from the "SLH" are really good. So is this Mark West. Good plum and cherry fruit notes to go with light dusty tannins and hints of earth and mushrooms - this is what Pinot Noir is meant to be and priced at a compelling $15.

There are no doubt more great wines to come this spring and we will update you on more as they come along, but for now stop by the shop to chat about the latest new releases or contact your favorite wine professional to learn about them as all of us in the industry are enjoying trying these new gems.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Wine Rodeo, and is the wine editor for Coeur d'Alene magazine www.cdamagazine.com you can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.