Spring finds

We have had a great run of tasting new wine over the last couple of months, with many visits from winemakers, importers, and other wine professionals. We have found new favorites and rediscovered some “old friends,” many of which we have added to the shelves, and even more that we have featured in our weekly wine special The Friday Night Flights. You can sign up to get those specials emailed to you by emailing us here at the shop info@thedinnerpartyshop.com. Here are some of the wines we have really loved and added to the collection.

When we lived in Sonoma County before moving back to Mary’s native area to open the shop, we were a “stone’s throw” from Kenwood Winery. We knew the winery well from living in the same town, and in addition, Balletto Vineyards — my former employer — sold grapes to Kenwood. The wines had been out of the market here in North Idaho for some time, but just recently became available again through a new distributor for Kenwood. After trying the new vintages, we immediately put their Sauvignon Blanc ($12, $10.80 wine club) and their identically-priced Merlot on the shelf. The Sauvignon Blanc is classic California style, with loads of pink grapefruit flavors. The Merlot is dark and rich, with a palate that is loaded with chocolate-covered cherries.

We have also found the Apex Cellars Sauvignon Blanc ($13, $11.70 wine club) hiding on a distributor close-out list! The 2014 vintage is being closed out, not the wine. We love the wine, a bit more rich, with a slight tropical note. It will become a favorite in the warm summer to come.

We have frequently mentioned the 2014 Truchard Chardonnay ($35, $31.50 wine club) lately, and we will continue to do so. The wine is simply extraordinary, and has become so popular that we are again sold out. No worries, though, it will return to stock by mid-May. While Chardonnay might seem an odd recommendation for summer, the Truchard has all the acid and elegant balance to be a treat anytime of year.

We also just added the Alondra stainless steel fermented Chardonnay ($18, $16.20 wine club) from John Lancaster and Skylark Wine Company. The wine is lovely, exhibiting sleek depth that is missing from many steel Chards. With the absence of oak flavors, the lovely Chardonnay fruit flavors are allowed to shine through, making it perfect for summer.

Vintage Beaujolais is not only one of our personal favorites, but also a great summer red. The Gamay grape makes a lovely light-bodied wine perfect for the warm weather. The 2013 Chermettte Cuvée Traditionale from the Vissoux Cru ($30, $27 wine club) is spectacular, loaded with ripe cherry flavors. It will go well with everything from burgers to ribs to salmon.

Another deal from the close out lists is the 2013 Barinas Monastrell ($12, wine club $10.80) from the Jumilla region of Spain. They grow only Monastrell or Mourvèdre in this warm dry area and produce big rich wines with vibrant fruit and ample structure. This wine has enough finesse to go well with a grilled steak in the warm weather.

Summer would not be summer without Grenache for us. One of our favorite summer meals is barbecued ribs with slightly chilled Grenache. Just pop the bottle in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving, and you will not find a better food pairing. Use your favorite rib recipe, or email us here at the shop and we will send you ours. Then get some of the 2012 Tempus Grenacher ($27, $24.30 wine club) and you are set. The Tempus wines are made by owner winemaker Joe Forest of Patit Creek fame and are wonderful.

And one final wine to consider. Grilled chicken and grilled salmon simply can’t be beat when paired with Pinot Noir. The 2012 Martin Ray ($22, $19.80 wine club) from the Russian River Valley is a great choice. After working in “the Russian” during my winery time, I am partial, but that

notwithstanding, the wine is delicious. It is loaded with ripe cherry flavors, shows mild earthiness on the nose, and is silky in the mouth.

Stop by the shop or check with your favorite wine professional for other great summer wines to enjoy on the deck, boat or beach.

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

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George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and table top décor shop located by Costco in Coeur d’Alene. George worked as a judge in many wine competitions, and his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. Be sure and check out our weekly blog at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com/home/blog-2 You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.