Fireside Case 2021

Over the years I’ve gotten a lot of “fall wine” recommendation requests, which is how the idea of the Fireside Sampler was born. Four full bodied, berried-up Red wines that each bring plenty of backbone and structure to help cold nights warm up. That and they all happen to pair well with fall foods from salads with fruit and nuts, to poultry and fish, to anything with chocolate you can throw at it with dessert!

The 2021 Fall Fireside Case includes:
– (3) Benoni Pinot Noir Oregon 2019
– (3) Gianni Doglia Monferrato Rosso Nebbiolo 2020
– (3) Poggio Al Sole Chianti Classico 2019
– (3) Trousse Chemise Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla 2018

(3) Trousse Chemise Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla 2018
Here’s what I’m allowed to say about this excellent wine wrapped in NDAS… 60% of the wine – mostly Cabernet Sauvignon – came from a winery that has been recognized as a Top 100 winery by Wine & Spirits eight separate times this past decade and have been compared to top Margaux by another top wine critic. The balance (Cab Franc, Cab Sauv and a touch of Petit Verdot) was taken from a Walla Walla winery, known specifically for producing some of the state’s best Cab Franc. It’s so stinkin’ good for the price. An excellent treat this fall and for a few falls to come!

(3) Poggio al Sole Chianti Classico 2019
Poggio Al Sole’s high elevation vineyards bring out the Burgundy-side of Chianti Classico, producing lush wines with just a touch of earthy rusticity and great length. The recently released 2019 edition is elegant, with great aromatic complexity and length. The nose is really special, with soaring aromatics of black cherry, anise and peony. Give it time to unwind in the glass. It’s fresh and long on the palate, with the fine tannic structure that defines ever classic vintage, making it great at the table tonight and any night for the next decade.

(3) Gianni Doglia Monferrato Rosso Nebbiolo 2020
One of my absolute favorite places to look for great Tuesday nighters is Asti. Although it is better known for the Moscato, Nebbiolo could be its calling card because in very few places of the world does it thrive like it does here. Gianni Doglia naturally farms a tiny estate in the picturesque hamlet of Castagnole Lanze. His Monferrato Rosso is 100% Nebbiolo, the product of old vines, vinfied without oak to preserve its incredible fruit. Purple to its core, bright and wonderfully aromatic, this is food-friendly, Pizza Wine red wine that can double just as well all on its own.

(3) Benoni Pinot Noir Oregon 2019
This is rich, opulent, stunning Pinot Noir with a higher pH and a deeper, richer complexion than their Willamette neighbors. And while it could easily be mistaken for RRV, those wines are rarely found for under $50/btl. But today’s price is almost hard to believe. But it’s believable– because it has Anne Sery’s handprints all over it. Deep red ruby color to the rim. Right out of the glass, high-toned red berry fruit aromas soar. Incredibly fresh with a tremendous depth backed by fine tannins, bright acidity and amazing purity of fruit on the palate. This is a finessed and elegant Pinot with just great intensity and length.