JOURNEY TO THE REAL TEMPLE OF THE DOG, PART THREE (TILLY’S HOUSE)

Wrapping up my notes from Tramonte & Sons’ Portfolio tasting this past Monday, O.C. and I revisited the Clif Family wines, the same folks who bring to the masses the incredible Clif Bars and Luna Bars. The Clif Family “The Climber” White 2008 (Grade=Outstanding) and “The Climber” Red 2006 (Grade=Outstanding) impressed me when I first tried them back in June, so much so that they became our store’s wines of the month for July (and sold pretty well too).

We ventured first over to the Winebow table, which features some very nice and inexpensive Italian wines. The Rive della Chiesa Frizzante Prosecco NV (Grade=Outstanding) was crisp and light with lively effervescence and some stone fruit and mineral notes that invigorate the palate. The Rive della Chiesa Spumante Prosecco NV (Grade=Outstanding) shows off a bit sweeter, juicier peach and pear notes with a bit of mineral and some honeyed apple. The Sabatucci Pinot Grigio IGT 2007 (Grade=Average) was a decent light-bodied Pinot Grigio with some simple lemon zest and mineral notes. (Most folks are probably seeing my inherent bias against inexpensive PGs by now). The Rocca Barbera Piedmonte 2007 (Grade=Outstanding) is a light-bodied, fruity style of Barbera with expressive notes of red raspberries, strawberry jam, white pepper, dried herbs and wet stones. A really nice surprise.

O.C. and I stopped by the Organic Valley Farms table to try a bevy of local cheeses, which I could have parked my ass between there and J.F.’s waffle stand once I tasted the wines for the rest of the evening, but my wife would have had my cajones in the microwave by sundown. Have to give a big round of applause to Sales rep Kevin Bardsley for showing off some kick-ass cheeses (especially the Pepperjack!)

We found ourselves finishing up at the Revana Family/Alexana table, where Todd Newman, their Director of Sales, was pouring 3 absolutely amazing wines: The Alexana Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2008 (Grade=Amazing) is a gorgeous Oregon PG made by superstar winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash. It shows off lovely Asian pear, Meyer lemon, white pepper, verbena and lemongrass, lending to its mineral character and vibrant mouthfeel. The Alexana Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2007 (Grade=Amazing) is an exquisite example of the grape, with its dark cherry, plum, truffle, cinnamon, and hazelnut notes. Its velvety tannins lend to its graceful frame, and it finishes like a dream. The Revana Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2006 (Grade=Amazing) is made by the one and only Heidi Barrett, and shows both the power and the grace of Napa in its arrangement of fleshy blackberries, black currants, dark chocolate, espresso bean, tar, tobacco leaf, cedar, mint, and baking spices. It is voluptuous, full-bodied, and seductive.

The show I think was a success, and really showed the trade that these guys are in business for the long haul. Tramonte & Sons are a growing company that truly values and respects their customers. Hanging out at their new warehouse, it feels like they’ve invited you to their home, as is evident whenever you stop by and see the family dog, Tilly, arguably the sweetest and friendliest dog I have ever met. (I tried to get a picture of Tilly but the best I could do was catch her as she continually greeted those in attendance (hoping to grab a bite of whatever they had whenever they may not be looking).

Thanks to the Tramonte family and here’s to their continued success!