Editor’s note: The Red, White and Brew weekly feature will highlight red wines, white wines and craft beers from local stores.
When you want to talk about wine, spirits or beer, Boone’s Wine and Spirits is the place in Eagle. Boone’s is proud to have five sommeliers on staff, great beer experts and quality customer service, looking to make your stop painless and your choices simple. I sat down with Jeff Anderson, Boone’s wine buyer, and Josh Pipkin, cicerone and beer buyer, to find out just what should be on this week’s shopping list.
The red
Jeff put two Barlow Vineyard wines on the shopping list this week. The family behind these Barlow wines are farmers at heart. With the perfect combination of sales, financial expertise and geology and botany knowledge, this family made their entry into winemaking with 100 percent estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Jeff led me to the 2015 Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and spent 21 months aging in French oak barrels.
Jeff told me that this Cabernet is worth splurging on. It is an incredibly smooth Cabernet with velvety tannins and a soft, round finish. A highly complex wine, the Barlow Cabernet boasts flavors of black plum and wild berries. Licorice and vanilla are layered between hints of nutmeg. If you want structure and elegance, you want the 2015 Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon.
Now all I need is a snowstorm, fireplace and the perfect glass of Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon to settle into. Grab the 2015 Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon for $42.99 at Boone’s (fireplace and snow storm not included).
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The white
Staying in the family, Jeff and I talked about this week’s white wine pick — the Barlow Sauvignon Blanc. Maybe winter isn’t your thing, and you’re longing for the warmth of the summer sunshine. Let this beautiful Sauvignon Blanc take you there. Aromas of grapefruit, summer melon, lemongrass and lime zest with subtle hints of Mandarin orange will liven your senses. This white wine is crisp and refreshing from start to finish. But don’t let that fool you. There is a mid-palate richness that supports the vibrant fruit and gives this wine beautiful depth. At $15.99 a bottle, this Barlow Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect dinner accompaniment, regardless of the season.
The brew
Whether you’re shopping for a great flavor to round out your NFL playoff and Super Bowl party picks or just looking for a beer that’s got the perfect winter flavors to enjoy through the season, Josh’s pick is the Fremont Dark Star Imperial Oatmeal Stout.
Crack open the can and Josh tells me you’ll smell notes of dark chocolate, medium roast coffee, cocoa powder and charred caramel. Fremont Dark Star is a medium to full bodied beer with a velvety mouthfeel, soft carbonation and 8 percent alcohol content that is very well integrated.
More importantly, I wanted to know what I’ll taste. Josh said I’ll get more of the same in a luscious flavor profile – chocolate and coffee with some doughnut glaze flavor, toffee, cashew, vanilla and espresso flavors coming through. This great brew will pair well with any robust meat dish. For Super Bowl fanfare, throw on some ribs and enjoy this beer with any of your appetizing snacks. Looking for a nice dinner to sit down with? Pair this beer with a salty nut encrusted veal or lamb shank. Who’s getting hungry?
One last thing that always makes Josh feel good about a great beer – a fantastic company behind it. Fremont Brewing is based out of Seattle, Washington, and they focus on their carbon footprint. They invest the equivalent of 60 percent of their energy in renewable energy sources and participate in carbon capture programs. Now that’s a reason to raise a beer – a Fremont Dark Star Imperial Oatmeal Stout that is. Grab a six pack of cans for $11.99 at Boone’s.
For more great ideas, stop by and let Boone’s knowledgeable and friendly staff guide you to even more great picks. It’s not hard with over 18,000 bottles of wine, a large craft beer selection and 42 cooler doors to shop. Boone’s has something for everyone.
