Jack Farrell's Gift Case of Wine

Jack Farrell's Gift Case of Wine 2024:  Every year Jack Farrell selects some of his favorite finds over the year. Jack wrote these up back in July of this year just before he passed.  From our family to yours - Cheers!

Jack Farrell’s Gift Case of Wine.  From Jack Farrell's Table to yours! 

1.) Bourgogne Chardonnay Goichot (#604821)

Did I mention that my favorite chardonnays come from Burgundy France? This is astunning effort from my friends at Domaine Andre Goichot. The wine is fresh and lively with fantastic citrus notes on a wave of thirst quenching acidity that delights both your palate and your soul. Roast a chicken and pair this with it, you may find Nirvana.

2.) Hitch Chardonnay (#535367)

As you may know, I love a good Chardonnay. This gem from California suits me just fine. This one always reminds me of Harvest time in Minnesota. The aromas of ripe, orchard fresh apples flee the glass. When I taste it, I definitely get some aspects of granny smith and light pear. As the wine evolves, I even taste a bit of baked apple and a homemade pie crust, mmm...enjoy this with salmon.

3.) Macon Villages Vienot (654482)

Back to my favorite place, Burgundy. This lovely Chardonnay is smooth and balanced. The nose offers reminders of spring flowers while the wine itself gives you an encounter with summer's peaches and pears. This wine is a must pour with your Walleye shore lunch.

4.) Chateau Loumelat Blanc (#630027)

From a Bordeaux Vineyard planted in 1778, this wine is an incredible addition to any collection and an immediate improver to any gathering or festival. This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc that features a touch of grapefruit, with Lemon and Lime citrus to back it up. The texture of this wine always amazes me and the finish is seductively soft. Try this with scallops, you will thank me later.

5.) Touraine Les Roche Blanc (#612320)

I love this little Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. I consider this my Go To wine when I don't feel like having an expensive Sancerre. This wine so pleasant and refreshing with its light citrus zest and hints of green apple and dry pear that you will want to pair this with grilled shrimp.

6.) Chateau Mille Anges Mozart (#675857)

Here we have a wonderful little Bordeaux that’s a blend of Cabernet and Merlot.  The Cabernet is more than 50% which makes it soft and approachable in its youth.  The cherries and berries on the nose continue thru this full-bodied wine into a delightful finish.  This cold weather favorite pairs well with a lamb or a beef stew. This has been one of my favorite red bordeaux for quite some time now. This wine simply always delivers excellent quality. I love the blend of 70% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and its brother Cabernet Franc splitting the balance. The aromas are always rich with flashes of black currant and jam. The wine tastes of black berries and black raspberries while the balanced acidity carries the wine to a long, balanced finish. I always pair this wine with lamb.

7.) Bourgogne Pinot Noir Vienot (#654483)

As you may know, my favorite vineyards in the world are in Burgundy France. This softer styled Pinot Noir from this sacred place is an absolute delight. The nose is redolent of cherries, raspberries, and strawberries. The flavors of these light berries along with super balanced acidity make this a wonderful accompaniment to most any meal. I like this one with Coq Au Vin.

8.) Invidio Bolgheri (#630150)

I love Tuscany almost as much as I love Burgundy. This complex blend that we would call a "Super Tuscan" is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. This wine is big yet remains light on its feet. The bold red fruit flavors are gently wrapped in vanilla and spice, the acidity is surrounded by softness. The next time you are having pasta with Bolognese sauce.

9.) Vina Robles Cabernet (#554075)

From what is being called the next Napa Valley, Paso Robles California is producing some shockingly high quality, luxurious wines that rival those of Napa and Sonoma. The nose on this Cabernet offers hints of Cherries and Cassis. followed by notions of mocha and coriander. Vina Robles is rich and full bodied with loads of dark fruit flavors that leads to a complex and lingering finish. Pair this wine with grilled Ribeye and you will be utterly satisfied.

10.) Flechas de los Andes Grand Malbec (#610008)

My times in Argentina were always memorable. I will never forget the first time I tried this wine. This is full bodied Malbec is not to be taken lightly. The perfume-like aromas of lavender, violets, plums, and cherries will stir your senses. The rich texture and loads of dark fruits that lead to a dense and elegant finish will make you beg for more. This wine must be paired with barbecued ribs.

11.) Gigondas Grande (#624798)

This Syrah from France's Rhone Valley has long been one of my favorites. First, the bouquet is amazing with nuances of provencal herbs like thyme and rosemary. Next, the juicy blackcurrant and plum flavors mixed with touches of vanilla always gets me. The finish is long and complex ending with a spicy pepper edge that always gets me to come back for more. Pair this with venison, you will be amazed.

12.) Oc & Co Rose (#645577)

Who doesn't love a good Rose, particularly when they hail from the south of France? This wine is wonderfully delicate with traces of summer berries in the nose. There is a delicate, crisp acidity that carries the soft melon and raspberry flavors to an elegant finish. Have this with Nicoise Salad and you will be amazed!