Featured wine and beer
Free run press | Early winter features
“ ... if there is a sin against life, it is not so much to fall into despair as to hope for immortality and elude the implacable grandeur of the life we have. ” — Albert Camus
Empty glass, blank slate.
Turn the page, toss that old calendar, take out the recycling, wash the glasses, start over again. We get a brand new set of days to play with, a fresh coloring book to color in.
OK, I know, I know. Sure, time is relative and there's really no such thing as a fresh set of days and any idea of a "new year" or any other division of the temporal is nothing but an arbitrary division of the ineffable. Time just marches on, or just is — and well, you know. But let's just hang with a few millennia of tradition and go with what we know (sort of).
Ahem. Sometimes, the glass is half empty (oh yes it is), sometimes it's full. Other times it's half full. For present metaphoric purposes, it's empty. Vide. Void. Null set. Nada.
But what a fine nothing! A canvas upon which to color, a slate upon which to write, an empty glass to fill, to empty, to fill again. With a universe of colors, textures, words, aromas and flavors for the choosing.
Let's get started, then. There's lots to do.
Enjoy.
Happy new beer!
Oakshire O'Dark:30, 22 oz — $4.50 
This beer is delicious enough to make us willing to forgive Eugene its Ducks (well, almost). And that's sayin' somethin' — believe me. As far as Oakshire brewing goes, we're on the bandwagon, in a big way. Quality beer and exceptional quality people concerned withw hat really matters — brewing and doing great things. O'Dark:30 is variously called a "Cascadian Dark Ale," a "Black IPA" or ... whatever. What it is, is tasty, nearly opaque black beer, with plenty of piney, grapefruity hops to complement its roasty, toasty, mocha-like maltiness. Drink it with something sturdy.
Martens Pilsener, 16.9 oz, 4-pack cans — $7.25
Belgian Pils in a can. Mighty good pils, at that. There's plenty of full-flavored, but bright, crisp malt, deftly balanced with just-so hoppiness. An easy-drinking beer that'll pair up nicely with everything from pizza to play-off action — and that'll just taste better and better as the weather warms up.
Sierra Nevada "Ruthless" Rye, 6-pack — $9
We love Sierra Nevada and we love rye, so were stoked to learn that Sierra Nevada is set to release a Rye IPA (Rye PA?) to follow the always delicious Celebration Ale in their seasonal line-up. We've not yet had the pleasure of partaking, but reports from trusted sources are unanimously enthusiastic. New year, new beer, what could be better? (Arriving mid-January.)
Everyday deliciousness!
Lobo Hills "Trente Cartons" Riesling — $15
Wow, this is impressive — gorgeous riesling as a medium for singular Washington character. Sleek, tautly balanced, just-ripe peach fruit is tinged with hint of white rose and lemon confection. A core of dusty minerals provides counterpoint, wrapped around a core of bright acidity, with just a waft of spring sage adding a high lonesome note. Mr. Dollar's wines are right on the proverbial money! (Very limited availability.)
Fattoria Capannacce Rosso della Maremma Toscana — $12.50
Italian opera with an overture played by the Basie Band? In the nose, the trumpets play notes of bright, shimmering pie cherry, with the 'bones adding harmonic colors of baking spice, the saxes lending dust and brush while the rhythm section lays down a core of minerals and a bass note of still more cherries. On the palate, those themes are played by the orchestra with pure old-world, Tuscan charm ...
Quinta do Carqueijal Branco Douro 2010 — $12.50
Don't the names Malvasia Fina, Cerceal, and Fernão Pires just roll off your tongue? Okay, perhaps not — unless you speak Portugese — but the words look beautiful. And let me assure you, these grape varietals do beautiful things in your glass. Pear blossom, pineapple, and a hint of Marzipan start the sip with full-bodied lushness, then fresh-picked tarragon and granite rise up with refreshing acidity. This is a wine with tremendous personality at a welcoming price!
Quinta do Carqueijal Tinto Douro 2008 — $12.50
Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo) combine to produce this earthy, supple wine. Rich aromas of ripe, red cherries, a tangle of herbs and spices, and a hint of forest mushroom swirl in the aromas and land on the palate with a full-bodied, balanced finish. This is such a versatile wine, pairing great with grilled meats, hearty soups, roasted vegetables.
Viñas Rocosas Blanco Tierra de Castilla — $10
Bright. Crisp. Lively. Generous. Refreshing. Quite a set of attributes for such a modestly-priced bottle of white wine, but who's to argue? This racy blend of sauvignon and muscatel delivers bold aromas and flavors gooseberry, grapefruit, lemon zest, stones and a hint of white pepper. It's perfect with shellfish or tuna and just about anything fresh from the garden.
Viñas Rocosas Tinto Tierra De Castilla — $10
We could happily drink this wine on a daily basis and not tire of it. Not merely a satisfying array of flavors (although dry cherry, black raspberry, wild raspberry, notes of licorice and smoke are both plentiful and pleasing), this wine offers that special something that separates real wine from wine-like "product:" character (and plenty of it). In short, a darn fine bottle of wine.
Château Maylandie Corbières blanc "le Cabanon" — $11.75
Mmmmm. This is a lovely sketch of the south, in tones of white. A nose of citrus blossoms, wafts of wild herbs, fennel flowers and fresh fruit are reprised on the palate where notes of kiwi and white nectarine join the chorus, in an alluring, lush texture, perfectly balanced by bright acidity and cool minerality. Delicious, refreshing and a fine companion to everythng from fresh greens to seared tuna.
Château Maylandie Corbières rouge "le Cabanon" — $11.75
"Le Cabanon" refers to a stone workman's shed, where vineyard workers store tools. Dry, dry cherries, plums, a slice of watermelon and perhaps a splash of pink grapefruit. Tangy acidity surfs a wave of lusciously ripe, spicy fruit, with Maylandie's characteristic note of Corbières terroir lending a stony coolness. Gorgeous. Drink this wine often, with just about anything ...
Château Maylandie Corbières rouge "Cuvée Prestige" — $15
Darkness and light. Flora and terra. This is an alluring alliance of fruit — both brooding, rich, mineral inflected and bright, tangy, sun-kissed. Focused wild raspberries lead the way, with hints of strawberry confit, spice, smoke, chocolate and a thread of wild herbs and minerals. Nicely structured, with firm tannnins and crisp acidity providing an anchor for considerable agility and elegance. A lovely expression of pure Corbieres.
Château Maylandie Corbières — Boutenac Rouge "Villa Ferrae" — $18
The terroir of Boutenac is the source of wines that marry finesse and grace with the wildness that is the soul of the Languedoc. This is a delectable taste of that lovely alliance, delivering flavors of dark, wild berry confit infused with accents of sun-baked garrigues, underscored by firm, grippy tannins and brisk acidity. Powerful, elegantly nuanced, but brazenly untamed, it's Juliette Binoche in well-worn cowboy boots and faded jeans.
Château Maylandie Corbières — Boutenanc Rouge "Carnache" — $23.50
At Château Maylandie they have a harvest tradition of inviting friends to spend a day doing a special harvest of the best parcels of carignan and Grenache, which are then vinified separately, blended and released as "Carnache" (get it?). It's pure Corbières: a heady mélange of ripe berry fruit, dusted with notes of wild herb and minerals, a streak of pomegranate and dark grape skin, sturdy tannins and a waft of wild brush. It's the sould of the south, with a character rooted in friendship.
Viña Peralillo "Arenal" Sauvignon Blanc — $10
I'm always astonished at just how delicious Chilean sauvignon can be, when grown with a modicum of respect. This is a glass of vibrant verve, with streaks of wild grass, herbs and a hint of zingy pepper embraced by tangy citrus and gooseberry fruit. Lush fruit with a counterpoint of bright acidity makes this a natural with çeviche, salads, roast chicken, or halibut tacos.
Viña Peralillo "Arenal" Carmenère — $10
For those unfamiliar with Carmenere, this is a lovely introduction — while those already in the know will find it be simply a great bottle of wine and a superb value. A gorgeous interplay of tea leaf, sassafras and spice highlights lush, but focused red and black berry fruit. It's plenty generous, with medium tannins to round out a thoroughly satisfying texture while complementing the enticing flavors.
Viña Peralillo "Arenal" Cabernet Sauvignon — $10
Cabernet sauvignon — that tastes like cabernet sauvignon. How about that! Bright focused cassis fruit is accented with a splash of red berries, with an alluring note of wild herbs to add depth and complexity. Sturdy tannins and brisk acidity provide a firm foundation for the generous fruit, complementing the lush mouth feel and making this great value wine a great companion to robust dishes.
PCC opens the cellar doors
(Updated: 12/16/2011) — Hidden away in the backrooms of a handful of our stores are collections of rare and beautiful wines. These wines were carefully selected for the stellar reputation of the producers and for the wines' quality and aging potential. Each would make a fine gift or an excellent addition to your personal cellar.
Prices listed represent substantial savings — so take advantage and enjoy! This is a great opportunity to drink wines of nearly mythical quality at relatively bargain prices. Availability is limited.
Edmonds
Bocchino Barolo "Lu" 2004 — Was: $70, Now: $49
Bocchino Barolo "Lu" 2005 — Was: $70, Now: $49
Marchesi di Gresy Barbaresco "Camp Gros" 2001 — Was: $80, Now: $64 — LAST BOTTLE!
Terre del Marchesato Merlot Bolgheri 2005 — Was: $78, Now: $62.50 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
August Clape Cornas 2004 — Was: $92, Now: $77 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Verget Corton Charlemagne 2005 — Was: $175, Now: $123 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Domaine de la Pousse d'Or Santenay 2006 - Was: $65, Now: $42 - TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Domaine de la Pousse d'Or Volnay 2006 — Was: $135, Now: $95
Domaine Robert Chevillon Nuits St. George 2004 — Was: $90, Now: $55 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Ch. Suduiraut Sauternes 2005 — Was: $72, Now: $57.50
Domaine Jasmin Côte Rôtie 2004 — Was: $65, Now: $45
Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf du Pâpe "Les Quartz" 2003 — Was: $105, Now: $75
Louis Roederer Cristal 1999 — Was: $225, Now: $180 — LAST BOTTLE!
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV — Was: $170, Now: $125 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Laurent-Perrier Rosé Brut NV — Was: $100, Now: $65 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling Rangen 2006 — Was: $107, Now: $75 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl 2006 — Was: $79, Now: $42 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Schloss Schonborn Beerenauslese 2004 — Was: $115, Now: $65 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese GK 2006 — Was: $100, Now: $75 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese GK 2006 — Was: $72.50, Now: $58 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Clos Martinet Priorat — Was: $81.50, Now: $60 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Parmi l'Esperit 2005 — Was: $60, Now: $48 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Fremont
Bocchino Barolo "Lu" 2005 — Was: $70, Now: $49
Domaine du Coulet Cornas "Billes Noires" 2004 — Was: $70, Now: $50 — LAST BOTTLE!
Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf du Pâpe "Les Quartz" 2006 — Was: $105, Now: $75 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Domaine de la Pousse d'Or Volnay "Caillerets" 2006 — Was: $135, Now: $95 — LAST BOTTLE!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Nuits St. George 2004 — Was: $90, Now: $55 — LAST BOTTLE!
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese 2008 — Was: $54.50, Now: $39 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle NV — Was: $170, Now: $136
Louis Roederer Cristal 1999 — Was: $225, Now: $180 — LAST BOTTLE!
Parmi l'Esperit 2005 — Was: $60, Now: $48 — LAST BOTTLE!
Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2006 — $60 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Bernard Moreau Chassagne Montrachet Rouge Vieilles Vignes — Was: $40, Now $35
Sanguineti Vino Nobile Montepulciano — Was: $35, Now: $29
Schloss Schonborn Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese 2004 — Was: $115, Now: $65
Terre del Marchesato Merlot Bolgheri 2005 — Was: $75, Now: $62.50
Verget Corton Charlemagne 2005 — Was: $175, Now: $123
Issaquah
Boscarelli dei Boscarelli Toscana 2001 — Was: $75, Now: $60
Louis Roederer Cristal 1999 — Was: $225, Now: $180 — LAST BOTTLE!
Terre del Marchesato Merlot Bolgheri 2005 — Was: $75, Now: $62.50 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Parmi l'Esperit 2005 — Was: $60, Now: $48 — TWO BOTTLES REMAINING!
Lancelot-Royer Blanc de Blancs — Was: $62, Now: $45
Jean Michel Stefan Côte Rôtie 2004 — Was: $65, Now: $45
The fine print:
All tasting notes are written by the PCC wine team, except where attributed otherwise — and in those cases, we wholeheartedly agree, and simply couldn't say it any better ourselves.