An Undiscovered Wine Gem from Paso

Greetings Bohemians,

So there's been an embarrassingly long gap in the food with Fort column (A Holiday post on the art of smoking foods was the last post) Many apologies. I think I underestimated the schedule overhaul that comes with arrival of a newborn. Our first child—a girl—was born on January 12, and between wine dinners and diapers my entries have been few and far between (and I'm sure everyone has been desperately awaiting my return!).

I thought for my inaugural 2009 post, in the spirit of finding lifestyle enhancers at a great value, I might have the pleasure of introducing many of you to a new wine out of the Central Coast. Green Faucet and Red County, meet Sans Liege Wines, and winemaker Curt Schalchlin.

Translated as without allegiance Sans Liege is Schalchlins expression of winemaking that incorporates his training (apprenticeship stints at Barrel 27 and Core Wines) while making a distinct statement of his own on how Central Coast Rhone varieties should show. I'm far from being the first to discover Sans Liege, and this highly talented new up-and-comer winemaker. Irene Virbila, Food editor of the LA Times, quickly featured his flagship label, "The Offering," as a Wine of the Week. However, my company did have the pleasure of hosting Schalchlin's first winemaker dinner, which was a smashing success (attendees bought an average of 6 bottles per person). Having hosted well-known wineries, like Villa Creek, Kris Curran, Palmina, Justin, etc., our customers loved finding a new winery, and loved the prices as well-- his most expensive bottle is $32!

But dont let the prices fool you AT ALL into thinking this is a Paso jam bomb for simplistic guzzlers. The wines have a complexity, structure, depth of palate, and a workability with food that is usually found in wines twice the price.

Sans Liege is still in its opening phases as a winery, so don't expect the corporate well-oiled machinery of a huge labels and their websites. The website is pretty basic (the winemaker's personal phone number is listed on the site) and case production is limited. But if you're looking for a phenomenal new wine at a great price that looks awesome on the table (all labels are designed by New York artist Gene Ploss), get a hold of Sans Liege. Tell him Steve from Room Forty sent you.

And Orange County residents: look for a winemaker dinner with Curt Schalchlin and Sans Liege later this summer!

Wines and prices listed below:

Cheers,

Fort

2007 OPINE , COTES -DU-COAST,

Paso Robles, Viognier/Roussanne/Marsanne, 206 cases made $22

2007 SANS LIEGE, SANCHA

MARSANNE, Paso Robles, 51 cases made $25

Limit: 3 bottles

2006 SANS LIEGE, THE OFFERING

Santa Barbara County, Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre/Viognier,

765 cases made $24

2006 SANS LIE GE, GRENACHE,

CENTRAL COAST Central Coast, 250 cases made $30

N.V. SANS LIEGE, THE PROPHETES

Central Coast, Syrah/Mourvedre, 45 cases made $32