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Photo
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Contact
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Phone:
206.326.4774 x286
e-mail:
Dawn Marti
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Recommendations |
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Wines
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Biography |
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Home > People
> Dawn Marti |
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Dawn Marti
Corporate Accounts Manager, Noble Wines, Ltd.
Dawn began her career in the wine business in
1991 as the wine steward at The Brooklyn, one of downtown
Seattle's favorite seafood and steakhouses. In 1993, Dawn
made the move to Elliott Bay Wine Co., a boutique-wine oriented
wholesaler, where she became a sales representative. "It was
trial by fire," recalls Dawn fondly, "you could have put
my cumulative wine knowledge on the head of a pin. If you would've
looked up "rookie" in the dictionary there would have
been a picture of me." Although Dawn was familiar with
Washington, Oregon and California appellations and wineries, as
well as basic viticultural and enological techniques and
processes, she admits being "dumb as a box of hair" (her
quote) when it came to the wines of Europe and South America.
"Hal Lee and Mike Allen (two of Elliott Bay's owners) were
phenomenal tutors. Through them, I was exposed to some of the
finest wines of the world as well as their years of cumulative
experience and knowledge."
Dawn moved to P. & S. Wine Co. in 1994 where she became a
key accounts sales representative. Over the next five years she
continued to strengthen her wine knowledge as well as her
relationships with many of Seattle's premier retail and restaurant
accounts such as University Village QFC, Queen Anne and Admiral
Thriftway and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
In January of 2000, Dawn was hired by the highly respected
Noble Wines, Ltd. to be their on-premise corporate accounts
manager. "Noble's catalogue represents the crème de la
crème of domestic and imported wines. It was a phenomenal
opportunity for me and being offered a position by Noble is an
honor and a compliment in this industry." Dawn's
responsibilities include coordinating and consulting on wine lists
for some of Seattle and Bellevue's finest restaurants.
Additionally, she designs and sells many of the large
"theme" displays to key local retailers. "I'm also
continuing as a sales rep for three of my favorite accounts,
Ballard Market, La Cantina at Sand Point and the new Fred Meyer in
Ballard. The opportunity to work with some of the most respected
buyers and fellow sales representatives in the business is very
special. After almost 10 years, it's almost like a family..."
Dawn can be reached at Noble Wines, Ltd. at #206.326.4774 ext. 286
or via e-mail: d.marti@worldnet.att.net.
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Personal
Picks |
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Joseph Drouhin Chablis Vaudon 2003 (France) $19
I know $19 doesn’t traditionally qualify as a “value” price, but I
had to make a special exception for this wine...besides, it’s
discounted from $22.99 for February, so technically it still
qualifies. Putting it simply, this is what Chardonnay should taste
like. Epitomizes the finest qualities of the grape and embodies
Burgundian style: elegant and ethereal. Lemon custard and
honeysuckle aromas and flavors with a silky, mouth-filling
profile. If you think you’re jaded and bored with Chardonnay, this
one will rekindle your passion!
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Henschke Keyneton “Euphonium” 2001 (Australia) $45
From one of the few wineries (Australian or otherwise) that can
legitimately claim “icon” status, and extremely limited (only a
few six packs available in Seattle, but well worth seeking out.) A
blend of 72% Shiraz, 20%Cabernet and 8% Merlot from the Barossa
Valley. Spicy plum, blackcurrant and blueberry fruits dominate the
palate with hints of anisette, almonds and tobacco on the nose.
Luxurious, velvety textured tannins and a long, long, long finish
combine to make a wine deserving of it’s reputation and rarity.
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Pesquera Tinto 2000 (Spain) $24
A deep ruby-red with an intense, concentrated, blackcurrant
infused nose. This vintage has a power and grace from the
Tempranillo grape that is not seen every year. As this wine ages,
the texture becomes more supple and smooth and the body of the
wine gains strength. The original “First Growth” of Spain, I
recommend buying multiple bottles so you can drink the wine
periodically and experience it’s evolution for yourself.
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Bogle Petite Sirah 2001 (California) $10
Powerful fruit and viscosity make this a big, hearty red, yet soft
and supple tannins finish the wine with finesse. Chocolate,
tobacco and violets spring from the bouquet, hinting at the
richness to come. Trademark jammy qualities fill the mouth with
ripe plum and boysenberry fruit. The voluptuous finish lingers
with toast oak and plush fruit.
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Selbach-Oster Bernkastel Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2002
(Germany) $17
Like the crack of a whip! Bright and lively with ripe, opulent,
citrus notes. Full-bodied, but with a surprising flinty, mineral
note that really shows on the crisp, exhilarating finish.
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Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2001 (Germany) $13
Floral, citrus and peach notes grace this gentle, balanced white,
whose subtlety belies an underlying persistence. Ends with a long,
languid, spicy, fulfilling finish…Ohhh yeah, that's how I like it!
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Perrin Chateauneuf du Pape “Les Sinards” 2000 (France) $27
Toffee, spice and rose petals on the nose. Silky, luxurious
textures and particularly long-lasting flavors of black cherry,
ripe plums, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and earth. Like an
expensive oriental rug; you just want to get naked and roll around
in it.
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Bogle Petite Syrah 2001 (California) $10
Trademark jammy qualities fill the mouth with ripe, explosive plum
and boysenberry fruit. The voluptuous finish lingers with toasty
oak and plush tannins. Without question, a wine for the hedonist
in all of us.
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Bonny Doon “Book of Love” Framboise 2002 (California) $11
Giggle! If you can’t figure out what to serve this on (besides ice
cream and cheesecake for a quick, simple, elegant desert and in
your champagne for a party-perfect cocktail) then, in spite of my
vast experience, I can’t possible help you. Made from fresh
raspberries, fermented for a short time, then fortified. This
preserves the pure fruit flavors on both the nose and the palate
and imparts a long, velvety-smooth finish.
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Warres “Otima” 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Portugal) (500ml) $20
Unlike traditional ports, Otima is immensely enjoyable as an
aperitif, especially with a light chill. Possesses a light,
delicate, seductive palate that challenges the perception of Port
as a dark and full-bodied after dinner drink. Light tawny in
color, with an excellent nose of dried fruits and walnuts. Classic
flavors of nuts highlighted by mature fruit, with a long fresh
finish.
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Bollinger “Special Cuvée” Brut NV (France) $41
Really, the very idea of denying oneself the pleasure of Champagne
is akin to taking a vow of chastity. The only way to begin any
real celebration: Bollinger’s trademark rich flavor profile,
full-bodied texture, depth, complexity and balance make this the
most enticing non-vintage Cuvée Champagne around, as well as the
ultimate tool of seduction.
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Chalone Chardonnay 2000 (California) $30
In 2000, perfect ripening weather and lack of intense heat spells
allowed Chalone to achieve great homogeneity of ripeness in their
Chardonnay. Aromas of green apples and stone fruit are accented
and lifted by citrus and tangerine notes. The 2000 vintage has a
firm acid grip and, of course, gobs of wet stone minerality from
Chalone’s unique limestone soil. Aged on the lees for ten months
in 100 percent French oak, the wine was not racked until bottling.
This extended sur lie aging, coupled with malolactic fermentation,
created complex layers of Brioche—the aroma isn’t just yeastiness,
but the rich, baked bread smells of butter and eggs. Viscous and
rich on the finish, this wine has a perfect balance between
fruitiness, barrel aging, and minerality. The 2000 Chardonnay is
fairly youthful now but is a wine that should age well, with its
peak being in three to five years. A Chardonnay for a red wine
drinker! It’s powerful, complex, and goes well with just about
everything: chicken, pasta, fish, pork, or take out Chinese food.
Yes!
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Shafer Merlot 1999 (California) $28
Pull the cork on a Shafer Merlot and you’ll find a sleek, stylish
wine that takes center stage with all its appealing varietal
fruit, not a Merlot that plays understudy to a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Gaining complexity from its diverse vineyard sources, this Merlot
draws its grapes from selected vineyards throughout the Napa
Valley. Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet
Sauvignon and aged in French oak, it serves up forward plum and
black cherry fruit flavors and a supple texture.
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Mission Hill Vidal Ice Wine Reserve 1998 (Canada) (375 ml) $29
Canadian producers are perhaps best known for their stunning
German-style icewines, made from grapes picked and crushed while
still frozen. Nowhere else in the world is the weather more
suitable for the production of icewine. This has been much to the
chagrin of the actual inventers of it – the Germans. Icewine (or
Eiswein) is their baby. For almost 200 years, the Germans were the
icewine masters. The first Canadian icewine was made in 1973 and
in less than 30 years; Canada has become the largest producer of
this precious nectar. The Mission Hill Icewine is bright gold in
color and has aromas of stone fruit and baked apples. Rich and
concentrated with a smooth honeyed character, a refreshing burst
of tropical fruit and the hallmark lemony acidity to balance the
luscious sweetness. If you think you need a “special occasion” to
enjoy this wine, your wrong. You just need a “special someone!"
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Zardetto Prosecco NV (Italy) $10
This excellent, crisp, light-bodied, richly fruity, refreshing,
effervescent, dry sparkler offers notes of citrus and bread dough
in its pure, zesty personality. The quintessential aperitif.
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Bogle Petite Syrah 2000 (California) $10
Powerful fruit and viscosity make this a big hearty red, yet soft
and supple tannins finish the wine with finesse. Chocolate,
tobacco and violets spring from the bouquet, hinting at the
richness to come. Trademark jammy qualities fill the mouth with
ripe plum and boysenberry fruit. The voluptuous finish lingers
with toasty oak and plush fruit. A “dream date” with your
Thanksgiving fare!
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Bonny Doon Big House Red 2001 (California) $10
We think Randall Grahm says it best (you might want to break out
your thesaurus!): “Another break-out hit for the recidivist
partisans of this eclectic pan-Mediterranean blend. We altered our
varietal mix just a tad this year and introduced a substantial
amount of cabernet franc into the concoction. Big House Red is all
about fragrance, spice and soft tannins. Big House Red has a
fragrance of mint and garrigue, with insinuations of blackberry
and the ubiquitous framboise. Not a wine that you would want to
serve to the Queen (in virtue of its unregenerate rusticity), it
is nevertheless a wine that is the perfect complement to barbecue,
pasta, pizza and all of the major non-vegan food groups.” (We
apologize to anyone this might have offended!) (And it comes in a
screw cap!!)
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Penfolds Cabernet-Shiraz “Bin 389” 1999 (Australia) $23
Created by the legendary Max Schubert - creator of Penfolds Grange
- Bin 389 is often referred to as 'poor man's Grange' ('baby
Grange' in the U.S.) because Components of the wine are matured in
the same barrels that held the previous year's Grange. First made
in 1960, this was the wine that built Penfolds' solid reputation
with red wine drinkers. Combining the structure of Cabernet with
the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389 also exemplifies Penfolds' skill
in balancing fruit and oak. A classic Australian style with a
clear Penfolds identity. Meaty and savory aromas intermesh with
cinnamon and anise over a base of generous, sweet berried fruits,
complemented by wafts of freshly stewed plum and beetroot. Subtle
oak-barely discernable and at one with the wine. Full-bodied with
trademark sweet mid-palate 'evolved' fruits- concentrated cherry
liqueur and brandied fruits – fused with dark, bittersweet
chocolate. Grainy tannins, well-managed oak and a lovely balance
complete the structural impression.
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Landmark Chardonnay “Overlook Vineyard” 2000 (California) $25
A truly eclectic wine... Blessed with irresistible resonance and
presence, great balance and integrity, this chardonnay is sweetly
ripe and juicy with spicy pineapple-grapefruit flavors touched
with pear and apple and gracefully structured with deft oak and
mineral elements. |
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Edna Valley Chardonnay “Paragon” 2000 (California) $13
Copious quantities of fresh lemon along with hints of white
peaches, spice and crisp acidity. Elegant and medium-bodied, with
excellent fruit characteristics and notions of minerality.
Judicious use of oak creates a very elegant, integrated wine that
is perfect for enjoying on a summer evening!
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Sagelands Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Washington) $16
Bing and black sherry, cocoa, coffee, toasty oak flavors with
pie-cherry undertones. A gorgeous, Bordeaux style Cabernet!
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Hedges Columbia Valley Red “CMS” 2000 (Washington) $14
Ripe raspberry and cherry components are complemented by an
inviting nose of vanilla, toast and spice. Juicy fruit flavors are
well balanced by firm, yet soft tannins, bright acidity, and a
long, elegant finish.
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Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV (France) $40
First pressing only, three years on lees and six months on cork
produce a truly luxurious Cuvée. Rich, toasty, creamy flavorful
and very dry. Forget the “special occasion” and serve this
anytime, it’s especially tasty with delicate fish, shellfish,
white meats and, of course, as an aperitif.
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J & F Lurton Viognier “Les Salices” 2001 (France) $8
A lot of wine for a very little price! Gorgeous honeysuckle, and
pear notes abound on the nose. Mouth-filling flavors of Honeydew
melon and toasted hazelnuts finishing with a bright,
palate-cleansing citrus note. What a charmer!
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Argyle Chardonnay “Willamette Valley” 2000 (Oregon) $12
Intense aromas of pear, roasted hazelnuts and citrus. Flavors are
luxurious and ripe, golden apples and tropical fruit. Butterscotch
and big fruit flavors linger on the long, concentrated finish.
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Zardetto Prosecco NV (Italy) $10
You can’t get more “summery” than this! The fruit is generous yet
delicate, and the bubbles tap just faintly on the palate. Blessed
with enough body to maintain it’s character when mixed fruits
(especially peach juice for Bellinis!) Crisp, lively and pleasing
without making you work to hard.
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Rosenblum Cellars Edna Valley Chardonnay “Paragon” 2000
(California) $19
Copious quantities of fresh lemon along with hints of white
peaches, spice and crisp acidity. Elegant and medium-bodied, with
excellent fruit characteristics and notions of minerality.
Judicious use of oak creates a very elegant, integrated wine that
is perfect for enjoying on a summer evening!
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Marques de Caceres Rioja Blanco 1999 (Spain) $7
Spring has arrived, and with it comes the desire for fresh, crisp,
floral white wines! Made from 100% Viura grapes from Rioja Alto,
and cold fermented to preserve the vibrancy of the kiwi and
mandarin orange flavors. Incredibly crisp and clean on the finish,
(think "Spanish Pinot Gris" when you're looking to
describe this wine!) The number one selling white Rioja in Spain
(constituting 74% of the white wine sold in Rioja!) and, let's
face it, they know their wine! Drink this wine with everything
from salmon to chicken to pasta…especially nice for warm spring
nights on the deck!
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Newton Cabernet Sauvignon "Unfiltered" 1998
(California) $48
The 1997 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage is just a pleasant memory.
(It's GONE people, get over it!) I know it's difficult to accept,
but we must move on with our lives and hope that the gods of wine
will bestow upon us another "vintage of awe." In the
case of Newton, we may not have to wait that long...The press and
accolades are already rolling in, so this time y'all better act
fast because it's going to be around about as long as the '97's
were. Rich and spicy, a bit on the exotic side, with a leathery,
roasted coffee-scented streak running through the core of mineral
and anise-scented Cabernet flavors. Lots of chewy tannins on the
finish indicate ideal maturity in about seven or eight years.
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Warres Warrior Port Non-Vintage (Portugal) $15
Don't wait for a special occasion to enjoy the pleasures of
port....it's the perfect end to any meal or a wonderful aperitif.
You can't beat Warres Warrior for affordable quality. Winner of
the prestigious "5 Star Decanter Award for Outstanding
Quality" and described as a "virtually perfect
example" of "The Finest Vintage Character Port
Available." Founded in 1670, Warres is the oldest brand of
port in the world. A true joy to drink, with a bright, deep ruby
style, a fresh and fruity bouquet and a warm, clean, lively palate
dominated by luscious fruit flavors and perfectly balanced
tannins. This is extremely well crafted with very good depth and
structure.
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Canyon Road Merlot 1999 (California) $8
Wow! It's really hard to find a wine this good for a price this
low! This is chock full of lush, ripe plum and black cherry
flavors and aromas with a kiss of sweet toasty oak. The vanilla
bean notes on the nose and the hint of mocha on the finish combine
to create a wonderful, balanced quaffer. A soft, approachable wine
with a satiny-smooth texture makes this the perfect wine for every
palate! Buy this one by the case!
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Prunotto Barbaresco 1997 (Italy) $39
Extremely limited, this wine is the epitome of a "Cellar
Selection." The majesty and mystique of Barbaresco are
embodied in the wines of Alfredo Prunotto. Founded in 1923,
Prunotto is considered to be one of the premier producers in Alba.
The "noblest" of Italy's three "Noble Red Varietals",
Nebbiolo is extremely difficult and expensive to grow with
incredible long-term aging potential. 1997 was an excellent
vintage in Piedmont, as Prunotto's Barbaresco exemplifies. Garnet
colored with good intensity. The perfume is heady and complex with
hints of fig and anise. Full-bodied and velvety with flavors of
chocolate, truffles and currants. Excellent balance and structure
will allow for further development in the bottle.
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Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica 1998
(Spain) $9
This stunning little winery is located about 30 miles inland from
Barcelona. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. A charmer from
the start with a lovely, violet-scented bouquet. Lively, nicely
accentuated flavors of strawberry and juicy red cherries. Finishes
with beautifully balanced tannins and a velvety, seamless texture.
This wine is downright "pretty"!
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Barnard Griffin Zinfandel 1998
(Washington) $21
From the Hell's Gate Canyon Vineyard, located on the high bluffs
overlooking the Columbia River, boasting one of the longest
frost-free climates in the state. This micro-climate is perhaps
the only area in Washington with the potential to produce
Zinfandel with such a distinctive, varietal-y correct character. A
gorgeous nose with hints of white pepper, caramel, clove and
mocha. The weight of the wine is similar to Pinot Noir, but has
the signature raspberry fruit flavors and spicy components of Zin.
Really gorgeous nuances of pomegranate and tobacco finish this to
a tee. Originally planned for winery-only distribution, we were
lucky enough to receive a small amount at the retail and
restaurant level!
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Bollinger "Special Cuvée"
Non-Vintage (France) $40
Founded in 1829, Bollinger is one of Champagne's few remaining
family-owned Grande Marque houses. Located in Ay, in the heart of
the Cote des Noirs, it is renowned for the high percentage of
Pinot Noir it uses and for the extra aging on the lees (a minimum
of three years) that it's Champagnes' receive. Bollinger truly
epitomizes "luxury"--showing rich, creamy, toasty notes
and wonderful flavors reminiscent of the Grand and Premier Cru
vineyards that the grapes are sourced from.
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Pazo De Senorans Albarino 1999
(Spain) $14
Very subtle, Riesling-like aromas of white grapefruit, lemon,
ginger, minerals, peach, nutmeg and earth. Very concentrated and
dense, with a chewy texture and superb delineation. In a group of
16 wines from the Rias Baixas, this was the clear winner!
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Falesco Vitiano 1999 (Italy) $9
This wine has been so popular that we've been unable to keep it in
stock! (Gratuitous praise from certain "notable" wine
writers can be a mixed blessing.) 33% Merlot, 33% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 33% Sangiovese. Aged 2 months in Nevers oak barrels.
This wine is unfiltered. Rich and spicy on the nose, noble in
character with a complex and harmonious structure and a lingering
finish. Shockingly good and unbelievably priced!
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Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 1998
(California) $38
One of the top five (rated) Merlots from the inconsistent 1998
vintage. Earth, leather and mineral lead to currant, plum and
cherry-scented flavors and a firm finish with dry, chunky tannins.
This is definitely a wine that will develop well in the bottle!
Due to the extremely short growing season in 1998, and the limited
quantities of quality wine produced, wines of this caliber and
price won't be around for long.
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Argiolas Perdera 1996 (Sardinia) $8
This wine is made from the
native Monica grape. So tasty, drinking like a nifty Sangiovese.
Filled with vibrant strawberry fruit, black currants and a hint of
hot black pepper.
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Bernardus Chardonnay 1998 (California) $21
A Monterey County icon, this winery
needs no introduction. Their Chardonnay has received a
"Spectator Selection" and a 90+ point rating in three
out of the last four vintages (this one included!) Possessing
beautiful, kiwi-like fruit, exceptional balance and a masterful
handling of oak, this wine is the cure for "Chardonnay Makes
Me Yawn" Syndrome.
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Ragotiere Muscadet 1999 (France) $7
Recognized as the finest vineyards in the
appellation. All of Chateau de la Ragotiere's wines are bottled
"sur lie", which means they're not racked after
fermentation, but rather are drawn off the lees and bottled
immediately, leaving some of the CO2 in the wine. While most
Muscadets are left on the lees a token amount of time, Ragotiere
bottles no earlier than April so that the lees really nourish the
wine and affect it's character. This wine shows a wonderful stony,
mineral edge, with fabulous verve and pink grapefruit acidity. (Limited
availability.)
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Mission Hill Pinot Noir "Grand Reserve" 1998 (Canada)
$13
Oh Canada!
The Okanogan is coming on strong and one taste of this wine will
explain why! There's not an Oregon Pinot under $18 that can
touch this wine for drinkability. Absolutely velvety....lots of
satiny smooth plum and blackberry fruit with subtle oak nuances.
If you haven't experienced the wonders of the newest wine making
appellation, this wine is the perfect introduction!
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Penfolds "RWT" Barossa Valley Shiraz 1997 (Australia)
$57
A brand new venture from the masters of
Shiraz. "RWT" stands for "Red Wine
Trail" and describes the winemaking journey that Penfolds enological
wizards have embarked upon. This wine embodies the hedonistic,
black currant fruit, leather, tobacco notes characteristic of the
finest Barossa Valley Shiraz. Making the best better, the wine is
extensively aged in French oak. Built to age, built to impress. (Quantities are limited.)
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