Wines of the Month

Wines of the Month for November 2022

2021 Jayson Pahlmeyer Sauvignon Blanc

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Napa Valley, California

Jayson wines are born from two of the most renowned winegrowing regions in the world – the iconic Napa Valley and the pioneering Sonoma Coast. Every vintage is meticulously made with the attention to detail for which Pahlmeyer is known and trusted, while capturing the spirit of its founder whose huge personality, humor and joy for living are an integral part of the Pahlmeyer legacy. Their Sauvignon Blanc beams with freshness and breadth, delivering voluminous layers of bright fruit and floral notes that ride on lifting acidity. Opening notes of citrus blossom, lemongrass, and Kefir lime leaf lead to gooseberry, Key lime, and lemon meringue on the juicy, well-textured mid-palate. Refreshingly crisp, the finish echoes with peach and green apple.

$36.99

$4/2oz pour

2011 Chateau Pas du Cerf Marlise 

75% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre & 10% Grenache 

Provence, France

Round and corpulent wine with a beautiful Marlise is a southern and heady vintage, with a pepper and mineral personality with stewed fruit flavors. This exceptional vintage, already known by our privileged clients who make it discover, is a concentrate and mix of our know how, maritime influences and our exceptional Terroir. Harvest by hand with fine grape selection. Aging in new French oak barrel for 12 months. Dark garnet color with crimson tints.  An explosion of aromas! Very rich and elegant. Aromas of dried apricot, blackcurrant and blackberries with a few crushed cherries. Some notes of cumin spices, a little of vanilla and pepper, and also a little leather side and slight smoky traces, persistence. Despite this powerful wine, we still have freshness in this wine. Great generosity with a magnificent balance. This high level Marlise wine matches wonderfully with game and long cooked dishes like a saddle deer with blueberries or with a jugged hare. Temperature: 16 to 18°C. Has to be decanted 2 hours before drinking. Can age for 10 to 15 years. 14.5%

$38.99

$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for October 2022

2020 ISLA SANCERRE 

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Sancerre, France

Sancerre is a firm fixture in restaurants and wine bars around the world and a trip into its vineyards – only a couple of hours drive from Paris – offers the chance to explore one of the most welcoming regions in France for wine lovers. Sancerre itself is a grand medieval hill town, with dozens of cafes, bistrots and "caves" to taste wine in. Set off into the countryside, and every winery is open for visits: as a sizeable part of their production is sold directly at the Domaine, with loyal customers often coming back for decades. From the heart of Sancerre comes this modern expression of the historical grape variety on a chalky terroir. This wine is easy to drink, boasting a citrus and grapefruit note, with mint and peach flavors, finishing on a crisp note. Unoaked.

$32.99

$4/2oz pour

2015 PETERSON VIGNOBLES RED

67% Carignane, 50% Forchini Vineyard, 17% Bradford Mountain Estate Vnyd,

25% Petite Sirah, 8% Zinfandel

Healdsburg, California

My father first produced Vignobles in the 1990’s as a way to showcase our Petite Sirah and other Rhone varietals in a savory blend that reflects the Dry Creek Valley terroir. And, as a side note, it was one of my favorite wines to sneak tastes of as a teenager. This unique blend has so much going on—starting with intriguing aromas of dark plum and dried strawberry laced with brown baking spices, black pepper, toasted oak and traces of tarriness.

$28.99

$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for September 2022

Château d’Arlay

Cotes du Jura, France

Selected the 'First Royal Vineyard of France' in the year 630, Château d'Arlay has remained in the Laguiche family since the 12th century. Before that time, it was owned, at different times, by the Kings of France, Spain and England. These are among a few key reasons why the Château is registered a National Monument. It isn't only the history buffs coming by every year to visit, however. The Laguiche family knows a thing or two about winemaking...(see also: Montrachet). Count Alain de Laguiche has been at the helm of Château d'Arlay since the early 1980s after taking over for his father, Count Renaud de Laguiche. Today, Alain produces a tremendous lineup of Jurassic wines from their nearly 50 acres of vineyards located just outside the château's walls. Interested in keeping things traditional, Alain has kept his lineup of wines easy to follow, even for Côte du Jura!

2017 Château d’Arlay Blanc Tradition

33% Chardonnay & 64% Savagnin

Gold in appearance. On the nose are dried apricots, caramel, crushed walnuts and a hint of vanilla. On the palate lemon, fennel, white pepper, bread dough, walnuts, nutmeg and a hint of vanilla. Medium finish. Reminiscent of a dry sherry. Pairs with poultry in sauce, hard cheese and exotic cuisine. Organic farming, certification in progress. Sustainable.

$47.99

$5/2oz pour

2017 Château d’Arlay Corail Rosé

Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Poulsard, Chardonnay, & Savagnin

This wine is created by macerating and co-fermenting all of the red (Pinot Noir, Trousseau and Poulsard) and white (Chardonnay, Savagnin) grape varieties of the Jura, which comes from a local tradition that has all but disappeared. The vineyards face due south, on a very rich soil made up of grey marl with limestone rolled stones. After vinification, the wine is aged in oak barrels for 4 years before bottling. Organic farming, certification in progress. Sustainable.

$33.99

$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for August 2022

2019 Piano dei Daini Etna Bianco

90% Carricante, 10% Cattarato, Inzolia & Grecanico

Etna, Italy

Sofia Ponzini started Tenute Bosco in 2010 to breathe life back into two small vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna. Some of the vines are over 120 years old, and pre-phylloxera, on land recovered 300 years ago from the cooled lava flow following Etna’s last major eruption. There is more living history in the sight of the traditional ‘alberello’ method of propagation in the vineyards that leaves the vines free standing and backed by dry stone walls.

Dusty florals, crushed almonds, lemon confit and hints of yellow apple rise up from the 2019 Etna Bianco Piano dei Daini. It coats the palate in textural richness, and then washes it clean with a stimulating mix of vibrant acids, citrus and salty minerals. Tension builds through the finale, as the cheeks pucker to a sweet-and-sour display of green melon and lasting inner florals. The 2019 is beautiful already, but a year or two of cellaring will bring it fully into focus. A wonderful appetizer, but excellent with any fish that can support the zesty citrus fruit and acidity. Drinking window: 2022 – 2028. Certified Organic, Vegan Friendly and Unoaked.

$39.99

$4/2oz pour

2018 SCEG Aglianico del Vulture

100% Aglianico del Vulture

Basilicata, Italy

Intense ruby color with strong garnet reflections. Ample and complex perfume, decidedly mineral, fruity and ethereally youthful with clear spice hints. Aroma provokes strong sensation of cherry, currant, rosemary, tobacco and cinnamon. Has a dry, warm flavor, broad structure and persistent, aromatic and long finish. Wine of strong personality, representative of its territory and destined to have a great future!

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new tonneau for 12 months. Then, the wine is aged for 6 months in bottle before release. Decant for a minimum of 30 minutes.

$36.99

$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for July 2022

2020 Domaine Dutron Pouilly Fuissé

 100% Chardonnay

Pouilly Fuisse, Maconnais, Bourgogne, France

The Dutron family has been making wine at their 40-acre estate in the town of Fuissé since 1835. Today, Domaine Dutron is made by winemaker Maxime Dutron, who joined his father in the family business in 2010. The winery grows only Chardonnay, with some vines up to 70 years old.

The winery is dedicated to using sustainable farming practices.

Bright yellow gold. Highly aromatic, with complex notes of nuts, citrus, brioche and honey. Clean flavors of ripe fruits with a medium to full body, excellent balance and an elegant, long finish. Pairs well with fish, white meat and goat cheese.  13% ABV

$31.99

$4/2oz pour

2021 Domaine Bunan Moulin des Costes Rosé

100% Pinot Noir

Bandol, Provence, France

Throughout the ages, the lords of the medieval Chateau of Le Castellet kept their table supplied with wines from the same legendary terraces which are now known as Moulin des Costes, named for the 18th century Provençal manor house which still overlooks the property. In 1961, brothers Paul and Pierre Bunan purchased this vineyard in the hills above the port of Bandol. 

The method for rosé is direct press. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, the final assembly in January and bottling in May.

Brilliant salmon pink color. Elegant fruity bouquet with an expressive nose. Deli-

cate aromas of fruit and mango. A pure, clean tasting, harmonious wine. Well balanced with accompanying fruit aromas.  13.5% ABV

$39.99/btl

$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for June 2022

2019 Domaine Servin Vieilles Vignes Chablis
100% Chardonnay
Chablis, France

On a ridge between the Premier Cru vineyards of Montmains and Vaillons in Chablis lies the Pargues vineyard, from which this wine is sourced.  The 2019 Chablis Vieilles Vignes Sélection Massale is excellent, delivering aromas of orange oil, white flowers, pear and oyster shell, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and concentrated palate that's bright and chalky. It represents great value. Possesses fine quality for its level and is also worth trying. Around a third of this cuvée matures in used barrels, the rest in tank.  12.5% ABV
$32.99/btl
$4/2oz pour

2017 Trione River Road Ranch Pinot Noir
100% Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

2017 will be remembered as the year of the fires in Sonoma County, it will also be remembered as a near perfect vintage for most winegrowers. A walk through a dense redwood forest, full of wild blackberry brambles, dappled sunlight and the occasional moss and mushroom covered stump. These are the images that come to mind when first tasting the 2017 Trione Pinot Noir. The mouthfeel is rich and silky with a long finish.  This wine will age gracefully for the next 5-7 years. Salute! 14.6% ABV
$35.99/btl
$4/2oz pour
 

Wines of the Month for May 2022

2019 Pieropan “La Rocca” Soave Classico

100% Garganega

Soave Classico DOC, Italy

The vineyard ‘La Rocca’ is situated on the Monte Rocchetta hill, just below the mediaeval castle built by the Scaligeri family in the town of Soave. The microclimate in this vineyard produces wines with a unique perfume and distinctive taste. The grapes are picked when very ripe, often as late as the end of October, giving tremendous complexity and aromatic qualities to the wine, making it a wine of great breeding. The wine was first made under this label in 1978. Brilliant and intense yellow whit golden hints; characterful wine, reminiscent of exotic fruit and nuts on the nose; soft and persistent on the palate, with hints of spice, length and elegance. Makes an excellent partner to complex dishes, even with strong flavors particularly risottos such as porcini, or celery, squash and almond, salt cod and other fish including salmon, scallops and crab. Holistic, low environmental impact approach to pest control. 13% ABV

$40.99/btl

$4/2oz pour

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2018 Hightower Merlot

91% Merlot & 9% Cabernet Franc

Red Mountain District, Washington

As much as possible, they take a non-interventionist approach to winemaking. They place great emphasis on vineyard selection, picking, pressing, and blending so that Hightower wines are naturally beautiful and free from pretense. They let the powerful and concentrated fruit from Red Mountain speak for itself. The result is a collection of well-balanced, nuanced wines that reveal something new and interesting each time you open a bottle. They like to think they’re wines with character through and through — in how they were made, how they taste, and in the connections they inspire. The 2018 Merlot is by far our “biggest” most brooding Merlot. It shows lots of dark berry fruit, beautiful dark chocolate aromas, and a hint of vanilla. The tannins are nicely managed to a smooth, silky texture.  Sustainable. 14.7% ABV

$33.99/btl

$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for April 2022
 
2019 Les Cormiers Saumur Chenin Blanc
100% Chenin Blanc
Loire Valley, Saumur, France
 
The town of Saumur, and its castle of the 11th century overlooking the left bank of the Loire River, that offers the greatest Terroir of the Anjou-Saumur region for the production of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. It is there in the small village of Souzay-Champigny, one of the 8 villages of the appellation, that Jean-Pierre Chevalier farms organically. Fully certified organic since 2012, the vines have always been farmed in respect of nature with no use a phytosanitary products. Winemaking is hands-off and happens with native yeasts and minimal addition of SO2. Long fermentation in old 500 litters French oak barrels, followed by an ageing on fine lees during 10 months in the same “Tonnes”. No “Bâtonnage” and no malolactic fermentation. Enchanting nose of citrus and white flowers. The mouth is full and ample but always stay fresh and supple. Stone fruit character dominated by white peach with subtle citrus notes. It finishes with a chalky terroir distinction. 13.5% ABV
$34.99/btl
$4/2oz pour
 
 
2019 Harvey & Harriet Red
40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot & 10% Malbec
San Luis Obispo County, California
 
Harvey and Harriet is the Bordeaux blend created by Eric Jensen of Booker Vineyard, in an attempt to make a wine that his parents would love and could afford. At first blush, an exuberant bouquet of candied blueberries, blackberries, jasmine, and orange blossoms jumps out of the glass and demands full attention. Underneath the fruits and flowers lie warm scents of brioche, cocoa, and baking spices. The taster is then rewarded with intense cherry, mixed berry and plum followed by caramel and espresso. The overall sensation is sublime bliss on the palate as the elegant finish slowly fades away.
$32.99
$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for March 2022

2019 Reveur La Vigne en Rose
85% Gewurztraminer & 15% Riesling
Alsace, France

This is a new Alsatian brand from Mathieu Deiss, son of acclaimed vigneron Jean-Michel Deiss of Domaine Marcel Deiss. In addition to working in the vines and cellar of his family domaine, Mathieu manages this spectacular 17.3 acre property, making exclusively estate grown wines. Parcels are located mostly in the commune of Bennwihr, just outside of the Valley of Kaysersberg. The estate is certified organic by Ecocert, and biodynamic by Demeter.

Beautiful nose! It's fresh, elegant and fragrant. Notes of roses mingle with those of apricot and lychee with a hint of mirabelle plum. The palate is round and fresh, tasty and invigorating. Delightful! Certified biodynamic. Indigenous yeast. Fermented and aged in stainless steel for 12 months. 14% ABV
$29.99/btl

2016 Franzoni La Foja Botticino DOC
40% Barbera, 30% Marzemino, 20% Sangiovese, 10% Schiava Gentile
Lombardy, Italy

A vibrant ruby-red wine from Botticino hills. The notes of red berry, vanilla and tobacco can be then found in the mouth. Long finish and strong flavors for a wine that’s excellent pairing for red meat, roast and strong cheese. The ageing of this wine is carried out for more than three 3 in Slavonian casks and then it is refined for over 3 months in bottles before hitting the market.

Botticino is also called “Barolo of Lombardy” and the soil plays a big part in this. It’s made up of “marl” and characterized by its light color, very similar to the one in Piedmont area of Barolo. 14.5% ABV
$34.99
$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for February 2022

2018 Pra ‘Monte Grande’ Soave Classico
70% Garganega & 30% Trebbiano
Soave Classico DOC, Veneto, Italy

Hand harvested. Practicing organic. Age of vines 30 to 60 years. The stems of the Garganega are snipped when the grapes are ripe and left to slightly raisinate in the vineyard for one month. The Trebbiano di Soave is harvested earlier and adds freshness to the Garganega.  The 2018 Soave Classico Monte Grande is intense, wafting up masses of crushed stone and mineral tones, dusty florals and notes of green apple. The textures are enveloping, soft and smooth, supported by stimulating acidity and minerals, while ushering in orchard fruits but also a hint of tart tropical citrus, which adds an exotic note. That said, the Monte Grande is more savory than sweet, with an herbal twang through the finale, complemented by hints of raw almond. 
13% ABV
$31.99/btl
$4/2oz pour

2016 Peterson Winery Braford Mountain Merlot
84% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, & 8% Cabernet Franc
Dry Creek Valley AVA, Sonoma, California

Dusty oak notes swirl through aromas of blackcurrant and dark cherry with just a trace of minerality. The velvety entry reveals plush tannins with bright acidity. Juicy Bing cherry, pomegranate and mocha caress the palate, while hints of spicy cedar, fine herbs, violets, and graphite enhance the flavors. The oak structure keeps a low profile until the long finish, where it contributes to the wine’s complexity and depth. Aged 26 months in 50% 1-year-old French oak barrels;
50% 2-4 year-old French oak barrels.
15% ABV
$37.99
$4/2oz pour

Wines of the Month for January 2022

2020 Von Winning ‘Winnings’ Riesling
100% Riesling
Pfalz, Germany

This wine is everything that is great about Riesling—crisp, clean, mineral-driven with ripe fruit. A winemaker from a long tradition, the vineyard is practicing organic. von Winning is unquestionably a rising star. This is his entry-level Riesling sourced from several parcels. Great value clean and fresh Riesling packed with stone fruits and flinty minerality. What is so tantalizing about this wine is it strikes a perfect balance between sweet and dry, which just keeps me coming back for another sip, and another, until the whole bottle is gone. Too crisp to be a sweet wine and too sweet and fruity to be a dry wine, this is where two things are equally true and equally good. Fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in 10% used French & German old barrels, 500-1500L
12% ABV
$20.99/btl
$4/2oz pour

2017 Ridgeback ‘His Master's Choice’ Signature C Red Blend
70% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 10% Petit Verdot
Paarl, South Africa

Classic upfront cassis, mulberry and dark plum with notes of cigar box and licorice. Firm, ripe tannin supports the rich midpalate and elegant pepper spice finish. The wine was gravity fed to 80% new, 10% second fill and 10% third fill 225-liter French oak barrels for secondary Malolactic fermentation. After 12 months of maturation the component cultivars were blended together and racked back to barrel for a further 6 months of integration. The specially selected barrels were lightly filtered prior to bottling. Certified organic.
14.5% ABV
$31.99
$4/2oz pour