The Cellar Shot
- Château Simone Palette Blanc 2021, Provence, France - Primarily Clairette this age-worthy wine has energy and power and yet manages to hold onto its elegance. Yellow peaches, red delicious apples, poached pear, and an interesting array of nuts, chamomile, and minerals come across on the palate. Make sure to send a bottle to the cellar.
- Domaine du Clos des Rocs, Pouilly-Loche ‘En Chantone’ 2021, Burgundy, France - Of a cooler vintage, this Chardonnay comes from 100 year-old vines in the Mâconnais region of Burgundy. Aged 13 months in steel and neutral oak. Mineral depth with ample richness and finely rendered floral aromatics.
The Californian
- Vaughn Duffy Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Russian River Valley - From Hopkins River Ranch on Eastside Road this is a vibrant, refreshing and balanced wine. Aromas of jasmine, orange blossom, and floral notes. Flavors of pink grapefruit, lemon sherbet, and honeydew melon.
- Clos Saron ‘Kind of Blue’ Cabernet Franc 2020, Sierra Foothills - A co-ferment with Syrah, this is a medium bodied, flagrant wine, bright flavors, refined textures, and a solid backbone. Age worthy but approachable now.
- La Marea Albariño 2023, Central Coast - From the Kristy Vineyard near the Monterey Bay this Albariño displays impressive floral, citrus, nectarine and chiseled chalk aromas. The palate is grippy in texture and zippy in acidity, balancing the apricot and peach flavors.
The Trust Fall
- Terre Rouge Roussanne 2014, Sierra Foothills - From the Monarch Mine Vineyard. Planet with a clone of the Roussanne grape that originates from a Chave family parcel on the hill at Hermitage. Straw golden color with quince, honeynut, and beeswax aromas. It has a very rich and silky mouthfeel from barrel fermentation and lees aging with excellent minerality.
- Montepeloso ‘Eneo’ Sangiovese Blend 2019, Tuscany, Italy - From the hills of Suvereto near Bolgheri on the Tuscan Coast this Super Tuscan is just coming into its own. A blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Rich and Bold. Flavors of blueberry, dark cherry, cranberry, and shaved chocolate combine with velvety, soft tannins.
- Stirm Riesling 2019, Cienega Valley - From the Wirz Vineyard planted in 1964, these head-trained, dry-farmed, organically grown vines produce a vibrant and racy, but also very textural and complex Riesling.
The Pop & Pour
- Domaine Girard Chardonnay 2022, Languedoc, France - Southern French gem. Rounded aromas of stone fruits, with hints of pear and a refreshing burst of citrus. Subtle oak influence adds complexity, without overpowering the fruit characters.
- Ostatu Rioja Blanco Viura 2022, Rioja, Spain - A fresh style of white Rioja, with bright citrus and white flower notes followed by a pleasing salty minerality. Sourced from vines up to 80 years in age, this wine represents a serious value.
- Domaine Les Hautes Noëlles Vin de Soif Cabernet Franc 2022, Loire, France - A negociant concept with Sacred Thirst Selection. The idea of this Gamay blend was to highlight fresh, low alcohol and easy to drink wines. Wines that you reached for to literally quench a thirst. The red wines coming out of the Muscadet region have served this purpose for years now.