The Cellar Shot
- Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru 2013, Burgundy, France - Defaix’s parcel in the Premier Cru “Vaillon” vineyard is rich in iron and faces southeast, delivering a richer, lower-acid rendition of that chalky, white-truffly, field-mushroomy, honeyed profile that defines great Chablis. Price-to-quality ratio is simply unmatched!
- Selbach-Oster Riesling ‘Ur Alte Reben’ Spätlese 2023, Mosel, Germany - From the Zeltigner Sonnenuhr vineyard. An incredible interplay of golden fruit aromas and fantastic spicy complexity this enormously concentrated and creamy Mosel riesling has. Not analytically dry, but with spot-on balance, and everything is perfectly integrated on the medium-bodied palate. An extremely long, caressing finish makes you forget all your troubles. Ur alt means very old in German, and this wine comes from this producer's oldest vines, planted pre-1910. Drink or hold.
The Trust Fall
- Exit West Red Blend 2021, Lake County - This concentrated wine offers blackberry, olallieberry, huckleberry and blueberry compote with layers of intense florals, sandalwood, chocolate mint, Katamala olive, dried thyme and dried tomato leaf. The finish is lengthy with silky tannins. Highly rated Red Hills wine!
- Château Terre Forte Coupo Santo 2010, Rhône Valley, France - An equal blend of Carignan and Grenache with 20% Syrah. Raspberries and earthy tones. Balance of mature, spicy characteristics with fresh fruit flavors. Velvety tannins and a beautiful, lingering finish. Incredible, concrete-aged, mature, hard to beat!
- Promenor Branco 2023, Douro, Portugal - Field blend with Codega do Larinho and Gouveio; floral aromas and great minerality; notes of citrus, pineapple, yellow apple and white flower. A versatile companion to any meal!
The Pop & Pour
- Gros Ventre Rose of Pinot Noir 2022, California - El Dorado Gamay and Sonoma Pinot Noir. Aromatics of strawberry, orange peel, pink grapefruit, and rose petals. Finishes crisp, clean, and bone-dry on the palate. Begs for another gulp!
- Turning Tide Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Central Coast - Certified organic bottling. Light in the glass, with aromas of key lime, apple and honeydew rind on the nose. The palate sizzles with zesty acidity, as grapefruit peel and Anjou pear flavors work in harmony.
- Altos Las Hormigas Tinto 2022, Mendoza, Argentina - A blend of Malbec, Bonarda, and Semillon. Aromas of red fruits, spices, and citrus notes. It's a medium-bodied wine with a silky texture, fine tannins, and refreshing acidity, offering an elegant and easy-drinking experience.