Thursday, December 19
Holiday plans.
This week: LESS THAN ONE WEEK to Christmas, Hannukah, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and oddly, December 24 is President's Day if you're in either Georgia or Indiana. Whatever it is you are celebrating (or not celebrating), we are wishing you the best and hoping you are popping some good bubbles and opening some great wines. Don't miss the tasting table - we have special guests pouring all weekend + Monday.

PLAN AHEAD: We will be open 8am until 5:30pm on Dec 24=Christmas Eve. CLOSED on Christmas Day. Only amateurs run out of booze on the 25th.

Enjoy that Champagne now cause....

It isn't looking good for our European imports. Recent news that legislation is moving along to tax all European wines, spirits, and many food products up to 100% in the New Year is something weighing on our minds. See here for a summary of what this is about and steps you can take to write your congressman. The tariffs will affect everyone on all sides of the business and will be especially devastating for our beloved small family producers and business owners.
HOLIDAY BUBBLES 101: Back to the Basics

Naturally, this is the time of year when we get the most questions about which bubbles are best to bring to gift, to bring to parties, to bring to dinner, or to use in cocktails and mimosas.

Don't break the bank: Mimosas and cocktails? Don't spend more than $15. Lamberti Extra Dry Prosecco ($13.99) is our go-to. Going to a holiday party? Unless you are trying to impress someone in particular, $25 or less is enough to score a good bottle that won't make you cry when its gone in less than 2 minutes. Scharfennberger Anderson Valley Brut ($21.99) is a sound domestic option. Make it interesting with Szigeti Brut Gruner Veltliner (24.99) or classic French with Baumard's Carte Turquoise ($24.99) from the Loire Valley.

Celebratory Champagne: No shortage of options here. From Bollinger RD 2002 ($399.99), all of the Doms... 2005 Dom Perignon Rose ($464.99), 2008 Brut ($234.99), 2002 P2 ($479.99) to Roederer's 2009 Cristal ($289.99) and Jacques Selosse Initial Grand Cru Brut ($239.99). Plenty of rare and splurge worthy treats to be found on Champagne shelves.

Cool things that aren't Champagne: Dare to be different. Maximin Grunhaus Riesling Brut Sekt from the Mosel ($39.99) defies preconceived notions about both German sparkling and riesling - made in via Methode Champenois, its complex, mineral-driven and dry. Also noteworthy.. Digby's Brut NV ($59.99) - very Champagne-esque British bubbles.

Magnums show you care: Bereche Brut Reserve NV Champagne ($134.99), 1995 Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame ($334.99), 2006 Dom Perignon ($499.99) - just a few good ideas.

As always, stop in and look around for more ideas and further consultation.
ON THE TASTING TABLE THIS WEEKEND.
Extra tastings to help you with your holiday wine shopping.

TODAY (Thursday) 4pm to 8pm with Emily from Libation Project.
Balfour 1503 Brut NV (British bubbles!)
Neboa Albarino Rias Baixas
Benguela Cove Sauvignon Blanc South Africa
Band of Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 
Massimago 'Marchesa Mariabella' Valpolicella Ripasso
Fuso21 Barbera Colli Tortonesi Piedmont
Gramercy Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley

Friday 1pm to 5pm with Ryan from Southern Glazer's.
Lamberti Prosecco Extra-Dry
Tariquet Chardonnay Cotes de Gascogne
Hugel Gentil Alsace
Benton Lane Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
Ferrari Carano Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Nino Franco 'Quadrio' Nebbiolo Valtellina
Don David Malbec Calchaqui Valley Argentina

... and then 5pm to 8pm with Tom from New France Wine Co.
Pares Balta Cava Brut NV
Domaine de Villaine Aligote Bouzeron
Vincent Dampt Petit Chablis
Elodie Balme Roaix Cotes du Rhone
Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Rioja
Elk Cove Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The following lineups are still being determined....
Saturday 2pm to 6pm with Amanda from Rootstock Wine Co.
Monday 3pm to 6pm with Marcus from Small Lot.

As always, all wines on the tasting table are 10% off.
Staff Picks

2014 Henri Bourgeois ' Les Barrones' Sancerre Rouge - $26.99
In my experience, red Sancerre is mostly a novelty and an afterthought to the more widely admired Sauvignon Blanc from the same appellation. This Pinot has caused me to reassess my assumptions. Sourced from chalky clay soils and seen throught the lens of 10 generations of Bourgeois family wine growers, this is a seriously elegant Pinot Noir. The fresh red fruits and delicate spice really shine but the main attraction is the fine balance of tannin and acidity and the pure and persistent finish.
-David Mathiason 


2017 Kin & Cascadia Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia River Valley - $17.99
This Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon is from one of the driest and warmest climates in the state. Sustainable farming and native yeast fermentation are diligently observed in creating this lightly oaked Cab, blended with just a dash of Syrah. And it's under $20. A great value! Dark red fruit and chocolate aromas lead to a rich palate of black cherry and lingering mocha notes, perfect for braised short ribs on a cold December night. Cheers!
-Patrick

2016 Il Censo 'Provvido' Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT $32.99 
This Nero d'Avola created in partnership with Paolo Bea's son Giampiero is a testament to the heights of which Sicilian wines can reach. After an hour or two of decanting, this wine shows both powerful and elegance rarely seen at this price point. I'll likely revisit this wine again in the near future.
-Doug

2016 Ch. Moulin de Tricot, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux - $41.99
This tiny Bordeaux property consists of a plot of vineyards about 5 hectares in total, with the majority situated within the Margaux appellation and a tiny bit just over the border. This is that little bit that sits over the border, so yes, you are drinking a wine that is Margaux in essence but definitely a few bucks cheaper without the name. Their Haut-Medoc bottling is organic (everything is done by hand here) just like their Margaux and somewhat more rare, due to the tiny quantity made. All of that aside, this wine is beautifully structured and an absolute joy to drink. Sound proof that good Bordeaux doesn't need to cost a fortune.
-Madison
The Holidays are busy enough - it's a good time to remember that we deliver. Free delivery in the downtown area with purchases over $25 pre-tax; delivery for a fee to any area further. Think of us when you need a big haul for that holiday party - no limit on delivery size.