Ridge
"Geyserville" Alexander Valley Zinfandel Blend 2018
95/100 - Jeb Dunnuck (5/21/2020) "A wine that always delivers, the 2018 Geyserville from Ridge comes all from a single vineyard in the Alexander Valley and checks in as 68% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah, and the rest Alicante Bouschet. It has a big, cedary bouquet of red and black plums, sandalwood, potpourri, and Asian spices that develops and fills out nicely with time in the glass. This carries to a more medium-bodied Zinfandel that has wonderful purity of fruit, present yet ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. This structured yet ethereal example of this cuvee ranks with the finest vintages to date. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years. Maturity: 2020 - 2035." (California)
G. D. Vajra
Langhe Rosso 2018
90/100 - Our Score (7/2020) Another absurd value from the skilled team at G.D. Vajra. As we pointed out during a recent Zoom call with Giuseppe Vajra, no other winery has as many wines on our shelves - a remarkable testament to the breadth and depth of this quality grower. Their Langhe Rosso is a blend of roughly 30% each Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto along with small quantities of Fresia, Albarossa and Pinot Nero. This lively everyday red is juicy, with notes of mixed fruits, pepper, dried earth, wet leaves, red flowers and bright minerality. So much fun! (Italy)
Cambria
"Julia's Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2017
94/100 - Wine Enthusiast (7/1/2020) "This excellent Pinot offers aromas of dried cherry, toasted sage and roasted strawberry that lead into a palate that's snappy and light, yet with tons of weighty stuffing. Flavors of bright raspberry and wild thyme lead into a vanilla-kissed finish." (California)
Kir-Yianni
"Cuvée Villages" Naoussa Xinomavro 2017
90/100 - Our Score (9/2020
90/100 - Wine Advocate (4/30/2019) The 2017 Naoussa Cuvée Villages, a relatively new brand, is all Xinomavro aged for 12 months in used French oak (with 10% American). It comes in at 14% alcohol. This bottling hasn't been around for long, but it already looks like a winner. Showing fine concentration for the level, it adds a refined demeanor and a real backbone. The tannins aren't too hard, though, so you can drink this young. Drink Date 2020 - 2030." (Greece)
Andrew Murray
"Tous les Jours" Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 2017
90/100 - Wine Spectator (4/30/2020)
90/100 - Wine Advocate (9/12/2019) "Medium to deep ruby-purple, the 2017 Syrah Tous les Jours opens with notes of tar and smoke, giving way to peppered meat, black olive and dense black and blue fruits with floral notions. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with dark fruits firmly framed by ripe tannins and lifted by juicy acidity, finishing long. Drink Date 2019 - 2026." (California)
Château Guiot
89/100 - Our Score (7/2020) Twin brothers Alexis and Numa Cornut are ninth generation farmers in the Southern Rhone Valley's Costieres de Nimes region. They utilize sustainable farming techniques and they produce some dang good wines, especially this wonderfully smile-inducing blend of Syrah and Grenache. Soft, gritty and fresh, this peppery wine is packed with authentic Southern Rhone flavors of red and black fruit with hints of smoke, earth and spice. Perfect for backyard grilling. (France)
Stonestreet
"Estate Vineyards" Alexander Valley Chardonnay 2015
94/100 - Wine Enthusiast (9/1/2017)
91+/100 - Wine Advocate (12/29/2017) "The 2015 Chardonnay Estate Vineyards features ripe apricots, guava and warm pineapple and brioche notes with hints of butterscotch and preserved ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals wonderful freshness and a slightly oil texture plus plenty of tropical flavors, finishing long with some spiciness coming through. 3,815 cases produced. Drink Date 2017 - 2023." (California)
Domaine Sigalas
"Am" Cyclades Assyrtiko/Monemvasia 2019
91/100 - Our Score (9/2020) Paris Sigalas founded his winery on the picturesque Greek island of Santorini in 1991. It is now one of the very finest producers of wine throughout the entire country. This combination of Assyrtiko from his native Santorini and Monemvasia from the nearby isle of Paros is his newest blend. It offers enticing aromas of peach blossom highlighted by salted melon and honeyed volcanic minerality. On the richly textured palate, quince, red-skinned pear, lemon zest and apricot course through an ample, medium-to-full bodied frame with terrific, mouthwatering acidity. The master has clearly done it again! Fans of Assyrtiko will rejoice the approachable price and lovers of great dry Chenin Blanc and Arneis will find there to be tremendous crossover appeal. This brisk island wine will resonate with a massive swath of white wine fans. (Greece)
Matanzas Creek
Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2018
91/100 - Wine Advocate (12/19/2019) "The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County contains 4% Semillon and opens with loads of stone fruits: white and yellow peaches, apricot and quince, with wet stone, gooseberry, cut grass, lime pith and an underlying spicy layer. The palate is light to medium-bodied, gregarious and energetic-full of flavor and with tangy acidity to lift the long, mineral-driven finish. I love the bright personality of this wine! Drink Date 2019 - 2023." (California)
Weingut Stadt Krems
Kremstal Grüner Veltliner 2019
89/100 - Our Score (8/2020)
92/100 - Wine Enthusiast (9/1/2020) "Underneath the vivid green pear and lemon notes on the nose there is a real Mirabelle intensity. The palate adds yeasty creaminess to these notions on a slender but concentrated palate, while salty, peppery highlights enliven that yeasty body." (Austria)
Vignoble Dragon
"La Belle Hélène" Côtes de Provence Rosé 2019
90/100 - Our Score (6/2020) The "La Belle Helene" Rosé is an annual favorite of the Vin Chicago buying team. A blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Vermentino and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Côtes de Provence appellation of Southern France, this youthful pink is brisk with a taut red fruit freshness that results in full wine glasses into empty ones rather quickly. Drink it all summer long by itself, with tuna steaks or grilled rack of lamb! (France)
Sommariva
Prosecco Superiore Conegliano Valdobbiadene NV
90/100 - Our Score (9/2020) Importer Kermit Lynch brings us this deliciously creamy Prosecco from the Sommariva family. Sourced from the best zones of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, this bubbly is fresh and yummy, giving red and yellow apple fruits and light yellow floral qualities. Just about the perfect way to welcome friends for a safely distanced gathering! (Italy)
