Thursday January 30, 2020
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This week: Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow. The hope for an early spring *almost* has us dreaming of ros é weather and sunshine. But let's not jinx it.

You might have noticed a few more faces around the shop lately - we're excited to have welcomed Rob (wine guy), Chris (spirits guy) and Allison (beer lady). If you didn't get a chance to say goodbye to Doug, go see him over at the Tasting Room in Uptown. We're sad to see him go but wishing him the best.

Lastly.. Be sure to snag your tickets for our basement class with Andrew Jones. His labels have always been a mainstay and a favorite here at the shop. You don't want to miss this. Link and more information below.
The Next Big Basement Event:
Welcoming Andrew Jones!
He's the winemaker behind many of our favorite mainstay labels here at the shop: Field Recordings, the Fableist, Alloy, Fiction and Wonderwall. You have the chance to hear his story and learn the wines. Get your tix while you can: link here.
ON THE TASTING TABLE THIS WEEKEND
Take note: we'll have some good V-day wine ideas next week and accordingly, Meredith with Domace Vino will be pouring a bonus tasting next Thursday February 12!!

Friday's Tasting: Logan with Tradition Wine & Spirits from 4pm to 8pm
-Land of Saints, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara
-Forlorn Hope, Queen of the Sierra Estate Amber, Sierra Foothills
-Vaughn Duffy, Rose, California
-Land of Saints, Pinot Noir, Central Coast
-Jolie-Laide Wines, Trousseau, California
-Wonderwall, Syrah, Central Coast
-Son of a Butcher, Red Blend, California

Saturday's Tasting: Alexei from Lompian Wines from 3pm to 7pm
-Clic, Pinot Grigio, Venezia Giulia
-Domaine Olivier, Anjou Blanc Sec, Loire Valley
-Jacob Martin, Chardonnay, Willamette Valley
-McKinlay, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
-Marotti Campi, Lacrima di Morra d'Alba, Marche
-Fomperier, Clos Castelot, Saint-Emilion Bordeaux

As usual, all wines from the tasting table are available to purchase at a 10% discount.
STAFF WINE PICKS
What we're busy drinking this week.

2015 Basel Cellars Claret, Columbia Valley, WA - $18.99
This Claret is very much like a Right Bank Bordeaux. You can expect notes of tobacco, char, graphite, plum, and cherry on the nose with floral aromas as it opens up. On the palate there is lightly retained acidity, surrounded by firm tannins, adding depth and intensity to the rich and expressive fruit, especially so after 20 months of aging in French and American oak. This Claret is a superb value, being under $20, and will be greatly enjoyed with venison and root vegetables on a cold winter's night by the fire! - Patrick

2017 Jolie-Laide Shake Ridge GSM Amador County, CA - $44.99
Shake Ridge is an organically farmed, 46 acre vineyard planted by legendary viticulturist Ann Kraemer. When you walk through this majestic vineyards you will see laminated notecards on rows of grapes reserved for great producers like Turley, Tribute to Grace, and Jolie-Laide. This wine is a blend of co-fermented Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Viognier. The nose shows pretty floral notes and the palate has rich raspberry fruit and savory garrigue. It is drinking well and would go great with lamb chops. - Rob

2016 Ardevol 'Anjoli' Priorat - $29.99
This was one of those wines that I've long loved but had forgotten about momentarily until a few weeks back, when I was poured a glass of it at Spoon & Stable. The family has been farming in this little village since the 13th century, specializing in wine since 1995. All production is organic and biodynamic in nature. This is definitely Priorat - not a shrinking violet type of wine. But it certainly isn't overly oaked, loud Priorat. Dark fruit, well structured, and the perfect pairing with roast meat and comfort food type dishes.

2018 Lechuza Garnacha Carinena, Spain - $12.99
Here's some juicy, jammy garnache. The winery is been operating for over 100 years, some of the vines are over 80 years old and it's fermented with native yeasts. Why? How? I have know idea but it's the perfect thing to sip while we watch the world burn.
BOOZE ADVICE FROM CHRIS
That spirits guy mentioned above - well, he has a wealth of good knowledge and advice to give. Here is his pick of the week.

Elijah Craig Small Batch $29.99
Heaven Hill Distillery - 94 proof - Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

Nose: Leather, Tobacco and Malt
Palate: Caramel, Vanilla, Oak
Finish: Cinnamon, Spice, Oak

Overall this is a great sipping bourbon for the price. Rich and round in the mouth with a long finish. Spice and leather hit you right away rounded out by vanilla and caramel. the finish is a little hot, but lasts long enough to make you go back for more. The higher proof also makes it a great base for a Manhattan. Pairing it with a rich Sweet Vermouth like Carpano Antica results in a complex, enjoyable Manhattan.

2 parts Elijah Craig Small Batch
1 Part Carpano Antica
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Cherry

Combine Elijah Craig, Carpano and Bitters in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir to dilute. 
Serve up or on the rocks and garnish with a cherry.
TUESDAYS ARE FOR BEER.
On Tuesdays, we open some of our new releases and old favorites.
All beers sampled will be 10% off!