Staff Picks: What to Drink This Week
Things our staff thinks you should drink.
2020 La Marea Kristy Vineyard Albarino Monterey County, CA - $25.99
It's almost Christmas and since I work in retail that means I am waiting till the very last minute to wrap gifts for my loved ones. Of course, a little liquid motivation is needed to go along with the salty snacks I plan on munching while I cut, tape, and ribbon (who has time for dinner?). Anything made by Ian Brand is always something I reach for and his single vineyard Albarino, grown on an ancient sea bed near the Salinas River, is the perfect companion. Crisp pear, flowers and bright lime in the glass with flinty minerality and bracing acidity is a perfect pairing to oysters, spicy charcuterie and tinned sardines with crackers.
-Angie
2018 Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rose - $31.99
It's not just rosé...it's Clos Cibonne. This textural gem is a blushing beauty that can be enjoyed year round - keeping its footing even in winter weather! This winery has been in operation since the late 18th century, located at the foot of the Maures mountains & right inland of the Mediterranean coast. This Provençal rosé is made of 90% Tibouren/10% Grenache with an average vine age of 30+ years - and is uniquely aged in 100+ year old foudre (large barrel) under a thin layer of yeast called 'fleurette'. The results are a complex and weighty rose bursting with aromatics including orange zest, herbs & spices, floral notes such as jasmine, stone fruits, and honey - to name a few! Enjoy effortlessly with food - from lighter fare (such as shellfish) to heavier dishes such as roasted poultry, pork, or your favorite bouillabaisse.
-Katrina
La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 2012 - $44.88
One of the greatest Rioja wines of all time vintage after vintage. The 2012 Ardanza is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Grenache. The nose shows aromas of baking spices and ripe red fruit. The palate is impeccably balanced showing notes of dark cherry and spice cake with a rich creamy, nutty finish. Everytime I have a bottle of Ardanza I ask myself, "is this the best Ardanza I have ever had?" The answer is always a resounding yes. Try this bottle with rack of lamb or beef wellington.
-Rob
2017 Tikal, 'Natural' Malbec-Syrah, Vista Flores, Mendoza - $23.99
From his own estate vineyards high in the foothills of the Andes, winemaker Ernesto Catena whole-cluster ferments his Syrah with destemmed Malbec using strict certified Biodynamic viticulture from earth to glass. Affectionately called The Wine Poet, Catena has a passion for caressing grapes from his organic vineyards into expressions of drinkable "art". You needn't raise an eyebrow over such high minded flights of hyperbole, because his results are truly delicious. After 10 months of aging, in mostly used French oak barrels, the uncorked result opens with aromas of violets, fresh cherry, and native yeasts. The flow into the palate is smooth and full of black raspberry fruit, laced with peppery mocha notes. The tannins are firm and grippy but soften out with time in glass for a plump juicy finish. As famed wine critic, James Suckling, concluded in his 93 point review of this vintage, "Juicy and fun!" Just so.
Cheers!
-Patrick
El Nivel Reposado Tequila - $54.99
With family roots in Minnesota, El Nivel Reposado is lovingly created in Jalisco with 100% Blue Agave and rested in American Oak. A lovely, light golden color is showcased in hand blown glass bottles with swirls of blue, topped with a glass stopper. Opening the bottle, a pleasantly, rich nose consisting of aromas of vanilla mixed with sweet oak strike the senses. The palate deepens the flavors of fresh Blue Agave with the addition of a light smokiness to the oak and vanilla. An incredibly smooth sip, this tequila is perfect for a unique holiday gift or relaxing with your family for the holidays. My family will be enjoying this tequila in our traditional Christmas Margaritas. Cheers to you and yours!
-Amanda
