Thursday November 19, 2020
.. here we go again.
This Week: Into quarantine we go (again)! Keep your glass half full - this round, we know a little bit more of what to expect. It's winter, can't be too mad about extra cozy indoor time. Some of you might have been forced back into the office and are now rejoicing you're back to work-from-home life. A lot of dogs are going to be extra happy this holiday season. Cats are feeling a little more indifferent.

Another way to keep the glass full.. Happy Beaujolais Nouveau Day! Le Beaujolais Nouveau has officially arrived. This is a day to celebrate the harvest and for wine that isn't meant to be taken too seriously - bottoms up!

This holiday season.. stay home, stay safe, drink better wine. Gather small but drink big. With more intimate gatherings (or dinner alone), no better time to open those special bottles you've been saving for a special occasion. This is the occasion. We all need it.

Please order delivery or pickup curbside if possible. COVID cases are spiking and we want you to stay safe as much as we want to keep ourselves safe.

Cheers,
The Team at NL Wine & Spirits
Smaller Gatherings Mean Better Wine!

The Holiday Season is upon us and it's looking very different from what we were all hoping for. But with every dark cloud there is a silver lining. Here at North Loop we are focusing on being able to spend a little more on that shiny bottle of wine that we've put off purchasing for one reason or another. Perhaps past gatherings have been too large to justify spending the money on that super star bottle of wine you've been eyeing. 
Now is your opportunity! North Loop has a super star line up for you!

North Loop Wine & Spirits is proud to present these specially curated wines. These wines are sourced from iconic vineyards and producers. Quantities are limited, so please inquire for further information.
--
CALIFORNIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON & BORDEAUX BLENDS
2016 Bond, St. Eden, Oakville, Napa Valley Red - Jeb Dunnuck – 100 Pts
2016 Bond, Quella, Oakville, Napa Valley Red – James Suckling – 100 Pts
2016 Bond, Vecina, Oakville, Napa Valley Red – Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 100 Pts
2015 Caymus Vineyards, Special Selection, Napa – Wine & Spirits, 95 Pts
2016 Chappellet, Pritchard Hill, Napa – Robert Parkers Wine Advocate, 100 Pts
2016 Harlan Estate, Oakville, Napa Valley – JS 100 Pts, RP 100 Pts & JD 100 Pts
2014 Opus One, Napa Valley – JS 97 Points & RP 96 Pts
2015 Opus One, Napa Valley – JS 98 Points & RP 97 Pts
2016 Opus One, Napa Valley – JS 99 Points & RP 98 Pts
2016 Quintessa, Rutherford, Napa – JS 98 Points & RP 97 Pts
 
BORDEAUX, LEFT BANK
PAUILLAC
2016 Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac – JS 97 Pts& RP 97 Pts
2016 Chateau Pichon Longueville, ‘Comtesse de Lalande,’ Pauillac – V 100 Pts & JD 100 Pts
MARGAUX
2015 Chateau Angludet, Margaux 
2016 Chateau Margaux, Margaux JS - 99 Pts, WE 99 Pts & RP 99 Pts
2015 Chateau Palmer, ‘Alter Ego,’ Margaux – JS 96 Pts

BORDEAUX, RIGHT BANK
POMEROL
2005 Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol – WS 97 Pts & RP 95 Pts
 
SPAIN
2009, Vega-Sicilia, 'Unico,' Ribera del Duero - JS 98 Pts & RP 98 Pts
2010, R. Lopez de Heredia, Vina Tondonia Rose, Rioja – Tim Atkin 94 Pts
 
ITALY
2013, Gaja, 'Sori Tildin,' Barbaresco – V 97 Points & JS 97 Pts
2009 Vietti, Villero Riserva, Barolo – RP 100 Pts
2010 Vietti, Villero Riserva, Barolo – RP 99 Pts
2012 Vietti, Villero Riserva, Barolo – RP 97 Pts

A DEAL THAT CAN'T BE BEAT: BUY 3 OR MORE OF THE RESERVE LIST AND GET 20% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!
... And, a Word On Thanksgiving Pairings

Obviously, the topic du jour leading up to Turkey Day. Wondering what to put on the table for Thanksgiving?

  1. Don't overthink it. Ultimately, drink what you like. If you generally don't like Cab Sauv, no matter how good that steak is.. you probably still won't be thrilled with the pairing.
  2. But.. Keep an open mind. Sometimes a wine you think you don't or won't like takes on a life of its own when paired with the right food.
  3. When in doubt, Champagne + any sparkling wine. This is what we'd call a "one stop shop" pairing. With a variety of textures and flavors on the table, there isn't much that bubbles disagree with.
  4. Stay in the middle lane. Some wines are just more versatile - think anything that generally falls more "middle of the road" in terms of acid, alcohol, body and tannin. Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Syrah.. for instance.
  5. Don't forget about desert! Katrina has some good pie pairing ideas below. Upgrade your desert game with some Sherry, Port, Vin Santo, Banyuls, Rivesaltes.. you get it! These might not be everyday sippers, but give them a spot on the table for special occasions and you'll surely wow guests and yourself!

And, of course, come to us with any questions or advice. We'd be happy to pair your menu.
STAFF PICKS
Things our staff "taste tested" this week. Tough job, but someone's gotta do it.

2018 Alvear/Tres Miradas Pedro Ximenez 'Vino de Pueblo', Montilla-Moriles - $23.99
If you are searching for the truly unique, look no further. Alvear is one of the oldest family run wineries in Spain. The bulk of their production is made up of traditional sherry styled wines. These wines, though finely crafted, highlight wine making and process. In an effort to preserve and express the unique  terroir of Southern Spain, They've teamed up with the ambitious natural winemakers at Enviate. The result is this 'village' level Pedro Ximenez and three separate single 'cru' wines. Although aged much less than traditional sherry, the wine still sees eight months aging under flor. The wine is crisp and refreshing with hints of nuttiness and salinity. An intellectual trip on it's own,this wine is a magical foil to tapas type finger foods and light seafood dishes. Via con Dios.
-David M.

2015 Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco - $42.99
Longing for a Barolo or Barbaresco? With all the cold weather all I can think about is cuddling up to a bowl of mushroom risotto with parmesan melted in and drizzled with truffle oil. My perfect pairing with this delightful dish is a soulful bottle of one of Italy's most famous grape varieties, Nebbiolo! Northern Italy is where the famous regions of Barolo and Barbaresco are located. This region is nestled up against the Alps. 
- Nebbiolo is known for its powerful tannins (that mouth drying effect some wine has). It also has an elegance that is very Pinot Noir like. 2015 was a warm vintage so the fruit expresses itself riper than usual. Plenty of red fruit notes, rose petal and dried herbs.
I highly recommend if you are a Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir or Sangiovese lover to try a Nebbiolo.
-Mary K.

2012 Bond 'Vecina' Napa Valley Red Wine - $524.99
We are focusing this week on amazing wines worthy of a special splurge. With all of us staying more at home for the next few weeks, we can all certainly use a splurge. For that, I recommend a truly spectacular Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon-based red blend, the 2012 Bond 'Vecina', to enjoy in the comfort of your home in lieu of a fancy dinner out. From this small east-facing vineyard (meaning "neighbor" in Spanish) next to the Bond winery and the justly famous Harlan Estate, the terraced volcanic soils and bright morning sun create a true powerhouse wine. Intense aromas of burning embers, charcoal, graphite, and cassis lead to a powerful and savory palate of blackberry, wild forest floor, and sweet tobacco. The minerality is stunning and the finish goes on forever! In his perfect 100 point review of the 2012 Bond 'Vecina', legendary wine critic and writer, Robert Parker, proclaims that it, "Comes closest to the great Harlan Estate, itself!" ...At half the price of Harlan, too! Yes, you can cellar it, if you wish, but why wait? It is amazing now! If you wish to enjoy a truly splurge-worthy wine that will leave you breathless, I believe this is it!
-Patrick D.

2016 Domaine Serene Grand Cheval Oregon Red Wine - $94.99
The Holidays are upon us, and the "Grand Cheval" by Domaine Serene will grasp the attention of anyone and everyone at the dinner table! Very few dare to blend an already perfect pinot noir, but the Evenstads have truly outdone themselves on this limited bottling by infusing renowned Syrah from the Walla Walla Valley. Please, bring this ravishing wine home for the Holidays, and be safe!   
  -Samuel P.   

2018 Son of a Butcher, Red Blend, California - $23.99
This red blend by Napa producer Yannick Rousseau is a love letter (see the label) and a homage to the easy-going way of life in Gascony. Yannick has fond memories of long dinners with many laughs and heated discussions accompanied by simple, delicious dishes and good, unpretentious wines.
SOB shows the softer side of Yannick’s favorite red grape - Tannat - with a deep, dark, spicy bouquet of violet, blackberries, plums, cocoa, tobacco and cloves. Supple, rich and full-bodied with youthful vibe it’s unmistakable Californian resident, yet with French heritage.
Open a bottle any day and enjoy the warmth of family and friends, and the delights of an everyday meal. Try with lasagna, meatballs, comforting bowl of chili or casserole, yet it’s the best with a steak!
Blend of 45% Tannat, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. 900 cases made.
-Alexei V.

Dessert Wines for you Thanksgiving Pies! Featuring....

Graham's 10 yr Tawny Porto $39.99
Baglio Baiata Alagna Marsala $22.99
El Maestro Sierra Oloroso Sherry $21.99

Thanksgiving isn't complete without a plate full of pies: apple, pumpkin, & pecan. Because most of us won't be 'driving home' during our quarantined Thanksgiving, the silver-lining will be the elaborate hedonistic meals and wine pairings enjoyed while video chatting with our loved ones. For your first dessert course, I recommend Apple Pie with Baglio Biata's Alagna Dry Marsala. This marsala has notes of dried fruits, oaky vanilla and spice that will complement a classic, crusty apple pie! Next, I'd pair Pecan Pie with an Oloroso Sherry such as the El Maestro Sierra. Super sweet pecan pie will be tamed by this nutty, and slightly bitter sherry. And for the grand finale, I'd pair Pumpkin Pie with Graham's 10yr Tawny Port. Pumpkin Pie is essentially a sassy custard pie, and this tawny will elevate the cream, vanilla, and spice characteristics! 
-Katrina B.

Cerbois Bas-Armagnac VSOP - $53.99
Armagnac has been making waves in America over the past few years, greatly loved by bartenders for its generally full-flavored, "rustic" qualities as compared to its more famous cousin, Cognac. Distilled in the heart of Gascony, these spirits are produced from a wider variety of grapes than cognac, usually grower-produced, and the product of one distillation run through a quasi-column still unique to the region. This VSOP expression from Cerbois in the Bas-Armagnac is light on its feet, floral, and rustic, doing double duty as a stand-alone aperitif or digestif & as a distinctive cocktail ingredient. Try it in a classic punch (perfect for hosting smaller gatherings!) this holiday season; the Bombay Government Punch, which is mentioned in some form as far back as 1694, is a perfect application for this spirit. For 4 servings, simply combine 4oz Cerbois VSOP and 4oz of Jamaican rum, 9oz of chilled tea (such as Earl Grey), 2oz of lime juice, and 3oz of granulated sugar in a punch bowl, stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved, add a large ice cube, and garnish liberally with nutmeg & lime wheels.
-Nick S.
ALSO VERY IMPORTANT...
Just some good dogs that visited us recently.
(We hear dog photos are a great way to spread cheer)
Cheers everyone!
-The Team at North Loop Wine & Spirits