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.