Thursday, December 12
Current mood.
This week: we're checking our lists and counting things twice. Thinking 'bout some holiday splurges for those on the nice list and the "fine but not too expensive" things for those further down on the list. This week we have some new Scotch ideas for you, another weekend of stellar tasting lineups, and some very celebratory staff picks.

A reminder about the increasing prices for your favorite French, Spanish, and German wines + European spirits and liqueurs. The consumer side has been sheltered from the 25% price hikes so far but as the tariffs appear to be a little more long term, prices are going up. Expect to see tariffs on bubbles in the near future as well - word is, some new displeasing legislation is making its way through.
On the Nice List: Scotch Worth the Splurge

Scotch whisky is just one of those no-brainer gifts - for your boss, your assistant, your neighbor, your dad, and your really cool aunt. Scotch is classy, classic, and obviously delicious. It's useful to have on hand for entertaining and is a statement piece for any home bar. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

NEW ARRIVALS: For the holiday season, these just in...

Compass Box Myths & Legends I, II, & III (156.99): A special release to address some misconceptions, that 1) blending is not restricted the usual Blended Scotch category (Sheep Dip, Monkey Shoulder, etc) 2) that region doesn't always determine the character - this Speyside is anything but Speyside, thanks to distinctive blending and maturation process, and 3) that blending single malts from renowned distilleries is off limits... this blend includes a few big names. All whiskies are without added coloring, are non-chill filtered, and are completely unique experiences. Other highlights from Compass Box.. No Name No. 2 (159.99) and Hedonism ($104.99).

Double Matured editions from Oban ($88.99) and Lagavulin ($118.99). What does Double Matured mean to Scotch? Both are matured in one type of oak and then finished in another for added complexity of flavor and texture. Oban's is their 14yr, finished in Montilla barrels. Lagavulin's 16yr aged in American oak is finished in Sherry Butts.

Not completely in keeping with the Scotch theme, but worth noting: check out the Boutique-y Whisky range, featuring a 21yr Japanese Whiskey ($199.99), a rare South African single malt ($79.99), a 19yr from Bowmore ($204.99), a 20yr from Aultmore ($94.99) and more.

Come in and check out the high shelf behind the registers for rare and special treats.
ON THE TASTING TABLE THIS WEEKEND.

Friday 3pm to 8pm with Pat from Winebow
Juve Camps Brut Nature Cava
Figuiere Le Saint Andre Vermentino
Hyppolite Sancerre
Domaine Nico Pinot Noir
Yacoubian-Hobbs Armentian Red
Mollydooker 2 Left Feet
S.S. Ghost Block Cabernet Sauvignon

Saturday 1:30pm to 5pm with Staci from Bourget
Cesarini Sforza Rose 
Deliquente Vermentino
Guild Pinot Gris
Henri Bourgeois les Baronnes Sancerre Rouge
J. L. Chave Mon Coeur Cotes du Rhone
Ardelvol Anjoli Priorat
Castro Ventosa Mencia
Plus a secret sipper!

Saturday Night Special Guest!
Darrin will be picking some favorites and pouring 5pm to 8pm!!! Swing by and Say HI!



As always, all wines on the tasting table are 10% off.
Staff Picks

2015 Amavi Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla - $38.99
Inky, Lush, deeply fragrant and intensely flavored, all apt descriptions for this people pleaser. The deep dark cassis and cocoa tones feel decadent and comforting at the same time. This is a fine wine to have around during the holidays when you want things to feel a bit 'extra'. Not only will it add to the festivities, it is all estate grown, family owned and sustainable. 
-David Mathiason 


2016 Vina Sastre Ribera del Duero $19.99
In Castile and Leon, Spain, hot sunny days and cool nights on the high plateau of the Ribera del Duero give this full-bodied 100% Tinto from the Sastre Family vineyard a real sense of it's home place.
Lots of floral notes greet you on the nose, violet, lavender, along with a bit of roasted coffee. Smooth and mellow tannins wrap around intense, lightly smoked black fruit towards a long minerally finish. This is a great matching wine for lamb chops. Enjoy!

-Patrick

Domaine Nico Soeur et Freres, Grand Mere Pinot Noir 2017 $35.99
This is an elegant, refined, herbal, nuanced Pinot Noir from Argentina. Yes, Argentina, the country that brings us some of the boldest, fruitiest wines in the world is now, under the watchful eye of Laura Catena producing something that could reset how we see this South American Nation. A must try for Pinot Noir lovers.
-Doug

2016 Domaine de Durban, Beaumes-de-Venise, Rhone Valley - $22.99
One of our favorite new arrivals to the Rhone section. Beaumes-de-Venise, famous for its historic fortified wines (Pliny the Elder was a big fan), sits on the slopes of the Dentelles. Durban's vineyards sit at a higher elevation, protected by pines from the harsh Mistral and awash in Provencal sunlight. If you ever see their fortified Muscat de Beames-de-Venise, definitely buy it. But for the everyday, this red is pleasingly velvety, full of bright red mountain fruits and that touch of Rhone garrigue.
-Madison
The Holidays are busy enough - it's a good time to remember that we deliver. Free delivery in the downtown area with purchases over $25 pre-tax; delivery for a fee to any area further. Think of us when you need a big haul for that holiday party - no limit on delivery size.