Staff Picks
Chateau Puech-Haut Prestige Rouge
Blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry aromas open the nose and lead to more complex notes of allspice, cedar, vanilla and bramble. A full, plush mouthfeel confirms these flavors and provides a medium level of acidity that cuts through that robustness nicely. There is some warmth to the sip but it matches the weight and ripeness of the fruit and stands up well with the grippy tannins.
Domaine Pélaquié Tavel Rosé
The “First Rosé of France”, and of the Cotes du Rhone, famous since the 10th century. Tavel wines were present on the Pope’s table when the papacy was located in Avignon in the 14th century. Smooth, generous and fruity, with an amber-shaded color of incredible intensity. it shows hints of topaz-colored reflections on aging. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre from the Coteaux de Lauzes made in the saignée method.
Ceretto Arneis Blangè
Blangè is the white side of Piedmontese wines: a product that defined an era, revolutionizing Langhe winemaking that was previously devoted exclusively to red grapes. Fruit and minerality, aromatics and balanced freshness, coexist in this white wine that has made enjoyment and versatility its trademark. Elegant and subtly creamy on the palate. An excellent expression of the native Arneis grape.
The Retreat Sauvignon Blanc
This savagely fresh Kiwi stunner is blowing the doors off the competition in the bang-for-buck department. A pretty bouquet of white peach, passionfruit and pineapple rind is backed by white floral notes and a grassy, fresh green-herbal undercurrent. The palate is clean and dry with acidity and a smooth texture. A solid food-friendly example from Marlborough perfect to be shared with friends and family
Grappolino Pet Nat Rosato
Grappolino, meaning “little grape bunch”, is a line of certified organic italian wines, created for the modern wine drinker seeking quality, sustainability and approachability. A naturally sparkling rosé with wild strawberry, tangy citrus and a funky, unfiltered and refreshing dry finish. 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Vineyards with southeast exposure.
Voltes Dry Greek White
Monemvasia Winery was founded in 1997 in Monemvasia in the region of Laconia, in the Peloponnese peninsula. Light yellow color, aromas of freshly cut flowers, green apple, stone fruits, a smooth mouth-feel, pleasant acidity and finish. A fresh wine made in stainless steel, from Roditis and Moschofilero varieties; with a name inspired by the twisting uphill pathway leading to the Upper Town of Monemvasia, called Voltes.
Pavette Cabernet Sauvignon
Traditional California Cabernet. Easy drinking, while also being full-bodied. Rich and fruit-forward, with notes of black cherry, mocha and vanilla. Soft to moderate tannins, juicy core, balanced acidity. The finish tends to be smooth with lingering dark fruit and oak spice. A bit of leather and earthy notes on the palate.
Pasdeloup Sancerre Rouge
A rare red Sancerre made from 100% Pinot Noir. The producer is Thibaut et Maxime Pasdeloup, located in the Loire Valley. Light to medium-body, relatively fresh acidity, red fruits, some earthy/mineral undertones. Soft to moderate tannins. Not a powerhouse, more focused on elegance, drinkability and freshness. Enjoyed room temperature or slightly chilled.
Gouleyant Malbec
A Malbec from the Cahors AOC, produced under the Maison Georges Vigouroux label. The appellation Cahors, in Southwest France, is a wine region known for it’s Malbec. Medium-bodied, fruit-forward French Malbec with moderate tannins and some savory/earthy notes. Blackberry, plum and cherry, on the nose. The palate is rich with ripe fruit, hint of spice and a clean finish.
Viña Polkura Syrah
The name “Polkura” comes from a hill in Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley. In Mapuche, “Polkura” means “yellow stone”, referring to abundant granite in the vineyards. Being near the coast tempers heat, combined with the granite soil gives minerality. Deep color with purple reflections, ripe black cherries, some olive, nougat, along with mineral and a saline aftertaste. The oak aging and vineyard exposure make the wine more complex and age-worthy, but it remains approachable.
Klinker Brick Zinfandel
Klinker Brick Winery’s flagship Zinfandel. This wine is made from vineyard blocks up to 120 years old. Delta breezes and the associated fog allow them to retain above average acidity for the region, providing aromas of dark cherry and spices on the nose. Barrel fermentation provides additional structure to a thin skinned varietal. The extremely low yields of century old vineyards bring notes of plum, with a hint of black pepper. The result is a balanced and complex Zinfandel perfect for both summer barbecues and fall fire pits.
Quiet Water Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
A medium-bodied, approachable Cabernet Sauvignon that offers a satisfying balance of fruit and structure. Ripe blackberry, cassis, and black cherry with subtle notes of vanilla and spice. Plush fruit flavors supported by soft tannins and light oak influence. The finish is smooth and clean, with lingering red fruit and warmth. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet polished enough for casual entertaining.
Oregon Territory Pinot Noir
In 1806 Lewis and Clark pioneered a new trail west to a land of bountiful nature and possibilities. In the early 1960’s, that same spirit brought winemakers to Oregon to plant the first vines of Pinot Noir. Oregon Territory is a tribute to those early pioneers and the spirit that continues in the Pacific Northwest. The 2023 Pinot Noir is sourced from dry farmed vineyards in the Umpqua Valley and Willamette valley. Bursting with flavors of raspberry and Amarena cherry, cocoa spice with a hint of black cherry. The mouthfeel is silky and elegant. Fine tannins with mouthwatering acidity.
Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner Kamptal
Schloss Gobelsburg maintains a large number of parcels in Erste Lagen, or 1st growth, vineyards in the Kamptal, including the mineral-rich, crystalline slopes of the Gaisberg and Heiligenstein planted to Riesling, and the deep loess soils of Renner and Lamm planted to Grüner Veltliner. The winery continues to utilize organic winegrowing and has benefited from the fact that monks of Zwettl Monastery began these practices as early as 1958. Pure and pristine, one of the finest dry, white wines in the store. Thirst quenching and complex. Moss, crushed sage and yarrow play alongside green pear in this fresh, vivid wine.
Château Taussin Bordeaux Blanc
Château taussin is part of the Famille Rochet, a family-owned wine estate in Bordeaux. The vineyard is located in the Rions district, a medieval town with quite ancient roots. Winery practices emphasize sustainable farming viticulture. Taussin is a blend typical of Bordeaux Blanc, dominated by Sauvignon Blanc and often joined by Sémillon. Pale straw with bright reflections. Fruity aromas of citrus, pear and stone fruit on the nose. Dry and crisp, featuring fresh acidity and good structure. Finishes with slight minerality and zesty citrus lingering.