Category: Uncategorized

Gotta say, Albarino (All-buh-ree-YO) is not a grape most Americans know–but it is a staple in Europe, especially in its native Spain and Portugal. The flavors remind me of rich Italian Pinot Grigio–but with more body and more tang. Just made for seafood, grilled chicken, paella.

2018 Tangent Albarino, uniquely, comes from the Edna Valley on California’s Central Coast but it is crafted in the traditional style of the Rias Baixas region in Spain: zippy and citrusy–with nice body. Great choice for a dinner party conversation-starter. 17.00

2018 Don Olegario Albarino is actually from the Rias Biaxas region of Spain and it shows: brilliant green and straw color, intense aromas, and wonderful layered complexity so often lacking in white wines. Bring on the shellfish. 18.00

2018 Tangent Albarino & 2018 Don Olegario Albarino

2016 True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon is no myth–but it is a true Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon loaded with dark/red fruit flavors mingled with spice and cocoa. Nicely finished with a fair bit of new French oak. A fine drop. 24.00

2016 True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon

Gruner Veltliner is a name that doesn’t trip off the tongue of many wine drinkers–but maybe it should. Normally an exclusively Austrian varietal, the Zocker winery in Edna Valley on California’s Central Coast decided to take a chance on it. The bet paid off with minerality, zingy acidity, citrusy aromas, and lush melon flavors. Mouthwatering. 20.00

2017 Zocker Gruner Veltliner

What can you get in an Italian wine for twelve bucks? Turns out, quite a lot.

2019 Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio IGT shows off its Sicilian pedigree with floral, fruit-driven zest. Great sipper. 12.00

2019 Art of Earth Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC (DOC, Like IGT (above), are Italian wine industry designations of quality and character). In this case, the wine region is Abruzzo, the grape, Monetpulciano. Vibrant and earthy. 12.00

2019 Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio IGT & 2019 Art of Earth Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC

The Graham Beck Estate outside Cape Town, is one of South Africa’s most respected wineries. Known for their wide range of varietals, Graham Beck is perhaps best known for its sparkling wines.

2014 Graham Beck Brut Rosé is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir–uniquely whole bunch pressed together to create rich berry flavors offset by a bit of tang–finishes with soft creaminess. A pure delight. 35.00

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2014 Graham Beck Brut Rosé

This Harveys Bristol Cream (HBC) is not your grandmother’s Sherry. With its new look, HBC may have had a facelift but it retains the classic Solera Style Sherry within–rich and nutty.

Donna, my clever wine goddess friend, put me on to enjoying HBC alongside S’mores–yes, that campfire delight. The pairing proved to be such a hit that I expect we will serve the combo at as dessert at a dinner party one day…16.00

Passionesentimento is a delightful label featuring a Veneto Bianco and a Veneto Rosso from the well known Famiglia Pasqua.

Passionesentimento Veneto Bianco 2018 is 100% Garganega–a white grape with an important role both in the Veneto area of Italy and Sicily. Generally used to make light, dry wines like Saove, Garganega can also be used to produce sweet, lush whites. Passionesentimento Bianco presents with big aromatics and goes on to deliver mouthwatering stone fruit and citrus flavors. 16.00

Passionesentimento Rosso 2017 combines Merlot, Corvina and Croatina grapes processed in the “appassimento” style: grapes a left to dry on racks for several weeks after harvest–concentrating aromas and flavors. The result: lots of red fruit and spice wrapped in silky tannins. 16.00

Passionesentimento is a delightful label featuring a Veneto Bianco and a Veneto Rosso from the well known Famiglia Pasqua.

Passionesentimento Veneto Bianco 2018 is 100% Garganega–a white grape with an important role both in the Veneto area of Italy and Sicily. Generally used to make light, dry wines like Saove, Garganega can also be used to produce sweet, lush whites. Passionesentimento Bianco presents with big aromatics and goes on to deliver mouthwatering stone fruit and citrus flavors. 16.00

Passionesentimento Rosso 2017 combines Merlot, Corvina and Croatina grapes processed in the “appassimento” style: grapes a left to dry on racks for several weeks after harvest–concentrating aromas and flavors. The result: lots of red fruit and spice wrapped in silky tannins. 16.00

Spanish wines make me happy–especially the clean, crisp whites and roses of summer. Tired of the same old varietals? Take a look at these:

Vina Real Rosado 2019 is a rose blend of Grenache, Tempranillo, and Viura from the famous Rioja region. Floral and fruit aromas waft out of the glass in a preview of coming attractions: peach, apricot, and red fruit. Nuanced and refreshing–and a great deal. 14.00

Monopole 2019 is 100% Viura (also known as Macabeo) is Rioja’s most important white grape. Viura is a varietal with many faces–it can produce wines ranging from dry to sweet–and it is commonly used in Cava–Spain’s handsome national bubbly. Monopole presents itself with smooth, bright flavors of apple and pear and a nice balance between fruit and acidity. Nice change of pace from familiar whites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. 15.00

Pagos Del Galir Godello 2018 is a thing of beauty from the Northwest of Spain. Godello is big, rich white that varies in profile depending on location but it typically shows some similarity to Chardonnay with its full body, prominent fruit character and backbone of acidity. Perfect for seafood or chicken. 21.00

Got to love it when you discover a label that delivers quality and value across a range of varietals. So it is with River Road Family Vineyards and Winery:

2019 River Road Unoaked Chardonnay–ripe apple and pear flavors stand alone–without the influence of oak. 14.00

2018 River Road Reserve Chardonnay–creamy, full-bodied Russian River Valley juice. Long refreshing finish. 18.00

2017 Stephanie’s Cuvee Pinot Noir–refined and layered flavors/aromas of dark cherry. Subtle and lingering Russian River Valley fruit. 30.00

2018 River Road Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon–Alexander Valley grapes deliver dark fruit and spice. Sustained finish. 25.00