 At a time like this, it's pretty much impossible to be 'normal'. But it is important to try and keep what you can as close to normal as you can while you can. Even though we will not be doing the public tasting portion of the Insider's Pick until further notice, we will still be offering the wine for purchase with the usual 10% discount on Thursday and Friday. The wines will still be ones we highly recommend, and the tasting notes will still be our own. We hope you are able to come by and get some wines to enjoy.
While we tend to pick wines that stick with the more traditional and historic varietal blends, there are the occasional unique combinations that we just can't resist. South Africa isn't fettered by traditions, so the idea of bringing together varietals from Bordeaux, the Rhone, and even a touch of Burgundy isn't frowned upon. Mashups can be a disaster (Tik-Tok is littered with them) but when they work like this they can be quite delightful.Primarily Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon (a classic combo in Bordeaux), you catch the grassy, resinous aromas at first from here, and on the palate get the zest and crisp fruits. Viognier is next in line from the Rhone, which is mostly there for the pop of perfume, lots of white flowers in the mix without dominating. Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc round out the mix bringing some added texture and body, nothing oak aged or buttery here, just filling out the mouthfeel and some soft length to the finish. This is one of those wines that can scratch the itch of many palates, perfect for a diverse group that enjoy trying things a little bit unexpected from time to time.
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 At a time like this, it's pretty much impossible to be 'normal'. But it is important to try and keep what you can as close to normal as you can while you can. Even though we will not be doing the public tasting portion of the Insider's Pick until further notice, we will still be offering the wine for purchase with the usual 10% discount on Thursday and Friday. The wines will still be ones we highly recommend, and the tasting notes will still be our own. We hope you are able to come by and get some wines to enjoy.
Building on the theme from last week of Californian producers that break down the stereotypical concepts of their wines, we have one of the top names in the movement to make vibrant, understated wines in the state. Lioco was started about 15 years ago by two restaurant professionals who were weary of the overall perceived style of Californian wines and the lack of choices that really offered anything different. Another part of their mission statement was to focus on responsible growers that farmed as naturally as possible. Sourcing fruit from across California but with a focus on the North Coast region, their wine catalog features many great sites and undiscovered gems that help them to deliver exactly the type of wines they sought so many years ago. This is their entry level Chardonnay blended from several sustainable/ organic/ biodynamic sites in Sonoma County, and is a great introduction not only into their style but the idea of the 'naturalist' hands-off style of winemaking. Aged on the lees in a combination of tank and larger neutral oak tanks, this is about as zesty a Chardonnay as you will find in most vintages, but the mild weather of 2018 really allowed them to build an amplified version of their vision. Vibrant citrus peel and lemon curd aromas on the nose mix with pear and white flower notes, even some cool herbal tones. On the palate the lees aging and malolactic fermentation bring some weight and texture to the fresh citrus and rindy melon flavors, but doesn't weigh them down with buttery notes, just amps them up. This is also a white wine that definitely benefits from some decanting or time open, boosting the aromatics and seemingly adding weight to the mouthfeel.Ideal to match with most any richer fish or white meat dish, able to handle strong herbs, salty and citrusy ingredients with relative ease.  At a time like this, it's pretty much impossible to be 'normal'. But it is important to try and keep what you can as close to normal as you can while you can. Even though we will not be doing the public tasting portion of the Insider's Pick until further notice, we will still be offering the wine for purchase with the usual 10% discount on Thursday and Friday. The wines will still be ones we highly recommend, and the tasting notes will still be our own. We hope you are able to come by and get some wines to enjoy.
Field Recordings is one of our favorite examples of the innovative and experimental element that exists in contrast to what many people think of as the typical Californian wine style. Owner and winemaker Andrew Jones has made his name across the Central Coast from his work tending vineyards and nurseries at some of the best properties. When he looked to start making his own wines and follow his own path, he looked to those vineyards he helped to grow and establish by sourcing any extra tonnage they could offer. Each vintage he has been able to cobble together more and more sources, enabling the brand to grow. While the sources aren't constant and the wines aren't the same year to year, the quality of technique shines through, and his nod to the more 'hands off' styles of winemaking have gained him quite a following from customers eager to try his latest creations. Last year's Rose, for example, was designated Edna Valley and contained a high percentage of Valdigue along with Molinara and Grenache. New vintage, new sources, new blend of mostly Grenache with a smaller portion of Valdigue, still delicious. Super juicy and mouthfilling with loads of warm watermelon and strawberry fruit all over it. At first taste it may seem lower in acidity, and the lower alcohol (just under 11%abv) may make you think it's sweeter than normal. The Grenache was picked early to keep the sugars and alcohol lower and acidity higher specifically to make this rose, and you catch the snap of freshness on the finish because of it. The cooler it is the more that acidity pops, but as it warms the fruit and subtle herbal tones come out, so you may want to play around with it to find your optimal enjoyment center.  At a time like this, it's pretty much impossible to be 'normal'. But it is important to try and keep what you can as close to normal as you can while you can. Even though we will not be doing the public tasting portion of the Insider's Pick until further notice, we will still be offering the wine for purchase with the usual 10% discount on Thursday and Friday. The wines will still be ones we highly recommend, and the tasting notes will still be our own. We hope you are able to come by and get some wines to enjoy.
The Muscat grape has lots of iterations and clone variations across the wine world, so it's tough to pin an identity to it. Many versions take the easy road and, like Gewurztraminer, play off its natural perfume and make them sweeter. Zibibbo is the Sicilian name for the Muscat of Alexandria clone that traces itself back to Egypt and is one of the older known varieties in winemaking, and they specialize in making it as a vibrant dry style of wine. This wine has grown in popularity with many of the more 'naturalist' style of winemakers that have evolved on the Mount Etna side of the island, as the grape doesn't need to be weighty or intensely ripe to deliver great character and complexity. This is yet another wine from the Valdibella co-operative near Palermo, using strictly organic growers for all their goods, and we have yet to find anything from them that isn't impressive in both quality and value. A big pop of perfume from the first pour filled with magnolia blossoms and orange citrus, but also notes of lime and wet stone type minerality. Lots of fragrance, but it all stops short of seeming sweet in any way, and the palate drives that home with a refreshing burst of acidity and zesty fruit, medium bodied but not cloying at all, and an impressively clean tangy finish. An exciting and entertaining wine to pair with Mediterranean dishes that have a kick of pepper and spice. |
The Best of the Best.We offering free tastings on these wines in the store every Thursday and Friday, and a 10% discount off the retail price through the duration of the day. Come on by and give them a try! Archives
February 2025
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