 New vintage (and new look) for one of the best values and most textbook examples of a 'Super Tuscan' you will find. The term is very popular, but more than a bit ambiguous as the term can loosely be used to describe any Tuscan red wine that falls outside the traditional Chianti guidelines and regulations. They can even be 100% Sangiovese if one wanted, the primary grape in Chianti and most of central Italy, just employing some more modern or unique methods. At its heart, the term refers to the influx of mostly Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the early 1960, and the resulting wines that share both a modern French and distinctly Tuscan sensibility. Some wineries entertain a few acres here and there of these interloping varieties, while others embrace them wholeheartedly and make some exceptionally standout wines, especially around the more West Tuscany regions of Maremma and Bolgheri. Lagone is a blend of primarily Merlot with the balance of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, a recipe straight out of the Right Bank of Bordeaux, very similar to several of the Saint-Emilion wines we have in right now. Lots of dark plum with a touch of pretty violets that emerge slowly thanks to the Cabernet Franc, lots of warm aromas with a little bit of Tuscan spice in the mix. The palate has nice tannic structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon, probably makes the wine 'taste' more like a Bordeaux than the aroma. Once it opens up more the Tuscan warmth starts coming through on the palate as well, familiar but noticeably different in origin. A welcome wine for both Italian and BDX fans alike.
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 Bedrock is without a doubt one of the most important and iconic producers in California, especially if you are a fan of the historic old vineyards within the state. Few if any can match the number of vineyards -both red and white- that have been identified, preserved, even saved from being ripped up in some cases, and the wines they make from these treasures are beyond reproach. In the grand scheme of things, their Heritage wines and old vine selections are relative bargains but would be hard to consider 'everyday' wines. Fortunately, they have that covered as well with their 'Shebang!' wine. This blend comes from parcels across California that may be new to the oversight of Bedrock and in transition, younger parcels or plantings, and just not quite ready to be featured on their own. It blends all the different varietals in the vineyards into the mix, just as their Heritage series wines, and see the same care and fermentations lot by lot with indigenous yeasts before blending. Consistently built with more than a casual nod towards a Cotes du Rhone type flavor profile, it shows lots of ripe red berry from the Zin up top, but not heady or sugary with nice dark pepper and spice tones present. Juicy at first on the palate, there is unexpected brightness and energy, a very Rhone-like savory tone from the mix of varietals in the field blend, decidedly non-jammy though the finish. On one of his trips out to Virginia, founding parter Chris Cottrell spoke of how their vineyards naturally reduced the potential alcohol in their wines as they were converted to organic practices, and even here in their 'basic' bottling it shows through with great balance and a dry feel to the finish. Everyday excellence here!
 Most people don't think of Australia as a source for grapes that are traditionally more 'cooler climate' friendly, such as Pinot Noir. We sometimes forget how much of the continent is NOT featured on 'Croc Hunter', and that there are actually substantial mountain ranges in the region of Victoria. Skiing, even, in what's known as the 'Victorian Alps'. The nearby foothills sport some picturesque valleys that provide an ideal climate for some of the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers in the Southern Hemisphere, and in many people's minds can rival the best in Burgundy. Can be tricky to find a wine that does the area justice AND is still a great value all the way on this side of the world, but this one lands it without much extra intervention involved. Pale-ish color but a dark lively nose with lots of dark cherry, spicy strawberry and peppery dark spice leaning almost clove-y. Stays savory on the palate with some decent weight but no sweetness, bringing in some tart cranberry notes behind the darker fruits and fine tannic structure. I'm sure many of you may have been expecting a fruit bomb out of this one, but this is spot-on cool climate with nice acidity to cut through gamey foods like duck or something with a dark plummy sauce.
 There's no better way for us to celebrate Virginia Wine Month than feature a brand new wine from our favorite 'hidden gem', the private label of the winemaker we just refer to as 'the Mind Behind'. For 20 years now this label has been the testing ground for experimental projects that push the boundaries of winemaking in the state, a few barrels at a time at most, with the lessons learned taken over to their more commercial wines. We have been a supporter for pretty much every wine offered to us, and as they are never the same thing from year to year the wines have built an underground buzz in anticipation of what each release may bring. Pinotage has been featured before (no surprise given his South African heritage), but this vintage may very well be the best r wine yet. If you are not familiar, Pinotage was an accidental crossing at a South African nursery of Pinot Noir and Cinsault in 1925 (happy 100th anniversary!). In South Africa it usually takes on a more hearty, robust and sometimes rougher character born from the Cinsault side of its heritage, which is what most of the world thinks of. In Virginia it takes on more of the Pinot Noir parentage, silky and polished with more elegance, and far fewer of the fragility issues Pinot has in our environment. A transparent plum color in the glass, the nose is full of dried black cherry and currants with touches of black pepper and savory herbs. It's new to the bottle, so there is lots of change happening as it opens up for hours, at times more perfumed and sweet tones, at others meaty. The palate is full and round with super fine tannins somewhere between a red Burgundy and a finessed Northern Rhone Syrah, with lots of natural texture from being bottled unfiltered to really let the flavor of the grape come forward. Not a 'powerhouse' wine for the big tannin/big oak red wine fans, but a deliciously complex red wine with charm for days that showcases the best of what Virginia can achieve.
 Even though we don't really believe in a red wine or white wine 'season' around here (drink what you like when you like it), cooler weather can definitely make certain styles more broadly desirable than they were during the heat of Summer. Richer, more fleshy and full bodied white wines can go better with some of the seasonal dishes, and you just don't need acidity as much as you do when trying to cut through the heat and humidity. Grillo can be just such a variety for you, a native Sicilian grape mostly known through history as one of the primary base grapes for making Marsala. Zesty ripe melon and white orchard fruit aromas pop with a little bit of lime, a bit sunny and hints of coastal salinity at first. The palate is really where it's at, round and juicy with some shots of melon rind for texture, lots of natural mouthfeel that finishes with plenty of citrus. Holds up to richer fish stews, breaded and/or buttery seafood or creamy white sauces without needing oak or sugar to fatten it up.
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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
October 2025
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