INSIDER'S PICK: 2016 HAUT ESPOIR 'CLOUDFALL' WHITE FRANSCHHOEK $14.99

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.

---