SELECT SIX FOR DECEMBER 2016

2015 DOMAINE PAUL BUISSE SAUVIGNON BLANC TOURAINE
The Loire River Valley provides one of the world's greatest expressions of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. At one time the two premier areas of Pouilly-Fume and Sancerre were considered a substantial jump up in quality from the rest of the region, but the progress over the last few decades have shown that great quality for the dollar can be found throughout the length of the river and its tributaries. Touraine in particular (the area around the city of Tours) has been a particular hotbed, and we are constantly finding lots of quality, and even surprising diversity of styles. Light, crisp citrus and grapefruit aromas with lots of natural fresh cut hay field, good body with some texture without resorting to sweetness, which allows all that refreshing snappy acidity to cut across the palate. A great food wine with light hors d'oeuvres or fish dishes.
Regular Price $14.99, $12.74/case

2011 HIDDEN VINES CHIANTI RISERVA
Usually we take a very traditionalist point of view with our Italian wines, sticking with estate bottlings and smaller producers whenever possible. Most of the time that's where the expression of regional quality lies, and where the most exciting wines come from. But for every rule there is always an ex exception, and we would have to be blinded by doctrine to not bring this wine in. Blended from fruit sourced from a small set of quality estates, Hidden Vines is built for an American take on Tuscan wine, from the name and label down to the wine itself. And it works, packing in a lot of quality for the price. Savory herbs and dried red fruit aromas from the first pop with a touch of warm Tuscan earth, very polished and gentle on the palate without any hard edges that allows an almost sweet red fruit character to come through on the finish. This isn't built to be a connoisseur's Chianti to be pondered and studied over, just provide lots of drinking pleasure with a meal or by itself if you choose.
Regular Price $14.99, $12.74/case

2013 LAWSON'S DRY HILLS GEWURZTRAMINER MARLBOROUGH
New Zealand has always made a grand push for their Sauvignon Blanc as their grape variety of distinction, and there is definitely lots to enjoy in that respect. But their environment can also provide lots of other outstanding white wines as well, and have found many of their dry Gewurztraminers to be among the best found outside of Alsace. Lawson's in particular has been a consistent value for us, packing in a lot of flavor without needing the sweetness to do so. Big perfume of spicy white fruit and flowers with a cut of minty acidity that cools the perfume, lots of natural weight on the palate that brings out all the delicious tropical fruit flavors without even a sign of sweetness and a long tingling finish from the persistent acidity. A great food pairing for floral or spicy foods that already have enough sweetness in their preparation that you don't want or need any in the wine.
Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case

2015 MILNER BROS. 'NATTE VALLEY' CINSAULT
From a taste and flavor perspective this is a wine that delivers a bit of a unique profile but lots of quality for the adventurous; from a wine geek/historical perspective it's one of the most interesting wines we've done in a Select Six (though one could argue that same point for the last wine in this Select Six as well...). The Cinsault grape is known as a workhorse grape in both the southern part of France and, in the past, South Africa as well, where it was commonly known as "Hermitage'. With the consumer popularity of other grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot taking the lead, this style of wine largely disappeared from the market. But the trends always seem to swing back and forth, and the popularity of lower alcohol and less extracted wines are beginning to come back in vogue. Think 'Hearty Beaujolais': smoky savory red fruit and beef blood aroma, soft texture with virtually no tannins yet more than enough weight to hold up to simple meats and stews. This is a gulpable wine that brings lots of enjoyment to the dinner table.
Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case

2015 ESSAY CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa Chenin Blanc is often referred to as Steen, especially when made inexpensively. Wines labeled Steen often have a sharpness to them from less ripe grapes while ones labeled Chenin Blanc usually have a juicier more generous texture. This version helps achieve that juicier side by blending about 15% Viognier in to help pop the fragrance and add some softness to the palate, resulting in an exceptionally easy drinking value. Mostly melons and white fruit on the nose with just a hint of the pretty floweriness of the Viognier. If anything the Viognier presence is felt on the palate with a round softness that shows off the juicy fruit spectrum very well and lowers the acidity on the finish. Great for parties when you want a crowd-pleaser that is different from the usually cast of characters.
Regular Price $11.99, $10.19/case

NV BEDROCK WINE CO. 'SHEBANG' CALIFORNIA RED WINE
Morgan Twain-Peterson is among the most important winemakers in California right now, with his Bedrock Wine Co. label that focuses on preserving the history of the state's old vineyards. While the quality is fantastic of course, the wines are more about presenting the vineyards in the form the were originally planted, sometimes just Zinfandel but often combining many different varieties row by row or even plant by plant. Instead of cherry-picking out the best parcels, his wines represent the entire picture and give a better view of the wines these sites provided throughout history. In 'The Whole Shebang!' label he looks to create a value option that combines a blend of old vine sources and a broad spectrum of varieties. While the spicy fruit aromas and texture definitely show off Zinfandel, there are so many other dark and savory notes it's hard to lump it into that realm. Some aspects are almost Rhone-like with the darker tannins on the finish and peppery spice notes. Easily one of the most unique value wines you will find from California. 
Regular Price $15.99, $13.59/case

These wines regularly sell for $93.94
For Select Six December they are $79.99
You Save $13. 95!
Select Six White (2 of each white) is $76.99
Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $82.99
Pick any three different bottles and get 10% off!