CLASSIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2018 Estevez Bodegas y Vinedos 'Versos de Valtuille' Mencia, Bierzo, Spain
100% Mencia
Mencía and Bierzo is hands-down the most exciting combination of grape and place coming out of Spain right now. Boasting an impressive 92 points from Wine & Spirits, this ancient-vine Mencia delivers a near-impossible amount of gorgeous red-fruit richness, concentration, and minerality.
The aromas are led by rich cherry compote accented with dried red roses, dried herbs, and fresh tobacco. The mouthfeel is complex, showing a juicy midpalate that resolves in mineral-rich crushed graphite with joyful acidity and a long finish.
Food pairings: Grilled lamb, hard cheeses
Red 2 – 2019 Domaine du Rochouard Bourgeuil, Loire, France
Certified Organic
100% Cabernet Franc
The 2019 Bourgueil, made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes grown on 40-year-old vines, is aged 6 months in concrete tanks. The result is a medium bodied red with lovely freshness and hints of hedge fruits and wild berries. On the palate it has velvety tannins and a long finish. Easy drinking and youthful.
Food pairings: poultry, vegetable dishes, goat cheese
White 1 – 2021 Lucy Pico Blanco, Monterey County
70% Pinot Gris, 30% Pinot Blanc
This is the first release of Lucy Pico Blanco from the Pisoni Family. Named after a famed mountain peak in Monterey County, their new Lucy Pico Blanco is a tribute to Monterey’s history as a cool-climate growing region. You might be surprised to learn that Monterey County hosts some of the largest plantings of Pinot Gris compared to any other coastal region in California.
Lucy gives back - one dollar of every bottle sold is donated to ocean conservancy.
Food Pairing: Fish, shellfish and sunsets
White 2 – 2019 Estevez Bodegas y Vinedos 'Versos de Valtuille' Godello, Bierzo, Spain
100% Godello
Versos de Valtuille combines the vineyards located in the best wine-growing areas of Valtuille de Abajo, which have been pampered and cared for for generations by the expert hands of the Estévez family, with the latest technological advances of a recently remodeled winery.
This wine has aromas of citrus and tropical fruits such as lemon, grapefruit, guava and passionfruit which evolve towards floral aromas like jasmine, apple and pear blossoms. Smoky minerality with a balanced and creamy palate from aging on the fine lees for 6 months.
Food Pairing: Try dishes that feature cilantro and lime
COLLECTORS CLUB
Red 1 – 2020 Pax Mahle Syrah, North Coast
100% Syrah
A 100% whole cluster blend of grapes from the driveway rows at Castelli-Knight Ranch, barrels from Vine Hill that don’t make the cut and some ethereal barrels from Alder Springs, in other words, the good stuff that isn’t good enough to be vineyard-designated. Ahed 10 months in neutral French oak and concrete.
Aromas of black pepper, blackberries, black olives and cooked strawberries. Textured and loaded with spicy black and vibrant red fruits, black pepper and white flowers. Medium bodied and everything you’d expect from cool climate Syrah with the tell-tale pepper, spice and exotic meaty flavors. Some spicy tannins add a delicious firmness that promise a long and graceful evolution.
Food pairing: Barbecued ribs, braised beef, duck, burgers and hard aged cheeses
Red 2 – 2018 San Felice Bell'Aja Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
This 'Super Tuscan" is from estate grown grapes which see extended maceration then fermented and aged in for 12 months in French oak barrels.
Aromas of wild berry preserves, lifted by smooth notes of spice. On the palate, it is beautifully balanced and delicious, with supple, velvety tannins.
Food pairing: Seasoned red meats or braised poultry dishes with fruit based sauces or chutneys
White – 2018 Ernest Vineyards 'The Bombardier' Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
On Hahn Lane in West Sonoma County, the father/daughter team of Ted Klopp and Lauren Klopp Williams developed a vineyard devoted entirely to four clones of Chardonnay. The Sebastopol Hills location, at 250ft in elevation, delivers cool, coastal fog and the finest Goldridge sandy loam soil.
A color akin to white gold with bright silver hue. Clear minerality, unripe white peach, Asian pear, and a note of brioche on the nose. An abundance of minerals and acidity laced with tart, juicy citrus, sweet apple and pear marry with balanced creaminess and lingers for a long finish.
Food pairing: Chopped salad with apples, toasted walnuts, dried cherries and blue cheese
PINOT CLUB
Pinot 1 – 2020 Dragonette Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
100% Pinot Noir
2020 was an extraordinary year in Santa Barbara. All lots were harvested individually by hand, sorted and destemmed. Fermentation with native years, using pumpovers and punchdowns for extraction. Then the wine is aged on its lees before blending. Bottled unflitered.
The wine shows complex red and blue fruits, a touch of minerals, some baking spices, fresh herbs and forest floor in a medium bodied frame and with silky texture. Great natural acidity provides lift and length. We expect a minimum of 8-10 years of aging potential.
Food pairing: Grilled salmon and pulled pork
Pinot 2 – 2019 Caraccioli Cellars 'Private Property' Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
100% Pinot Noir
Private Property is a Caraccioli Family project that showcases the viticultural traditions of the Monterey County farming community. Focused on delivering approachable, yet complex wines that overdeliver. Picked and sorted by hand. Destemmed and fermented in small open-top stainless tanks with manual punch-down. Pressed with a coquard basket press. Aging in neutral French oak for 8 months before crossflow and bottling.
"This lightly hued bottling begins with aromas of fresh melon and candied strawberry on the nose. The palate carries those same red fruits through sagebrush and thyme accents, making for a wine that's easy to enjoy but also complex." – Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast (93 Points)
Food pairing: Barbecue tri-tip, Texas style beef brisket, mushroom risotto
ORGANIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2018 Ettore Merlot Zero, Mendocino County
Organically Grown
100% Merlot
When winemaker Ettore Biraghi first laid eyes on Mendocino, he knew it immediately to be an ideal terroir for the production of pure, organic, and low-intervention fine wines. Establishing his vineyard and winery in Hopland, he took his place in the centuries-long history of one of California’s most dramatic winegrowing regions—one whose future is as promising as its past is historic.
Bright dense, clean and rich, with plenty of mocha notes to the dark fruit and ripe spice flavors. The cocoa finish shows peppery hints, with a creamy texture and a load of dark cherry fruit and spices.
Food pairings: Charcuterie, burgers or a fancy mac n cheese
Red 2 – 2019 Grifalco 'Gricos' Aglianico del Vulture DOC, Basilicata, Italy
Certified Organic
100% Aglianico
Aglianico is a grape almost exclusively found in Southern Italy in Campania and Basilicata. A young wine like this is known for it's strikingly savory flavors of leather, white pepper, black fruits and cured meat. For those of us who are a fan of rustic, earth-driven wines, Aglianico is a star.
Aglianico del Vulture is specifically from the hills surrounding the volcano Vulture and Grifalco is an excellent producer. Sourcing grapes from four different vineyards, Gricos is their everyday barbecue wine. Made from younger vines, but nonetheless meaty and substantial, the wine is purposefully made to be more forward and drinkable younger. Shows plentiful crisp red fruit, mineral and floral aromas, with pepper and an undergrowth background.
Food pairings: Drink with beef, lamb, cheeses or substantial pasta dishes
White – 2018 Ettore Chardonnay Zero, Mendocino County
Organically Grown
100% Chardonnay
When winemaker Ettore Biraghi first laid eyes on Mendocino, he knew it immediately to be an ideal terroir for the production of pure, organic, and low-intervention fine wines. Establishing his vineyard and winery in Hopland, he took his place in the centuries-long history of one of California’s most dramatic winegrowing regions—one whose future is as promising as its past is historic.
Satiny, ultrarich and deeply complex, with layers of floral, butterscotch, fig, apricot and pear flavors that are impeccably balanced; while the flavors are bold and concentrated on the entry, this wine turns amazingly elegant and sophisticated on the finish.
Food pairings: Creamy cheeses, roast chicken, buttery sauces
BUBBLES CLUB
Bubbles 1 – 2018 Azienda Agricola Emanuele Scammacca del Murgo Brut Rosé, Sicily, Italy
100% Nerello Mascalese
Grown on the fiery, volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, the Murgo family has for more than a century cultivated grapes as well as olive and fruit trees in Santa Venerina. Nerello Mascalese produces world class red wines and elegant sparkling wines using the Metodo Classico - the Champagne method of second fermentation in the bottle.
Antique rose color, fine bubbles. Aromas of wild strawberries, cherries, pomegranate. Distinct minerality with notes of white pepper.
Bubbles 2 – Domaine Blard & Fils Brut Alpin Rosé, Savoie-Bugey, France
Jacquere & Pinot Noir
Jean-Noël and Thomas Blard (father and son) are making fantastic wines in the Apremont region in Savoie. They have been helping, along with a few other winemakers in Savoie, to really turn Savoie into the super interesting wine region that it is now. All wines are currently made with spontaneous fermentation from the wild yeasts. Grapes are from 50 year old vines growing in clay and limestone soils; aged two years on the lees.
A fresh and elegant sparkling rosé. A very dynamic and fresh mouth coming from the Jacquère combined with very elegant floral and candy notes. Absolutely perfect to get started a spring time evening.
Bubbles 3 – Salomon Undhof Brut Nature Rosé, Kremstal, Austria
100% Zweigelt
Salomon Undhof Ultra Brut Rosé is a particularly dry sparkling wine, produced according to the champagne method (traditional method), characterized by delicate cherry fruit from the Zweigelt vine with a particularly fine mousseux. Aging on the lees in bottle until May 2021, then disgorged.
Intense antique pink with bright onion-pink reflections. Fine mousseux. Fresh red berries, floral bouquet. Hints of citrus, fresh acidity. Fine minerality and creaminess on the palate.
NP SOMM CLUB
Red 1 – 2017 Xavier Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone, France
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Alongside the traditional Grenache, a growing proportion of Syrah and Mourvèdre can be found, both of which develop complex red fruit, wood and fine leather aromas. Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines expand and reach their full potential between their third and fifth years, but their ageing potential can extend up to ten years and more.
This is a structured wine with a powerful and complex nose featuring ripe fruit, mushrooms, truffles, undergrowth and spiced, wild, animalistic notes.
Food pairing: Beef and lamb dishes, savory aged cheeses, sausages
Red 2 – 2018 Les Combe d'Arnevel Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone, France
55% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 20% Syrah
A single vineyard with predominantly sandy, chalky soil and deeper beds of clay and silt. This allows adequate drainage of rainfall and ensures the vines are able to produce the best possible quality.
here is a warm impression to the nose, then mature black cherry with a liqueur-like generosity, and beginning bottle development. The palate shows less evolution and has distinctive clarity and tension. There is warmth backed by an elevated acid spine and resolving tannins.
Food pairing: Red meat, dishes cooked in sauce, meat terrine and cheeses
Rose – 2020 Domaine de la Mordorée 'Le Dame Rousse' Tavel Rosé, Rhone, France
60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 20% Syrah
Tavel is an appellation of the southern Rhone valley, unique in its specialization in dry rosé wines. The vineyards that produce the appellation's wines are located around the town of Tavel, just southwest of Orange and northwest of Avignon.
"Mineral and spice tinged red berry, pit fruit and citrus pith aromas are complemented by a sexy floral nuance. Densely packed and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy red currant, cherry, blood orange and candied rose flavors that turn sweeter through the back half. The mineral and floral notes repeat on the lively, penetrating finish, which hangs on with serious tenacity." – Vinous (93 Points)
Food pairing: The full experience of this is similar to a light red, so duck, quail, pork, and even salmon would pair wonderfully