CLASSIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2018 Raised By Wolves 'Old School' Red, Stellenbosch, South Africa
67% Cinsault, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon
The brainchild of Adam Mason, winemaker at Mulderbosch Vineyards, Raised by Wolves wines are all vinified with minimalistic intervention to allow the true character of the varietal and the site-specific terroir to shine through.
The Old School pays homage to the days when many South African benchmark Cabs contained more Cinsault than Cabernet Sauvignon, and today are hailed as examples of some of the finer aged red wines. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, this wine is fresh, soft, and rounded on the palate. Extremely well-balanced and elegant. Brambly, dark berry and toast that ends with a very savory finish.
Food pairings: Pair this wine with roasted meats, mushroom dishes or a BBQ burger.
Red 2 – 2020 MCV Red, Paso Robles
Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Tannat, Vacaresse, Malbec, Mourvèdre & Petit Verdot
This is a fantastic everyday wine from MCV. A little bit of this and a little it of that in the mix, but Pure Paso all the way. If you travel to the Central Coast, you will find MCV - Matthew C. Villard - in Tin City.
A bold red blend, it pairs with a wide variety of foods and is also just great all by itself. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, cedar smoke, granite and mocha. Similar on the palate with bold tannins, which mellow after decanting.
Food pairings: Grilled New York steak, pork chops, stuffed mushrooms, pasta and burgers
White 1 – 2018 Raised By Wolves 'Driehoek' Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
100% Chenin Blanc
All of Adam Mason’s creations are single-vineyard designated and reflect the unique terroir throughout the Cape. Made in very small quantities and with minimal intervention, they are first-rate examples of what can happen when you mix an adventurous winemaker with endless opportunities.
Rich and dense, this bright Chenin Blanc from the Montpellier clone has green apple and white citrus on the nose, opening into a refreshing and bright palate with tropical fruit notes, subtle citrus and a linear tension.
Food pairings: Oysters, crab and shrimp dishes, avocado, smoked salmon and sushi
White 2 – 2020 Cuatro Dias Fume Blanc, Sonoma Coast
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Winemaker Greg Allen has been a firefighter in Hermosa Beach and followed his other passion - wine - into the vineyards. Sourcing grapes from various top wine growing areas in California, he is the classic 'small production' winemaker.
Inspired by the great Robert Mondavi, who invented the name 'Fume Blanc' - for a Sauvignon Blanc that has some oak aging, this wine is a crisp and bright Sauvignon Blanc.
Food Pairing: Chicken dishes, fish, salads and goat cheeses
COLLECTORS CLUB
Red 1 – 2016 Bertinga 'Sassi Chiusi' Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy
85% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot
Bertinga is unanimously and internationally recognized as one of the most interesting and prestigious new producers on the Tuscan fine wine scene. The Sassi Chiusi, whose name derives from the characteristic stony soil that unites all the Bertinga vineyards, is what in France would be called the "second vin". The only wine that represents grapes coming from all three vineyards: Bertinga, Adine and Vertine.
On the nose intriguing notes of red fruit, cherry and violet alternate with small black berry fruits, mineral notes. A full-bodied and well-structured wine that maintains tension with clean and well integrated tannins and a long finish. 92 Points - James Suckling, 90 Points - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Food Pairing: Red meat, medium and mature cheeses, pastas or risotto with meat or game sauces.
Red 2 – 2018 Tenuta di Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
100% Sangiovese
Bibbiano is owned by the brothers Tommaso and Federico Marrocchesi Marzi. It is one of the oldest estates in the Chianti Classico belonging to the same family located in the historic area, in the municipality of Castellina.
The Riserva is produced using grapes cultivated on both exposures of the property which represents a tribute to the tradition of Chianti. Aged 18 months, half in cement and half in French oak barrels. Brilliant ruby red color with aromas of prune and cherry, the wine is dry and balanced with soft tannins.
Food Pairing: Lamb roasts or lollipops, stews and hearty meaty pasta dishes.
White – 2018 Ronchi di Cialla Bianco Collio Orientali di Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Organic
60% Ribolla Gialla, 30% Verduzzo, 10% Picolit
Ronchi Di Cialla, meaning “hills of Cialla”, is located in a small valley surrounded by chestnut, oak and wild cherry woods in the DOC Friuli Colli Orientali. Its story begins in 1970 when Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi bought a property here for the purpose of growing local grape varieties. Ronchi Di Cialla is certified as biodiversity friendly by the World Biodiversity Association, and they remain committed to using natural practices with minimal interference, having been one of the first winemakers to adopt integrated agriculture with low environmental impact.
Their Cialla Bianco is fermented in oak barrels. It's bright golden color lends aromas of caramel, butterscotch, candied fruit and dried apricot. Dry, round and well balanced acidity, delicate and elegant with a unique character. Notes of pear, apple and plum. Can be aged for over 10 years.
Food Pairing: White fish dishes, rotisserie chicken, cream sauces
PINOT CLUB
Pinot 1 – 2018 Vina Ventisquero 'Heru' Pinot Noir, Tapihue Vineyard, Casablanca Valley, Chile
100% Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes:
This wine is deep ruby in color. The nose opens with the classic red fruit, such as strawberries and wild raspberries, typical of this noble variety. Notes of vanilla and spices intermingle subtly with a delicate minerality, making this a delightful and complex wine. The mouth reveals intense, fruity flavors and tannins which are ripe, well-rounded and integrated into the elegant structure. Long in the finish. The French oak frames the expressiveness of this distinctive and elegant wine.
Food Pairings: Oily fishes like salmon and trout, pasta dishes, creamed soup and mature cheeses
Pinot 2 – 2020 Le Poidevin 'Goodchild High 9' Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County
100% Pinot Noir
The close proximity to the ocean coupled with the steady wash of marine air, the unforgiving Pacific weather grapples with the sun and its warmth across the Santa Maria Valley. This nine-acre block of Pinot Noir is grown on top of the hill overlooking the Goodchild Vineyard below.
Compared to a Marsannay from Burgundy, this wine opens with red fruits and roses, sweet spices and a hint of vanilla. Palate is lifted, balanced and elegant. 94 points & 'Best of Class' at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition.
Food Pairings: Beef Bourgogne, grilled or roast pork, Camembert & Brie cheeses.
ORGANIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2020 Les Clefs du Caladas Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d'Uchaux, France
Certified Organic/Biodynamic
Grenache, Syrah
This historic estate began in 1920 in the small village of Piolenc, just north of Orange in the Southern Rhône Valley. In 1981, the forward-thinking Jean-Pierre recognized of the effects of climate change on his wines and began purchasing vineyards in the higher elevations of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in effort to retain freshness. Additionally in 2008, the estate earned the esteemed Demeter biodynamic & organic certification. .
The palate is round in the mouth, with a fond and intense expression of fresh red fruit. Evolution is ample with silky tannins with an elegant balance.
Food Pairing: Lamb or beef stews, grilled meats or chicken, barbecue.
Red 2 – 2022 Michel Guignier Beaujolais, France
Certified Organic
100% Gamay
Michel Guignier is a fourth generation vigneron in Villié Morgon, in the heart of the AOC Morgon appellation in Beaujolais. Following in the footsteps of the famed “Gang of Four” in Morgon, Guignier is committed to producing wines in the most natural way possible in order to both protect the environment and create wines that are alive and transmit a sense of place.
The Semi Carbonic maceration produces a joyful wine. Fresh aromas with red cherry a hint of bubble gum. Exceptional quality, subtle and smooth.
Food pairings: Charcuterie and cheeses, salads with chicken, beets, arugula or kale and light dressings.
White 1 – 2018 Ronchi di Cialla Bianco Collio Orientali di Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Organic
60% Ribolla Gialla, 30% Verduzzo, 10% Picolit
Ronchi Di Cialla, meaning “hills of Cialla”, is located in a small valley surrounded by chestnut, oak and wild cherry woods in the DOC Friuli Colli Orientali. Its story begins in 1970 when Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi bought a property here for the purpose of growing local grape varieties. Ronchi Di Cialla is certified as biodiversity friendly by the World Biodiversity Association, and they remain committed to using natural practices with minimal interference, having been one of the first winemakers to adopt integrated agriculture with low environmental impact.
Their Cialla Bianco is fermented in oak barrels. It's bright golden color lends aromas of caramel, butterscotch, candied fruit and dried apricot. Dry, round and well balanced acidity, delicate and elegant with a unique character. Notes of pear, apple and plum. Can be aged for over 10 years.
Food Pairing: White fish dishes, rotisserie chicken, cream sauces
White 2 – 2020 Fattoria Nanni 'Arsicci' Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche, Italy
Certified Organic
100% Verdicchio
Fattoria Nannì is an organic estate located in Apiro (Macerata province) in the region of Le Marche, on the Adriatic coast of Italy. This is one of the most southerly estates in the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi denomination. It's a dry, cool, temperate area protected by mountains.
A complex yet very approachable wine! The Arsicci Verdicchio has beautiful notes of yellow fruit, like apples and peaches, alongside delicate white flowers aromas and a great mineral character. It has a pleasant and easy-drinking character which delivers freshness and zesty acidity with every sip.
Food pairings: Enjoy as an aperitif wine or pair it with fresh salads and fish
BUBBLES CLUB
Bubbles 1 – Poggio delle Grazie L'ambizioso Rosato Frizzante, Garda, Italy
Organically Grown
80% Corvina, 20% Rondinella
Located on the gently sloping hills south of Lake Garda. Founded in 2014 with the mission of producing a truly natural wine made with today's advanced technology.
This wine is a light rosé with a orange reflection. Aromas of citrus fruits, a hint of yeast and bread making. The taste is fresh and mineral with a fruity and elegant almond note. Spontaneous fermentation captures some carbonation - making this wine light and fizzy.
Food Pairing: A great aperitif or brunch partner
Bubbles 2 – Poggio delle Grazie 'Lo Spavaldo' Bianco Frizzante, Garda, Italy
Organically Grown
100% Cortese
Spontaneous fermentation after harvest leads to a second fermentation in the bottle in early Spring, making this wine light and fizzy.
Aromas of citrus fruits, a hint of yeast and bread making. The taste is fresh, mineral and lemony with a hint of almond. Like a light Lemoncello.
Food Pairing: A great aperitif or brunch partner
NP SOMM CLUB
Red 1 – 2020 Bodegas Mauro 'Mauro' Vino Tinto de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon, Spain
85% Tempranillo, 15% Syrah
Founded in 1980 by Mariano García in memory of his father, Bodegas Mauro has been committed to excellence from the very beginning. Balanced and elegant wines meant for aging.
The wineries flagship is a reflection of its history. Enveloping, fruity & silky. The wine was bottled in April 2022 after 15 months of aging in barrels and vats of French oak of various ages. The wine is bold and powerful with dynamic tannins.
94 Points - Wine Advocate
Food Pairings: Lamb, roast pork, chorizo, steak
Red 2 – 2019 Arano 'Moradillo de Roa' Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain
100% Tempranillo
Winemaker Notes:
The grapes for Arano come from our own vineyards in Moradillo de Roa (Burgos) of more than 20 years old. The wine was then aged in French oak barrels for 15 months.
Wine of bright and lively appearance, cherry red color with violet background. Intense aromas of fresh black fruit and hints of white flowers, characteristic of Tempranillo from the Ribera del Duero region of Burgos. Good balance of wood and fruit due to its long aging in barrels providing spicy, toasted and balsamic aromas, respecting the character of the variety.
Food Pairings: Lamb, roast pork, chorizo, steak
White – 2020 Finca Mas d'en Gil 'Bellmunt' Blanco, Priorat, Spain
Biodynamically Grown
Grenache Blanc & Viognier
This “bell munt” (“beautiful – mountain”), the iconic, mesmerising mountain which frames Mas d’en Gil gives the village its name, Bellmunt del Priorat, the municipal area which brings the southern part of the DOQ Priorat to a close.
This "Baby White” is the young, white Garnacha (Grenache) wine that offers aromas of orange peel and forest floor with a slightly mineral palate and a Mediterranean herb finish.
Food Pairings: Seafood and fish dishes, with Japanese food (sushi or sashimi) and also with springtime vegetables such as asparagus.