CLASSIC CLUB
Red 1 – Clos LaChance Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Clara Valley
Clos LaChance is a family-owned and operated winery in the Northern Central Coast region of California. Tucked into the beautiful Hayes Valley, Clos LaChance is a true wine country experience located only 30 minutes from the Silicon Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of red wines and at Clos LaChance there is no exception. Cabernet is the largest volume of acreage for a single varietal on the Estate.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, this wine is approachable and elegant, a style of Cab that is crafted for your everyday indulgence. Medium bodied with aromas of plum, blackberry with a hint of green pepper. Fresh blueberries on the palate with plum and white pepper.
Food pairing: BBQ Tri-Tip, pasta with Italian sausage, hard cheeses.
Red 2 – 2014 Cascina Liuzzi ‘Sil’ Barbera d’Asti Superiore, Nizza DOCG, PIedmont, Italy
In 2000, Otto and Sil Liuzzi purchased a farmhouse in the middle of the Monferrato vineyards. The vines have a favorable south-easterly sun exposure and grow on a sandy clay soil—the best conditions for the Barbera grape to develop its fullest potential.
Cascina Liuzzi’s “Sil” boasts a stunning ruby red color. Its bouquet of vanilla and small red fruits proves to be quite powerful, but nowhere near overwhelming. The wine spends at least 8 months in wooden barrels and 6 months in the bottle.
Food Pairing: Sausages and vegetables dipped in Bagna Cauda (a sauce made of oil, butter, anchovies and garlic) and semi-ripe cheese or gorgonzola
White 1 – 2019 Ettore Germano Langhe DOC Chardonnay, Piedmont, Italy
The Germano family has owned 6 hectares of land near Serralunga d’Alba, in the heart of the Barolo area, since 1856. Ettore Germano founded his eponymous winery in the 1960s as the first of his family to begin producing and bottling estate wines. His son, Sergio, has made his mark in the famed hills of Barolo, Alba, and Langhe, with his pioneering interest in growing Chardonnay and Riesling as well as Pinot Noir for traditional method sparkling wines.
This Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel, goes thru malolactic fermentation and is aged for 6 month on the lees, also in stainless steel. This wine has fruit aromas of green apple and pear with nuances of croissant. Crisp acidity aided by some time on lees offering a creamy palate texture.
Food Pairing: Great on it’s own as an aperitif, with fish dishes or pastas in cream sauce.
White 2 – 2018 Mengler Family Wines ‘Christine’s Selection’ Unoaked Chardonnay, Sonoma
From the sustainably farmed Stuhlmuller Vineyards, Block 3, nestled within the Alexander Valley AVA. Chris Mengler dedicated this wine to his daughter Christine, who enjoys Chardonnay but not with any oak treatment - this unoaked, Chablis-style Chardonnay was made to satisfy her palate.
The grapes for this Chardonnay were handpicked and foot-stomped in the traditional way by Chris and Rita Mengler. Brilliant and elegant, this wine has light tropical notes with Macintosh apple and pear. Low acids and no tannins. White peach on the palate with a smooth balanced finish.
Food Pairing: Any light, flaky fish.
Optional Rosé – 2019 Danica Rosé, Aix-en-Provence, France
Substitute any of your wine club selections for this summertime rosé!
Danica Patrick is best known for her prowess behind the wheel of a racecar. She’s garnered international attention for breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of professional motorsports. Since retired from racing, Danica has her eye on a new prize, building a unique all-star team to create a premium, world-class French rosé in one of the world’s oldest regions to produce wine - Provence, France.
Luscious and vibrant flavors of crisp white peach, fresh cut melon, tart strawberry, hibiscus, and lime blossom - complemented by perfect minerality, balanced acidity, and a generous and refreshing finish
Pair this with a rooftop and an ocean view!
COLLECTORS CLUB
Red 1 – 2013 Quinta de Valbom Douro D.O.P., Portugal
From the heart of the Duoro River region of Portugal, first time ever in the US, this dry red wine comes from a field blend of up to 20 varieties of 90-year old vines, traditionally used to make port. The grapes are hand-selected, fermentation take place in granite eggs called lagares. The wine aged for 16 months in French oak barrels. Winemaker Luis Duarte has been named as ‘Best Winemaker in Portugal’ by the press, and ‘Best Winemaker in the World’ by a German magazine.
Aromas of well-ripened red fruits combine with floral and wood notes to create a structured and complex dry red wine.
Food Pairing: Traditionally served with Portuguese cured cod dishes, we enjoy this with beef stew or roasts and salty hard cheeses.
Red 2 – 2016 Prodigal Wines Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara
Nestled in the hills of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, Prodigal wines makes some of the finest Pinot Noirs of the region. The sloping vineyard is covered by clones 115, 667 and 777. With a focus on limited production and matching clonal selection to each vineyard block.
This wine was made exclusively from Dijon clones. Rich garnet in color with layered aromas of wild blackberry and dark cherry accented by clove, violet, strawberry and spice. On the palate, full bodied as the Sta Rita Hills AVA is known for with dark black cherry, blackberry, raspberry and a touch of vanilla. Soft tannins with good acidity throughout to balance the dark rich fruit. Long and elegant on the finish.
Food pairing: Pulled pork with Country Cole Slaw or Dijon pork chops.
White – 2018 Talley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Arroyo Grande Valley
Talley Vineyards Estate grown wines are a true expression of the cool climate of the San Luis Obispo coast. Family owned and operated their goal is to produce distinctive wines of consistently high quality that best express the unique character of each of the Talley family’s six vineyard sites in the two valleys. The Arroyo Grande Valley is only seven miles east of the Pacific Ocean off Highway 101.
The 2018 critically acclaimed Chardonnay from the Arroyo Grande valley boasts aromas of lemon blossom, saline, white peach, lime rind and almond paste. Mouthwatering white nectarine, gardenia, grapefruit, golden apple, pear, and marcona almond on the palate.
92 PTS – VINOUS • 92 PTS – WINE ENTHUSIAST • 90 PTS – JEB DUNNUCK
Food pairing: Grilled, baked or fried chicken, halibut, salmon or polenta
PINOT CLUB
Pinot 1 – 2016 Prodigal Wines Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara
Nestled in the hills of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, Prodigal wines makes some of the finest Pinot Noirs of the region. The sloping vineyard is covered by clones 115, 667 and 777. With a focus on limited production and matching clonal selection to each vineyard block.
This wine was made exclusively from Dijon clones. Rich garnet in color with layered aromas of wild blackberry and dark cherry accented by clove, violet, strawberry and spice. On the palate, full bodied as the Sta Rita Hills AVA is known for with dark black cherry, blackberry, raspberry and a touch of vanilla. Soft tannins with good acidity throughout to balance the dark rich fruit. Long and elegant on the finish.
Food pairing: Pulled pork with Country Cole Slaw or Dijon pork chops
Pinot 2 – 2017 Talley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley
Talley Vineyards Estate grown wines are a true expression of the cool climate of the San Luis Obispo coast. Family owned and operated their goal is to produce distinctive wines of consistently high quality that best express the unique character of each of the Talley family’s six vineyard sites in the two valleys. The Arroyo Grande Valley is only seven miles east of the Pacific Ocean off Highway 101.
The 2017 critically acclaimed Estate Pinot is the signature red wine of Talley Vineyards, bottled since the inaugural 1986 vintage, it represents a pure expression of the Arroyo Grande Valley appellation. Aromas of cherry, pomegranate, sage, and dusty roots with flavors of Raspberry rhubarb, cranberry, orange peel, and nutmeg on the palate.
93 PTS – VINOUS • 92 PTS – JEN DUNNUCK • 91 PTS – ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE
Food pairings: Grilled salmon or tuna, duck and mushroom dishes
ORGANIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2018 Elephant Seven Yellow Bird Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla, Washington
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
High atop the foothills of the Blue Mountains sits Yellow Bird Vineyard. Owned by the Chan family and farmed by the venerable Kenny Hart, the vineyard is dry farmed and uses sustainable farming practices. The wine was aged for seventeen months in neutral French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered in February 2020. No chemicals, enzymes, adjuncts or other nonsense has been added to this wine.
Aromas of wild flowers, garrigue, and Asian spices. A dense mid-palate with notes of red fruits, kirsch, orange peel, and cured meats, all complimented nicely with a dusty minerality. Seamless and elegant with a long expressive finish.
Food pairing: Turkey and game birds such as duck or goose with honey roasted carrots and parsnips, grilled elephant.
Red 2 – 2019 Aldo Cesar Palafox ‘Pionero’ Red Blend, Baja, Mexico
70% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Located in the heart of the Antigua Ruta del Vino, South of Ensenada, Bin Valle de la Grulla, the Aldo Cesar Palafox winery is firmly rooted in family traditions that originated centuries ago by the Spanish missionaries. Steadily they have improved farming techniques as well as incorporating modern winemaking practices. All with one goal in mind – making wine that pays tribute to Baja California’s proud wine making history and culture that spans more than 100 years.
Located in the heart of the Antigua Ruta del Vino, South of Ensenada, Bin Valle de la Grulla, the Aldo Cesar Palafox winery is firmly rooted in family traditions that originated centuries ago by the Spanish missionaries. Steadily they have improved farming techniques as well as incorporating modern winemaking practices. All with one goal in mind – making wine that pays tribute to Baja California’s proud wine making history and culture that spans more than 100 years.
Food pairing: Cheeses, roasted meats, pasta or Italian dishes, poultry.
White – Bruma ‘Vino de la Casa’ Blanco, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico
Chardonnay
Eight partners (“Ocho”) launched Bruma with the intention of establishing the premier wine brand in Mexico. In addition to the winery (Bruma), they created the finest lodging (Las Villas & Ocho Casitas) while also operating one of Valle de Guadalupe’s top dining destinations (Fauna). The property is located in the Northern most end of Valle de Guadalupe, they craft wines designed to compliment cuisine. Minimal intervention, small production wines that showcase a true sense of Baja terroir are the hallmarks of the winery.
This versatile, casual aromatic wine has fresh aromas of tropical fruits, honey and white flowers all with pronounced acidity makes it the perfect picnic wine.
Food pairing: Chicken salads and mature cheeses.
BUBBLES CLUB
Bubbles 1 – 2017 Domaine Remy Nodin Saint-Peray Extra Brut, Rhone, France
Marsanne
Remy Nodin founded his winery in 2008. Prior to that, his fruit was all sold to the large cooperative Cave de Tain. It is worth noting that Saint-Peray in its heyday produced sparkling wines that commanded more money than their famed counterparts to the north in Champagne. The market fell apart largely due to phylloxera in the early 20th century and was all but forgotten. Recently renewed interest has occurred and Saint Peray has reemerged with production in both still and sparkling wine.
Remy uses Marsanne from his lieu-dit vineyard La Beylesse. The wine is aged 21 months on the lees and finished with a dosage of 5g/L of residual sugar giving this wine a nice toasty complexity and a very dry racy finish. Full tech sheet here.
Food pairing: Salty appetizers and not-so-salty friends
Bubbles 2 – Pertois-Lebrun ‘L’extravertie’ Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Chardonnay
A true representation of Pertois Lebrun's know-how, the L'extravertie cuvee is a “Blanc de blancs” champagne combining freshness, lightness and finesse. Made only with grapes from Grand Cru terroirs (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly and Oiry) and cultivated according to a sustainable viticulture.
Luminous and fluid, fine bubbles with aromas of buttered brioche, chalky lemon, grapefruit, acacia flowers and licorice with a slight hint of anise. Supple and fresh attack supported by a pleasant lemony acidity and a delicately creamy and elegant minerality. Full tech sheet here
Pair with your next special occasion! Cheers!
NP SOMM CLUB
On a recent rip to Santa Maria, Nadia walked the vineyard of Ranchos de Ontiveros with James Ontiveros and winemaker Justin Willett and as she fell head over heels in love with their Chardonnay, she knew she needed to share these incredible wines with you. When Jeff heard the news he was thrilled, calling the Chardonnay the “Mersault of Central Coast”. Three Santa Maria Valley gems are here for you this month, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. If you visit their tasting room in Los Alamos, tell them Nadia and Uncorked sent you.
About Rancho de Ontiveros:
In 1781, Josef Ontiveros rode from Mexico to Alta California to stay. Josef would become the first in a line of nine generations of California ranchers and farmers, with James Ontiveros as the ninth. Today, James is still in the same valley that generations of his family have called home. The wines of Native9 and Rancho Viñedo, together forming Ranchos de Ontiveros, tell a real story about the durability of truth, the people, and the earth itself. Through the struggle of the vines to reach for water and nutrients in the depleted earth, combined with the cool Mediterranean climate of the Santa Maria Valley, topped off with a little luck, Ranchos de Ontiveros makes wine as complex as the the story of how they came to be.
Red 1 – 2016 Native9 Pinot Noir, Rancho Ontiveros Vineyards, Santa Maria Valley
92 PTS – WINE & SPIRITS
Red 2 – 2016 Rancho de Ontiveros Cabernet Sauvignon, Riata Oaks Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
White – 2018 Rancho Viñedo ‘Doña Martina’ Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley