CLASSIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2020 Stefania Mezzetti 'Annibale' Toscana Rosso, Umbria, Italy
80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Umbria, just east of Tuscany and the only wine region of Italy without a coastline is known for deep colored, antioxidant rich reds. This Tuscan inspired blend was matured for 4 months in oak barriques and aged another 4 months in bottle before release.
Aromas of dark berries, dried herbs, cigar box and similar flavors with a hint of spices and toast. Full-Bodied and warm with grippy tannins.
Food pairings: Roasted meats, hearty appetizers, great with cold cuts and aged cheeses
Red 2 – 2018 Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand
100% Pinot Noir
From a small selection of Marlborough vineyards including blocks in the Southern Valleys and the Awatere Valley. The grapes were gently crushed into small, open-top fermenters and they were cold soaked for five days before fermentation. Hand-plunged three times a day to gently extract color, tannin and flavor from the skins during fermentation and left on skins for 7 days before pressing into French oak barriques (10% new).
The resulting wine has a warm, inviting nose of strawberry, raspberry and a touch of smoky, vanillin oak. Ripe berry flavors are matched with a lovely soft mouthfeel and fine silky tannins.
Food pairings: Ham, pork, chicken, light red meat dishes, grilled dishes, seared tuna, stews and casseroles, pizza and pasta
White 1 – 2020 Mercouri Estates 'Kallisto' White, Peloponnese, Greece
80% Assyrtiko, 20% Robola
Founded in 1864 by Theodoros Mercouri, the estate has over 150 years of history of wine production and is still owned by the Mercouri family. Well known as the Greek home of Refosco, a varietal from Northern Italy which Theodorus planted when he founded the vineyards. In addition to Refosco, the 40 acres of vineyards also grow 15 other varieties of Greek, French and Italian origin.
Kallisto is a blend of the Greek Assyrtiko, a varietal from the island of Santorini, and the Ribolla Gialla grape from Northern Italy. Aromas of citrus fruits abound with a balance of pear and citrus in the long and refreshing finish.
Food pairings: Fish, shellfish, white or red meats served with sweet or creamy sauces, cheeses and fruits.
White 2 – 2017 Terragena Wiley Vineyard Riesling, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California
92% Riesling, 8% Muscat
Terragena Winery and Vineyard was founded atop a ridge in Humboldt County, California on an off-grid and sustainable property. Through the seasons of life Terragena has evolved and transformed, but continues to produce wine of exceptional quality ethically, honestly, and sustainably.
This is an exceptional dry Riesling field blend from the famed Wiley Vineyard in the Deep End of Anderson Valley. Aromas reminiscent of pear blossom and daffodils with flavors of stone fruits and graham cracker. This wine has a rich mouthfeel tempered with a bright and lively acidity. A delicate wine with ever evolving aromatics and flavors in the glass.
Food pairings: Fish & chips, oysters, white meat dishes, and salads
COLLECTORS CLUB
Red 1 – 2019 Domaine de la Mordoree 'La Dame Rousse' Lirac AOP, Rhone, France
Certified Biodynamic
50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
In 1986, brothers Christophe and Fabrice Delorme, along with their father Francis, decided to dedicate themselves to their passion for wine. They bought an estate in Tavel with the goal of producing the greatest wines in each appellation while preserving the environment. Within a decade, they had achieved that goal, and continued getting better and better each year.
"For this appellation (Lirac) this is a remarkably restrained and rather elegant red with complex red-fruit, baking-spice and terra-cotta aromas. The self-confidently dry tannins build gently and keep the alcohol well in check until right at the end, when you do feel a touch of warmth." – James Suckling (92 Points)
Food Pairing: Red meats, grilled meats, game and cheeses
Red 2 – 2020 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux 'La Tour Sarrasines' Gigondas AOC, Rhone, France
50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Founded in 1905 by Gabriel Archimbaud, Domaine Clos de Cazaux is now run by his grandsons Jean-Michel and Frédéric Vache. The property dates back to the 12th century. At that time a local farmer was put in charge of rearing the livestock and cultivating the land on behalf of the Knights Templar. This farmer was called "Chasal", a name which over the years became "Cazaux", the current name of the domaine.
The vineyards in Gigondas are situated on the arid hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The Mistral blows regularly on these slopes which limits the amount of treatment needed to the vines. The vines grow on stony soils and produce wine that can be kept easily for 10 yrs. Intense, persistent red and dark fruit aromas. Raspberry, pepper and spice flavors. Silky tannins.
Food Pairing: Grilled lamb or beef. Cow milk cheeses.
White – 2020 Gallegos Chardonnay, Charmer Vineyard, Yountville, Napa Valley
100% Chardonnay
30% new French oak, 70% neutral French oak, 35% malolactic fermentation
The Charmer Vineyard, owned by Ed Beard Jr., is nestled in the heart of Yountville, between Yountville Crossroad and Finnell Road. It is one of the oldest chardonnay producing vineyards in the Napa Valley, with the first vines being planted in 1982. .
This classic chardonnay opens up with aromas of crisp apple, pear, mango and a hint of fresh cut pineapple. The layers of flavor are accented with a sparkling minerality and balanced acidity. The finish turns soft and delicate with notes of luxurious créme brûlée. Crisp, yet creamy, this chardonnay epitomizes the best of both worlds.
Food Pairing: Lobster, Mahi Mahi with mango chutney, Rotisserie chicken with buttered potatoes
PINOT CLUB
Pinot 1 – 2020 The Vice Wines Single Vineyard 'Pinot Bambino' Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma
100% Pinot Noir
The Vice Wine is a luxury wine brand made in small batches. Each batch is crafted from single grape varietals sourced from hand selected vineyards that best express the grape varietal and the region that it comes from.
The Vice’s exploratory, yet refined range comes from co-founder Malek Amrani’s own rich background. A Moroccan-born world traveler, Team USA athlete and Level 3 Sommelier with an exceptional palette, Malek eventually settled in New York where for the last decade, he planted himself as the top sales professional for Moet Hennessy & Diageo.
Food Pairings: Cedar plank salmon, grilled pork chops, portobello muchroom burgers
Pinot 2 – 2018 Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand
100% Pinot Noir
From a small selection of Marlborough vineyards including blocks in the Southern Valleys and the Awatere Valley. The grapes were gently crushed into small, open-top fermenters and they were cold soaked for five days before fermentation. Hand-plunged three times a day to gently extract color, tannin and flavor from the skins during fermentation and left on skins for 7 days before pressing into French oak barriques (10% new).
The resulting wine has a warm, inviting nose of strawberry, raspberry and a touch of smoky, vanillin oak. Ripe berry flavors are matched with a lovely soft mouthfeel and fine silky tannins.
Food pairings: Ham, pork, chicken, light red meat dishes, grilled dishes, seared tuna, stews and casseroles, pizza and pasta
ORGANIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2018 Chateau de Caraguilhes 'Le Trou de l'Ermite' Corbieres-Boutenac AOP, Languedoc, France
Organic
30% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 25%5 Syrah, 15% Mourvedre
Caraguilhes has been committed to full organic farming since 1987.
Aged for 6 months in French oak barrels, this wine has wonderful aromas of fruity freshness, redolent of blackberries and licorice. With decanting, the wine reveals greater complexity, with hints of rosemary and thyme, underlined by notes of black fruit and olive tapenade. The freshness on the palate delivers all the personality of this wine – the power of the Mediterranean style, tempered with a delightful softness.
Food Pairing: Beef or seafood stews, vegetable dishes, cured meats and cheeses like roquefort and tomme
Red 2 – 2021 Montagnette Cotes-du-Rhone Village 'Signargues' AOC, Rhone Valley, France
Organic
50% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre
Les Vignerons D'Estezargues is a small Southern Rhone Cooperative located 10 miles west of Avignon. They are unique because each vineyard is farmed sustainably and the wines are bottled separately for each estate. Domaine La Montagnette is owned by Jean-Marie Granier, and is converting organic since 2019.
Delicate, fine, fragrant nose, with floral notes, violet, and ripe black fruits. On aeration appear aromas of spices, notes of cinnamon. The palate is rich and silky, full of fruit, but with a super fresh acidity. Ripe but firm tannins are scattered on the finish. A very complete wine which is an authentic expression of its terroir
Food pairings: Charcuterie and cheeses, roast chicken, pizzas, burgers
White 1 – 2021 Hobo Wine Co. Folk Machine 'White Light' White Wine, California
Organic
42% Tocai Friulano from Mendocino, 18% Riesling from Arroyo Seco, 17% Verdelho from Suisun Valley,
15% Albariño from Borden Ranch, and 8% Sauvignon Blanc from Potter Valley.
From the winemaker:
"This White Light is another fun, easy drinking, summery, light, and affordable wine. Our goals have stayed the same - bottle something fresh with acid and some mineral and retain that sort of salty, briny character that the Tocai Friulano has, but tone it down with the fruit and aromatics of Riesling and Verdelho. White Light was inspired by a trip to the vortexes of Sedona, Arizona, but maybe a little Velvet Underground too. I’m not that much into New Age thinking, but tell me something will feel good and I’m a believer."
Food Pairing: Sushi, Thai dishes, something light with a hint of spice.
BUBBLES CLUB
Bubbles 1 – Monthuys Pere & Fils Reserve Brut Champagne, France
60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir
The Baron family has been managing vineyards in Champagne since the 17th century. They began as agrape growers, and transitioned to Champagne producers in 1966 when Gabriel Baron decided to vinify his fruit by himself. The bottles were initially only sold to private customers and local restaurants. The estate developed into 20 hectares of vines nestled in the village of Charly-Sur-Marne, on the west side of Marne valley.
Aromas of apple, peach and pear. The mouth is well balanced, with flavors of honeyed fruit and hints of yeast. A pleasing, crisp Champagne.
Food Pairing: A great aperitif or a partner for oysters or smoked salmon
NP SOMM CLUB
Red 1 – 2019 Moshin Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma
100% Pinot Noir
Founder Rick Moshin went from being a San Jose State University math instructor to a pioneer of Russian River winemaking. He literally built the brand from the ground up—without the assistance of outside investors – keeping ownership solely within his family. To this day, you can still find Rick tending vineyards, tasting barrels in the cellar, conducting virtual wine events, building furniture for the tasting room, or repairing the plumbing. He was DIY way before it was a thing!
This is an inviting blend representing all four of our Estate Pinot Noir vineyards. Beautiful rich burgundy color. Aromas of baking spice, Amarena cherry and black fruits fresh mushroom and a hint of forest floor. Fine grain plum pit tannins and balanced mouthfeel.
Food Pairings: Grilled sockeye salmon, mushroom dishes or sauces, truffle cheeses
Red 2 – 2020 Gros Ventre Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir, Sonoma
100% Pinot Noir
Gros Ventre produces small, highly rated, highly allocated wines operating out of their cellars in Healdsburg. They make several types of wine, including vineyard-designated Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, Italian varietals from Sonoma County, and several wines from the El Dorado region.
Antonio Galloni just awarded this wine 94 points, saying, "The 2020 Pinot Noir Campbell Ranch is a very classy, polished wine. Crushed red berry, mint, chalk, white pepper and crushed rocks give the 2020 notable brilliance and focus. This translucent, nuanced Pinot is an absolute delight. All the elements are so well balanced. The Gros Ventre Campbell Ranch is one of the best wines of this very tricky vintage."
Food Pairings: Lamb lollipops, pork dishes, salmon
White – 2021 Gros Ventre High Country White, California
50% Chenin Blanc, plus portions of of Grenache Blanc, Riesling, Fiano and Viognier
Antonio Galloni gave this wine 93 points, saying, "Rich and textured, the High Country is absolutely gorgeous. Orchard fruit, mint, white flowers and spice all build in a creamy, beautifully layered white that is absolutely irresistible. The 2021 High Country White brings to mind orchard fruit, almonds and wild flowers. It shares the same philosophy as past vintages – crisp, bright, aromatic, and delicious, and will age for several years."
Food Pairings: Dungeness crab, chicken piccata, soft creamy cheeses like Humbolt Fog