CLASSIC CLUB
Red 1 – Amapola Creek Proprietary Red, Sonoma Valley, California
Winemaker Notes: After more than 50 years making wine in Sonoma County, winemaker Richard Arrowood has perfectly refined his technique for producing exceptional hillside grown wines. This wine, a blend of Bordeaux-style and Rhone-style varietals is produced in only a small amount from artisan farmed hillside vineyards in the Sonoma Valley, and is the expression of Richards mastery of the art and science of winemaking, an ode to his love for this place and the wine it produces.
Food pairings: Braised meats, roast chicken, pumpkin ravioli in a sage sauce
Red 2 – 2023 Poletti 'La Sagrestana' Sangiovese, Romagna, Italy
100% Sangiovese
Poletti was founded in 1928 by Aurelio Poletti. Proud of its long tradition of winemaking, the company owns about 50 hectares of vineyards, that comes to life with pure Sangiovese grapes and a rich clay soil, which gives the wine a beautiful minerality. Vinification in steel tanks and aged for 6 months, always in steel.
The nose is delicious with notes of fruit and hints of rose petals, sweet violets and dried plums. The palate is dry, remarkably fine and elegant.
Food pairings: Grilled meats and cheeses
White 1 – 2022 Verus Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Stajerska, Slovenia
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Verus winery is a team of four friends who, in 2007, set up to follow their passion. Styria, in Slovenia’s bucolic north east, is a historic wine region that is home to many small producers and is still one of Europe’s best kept wine secrets.
Crisp and fresh with vibrant aromas of lemon zest, guava and apple that jump out of the glass. The palate bursts with pink-grapefruit, juicy apple flesh, lime juice and nettles. Unlike its cousins in New Zealand, this Slovenian Sauvignon Blanc never tips into overripe. There is surprising body here too which gives this cool climate Sauvignon unusual harmony from the very first sip.
Food pairings: Appetizers, cheese, salads and shellfish
White 2 – 2022 Thymiopoulos 'Atma' White, Naoussa, Greece
Organic
70% Xinomavro, 30% Malagouzia
The Thymiopoulos family has been in agriculture and grape-growing in the village of Trilofos for generations. They believe in sustainable viticulture and minimum intervention during the whole winemaking process that incorporate organic and biodynamic practices. This wine used blanc de noir vinification for the Xinomavro. Fermentation at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. Contact with fine lees for 2 months.
“Atma” is the ancient Greek word for soul and this is a wine that will definitely nurture your soul! The floral and fruity aromas of Malagousia -white flowers, citrus and white fleshed peach- explode from the glass while its mouthwatering acidity gives it a fresh yet balanced feeling.
Food pairings: Vegetable risottos, meatballs, pork, stuffed vegetable dishes, poultry and cheese platters.
COLLECTORS CLUB
Red 1 – 2019 Luca Bosio Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
100% Nebbiolo
Raised among the vines in the Langhe region of Piedmont, 3rd generation winemaker Luca Bosio inherited “native intelligence” and natural ability for farming from his parents and grandparents. His talent for growing grapes was uncanny, so he did what any aspiring grape grower would do: he enrolled in the enology program at the famed University of Turin. The family’s winery, Bosio, was renamed to the Luca Bosio Vineyards. Under Luca’s purview.
This Barbaresco has floral aromas typical of the grape when young, together with chocolate, toast, and spicy notes from its time in oak. It has great structure and big tannins but, thanks to the amount of aging, the wine is smooth, and its structure matches perfectly with its intense aromas and flavors.
Food pairings: Meat & game meats, seasoned cheeses
Red 2 – 2020 Fabrizio Pratesi 'Locorosso' Carmignano, Italy
Organic
100% Sangiovese
It was Pietro Pratesi who bought the Lolocco estate in the heart of Carmignano in 1875, where wine and oil were already being produced. Today, the company in Lolocco continues to produce its own wines, in modern vineyards planted at high density, with biological agriculture that respects the land.
Fruity, fine, elegant and persistent aromas. This stainless steel fermented and aged wine expresses itself with a good tannic structure and a measured balance, fresh acidity that extends into fruity notes. Elegant finish.
Food pairings: Appetizers with cold cuts, first courses with meat sauces, grilled white and red meats, fresh cheeses.meats, fresh cheeses
White – 2023 Drew 'Sandstone & Shale' Chardonnay, Anderson Valley, California
Organic
100% Chardonnay
Jason and Molly Drew started Drew in 2000 with a clear pursuit in mind: to craft small lot, cool climate wines that express site distinction and traditional varietal character.
Winemaker Notes: This Chardonnay appellation blend is sourced from two organically farmed vineyards on opposite sides of Anderson Valley. The Valenti Ranch Vineyard sits at 1,250-1,400 ft atop Greenwood Ridge, located six miles from the ocean. Its steep, northeast-facing hillside is set on a cool, sandy slope. Across the valley is Clow Ridge, a vineyard situated on benchland at approximately 1,000 ft, facing southwest. The soils in both vineyards consist of ancient oceanic sedimentary materials, including gravelly sandy loams, decomposed sandstone, and shale with varying levels of clay. The wine was fermented with native yeasts, 100% MLF, and aged for eleven months in neutral French oak foudre and barrique. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Food pairings: Salmon, rotisserie chicken, turkey with all the trimmings.
PINOT CLUB
Pinot 1 – 2016 Frostwatch Pinot Noir, Bennet Valley, California
100% Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes: This is the 8th vintage of Frostwatch Pinot Noir. Our entire two and one-half acres of Pinot Noir are planted to a selection of the Swan Clone, which typically produces small clusters and small berries. Our vineyard experiences very cool nighttime temperatures throughout the summer. Generally speaking, the Bennett Valley Appellation is also distinguished by its very long growing season, modest yields relative to other areas and full-flavored wines with good natural acidity.
The wine displays power and mid-palate density and richness yet exhibits the delicacy one expects in excellent Pinot Noir. It supplies red cherry and plum flavors and shows good structure.
Food pairings: Cedar plank salmon or try Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce
Pinot 2 – 2021 Détente 'Margot' Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, California
100% Pinot Noir
Détente [dey-tahnt] produces small-lot wines mainly sourced from family owned vineyards in the Central Coast. Our winemaking style seamlessly blends old-world traditions with innovative new-world techniques, resulting in our signature expressions.
Pinot Noir grown in the La Montañita Vineyard in the SLO County AVA. This wine has notes of light strawberry and cherry, with a touch of earthiness. Delicate cranberry and rhubarb on the palate with incredible balance.
Food pairings: Salmon and pork dishes. Asian inspired appetizers and sauces.
ORGANIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2018 Cantine Barbera 'Microcosmo' Perricone, Menfi DOC, Sicily, Italy
Organic
Field blend approx. 90% Perricone, 10% Catanese
Winemaker Notes: Vineyards are complex ecosystems where vegetals, animals, insects and an endless diversity of microorganisms live together in perfect harmony. The vineyard of Microcosmo is the proof of a possible natural equilibrium created by a harmonic varietal interdependence that generates energy and life.
Lighter than many other Sicilian reds. Complex and elegant aromas of red ripe fruit merge into scents of sweet bay-leaf and the finest oriental spices: cinnamon, ginger, incense, star anise then dried fruit, baked black olives, and salted capers. It is dry and very persistent to the palate, with a mineral fresh structure.
Food pairings: Cured meats, medium-aged cheeses or try Sicilian Arancine di riso
Red 2 – 2021 Marco Cecchini Refosco dal Peduncolo, Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
Organic/Biodynamic/Vegan
100% Refosco
Winemaker Notes: The Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso grape derives its name from its red stems that distinguish it from other Refosco varieties.. It is a late-ripening variety and is known for producing wines that are full-bodied with high levels of acidity. This deeply colored wine is robust with discernible tannins yet polished and supple with black fruit flavors and almond notes. It has a long and pleasant finish marked with notes of plums and currants. The Refosco’s prominent acidity, typical for this variety, makes it a good complement to a wide variety of foods.
Food pairings: Sausage & peppers, beef lasagne, minestrone soup, onion pizza
White – 2022 Thymiopoulos 'Atma' White, Naoussa, Greece
Organic
70% Xinomavro, 30% Malagouzia
The Thymiopoulos family has been in agriculture and grape-growing in the village of Trilofos for generations. They believe in sustainable viticulture and minimum intervention during the whole winemaking process that incorporate organic and biodynamic practices. This wine used blanc de noir vinification for the Xinomavro. Fermentation at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. Contact with fine lees for 2 months.
“Atma” is the ancient Greek word for soul and this is a wine that will definitely nurture your soul! The floral and fruity aromas of Malagousia -white flowers, citrus and white fleshed peach- explode from the glass while its mouthwatering acidity gives it a fresh yet balanced feeling.
Food pairings: Vegetable risottos, meatballs, pork, stuffed vegetable dishes, poultry and cheese platters.
BUBBLES CLUB
Bubbles 1 – La Montina Saten Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy
100% Chardonnay
The Chardonnay grapes that make up this wine come from some of the longest-standing vineyards located towards Lake Iseo, from whose microclimate they derive all the benefits.
It has a soft foam with delicate perlage, a beautiful straw color with variable shades depending on the vintage. On the nose it presents a complex bouquet with hints of fresh fruit, acacia and lime. The fermentations partly take place in lightly toasted barriques, in order to give the wine elegance, finesse and notes of vanilla. In the mouth it denotes a pleasant tactile sensation of silkiness.
Food pairings: Ideal pairings for this wine: delicate first courses, fish and white meats
Bubbles 2 – La Montina Saten Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy
85% Pinot Nero, 15% Chardonnay
This Rosé is obtained mainly from Pinot Noir grapes, harvested in our vineyards whose history and quality are traditionally consolidated.
The classic soft pressing and the right maceration time on the skins give this wine its strength, complexity, and persistence. Chardonnay completes the blend to achieve perfect balance. It has soft and abundant foam; the marked notes of berries and ripe fruit are enhanced on the nose. On the palate it is full, round and with good body.
Food pairings: Excellent as an aperitif, but certainly gives its best with cured meats, grilled meats, blue cheeses and Grana Padano
NP SOMM CLUB
Red 1 – 2023 Drew 'Mid-Elevation' Pinot Noir, Mendocino, California
100% Pinot Noir
Winemaker notes: Mid-Elevation refers to the 800 -1,400 ft elevation range in the Anderson Valley and Mendocino Ridge AVAs, where a close proximity to the Pacific fog line results in a cooler maritime growing season. Showcasing the coastal ridges of Mendocino County, the 2023 vintage comprises fruit from Drew's Faite de Mer Farm Estate Vineyard (Mendocino Ridge), Clow RIdge Vineyard (Anderson Valley), and Valenti Ranch (Anderson Valley). The wine was fermented with native yeasts (10% whole cluster, 90% destemmed), and aged in French oak barrels (14% new) for eleven months before bottling, unfined and unfiltered.
Food Pairings: Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings
Red 2 – 2022 Ridge 'Three Valleys' Red, Sonoma County, California
65% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 14% Petite Sirah, 5% Mataro
The 2022 Ridge Three Valleys Red has a deep nose of blackberry, anise and espresso. Ample structure and mouthfeel with raspberry bramble, dark chocolate and baking spice.
"It is a departure for Ridge, as it's not a single vineyard wine but instead a blend of 10 different sites from throughout Sonoma County. Bright and delightful with savoury herbs, tart early-season blackberries, and muddled mint leaves, all vie for attention in this wine's generous aromatic show. A melange of wild mountain berries, mouthfuls of dried savoury garrigue and lavender, dashes of white pepper and an incredible lift to the finish which lingers for an eternity. Concentrated and refined." – Decanter (94 Points)
Food Pairings: Pairings from Ridge Winery include Beef Short Ribs and Spiced Chocolate Brownies
White – 2022 J. Bookwalter 6th Edition White Blend, Conner Lee Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington
Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Ten generations of the Bookwalter family have been involved in American agriculture. But it was Jerry Bookwalter, generation nine and father of current company president John Bookwalter, who led the family into viticulture. In Washington State he firmly stamped the Bookwalter name on the nascent wine industry. From 1976 through 1982, Jerry helped manage the plantings of three iconic vineyards – Sagemoor, Bacchus and Dionysus.
The current 'Edition' of this white Bordeaux style blend form the Pacific Northwest was aged in French oak barrels. Aromas of lemon curd, melon, honeysuckle, orange blossom and sweet grapefruit, baked peach, and lichee. Rich & voluptuous mouthfeel, creamy mid- palate with fresh acidity, lingering finish. Bright juicy citrus entry, lush apricot & Charentais melon through the mid-palate, clean & fresh finish with ripe stone fruit notes.
Food pairings: White fish such as cod or halibut. Excellent with ceviche or scallops.