CLASSIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2020 Due Terre Wines Nerello Mascalese, Sicily, Italy
Organically Grown
100% Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese is an indigenous grape from the island of Sicily that has gained recent fame for the wines it produces on Mount Etna. The grape is naturally high in tannins and light in color, though when grown on lower sandy soils like this wine, it is youthful and easy drinking.
The winery was founded by Vito Lauria when he returned to work the family farm after his studies and work experiences in Northern Italy. Due Terre is based on historic relationships with small, family growers working organically around Mt. Bonifato who have been practicing organics for many years. Fermented on native yeast without heavy doses of sulfites.
Food pairings: Grilled meats, sausages, tomato based sauces
Red 2 – 2018 Ostler Pinot Noir, Waitaki Valley, North Otago, New Zealand
100% Pinot Noir
This is a regional Pinot Noir sourced from three distinctly different vineyards within the Waitaki Valley. From alluvial valley floor to higher elevation, the Waitikian limestone soil and the cool climate give its classic signature.
Bright uplifted red fruits perfumed with violet and brown spices. Concentrated cherry, plum, spice and nut flavors. Oak aging gives it's complexity. A soft, yet generous palate with silky tannins and fine lacy acidity. An elegant wine with finesse and character.
Food pairings: Great with roast turkey, duck or salmon
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White 1 – 2020 Saints Hills Mala Nevina, Hrvatske, Croatia
70% Malvasia Istriana, 30% Chardonnay
Mala Nevina is a blend of Malvasia Istrian and Chardonnay. It ages for months in concrete eggs and wood. It comes from the vineyard of St. Ante in Radovani, central Istria, which is rich in red soil and limestone and is extremely suitable for white varieties.
"It has aromas of lemon curd, toasted almonds and brioche. In the mouth, it is well balanced and soft on the palate with flavors of mango, guava, pineapple and lemon meringue pie. The finish is elegant and persistent with a surprise burst of crisp acidity in the post palate." - Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points
Food Pairing: Mussels, clams in broth, light flaky fish dishes, sunshine in a glass
White 2 – 2020 Tenuta Loacker Valdifalco Vermentino DOC, Maremma Toscana, Italy
100% Vermentino
Vermentino is a white grape variety that probably originated in Spain or Madeira. It is cultivated in Corsica and Sardinia, in Liguria, in Tuscany and increasingly in Languedoc. In the east of Provence it is cultivated under the name Rolle. In Corsica, it is called Vermentinu and occasionally Malvoisie de Corse, indicating its presumed origin in the Malvasia family.
Tenuta Loacker has vineyards and olive trees far as the eye can see. A light ocean breeze and just a hint of rosemary waft in the air produce this refreshing white wine that displays citrus fruits and minerality with a light salty aroma. On the palate, its juicy and crisp with elegant acidity.
Food Pairing: Appetizers and grilled fish
COLLECTORS CLUB
Red 1 – 2017 Tenuta Carretta Cascina Ferrero Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
100% Nebbiolo
Tenuta Carretta is in Piobesi d'Alba, Roero, a hilly area north of the City of Alba and on the left bank of the Tanaro River. All the vineyards of Tenuta Carretta are part of the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato winemaking district, an extraordinary territory named a UNESO World Heritage Site in 2014.
Aged 24 months in barrel and 9 in bottle before release, this wine is an intense garnet color with aromas of rose, undergrowth, licorice, cacao and spices. It is a full and warm Barolo vinified following tradition. The soft and elegant tannins lend personality to the wine, characterized by a long finish.
Food pairing: Steak and lamb dishes
Red 2 – 2020 Kurtatsch 'Sonntaler' Schiava DOC, Alto Adige, Italy
100% Schiava
Food pairing: Shrimp, chicken and tofu dishes that feature basil, ginger and other aromatic herbs
White – 2018 Chateau Climens 'Asphodele' Bordeaux Blanc, Barsac, France
Certified Biodynamic
100% Semillon
Château Climens is a wine producer located in the Sauternes village of Barsac on the left bank of the Gironde river, south of Bordeaux. It was classified as a first growth in the 1885 classification of Sauternes and Barsac. Climens is one of only a handful of châteaux in Bordeaux that produces its wines from only one grape, Semillon.
Asphodele is the first release of a dry, white wine from Chateau Climens. Made in collaboration with Pascal Jolivet, from Sancerre, this wine has a very distinct personality, making it different from any other wine of the region. The "Jolivet method" is based on the simple logic of nature: berries harvested at their freshest, spontaneous fermentation by naturally-occurring yeasts, aging 8 months on the lees in stainless steel tanks. Vibrant and pure with hints of clementine, lemon, wild flower and honeysuckle. It is as refreshing as it is refined.
Food pairing: Duck, white meats, seafood or pasta
PINOT CLUB
Pinot 1 – 2021 Gallegos Pinot Noir, Boekenoogen Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
100% Pinot Noir
Nestled atop the foothills in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County, California, lies family owned and operated Boekenoogen Vineyards and Winery. The combination of superior clones, rocky well-drained soils, meticulous viticulture practices, foggy mornings and sunny afternoons moderated by a cooling maritime breezes, has resulted in superior grapes.
Aged in 25% new French oak and 75% neutral French oak, this wine opens up with aromas of strawberry, rhubarb pie, cranberry, and cherry. Rich and layered flavors of ripe red fruits are beautifully balanced with the fresh acidity. Velvety tannins deliver a lovely, full bodied wine with a smooth, silky finish.
Food pairing: Grilled meaty fishes like salmon and tuna, roast pork or carnitas
Pinot 2 – 2018 Ostler Pinot Noir, Waitaki Valley, North Otago, New Zealand
100% Pinot Noir
This is a regional Pinot Noir sourced from three distinctly different vineyards within the Waitaki Valley. From alluvial valley floor to higher elevation, the Waitikian limestone soil and the cool climate give its classic signature.
Bright uplifted red fruits perfumed with violet and brown spices. Concentrated cherry, plum, spice and nut flavors. Oak aging gives it's complexity. A soft, yet generous palate with silky tannins and fine lacy acidity. An elegant wine with finesse and character.
Food pairings: Great with roast turkey, duck or salmon
ORGANIC CLUB
Red 1 – 2017 Quinta do Popa Black Edition Red, Douro DOC, Portugal
Practicing Organic & Vegan
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca
This was made in lagar - a granite stone trough - with the traditional pisa-a-pé - foot stomp - process. Beginning of the alcoholic fermentation in lagar and the end in stainless steel. Part of the blend made post-fermentation maceration. Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats. Aged in French oak barrels for 12-15 months.
A novelty in the Douro; a clean aroma guided by notes of ripe fruits and spices, persistent palate with firm tannins involved by the fruit, good acidity, structure, balance and a personalized finish.
Food pairings: Savory meats, braised or roasted beef, lamb, burgers, chili
Red 2 – 2020 Due Terre Wines Nerello Mascalese, Sicily, Italy
Organically Grown
100% Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese is an indigenous grape from the island of Sicily that has gained recent fame for the wines it produces on Mount Etna. The grape is naturally high in tannins and light in color, though when grown on lower sandy soils like this wine, it is youthful and easy drinking.
The winery was founded by Vito Lauria when he returned to work the family farm after his studies and work experiences in Northern Italy. Due Terre is based on historic relationships with small, family growers working organically around Mt. Bonifato who have been practicing organics for many years. Fermented on native yeast without heavy doses of sulfites.
Food pairings: Grilled meats, sausages, tomato based sauces
White – 2018 Quinta do Popa Black Edition White, Douro DOC, Portugal
Practicing Organic & Vegan
Old vine white field blend
Skin maceration for a period of 12 to 24 hours at low temperatures. Static settling for 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation off skins, followed by 8 months bâtonnage in used French oak barrels.
Soft nose, with yellow fruits, mineral notes and flowers, with good integration. Full, but with good acidity, moderate dryness, complex with flavors of anise and fragrant, with a good finish.
Food pairings: Portuguese seafood stews, sea scallops, lox & bagels
BUBBLES CLUB
Bubbles 1 – Tribaut Schloesser '8 Terroirs Origine' Brut Champagne, France
50% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
Aged for 30 months on the lees before disgorgement. Dosage 8 gram of sugar per liter.
From base wines grown in 8 terroirs in the Vallee de la Marne and Montagne de Reims, this is a fresh and fruity champagne. It shows great length and good balance on the palate which results from the 10% reserve wines aged in large oak casks (foudres), which go into the blend. Le Brut Origine is ideal as an aperitif and is perfect for any drinking occasion.
Bubbles 2 – Friendly Noise 'Animal Party' Grenache Blanc Pét Nat, Santa Ynez Valley
100% Grenache Blanc
Animal Party Pét-Nat is produced by an ancestral method of winemaking, yielding a quirky, rustic, unfiltered sparkling wine. It's bright, refreshing characteristics and natural bubbles provide an unexpectedly pleasant surprise from winemaking's past. The peachy and zesty flavors are a a pure expression of place and the magic of fermentation.
NP SOMM CLUB
Red 1 – 2020 Viña Tarapaca 'Etiqueta Azul' Gran Reserva Red Blend, Maipo Valley, Chile
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec
Viña Tarapaca is located in Isla de Maipo, which is considered as the finest and most traditional area for the production of fine wines in Chile. The grapes for this stunning blend were all harvested, fermented and aged separately.
"This complex, subtle and still youthful blend offers an excellent example of this. It's dark black-red, with creamy plum and currant notes as well as a hint of fragrant, cured Havana leaf. On the palate, it is concentrated and long, with admirable freshness lending life and energy to the red and black fruits. Meaty yet supple tannins bring ballast. It's harmonious and accessible now, but there is enough density here to carry it effortlessly through half a decade's maturation." - Decanter, 97 Points
Food pairing: Grilled and barbecued meats
Red 2 – 2017 DiamAndes Malbec-Cabernet Grande Reserve, Uco Valley, Argentina
75% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
In 2005, the Bonnie family, owner of the renowned Château Malartic-Lagraviere (Grand Cru Classe de Graves) and of the Château Gazin Rocquencourt (Pessac-Léognan), decided to leave France in search for new horizons in the world of wine. It all began with the acquisition of a single 321 acre block of land in the heart of the Uco Valley, to the south of the city of Mendoza. That is where Bodega DiamAndes was born, as a member of the prestigious Clos de los Siete group. The winery’s architectural design blends harmoniously into the stunning Andean scenery.
"Aromas of black cherries, blackcurrants, violets and mocha. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. Smooth and silky with layers of spiced black fruit and dark chocolate. Long and layered." – James Suckling, 94 Points
Food pairing: Grilled, braised and barbecued beef, pork and lamb dishes
White – 2020 DiamAndes Chardonnay Grande Reserve, Uco Valley, Argentina
100% Chardonnay
"The 2020 Chardonnay Dimandes Grande Reserve comes from Campo Los Andes, Uco Valley, and spent 12 months aging in French barrels, 50% of them new. Pale green in the glass. The intense, complex nose presents cedar, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, creamed corn and pear. The oaky flavors continue in the mouth, where the wine starts out indulgently with a packaged flow that is sculpted by the wood while maintaining a fruity character. The finish, however, is dominated by toasted almonds and caramel. A well-executed exercise in style." – Vinous, 92 Points
Food pairing: Poultry, fish or pastas with cream and butter sauces, soft to medium bodied cheeses, fried chicken