We have had a beautiful start to September, but there is just the start of a bit of chill in the air that makes us reach for fuller richer wines than we did a month ago. Here are a few new ones to the shop to help the transition.
Whites
2019 Domaine Jean Aubron, Sauvignon Blanc Vieilles Vignes $14
A central glowing orb of green citrus fruit fully illuminates this wine’s intricate crystalline structure, spritely and mineral. Organic
2019 Cantina del Vermintino, Nord Est White $14
Vermintino
This wine comes from the hills of Northern Sardinia around the town on Monti. The vines are planted close together at and elevation of between 300 and 450m and surrounded by dry stone walls typical of the area. This is a light, refreshing and dry wine. Straw in color with flavors of lemon and almond.
2019 Courtault Michelet, Petit Chablis $25
Chardonnay
Crisp and pure on the palate, with white flowers, fresh, lime and citrus aromas. Pleasant mouthfeel, supple, crisp, fruity flavors.
2019 Marcel Deiss, Alsace Complantation $29
This is a co-fermented field blend of Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Muscat à petits grains, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Beurot, Muscat Blanc, Rose d’Alsace, Traminer, plus others. Bright elderflower, mandarin, fragrant pear is stenciled with tangerine pith on a long palate, finishing with a gentle swell of warmth. Lovely harmony here. Biodynamic
Rosé
2020 Domaine Turenne, Camille Provence Rosé $16
50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 10% Syrah
Camille Cuvee is a fine and elegant gastronomic rosé wine with an aromatic pallet evolving on aromas of peach. The attack is lively but balanced, finale rather long and fruity. Organic
2019 Clos Cibonne, Tibouren Provence Rosé $40
90% Tibouren, 10% Grenache
The vineyard’s oldest vines give its luminous color to this rose. Wide range of quince, grilled walnut and spicy aromas. Full-bodied, persistent and fresh on the palate.
Reds
2019 Podere la Berta, Sangiovese di Romagna, $15
A great straight forward Sangiovesse from Felsina’s property in Emilia-Romagna. Aromas of fresh-picked cherry and red berry, sweet briar and dried plum. The palate is crisp, enfolding, and energy-driven, with glossy, fragrant tannins and a long- lingering finish.
2019 Duesigneur, La Goutte du Seigneur $15
50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
From 30 year old vines this CDR has aromas of wild strawberries, a thirst-quenching palate, and a superbly exuberant finish structured by silky tannins. Organic
2018 Château Croix d’Allons, Bandol Rouge $35
90% Mourvédre, 10% Grenache
This is certainly a wine that unravels in the glass, the initial nose shows bold cassis, blackberry and fresh herb along with notes of tobacco, leather, vanillin, and baking spice. As it unwinds this wine journeys into rustic cherry skin, cured meats, and gamey characters balanced out the rich, bold fruit. The fresh, fine tannins round out the pronounced flavors without making the wine feel heavy.
2018 J.L. Chave, Saint Joseph Offerus $40
Syrah
Deeply scented aromas of dark fruit preserves, peony and olive paste, along with a spicy nuance that builds in the glass. Nicely concentrated and alluringly sweet, offering ripe blackberry, bitter cherry, floral and spice cake flavors that show fine delineation courtesy of a spine of juicy acidity. Shows excellent clarity and minerally thrust on the chewy, persistent finish, which features building tannins and lingering cherry liqueur and floral notes.
2018 Bodegas Renacer, Punto Final Malbec Reserva $20
The grapes for the Punto Final Reserva Malbec are sourced primarily from the Los Patos Vineyard in Perdriel, where the average age of the vines is 80 years. A serious Malbec with aromas of wild berries such as raspberry, strawberry and blueberry mingle with earthy and spicy notes. In the mouth, the wine is juicy and fruity, with round tannins, balanced acidity and a long finish.
2014 Constantia Glen, Three $31
67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon
A high end South African Red. Debonair, polished styling achieved without sacrificing ripeness. Red fruit with a mocha nuance, well-tailored into a plush dry tannin structure. Balanced & so tempting now, but greater rewards with time.
Was $50 now $31
2017 Fèlsina, Fontalloro $66
Sangiovese
The 2017 Fontalloro is exquisite. It is bright and vibrant, with Sangiovese character luscious and dark with thick layers of dark fruit, plum, cherry, leather and tilled earth. It is also incredibly delicious now, but clearly has the energy to age for many years.