It is the first day of Spring, and while we may not see much sun today, the daffodils are blooming and the air feels a bit different from last month.  Here’s a few wines to toast the new season.

La Luca, Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG  $18
Glera
Quality Prosecco.   Persistent bubbles and a fine perlage, elegant scents of wild roses and jasmine, fruity notes of golden apple and tropical fruits.

Pierre Cellier, Prestige Brut Champagne  $35
30% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier
With beautiful aromatics of orchard fruits and brioche, the bubbles are relaxed yet precise, the texture is lush, and the finish is satisfying. The dosage is a little higher for a touch more body, 8 g/l.
Was $50, Now $35

2017 Cedergreen, Sauvignon Blanc  $16
Light aromas of mineral, herb and citrus are followed by bright, fuller-styled, well-balanced fruit flavors that carry on the finish.

2019 La Fortezza, Falanghina del Sannio Taburno  $18
This dry, fresh and zesty Falanghina is sourced from the Sannio area in Campania. Zesty on the nose as well with citrus peel, white florals and ripe pear aromas. Look for flavors of ripe peach, mandarin orange, tangy and spicy with a lingering fresh herb finish.

2015 Quinta da Muradella, Alanda Bianco  $22
30% Doña Blanca, 30% Treixadura, 30% Verdello, 10% Monstruosa de Monterrei
This Spanish white has aged beautifully.  The medium-bodied palate fills your mouth and coats its inside with fennel and wet stone flavors and a clean thread of fine acidity that makes it intense and long.
Was $32 Now $22

2016 Dashe, Les Enfants Terribles Grenache  $15
Dry Creek Valley
The grapes come from a dry, rocky riverbed north of Healdsburg where nightly fogs help maintain high acidity. Low interference in the cellar and maturation in large barrels, leaves all the pretty minerality and luscious red berries on the nose and palate of this wine. Bright and lithe, the wine shows vibrant red fruit (raspberry, currant), peppery spice and dusky tannins.   Native Fermentation.  Was $28 now $15

2018 Pelissero, Dolcetto d’Alba Augenta  $18
A single vineyard Dolcetto that stands out above a lot of others.  Aromas of plums and sour cherries, fresh roses and mixed spices, Enveloping and juicy, with definite tannins and marked savoriness

2016 Paris Valley Road, Zinfandel  $12
Paso Robles Zin. Juicy raspberry and bramble berries, Earthy notes of sage, saddle leather, and fresh tilled soil add complexity to this well-balanced and alluring wine. Plush tannins provide structure and elegance while framing the dark red fruit, finishing with just a kiss of oak.

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon to 6PM

The days are getting longer and that extra hour in the evening is perfect for an extra glass of wine.  If you’re wondering what that glass should be, here are some delicious French wines that are new to our shelves.  Spring is almost here.

2019 Vignerons du Pallet, Les Petites Sardines  $10
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine
A good value Muscadet.  The nose, dominated by the fresh aromas brought by the sea spray of the Atlantic, also has light floral notes. The wine is characterized by its finesse and has a slight pearliness that is pleasant on the palate.

2019 Viv á Vias, Le Ballon Blanc  $11
50% Vermento, 50% Sauvignon Blanc
Le Ballon produces affordable and delicious organic wines in Languedoc-Roussillon France. A fresh and crisp style with notes of stone fruit and white flowers. An ideal aperitif wine to be enjoyed alongside seafood or onion tarte.  Organic

2020 J. Mourat, Chenin de Jardin  $18
This excellent organic, no sulfite added Chenin Blanc. Mourat is located in Fiefs Vendeen, on the Atlantic coast. It has a saltiness to balance the rich Chenin fruit.  And yes, that is a naked Gnome on the label.  Organic. No Added Sulfites

2019 Goisot, Saint-Bris Exogyra Virgula  $28
Sauvignon Blanc
A very different Sauvignon Blanc with a texture more like a Burgundy. The Exogyra Virgula, offers pungent gooseberry and asparagus scents on a nose that seems to grab the olfactory senses. The palate is fresh and clean, more linear than the aromatics suggest, with dill and white pepper notes toward the spicy finish. Sustainable, Organic

2017 Domaine Foussier, Les Romains Sancerre  $29
Sauvignon Blanc
Vines that range in age from 35 to 40 years in clay soil on a southwestern facing slope produce this wine. The Romains has a crisp nose with a heavy mineral accent. There is a richness and vivacity to this wine that leads into a long finish with strong acidity and nuances of tropical fruit and sage.  Organic. Was $45 now $29

2019 Domaine Fondrèche, Ventoux Rosé  $13
50% Cinsault, 30% Syrah, 20% Grenache
Freshness and gluttony at the rendezvous. With a pretty soft and luminous pink, with a flattering nose of raspberry, peach and flowers, it unfolds at the palate sensations both delicate and persistent. Was $20 now $13

2019 Château Barbebelle, Cuvée Madeleine d’Aix en Provence Rosé  $16
50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Cinsault
A smoothly textured rosé, this is ripe with tangy mandarin and lime flavors allied with ripe red-berry fruits. The classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault gives pepper, some light structure and a fresh aftertaste.

2017 Domaine Vetriccie, Íle de Beauté Rouge  $11
40% Niellucciu, 30% Sciaccarellu, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah
A great Corsican red with aromas of black olive, currant, a hint of violet and licorice and rounded with spice. The wine is fleshy and medium bodies with fresh blackberry.

2019 Vic á Vias, Le Ballon Rouge  $11
50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Grenache, Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals blend agreeably to create a deep cherry, pomegranate and earthy nose. Medium-intensity meets medium-acidity to appease any porch-wine seeker.  Organic

2019 Château Vaugelas, Cuvèe Fut de Chene Corbieres  $13
60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 15% Carignan, 5% Mouvèdre
An old favorite Southern French red with a nose of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry) leading to more dominant black cherry aromas. Lightly spicy, with peppery notes finishing with vanilla and licorice.

2018 Delas, Saint-Espirit Côtes du Rhône  $15
Syrah (majority) and Grenache
From steep granite hillsides in the Ardèche region of the Rhône.  The nose is classic Syrah, with berry fruit, violet and licorice. It has a full, rounded palate with delicate tannins, making it a unique wine in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation.

2015 Château Moncets, Lalande de Pomerol  $21
82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc
A good Bordeaux from a good vintage.  This wine, hugely rich and packed with tannins, has equally powerful black fruits, rich texture and blackberry and licorice flavors.

2018 Raymond Usseglio, Cuvée Girard Châteaunuef du Pape  $45
90% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, 2% Cinsault, 2% Counoise
Deep ruby/purple, with a meaty, powerful bouquet of black raspberries, ground pepper, cured meats, and flowery garrigue, this beauty is medium to full-bodied and has a wonderful, supple mouthfeel, silky tannins and a great finish. It should age well with a solid 10-12 years or more of prime drinking.

2016 Clos Basté, Esprit de Basté Madrian  $30
75% Tannat, 25% Cabernet Franc
Esprit de Basté is a rich red that exemplifies the “spirit” of the area and Madiran. Powerful and fleshy, this wine can be drunk young (fruity) or after a few years to gain finesse.  Organic

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon to 6PM

Husband and wife team Stewart and Athena Boedecker created Boedecker Cellars in 2003.  Guided by both tradition and science, Boedecker Cellars uses minimal intervention techniques in their winery. Fermenting with native yeasts lets the winemakers highlight the unique qualities of each vineyard.  . They taste, blend and taste some more, age Pinot Noirs for a year and a half in barrel, bottle, and release the wines six months to a year later.

This past week we got offered a great deal on a couple of their wines and jumped on it.  Come get a piece of the action.

2017 Boedecker Cellars,Pinot Gris  Willamette Valley  $12
A rich Oregon Pinot Gris. Ripe and polished, bursting with peach and apricot aromatics with lively flavors of melon and citrus on the palate combine with solid acidity and a light, creamy texture.  Organic
Was $17 now $12

2014 Boedecker Cellars, Stewart Vineyard Pinot Noir  $22
Inviting aromas of cherry, rose petal and woodland lead to a mid-weight styled wine with impressive mid palate presence and finish. The core of cherry and ripe strawberry fruit flavors is accented with notes of interesting spices including cinnamon. The tannins are suave, the acidity is bright, and the overall impression is one of complete harmony
Was $35 Now $22

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday to Sunday, Noon to 6PM

With the tariffs being suspended for four months, let’s raise a glass to celebrate with a few new arrivals to our shelves.

2018 Kila, Cava  $15
40% Xarel·lo, 40% Macabeu, 20% Parellada
Ripe orchard/pit fruit aromas are complemented by subtle herb and candied orange zest nuances. Broad and spicy on the palate, displaying pear nectar and honey flavors and a touch of fennel.

Jané Ventura, Brut Nature Cava Reserva  $16
The JV Reserva spends two and half years on lees and then is bottled without a dosage (extra sugar) as the quality of fruit is so high they do not feel that they need it. Therefore it has less than 2 grams of sugar per liter, but the mouthfeel is focused yet generous at the same time.  Organic

2019 Freire Lobo, Vigno Dão Blanco  $18
50% Encruzado, 35% Bical, 15% Cerseal
Lightly creamy, fun and refreshing, with a backbone of lemon zest, pine needle, green apple, tangy minerality, wet slate, pomelo, pear and enough tension to dance flamenco with any type of seafood. Organic / Biodynamic

2017 Sacristía AB Manzanilla Segunda Saca  $16
100% Palomino Fino
Taken from 32 butts from an 80-butt solera in the Bodegas Sanchez Ayala.  Some salted almonds and green olives. Cider apple and chamomile. Subtle hints of iodine and flor, or maybe closer to dried mushrooms in this case. Very light touches of thyme as well.
Was $28 Now $16

2017 Cabriz, Dão Colheita Selecionada  $10
40% Alfrocheiro, 30% Tourtuga National, 30% Aragonez
A well-structured, muscular red, with a touch of Asian spice to the wild plum and dried raspberry flavors. Beef and mineral notes mark the finish. Distinctive, with a very savage allure.

2016 Freire Lobo, Vigno Dão Red  $18
40% Touriga National, 30% Jaen, 30% Alfrocheiro
The nose is fine and fresh, with notes of ripe red fruits, spice and some floral. The palate is young, soft, and harmonious with well-integrated tannins.
Organic / Biodynamic

2012 Contino, Rioja Reserva  $42
90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
Contino was the first of the new wave of single vineyard Rioja estates. Today, the winery makes some of Rioja’s finest wines, polished and comparably modern, but with a sense of balance and restraint that gives them amazing elegance and great longevity.  Aromas of wet earth, spice and dark berry follow through to a full body, round and soft tannins and a long and decadent finish. Black olive and dark fruits.

Our Spring Hours

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon-6PM

We’ve been wheeling and dealing with our distributors and we’ve come up with some tasty discounts.

2016 Viñedo de los Vientos, Estival Blanc  $12
60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Moscato
From Uruguay, the Estival is a blend, but it’s fermented all together.  The Chardonnay is harvested unripe like in “Champagne” to get the high acidity to balance the fully ripe Gewurztraminer and the Moscato Bianco’s fruity flavors. You can feel the sweetness of the Gewurz and Moscato and the sharp acidity of the Chardonnay with lots of different flavors in between.
Was $18 Now $12

2016 Nervi, Bianca  $12
Erbaluce di Caluso
Nervi is the oldest officially-recognized winery in the Gattinara DOCG.  This rare Piedmontese grape produces a refreshing white wine of surprising minerality and acidity.
Was $19 now $12

2018 Kivelstadt, Mother of Invention  $15
60% Roussanne, 32% Marsanne
Frank Zappa’s favorite wine.   Farmed organically on Bonfiglio Vineyard along the banks of the Russian River, Mother is fermented in neutral French oak barrels, sur-lie aged for 6 months, and undergoes malolactic fermentation naturally before going to bottle.  Fruity in aroma  this medium-bodied wine is is full of Apricot and orange-zest aromas meet lemon and grapefruit flavors on a lively, crisp texture. Organic
Was $21 now $15

2016 Terre di Maté, Regaldina Gavi  $10
Cortese
This organic white take a big price drop as they change vintages. Medium-bodied, bone dry and golden in the glass, it smells like melon and flowers. You get rich, golden fruit (apples, pears, quince!) with lots of acidity and mineral notes, finishing with some creamy lemon curd. Biodynamic.
Was $18 now $10

2017 Le Moerette, Lugana Mandolara  $15
Turbiana
Produced from the Turbiana grapes, that grow in the narrow strip of land on the shore of Lake Garda.  Its characteristic balanced bouquet is pleasant and fresh, with flower sensations. At taste it is attractively fruity, with apple and peach hints characterized, at the end, by a trace of bitter almonds.
Was $21, now $15

2019 Fondrèche, Ventoux Rosé  $13
50% Cinsault, 30% Syrah, 20% Grenache
Freshness and gluttony at the rendezvous. With a pretty soft and luminous pink, with a flattering nose of raspberry, peach and flowers, it unfolds at the palate sensations both delicate and persistent.
Was $20 now $13

2013 Verum Malbec Reserva  $15
From a sustainably-grown vineyard in Alto Valle de Rio Negro, Patagonia Argentina. Verum Malbec expresses its unique Patagonia terror, showcasing fresh flavors of violets and red fruits along with spice notes  The wine is much more elegant than Medoza’s thicker, full bodied wines.
Was $28 now $15

2015 Viñedo de las Vintos Tannat  $14
From Atlàntida, Coastal Region, Uruguay.   The nose delivers overwhelming aromas of autumn leaves and earth, while the palate is black licorice and wild mushrooms.
Was $19, now $14

  Our Current Hours  

Wednesday to Sunday, Noon to 6PM

We have received a few new Barolos and Barbarescos into the shop the last couple of weeks and the pricing on them is quite attractive.  Here’s the list of what’s come in as well a few less expensive Langhe Nebbiolos to get you through the midweek.

Barbaresco

2015 Costa di Bussia, Serre dei Roveri Barbaresco  $28
A delicious Barbaresco with classic aromas of cherries, currants and rose petals.  Mouth: very juicy and stimulating to the palate, spicy notes of licorice at the end.

2016 Giordano, Barbaresco Cavanna  $34
Loaded with flavors of spicy red fruit, crushed flowers, sage, and blood orange. Bright acid and gritty tannins assure that this wine will only get better over the next 5-8 years

2015 Pelissero, Barbaresco Nubiola  $45
Racy and exuberant on the palate, with terrific fruit density, the 2015 Barbaresco Nubiola captures the exuberant side of the year nicely. Fruity and floral notes that go from the ripe red fruit to the officinal herbs. Soft, tasty, velvety at the same time, leaves on the taste buds a note of sweetness and roundness typical of ripe grape with a slightly dry and astringent closure that distinguishes the Nebbiolo.

Barolo

2015 Luigi Pira, Serralunga Barolo  $35
From 55-year-old vines.  The nose reveals a classic Barolo, fresh and elegant in its notes of leather, hay, earth and spices. On the palate it is round, well balanced between acidity and tannins, very persistent.

2013 Ascheri, Barolo  $42
Produced in the traditional way with a blend of different vineyards, the Ascheri is rich and intense garnet red color composite bouquet of sweet spices, dried flowers, leather and   undergrowth harmonious, well-structured with elegant tannins and great balance and  complexity

2014 Renato Ratti, Barolo Marcenasco  $45
The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. The fruit almost appears to be on the ripe side, yet the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo. In the mouth it has touches of sour cherry fruit on the close.  91pts Parker.

2019 Ca’ del Baio, Langhe Nebbiolo  $15
A vibrant, medium-bodied red from Piedmont with no oak contact. This wine features bright cherry along with the earth and tobacco finish of good Nebbiolo. Zingy acidity and granular tannins make this versatile pairing.

2018 Cantina del Pino, Langhe Nebbiolo  $23
Grown in Barbaresco and aged for eight months in stainless steel this wine has all the fruity and spicy characteristics of a traditional Barbaresco, but it is meant to be consumed young. Complex and smooth with good structure of fruit and tannins.

2016 Pelissero, Langhe Nebbiolo  $25
A very serious wine at this level, as it has considerable tannic clout underpinning the fruit. Lifted aromatics, finely sculpted red fruits and firm tannins are front and center it packs a good bit of energy and intensity into its mid-weight frame. The Langhe Nebbiolo is a tank of Vie Erte Barbaresco juice given a shorter aging time of five months in tank and five months in cask.

Here’s some new wines to the shop this last week that are all great values for what they are.  It’s Saturday.  Here’s something nice to end the week.

Whites

2019 Adega de Moncã, Vinho Verde  $10
Alvarinho and Trajadura
There is a small amount of CO2 in the wine, and it has a ripe, aromatic nose but it is bone dry on the palate and finishes very clean. The wines from this northerly sub-region are a little more ripe and complex than the classic Vinho Verde style.

2019 Domaine Massiac, Viognier  $17
This rustic estate situated in the heart of the Minervois.  Their Viognier has a bouquet of orange-blossom, white flower, apricot, and melon. The palate is clean with a nice mineral undertone. Organic

2019 Domaine Huet, Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu  $31
Chenin Blanc
World Class Chenin. Ripe pear, tangerine and orange fruits with notes of lemon grass and green pimientos intertwined with very fine chalky and later tobacco notes give a remarkably fine, elegant and harmonious, subtly complex and simply gorgeous bouquet with floral (lime blossom!) and yeasty aromas that are immediately attractive. Delicate and linear on the palate, this is a pure, fresh, bone-dry, lean and textured, highly refined and perfectly interwoven Chenin with persistent purity, finesse, salty-mineral tension and very fine tannins. Highly finessed and so pure and vivacious! This is a chalky picture-book Haut-Lieu that can age for many years, even though it is already dangerously seductive! — 95pts Wine Advocate.

2019 Chante Cigale, Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc  $38
20% each Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc.
A rock-solid bouquet of honeyed apples, citrus blossom, white flowers, and a kiss of honeyed toast, this beauty has a supple, seamless texture and beautiful overall balance. Medium-bodied on the palate, this is just a classic Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc that does everything right, delivering plenty of mid-palate and texture, a solid sense of freshness, and a clean, dry finish

Reds

2017 Laurent Cognard, Château de Buxy Bourgogne  $22
Pinot Noir
Perfumed and with red-cherry flavors, it is soft and generous. With the acidity and fruitiness combining easily.  Was $28 now $22

2019 Ampeleia Unlitro  $20  1ltr
Grenache, Carignan, and Alicante Bouschet
An unusual lighter Tuscan red.  The flavors are pure and lively, with no oak to interfere with the myriad aromas of wild flowers, forest fruit, red berries, and subtle spices. There’s a lingering hint of sweetness and refreshing acidity on the finish that makes a happy impression on the palate.  Bio Dynamic, low sulfides

2015 Lan Rioja Reserva  $20
Tempranillo
A traditional Reserva with berry, vanilla and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium body with refined tannins and a delicious finish.

2018 Château Pierre Bise Schists Loire  $21
90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
The fruit is grown in the ancient volcanic soils of the Anjou village called Spilite, which is so compacted that the vines really have to struggle to penetrate. The resulting wine is mineral, ripe and full of red fruit, with firm tannins and a flinty undertone.

2016 Le Haut-Medoc d’Issan   $40
60% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot
As the third wine of the famed 3rd Growth Château d’Issan hierarchy, the Le Haut-Médoc is textbook claret without the triple-digit price tag!” The wine has a bright and vivid bouquet of dark cherry, blueberry, and lead pencil. This fruit component also drives the pallet with a medium-bodied texture and mineral accents.

Our Current Hours

Wednesday to Monday – Noon to 6PM

We received our very small allocation of Lopez d’ Heredia white and rosé (a couple of bottles of each).  With such a small lot it is hard to figure out how to offer them for sale.  We came up with the following offer.  Buy one bottle of the Tondonia Reserva red and you can buy a bottle of the White or Rosé.  Buy two Tondonia Reserva red and you can buy a bottle of each.  Also the new vintage (2008) of the red is set to arrive soon and word has it the price is going to jump so even if you don’t what the white or rosé it might be a good time to stock up on the red.

2008 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva Bianco  $58
90% Viura, 10% Malvasia
An amazing white from Lopez de Heredia.  Very elegant and complex nose. Hints of honey and dried apricots. Citrus. Lemon, orange compote. Notes of hazelnuts on a very delicate wooden background. The flavor is satiny, very evolved. With a great acidity that promises a long life. Long finish.

2010 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rosé  $37
60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 10% Viura
The new release.   Beautiful flavors of blood orange, berries, peach skin and almonds only begin to describe this wine, which also has a silken texture unlike any other rosé you have likely ever had.

2007 Lopez d’ Heredia, Vina Tondonia Reserva   $45
75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazeulo
A remarkable red from a Rioja icon, López de Heredia. There’s no concession to modernity, with fermentation in 140-year-old wooden vats plus six years’ ageing in oak casks, the rest in bottle.  Spices, leather, cherries, balsamic and cigar box.  Very complex spice and berry fruit, with a long savory finish.

Our current hours – Wednesday to Sunday – Noon to 6PM

As we were digging ourselves out of the weekend snow, we found a bunch of new Reds at the shop.  Something to sip on as we wait for Spring.

2018 Rivera, Negroamaro  $11
Aromas of bright cherry, anise and cinnamon start off this straightforward red. This is light in feel and fruity on the palate in bouncy cherry and berry flavors.

2013 Rubbia Al Colle, Rabuccolo  $16
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah
This is a ruby-colored, persistent, ready to drink wine that delivers ripe, fresh fruit, spice and mouthwatering acidity. Green pepper but also red fruits together with nuances of balsamic aromas. Direct, fresh and pleasing.  Was $20 Now $16

2019 David Hill, Estate Pinot Noir  $20
Aromas of blueberry and sweet cream intertwine with lighter notes of thyme, rolled oats, and gravel. This bright and juicy Pinot Noir showcases delicate silty tannins and fig flesh texture. These textural components are joined by flavors of pomegranate, marjoram, and potting soil, which seamlessly transition through to the finish.  Organic

2019 Francheso Brigatti, Maria Collin Novaresi  $22
Vespolino
Vespolina is the indigenous grape variety of Alto Piemonte by definition, the wine is deep ruby with violet reflections when young. Floral and red berries are the main aromas and flavors that complement the typical spicy note.  Organic

2012 Domaine Rolet, Arbois Rouge Tradition  $21
40% Poulsard, 30% Trousseau, 30% Pinot Noir
A traditional light red from Arbois which brings the complexity from the soils of the hills of Montigny and Arbois composed of red marls and rich gravels.

 2017 Domaine Brotte, Crèation Grosset Cairanne  $15
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre
Plenty of forward, fleshy dark fruits, notes of ground pepper, earth, and bouquet garni, medium body, and loads of charm.

2015 Notte Bene, Una Notte Red Blend  $20
77% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre
Southern Rhône style blend with strawberry and raspberry up front in the bouquet with leather and earth notes.  A smooth, fruity, moderately concentrated midweight with a slightly candied, resiny quality. Finishes with lingering notes of dried cherry and spices with enough structure to give this wine length.  Special Price $20

2018 Chapillon, Cuvée Harmonie  $16
90% Petit Verdot, 10% Tannat
From Aragon, the Chapillon has an intense and quite spicy nose of ripe blackberry fruit with a touch of leather that smooth out as it comes onto the palate and then the vigor of Petit Verdot and Tannat kick in, still slightly smoky from the oak, but the vigorous and lifted fruit will soon dominate and the firm natural tannins will blend in as well, a wine of personality without over-extraction, remaining sweet on the palate.

2018 Black Slate, Gratallops Priorat $22
Cariñena, Garnacha, and Syrah
A mixture of red and black fruit with just a spicy twist and some peachy character. There is some rusticity on the palate along with earthy tannins, giving it the profile of a classical Priorat.

2018 Doniene Gorrondona, Beltza  $27
Hondarrabi Beltza
Red Txakolina (not white, not rosé) made with grapes grown in Bakio with a wild, rustic character and not a trace of astringency. Fruit-driven and peppery, it reminds of Cabernet Franc, to whom it is related.

2016 Château Leconte Marquey, Saint Emilion  $22
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Leconte Marquey is a small estate of just 14.5 hectares.  Round and opulent, it offers flavors of red and black berries, with refined tannins that allow the wine to age gracefully.

2016 Nota Bene, Arianses Vineyard Red Blend  $28
50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon,14% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet  Franc
A rich and juicy Bordeaux blend from Arianses Vineyard  along the Columbia River just south of Mattawa. Aromas of garden herb, soil, violet and cherry lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors that run straight down the middle.

2016 Moulin de la Roque, Les Hauts du Vallon Bandol  $20
95% Mourvedre, 5% Carignon
It is a supple wine with a majority of Mourvèdre grapes bringing structure and power. Notes of blackberry and blackcurrant are complemented by hints of mild spices coming from an 18-month maturation in big oak barrels.

2018 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet  $55
A complex nose of spiced black fruits, herbs, and lead pencil, that integrate beautifully with the subtle attractive oak. In the mouth, the wine is rich and elegant, showing ripe fruit, nice balance, and proportion, with herbs, and tobacco. Integrated tannins enhance the texture; the finish is complex, generous, and long.

–Our Winter Hours–
Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM