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.