No beast in the center here.

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its legendary Labyrinth and the Minotaur who dwelt in the center of it. It is also know for making some superb local varietal wines that are soon to become legendary. We have amassed an array of wines from Lyrarakis and Alexakis wineries for you to wander through. They are amazing.

2018 Lyrarakis Legacy White $13
75% Muscat of Spina, 25% Vidiano
Bright and lively pale yellow color. Mature aromas of grapefruit and stone fruit with a presence of rose petals. Finely balanced with good acidity and plushy finish.

2018 Lyrarakis Vilana Pirovlikes $20
100% Vilana
The white grape variety Vilana is indisputably a classic of the vineyard of Crete. Citrus-fruit and flower aromas, full taste with a refreshing acidity are the characteristics of this wine, produced from vineyards at an altitude of 500m. Citrus and white-fleshed fruits with floral hints. Full body with good acidity.

2021 Lyrarakis Psardes $22
100% Dafni
The Dafní grape variety was saved from extinction by the Lyrarakis family, when it was planted in the “Psarades” family vineyard at 480m altitude in central Crete in the early ’90s. The wine has a distinctive aromatic Bay leaf & herbal character, refreshing mouthfeel and intense herbal aſtertaste, in a citrus fruit background.

2020 Lyrarakis Psarades Plyto $20
The Plytó grape variety was saved from extinction by the Lyrarakis family, when it was planted in the “Psarades” family vineyard at 480m altitude in central Crete in the early ’90s. An elegant wine, with clean fruity aromas of high intensity, a full and versatile mouthfeel, and a noble tannic style that balances its taste.

2020 Alexakis Assyrtiko $20
From the Alexakis winery this Assyrtiko’s bouquet displays aromas of passion fruit, mango and citrus. It has a balanced taste with crispy acidity and a characteristic minerality around the palate and a long and lasting finish.

2017 Lyrarakis Legacy Red $15
25% Kotsifali, 75% Syrah,
Delicate balance highlighted by blueberries, sweet spices and fresh herbs. Rich and soft with fruity flavors, elegant tannins and piquant aftertaste.

2016 Lyrarakis Karnari Kotsifali $25
100% Kotsifali, an indigenous variety that results in pale red wines with rich flavor. The Karnari estate vineyard is located in central Crête, at 250 meters above sea level. Its sweet fruit and spice notes are developed over long ageing in used barrels. The noble influence of oxygen, both in the aroma and flavor of the wine, is well integrated, providing complexity and stability to the wine.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

La Biòca

La Biòca is a small winery in the Langhe region.  “Biòca” comes from the Piedmont’s dialect and is used to describe a decisive person often with a “tough head”. The vineyards are situated in the villages of Monforte d’Alba and the winery is located in Fontanafredda subzone of Serralunga d’Alba. We recently picked up two of their Cru wines at attractive prices.

2016 La Biòca, Ronchi Barbaresco  $32
Nebbiolo
Cru Barbaresco.  Ruby colored with garnet tints, the nose has luxurious dark cherry and raspberry fruit mixed with herbal notes. The palate is intense, with savory fruit, earth notes and fine tannins.
Was $40 now $32

2015 La Biòca, Aculei Barolo  $35
Nebbiolo
Drinking well already for a Barolo this young.  Crushed roses, leaves and wild herbs with notes of maraschino cherries and fresh tobacco, leading to a palate that has a smooth and succulent array of ripe red-berry flavors and smooth, firm tannins.
Was $45 Now $35

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

2015 Gerard Bertrand, Art de Vivre Rouge  $15
Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre
Oddly packaged in a ceramic bottle.  The Vivre has some nice Balsamic notes that adds a touch of class to the black cherry, red plum and wild raspberry notes of this juicy red, with savory touches of mineral and herb on the clean finish.
Was $20 Now $15

Wednesday-Friday, 12-6PM

Warm the hearts of those Mothers in your life with a bouquet of cold, crisp pink.

2018 Miraval Studio Rosé  $12
40% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 20% Tibouren,
IGP Mediterranee
Notes of summer red fruits, some ripe peach and a little spice, before a really well-balanced palate with more red fruits and a mouth-watering finish.
Was $17 Now $12

2020 Les Quarte Tours Classique Rosé  $14
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aix en Provence
Ripe strawberry flavors contrast with the zesty acidity and lemon freshness. A blend of four grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is lightly textured, touched by pepper and ready to drink

2020 Château Terrebonne Côtes de Provence Rosé  $13
25% Cinsaut , 15 % Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Ugni Blanc, 10% Vermentino
A crisp Provence Rosé Intense nose of fresh strawberry, small red fruits and white peach. Round on the palate, this rose is well balanced thanks to its pleasant acidity.
Was $16, now $13

2020 Brertaini Bertarose  $18
50% Corvina, 30% Molinara, 10% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella
Fresh aromas of pomegranate and redcurrants with notes of white flowers. Decisive on the palate, good body and good balance between acidity and tanginess. Excellent length.

2020 Caringole La Croix Belle Rosé  $11
50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
Their Caringole Rose is a harmonious blend of Grenache and Syrah; it has intense aromas of fresh rose petals and ripe pears, with soft tannins and good acidity.

2021 DuBoeuf Beaujolais Rosé Nouveau  $10
Gamay
This 2021 Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé has aromas or red berries and freshly- squeezed citrus fruits, with a hint of candy. The palate is delicate, light and refreshing. This is a delicious expression of Georges Duboeuf’s fourth vintage of Nouveau Rosé.
Was $15 Now $10

2020 Christophe Avi Agenais Rosé  $13
80% Cab Sauvignon,  20% Cabernet Franc
A little known AOC from the Southwest of France. This Rosé is aged a bit in old casks, and is redolent of red currants, fresh cherry, tangy watermelon, orange blossom and lime leaf. It feels generous in the middle and finishes with dusty minerality and a nice sense of grip. It’s fun to drink, refreshingly dry,  Organic

2021 Gönc Cuvee Anna Rosé  $18
50% Žametna Črnina, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Grigio, 10% Blaufränkisch
Slovenia
An Unusual and delicious 4Rosé from Slovenia.  Aromas of wild berries, strawberries, melon, and peaches conspiring to take over the orchard.  The palate has a nice sting of a slap bracelet wrapped around your tongue with bright fruit and a refreshing mineral zap.  Hand Picked, Vegan

2021 Domaine de Châteaumar Perle de Rosé  $19
90% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
From a solid Châteauneuf producer.  A nose of macerated strawberries, raspberries, and peaches, with a faint earthy and peppery base, comes together with a fresh clay minerality on the soft, round, and slightly weighty palate. Well-integrated ripe cherry skin acidity is key in retaining this sturdy rosé’s balance and freshness.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Hard to pass up.

2018 Château des Moulins, Médoc  $12
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Not a flash in the pan, Château des Moulins has been owned by the same family for 6 generations. It is located in the Village of Vertheuil next the Abbey.  This Bargain Bordeaux is a floral, polished, and spicy wine. Elegant, juicy, medium bodied and lusty on the palate, with plenty of dark red berries and thyme to go around.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

A couple of deals from the two ends of Italy slipped in the door this week.  You might want to come grab some before they slip out.

2017 Terredora Di Paolo Aglianico  $12
Campagnia
A cleanly made Southern Italian wine.  Red cherries, fresh herbs, red licorice and walnuts come to the fore. Steely and vibrant with driven acidity and a sour-cherry finish.
Was $18 now $12

2015 Fugazza Romeo Gutturnio Reserva  $25
65% Barbera, 35% Croatina
From the border between Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna.   Intense bouquet of black fruitsand spices, and an earthy note. The palate shows a rich mouthfull of blackcherry and peppery flavors, together with a light oakiness.
Was $35 Now $25

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Rumor has it that Spring has arrived.  Depending on the day you may or may not believe it.  But just as sure as sprouts are coming up in the garden, so our mouth waters for some Springtime sippers.  Here are some fresh wines that floated in with the breeze.

Poderi Morini Morosé Spumante Brut Rosè  $14
Centesimino (aka Sauvignon Rosso)
From Emilia-Romagna, this textured and creamy rose is made from an all but lost grape varietal.  Lots of fruit and herbal elements–red berries–from raspberry to cherry as well as something like a fennel or tarragon herbalness here.

Andreola 26o Primo Prosecco DOCG  $19
Glera
Racy and elegant, this radiant sparkler offers aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and autumn orchard fruit. The dry, fruity palate is both smooth and crisp, featuring creamy white peach, ripe yellow pear and lemon zest alongside a polished perlage.

Olivier Morin Tentation Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé  $22
Pinot Noir
A cheerful, sparkling rendition of Pinot Noir grown in Chablis. Crisp and fresh but with a underlying complex notes of wild sour cherries, floral, earthy, and dark, earthy Pinot notes.

Vale d ‘Este Vinho Verde Branco  $10
Aromatic and refreshing Vinho Verde with classic fruity aromas,  lifted acidity and lingering fruit notes.

Vale d ‘Este Vinho Verde Rosado  $10
A porch pounders delight. Slightly spritzy  with raspberry, gooseberry and strawberry notes. Refreshing, soft, young and light.

Castillo Perelada Pescador Blanc  $11
60% Macabeo, 20% Xarello, 20% Parellada
Bassically a still Cave, but there is nothering wrong with that.This wine isn’t about complexity; it’s about chuggability. Both the nose and palate are dominated by bright, zippy lemon citrus and rocky minerality, like lemon water filtered through a rock garden and spritzed by salty sea breezes.

2020 Ot De Vins El Cep  $12
100% Estate Xarello
Dry Cava!! Fresh pear and honeydew melon on the fragrant nose, along with a subtle floral nuance. Silky and open-knit, showing good depth and a touch of waxiness to the ripe orchard and citrus fruit flavors. The melon note comes back on a smooth, persistent finish that features a refreshing bitter orange zest flourish.  Vegan, Organic

2021 Gönc Cuvee Anna Rosé  $18
50% Žametna Črnina, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Grigio, 10% Blaufränkisch
Slovenia
An Unusual and delicious 4Rosé from Slovenia.  Aromas of wild berries, strawberries, melon, and peaches conspiring to take over the orchard.  The palate has a nice sting of a slap bracelet wrapped around your tongue with bright fruit and a refreshing mineral zap.   Vegan

2019 Casale del Giglio, Cesanese  $15
A tasty indigenous grape from Lazio.  Intense aromas of marasca cherry, followed by spicy notes of white pepper, black pepper and violet. The mouthfeel is soft, with persistent tannins and pronounced acidity,

2019 Domaine Philémon,  Croix de la Bouscarié Gaillac Rouge $14
Duras
This 100% Duras shows off notes of  violets, Mediterranean herbs like sage and fennel, robust berry fruit and a peppery finish.  All with a crown cap.  Organic

Wednesday-Friday, 12-6PM

In theory we are supposed to see some warmer temperatures this weekend.  If that prediction holds (it is still Spring and this is still Seattle) we’ll be breaking out the coals, firing up the barbeque,  and popping one or more of these full bodied wines from California.  Have a great weekend.

2020 Silverado Vineyards, Miller Ranch Sauvignon Blanc  $20  — 1 liter
Blended with 7% Sémillon and stainless-steel fermented, this is a sleek, acid-driven white. It offers a tart layer of grapefruit that builds to a richer core of pear and vanilla candy. Cohesive and complex, it is an enjoyable wine.  A deal 1 liter for $20

2019 Robert Biale Vineyards, Party Line Zinfandel  $24
Layered with aromatics of dusty strawberries, red licorice, black cherries and raspberry taffy. The entry is soft and weighty with succulent mid palate tannins that make for a long and juicy finish.

2016 Dry Creek Vineyard, Heritage Vines Zinfandel  $21
77% Zinfandel, 22% Petit Sirah, 1% Carignane
Appealingly old-school, with zesty and briary raspberry, grilled anise and white pepper flavors that finish on a lively note.

2016 Dry Creek Vineyard, The Mariner  $70  1.5 liters
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
Dry Creeks big red blend.  A seamless, full-bodied experience of dark chocolate, crushed rock and crisp berry fruit. Oak and tannin remain well-behaved and integrated, with lasting hits of cinnamon and clove that mark the close.  Was $100 Now $70
1 bottle available.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Been there Doon that!

Randall Graham started Bonny Doon, a very French inspired winery, in Central Coast California in 1984.  We soon became fans of the wines and Randall’s iconoclastic take on the wine industry.  Thirty some years later we are still amused.  Two new Doon projects recently floated in through our doors.  They are distinct and quirky as the founder himself.  And there is something about alien visitations above the vineyards.  After all it is California.

2021 Bonny Doon, Central Coast Picpoul  $15
90% Picpoul, 10% Grenache Blanc
“Picpoul” translates to “lip stinger.” It is a high acid, savory, white, rustic grape variety, especially well-suited for seafood. This wine shines with aromas and flavors of dried savory spices, earth, and tart fruit. 11% alcohol by volume

2021 Bonny Doon, Le Cigare Orange $15
80% Grenache Blanc, 10% Grenache, 10% Orange Muscat
Doon’s long skin contact “Orange Wine”.  Aromas of fresh peaches, citrus, bergamot.  It has a textured and vibrant palate with peach, apricot and citrus peel. 10.5% alcohol by volume

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

We posed the question to our panel of Somms and they offered up a few choices from the Mediterranean.  Then we stumped them when we inquired about hard-boiled eggs.  Whatever is on your menu we hope you have a great weekend. And if you need a good bottle of wine to go with it, we’ll be happy to help.

2020 Moraitis Malagousia  $22
100% Malagousia from the Aegean Islands. Intense peach aromas with a lovely purity of fruit that flow onto the palate. Crisp acidity and fresh with a lasting finish.  Organic

2019 Damiano Ciolli Silene Olevano Romano  $20
Cesanese
A Roman Red from Lazio, the Silene is aged in concrete for a year and conveys more delicate qualities of the Cesanese red grape. It also comes from nearly 100 year old vines.  A rush of floral aromatics lead for a palate of dusty earth, spring violets and sour blackberry. A long, peppery finish to leave on a memorable note.  Biodynamic

2019 Bodega del Palacio, Frontaura y Victoria, Toro  $16
Kosher Tempranillo.  Notes of red fruits, blackberry, currant, strawberry, raspberry. . In the mouth it is fresh, leaving an unmistakable memory. Round, silky, with sweet and polished tannins.  Kosher

Wednesday-Sunday, Noon-6PM