Friday Wine Tasting 3.9.18

We hope to see you this afternoon: 3-7 pm!

ANANTO MACABEO
This Spanish varietal is a staple in white Rioja and Cava blends, but also shines as a single varietal wine. Pale yellow with faint greenish tinges, this is a boldly aromatic wine. White flowers and ripe tropical aromas usher you into an equally bold, full-bodied palate. The richness is balanced by a fresh acidity which leaves way for a creaminess lent from a time spent on lees.

FINCA DECERO MALBEC
Located at the foothills of the Andes, this vineyard is names “Remolinos” after a whirlwind that circulates keeping the grapes dry and free of disease. This Malbec offers a pleasantly bright and vibrant nose with an emphasis on sweet violets and ripe red fruits. The notes of raspberry and cherry continue on the medium-bodied palate showing balanced acidity and supple, smooth tannins.

FINCA DECERO CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The Remolinos vineyard also offers ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, with well draining gravel soils. This wine offers classic Cabernet character in the Old World style. Elegant and well structured, the medium-full bodied palate offers dense cassis flavors paired with sweet cedar and graphite, supported by firm, fine tannins.

THE OWL & THE DUST DEVIL
Also by Finca Decero, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Tannat, all from the Remolinos vineyard. The Malbec provides rich red fruit aromatics and lush texture while the Cabernet Sauvignon lends a sturdy, yet elegant structure. The Petit Verdot and Tannat add depth and complextiy of flavor while lending true aging potential.

Friday Wine Tasting 3.2.18

FLEUR CHARDONNAY
This Chardonnay shows bright citrus, pear, and apple aromas that are accented with just a breath of French oak vanilla perfume. The nose welcomes you to beautifully crisp and clean fruit that spills across and envelops the palate with a perfectly balanced mouthfeel.

HOOK & LADDER STATION 10 RED
This blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignane is named for the fire house from which founder, Cecil De Loach retired. Rich fruit notes of blackberry and cherry mingle harmoniously with dark chocolate cocoa, cinnamon spice and a peppery finish. Good acidity and moderate tannins makes this wine an ideal companion to grilled meats and rich sauces.

KIONA RED MOUNTAIN MERLOT
This Washington Merlot is a robust and tannic example, showing structure and complexity to compete with Cabernet Sauvignon. Second-fill barrels impart a smooth texture and gentle oak notes while still allowing the bold, ripe blue and red fruit character to take front stage.

LOSCANO GRAND RESERVE MALBEC
Malbec can be considered the flagship red grape of Argentina. This rich, fragrant wine has a beautiful purplish hue and a nose featuring sweet and spicy plums. The palate mirrors the fruity aromas along with notes of tea leaves and cassis, all supported by moderate tannins and delicate oak notes.

Friday Wine Tasting 2.23.18

WESTSIDE CROSSING CHARDONNAY
This Chardonnay offers the ideal balance of lush richness and crisp vibrancy. The palate is fragrant with fresh floral and herb notes. Smooth and full, the palate shows plentiful tropical fruit and green apply notes with hints of delicate oak spice. Refreshing enough for warm summer weather, this wine offers enough depth and richness to keep you warm through the winter months.BLACK DIAMOND RED
This Napa Valley red blend is predominantly Merlot. Moderate heat throughout the summer ensured the grapes reach full ripeness while keeping fresh, balanced acidity. The nose opens with black cherry, plum and blueberry. The dark fruit notes continue on the palate along with hints of vanilla and cedar. The palate is silky and dry with smooth, supple tannins and a lingering finish.

BLACK DIAMOND ZINFANDEL
Carefully selected fruit was soaked and fermented in a mix of stainless steel and American oak to maximize extraction of color and complexity. The resulting wine is full and lush, offering plentiful jammy fruit notes and rich flavors of vanilla, spice and brown sugar. There is moderate acidity and easy tannins with time spent of lees imparting a soft creaminess to the texture.

BLACK DIAMOND MERLOT
This Merlot is a deep, inky garnet color. It offers aromas of black cherries, raspberries, black berries and spice box with a touch of vanilla and clove. The palate is full and juicy, balanced by a firm, but gentle structure and a long smooth finish.

Friday Wine Tasting 2.16.18

VITTI ROERO ARNEIS
Alfredo is also known as the “father of Arneis” spending significant time and effort in rediscovering this native nearly-lost varietal. Pale straw in color, this wine is fermented and aged exclusively in stainless steel to protect the pure fruit character with time on the lees adding body and complexity. The nose is bright and fresh with aromas of flowers, melon and hints of almond. The palate is crisp and medium bodied with lively citrus notes that linger in the finish.

CASCINETTA VIETTI MOSCATO D’ASTI
Made from mature, fully-ripened grapes this wine offers a bright sunshiney color and a slight fizziness. Its nose is intense and bold with notes of ripe peach, rose petals and fresh ginger. The palate is delicately sweet, but with a vibrant balancing acidity that keeps it refreshing through the rich apricot finish.

VIETTI DOLCETTO D’ALBA TRE VIGNE
Dolcetto is an often overlooked but versatile wine. This unoaked version offers a bright purple-red color that matches the fresh flavors and aromas of black cherry, raspberry and blueberry. The palate is medium bodied with soft tannins and a moderate, but brightening acidity.

VIETTI BARBERA D’ASTI TRE VIGNE
Barbera is one of the great food wines of Italy, offering bright fruit, easy tannins and vibrant acidity. This wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and mixed aging in stainless steel, barriques and big oak barrels. Ripe cherry and spicy vanilla greets you on the nose with cherry flavors dominating the palate along with hints of warm baking spice.

Friday Wine Tasting 2.9.18

MEURGEY-CROSES MACON UCHIZY
The village of Uchizy, located in the northern part of Mâcon (Burgundy), is known for the aromatic expression and minerality of its wines. The wine is fermented and aged in tanks in order to emphasize the fruitiness and freshness. It then goes through malolactic fermentation, resulting in a bouquet that presents plenty of apple and crisp citrus flavors along with rich spice. The finish is long with strong minerality and floral notes.

ARRUMACO TEMPRANILLO
100% Tempranillo, this wine is light, fresh, and beautifully aromatic. It opens with ripe red and dark fruit character and a hint of licorice. The palate shows concentrated fruit with soft, ripe tannins leading to a lingering finish. Light and enjoyable on its own, this wine is extremely versatile on the table.

PLAN PEGAU
From grapes planted just outside of Chateauneuf du Pape, this multi vintage blend is equal parts Grenache and Syrah (30%), with the balance made up of Merlot and other Rhone varietals. This rich, meaty red captures the essence of the Southern Rhône Valley, with layers of red and dark fruit character, soft supple tannins, and complex spice notes from extended aging in small oak barrels. Enjoy with hearty stews and grilled meats.

LOTE 138 AVIDAGOS
This intense, deeply pigmented red wine is a blend of predominantly Touriga Nacional. The nose is vigorous with complex aromas of young fruit and mineral notes. The palate is full bodied with round tannins and a focus on fruit flavors.

Friday Wine Tasting 2.2.18

TREANA CHARDONNAY
A bright straw colored wine, this Central Coast Chardonnay offers aromas of ripe stone fruits with hints of citrus blossom and spiced vanilla. The palate shows a racy, crisp acidity with lush flavors of tropical fruits, citrus zest, warm caramel and creme brulee.

NORTON PRIVADA
This Argentinian blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep, inky wine. The depth of color mirrors the depth of aroma and flavor yet to come. The nose is rich and cloying with candied grape and pomegranate aromas. The palate is thick and almost syrupy in its richness. Jammy blackberry and baked plum are bolstered by chewy tannins and a bold, lingering finish.

NORTON RESERVE MALBEC
A complex and expressive Malbec, this wine offers lush, ripe fruits reigned in by fresh, lively structure. Boysenberry, black currant, violets and tobacco give way to fine tannins, gentle oak notes and a long chewy finish of dark chocolate.

TROUBLEMAKER RED
This award winning blend from Paso Robles is composed of Syrah, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre. The Syrah provides full-bodied structure to this wine while Petit Sirah gives it a rich ruby color. Grenache’s bright, ripe red fruit flavors partner well with the depth and intensity brought by Mourvedre’s rustic nature. Wrapping it all up is Zinfandel, with its characteristic spicy finish. This is a wine that is a true enjoyment to drink.

Friday Wine Tasting 1.26.18

LES TROIS COURONNES COTES DU RHONE
This blend of Grenache and Syrah from France’s Rhone Valley is full and chewy with loads of black fruit and licorice spice. Round, easy tannins and a racy acidity make this wine bold and generous while still lively and versatile.

BODEGAS EIDOSELA ETHEREO ALBARINO
The beloved white grape of Galicia, Spain, this Albarino offers tart, pithy notes of lime and grapefruit. The palate is lean and tangy with citrus, green melon and stony minerality that lingers into the long, firm finish.

TRISQUEL ARESTI CABERNET SAUVIGNON
This Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile’s Colchagua Valley presents a dark nose of sweet, spicy oak. The palate is lean and firm with sweet plum and blackberry flavors evolving to green olives and dried mint on the finish.

TRISQUEL ARESTI RED
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot, opens with dense aromas of berry pie and toasted wood. The palate is full with thick pliable tannins and savory flavors of smoked meat and baking spice. Baked fruit notes continue on the back of the palate finishing with a cleansing, saline minerality.

Friday Wine Tasting 1.19.18

HUIA SAUVIGNON BLANC

Sourced from two of Huia’s estate vineyards, this Sauvignon Blanc is a bright and refreshing sipper. The nose is delicate with aromas of elder flower, red bell pepper and wild nettle. On the palate tropical fruits pair effortlessly with green herbal notes. A small portion of oak aging adds a softness and richness balanced by a clean minerality that lingers into a dry finish. Drink and dream of warmer weather!

FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC
One of the premier producers in Argentina, Famiglia Bianchi truly knows how to make Malbec shine. A deep, brooding purple in color this wine has aromas of ripe plums and cherries with hints of sweet baking spice.The palate is full and soft with dark fruit and rich notes of dark chocolate, coffee and vanilla oak. Round tannins and intense, lingering texture will keep you filling your glass.

RYAN PATRICK REDHEAD RED
An approachable red blend of Columbia Valley fruit, this wine offers easy drinking fruit and versatile, food-friendly texture. Black cherry, raspberry and dark chocolate dominate the nose. The palate is lush and savory with dried herb and red currant notes and a long fruit-driven finish.

TWO HORNS RED BLEND
This is a red blend made to reflect the personality of the rough, rugged Western states. California Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet, plus others, this wine offers rich wild berries, toasted oak, ripe black plum and a spicy, smokey finish. Full bodied and powerful, this is a complex wine ideally paired with barbecue and roasted meats.