Knowing Where to Look
Here are a few wines that can be read into a little bit deeper. They might be as some might call it, “punching above their weight”, more than meets the eye (or label), or just a wine that we want to make sure you’re paying attention to this time of year. Hope you enjoy, and remember that our first wine tasting in a looong time is next, Thursday, October 20 from 5-7pm (scroll down to see what we’ll be pouring!). Open to anyone 21+, no need to sign-up, just show up!
Domaine Daridan Cheverny Blanc 2020 (Loire Valley, France) | $21.99
From the heart of the Loire Valley comes this blend of 80% Sauvignon and 20% Chardonnay. The vines are first harvested and then vinified separately. If you’re looking for a wine that tastes like it’s from Sancerre or Pouilly Fumé, but don’t want to pay the high price of a wine from those regions, try this Cheverny Blanc. While not certified organic, Benoit Daridan, the 7th generation to run the estate, uses sustainable farming practices. The mouth is lively, round, and well-balanced with notes of grapefruit. This expressive white wine is perfect with seafood and shellfish or even as a pre-dinner drink.
Baudouin Millet Bourgogne Chardonnay 2021 (Chablis, France) | $21.99
Baudouin Millet is a Chablis producer, and this Bourgogne Chardonnay is technically in Chablis, it doesn’t have the designation. This is actually a great thing for us because we get to experience a high-quality Chardonnay from Chablis at a better price. This wine has all of the qualities you’d expect and want from a Chablis – a steeliness from the unique Jurassic-era limestone soil, rich while still being crisp, and wonderful aromatics.
Lioco Pinot Noir 2021 (Mendocino, California) | $27.99
Many of you have tried Lioco’s Chardonnay, as we featured it in a virtual wine tasting last year and have been singing it’s praises ever since. We just had the opportunity to try the Pinot Noir and just like the Chardonnay, knew it was something we had to bring in and share with you. It’s a wine that should command a much higher price tag, but we’re happy it doesn’t! From the cooler climates of Northern California, this wine is made using whole-cluster grapes, and reminds us of bright red cherry, violets, and there’s almost a subtle pine, earthiness to it, too. If you like Pinot Noir from France, then give this wine a try.
López de Heredia “Viña Bosconia” Reserva Rioja 2009 (Rioja, Spain) | $44.99
Founded in 1877, Lopez de Heredia is the oldest bodega in Haro (winery) and one of the three oldest in all of Rioja. Reserva must be aged three or more years with at least one year spent in cask and the grapes endure more scrutiny to make the cuvée. Winemakers often age their Reservas longer than the required amount of time to achieve smoother, more complex wines. The Bosconia ages for 5 years in American oak barrels, and is hand racked around 10 times before being released. This wine is an excellent buy because the aging has already been done for you! It’s ready to drink now, but you could also keep it for later to see how it continues to develop. This is a full-bodied, powerful red, with dark fruit and baking spices. Open, decant, and let it breathe while you light the fire you plan to sit beside while you drink it.
Cheers — Wine Tastings are Back!
After a 2+ year hiatus we’re opening up our kitchen for select fall wine tastings. We have a ton of new wines and old favorites we can’t wait to share with you. See below for dates and times. Here’s what you can expect: a free event that’s open to the public ages 21+, tasty nibbles, knowledgeable pourers to help you get excited and learn more about the wines you’re tasting, and special discounts on the wines you taste that night. We know you’ve been waiting, and thank you so much for your patience! We hope to see you at our first tasting next week on October 20 (see below for what we’ll be pouring!).
Fall Wine Tasting Dates:
- Thursday, October 20 from 5-7pm with Marie from Devenish Wines
- Thursday, November 17 from 5-7pm with Colleen from SoPo Wine Co.
- Friday, December 9 from 5-7pm with Jessica Small from Easterly Wine
This is Bright Night Bath (open until 8pm!) - Thursday, December 15 from 5-7pm with Josh Wohlforth from Mariner Beverages
- Thursday, December 29 from 5-7pm with Josh Underhill from Pine State Beverage
Prices and availability subject to change after this posting.