locke store

March 2026

Villages

La Colombera “Bricco Bartolomeo” Cortese 2024

Elisa Semino owns and runs La Colombera together with her father and brother. Their location, the Colli Tortonesi, is considered the “doorway to Piedmont” because of its location intersecting Lombardy and Liguria. If you’ve ever had the white wine “Gavi,” you’ve had the Cortese grape before! La Colombera farms organically and has done so for the past 20 years but is not currently certified. No pesticides or herbicides are used, but certifications come at a cost. When you’re talking about organic certifications, you’re essentially asking the grower if they’re able to risk losing the entire crop for a year’s production or more. The nose is very dry and definitively “Summer.” Think dry straw or the dirt in a baseball field. The palate is tart and is begging for a creamy pasta or soft cheese. After less than five minutes spent in the glass, the wine opens up immensely and we discover more fruit and grass notes. It is worth noting that I tried this wine at cellar temp (about 55° F), so I’d recommend taking it out of the fridge and allowing it to warm up for about 30 minutes. Drink this wine with something creamy! As a rule of thumb, higher acid whites tend to do quite well with creamy or fatty foods because the cleanse the palate between bites.


Le Fraghe Bardolino 2024

Matilde Poggi is the winemaker at Le Fraghe. In the 1980s she was among the few women at the forefront of the wine world and is currently the president of the Federazione Italiana Vignaioli Indipendenti (or FIVI, the Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers). This wine is a blend of Corvina and Rondinella grapes grown in the Veneto region, specifically the communes of Affi and Cavaion Veronese. The Bardolino growing area is between the base of Lake Garda and Valpolicella, not far from Verona in Northeast Italy. Matilde’s Bardolino contains more Corvina than is normal, with only 20% of the wine being Rondinella.The two varieties are fermented separately and then blended, using no oak for aging. Le Fraghe has been certified organic since 2009 and Matilde’s three daughters now help her run the winery. The nose is beautiful with underripe cherry, soft vanilla, and cocoa. The palate is very dry and food friendly. Soft tannins and higher acid makes this wine an easy drinker, but it can be as complex as you choose. This would be a great pizza wine, but I would also recommend charcuterie or risotto.

Premier Cru

Garciarvello TresOlmos 2024

Reyes Martínez-Sagarra is the winemaker and Oenologist responsible for this Verdejo. The vineyards that make Tresolmos are located near the confluence of the rivers Adaja and Eresma, where an exceptional microclimate provides temperatures up to five degrees cooler than the surrounding area. This zone also offers a big climatic difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, which is key for retaining acidity. Far from the expected arid environment here in western Castilla y León, this location, at an elevation of 730m and within a pine forest, provides ideal conditions for growing beautiful, fresh Verdejo grapes. This results in small grapes with a concentrated flavor and a perfect balance between sugar and acidity. The nose provides a ripe fruit experience (specifically dragonfruit) with zesty and floral notes. The first sip is mouthwatering- it instantly activates a salivary response. The higher acid quickly yields to a soft body and a long finish of tropical florals. It is worth noting that I tried this wine at cellar temp (about 55° F), so I’d recommend taking it out of the fridge and allowing it to warm up for about 30 minutes. My immediate pairing recommendation is manchego cheese!

Anna Espelt Pla de Gates 2021 

Anna got her start at her family's estate in the Empordá DO (Denominación de Origen or Designation of Origin) of Catalunya, called Espelt Viticoltores, in 2005, but while hiking around the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve, she recognized not only its natural beauty, but the potential for reviving some of the ailing vineyard sites.  She also realized that there's evidence of humans being there since the Bronze Age, so she knew that it was a very special place. She now has 25 hectares of vineyards known collectively as Mas Marés and, in her words describes them as, “a land of granite, wind, blue skies and the smell of wild herbs and sea spray.” Having studied habitat restoration and organic farming, Anna has always sought to bring her values in line with the farming practices used on the estate. The Pla de Gates Negre is made entirely of Lledoner (Grenache) in the medium weight style of  “New Spain.” The first whiff made me say aloud, “Ooo violet!” but the more interesting note following the fruit was cinnamon raisin, which is very enticing. The purity of this wine shines through in its weight and clean fruit. The tannins are strict like plum skins but this wine opens up quickly and beautifully. While sausage or lamb are obvious pairings for this spicier style of wine, I encourage you to try this with ratatouille or bean stew as well.



Grand Cru

La Colombera Derthona 2023

Timorasso is a local white grape vine, cultivated in the Tortonian territory since the Middle Ages and was recognized as the most important Piedmontese white vine at that time. After World War II its production was gradually abandoned and traded for heartier varieties. In the ’90s Piercarlo and Elisa (our female winemaker), together with some young winemakers of the Colli Tortonesi, are among the first 5 wineries to believe in the rediscovery of Timorasso (Claudio Mariotto was also one of those wineries, if you’ve been in the club for a while and this all sounds familiar). Elisa Semino owns and runs La Colombera together with her father and brother. La Colombera farms organically and has done so for the past 20 years but is not currently certified. No pesticides or herbicides are used, but certifications come at a cost. One of my favorite and most surprising notes for this wine is the aroma of kalamata olives. There are also toasted nuts, lime peels, and orange zest. The palate has a creamy entrance with bright fruit reminiscent of “Smarties” candy and a toasted sesame finish. The baseline of minerality ties the fruit and oak notes together quite nicely. This is a complex and beautiful wine! It is worth noting that I tried this wine at cellar temp (about 55° F), so I’d recommend taking it out of the fridge and allowing it to warm up for about 30 minutes. This is such a complex wine that I’d recommend keeping it simple with pairings- think pecorino or parmesan cheese.

Elisa Guerin Beaujolais Village 2024

Elisa Guérin delivers a fresh new vision for Moulin-à-Vent and a reminder of how noble the grape Gamay can be. The Guérin family estate consists of 4.2 hectares in Moulin-à-Vent containing 1.5 hectares of a single plot of ‘Les Thorins,’ considered the most Burgundian of all Beaujolais terroirs, even to this day. Why does this matter? Let’s chat Beaujolais/Burgundian history. For starters, the red grape of Burgundy is Pinot Noir and Beaujolais is Gamay. Skipping over the Romans and the Benedictine Monks and moving straight to the 1980s, the Beaujolais region found themselves in a marketing fiasco that ultimately tarnished their reputation- Beaujolais Nouveau. An easy drinking, super fresh, fruity wine that's bottled quite quickly and released in November, this wine was a great way to catch American consumers. As the craze got away from itself, producers were making what the French called "vin de merde" or “shit wine” and Gamay developed a bad reputation. In more recent years, Beaujolais has found itself rebuilding its reputation. This specific version is a far cry from Nouveau. Cranberry and violet highlight the nose and there is a subtle copper-like earthiness. There is good acidity on the palate and looser tannins that feel very much Gamay, but notes of violet and cured meat make it definitively Burgundian.

February 2026

Villages

Mary Taylor Dão 2023

Our wine from the Dão is from the Quinta do Covão in the stunning village of Sandomil, with its fluvial beach in the river Alva and its old Roman bridge, nestled in the Beira Alta subzone, near the city of Seia. The vineyards of the Quinta are scattered along the slopes of the Estrela mountain range, deeply in a continental climate with high altitudes where cool nights follow warm sunshine. This climate, combined with granitic soils and fresh river water, is ideal for growing grapes with high acidity and making wines that can be cellared. The 2023 Dão Branca from Lúcia Ferreira is composed of 35% Encruzado, 32% Malvasia Fina (also known as Boal in Madeira), 19% Bical (if you drink Pato wines, you definitely know this grape) and 14% Gouveio (the grape of Vinho Verde). Encruzado operates quite similarly to Chardonnay, providing elegance and a finessed base, while the remaining varieties add the crisp acidity and depth that this wine undoubtedly possesses. The wine is fermented with native yeasts and raised in stainless steel tanks. I love the weight of this wine- it truly provides the experience with balance and a seriousness that isn’t typically associated with Portugal (though it should be- Portugal is still the best “bang for your buck” as far as global wines go. We paired this with sardine little gems, though a standard Caesar salad would do the trick (not to sound like the Barefoot Contessa).

Corvidae Wine Company “Lenore” Syrah 2019

Owen Roe is a winery founded by David & Angelica O’Reilly, located in Oregon and Washington and established in 1999. Corvidae is Owen Roe's value-driven second label based primarily in Yakima Valley, Washington. For reference, the Owen Roe label typically sells for $55-85 and is designated by vineyard. Much of the fruit for Corvidae is sourced from Owen Roe's 280-acre “Outlook” Vineyard. David O'Reilly is as meticulous with the winery and the vineyard for Owen Roe as he is Corvidae. “The purpose of the brand,” says O’Reilly, “is to work with affordable fruit. I don’t add acid, I want to take what nature gave me and just pass it on. It’s lovely having this brand; I can experiment.” “Corvidae” is Latin for the crow family of birds, which are a common presence in the eastern Washington vineyards. This bottling of 'Lenore' is named for Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven.” So far, many of the wines in this collection are named for folklore containing the species of bird. This wine is shocking in its value, the most noteworthy of words that come to mind is “clean,” which is not a word that I typically use for Syrah. There is still substance, however. The structure is tense like thin glass and the texture is almost reminiscent of nitro cold brew coffee (but perhaps that is the coffee flavor on the profile). Pair this with lamb, prosciutto, or perhaps a fireplace since it’s been evil cold!

Premier Cru

Left Coast “Orchards” Pinot Gris 2023

The Left Coast winery is a family operation and the name “Left Coast” is in part recognition of geography, but also a playful nod to the fact that three out of five family members are left-handed. Fun, no? Moving on! Cooling coastal breezes flow through the Van Duzer Corridor to the roots of the vines, protecting grapes from over-ripening and preserving the acidity that shines in this wine. The protected oak trees and other local flora and fauna add to the estate’s biodiversity. Their viticulture program acts as the backbone of their winemaking operation. With most of the wine sourced from the estate (and all of the fruit of this specific wine being estate-grown), the grapes are responsibly grown and hand tended. The vineyard implements gravity-fed drip irrigation, solar energy for operations, and cover crops to attract pollinators. “Orchards” refers to the Orchard block. Originally planted in apples by the settlers of Holmes Gap, this area was also the earlier home of pear and cherry orchards. The Orchards block is now dominated by Pinot Gris plantings and one singular majestic oak tree. When it comes to pairing, playing with the acidity here is key. Acid cleanses the palate of fat. Pair with creamy cheeses, risottos, fettuccine alfredo, white pizza, etc.

Domaine de Fontsainte Corbières 2023

Corbières is a region in the Languedoc region of southern France named after the mountain range that defines the AOC. The first vineyards at Domaine de Fontsainte, in the Corbières appellation, were planted by the Romans. Artifacts found in these vineyards, such as an old coin dating from the time of Marcus Agrippa in 25 A.D., are a testament to its antiquity. The original Domaine was built around a thermal spring, which was later named for the local, twelfth-century patron saint, Saint Siméon; hence Fontsainte—the “saint’s fountain.” The Laboucariés of Domaine de Fontsainte, who, for years, have crafted ethereal and delicious rosés (you’ve probably seen these at the Locke Store- they’re delightful and affordable) and soulful, terroir-driven reds in the appellation halfway between Montpellier and the Spanish border. Their vineyards surround the hamlet of Boutenac in one of the sunniest stretches of Corbières. But when you taste the family’s lively rouge, you might be surprised to find this is not a robust wine concentrated by long hours of intense sunshine. Boutenac’s warmth is balanced by cooling sea breezes and by Fontsainte’s old vines whose roots dig deep for water and keep the grapes refreshed. This wine, as with most wines from the region, is made predominantly from the elegant Carignan grape and enlivened by Grenache and Syrah. While this could be an easy pick as a “steak wine,” I believe the complexity would lend more nicely to duck, lamb, or beef stew. 

Grand Cru

Henri Perrusset Mâcon-Villages 2024

As much as we praise the bracing, mineral, and briney Chardonnays of cool-climate Chablis, what about those from Burgundy’s most southern realm, the Mâconnais? Like Chablis, this corner of the region is also devoted to Chardonnay above all else, but it shines a light on a different side of the grape, unique in Burgundy for its lusciousness. For decades, the Mâconnais has been dominated by the inexpensive offerings of cooperative cellars, which is not a bad thing, but not the sort of quality that leads most of the public to explore the wines of the region. At the same time, Henri Perrusset has been working his vineyards by hand, reducing his yields to improve grape quality, all while offering us very reasonable prices. The vineyard is “only” 6.5 hectares and the vines range between 15-30 years of age. The lively blancs of the Mâconnais mirror the playfulness of charming reds from neighboring Beaujolais. This is Chardonnay at its most easy-going and crowd-pleasing. It is also food-pleasing: pair it with seafood, chicken, most cheeses, or roasted veggies.

Brooks Pinot Noir 2024

Brooks Wine is a living tribute to founder Jimi Brooks, whose passion for farming, community, and purposeful winemaking shaped every vine and value the winery carries forward today. When Jimi passed unexpectedly in 2004, his eight-year-old son, Pascal, became the youngest winery owner in the country. The devoted community of friends and winemakers stepped in to make Jimi’s final vintage, and Jimi’s sister, Janie Brooks Heuck, took over leadership, volunteering her time to protect her brother’s legacy and preserve the dream he left behind. Over the years, Janie, Pascal, and the extended Brooks team have transformed that promise into one of the most heartfelt and respected stories in American wine. Currently, the winery is still owned by Pascal and is women-led. With Oregon being the leading territory for Pinot Noir and having the most distinct profile, it’s hard to find a bad one but it’s so much fun to keep trying new ones! Leading with typical violet florality and juicy red fruit, I personally love this wine for its slightly robust finish. There’s enough silty tannin here to carry it out of “fruit bomb” territory and into something more noteworthy. We paired this with barbecue mushroom skewers, but you do you!

January 2026

Villages

Lundeen Pinot Gris 2024

Michael Lundeen, a third-generation Oregonian, found his calling to make fine wine in the Willamette Valley after returning to his family’s Yamhill County farm. Michael directs the farming of nearly 40 acres utilizing no-till and organic practices and maintains the “LIVE” sustainability certification (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), one of the world's most robust programs. This Pinot Gris came from vines that Michael planted by hand with his father more than 20 years ago at the family’s Poverty Bend Estate Vineyard located just outside of McMinnville. The nose is slightly reminiscent of Marcona almonds with notes of pear and chamomile. The palate is much brighter. The lemon curd acidity causes a salivary response but levels out with minerality, herbal white tea, and a light peppery note. The best part about the palate is the texture; there’s a creaminess and weight that balances the acidity. Pair with the Pacific Northwest’s finest- salmon, risotto, or gorgonzola. 

Juanvi Rubielos de Mora 2024

“¡Teruel Existe!” (Teruel Exists!) is the slogan of a citizens’ movement that began in the remote Spanish town of Teruel, located in the south of the province of Aragón—the second-least populated province in Spain. Teruel is emblematic of a socio-economic phenomenon called “España vaciada” (meaning “emptied” or “abandoned” Spain). The vineyards are located in the Gúdar-Javalambre range in Aragón, a wild and ecologically-diverse region of Sistema Iberíco. The Juanvi team is led by Rubielos de Mora native and winemaker Juan Vicente “Juanvi” Alcañiz, aided by his vineyard manager Melchor Ramos, who is a master of the region and its native grapes. In an effort to revitalize mountainside single-vineyards, they have dotted the mountain with plots of old-vine Garnacha, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Miguel de Arcos. This particular blend is 70% Garnacha and 30% Tempranillo. The aromatics are certainly youthful with blueberry, blackberry, and dark stony notes. The palate is lively and fresh. Vinification in concrete (as opposed to oak) allows the fruit to shine. Jammy black cherry melds with subtle smoke and ashen tannins. I’d pair this one with tacos- particularly chorizo or grilled mushroom.

Premier Cru

Iapetus Substrata 2022

We’re doing another first for the Locke Store- a wine from Vermont! Iapetus is the name of the ancient sea which once covered the bedrock that is now Champlain Valley. The Substrata blend is 80% Louise Swenson and 20% Itasca, and the reason you probably haven’t heard of these grapes is because they are specifically designed in the Midwest to be cold hearty, low in natural sugars, short-seasoned, and even disease and pest resistant. Fermented in stainless steel and neutral Hungarian oak barrels and spontaneously fermented, with battonage (stirring of lees) performed weekly for the first three months. Initially, this wine has similar aromas to an “orange” wine. Think tart fruits with tannic skins, like white plums or persimmon. It opens up with nectarine and salt that makes it more enticing. The palate is tart and vibrant but with a focus and a coconut reminiscent softness that prevents it from being unwieldy. There’s a roundness in weight and texture here that elevates a “natural” style while still being a bit edgy. This would be great with salty cheese, Caesar salad, or herbed chicken.

Lundeen Mon Pére Pinot Noir 2022

Michael Lundeen, a third-generation Oregonian, found his calling to make fine wine in the Willamette Valley after returning to his family’s Yamhill County farm. Michael directs the farming of nearly 40 acres utilizing no-till and organic practices and maintains the LIVE sustainability certification (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), one of the world's most robust programs. Meaning “My Father” in French, “Mon Père” is meant to honor Michael’s father and fathers everywhere while providing tremendous value in a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Willamette is one of my personal favorite regions in America and it is also the fastest growing ecological region in the States. Because viticulture is growing so rapidly in Oregon, it’s actually a bit rare to find a winemaker that’s from the region. Everyone wants a piece of Willamette, and for good reason. Forest floor is the highlight of aromas here (fun fact if you’re ever at a party and want to sound fancy: this term is called “sous-bois,” pronounced sue-bwah). Notes of violet and black currant follow, quickly tailed by umami mushroom. The palate boasts mouth-watering acidity, cranberry, rose petal, and tide pool rocks. This wine is very well-balanced, so you could treat it like a Red Burgundy as far as pairings go: roasted duck, turkey, mushrooms. 

Grand Cru

Do Ferreiro Albariño 2023

Quick history lesson here: Gerardo Méndez was part of the original group of 14 growers who elevated the region’s potential, as he and his father Francisco were integral in forming the original denomination of origin Rías Baixas in 1988. The first wine made by Gerardo without labels was in 1973, with the first labeled vintage wine from Do Ferreiro appearing in 1986. Why is any of this important? In the early 1980s, there were almost no dedicated wineries in Rías Baixas and all the wine was made in people’s homes for personal consumption or sold to the local cooperative. Currently, they farm over 175 tiny plots of Albariño by hand, located in the Salnès subzone of Rías Baixas. This valley’s proximity to the ocean, ideal climate due to the natural protection by mountain ranges, and decomposed granitic soil have gained the reputation for being the ideal zone in Rías Baixas for growing profound Albariño. The nose on this Albariño is more complex than “clean.” Cantaloupe, ocean salt, and mandarin are prominent. The palate is rich in salty, mineral notes and lemon balm. The best thing about Albariño is that it makes you crave food. I suggest oysters, prosciutto, or romano cheese.

Hartford Court Pinot Noir 2023

Established in 1994, Hartford Family Winery is owned and operated by a father-daughter team and their winemakers, Jeff Stewart and Tiaan Lordan. By 1996, the winery started receiving critical acclaim and was even served in the White House numerous times between 1997 and 1999. Their vineyards scatter California- besides Russian River Valley, they also occupy Green Valley, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley and Carneros appellations. So why Russian River? Fog, mostly. Pinot Noir has thin skin and prefers a slower growing season and fog allows for the cooling of the vines in the Summer and acid preservation in the Fall. This was the first wine I picked for the club this month because the quality was so incredible; elegant, true-to-form, and an excellent representation of Pinot from this valley. On the nose there are immediate cranberry and cherry pie aromas followed by a flinty, river rock minerality. The palate is incredibly juicy with full, supple fruit. There is almost no “bite” here- just a beautifully jammy red with a lightly spicy finish. Further sipping gives way to soft and almost elusive tannins, black stone, and deeper cherry notes. For pairings, I’d personally lean into cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, or Brie. Essentially anything earthy or smokey would work here.