Join us for a complimentary wine tasting hosted by Juliet and Kelly! We have the holidays in mind this week, and are offering a stellar lineup of higher-end, special-occasion wines for celebrating this season.
Starting at 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday, all bottles will be available for purchase at 10% off retail price.
Find a printable PDF of this week’s tasting notes here.
Jean Claude Bachelet Saint-Aubin Blanc Premier Cru 2016
Origin: France
Retail: $65.95 | Sale: $59.35
The Bachelet family has been making wine in Burgundy since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Claude and his sons, Benoît and Jean-Baptiste continue the tradition. They are located in the small village of Gamay, tucked deep into the hills of Saint-Aubin. The family philosophy of respecting the individual character of each terroir and their traditional approach to winemaking carries on today. Long and rigorous work in their biodynamic vineyards, with a strong attention to detail, results in fine fruit reaching the cellar. Once there, a non-interventionist approach is followed, allowing each wine to express its own character. The use of new oak is restricted to just 10%, preventing the gentle subtleties from being overpowered. The white wines of Saint-Aubin have a remarkable ability to age for up to 15 years. In the glass, this Premier Cru Burgundy is shiny gold with green highlights. The nose exudes aromas of white fruit and floral notes with a hint of delicate oak. The palate possesses a beguiling sense of vibrancy with beautifully delineated flavors. The dry finish is infused with citrus and minerals.
Chardonnay
Biodynamic
Schloss Saarstein Riesling 2017
Origin: Germany
Retail: $17.95 | Sale: $16.15
Schloss Saarstein is a genuine German Château. Rather unusual for Germany, the manor house is situated right in the middle of a prime wine growing site with plenty of sun exposure and consistent soil quality. The grey shale soil warms up easily and stores the heat of the day. It is the perfect basis for the Riesling grape, which is grown on more than 90 percent of the vineyard. Ripe developed fruit and spice aromas are contrasted by balanced crisp acidity and minerality from the blue slate soil.
Riesling
Roland Champion Brut Rosé NV
Origin: France
Retail: $49.95 | Sale: $44.95
This small grower and member of Champagne’s elite Special Club is located in the Grand Cru Village of Chouilly. The house was founded in 1929 by André Champion, who created his vineyard in the famous Cote des Blancs area of Chouilly, some of the best soils for the Chardonnay grape. It opens with hints of red cherry and a touch of stone fruit. The palate is finely sculpted with beautifully balanced rich flavors of cherry, shortbread,and a hint of honeyed apricot. It’s a rosé Champagne that’s complex and dry with good palate depth and length.
20 chardonnay | 40 pinot meunier | 40 pinot noir
92 points I-WineReview | 91 points Wine Spectator | 91 points International Wine Cellar
J Christopher J.J. Pinot Noir Willamette 2016
Origin: Oregon
Retail: $27.95 | Sale: $25.15
The J. Christopher winery is located in Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley, in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Owned by famed German winemaker Ernst Loosen. Working together with Oregon-born winemaker, Jay Somers, the philosophy at J. Christopher is to produce wines in an Old World style using the traditional methods of Burgundy. This vintage is a fruit-forward, easy-drinking Pinot Noir that’s perfect for holiday enjoyment.
Pinot Noir
Biodynamic
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2014
Origin: Italy
Retail: $59.95 | Sale $53.95
Amid the eastern hills of Montalcino near Siena in central Tuscany, stands the magnificently elegant 14th century-built Palazzo Altesi, home to the Altesino winery. This beautiful Brunello displays ample aromas of violet, wild berries, herbs, and touch of vanilla. The palate is rich, full-bodied, and velvety with ample amount of structure.
Sangiovese
92 points Robert Parker | 91 points James Suckling
Domaine de Banneret Chateauneuf de Pape 2016
Origin: France
Retail: $59.95 | Sale: $53.95
This small, organically-farmed vineyard surrounds the original castle of the great Rhône village with origins that trace back to 1405. Many of the vines are 80 years old or older, resulting in a lower and more concentrated yield. This is Châteauneuf at its best, gorgeous and ripe with intense concentration and depth: aromas of strawberry, raspberry, plum, licorice, sage, and tarragon followed by a fresh, vibrant palate, fine tannins, and a long, finish.
grenache | syrah | mourvèdre
organic
Domaine des Bernardins NV Hommage
Origin: France
Retail: $49.95 | Sale: $44.95
Domaine des Bernardins is a fifth-generation family-owned estate on the edge of the tiny village of Beaumes de Venise. The property was previously owned by Bernardin monks before being transformed into a wine estate in the 19th century. The nose is endearing with hints of orange peel and a honey. Notes of caramel and roasted nuts offset the sweet orange marmalade flavors, giving it a delicate sense of balance. It’s a versatile companion to the many deserts that will grace your table this holiday season.
75 muscat petits grains blancs | 25 muscat petits grains noirs