Join us for a complimentary wine tasting this weekend from 11:30am to 5pm hosted by Juliet and Kelly. We have wines ranging from biodynamic to organic to local Virginia producers to no sulfites added, and a couple fun canned options for your next picnic! All wines featured will be available for purchase at a 10% discount.
For a printable version of this week’s tasting notes, click here.
Celine Laurent Cremant de Bourgogne Tripoz NV
Origin: France
Retail: $27.95 | Sale: $25.15
Celine and Laurent Tripoz started their domaine in 1986, selling grapes to the local cooperative before making their first wines in 1990. On eastern exposure and in clay loaded with limestone, the Tripoz family believes that the only way to get a sense of terroir in their wine is to work in the most natural manner. This estate-grown, hand-picked, 100% Chardonnay-based wine is refermented in bottle, riddled, and disgorged all at the domaine. This beautiful sparkling is comparable to a Blanc de Blanc Champagne with a touch of minerality from the Burgundian soil. On the palate it is bright and crisp, with notes of citrus and stone fruits that lead to a creamy, lush finish.
100% Chardonnay
Biodynamic
Domaine du Gaec des Brangers Menetou Salon 2017
Origin: France
Retail: $21.95 | Sale $19.95
Domaine Du Gaec Des Brangers is owned by the Chavet family, which is one of the most reknowned winemaking families of the Menetou-Salon appellation. Lovely honeyed citrus, pear, and a kiss of rocky mineral-like notes all flow to a medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, juicy white that has all kinds of charm and character. It’s going to be incredibly versatile on the dinner table and is a high-quality white at an excellent value that is worth seeking out.
100% Sauvignon Blanc | 90 Points Jeb Dunnuck
G.D. Vajra Luigi Baudana Dragon Langhe Bianco 2017
Origin: Italy
Retail: $22.95 | Sale: $20.66
This small estate is just four hectares of vineyard, located in Serralunge d’Alba, a commune in Piedmont. Their tiny cellar is situated in the village, while their vineyards are primarily in the 'crus' of Baudana and the highly regarded Cerretta. After 30 years running the winery, Luigi Baudana visited the Vajra winery incognito one day and was so impressed with the way they dealt with people and communicated their philosophy that he rang Aldo Vajra soon afterwards to ask if he would be interested in buying his estate. A deal was soon done, and the Vajra family have run this estate alongside Luigi and his wife Fiorina ever since. In the glass this white field blend shows a beautiful straw yellow color, very intense and luminous. The nose is full of floral sensations, enriched with nuances of peach, apple, lemon, and a touch of fresh grass. On the palate it is light-bodied and savory with a pleasant freshness.
Chardonnay | Sauvignon Blanc | Riesling | Nascetta
Early Mountain Rosé 2018
Origin: Virginia
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.95
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Early Mountain Winery has more than 55 acres of vineyard. The pale, salmon color of this wine primes you for the strawberries, white peaches and floral aromas and flavors. The acidity brings a brightness to the fruit and the wine lingers with wet stone and a pleasant citrus pith character. Created specifically to be food-friendly, there are not a lot of dishes that this rosé won’t complement. Pair this fresh, bone-dry quencher with heavier, more fatty dishes like fried chicken and grilled salmon. Alternatively, the citrus and grapefruit notes pair beautifully with tangy goat cheeses or fresh ceviche.
73% Merlot | 18% Syrah | 7% Malbec | 2% Cabernet Franc
Bonny Doon La Bulle-Moose de Cigare 2017
Origin: California
Retail: $8.95 | Sale $8.05
Winemaker Randall Grahm has been producing idiosyncratic wines from Rhône grape varieties near California’s Santa Cruz for almost 40 years. Last year he released his first canned wine, a very lightly fizzy take on the delicate strawberry-scented Le Cigare Volant rosé that made his name. Combine the French word for bubbles, “bulles”, with “mousse”, for foam, we get a pun on “Bull Moose” in English. Relatively pale in color with a subtle fragrance of strawberry, rose petal and garrigue, La Bulle-Moose is a perfect choice of beverage for virtually any occasion, including enjoying with sushi, barbecue, or while playing outdoor sports. Everything about La Bulle-Moose invites you to drink it, so be sure to stash a couple of cans in your next picnic basket.
57% Grenache | 18% Grenache Blanc | 9% Mourvèdre | 6% Roussanne | 5% Carignane | 5% Cinsaut
Bonny Doon La Bulle-Moose Rousse 2017
Origin: California
Retail: $8.95 | Sale: $8.05
This unique dry red sparkling wine is another fun offering from winemaker Randall Grahm. Cherry red in color with a very pleasant aroma of berry, licorice and a touch of meatiness from the Syrah. The palate reveals dark fruit, more licorice, and even a bit of earth. The bubbles only add to the whole experience, ending dry and crisp with a
long, savory finish.
79% Grenache | 21% Syrah
Francesco Scala Ciro Rosso 2016
Origin: Italy
Retail: $18.95 | Sale $17.05
In the Scala family since 1949, the domaine is now run by Luigi Scala, who leads the production of Cirò wines following family traditions. Scala’s vineyards are planted almost entirely to native varieties, including Greco, Maglioppo, Gaglioppo, Nerello, and Mantonico. All the vineyards, which are located on the hinterland plains and hills, are farmed organically, and the winery has been certified organic starting with the 2016 vintage. This red is made 100% from the region’s star grape, Gaglioppo, from 20-year-old vines. Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums. The palate is well-balanced and harmonious with moderate tannins which make this a perfect food wine.
100% Gaglioppo | Organic
La Remise de la Mordoree Rouge 2017
Origin: France
Retail: $23.95 | Sale: $21.55
Domaine de la Mordoree is located in the town of Tavel, in the Southern Rhone Valley. In 1986, the brothers Christophe and Fabrice Delorme decided to dedicate themselves to their passion for wine. They started their own estate with the objective to produce the best wines in each appellation while preserving the environment. This sulfite-free vintage has floral aromas with hints blueberry and blackcurrant. Pair with red meats with sauce, grilled meats, charcuterie, and cheeses.
40% Marselan |40% Merlot | 20% Grenache | Biodynamic