Join us this weekend for a complimentary wine tasting!
Running from 11:30am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, all wines will also be available for purchase at 10% off retail price. Scroll down to read more, or print out a PDF of the tasting notes via the link below!
Find a printable PDF of this week’s tasting notes here.
Nitida Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Origin: South Africa
Retail: $18.95 | Sale: $17.05
This small Durbanville property houses one of South Africa’s most successful small wine cellars while also maintaining a flock of 50 sheep, 2 cows and a sheepdog. The grapes were harvested in 25 different pickings over a time span of 6 weeks. This gives them the variety of building blocks to create a complex Sauvignon Blanc that reflects the riper tropical fruit flavors of the 2018 harvest, with green undertones that are traditional from the Durbanville terroir. There is a superb balance of fruit, delicious minerality and perky acidity. Sip your first glass with oysters on the half shell topped with a shallot mignonette -- their brininess is the perfect pair. This wine is also a great choice for a light supper or lunch with a loaded Nicoise salad.
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Ollier-Taillefer Faugères Allegro 2017
Origin: France
Retail: $28.95 | Sale: $26.35
Only 2% of what Faugères produces today is white wine, making this a rare find. What sets Faugères apart amid the labyrinth of Languedoc appellations are two things: its geology of schist, and its high elevation. Relative to other Languedoc appellations, it’s also small and rather stunningly compact -- being one of more than twenty appellations in Languedoc but owning less than 1% of the total vineyard surface. This wine pours with an intense lemon-yellow and straw color, shining with gold hues. Lively apricot and fresh peach aromas welcome you into the glass with an elderflower floral edge and a wealth of honey. The palate is round and oily, dry with a good crispy acidity, and underlining zesty lemon flavors. Orange peel and apple complete the profile of this lively fruity white,
as well as bursts of ginger and fresh hazelnut.
50% Roussanne, 50% Vermentino.
Organic.
Jip Jip Rocks Chardonnay 2017
Origin: Australia
Retail: $14.95 | Sale: $13.45
This family-owned vineyard is located in the Padthaway valley within South Australia's Limestone Coast wine region. This Australian un-oaked chardonnay presents a beautiful light yellow with a pale straw hue. A classic nose of lemon, fresh stone fruit and melon are followed by a clean, fresh palate with hints of ripe pineapple and lime. This wine will age beautifully over the next 4-5 years.
100% Chardonnay.
Sustainable.
90 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Llopart Rosé Brut Reserva 2015
Origin: Spain
Retail: $27.95 | Sale: $25.15
The Llopart family has been dedicated to viticulture since 1385 and to the production of cava since 1887. More than 125 years of experience support the quality of these organic, family-produced wines. Located in Alt Penedés, Barcelona, their estate is comprised of 235 acres of exclusively organic vineyards. Planted on unique geologic formations, the mountain vineyards are located in a privileged microclimate at between 360m and 510m above sea level.
This is an elegant Monastrell-driven Spanish sparkling wine that is lively and fun. Aromas of fresh strawberry and orange zest lead into a smoky mineral quality adding lift and complexity. Persistent bubbles linger with juicy tangerine fruits with a refreshingly bitter blood orange note that carries through on a long finish.
60% Monastrell | 20% Garnacha | 20% Pinot Noir
91 Points Jeb Dunnuck | 92 Points Vinous
Organic.
Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Cru Fleurie 2015
Origin: France
Retail: $19.95 | Sale $17.95
Intense red color, subtle fruity and floral aromas of violet, berry. and cinnamon. Plentiful fruit flavors of striking red and blue fruit. Lavender flavors are sharpened by suggestions of smoky minerals and white pepper. Rich and vivacious, with a long, vibrant finish that leaves a sweet black raspberry note behind. Excellent with red and game meats, and cheeses. Even better after a few years of cellaring.
100% Gamay
Valravn Zinfandel 2017
Origin: California
Retail: $18.95 | Sale: $17.05
Bright aromas of dark cherry and black raspberry with slight undertones of white pepper spice. The palate is warm with dark fruit flavors of blueberry, cassis, and blackberry compote which are complemented with briary notes and an energetic freshness. Strikes ideal balance of tannins, fruit and acidity. Great pizza wine!
100% Zinfandel
Anima Negra ÀN/2 2016
Origin: Spain
Retail: $27.95 | Sale: $25.15
ÀN/2 is a perfect introduction to the wines of Mallorca. This unique red is made from old vine Callet, Mantonegre-Fogoneu and Syrah fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete—macerated only briefly to retain the freshness and flavors of the fully ripe fruit. Aged for just over one year in a combination of 80% French barriques and 20% American oak. Deep ruby-red in color, AN/2 has complex aromas of savory spices, wild raspberries, dark cherry fruit and a hint of violets and smokiness. On the palate the wine is silky and elegant with intense flavors of mature fruit. Well-balanced with a long finish.
65% Callet, 20% Mantonegre-Fogoneu, 15% Syrah.
92 Points Wine Spectator.