5.25 – 5.29

For a printable PDF of this weekend’s notes, click here!

Hendry Albariño 2020

Origin: Napa Valley, CA
Retail:
$24.95 | Sale: $22.46

The Albariño grape is originally from the area of Galicia, in north-west Spain. It was first planted at Hendry in 1997, near the creek.  The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, and the juice from the three blocks is combined in a stainless-steel tank for fermentation. The Albariño is fermented in stainless steel.  Cool fermentation ensures preservation of the bright, fresh fruit flavors, and can require several weeks to complete.Peachy, citrus and floral aromas. Flavors include tart green apple and nectarine, with mouthwatering acidity, lemon and lemon rind on the finish. Pair with foods that are light in weight but bold in flavor. This wine’s bright, green apple acid and full, fruity palate make it delicious with all kinds of seafood, especially oysters, Greek-style salads and any preparations involving feta, lemon, cucumber and garlic, fritto misto, Caesar salad, even sushi.

100% Albariño  

j° brix 'Nomine Amoris’ Skin Contact Pinot Gris 2021  

Origin: Santa Maria Valley, CA
Retail: $25.95 | Sale: $23.36

In their own words “From the site to the soil to the growing season, our wines, if we're doing our work correctly, will speak in their own voices. We adore the variety California has to offer, which means we find ourselves compelled to make tiny quantities of as many different wines as we can... and, we try to add a new grape or style each harvest. Our fruit comes from a number of vastly different, soul-stirring vineyards all over the state. We use neutral vessels, native-yeast fermentation, and absolutely nothing else, with the exception of sulfur dioxide as necessary. In keeping with this minimalist approach, we choose not to fine, filter or cold-stabilize our wines. Our motto, in winemaking and life: ONLY LOVE.” Planted on the Santa Maria Bench, an ancient riverbed made up of alluvial soils containing clay, silt, sand, gravel, sandstone, and river cobble. Nomine Amoris means “in the name of love” in Latin and we love this Ramato-style expression of the Pinot Gris fruit. Ramato is a term in Italian winemaking referring to the element copper, reflected in the coloring. The style is the historic bridge between rose and orange wines. Ripe melon aromas lead into a medium bodied mouthfeel with a little of the tannin from the skins with a fruit forward and crisp finish.

100% Pinot Blanc

Presqu’ile Pinot Noir 2019

Origin: Santa Barbara, California
Retail: $22.95 | Sale: $20.66

Situated in the picturesque Santa Maria valley, and located 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Presqu'ile Winery focuses on creating cool climate pinot noir and chardonnay. Named for a beloved family gathering place in Mississippi, Presqu’ile embodies conviviality and gathering and gives homage to four generations of agricultural heritage. Pinot noir is planted on 39 acres of sloped hills with well-draining, sandy soil. The 2019 pinot noir highlights classic “Santa Maria spice” with balanced fruit and complexity. Aged 11 months in French oak followed by 6 months in stainless steel, this wine is a perfect guest for your table.

100% Pinot Noir