September 2023 Newsletter

September Tasting Events

                            Wednesday, September 20th
                                            from
                                    5:30-7:00 pm
                    An Autumnal Equinox Tasting of Biodynamic Wines
              We will taste and talk about some of our favorite Biodynamic wines,
                        a few of which we have carried for over 20 years.

                    WINE TASTING EVERY SATURDAY   2:00pm-6:00pm
                                ‘Whatever we feel like opening’

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL OFFERS – From the cellar!

2004 August Kesseler Riesling 530.3 Spätlese Rheingau, Germany -  Why is it that no white wine seems to age better than Riesling? This 19 year old dry, but smooth Riesling retains aromatic notes, a touch of petrol and nice acidity. This would be a nice choice for Thanksgiving. Try one and see what you think! Here is the review from 2005: “The curiously-labeled 2004 Riesling Spatlese “530.3” refers to the distance marker on the Rhine at Rudesheim. This dry-tasting Riesling is intended as a wine of “Erstes Gewachs” quality standards that Kesseler thinks can best be achieved on an annual basis by availing himself of the option to blend, in this instance Berg Schlossberg with Berg Roseneck. It smells of peaches and herbs, with a whiff of sea breeze. The palate impression is rich and juicy, with prominent peach and grapefruit mingled with cardamom, orange zest and herbs. This exhibits a terrific combination of chewy density with refreshment and brightness. A strong, long finish introduces smoky, charry notes to accompany the spiced orchard fruits, accompany the spiced orchard fruits, herbs, citrus, salt and wet stone. There are only around 7,000 bottles of this impressive Riesling.” (WA 10/05)              Regular price $29.99 / On Sale in September: $11.99

2007 XYZin Vine Age Series 50 Year Old Vines Zinfandel Russian River Valley, USA – So we only have a case or so of this hanging around and we thought it would be fun to try with a Labor Day barbeque. This cuvee from XYZin is made from only vines that are 50 years or more, old. It is the quintessential old vine zinfandel. It still retains much of its flavor profile but the tannins have relaxed. Here is a review from The Wine Spectator: “Jammy yet nicely structured, with ripe raspberry and licorice aromas and supple huckleberry, white pepper and toasty sage flavors that linger toward briary tannins.1,000 cases made.”
                                                          Regular price $22.99 / On Sale in September: $14.99

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL OFFERS – Cooler weather fall Reds!

2020 P+S Prats & Symington Post Scriptum de Chryseia Douro, Portugal – This is, essentially, the second label of Chryseia, the flagships red of P&S. It is sourced from the same vineyards though the blend is different. The Post Scriptum has always been a go to for us when asked for a Portuguese red of some consequence. A wine for steak or lamb. Here is a review from Wines Spectator: “Offers lovely violet and spice box aromas, which accentuate flavors of blackberry tart and black plum reduction, dried marjoram and dark chocolate shavings. Well-balanced and fresh, with a minerally finish. Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Drink now through 2027. 9,435 cases made, 750 cases imported.”
Regular price $32.99 / On Sale in September: $24.99

2021 Ancient Peaks “Quarry” Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Margarita Ranch Paso Robles. California – (95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah – We have always had a soft spot for Ancient Peaks as a benchmark of Paso Robles Cab and, specifically, a benchmark of the Santa Margarita AVA. They are now widely distributed. This is a brand new cuvee made from specific blocks in the vineyard with rocky subsoil. It is slated primarily for restaurants but we are fortunate to get a few cases. It is classic Paso Robles with ripe red currant, plum, black olive, a touch of graphite and vanilla. It is full bodied with a voluptuous mouthfeel and tannins on a long finish. Like any worthy red wine it would benefit from opening an hour before drinking. 
Regular price $35.99 / On Sale in September: $24.99

NEW ARRIVALS - Organic and Biodynamic

2021 Guilhem & Jean-Hugues Goisot Saint-Bris Moury Burgundy, France – Just outside of Chablis, the home of Chardonnay, is the AOC of Saint-Bris where you can only grow Sauvignon Blanc. It is a great alternative to Sancerre. Here is a review: “The 2021 Saint-Bris Moury, which comes from vines on Portlandian limestone, has a pretty bouquet with freshly sliced pear, grapefruit and nettle aromas, gaining intensity in the glass. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, taut and fresh with good salinity. Not long, but vibrant with a lively oyster shell tinged aftertaste. Fine. (Vinous 6/22)    $26.99
2022 Olivier Pithon, Mon P’tit Pithon Blanc IGP Côtes Catalanes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France - (40% Macabeo, 40% Grenache Blanc, 20% Grenache Gris) Organic, hand harvested. Expressive aromas of fresh white pepper and musky citrus. Crisp white fruits on the palate, along with a prickly acidity and a lingering finish. Full malolactic gives it a nice weight but it still maintains a refreshing brightness.  $25.99
2022 Domaine Truchet Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes ‘Les Chaillots’ Bourgogne, France-  (100% Pinot Noir) Biodynamic. Smokey, dusty red fruits with a brambly quality. Soft texture, herbal, woodsy dark berries on palate, with a richness that isn’t expected from a basic red Burgundy. All destemmed, sees 12 months of oak (25% which is new) after fermentation. Great structure, and would do well with some ageing. $68.99

MONTHLY SPECIALS