April 2025Wines of the Month

For the wine snob: Nero d’Avola is the most important red wine grape in Sicily, and it is one of Italy’s most important indigenous varieties. It is named after Avola, a town in the far south of Sicily and its wines are compared to New World Shiraz, with sweet tannins and plum or peppery flavors. “The Black Grape of Avola” seems to have been selected by growers near Avola several hundred years ago. 

For the rest of us: Dark ruby red color. The bouquet on the nose is intense and typical with hints of dark cherries and blackberries together with more complex aromas of wet leather, black olive and Indian ink in the background. On the palate it is dry, rich, full-bodied, with a refreshing, long and fruity finish. 

For the wine snob: This rare old vine hillside expression of Pinot Gris from the Willamette Valley brings three tiny plots of Pinot Gris together to create a stunningly complex and delicious wine. From our Estate vineyard along with two distinct vineyard sites, Stone Ridge and Bella Vida, this this vintage is the first harvest of Pinot Gris from our Kinney Ranch vineyard. Each vineyard block is whole-cluster pressed and fermented in small batches before aging in different vessels which brings layers of texture and complexity into balance with this unique representation of ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris. 

For the rest of us: This wine expresses rich citrus, tree and stone fruits vibrant acidity, creamy texture, and benchmark minerality. Layers of texture and complexity come into balance with this unique representation of ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris. 

For the wine snob: Fermented in several stainless steel vertical fermenters. Maceration is 14 to 20 days with once-a-day pump over. An additional portion is produced in a rotofermenter with the wine turned three times daily until fully dry. One third of the wine is then introduced to new French oak and aged for a minimum of six months. Final blending is done a few weeks before bottling. 

For the rest of us: Sidekick Cabernet Sauvignon is made to focus on rich body, while still maintaining bright red fruit flavors. peach and full of floral aromatics.

For the wine snob: Verdicchio is one of the most known italian variety. It takes its name from the grape’s color which has intense hints of green. It has been defined as “italian chablis” due to its longevity by the master of wine jancis Robinson. Verdicchio is part of the Velenosi Querciantica line-up. Querciantica takes its name from a huge and old oak tree located in the area where Verdicchio and Lacrima di Morro are produced. 

For the rest of us: Straw yellow with hints of green. The nose shows floral notes of honey, fruits, such as apple and peach and hints of fresh-cut grass. On the palate it is fresh and confirms the fruity and floral notes perceived on the nose. Well-structured with good texture and a medium finish.

For the wine snob: Miner is a dynamic family-owned winery tucked along the eastern hills of the Oakville appellation in the heart of Napa Valley. Founded in 1998, The winery crafts reserve-style wines by sourcing fruit from Napa Valley and other specially selected California vineyards. The winemaking team uses a combination of old world winemaking techniques and modern technology to make wines that reflect the unique characteristics of individual vineyards or “terroir” where specific varietals grow best. This fusion of superb vineyard sites and thoughtful winemaking allows Miner to deliver elegant, expressive wines. 

For the rest of us: This blend is expressive and elegant. A decadent and rich wine layered with aromas of black fruit and hints of mocha, espresso and toasted oak. Truly iconic Napa Valley representation.

For the wine snob: Miner is a dynamic family-owned winery tucked along the eastern hills of the Oakville appellation in the heart of Napa Valley. Founded in 1998, The winery crafts reserve-style wines by sourcing fruit from Napa Valley and other specially selected California vineyards. The winemaking team uses a combination of old world winemaking techniques and modern technology to make wines that reflect the unique characteristics of individual vineyards or “terroir” where specific varietals grow best. This fusion of superb vineyard sites and thoughtful winemaking allows Miner to deliver elegant, expressive wines. 

For the rest of us: Sourced from low-yielding vineyards in Napa Valley, this Chardonnay is characterized by crisp apple, ripe melon and citrus flavors gently balanced with toasty French oak. The winemaker uses a malolactic fermentation in moderation to retain the wine’s bright acidity.

For the wine snob: This wine is derived from three very diverse areas/sub- appellations of Russian River where both cool temps and dense fog blend with the effects of mildly warmer weather to evoke very precise yet rich and full flavors. Soil types are Laniger Loam, with a Yolo Loam over-wash and Gold Ridge Fine Sandy Loam. 

For the rest of us: Dark red fruit aromas and a hint of cinnamon. Classic Russian River flavors of cola, cherry and licorice on the mid palate and a warm-spice box finish.