October 2020Wines of the Month

For the wine snob: Our Birds of Prey Red Blend is inspired by the guardians of our vineyards. Owls by night and raptors throughout the day, birds of prey hunt in our vines allowing us to naturally manage the vineyards without pesticides. As homage, this wine is big, bold, and balanced.

 For the rest of us: It is dark garnet in color with aromas of bramble berries, cassis, cigar box, spice, almonds, and chocolate. The round palate offers a memorable profile of red fruits, dark chocolate, and a subtle tea leaf that lingers. Enjoy this wine with food, or on its own!

For the wine snob: Vermentino is one of the few white grapes that perfectly acclimated to the Mediterranean Tuscany. It loves sea breezes and sunlight and in return provides opulent flavour and radiant freshness. In Italy, Vermentino forms part of or the entire blend for Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, Vermentino di Sardinia DOC, Riviera Ligure di Ponente Vermentino DOC and Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC, among others. French Vermentino is popular in Patrimonio, Bellet (where the grape is known as Rolle) and numerous Languedoc-Roussillon appellations; notably Côtes du Roussillon.

For the rest of us: Delightfully fresh with an intense fruit forward bouquet of exotic fruit and spices typical of the Mediterranean coast. On the palate, this is a refreshing, elegant wine that retains its balanced acidity. The mouthfeel bursts with fresh fruit that lingers on the finish. This white pairs well with seafood such as mussels and scallops.

For the wine snob: 100% Petite Sirah, the 2017 Flegenheimer Bros. Petite Sirah, which hails from the McLaren Vale growing area of South Australia. Some 45 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is home to widespread sustainable winegrowing, world-class wines and culinary experiences, as well as pristine natural attractions. South Australia’s viticultural origins can be traced to McLaren Vale, with the first wines produced in 1838, and the region’s Mediterranean climate continues to drive its wine style and diverse food culture.

For the rest of us: The 2017 Out of the Park is concentrated with blackberry, cassis flavors and accented with spice notes as well as anise. It’s a big wine with an enticing aroma and long, lush finish that seems to beg for another sip. Definitely a wine that pairs well with bigger foods like a nice big burger or steak!

For the wine snob: Made by Anna Monticelli with the idea of producing a high-quality yet value-priced wine, the 2017 Chardonnay Brioche delivers the goods. Made from 100% Chardonnay mostly from the Central Coast, yet also including smaller amounts from Sonoma.

For  the rest of us: It offers classic white peach, pineapple, and citrus rind aromas, medium body, vibrant acidity, and a clean, lengthy finish. Bright with hints of a buttery richness from which it derives its name. This easy drinking Chardonnay will please any chardonnay drinker.

For the wine snob: Blend: 85% Grenache, 5% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre. sabel Ferrando bought the Domaine Saint Prefert and vinified for the first time in 2003. The estate is situated on the south side of the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape atop gravel and pebble soils. Domaine Saint Prefert produces wines epitomizing the Provencal region. Herbs such as garrigue, thyme and rosemary abound. Grenache is expressed in notes of candied fruit, chocolate and roasted coffee. Isabel Ferrando farms organically. She expanded her holdings and built a new state-of-the-art winery in 2009.

 For the rest of us: All whole cluster grapes pressed for maceratation. Juicy, generous and approachable. Smell and taste wild strawberries, ripe bing cherries, lavender and exotic spices. Supple and generous with fruit and spice notes. Arguably one of the best and top wine regions in the world, anything that is labeled Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a go for opening in our opinion.  This has nice acidity that will pair well with fatty meats.

For the wine snob: The Martinelli Family has been growing grapes and making wine in the Russian River Valley since the late 1880s. As 5th generation stewards of some of the finest vineyards in the region, they’re proud to continue this legacy of hands-on farming, bringing decades of experience to everything they do. Their primary goal has always been hand-crafting quality wines that are born in their estate vineyards. All of their grapes are Estate grown, allowing us to use only their favorite blocks for each vineyard designated wine.

For the rest of us: Bella Vigna is Martinelli’s selection of several estate vineyards from around the Russian River Valley, the majority being the Lolita Ranch and Charles Ranch properties. 2016 Martinelli Road Chardonnay has an aromatic nose with tropical fruit, green apple, and toasted nuts. The palate is supple and concentrated with flavors of lemon curd, golden stone fruit a hint of hazelnut, balanced with light minerality on the finish.

This wine is so new there is no picture for it yet!

For the wine snob: The 2018 growing season was even and mild – a delightful respite and contrast to the extremes of 2017.  A generally dry winter gave way to a wet early spring that fully charged the soil profile with generous and well-timed rains. Ideal conditions during the flowering period allowed for a great set made for an abundant potential crop. The crop load was remarkable not because the number of clusters or the size of the berries, but for the sheer number of berries on each cluster. The grapes were picked in the cool early mornings to maintain their freshness, natural acidity and delicate flavors.

For the rest of us:  A Blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Sangiovese, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Deep red fruits with cherry notes and sweet raspberries, a plush texture on the mouth from the tannins that plays well with a sweet mild spice note. This wine will pair with beef, rack of lamb and can enjoyed on its own!