Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 – Tasting with Svetlana

Banfi La Pettegola Vermentino 2015, Toscana, Italy $19.99

Color: pale yellow. Bouquet: very fruity, with notes of apricot, grapefruit,
flowers and spices typical of the Mediterranean scrub. Taste: full-bodied, with a lively acidity which gives freshness and persistency on the finish.

Food Pairings:  Ideal for accompanying fish dishes, seafood and vegetarian first courses.

Paraiso Estate Chardonnay 2015, Monterey, California $22.99

Aromas of peach, lemon-lime and green apple with flavors of toasted nuts, nectarine and apple. A full rich mouth feel with a long full-flavored finish.

Food Pairings: Poached Salmon in butter sauce, roasted chicken, pasta in creamy sauce, cheese based salads such Caesar or chicken salad.

Cantina La Vis Pinot Nero 2016, Trentino, Italy $16.99

Light ruby-red color, with flavors of cherry and ripe red fruits. Pronounced and soft tannins on the palate, with delicate undertones of black fruit and spice.

Food Pairings: grilled prawns, cream sauce, provolone, gruyere, and mild cheddar cheeses

Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, California $15.99

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 8% Syrah. Aromas of blackberry jam, cedar, with a hit of cardamom. Plum entry that opens up into a mouthful of black cherry Jolly Ranchers and other dark fruits. Tannins start gracefully enough and become dusty and pronounced towards the finish. There’s a considerable amount of lush, sweet fruits in the midpalate that carries well into the finish thanks to a thread of acidity.

Food Pairings: This is a classic steak wine. It has the depth of flavors to bring out the best in a ribeye while cutting through the fat. Also try pairing with polish sausages and a hearty pasta dish slathered in a tomato-based sauce.

Merriam Merlot 2014, Russian River Valley, CA $35.99

This Merlot has a beautiful garnet color and aromas of black cherry, plum and cedar. Very fruit forward with hints of blackberry and vanilla. An expansive palate with a long lingering finish of warm berry pie.

Food Pairings: Steak with blue cheese, Lamb burgers, roast chicken with thyme and onion.

Eagle Harbor Raptor, Red Bland 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington $59.99

A Bordeaux style red blend containing equal amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc enhanced by a small amount of Petit Verdot. Black raspberry, cassis, dark plum, graphite aromas with a hint of chocolate. Big, but not heavy with black fruit, moderately high tannins, and a satisfying long finish.

Food Pairings: Beef, pasta, veal and poultry

Saturday, January 26th, 2019 – Tasting with Svetlana

Hopler Pinot Blanc 2017, Austria $20.99

Hints of stone and fresh pear juice on a superslender, light-footed body create an immensely inviting, easy-drinking but very fruity white which has mass appeal. Lightness, full fruit and freshness that finishes with a moreish grapefruit-zesty lick.

Food Pairings: shellfish, mild and soft cheese and cured meat

Paraiso Estate Chardonnay 2015, Monterey, California $22.99

Aromas of peach, lemon-lime and green apple with flavors of toasted nuts, nectarine and apple. A full rich mouth feel with a long full-flavored finish.

Food Pairings: Poached Salmon in butter sauce, roasted chicken, pasta in creamy sauce, cheese based salads such Caesar or chicken salad.

Hopler Pinot Noir 2017, Austria $23.99

Color: Ruby red with tinges of ocher Nose: Aromas of oranges, herbs and tobacco leaves Palate: Silky, aromatic and long finish Food: A perfect match with chanterelles, lamb and duck, glazed ham and lentil curry.

Ruca Malen Terroir Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Mendoza $20.99

What herbal berry aromas this wine has evaporate fast, replaced by oaky clove and other spice notes. Iron tight and tannic, the wine draws on the cheeks. Spiced-up plum flavors set up a rugged finish with hard tannins and spicy berry residuals. Serve with beef or BBQ; it needs it.

Merriam Merlot 2014 “Windacre Estate”, Russian River Valley, CA $35.99

This Merlot has a beautiful garnet color and aromas of black cherry, plum and cedar. Very fruit forward with hints of blackberry and vanilla. An expansive palate with a long lingering finish of warm berry pie.

Food Pairings: Steak with blue cheese, Lamb burgers, roast chicken with thyme and onion.

Carol Shelton Petite Sirah 2014, California $39.99

Inky blue-purple in color, sweet black raspberry jammy fruit—yum! Dark chocolatey oak spice, bright acidity but very juicy-supple, bit of warm vanilla at finish, structured tannins for aging.

Food Pairings: Short ribs, hamburgers and BBQ

American Vintage California Red Blend, 2015, CA $42.99

Blend: 65% Zinfandel, 35% Petite Sirah. The bold ripeness of the Zinfandel is well-balanced with the blue-black notes of the Petite Sirah. On the nose, you are greeted with the essence of blackberry pie, black cherry, graphite and a hint of herbaceousness. On the palate, this wine is inky and thick while maintaining brightness and balance.

Food Pairings: Beef, BBQ, Aged gouda

Saturday, January 19th, 2019 – Tasting with Svetlana 

Familia Mayol Garnacha Blanca 2017, Mendoza, Argentina $19.99

Pale yellow color with bright tones. Very floral and fruity with a hint of citrus. White flowers with apple, melon and peach flavors are backed by mineral notes and crisp acidity.

Food Pairings: Appropriate for any kind of fish, shellfish, light pastas, chicken and medium soft cheeses.

Cantina La Vis Chardonnay Classico, Trentino, Italy $16.99

A young but complex wine, it possesses a distinctive elegance and freshness.  Pale yellow in color with traces of green, it has a pleasing bouquet and fruity notes of golden apple and pineapple.  The flavor is full and well balanced.

Food Pairings: Pasta,Shelfish, Mature and hard cheese, Lean fish, Cured Meat

Shannon Reserve Chardonnay 2016, Lake County, CA $27.99

Aromas of toasted marshmallows and caramel apples fill your senses. The palate is bright with green apple, sweet peach, lemon rind, and finishes with lush vanilla oak notes.  An enticing aroma of toasted oak meets spicy ripe peach and pear flavors in this full-bodied luxuriously creamy wine. It has vanilla, nutmeg and ginger notes and a mouth-coating texture that is also well supported by acidity. Oaky, yes; delicious and balanced, also yes.

Food Pairings:  Pair its beautifully ripened core fruits and oak accents with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a morel reduction sauce.

Stonestreet Chardonnay 2012, Estate Vineyards, Sonoma, CA $41.99

The 2012 Chardonnay, made from Dijon clones. It delivers a distinct mineral backbone alongside a strong citrus element. Tangerine and marmalade emerge first from the glass, opening to a palate that cascades through peach and ocean spray—all culminating in a finish with surprising grip and acidity. It should drink well for 4-6 years.

Food Pairings: Scallops in cream sauce, pasta carbonara, chicken risotto, baby artichoke and parmesan salad.

Ironside Pinot Noir 2016 Reserve, Monterey, CA $24.99

This jammy pinot is bold with cassis and dark cherry notes, drinking more like a cabernet than a pinot noir. Baking spice, chocolate, and licorice candy notes give it a distinctly California feeling.

Food Pairings: can be enjoyed on its own, or with a wide range of cuisine, particularly salmon, roast lamb, or salads with cheeses and nuts.

Jorge Ordoñez & Co. Rotunda Old Vines Garnacha 2013, Spain $13.99

Dark inky in color. Tight on the nose with blackberries, plums, cherries, and vanilla. Full bodied, fruit forward on the palate with plums, blackberries, blueberries, earth, vanilla, licorice, baking spice, tobacco, cinnamon, cherries and peppercorn.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with rice, pasta, (noodles, spaghetti, macaroni), vegetables, mushroom, stewed meat, sausage, pork, roast meat, red and/or white meat with sauces, grilled meat, short or medium cheeses.

Barra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Mendocino, California $25.99

This Cabernet has plenty of dark cherry fruit complemented by complex notes of fennel, sage, and other herbs.  The tannins are firm but balanced, and aging for twelve months in French oak has made them smooth and round.  The wine finishes with intriguing hints of brambles and forest floor.

Food Pairings:  Grilled duck breast, braised short-ribs, porcini mushrooms

Owen Roe Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc 2015, Washington State $34.99

An uplifting nose is bursting with aromas of strawberry, green pepper, cocoa powder and spice. The palate is very soft and textural with dried fruit notes, subtle hints of oak and vanilla. The dried fruit notes linger with hints of baking spices, velvety mouthfeel and firm tannins. 

Food Pairings: Beef short ribs braised in red wine and herbs, Cassoulet, Moroccan lamb barbecue, and beef stew.

Burmester Ruby Port, Portugal $23.99

This is Burmester’s classic Ruby Port, rich in simmering spice notes (think cinnamon and nutmeg) dusted over sweet stewed plums.

Food Pairings:  Aperitive, nuts, cheeses(blue) and desserts

Wednesday, January 16th, 2019 – Tasting with Svetlana

Familia Mayol Garnacha Blanca 2017, Mendoza, Argentina $19.99

Pale yellow color with bright tones. Very floral and fruity with a hint of citrus. White flowers with apple, melon and peach flavors are backed by mineral notes and crisp acidity.

Food Pairings: Appropriate for any kind of fish, shellfish, light pastas, chicken and medium soft cheeses.

Cantina La Vis Chardonnay Classico, Trentino, Italy $16.99

A young but complex wine, it possesses a distinctive elegance and freshness.  Pale yellow in color with traces of green, it has a pleasing bouquet and fruity notes of golden apple and pineapple.  The flavor is full and well balanced.

Food Pairings: Pasta, Shellfish, Mature and hard cheese, Lean fish, Cured Meat

Ironside Pinot Noir 2016 Reserve, Monterey, CA $24.99

This jammy pinot is bold with cassis and dark cherry notes, drinking more like a cabernet than a pinot noir. Baking spice, chocolate, and licorice candy notes give it a distinctly California feeling.

Food Pairings: can be enjoyed on its own, or with a wide range of cuisine, particularly salmon, roast lamb, or salads with cheeses and nuts.

Jorge Ordoñez & Co. Rotunda Old Vines Garnacha 2013 $13.99

Dark inky in color. Tight on the nose with blackberries, plums, cherries, and vanilla. Full bodied, fruit forward on the palate with plums, blackberries, blueberries, earth, vanilla, licorice, baking spice, tobacco, cinnamon, cherries and peppercorn.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with rice, pasta, (noodles, spaghetti, macaroni), vegetables, mushroom, stewed meat, sausage, pork, roast meat, red and/or white meat with sauces, grilled meat, short or medium cheeses.

Owen Roe Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc 2015, Washington State $34.99

An uplifting nose is bursting with aromas of strawberry, green pepper, cocoa powder and spice. The palate is very soft and textural with dried fruit notes, subtle hints of oak and vanilla. The dried fruit notes linger with hints of baking spices, velvety mouthfeel and firm tannins. 

Food Pairings: Beef short ribs braised in red wine and herbs, Cassoulet, Moroccan lamb barbecue, and beef stew.

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 2017, South Africa $14.99

More fun than your typical Shiraz, this fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine displays aromas and flavors of ripe blueberries, blackberries and raspberries with dark chocolate undertones. Refreshing and approachable with the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.

Food Pairings:  A great aperitif and pairs equally well with both savory and sweet foods. Best served slightly chilled.

Burmester Ruby Port, Portugal $23.99

This is Burmester’s classic Ruby Port, rich in simmering spice notes (think cinnamon and nutmeg) dusted over sweet stewed plums.

Food Pairings:  Aperitive, nuts, cheeses(blue) and desserts

Saturday, January 12th, 2019 – WOM & Dessert Wine Tasting

Bellingham Chenin Blanc Old Vine 2016, South Africa $29.99

Golden hued and full bodied, with melon, lush pear, honeysuckle and spicy baked apple aromas. This wine is a great example of the harmonious balance which can be achieved between fruit and delicate oak/vanilla flavors, as they combine to form complex flavors with rich texture to enhance even spicy and full-flavored meals.

Ninety Plus Cellars Lot 130 Chardonnay 2015, Russian River Valley, CA $18.99

Pour a glass and you’ll discover a brilliant golden liquid overflowing with aromas of crisp green apple pineapple. Take a sip and you’ll find yourself on a trip to Creme Brulee heaven on the Starfruit Enterprise. It has a creamy, full-bodied texture, but enough creaminess to make your mouth water for another sip.

Food Pairings: Grilled corn on the cob and chili lime butter, crispy fried chicken.

Helen and Joey Shiraz 2017, Yarra Valley, Australia $22.99

Lots of fresh blue fruit such as blueberries and elderberries, as well as plenty of fresh herbs and spices. Medium body, fresh acidity and a juicy finish.

Food Pairings: Rich ossobuco, and risotto Milanese

Domaine Roger Perrin Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Red 2014, Rhone, France $46.99

Nose of red and black fruits, Provencal spices (garrigue), peppery, a touch of vanilla with some gamey nuances. Always very complex nose. Very fine tannins. The palate is full and generous with a very long finish. A nice touch of freshness on the finish and a remarkable balance.

Food Pairings: Lamb, pork, poultry

Cycles Gladiator Petite Sirah, Central Coast, California $15.99

Blueberry, blueberry, and more blueberry on the nose with hints of cinnamon and cedar in the background. Lush and sweet with layers of black fruits that wrap around the tongue. Melting tannins that leave the impression of milk chocolate coat the mouth. Blueberry motor oil that will stain your soul.

Food Pairings: Beef, Lamb and Game

Gibbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley, California $33.99

With small additions of Petit Verdot and Merlot, this is a robust, full-bodied and affordable red that’s thickly tannic at first before allowing a defined sense of vanilla oak and black cherry to speak in unison.

Food Pairings: Blue cheese burgers, Rosemary Lamb shanks, Moussaka, Beef stew. Filet mignon

Doktor Mango Moscato 2017, Piedmont, Italy $14.99

Doktor Mango Moscato is a delicious blend of Italian Moscato and fresh mango. A natural infusion of mango inside the wine develop deep tropical notes balanced by a crisp acidity and natural sweetness. ABV 5.5%

Food Pairings: Sweet desserts, White Stilton with Mango and Ginger

Jorge Ordonez Co. 2014 Victoria Moscatel, Malaga, Spain $27.99

Honey, candied fruits, white flowers, and distinct minerality. Brilliant yellow hue. Fresh and intense, with a mix of sensations of freshly peeled apple, orange peel, bee pollen and aromatic herbs. Concentrated, fat but refreshing. Long finish.

Food Pairings: Chili’s and hot, spicy foods

Isodi Vin Santo 2009, Tuscany, Italy $47.99

Made with dried grapes—67% Malvasia and 33% Trebbiano—this meditation wine opens with intense aromas of maple syrup, carob and crushed raw almond. The concentrated palate doles out dried apricot, chestnut honey and toasted hazelnut while fresh acidity balances the sweet flavors.

Food Pairings: Biscotti, fruit/pecan pies, ginger desserts, dark chocolate, gorgonzola/blue cheeses, honey ham, figs, rich pates, and Foie Gras

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 2017, South Africa $14.99

More fun than your typical Shiraz, this fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine displays aromas and flavors of ripe blueberries, blackberries and raspberries with dark chocolate undertones. Refreshing and approachable with the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.

Food Pairings:  A great aperitif and pairs equally well with both savory and sweet foods. Best served slightly chilled.

Burmester Ruby Port, Portugal $23.99

This is Burmester’s classic Ruby Port, rich in simmering spice notes (think cinnamon and nutmeg) dusted over sweet stewed plums.

Food Pairings:  Aperitive, nuts, cheeses(blue) and desserts

Vinedo de Los Vientos Alcyone Tannat Dessert Wine, Uruguay $41.99

Intense, rich wine with flavors of sweet prunes, dried figs and chocolate. Exotic, delicious with chocolate desserts, and definitely worth a try! Great for Valentine’s Day!

Food Pairings:  Chocolate Desserts

Cantina La Vis Chardonnay Classico, Trentino, Italy $16.99

A young but complex wine, it possesses a distinctive elegance and freshness.  Pale yellow in color with traces of green, it has a pleasing bouquet and fruity notes of golden apple and pineapple.  The flavor is full and well balanced.

Food Pairings: Pasta, Shellfish, Mature and hard cheese, Lean fish, Cured Meat

Monte Real Crianza de Familia, Spain $19.99

Delicate fresh aromas that maintain the fruitiness and expression of the grape variety and the terroir, beautifully blending with ageing notes in harmony and balance.

Food Pairings: Beef, Lamb, Veal and Poultry

Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 – Wines of the Month Tasting 

Bellingham Chenin Blanc Old Vine 2016, South Africa $29.99 

Golden hued and full bodied, with melon, lush pear, honeysuckle and spicy baked apple aromas. This wine is a great example of the harmonious balance which can be achieved between fruit and delicate oak/vanilla flavors, as they combine to form complex flavors with rich texture to enhance even spicy and full-flavored meal.

Domaine de la Damase Grenache 2017, Rhone Valley $17.99

Organically farmed. Alluvial terrace overlaid with chalky gravel with blue clay. Fermentation with natural yeasts in concrete tanks. 100% whole cluster. No fining or filtering before bottling. It is intended to be a simple, straight-forward, fruit-forward, earth-forward southern Rhone Valley Grenache.

Food Pairings: Beef, Mature and hard cheeses

Gibbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley, California $33.99

With small additions of Petit Verdot and Merlot, this is a robust, full-bodied and affordable red that’s thickly tannic at first before allowing a defined sense of vanilla oak and black cherry to speak in unison.

Food Pairings: Blue cheese burgers, Rosemary Lamb shanks, Moussaka, Beef stew. Filet mignon

Cycles Gladiator Petite Syrah, Central Coast, California $15.99

Blueberry, blueberry, and more blueberry on the nose with hints of cinnamon and cedar in the background. Lush and sweet with layers of black fruits that wrap around the tongue. Melting tannins that leave the impression of milk chocolate coat the mouth. Blueberry motor oil that will stain your soul.

Food Pairings: Beef, Lamb and Game

Helen and Joey Shiraz 2017, Yarra Valley, Australia $22.99

Lots of fresh blue fruit such as blueberries and elderberries, as well as plenty of fresh herbs and spices. Medium body, fresh acidity and a juicy finish.

Food Pairings: Rich ossobuco, and risotto Milanese

Doktor Mango Moscato NV, Italy $14.99

Doktor Mango Moscato is a delicious blend of Italian Moscato and fresh mango. A natural infusion of mango inside the wine develop deep tropical notes balanced by a crisp acidity and natural sweetness.

Food Pairings: Sweet desserts, mango ginger stilton cheese