Chateau du Rouet Rose
Provence, France 2010
Spring has finally arrived, and there is no better time to enjoy a crisp and refreshing dry rosé. Château du Rouët is located in the heart of Provence, in the commune of Le Muy on the slopes of the Esterel mountains. In a setting of outstanding natural beauty, the Savatier family makes wines that capture all the joys of living in paradise. Whites, reds and particularly rosés manage to distill the essence of Provence - sun, fresh fruit, wild herbs - and no matter where opened, transport the taster on an idyllic summer holiday. This blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah is produced from first-press and saignée juice, the latter a result of the bleeding-off process following the wine’s brief maceration, giving the wine a delicate salmon color. This light-bodied rosé has intense aromas of strawberry and cherry with floral undertones. Extremely refreshing, it tastes of fresh red fruits and citrus, with a gentle peppery finish. Rouët is packaged in a traditional clear, hourglass-shaped bottle, making it as eye-catching as the wine is delightful. Just right for washing down seafood, salads and cheeses, especially our Cana de Cabra. ~ Darrell Scarlott
$12.99
big vine cabernet sauvignon
Napa Valley, 2007
This relative newcomer is the brainchild of three highly-experienced Napa Valley tradesmen: an entrepreneur, a winemaker, and a fine wine distributor. By swapping excess assets (such as equipment, supplies, and raw materials) between top-tier wineries, they are able to maintain those companies’ cash flow, and obtain grapes & juice that would otherwise be two to three times more expensive. We had an incredible response to their inaugural vintage two years ago, and this 2007 is even better; full-bodied Rutherford cabernet that straddles the line between ageworthiness and drinkability. Bold, dark fruit flavors of blackberry and bing cherry are accompanied by the classic dried earth aromas and dusty tannins that define the region. Here’s a Napa cabernet like you remember it , including the price point! Pair it with another local original: Cypress Grove’s Humboldt Fog – a tangy, flaky surface-ripened goat’s milk cheese. ~ Rod Santos
$16.99
paco y lola albarino
Rias Baixas, Spain 2009
"Alba-Riño" translates to "the white from the Rhine". Indigenous to Spain and Portugal, it dates as far back as the 12th century. Presumably brought to Iberia by Cluny monks, it was seldom found in other parts of the world until very recently. Key characteristics of albariño include very floral aromatics, a light body, high acidity, and stone fruit flavors such as peach and apricot. However, the reason I chose Paco y Lola is that it is vastly different from those typical characteristics. Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate varietally-correct wines, but when I pour a glass expecting it to be like all the others, and it isn’t, I’m blown away! This particular albariño has a dryer, richer style, with more sweet basil aroma than that of flowers and fruit. 100% varietal, it is all estate grown, and made sustainably with modern technology and a fresh, chic look. On the palate, hints of green apple and mango are most apparent, which balances the fruitiness, without being deemed sweet or citrusy. Here is the perfect wine for someone who doesn’t like too much of either. For me, all great wines should be versatile, meaning they can be consumed with or without food. Sushi would be the perfect pairing, otherwise, some wine glasses and friends who appreciate a different style should be company enough. Enjoy! ~ Samantha Porta
$12.99
Mt Billy “Circe” Shiraz-Viognier
Southern Fleurieu, Australia 2005
Circe (sir-see), an enchantress of Greek Legend. This enchanting red comes from the South Australian appellation of Southern Fleurieu, which is south of McLaren Vale. The Mediterranean climate is strongly influenced by the large body of water that surrounds the region. The overall cooler climate than the more famous regions to the north are represented in the wine. Lower in alcohol, this Shiraz is a mere 14.5%, and a touch of white pepper accentuates this powerful red. 3% Viognier gives the Shiraz some “lift” and brightens up this bold wine. Black cherry, plum and licorice, lead into fine tannins and a touch of black olive on the finish. Pair this wine, with our new Kerrygold vintage-aged cheddar. If you could find this wine elsewhere, it would retail for over $20. This Wine Thieves exclusive “steal” is flying out the door at this price... and then it’s gone. ~ Jim Meyers
$9.99
londer pinot noir
Anderson Valley 2007
I tasted this Anderson Valley pinot noir the other day and found it quite pleasant. Founded in 1997, Londer Vineyards (with Greg Lafollette as consulting winemaker) is located in the southwestern corner of Mendocino County. During the growing season, the vines enjoy warm (not hot) sunny weather, and foggy nights to cool the fruit down. The vineyards are on the south-facing hills, with well-drained sandy loam covering an underlying clay loam. With flavors of fresh strawberries, riper cranberry and herbal notes, it was thorough and straightforward, with a soft finish. The must is barreled in French oak, thirty percent of which is new. I found this pinot noir to be pleasurable and well-priced, and would suggest you pair it with ham, or a nice round of Cowgirl's "Sir Francis Drake" on Rustic Bakery's olive oil and sel gris crackers. Speaking of... it's time for lunch! ~ "Sir" John Howell, IV
$ ASK
Feudo Arancio Stemmari Nero d’Avola
Sicilia, Italia 2009
Nero d’Avola - sometimes called Calabrese - is indigenous to Sicily, and is the most widely planted grape on the island. It has been grown there for several hundred years, and has thrived in the hot dry climate. This ‘Black Grape of Avola’ is considered one of the darkest and most acidic wine grapes in the world, and generally produces a full-bodied wine with strong tannins. This offering from Stemmari is close to the norm, offering a structured wine that is well-balanced, fruit forward with hints of dark berries, but the tannin profile is much more subdued. While easy to drink on its own, it really stands out with pizza and pasta dishes, and is also fantastic with our Huntsman cheese and a baguette. If you like dark, rich red wines, this is a great bet, especially at this price! ~ Matt Bell
$8.99
