Wines
43 Items Found
- Riebeek Cellars Rose 2012 Product #27010 (In Stock)
-
-
While red versions of Pinotage – South Africa’s distinctive crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault – are a bit funky and, for most, an acquired taste, you won’t have to work very hard to fall in love with this dry Pink version. Riebeek has been growing grapes and making wine in South Africa’s Swartland region since 1941, making them an old-timer in a region that’s exploded with wineries in recent years. The weather and soils in this part of the Western Cape are Mediteranian, very similar to Provence and Bandol in France. Not surprisingly, olives thrive here along, of course, with wine grapes.
The 2012 Cape Pinotage Rosé is picked right at the beginning of harvest to preserve freshness and acidity. After crushing and a short maceration to extract a pale, shimmering, pink color, the wine is fermented dry in stainless steel and bottled and shipped young for immediate enjoyment. If you don’t see the bottle, you’d swear this was from the hills overlooking St. Tropez and the Mediteranian Sea. The aromas are redolent of fresh strawberry and tangy cherry fruit accented by a dash of crushed Provencal herb. Nice body here (despite the 13% alcohol), the berry/cherry fruit and herb get lifted by a note of orange peel freshness. Long and mouthwatering on the back with just the right amount of chalky mineral and zingy acid. A fine, versatile, delicious dry rosé to enjoy by yourself or – at this price – to share with a crowd! - Ch Puy Servain Bergerac Rose 2012 Product #27062 (In Stock)
-
-
You'll find fine rosé in virtually every corner of France, including Bordeaux - after all, what else would the Bordalais want to drink after a hot day working in the vines? This beauty from the satellite appellation of Bergerac is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon bled off the vats used for red wine. Very fresh and winey on the nose with definite aromas of tobacco leaf, fresh herb, and tangy cherry. In the mouth the herb comes up strong and clear over the cherry and watermelon fruit and a bright beam of acidity cuts under the rich texture. Finishes spicy and mouthwatering with fine length and freshness.
- Borsao Monte Oton Garnacha 2012 Product #27206 (In Stock)
-
-
Another great vintage for this perennial "best value" Garnacha from Campo de Borgia. Powerful, deep, aromas of black raspberry and cherry with accents of minerals and fresh cut flowers. Juicy and fresh in the mouth but with plenty of dark berry and cherry fruit and hints of lavender and licorice. Long and clean on the spicy finish over oodles of ripe fruit. Easy to drink, but worth paying attention to.
- Mapreco Vinho Verde 2012 Product #27192 (In Stock)
-
-
Nothing says "Spring" (or Summer!) like the new crop of Portugal's famous "green wine", Vinho Verde. Bottled from tank without racking, the 2012 Mapreco has the classic spritz of tingling bubbles you'd expect with plenty of apricot and tangy orange/tangerine fruit. There's a brothy, seltzer-like, hint of the sea here, too, with a bright and citrusy finish. Light (just 10% alcohol) and very fun.
- Ch La Roche St. Jean Blanc 2012 Product #26989 (In Stock)
-
-
Another terrific release of our best-selling Bordeaux Blanc ever! A difficult vintage for reds, but just about perfect for whites, the 2012 harks back to 2009's richness and breadth. Aromas and flavors of white pineapple, honeysuckle, and orange zest in a round, wide-open, Sauvignon Blanc that finishes with a squirt of white grapefruit acid and a pleasant touch of citrus pith. The richness and round texture would make you think there's Semillon in there somewhere, but it's just 100% Sauvignon Blanc harvested at perfect ripeness. A great all-purpose white for parties, salads, fish, or just sipping on a warm afternoon.
- Champteloup Rose d'Anjou 2012 Product #27061 (In Stock)
-
-
While we in the USA tend to focus on rosé from the South of France, in Paris pink wine from Anjou in the nearby Loire Valley gets plenty of attention. And, this is classic Parisian bistro rosé, made from from 70% Grolleau for fruit and 30% Cabernet Franc for herbal notes and spice. Gentle aromas of cherry, strawberry, and crushed fresh herb lead to a juicy, fruity, mouthful of red berry fruit and a bit more herb. A hint of watermelon candy comes up in the middle and the finish is frankly fruity and round, but dry and clean. Cherry and watermelon Jolly Rancher notes linger on. A fun wine to just sip on it's own and a great match for Asian dishes or anything with fruit.
- Martinez Lacuesta Rosé Rioja 2012 Product #27085 (In Stock)
-
-
Wow! We were so delighted to discover this delicious, well-priced rose last year, and even more delighted that the new vintage is just as good! On the palate you will find ripe, sun-kissed, red fruit aromas and flavors with a surprising streak of minerality, given its modest price point. Perfect with all kinds of warm-weather fare, from fresh entrée salads to grilled seafood - stock up and drink this poolside or on your deck, terrace or boat all season long!
- Famille Perrin Luberon Blanc 2012 Product #27114 (In Stock)
-
-
A delightful blend of classic Southern Rhone white grapes - Bourboulenc , Grenache, Roussanne, and Ugni Blanc – from the family behind Ch Beaucastel. Fresh, clean, aromas of honeysuckle, apple and pineapple lead to a round, easy-going, mouthful of tropical fruit. Citrusy acidity keeps everything in balance and light and a pleasing bitter mineral note emerges on the end. Very tasty stuff!
- La Cappuccina Soave 2012 Product #27143 (In Stock)
-
-
Another piece of evidence for the excellence of the 2012 vintage (and the value at this much under-appreciated estate). Once again, 100% Garganega done in tank with 5 months lees contact for richness and depth. A rich, almost opulent texture to this lemon, mineral and grilled nut wine, with bitter citrus pith and orange zest on the mouthwatering finish. More than rich enough to enjoy solo, but a stunner with smoked, grilled, or poached fish!
- Dinarells Negre Emporda 2012 Product #27165 (In Stock)
-
-
This is just shockingly interesting and delicious for the money. It comes from Spain’s Emporda Costa Brava region in the very northeastern corner of Catalonia near the border with France. It’s steep, rocky, territory that’s regularly lashed by the Tramontane, strong northerly winds that can sweep through the region at 70mph.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with traditional Garnacha and Mazuelo, this is hand-harvested and made in tank. The show opens with luscious aromas of black plum, crushed blackberries, leather and bitter chocolate with just a touch of lavender. Then, it’s juicy and fresh in the mouth with loads of sweet blackberry and plum fruit accented by a bit of bitter chocolate, earth and spice flavors. A squirt of blood orange acidity keeps things fresh and dark fruit, nutmeg, and slate notes all linger nicely. Easy enough to just sip and enough going on to make it a great food wine, too.
- Aviva Vinho Verde 2012 Product #27198 (In Stock)
-
-
Literally translated as "Green Wine," Vinho Verde really means young, fresh, wine that's ready to enjoy starting the spring after the harvest. Made from an assortment of native Portuguese grapes (in this case 100% Loureiro), it's raised in tank and bottled without racking, leaving the barest trace of dissolved gas in the wine to prickle on your tongue. Tangy apricot and green peach fruit, fresh flowers, and a bright, lemony, acidity all shine in this light (just 11.0% abv) white to enjoy on its own or with fresh salads or fish.
- Fondo Antico "I Versi Bianco" 2012 Product #27199 (In Stock)
-
-
A fun, rich, blend of equal parts Grecanico, Inzolia and Grillo from Sicily, this fresh and fruity white delivers the richness you'd expect from warm Sicily with plenty of citrusy acidity to keep things fresh. Opens with fruity aromas of citrus, peach, apricot and seashell. Then creamy and round in the mouth and a zesty, lime skin and melon rind, finish. Bright enough for an SB fan, rich enough to replace Chardonnay!
- Santa Barbara Verdicchio 2012 Product #27002 (In Stock)
-
-
Santa Barbara's entry-level Verdicchio has been a favorite at the store for years. For the third year in a row, this vintage sees a bit of a step up from what was already a rock-solid white. You'll find a lovely melange of dried lemon, pink grapefruit, mineral and a touch of dried herb here in a fairly full-bodied take on Verdicchio. It's at once round/fruity and juicy/crisp.
- Paul D Gruner Veltliner 2012 1.0l Product #27009 (In Stock)
-
-
In the intense 2012 vintage, this is the best release yet from young winemaker Paul Direder. A golden straw color with delightful aromas of stone fruits and spice. Jam-packed with extract and flavor kept fresh by vibrant, intense, minerality and acids. Crazy value at $10.99 - especially in a one liter bottle that's big enough to share at a party!
- Ch Sainte Eulalie Rose Minervois 2012 Product #27059 (In Stock)
-
-
From an estate first planted in the 19th century and then resurrected by young Isabelle & Laurent Causta in 1996, this beauty fully captures the potential of what should be Provence's top rose region. From vineyards in the heart of Minervois, this blend of Syrah and Cinsault with dashes of Carignan and Grenache is plenty gutsy but also crisp and fresh. Vivid strawberry, cranberry, and raspberry fruit with a clear whiff of fresh herb and lingering, juicy, dry, finish. Great wine for roast chicken, salads, or cold meats.
- Chapoutier Bila Haut Cotes Du Roussillon Blanc 2012 Product #27053 (In Stock)
-
-
Better than the 88 point 2011 or even the 90 point 2010, this blend of tank-raised Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, and Grenache Gris is complex and floral but still nicely structured and fresh. Generous aromas of peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and pink grapefruit burst from the glass. The flavors follow in a richly textured, but mouthwatering, wine that rides a beam of salty, chalky, mineral through a long, generous, finish. As the Advocate said of the fine 2010, "What a fine introduction to Roussillon whites and terrifically versatile accompaniment at table this will make over the next 2-3 years if not beyond!"
- Chapoutier Bila Haut Cotes Du Roussillon Rose 2012 Product #27056 (In Stock)
-
-
Northern Rhone master Michel Chapoutier's Roussillon estate - Bila-Haut - has been going from strength to strength the past few years, and this little beauty certainly argues that the positive trend will continue in 2012! It's a blend of Grenache and Cinsault grown specifically for rosé, crushed, macerated briefly, and then pressed off while still pink and made in stainless steel. A slightly more robust and jolly take on pink wine than you find in Provence, it delivers a big mouthful of candied watermelon and tangy cherry fruit with mouthwatering acidity and a sense of hot paving stone. A not too serious, very tasty, rosé to enjoy in the shade with veggies and grilled lamb dipped in lots of garlicky aioli.
- Lodali Moscato d'Asti 2012 Product #26763 (In Stock)
-
-
A delightfully aromatic wine, with loads of fresh fruit flavors bursting from the glass. It is sweet, but beautifully balanced by the wine's effervescence and acidity. Being frizzante, it has only about half the effervescence of a sparkling wine, and is hard to resist. This wine makes a wonderful accompaniment to many desserts, especially those made with fruit such as peach, pear, apple and berries.
- Dona Silvina Malbec Fresh Mendoza 2012 Product #27117 (In Stock)
-
-
A different take on Malbec, one that’s perfect for sipping on warm afternoons and enjoying with all kinds of Springtime fare. Early harvested fruit (to retain acidity) and fermented in tank (for maximum fruitiness), this shows off juicy red plum and cherry flavors with a nice floral and herbal touch. Mouthwatering and tangy, drink it cool and watch it disappear!
- Dom Philippe Plantevin Cotes Du Rhone Rose 2012 Product #27136 (In Stock)
-
-
Just in time for warmer weather, here’s the first release of Philippe’s pink wine we’ve ever managed to get our hands on. Unusually for a rosé from this part of the Rhone valley, it’s 90% Mourvedre (made famous by Domaine Tempier and other Bandol estates) and just 10% Grenache. Lovely dark pink in color, the generous aromas feature bright cherry, passion fruit, and wild herb scents. Bright and zesty in the mouth, the flavors include wild strawberry, more passion fruit, ripe citrus, fresh herb and just a touch of earthy Mourvedre character. Pure and clean throughout, it finishes with mouthwatering flavors of watermelon, berry, and a dash of pink grapefruit and mineral. A great solo sipper and even better with fresh salads, smoked salmon, or anything with plenty of savory herb and garlic.
