LOW ROAD WHITE

2017 Concito Contratste White $13.82

This wine is a Portuguese “field blend.” Huh? Meaning, they take a mix of different grapes and ferment them together, instead of making separate varietals and blending them later. It gets 89 points (from Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, AND Wine Advocate.) Neighbors Kelli, Jen, and Heather tried it and think it deserves an extra point, but at $14, who cares.

2018 Sainte Fleur Viognier $13.85 ***NEW VINTAGE***

You won’t be seeing any Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) in Santa Ray Wine Club (and certainly not the Low Road) but when Aubert de Villaine (co-owner of DRC) gets bored with selling the world’s best and most expensive Pinot, he teams up with Burgundy-legend Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, to make wine at Triennes. Who doesn’t love a side project? Plus, this Viognier is exceptionally versatile – think Indian Summer food wine, or fireside Winter White.

LOW ROAD RED

2016 Terranoble Gran Reserva Carignan $15

In the mid-90s, my winemaker Aunt told me about the exciting advancements that were coming out if Chile. Her story went something like this: Old vines + modern winemaking techniques = really affordable world class wine. This wine is the epitome of Chilean advancement, 60-100 year old vines, well-rounded, full-bodied, and easy drinking, at a crazy low price. But don’t take my word for it, at our annual Taste! Fundraiser, this was the most popular and most purchased.

2016 Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso $16.98

This is slowly becoming one of our favorite wineries. The High Road has enjoyed their Montefalco Sagrantino, a big red wine that needs almost a decade to become drinkable (and almost $40 to buy). This is an everyday drinking blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and their signature Sagrantino. If you like it, order more, at $22 online or $17 from us, you can afford it.

HIGH ROAD WHITE

2016 Goodfellow Chardonnay Richard’s Cuvee $34.13

The soil, wind, and altitude of Whistling Ridge Vineyard, plus Marcus Goodfellow’s style of winemaking makes this unique and spectacular Chardonnay. Prepare to be surprised. It has the tartness and minerality of a Chablis, but with beautiful fruit that is unmistakably Chardonnay. If you are not a Chardonnay fan, you’ll love it. And if you love Chardonnay like we do, you’ll love love it.

2017 Accadia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC $22.98

Our last High Road Verdicchio was a huge hit with the Club. That’s why we think you should try this one. Same region (Castelli di Jesi), but different producer, higher in alcohol (15.5%) and built to age (up to 10 years). Probably a non-issue, but those features make this wine uniquely qualified to drink over the course of two nights.

HIGH ROAD RED

2015 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Murto Vineyard $36.68

We took a trip up to Dundee, Oregon to see family (and to taste some wines). Belle Pente (pronounced “Bell Pont”) graciously had us out to the rustic family farm and winery – think chickens, cows, llamas. We liked all of their Oregon-meets-Burgundy-style Pinots and learned a lot about the different sub regions in the Willamette Valley (pronounced Will-AM-et.). But this Single Vineyard (Murto) version from the Dundee Hills really stood out. Back at home, we put it in a blind tasting of eight Oregon Pinots. Winner. And, Vinous gave it 94 points.

2009 Villa Raiano Tuarasi $28.16

Made from the Aglianico grape in the wine region of Taurasi in Southern Italy, this red is made in the traditional way – think YEARS of aging before release. Usually Taurasi is out of the Club’s price range (this one is listed online at a local wine shop for almost $50!) But one of our favorite producers, Villa Raiano, is changing importers (sob!) and selling off their inventory. In typical Santa Ray fashion, we’re passing the savings along to you. This should go down as one of the greatest values SRWC has ever had. Boom.