November 2016

LOW ROAD WHITE

2015 Inama Soave Classico, $13.42
Think of Soave as a great alternative to Pinot Grigio. It’s grown on the volcanic slopes of the Soave Classico District (that's the right side of the tracks... grapes from the valley can't be labeled Classico). 100% Garganega (the grape) gives an elegant floral nose, mineral texture and clean dry finish. Plus, it’s one of three Italian whites (along with Verdicchio and Fiano) that can be aged. But frankly, why? Put this out next to the appetizers at your holiday party and make sure you have a backup bottle (or case).

2014 Domaine Prieur-Brunet Bourgogne Blanc “Cuvée St. Jehanne de Chantal”, $16.88
Hailing from Burgundy, Bourgogne Blanc is a crowd-pleasing Chardonnay. The hyphenation in the name indicates that two families were married to join land - a match made in vineyards. Richer than the popular Petite Chablis from our May delivery, the combination of stainless and oak gives us ‘peace on earth,’ so we think it’s your holiday pick – a perfect Winter white. Stick with the Soave for lunch or appetizers and save this for dinner. We love this new “monk wine” (check out the wonderfully intricate cork).

LOW ROAD RED

Château Peyros 2011 Tannat-Cabernet Franc (Madiran) $13.13
Tannat is a new grape for us. Although it's the National grape of Uruguay, it's origin is the Southwest France Madiran region. It's slowly gaining a very modest reputation in the U.S. (Club member Scott has heard of it!) This grape was the muse for developing a new winemaking process called micro-oxygenation which infuses oxygen into the wine to speed up and control the aging process. That, and 40% Cab Franc tames this into a wonderfully tannic, unique and affordable gem. The sediment is normal, they recommend decanting, but, we don't bother. Wine Enthusiast gave it 90 points and rated it 39 in their Top 100 this year.

2014 St Michael Eppian Pinot Nero $17.55
This is our first repeat club wine. The 2013 was our biggest selling red last year.  Light on color and long on flavor, we still think it’s the perfect Thanksgiving wine. Stock up, this wine doesn’t disappoint.

 HIGH ROAD WHITE

2013 Michaud Vineyard, Marsanne $35.21
100% Marsanne from one acre of vines east of Monterey. Yes, I said one acre. Grapes were cloned from the Northern Rhone famous winemaking family J.L. Chave.  This spicy beauty is Autumn and Thanksgiving perfection. Impress somebody with this limited-production local treat.

2015 Chateau Vannieres Bandol Blanc- $26.89
Wine nerds rejoice! They say there are two kinds of wine drinkers, those that love Bandol and those that haven’t tried it. From the South of France, 95% Clairette, 5% Bouboulenc and aged in all stainless, this is a perfect Winter white (think indoor, think rainy day, think food). The lingering finish makes this perfect for your next dinner with friends. Club member Clark has been kind enough to introduce us to Bandol and this Blanc should make him proud.

HIGH ROAD RED

2012 Chateau Moulin de La Grangere Saint Emillion Grand Cru Bordeaux $23.75
Yes, this is a Merlot, and yes, typically the area of Bordeaux blends with other grapes, BUT, in 2012, weather conditions were particularly good for Merlot in Saint Emillion, which is why this traditionally-blended Bordeaux is 100% Merlot. Excellent wine and excellent conversation. Drop this knowledge as needed.

2010 Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Sagrantino $37.50
One of the oldest estates in the Montefalco region, Scacciadiavoli (Devil Banisher) got its name from a 17th Century exorcism. Red wine was said to cast out the devil from possessed young women – lucky girls. Sagrantino (the grape) is uncommon, dark and tannic, yielding a powerful, but balanced wine with a spicy finish.  Our winemaker friend Tony come over to drop off our allotment of his Napa Cab (we would need an extra, extra high road to sell his wine) and he gave this a big ol’ thumbs up. You’re welcome – we just saved you a bunch of money.