Exitus Red 2016
A blend of Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Merlot, the 2016 Exitus is aged for three months in Kentucky Bourbon barrels. It opens with unapologetic, strapping aromas of dark cherries, plums, dark chocolate shavings, mocha, allspice, and, of course, toast. In the mouth, plush round fruit, with just a touch of discernible […]
Bollig-Lehnert Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 2015
The Bollig-Lehnert Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 2015 is pale lemon yellow, with classic Mosel aromas of kerosene and rubber pool toy followed by lemon drop and ripened pear. Medium-weight on the palate, but nicely offset by a jaunty burst of acidity, fruit emerges on the finish with yellow peach and apricot buoyantly weaving in and […]
Herzog Lineage Rosé Clarksburg 2017
The 2017 Herzog Lineage Rosé 2017 offers up a bouquet of pie cherries and pomegranate followed by thyme, dried mint, rose petals, and warm spice. In the mouth, its medium bodied, with a touch of watermelon Jolly Rancher, Snapple iced tea and a trailing wisp of dried herbs and chalk on the finish. Sample Herzog […]
Department 66 Fragile Rosé 2017
Orin Swift winemaker Dave Phinney’s latest project is Department 66, a collection of sleekly packaged wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon. His 2017 Fragile Rosé is salmon-hued with expressive aromas of white peach, cherry blossom, field-ripened strawberries, and orange zest. There is more concentration on the palate than the nose belies, with ample depth and fruit at […]
Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorëns Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2017
A blend of 60% White Grenache and 40% Clairette, think of the Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Blanc 2017 as value in your glass—pale lemon yellow and bone dry, this classic Rhône blend offers up a convivial bouquet of bruised pear and yellow apple, lily of the valley, and a dusting of chalky minerality. In the […]
Château la Rame Sainte-Croix-du-Mont 2015
Crafted from 100% Sémillon grown in clay-limestone soil studded with fossilized oysters, the 2015 Château la Rame Sainte-Croix-du-Mont unfurls to reveal layered aromas of dried mango, pineapple, and acacia honey. It’s a luscious wine, with concentration and vibrant acidity that lends focus and lift to the palate, followed by a pleasant tide of pink grapefruit […]
Altemasi Trento Brut NV
A genial sparkling chardonnay from the Trentodoc, the Altemasi Méthodo Classico Brut has an aromatic profile yellow apples and pears, white flowers, and lemon curd. It’s crisp on the palate, with brisk, cascading bubbles and linear acidity. Lemon pith and wet shell at the close. 12.5% ABV | Sample Altemasi 88 Points
Château Dauphiné Rondillon Loupiac 2011
From the Loupiacais countryside, this golden-glinting blend of 80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc opens with subtle earthiness—blooming forest mushroom that blows off to reveal apricot, tangerine, nougatine, sultana, and warm spice. In the mouth glorious, glycerolly-unctuousness and shimmering depth on the palate, punctuated by bright acidity. Kumquat, almond paste, and baking spice emerge on the […]
Bodegas Altos de Torona Albariño Rías Baixas Sobre Lías 2017
A more fruit-driven expression of Albariño, the Altos de Torona Sobre Lias 2017 is fairly bursting with aromas of yellow peach, banana chip, green apple, and citrus. Lovely freshness and roundness in the mouth, followed by saline-tinged smokiness—the wine’s granitic origins come through on the finish as well as a rather haunting, singular banana note. […]
Pazo Pondal Rías Baixas Albariño 2016
Lovely mouthfeel in this biodynamically farmed, multi-dimensional Albariño from Pazo Pondal. Dewy pear, melon, lemongrass, a whiff of gunflint, and smoke round out the nose. Texturally it’s quite pretty, and round in the mouth, with a bit of skin-ferment bite. That wonderful texture persists through to a moderate finish tipped in lime zest and fleur […]