Thursday, February 20, 5-7p
Skyline Artisan White 2017
This Riesling-Sauvignon Blanc blend from winemaker Nathan Kandler is “Artisan” in every way–small production, made from grapes grown sustainably on some of the best farms in the Central Coast. Intensely fragrant, the wine offers notes of tart green apple and jasmine, buffered by finely balanced acidity and minerality. Dry, but fruit driven enough to add depth to the palate, the wine has a beautiful, focused finish. Try it with everything from Turkish to Thai food.
Vina Errazuriz Max Carmenere 2017
Founded in 1870, Vina Errazuriz was one of the first wineries to plant French grapes in the mineral-rich soils of the Aconcagua Valley. This Carmenere offers subtle notes of ripe black and red berries, roasted red peppers, rosemary, and forest soil. On the palate, the is soft and spicy, with flecks of cocoa-dusted coffee beans and balanced by elegant acidity and tannins.
Friday, February 21, 6-8p
Lejay Cassis
It all started in 1841 with Auguste-Denis Lagoute. The first liqueur-maker of Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy, was keen to invent an innovative recipe. This led him to develop the first ever Crème de Cassis, with a smooth texture and powerful aromas. Rich, velvety texture with full-bodies blackcurrants that continue to open with hints of cherry and plum, becoming more luscious with exotic zest, fruit jam notes and a final wave of crème brûlée.
Saturday, February 22, 5-7p
Julien Baillard Chablis 2016
Domaine Julien Baillard is a new company with long roots in Chablis. It’s first vintage was released in 2013, however the Baillard/Servin family has been devoted to the vine, and can trace its winemaking pedigree back to the 16th century. This 100% Chardonnay is Chablisien winemaking at it’s most classic–pale golden yellow in color with a bright apple and pear blossom notes, accented with fine minerality, exceptional balance and the slightest hint of fresh butter. An ideal partner for seafood, oysters, charcuterie, and of course, poulet roti, this steel-fermented wine also sings on its own as the perfect aperitif.
La Calera Bonarda 2016
Named for the carriages that brought settlers across the pampas centuries ago to develop the vine in Mendoza, “La Calera” is a single-vineyard Bonarda from the Maipú subregion. Medium-bodied and very approachable, the wine offers notes of ripe plum and cherry compote, savory and sweet herbs, and powdered cocoa, balanced by freshness and a long, food friendly finish. Try it with braises, mature cheeses, tapas or light appetizers.
Castello Regine Sparkling Rose NV
Bright and fresh, this is a sparkling rose made from sustainably farmed Sangiovese and Montepuliciano using the Charmat Method (the second fermentation takes place in a large closed pressure tank). It’s excellent on its own as an aperitif, with light appetizers, or dessert.
Sunday, February 23, 5-7p
Van Volxem Saar Riesling 2018
Roman Niewodniczanski, owner of Van Volxem, is not a humble man with humble ambitions. His goal is to single-handedly restore the reputation of the Saar region as the most prestigious dry white wine producing region in Germany, if not the world. By combing through piles of historical documents and public records, he discovered that the Saar possessed a potential that had remained virtually untapped since the first half of the 20th century. Since starting the winery in 2000, Roman has slowly been proving this case. His wines are stunning, demonstrating both the true passion of the winemaker and the esteem of the vineyards. This entry-level wine has a lovely mouthfeel, with a buoyant, silky texture shot through with an arrow of acidity. Subtle peach and citrus notes hover just under the surface of fresh minerals and stones.
