Featured Wines for August – Mary Taylor Gaillac Perle (Nathalie Larroque) & Mary Taylor Buzet (Christophe Avi), Southwest France

July 29, 2023 · by ·

We have featured many Mary Taylor White Label Wines but there a few more on our list. August wines are from 2 small appellations in the Garonne subregion in Southwwest, France – Gaillac and Buzet. Gaillac, believed to be the oldest vineyards in France, is northwest of Toulouse. Buzet is northwest from Gaillac on the left south bank of the Garonne River. If you follow Mary Taylor Wine, you know she searches for producers who grow and process indigenous grapes. Both of these appellations are only now becoming better known in the wine world.

2020 Mary Taylor Gaillac Perle (Nathalie Larroque), Southwest France, $16

This wine is rich and slightly honeyed with a nose of extreme minerals and earth and a balance of raciness and richness on the palate. The word “Perlé” indicates a slight prickle of nearly imperceptible bubbles in the wine. Enjoy on its own as an aperitif. Pair with rich and spicy foods; Indian Vindaloo, Korean spicy pork, mapo tofu, or Thai curries.Alcohol: 13%

This bold and structured wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It displays rich red berry fruit, coffee beans, and tobacco. The unoaked palate is silky and graceful.The wine has ripe tannins and a generous texture that offers a good mix of black fruits and acidity. This a a wine to pair with summer grilled meats. Alcohol: 13.5%

2019 Mary Taylor Buzet (Christophe Avi), Southwest France $17

This bold and structured wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It displays rich red berry fruit, coffee beans, and tobacco. The unoaked palate is silky and graceful. The wine has ripe tannins and a generous texture that offers a good mix of black fruits and acidity. This a a wine to pair with summer grilled meats. Alcohol: 13.5%

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Featured Wines for July – 2018 Coto de Imaz Reserva Blanco & 2021 El Coto Estate-Grown Rosado, Rioja, Spain

July 3, 2023 · by ·

Each year I like to introduce a rose wine when I think such a change will be enjoyed. Summer is a perfect time although the French drink roses all year since they are such good “food” wines. I also attempt to find roses made in different regions and from different varietals.This month’s wines are produced by El Coto Winery in Rioja, Spain.

2018 Coto de Imaz Reserva Blanco, Rioja, Spain $18

This is a light to medium wine with defined body and fine balance. It has a zesty freshness of pineapple and lemon but a softening with creamy structure and a light nutty finish. This vintage has received high marks and is considered a great pairing for hors d’euvres and charcuterie as well as fish and chicken. Alcohol: 12.5%

2021 El Coto Estate-Grown Rosado, Rioja, Spain $11

This salmon colored rose has aromas of tangerine, raspberry and sage. It has a pleasant feel in the mouth with flavors of lemon curd, strawberry, vanilla and lavender. There is light floral finish. This favorably rated rose is a perfect compliment to salads, chicken and fresh from the dock seafood. Alcohol: 13.5%

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June Featured Wines – Cline Family Cellars Chardonnay & Cline Family Cellars Pinot Noir, California

June 1, 2023 · by ·

Cline Family Cellars was started in 1982 by Fred and Nancy Cline in Oakley, California, Fred was one of the original Rhone Rangers and began planting vineyards dedicated to Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Some of his first vintages were from original plantings of Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and Carignane, dating back to the 1880s. Since those first plantings, the family has continued to plant vineyards throughout Sonoma County, expanding to include more classic varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is still a family operation which has brought in some of the best winemakers from other parts of the wine world. It is a certified sustainable winery.

2021 Cline Family Cellars Chardonnay, California $16

This is a bright wine with plentiful tropical and stone fruit flavors balanced with oak and vanilla complexity that leads to a long and luscious finish. It is delicious wine mixture of oak and stainless fermentation with just the right amount of secondary fermentation. It has flavors of stone fruits and melon adding wonderful accents of fresh-baked bread Alcohol: 14.5%

2020 Cline Family Cellars Pinot Noir, California $20

Cline Pinot Noir has sumptuous flavors of raspberry, lilacs and dark chocolate, with subtle hints of vanilla and toasted oak. Bright red fruit characteristics emerge along with deep, color, lush body, touches of vanilla and spearmint followed by delicate strawberry flavor. Red fruit greet you on the nose and on the palate richness making this a superb drinking experience . Alcohol: 14.0%

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May Featured Wines – 2022 San Felice Perolla Vermentino & 2020 San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

April 29, 2023 · by ·

Agricola San Felice is recognized as an innovative Italian estate, partly because of its ability to spot trends before they develop and partly because of its intense research and experimentation. At the same time, however, its production style accentuates the uniqueness and typical character of its territory by retaining a close attachment to tradition. The estate is situated in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, near Siena, in other words, right in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico territory. This is the type of producer we like to offer wine club members.

The white selection, Agricola San Felice Perolla Vermentino (2021), is grown southwest of Siena in Maremma on the coast of Tuscany. A traditional grape in the Maremma, Vermentino ripens to perfection on the hills of the Perolla estate, thanks in part to the moderating influence of the moderating influence of the nearby Mediterranean.

The red selection, Agricola San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG (2020) is the first Chianti we have carried in a long time. Wine Spectator scored this as #24 on the best price list. This Chianti, mostly Sangiovese with 10% of each Colorino and Pugnitello has received rave reviews from buyers.

2022 San Felice Perolla Vermentino, Maremma, Tuscany $15

This is a dry, yet smooth white wine with a rich fragrance. On the nose, scents of grapefruit citrus emerge, along with spring blossoms and newly-mown hay. The palate shows a refreshing crispness, with subtle citrus in the background. Alcohol: 13.0%

2020 San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany $19

This is an example of a light and classic Chianti. Ruby red in color with the typical orangish, brick red hues of Sangiovese. It has complex notes of tart cherries, herbs like oregano, leather, tobacco, Italian salami. Light bodied, soft tannins, medium acid, and a medium long dry savory finish. Alcohol: 13.0%

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March Featured Artists – Maureen Farrell & Karen Kinser

March 3, 2023 · by ·

Our March show welcomes true spring with the art of two very talented women. The show, titled Drawing from Within, has Maureen Farrell returning and introduces Karen Kinser. As you can see from the work shown on their websites – Maureen Farrell and Karen Kinser – both address what they feel with their contemporary paintings. Maureen shares her emotions with her figurative acrylic paintings which start with journaling and sketching. Karen takes a similar approach to her drawing and oil paintings by incorporating her background in graphic design. Her primary interest is color. Both artists let their emotions drive what they paint. Maureen uses a process and Karen uses color and shapes. All of the paintings are in albums on our Facebook page. Below is a selection of some of the paintings in the show.

Maureen Farrell

Karen Kinser

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Featured Wines for February – 2021 Colimoro Pinot Grigio, & 2020 Colimoro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy

January 31, 2023 · by ·

Wines for February are new to our shelves. From time to time we like to replace old “standards” with wines from different producers. The February wines are Italian and carry a Colimoro label. Colimoro is a collaboration between the Opici family and some of Italy’s oldest producers. Together, they are creating wines that reflect the character of the region from which they derive. Opici Family Distributing, is one of our distributors.

Opici considers these 2 wines to be easy-drinking, approachable wines intended for every day consumption. 2020 Colimoro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made from grapes sourced from the hillsides of Abruzzo, located east of Rome. The distinct microclimate between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, characterized by moderate temperatures and low humidity, provides excellent growing conditions for this varietal. 2021 Colimoro Pinot Grigio is produced in the northeastern Italian region of Alto Adige – the premier location for the cultivation of this varietal

2021 Colimoro Pinot Grigio, Italy $15

This Pinot Grigio has flavors of white peach, honeysuckle, and ripe melon perfectly pair with the refreshing acidity. It is full-bodied with great balance, length, and a sliced green apple finish. Pour this wine for all occasions, especially whilst enjoying salads, seafood, creamy pasta dishes, and, of course, amongst friends. Serve well chilled. Alcohol: 12.5%

2020 Colimoro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy $15

This Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is bursting with aromas of dried cherries accented by a hint of spice. Medium in body, this is a fruit-forward wine balanced by moderate acidity and soft tannins. Aged in large Slavonian oak casks for 6 months, this is an easy-drinking wine best enjoyed young with everyday meals Alcohol: 12.5%

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January Wines – Peirano Estate Vineyards, Heritage Collection Viognier (2020) & Peirano Estate Vineyards, Heritage Collection Old Vine Zinfandel (2019), California

January 6, 2023 · by ·

This month’s selection takes us back to California and to the Peirano Estate Vineyards. In 1992, Peirano Estate Vineyards began bottling and selling wine using their estate grown grapes. Until this point, Lance Randolph, fourth generation Peirano, produced wine simply for his enjoyment and that of his close family and friends. The rest of the grapes were sold to winemakers across the country. Their vineyards are located in the Central Valley in the Lodi region.

The white is Peirano Heritage Viognier (2020.) The red is Peirano Heritage Old Vine Zinfandel (2019.) The Viognier may remind you of a buttery Chardonnay. Even if you are not a buttery fan, you should enjoy this wine since it is lighter. Viognier grapes were first grown in France but now their are grown in many wine regions where weather and terrior give it different qualities. You will find the Zinfandel lush, all purpose wine for winter meals. If you remember the Terrilogio Primitivo pairs well with spicy Italian dishes, this Zinfandel will do as well.

Peirano Estate Vineyards, Heritage Collection Viognier (2020), California $14

This is a wine for poultry and fish that are mildly prepared. It has Aromas of honeysuckle, guava and butter are complemented by a hint of toasty brioche. On the palate, lush flavors of fresh ripe apricots, lychee, vanilla and floral are balanced by flavors of peaches and butter. For buttery Chardonnay lovers, this Viognier is for you. Alcohol: 14.8%

Peirano Estate Vineyards, Heritage Collection Old Vine Zinfandel (2019), California $14

This wine has a beautiful burgundy color. It has seductive aromas of spiced blackberry, plum, dried cherry and baking spices. On the palate, the initial sensation is that of luscious, juicy, freshly-picked ripe blackberries lightly spiced. The second sip explodes with moderate tannins and juicy acidity. Great with burgers and spicy dishes. Alcohol: 14.8%

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December Featured Wines – 2021 Garzon Albarino Reserva & 2020 Garzon Tannat Reserva, Uruguay

December 5, 2022 · by ·

The wine industry in Uruguay dates back to 1870. It was brought by immigrants from the Basque region of Spain, France and Italy. The first grape produced was Tannant. By the mid-1950’s Albarino was introduced. Today other common varietals are Merlot (10%), Chardonnay (7%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Sauvignon blanc (6%), and Cabernet Franc (4%). There are two levels of classification, Vino de calidad preferente (VCP), a “quality wine” category and Vino común (VC), a “table wine” category. In the 1980’s the wine industry focused on quality and marketing to compete with Brazilian and Argentine wines.

The selected wines are produced by Bodegas Garzon. When Alejandro Bulgheroni and his wife, Bettina, discovered Garzón in 1999, they saw in it their “little Uruguayan Tuscany”, and they had a dream, a family dream that has come true today: Agroland. Thus, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, they started to design Bodega Garzón. From energy efficiency to reduction in water consumption, from using low-emission local equipment to responsible construction waste management, from collecting rainwater to restoring biodiversity… These are some of the environmental strategies implemented in its design and construction.

2021 Garzon Albarino Reserva, Uruguay $14

This Albariño is of a pale yellow colour with greenish reflections and fruity aromas reminding of peach; balanced with citric notes. It is fresh and mineral with a marked acidity and a long and rounded aftertaste in mouth. Aromas of gooseberry, finger lime and ginger lead off in this refined but refreshing white, with saline-laced grapefruit and Meyer lemon at the core, followed by a clean finish Alcohol: 12.5%

2020 Garzon Tannat Reserva, Uruguay $14

This Tannat is deep purple in color. It has fresh aromas of red and black fruits – plums and raspberries with spice flavored aroma. It has features grippy tannins. On the palate it feels juicy with medium body. The most traditional combination is slowly cooked leg of lamb flavored with sage, mint, garlic and olive oil. It also pairs beautifully with blue cheese and toasted walnuts.
Alcohol: 14.0%

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October Featured Wines – OT Vins El Cep, Penedes, Spain & Maria Cruz Garcia, Tempranillo, Narvarra, Spain

October 2, 2022 · by ·

OT Vins El Cep, Penedes, Spain (2021) $12

This X-arel-lo has fragrant fresh pear and honeydew melon on the nose, along with a subtle floral nuance. On the palate it is silky showing good depth and a touch of waxiness to the ripe orchard and citrus fruit flavors. The melon note comes back on a smooth, persistent finish that features a refreshing bitter orange zest flourish. A lovely all around white. Alcohol: 12.5.%

Maria Cruz Garcia, Tempranillo, Narvarra, Spain (2019) $14

This is a a dark, plump and powerful Tempranillo with lots of intensity due to the blackberry and black plum fruit and accents of wild herb. The tannins are gentle and firm on the finish, amplifying the dark fruit flavors and making your mouth water for a big bite of lamb or steak.it is fermented and aged in steel tanks with no outside yeasts. Alcohol: 14.1%

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September Featured Wines – Cantine San Marzano, Edda Lei Salento Bianco & Terrilogio, Primitivo, Puglia, Italy

September 1, 2022 · by ·

We are moving into fall but September is still a month for entertaining and grilled meals. Our selected wines come from Puglia, also known as Apulia, a region called “the boot” of Southern Italy. This region produces 40% of Italy’s olive oil but some of the best values in Italian wine come from this sunny, dry region. Most Puglia wine is red, full-bodied and pairs well with a wide variety of foods but there are several indigenous white grapes grown in the region. Both wines meet the IGT (“Indicazione Geografica Tipica standard”) for production consistency for their appellation.

The white wine is Cantine San Marzano, Edda Lei Salento IGT Bianco (2020.) This wine is mainly Chardonnay with white native grapes, Moscatel, and Fiano. It comes from Salento. The red selection is Terrilogio, Primitivo, Puglia IGT (2021.) Primitivo is the same grape as California Zinfandel.

Cantine San Marzano, Edda Lei Salento Bianco, Puglia, Italy (2020) $18

This wine is mainly made from Chardonnay grapes with some Moscatel and Fiano added. It is an intense yellow straw color. There is a scent of peach, citrus and vanilla on the nose. In the mouth it is soft, warm, elegant, with a savory and toasted finish. The wine is suitable for accompanying fish starters and first courses, as well as fresh soft cheeses. Alcohol: 13.5.%

Terrilogio, Primitivo, Puglia, Italy (2021) $11

This Primitivo is deep ruby red. It is full-bodied with warm tannins. Bold flavors hint of tar, licorice and red berries. There is a delicious fruity finish typical of Zinfandels. The body and warmth compliment hot and spicy food. This wine may be enjoyed young but further aging in the bottle will enhance the wine’s richness. Alcohol: 13%

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