June Featured Wines – Mary Taylor Christophe Avi Rose Agenais & Domaine d’Ansignan Les Grenadines, France

May 31, 2025 · by ·

If you follow the meteorological seasonal calendar, summer starts Sunday, June 1. Many restaurants switch house wines to lighter ones once summer arrives. Our June wines will reflect that same change. This is when I slip in a rose and also a red that is served slightly chilled. No surprise these wines are French but from different regions. Both wines are grown using biodynamic agriculture based on organic farming.

The rose, Mary Taylor’s 2024 Christophe Avi Rose Agenais, is from southwest France. Agenais is a small area in a region that overlaps with several other small regions. We have featured Mary Taylor’s Buzet which is produced in one of these regions by that name. This cluster of small regions is about 80 miles from Bordeaux. It is said Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grow wild in the Agenais region. The thought is in the 17th century these two varietals crossed to create Cabernet Sauvignon. This rose is a blend of Cabernet Franc (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) which make it a crisp and dry wine.

The red selection, 2023 Domaine d’Ansignan Les Grenadines, is from Côtes Catalanes, an IGP wine region in the southeast in Languedoc-Roussillon. Part of Cotes Catalanes is in the Pyrenees. This wine is a blend of Syrah (12%), Grenache (43%), Carignan (12%), Macabeo(9%) and Lledoner Pelut (24% known as “Hairy Grenache.”) The estate on which these grapes are grown is high in the Pyrenees, on the edge of the historic region, Occitania. Domaine d’Ansignan is a partnership between winemakers, Sebastien Calduch and Jeff Carrel whose mission is to preserve the art and tradition of winemaking in harmony with nature.

2024 Mary Taylor Christophe Avi Rose Agenais, France $12

This rose is a fresh blend of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon. The nose suggests red currants, fresh cherry, tangy watermelon, orange blossom and lime leaf. It feels generous in the middle and finishes with dusty minerality and a nice sense of grip. It’s refreshingly dry and has a nice weight to stand up to robust foods. Alcohol: 12.9%

2023 Domaine d’Ansignan Les Grenadines, France $18

This is a red blend of 5 varietals. It is cherry in color. On the nose it brings red currant, pomegranate juice, and strawberry aromas.It has a fresh and bright palate. Serve with a slight chill. Excellent with white meats such as pork and poultry. Perfect for drinking outside in warm weather.
Alcohol: 13%

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May Featured Wines – 2023 Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay & 2021 Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée, Navarra, Spain

May 5, 2025 · by ·

For May we are featuring wines from Navarra, Spain. Navarra is located in the north of Spain, bordering France, the Basque Country, and Aragon. The region’s diverse topography, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the Ebro Plains, creates a wide variety of terroirs. Navarra experiences a unique blend of Atlantic, continental, and Mediterranean influences.The region is divided into five sub-regions, each with its own unique characteristics.The producer of the wines is Bodega Otazu. located in the town of Otazu. They produce premium wines expressing its origin and the essence of the terroir they are coming from. The grow all of their grape varieties – Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Berués – on a single estate of 116 hectares (just under 3oo acres.) Bodega Otazu is one of the 20 Spanish wineries which were given the highest certification and recognition in Spain – Pago Appellation of Origin – guaranteeing the selection as well as the unique and outstanding personality of each of its wines.

Our white selection is Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay 2023. The winemaker describes this Chardonnay as “fresh and friendly.” It is 100% Chardonnay. The red selection is Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée 2021 which is 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 33% Tempranillo. The winemaker describes this with a palate that is round, elegant and fresh. The label of these wines is inspired by the figure of ‘Ariadna’ by Manolo Valdés, a figure that tells the story of how Ariadna and the God of wine, Dionysus, fell in love and conceived Enopion, the one who brought down to Earth the techniques of winemaking.

Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay 2023, Navarra, Spain $14

This Chardonnay is lemon yellow, clean and bright in color. It has a floral nose, with citrus notes.In the mouth it is fresh and friendly. Consider this a perfect pairing for seafood, grilled and baked fish, white meats as well as milding seasoned pastas, salads and rice, foie gras and fresh sheep’s cheeses. Alcohol: 13%

Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée 2021, Navarra, Spain $15

This cuvee is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 33% Tempranillo. It is a ruby red color
The nose presents notes of red fruit and wild berries, spicy. The palate is round, elegant and fresh. This is a great pairing for sausages, red meats and game and for all kinds of cheeses, risottos and fish such as tuna or smoked fish, dark chocolate Alcohol: 15%

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Opening Reception & Wine Tasting for Helene English

March 7, 2025 · by ·

Visit with Helene English, our featured artist for March. We will be tasting wines from France and Italy.

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March Featured Wines – 2023 La Giustiniana Gavi di Gavi & 2022 Masserie Dugento Negroamaro, Italy

March 7, 2025 · by ·

Our sales rep for one of our distributors told me about a new Italian producer they have added to their inventory. Michelle always has her eye out for wine club options that fit our price profile. It is getting harder and harder but she keeps finding new wines. These are Italian wines from Puglia, the southern region that forms the boot and Piedmont in the north western corner at the top of the boot.

The new winemaker is Masserie Dugento who produces the red. I had some luck finding information about the winemaker but no specific tasting notes on their wines. The leadership team is Giordano Emo Capodilista, Francesco Marra and Andrea Boaretti, a Venetian oenologist who shares a similar passion for the Salento region of Puglia. Thier names certainly convince you they mean serious business. They make two reds, a Negroamara and a Primitivo. Our selection is Masserie Dugento Salento Rosso Negroamara. Negroamara grapes grow well in the region which is mostly the only region where they are grown. Negroamara wine is bold and full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit, herbs, and spices. We shall see if this is correct once we get a taste!

The white is La Giusitiani Gavi di Gavi from the Piedmont region. The winemaker is one of the oldest in the region. Gavi di Gavi wines are made from Cortese grapes and are named for the town which is in the center of the region. These grapes are only grown in a restricted area surrounding Cortese. You will find this a versatile,dry white wine.

2023 La Giustiniana Gavi di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy $18

This wine is made from Cortese grapes. It has aromas of green apple and lime peel. It has pronounced acidity and notes of toasted almonds This dry white is a versatile accompaniment for many meals. It shines with fish and light pastas, or sipped as an aperitif. Alcohol: 13%

2022 Masserie Dugento Negroamaro, Pulgia, Italy $14

There are no tasitng notes on this specific wine. Negroamara wines are bold with tastes of dark fruits and dried thyme, allspice, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried herbs. Consider letting the wine breathe before pairing with foods like barbecue chicken and pulled pork. Alcohol: 13.5%

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November Featured Wines – 2022 Darting, Riesling Durkheimer Nonnengarten Kabinett, Germany & 2022 Chateau de Campuget, Costieres de Nimes Traditional Red, France

November 1, 2024 · by ·

Everyone has their own Thanksgiving dinner traditions but turkey is primarliy the star of the show. What makes wine selection difficult are things like how the turkey is cooked and go withs like sauerkraut. Most menus have lots of starches so contrasting flavors often work against each other. Typical wine recommendations are Riesling, Chardonnay (unoaked), Pinot Noir and Gamay. These options offer lighter body options for both white and red wine.

Our selections are a Kabinett Riesling and a Syrah and Grenache Rhone blend. 2022 Darting Riesling Durkheimer Nonnengarten Kabinett is an off-dry. Kabbinett Rieslings are the most dry. They are also the lightest but still aromatic. At 10% it is a low alcohol wine. It is in a liter bottle so you have more to share!

2022 Chateau de Campuget, Costieres de Nimes Traditional Rouge is the red selection. This wine takes us slightly away from traditional Thanksgiving red wine.
Syrah gives this wine body and Grenache adds softness and fruit. The beauty is this wine is very pleasing when young. It does age well but enjoying it now will give you a fresh red. It is suggested to serve slightly chilled, not refrigerated. Just put by the back door for Mother Nature to chill to 60 degrees.

2022 Darting, Riesling Durkheimer Nonnengarten Kabinett, Germany $19

This Kabinett Riesling has a beautiful freshness featuring herbal notes that overlay the yellow apple and ripe peach flavors. Straightforward but the overall effect is sold and firm. Alcohol: 10%

2022 Chateau de Campuget, Costieres de Nimes Traditional Red, France $13

This traditional red is a blend of 70% Syrah & 30% Grenache. On the nose is ripe fruit. On the palate it is round with smooth tannins. Very pleasant as a young wine but ages well. Alcohol: 13%

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October Featured Wines – 2023 Backsberg Gravel Road Chenin Blanc & 2020 Backsberg Blueberry Row Pinotage, South Africa

October 10, 2024 · by ·

This month’s wines are from South Africa. Backsberg Wines have a long history in South Africa starting with the immigration of Charles Back from Lithuania in 1902. Charles settled in Paarl in the Western Cape Province. (This area is now called the Western Cape Winelands, a coastal wine region.) Charles began as a butcher then became a farmer and wine grower when his son Sydney joined him in the family business. From then until now five generations of the Back family have grown their wine business making modern accomodations to produce sustainable wines and becoming carbon neutral.

2023 Backsberg Gravel Road Chenin Blanc $15

This Chenin Blanc has juicy peach, floral and mango aromas. It has hints of honey sweetness and a slightly fuller body that is versatile and goes well with creamy or spicy dishes. Nice on its own. Alcohol: 13%

2020 Backsberg Blueberry Row Pinotage $18

This is a juciy yet gentle Pinotage. It showcases notes of mocha, cinnamon and wild blueberries reflecting its origin. This fruity style wine makes it lovely on its own as well served with hearty food. Alcohol: 14%

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September Featured Wines – 2022 Nisia Verdejo Old Vines, Rueda, Spain & 2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Sauvignon, Navarra, Spain

September 1, 2024 · by ·

With meteorological autumn starting today, September 1, fall is here. Summer weather does not leave for some time but the idea of fall makes me think about seasonal changes in our wine selection. This month we have selected wines from 2 different wine regions in Spain – Navarra and Rueda. We have had wines from both regions but different grapes from different producers.

2022 Nisha Verdejo Old Vines is produced by Bodegas Vatan for Jorge Ordonez Selections in the Rueda region. Rueda is in the Castile y Leon region in north central Spain. Rueda is Spain’s most famous white wine region. Winters are long and cold while summers are hot and dry. The soil in this region is resistent to Phylloxera which destroyed vineyards in France over 100 years ago. Many of the artisan wines, such as those imported by Jorge Ordonez Selections, continue to be grown as they were traditionally a centutry ago. Ordonez was one of the first importers to introduce Spanish wines to the United States.

2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Savignon is produced by Bodegas Nekeas in Navarra in the north of Spain. This region has an ancient history but is still little known. We have had Tempranillo and Garnacha from Navarra but Cabernet Sauvignon is also widely produced. This wine is also imported by Jorge Ordonez Selections.

2022 Nisia Verdejo Old Vines, Rueda, Spain $16

Nisia Verdejo has a bouquet of Bosc pear, nectarine and brined green olives paves the wayfor peach, honeydew melon, fennel bulb and vanilla bean flavors. There are notes of white chocolate and lemon zest that offer a vibrant finish. Alcohol: 14%

2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Sauvignon, Navarra, Spain $12

Expect this Cabernet Sauvignon to have fruit-forward profile with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and perhaps a hint of green pepper. The wine should have a medium body, smooth tannins, and a clean finish, making it approachable and enjoyable.Alcohol: 14%

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August Featured Wines – Zeni Soave Doc Classico Vigne Alte & Bricco al Sole Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy

August 17, 2024 · by ·

When selecting wines to featured for our wine club, I look back to see where the wine club has “traveled” and what wines have sold after being introduced. Italian and French wines seem to be more frequently purchased. Most recently Castellani Chianti and Vermintino have been good sellers. This made me think about wines that are characteristic of the 20 regions in Italy. I have chosen a Soave from Veneto in north-east Italy bordering the Adriactic Sea and a Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from Abruzzo in east-central Italy.

2023 Zeni Soave Doc Classico Vigne Alte, Italy $15

This Soave reveals beautiful notes of elderberry , chamomile , green apple ,pear , small plums , chalk , lemon and white peach . The palate is elegant, fresh and delicious at the same time with a finish of beautiful bitterness. Enjoy with fish, risottos and caesar salad. Alcohol: 12.3%

2022 Bricco al Sole Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ,Italy $12

This Montepulciano’Abruzzo has an Intense aroma of dry fruits and flowers. Dry and savory with soft tannins & notes of dark cherry and red berry fruit. Pair with roasted and braised red meats, with poultry and savory dishes. Certified Organic. Alcohol: 13%

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July Featured Wines – Comtesse Marion Viognier & Comtesse Marion Pinot Noir, Pays d’Oc, France

July 1, 2024 · by ·

Our July selection is from Comtesse Marion whose vineyards are outside of Vias near the Mediterranean coast. Their wines carry the Pays d’Oc designation since they meet specific production standards that are authorized for the Languedoc-Roussillon region. The Vic family is a five generation wine producer that uses sustainable methods without herbicides or pesticides.

2023 Comtesse Marion Viognier is 100% Viognier grapes. When deciding between Comtesse Marion Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc, Michelle Coleman, my sales rep, said the Viognier would be a great “go to” summer white. She called it “juicy.” The 2022 Comtesse Pinot Noir is our red selection which is grown on 30 plus year old vines in the rocky, volcanic soils of the region. It is 100% Pinot Noir grapes. I selected the Pinot Noir over other Comtesse Marion reds since French Pinots are a pleasing diversion from more costly US Pinots.

2023 Comtesse Marion Viognier $14

This viognier is bursting with flavors of white peach, pear, and melon. There are hints of lemon zest and blood orange that add wonderful complexity and juiciness to this succulent white, which finishes with a silky texture. Serve with mild, creamy curries, mild spicy pad thai, chicken, pork, and creamy cheeses (as well as some hard cheeses like Gruyère).Alcohol: 13.0%

2022 Comtesse Marion Pinot Noir $15

This gorgeously balanced Pinot Noir shows sublime flavors of fresh wild strawberry, blood orange, and redcherries. It is layered and juicy, with a silky texture that keeps you coming back for more. The importer calls this wine “ethereal and layered, with the texture of pure silk.” This fruit-forward wine is a nice, lower alcohol summer red. Alcohol: 12.5%

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June Featured Wines – 2021 Skyfall Chardonnay & 2020 Skyfall Cabernet SAuvignon, Washington State

June 7, 2024 · by ·

June’s wines take us to the Northwest wine world of Washington State. The wines are produced by Skyfall Wines. Their website starts with this statement: The vineyards of Washington State suffer scorching sunlight, sparse rains & shallow soils. Yet from this harshest of environments comes fruit of unyielding character. Come as they are, our old enemies are worth the struggle. This gives a very clear idea of the challenges winemaker, Nicole Walsh,
faces in the Columbia Valley.

Walsh is a star female winemaker and is a respected leader in the Women Owned Winery Movement. She spent 20 years as a winemaker at Bonny Doon before moving to Washington State. Skyfall’s website tells a great story about Walsh’s commitment to the natural environment. Each wine label is a tribute to Mother Nature. Much has been accomplished since Skyfall was founded 10 years ago.

Our white selection is 2021 Skyfall Chardonnay. The red is 2020 Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon is 85% Cabernet and 15% Syrah grapes. Both wines are classic for pairings. My choice for the Chardonnay would be grilled salmon. For the Cabernet I would opt for grilled lamb – if I could eat red meat!

2021 Skyfall Chardonnay $10

This Chardonnay brings toasted hazelnuts and Asian pear to the nose. It is rich and creamy on the palate with apple, toasted almond and lingering notes of Meyer lemon and crème brûlée. This a beautifully crafted wine that is well-balanced. It is rich and creamy with notable oak. Alcohol: 13.8%

2020 Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon $11

The aromas bring direct appeal, with notes of plum, butter and dried herbs, showing some reduction as well. Plump raspberry and cherry flavors follow, with the tannins giving a squeeze.The palate is filled with flavors of dark fruit, cassis, and a touch of cedar, with structured tannins. Alcohol: 14.2%

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