Menu for May
Wines
Apéritifs
Campari 5.
Boissiere Sweet or Dry Vermouth 3.5
La Gitana Manzanilla Dry Sherry 3.5
Pernod and Water 4.5
May 2008 Wines
Dibon Cava
The Xampanyerias (cava bars) in Barcelona are well known for their chic décor and cutting edge tapas. Cava flows freely at these late night haunts and pairs beautifully with delicious small plates. This delicious cava is perfect to celebrate just about any occasion.
Bottle 19. Glass 6.25
Lioco 2006 Chardonnay Sonoma
Maybe I’m jaded, but it takes an extraordinary wine to get me hyped up about California Chardonnay. Well folks, I can honestly say LIOCO is that wine. This is 100% unoaked Sonoma Chardonnay that’s harvested early to retain a natural acidity. The wine has beautiful lemon peel and tangerine elements along with a deliciously creamy finish.
Bottle 28. Quartino 12.25 Glass 8.25
Barraud 2006 Macon Chaintré
With Julien Barraud joining his parents, Daniel and Martine, in the wine business, this lesser known Mâcon Chaintré, has become his own project. If you are like me, when you hear Barraud you think of some of the best Pouilly Fuisse made. Think of Mâcon Chaintré as a Pouilly Fuisse starter kit. Beautiful juicy Chardonnay fruit with an elegance you only find in a French wine.
Bottle 28. Quartino 12.25 Glass 8.25
O’Reilly’s 2007 Riesling
This is the second label of one of our favorite wineries, Owen Roe. If you are thinking super sweet German Riesling, think again. O’Reilly’s Oregon version is tangy with juicy tangerine, lemon zest and fresh ginger flavors.
Bottle 22. Quartino 10. Glass 6.75
Rochioli 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
The Rochioli family is known for producing high quality grapes for three generations. Their wines, especially the Pinot Noirs, have cult status among collectors. The Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best Sonoma has to offer. A quarter of the wine is barrel fermented while the remaining wine is fermented in stainless steel producing a wine with bright acidity with body and complexity.
Bottle 36. Quartino 15.25 Glass 10.25
Robert Sinskey Vineyards 2007 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
When we were out in Napa the Sinskey’s prepared us a lovely, casual lunch. It was just what we needed after a hectic schedule of visiting restaurants and wineries. This Vin Gris is juicy, crisp and just waiting to be part of your warm weather fun…welcome the cult of pink. There is very little of the 2007 Vin Gris, so get it while you can.
Bottle 32. Quartino 13.75 Glass 9.25
Lane Tanner 2006 Pinot Noir Julia’s Vineyard
Although it’s been many years since Lane Tanner came to visit, she left such an impression, her wines continue to be some of the most requested in the restaurant. It’s easy to see why. This is an intense Pinot Noir with dark fruit and a hint of smoky bacon in the finish.
Bottle 46. Quartino 19. Glass 12.75
Mas de la Devèze 2006 Côtes du Roussillon Villages 66
The Roussillon, at least until recently, has been a place in Southern France where an aspiring winemaker could still afford a plot of land. Much of the land in this area is full of old vines with exquisite terroir. 66 is a blend of Grenache and Carignan. The wine sees not a bit of oak and is silky with a fine grained texture. The flavor profile is all red raspberry with the most integrated, delicious mineral component your likely to experience. This is one of the most delicious and interesting red wines I’ve tasted recently.
Bottle 28. Quartino 12.25 Glass 8.25
Strong Arms 2006 Shiraz
I often shy away from wines with gimicky labels. My one weakness is wine from the Grateful Palate. Aside from being one of the most creative forces in the wine industry, you can always trust the quality of any of the wines bearing the Grateful Palate logo. Strong Arms is fruit forward Shiraz without being heavy. It’s perfect with anything spicy or just when you want a satisfying glass of wine. Robert Parker gave this wine 91 points, if you care about that sort of thing. There are 6 different labels of Strong Arms Shiraz. Why not collect them all?
Bottle 19. Quartino 8.75 Glass 6.