Menu for September-October
Wine List
CHAMPAGNE AND SPARKLING WINES
Blanc de Blancs Brut Premier Cru NV Marc Hébrart 53.
A very special Chardonnay based Champagne that tastes so much more expensive than it is. It is rich and full-bodied with aromas of baking bread and fresh berries. The Champagne ends with a crisp, snappy finish.
Brut Oeil de Perdrix Bouzy Jean Vesselle 54.
Oeil de Perdrix is French for Partridge’s eye. This creamy big-boned Champagne with Red Burgundy characteristics has wild berry flavors and an underlying minerality.
Brut Premier Cru NV J. Lassalle 50.
This small producer Champagne imported by Kermit Lynch is rich and full-bodied with green apple fruit. The finish is long and creamy with a touch of citrus zest. One of the best authentic Champagnes for the money.
Cava 2006 Gramona 30.
I just love this exquisite Cava from Gramona. It’s made with the usual suspects, Xarello, Macabeo and Paradella. You’ll notice there’s a vintage date…unusual. Gramona is still somewhat small, family owned and handcrafted to the 10th power.
Moscato d’ Asti Quaglia 2009 La Spinetta 27.
This lightly effervescent sparkler is loaded with juicy peach flavors with a zippy zing of acidity in the finish. At a mere 5.5% alcohol, La Spinetta is a perfect aperitif or lunch time wine.
Sekt 2005 Nigl 37.
Nigl is a master of focused, crystalline wines that penetrate to the heart of the Kremstal’s . This Sekt is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Grüner Veltliner that over delivers for the price.
DOMESTIC WHITES
Blend Abraxas Vin de Terroir 2009 Robert Sinskey Vineyards 43.
This wine is fashioned after an Alsatian field blend. Abraxas is 47% Pinot Gris, 23% Riesling, 17% Gewurztraminer, 13% Pinot Blanc and is a succinct gem of a wine with bright citrus, restrained tropical fruit and bright minerality.
Chardonnay Monterey 2008 Cinnabar 29.
This is another choice in my never ending search for food friendly California Chardonnay. Cinnabar makes a classy wine with lots of that peach and apricot thing goin’ on, and then balances it nicely with a zing of lemony acidity.
Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2008 Schug 29.
This Chardonnay is made in a lean, crisp style with flavors of citrus and green apple flavors. It tastes remarkably like St. Veran…what a revelation.
Chardonnay Unoaked 2008 Hendry 29.
Hendry makes some of the finest California Zinfandel around, but this Chardonnay is a gem I’ve just discovered. It’s full of lively lime zest and white peach flavors (and not a single tree was sacrificed in the process).
Pinot Gris 2009 Anne Amie 27.
This Oregon Pinot Gris is a beautiful wine that is stylistically Alsatian in its flavor profile. It has a gorgeous copper color along with a creamy, succulent texture. Flavors of ripe pear and sweet lemon peel make my mouth water.
Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Mason 26.
Randy Mason is considered one of the finest Sauvignon Blanc producers in the country. This Napa wine is full of citrus flavors, lime and grapefruit especially, but is balanced by a creamy texture and long finish.
Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma 2008 Selby Winery 25.
Her wines are elegant and classy, just like her. The Sauvignon Blanc is stainless steel fermented with just a hint of Semillon. Full of delicious citrus flavors with a zingy acidity.
Sauvignon Blanc Veladora 2009 Orin Swift 35.
A blend of 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Semillon and 2% Muscat, this deliciously lush wine is full of tropical fruit flavors with a compelling orange zest finish. A philanthropic project by Orin Swift with 100% of the sales of this wine going to Puertas Abiertas.
IMPORT WHITES
Albariño 2008 La Caña 25.
La Caña is a collaboration between the Gil family in Jumilla and Spanish wine importer, Jorge Ordonez. The goal is a vibrant, more austere version of Albariño with racey acidity. Try this luscious lime infused wine with shellfish, it’s wine and food perfection.
Bordeaux Blanc 2008 Chateau Lamothe de Haux 24.
I love, love, love this wine. A blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon and 20% Muscadelle based on ancient tradition, that is rare in Bordeaux these days. The wine is full of citrus elements and a lively minerality. You’re going to love it.
Chablis 2008 Seguinot-Bordet 33.
Traditional Chablis from one of the oldest estates in the area. Delicious citrus fruit with aromas of lemon verbena followed by a lip smacking saline quality and zingy minerality.
Graves Blanc 2007 Chateau Graville-Lacoste 26.
This beautiful white Bordeaux is made from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. It’s lively and full of zingy grapefruit and lime flavors with a wet stone finish. One of the most elegant and affordable white wines from France.
Grüner Veltliner Gobelsburger 2008 Schloss Gobelsburg 25.
If you’re looking for a Grüner Veltliner starter kit, look no further. This entry level wine is so satisfying you may not venture to try more expensive bottlings. Gobelsburger Grüner Veltliner is bursting with satisfying sweet lime and juicy melon fruit.
Muscat 2008 Heidi Schröck 36.
Heidi Schröck was my favorite stop when I was touring Austrian wine country. This wine called “Muscat” is a blend of Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc and Gelber Muskateller. It is a sweeter, juicier version of Sancerre with tangy lime zest flavors.
Macon-Villages 2008 Verget 25.
Macon-Villages can be a delicious little quaffer or flat and watery…basically not so hot. Vergets’ version is definitely on the delicious side with vibrant, crisp fruit. Ready to pair up with just about any fish or vegetable dish you’ll choose. Absolutely sublime.
Petit Chablis 2008 Roland Lavantureux 28.
Ask Roland what the difference is between Chablis and Petit Chablis, he’ll say, “About 2 bucks a bottle”. This wine is full of the Chardonnay minerality we all from Chablis with a distinctive saline finish. I’ve loved this Kermit Lynch import for years.
Pinot Gris Beblenheim 2005 Marcel Deiss 37.
An unbelievably rich and honeyed Pinot Gris from one producers in Alsace. Loaded with tropical fruit and apricot flavors followed by a long concentrated finish.
Riesling 2008 Weingut H.u.M. Hofer 28.
A beautiful stone fruit infused Riesling from Austria’s Weinviertel, an area to the north of Vienna. It’s loaded with an electrifying minerality that just jumps out of your glass. Hofer belongs to a group called Bio-Ernte, which standards above EU guidelines.
Riesling Dragonstone 2008 Leitz 25.
This is the wine formerly known as Rudesheimer Drachenstein, and one of the tastiest inexpensive Rieslings around. It has some sweetness but it’s all balanced by a crisp acidity and brightness. Try it with anything spicy or as an aperitif.
Riesling Gramercy Tavern 2008 Marquis Philips 33.
We feel very fortunate Dan Philips of the Grateful Palate offered us 5 cases of this Barossa Dry Riesling made for the iconic NYC restaurant, Gramercy Tavern. This is a lushly textured Riesling with flavors of tangerine and lime zest followed by a zingy minerality.
Riesling Loibenberg Smaragd 2007 Alzinger 65.
If you only think Grand Cru quality wines come from France then tasting the wines of Leo Alzinger will be a big surprise. Full of minerality as well as tropical elements, this wine is delicious now but has tremendous aging potential.
Rueda Condesa Eylo 2008 Bodegas Val de Vid 24.
Rueda is an up and coming wine region in the past 10 years. This is a delightful blend of Verdejo with a dash of Sauvignon Blanc. Condesa Eylo has a light straw color, flavors of juicy white peach and lime zest and a beautiful, lightly floral finish.
Sancerre Chavignol 2008 Boulay 34.
Out of the handful of great Sancerre producers, Boulay is a modest nature boy who prides himself on his organic methods. This wine is full of lemon zest, tropical fruit and mineral components, followed by a compelling sweet and spicy quality.
Txacoli 2008 Bodegas Txomin Etxaniz 33.
I love this wine. A blend of two obscure grapes, Hondarrabi Zuri and Beltza (both Basque varietals),it is a refreshing, slightly effervescent white wine. It goes beautifully with seafood.
ROSÉ
Rosé Côtes du Provence 2008 Commanderie de Peyrassol 28.
This is a gem of a producer with, unfortunately, a scant amount of wine to sell. The Commandarie is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. The estate’s emphasis is on juicy, watermelon and strawberry fruit with more body than you’d imagine from rosé.
Rosé Coteaux d’ Aix-en-Provence 2009 Biehler Père et Fils 21.
This rosé rocks my world. Made by Charles Bieler, who also crafts another rosé called Charles and Charles with wild man Charles Smith. A perfect summer rosé with tart cherry and strawberry fruit and a deliciously precise minerality.
Rosé Gris de Gris 2008 Domaine de Fontsainte 22.
Made primarily from Grenache Gris, with seasonings of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. Flavors of fresh strawberry and raspberry along with a spritely acidity make this gris de gris my new rosé of choice.
Rosé Tavel 2009 Domaine de la Mordorée 34.
This substantial, voluptuous Tavel is often voted best in the region. Look for juicy homegrown strawberry and raspberry flavors with oodles of aromatics and a lingering finish. It is truly the Rosé choice for wine geeks.
DOMESTIC REDS
Blend C’est Si Bon 2005 Elyse 35.
Elyse makes some of the most elegant wines I’ve ever tasted. There is so little of the wines they often fly under my “Winds Wine Radar”. C’est Si Bon is a Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Counoise, Carignane and Valdiguie.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Chateau Smith 29.
This is a wine from one of our favorite winemakers, Charles Smith, owner/winemaker of K Vintners. From the cooler climate of Washington State, the wine has flavors of red cherry and dark chocolate with a cedary finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Joel Gott 27.
Still in his 30’s, Joel Gott is one of California’s hottest rising winemakers. This deep ruby, full-bodied 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is bright and assertive with rich flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, plums and mocha.
Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2007 Quilceda Creek 190.
Always either a high 90 and often a 100 point score from the Wine Advocate, Quilceda Creek sets the standard for what Washington State has to offer. Dark plummy fruit with a smoky finish, this will make your special occasion very memorable.
Merlot Rutherford 2006 Frog’s Leap 44.
This 100% Merlot is organically grown and is a classic Napa style. The fruit is rich and lovely with hints of cocoa and tobacco. It’s a lighter, more classy style of Merlot.
Merlot Sonoma 2006 Selby 28.
Selby Merlot is a delicious blend of dark cherry flavors, with intense nutmeg and clove aromatics. The classic Selby style is an opulent, yet elegant Merlot with concentrated fruit on the front palate, a rich velvety mouthfeel and a lingering chocolate finish.
Pinot Noir 2008 McManis Family Vineyards 23.
McManis is a mid-sized winery located just south of Lodi, now known as the River Junction appellation. The wines are values to the 10th power. The Pinot Noir is pleasant with restrained red cherry fruit without the sweetness associated with inexpensive Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir Votre Santé 2007 Francis Ford Coppola Winery 27.
This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is brimming with sweet cherry and tart cranberry fruit. Aromas of baking spices are followed by sandalwood. This very affordable Pinot Noir has a silky texture and pairs well with many fish dishes.
Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2007 Grochau Cellars 33.
Grochau is a small artisan winery utilizing “hands off” winemaking techniques and environmentally friendly processes. The Willamette Pinot Noir is an expression of black cherry fruit with an elegant, judicious use of oak aging.
Pinot Noir Willamette 2007 Rex Hill 36.
Rex Hill offers beautiful cherry fruit with plenty of extraction. Floral aromas are balanced with a smoky finish. There is a gorgeous mouthfeel of silky tannins in the finish making this one sexy wine.
Syrah Lenore 2007 Corvidae Wine Company 24.
Corvidae is the “everyday” line of wines from Owen Roe. Lenore is basically Syrah with a little Grenache thrown in for complexity. Rich and extracted, Lenore defies it’s price point.
Syrah Ex Umbris 2008 Owen Roe 38.
The grapes for this wine are from Oregon and Washington. The flavor profile is akin to Côte Rotie with smoky, bacon fat elements. Make no mistake there is plenty of luscious fruit, and aromatics as well, it’s just well integrated.
Zinfandel Wild Boar 2007 Quivira Vineyards and Winery 28.
A delicious Zinfandel from biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley. Big black fruit and dark plum flavors followed by a spicy finish. A little Petite Sirah is in the blend that adds complexity and depth.
Zinfandel Family 2006 Sausal 28.
This is a quintessential California Zinfandel. It’s loaded with berry flavors…blackberries, blueberries and black raspberries and has a rich, long finish with a large oak influence.
IMPORT REDS
Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi 2001 La Spinetta 128.
This wine stands on it’s own with generous sweet fruit, spices, coffee beans and truffles that flow from the glass. It offers outstanding persistence and a long, caressing finish.
Barolo Campe 2003 La Spinetta 110.
If you love Nebbiolo as much as I do, then undoubtably you’ve heard of La Spinetta Campe. The wine is rich and extracted with dark fruit flavors balanced by lighter floral elements. This vintage was rated 95 points by Wine Spectator.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Sixtine 2007 Cuvee du Vatican 75.
This limited production luxury offeringIs a blend of 50% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 22% Mourvedre. The fruit comes from their three major holdings in La Crau (clay and rocky soils), the Rayas terroir (pure sand), and the Barbe d’Asne (clay soils).
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Roc Epine Tradition 2007 Domaine Lafond 56.
A big boned Chateauneuf with juicy cherry fruit and loads of minerality. The wine is rich and extracted with a finish of fresh rosemary and anise seed. One heck of a wine.
Chianti Classico 2007 Badia Coltibuono RS 24.
Badia Coltibuono produces world class Chianti. With the RS project the winery collaborates with a small number of locals to produce a very affordable and delicious wine. A beautiful ruby color with red raspberry/red cherry fruit followed by a lively minerality.
Chorey-les-Beaune 2007 Jean-Luc DuBois 33.
I love Pinot Noir when it’s good. I also love Pinot Noir when I can afford it, which is rarely. Chorey is often overlooked for bigger, more glamorous Burgundies. Don’t be fooled by the price, this wine is absolutely delicious with beautiful strawberry flavors.
Château des Erles 2004 Fitou Cuvée des Ardoises 21.
Cuvée des Ardoises is an earthy blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah that really satisfies my French wine cravings. Beautiful flavors of red fruits and aromas of fresh rosemary and thyme. If you love wines loaded with terroir, then this wine’s for you.
Graves 2005 Château de Chantegrive 28.
Founded by Henri and Françoise Lévêque in the mid sixties, Château de Chantegrive is a baby by Bordeaux standards. A lovely, affordable blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot with black cherry and plum fruit and a toasty finish.
Moulin-a-Vent 2007 Manoir du Carra 32.
Is everyone afraid of Beaujolais? I’m talking cru Beaujolais here, not Nouveau. The wine is remarkably full-bodied, redolent of black fruit with a seductive floral counterpoint. Pinot Noir is typically my wine of choice for duck, Moulin-à-Vent makes me think twice.
Pinot Noir Permutations 2008 R Wines 23.
The wine is full of rich dark cherry flavors but retains a minerality and elegance that belies it’s bargain price. Don’t let the Walmart price fool you…this is best Pinot Noir I’ve tasted in this price range.
Priorat Salanquesas 2006 Mas Doix 38.
A blend of Garnacha and Carinena with the balance a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet raspberry fruit is followed by crushed stone minerality grabs your attention. Also 93 points from the Wine Advocate, if you care. about such things.
Ribera del Duero 2005 Emilio Moro 33.
A lovely artisanal wine using the local clone of Tempranillo,Tinto del País. The wine is redolent of blackberry and black plum fruit with a smoky finish. Absolutely irresistable.
Rioja La Vendimia 2008 Palacios Remondo 25.
I often judge winemakers ability by what they accomplish with their wines at the lowest price point. Winemaker Alvaro Palacios really delivers with dark cherry flavors and aromas of wood smoke and herbs.
Rioja Reserva 2005 Muga 36.
Muga Rioja has a balanced acidity and brightness you may not expect with juicy cherry and raspberry fruit and beautiful floral aromas. You’ll not find a more compelling example of Rioja for the money.
Shiraz Integrity 2008 Marquis Philips 165.
This wine from McLaren Vale really hits the mark for high end extract Shiraz. It’s not just all extracted fruit, the wines is exceptionally silky on the palate with a long velvety finish with hints of licorice and dark chocolate. Very limited so get it while you can.
Syrah 2006 Cortona 28.
Although an non-traditional grape in Italy, this rendition of Syrah is full of juicy, black fruit but still maintains it’s European sensibility. Long finish with silky tannins and complex minerality.
Valpolicella Palazzo della Torre 2006 Allegrini 29.
This is Valpolicella to the 10th power. 70% of the grapes are vinified normally and 30% are left to dry until December when they are vinified and refermented with the previous wine. The method is called ripasso and the wine has elements similar to Amarone.