While we are always excited for our weekly in-store tastings, this particular line-up is truly something special. Grand Cru Selections have been bringing us some amazing wines recently (we even featured two of these bottles as part of a recent wine club), and no better introduction to their outstanding portfolio than with this trio: a fun & festive rose Pet Nat from Italy along with superb Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County. Each has not only been a hit with the customers, but the shop staff have also been scooping up these wines - so you know we really love them! Please join us on Thursday May 19th between 6pm and 8pm (though we typically keep the tasting going a bit later as long as there is still wine to pour), to taste through and check out the shop. The tastings are always free and very casual with no obligation to make a purchase. We look forward to seeing you - cheers!
Ercole - Pet Nat NV 750ml (12.5% ABV)
Hailing from the Midwest, Weston Hoard and his British Labrador (Ercole) spent years working together in the vineyards and cellars of Piedmont. This delightful Pet Nat is a tribute to Weston's dependable four-legged companion. The goal of this project is to bring fun and easy-drinking expressions of Piedmont varietals to the US - and he certainly accomplished that here! Gorgeous salmon color, soft and bright, wild strawberry, juicy red raspberry, lively bubble. Pair with fatty salumi and hard nutty cheeses. The releases from this producer are always worth seeking out. Sourced from the Monferrato region of Piedmont. Hand harvested, unfiltered, no added sulfur.
Presqu'ile - Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2020
Presqu'ile (press-KEEL) is Creole for "almost an island"
This is an excellent Chardonnay from one of southern California's coolest wine-growing regions. Great combination of ripe citrus fruit, coastal minerality & freshness all woven together in a compact, medium-bodied frame. Yellow apples, sea spray, just a hint of vanilla with bright acidity. Drinks well above it's price point! We love west coast Chard. when it's modeled after Burgundy (great elegance and balance with minimal oak infuence and moderate ABV. Matured for 11 months in neutral barrels (25% French and 75% Austrian). Certified sustainable, organic farming and spontaneous fermentation.
Presqu'ile - Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2020
Lovely Pinot Noir sourced from a few exceptional plots in Santa Barbara County (each is certified sustainable and practicing organic). Fruit is picked at a low brix (resulting in wines of modest ABV for CA), high percentage of whole cluster inclusion, never more than 25% new oak, bottled unfined & unfiltered. A quick double decant (back into the bottle) is not a bad idea for this youthful bottle. Freshly picked raspberries, hints of earth and spice, invigorating mineral-edge to the lengthy finish. A new staff favorite!