Bouvet Signature Brut Cremant – Loire Valley – $16
“Bouvet Ladubay, one of the Loire’s largest producers of sparkling wine, is back under Monmousseau family control since 2015, after having been run by a succession of corporate enterprises. This mid-weight rosé, made exclusively from Cabernet Franc grown in the Saumur region of the Loire Valley, delivers spice with a hint of sweetness. This energetic wine would be a good match for spicy food or sushi and a superb way to welcome guests this Thanksgiving.”
88 Michael Apstein Nov 10, 2020
Taylor Fladgate LBV Port – Portugal 2016 – $25
Our favorite LBV port – Here’s what the experts say: “One of the original Late Bottled Vintage brands, this continues to set a fine style. This latest release is full of black fruits that have been softened by extra wood aging. At the same time, the richness of the wine shows strongly and emphatically, giving a Port that has density and ready drinkability.” Roger Voss 91pts WE
Morgante Nero d’Avola – Italy 2020 – $10
“Cranberries, cherries and pomegranate come out on the nose, followed by freshly potted plants and a hint of nutmeg and clove. The savory palate emphasizes the notes of potting soil, flower petals and crunchy red fruit, with tannins that stay relentless through the finish.” — Danielle Callegari 87 Pts WE Best Buy
“Aromas of crushed plums, black tea, fresh flowers, and blackberries. Medium-to full-bodied with silky tannins. Notes of coffee and black licorice on the palate mix with the black fruit and berries. Nicely balanced intensity.” Janmes Suckling 92 Pts
Z. Alexander Brown “Uncaged Red” – California 2020 – $13.50
“This full-bodied blend of mostly Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah has plenty of delicious red and black fruit flavors accented lightly by oak spices like cinnamon, cedar and vanilla. Moderate tannins give it a nice, appetizing grip.” — Jim Gordon WE 90pts
McManis Pinot Noir – 2021 Lodi – $14.50
“This warm, generous and rounded wine has a relaxed, broad texture embracing mulled plums, cherries and subtle vanilla and cinnamon notes. Full in body and light in tannins, it’s easy to drink.” — Jim Gordon 90pts WE Best Buy
Chateau de Fontenille Entre-deux-mers – France 2022 – $15.25
“The wine, from close to the abbey of La Sauve, is rich and creamy, its density and spice combines with the ripe white fruits. The wine could age further, so wait to drink until late 2024”. — Roger Voss WE 90pts Best Buy
Mayu Pedro Ximenez – Chile 2022 – $12.50
“From an old vineyard established in the 1950s for Pisco production, this rarely seen varietal is grown at one of Chile’s highest sites, at 6,300 feet. Established in 2005, Mayu is the first winery in this northern region and makes Sauvignon Blanc and Carmenere in addition to Pedro Ximenez. Usually abbreviated as “PX,” this grape is best known for its role in ultra-sweet Sherries. This unusual dry version is aged on the lees with frequent battonage. Straw colored, it retains amazing fresh citrus and peach aromas. Medium-light bodied, it offers apple flavors with a hint of chalk in the background. It has a pleasant finish with decent acidity. Mayu may be the sole producer of a dry PX table wine which makes scoring kind of arbitrary, so this rating is for a dry white.”
88 Norm Roby Nov 16, 2021 (for the 2021 vintage)
Librandi Bianco – Segna Librandi Ciro Doc Italy 2022 – $13.50
From the Winery: Segno is a culmination of three decades of work in the Cirò DOC spanning four estates with a profound interest and understanding of our territory. This is our Segno. Obtained from single-variety Greco Bianco grapes, this is a fresh, fruity and pleasant white that brings along echoes of summer, grilled fish and holiday happiness.
Dopff & Irion Pinot Blanc – Cuvee Rene Dopff Alsace 2022 – $15
COLOR: luminous pure gold.
AROMAS: complex notes of nectarine, pineapple, fresh almond, white acacia flowers, and white pepper.
PALATE: very harmonious, evoking honey, spicy cardamom-pepper, citrus fruit on the finish, well balanced acidity and alcohol.
Nine Hats Pinot Gris – Columbia Valley 2022 – $13.50
“I liked the wine’s aromatic duo of lemon basil and a fresh sea breeze salinity. The wine’s texture feels smooth and round in the mouth. The lemon-lime Lifesaver and vanilla flavors, however, need more acidity to provide some backbone.” — Michael Alberty 88pt WE
Marietta OVR (rosé) – California 2023 – $17
“Marietta Cellars brings us the Old Vine Red, one of California’s best-value red wines, year after year. The OVR rosé may have more competition, but it delivers refreshing cherry and berry flavors with a hint of sage. The blend is syrah, grenache noir and grenache gris. ABV: 13.5 percent. BW: 480 grams (Light).” Dave McIntyre WaPo 3 stars
The Seeker rose – France 2023 – $13
“Brilliant light pink color. Intense scents of raspberries, strawberries and redcurrants with hints of grapefruit and a bright, floral finish. Fresh and lively on the palate with complex red berry and citrus flavors and a lovely, fruity, rounded finish.” From the Winery
GRAPES: 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Cinsault
Barnard Griffin rosé of Sangiovese – Washington 2022 – $12
“A nose of fresh strawberries and cherries with hints of melon rind and orange zest. The fruit intensity is mouth filling and quite flavorful with racy acidity completing the package. A double gold winner at this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Taste for yourself why Barnard Griffin is considered one of the North America’s best Rosé producers.” FW
Garofoli Rose – Italy 2022 – $11
For the 2021 vintage:
“Marche is on the Adriatic coast of Italy with Emilia Romagna to the north and Abruzzo to the south. It is better known for white wines made from the Verdicchio grape, such as Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, but Sangiovese and Montepulciano are important red varieties in the region. The Garofoli family has been making wines in this area since 1871. Winemaker Carlo Garofoli shows a deft touch, allowing just the right amount of skin contact to create this pretty coral pink wine made solely of Montepulciano grapes grown for making Rosato. Delicate flavors of peach, Rainier cherry and a touch of melon are invigorated by bright acidity. Enjoy by the pool or with a salad of fresh peaches and feta cheese with basil vinaigrette dressing.”
90 Rebecca Murphy Aug 16, 2022
Pomelo SB – 2021 California – $10
This wine is lush, vibrant with aromas of apricot, honeysuckle and allspice on the nose. The midpalate has flavors of white nectarine, white grapefruit, melon and lime cream wrapped around mineral, earth and a long, dry finish. Pair with tuna tartare. — Tonya Pitts 90PTs WE “best buy”
Villa Wolf rosé – Germany 2023 – $13
“Watermelon and white-cherry flavors show a salty undertone in this rosé, with herb details on the finish” WE 85pts