JL Denois Extra Brut Cremant
$41.99
Good Crémant is often lauded as a less expensive alternative to Champagne, but while this is true, the more important project is to create a crémant of place and substance that does not seek to replicate or outshine Champagne but rather to introduce its own terroir in its own rite. This, indeed, is what Jean-Louis Denois has done with his sparkling wines. Inventive in its blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a 10% kick of Chenin Blanc, the estate's organically tended vineyards in the Haute Vallée de l'Aude benefit from an ideal climate. Thanks to their altitude and the proximity of the Pyrenees, the berries are perfectly balanced between acidity and fruit. No need for chaptalization or acidification, it is the precise harvest date that is decisive for a perfect balance and here Jean-Louis's years of expertise honed in his Champagne homeland, his education in Beaune, and his working travels in California, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have all culminated in this life long project of proving Limoux's viability for world-class bubbles. The palate shows white fruit, almond frangipane, nectarine, and salted pineapple, a harmonious, dry, elegant, and joyfully fruit-oriented wine. Then the finish saunters in with notes of hazelnut, red berries, and toasted bread.
Taylor White Port
$26.99
The team behind the Taylor's Port house are pioneers of this exciting style, having introduced it in 1934. It is made in exactly the same way as conventional Port, but with white grapes rather than red. As the name suggests, it has a drier, fruity taste, and is best served chilled. White Port has a lovely fruity taste and makes an unusually good aperitif. Add one part white Port to one part tonic. Serve over rocks and add a crescent of thinly sliced lemon. Ahh!
Alvear Montilla Fino Sherry
$32.99
Delightfully easy to drink and a wonderful companion with hors d'oeuvres. Alvear has been in the family since 1729 and it is not far from the town of Montilla in the heart of Spain's sherry region, Andalucia. Olive and almond trees line the vineyards and you will get lovely subtle hints of these flavors in the wine, dazzled by notes of sea salt. A classic Fino that pairs beautifully with shellfish.
Radford Dale Pinot Noir
$54.99
An organic estate in Elgin, around 40 miles southeast of Cape Town. Elgin is a very different climate to Stellenbosch, where the rest of their wines are made, a particularly critical factor for organic farming. ‘Our biggest challenge is mother nature. Living on a knife edge in a high-rainfall, cool climate region such as Elgin is not good for the nerves.’ says Alex Dale. ‘It would have been safer to farm organically in warmer areas, such as the Swartland or even Stellenbosch. But for the style of wines we like – more refined, fresh and balanced – Elgin is where we want to be, so the risks are far higher. The next biggest challenge is financial, as your production and your financial viability is constantly threatened by weather incidents, throughout the year. We also do a lot of work manually, especially in our high-density vines, so the tougher the conditions meteorologically, the more manual labour involved in the vineyards.’
Montes Cabernet
$20.99
A great cab at a great price from a terrific producer. This red offers intense ruby color with blackcurrant, chocolate and cigar box aromas. Look for balanced with well-integrated oak. Great complexity of flavors in the mouth; the mid-palate is full-bodied and balanced with a remarkably long finish. A superb wine ready to drink now, it can also cellar for a few years for future enjoyment. But why wait! Fire up the BBQ.
Clos La Coutale Cahors
$25.99
St Martin Clos La Coutale is one of the finest producers in Cahors. The property was founded 100 years ago and now produces almost 20,000 cases annually. The wine is a blend of Malbec 70%, Merlot 15% and Tannat 15%. Malbec makes big wine with lots of spice, the Merlot adds finesse and the Tannat gives age ability. Enjoy these rich, earthy flavors with a grilled steak, and don't forget the French fries.
Jose Palacios Bierzo Petalos
$37.99
Wow, major praise for the 2015 vintage from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, which gave it 92+ points! The review: "The entry level 2015 Pétalos del Bierzo, their regional wine, in the new official category that will start working in the appellation from the 2017 vintage, a blend of many different vineyards planted with field blends, where the breakdown might come to some 5% white varieties (Valenciana/Doña Blanca, Godello and Palomino/Jerez) and around 1% other reds (Pan y Carne, Negrada and Gran Negro), all from vines ranging between 40 and 90 years of age on slopes (half of the grapes around the village of Corullón and the remainder in the rest of Bierzo). It's a showy, approachable, aromatic and open version of Pétalos, and as I tasted it later on in the season, it felt more polished and round, with a lush texture. It's extremely aromatic, in a way similar to the 2012. This is always one of the best values not only of Bierzo but for the whole of Spain." From one of Spain's top winemakers, Alvaro Palacios.
Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz
$39.99
This alluring and unashamedly bold Shiraz has hints of spiced plums, blackberry jam and cherry all at the fore and finishes with coffee cream, licorice and vanilla. Full bodied with vibrant berry fruit characteristics, yet elegant with restrained tannins, resulting in a soft mouthfeel. This Boxer is sure to be a knockout!
Les Indegines Toujours Cinsault
$26.99
A natural wine, no added sulphure, offering great value in the natural realm. It's juicy and fruity with cherries, strawberries, dried thyme and leather. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, bright and juicy with a refined texture and a succulent finish. From Organically grown grapes.