Featured Wines - April 2019

In 2011, Valenciso’s Rioja Reserva once again rose to the top, receiving 92 and 95 points, respectively, from Wine Advocate and Master of Wine Tim Atkin’s 2018 Special Rioja Report, solidifying Valenciso’s position among the highest echelon of Rioja producers. A hot, dry year in which superb selection and a reduced crop yielded a bolder and more concentrated Rioja Reserva than usual makes the 2011 Valenciso Rioja Reserva a clear standout as well...

Union Sacré’s 2016 Squire Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir may not arise from one of California’s bastions of power and privilege, but it most certainly reflects Union Sacré’s devotion to bringing the finest noble varietals to table. Enclosed in a clear bottle that reflects its bright ruby red robe, the 2016 Union Sacré Pinot Noir looks good and tastes even better, that is if you can take your nose out of the glass long enough on account of its...

Montagny is home to many of Burgundy’s most delightful and exuberant white wines, as this month’s Collectors Series feature ably attests, having been awarded 90 and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and International Wine Report, respectively. Made from 100% Chardonnay from Premier Cru vineyards, Château de la Crée’s 2016 Les Tourelles Montagny Premier Cru wears a fashionable light golden color and offers fresh aromas of acacia, almonds, apple...

The 2016 Château Ducasse Graves comes on the heels of the superlative 2015 vintage in Bordeaux. The 2016 vintage in Graves has been equally heralded, which makes the twin vintages of 2015 and 2016 two of the finest back to back vintages in Bordeaux in recent memory. While the red Bordeaux in 2015 shade a bit more to what some call a “New World Style,” the 2016 red Graves epitomize classic red Bordeaux from Graves, with the 2016 Château Ducasse...

When we discovered the existence of a second cache of the 2015 Sherwood Waipara Riesling, we wasted no time in securing it for our members. We featured a small amount of Sherwood’s 2015 Waipara Riesling to great acclaim when it was first released. Who are we then to pass up an opportunity to have a second go at an outstanding wine that bests many of the prized Kabinetts from top German producers, whose wines just happen to sell for twice the...

This 2016 Edgebaston Pepper Pot is so enticing and ready to drink that all it needs to work its magic is a clean glass. Our tasting panels will attest to enjoying it on its own, but the pure berry flavors and smooth mouthfeel of the 2016 Pepper Pot make it an even better choice to accompany flavorful, highly charged dishes. Pork, veal, game, and hearty vegetable dishes will only enhance the allure of the Pepper Pot. Braised Beef Sliders with a...

Year after year, in spite of the vagaries of each vintage, Angel Rodriquez and his children have fashioned the quintessential Verdejo from organically grown grapes. Nonetheless, Angel’s 2017 Martinsancho may fittingly be his finest to date, surpassing even the 2016 Martinsancho, which was nothing short of outstanding. The 2017 Martinsancho is full of energy and shines in the glass with a bright sunny color. Martinsancho’s great minerality...