Featured Wines - November 2022

The dynamic duo behind Thistledown, Giles Cook and Fergal Tynan, are truly obsessed with Grenache, and for that we are grateful. And their great obsession is once again evident in the sexy, sensuous, and downright delicious 2021 Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache Old Vine Small Batch No. 1 (92 Points – The Wine Front, 90 Points – James Halliday). With a brilliant ruby and garnet robe, alluring aromatics, and juicy vibrant fruit, the 2021 Thistledown Gorgeous...

Although it was Rustenberg’s superb reds that first attracted us to this venerable estate, Rustenberg’s highly acclaimed 2021 Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc (90 Points – Wine Spectator) has also captured our palates. Graced with a bright sunlit color, a lively bouquet of juicy pear, blood orange, and verbena, as well as crisp, fresh fruit flavors, the 2021 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc pays homage to South African’s acumen with Chenin Blanc. In the mouth, crisp apricot...

Dayne and Jill Sherwood have always made good Pinot Noir, but the 2019 Sherwood Estate Pinot Noir with all Waipara estate fruit looks to be Sherwood’s finest estate Pinot Noir to date. The expressive 2019 Sherwood Estate Pinot Noir outshines many Burgundy Pinot Noirs selling for $40.00 and $50.00. It offers an elegant medium body and beguiling aromatics. It’s also positively easy to drink. In short, it provides all the attributes one can expect from well-made, cool weather...

The 2021 Li Veli Torremossa Salento Fiano IGT is a brilliant Apulian Fiano – bright and scintillating like the southern Italian sun and laser-like in its focus. Possessing Fiano’s brilliant straw-colored robe and amplifying aromatics, Li Veli’s 2021 Fiano awakens the olfactory to Fiano’s sensuous nature. The scents of spring flowers, lemon blossoms, and freshly cut pineapple delight the nose. In the mouth this classic Fiano graces the palate with a delightful mélange of juicy flavors...

The hedonistic, downright seductive 2020 Titus Andronicus Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot) begs to be drunk. Sporting a deep purple color and amplifying aromatics redolent with the enticing scents of blackberry, cherry, cedar, and plum, the 2020 Titus Andronicus woos the taster from the moment it is poured. In the mouth, layers of dark berry fruits, cedar, chocolate, sweet tobacco leaf, and vanilla...

Walt continues to be a leader in fashioning several of Sonoma County’s most compelling Chardonnays as Walt’s recently released 2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay (90 Points – Wine Spectator) will aptly attest. Radiant with the luminous light of the afternoon sun along the majestic California coast, the 2019 Walt Sonoma Coast Chardonnay offers an enchanting bouquet of golden apples, ripe pears, white flowers, and exotic spices. The wine’s palate appeal is every bit...

The 2021 Thistledown The Vagabond Old Vine Blewitt Springs Grenache (95+ Points – Wine Advocate) is another spectacular wine and a real tour de force in winemaking from Thistledown. Crafted from very old, dry farmed, bush trained vineyards in McLaren Vale’s Blewitt Springs, the complex, layered 2021 Thistledown The Vagabond Grenache exhibits superb aromatics, silky tannins, and a boatload of flavors. Ripe dark fruit flavors, exotic spice notes, and deep down black tea...