White
Sparkling
Zeigler Mauler Cremant Chardonnay 2004 (Alsace, France)
-I would swear on my life that this was a Blanc de Blanc Champagne.
Steininger Sauvignon Blanc Sekt 2009 (Austria)
-I never meet a bubble I didn’t like, but I just love this wine.
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne (Epernay, France)
-Stylishly hemmed and loaded with finesse- it does everything I want Champagne to do.
Duval Leroy Clos des Bouveries Champagne 2004 (Vertus, France)
-When I first tried this, I could have sworn it was a tete de cuvee.
White
Nugan Estate ‘Vision’ Chardonnay 2009 (Australia)
-Rich and full- wrapped in crispness and balance that goes along with the length.
Steininger Gruner Veltliner Kamptal 2010 (Austria)
-Loaded with nuance and rich lichee and guava fruit.
A Christmann Riesling Trocken 2009 (Germany)
-All the fantastic peach fruit and minerality of Riesling, but completely dry.
Domaine Gerard Fiou Sancerre 2009 (France)
-Fresh and vibrant with sharp, focused acidity and gorgeous minerality.
Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2010 (Greece)
-A staff favorite. Highly versatile, gloriously textural, and otherwise delicious.
A Coroa Godello 2010 (Spain)
-Poached pear, melon and orange zest, along with a bright mineral overtone.
Breggo Gewurztraminer 2008 (Anderson Valley, CA)
-A level of polish and finesse that even many Alsatian producers wish they had.
Matanzas Creek Winery Chardonnay 2007 (Sonoma, CA)
-Well balanced and soft with delicate flavors of white peach and honeysuckle.
Pascal Janvier Jasnieres Cuvee du Silex 2010 (France)
-God I love Chenin Blanc- quince, orange blossoms and crushed stones.
Capture Tradition Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (Sonoma, CA)
-Crisp and vibrant with peach blossom, meyer lemon and jasmine.
Betts and Scholl Hermitage Blanc 2004 (France)
-This hedonistic lovely is made from the same grapes JL Chave uses.
DuMol Chardonnay ‘Isobel’ 2008 (Russian River Valley, CA)
-California Chardonnay at it’s best. Oaky, creamy, buttery bliss.
Red
La Mano Mencia Roble 2009 (Spain)
-Really a great balance and a wine I fell instantly in love with.
Teorema Garnacha Viña Viejas 2009 (Spain)
-Dark cherry, hints of chocolate and velvety texture.
Villa San Juliette Petite Sirah 2009 (Paso Robles, CA)
-Loaded for bear with loads of ripe, inky fruit and a firm backbone.
Belle Gloss Meiomi Pinot Noir 2010 (California)
-Luscious, fruit-forward Pinot Noir-an affordable treat from the Caymus family of wines.
Gilles Louvet Saint Felix des Toureilles St Chinian 2009 (France)
-Organic grapes showing an amazing sense of place, refinement and charm.
La Cartuja Priorat 2010 (Spain)
-Particularly delicious and charming with bright cherry fruit and medium body.
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Napa, CA)
-It’s what you want in Napa Cab at a very friendly price and Charlie’s Dad’s favorite wine.
Spann Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2008 (Alexander Valley, CA)
-Elegantly balanced with a full, complex aroma, layers of flavors and a smooth finish.
Hillinger ‘Leithaberg’ Bläufrankisch 2008 (Austria)
-Full-bodied, with layers of dark fruit, soft tannins and notes of vanilla bean.
Domaine Glantenay Bourgonge 2009 (France)
-Essentially declassified Volnay and my new favorite Pinot Noir.
Villa Ilaria Barbaresco 2007 (Italy)
-Nebbiolo made for Burgundy lovers with silky texture and great acidity.
Domaine Mathieu Chateauneuf du Pape 2007 (France)
-Gorgeous, accessible, impressive.
Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino 2004 (Italy)
-Full-bodied with soft tannins, dark plums and amazing balance.
Thomas Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Napa Valley, CA)
-Classic Napa Cabernet but held back for a few years so it’s drinking really well.