Herewith the new items from the week of November 12 . . . and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
NEW WHITES:
Mertes 2011 Riesling @ $8.99
light-bodied, slightly sweet, with enticing fresh white peach aromas and flavors
Coopers Creek 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
vibrant, aromatic, with an appealing fleshy note to the peach, nectarine and apricot flavors, highlighted by chamomile and fresh chive notes. light-bodied and very juicy
Monticino Rosso 2011 Romagna @ $11.99
made 100% from the native Italian varietal, Albana di Romagna, floral and nutty on the nose with a palate that recalls dried apricots and raisins
Reunion 2011 Torrontes @ $13.99
fresh and lively on the palate with intense notes of rose, jasmine, orange blossom and peach that lead to a light, delicate, but lingering finish
(new vintage) Damilano 2011 Arneis @ $14.99
unoaked, fresh and clean, with floral and citrus aromas and flavors, minerality and crisp acidity
Vinci 2011 Catarratto @ $14.99
100% Catarratto, a native Sicilian white, with subtle aromatics and a full, rich structure
(new vintage) Delaunay 2011 Touraine @ $15.99
a powerful and complex nose, with aromas of exotic fruits, citrus and peach, as well as some floral notes, fresh and fruity on the palate, with a long, lingering finish
Ponzi 2011 Pinot Gris @ $16.99
layered aromatics, with citrus, honey and minerality on the palate within a brilliant frme of acidity
(new vintage) Segrel 2011 Albarino (orange label) @ $16.99
aromatic, with hints of citrus fruit and green apple, fine and elegant on the palate with the perfect amount of acidity and a crisp and clean finish
Sparr 2011 Gewurztraminer @ $16.99
juicy sweetness and delicate acidity, minerality and fullness in the mouth, followed by an almost spicy, crisp and lingering finish
(new vintage) Craggy Range 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $19.99
from Martinborough, at the south end of New Zealand's North Island, a Sauvignon Bland with an intense and complex bouquet and a sweet fruited core framed by citrus-like acidity and a chalky finish
Donkey and Goat 2011 Chardonnay "Improbable" @ $27.99
called "improbable" because it is made from grapes from ungrafted vines, a Chardonnay with flinty minerality, a stoniness accompanied by flavors of lemon zest, green pear and noted herbaceousness
Arnot-Roberts 2011 Chardonnay @ $34.99
from 30-year-old organically farmed vines in the southernmost vineyard in Napa County, an elegant Chardonnay with notes of apple, citrus zest, and nectarines
(new vintage) Talbott 2011 Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay @ $42.99
aromas of pear and green apple complemented by French oak, lush and elegant on the palate with a creamy mouthfeel and tannins perfectly balanced by acidity
Hanzell 2010 Chardonnay @ $67.99
rich and viscous, with aromas and flavors of green apple and pear, bright acidity that carries the flavors through to a long, lingering finish
Mertes 2011 Riesling @ $8.99
light-bodied, slightly sweet, with enticing fresh white peach aromas and flavors
Coopers Creek 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
vibrant, aromatic, with an appealing fleshy note to the peach, nectarine and apricot flavors, highlighted by chamomile and fresh chive notes. light-bodied and very juicy
Monticino Rosso 2011 Romagna @ $11.99
made 100% from the native Italian varietal, Albana di Romagna, floral and nutty on the nose with a palate that recalls dried apricots and raisins
Reunion 2011 Torrontes @ $13.99
fresh and lively on the palate with intense notes of rose, jasmine, orange blossom and peach that lead to a light, delicate, but lingering finish
(new vintage) Damilano 2011 Arneis @ $14.99
unoaked, fresh and clean, with floral and citrus aromas and flavors, minerality and crisp acidity
Vinci 2011 Catarratto @ $14.99
100% Catarratto, a native Sicilian white, with subtle aromatics and a full, rich structure
(new vintage) Delaunay 2011 Touraine @ $15.99
a powerful and complex nose, with aromas of exotic fruits, citrus and peach, as well as some floral notes, fresh and fruity on the palate, with a long, lingering finish
Ponzi 2011 Pinot Gris @ $16.99
layered aromatics, with citrus, honey and minerality on the palate within a brilliant frme of acidity
(new vintage) Segrel 2011 Albarino (orange label) @ $16.99
aromatic, with hints of citrus fruit and green apple, fine and elegant on the palate with the perfect amount of acidity and a crisp and clean finish
Sparr 2011 Gewurztraminer @ $16.99
juicy sweetness and delicate acidity, minerality and fullness in the mouth, followed by an almost spicy, crisp and lingering finish
(new vintage) Craggy Range 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $19.99
from Martinborough, at the south end of New Zealand's North Island, a Sauvignon Bland with an intense and complex bouquet and a sweet fruited core framed by citrus-like acidity and a chalky finish
Donkey and Goat 2011 Chardonnay "Improbable" @ $27.99
called "improbable" because it is made from grapes from ungrafted vines, a Chardonnay with flinty minerality, a stoniness accompanied by flavors of lemon zest, green pear and noted herbaceousness
Arnot-Roberts 2011 Chardonnay @ $34.99
from 30-year-old organically farmed vines in the southernmost vineyard in Napa County, an elegant Chardonnay with notes of apple, citrus zest, and nectarines
(new vintage) Talbott 2011 Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay @ $42.99
aromas of pear and green apple complemented by French oak, lush and elegant on the palate with a creamy mouthfeel and tannins perfectly balanced by acidity
Hanzell 2010 Chardonnay @ $67.99
rich and viscous, with aromas and flavors of green apple and pear, bright acidity that carries the flavors through to a long, lingering finish
NEW REDS:
Cave de Roquebrun 2011 Col de Lairole @ $9.99
dry, with well balanced tannins, a rich and warming blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan
(new vintage) Elsa Bianchi 2012 Malbec @ $9.99
clean, brisk and fresh, with chunky berry fruit, an easy drinking and thougftfully made Malbec at a bargain price
(new vintage) McManis 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $11.99
rich in dark berry fruit with a hint of smoke on the nose, a round, creamy Cab that delivers an abundance of fruit flavors
Arocho 2011 Tinto @ $12.99
from the Costers del Segre in northeastern Spain, a bright, fresh, fruity blend of Tempranillo and Grenache
Reunion 2010 Tinto @ $12.99
a blend of Malbec, Bonarda and Merlot, nicely balanced with good acidity and richness and firm tannins on the palate
(new vintage) Passa 2009 Douro @ $13.99
a blend of three different indigenous varieties, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca, with ripe fruit on the nose, a palate balanced with round tannins, fresh spicy flavors, and vibrant minerality
Terralba 2010 Costa Rossa @ $14.99
Barbera from the Colli Tortonesi region of Piedmont, full of sweet earth and succulent fruit
Jovino 2010 Pinot Noir @ $14.99
produced by veteran Oregon winemaker Joe Dobbs, a Pinot with flavors of red and black currants, blackberries and cherries, all wrapped in well-integrated ripe and rich tannins
Carpineta Fontalpino 2011 Chianti Colli Senesi @ $15.99
from one of the leading producers in the southern part of the Chianti Classico region, a solid, structured wine dark-fruited, soft and round, with macerated cherry flavors
Romanico 2011 Toro @ $15.99
a rich, vibrant, juicy Tempranillo, a Toro on the softer side
Bonfanti 2009 Malbec @ $17.99
from a small family-owned and -run winery, Malbec from an 85-year-old vineyard, with notes of strawberry, leather, and tobacco that are underscored by elements of earth and mineral components
Zerbetta 2010 Barbera @ $17.99
from a tiny family estate near Asti, in Piedmont, showing pure, soft mixed-berry dried fruit, and smooth tannins interwoven with lovely elements of Piedmont terroir and Barbera typicity
Scarbolo 2010 Cabernet @ $18.99
a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Friul, in northeastern Italy, with intense aromas of wild berries, herbs, and bell peppers, a palate that is full bodied with soft sweet tannins and balanced structure
(new vintage) Wallace Brook 2010 Pinot Noir @ $18.99
light-bodied, smooth and supple, bursting with fresh cherries and figs as well as light plums, raspberries, clove and rose petal
David Bruce 2010 Petite Syrah @ $19.99
from carefully selected vineyards in the cool southern parts of Monterey County and Paso Robles, full-bodied and driven by rich dark fruits, with hints of baking spice and savory herb accenting the firm tannins on the finish
(new vintage) Tablas Creek 2011 Patelin de Tablas @ $19.99
a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Counoise from Paso Robles, with generous fruit, spice, mineral, and structure
(new vintage) Avignonesi 2010 Rosso di Montepulciano @ $19.99
a medium bodied wine showing good balance between fruits, spices, and soft tannins, with red cherry, plum and candied fruits here as well as an appealingly spicy finish
Brandborg 2009 Pinot Noir @ $23.99
from Oregon's Umpqua Valley, a palate-coating Pinot with sweet cherry fruit, spice, and a subtle smokiness
Three 2008 Mataro @ $23.99
from Contra Costa County, a Mataro (aka, Mourvedre) with flavors of blackberry fruit and hints of Provencale herbs and a firm tannic structure
Beckmen 2010 Syrah @ $24.99
a savory, fruit-filled Syrah from the famed biodynamically-farmed Purisima Mountain vineyard, the source of some of the best Syrah fruit grown on the Central Coast
Argiano 2010 Rosso di Montalcino @ $26.99
100% Sangiovese Grosso, with classic cherry, peppercorn, and cedar spice aromas with juicy acidity and plush tannins
Ponzi 2010 Pinot Noir @ $29.99
an Oregon Pinot with aromas of cinnamon bark, cardamom, cranberry and tobacco notes that lead to a mouth of bright cherry, silky mid-palate and good length
La Tour de Bessan 2009 Margaux @ $29.99
refined and subtle, with blueberry and floral aromas that follow through to a full body, with superfine tannins and a long, flavorful finish
Fort Ross 2010 Pinot Noir @ $29.99
a Sonoma Coast Pinot with generous blackberry and tangy plum that gracefully evolve on the palate finishing with supple tannins and the signature minerality of the Fort Ross Vineyard's coastal terrior
Elizabeth Chambellan 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $33.99
an old-vines Chateauneuf with very pure fruit, mineral and smoked notes, great density and volume and a luscious finish
Domaine Georg Rafael 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $49.99
a vigorous young Cab, dry and fruity, with big blackberry, black currant and cedar flavors, wrapped into significant tannins
(new vintage) Neyers 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $60.99
made from estate-grown grapes, rich and robust, intense and concentrated, with a full-bodied mix of black cherry, plum, berry, mineral, anise and sage
Cave de Roquebrun 2011 Col de Lairole @ $9.99
dry, with well balanced tannins, a rich and warming blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan
(new vintage) Elsa Bianchi 2012 Malbec @ $9.99
clean, brisk and fresh, with chunky berry fruit, an easy drinking and thougftfully made Malbec at a bargain price
(new vintage) McManis 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $11.99
rich in dark berry fruit with a hint of smoke on the nose, a round, creamy Cab that delivers an abundance of fruit flavors
Arocho 2011 Tinto @ $12.99
from the Costers del Segre in northeastern Spain, a bright, fresh, fruity blend of Tempranillo and Grenache
Reunion 2010 Tinto @ $12.99
a blend of Malbec, Bonarda and Merlot, nicely balanced with good acidity and richness and firm tannins on the palate
(new vintage) Passa 2009 Douro @ $13.99
a blend of three different indigenous varieties, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca, with ripe fruit on the nose, a palate balanced with round tannins, fresh spicy flavors, and vibrant minerality
Terralba 2010 Costa Rossa @ $14.99
Barbera from the Colli Tortonesi region of Piedmont, full of sweet earth and succulent fruit
Jovino 2010 Pinot Noir @ $14.99
produced by veteran Oregon winemaker Joe Dobbs, a Pinot with flavors of red and black currants, blackberries and cherries, all wrapped in well-integrated ripe and rich tannins
Carpineta Fontalpino 2011 Chianti Colli Senesi @ $15.99
from one of the leading producers in the southern part of the Chianti Classico region, a solid, structured wine dark-fruited, soft and round, with macerated cherry flavors
Romanico 2011 Toro @ $15.99
a rich, vibrant, juicy Tempranillo, a Toro on the softer side
Bonfanti 2009 Malbec @ $17.99
from a small family-owned and -run winery, Malbec from an 85-year-old vineyard, with notes of strawberry, leather, and tobacco that are underscored by elements of earth and mineral components
Zerbetta 2010 Barbera @ $17.99
from a tiny family estate near Asti, in Piedmont, showing pure, soft mixed-berry dried fruit, and smooth tannins interwoven with lovely elements of Piedmont terroir and Barbera typicity
Scarbolo 2010 Cabernet @ $18.99
a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Friul, in northeastern Italy, with intense aromas of wild berries, herbs, and bell peppers, a palate that is full bodied with soft sweet tannins and balanced structure
(new vintage) Wallace Brook 2010 Pinot Noir @ $18.99
light-bodied, smooth and supple, bursting with fresh cherries and figs as well as light plums, raspberries, clove and rose petal
David Bruce 2010 Petite Syrah @ $19.99
from carefully selected vineyards in the cool southern parts of Monterey County and Paso Robles, full-bodied and driven by rich dark fruits, with hints of baking spice and savory herb accenting the firm tannins on the finish
(new vintage) Tablas Creek 2011 Patelin de Tablas @ $19.99
a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Counoise from Paso Robles, with generous fruit, spice, mineral, and structure
(new vintage) Avignonesi 2010 Rosso di Montepulciano @ $19.99
a medium bodied wine showing good balance between fruits, spices, and soft tannins, with red cherry, plum and candied fruits here as well as an appealingly spicy finish
Brandborg 2009 Pinot Noir @ $23.99
from Oregon's Umpqua Valley, a palate-coating Pinot with sweet cherry fruit, spice, and a subtle smokiness
Three 2008 Mataro @ $23.99
from Contra Costa County, a Mataro (aka, Mourvedre) with flavors of blackberry fruit and hints of Provencale herbs and a firm tannic structure
Beckmen 2010 Syrah @ $24.99
a savory, fruit-filled Syrah from the famed biodynamically-farmed Purisima Mountain vineyard, the source of some of the best Syrah fruit grown on the Central Coast
Argiano 2010 Rosso di Montalcino @ $26.99
100% Sangiovese Grosso, with classic cherry, peppercorn, and cedar spice aromas with juicy acidity and plush tannins
Ponzi 2010 Pinot Noir @ $29.99
an Oregon Pinot with aromas of cinnamon bark, cardamom, cranberry and tobacco notes that lead to a mouth of bright cherry, silky mid-palate and good length
La Tour de Bessan 2009 Margaux @ $29.99
refined and subtle, with blueberry and floral aromas that follow through to a full body, with superfine tannins and a long, flavorful finish
Fort Ross 2010 Pinot Noir @ $29.99
a Sonoma Coast Pinot with generous blackberry and tangy plum that gracefully evolve on the palate finishing with supple tannins and the signature minerality of the Fort Ross Vineyard's coastal terrior
Elizabeth Chambellan 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $33.99
an old-vines Chateauneuf with very pure fruit, mineral and smoked notes, great density and volume and a luscious finish
Domaine Georg Rafael 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $49.99
a vigorous young Cab, dry and fruity, with big blackberry, black currant and cedar flavors, wrapped into significant tannins
(new vintage) Neyers 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $60.99
made from estate-grown grapes, rich and robust, intense and concentrated, with a full-bodied mix of black cherry, plum, berry, mineral, anise and sage
AND YES, THE BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU IS HERE!
Durdilly @ $10.99
Brun @ $13.99
Dupeuble @ $14.99
Durdilly @ $10.99
Brun @ $13.99
Dupeuble @ $14.99
ALSO NEW AND NOTEWORTHY:
Torley NV Gala Brut Sec @ $10.99
a bargain sparkler from Hungary, aromatic and exuberant with exotic fruit
Patricius Leonis 2006 Tokaji 3 Puttonyos @ $21.99
a delicate, elegant dessert wine, not overly sweet, with plenty of citrusy acidity
Briottet Peche de Vigne @ $21.99
made from a very small and flavorful peach, with juicy peach and apricot notes that balance a slight nuttiness, easing into a honeyed finish
Briottet Creme de Cassis (half bottle) @ $21.99
clean and elegant with impeccable balance, full of rich, ripe black currant fruit
Briottet Creme de Mure @ $27.99
lush blackberry flavors that alternate in the mouth, being sweet one second and tart the next, with a finish that is long and sophisticated
Laherte NV Brut @ $39.99
a definitely high-toned Champagne with a lemon tone, earthy salinity and minerals that lead to a dry, mouth-watering finish
Etter Framboise (half bottle) @ $42.99
a raspberry spirit that is wonderfully fragrant, perfectly harmonious, and deliciously fruity
Laherte NV Brut Rose @ $45.99
pretty and elegant, with a fine core of fruit, pinpoint bubbles, and an impressively balanced finish
Jose Dhondt NV Blanc de Blancs Brut @ $49.99
a sublime, pedigreed Champagne that shows terrific length and vibrancy on the palate, while a pure, creamy finish informed by a light toastiness adds a final dash of flair
Laherte 2004 Millesime Extra Brut @ $51.99
deep, full-bodied, and rich, with fine complexity, a superb core, and bright acidity and linear structure
deep, full-bodied, and rich, with fine complexity, a superb core, and bright acidity and linear structure