In anticipation of the season to come, things are starting to pick up a bit. Here are the new items from this past week's arrivals.
NEW WHITES:
Aresti 2012 Gewurztraminer @ $9.99
an unusual grape variety for Chile but well done, with notes of rose petal and litchi on the nose and apricot, orange, and sweet spice notes on the palate
Saladini Pilastrri 2012 Falerio @ $9.99
a blend of Pecorino, Passerina and Trebbiano from the Ascolani hills, elegant yet full-bodied with a delicate bouquet
(new vintage) Beach House 2013 White @ $10.99
refreshing and zesty, with lemon and tangerine notes, followed by a crisp, lively finish
Thomas Patrick 2011 Chardonnay @ $10.99
made from grapes sourced from cooler microclimates throughout the state, with a creamy texture and balanced flavors, only 522 cases made
(new vintage) Labbe 2012 Abyme @ $11,99
made from the Jacquere grape, a racy, mineral-driven wine with citrus nuances
(new vintage) Oyster Bay 2013 Sauvignon Blanc @ $12.99
bright and lively, with added complexity from classic gooseberry, lime juice, and lemongrass aromas with tropical notes
Li Veli 2012 Fiano @ $12.99
racy, fresh, full of tart stone-fruit flavors, eminently thirst-quenching
(new vintage) Delaunay 2012 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
a nose that is powerful and complex, with floral notes and aromas of exotic fruits, fresh and fruity on the palate with a lingering finish
Masseria Li Veli 2012 Verdeca @ $17.99
from Puglia, made from an ancient indigenous varietal called Verdeca, richly fruity but balanced with good acidity and decided minerality
Palliser Estate 2012 Sauvignon Blanc @ $17.99
classic Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, all grapefruit rind and bracing acidity
Terra Laura 2011 Cheverny @ $17.99
an 80/20 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from the Loire, white fruit and citrus on the nose with good minerality and acidity
(new vintage) Auvigne 20112 St. Veran @ $17.99
focused yet broad, with citrus and yellow plum on the nose and impressive acidity keeping the wine bright and lively on the palate
Heggie's Estate 2012 Chardonnay @ $21.99
the flagship wine for this estate in Australia's Eden Valley, with an intense bouquet of nectarines and lemon blossoms, full and creamy on the palate, with a long finish
(new vintage) Au Bon Climat 2011 Chardonnay @ $21.99
rich and soft, in a classic California style without being overbearing
Fevre 2011 Chablis Champs Royaux @ $22.99
classic Chablis with great precision and linearity, fresh and supple, marked by the mineral notes that are typical of the appellation
Unger 2011 Gruner Veltliner @ $22.99
from one of Austria's top producers, classic GV with aromas of white peaches and pears, great complexity and depth
Truchard 2011 Chardonnay @ $24.99
a crisp, cool-climate Sonoma Chardonnay, very close to a European style but with California fruit flavors
(new vintage) Cliff Lede 2012 Sauvignon Blanc @ $24.99
enticing aromas of white peach, cantaloupe, and orange blossom complemented by bright citrus notes, a rich and concentrated palate that finishes with persistent minerality
(back) Keller Estate 2009 Chardonnay @ $25.99
an opulent wine with rich aromas of pear, vanilla, caramel, hazelnut and balanced oak, powerful flavors of pear and citrus with a rich creamy texture
NEW REDS:
Castano 2011 Monastrell @ $8.99
intense aromas of ripe red fruit, silky, well structured and balanced
Tuffo 2011 Valpolicella @ $10.99
a blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone, juicy and soft, with a fresh, lifted finish
Thomas Patrick Winemakers Blend Lot 2 @ $10.99
big and bold, with vibrant, balanced flavors of wild cherry and ripe raspberry, a blend of Grenache, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah, only 721 cases made
Variere 2011 Anjou Rouge @ $13.99
Cabernet Franc from the Loire with delightful spicy notes, red fruit aromas with violet overtones, and ripe, soft tannins
Yalumba 2011 The Strapper @ $18.99
a Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre blend from Australia's Barossa Valley, layered and supple, with rustic yet velvety tannins
Nautilus 2009 Pinot Noir @ $24.99
aromas of wild berries, plums and spice, medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with generous fruit sweetness and succulent tannins combining to give a long, memorable finish
ALSO NEW AND NOTEWORTHY:
Kaiun Junmai Ginjo Sake 300ml @ $13.99
a dry, no-acid sake with a round, mellow palate from fresh spring water
Sesshu Otokoyama Sake 720 ml @ $19.99
brewed in Itama, the birthplace of sake, produced using Namada Yishiki rice and the most careful brewing techniques
EG Windsor Earl Gray Sage Vodka @ $36.99
from a Portland, Oregon specialist in infused spirits, tart notes of bergamot and orange on a creamy, full-bodied palate, with hints of sage
Russell Henry Gin @ $36.99
a double-distilled London dry gin with bright aromas of juniper, flowers and white pepper and clean fresh finish with a nice lift
Damoiseau VSOP Rhum Agricole @ $42.99
from the leading producer of rhum agricole on the island of Guadeloupe, elegant on the nose with hints of vanilla and spices, spicy and complex on the palate
Calle 23 Tequila Blanco @ $46.99
made by Master Distiller Sophie Decobecq, with light and pretty floral aromas, flavors of crisp apple and tropical pineapple, notes of black pepper on the finish