Wine With Wanda

Mixed Case: 12 Wonderful Wines from Around the Globe

Which 12 different bottles of wine would you choose to create your own mixed case? I would definitely fill mine with a mix of sparkling, white, red and rosé; a few serious wines and some everyday easygoing sips. If you're looking for inspiration to create your own delicious dozen, keep reading for tasting notes on twelve winning wines that I recently sampled from Italy, France, Argentina, Germany, and the USA. Cheers!

Sparkling



DUBL di Feudi di San Gregorio Sparkling Falanghina Brut ($25)
Italy
A very unique sparkling wine that applies the traditional Champagne method to Falanghina, an iconic grape of Campania in the south of Italy. Elegant and exuberant with lively bubbles, DUBL is delightfully dry and crisp with balanced intensity. Superb!

Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs ($59)
France
A classic and captivating Champagne, Henriot Blanc de Blancs is an excellent expression of 100% Chardonnay. A bold but finely textured tapestry of crisp mineral, citrus, and brioche flavors. 

Sparkling Rosé



Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rosé Millesimato 2013 ($36)
Italy
The world of Italian sparkling wines extends beyond Prosecco and Franciacorta is one of the most elegant. Produced exclusively in the traditional Champagne method in the northern Italian territory of Franciacorta, Franciacorta was the first in Italy to receive DOCG status for sparkling wines - Italy's official top tier of quality for wines. A lovely blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rosé is a charming introduction to the category. A lovely pale shade of pink, it is precise and pretty with fine bubbles, fresh red berry flavors, and crisp texture. 

Rosé



M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Pays d'Oc Rosé 2017 ($15)
France
Season after season, this beauty from the south of France is one of my favorite rosé wines. A fresh and luscious blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, it is fruit-forward, juicy, and vibrant with superb structure. Plenty of ooh la la at a great price! 

White



Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2017 ($22.99)
Italy
Feudi di San Gregorio has distinguished themselves as one of the premier wineries in Italy's Campania region and beyond. I've yet to have a Feudi di San Gregorio wine that wasn't impeccably crafted and authentically evocative of the region and its terroir. The proximity of their vineyards to Mount Vesuvius created mineral rich soils which imbue their wines with depth and texture. An ancient grape that thrives in Campania, Falanghina may not be a household name but the variety has broad appeal. Fresh but very textured with crisp minerality, the 2017 Falanghina vintage from Feudi di San Gregorio balances soft fruit with a mineral core. (Fun fact: Feudi di San Gregorio's labels were created by Italian designer Massimo Vignelli - designer of the NYC subway map and Bloomingdale's shopping bags!) 

Frescobaldi Massovivo Ammiraglia Vermentino 2016 ($18)
Italy
Fresh, subtle and elegant, this charming Vermentino from Tuscany's coastal Maremma region has plenty of Mediterranean flair. Lively flavors of honeysuckle, chamomile, and white nectarine are balanced by crisp minerality. 



Nik Weis Mosel Urban Riesling 2017 ($15)
Germany
Juicy, crisp, and refreshing, this rocking little Riesling from Germany's renowned Mosel Valley has plenty of personality. Fruity with a hint of sweetness that is balanced out by a tinge of chalky minerality.  



Chehalem INOX Unoaked Chardonnay 2016 ($20)
Oregon
Unoaked but full of flavor, this fresh and vibrant Chardonnay from Oregon's iconic Willamette Valley is a charmer. Very crisp, round, and graceful.  



Trivento White Orchid Reserve Torrontes 2017 ($11)
Argentina
White Orchid is the perfect name for this flirty and aromatic Torrontes from Argentina's famed Mendoza region. Floral and tropical, a kiss of Pinot Grigio adds crispness and nuance. 

Red



Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Aglianico 2015 ($19.99)
Italy
What a sultry, sexy, and savory vino! Aglianico is one of southern Italy's iconic wines and Feudi di San Gregorio's Rubrato is an impressive expression. Crafted from 100% Aglianico grapes from the Irpinia region of Campania, Rubrato is is bold and elegant. Rich berry flavors meld seamlessly with hints of savory herbs and spice. 

Concannon Vineyard Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($90)
California 
This is no run-of-the-mill Cabernet Sauvignon, Concannon Clone 7 pays tribute to Concannon’s important role in viticulture - their clones account for 80% of all California Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Bold and rich with dark fruit, spice, and earth flavors; Clone 7 is crafted from vineyards in the Chalk Hill AVA located in the northeast corner of the larger Russian River Valley AVA. 



Westwood Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($44)
California
An impressive Pinot Noir from Sonoma with finesse and fully developed flavors of ripe red berries, brambly fruits, baking spices, and well-integrated dusty tannins. 

Etude Explores & Respects the Essence of Pinot Noir

Jon Priest, Senior Winemaker & General Manager, Etude Wines

Pinot Noir people don't mess around. Known as the heartbreak grape, fickle and finicky Pinot Noir is one of the hardest grapes to cultivate. You can't make Pinot Noir half-heartedly, one has to completely devote themselves to its needs and there's no guarantee that this diva won't disappoint you. But Pinot Noir devotees will tell you that the stress it induces pales in comparison to its ethereal ability to transmit terroir. Jon Priest, Senior Winemaker and General Manager of Etude Wines since 2005, is absolutely a Pinot Noir person. Jon beams when he tells me that he appreciates Pinot Noir's demanding nature and its transparency. 

Founded in 1982, in the Carneros region of California, Etude means study in French and the winery crafts classic varietals that are modeled after the best in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Alsace yet elegantly express their New World origins. Committed to sustainable practices, Etude was founded on the philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard. Etude is best known for their estate Pinot Noir and Jon's passion for Pinot has inspired him to explore "how does Pinot Noir manifest itself in different regions" by making wine in other parts of California, Oregon, and even New Zealand. Using a minimalist approach in his winemaking enables Jon to craft wines that are authentic expressions of the grape, terroir, and vintage. 

If you share Jon's passion for Pinot Noir and want to explore the differences in wines crafted from diverse terroirs, give one of these Etude wines a swirl! 

Etude Pinot Noir 2016, Grace Benoist Ranch, Carneros, Estate Grown ($47)
Described as a "true representation of the winery's estate vineyards at Grace Benoist Ranch," the vineyards are tucked away in the far northwest corner of the Carneros appellation, near Sonoma. The soils on Grace Benoist Ranch are variations of volcanic origin, unlike the rest of Carneros which is mostly composed of clay soils. Jon says these rocky & mineral-rich volcanic soils imbue the wine with richness and depth. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this vibrant Pinot Noir has lifted cherry and raspberry flavors and a hint of cinnamon graham cracker spice that is a signature of Pinot Noir from Grace Benoist Ranch. Silky, fresh, and elegantly structured, this charming wine has the potential to age for up to 10 years. 

Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir 2015, Grace Benoist Ranch Vineyard, Carneros, Estate Grown ($95)
This is no cookie-cutter Pinot Noir. Crafted from several heirloom selections of Pinot Noir that produce low yields but pristine fruit, Heirloom 2015 is a fine example of Pinot Noir's power to transmit terroir. Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months, this aromatic and richly colored Pinot Noir has soft tannins, lively acidity and intense, but balanced, red fruit and spice flavors. 

Etude Pinot Noir 2016, North Canyon Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($55)
Less than 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, North Canyon Vineyard is located in a secluded canyon along the Santa Maria river bench in Santa Barbara County's northernmost AVA. Extended periods of sunshine mature the Pinot Noir grapes beautifully but the cool breezes of the Pacific maintain freshness. Jon says there is "a vibrant lift to the wine. Lifted red fruit and Asian spices" and he recommends salmon as a great pairing with this Pinot Noir. 

Etude 2015 Yamhela Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District, Willamette Valley ($65)
Pinot Noir from Willamette is acclaimed for its elegance and affinity with Burgundy and this beauty from Etude certainly meets that standard. The Yamhela Vineyard  has rich marine-sedimentary soils that are among Willamette's oldest. The region's cool-climate and ideal amounts of sunshine, encourage slow maturation of the Pinot Noir grapes. Brambly and bright with crisp acidity and fine tannins, this beauty from Oregon is an elegant tapestry of red cherry, cranberry, hibiscus, tea leaves, and spice.

Visit the Etude website to explore their complete portfolio of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Gris. 

Love, Land, Legacy: The Knudsen Family's Wine Roots Run Deep in Oregon

The beautiful landscape of Knudsen Vineyards even inspired Oregon's "Wine Country" license plate! 

Oregon wines are all the rage now but that wasn't the case in 1971 when C. Calvert "Cal" and Julia Lee Knudsen purchased a 200-acre former walnut orchard in the heart of the Dundee Hills. True trailblazers, the Knudsens planted 30 acres of vines in 1972 and it became the largest vineyard in the Willamette Valley. In 1976, Knudsen partnered with legendary winemaker Dick Erath and built the first commercial winery in the Dundee Hills. For more than a decade, Knudsen Erath Winery produced wines until the dissolution of the partnership in 1987. However, that did not mark the end of Knudsen's role in winemaking and the family invested in Argyle Winery, where they maintain a grape supply and vineyard management relationship. 

Vintage bottle of Knudsen Erath Pinot Noir from 1983 - a delicious collector's item! 

Now the second generation of the family is moving their winemaking legacy forward and the four Knudsen siblings have formed Knudsen Vineyards. Showing how the wine industry has dramatically grown in Oregon, Knudsen's 130 planted acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay now make them one of the smaller wineries in the state. However, few can compete with the Knudsen family's important role in Oregon's viticultural history and the historical significance of their Willamette Valley vineyard. 

"It is an honor for my brothers and me to carry on our parents' vision for Oregon winemaking." - Page Knudsen Cowles, Managing Partner

Page Knudsen Cowles beams when she speaks of her admiration and appreciation for what her parents created almost 50 years ago.  She and her three brothers (Colin, David, and Cal) have a strong connection to their land. To ensure that it remains healthy for the following generations, Knudsen Vineyards is certified sustainable. 

But what did Cal Knudsen see in Willamette Valley all those years ago that inspired him to take a leap of faith? Passionate about the iconic wines of Burgundy and Champagne, Cal was convinced that Willamette's similar climate, topography, and sedimentary soils could also produce wines of exceptional quality. He certainly has been proven right. Wines from Oregon, especially Willamette, are critically acclaimed for their elegance and terroir-driven style. How poetic that Cal Knudsen was inspired by France and today several prominent French winemakers are producing wines in Willamette Valley!

Current offerings from Knudsen Vineyards focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wines certainly have an Old World quality where the essence of the fruit and terroir are clearly expressed, instead of heavy-handed winemaking. 


Juicy and zingy Knudsen Vineyards Chardonnay 2015 ($45) is rich and robust but still demonstrates impressive restraint and balance. Ten months in French oak add a warm hint of vanilla and spice to its vibrant citrus, pear, and crisp green apple flavors. Ever-so-slightly creamy, with a long finish, this Chardonnay is charming now and has enough structure to keep aging gracefully. (2016 vintage is also available). 

Finicky Pinot Noir is known as the "heartbreak grape"but winemakers can't resist the challenge. Perhaps more than any other red wine grape, Pinot Noir has the uncanny ability to transmit the ineffable qualities of terroir. Knudsen Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 ($55) meticulously balances poise and playfulness. Clearly inspired by Burgundy in its direct communication of fruit and earth, there is also a charming thread of American exuberance in its hints of spice, juicy & ripe red cherries, and supple tannins. 

Knudsen's petite but precise portfolio stands up to their impressive legacy and I certainly look forward to following this new chapter of the family's winemaking journey. If your travels take you to Oregon, contact Knudsen to schedule a visit. 

Seven Sexy Wines for Chilly Winter Nights, Not Just Valentine's Day!

 

Real romance isn't just a one-day phenomenon but at least Valentine's Day puts love and affection in the spotlight. We need more love in the world and the vibrant reds and good vibes of Valentine's Day brighten up the grey mood of winter. Chilly nights are the perfect time to share a bottle of wine with someone special. Heat things up on February 14th, and all winter long, with one of these sexy wines! 


Vilarnau Brut Reserva ($14.99)  

Your romantic soundtrack should include the sound of a popping cork! Share a bottle or two of beautiful Vilarnau Cava with your sweetie. Founded in 1949, Vilarnau is highly regarded for their superb expressions of Spain's famous sparkling wine.


Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé  ($15.99)

The colorful bottles of their Cava Brut Reserva and Rosé pay homage to Vilarnau's Catalan heritage with a design inspired by the iconic architect Antoni Gaudí. His monumental Basilica de La Sagrada Familia has yet to be completed but these two fresh and flirty bottles of sparkling wine are easy to finish. Dry and balanced with vibrant fruit and persistent fine bubbles, these bubblies are pretty delightful. 

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Viognier 2016 ($16)

Rich and luscious with flavors of vibrant juicy peaches & apricots with sassy hints of cream and spice, I have a crush on this organic California beauty from Mendocino County.

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres 2013 ($20.99)
An unabashedly sexy blend of Syrah, Mourvédre, and Grenache, this silky and earthy red from Roussillon, in the sunny south of France, will add some ooh la la to your evening. 

Left Coast Cellars Latitude 45 Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($38)

Wow someone special with this absolutely elegant Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley (Oregon). Beautifully crafted from grapes (Dijon clones) grown in a vineyard that is directly on the 45th parallel, like many of the world's greatest wine regions, this wine is a classic beauty with the timeless finesse of Fred Astaire. 


Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2013 ($24)

Pour a little love, Italian style, with this terrific Tuscan vino. Sourced from the oldest and most deeply-rooted vines of Frescobaldi’s thousand-year old Nipozzano estate, it blends Sangiovese with kisses of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, and Canaiolo. Silky and sultry with rich red berry flavors and hints of spice and cocoa, this is what la dolce vita tastes like! (I sampled the 2013 vintage but 2014 is currently available.)



Imagery Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)
A juicy red from Sonoma (California), Imagery blends classic Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of racy Petite Sirah. Smooth with a subtle pop of spice, it strikes the perfect balance between plush and polished. 

Beyond Burgundy: Pretty Fabulous Pinot Noir from Argentina, Oregon, and New Zealand

Considered the pinnacle of Pinot Noir, the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region of France is revered for elegant, ethereal, and expressive wines that stand the test of time. Often referred to as the heartbreak grape, Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned diva who requires constant attention and is very particular about where it will grow. Burgundy's cool climate and soil composition provide ideal conditions for fussy Pinot Noir grapes. Old World Burgundy may be the queen bee when it comes to Pinot Noir but many New World regions are making incredible wines from this demanding grape that really tests the skill (and patience) of a winemaker. (Wine Spectator defines the traditional winemaking regions of Europe as Old World and regions such as the United States, New Zealand, and South America as New World. These terms can also refer to the style of wine.) Recently, I tasted three wonderful Pinot Noir wines from Argentina, Oregon, and New Zealand that show the New World has what it takes to make wonderful wines from this challenging grape.   



BARDA by Bodega Chacra, Pinot Noir 2015 ($29.99)
Patagonia, Argentina

It was absolutely love at first sip with this exquisite Pinot Noir from the very Southern Hemisphere. When it comes to reds, Malbec reigns supreme in Argentina but Bodega Chacra focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir and their commitment has paid off beautifully. With picky Pinot Noir grapes, location is everything and Bodega Chacra's vineyards are located in the Río Negro Valley area of northern Patagonia, roughly equidistant from the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, in a pristine area with no pollution and ideal climatic conditions. This freshness and purity is a definitive trait of BARDA. Supple but not lazy, this is a Pinot Noir of exceptional grace and balance. Subtle but not shy, precise but not austere; BARDA is a joyful wine with beautiful red fruit flavors and hints of spice, tea leaves, and earth. BARDA displays depth and maturity but it isn't stodgy - this Pinot Noir absolutely soars. I only have two regrets with BARDA - that I didn't open it sooner and we finished the bottle way too quickly! 


Roserock Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2014 ($38)
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

Fans of Burgundy are very familiar with the Drouhin name - the family has been producing superb Pinot Noir in the region for more than a century. Thirty years ago, they recognized the potential to also create world-class Pinot Noir in Oregon and launched Domaine Drouhin Oregon in 1987. Location is of utmost importance for Pinot Noir grapes and Roserock is located at the southern tip of the Eola-Amity Hills in the Willamette Valley. The cool climate, elevation, and ancient volcanic soils are a winning formula for the demands of Pinot Noir. Of course, once pristine grapes are harvested, the winemaker must exercise precision and intuition to create a wine that expresses the fruit and the terroir. Roserock succeeds in this endeavor and captures the spirit of Domaine Drouhin Oregon's motto "French Soul, Oregon Soil." Elegant and fruit-forward, Roserock opens up beautifully to reveal balanced flavors of cherry, dark berries, and an appealing hint of wild flowers, and rich earth.



Invivo Pinot Noir 2014 ($25) 
Central Otago, New Zealand 

Very new to the scene, Invivo launched in 2008 and the founders describe their wines as being "made from grapes, time, and two maxed out credit cards." Clearly, we're not in Burgundy anymore! From those humble beginnings, Invivo has quickly made a name for itself and is now one of the world's fastest growing wine brands - from just 12,000 bottles in 2014 to 1.5 million in 2017. Fruit-forward with a hint of sweetness, Invivo is a more modern and New World style of wine that is very approachable and a nice option for everyday sipping. Silky with flavors of sweet cherries and a touch of toast, this is a down-to-earth wine that shows the more playful side of Pinot Noir.  

 

 

Mixed Case: 12 Wonderful Wines from Around the Globe

Which 12 different bottles of wine would you choose to create your own mixed case? I would definitely fill mine with a mix of sparkling, white, red and rosé; a few serious wines and some everyday easygoing sips. If you're looking for inspiration to create your own delicious dozen, keep reading for tasting notes on twelve winning wines that I recently sampled from California, Oregon, Argentina, Italy, France, and Portugal. Cheers!

Sparkling



Nino Franco "Rustico" Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Italy (Valdobbiadene), $19 ($39.99 for a magnum)
Who says Prosecco can't be fancy? Valdobbiadene produces some of Italy's most superb Prosecco wines and Nino Franco is one of the oldest wineries in the region. Dry, creamy, and crisp with fine bubbles and elegant fruit & flowery flavors, this is a gorgeous 100% Glera bubbly with tremendous texture and minerality.   



Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red, Brachetto d'Acqui
Italy (Piedmont), $17
A fizzy, flirty, and fruity red that will satisfy your sweet tooth with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and rhubarb.  

White



Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc 2016
California (Napa Valley, St. Helena), $18
A modern Sauvignon Blanc from Napa's oldest winery - lively and delightfully crisp with perky flavors of citrus and passionfruit. 




Bodega Colomé Torrontes 2016
Argentina (Salta), $15
A perky and fresh expression of Argentina's signature white wine, this tasty Torrontes is fruit-forward with terrific texture and zesty acidity. 
 


Luna Nuda Pinot Grigio 2016
Italy (Alto Adige), $12.99
Say goodbye to watery and bland Pinot Grigio and hello to this flavorful vino with crisp minerality and flavors of golden apple and citrus. 

Rosé



Château de Chausse Côtes de Provence AOP Rosé, 2016
France (Provence), $29.99
A juicy blend of Cinsault and Grenache, this ballet pink sip twirls across the palate with fresh cherry, strawberry, and watermelon flavors. 

Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel 2016
California (Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley), $12
The lighter side of Zinfandel is on delicious display in this quite dry rosé, with an appealing hint of sweetness and balanced citrus, red berry, and orange zest flavors. 

Red

Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir 2014
California, (Napa Valley, Carneros), $35
Silky and juicy fresh flavors of cherry and wild strawberry with a subtle hint of baking spices - pretty with pizzazz! 

Château Moulin á Vent, Cru Bourgeois 2014 
France (Moulis en Médoc) $20
A beautiful Bordeaux that won't break the bank, this chic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc balances beautiful fruit flavors with a hint of licorice and earth. 




Esporão Private Selection 2012
Portugal (Alentejo), $65
Tremendous texture, flavor, and balance elevate this rich and beautiful blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, and Syrah to impressive levels - not just a good wine, an absolutely superb wine. One to savor. 




Ponzi "Tavola" Pinot Noir 2015
Oregon (Willamette Valley), $27
An everyday table wine with plenty of finesse and flavor, this pretty Pinot displays depth and personality. Another fine example of Ponzi's meticulous and expressive winemaking.

Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel 2015
California (Mendocino County),$18
A classic California Zin, chock full of rich fruit and peppery spice, this plush wine is so very nice! Perfect wine to pair with BBQ.  

Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Winemakers: Wine is a Family Affair at Fullerton

  Two generations bound by love of family and wine - Alex and Eric Fullerton of Fullerton Wines.

Don't be alarmed if you encounter a pre-schooler swirling his sippy cup like it's a fine pinot noir - you may be in the presence of a future winemaker. Alex Fullerton's teachers may have been startled by his precocious milk swirling, but his wine-loving  parents knew that he was simply emulating their actions. Today, a grown-up Alex is the winemaker for his family's boutique winery, Fullerton Wines, in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Founded in 2012, Fullerton Wines is truly a family affair that celebrates the beauty of wine and honors their northern European heritage. Eric, the patriarch of the family is of Danish descent and Susanne, the matriarch, is from Sweden. The family's journeys through Old World wine regions such as Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy had a profound impact on Alex and he officially started his career in winemaking as a cellar hand in Oregon for Penner-Ash Wine Cellars and Bergström Wines. Currently finishing his viticulture and enology degree at Oregon State University, Alex is also getting plenty of hands-on experience in the family business. "Chardonnay is my love. Pinot is my other love," said Eric, and the Fullerton portfolio beautifully showcases these varietals.   

I recently had the pleasure of tasting several wines in the Fullerton Wines portfolio with Eric and Alex over a dinner of modern Scandinavian cuisine at Aska restaurant (two Michelin stars) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. But you don't have to indulge in haute cuisine to enjoy Fullerton Wines - their unpretentious elegance pairs just as beautifully with home cooked meals.  


Three Otters Chardonnay 2014 ($20)
Drawing inspiration from the three otters that have rested prominently on the Fullerton family crest since the 13th century (and as a tattoo on winemaker Alex's upper-arm), Fullerton's Three Otters wines are fun and fruit-forward. Produced with grapes from Northern Willamette Valley, this vibrant and crisp Chardonnay dances across the palate with fresh flavors of green apple, citrus, and a hint of herbs.  

Five FACES Pinot Noir 2013 ($33)
Displaying impressive finesse and texture, this elegant Pinot Noir balances flavors of fresh cherry and strawberry with a thread of earthiness that adds depth. Vibrant acidity and soft tannins add additional complexity to this superb sip. FACES is an acronym for the five Fullerton family members (Filip, Alex, Caroline, Eric, and Susanne). 

Croft Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 ($45)
Taking their love of Pinot Noir to the next level, Fullerton also produces several single-vineyard selections. My favorite of the evening was this silky, intense, juicy, and peppery sip from the Croft Vineyard. A beautifully balanced and supple wine with an approachable complexity, Croft is rich and refreshing with layers of flavor and lively acidity. 

Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 ($60)
Momtazi is no meek little Pinot Noir. Like an opera diva, Momtazi boldly hits all the notes and is impossible to ignore. It is often said that Pinot Noir is unsurpassed in its ability to express terroir and the Momtazi Vineyard has imprinted its essence on these grapes and imbued them with astounding complexity. Rich flavors of Persian spices, black truffle, licorice, and green olive interact beautifully with this Pinot Noir's intense red berry and currant flavors.


 Meet the Fullerton family - Filip, Susanne, Eric, Alex, and Caroline. 
image courtesy of Fullerton Wines

Not even 30-years-old, Alex Fullerton brings impressive maturity and passion to his winemaking. Alex's talent combined with the experience and support of his family are a powerful combination. I look forward to following the Fullerton family's wine adventures for many years to come!