Happy New Year, and happy birthday to us! January 2016 marks one year of publication of our Somm’s Picks. Partake in the celebration with the critically acclaimed and number 2 “wine of the year” by James Suckling, Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2006.

Pick 1: Old World Wine Pick

Ch. Beau-Site St. Estephe 2005

Ch. Beau-Site is a traditionalist’s Bordeaux with dusty tannins, dark and red fruits elevated with St. Estephe’s minerality. Having reached maturity, this wine has a good pedigree, and represents a good value in older Bordeaux without having to cellar it.

Ch. Beau-Site has the same owners as Ch Batailley, a 5^th growth, and Ch Trotte Vielle, a 1er Grand-Cru Classé, giving it impressive siblings from which to draw winemaking talent.

– 90pts Wine Spectator –

Pick 2: Crowd Pleasing Wines

Walt “La Brisa” Pinot Noir 2013

Walt pinot noirs are always rich and round with layers of fruit ranging from fresh strawberry to overripe raspberry, and finishing with touches of blackberry jam. The wine maintains structure while being an unbelievably drinkable wine that will disappear quickly at a party.

Walt winery was founded by Kathyrn Walt Hall, who also owns Hall winery in Napa, which is famous for their Cabernets.

– 90pts Cellar Tracker –

Pick 3: The Great Ones

Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2006

As Robert Parker said “Prado Enea is traditional Rioja at its best.” This vintage has tightly wound layers of fruit, tobacco and earth despite it almost being 10 years old! Decant and enjoy unique and excellent bottle with great company.

Muga is one of only 6 wineries in the world that owns its own cooperage (barrel maker). They also directly import their oak from the US and France exemplifying their dedication to excellence at every part of the winemaking process.

– 98pts and #2 wine of year by James Suckling –

Pick 4: Value Spot Light

Ch. St Jean “Belle Terre” Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

This phenomenal Chardonnay combines the richness of oak with powerful fruit. Weighty on the palate yet clean on the finish, this Chardonnay plays on par with the best whites of California while at an everyday price point.

Ch. St. Jean is the first Sonoma valley winery to produce a “Wine of Year” with their Cinq Cepages red blend in 1996.

– 2012 rated 91pts Antonio Galloni –

All of these wines were hand selected by our Somms Richard and Carlos Fonseca. For more information on any of these wines reach out to us on Facebook, or see us in the store.