Philiponnat Royale Reserve Brut NV
“Based 70% on the 2013 vintage plus 30% oaked reserve wines, the NV Royale Réserve Brut blends 65% Pinot Noir with 30% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier. The recent release was disgorged as Brut (with eight grams per liter of dosage) in July 2017 and opens with a clear and very delicate bouquet of red fruits (raspberries). The palate is light and finessed yet structured and finishes with good minerality and length. This is delicious. Tasted at the domaine in April 2018.”
90 Wine Advocate
Paired with: Black Pepper Pate Crostini Toasted Pink Peppercorns,Toasted Brioche, Camembert Cheese, Green Apple Candied Walnut, Whipped Goat Cheese, Strawberry, Balsamic Reduction & Basil
Sandhi Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills 2016
"The 2016 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) offers lovely precision at this level. Citrus and floral notes give the wine its signature freshness and focus. It is another wine in this range that delivers superb quality and value."
90-91 Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Paired with: Crab & Avocado Cannoli Green Apple Consommé, Fresno Chile and Basil
Melville Pinot Noir Estate 2014
"Light raspberry-sorbet notes meet with fresh fennel fronds, pepper and cinnamon on the nose of this bottling from Chad Melville and family. It's tight and tart on the palate, with dried cranberry, pine needle and eucalyptus flavors that juxtapose with the more fruit-driven nose."
94 Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast
Paired with: Turkey Scotch Egg Berry Coulis and Corn Bread Croutons
Whitcraft Pinot Noir Pence Ranch Mt. Eden 2016
"Second-generation vintner Drake Whitcraft is diligently honing a delicate, fresh style of Pinot Noir, which shows expertly in this bottling. Aromas of crushed violet, under-ripe cherry, tarragon and spearmint decorate the nose. The palate combines raspberry with crushed mint, proving extremely soft and feminine. It would be easy to drink the whole bottle."
94 Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
Paired with: Sole Roulade Patty Pan Squash, Beurre Rouge and Soft Herbs
Piedrasassi Syrah P.S. 2017
"In the vineyard, the team at Piedrasassi picks a bit earlier than their colleagues to keep the alcohol levels in balance with flavour and to preserve the natural acidity of the fruit. In the winery, Moorman employs some whole-cluster inclusion, indigenous yeast fermentation, and no sulphur added at fermentation, remaining as natural as possible without compromising the integrity and stability of the wine. Elevage is in 500-litre barrels to limit the wine’s exposure to oxygen and to minimize the influence of oak. They add the smallest amount of sulphur to the wine at bottling; allowing the aromatics to stay expressive while still protecting the wine during cellaring."
Skurnik Wines
Paired with: Crispy Duck Breast Sautéed Bitter Greens, Blackberry Orzo “Risotto” with Syrah Reduction
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
“Deep ruby in color, the 2016 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon expresses intense fragrances of black currants, ripe black cherries and blackberries with subtle notes of violets, mocha and dried spices. It’s a big, powerful, modern-styled wine with velvety tannins and heaps of juicy blackberry and cherry fruit, while nuances of cedar, clove and vanilla bean round out the long, smooth finish. It’s full bodied, rich and balanced by fresh acidity with a supple, polished tannin structure."
Hope Family Wines
Paired with: Dark Chocolate SemiFreddo The Original Maraschino Cherries, Vanilla Chantilly Cream with Cinnamon Streusel
