Whites

Chardonnay, Clos La Chance 2009 Monterey    $34

If you like a chardonnay that is not oaked and places more emphasis on the fruit and acidity this chardonnay is for you. The winery practices sustainable farming in a region that has hot days with cool nights that is the perfect growing climate for balanced chardonnay. 

Albariño, Salneval  2009 Spain      $32

Sometimes economic downturns are beneficial; before the recession hit Spain this wine would have been twice as much. The wine is richer by white standards, besides crisp acidity I tasted light flavors of roasted hazelnuts. Nice white to transition into fall.

Riesling, Willamette Valley Vineyards 2008 Oregon $28

Acidity really gives this sweeter wine a refreshing zip, lower alcohol makes it perfect for a hot day.

Viognier, Como Sur  2009 Chile  $28

Rounder flavors of apricots and melon with a touch of oak. A nice alternative to Chardonnay.

Sauvignon Blanc, Mohua 2009 New Zealand  $32

The Mohua bird is from the south island of Marlborough where the grapes for this wine come from. A portion of the sale of this wine go to help fund conservation projects to help restore habitat.  The wine has the more bracing characteristics of a Southern Hemisphere Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of round tropical fruit notes for balance.

Spanish White, Volteo 2009 “La Mancha” $28

A blend of Viura (traditional grape of Rioja) Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier that we found to simple and refreshing.  Lower alcohol make it a perfect little white for the hot summer months.

Pinot Grigio, Santa di Terrossa 2009 Italy  $32

We’ve carried this Pinot Grigio for years for the main reason that I have yet to taste a Pinot Grigio better for the money. Light, crisp with good acidity

Rose of Tempranillo, Matchbook 2009 California  $7

The refreshment of a white with the weight of a red; perfect.

Reds

Pinot Noir, Rex Hill 2007 Oregon $42.00

Classic Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley.  The nose has ripe cherries and raspberries mixed with a bit of smoke.  Full, lush fruit in the mouth that finishes with beautiful ripe acidity.

Zinfandel, ”The Maverick” Four Vines 2007 Paso Robles  $38

“The Biker” Zin that we had ran out so I tried another from the quirky folks at Four Vines and found it to be more than acceptable.  The Sierra Foothill Valley is renowned for its old vine Zinfandel vineyards which produce a wine that is chewy and spicy, rich blackberry fruit with a hint of velvet vanilla oak.

Monastrell, Juan Gil 2007 Spain  $34

100% Monastrell (Mourvedre) from 45 year old vines. This wine displays a great deal of
black berry fruit up front with notes of smoke & black pepper. A lush layered structure with a nice tannic presence.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Castle Rock 2008 California $32.00

This Paso Robles wine is fruit forward and is full bodied with a rich core of berry and earthy flavors.

Zinfandel, Shooting Star 2008 California  $32

A wine made by Jed Steele from Mendocino County.  This Zinfandel depicts fresh red fruit, mint, ripe prune and raspberry characteristics, nice dark fruit and all spice fill the mid palate.

Pinot Noir, Angeline 2009 California  $32.00

Pinot Noir blended with grapes from Santa Barbara, Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Elegant and refined, the acidity on the finish makes it a perfect food wine.

Nero D’Avola, Villa Pozzi 2008 Italy  $28

The Nero D’Avola grape from Sicily sometimes be quite a harsh bruiser, I have to say emphatically that this one is not. Earthy dried cherry flavors that are showcased in a voluptuous body with a finish that lingers.

Shiraz, Morse Code 2008 Padthaway Australia $24.00

fruit driven wine with minimal oak to allow the fruit flavors and regional character to the forefront

A Nice Basic Bottle of Wine

Vinho Verde, Gazela NV Portugal  $20

A crisp, refreshing white that is lightly frizzante.

Tempranillo, Protocolo 2007 Spain  $20

A touch of fruit that has a dry finish.

Bubbly

Prosecco, Lunetta NV Italy  $32

Absolutely lovely, lighter color, lighter body, with extra fine pinpoint bubbles. Perfect with everything on the menu.