Wine by the Glass ~ 4oz

Bubbly ~

2005 Gramona “Gran Cuvee” Cava Penedes ~ Spain $7gls $30btl
From a good-sized house with extensive offerings, yet none-the-less quality dedicated, this is an equal parts blend of Xarel•lo, Macabeo, and Chardonnay that spends 24 months of the lees. Aromas of Gala apple, toffee, walnut, lemon zest-while the palate is soft, silky, and elegant with a long supple finish.

MV Godmé Père et Fils Brut Reserve Premier Cru Verzenay Champagne France ~ $15gls  $69btl
An assertive and expansive grower produced Champagne consisting of 55% Chardonnay 10% Pinot Noir & 35% Pinot Meunier. This 1er Cru has a sublime texture, with persistent acidity, tight ribbons of bubbles, tangy green apple, fresh baked croissant, gingerbread, and a long invigorating finish.

White ~

2008 Quattro Mani Tocai Brda, Slovenia ~ $7gls  $30btl
This 100% Biodynamic Tocai is made by the fiery and eccentric Alec Kristancic (Movia), whose energy will light up any room he walks into. The Quattro Mani project, simply put, is 4 sustainably farmed single varietal wines, made by 4 different producers, in 4 different areas to show their expression of indigenous grapes and the land on which they’ve been cultivated for quite possibly thousands of years. This beautifully vibrant Tocai is full of herbs, mostly mint, on the nose. While flavors of lime zest, green tea, spearmint and green apple stimulate the palate.

2006 Carl Loewen Leiwener Klostergarten Riesling Kabinett Mosel Germany ~ $7gls $30btl

An inspiring, two-century old family run estate, consisting of four different vineyard sites on the sinuous Mosel river. Carl’s careful hand is crafting some of the most aromatic and transparent Riesings in the world. The Leiwener Klostergarten is a combo of blue and gray slate, which lends this unctuous kabinett opulent minerality, delectably sweet orchard fruit, and pinpoint acidity.

2004 Domaine Marcel Deiss “Engelgarten” Bergheim, Alsace ~ $10gls $43btl
We call Jean-Michel Deiss – who eerily resembles Dionysus’ tutor, Silenus – the ‘Deleuze of the demi-muid’, the ‘winemaker of Desire’: one of the most profound vinous thinkers in Europe, he relentlessly trains his vines to suffer for water and plunge to primal earth to soak up its essence – tasting his biodynamic wines makes one stronger and more acute. His Engelgarten vineyard surrounds his house (hung, no less, with portraits of bullfighters) – it’s warmer, at a lower altitude, and like so many of his sites, is planted to a varietal mix ripened and fermented simultaneously – it shows a rich minerality crossed with heady peach, papaya, cool chalk and spicy white pepper.

2007 Comte Lafon Chardonnay Macon, Burgundy, France ~ $8gls $34btl
A superstar of the South, Dominique Lafon never seems to disappoint. His belief that Macon can be much more than most presume is quickly becoming more evident. The wines always have an assertive nature about them, medium on the whole showing Gala apple, toasted almonds, slatey minerals and a long elegant finish.

2008 Vina Mein Field Blend Ribeiro Spain ~ $7gls $30btl
Founded in 1988, by Javier Alen, with a vision of bringing Galician wine back to its truest form by planting only the varietals that have been cultivated in the region for nearly 1000yrs. An immensely invigorating wine, containing 7 grape varitetals, shows how diversity can bring out subtle complexities and sharpen your palate. Light and finessed showing fleshy fruit, primal rock, a touch of spearmint, and just enough viscosity.

2007 Weingut Bründlmayer “Kamptaler Terrassen” Gruner Veltliner Kamptal Austria ~ $8gls  $34btl
Gruner always seems to be a suitable white for the cooler months. Its feisty interplay of orchard fruit, spice, minerals, and bracing acidity pair perfectly with savory foods; while its tendency to have a subtle richness makes it a satisfying sipper. Willi Brundlmayer’s one of the most humble winemakers around, who seems to have no limits, constantly setting the bar higher and higher. Tasting Willi’s wines is always a treat, Prost!

Red ~

2006 Montirius “Le Cadet” Vin de Pays de Vaucluse  France ~ $6.5gls $28btl
Chrisine and her husband Eric Saurel are the positive force behind one of Southern Rhones most exciting wineries. This blend of 50% Grenache 30% Syrah 10% Cinsault 10% Merlot, like all of their wines, is farmed entirely by Biodynamic principes and vinified in concrete tanks with no oak treatment to bring out the purest most vivid expression of their fruit. Wide arrays of flavors are showcased here strawberry, leather, black currant, spicy green pepper, violets, gravel and more…

2005 Domaine Mercouri Refosco/Mavrodaphne Vin des Letinon Greece ~ $8.5gls $36btl
From the western edge of the Peloponnesus, from a place surrounded by palm trees and pines and a salty sea breeze, comes this stately, Burgundian blend of Refosco and Mavrodaphne, delivering lean sour-cherry, black raspberry and tobacco, violets and rosemary, all held in the firm yet gentle grip of burnt cinnamon and cedar tannins. And the finish is endless. We’re simply delighted we can pour this for you–the sexiest red you’ll sip all summer, we swear.

2006 Domaine Bachey-Legros “Clos des Hates” Pinot Noir Santenay Burgundy, France ~ $9gls  $38btl
Planted in 1935 on a gravel and limestone based parcel, Clos de Hates, is now tended to by Christiane Bachey and her two sons. This “Old Vine” Pinot expresses Santenay with distinct elegance and purity. Delecate fruit and minerality enliven the palate while setting the stage for a long dry finish. A thought provoking wine, perfect for the Winter months.

2006 Bodega NQN “Malma” Malbec Reserva Patagonia, Argentina ~ $8gls $34btl
Patagonia is the southern most wine region in Argentina. Cooler than Mendoza this zone allows the fruit a little extra time to develop is flavors and acidity. This Malbec is fermented in steel then is aged in French and American oak for 12 month, Firm structure and a soft palate feel are preeminent here. Jammy fruit, baking spice and mocha.

2005 Olga Raffault “Les Picasses” Cabernet Franc Chinon Loire Valley France ~ $9gls $38btl
Aged 12-14 months in old foudres by Olga’s granddaughter Sylvie, this is Chinon’s finest expression of Cabernet Franc. The vines are 50+ years old, planted in pure limestone, organically grown, and hand-harvested. The flavors here are flattering, but pay attention to the texture; it’s so velvety and clean, it begs for more than one glass.

2003 Caparone Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Maria Valley California ~ $7.5gls $32btl
This organic, unfined, and unfiltered Cali Cab is not typical of the place it comes from. Though Caparone’s dedication to “traditional” winemaking is evident and incredibly harmonious in all their wines. Meduim bodied, with aromas of cedar, red fruit, and provencal herbs, with round flavors of red currants, sweet leather and dusty tannin.

2006 Foradori Teroldego Rotaliano Trentino Italy ~ $10gls $43btl
Since 1985, dynamic, captivating, now-legendary Elisibetta Foradori has spent her life researching the history of the Teroldego varietal (a cousin to Syrah), and has been replanting her family’s vineyards in Trentino to its multiple lost clones in order to successfully show its ancient storied potential. The resulting wine is sassy, spicy, layered, dark, elevating, and elegant.

2006 Unti Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California ~ $9gls $38btl
Mick Unti has seemed to master the art of blending, every vintage he varies the blend in his Zinfandel to balance out any possible lopsidedness the growing season may have brought. This 06’ has 9% Petite Sirah to add body and 3% Barbera for some acidity and bright fruit. This wine is masculine and elegant, one of the best Zins you’ll ever taste… And it’s Biodynamic!!!

2006 Chateau Puynormand Montagne Saint-Emilion Bordeaux France ~ $8gls  $34btl

Puynormand is a satellite village of the Saint-Emilion Appellation situated just to the Northeast where Merlot vines dominate the gravel rich hillsides. Phillipe Lamarque, a 4^th generation winemaker, crafted this 100% Merlot from 50-90 year old vines. Displaying so many of Bordeaux’s lovely nuances, it’s medium bodied and very youthful, showing an array of red fruits, dark chocolate, peppery spice, toasted oak, and gravel with well-integrated softer tannins that lead you through a long silky finish.

Bottle List ~ white

France ~

Jeremy Quinn, sommelier of Webster’s Wine Bar, has chosen the following French wines

White

2007 Domaine Faillenc “Sainte Marie” Corbieres ~ $33
University professors Dominique and Marie-Therese Gilbert left Paris in May ’68 to ‘return to the land’; namely, this inhospitable 8-hectare plot high in the Pyrennees where ruins of an ancient Roman winery were found, and which they continue to work, alone, without electricity or chemicals of any kind. Along with a red and rose, they make a succulent white blend of Roussanne, Macabeo, Bourboulenc and Clairette from a 1-hectare vineyard, which they age on the fine lees for extra body and finesse.

2004 Nicolas Joly “Clos de la Coulee de Serrant” Savennieres, Loire Valley ~ $72
Close to our heart, Nicolas is the most restless, meticulous, and imaginative winemaker we’ve ever met: his conception of the planet excludes nothing! Having written the book on biodynamics, he’s devoted his life to positive force – his wines are vital and demanding, and require early decantation. The steep, 7-hectare, red-schist vineyard Coulee de Serrant has long been classed as one of the top five in all of France, and today, has the very rare privilege of its own AOC status within Savennieres. Baked meyer lemon, acacia honey, coffee, toasted coriander, and a suggestion of aged Langres cheese are only a few of the qualities conveyed by this truly remarkable wine.

2006 Comte Lafon Macon-Milly-Lamartine, Burgundy ~ $45
Biodynamic, charismatic (and quite sexy for 50+) winemaker Dominique Lafon, centered in Meursault, reached out into the Macon 10 years ago with this 7-hectare plot in Milly-Lamartine, and has expanded with superlative style in the Maconnais ever since. He ages his wines in a carefully planned regime, racking them from steel to foudre to barrique and back again over the course of a few months to bring his terroir-driven wines the perfect degree of oxygen for their ideal expression. Almondy, apply, tinged with topicality, this is one of the prime examples of southern Burgundy Chardonnay today.

2007 Alphonse Mellot “La Moussiere” Sancerre ~ $45
‘From the premier estate in Sancerre, run today with incredible joie de vivre by the current, 18th generation Epicurian, amateur pilot, and dedicated ladies man Alphonse, this superlative Sauvignon conveys the same physical pleasure of a Claudel sculpture or a Rilke elegy. Stimulating, profound, harvested from a forbidding landscape of pure white limestone rock, it satisfies the palate as very few white wines can – both rich and delicate, it shows layers upon layers of chalky minerality and ripe orchard fruits. If you enjoy wine, this is not to be missed.’

2007 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre ~ $60
Jean Dominique and his cousin Jean Laurent are the forward thinking duo that now hold the reins at this premier family run estate. Their belief that Sancerre producers have merely scratched the surface of Sauv Blancs potential in the zone is justified by the breathtaking intensity of their wines every vintage. Lemon zest, tropical fruit, gunflint, dried lavender, granny smith apple, envelop gripping acidity.

2007 Andre et Michel Quenard Savoie, ~ $30
After taking over the family estate from his father Andre, Michel Quenard has transformed it into Savoie’s finest – from his lower- altitude vineyards, this is the region’s best expression of Jacquere – it’s a perfect match for goat cheese – minerally, crisp, and very refreshing, driven by medium-high acid.

Italy & Slovenia~

White

2007 Ferrando “La Torrazza” Erbaluce di Caluso ~ $38
Luigi Ferrando is the leading producer of Erbaluce (‘shining grass’); next to Greco, it’s the most evocative white varietal in Italy – it’s definitely a nighttime wine – showing a ghostly sense of jasmine, guava, mint, fading honeysuckle, and summer love . . .

2007 Malvira Favorita Langhe Italy ~ $36btl

100% Favorita! This wine comes from 3 clay based vineyard sites. Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel, which has kept this bottling incredibly pure. The clay has given this wine a seductive palate feel, and the flavors are vibrant showing starfruit, pineapple, and sea salt backed by charming acidity.

2006 Movia Ribolla Brda Slovenia ~ $55
Coming from 60-80 year old vines Alec Kristancics Ribolla is simply breathtaking. His Biodynamic approach to winemaking is clearly evident in all of his wines. Instead of adding sulfites he leaves this wine on the skins for an extended period of time to add natural tannin and make it age-worthy, and he bottles only during a new moon when the gravitational pressure is at its highest to avoid any unnatural form of filtration. It’s fuller in body with a rich golden color, and flavors of ripe tropical fruits, beeswax, and hints of spice.

Greece ~

Graham Anderson of Webster’s Wine Bar has chosen the following Greek wines

White

2008 Domaine Sigalas “Steel Fermented” Santorini ~ $39
Some of the oldest roots on the planet produce this steely, electric marvel by our friend Paris Sigalas. Once upon a time a volcano pushed this island to double in size, then blew up the better half–and it seems they’ve been growing Assyrtiko ever since. Here we have a perfect wine for seafood and vegetables, bright and lively, with searing acidity, gripping minerality, lean salt-taffy–and if left in the bottle it would outlive us all.

2007 Skouras Moscofilero Peloponnese ~ $31
For George Skouras this wine is about light and freshness–only the free-run juice is used here, and the grapes are chilled if necessary to ensure the skins impart as little color, tannins, or extra weight to the wine as possible. The result is sunshine in a bottle: bright, joyful acidity that is positively refreshing radiates ripe peaches and honeysuckle, a touch of passion fruit and guava, and a long orange-rind finish. Great with a salad, perfect for seafood, and brilliant for breakfast.

Spain & Portugal~

White

2007 Vina Godeval Valdeorras ~ $37
Godello is the varietal here, and when done right, this grape makes some of the most expressive Spanish whites you’ll ever taste. This is one of the more cerebral Godellos we’ve tasted, with flavors of spicy exotic fruit, sea spray, gravel, with an elegant texture.

2007 Pazo de Galegos Albarino Rias Baixas ~ $38
The sandy cliffs and Atlantic breeze of Rias Baixas provide the perfect microclimate for this staff favorite varietal Albarino. All natural fermentaion and long skin contact are responsible for an endless array of aromatics that just beg for contemplation. This lighter bodied oceanic wine has bracing acidity, showing sandy minerality, lime zest, Anjou pear, and much more.

2007 Quinta do Feital “Auratus” Alvarinho/Trajadura Mihno, Portugal ~ $26
This Biodynamic Portuguese white is quite unique for the Vihno Verde zone. Long fermentation and extended lees contact lend this bottling well-knit aromatics, a soft palate feel, and gentle acidity-while staying crisp. Flavors of juicy Golden Delicious apple, Meyer lemon, orange zest, and marzipan.

Germany &  Austria ~

White

2007 Willi Schaefer Riesling Mosel, Germany ~ $50
A master of his craft, Willi Schaefer and his son Christoff are making some of the best wine on the Mosel. 2007 was an epic vintage, and even though this is his “entry-level” wine don’t let that fool you. The grapes are sourced from the Graacher Himmelreich vineyard, and this wine is linear and polished. The balance of residual sugar and nervous acidity makes this a wine of contemplation. Transparent fruit and grey slate are predominant on the palate.

2007 J.J. Christoffel Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Mosel, Germany ~ 48
Robert Emyeal of Monchhof is now crafting the wines at Christoffel. This Kabinett comes from one of our favorite sites in all of Germany. All red slate, the Wurzgarten (spice garden) produces finessed sweet Rieslings showing rich red fruit flavors and lots of baking and Indian spice.

2007 Meulenhof Erdener Prälat Riesling Spätlese Mosel, Germany ~ $50
From one of Germanys “Grand Crus” the Erdener Pralat is a Rootstock favorite. It stays extraordinarily warm, the red slate soaks up the heat of the sun all day, then gently releases it back on to the grapes above throughout the cold evenings, to ensure extreme ripeness every vintage. Stephan Justen of Meulenhof is one of 7 very-lucky major producers to own a plot on this tiny site. This wine is slightly weighty with rich aromatics of white peach, potting clay, and starfruit. Stern acidity stimulates the palate while flavors of sweet mango, fresh spearmint, guava, and ginger gently unravel.

2006 Franz Hirtzberger Axpoint Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Wachau, Austria ~ $70
Franz Hirtzberger, who doesn’t look a day over 25, has recently taken over the winemaking responsibilities from his father at this legendary estate. Their philosophy is simple, vigilant vineyard management, very selective harvesting methods, no chaptialization, all natural fermentation, and maturation in giant oak casks. This Gruner is full bodied and layered showing lots of ruby red grapefruit, lime zest, white pepper and much much more… Hirtzberger wines capture the spirit and tradition of the Wachau. We were only able to get 12 bottles. Don’t miss it!!!

2006 Prager Achleiten Riesling Smaragd Wachau, Austria ~ $70
The Achletien is a very steep-terraced vineyard planted on pure gnice “primal rock” overlooking the picturesque Danube River. At Prager, the winemaker Toni Bodenstein – who’s also the Mayor as well as the Chairman of the Bank of Weissenkirchen – is constantly studying the various terriors of the Wachau Valley. His wines are very pure, rich, and layered and always have a certain sense of place about them. This dry Riesling is no exception; it’s pretty weighty and seamless with gentle acidity and intense flavors of tropical fruit and minerality.

Americas ~

White

2007 Barboursville Vineyards Vionier Reserve Virginia ~ $40
Yes Virginia, and if you doubt it you haven’t tasted it. This wine never saw oak, and hasn’t undergone malo. Rich in acid with aromas of tropical fruit and flavors of bosc pear, light grapefruit, and herbs.

New Zealand ~

White

2008 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand ~ $31
For all you Kiwi Sauv Blanc lovers out there this wine was not made to disappoint. It’s grassy, with plenty of ruby red grapefruit, and gooseberry that makes it undoubtedly from Marlborough.

2007 Millton Chardonnay Gisbourne New Zealand ~ $38

James Millton is the proprietor and winemaker at New Zealands oldest Organically certified winery. James is a strong believer in terroir, and relies heavily on the soil, season, and ocean breeze to decide what each vintage will bring. This is a wonderful Chardonnay for the summer, medium bodied and pitch perfect, showing white peach, bosc pear, dried dates, and sun drenched wet stone with just a kiss of oak.

Bottle List ~ rose

France ~

2008 Domaine Genestiere “Cuvee Raphael” Tavel, France ~ $30
This luxurious Tavel, “Cuvee Raphael” is Grenache led with some Cinsault, Clairette, Syrah and Carignan, the nose is full of raspberry, rose petals, and fresh baked biscuits. The palate feel is rich and voluptuous backed by firm tannin.

2008 Clos de Briderie Loire Valley Touraine, France ~ $36
100% Gamay, this light bodied rose has it all, and is perfect for anytime of the year. All BioD fruit, salmon color, bright acidity, cool minerality, watermelon, lime zest, slight herbal overtones, and a dry clean finish that evokes thought of a warm summer breeze.

Bottle List ~ red

France ~

Jeremy Quinn, sommelier of Webster’s Wine Bar, has chosen the following French wines

Red

2004 Chateau Moulin de Tricot Margaux, Bordeaux ~ $88
Family owned since the 19th century, this very unique, miniscule Bordeaux estate of 2 hectares is tended carefully by Bruno Rey, his wife, and son, who rigorously hand-harvest all the fruit without chemicals or manipulation. Their finished wine, of 70% Cab and 30% Merlot, is impeccably elegant and luxurious.

2005 Ghislaine Bartod Chambolle-Musigny,1er Cru, Burgundy ~ $110
Ghislaine’s fine, delicate wines stimulate the palate much like a faint perfume can recall a powerful memory. Since apprenticing with her father in the 1980’s, she’s transformed her tiny family property of 5.8 hectares into Chambolle’s benchmark estate using very traditional methods and only native yeasts for slow fermentations that express the essence of her local terroir.

2006 Jean Louis Chave “Offerus” Saint-Joseph Northern Rhone ~ $60
“41-year old Jean-Louis Chave is the current inheritor of this superlative, historic Northern Rhône estate, which has passed directly from father to son since 1481. The family’s chief holdings are within 9 plots on the Hermitage hill: here, J-L learned from his father Gerard the art of blending varied terroirs. He brought his skill into the nearly forgotten region of St. Joseph in 1995 to make this Syrah from 2+ hectares he planted himself, along with a measure of purchased fruit. Today, it’s one of the small zone’s top expressions, and one of the Northern Rhône’s finest; its sting of iron minerality and keen peppery spice is tempered by generous black fruit and rich palate feel.”

2004 Domaine de Beaurenard “Les Argiles Bleues” Rasteau Cote du Rhone Villages ~ $60
“There’s no CDR even remotely like this – to say it’s terroir-driven is an understatement! From a 7th generation estate, and our favorite pair of brother-winemakers in France, the genial and erudite Coulon boys, this special wine is made from old Grenache and Syrah vines planted to terrassed parcels of blue clay (‘Argiles Bleues’) near the village of Rasteau: every step of its elaboration – harvest by hand, native yeast fermentation, a year and a half ageing in foudre, bottling without filtration – is taken in order to retain the extra richness and elegance which this soil type provides. Robust and pure, it captures the soul of the South, showing anise, rosemary, and spicy white pepper.

Italy ~

Red

2008 Emilio Bulfon Piculit Neri delle Vittoria Fruili Italy ~ $38
Emilio has dedicated his life to finding and replanting all of the Ancient native vines to Fruili that existed pre-phylloxera, but after the parasite-ravaged European vineyards in the 19th century the vineyards were replanted with more “worldly” varietals. Here is his Piculit Neri a thin-skinned varietal that makes some light bodied high acid wines. The fruit flavors are soft, lightly herbaceous, with stern tea tannin.

2004 Cabanon Cuoredivino “La Botte nº 18” Oltrepo Pavese ~ $38
Cabanon’s cherubic Elena Mercandelli is nothing short of a wunderkind. She was Italy’s first award-winning teenage winemaker at her family estate, dating to 1909, and in her passionate attention to her given, perfectly-situated, well-ventilated, heavenly plot of land, has amassed a range of winemaking knowledge that should be the envy of the world. She’s a real artist in the vineyard and cellar – we had the chance to see her work for 3 solid weeks – carefully, daily, organically balancing yeast performance with varietal maturity for optimal flavor and finesse, she’s bottling the best wines the Oltrepo Pavese’s ever seen.

2004 Riecine Chianti Classico Reserva ~ $70

This Biodynamic Tuscan red absolutely floored me the first time I tasted it over a year ago, and every time since then it’s only gotten better. Primaily Sangiovese, with aromas of dark chocolate and cherries, medium bodied with plenty of power, concentration, and complexity. Its flavors are bewildering, showing raspberry, spicy oak, gravel, cedar and supple tannin.

2005 Produttori del Barbaresco Piedmonte ~ $64
Forget Gaja and Ceretto! – we only know Barbaresco as an independent zone thanks to Domizio Cavazza, who effectively began this Produttori in 1894 – today it’s the world’s highest quality co-operative, with 56 members and 1/6 of the total land in Barbaresco – it remains completely traditional – no barrique, all botti and careful organic cultivation – this expresses the best of Barbaresco – edge, accessibility, cut, drive, oxidation, cherry and tar and rosepetal . . .

1999 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo Piedmonte ~ $190
Lifelong rebel, former teenage partisan, Bartolo (1926-2005: ‘The Last of the Mohicans’) was Piedmont’s greatest, most outspoken defender of tradition, making his case most concisely, in capital letters, on his 2000 label: ‘NO BARRIQUE, NO BERLUSCONI!’ – we couldn’t agree more! He made wine like his father and grandfather, as a blend of several sites aged in giant casks, believing that the whole of a wine is more than the sum of its parts. Today, his daughter Maria Theresa continues his vision without compromise. The stateliness, warmth, and layering of his Barolos are indelible and revelatory, opening a window to the past as they age, seamlessly, into the future.

Greece ~

Graham Anderson of Webster’s Wine Bar has chosen the following Greek wines

Red

2005 Domaine Karydas Naoussa ~ $50
Basically just two hands tended these grapes, and the wine was made in ceramic-lined cement vats built into a wall at the back of the family kitchen. A tiny two hectare plot becomes stunningly clear in the wine–and after nearly two years in french oak we have a wine with incredible intensity, grace, sophistication and torque–all sundried tomatoes and rose-hips, bright red fruit, hot bricks and shezuan pepper-corn, cedar, leather, and a long, soothingly tannic finish.

2007 Gaia Estate “Notios” Nemea ~ $38
Co-founded in 1994 by Yiannis Paraskevopolous, Professor of Oenology at Athens Tech., Gai’a Estate in Koutsi has made its name by combining careful attention in the vineyard, and a truly old word sensibility, with modern technological savvy, curiosity, and an experimental spirit, making wines that expand the idea of what a still traditional Nemea might be. This ‘Notios,’ named for the south wind, is their entry-level red and shows a charming, juicier, maybe easier-going side of Aghiorghitiko. A quick, cool maceration and but a month and a half of oak lend soft shoulders, a rich milk chocolate texture, super-ripe black raspberry and velvety tamarind.

2006 Skouras Megos Oenos Peloponnese ~ $46
The first winery in Greece to combine an indigenous grape with an international, this blend of eighty per-cent old-vine Aighiorghitiko from the harsh, granite-spiked Asprokambros (’the White Valley’), and intense, mineral-driven Cabernet Sauvignon continues to provide a benchmark for serious wines with a sense of place: solidly medium bodied, it reveals a silky texture framed by delicate tannins and elusive acidity; smokey, sous-bois aromas and round blackberry fruits, with cocoa, anise, cloves and black pepper, a whisper of lavender.

2006 Skouras Grande Cuvee Nemea ~ $50
At a place is called ‘Bozikas,’ at the northern tip of Nemea, nearly a thousand meters above the sea our friend George Skouras negotiates with the gods; one of four similar sites that go to make this thrilling Grand Cuvee, this is a place of extremes–and not just for the grapes, sometimes barely accessible for humans. The soil here is so rich in iron it’s dark crimson, and even smells and tastes like blood. And the wine is simply amazing: majestic, lean and angular, austere but never stingy, taught acidity and profound minerality give way to volcanic smoke, burnt sundried tomatoes and fennel, bright but restrained fruit, earth, oregano and rosemary, with an absolutely haunting finish.

Spain ~

Red

2002 Lopez de Heredia “Vina Cubillo” Rioja ~ $45
One of the most traditional Riojas made. Fermentation in huge oak vats and minor oxidation are what make this lighter bodied wine so extraordinary. It flatters the palate with medium acidity, and flavors of black cherry, licorice, and just enough spicy oak.

2006 Mas Igneus “Barranc dels Closos” Priorat ~ $42
80% Garnatxa negra and 20% Carinyena this biodynamically produced wine is one of the most approachable young Priorats out there. It is dark and rich, showing lush fruit with plenty of acidity, and a touch of barnyard.

2006 Atalayas de Golban Ribera del Duero ~ $40
100% Tinto Fino this biodynamic Ribera is polished and drinking excellent. Softer tannins, and a luxurious palate feel lead the way through blackberry, lavender, violets, and spicy oak.

2007 Artazuri Garnacha Navarra Spain ~ $30

This organically produced Garnacha is a nice representation of Navarra without being over done. Medium bodied, starting with intense tannin, and flavors of raspberry preserves, smoke, and a touch of salt water taffy. Quickly transforming itself into a more polished and uplifting wine with red licorice, white pepper, dark berries, and stony minerality.

Germany& Slovenia ~

Red

2006 Meyer Nakel Spatburgunder Ahr, Germany ~ $58
This is one of the best Spatburgunders (Pinot Noir) in Germany. Built like a baby Burgundy, incredibly light in body, with a backbone of strong acidity. Flavors of pomegranate, firm minerality, and a broadening finish.

2004 Movia Pinot Nero Brda, Slovenia $69
The biodynamic genius Ales Kristancic is one of the few winemakers that had to be show on this list. His 04 Pinot Nero is nearly perfect in every sense of the word. Medium bodied and delicate texture, with flavors ranging from spearmint and black cherry to peppercorn and schist.

2007 Meinklang “Konkret” St. Laurent Burgenland, Austria ~ $75
Meinklang is a new favorite estate of ours, and has quickly become one of the top estates in all of Eastern Europe. Konkret stands for vinification in 9hl concrete egg shaped vessels. This 100% biodynamic St. Laurent is naturally fermented in an open top concrete “egg”, then the vessel is covered and the wine is left for 12 months. Due to the forces of nature, the wine is in constant movement. This naturally controlled environment is meant to bring out the purest expression of a single grape varietal. The flavors are lush, layered, and incredibly integrated, but what makes this wine so special is the sultry palate feel that leaves you feeling complacent.

Americas ~

Red

2007 Brooks Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, Oregon ~ $38
Jimi Brooks – Russian lit fanatic, biodynamicist, talented chef, and francophile – was a great friend of ours; his sudden passing at the age of 38 in 2004 left us feeling like a light was dimmed in the wine world. It has since been resumed by friends in the Willamette Valley – his wines are now being made, under his name, as he would have wished, by his friend Chris Williams. Pure and spicy and full of bright fruit, they express the best of what Oregon can show.

2008 Sineann “Resonance Vineyard” Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, Oregon ~ $75
Peter Rosback of Sineann is sourcing this fruit from his friends Kevin and Carla Chambers, who are very diligent in their Demeter certified (Biodynamic) vineyard, always attempting to bring out the best of Oregon in their fruit every year. This particular Pinot shows the richer more modern side of Willamette. Pretty weighty with balanced alcohol and acidity, the lush texture reveals layers of ripe dark fruit, bold spice, cocoa powder, and a long earthy finish.

2005 Robert Sinskey Vineyards “Vandal Vineyard” Cabernet Franc Napa Valley, California ~ $70
From a personal favorite estate in Cali, cool climate, clay soils, all natural winemaking are just a few of the reasons why this wine is the benchmark Cabernet Franc in the States. Never overdone, it coats the palate like velvet with layers of plum, dried fig, spicy green pepper, vanilla, smoke and red berries.

2004 Weinart Malbec Mendoza Argentina ~ $38btl
Weinart is crafting some of the most traditionally made and best Malbec in Argentina, this 04 is high-octane, full in body, and incredibly generous. Blue fruit and cocoa powder lead the palate through a long dark finish.

South Africa & New Zealand ~

Red

2006 Paul Cluver Pinot Noir Elgin, South Africa ~ $38
This small estate has been family run for 4 generations, and has been making some of the best Pinot in SA for decades. This is no exception, red fruit, coffee, and mocha liven the palate along with generous acidity and velvety texture.

2007 Felton Road Pinot Noir Central Otago, New Zealand ~ $90
Felton Road has always been a favorite estate, but it wasn’t until visiting them during harvest in 2008 that I realized why the wine, like the people why create it, is so focused. Long hang time, precise vine placement, and no chemicals. In the winery Blair Walter, the winemaker, lets nature take over with all natural ferments in stainless steel then ages them in French oak, constantly tasting, until he thinks the wine is ready for bottling. 2007 has already been called a “Landmark” vintage, and this Pinot shows why. Dark berries and violets on the nose. The palate is creamy with bright juicy fruit, before finishing dark with delicate spice and dusty tannin.

2007 Rippon Pinot Noir Lake Wanaka, Central Otago, New Zealand ~ $99
From a country full of awe-inspiring sights, Rippon is truly one of the most aesthetically remarkable vineyards on the planet. Nick Mills and a small tightly knit supporting cast of family and friends are the visionaries behind this Biodynamic winery destined for legendary status. Breathtakingly pure, the texture is soft and silky, schisty minerals and red fruit dominate the palate with elevating acidity and subtle tannin.

Bottle List ~ sparkling

Avinyó Brut Cava Penedes, Spain ~ $30

A longtime favorite from a small family-run house; always consistent, a classic blend of Xarel•lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, quietly offers up strawberry and a little pie crust.

Château d’Orschwihr Cremant d’Alsace, France ~ $33

Fairly unique for Alsace, this Cremant is 100% Chardonnay, bringing all the acidity and structure you’d expect from the varietal while maintaining the sweet lushness of the terroir.

Godmé Père et Fils Premier Cru Brut Reserve Champagne France ~ $69

An assertive and expansive grower produced Champagne consisting of 55% Chardonnay 10% Pinot Noir & 35% Pinot Meunier. This 1er Cru has a sublime texture, with persistent acidity, tight ribbons of bubbles, tangy green apple, fresh baked croissant, gingerbread, and a long invigorating finish.

Launois Père & Fils Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne, France ~ $69

100% Chardonnay from perhaps the single best village in Champagne for the varietal, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.  No malolactic fermentation and a full three years on lees makes this a prefect example of varietal, terroir, and wine-making all in balance.

Michel Arnould & Fils Grand Cru Rosé Champagne, France ~ $69

100% Pinot Noir from Verzenay, the well-muscled village in the northern Montagne de Reims.  It is robust yet balanced, made by the addition of their own oak-aged still Pinot Noir.

Jean-Pierre Berthenet Crémant de Bourgogne, France ~ $33

From a generations-old grower turned producer and member of the VIF (Independent Winemakers of France), this is 100% Chardonnay, bottle-fermented, bright, and lively.

Gramona 2005 Gran Cuvée Penedes, Spain ~ $30

From a good-sized house with extensive offerings, yet none-the-less quality dedicated, this is an equal parts blend of Xarel•lo, Macabeo, and Chardonnay, spend 24 months on lees.

Szigeti Gruner Veltliner Burgenland, Austria ~ $52

The varietal characteristics certainly show through, 100% Grüner Veltliner, crisp and clean with great acidity and a subtle spiciness.  From a relatively new winery singly dedicated to sparkling wine.

Marc Hebrart Cuvée de Réserve Champagne, France ~ $75

One of, if not THE top grower in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, a 99% rated (really should be Grand Cru) Premier Cru village.  80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, one of the better examples of what Champagne is, was, and should be.

Huet Vouvray Pétillant Loire Valley, France ~ $58

Conisdered one of the great Loire Valley producers, and an enthusiastically biodynamic ambassador, Huet’s pétillant falls in step with its other world-class wines.  100% Biodynamic Chenin Blanc.

Meinklang Blanc de Pinot Noir Burgenland, Austria ~ $25

From one of the coolest biodynamic estates in Europe, this (staff favorite) wine will refresh your energy for life with its vivid flavors of wild strawberry and rhubarb; its light sparkle will tease your palate all night!

~ wines and vintages are subject to change ~