A restaurant chef preparing a dish

June 2022

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Patrick Noël Sancerre Blanc 2020

Grape varietal : Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Loire Valley

Vine Age : 30 years.

Farming : Ecologic.

Vigneronne Julie Noël is making some of the most structured, soulful wines in Sancerre. In contrast to many estates in an appellation not presently known for complexity, the Noël family maintains an incredibly passionate following in France from their reputation for making wines of intensity and grace. They are also known for their faith in indigenous yeasts for fermentation and clear communication of terroir.

Their Sancerre is made from estate vineyards located primarily in the villages of Chavignol and Sancerre, with a small amount of fruit from Saint-Satur. The blend includes grapes from vines planted in all three soil types of the region: Silex (flinty clay) in Sancerre, Terre Blanche (Kimmeridgian clay-limestone) in Chavignol and Saint-Satur, and Caillottes (stony calcareous limestone) in Chavignol.

Vinification
In the winery, the grapes are pressed very gently and the must is put into stainless steel tanks. There, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts at low temperatures to preserve the aromatics. Each terroir type is vinified separately. The wine then rests in tank, without bâtonnage, with only one racking two months after fermentation. It is then left undisturbed on the fine lees until blending and bottling the following summer.

FOOD PAIRINGS:  goat cheese, arugula, oysters, scallops
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One Stone Cellars Rose of Pinot Noir

Region California, United States

Grape Pinot Noir

Appellation Central Coast

Woman Owned & Woman Winemaker

One Stone is a tribute to all of the women who move mountains, one stone at a time. A portion of each bottle sold is donated to Dream Big Darling, a nonprofit that provides mentorship programs for the next generation of leaders in the wine and spirits industry.  The 2021 Rosé is composed of Pinot Noir from our family vineyard in Paso Robles and select sites on California’s Central Coast. Here, the Pinot Noir grape thrives amid a marine-influenced climate shaped by the nearby Pacific Ocean. Sunny summer afternoons yield to cooling evening breezes, allowing the fruit to achieve full ripeness while retaining its delicate varietal nuances.These are perfect conditions for producing an elegantly styled dry rosé of Pinot Noir.

Tasting notes: This Rosé presents summery aromas of lime and peach with a burst of tropical guava. A clean, crisp texture enlivens the palate with flavors of watermelon, pineapple and pink grapefruit. Zippy acidity lands perfectly on a luscious, refreshing finish.

FOOD PAIRINGS: The 2021 Rosé is ideal for seasonal spring and summer enjoyment. Recommended pairings include fish tacos, BBQ salmon, wood-fired chicken flatbread, Caesar salad and classic picnic fare.
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Villa Creek Cellars Cherry House Red

Region: California, United States

Grapes: Grenache, Carignan

Appellation Paso Robles

Farming: Organic & Sustainable

Villa Creek, the vineyards:

All great wine begins with a passionate farmer. The grapes of the area’s most progressive vineyards, James Berry, Denner, Bassetti, and Luna Matta currently grace the wines of Villa Creek Cellars. Per acre contracts insure that the fruit comes off the same blocks each vintage. The Cherry’s own 60 acre estate on the west side of Paso Robles boasts elevations of 1500- 1800 feet, calcareous soils, south facing slopes and ample water. Grape growing conditions don’t get much better.

Paso Robles is on the rise, and perhaps no winery more so than Villa Creek. With a bevy of 94-97 pt reviews from Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate and Vinous, the wines are becoming increasingly hard to find. Even for the winemaker… you want to drink a bottle and it is all sold out… what do you do?

Cris sources from the same vineyards used to make his 93-96 pt rated 2018 Villa Creek wines, utilizing 50% Grenache / 40% Carignan / 10% Mourvedre.

And what great vineyards these are! You see, Villa Creek is located as far west in the Paso Robles region as you can get. Just north of Santa Lucia. This area is unique because it contains California’s largest layer of exposed limestone. Limestone (aka “white gold”) is the not-so-secret ingredient in the world’s best wines – soils high in limestone allow for vibrant acidity and freshness, even when the grapes are ripe and luscious.

The wine explodes from the glass with aromas of red cherries, raspberries and cranberries, leading into flavors of the same, along with hints of anise and subtle floral notes. Carignan adds a whiff of baking spices on the finely tannic finish. All throughout, there is a bright core of acidity that keeps it eminently balanced and more than a little bit drinkable.

Food pairings: burgers, pork chops on the grill, ribs… bbq takeout.  Grilled veggies…pretty much anything grilled!