Sentido Ruby Porto

Classic blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and Tourigo Nacional from a family estate which has made Porto for over 100 years. Just 250 cases made, aged a full 3 years in oak, this Ruby shows distinctive depth and character. The color is a deep, opaque purple releasing an expressive nose full of macerated cherries, woven with honeycomb and sweet spices. The palate is lush and velvety with chocolate coating a core of blackberry and cassis. The finish boasts notes of leather, coffee and spice with a soft tannin that allows the fruit to shine all the way through. Classic pairings are rich soft cheeses, chocolate and red fruits. A wonderful addition to any well-rounded cellar, lovely for the holidays and beyond.

Cuvée Montesquieu Gabriel Simon Grand Cru Champagne

75% Pinot Noir 25% Chardonnay from optimal hillside parcels in Mailly of 100% Grand Cru fruit. Each block was fermented and vinified separately, allowing for custom fermentation for each parcel and precision in the blending process. We chose zero dosage (Extra Brut designation) to capture all the richness and complexity that these grapes have to offer.  The color is brilliant gold with very fine bubbles and excellent clarity.  The nose is full of honeyed green apple, crème fraiche and brioche woven with smoky hazelnut and touch of almond. The palate is very rich but still delicate, bursting with exotic citrus and dried flowers.  Hints of caramel open up to a creamy, expansive mid-palate and luxurious mouth feel.  The finish showcases the racy, elegant style we love, a reminder of the power and structure that this Grand Cru can deliver.  Vibrant, pulsing acidity brings out grapefruit and crushed rock minerality all the way through an amazingly long, precise and utterly fresh finish. Fitting for your finest of meals and occasions, or whenever a touch of the good life is warranted.

2011 Ettore Fontana Arneis 

Six generations in Piedmont are behind Livia Fontana's gifted and sensitive winemaking. From a tiny two acre parcel of biodynamically farmed Arneis, she brings out the best in this elusive varietal. The pure white gold color with excellent clarity boasts a bountiful nose full of white peach, citrus zest, laced with a touch of minerals. The palate is generous and broad with flavors of pear, lemon and honeyed ginger framed by a bit of an oily viscosity, yet still crisp and clean. The finish is a treat, with minerality coming through plus a hint of apricot and orange peel that shows very nice length. A beautiful expression that is rich and complex yet still refreshing.  

2011 Rhapsody Dry Creek Zinfandel Rosé 

The quintessential summertime wine, refreshing and terrific with a wide variety of dishes, yet with complexity to hold your attention. Pale salmon color, with a bright nose of citrus and peppered strawberry, laced with flowers.  The palate has a lovely mixture of light cherry, peach, and watermelon flavors. A touch of minerality and raspberry come through in the finish. No matter what the dishes being served are, you'll find this is the wine to go with anything, especially something off the grill. 

2010 Keto Napa Valley Chardonnay 

The very best of Napa's qualities, yet exciting and new by Hélène Mingot. A favorite in our cellar with irresistible aromas. The color glistens like a yellow diamond in the glass, releasing an abundant nose filled with white peaches, lemon cream and vanilla-laced spice. Bright notes of tangerine and Meyer lemon frame apple butter on the mid-palate with a touch of pineapple shining through. The finish is clean with lingering notes of butterscotch framed with a touch of toasty oak. Fantastic on its own, as well as with a wide variety of lighter dishes such as grilled Mahi-Mahi with a fresh pineapple salsa.

2010 Montesquieu Uco Valley Juntarse

Our very first release presenting our project with Michel Rolland to create a range of wines together exclusively for Montesquieu clients.  Our mutual passion for excellence resulted in our focusing on Michel's top parcels in the Uco Valley. Our 2010 Juntarse ("to join together" in Spanish) is a ground-breaking blend of Cabernet, Syrah and Malbec. The color is the darkest eggplant with roasted blackberry, peppered meats and violets on the nose. The body is decadent with rich plum jam, melted licorice, and chocolate-covered boysenberry. The finish is layered with spice and leather framing the fruit, complementing the statuesque tannins perfectly. Incredible depth and purity highlight this luxurious wine - a pinnacle achievement!

2007 Pierre-Jean Villa Saint-Péray

From a beautifully sloped vineyard with granite-laced clay and limestone soils facing Valence in the Ardèche. This 60% Marsanne and 40% Rousanne was masterfully nurtured and crafted to a sublime expression. The color is a deep yellow gold releasing an inviting nose of classic musky citronella and floral notes plus a hint of licorice spice. The palate is decadent with excellent weight and viscosity, boasting flavors of honeyed pear and apple, all with a gentle touch of crème fraiche and vanilla. The finish holds the fruit, but allows the subtle oak to shine along with a wonderful mineral streak. From the highly touted 2007 vintage, this is in a great place right now highlighting the richness and power of the vintage, but also showing the complexity and nuances of time in the cellar.