Alta Via Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio’s are all alike, right? Hmm, well, yes, often, that is true. But differences exist. For instance, Pinot Grigio from some of the top spots in the Friuli Venezia region can carry some weight and distinct minerality. Alto Adige, up in the foothills of the Alps (and higher), is the grape’s other sweet spot. Here the flavors become almost shockingly fresh, like you’re biting into a cold ripe grape you've just plucked off the vine.

Amizetta Tradition Red Wine

The winery behind this gem is cult classic Amizetta. The Clark family founded the winery in the 1970’s and was intent upon eschewing the valley floor (where so many of the big names are), instead crafting wines from the hillsides. Their kids grew up in Napa culture and, while they continue to manage Amizetta, they also have started the Tradition project in which they blend together ideal sites to mirror the methodology of earlier Napa vintners.

Anderson's Conn Valley Napa Cab

Napa is place that attracts rich guys with silly hobbies (like making wine) and even if the businesses last a decade or two, they usually get bought up by someone with more understanding of the industry. Gus Anderson was an orthodontist who decided to be one of those “hobbyists” but he truly worked to understand and succeed in the business. Most importantly, he and his wife planted some very good vineyards and those vines are still chugging along and producing great stuff.

Baron de Ley Museum Reserva

The Baron de Ley Museum Reserva Museum has more depth than their usual, worthy Reserva wines. It’s from extremely old vines (a century of age or so) planted in sandy and rocky soils with a thick layer of pebbles and a subsoil of limestone-clay and chalk. The bush vines that provide this sturdy wine are high up in the region, at over 2500 feet elevation.

Bella Union Cabernet

Single Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet from the producers of Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel and En Route from the epic 2016 vintage. Sign me up!

Benieres Chardonnay

The vast vineyards of France’s Languedoc hold many well-known grapes, including Chardonnay that is friendly and accessible. This one is gathered from organic vineyards on the Aspères plateau with its excellent marl and limestone soils. The winemaking is straightforward – stainless steel fermenters and just enough lees stirring to enrich the texture and flavors. We love finding wines like this!

Benieres Pinot Noir

Fresh and fruity Pinot Noir from the Pays d'Oc, a region warm enough and varied enough to allow even persnickety Pinot Noir to find its happy place.

Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve

One of the most consistently delicious of Champagnes, Billecart is medium-bodied and more elegant than bombastic, exactly as Champagne should be.

Billecart Salmon Brut Rose

Every sommelier has a hip-pocket wine, the wine they go to when they need something they can rely upon for value and excellence and Billecart Salmon Rose is one of those wines.

Billecart Salmon CNFB