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Ken's Picks

Catena White Clay High Mountain Vines Semillon-Chenin 2022 13% abv. Lujan De Coyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Tasting Notes: Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized for their pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina. This blend of Semillon(60%) and Chenin Blanc (40%) is Argentina’s century-old traditional white wine. It's a riff on the traditional Bordeaux pairing of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is super expressive, with beautiful melon, pear, citrus, gala apple, and mineral on the nose. The palate is medium-light, but follows a good arc: textured and creamy, confirming the layered nose: melon, apple, with a great cauliflower floret back note. A white wine of excellent character! Pairs with pasta (cream sauces), risotto, grilled veggies (any veggies), fish, chicken, veal; would be at home with Christmas turkey! Drink now.

Price: $24.99 750 ml

Ken's Picks

Familia De Cerchio Tenuta De Pajaru Lampu Susumaniello IGT 2021 Puglia, Italy

Tasting Notes: Susumaniello is another indigenous grape from Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot. The “Lampu”, from the local dialect which means lightning, heralds the arrival of rain in Puglia, a blessing for the crops. Dense, opaque, ox-blood red with a dark magenta rim, the wine has a complex aroma of sage, bramble, dusty loam, blackberry and tomato paste. The palate is deep and full of dark fruit: plums, dates, black cherries. Ripe tannins, full body, medium long finish. Certified Organic, Vegan Friendly. Deelish! Pair with the usual suspects: roasts, grilled meats, hard cheeses. Drink now- 2028 ish.

Price: $36.49 750 ml.

Ken's Picks

Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc 2020 12.5% abv. Martinborough, New Zealand

Tasting Notes: The Te Muna Road vineyard consists of two distinct soil types — the sauvignon blanc grows on a lower terrace over stony soils sprinkled with limestone, perfect for developing expressive and complex Sauvignon Blanc. Pale straw with light gold tints, on the nose the wine shows passion fruit, salinity, guava, grilled pineapple, minerality. The elegant palate confirms the nose, and adds green apple, papaya, honeydew melon, and lime rind. The balance of acid to fruit is superb. This wine shows impeccable pedigree. Pair with seafood, salads, Asian foods. It really matched a chicken pizza with hoisin sauce and cilantro (home made, on my BBQ grill)! Drink now - 2026.

Price: $27.99 750 ml.

Ken's Picks

Langmeil Rough Diamond Grenache 2019 14.5% abv Barossa Valley, Australia

Tasting Notes: Grenache has long been held in esteem by Barossa winegrowers. The 2019 Langmeil Grenache is an elegant expression. The intriguing bouquet pulls you in, with potpourri, woodland floor, plum brandy, and black cherry. The medium full palate expands this, with plum, chokecherry cordial, black plum skin, and bramble notes. Tannins soft and supple. The wine has depth and excellent balance. Pair with roast/grilled fowl, pork, beef. Versatile and graceful, drink now-2027.

Price: $26.99 750 ml

Ken's Picks

Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend W.O. 2020 14% abv. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Tasting Notes: Stellenbosch is a wine region steeped in history; French Huguenots established vines there in the late 1600's. The Kadette Cape Blend is a real South African expression of a Bordeaux blend: Its recipe: 43% Pinotage, 33% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep red brick in color, it displays aromas of black plums, sage, cola, and toasty oak. On the medium full palate: red currants, smooth texture, blackberry, and medium roast coffee. Tannins are medium grippy. Medium short finish. Very good quality for a very good price. Pair with roasts, grilled meats, stews, casseroles. Drink now- 2028.

Price: $22.99 750 ml

Ken's Picks

Argento Single Vineyard Malbec 2019 15% abv Finca Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

Tasting Notes: Bodega Argento is dedicated to naturally organic and sustainable wine making. The Malbec was fermented in stainless steel, after which 25% of the wine was aged in oak, the remaining in concrete vats for 10 months. It is very extracted: the glass-staining eye is opaque red/black. Aroma is big and full: ripe fig, plums, dates, black coffee, tar. The palate: full and complex, with dates, plums, black cherry, black coffee confirmed. Tannins medium grippy but not out of place, finish long and warm. This wine has real good "stuffing" (as Jancis Robinson might say)! Vegan Friendly. Pair with burgers, grilled beef, other hearty foods. Drink now, cellar for 2-3 years.

Price: $32.49 750 ml

Ken's Picks

Lodi Estates Merlot 2021 14%abv. Lodi, California

Tasting Notes: Although Lodi is in California's Central Valley, its climate is more Mediterranean than the hot, dry semi-arid climate you might expect. This is thanks to the many rivers which run through the AVA and the creeks, estuaries and bays into which they flow. Merlot, an early budding grape, does well here in the reliable warmth. This wine is dense garnet in color. It has a layered aroma of black currant, garrigue, plum, and vanilla. On the palate, good complexity, with black currant, blackberry, espresso with cream, and oregano notes. It has good structure: tannins present but smooth, plush mouth feel but not jammy. A real nice surprise. A perfect match for bison burgers! Drink now-2026.

Price: $19.99 750 ml

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Staff Picks

Ken's Picks

Catena White Clay High Mountain Vines Semillon-Chenin 2022 13% abv. Lujan De Coyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Ken's Picks

Familia De Cerchio Tenuta De Pajaru Lampu Susumaniello IGT 2021 Puglia, Italy

Ken's Picks

Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc 2020 12.5% abv. Martinborough, New Zealand

Ken's Picks

Langmeil Rough Diamond Grenache 2019 14.5% abv Barossa Valley, Australia

Ken's Picks

Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend W.O. 2020 14% abv. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Ken's Picks

Argento Single Vineyard Malbec 2019 15% abv Finca Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

Ken's Picks

Lodi Estates Merlot 2021 14%abv. Lodi, California

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Catena White Clay High Mountain Vines Semillon-Chenin 2022 13% abv. Lujan De Coyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Ken's Picks

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Familia De Cerchio Tenuta De Pajaru Lampu Susumaniello IGT 2021 Puglia, Italy

Ken's Picks

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Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc 2020 12.5% abv. Martinborough, New Zealand

Ken's Picks

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Langmeil Rough Diamond Grenache 2019 14.5% abv Barossa Valley, Australia

Ken's Picks

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Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend W.O. 2020 14% abv. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Ken's Picks

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Argento Single Vineyard Malbec 2019 15% abv Finca Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

Ken's Picks

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Lodi Estates Merlot 2021 14%abv. Lodi, California

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