We hope you are all getting excited for our upcoming Bourbon raffle on Friday evening! Granted, the rare bourbons will be the star of the show but, with the Holidays right around the corner, we wanted to bring in some of our favorite vendors to showcase some really really cool wines for you. After all, the right wine can elevate your Holiday meal from good to great!!
One of the things I’m really proud of here at Rockbridge is our eclectic wine selection, with interesting bottles (at all price-points) from all over the world! We simply have bottles that you won’t find anywhere else in town, many with excellent reviews from the critics, and that comes down to having fantastic wine reps who bring us the fun stuff!
The following is a list of vendors (minus two who I’ll be adding tomorrow…I was missing the vintages on their wines!) who will be sampling their goods during the actual drawing Friday (that is, from 6-8 p.m.). We’ll also have a big tasting from 4-6 p.m. that was set up by Hy-Vee corporate (and they have some delicious stuff as well, including a few items we just brought in!!) but I wanted to especially highlight the folks below (and their wines!) as many of them are travelling quite a ways to be here with us!
Table 1: Sara with Signature Fine Wine & Spirits (St. Louis)
2019 Pedroncelli “Three Vineyards” Cabernet-This is one of my favorite go-to “weeknight” Cabernets, especially when I’m wanting something a bit more classically-styled and not overripe. The 2019 vintage, from a family who’s been producing wine (uninterrupted) in Dry Creek Valley for over 90 years, is the best in recent memory. Plentiful blue/black fruits, with subtle notes of sweet oak, and an earthy note that’s almost Bordeaux-like. This is honest, well-made Cab that’s made with integrity and a sense of place. This received 90pts Tasting Panel
2019 Pedroncelli “Mother Clone” Zinfandel-In a world of jammy, simplistic Zin, this one shows class, especially at this price! I’ve walked these head-pruned, gnarled old vines on the Pedroncelli estate, and it’s easy to see where the character of the wine comes from. Bright, juicy, spicy red berries, earth, briar, and brown spice, and much lighter on its feet than its strength would suggest. Class, elegance, grace: that’s Mother’ Clone. This received 90pts Tasting Panel
2021 Dry Creek Fume Blanc-Whereas most wines labelled Fume Blanc see at least some oak, Dry Creek’s version is brought up all in stainless steel. It’s bright, vivacious, and zippy, blending citrus fruits, mineral, and a zesty herbal character. Though this pairs easily and widely, it absolutely sings with seafood!! This received 90pts Wine Spectator
2020 Patelin de Tablas Blanc-Here’s one I hunted for over a year and we finally got a bit…the first case we had sold out in record time! This gorgeous Rhone-style white blend is owned by the same folks that own Chateau Beaucastel, one of the greatest producers in the southern Rhone! Stunning stuff, and something a bit different. This received 93pts Robert Parker
2020 Sanford Pinot Noir (SLC)-“Ripe and juicy but restrained in style, with the core of black cherry and raspberry notes taking equal turns with dried anise, red and black tea and chaparral hints. Keeps a juicy edge through the finish, with a smoldering intensity. Drink now” 94pts Jeb Dunnuck, 93pts Wine Spectator
2016 Burgess “Contadina” Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa)-Here’s an absolute gem from Napa, with a little bit of age on it. Now owned by Heitz, this fits right in their portfolio of rich, complex, but understated (and never showy) wines. You aren’t likely to find this anywhere else in town, and when you taste it, you may want it all for yourself! This received 91pts Wine Spectator
Amarula Cream Liqueur-Flavored with the fruit of the mysterious Marula tree in Africa, this is one of the most interesting cream liqueurs you’re ever likely to try. Sweet, fruity, complex, delicious!! Try in your coffee or (even better) over ice!!
Table 2: Keeley with Pinnacle Imports (St. Louis)
2019 Gota de Arena Tempranillo-One of the lesser-known bargains from famed producer Juan Gil, this is a prime example of just why Spanish wines, from good producers, can be such amazing bargains! Gobs of red and blue berries, lots of spice, and a kiss of vanilla, with good depth and balance makes this a fantastic go-to red for every day! This received 90pts from Vinous
2020 Shaya “Arindo” Rueda-This Rueda is produced from 100% Verdejo from Castilla y Leon and is the perfect white for casual drinking, appetizers, or anytime you want a refreshing, crisp, fruity white that’s more interesting than your standard garden-variety Pinot Grigio or the like. Gulpable!!
NV Le Mesnil Champagne Blanc de Blancs (Grand Cru)-This one has always been a stunner. It’s 100% Chardonnay, from 100% Grand Cru vines, in the environs of Le Mesnil Sur Oger, one of the most lauded and hallowed centers of Champagne production. This was always a best-seller at my old store, and since we’ve picked it up here, it’s already building a following.
NV Bisol “Jeio” Brut Prosecco-I’ve got one question for you. Why drink standard-issue, everywhere-you-look, on-every-grocery-shelf-in-America Prosecco when you can savor something special for a dollar or two more (along with a killer Fuel Saver as well!). No other local retailers really with this brand (though some nicer restaurants have glass-poured it!) but it has become our second best-selling Prosecco over the past six months. Bisol is best known for some of their high-end (rather more expensive!) Proseccos, but this entry level bottling is fantastic value for the money! This received 90pts James Suckling
NV Schramsberg “Mirabelle” Brut-The entry-level bottling from the prestigious Schramsberg house (itself a longtime favorite at the White House for state dinners, etc!) this is crafted from 57% Chardonnay and 43% Pinot Noir. After about two years on the lees, this has a good bit of complexity and a nice blend of toasty brioche and ripe fruit. This received 90pts Wine Spectator and 90pts Wine Enthusiast
2019 Abbazia di Novacella Kerner “Praepositus”-This wine almost never makes it to retail; it’s often quietly snatched up (by the wine reps!) from shops before it even hits the shelves. You guys have fallen (and fallen hard) for Abbazia di Novacella’s (a small monastery/winery in the foothills of the Italian Alps!) wines and their “standard” Kerner is one of our best-selling Italian whites. This is the limited-edition, “step-up” version…with more weight, more richness, and more complexity. I hunted it for months, and bought all they had. This received 95pts from Wine Enthusiast and was #18 of their Top 100 Wines of 2021!!!
Table 3: Phil from Aspect Beverages (Kansas City)
NV Jean Perrier & Fils Cremant de Savoie–NV Jean Perrier & Fils Cremant de Savoie-Wines from Jura and Savoie are nearly impossible to find here in the center of the state, but we’ve got some excellent examples in widely-varying styles. This stunning brut is made from a local variety, Jacquere (85%), and Chardonnay (15%). A beautiful mix of fruit, flowers, and mineral on the palate makes this instantly likeable. This is incredibly difficult to find, but well worth the search!
2021 Pink Gold Pet Nat–2021 “Pink Gold” Pet Nat-This is such a cool wine if you’re into Pet Nat (or hazy IPAs…more on that later!). Certified organic and practicing biodynamic producer Leon Gold has crafted this from 100% Trollinger from the Baden region of Germany. HUGE grapefruit and berry character with a brightness of fruit that reminds me of the triple dry-hopped NEIPAs that are so popular these days!). This is simply delicious!
2018 Pepper Bridge Merlot (Walla Walla)–2018 Pepper Bridge Merlot (Walla Walla)-81% Merlot, with 13% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec, aged in 58% new French oak (the rest is neutral French). This is rich and supple on the palate, with rich red and blue fruit, stone, some cocoa and barrel spice, firm, tailored tannins and a full-bodied mouthfeel, with a svelte, savory edge on the finish. This is Merlot living up to its potential…powerful and bold, full-bodied with rich, brooding fruit, firm, balancing tannins, and the stuffing to evolve and improve over time. This received 92pts Wine Enthusiast
2020 Ginestraia Chianti-This is a delightful little wine for the price, produced from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino, largely from the Chianti Ruffina subzone. Fattoria di Basciano produces this to be approachable and delicious early in its life, but it will also develop in bottle for a few years. Looking for a perfect pizza and pasta wine? Look no further!
2020 Flying Cloud Aviator Red Blend-This remarkable, funky red is a blend of fruit from Edna Valley and Paso fruit, and is one of the more interesting California red blends I’ve seen in awhile. Comprised of 55% Pinot Noir, 27% Petite Sirah, and 18% Zinfandel, this is a fun, fruity, delicious blend that you guys have really fallen for of late!
2020 Amavi Semillon-With 85% Semillon and 15% Sauvignon Blanc, this follows a well-known Bordeaux template. Balancing exquisite richness and freshness, this 100% estate-grown (and sustainable) wine is aged in 100% neutral French oak. It’s beautiful white Bordeaux…from Walla Walla! I was a bit hesitant to bring this in, but you guys rocked through our first case in no time! This received 91pts Wine Enthusiast.
2020 Villa Creek “Cherry House” Organic Red Blend-“This is a juicy, ripe wine, giving a nice taste of lush Paso Robles at an affordable price. Aromas of blackberry jam, caramelized fruit, cola and root beer on the nose lead into a palate of gooey fudge, dark berry and brighter purple flower flavors.” This received 91pts and “Editors’ Choice” Wine Enthusiast
Matt with Lorbert Imports (St. Louis)
2009 Jacques Laurent Vintage Brut-This is simply insane…vintage bubbly, from a quality producer, for under $50?! That simply doesn’t exist, but the folks at Lorbert have brought us this gem. 2009 was an excellent vintage for Champagne (albeit not as great as 2008), so if you want to see what the fuss about aged Champagne is without breaking the bank, this one’s for you! This received 90pts Wine Enthusiast and we received a mere 2 cs allocation!!
NV Jacques Laurent Grande Reserve Brut-Another fantastic offering from Jacques Lorent, and about the best deal you’ll get on real-deal Champagne. Fresh, fruity, and vibrant, and bone dry. When you’re celebrating this Holiday season, drink the real stuff! This received 91pts Wine Enthusiast and we received a mere 2cs allocation!!
2019 Wohlmuth “Ried Steinriegl” Sauvignon Blanc-The fact that we got any of this wine is just incredible. Tight, mineral-driven, immensely age-worthy Austrian Sauvignon Blanc from Wohlmuth, whose workers tend the vines in some of the most dramatic, steeply-sloping vineyards you can imagine. This is organic, small-production, wine is giving little away now (though it’s still delicious) but will improve for a couple of decades and should hold through 2050. This received a stunning 98pts from Wine Enthusiast. HIGHLY allocated!!
2020 Hirtuzta Txakolina-You guys have absolutely fallen in love with Txakoli (cha-KO-lee) at our store over the last year and a half. I’m still selling about a case to a case and a half of the stuff a week, depending on the time of year. From the Basque region of Spain, it’s dry, just slightly carbonated, and brimming with citrus fruit and mineral notes. This is a ‘step-up’ version that shows excellent complexity and a bit more elegance. This received a stunning 97pts from Decanter!!
2021 Vite Colte “La Gatta” Moscato d’Asti-For those who like their wines with a touch of sweetness, this is absolutely classic Moscato d’Asti that’s become a customer favorite out of nowhere! Close in terms of quality to the #1 brand at our store, but a substantially better deal!
2020 Chateau Croix D’aumedes Corbieres-The previous vintage of this wine was our best-selling French bottle of the year last year! From the Corbieres appellation in the south of France (in the Languedoc), this blend of Syrah, Grenache, and old-vine (70-year!) Carignan is full of dark fruit, herb, purple flowers, and garrigue. A fantastic deal on a weeknight bottle!
2018 Vite Colte “Alta Langa “Cinquecento” Brut-This gorgeous, rarely-seen wine from Piedmonte is a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay that spent a minimum of 30 months aging in the bottle in cool cellars. This is a fantastic, well-priced bottle of rarely-seen bubbly that makes a fantastic aperitif (and great alternative to Prosecco!). This received 94pts from Decanter
2019 St-Galet Chateauneuf-du-Pape-If memory serves, we’re already working on our third case of this wine! Crafted by Eric Bonnet of Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique Ia rather more expensive marque) this wine is an absolute steal for the price. Most Chateauneuf that comes in below about $40 seems to be pretty “meh…it’s ok” but not particularly inspiring. This has lush red and black fruit on the nose, along with a slightly meaty/savory character, and flavors of dark berries, turned earth, underbrush, and spice. No, it doesn’t taste like a $50-80 bottle, but it’s delicious!
2020 Clos de Napa “Stag’s Leap” Cabernet-The “Clos de Napa” line offers phenomenal value in terroir-driven Cabernets from impressive (typically quite expensive) Napa sub-AVAs. Their newest offering is from Stag’s Leap and continues the trend. The nose shows deep blue fruit, sun-warmed herbs, and subtle spice, with dense fruit flavors (creamy red berries and cherries leading the way) and an almost chewy texture. This is super young and while it’s quite tasty in a hedonistic “gulp it down with a well-marbled ribeye” sort of way, it will almost certainly gain significant complexity with some time in bottle. This received 92pts Wine Enthusiast
Ned with Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits (St. Louis)
2021 Eroica Riesling-This Riesling is a cooperative project between Chateau Ste. Michelle (one of the largest domestic Riesling producers in the US) and Ernst Loosen, one of Germany’s best-known Riesling producers, the man who put the Mosel on the map for many of us. This new vintage isn’t rated yet, but each and every vintage previous (going back to 1999) has been rated 90+ points with one or more major wine critics!!
2019 Beringer “Knights Valley” Cabernet-This customer favorite comes from Beringer’s 600-acre Knights Valley vineyard, which is located about 17 miles northwest of the winery. A blend of 87% Cabernet, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot, this is aged 15 months in 30% new French oak. A really nice Cabernet for the price!! This received 94pts James Suckling and 90pts Wine Advocate.
2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot-Another customer favorite, this warm-climate Merlot is sourced from vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope in eastern Washington, as well as their estate Cold Creek Vineyard. The warm fruit and power of the wine are mellowed by aging 18 months in French and American oak (36% new, between them). From 95% Merlot and 5% Syrah. This received 88pts Wine Enthusiast
NV Nicolas Feuillate Champagne Reserve Exclusive Brut-We had a customer who was really excited for us to get this in, and she seems to have known what she was talking about, because we’re already on our second case in just over a month! Produced from 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, this has long been recognized as an ideal aperitif bubbly at a great price! This received 92pts Tasting Panel and 91pts Wine Spectator.
So stop on by, show ’em some love, and pick up that perfect bottle (or three!) for your Holiday celebrations! The prices are fantastic, many of the wines you won’t find anywhere else in town, and they’re some of the best people in the biz! Check it out!!
Cheers,
Dan
Rock Bridge Wine and Spirits 