2012 Isole e Olena Cepparello

 Absolutely gorgeous, voluptuous expression of Sangiovese. Balanced and open knit framework. The fruit is the compelling star of the show. Likely the best vintage of Cepparello that I've had. Decant and aerate for at least 30 minutes.

2018 CVNE Blanco Seco Monopole Clásico

Fascinating wine. Definitely Viura, but with a twist so that it reminds one of a trocken Riesling. CVNE adds a small amount (5%?) of Manzanilla (Palomino) Sanlúcar de Barrameda, which provides an extra dimension of dryness. Really a brilliant cuvee and very reasonably priced. Gran Reserva editions were produced in 2014 and 2016, yet with an order of magnitude increase in price.

Paired very nicely with shrimp & grits.

2002 Lopez de Heredia Tondonia Reserva and 2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Gravonia

 The 2002 Tondonia has aged beautifully. The 2012 Gravonia is utterly irresistible.

Paired with:
- Croquetas de Jamon
- Chorizo and Figs
- Patatas Bravas
- grilled whole Branzino
- sauteed broccoli 
- olive oil cake

2010 Drappier Brut Grande Sendrée

 A wonderful discovery. I'll be acquiring more of this wine. Currently in its early stage of drinkability. Lovely nose of red fruit upon opening. Delicious out of the gate. Fine mousse on an elegant framework of apple and biscuit. Typically, this cuvee is a blend of equal parts pinot noir and chardonnay, a third of which is fermented in barrel followed by seven years of aging in bottle. Customarily, four to five g/l dosage. Graceful acidity mellowed by malolactic. Sourced exclusively from a single parcel in Urville in the Côte des Bar.

2020 Domaine du Pélican Savagnin Arbois Maceration Pelliculaire

 From the Jura region, this is outstanding. Better than the 2018 vintage. The 2020 has more depth. Skin contact white wine. Lovely stuff. Paired with grilled bone in pork chops. 

2018 Hofgut Falkenstein Riesling Krettnacher Euchariusberg Spätlese A.P. 14

 Classic Falkenstein with beautifully delineated, incisive fruit complemented by mouthwatering salinity. Even though young, it exhibits irresistible layers of complexity on the long lasting finish....

NV Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie

 Early drinking window and showing beautifully. Pinot Noir + Chardonnay. Seductive bouquet with a crisp clean palate of red berry fruit. Impeccably balanced with elegant texture and fine minerality. Solid re-buy...

Paired with:
Fried corn seasoned with togarachi, cotija, lime and kewpie
Egg salad on toast with dill pickle, pepper and super fresh north carolina trout roe.

2020 Tramin Gewurztraminer Nussbaumer

Still in a very early drinking window. Delightfully dry, yet once it opens up there is a honeyed texture to this minerally expression of Alto Adige Gewurztraminer. Palate evinces white stone fruit with a nose redolent of citrus zest. A fascinating wine. Dont drink too cold.