January’s Staff Picks

Check out this month’s staff picks. See something you like? Add it to your cart, buy it online, and pick it up in store!

Robust and elegant, this pinot noir is robust and elegant, and after several years of aging has developed nuance and velvety tannins. Aromas of red fruit and walnuts are evident, followed by the distinct scent of baked cherries. At 9 years old, it’s ready to drink and will pair beautifully with pork or duck.

– Keegan

Though most people think of it as a California native, zinfandel actually hales from southern Italy (and likely Greece before that) where it’s known by the name “pimitivo.” This wine is rich and spciy with notes of blueberry, plum, and cinnamon. I’d pair it with BBQ or any other smoked or a great Italian pizza.                                                      

– Collin

I’ve recently gotten into California chardonnay, and this one from the Sonoma Coast appellation is one of my new favorites. Notes of lemon peel, toast, and creme brulé make this a great pairing for everything from chicken or salmon to buttered popcorn on movie nights.

– Kalie

This Napa Cabernet is big and rich with notes of cassis, blackberry, and smoke. I love this on cold winter nights when paired with steak. Heavy tannins are highlighted by the strong oak influences in the wine.

– Ali

The Robert Keenan Winery sits in the mountains above Napa Valley, so high, in fact, that the vineyards escape the valley’s notorious fog. This allows the grapes to get even more exposure to the sun and to produce complex and fascinating wines. There are lots of fruit notes here, but it’s the wines savory notes of mint, eucalyptus, and smoke that make this a winner.

-Seth

The blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon comes from some of the finest vineyards in Napa Valley. Rich with notes of cantaloupe, guava, lemon, and sage. On the palate, a hint of a grapefruit is followed by an undertone of toast and white flowers. The 2012 vintage was one of the best for Napa Valley and after several years in the bottle, this wine is primed for drinking.

– Sam