November’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!

I know that everyone is going Beaujolais-crazy this time of year, but this Oregon wine made from the same grape has recently put me under its spell. Bursting with red fruit aromas and flavors, it has a strong acidic backbone that makes it the perfect pairing for turkey and dressing (and stuffing too, if you’re into that). Also, if you’re looking for something organic, look here!

-Seth

We’ve been fans of Screen Door Cellars for a while now. They’re producing some of our favorite small-batch wines coming out of Sonoma. This chardonnay has quickly become a constant presence at our dinner table. A mature oak program lends notes of lemon pound cake and crème fraiche. On the palate, you’ll find yellow apples, pie crust, and vanilla mouse.                                                        

– Mr. Baker

Chardon-YAY! This is the perfect “weeknight wine.” This Chardonnay is completely unoaked, allowing for its naturally light flavors of lemon and green apple to shine. The grapes for this wine were hand harvest and were never sprayed with chemicals making this wine as organic as can be! Even better, this is exactly the kind of wine I like pairing with Thanksgiving foods!

– Kalie

The barbera grape is quite interesting to me. To the eye, it’s quite dark and suggests a heavy tannic structure, but on the palette, a lighter wine shines through. It’s a juicy, herbaceous wine. Its got good acid and notes of cherry, anise, and perhaps a bit of smoke. It pairs well with root vegetables, just about any kind of greens, pasta dishes, and virtually all meats. It’s gonna be on my Thanksgiving table!

– David

Canard is one of northern Napa Valley’s little hidden gems. Made entirely from estate grown fruit (most of it grown just feet from the owners back porch), this wine is deep and intense with a gorgeous, almost black color. 2010 was a stellar vintage in Napa and this wine is ready to be drunk! Look for strong aromas of cassis and spice that are balanced by just a hint of cocoa powder.

– Keegan

This wine is anything but pedestrian. Its relatively high acidity makes the wine bright and lively on the palate, with flavors of tart cherry balanced by earthier notes. Its forwardness is anchored by an unexpectedly full body and subtle tannins. This wine is food friendly and would be great with roast duck or grilled mushrooms. Great flavor, great price – this is hands down one of my favorite wines in the shop!

– Sam