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!

If you’re looking for a wine with enough body to stand up to the red meats and wild game of hunting season, Post Scriptum is the wine you’ve been searching for. The combination of dark fruit flavors (think blackberry and boysenberry jam) and strong tannins is striking but doesn’t overwhelm the palate. Give it plenty of time to breath and enjoy!

– Seth

This wine has notes of apple and baked pear with hints of tropical fruits and vanilla bean. Look for flavors of ripe Opal apples, Meyer lemon, sage, and vanilla pannacotta on the palate. One of my personal favor chardonnays, especially when paired with Thanksgivings foods!

– Anel

One of my favorite grapes from one of my favorite wineries! This cabernet franc is rich and silky while maintaining a perfume of crushed violets, ripe raspberries, and soft, warm leather.

– Keegan

This is the perfect, no-fuss wine you want after a long day. It has notes of apple, melon and floral aromas. The flavors are all apples and citrus, bright and crisp, mouthwatering with a nice, lingering finish. Pair this zippy dry white wine with everything from cheese or chicken skewers to seafood, salads and even spicy dishes.

– Ciara

My favorite wine and dessert pairing is Port and chocolate cake! This is the perfect wine for finishing up your Thanksgiving meal! It has notes of rich, ripe raspberries, stewed plums, and sweet strawberries.

-Kalie

The grapes for this wine are harvested from vines that range from 60-100 years old, and the wine is aged for two full years in oak barrels before bottling. It has flavors of vanilla and dark chocolate, as well as powerful notes blackberry and ripe cherry.

– Ali

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!

We should all be drinking more Burgundy and this wine is your chance to do so at a great value. Look for notes of sour cherry, crushed raspberries, a subtle earthiness, and a hint of cold fall air. Sounds like the perfect October patio wine to me!

– Seth

I really love the way this pinot tastes so fresh and lively. I pair it with pretty much everything from chicken to pork, even BBQ! It has notes of cherry, blackberry, and spice on the nose and a hint of vanilla on the finish.

– Anel

A really fun and playful take on California Grenache. It’s perfect for pairing with burgers and brats in the backyard. Look for notes of blueberry, blackberry, freshly steeped tea, and an earthy note that carries hints of clove and allspice on the finish.

– Keegan

This is the perfect, no-fuss wine you want after a long day. It has notes of apple, melon and floral aromas. The flavors are all apples and citrus, bright and crisp, mouthwatering with a nice, lingering finish. Pair this fruity dry white wine with everything from cheese or chicken skewers to seafood, salads and even spicy dishes.

– Ciara

Rich and complex, with layered notes of brown butter, Opal apples, toasted nuts, and Easter lilies, it’s beset with gentle aromas of wood smoke and white fruits. For those who’ve never enjoyed chardonnay, I encourage you to make the splurge for this bottle. It’s an incredible wine and will open your palate to a new range of flavors.

-Kalie

Fun and funky, this rosé is a blend of cabernet and malbec and it’s full of strawberry and watermelon notes. It’s still pretty warm out so this is the rosé that’s been keeping me cool!

– Ali

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!

Let’s not pretend that it’s anything other than hot as hell outside and whatever wine I drink needs to be ice cold for the foreseeable future – this totally fits the bill. A lot of people don’t get turned on when they think about an off dry sparkling red wine, but this is the real deal, a perfect bottle for scorching hot days that turn into scorching hot nights. It’s great on its own but it pairs with just about anything. Still need convincing? This was said to be Cleopatra’s favorite wine. Bam!

– Seth

I don’t know what’s wrong with me but somehow summer 2018 has turned into the summer of sauvignon blanc. I just can’t get enough of it, and out of all of them this one has become my favorite. It’s so ripe and tropical, like a big fruit salad in my mouth. Notes of white peach, papaya, pineapple, and a tiny dollop of whipped cream.

– Seth

Wines don’t always have to be expensive to be great. This little blend of barbera, dolcetto, bonarda, fresia, and croatina is the ultimate Tuesday night pizza wine. It’s bright and fruity with strong notes of blackberry, rosemary, black pepper, and plums. It’s become one of my go-to’s and I think it’ll become one of yours too.

– Keegan

Real talk – this is probably the best wine I’ve ever had. You can taste the sweet, juicy apple and it’s the perfect thing on hot summer days. I’ve always liked pinot gris, but until I had this one, I never knew just how amazing they could be. Once you’ve had this one, it’ll be hard to go back to anything else again!

– Ciara

Rich and complex, with layered notes of brown butter, Opal apples, toasted nuts, and Easter lilies, it’s beset with gentle aromas of wood smoke and white fruits. For those who’ve never enjoyed chardonnay, I encourage you to make the splurge for this bottle. It’s an incredible wine and will open your palate to a new range of flavors.

-Kalie

A blend of syrah, grencache, and carignan, this red blend from the south of France is bursting with energy and character. The nose is full of smoky, tobacco notes with a touch of dark red fruit. On the palate, black currant, blackberry, leather, and strawberry mingle with subtle spices on the finish. I recommend pairing this with pork or anything else you decide to grill this summer.

– Sam

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!

Let’s not pretend that it’s anything other than hot as hell outside and whatever wine I drink needs to be ice cold for the foreseeable future – this totally fits the bill. A lot of people don’t get turned on when they think about an off dry sparkling red wine, but this is the real deal, a perfect bottle for scorching hot days that turn into scorching hot nights. It’s great on its own but it pairs with just about anything. Still need convincing? This was said to be Cleopatra’s favorite wine. Bam!

– Seth

Helloooooo….is it rosé you’re look for?

Because here it is! I don’t think there’s a place on Earth that makes better rosé than the Bandol region on France’s Mediterranean coast. A blend of grenache, mourvedre, and cinsault, this is the ultimate summer wine: light, dry, bright, and subtly fruity. This is what’ll be flowing through my veins for the next few months.

– Seth

Cristal clear straw yellow with green reflections; present and pronounced on the nose, ripe stone fruit, delicate citrus, hints of exotic fruit; on the palate juicy apricot, white peach and subtle hints of quince; an elegant structure; very fresh, crisp and well balanced by a great acidity and a dense fruit; long finish!                                              

– Keegan

Made up of 70% pinot gris, 24% chardonnay, and 6% riesling, this is the perfect, no-fuss wine you want after a long day. It has notes of apple, melon and floral aromas. The flavors are all apples and citrus, bright and crisp, mouthwatering with a nice, lingering finish. Pair this fruity dry white wine with everything from cheese or chicken skewers to seafood, salads and even spicy dishes.

– Ciara

This is the kind of chardonnay that I want to drink all afternoon by the pool. It’s intense and ripe with a lush, zippy acidity on its long, lingering finish. Crisp and bright, it’s full of green apple, ripe pear, and lemon flavors. It’s begging to be paired with salads, white sauce pasta, and grilled shrimp.

-Kalie

Imagine a truck carrying blueberries crashed in a field of violets and you’ll begin to see why this wine is so fantastic. Made from grapes planted in 1942 and crushed by foot, this is an old-vine that somehow feels completely brand new. Pair this with anything: charcuterie, paella, bananas Foster, or a Christmas ham. It’ll be perfect with them all, I promise.

– Sam

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!

Listen, I know what you’re thinking: Chardonnay? For May? Groundbreaking.

To which I say: Yes, Miranda Priestly, CHARDONNAY FOR MAY! This is literally the chardonnay of your *~dreams~* (or nightmares, I don’t know, I don’t live your life).

This wine tastes like a weekend in Palm Springs: sun drenched, fruity, and perfect for Instagram.

– Seth

I know what you’re thinking: two staff picks in a single month?! OF COURSE two staff picks in a single month! I’m just giving the public what the want!

You know all the things you love about pinot? The tart cherry, the wet earth, the subtle hint of funk – well, crank it all to 11 and you’ll get where this wine is coming from. This is a wine best consumed while skydiving!

– Seth

Washington syrah is where it’s at right now, and there are few better than this one from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. A backbone of acidity shows off the powerful minerality and intense floral notes of the wine. Aromas of dried flowers, fresh herbs, and wild sage are everywhere in this wine, while the palate shows notes of cherry, raspberry, and warm spices.                                            

– Keegan

This is obviously a rosé wine, but it might surprise you to know that the predominant grape here is a white one: Melon de Bourgogne. A healthy dose of pinot noir and viognier are also added to give the wine its pink hue and boost its aromatic profile. It’s perfect on a hot summer’s day with a slight chill on it. Notes of raspberries and fresh flowers make it ideal of sipping poolside.

– Ali

Although it’s from Washington state, this rosé is made in the style of Bandol from the south of France. A blend of two grapes (mourvedre and grenache), it’s full of fragrant notes of peach, grapefruit, and papaya. Completely dry, this is the kind of wine you’ll want to sip on all day long. I like to pair it with seafood like grilled shrimp or steamed mussels. If you haven’t yet caught on to Washington wine, this is the bottle to start with!

-Kalie

Spring is here, the back porch is calling, and this wine is perfect for the occasion! It’s bright and refreshing, bursting with apple and pear flavors held up by a subtle, nectary richness. The finish is straightforward, driven by the minerality that Chablis is famous for. It stands up well to creamy sauces, but really shines with salads and spring vegetables. Ideal for a sunny afternoon!

– Sam

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!

Hello spring!! This wine is everything that April means to me: blue skies, warm afternoons, fresh flowers, and rosé in the backyard. Made from old-vine carignan, this is what all rosé should be: light, bone dry, and a color closer to onion skin than strawberries. Notes of grapefruit, kiwi, lime zest and watermelon candy make this the ideal wine for backyard parties, pool parties, or any other occasion at which guacamole might be served.

– Seth

Listen, I know what you’re thinking and no, I don’t know how you pronounce it either, but trust me, this wine is the bomb dot com. Made mostly of grenache with a little syrah thrown in, this is a fruit forward wine with notes of raspberry, cherry, and blueberry. It’s going to be perfect with everything coming off the grill this summer.

– Collin

In my mind, there’s nowhere else in the world that makes better rosé than Bandol on the south coast of France. This wine is both light and dry but is also meant to age for several years, getting more and more complex with time. Look out for notes of strawberry and cherry, lemon zest, and just a little touch of lavender on the finish. Pair it with warm nights and afternoons at the lake.                                             

– Keegan

When I first tasted this wine, it reminded me of my pet snake Sally: lithe and graceful, yet full of power and energy. In some ways, it’s what you might expect from Australian shiraz, with its super ripe fruit aromas and big tannins, but with a little time to open up it turns into an elegant wine with notes of black cherry, blackberry, freshly ground pepper, and freshly picked thyme. This is perfect for your next backyard BBQ.

– Ali

This French sauvignon blanc is full of bright, lively acidity and savory, herbaceous aromas. We love to pair this wine with chicken, salads, or anything made with goat cheese! It has a slight note of lemon zest that’s then followed by the scent of bay leaves, fennel, thyme, anise, and lime peel. The winemaker is quite an accomplished jazz saxophone player hence the instrument on the label.

-Kalie

Born of a collaboration between legendary brewmasters Garrett Oliver and Hans-Peter Drexler, this is truly a force to be reckoned with. It’s luxurious and creamy on the palate, with rich wheat flavors pierced by bright, citrusy hops. It tastes almost exactly like a bottle of lemon meringue pie. With enough body to brace you for the last chilly spells of the year and the zest to celebrate warmer days, this beer is perfect for welcoming Spring!

– Sam

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!

Gewürztraminer is like closing your eyes and pretending its September 1983. You’re 17 and you just hopped into your boyfriend Billy’s dad’s Nissan Maxima. You toss your backpack into the backseat and Billy peels out of the high school parking lot. You turn on the radio and catch the first galaxy-sweeping, shimmery synth beats of Madonna’s “Lucky Star,” and deep inside you know that tonight will be the best night of your young life and that you will never be the same again

– Seth

An awesome weeknight sparkler, this wine is made entirely of pinot noir grapes and in made using the same technique that’s used in Champagne. Notes of ripe strawberry and wild cherries are prevalent with a long, sparkling finish full of bright acidity. Pairs well with creamy cheeses, sunny afternoons, and reruns of The Office.

– Collin

The list of things I love is short, but after my coworkers and my mom, this chardonnay is near the top of that list. It’s round and layered with nuances of blood orange, lime, and lemon zest and it’s quickly become one of my new favorites. There’s so much acid to this wine that it matches almost any food. I’d happily pair this with seafood, chicken, or a nice al fresco brunch.

– Keegan

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. 2012 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.

– Ali

Big and juicy, this wine is like eating a ripe plum, with extra notes of cranberry, Bing cherry, and rhubarb. What makes this wine really cool is that it was made using both the grapes themselves and their stems in a process known as “whole cluster fermentation.” This is a wine that will make you see pinot noir in a whole new way. Pair it with duck, pork, or chicken.

-Kalie

Unpasteurized, undiluted, and untamed, this is sake in its purest expression. The nose is rich and fruity, with sweet banana bread aromas. It’s juicy and unctuous on the palate, bursting with bright melon and citrus flavors balanced by a richer, earthy rice foundation. If you’re an experienced sake drinker, this unusual brew is not to be missed. For those new to the drink, this punchy little guy will make a great first impression!                                    

– Sam

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!

When I dream at night, I dream of Alsace: snowy peaks, verdant fields, incredible white wines, and all the asparagus I could ever want. This wine is a blend of three white grapes: sylvaner, auxerrois, and muscat. It’s as light and crisp as the cool mountain air, and it’s the kind of wine that makes me long to throw on a toboggan and race down the slopes!

– Keegan

Rich and velvety, this is everyone you could want from an aged port wine. In the glass, it’s brick orange color gives way to aromas of dried plums, oranges, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is concentrated with a long and velvety finish. If you’ve never had a dessert wine before, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.                                                     

– Collin

A blend of cinsault, syrah, and grenache, this is what you’d expect from an incredible rosé! Light and crisp, with a delicate strawberry aroma, this is the kind of rosé that I absolutely love. Lots of acidity makes this the perfect pairing with salads, fruit, appetizers, or even an afternoon on the couch watching Netflix. If you think rosé is just a wine for summer, prepare to change your mind!

– Ali

Aromas of raspberry, blackberry, and cedar jump out of the glass when you first pour this Central Coast cabernet. The finish of this wine is long with notes of plums and other dark fruits. Strong tannins make this a great match for lamb, pork, or steak.

– Kalie

An 85/15 split of sauvignon blanc and semillon, this is the kind of white Bordeaux wine that I love: rich and juicy with a steady air of citrus and minerality. Orange blossoms and citrus zest on the nose give way to peach and apricot flavors on the palate. Excellent on its own, I love pairing it with seafood or a light pasta. It may still be winter outside, but it tastes like spring in my glass!                                      

-Seth

This lovely gamay comes from the southern end of the Beaujolais region, right by the foot of Mont Brouilly. It’s bursting with dark fruit flavors like cassis and plum, accented by subtle spice notes from 10 months of oak. Full bodied and supported by good acid, this wine has no trouble standing up to stews and pot roasts, but is light enough to compliment chicken as well. This versatility has made it one of my favorite winter wines of the year!                                    

– Sam

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

You don’t have to break the bank just to have a great bottle of wine. The key to finding great value is all about knowing where to look.

Well, that’s where we come it! We curated a few of our favorites. Most of these are wines that we’ve been enjoying for years, and we think it’s about time you enjoyed them too.

A great value, this light wine is bursting with citrus flavors and high acidity.

Grown in southern France’s Languedoc region, Domaine Laroque’s Cabernet Franc is full of ripe fruit notes.

This big and powerful wine was grown in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and has firm tannins and long-lasting finish.

One of our favorite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, notes of ripe orange and grapefruit make it a winner.

This single vineyard Riesling is demanding everyone’s attention with notes of lime zest, white peach, and wet stone.

This bright and crisp wine is perfect for those pinot grigio lovers who are looking to branch out and try something new!

A stellar cabernet from California’s Central Coast, this wine is full of ripe plum and raspberry aromas.

Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Calera has long been one of the top producers in California’s Central Coast.

Made from the rarely seen Spanish grape Concejon, Pi takes its name from the 3.14 hectares the estate owns and farms organically.

Notes of cherry and spice combine for an excellent wine from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.