Meridio "Liama"
Alicante Blend. Sicily, Italy 2018
50% Alicante (Grenache), 30% Nero d'Avola, 20% Frappato. Tiny winery that's as natural as natural can be: not only do they have minimal intervention in the winery (no sulfur or additives) but also in the vineyards. They use canes to hold up tree-like vines and attach them with strong grasses (liama) so-as to not have any metal or plastic in the vineyard. Fresh, fruity, strawberry. Some balsam. Very Burgundian limestone finish.
Alexana "Terroir Series"
Pinot Noir. Willamette Valley, Oregon 2019
Pinot Noir from a newer winery up in Willamette that's making waves. Primarily Pommard clones sourced from the Dundee Hills among other parcels from all over the valley. Fairly powerful and opulent going from a red floral nose to a candied, mouth filling, palate and finishing soft and silky.
Niepoort "Lagar de Baixo"
Baga. Bairrada, Portugal 2018
100% Baga - a traditional varietal grown mostly in Bairrada. Genetically close to Malvasia, but the relationship is unknown (parent vs sibling vs offspring). Known to be more tannic like Tannat or Petit Verdot, in this case made in a modern, approachable, style (plus the addition of age) makes this good to go. Drinks a lot like Chateauneuf-du-pape, with a touch of funk, bright raspberry and backed with provocative incense and sandalwood.
Clos de la Barthassade “K Libre”
Carignan. Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2019
Young winemakers with a cult-like following in France. Purchased land in Languedoc because it is one of the few terroirs left in France that's relatively affordable. Made very conscientiously with minimal intervention, largely whole cluster and all in concrete egg (both rarities in the region). Fairly plush and giving with lots of ripe strawberry and purity of fruit with an elegant, balanced, finish.
Tantaka
Hondarrabi Zuri. Arabako Txakolina, Spain 2019
Family owned land that predates any records of the area (aka a looong time). Arabako is more known for 'serious' Txakoli - most are light, spritzy, dry wines but this one is picked a bit more ripe and vinified in neutral oak. While the nose screams coastal, fish friendly Txakolina with salty seaside brine and oyster shells, it leads to a medium body of stone fruits (apricots and pluots primarily) and finishes herbacious and soft. Perfect winter seafood wine.
Trinafour “Lolonis Vineyard”
Semillon. Mendocino County, CA 2020
Alex MacGregor’s (Winemaker for Saracina) personal passion project meant to highlight some unknown vineyards and varietals that he loves. Semillon is typically a blending partner with Sauvignon Blanc in white Bordeaux known more for giving body, depth, and savory tones to the wine. This particular high elevation, cool climate expression is much more lifted with tart peach skin and jasmine teas on the nose followed by passionfruit and mango leading through to the finish.