August 2025 Wine Club

Montepeloso 'Lupo' Sangiovese 2024 Tuscany, Italy
Winemaker Fabio Chiarelotto's ode to the Sangioveses of the 1960's and 70's is a brilliant reflection of just how versatile and ever-changing one of Italy's best varietals can be.
Utilizing older clones of the grape, Fabio was able to concoct a lighter bodied and more playful Sangiovese than the earthier, structured style we have become accustomed to recently.
Crystalline red in color, this wine showcases aromas of cracked white pepper, mediterranean herbs and flavors of wild strawberry, preserved red cherry and lifted, chalky minerality.
Great with a charcuterie platter or your favorite cheese, this wine is also light enough to enjoy with any kind of seafood, especially with a slight chill on it!

Thomas Farge Syrah 2024 Rhone, France
Sourced from a single parcel perched on a granitic plateau about 400 meters above sea level, this incredible example of Syrah from the Northern Rhone shows both winemaker Thomas Farge's respect for terroir and his innovative spirit.
Deep cherry-red in hue; aromas of crushed violets, olive tapenade and faint cigar box invite you into the glass.
Bold flavors of red cherries, blackcurrants and rip purple plums are complemented with cracked black pepper and polished tannins.
This is the perfect companion for a dinner of grilled lamb, your favorite goat cheese or even with your favorite slice of rich, chocolate cake.

Portia, Tempranillo Crianza, 2020 Ribera del Duero, Spain
An off-shoot of the Faustino family, well-respected and legacy producers of Spanish wines, Portia is here to usher in a new age of wines from Ribera del Duero.
Deep red with flashes of intense purple, this wine jumps out of the glass with its notes of ripe blackberries, tart plums, vanilla bean and toasted oak.
Full bodied and deeply structured this Tempranillo showcases flavors of cassis, blackberries, savory cloves and fresh tobacco.
With its long, savory finish and well integrated tannins this wine truly shines alongside red meat or mushroom dishes as well as medium aged cheeses, like Gruyere; preferably in the form of tapas!

VOON, Grenache 2023 Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, CA
Coming from our dear friends Evan and Cameron, who were featured in our Pride Tasting Event, this Grenache from VOON Wines is the perfect choice especially if you enjoy a red with a slight chill on it.
In the glass it shows off its pale, ruby glow and entices the senses with its aromas of bright cherries, eucalyptus, rose hips and lavender.
With incredible brightness and crisp acidity, flavors of fresh strawberries and tart raspberries are pulled together with silky smooth tannins and just a touch of oak.
Celebrate local, queer and environmentally conscious winemaking with a glass of this delectable red from some of the most forward thinking wine professionals in San Francisco!

Nicolas Gaudry Pouilly Fume 2023 Loire, France
Sourced from vines averaging 35 years old, planted in clay and limestone rich soil in the Loire, this Sauvignon blanc embodies a sense of refinement and harmonious balance in each sip.
Pale straw in hue, the wine glistens in the glass, signaling its clarity and freshness.
On the nose elements of zesty grapefruit and lemon are accompanied by fresh thyme and riverstones.
Intense citrus flavors paired with chalky minerality and a clean, dry finish prove this wine is the perfect pair to any seafood dish, light salad or vegetable dish.
But our favorite way to enjoy it is while sitting in the sunshine on the back patio!

Gaintza, Hondarrabi Zuri 2024 Getariako Txakolina, Spain
Txakolina, sometimes called Chacoli, is a coastal wine that hails from the Basque Country in Northern Spain.
Bright green-yellow in color, with slight effervescence, this spritzy, fresh wine is perfect for sipping poolside or whenever you need to beat the heat.
With notes of lemon, quince, green apple and sea spray on the nose this wine is forthright with its bright minerality.
Flavors of Meyer lemon, herbaceous undertones and vibrant acidity are all wrapped up together in its clean, mouthwateringly saline finish.
Whether you're putting a bottle in the cooler to head to the park or the beach, this wine screams to be sipped out in the sunshine!
July 2025 Wine Club

Marine Layer, 'Lyra' Pinot Noir 2022 Sonoma Coast, California
Named after one of the oldest and brightest constellations in California's night sky; the 'Lyra' Pinot Noir from Marine Layer is as much an ode to the land it comes from as it is a display of excellent craftsmanship.
Hand-picked from several single-site vineyards throughout the Sonoma Coast AVA, this wine sports about a third whole cluster inclusion and about a quarter new oak in order to let the fruit do all the talking.
Ruby red in color, this Pinot has aromas of rose, crushed violets and red berries. On the palate, flavors of red raspberry, savory cardamom and zesty citrus peel come together to produce an elegant medium bodied wine finished with smooth, fine tannins.
It's no secret that Swirl is obsessed with Marine Layer wines; and a glass of this masterpiece can show any skeptic exactly why.

Poderi Parpinello, Monica di Sardegna Superiore 2023 Sardegna, Italy
Monica isn't as recognizable compared to other Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, but on the island of Sardinia it is one of the most planted grapes as well as one of the most celebrated.
Brought to the island in the 11th century by Spanish monks, Monica is a staple in the food and wine culture of the island's population. Although the varietal is generally made into everyday table reds, winemaker Giampaolo Parpinello wanted to showcase its unique expression in a more refined and elevated way and does so masterfully with his Monica di Sardegna Superiore.
Highlighting Monica's aromatic floral bouquet of roses and lilac, this wine gives way to ripe red raspberries and tart cherries, alongside an elegant structure ending in silky, smooth tannins.
Truly a perfect wine to pair with any home cooked pasta dish!d with Marine Layer wines; and a glass of this masterpiece can show any skeptic exactly why.

Boon Companion, 'Carry On Carignan' Carignan 2022 Templeton Gap, CA
Boon Companion roughly translates to a drinking buddy; but the team at this small, start-up winery are about a lot more than just having a good time.
Built by four friends who prioritize environmentally friendly practices and vineyard sites, showcasing local artists and minimal intervention winemaking; their team has created a wine that is as authentic and unpretentious as it is delicious.
Light purple in color, the wine evokes notes of crushed cranberries, bright raspberries and tart red cherries.
With a smooth and soft finish, this wine is as great with dinner as it is with a slight chill on a hot summer day!

Chateau Haut-Segottes, Merlot blend, Grand Cru 2021 Bordeaux
Although most Bordeaux reds focus on the power and finesse of varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, winemaker Madame Danielle Meunier has found another grape can compliment these heavy-weights, Cabernet Franc.
Generally used as a blending grape, Meunier's generous addition of Cabernet Franc gives this wine levity, structure and a robust roundness.
With subtle aromas of fresh green herbs and toasted cedar, this magnificent Bordeaux blend sports tart red and blackberry fruits with supple, fine-grained tannins.
Let this elegant and powerful wine breathe for half an hour before taking your first sip and make sure to pair it with your favorite steak cut or mushroom pasta!

La Sirena, Primitivo Rosato 2024 Amador County, California
One of California’s most iconic winemakers, Heidi Barrett, is best known for her rich, full-bodied reds.
Tucked into her portfolio is a hidden gem: a stunning Primitivo Rosato.
Inspired by the old-world traditions of Hermitage and rooted in California’s exceptional terroir, this Rosé is a true showcase of elegance and balance.
Glowing with a rose petal hue, it opens with vibrant aromas of watermelon, white peach, and strawberry, all lifted by crisp acidity and a bright, clean finish.
It's the kind of wine that turns a casual cookout or summer picnic into a standout moment.
An underrated Rosé from a California legend.

Campanelli 'Palombare' Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2022 Marche, Italy
Although many of us may have never heard of the grape varietal Verdicchio, that doesn't make it uncommon in the global wine scene.
Since the mid-1980's it has stolen some of the top spots from more recognizable grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon blanc as one of the most planted varietals in the world.
Verdicchio is known to produce a wide range of different styles of wine, from lean, high acid vintages to rounder, richer styles, and has as many aliases, like Torbiana and Giallo, to boot. Palombare, in particular, is a stellar example of Verdicchio as a dry, crisp style featuring lemon leaf aromas, flavors of mirabelle plums, chalky minerality and long, saline finish.
Perfect to pair with seared fish or a fresh salad, this is the perfect summer wine to share with friends in the sun!
June 2025 Wine Club

Franck Balthazar, Syrah blend,
Cote du Rhone, France
Franck Balthazar is a third generation winemaker that creates his spectacular selection of Rhone varietals as an ode to his father and grandfather.
Eschewing artificial fertilizers and pesticides, he chooses to use natural methods in his vine tending, as well as harvesting by hand and horse just as his paternal stewards of the vineyard did back in its founding in 1931.
This blend of Syrah with just a touch of Grenache invites you in with aromas of cherry blossom and freshly picked red and black fruits.
Flavors of raspberry, red cherry and purple plums are complemented by subtle notes of soft rubbed leather and powdery tannins. It makes sense that famed wine writer John Bonné called this wine "a southern Syrah from a master of the form.

Loren Crossing, Sauvignon blanc blend 2024 Oakville, CA
After featuring this wine's paramore, Loren Crossing's Cabernet Sauvignon, last month in the Wine Club it would be a disservice to not showcase a brilliant Napa take on a white Bordeaux.
Primarily Sauvignon blanc with just a touch of Semillon, this wine features something for every kind of white wine drinker.
This wine jumps right out of the glass with a bouquet of honeysuckle and pea blossom before evolving into flavors of lemon curd, fresh kiwi, zesty lime and white peach.
Crisp and tart acidity alongside its expressive fruit-forward body make this a fine example of Napa Valley taking what works in Old World wine making and putting their own spin on it!

Conti, Spanna Colline Novaresi
2021 Ghemme, Italy
Although Spanna may sound like an unfamiliar varietal to most of us, it is actually a regional name for Northern Italy's Nebbiolo in Alto Piemonte.
Similar to its more common namesake, Spanna is a versatile grape that can change a great deal due to soil, weather conditions and winemakers' choices leading to a plethora of styles.
This Spanna in particular sports blackberry bramble and freshly tilled earth on the nose before guiding us through tart black cherry and cooked strawberry on the palate.
Light and ethereal with some balanced notes of earthiness and black fruit this wine showcases what makes Alto Piemonte one of the best wine regions in the world!

Paolo Scavino, 'Sorriso' Bianco
2023 Langhe, Italy
It is no secret that at Swirl we have a deep love for wines from the Langhe in Northern Italy's Piedmont region.
Made famous by prestigious wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, the Langhe is home to dozens of varietals including those we find elsewhere in Europe and even in our own backyard here in California.
Paolo Scavino's 'Sorriso' is a delicious white blend made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Viogner that is the perfect summer wine to pair with fresh salads, mild cheese or just great company.
Pale yellow in color, with expressive aromas of white flowers and freshly rubbed sage, this wine showcases vibrant Meyer lemon, fresh apricot and just a hint of shaved orange peel on the palate.
With its soft texture, bright acidity and crisp minerality this is a wine we'll be enjoying all summer long!

Eden Rift, 'Valliant' Pinot Noir
2022, Central Coast, CA
Hailing from the reputable Eden Rift Vineyard, about 20 miles from Monterey Bay, 'Valliant' is an incredible Pinot Noir from producers who are applying the same practices and techniques with this wine as their Pinots that demand twice the price.
Originally planted in 1849, Eden Rift is one of the oldest continually farmed vineyards in all of California and that legacy is easily tasted in the quality of the fruit it produces.
Aromas of dried violets and brambleberry flow into flavors of red cherry pit, black licorice and just a hint of cracked black pepper.
This delicious medium bodied Pinot Noir is all tied together with soft, silky tannins that fits perfectly with just about any home cooked meal!

Terre Nere, Nerello Mascalese
2023 Etna, Sicily
Standing over 2000 feet above sea level on the side of Mount Etna in Sicily lies the picturesque vineyards of Tenuta delle Terre Nere.
The vines, alongside the over 150 olive trees planted among them, scour the mountain slopes that have witnessed over 500,000 years of volcanic eruptions.
This volcanic activity has created wild soil variations throughout the region, and concocted the perfect growing conditions for grapes like the hearty Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.
These native Sicilian varietals feature aromas of cloves, incense and dried red cherries as well as flavors of ripe red berries with a crunchy mineral finish.
This spice driven, medium bodied red is the perfect companion for fresh pasta dishes, hearty meat dishes or your favorite charcuterie board.
May 2025 Wine Club

Alamati, Nebbiolo
2021 Santa Barbara County, California
With just 3 vintages under their own label, Cooper and Niko of Alamati Wines are well on their way to becoming juggernauts in the California wine scene.
With deep reverence to the Italian and French practices that have produced their favorite vintages, and great respect for the terroir of Santa Barbara County, they have concocted a Nebbiolo that will blow you away!
Floral notes of roses and gardenias make way for sharp acidity and flavors of cherry hard candy, bright strawberry and freshly tilled earth.
The finish showcases Nebbiolo's famous structured tannins while highlighting savory fennel and tart cranberries.
While this is pop and pour ready today, I can't help but stash a bottle away and see what she's like in 5 years.

Loren Crossing, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 Napa Valley, California
Loren Crossing is in part inspired by leisurely Sunday bike rides through picturesque Napa Valley; and with the comfort, beauty and ease at which this wine goes down it's an apt inspiration.
Ripe black fruit is accentuated by boysenberry bramble, blueberry compote, dark chocolate and rich clove spice.
Dense, complex and full bodied this wine ends its ride with silky smooth tannins that linger on the palate for just the right amount of time.
A perfect pairing with a burger, hot off the grill, after a lazy summer's day!

Bira Wines, 'Bianco d'Uco' Malvasia,
2024 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina
Over on the western coast of Argentina's Mendoza region, high up in the Valle de Uco some 1,000 meters above sea level, winemaker Frederico Isgro is blending not only his wine but also his ancestral home of Italy with his birthplace of Argentina.
Sourcing from vineyards planted in the 1960's and hand harvesting all of his fruit; Frederico is creating a true labor of love that showcases the complex tapestry that is Argentina's wine culture.
On the nose aromas of fresh white flowers, honeysuckle and spicy Thai basil jump out from the glass.
The palate features flavors of crisp white pear, fresh cantaloupe and zippy acidity.
This symphony is brought all together in a bone-dry mineral finish that leaves you wanting for just one more sip!

El Enemigo, Cabernet Franc,
2021 Mendoza, Argentina
Argentina is known for its unique tapestry of heritages and cultures, especially post World War II.
When many Europeans migrated to the country they brought with them their knowledge of viticulture and enology and used them to transform the wine landscape of Argentina.
Alejandro Vigil continues this tradition with El Enemigo; wines that reflect the inner conflict within oneself - leading to a truer understanding of who we are.
This beautiful Cabernet Franc leads with a nose of peppercorn and soft graphite, followed by plush notes of pureed raspberries and ripe red currant, all while finishing with lingering, caressing tannins.
Many immigrants in Argentina's storied history have attempted to make wines that rival those across the sea in their home countries and this is one that shows that endeavor is never in vain!

Castello di Neive 'Basarin' Dolcetto d'Alba, 2020 Piedmont, Italy
It's always hard to put together a wine club without including an incredible pizza wine; so we'd rather not even attempt it!
Dolcetto is a grape varietal known for its versatility and ease at which it fits in with most Italian menus - but this one in particular calls for some delicious pizza or a bowl of Bolgonese.
Deep rudy in color; aromas of mocha, powdered cocoa and red licorice bring forth flavors of purple plum and black cherry on the palate.
Smooth tannins round out this medium bodied depiction of a grape that can often be pigeonholed as a delicate red.
It doesn't matter if it's delivery or homemade, pick out your favorite toppings because it's time for a pizza party!

Tiberio, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo
2023 Abruzzo, Italy
Cristiana Tiberio is hands down the current reigning queen of Trebbiano d'Abruzzo! Alongside her brother, Antonio, who handles grape growing and viticulture,
Christiana is creating wines that showcase the often overlooked beauty of the Trebbiano Abruzzese varietal.
Using vines with an average age of 65 years old, hand harvesting the vineyards themselves, all while utilizing the age-old tradition of massal vine selection, this wine is a tribute to their father, Ricardo, who was instrumental in preserving Trebbiano.
Showcasing dusty florality, fresh mint and jasmine, the palate evolves into crisp yellow apples, zesty lemon-lime and crushed hazelnuts, all leading to a long, dry saline finish.
This hot weather friend is perfect for posting up on the porch, down at the pool or wherever your summer adventures may take you!
April 2025 Wine Club

BETHEL HEIGHTS, PINOT NOIR
2022 WILLAMETTE, OREGON
This winery is the collective dream of two families that wanted to grow, vinify and market wine, hand in hand. And they've been doing just that since 1977.
In the heart of Eola Hills in Willamette Valley they have a 50 acre vineyard that produces some of the best wines that come out of the state.
Light and lifted raspberry and red plum fruit leads into savory notes of chili powder and earthy green tea, all the while enveloped in the dry embrace of cinnamon and silky smooth tannins.
It's Pinot Noir as a tribute to the land it comes from and a true masterclass in what makes Oregonian wines so special!

CASALE DEL GIGLIO "ANTHIUM"
2023 BELLONE, LAZIO
Bellone traces its biological ancestry back to Uva Pantastica, a grape praised by Pliny the Elder himself in his detailed compendium Naturalis Historica back in 77 AD.
Highly durable and resistant to drought, it's a grape known for its elongated cone shape and thick, golden skin.
This particular vineyard is completely own-rooted and avoided the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century due to the coastal soils it is planted in.
With rich tropical fruit notes of papaya and mango, it achieves incredible balance between its zesty acidity and its crushed white florality.
Although it has the potential to age and develop more tertiary characteristics, it is absolutely enjoyable right now on a warm summer day!

CASTELLO DI BOSSI CHIANTI
2020 BERARDO RISERVA
Sourced from Castello di Bossi's 35-hectarce site, with elevations reaching 350 meters, this luminous red wine will give most Brunello's a run for their money.
Notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, sweet tobacco and fresh violets waft upward from the glass.
On the palate flavors of dark cherries, plums, black currant and dusty earth provide a dense and full bodied experience.
The finish lingers on the palate with smooth, velvety tannins. Give it a little time to breathe and open up and then enjoy it with a great steak, lamb sausage or a mushroom pasta dish!

LUIS PEREZ "EL MUELLE DE OLASO" 2022 PALOMINO
Long reserved for the production of sherry, the Palomino grape has often been thought of as flavor neutral.
Luis Perez has clearly proven all the nay-sayers wrong. Harvested in the middle of the night to prevent oxidation, this wine sports bright stone and tropical fruit notes with a lively chalky minerality.
Fermented in both stainless steel and seasoned oak, it also has some limited time with flor contact, giving it a unique herbal tanginess. Vibrant, expressive and fun, this wine shows the global stage that Jerez can not only make incredible sherries but also world class, dry, everyday white wines!

CROTIN, RUCHE 'MONTEROSSO'
2021, DI CASTAGNOLE MONFERRATO, PIEMONTE
Ruche (pronounced ROO-Kay) is one of the lowest production varietals in all of Italy.
It can only be produced in 7 small villages surrounding the town of Asti in Piedmont. And although it has been produced and consumed in northern Italy for well over a hundred years it has only gained DOCG recognition since the late 80's.
With lifted aromas of rose petal, mulberry and fresh tobacco it gives a first impression of being a much fuller bodied wine than it truly is.
On the palate it shows its true colors; juicy red fruit, wild blueberries, weightless tannins with a slight hint of cracked white peppercorn.
This is a gorgeous light bodied wine that shows the difference grape varietals can have on terroir as it is atypical compared to other, bolder Piedmont reds.

CHATEAU PESQUIE, SYRAH BLEND 'QUINTESSENCE'
2020 COTES DU VENTOUX, RHONE
Complex and powerful, this southern french wine is the true harmony of Syrah when blended with Grenache.
Dark purple in color, it has expressive notes of black cherries and black olive tap[endade.
With 40% aged in new french oak it maintains balance between its dense fruit character and playful aromatics of sandalwood, vanilla and smoke.
Well structured with rich velvety tannins, this biodynamic masterpiece is perfect to drink now, or in 10 years!