Mid-Week Deliveries

To get you thinking about the weekend, we offer some notes about recent deliveries.

Bodegas Briego Crianza

From Spain's Ribera del Duero region, this vintage scored an impressive 91 points from Wine Advocate. Their review: "The 2009 Crianza comes from 20-year-old vines in Penefiel and aged for 14 months in used French and American oak. It has fine delineation on the nose with raspberry preserve and cassis aromas, and hints of incense emerging with time. The palate is smooth and silky with plush dark cherries and plum notes, leading to a svelte, finely focused finish that is caressing and long. This is a lovely wine, a delicious Ribera del Duero. Drink now-2016."

Only $19.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon

Arrowood Vineyards is located in the historic Sonoma Valley, a swath of land tucked between the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountain ranges. Shielded from the cold maritime winds off the Pacific Ocean, their AVA has often been described as a warm pocket in a cool region – ideal for a myriad of noble varieties. For more than two decades Arrowood has been in the vanguard of California’s organic farming movement. In addition to their estate vineyards, they source Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier from a number of legendary sites throughout Sonoma County. Since the 2010 vintage, Arrowood's wines have been made by Heidi von der Mehden. 

As with previous vintages, the 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet shines aromatically with rich, dark fruit and beautifully integrated notes of oak. As it opens up, there are layers of red berries, rose petals, black cherries, leather, mocha and mint. The palate is sleek and concentrated with dark fruit, spice, cola and cedar. The finish is framed by bright acids and big, juicy tannins.

96% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 2% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. 90 points from The Tasting Panel Magazine, a trade publication. Priced at $25.99. 

Ardbeg Auriverdes

Skilful newcomer Ardbeg Auriverdes is the newest talent to emerge from premier distillery Ardbeg. Distilled with equal measures of both skill and passion, all eyes will be on Ardbeg Auriverdes – named after its golden whisky (auri), and unmistakable green bottle (verde) – when it makes its debut on Ardbeg Day on 31st May.

There’s talk of the new signing being a bit of a hot head, thanks to its toasted cask lids. So is Manager Mickey Heads worried?

“There’s no smoke without fire, but I’m confident its creamy vanilla sweetness will tame its dark mocha coffee side,” said Mickey. “Anyhow, a bit of fire in the belly is no bad thing.” He added.

No doubt the Ardbeg Committee agree. So what will the fans make of the new bottling in the Ardbeg line up? If past signings are anything to go by, Auriverdes is bound to strike a chord and get the fans roaring. A superb performance is virtually guaranteed.

This limited-release Ardbeg carries a one bottle/person limit, and is available for $89.99.

Clos Floridene Graves Blanc

Sometimes, there's nothing quite as enjoyable as a classic Old World white wine in the summer. The 2012 vintage of the Clos Floridene Graves Blanc rated 91 points from Wine Spectator. Their review: "Lovely, with lemon shortbread, chartreuse, yellow apple and kaffir lime notes, layered seamlessly and backed by a long echo of quinine on the finish. Drink now through 2016."

Only $23.99 in the Bottle Club®.

As always, there are too many new items and new vintages to cover here. Please ask one of our team members for new products on your next visit.