Wines of the Week: 
2020 Isabelle Garrault Les Grands Monts Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé Normally $27.99–$23.79 15% Off This Week ONLY! 2018 Mail Road Mount Santa Barbara Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir Normally $59.99–$50.99 15% Off This Week ONLY! * * * About the Wines of the Week: 2020 Isabelle Garrault Les Grands Monts Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé Normally $27.99–$23.79 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery The Garrault family has been growing grapes in Sancerre for over 10 generations. Based in the village of Verdigny, their vineyards are located on truly privileged terroir. The parcels are all found on high altitude sites (200m – 250m) and on steep slopes that allow the grapes to soak up the shy Loire Valley Sun. The soils found here are the classic Terres Blanches and Caillotes that bestow laser intense minerality into the wines. The grapes are all hand-harvested and vinified in stainless tanks to preserve the full freshness and zippiness of the wines. Great Sancerre is getting harder to find, and it is families like the Garraults that continue to shun the influx of industry into Sancerre. They simply continue to make wine in the traditional way that reminds us why we fell in love with this hilly region to begin with. 
About the Wine 100% Pinot Noir coming from 30+ year old vines from the villages of Verdigny and Sury-en-Vaux. Situated on caillotes soils, the grapes are fermented and aged in-tank with ingenious yeasts. A direct-press rosé, when poured expect cherry, orange zest and dried flowers on the bright and juicy nose. Silky and concentrated, displaying very good clarity to the juicy raspberry, orange zest and honeysuckle flavors. Critical Acclaim “Limpid orange. Lively strawberry, cherry and tangerine qualities on the fragrant nose, along with building mineral and floral notes. Taut and focused on the palate, offering fresh red berry, orange zest and rose pastille flavors supported by an undercurrent of dusty minerality. Finishes floral and quite long, with resonating mineral and red berry nuances.”–91 Points, Vinous * * * 2018 Mail Road Mount Santa Barbara Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir Normally $59.99–$50.99 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery The team at Mail Road strives to produce wines of uncompromising excellence and distinction. Impossible-to-forget wines. Wines that are powerful, yet graceful and balanced. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Matt Dees found his calling when, as a Soil Science major, he planted a vineyard on the shores of Lake Champlain (long story). Lucky for all of us, he moved from dirt to winemaking. Matt spent his first years in the trade jetting back and forth between New Zealand (Craggy Range) and Napa Valley (Staglin), where his background in soil led first to an interest – and later, to a passion – for things like tannin, acid balance, structure and texture. His philosophy is simple: “The vineyard calls the shots. We just (try to) listen and get the heck out of the way.” Raised in Los Angeles, Michael Palmer’s roots are in Marin County and the Russian River area. A post-college harvest in Rioja and some additional grape stomping in Nuits Saint Georges were all it took to convince Michael that winemaking was it – a plan he put into action upon moving to Santa Barbara over twenty years ago. In 2011, after a late-Spring frost nearly destroyed the vineyard, Michael, Matt and their third partner Ron discussed the possibility of farming Mt. Carmel, with the hope of bringing the damaged vineyard back to its former glory, and ultimately building Mt. Carmel’s first-ever estate program. The result is Mail Road Wines. 
About the Wine When poured, this wine’s nose is full of dark fruit and dried herbs. Lifted and seductive with notes of black cherry, thyme and peppercorn. Broad and generous on the palate with dense and vibrant red fruit. The core of red fruit is accompanied by a freshness that keeps it buoyant and vibrant. The finish is driven by delicate and fine tannins that carry the fruit and allow it to linger. A wine of power and elegance. * * * Also Tasting Today: 2019 Envidia Cochina Tete de Cuvee Rias Baixas Albarino $32.99  
About the Winery Eladio Piñeiro founded Bodegas Mar de Frades in 1983 after spending many years making Albariño wine, before the Appellation Rías Baixas was granted. In January 2003, due to events that have influenced the life of his family, he decided to sell his winery keeping the vineyards he owned. Later, Eladio decided to take a step forward and do what really excites and motivates him. He started to make wines again and moved away from the usual circuit creating a new category: wines with soul! By showcasing their roots and history, he produced reds from Portuguese Alentejo and whites from Albariño Rías Baixas, while having absolute freedom to create and develop small amounts of real wine, for wine lovers seeking wines with meaning and showing their terroir and history. 
About the Wine The vineyards are located throughout the Salnés Valley, Val do Salnés; they average thirty years old and are farmed biodynamically. Harvested by hand with a careful selection of grapes which enhances their quality and external appearance, the grapes reach the cellar in small capacity boxes. Once there, the grapes are macerated for a short amount of time; they are made a few days before to help the spontaneous fermentation with their own "wild" yeasts, ferment at a low temperature very prolonged in time. Aged for six months on its lees in stainless steel. This wine has a zero carbon footprint, regulates the entry of oxygen. Bottled on a flower day in order to ensure complying with the biodynamic principles. When first poured expect straw yellow hues to brightly shine throughout the glass. The nose is clean and bright, with a mélange of aromas beginning with abundant fruits such as apple and pear; then transitioning into notes of fennel, salt, and minerality from the unstructured granite. When this wine hits your palate, the senses will be delighted by freshness and balanced acidity, with structure throughout the mouthfeel and a long and persistent finish. * * *
Cocktail Recipe of the Week:
Watermelon Gin Refresher Ingredients: 1 Watermelon, Rind Removed
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1/2 Cup Greenhook Ginsmith’s American Dry Gin
1 Cup Tonic Water
Mint Leaves and Lemon Slices, for garnish Directions: Cut 12 pieces of watermelon to the size of ice cubes, place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and freeze overnight.
The next day, heat a chargrill pan or barbecue over high heat. Cut the remaining watermelon flesh into wedges and cook for 2-3 minutes each side until charred.
Remove from the pan and cool completely. Place in a food processor with the sugar and blend until smooth. Cheers and Enjoy! * * * Snack of the Week: .JPG)
Blue Crab Bay Co. Surf Doggies Surf Doggies are made for folks who savor the sweet, strong flavor of honey mustard with a little added heat. These little all-natural doggies will please any honey-mustard lover! * * * | 
