Wines of the Week: 
 2019 Elena Walch Kristallberg Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Normally $29.99–$25.49 15% Off This Week ONLY! 2019 Booker Vineyard My Favorite Neighbor San Luis Obispo County Cabernet Sauvignon Normally $64.99–$55.24 15% Off This Week ONLY! * * * About the Wines of the Week: 2019 Elena Walch Kristallberg Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Normally $29.99–$25.49 15% Off This Week ONLY!  .jpeg)
About the Winery Encouraging quality and innovation, Elena Walch stood at the head of the Alto Adige quality revolution and has gained local and international esteem for her efforts. An architect by trade, Elena Walch married into one of the oldest and most significant wine families of the region and brought new, modern concepts to the traditional establishment. Now, the responsibility for the family business is being put into the hands of the daughters, Julia and Karoline Walch, already the fifth generation.The wines show character, elegance and great personality, reflecting the most professional winemaking. The superb climatic conditions and the excellent location of the vineyards produce fresh and fruity white wines as well as concentrated and velvety red wines. The philosophy of the estate is dedicated to its terroir – the idea that wines must be the individual expression of their soil, climate and cultivation in the vineyard – and that this must be maintained according to principles of sustainability and passed on to the next generation. The firm belief that the quality of wine is created in the vineyard requires uncompromising work, taking into account the individuality of each vineyard. With 60 hectares in cultivation, including the two top vineyards VIGNA Castel Ringberg in Caldaro und VIGNA Kastelaz in Tramin, Elena Walch belongs to the most important protagonists of Alto Adige winemaking. 
About the Wine The 2019 vintage presents itself as a classic Alto Adige vintage, albeit a smaller harvest. Starting with a warm spring, there was a delayed increase to higher temperatures after a cooler April and May. Harvest began the second week of September, two whole weeks later than in 2018 and The historic Alto Adige starting time. This enabled the grapes to benefit from the praised "golden Alto Adige autumn" with warm days and cool nights. In particular, the vineyards at higher altitudes, where maturation is attained later, were able to benefit from the very best weather conditions in late autumn. After harvest, the wine was gently pressed, followed by fermentation, which partially took place in stainless steel tanks. 15% of the juice fermented in French barrique barrels and matured there for another five months. Assemblage took place in spring the following year. This Pinot Bianco Kristallberg shows great minerality upon first sip. Presenting a clear, fresh straw yellow and a bouquet of fruity aromas with fresh pears and white stone fruits, as well as spicy notes with green walnuts and smoky and mineral aromas in the background. Elegant on the palate, but with juicy freshness, youthful vitality and stirring acidity, this partially barrel-fermented wine is an exciting new addition to the shoppe! * * * 2019 Booker Vineyard My Favorite Neighbor San Luis Obispo County Cabernet Sauvignon Normally $64.99–$55.24 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery A homage to Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery became an obsession. Sourced from exceptional vineyard sites around Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and south to Edna Valley, this wine is cultivated meticulously by the farmers who have become My Favorite Neighbors. With their dedication to the land, the team at MFN is able to craft a world class wine without any shortcuts or compromises. 
About the Wine 2019’s abundant winter rain and a long, moderate growing season allowed for extended hang times and exceptional fruit quality. When first poured, this wine features a complex nose of red cherry, currant and raspberry along with wild herbs, violets, and just a hint of toasted marshmallow. On the palate, generous flavors of black cherry, ripe plum, and fig compote are joined by notes of medium roast coffee and creme brulee. The extremely long and mineral finish is characterized by a hefty structure and luxurious, silky tannins. 
Critical Acclaim “Blended with a bit of Syrah and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby-purple color and an alluring fragrance of cassis, violet, aniseed, bitter chocolate and coffee beans. It's notable this vintage for Goldilocks ripeness and seamless lift, offering a chocolate-like texture and very long finish. Drink Date: 2022-2037”–96 Points, Wine Advocate * * * Also Tasting Today: 2021 Bodegas Los Bermejos Lanzarote Canary Islands Listán Rosado $28.99  
About the Winery Los Bermejos is situated on the slope-side of the Canary Islands. With a landscape that could be considered extraterrestrial, the volcanic ash absorbs any rain that falls (which is a small amount). From there, the water absorbs into the roots of the vines which forms an insulating layer from the sun. In order to combat the winds and other weather conditions of this region, the winery built a four foot stone wall around each crater. The cultivation of the vines is characterized by not having suffered the phylloxera plague, caused by a nematode that wiped out crops on the European continent in the second half of the nineteenth century. Due to this luck on the islands, the varietals that were obliterated everywhere else, are still flourishing there. The combination of the low rainfall, low yields of fruit from the vine, and sunshine makes the winemaking process a true diamond in the rough. 
About the Wine A hard year for growers in Lanzarote with extremely low yields due to severe droughts. The little wine that was produced continues to stun with its minerality, salinity, and elegance. The vines are planted in man-made craters up to four feet deep in the volcanic soil along the Island. This, combined with the distinct climate of the region, produces grapes that have a unique richness. On the nose, one can expect to find aromas of fruits such as strawberries and watermelon, fused with notes of ashy earth (due to the volcanic soil) and espresso. While remaining dry on the palate, this wine produces a complex flavor profile. The mineral-driven juice is matched with refreshing floral tones that will not disappoint. Pairs well with grilled octopus, sashimi, or a charcuterie board (or by itself! :-P). * * * Cocktail Recipe of the Week: 
April Showers Ingredients: 3 ounces Bertha's Revenge Small Batch Irish Gin
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar
6 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice
Edible flowers for garnish, optional Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, agave nectar and grapefruit juice, shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with edible flowers (optional) Cheers and Enjoy! * * * Snack of the Week: 
Birnn Milk Chocolate Cashew Caramel Turtles Established back 1932 in Highland Park, New Jersey, Birnn Chocolates is a New Jersey classic. All of their chocolates have been formulated to use only natural ingredients, all of the nuts are dry roasted, and each process has been examined to bring you the best taste and texture experience possible. Just delicious! * * * | 
