Full List ...... 1 Refreshing ...... 1 Sparkling...... 1 Aromatic...... 2 Classic...... 2 Bespoke...... 3 Mixologist’s Corner...... 3

Full List...... 4 Local Artisanal Beer on Draught ...... 4 Bottled from Italy...... 5 Brewmaster’s Corner ...... 6

Full Wine List...... 8 Bollicine – Sparkling...... 8 Rose...... 8 Italian Whites...... 9 Italian Reds...... 10 Californian (mostly) Whites...... 12 Californian (mostly) Red...... 13 Sommelier’s Corner...... 14 LISTA DEI FULL COCKTAIL LIST

It is a great honor to create the bar program for Trattoria Neapolis. I am proud to present to you this cocktail collection and spirits selection that I have assembled. I think you will be able to explore the power of your taste buds while dining by pairing some of these cocktails with your dishes. Or you can just enjoy a night out for good drink. What better way to start your experience at Trattoria Neapolis than with an aperitif made with “AMORE”? Our ingredients are fresh and flavorful while still balanced leaving you with a chef's experience even through a drink. If you are uncertain about what you might like, don't hesitate to ask our knowledgeable head barman Ken Baranda and his staff for help. I truly hope you enjoy this list of some of my creations and that it only leaves you wanting more.

“ALLA VOSTRA” VINCENZO MARIANELLA Cocktail Program Director

Refreshing

Fico Pazzo - Fresh Fig, Plymouth , Creme Yvette, St Germain, Fresh Thyme Sprig, Fresh Lemon Juice - 10

Peaches & Herb - Fresh Peach, Fresh Sage, Rye, St Germain, Fresh Lemon Juice – 11

Rosemary’s Bambino – Fresh Grapefruit and Lemon Juice, Juice, Ketle Orange , Aperol, Ginger Beer, Fresh Rosemary - 12

Gaspare - Rhum Clement, Campari, Honey Ginger Syrup, Fresh Fresh Orange & Lime Juice, Organic Egg White - 12

Roxanna’s Revenge - Black Grapes, Fresh Basil, Plymouth Gin, Alexander Grappa, St Germain, Fresh Lemon Juice - 11

Campanula - Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka, St Germain, Fresh Lemon Juice, Fresh Mint, Red Bell Pepper – 12

Marmellata – Plymouth Gin, Marie Brizard Apry, Fresh Lemon Juice, House Made Peach Marmalade, Angoustura Bitters

Sparkling

Aperol Spritz - Aperol, Soda, Prosecco - 10

Americano - Campari, Carpano Antica S.Vermouth, Soda - 10 1

Parigi - St. Germain, Lemon Juice, Prosecco, Compari - 11

Amorosa - Cynar, Amaro Montenegro, Fresh Orange Juice, Orange Bitters, Prosecco - 12

Sorrento - Raspberries, Martini Rosato, Lemon Juice, Prosecco - 10

Royal Barolo - Aperol, Barolo Chinato, Prosecco - 10

Aromatic

Affogato - Chocolate Gelato, Alexander Grappa, Galliano Ristretto Espresso, Amaretto Disaronno, Orange Bitters - 14

El Santo - Vida Mescal, Galiano Originale, Cynar, Celery Bitters Rhubarb Bitters - 14

Love on the Run - Rhum Clement VSOP, Aperol, Martini Bianco Vermouth, Orange Bitters - 14

Plymouth Special Deluxe – Plymouth Gin, Barolog Chinato, Amaro Lucano, Orange Bitters -11

The Doctor - Sazerac Rye, Amaro Nonino, Amaro Montenegro, Jerry Thomas Bitter - 12

Vinaccia - Plymouth Gin, Aperol, Green Chartreuse, Orange Bitters – 11

Smoke of Scotland – Laphroig Cask Strength Single Malt , Martini Extra Dry Vermouth, St Germain, Amaro Averna - 17

Classic

Fred Collins Fizz - Sazerac Rye, Cointreau, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Soda - 11

Blood & Sand - Black Grouse Scotch, Heerying Cherry , Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Fresh Orange Juice - 11

Negroni - Plymouth Gin, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Campari - 11

Moscow Mule - Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Beer - 10

The Millionaire Cocktail - Appleton Extra Jamaican Rum, Lime Juice, Marie Brizard Apry, Plymouth Sloe Gin – 12

Scofflaw – Sazerac Rye, Martini Extra Dry Vermouth, Fresh Lemon Juice, Real Pomegranate Grenadine – 10

Brandy Crusta – Hardy VS Cognac, Cointreau, Maraschino Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Angostura Bitters – 11

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Bespoke

Let our craft bartenders customize a drink for you based on your favorite spirit and flavor profile - Priced Accordingly

THE MIXOLOGIST’S CORNER (Very Special Cocktails)

MAESTRO Frozen Stolichanya Vodka Elit, Vaporized Dry Vermouth – 35

SAZERAC Pappy Van Winkle 23 year old Bourbon, Peychaud’s Bitters, Pernod , Sugar Cube – 50

VIEUX CARRE Hennessy XO Cognac, Pappy Van Winkle 23 year old Bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine, Angostura Bitters, Peyshauds Bitters – 75

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL Grand Marnier Cinquantenaire 150, Half Bottle Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne, Sugar Cube, Angostura Bitters - 75

SIDECAR Hennessy XO Cognac, Grand Marnier Cinquantenaire 150, Fresh Lemon Juice – 75

ARROYO SECO Highland Park 25 year old Single Malt Scotch, Amaro Montenegro, Aperol, Jerry Thomas Bitters – 85

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CARTA DELLE BIRRE FULL BEER LIST

I was given a complex task by the team at Trattoria Neapolis in building this beer list: to represent both innovative local Los Angeles craft beer culture as well as the booming Italian craft beer revolution. I think we accomplished that task with this beer list, which has a complete balance, representing almost every flavor profile and many beer styles. Please ask your server for any recommendations on beer. We encourage experimentation, sharing bigger bottles (just like wine) and trying out different beer and food pairings. Having craft beer with Italian food is actually very traditional so enjoy your delizioso cibo italiano in an entirely different light!

Christina Perozzi, Beer Curator

Local Artisanal Beer on Draught

Solidarity - Eagle Rock Brewing Company – Los Angeles, CA A dark Mild Ale that is malt-accented, yet light-bodied and low in alcohol - 3.8% - 6

The Citizen – Cismontane Brewing Company – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA This beer is crisp, clean and nicely balanced. A California Common style with a hint of sweetness on the finish - 6% - 6

1903 Pre-Prohibition Lager – Craftsman Brewing Company – Pasadena, CA A perfectly reenacted example of a pre-prohibition American Craft Lager. Has notes of Biscuits and corn - 5.2% - 7

Manifesto Wit - Eagle Rock Brewing Company – Los Angeles, CA A Belgian-Style White Ale brewed with coriander, citrus peels and rose petals - 4.7% - 6

Bavarian-Style Hefeweizen - Black Market Brewing Company – Temecula, CA A good example of the quintessential Bavarian Hefe. Banana in the nose with notes of clove - 5% - 6

Blond - 5 – Brouwerij West – Los Angeles, CA Belgian-style Blond with notes of lemon zest, clove and fresh cut grass and a nice dry finish - 6

LA Saison – Smog City Brewing – 5.6% - Los Angeles, CA This traditional earthy Saison Ale has notes of pepper and orange. It also sports a dry herbaceousness - 5.5% - 7 4

Brown Ale – Black Market Brewing Company – Temecula, CA This English-style Brown Ale has notes of toffee and caramel balanced with citrusy hops - 5.5% - 6

Poppy Fields Pale Ale – Craftsman Brewing Company – Pasadena, CA A golden English-style Pale Ale with bready toasty notes. Simple and delicious - 5.6% - 7

Point the Way IPA – Golden Road Brewing Company – Los Angeles, CA Lighter than most West Coast IPA’s, this one’s assertive and enjoyable. A session IPA - 5.2% - 6

Blue House Pale Ale – El Segundo Brewing Company – El Segundo, CA A firmly bitter, light-bodied Pale Ale with good aromatics and lively carbonation - 5.5% - 6

Atticus IPA – Strand Brewing Company – Torrance, CA A dark copper India Pale Ale with an amazing balance. It shows notes of resin, pine and a dry bitter finish - 7.1% - 7

Groundwork Coffee Porter – Smog City Brewing – Los Angeles, CA This robust Porter is aged on freshly roasted, freshly ground coffee with notes of chocolate - 6% - 7

Golden Chaos – Bootleggers Brewery – Fullerton, CA A Belgian-style Golden Ale with subtle notes of plum, apricot and pear with a pleasingly dry finish - 8.5% - 8

Bottled Beers from Italy

Marruca – Birra Amiata - Arcidosso, Italy (330 ml bottle) This Birra el Miele (Honey Beer) is made with honey from Italian local plant Marruche - 5.6% - 9

Bastarda Rossa – Birra Amiata – Arcidosso, Italy (330 ml bottle) Malty and roasty beer brewed in an ancient style that uses chestnuts - 6.5% - 9

Nora - Birreria Le Baladin – Torino, Italy (750 ml bottle) This resurrected ancient beer is brewed with kamut grain from Egypt, ginger and myrrh - 6.8% - 32

Stoner – Birrificio Bruton – Lucca, Italy (330 ml bottle) Belgian-inspired Strong Ale from Tuscany. Rich and flavorful with notes of citrus and hazelnuts - 17.5% - 15

Bianca – Birrificio Bruton – Lucca, Italy (750 ml bottle) An unfiltered Blonde beer brewed with coriander and curacao orange zest. Light grapefruit on the nose - 5% - 34

*My Antonia – Birra del Borgo – Borgorose, Italy (375 ml bottle) A great strong Pale Lager made in collaboration with brewer Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head - 7.5% 5

*Pink IPA – Birrificio Almond 22 – Pescara Italy (375 ml bottle) An Italian/Belgian/American amalgam IPA made with pink peppercorns. Super complex – 6.2%

*Isaac – Birreria Le Baladin - Torino, Italy (250 ml bottle) An Italian-made wheat beer inspired by the Belgian Witbier style, notes of chamomile and spice – 5%

*Via Emilia – Birrificio del Ducato – Roncole Verdi di Busseto, Italy (330ml bottle) This is considered one of the best Pilseners in Italy, this classic golden and dry beer has floral aromatics - 4.8%

THE BREWMASTER’S CORNER (Some of Our Favorites from Around the World)

Curieux – Allagash Brewing Company - Portland, Maine (750ml bottle) The favorite of the owners, Curieux, which means curious, unusual, interesting is a Belgian-style Strong Ale which is then aged for 8 weeks in Jim Beam Bourbon Barrels from Kentucky. The result is a smoothly sweet and warming beer with scant notes of vanilla, cherry, wood and tobacco with a waft of whiskey in the exhaust - 11% - 30

Deus Brut des Flandres – Brouwerij Bosteels – Buggenhout, Belgium (750ml bottle) This beer is a relatively new style called Biere de Champanoise. First brewed in Belgium at the Brouwerij Bosteels, the beer is then tranfered to the Champagne region of France where it goes through the traditional method that champagne goes through. The result is a richly effervescent, highly alcoholic, deliciously balanced spicy bright champagne-like beer - 11.2% - 65

Berliner Weisse – Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei Bayerischer Bahnhof – Leipzig, Germany (330ml bottle) This style of beer is said to have been originated by the Huguenots as they passed through France to Flanders. This beer style that Napoleon once called the “Champagne of the North” is acidic, sour and dry. Great on its own for its balance of tartness and fruitiness, or try it they way the Berliners do, with a little raspberry or woodruff syrup – or try our homemade pomegranate rendition – 3% - 8

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout – North Coast Brewing Co. – Ft. Bragg, CA (12oz bottle) Among the richest and most robust beers, this style of beer was supposedly made for the Russian Imperial Court of Czarina Catherin the Great. This sample is a rich velvety black elixir reminiscent of a chocolate espresso with a shot of whisky – 9% - 10

*Peche Mel – Brasserie Dubuisson Freres – Pipaix, Belgium (11.2oz bottle) This beer was made to duplicate the beers Belgian students were making when they blended their Lambics with Belgian Strong Ale. What was created is the Moscato of the beer world. It redefines with fruit. Peppery yeast keeps the peach from getting to sweet, and it finishes with a rocky minerality. Amazingly balanced - 8.5% - 9

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*Tactical Nuclear Penguin – BrewDog – Fraserburgh, Scotland - (375ml bottle) Extremely Limited Quantity. Brewed very rarely, double barrel aged in Scottish whisky casks and cold distilled, Tactical Nuclear Penguin was at one time the highest alcohol content beer in the world. Only the faintest presence of carbonation is visible in thin streams of bubbles rising from the bottom. The aromas are what one imagines the inside of a very rich man's study would smell like: full of the remnants of expensive and cognacs, with touches of pipe tobacco lingering in the curtains, and the oak and cedar paneling adding its own woody layers. The flavors are overwhelming in power and complexity—in nearly every way this more resembles a cognac or a brandy than a beer. It is a stunning brew, and should be on the must-try list of any serious connoisseur - 32% - 125

*Waiting on delivery.

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CARTA DEI VINI FULL WINE LIST

It is with great honor that I present to you, our guest, this comprehensive wine list that we have so passionately developed. I have selected the wines for this list to match the philosophy of our food menu, spirits and beer selection... to bring you the most representative, typical, authentic and iconic quality wines of both my homeland Italy and the West Coast of the United States, my ‘home away from home’. Please do not hesitate to ask our trained staff if you have any questions. I truly hope you will enjoy this selection as much as I enjoyed compiling it for you.

Salute !

Diego Meraviglia

Certified Professional 4th level Sommelier AIS/NASA, CSW NORTH AMERICAN SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION

Bollicine - Sparkling Bar 2010 Prosecco di Valdobbiadene extra dry, Col De’Salici, Veneto (Italy) - 29 2119 NV Franciacorta brut, “Cuvee Prestige”, Ca’ Del Bosco, Lombardia (Italy) - 73 2319B 2008 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Napa Valley (CA) - 59

Rosati - Rose 2319A NV “Il Fresco” Rose sparkling brut, Villa Sandi, Veneto (Italy) - 27 2219 2007 Grand Rose’ sparkling, Gruet, New Mexico - 67 2118 2011 Negramaro rosato, Cantele, Salento igt, Puglia (Italy) - 25 2318A 2011 Pinot Noir Rose’, Vaughn-Duffy, Sonoma County (CA) - 29

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ITALIA BIANCHI - WHITES

Piemonte & the North West 2101 2010 Roero Arneis docg “Luet”, Cascina Val del Prete - 39 2102 2010 Vermentino Riviera Ligure di Ponente doc, Laura Aschero - 49 2103 2011 Gavi docg, Ottosoldi - 33 2104 2010 Petite Arvine, Valle D’Aosta doc, Ottin - 40

Tre Venezie (Veneto, Friuli, Trentino - Alto Adige) 2105 2010 Soave classico doc, “San Michele”, Ca’Rugate - 33 2106 2009 Friulano, Colli Orientali del Friuli doc, Comelli - 41 2107 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Collio doc, Tiare - 37 2108 2010 Kerner, Alto Adige doc, Manni Nossing - 49 2109A 2010 Pinot Bianco, Trentino doc, Instituto San Michele - 39

Toscana & Umbria 2109B 2011 Vermentino, Bolgheri doc, Campo al mare, Toscana - 36 2201A 2010 Grechetto, Scacciadiavoli, Umbria - 31 2201B 2010 “Cervaro della Sala”, Castello Della Sala (Antinori), Umbria - 89

Le Marche 2202 2010 Verdicchio di Matelica doc, La Monacesca - 43 2203A 2007 Pecorino “Pistillo” (Orange Wine), Offida docg, Poderi San Lazzaro - 37

The South & The Islands 2203B 2010 Greco Di Tufo docg, Villa Raiano, Campania - 45 2204A 2011 Falanghina, TerreDora, Campania - 28 2204B 2011 Dry Moscato “Lighea”, Donnafugata, Sicilia - 35 2205A 2010 Etna Bianco doc, Murgo, Sicilia - 38

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ITALIA ROSSI - REDS

Piemonte, Valle D’Aosta & Lombardia 2110B 2011 Dolcetto D’Alba doc, Ascheri, Piemonte - 33 2110C 2010 Dolcetto D’Alba ‘Roussot’, Rinaldi, Piemonte - 41 2111 2008 Barbera D’Asti docg “Soliter”, Pescaja, Piemonte - 29 2110A 2007 Barbera D’Asti Nizza docg, “La Court”, Michele Chiarlo, Piemonte - 78 2112A 2009 Nebbiolo Langhe doc, Ca’Rossa, Piemonte - 43 2113A 2010 Pinot Nero, Les Cretes, Valle D’Aosta - 59 2114A 2008 Valtellina Superiore docg (Nebbiolo), Dirupi, Lombardia - 61 2305 2004 Ghemme docg ‘Collis Carellae’, Cantalupo, Northern Piemonte - 81 2115 2006 Barbaresco Riserva docg, Marco Bonfante, Piemonte - 88 2114B 2005 Barbaresco ‘Morassino’ docg, Cascina Morassino, Piemonte - 109 2215A 2006 Barolo docg, Ascheri, Piemonte - 69 2215B 2005 Barolo Codane docg, Reverdito, Piemonte - 112 2116A 2007 Barolo Cannubi docg, Michele Chiarlo, Piemonte - 159 2114C 2001 Barolo Riserva docg, Borgogno, Piemonte - 198 2116B 2000 Barolo Riserva docg, Borgogno, Piemonte - 189 2117A 1999 Barolo Riserva docg, Borgogno, Piemonte - 219

Tre Venezie area (Veneto, Friuli, Trentino-Alto Adige) 2117B 2008 Valpolicella Ripasso doc “Il Bugiardo”, Buglioni, Veneto - 49 2210A 2007 Amarone Valpantena docg “Villa Arvedi”, Bertani, Veneto - 97 2212A 2008 Refosco, Colli Orientali del Friuli doc, Colutta, Friuli - 39 2112B 2000 Pignolo, Bressan, Venezia Giulia igt (150 year old vines) - 112 2210B 2010 Pinot Nero, Terlano, Alto Adige - 49

Emilia Romagna 2113B 2007 Sangiovese di Romagna “Notturno”, Drei Dona’, Romagna - 39

Toscana 2211A 2008 Sangiovese “Rinascita”, Tenuta Riseccoli, Toscana igt - 32 2212B 2009 Rosso di Montalcino doc, Belpoggio - 48 2213 2008 Chianti Classico docg, Castello Di Meleto (Gaiole) - 38 2214 2009 Chianti Classico docg, Castellare di Castellina (Castellina) - 52 2216 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva docg, La Marcellina (Panzano) - 66 2310A 2007 Brunello Di Montalcino docg, Tenute Silvio Nardi - 109 2311A 2006 Brunello Di Montalcino docg, Caprili - 129 2310B 2005 Brunello Di Montalcino docg, Vitanza - 99 2312 2008 Nobile Di Montepulciano docg, Poderi Sanguineto - 77 2313 2009 Morellino di Scansano docg, Anima Libera, Toscana - 36 2311B 2009 “Bruciato”, Tenuta Guado Al Tasso (Antinori), Toscana igt - 50 2314A 2006 “Monteti” (Cab/Petit Verdot), Tenuta Monteti, Toscana igt - 69 2315A 2009 “Poggio Ginepri” (Cab/Syrah/Mer), Tenuta Argentiera (Bolgheri) - 48 10

2314B 2008 “Tignanello” (Sangiovese/Cab), Antinori, Toscana igt - 179

Umbria 2315B 2009 Rosso di Montefalco doc, Moretti Omero (bio) - 40 2309 2007 Sagrantino di Montefalco doc, Moretti Omero (bio) - 71

Abruzzo 2316A 2010 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo doc, Gran Sasso, Abruzzo - 27

The South... 2409A 2005 Negramaro “Piromafo”, Valle Dell’Asso, Salento igt, Puglia - 40 2410A 2007 Primitivo, Fatalone (bio-dynamic), Puglia - 37 2411 2008 Primitivo “Mauro Sant’Angelo”, Tenuta Chiaromonte, Puglia - 43 2412A 2004 Aglianico Del Vulture Riserva doc “Caselle”, D’Angelo, Basilicata - 59 2413 2007 Aglianico “Contessa Ferrara”, Castello Ducale (bio), Campania - 49

The Islands (Sicilia, Sardegna) 2415 2007 Nero D’Avola, Alcesti, Sicilia - 34 2416A 2010 Etna Rosso doc, Graci, Sicilia - 45 2416B 2009 Cannonau di Sardegna ‘Nepente’ doc (Grenache), Gostolai – 43 2410B 2009 “Montessu” (Carignano/Syrah/Cab), Agricola Punica, Sardegna - 59

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CALIFORNIA (mostly) WHITES

Pinot Gris / Riesling (dry) 2208A 2010 Pinot Gris, Erath, Oregon - 30 2208B 2010 Riesling (dry), Tatomer, Santa Maria Valley ‘Sisquoc’ CA - 38

White Blend 2301A 2011 “Chemistry” (Chardonnay/Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris/Riesling), Oregon - 33

Chenin Blanc 2206B 2008 Ballentine Vineyards, Napa Valley CA - 27

Sauvignon Blanc 2206C 2011 Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley (Rutherford) CA - 37 2207A 2010 Alta Maria, Santa Barbara CA - 32

Rhone varietals (Grenache Blanc, Viognier) 2205B 2011 Grenache Blanc “Mothership”, Martian Ranch, Santa Barbara CA - 39 2206A 2010 Viognier ‘ Road’, Summerland, Santa Ynez Valley CA - 36

Chardonnay 2208C 2010 Copain, Anderson Valley CA - 42 2209A 2009 “Karia” Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley CA - 50 2209B 2009 Flowers, Sonoma Coast CA - 78 2302 2009 Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley CA - 84

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CALIFORNIA (mostly) REDS Pinot Noir 2308A 2010 “Box Car”, Red Car Wine Co, Sonoma Coast CA - 48 2308B NV “Foggy Bottom”, Easkoot Cellars, Marin County CA - 41 2307A 2010 Easkoot ‘Chileno Valley Vineyard’ Petaluma, Marin County CA - 69 2408A 2009 Cargasacchi, St.Rita Hills CA - 78 2408B 2010 Pali Wine Co., ‘Windsor Oaks Vineyard’, Central Coast - 98

Merlot 2405A 2008 Northstar, Columbia Valley WA - 49 2307B 2005 ‘Pocai’ Estate Merlot, Ballentine Vineyards, Napa Valley CA - 74 2418B 2009 Duckhorn, Napa Valley CA - 94

Red Blends / Meritage 2406B 2010 “Firehouse Red”, Tamarack, Columbia Valley WA - 36 2406C 2010 “Cuvee 12.5”, Broc, Santa Lucia Highlands CA - 39

Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc 2316B 2010 Rutherford Ranch, Napa Valley CA - 41 2416B 2009 “Sweet Spot” Local Wine Co, Alexander Valley CA - 49 2416A 2009 Antica (Antinori), Napa Valley CA - 89 2417A 2009 “Artemis” Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley CA - 98 2417B 2005 ‘Bella Oaks Vineyard’, Heitz Cellars, Napa Valley CA - 111 2418A 2008 Chateau Montelena Estate, Napa Valley CA - 199

Rhone Varietals (Mourvedre, Grenache...) 2406A 2010 Mourvedre “Luna Matta” (bio-dynamic), Broc, Paso Robles CA - 50 2405 2009 Grenache “Les Garcons”, Columbia Valley WA - 72

Syrah / Petite Syrah 2307C 2010 Stolpman, Santa Ynez Valley CA - 39 2317B 2006 Petite Syrah ‘Fig Tree Vineyard’ St.Helena, Ballentine, Napa Valley CA - 61 2419 2010 Jaffurs, Santa Barbara CA (half bottle) - 29

Zinfandel 2407A 2010 Hobo, Dry Creek Valley (organic fruit) - 35 2306A 2010 Girard, Napa Valley CA - 44 2306B 2009 “Ponzo” Ridge Vineyards, Russian River Valley CA - 57

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THE SOMMELIER’S CORNER

1998 Barolo Riserva docg, Borgogno, Piemonte (Italy) Borgogno stands at the forefront of traditional classic Barolo producers since 1761, situated in the township of Barolo itself, known for yielding naturally balanced wines. Crafting superbly terroir driven Nebbiolos, these elegant and complex vinos age splendidly. 1998 showcases a 5/5 star vintage. With now 14 years of life, this is a magnificently complex, earthy, tangy & classic Barolo with highly noble character - 238

2005 Brunello Di Montalcino docg, Cerbaiona, Toscana (Italy) Long before Modernism came to Montalcino, Brunello was second only to Barolo as Italy’s most revered wine because it was unlike any other wine in the world, possessing a warm autumnal color, uniquely complex and compelling forest-floor aromas and an opulent texture of pure velvet, unadorned by flavors of new wood. There is a handful of surviving traditionalists who continue to make such wines, and to do so at the very highest level. One of the very greatest of these is Diego Molinari’s tiny Cerbaiona - 283

2009 ‘Sassicaia’, Bolgheri doc, Tenuta San Guido, Toscana (Italy) Some say there is really only one real “Super Tuscan.” If that were true, then undoubtedly the crown goes to the star of ‘Sassicaia’, which was not only the original wine to carry this moniker, but was also a vision that put a wine region on the international map, maybe even the country. There is no denying the importance and historical significance of this cult label, which to this day continues to produce seductively superb Mediterranean interpretations of Bordeaux - 394

2008 ‘Solaia’, Toscana igt, Antinori (Italy) Whilst the original “Super Tuscan” can be defined, and indeed was, a Tuscan wine made with a blend of international varietals, the 26 generation-old vintner family Antinori, pushed the boundaries of this acclaimed category in 1978 by crafting what many feel today are the best and most sensual wines to carry this moniker. Blending the classic Bordeaux varietals with the indigenously Tuscan Sangiovese grape, less French, more Italian in character, ‘Solaia’ stands as one of the most representative wines in the world, as well as one of the most prized. Produced only in exceptional vintages, this is the “new” Tuscany at its very best - 500

2010 Chardonnay ‘Sonoma Mountain’, Kistler Vineyards (CA) Just as Cabernet Sauvignon drew the United States on the international wine map, Chardonnay and the affinity for Californians with white Burgundy, colored it in. Kistler continuously showcases how this state can produce wines that would and will rival their European forefathers. Some would say “the student surpasses the master”. Whether we agree or not, we cannot fail to acknowledge the elegance this lifted wine shows, thanks to the elevation of the vines and the remarkable, well drained volcanic soils present at this site - 122

2009 Merlot ‘Three Palms Vineyard’, Duckhorn, Napa Valley (CA) For reasons that one can imagine, Merlot has taken some serious undeserved beatings in the last years. Undeserved because some of the most iconic, classic and splendidly diamond-tip wines in the

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world are made with this ancient and noble varietal, loved for it’s chewy fruit, vibrant acidity and soft- silky character. From France to Australia and here we talk about our backyard and how Duckhorn, through this historical vineyard site, has crafted a world class Merlot... almost on purpose. May all the infidels and trendy movie-followers revise their statements - 170

2005 ‘Opus One’, Napa Valley (CA) Ultimately one of the most iconic wines from the U.S., ‘Opus One’ not only represents the cooperation and affinity with and for Bordeaux, but also the clear level of elegance and character that the Napa Valley has been yielding since the 1970’s. French in style but Californian in execution, this 2005 “American Bordeaux” is voluptuous with concentrated aromas of blueberry, rose petals, white truffle, licorice and nutmeg. Soft, juicy and with a long luscious finish. If we want “icons”, this bottle has reason to be called such - 415

2007 Pinot Noir ‘Tobias Glen’, Russian River Valley, Merry Edwards Whilst the Napa Valley was blossoming with their Bordeaux and white Burgundy (Chardonnay) emulations, the warmer/sunnier climate of the Napa Valley was not catering to Burgundy’s red king ‘Pinot Noir’. To the contrary, the Russian River Valley was where this ancient French varietal found a comfortable home in the new world. Merry Edwards was a pioneer in building such a home for Pinot Noir and also represents one of the most iconic female winemakers of our time, inspiring thousands. This limited and no longer available single-vineyard Pinot Noir comes from the ‘Tobias Glen’ vineyard, a cool site producing wines of high-toned fruit & floral character. Moreover, this has some years on it and showcases this area’s awesome age-ability as well as enhancing smoothness and complexity - 144

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