August 2021 Wine Club Selections • Only One Bottle of Each Wine May Be Selected • Some Bottles Only Allowed at 6-Bottle Memb

August 2021 Wine Club Selections

• Only one bottle of each wine may be selected • Some bottles only allowed at 6-bottle membership level only • Please use online portal or email your selections BEFORE coming in to the store • A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is at the end of this document • Bonus Wines: Members get 1st dibs on buying allocated wines

August Virtual Tasting

August’s Wine Club Virtual Tasting will be Friday 8/27 at 7:00pm. Drew Nenow, Winemaker and Production Manager of ONX Wines will be the guest host. Wine #12 ONX Wines “Indie Riot“ and Wine #14 ONX Wines “Mad Crush“ are the August club selections that will be featured, as we explore the Templeton Gap District of Paso Robles. If you selected either wine, you’ll be emailed a zoom invite on Thursday 8/26. If you didn’t choose these wines, but still want an invite, please let me know.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and order of wines

The ABV of each wine is listed after the variety breakdown. The white wines are listed in order of body (lightest body to fullest body), as are the red wines, and the two wines (#13 and #14) for 6-bottle members. Please see the FAQ page for more info.

White Wines

2020 Pine Ridge Vineyards CHENIN BLANC VIOGNIER, California 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $16) 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier 11.7% ABV

Founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, Pine Ridge is now synonomous with Cabernet Sauvignon of power and elegance. In 1995, they created an experimental white blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier, sold at their tasting room only. It became an immediate sensation, because it’s nice to sip a crisp chilled white as a break from the brawny reds, especially during the warm summers in Napa. The Chenin Blanc was harvested in Clarksburg, a cooler area in the Sacramento River Delta. The Viognier is from Lodi, a warmer area in the Central Valley. The Chenin Blanc brings high acid, citrus, dry honey and golden apple. The Viognier contributes plush body, floral and peach flavors. Aged in stainless to preserve the pure fruit. This is an off-dry wine.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this unique and versatile blend with just about anything from the sea, including fresh sushi rolls, raw oysters, citrusy ceviche, Mexican shrimp and avocado tostada, shrimp fried rice, tuna and avocado tartare, smoked salmon stuffed eggs, crispy crab cakes, and flash fried calamari. This is also the perfect pour for dishes with a bit of heat like Pad Thai, pulled pork tacos with candied jalapeño, Thai curries, honey sriracha glazed chicken wings, New Orleans Jambalaya and Chorizo burgers topped with caramelized sweet onion, fried egg and smoky bacon. Or simply savor a glass with Bûcheron, Crottin, or Brillat‐Savarin.

2020 Weingut Fürst ELBLING, Mosel, Germany 1-Liter Bottle 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 100% Elbling 13.0% ABV

Elbling has been grown in Germany since Roman times. It was Germany’s most planted variety until the early 20th century, when the world’s thirst for wines with sweetness increased, and people moved from Elbling to Riesling. The Fürst family has grown grapes on their estate since the 13th century. 70% of their Elbling vines are over 20 years old. Almost all the Elbling in Germany today can be found in Mosel, although coïncidentally, this grape is called Albana in Romagna, and we featured Celli Vini Albana in July club! It’s a thick- skinned grape, hence the darker color of the juice. Puckery lime, zesty lemon, yellow peach, white flowers. This is a dry wine that was aged in stainless steel. Packaged in a 1-liter bottle.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Try this unique white with spicy Sichuan cuisine, Thai red curry beef over rice, cured fish with nutty sesame noodles, Indian coconut curry chicken with apricot couscous, grilled shrimp with a squeeze of lemon juice and sliced avocados, spicy stir fry, lemongrass chicken with sticky rice, classic bánh mì, sesame chicken with crispy vegetable tempura, shrimp and mango tacos topped with cilantro crema, and chili-lime and cumin rubbed halibut with a citrusy slaw. After dinner, enjoy a glass of this aromatic white with hard goat cheeses, aged cheeses, sliced strawberries or a caramelized pear and blue cheese tart.

2018 Albert Bichot CHARDONNAY, Mâcon-Villages, Mâconnaise, Burgundy, France 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 100% Chardonnay 13.0% ABV

We’ve featured Albert Bichot’s wines throughout the years at VV, both in club and on the shelves. They are a negociant that has become a darling of Decanter magazine because of their value. The Bichot family has been in Burgundy since 1350, and founded their wine business in 1831. The vineyard for their Mâcon-Villages is in the Mâconnaise, between Côte de Beaune and Beaujolais. The climate is slightly less harsh there than in Côte de Beaune. Clay and sand soil overlying limestone bedrock. Eight months aging (20% neutral French oak, 80% stainless steel). Lemon zest, tangy green apple, honeysuckle blossoms, chalky minerality.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This chardonnay is the perfect match for shellfish, seafood and white meats in cream sauce. Try a glass with shrimp drizzled with garlic butter sauce, scallop bisque topped with crème fraîche, trout with asparagus, maple teriyaki glazed salmon with couscous and pineapple chutney, chicken in white wine sauce over wild mushroom risotto, creamy pasta Alfredo topped with blackened chicken, and pork chops over toasted polenta with Brie and sautéed mushrooms. This chardonnay is also the perfect partner for full-flavored cheeses like Tete de Moine, creamy Camembert, Halloumi and Brillat‐Savarin.

Sparkling Wines

NV Col di Luna “Flora“ SPARKLING GLERA, Prosecco, Veneto, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 100% Glera 11.0% ABV

Flora is different than mass market Prosecco. Single vineyard, from Cappella Maggiore, in the foothills of the Dolomites, next to Valdobbiadene. Family owned, tiny production. Native yeasts are used, and with just 2 grams/liter of RS, Flora is bone dry. The alcohol is modest, because they harvest the grapes earlier in the season. Unfined and unfiltered, aged on the lees for 6 months. Zippy citrus, green apple, alpine flowers. Crown cap closure.

Linguine with Clams - serves 4

Ingredients:

-- 2 tbsp kosher salt, plus more for serving -- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving

-- 12 garlic cloves, divided -- 1/3 cup dry white wine

-- 4 oz sourdough bread, cut into 1/2 inch pieces -- 2 lbs littleneck clams (about 24), scrubbed

-- 2 tbsp + ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for serving -- 12 oz linguine

-- 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest -- ½ cup finely chopped parsley

-- 2 oil-packed anchovy filets (optional) -- 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions:

Bring 2 tbsp kosher salt and 10 cups of water into a boil in a large pot.

In a food processor, pulse 3 garlic cloves until chopped. Add bread, and pulse until fine bread crumbs form.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add breadcrumb mixture and heat, stirring often until crumbs are crisp and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, add lemon zest, season with salt, toss to combine. Set aside.

Wipe out Dutch oven. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, very thinly slice the remaining 9 garlic cloves. Heat ¼ cup olive oil in Dutch oven. Cook garlic, stirring often until edges are golden (about 2-3 minutes). Add anchoves (if using) and ½ cup red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring until garlic is golden and anchovies dissolved. Stir in wine, and cook until only a couple of tbsp of liquid are left. Add the clams and toss to combine. Cover Dutch oven and cook until the clams open (about 5-7 minutes). Uncover pot, transfer clams to a bowl, leaving liquid in Dutch oven. If any clams are still closed, cover pot, and give them a few more minutes. If they are still closed, discard. Cover clams with foil.

Cook the linguine for 5 minutes in the boiling water, then scoop out 2 cups pasta water. Using tongs, transfer the linguine to the pot with clam liquid. Add 1 cup pasta water and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly – adding more pasta water if needed – until the pasta is al dente, and the sauce is glossy and clinging to the linguine (about 5 minutes).

Remove from heat. Add parsley and butter, stirring until butter is melted. Sprinkle 1/3 of breadcrumbs on linguine and toss to combine. Add more breadcrumbs as needed depending on how much liquid is on the bottom of the pot. You want the breadcrumbs to absorb some of the sauce, but not make it dry. Add extra salt if needed. Top linguine with clams, breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes and olive oil. Serve immediately.

NV Domaine Saint Vincent SPARKLING ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR, American Wine 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 100% Pinot Noir 12.0% ABV

Domaine Saint Vincent is new to the market. It’s another label from the folks at Gruet, one of the U.S.A.’s legacy traditional method sparkling wine producers since 1984, from vineyards south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Domaine Saint Vincent represents a more playful label than the traditional label of Gruet. It’s labeled as American Wine. While all the fruit is currently from New Mexico, they are reserving the right to source fruit from elsewhere in the future. (I’ll bet they’ll eventually include Pinot Noir grapes from Oregon.) It’s a traditional method, bone-dry wine. Strawberry, bing cherry, lavender. Very light in color for a rosé.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: What’s not to love about festive bubbles that pair with absolutely everything?! Enjoy this food friendly sparkler with roasted beet and goat cheese salad, grilled burgers topped with pimento cheese and smoky bacon, lamb and bell pepper kebabs, BBQ ribs with all the fixings, tender sliced brisket, smoked salmon over butternut squash risotto, Gorgonzola, prosciutto and arugula topped flatbread, and even fruity desserts like strawberry shortcake. Whether you’re cocktailing by the pool or grilling out with friends, this sparkler is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser; especially served alongside buttery triple-creme cheese, fresh chèvre and bloomy rinds from Camembert and Chaource to Buche de Chevre.

Rosé Wine

2020 Gotas del Mar ROSÉ OF TEMPRANILLO, Valles de Benavente, Castilla y Leon, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 70% Tempranillo, 30% Prieto Picudo 13.0% ABV

Most appellations in Castilla y Leon are high altitude areas with continental climate – since they are well away from the ocean. Valles de Benavente is an outlier. It’s in extreme northwestern Castilla y Leon, just above the northeastern corner of Portugal. As such, it’s just east of Galicia (think Rias Baixas), with a climate that’s between maritime and continental. This is a single vineyard wine, from Pago de Valleoscuro, and is aged in stainless steel. The Tempranillo brings bright red raspberry and rhubarb. The Prieto Picudo contributes black cherry and black pepper. Prieto Picudo is indigenous to Valles de Benavente.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This rosé just screams end of summer! Enjoy it with prosciutto-wrapped melon, refreshing watermelon and feta salad, garlic tomato bread topped with anchovies, chicken salad croissants, celery root veloute, pan-seared tuna steak with patatas bravas and Romesco sauce, flambéed gambas (large shrimp), calamari salad, tortilla Española, crispy paella croquetas, smoked salmon mousse and shrimp carpaccio, grilled chicken with a tangy barbeque sauce, pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ ribs and veggie pizza. After dinner, enjoy a glass with Spanish charcuterie, slices of Camembert or Brie, lemon sponge cake, fruit tarts, or crepes with melted chocolate and raspberry.

Red Wines

2017 Bodegas Casa Juan “Señor de Lesmos“ TEMPRANILLO, Rioja Crianza, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19) 85% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo 13.0% ABV

Angel Escudero’s family has been growing grapes on their estate for decades, but it wasn’t until 1995 when they produced their first bottling under their own label. Forty five years is the average age of the Tempranillo vines - located in Rioja Alta. The Mazuelo is from Rioja Baja, and adds lift and character to the final blend. Spontaneous yeast fermentation in concrete, then aged for 14 months in a combination of new and used French and Pennsylvania oak. Baked blackberry, tangy cranberry, cedar, leather, nutmeg. Grippy tannins and a long finish make this wine seem much fuller-bodied than the modest 13.0% ABV. In my tasting notes “That’s a mouthful of wine!”

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Try this crianza with filet mignon especially topped with Gorgonzola butter or brandy pepper sauce, herbed lamb chops, Spanish style pork roast, lamb Rogan Josh, classic Paella, sticky BBQ ribs, pasta Puttanesca, red wine braised short ribs, Italian sausage lasagna, succulent pork shoulder with creamy corn pudding, rosemary scented pork chops with wild rice, pot roast with root veggies, and veal and mushroom meatloaf with whipped potatoes. Or take your party outside with a basket of Spanish-style Jamon, spicy chorizo, thin-sliced Iberico, aged Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan or Port Salut.

2018 Lievland Vineyards PINOTAGE, Paarl, South Africa 4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19) 85% Pinotage, 8% Grenache, 4% Shiraz, 3% Cinsault 13.5% ABV

Pinotage – 99% of which is grown in RSA - is a thick skinned grape that is also a teinturier (dark skin and dark flesh). There are (at least) three flavor profiles: old school raunchy/leathery, new fangled ripe mocha, and modern/fresh. Lievland is part of the modern/fresh group. The fruit for this Pinotage are from two local bushvines vineyards in Paarl: Eenzaamheid (65% - older vines that produce grapes with thick skins for power and complexity) and Hoogstede (35% - younger vines that provide grapes with freshness). 13 months French oak (15% new). Red cherry, red raspberry, spicebox, cedar, vanilla.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This is the perfect partner for traditional South African dishes such as roasted Karoo lamb, Springbok pie, bobotie, braai and even served slightly chilled with Cape Malay curried fish. This red is also delightful with grilled venison loin with plum sauce, braised goat stew, marinated flank steak, skirt steak tacos, lamb kebabs, grilled pork chops with seasonal veggies, roasted eggplant Parmesan, Cajun-spiced blackened fish with dirty rice, grilled burgers topped with sauteed mushrooms and Gruyere, chilli con carne, St. Louis style ribs with mesquite BBQ sauce, Indian curry dishes and classic lasagna Bolognese. After dinner, enjoy a glass with strongly flavored cheeses such as aged Cheddar, Manchego, Mamembert, and smoked Gouda.

2018 Domaine Roche-Guillon “La Tonne“ GAMAY, Fleurie, Beaujolais, France 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 100% Gamay 14.0% ABV

“Good Fleurie almost winks at you from the glass. It is fragrant and seductive.“ according to The Irish Times. Bruno and Valerie Coperet are the 4th generation owners of this family owned winery. This is a lieu dit wine; La Tonne is one of Fleurie’s highest altitude vineyard sites, with pure granitic soil and 45 year old vines. The southeastern aspect of the vineyard helps to explain the ripeness of the grapes. Red cherry, blackberry, rose petals. Carbonic maceration and aging in stainless steel. At July’s Cork & Pork, this was the #1 seller of the entire festival.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this smooth and drinkable red with quiche Lorraine; classic coq au vin; Boudin Noir with Comté polenta; fried chicken tacos; poached eggs with sunchokes; herb roasted chicken with crisp rosemary potatoes; spicy tuna burgers with soy glaze; harissa chicken with green Chile and tomato salad; panko crusted veal chops with sorrel cream; chicken in red wine vinegar; tomato, chard and Gruyere casserole; shaking beef with sticky mushroom rice; chicken Milanese with sage and lemon butter sauce; and white bean and ham stew. This red is equally delightful served with French cheeses such as Cantal, Reblochon, and Saint Nectaire.

2016 Bodegas ZINIO TEMPRANILLO, Rioja Crianza, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17) 100% Tempranillo 14.5% ABV

ZINIO is the socio-economic engine of Uruñuela, a town of 967 inhabitants in the heart of Rioja Alta. They control 1100 acres of vineyards, divided into three large areas and subdivided into 22 different types of soils. 200 families put their land at the disposal of this cooperative winery in 1996, believing (correctly) that they could make a better profit than by each family individually selling their grapes to larger wineries. Their vineyards range from 1800 to 2000 feet of elevation. For this Crianza, the soil is primarily calcareous clay. American and French oak for 14 months. Black plum, strawberry, cinnamon, woodsmoke. For those of you choosing between Bodegas Casa Juan Rioja Crianza, and ZINIO Rioja Crianza, know that Casa Juan has a longer finish and grippier tannins, whereas ZINIO is all about balance. (Consider selecting both of them, and have a mini Crianza tasting one evening)!

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This classy, yet easy to drink red pairs with a variety of dishes, especially those with complex flavors such as red wine braised short ribs with white Cheddar polenta, slow braised lamb shanks over mint pesto couscous, Shepherds pie, rogan josh, moussaka, lasagna Bolognese, Chorizo and morcilla, classic paella, roast suckling pig, spaghetti and meatballs, chilli con carne, Moroccan lamb tagine, roasted chicken breast stuffed with peppers, caramelized onions, and goat cheese, roast game birds such as pheasant and duck, Indian cuisine, and even traditional American BBQ. After dinner, enjoy a glass of this approachable red with Spanish cheeses like Manchego served on crostini with Serrano ham and Marcona almonds.

2019 BenMarco MALBEC, Los Chacayes, Val de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19) 100% Malbec 14.9% ABV

Within Val de Uco, Los Chacayes is a subzone, known for poor soil with large rocks, a slightly higher temperature than surrounding areas, and an arid climate. Much of the higher temperatures come from sunlight reflected off rocks in vineyards – like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Vineyards comprise only 15% of the land, and very little more will be planted, due to the lack of water. BenMarco is a project of Edy del Populo, the GM of Susana Balbo, a lady pioneer of Mendoza wine. Having planted over 3000 acres of grapevines across Argentina, Edy is among the most experienced and influential viticulturalists in the country. 11 months in 2nd use French oak. Tangy blackberry, blueberry, bittersweet chocolate, violet.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This bold red is the perfect partner for chili-rubbed venison, espresso-rubbed rib eye steaks, barbecued spiced lamb chops, lamb tagine with couscous, smoky BBQ ribs, peppered steaks and sausages with Chimichurri, wild boar sausage and peppers, and grilled burgers topped with Farmhouse cheddar and bacon. For an unexpected treat, try a glass with a chocolate torte or truffles. Or simply savor a glass with aged cheeses like Spanish Manchego and Argentine Parmesan or herbed cheeses.

2017 ONX Wines “Indie Riot“ RED BLEND, Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles, California 4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20) 24% Grenache, 23% Malbec, 16% Syrah, 14% Petit Verdot, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Tempranillo, 3% Mourvedre, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Zinfandel, 1% Viognier 15.0% ABV

Templeton Gap has one of the largest diurnal swings in Paso, with cool nights, because of the ocean breezes blowing through a gap in the ridgeline of the Santa Lucia Range. ONX gets its name from Onyx Calcite soil in their estate vineyards. The Olsen family purchased the land in 2004, and began planting in 2005 through 2007. They grow 18 varieties, and consider their wines to be collages, hence the different collages on each of their labels. “Indie Riot“ is part of their Indie series of entry level wines (1 white, 1 rosé, 2 reds). This will be featured in the August Wine Club Virtual Tasting – Friday 8/27, along with #14 ONX Wines “Mad Crush“. Nine months in French oak (15% new). Molasses, dried figs, boysenberry, dark chocolate. This is a full-throttle, in-your-face wine.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this smooth and luscious blend with red wine braised beef cheeks served over airy whipped potatoes and roasted root vegetables, braised short rib sliders topped with caramelized onions, aged gouda and smoked aioli, crispy pork belly and cilantro tacos, and burgers smothered with Cambazola cheese and bacon. Or simply enjoy a glass of this voluptuous red paired with seasonal vegetable and quinoa stuffed sweet peppers glazed with a cabernet reduction or a sliver aged Cheddar and Manchego.

2017 Ryan Patric “Rock Island” CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Columbia Valley, Washington 6 bottle level $28 (member price $25) 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 11% Syrah 13.5% ABV

In 1951, Sid Flanagan began planting grapevines near Quincy, WA. His son, Terry and his wife Vivian inherited the vineyards, then founded Ryan Patrick winery in 1996, naming it after their two sons, Ryan and Patrick. They are based in Wahluke Slope with their winery, tasting room and estate vineyards. Woodenville and Levenworth are the sites of other tasting rooms. The grapes for their Rock Island Cab Sauv come from six different vineyards in Wahluke Slope, Snipes Mountain and Yakima Valley. 30 months in American oak (20% new). Blackcurrant, black plum, vanilla, with grippy tannins courtesy of the Merlot, and black pepper from the Syrah.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this classic Washington Cab with cedar planked grilled salmon, grilled ribeye steaks with garlic herb butter, roasted beef tenderloin with blackberry purée, baby back ribs, cajun-style seared salmon, grilled leg of lamb stuffed with garlic and herbs, roasted quail with herbed fingerlings and meaty pizzas. Or simply savor a glass with French sheep's milk cheeses like Abbaye de Belloc or aged cheeses like Comté Reserve and smoky Spanish Idizabal or stay local with a creamy Rogue River Blue.

2017 ONX Wines “Mad Crush“ RED BLEND, Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles, California 6 bottle level $35 (member price $30) 35% Grenache, 29% Tempranillo, 24% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 5% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah 14.9% ABV

Drew Nenow is the Winemaker and Production Manager of ONX Wines. He is a busy young man, as his other job is the Winemaker of Nenow Family Wines, a Paso winery founded by his father Robert. Along with his obvious talent, he brings a surfer dude mentality to ONX Wines. Drew will be the host of the August Wine Club Virtual Tasting – Friday 8/27. Mad Crush will be featured, and #12 ONX Wines “Indie Riot“. While the ABV of Mad Crush is almost identical to that of Indie Riot, Mad Crush is more elegant. Bright cranberry, blueberry, cedar, brown sugar. 16 months French oak (15% new).

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This silky smooth and luscious blend is simply decadent served with juicy steak au poivre, cabernet braised short ribs, tri-tip sandwiches, rustic Osso Bucco, slow cooked beef cheeks in red wine, sliced brisket with truffled macaroni and cheese, grilled bone-in filet topped with blue cheese butter, bacon-topped burgers smothered in sharp Cheddar, pulled pork BBQ sandwiches with Alabama white sauce, lasagna bolognese or wood fired pizza topped with Italian sausage, bacon and ham. After dinner, savor a glass with a sliver of Gruyere, Comté, aged Gouda, Pecorino, Manchego or aged Cheddar.

**** BONUS WINES **** These CAN NOT be part of your regular monthly selections. You CAN purchase these wines IN ADDITION to your regular monthly selections.

Napa Valley is one of the world’s greatest appellations for delicious Cabs and Bordeaux blends!

2018 Mount Veeder CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Napa Valley, California $48 (member price $34) 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 3% Malbec

Mount Veeder Winery became a winery by accident. Michael and Arlene Bernstein bought the property - including a prune orchard - as a retreat in the '60's. They were given grapevine cuttings by a farmhand who lived on their property, so they planted them. Out of the 60 cuttings planted, 58 survived. Michael turned his attention from prunes to grapevines. (Smart man!) Their first vintage was in 1973, and they were the first in Napa to plant all five Bordeaux varieties on the same property. 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 3% Malbec. 12 months in French oak (40% new). This Cab will age nicely for 10-15 years. If you drink it soon, please decant for 1+ hour before enjoying.

95 points James Suckling "Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's full-bodied with round, fresh tannins. Lots of blue fruit and walnuts. Then crushed stones with the fruit at the finish. Flavorful, yet not overdone. Give this four or five years to come around."

2015 Robert Sinskey “POV” BORDEAUX BLEND, Carneros, Napa Valley, California $50 (member price $44) Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Point of View (or POV) is a classic blend from one of Napa Valley’s original masters of balanced, elegant wines, Robert Sinskey. A number of friends work or have worked at a large Atlanta wine distributor. When I ask them about their personal fave wines carried by their employer, they ALWAYS mention Robert Sinskey’s wines in their top handful. To me, that’s one of the ultimate compliments. This is a Napa red wine for old world lovers.

POV is a blend of three classic Bordeaux grape varietals, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grown on the Robert Sinskey certified organic estate vineyards. This 2015 was aged for 19 months in 30% new French oak barrels and is a great expression of that quality Sinskey fruit as well as Robert's impressive blending skills. As he says, "the wine has a deep, dark purple hue that telegraphs its impressive nature as the aromas and flavors of macerated berries (strawberries, blue/blackberries, and cherries), are backed by notes of bay leaf and fennel seed. The wine obviously came from optimally ripened fruit with supple tannin balanced by just the slightest hint of fine oak barrels and vibrant acidity. Mouth filling and delicious with an incredibly long finish, this wine begs for a seat at tonight’s dinner table."

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THE VINO VENUE WINE CLUB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between the 4 and 6 bottle Club Levels? The 6 bottle level provides Vino Venue 50% more “purchasing power” than the 4 bottle level each month, therefore, the 6 bottle level will include wines that retail as much as $40. Both levels offer great value, but the 6-BOTTLE LEVEL IS THE BEST VALUE.

2. Can I choose any wines listed? Yes; as long as you stay within the parameters of your membership, i.e. if you are a 4-bottle member, you may only select four bottles listed as “4 and 6 bottle members.” However, you can always purchase additional bottles, 6-bottle level or otherwise, at your member price.

3. When am I notified of the selections? On the 1st of each month you will receive an email with a link to our online ordering portal, containing information about the monthly wines. The same email will also have a link to the traditional document. Many members like to save the traditional documents for future reference.

4. Can I choose more than one bottle of each type of wine? No; in order for the economics to work on this low margin program, only one bottle of each type is allowed. However, you can purchase additional bottles at your member rate.

5. When do you need my selections back? We love to know about your selections ASAP. Please realize that some of the wines are in very short supply (hidden gems often are) and if you wait too long you may miss out on them.

6. When can I pick up the wine? When the document is emailed to you to make your selections, you will also be provided a “pick up date” within that email. The wines are usually ready for pick-up on a Friday early in each month (between the 4rd and the 10th). We also send an email when all the wines are actually ready.

7. Can I authorize someone else to pick up my wine? Yes

8. What day of the month is my Credit Card charged? The 1st day of each month; the charge will come through as VV Dunwoody LLC or Vino Venue

9. How do BONUS wines work? These are extra wines, often more expensive than regular club selections, and offered at nice discounts. You can purchase them in addition to your monthly wines.

10. ABV % is listed for each wine - after the variety percentages. What is ABV? Alcohol By Volume is the amount of ethanol in a given volume of liquid. The higher the ABV, the stronger the wine. I consider light bodied wines to be below 12.5% ABV, medium bodied wines fall between 12.5 and 13.9% ABV, while full bodied wines are 14.0% ABV and above. Powerful flavors often are associated with full-bodied wines, while light and medium bodied wines can have more subtle notes. For a wine dinner, you may begin with light bodied wines, move to medium bodied wines, then finish with full bodied wines.

Here is a helpful hint on how one of your members uses her Club Membership:

“Attached is a picture of my January wine all ready to go into my wine cooler!! It really is a great 5 minute fix to know where I got a bottle of wine or what it will taste like!!” ~ Mary Ann