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H. Blin Champagne Brut Tradition ($43.99)
Champagne, France From the producer: "Champagne H. BLIN is a union of vintner (Vincelles Cooperative) founded in 1947 by Henri BLIN and 28 other growers. Located in Vincelles in Marne Valley (25 minutes west of Epernay and Reims), Champagne H. BLIN is known for its cuvees with a strong identity, crafted to express their unique character. These wines are based around the historic local grape variety, Pinot Meunier. Our 110 hectares of vines, planted around Vincelles, are predominantly Pinot Meunier (70%), but we also grow Chardonnay (16%) and Pinot Noir (14%). The Blend : 70% Meunier – 20% Chardonnay – 10% Pinot Noir Ageing : 24 months minimum Visual : A golden colour. Fine bubbles. On the nose : Aromas of peach and apricot. On the palate: : Rich and generous, the stone fruit aromas persist with freshness and balance." Poderi Vaiot Arneis "Franco" ($17.99) Piedmont, Italy From the producer: "Typical Piedmontese white wine, highly structured and pronounced. Appearance: deep straw yellow with green hues. Nose: fresh, delicate and tempting with a well-balanced fragrance of chamomile and white flesh fruit, an indelible remembrance of this kind of grape. Palate: smooth and pronounced, slightly sharp for a fresh and lingering wine. Gastronomic matching: it is excellent with the typical Piedmontese starters, cooked with white meat too. However, it also accompanies fish and first dishes, prepared with vegetable sauces, very well. Our vineyards are proof of the environmental commitment that my brother Walter and I have at heart: here the grapes grow luxuriantly, among healthy rows surrounded by the wild herbs of the Roero. Savory, Tansy, Chicory … many plants that grow on our lands, witnesses to the health and well-being of the soil. All the treatments carried out in the vineyard are followed with the utmost care and attention. Most of the work is done manually in order to preserve the natural biodiversity of these lands." Casale del Giglio Petit Verdot ($24.99) Lazio, Italy From the producer: "As a child and young teenager the fields and lanes of the family estate, Casale del Giglio, were nothing more to Antonio Santarelli than a place where he could spend carefree weekends and indulge his budding passion for motorbike riding; but all that changed when he joined his father Dino in the family business. By then, a shrewd twenty-five year old, he knew instinctively that their unconventional land in the Agro Pontino valley, some 50 kms south of Rome, offered a unique opportunity to attempt something no one had ever attempted before. The total lack of any vine growing tradition in the area meant that Antonio and his father could give free rein to their pioneering ideas. Some of the most famous ampelographers and university researchers of the day were convinced by these ideas and were inspired to join them in a research project which was launched in 1985 with the planting of close to 60 different experimental vines in Casale del Giglio’s soil. 100% very ripe Petit Verdot grapes. During vinification both the ‘submerged cap’ technique and that of ‘punching down’ are adopted; the first is aimed principally at extracting the grape’s softer tannins, the second, its strong colour. Submerged cap fermentation extends over 15 days at a temperature which ranges from 26-28°C. This is followed by ‘délestage’ (rack and return) to further soften the tannins and stabilize the colour. After the new wine has been racked, a part of it undergoes malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, another part in wood. Once blended, the new wine spends from 8-12 months ‘in barrique’ and a further 6 in the bottle before leaving the winery. This deep crimson wine displays an intense, lingering aroma of red berry fruit, cherry, myrtle and juniper. Elegant and full-bodied, with rich velvety tannins, the wine presents a spicy, white peppery finish."
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Cotswolds Dry Gin ($42.99)
England From the producer: "Our award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin is a delectable blend of nine carefully-considered botanicals, including local lavender from the Cotswolds and freshly peeled pink grapefruit and lime zest. Due to the unusually high volume of botanicals we use, our gin causes a beautiful pearlescent cloud to appear when ice or tonic is added. A juniper-led gin with fresh citrusy notes and a hint of lavender." Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin ($37.99) Spain From the producer: "Each bottle of Gin Mare is made at our distillery, a thirteenth century chapel located in an ancient fishing village between the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada. A wholehearted Mediterranean gin. Every bottle of Gin Mare is unique. The acidity levels of our star ingredient, the arbequina olive, change every year. This means each and every distillation is a unique culinary work of art." Botanicals: arbequina olive, rosemary, thyme, basil, juniper, orange, coriander, lemon, green cardamom Wandering Bartender "Ghosted" White Negroni ($4.99) New York From the producer: "Handcrafted cocktails--bottled. We combine our own bitters, syrups, and infusions with quality spirits to create original cocktails. Brooklyn-bred, industry-proven. We are bartenders, waiters, managers--and now owners--with decades of experience serving New York City. Every cocktail is handcrafted at our lab in Brooklyn. Ghosted White Negroni: Our Bianco Amaro and Bianco Vermouth are crafted in house and paired beautifully with a crisp London dry gin." 123 Organic "Tres" Tequila Anejo ($68.99) Mexico From the producer: "123 Organic Tequila represent Founder and Tequilero David Ravandi’s devotion to creating agave spirits that express terroir, complexity, and delicate floral aromas. From the moment the agave matures at the USDA and EU certified organic estates, 123 Organic Tequila rely on local master artisans and Ravandi’s acute attention to detail during every stage of production. Ravandi’s pursuit of quality and commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging of 123 Organic Tequila Blanco (Uno), Reposado (Dos), Añejo (Tres), Extra Añejo (Diablito), all of which are bottled in hand- blown recycled glass and labeled with soy ink-printed, recycled paper labels depicting the spirits’ Mexican heritage. On a morning when three brilliant roosters (tototl) greet the dawn with hopeful songs of renewal, mature agave plants at the hacienda are ready to be hand harvested and Organic Blanco tequila awakens from an eighteen-month slumber in white oak barrels to be reborn as Añejo (Tres) Tequila. Just as the rooster has long been a symbol of virility and power in Mexican folklore, the complex aromatic bouquet and deep golden hue of Añejo (Tres) Tequila are signs of its superior quality and lengthy aging." Craneo Mezcal ($61.99) Mexico From the producer: "INSPIRED BY THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE, Cráneo Organic Mezcal is a single estate artisanal mezcal handcrafted by local maestro mezcaleros and agave aficionado David Ravandi in the heartland of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. Honoring century old Mexican traditions, the sacred skull depicted on our label was inspired by the Aztec Goddess Mictecacihuatl 'Meek-teka-see-wahdl', the guardian of the bones, which symbolizes strength and influence. In turn, our artisanal mezcal derives its strength and character from agave espadin. Classically structured on the nose with sweet barbecue smoke and hints of citrus, Cráneo is light and silky in body with flavors of orange and grapefruit peel, green banana, and spun sugar that punctuate a modestly-sweet smokiness. Cráneo Organic Mezcal begins with hand selecting 100% organic agave grown at 5,600 ft. Harvested when fully matured, charred pit oven roasted piñas are then crushed by a massive stone tahona to extract their sweet juice. Once natural fermentation occurs, small batches of Cráneo Organic Mezcal are distilled twice in copper pot stills capturing bold, complex flavors of agave, rich fermentation notes and smoke. Dedicated to the preservation of ancient Oaxaca methods of artisanal distillation while sustaining the highest quality of production, founder David Ravandi combines the experience and respect of those who have produced the finest mezcal for generations with his own vision and passion." Few American Whiskey ($45.99) Illinois From the producer: "We start by hand-selecting a diverse and strong backcone of our award winning bourbon and rye whiskey. We then incorporate unexpected notes from a rich yet balanced malt whiskey that has been imbued with cherrywood smoke. Approahable entry with graham cracker/honey on top and a savory rye spice below. Some tart cherry in the middle. A wisp of smoke rounds out the texture. Subtle white pepper and honey finish." Dignitat Brut Cava ($13.99)
Catalonia, Spain Organic Farming "Grapes: Xarel·lo 34%, Macabeo 33%, Parellada 33% Aging: 10 months Tasting notes Straw yellow colour with green tones. Fine persistent bubbles. Bright appearance. Soft aging aroma with signs of flower and citrics. Vivacious in mouth compensated with elegance and equilibrium. Fresh, with low acidity, pleasant, balanced and a fine bubbling structure. Pairing A perfect drink to enjoy desserts, sweets or some appetizers on a sunny day." JB Neufeld Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99) Yakima Valley, Washington Sustainable Winemaking "I made this wine for my wife. Brooke loves a nice crisp Sauvingon Blanc on a warm summer evening. She also moved from an island in the Puget Sound to the desert of Yakima to be with me. So, I asked Nikki McClure (an amazing PNW artist) to create a label that was reminiscent of the beaches Brooke grew up on. 100% Sauvignon Blanc 100% Schmidt Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. This vineyard is certified sustainable Tasting Notes: lime, grass, green apple. Clean with juicy acidity." Poderi Arcangelo Rosé ($15.99) Tuscany, Italy Organic Farming "Sangiovese 60% and 40% Canaiolo Striking pink color which sometimes reaches purple hues. Bouquet of fresh fruits and red flowers. Vivacity, freshness and flavour make this wine easy to drink at every opportunity." Undurraga Carmenere ($14.99) Chile Sustainable Winemaking 28 Mile Gin ($39.99) Highwood, Illinois Organic Farming Category: London style dry gin Ingredients: 100% French Wheat GNS, Botanicals are Juniper, Coriander, Sweet orange, Lemon, Cassia, Licorice root and Cardamon Proof: 90 Distillation: Copper pot still Aging: None Filtration: Non-chill filtered Farming: Certified Organic This is a delightful gin, creamy in texture with fresh acidity. Flavors of Juniper with complex aromas of Christmas tree and fennel end in a lingering, clean finish." Bladnoch Vinaya Lowland Single Malt ($62.99) Scotland "Matured in a unique combination of 1st fill Bourbon and 1st fill Sherry casks for notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate." Heimat Nectarine Liqueur ($26.99) New York Local Ingredients "Nectarine was never really on our radar until one year one of our partner farmers convinced us to try it. His father was the very first in the Hudson Valley to plant nectarines in the 1960s and the farm's nectarines have been highly sought after ever since. They are truly one of a kind and as soon as we tried them, given the amazing aroma and juicy profile, we knew it would make a very special liqueur. Fruity and bright on the palate with a lush body, almost hints of apricot, and a soft, lingering finish that will have you smacking your lips for more. Try it with: Gin, Bourbon, Vodka" Surrau Vermentino di Gallura "Limizzani" 2020 ($16.99)
Sardinia, Italy From the producer: "Gallura, a land of granite rocks and mistral winds on the northern end of the island of Sardinia, is home to some of the finest Vermentino made. Limizzani is the name of a mystical site from the ancient Mediterranean civilizations that inhabited the region thousands of years ago. From grapes sourced across all the estate vineyards, Limizzani is a fresh and pure Vermentino that embodies the essence of Gallura." From Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "This savory, enticing white will transport you to the seaside thanks to aromas that recall Mediterranean brush, white spring wildflowers, a sea breeze and a warm, sandy beach. On the delicious palate, tangy acidity accompanies ripe white peach, lemon drop candy and saline." L'Ecole Chenin Blanc 2019 ($19.99) Yakima Valley, Washington From the producer: "L’Ecole N° 41 has produced this old vine, crisp and aromatic Vouvray-style Chenin Blanc since 1987. Tasting Notes This complex Chenin Blanc shows expressive citrus and stone fruit aromatics, with blood orange, Meyer lemon and white peach notes, offset by crisp pear and quince aromas. In the mouth, tropical flavors of gooseberry, kiwi, guava, and starfruit permeate through a vibrant finish." Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir 2020 ($24.99) Napa Valley, California From the producer: "VINEYARD NOTES Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir is planted in our largest vineyard, Block House. This 292-acre vineyard is positioned on the valley floor and experiences a cooling effect from the San Pablo Bay breeze that is advantageous to the growth and development of Pinot Noir. This wine is a blend of the Dijon and Wente clones. Nearly 20% of Block House is dedicated to the production of Pinot Noir. WINEMAKER NOTES A beautiful translucent ruby color, with lovely aromas of ripe cherry, vanilla and rose petal along with rich earthy undertones. Beautifully balanced on the palate with layers of red fruit; cherry, raspberry and strawberry on the front and mid-palate then rounded out with savory notes of forest floor, white truffle and spiced tea. Medium bodied with a silky, smooth mouthfeel and nice acidity leads to a long round finish making it the perfect pairing with your next meal or to simply sip and enjoy!" Leopold Brothers Summer Gin ($33.99) Colorado From the Producer: "Inspired by the warm and lively feel of summertime, Todd Leopold conceived this citrus-forward and bright gin to be enjoyed throughout the season. This gin draws on the warm climates from which its exceptional ingredients are harvested by hand: Spanish Blood Oranges for a rich sweetness, French Immortal Flowers and Juniper Berries for a cool and clean flavor, and Australian Lemon Myrtle for a fresh, citrus finish. Each ingredient is distilled individually to honor its distinctive flavors. Released in small quantities during the summer, Leopold's Summer Gin complements its seasonal namesake in spirited form." Calle 23 Tequila Criollo ($115.99) Mexico From thewhiskyexhange.com: "A limited-edition Tequila from the pioneering Sophie Decobecq (biochemist and founder of Calle 23), which celebrates the birth of her son Abel. It is made solely from a type of blue agave known as criollos, which is smaller than the plants traditionally used and has a distinctive aroma. This innovative and unique spirit, of which only very small quantities are available, is a must-try for anyone who loves Tequila. Calle 23 Criollo is presented in a hand-blown bottle and features a label rich in Mexican imagery. On the top left Mayahuel, the goddess of agave, is wearing a necklace bearing the letter A for Sophie's son Abel." From me: Grassy, bright, exquisite. El Buho Mezcal Espadin 375ml ($21.99) Mexico From the producer: "While learning to cook traditional farm-to-table cuisine in 2007, NY-based Michelin star chef and mezcal connoisseur TJ Steele found the source provider for an excellent Espadin mezcal at the Don Isaac Distillery, owned and operated by the 5th generation Jimenez Mendez family. The Jimenez Mendez family has made mezcal in copper pot stills for five generations and are currently teaching the sixth. Patriarch Octavio Jimenez Monterroza presides over each batch made by his children Jose Isaac, Beatriz and Octavio as the family works as a collective unit. The flagship mezcal of El Buho’s line, the espadin has a light roast and smoke to its nose. Medium in body with pronounced notes of caramel, red apple and coffee, this espadin is perfect for cocktails or enjoyed on its own." Produttori di Manduria AKA Rose ($14.99)
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