2016 Beronia Crianza ($14.99)   The Rioja region of Spain is noted for its Tempranillo and this one from Beronia is indeed noteworthy.  This is a typical Rioja blend of grapes consisting of 91% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha and 1% Mazuelo (a.k.a Carigna
  015 Phantom Red Blend by Bogle ($25)   The Phantom is back! Last week’s  Behind the Cork ™ feature was the Phantom Chardonnay that was so good I went out and bought another bottle. This week feature is the Phantom Red Blend by Bogle.  This Phantom
  2017 Phantom Chardonnay by Bogle ($20)   Here’s a “scary” one from Bogle that is very appropriate as we approach Halloween. This Phantom Chardonnay is inspired by a ghostly figure that wanders the Bogle cellars at night. And, there are also some pa
  2016 The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.99)   The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon was created to honor Benjamin Franklin who was a passionate man who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and campaigned for Colonial unity during
  2016 Federalist Honest Red Blend ($21.99)   The Federalist Honest Red Blend pays homage to one of the most highly regarded American Presidents of all time, Abraham Lincoln.  This is a blend of reds from the California’s North Coast appellation that
  2018 Kalfu Kuda Sauvignon Blanc ($19)   This Sauvignon Blanc from Kalfu is from the Las Terrazas vineyard in Leyda Valley, Chile.  Leyda Valley is a sub-region of the San Antonio Valley wine region in Chile, just 55 miles west of the Chilean capita
  2017 Kalfu Kuda Pinot Noir ($19)   This Pinot Noir from Kalfu is from the Leyda Valley in Chile.  Leyda Valley is a sub-region of the San Antonio Valley wine region in Chile, just 55 miles west of the Chilean capital, Santiago. This region by the P
  2017 Toad Hollow ‘Eye of the Toad’ Rosé of Pinot Noir ($12)   This is certainly the time of year when a cool, crisp and refreshing rosé is just perfect. And this Toad Hollow Rosé of Pinot Noir is a good one. This ‘Eye of the Toad‘ rosé is made from
  2016 Thomas Allen Generations Red Blend ($7)   This was a new one to me. I’d previously tried the Thomas Allen Cabernet Sauvignon, but wasn’t aware of their red blend.  Thomas Allen is owned and operated by third generation wine grape growers, Thom
  2016 Pagos de Galir Mencía ($17)   This 100% Mencía ( men-thee-uh ) is from the Valdeorras region which is located on the eastern-most fringes of Galicia, in North-Western Spain.  It was cold macerated, went through malolactic conversion and aged i
  2017 Pagos de Galier Godello ($17)   This Pagos de Galier Godello is a product of the Valdeorras region of Spain which is located on the eastern-most fringes of Galicia, in North-Western Spain.  This 100% Godello is cold pressed and kept below 65 d
  2017 Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel ($16)   This handcrafted Old Vine Zinfandel from winemaker Randle Johnson comes from northern California’s Mendocino County.  Johnson has been the man behind Artezin’s wines since their inception in 2002. The vision
  2018 Left Coast White Pinot Noir ($24)   I’ve been looking forward to trying a white Pinot Noir for some time. I’m a big fan of Pinot Noir but have never gotten an opportunity to try the white version.  This Left Coast White Pinot Noir is produced
  2017 Left Coast Queen Bee Bubbly ($36)   This bubbly from Left Coast Estate winery is 100% Pinot Noir but it gets its name from the fact that it uses their own estate honey to feed on the encapsulated yeast at the bottom of each bottle. Thus, produ
  2018 Left Coast Estate Rosé ($24)   Left Coast Cellars produces a bunch of nice wines from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. And, this Rosé is another fine example.  This blend of 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Pinot Meunier is fermented and aged in 100% ne
  Tió Pepe Fino Sherry ($20)   Tió Pepe’s Fino Sherry is from the city of Jarez in southern Spain's Andalusia region.  It’s made from the Palomino grape, fermented to the 11-12% ABV range, fortified to 15.5% and then enters the Tió Pepe  Solera . Whi
  González Byass La Copa Vermouth — Extra Seco & Rojo - ($24.99 each)   While Vermouth can be the perfect addition to any cocktail, these Vermouth offerings from González Byass really shine on their own.  Vermouth,  as described in a recent blog
  2018 Beronia Rosé ($13)   As Spring begins, what better way to get it started than with a Rosé. This Beronia Rosé is from Rioja and is a blend of their famous Garnacha (55%) and Tempranillo (45%).  This Beronia rosé has a fabulous pink salmon color
  2012 Paniza Reserva ($7)   This was a recent find. And, in true fashion for a Behind the Cork™ wine feature, it’s a great value!  This is blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Grenache. And it’s a tasty blend.  The Tempranillo and
  2012 Clayhouse Adobe Red Blend ($14)   This was an interesting find. I love Paso Robles and the wines that are produced there. But, I wasn’t previously familiar with this one.  The Clayhouse estate Red Cedar Vineyard is located on the east side of
  2016 Vallobera Rioja Crianza ($10)   This was an unexpected recent find. A Tempranillo from Spain. And, it’s a Crianza. This style of Rioja is required to be aged for one year in oak and spend one year in the bottle before being sold.  This extra a
  2018 Cune Rosado ($13)   This wonderful Cune rosé is from the Rioja region of Spain and is made from their famous Tempranillo.  The bright red color of this Cune rosé is spectacular. And, hence, it’s big Maraschino cherry and ripe strawberry flavor
  Bodegas Ochoa Calendas Rosé ($12)   This is another wonderful offering from the Navarra region of Spain. This rosé of Garnacha (70%) and Tempranillo (30%) is bright cherry red in color and has a beautifully soft mouth-feel.  This rosé is produced b
  2015 Bodegas Nekeas Vega Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon ($10)   If you think that the only good Cabernet Sauvignon is from California, think again. This Vega Sindoa from Bodegas Nekeas is quite nice. And, at the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find one
  2018 Inurrieta Orchídea Sauvignon Blanc ($12)   Here’s nice refreshing Sauvignon Blanc that will compliment any spring or summer meal.  This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is from Bodega Inurrieta and comes from the Navarra region of northern Spain.  It’s go
  2018 Castillo Monjardin El Cerezo Chardonnay ($12)   From the northern Spanish region of Navarra, this Chardonnay is full of flavor.  Being on the Southern border of France, the Navarra region is well suited for wine production with its limestone a
  2018 Left Coast “The Orchard” Pinot Gris ($18)   This 100% Pinot Gris from Left Coast Estate winery in another in their line of really terrific wines.  The vineyard is planted at the site of a historic apple and pear orchard dating back to the pion
  2016 PARS Old Vine Zinfandel ($8)   This was a recent unexpected fine. I really enjoy the wines of Amador County and that’s what caught my eye about this one. And, at $8, I had to give it a try.  The grapes of Amador County didn’t let me down. This
  2016 Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($19)   This Sonoma-Cutrer is one that is easy to pass-by on the wine aisle. It’s from a big producer and it’s widely availability. But, this is a solid wine. Which makes it perfect for a Behind the Cork™
  2017 Duckhorn Napa Valley Chardonnay ($19)   Here’s another ‘big name’ Chardonnay that’s worth checking out.  Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley in 1976, which was one of the first 40 Napa Valley wineries. Keenly fo
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