Central Coast

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Monte Volpe Primo Rosso Monte Volpe Primo Rosso $11.00

Shhh! Two years on oak, varietals that suit the CA climate and a talented and down to earth winemaker result in a wonderful everyday red from Mendocino. This is one I always have around as its food friendly and nicely balanced. A $20-$30 wine hiding in a $11 bottle.


Cycles Gladiator Chardonnay Cycles Gladiator Chardonnay $12.00

The aromatics really jump out of the glass. Papaya, peaches, and pineapple on the nose with just a hint of toasted oak. Nectarines and other stone fruit on the forepalate. Ripe, round flavors of peach juice and pineapple. Soft acidity and a lush texture wrap around the tongue towards the back of the palate. Pairs with rich, creamy flavors such as scallops in an orange beurre blanc. Also chicken alfredo, seafood fettuccine, or any pasta smothered in a cream sauce.


Broc Sparkling Chenin Broc Sparkling Chenin $22.00

From one of the most exciting new winemakers in California, Chris Brockway, we get this striking effort at sparkling Chenin Blanc using the traditional Petillant Naturale method. 60-year-old Chenin Blanc vines produce a high-acid, focused-minerality wine that gives off gentle fruit notes. Pair with simple seafood dishes, roast chicken or pork cutlets.


J. Wilkes Santa Maria Pinot Noir J. Wilkes Santa Maria Pinot Noir $24.00

From the cool Central Coast bringing ripe red raspberry and strawberry, tart cherry pie, white pepper, and clove with a lovely, earthy complexity. Great now but even a couple years should show increasing depth. A prime example of Santa Maria's potential and one of our favorite CA Pinots.


J. Wilkes Santa Maria Chardonnay J. Wilkes Santa Maria Chardonnay $24.00

Finally California Chard with sensible oak and balanced acidity! Lots going on here with apple blossom, apple pie, lime zest, and a little sea breeze on the nose.The butter is there but soft and browned with just a little tropical guava lingering. The acid is the perfect foundation for the flavors leaving you smacking your lips for the next sip.


Jonata Cab Franc El Alma 2011 Jonata Cab Franc El Alma 2011 $128.00

What? A $128 Cab Franc? So what if Parker gave it a 96. Then I tasted this remarkable creature. Soft violets and herbs on the nose wrapped in dark cocoa, tobacco, and some dark currant. Big yet elegant flavors of plum and black cherry. I've never had Cab Franc this muscular yet refined. The alcohol and oak try for a moment to get in the way but with just a few minutes it's all amazing Cab Franc.


Orchard Wine Cellar Movers and Shakers This Week

  • Armas de Guerra Rose

    #1 Armas de Guerra Rose

    My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time.
    (Holding the #1 spot)

  • Gran Passione

    #2 Gran Passione

    From the land of Amarone comes a delicious Merlot based blend. To perfectly ripe Merlot (60%) is added juice from dried Corvina grapes ala Amarone. Rich, deep and smooth, this is a remarkable Merlot that may just change your Merlot worldview! (behind by 7 bottles)

  • Laya

    #3 Laya

    From Castilla-La Mancha in Central Spain, a unique blend made with the Garnacha Tintorera grape. Not only is the skin red, but so is the flesh. This provides a sturdy structure and noticeable tannins. Aged only 4 months in oak, this wine has luscious red and black fruits with hints of spice. Definitely one you should try, especially at this price! (behind by 3 bottles)

  • Castelfeder Pertico Rosso

    #4 Castelfeder Pertico Rosso

    Such a pretty little wine! Deep, ruby color and a intense aromas of cherries, tobacco, blackberry. Just a little oak to mellow things out . The Cab and Merlot bring just a touch of richness and licorice but the Lagrein has the leading role with its bright red fruit flavors. (behind by 3 bottles)

Fun New Arrivals

  • Amon Ra

    Amon Ra

    The 2014 Amon Ra reflects the tried and true essence of the Glaetzer style - generosity of flavor with finesse of structure. The inky purple color displays the gentle but full extraction. The nose shows an abundance of dark blueberry, vanilla, black cherry and hints of cassis with notes of mixed spice and anise. Although still young and firmly wound, the vibrant blackberry and dried spice flavors integrate well with youthful yet supple tannins with the trademark loooong and sleek finish. Meant to go 10 to 15 years to hit its prime.

  • Obsidian Cab

    Obsidian Cab

    A wonderful classic CA Cab with solid structure from the altitude and Hungarian oak. Reserved and dark on the nose with aromas of blackberries, hints of black licorice and coffee. Really nice and elegant. Touch on the masculine side with no jammy, jelly jar junk here. Wonderfully different.

  • Bermatinger

    Bermatinger

    Do you love Burgundy, but not the price tag attached to it? This spatburgunder from Baden gives you a stellar example of what pinot can be outside of France. Red fruits and floral notes accompanied by that earthy, forest floor, mushroom that Burgundy is known for. Beautifully balanced, definitely one that should have a place at your table.

  • Three Brooms

    Three Brooms

    This single vineyard, certified sustainable sav blanc shows lovely white flower, chili pepper, and gooseberry on the nose with some sandy mineralogy. Very nice weight and balance showing passion fruit, ripe apple flavors. Such a pleasant surprise is the roundness, the acid is lively and energetic but not abrasive.