Wine for now, wine for later

This is the time of year when the only wine I want to drink is the wine that pairs well with a body of water in the summer sun (be it the beach, the lake, or my neighborhood pool) or a warm evening breeze and the smell of dinner on the grill. At the same time, though, I’m already thinking fondly about wines that I will want to drink when the weather cools and I’m firing up my wood stove. Summer, for me, poses a great opportunity to satisfy those two opposing parts of myself - picking out fun, thoroughly drinkable wines to enjoy over the next couple of months as well as selecting some bottles to set aside and look forward to. Today, I’m highlighting one delicious wine to pair with dinner tonight, one to keep for a cozy winter night, and also one exceptional bottle to stash in your cellar for future enjoyment.

For Dinner Tonight:
2021 Phelan Farm “Autrement” - $56

The 2021 Phelan Farm “Autrement,” from San Luis Obispo County on the California Coast, is a blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir, and the rarely-seen Mondeuse. This delightfully fresh and slightly adventurous red is a new project from wine-world heavyweight Raj Parr. On the palate it’s bright and refreshing with notes of pepper and balsamic strawberry, followed by a hint of rustic smokiness that pairs so well with the aroma of burgers charring on the grill. If you’re intrigued by the current natural wine trend, but wary of overly unconventional bottles that lack finesse, this is the perfect wine to get you hooked.


For A Special Dinner on A Cozy Night:
2015 Heitz Cellar “Martha’s Vineyard” - $273

A remarkable 98 point wine as rated by James Suckling, the 2015 “Martha’s Vineyard” was produced from a particularly small yield, lending itself to a concentration bursting with juicy fruit balanced by intense, savory undertones. Decanter magazine said: “There isn’t a more definitive Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, at any price.” This bottle will only improve with a few more years in the cellar and promises to provide a truly exceptional drinking experience whenever you might choose to enjoy it.


For The Cellar:
2018 Ao-Yun Shangri-La - $375

The quality and prestige of this wine almost certainly speaks for itself. A traditional Bordeaux blend produced in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, the 2018 Ao-Yun also received 98 points from James Suckling and has been widely lauded as the greatest wine to come out of China thus far. Youthful and full of fruit now, this wine is primed to age and will undoubtedly continue to develop depth and complexity in the coming years.

Did one (or more) of these wines pique your interest? There are multiple ways to order with us! If you place your purchase through our online store, we’ll be happy to package and hold your bottles for you to pick up at your convenience. You can also email us and ask to set aside any bottles you’re interested in picking up at a later date. If you have any questions or would like to make special arrangements, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (919) 644-1243.