Wine for the Changing Seasons

More than any in recent memory, I feel like this summer has passed in the blink of an eye. Autumn being my favorite season, I’m always eager to get to September and October, but this year I’m feeling a slight tug that tells me I may not have taken full advantage of the warm summer months. Somehow, I’ve reached the end of August having consumed only one or two peaches and not a single cob of sweet corn (truly a travesty), though I’ll admit I have eaten my fair share of tomatoes.

All of this is to say that while I am very ready for the leaves to change, I’m also happy to hold on to the last vestiges of summer and soak up every warm day I can. And what better way to bridge the gap between seasons than to highlight two wines that echo both of these sentiments. For those of you who, like me, are intent on holding on to summer as long as you can, I’m recommending a gorgeous rosé from Napa Valley - it has more depth and body than the light, easily crushable pink wines we were drinking in the middle of July, but still contains the fruit and freshness that make rosé the perfect summer wine. For those who are ready to welcome autumn, let me recommend an excellent Oregon pinot noir - the 2018 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve.’ I think of pinot noir as the perfect wine for fall, especially when, as this one does, it contains a mix of soft red fruits and the earthy undertones of a forest floor in October.

Whether you choose one of these wines or buy a bottle of each, you’ll be guaranteed to ease the seasonal transition with something delicious in your glass.

2021 Ehlers Estate, Sylviane Ros (750ML) $39
The unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) in this rosé gives it a depth and texture that perfectly matches the end of summer transition to fall. The intensity of flavor is balanced by delicate floral notes and a silky mouthfeel. Add in vibrant and refreshing acidity and you see why this is a wine that keeps you coming back for another sip. It’s a perfect bottle to enjoy on its own, but I’m also having visions of pan-seared salmon, rice, and a ratatouille-style collection of late summer tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and whatever fresh herbs are on hand.

2018 Domaine Serene, Pinot Noir, 'Evenstad Reserve' (750ML) $84
Sometimes the professionals just know how to say it best… James Suckling, who rated this wine at 95, writes: "So much spice is the first impression here, this blended expression is well established as a powerful and complex style of pinot. Fresh red-cherry, potpourri, orange-peel, dried-flower, pomegranate and red and dark-cherry aromas, to name a few. The palate has such concentrated and layered style with dense red-cherry, blueberry and black-cherry flavors, delivered in a seamless build that holds so long. Impressive quality here. Drink or hold.”


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 reply to this email and ask us 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.