I know this past year has been really tough. There is no gift in the world that can say how much I appreciate all you went through to ensure that Camille and Eji are healthy and happy. It’s really hard for me to imagine what the three of you had to endure in that ship on Little Eastern Avenue. Just know that every day for the last year I thought about you and the two of them. Someday I hope to give back to you what you have given to me. The gift from us – Camille, Eji, and me – is not nearly enough: We wanted to get you something that we know you like, but might not get for yourself. Well, sometimes you do, but maybe this particular selection you wouldn’t normally choose for yourself. JFYK, the gift idea was all Eji. Camille made sure to “stash” it safely so it would remain a surprise. I merely took care of the order and delivery. I don’t know what your tastes are these days, and I don’t know anything about this sort of thing (other than it contains C2H5OH!)

Again, Happy Birthday! Have a great “51st” year, second half-century! Etc…etc. Know that I will appreciate you for the rest of my days.

 

With much love, Pancho

Colutta, Pinot Grigio 2019
Friuli, Italy

Giorgio Colutta is famed as one of the very best winemakers working in Colli Orientali del Friuli, the heartland of rich, fleshy, zesty Pinot Grigio. Here he works with fruit drawn from across the vineyards of Friuli to make a wine that’s very close in quality to his well-regarded flagship wines…but costs a lot less! Ripe stone fruit, crisp autumn apple and a touch of lime zest show on the nose and palate and are served up with verve and vivid clarity. Nicely round in texture, the finish arrives crisp, clean and dry with fruit and light stone notes lingering. An outstanding Pinot Grigio value for sipping and pairing with seafood, poultry, salads and more!

Eola Hills, Pinot Noir 2018
Oregon

Eola Hills founder was an agriculture insurance specialist in the 70s when he recognized that Oregon had some great places to grow wine. His brother and parents helped him realize the dream by purchasing 35 acres in the early 80s and now his kids help run the winery. Their current head winemaker started at the winery in ‘93 as a cellar rat and worked his way up over the years. He is a proponent of judicious use of oak to round out stellar fruit. Eola Hills promotes sustainability through low input and dry farming. Eola Hills Pinot Noir has been a workhorse on our by-the-glass list for some time. I just can’t find a better pinot for the money. This pinot gets just a touch of new oak to round out is tannins, earthiness, and black raspberry notes.

Domaine de l’Herre La Galope, Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Southwest, France

Light golden, straw color, with a subtle floral aroma and spicy notes of fresh citrus and grapefruit.The palate is fresh and fruity, with an intense flavour and a lingering finish.

Otto Uve, Gragnano 2019
Sorrento Peninsula, Campania, Italy

This style of wine, kind of like dry Labrusco, is the classic pairing for Neapolitan pizza in Naples. It’s grape-y in a good way, a little fizzy with notes of berry and rose. The wine is made by the famed consulting winemakers Attilio Pagli and Federico Curtaz. The name OTTOUVE references the many native vines that comprise Gragnano. Serve chilled.

Lubanzi, Chenin Blanc 2019
Swartland, South Africa

This wine was named for the wandering dog that led the winemakers during their trek to find and produce Organic, Fair Trade, mission-driven wine. 100% hand picked Chenin Blanc from a diverse collection of Swartland soils. Tasting notes include peach, guava, and talc.

Inkarri, Malbec 2019
Mendoza, Argentina

A malbec that is organic and “biodynamic.”

Harken, Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2019
California

Apple, pear, baking spice and buttered toast, but not overwhelmingly buttery or toasty. The wine is loaded with fruit (apple and pear mostly) but just slightly off dry. You’ll also find lemon custard, more baking spice and butter and light oaky notes along with good acidity in this medium to full-bodied wine.

Inama, Vin Soave 2018
Veneto, Italy

Real Soave with dried apples and pears and hints of cooked mangoes and lemons. Medium to full body. Fruity and bright. Drink now.