Highland Half Case - August Half Case Mixed 2024

REDS:

MAS DE BOISLAUZON, ‘LA CHAUSSYNETTE’ 2022, CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE, FRANCE $16.99 La Chaussynette is a wine crafted by the brothers: Quentin, Arnaud and Joris. Initially produced for bulk, the wine proved too delicious to be sold as such, and was instead bottled. A delightful blend of Grenache and Syrah, La Chaussynette offers a beautiful bouquet of ripe berry fruits complemented with notes of mixed herbs. The medium-bodied palate is loaded with ripe strawberry and raspberry flavors accented with touches of lime zest, mint and fennel. The wine possesses moderate tannins and a lifted acidity that support this wonderful red to a long, saline-laced finish. Pair with veal sautéed with mushrooms or roast pork tenderloins with peppers and onions.

LUBANZI, CINSAULT 2023, W.O. SWARTLAND, SOUTH AFRICA $14.99 Lubanzi is named for a wandering dog, who inspired co-founders Charlie Brain & Walker Brown to create this project after falling in love with South Africa as exchange students. At the core of this wine project is a focus on giving back to the families who live and work on South Africa's wine farms via the Pebbles Project, in the form of health and education support. The wine itself is gorgeous: Cinsault, once relegated to the sidelines, as the parent of Pinotage, has launched a comeback as the favored grape of South Africa’s winemakers. Characteristically light in color & low in tannin, there is a certain gentleness to this wine. A crunchy character with dark cherries, raisins, strawberries & minty tannins.

CULTUSBONI, ‘CETAMURA’ 2022, CHIANTI, ITALY $14.99 Since 1846 Badia a Coltibuono has belonged to the Stucchi Prinetti family. Six generations have succeeded with passion and respect for its extraordinary legacy. The Stucchi are to be considered pioneers of Chianti, having invested in this land since 1846 when their ancestor, Florentine banker Michele Giuntini bought the beautiful property. This delightful chianti, named ‘Cetamura’ after an ancient Etruscan settlement discovered on the property, is a blend of fruit from the Siena and Arezzo zones, Intense bright ruby red, cherry nose with floral nuances. Well-balanced, soft but tasty, with good structure. Pleasant acidity, clean and persistent aftertaste. Obvious pairings are pizza and pasta, it goes great with Chinese food as well…

WHITES:

JACKY MARTEAU, ‘LULU’ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022, TOURAINE, FRANCE $15.99 2010 was an important year for the winery as Jacky Marteau retired and left the estate to his son, Rodolphe who handles the vine growing and wine making and daughter, Ludivine who manages the marketing and finances. Focusing on precision and freshness, 1/3 of the wine is fermented with the skins on, this helps tame the sometimes rapacious acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc grape, while adding more body and more complex fruit notes. Crisp aromatics of pear, subtle grassy notes and soft minerals, that has a soft supple texture that isn't shy by any means and a juicy lingering finish with good bite.

TERZETTO, GAVI 2022, PIEDMONT, ITALY $16.99 A Terzetto is a musical composition for three voices. This lyrical name was chosen to highlight the three essential parts which must synchronize in harmony to create this wine: The Land, Grape and People. If any member of this trio is missing or out of tune, the wine is not possible. The ancient hillsides of Piedmont, are one of the few places on earth where the unique Cortese grape produces distinctive wines, but only when tended and crafted with knowledge and experience of people who have lived there for generations. Light-bodied and clean with peach and almond aromas. Dry and cheerful with soft melon and apricot flavors, juicy acidity and hints of minerality.

LONE BIRCH, PINOT GRIS 2023, YAKIMA VALLEY, WASHINGTON STATE $14.99 All of the Lone Birch Wines are sourced from fruit from their 830 acre estate located in the Yakima Valley. The vineyard site offers a long growing season, which allows for slow, steady fruit maturation. The warm days and the cool nights provided by the high desert environment allow the vines to produce exceptional balance with ripe fruit flavors and plenty of natural acidity. Enticing aromas of candied pineapple, fresh tangerine, white peach, and lime zest pave the way for a luscious, fruit-forward palate with a crisp, balanced finish. Perfect aperitif wine, it would also pair well with spicy Szechuan food.