2007 Mildiani Saperavi
A Syrah-like wine from the Republic of Georgia

Wine from the Republic of Georgia, now considered to be the birthplace of wine itself, was long lost to most American consumers as Georgia’s close relationship with Russia kept the wine there. Finally, Americans are getting to experience gems they’ve never had (or even heard of) before. One is the Saperavi grape. Unusual for the fact that both the flesh and the skin of the grape are purple (in most red wine grapes, just the skin is purple), the Saperavi is almost universally new to Americans. However, if wines like the 2006 Mildiani Saperavi keep surfacing, it won’t be an obscure grape for long. Drawing comparisons to the Syrah of the Rhone, the Saperavi leads with a nose of spicy and smoky herbs, black pepper and flint. The palate has tart dart fruits (pomegranate, perhaps?) and black pepper. Mildiani’s Saperavi will pair brilliantly with grilled or smoked meats but is also ideal for an easy night at home with pizza, a burger or pasta.

2010 De'Cavalieri Chianti
The next Chianti from De'Cavalieri

The image of the straw covered bottle of cheap Italian wine has been associated with Chianti for decades. However, today’s Chiantis have evolved significantly into very serious wines that are anything but cheap. Barclay’s brought in the 2008 De’Cavalieri Chianti and received such good reception that the 2009 has been widely anticipated. It lives up to the hype. The De’Cavalieri Chianti is a blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero in the fashion of the region. This is a wine with an intensity of fruit on the nose that continues through the palate accompanied by slight, yet delicious tannins. These effects provide a smooth and velvety mouth feel. With a long yet subtle finish, this is a wine that will pair gorgeously with roast game or perhaps pasta with a meat sauce.

2010 Anticato Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio done in a crisp and refreshing fashion

The winemakers of Anticato chose the name for a reason. They want their wine to hearken back to tradition and classic wine, creating a nostalgia of classic California in a glass of wine. To achieve this, Anticato only selects the finest grapes in all of California. With such incredible fruit, half the battle of making great wine is already won. Combine such great grapes with the expert touch of the Anticato winemakers and you have a surefire success. This classic Pinot Grigio is no exception. Tangerine and orange blossom define the bouquet. Flavors of tropical peach, margarita lime and a hint of honey burst with the first sip of this crisp wine. The velvety mouthfeel helps the flavor linger lusciously. Simply classic.

2011 Tremo Tempranillo
The signature grape of Spain made by a new hot label

Regions often have grapes that are so strongly identified with them that they are often considered the area’s signature grapes. Syrah in the Rhone, Zinfandel in California, Pinot Noir in Burgundy are all great examples. However, perhaps none is as established as Tempranillo in Rioja. Perhaps the relationship is even more special because Tempranillo is so overwhelmingly Spanish that it is not frequently found outside of Spain. Tremo, a hot new label from the region, aims to combine the Spanish grape with the Aztec heritage of their chosen name. Tremo, in ancient Aztec, means “balanced, healthy and fresh.” This approach is incredibly sound and it works so well. This Tempranillo has notes of red fruits of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, as well as subtle violet on its aromatic and fruity nose. The palate is very pleasing with a great mouth feel and a long, lingering finish of red fruits and a hint of licorice. Fantastico.

2011 New World Chardonnay
Fabulous easy-drinking Chardonnay from South Africa

With 300 years of winemaking expertise, South Africa is an area that is often considered to be on the border of the Old World and the New World. Well the New World Chardonnay is strongly in the camp of New World and they do it brilliantly. Shunning some of the artificial techniques used to make wine elsewhere, this cutting edge Chardonnay aims to be both easy-drinking and quietly elegant. Their more authentic techniques ensure balanced, fresh and round Chardonnay, especially considering its amazing value. Lacking the sickly-sweetness of some wines, the New World Chardonnay instead focuses on the naturally fruity and seductive nature of the grape and infuses it with a delicious zesty citrus. Absolutely brilliant on a hot day outdoors with whatever you are serving that night on the porch.

2012 Carma Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc at its finest

With their seasons opposite the ones northern winemakers have, the 2011 Carma Sauvingon Blanc is among our first 2012 wines and it starts the vintage off on a great note. The Carma 2012 is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and is a classic example of what can be done with the variety in Central Chile. The grapes are exposed to wonderful sun and an almost greenhouse-like regularity of dry, hot days and dry, cool nights throughout the growing season--near perfect ripening conditions. The result is a clean, citrusy, lean and fresh wine. The nose is full of grapefruit and green apple followed by zesty flavors of green fruits, lime, and floral notes and a long, crisp finish. Outstanding as an aperitif or a cocktail wine, it is also ideal with salads using arugula, fennel, or roasted bell peppers, and is a refreshing companion for richer white meats like pork and lobster.