Springtime is finally here, and as winemakers start to plot the next season’s harvest, it’s also time to open new bottles after a long period of hibernation (and fermentation).
Below are a number of wines ideal for drinks inside or al fresco (where appropriate and when minding social distancing) as the temperatures warm up, carrying you into the inevitably rosé-drenched days of summer.
Joel Gott Pinot Noir 2018: It might be off-putting to lead a spring wine list with a red, but bear with us. A Central Coast blend sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara County and Monterey, the marine layer plays a significant role in the long ripening of the red fruit flavors that burst upon the first taste, followed by soft, velvety tannins on the mid-palate, and a long, elegant finish. Also expect aromas of cherries and cola balanced by notes of pine and savory herbs. SRP: $20.
Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018: Perfect on its own or with food, this Sauv Blanc boasts fresh aromas of white flowers, ripe melon, and citrus fruit followed by rich, zesty flavors of pink grapefruit, melon, and guava. That all leads to a crisp finish buoyed by bright acidity and refreshing citrus mineral tones. Ideal with seafood, poultry, vegetables, and salads. SRP: $30.
Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017: This is not your average heavy-oaked California Chardonnay. Instead, this is a soft wine with a zing on the finish. Expect a floral nose with a sampling of fruit—especially fresh citrus, orange blossoms, and white peach. On the palate, it is weighty on the tongue yet well-balanced with acidity. It’s all topped off with a clean finish and lingering minerality, intertwined with pear and apple lemon. Pair with roast chicken, salmon rillette, or crab cakes. SRP: $40
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Sakura Réserve Exclusive Rosé: You shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover or a wine by its label. But with Nicolas Feuillatte, you can generally be rest assured that the contents will always delight. Thus, the limited edition Sakura Réserve Rosé is a prime gift choice for springtime with its dreamy, vibrant pattern flowering branches and delicate petals against a blue sky. This wine offers layered red fruit aromatics with elegant bubbles as it’s made up of 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Pinot Meunier, and 10% Chardonnay. SRP: $45.
Mayacamas Chardonnay 2018: The aromatic and fresh Chardonnay features acacia blossom, lemon zest, marzipan, and green pear notes underpinned by lingering salinity. While you can absolutely drink it now, the winemaker predicts it will continue to make for a mouthwatering finish over the next 15 years. SRP: $50.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée: Produced in West Sussex in the south of England, Nyetimber’s signature wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. After aging in the cellar for three years, the result is a pale golden-hued sparkling wine with toasty and spicy aromas and a palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples. Overall, it’s a well balanced bottle of elegance and intensity. SRP: $60.
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