$15 & Under / Domestic / Champagne & Sparkling / Collectibles / French /

Germany & Austria / Italian / Rose / Port, Sherry & Madeira /

Sake / Slovenia & Croatia / Southern Hemisphere / Spain & Portugal

Domaine Millet Petit Chablis 2008

Chablis as it once was, and sometimes, still is. Steely is the word often applied to Chablis and yet, I rarely taste one that could honestly be described that way. This wine is steely, crisp and precise. It is not rounded out or oaked up. Chablis like your grandpa drank. Have it with something old school like filet of sole in brown butter...and wear a tie. Or a dress.

$19.50

Cinquin “Domaine des Braves” Regnie Beajolais 2009

We got so much response from the LA Times Wine of the Week review I will simply quote Ms Virbila : “...it is flat-out delicious. Tasting of lush, dark berries, it shows an exquisite balance of ripeness to acidity and has a wonderful, velvety texture. It's impossible to drink just one glass.”

$17.50

Yves Cuilleron Syrah VDP 2009

This is a once a year thing. Tiny quantities of these VDP wines are produced each year and they represent exceptional value. Cuilleron is one of the greatest producers in the Northern Rhone and his wines are brilliant. And you pay for it, or at least in his AOC wines. But these, less prestigious wines are sometimes more enjoyable to me because they are delicious and come without baggage. Medium bodied, a little peppery, and full of delicious black fruit, this Syrah is about nothing but pleasure. This will not be here forever.

$17.75

La Liquiere "Vieilles Vignes" Faugeres 2007 France

This wine combines traditional southern French grapes in a traditional but approachable style.  Mostly aged in concrete vats the La Liquiere Vieilles Vignes is that pure expression of old vines fruit and the estate's terroir. The flavors are concentrated and precise.  There will be dark berry fruit present along with some soft tannins.  Very French.

$17.25

Charles Joguet Chinon 2005

Elegant, earthy and light Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley. Perfect summertime red!

$19.50

Diochon Moulin a Vent Beaujolais 2008

There is Beaujolais and then there is Cru Beaujolais. Great Beaujolais, from one of the ten areas designated as "Cru" (areas that have shown to produce wines of the highest quality) can be a real surprise to people who think of Beaujolais as candied, soda pop wine. Diochon is one of the great producers and this wine is typical of his output. Aromas of deep red fruit and smoke mix with a little pinch of herbs on the finish. The acidity here is bright and will probably be enhanced when accompanied by food.

P.S. you can actually age these wines for three to five years, at which point a whole new layer of complexity arises

$22

Domaine Servin Chablis "Les Clos" Grand Cru 2008

Or, what to drink while you are waiting for your Raveneau to mature. Subtle pear and lime notes on the nose. Surprisingly approachable with a clear, penetrating minerality and subtle umami texture.

$72

Villard “L'appel du Sereines” Syrah 2007

Francois Villard is considered one of the Rhone's most brilliant winemakers. This scale is demonstrated in this classic northern Rhône syrah. A textbook example of dark stewed fruits, black pepper and the distinctive animale character. Although classified as a table wine, this has the structure to age for several years.

$15