Semillon from Buttonwood Farm Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley, made by Mary Bradley

Gusbourne 2018 (Pinot Noir - Kent, England)  

THEY SAY: Smoke, peony petal, a touch of vanilla and ripe, red cherry notions all combine on the youthful nose. The aromas hover between oak and richness and far more tender and shy flowers and fruit. The body is smooth and sonorous, essentially lithe but imbued with the generosity of subtle, smoky oak. 

WE SAY: This is very rare in the USA! We tried very hard to get an English Pinot. We won’t have it for long…

Canadian 'Ice' Wine.

This warm climate white wine speaks of the sunlight and warmth of California's Central Coast.  Its bright lychee and tart tropical fruits are balanced by its acidity on the mid-palate, tailed by a lingering apricot finish.  This clean, crisp white wine is aged in stainless steel to showcase the bright fruit and natural acidity of Pinot Grigio. 

Bastide Miraflors 2018 (Grenache-Syrah - Roussillon, France)

THEY SAY: A fabulous minerality as well as terrific kirsch, black raspberry, wild fennel, white pepper, and hints of black licorice aromas and flavors. Pure, medium to full-bodied, silky, and seamless on the palate, it's perfectly balanced, and way over-delivers.

WE SAY: You’ve tried local GSM, so now try the French’s take on it. Interesting and established.

Lubanzi 2020, 355ml Can (Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre – Swartland, S. Africa)    

THEY SAY: an old-school Rhone blend with contemporary style, we make this wine to showcase the red champion of South Africa, shiraz. Black fruit and spice with barley sugar, lemon iced tea, and hints of cracked black pepper. Deliciously floral, fruity, and earthy. (Fair Trade and Fair For Life Certified).

WE SAY: We are so surprised how much canned wine has come! A solid red blend in a handy can, lovely with your lunch.

Lubanzi 2021, 250ml Rose Bubbles in a Can (100% Cinsault – Swartland, S Africa)                  

THEY SAY: a unique sparkling rosé fizzing with a light, airy effervescence similar to prosecco. Dry, crisp & refreshing, with a bouquet of aromatics and a brilliant pale pink color. There is minerality and balanced acidity on the palate, with notes of wild cherries & ripe summer strawberries. (Fair Trade and Fair For Life Certified).

Clendenen Family Vineyard, "The Pip" 2017 (& 2018) (Nebbiolo - Santa Maria, California)

THEY SAY: A deep red, oaky wine with aromas and flavors of plums and dried roses. Tastes of plum, blackberry, dried roses and earth. Balance between the richness, the bright acidity, and moderated tannins, make this wine an all-around food wine.

WE SAY: Made by a local legend, it’s like Piedmont in a glass, and takes us right back to North West Italy.

Intense ruby red colour with violet hints, very clear. Very intense, fresh and immediate aroma with notes of ripe red fruits and vegetables. Dry and smooth to the palate, good structure and nose-palate persistence.

Sauvignon Blanc from Loire, France.

Paul Lato, 'O Sole Mio 2021 (Sauvignon Blanc – Santa Ynez Valley, California)

THEY SAY: Made from a 100% organic vineyard in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, [at Two Wolves Vineyard, owned and run by the singer Pink!] this Sauvignon Blanc was whole cluster pressed at 22 brix, then fermented and aged in both concrete and stainless-steel vessels… brilliant ripe flavors balance with crisp acidity.

WE SAY: We recently came across Paul Lato and have found all of his wines to be excellent.