Tag Archives: california

January Cheese Club: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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Cheese ClubLaClare Family Creamery Maple Bourbon Goat CheeseLaClare Family Creamery
Maple Bourbon
Goat Cheese
Malone, Wisconsin

LaClare’s original goat cheese is blended with sweet maple and is complemented by an aromatic bourbon flavor. Enjoy as a delicious snack spread on crackers or paired with fresh fruit.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This cheese pairs beautifully with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. For our beer lovers, pair this goat cheese with stouts and dark ales.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty

About the Creamery:
LaClare is one of the only 100%-domestically produced goat cheese brands in the country; milk is sourced exclusively from local dairies. With respect to sustainability, transparency, and tradition, their innovative cheesemakers create unrivaled cheese to please palates with clean, fresh flavor profiles that cannot be imitated. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © LaClare Family Creamery. – All Rights Reserved.

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. Toma Background RemovedPoint Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
Toma
Cow’s Milk
Point Reyes Station, California

In Italian, “Toma” often refers to a wheel of cheese made by the farmer herself… a perfect way to describe this cheese. It is Point Reyes’ most versatile, any time, any table cheese. All natural, pasteurized, semi-hard table cheese with a waxed rind.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This cheese can pair well with a variety of flavors… try serving with hop-heavy beers, Pinot Noirs or a barrel-aged scotch.

WINESTYLES:Bold or Mellow
BEERSTYLES:Hoppy

About Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.:
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company is a culmination of a family’s agricultural legacy. Founded by their great-grandfather, their California dairy farm has transformed over the years. In the 1990s, seeking a more sustainable path, the Giacomini sisters returned to the farm and transitioned it into an artisanal cheesemaking operation. Their handcrafted cheese, like the signature Original Blue and Toma, continues the family tradition of producing high-quality products while honoring their love for the land. In July 2013, Point Reyes story was featured on Jane Pauley’s segment on NBC’s Today Show (video below). Learn more here.

The Giacomini family.

The first day of cheesemaking, August 1, 2000

Bob Giacomini, 1980

Information & Photos © Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club! Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >

January Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Clubj-cuvee-20J Vineyards & Winery
NV Cuvée 20
Russian River Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Refreshingly crisp and wonderfully layered, J Cuvée 20 Brut expertly balances bright fruit notes, rich brioche toast characteristics and a lively, memorable finish. Hints of fresh-picked pear, white peach and citrus at first taste evolve into richer, deeper notes of baked apple, lemon curd, crème brûlée and spice. A subtle touch of toasted pastry crust at the finish is an indication of the years this sparkling spent aging in our cellars before release.

Effervescent and exceptionally food-friendly, Cuvée 20 can be enjoyed with a wide variety of dishes. It is equally at home alongside fresh seafood, like a Dungeness crab salad, oysters on the half shell or a shrimp cocktail, as it is with heartier meals, like fried chicken, crispy fish tacos with a salsa verde, or Korean bibimbap with hoisin glazed pork belly, pickles, cucumber and kimchi. For a simple and classic pairing, try Cuvée 20 with homemade popcorn with parmesan, black pepper and lemon zest.

Appellation: 100% Russian River Valley, California
Varietal: 51% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Meunier
Analysis: 12.3% alcohol/volume
Dosage: 10 g/L
Titratable Acidity: 7.1 g/L
pH: 3.18
Disgorgement Date: January 2023
Aging Recommendation: 5-7+ years
Accolades: 94 points from James Suckling, September 2025

VITICULTURE NOTES:
First created to celebrate the winery’s 20th anniversary, the J Cuvée 20 Brut is a stylish assemblage from the winery’s best cool-climate vineyard sites throughout the Russian River Valley.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes for this cuvée were hand-harvested into small quarter-ton bins and placed as whole clusters without destemming into our special French Coquard press for a gentle, low-pressure pressing, which minimizes the breakdown of grape skins and seeds. Each vineyard lot was fermented and kept separate until blending.

As is customary for Traditional Method sparkling wine production, the secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle. The wine was aged for an average of 30 months en tirage in the cellars, developing deeper complexity as the years went by. The bottles were carefully disgorged and added a small amount of dosage for balance, then aged for several months under cork before release.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Since 1986, J Vineyards & Winery has developed a reputation as one of the top sparkling and still wine producers in California. J has come to be known for its celebrated estate vineyards, contemporary winery and world-class hospitality. Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock showcases her expertise and the diversity of California winegrowing regions through a portfolio of high-quality still and sparkling wines of distinction. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © J Vineyards & Winery – All Rights Reserved.

JuvecampsRoseJuvé & Camps
Brut Rosé Pinot Noir NV
Cava Reserva DO
Cava, Spain

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Juvé & Camps Brut Rosé Pinot Noir is a fresh, fruity rosé made from 100% certified organic Pinot Noir, sourced from the Espiells estate. Aged for 12 months following the Méthode Traditionnelle, this Rosé retains delicate aromas of toasted bread and floral notes while showcasing the seductive red fruit characteristics of Pinot Noir. Categorized as Brut with just 9g/l of dosage, it strikes a perfect balance of freshness and richness. Originally developed for the U.S. market, this wine exemplifies the quality and elegance for which Juvé & Camps is renowned.

Appellation: D.O. Cava Reserva
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12% alcohol/volume
Farming: Organic
Food Pairing: pasta, cured meats, Japanese food and baked goods
Critical Acclaim: 91 points Wine Enthusiast | 90 points Wine Spectator | 90 points James Suckling

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Juvé & Camps Brut Rosé is crafted exclusively from certified organic Pinot Noir grapes from the Espiells vineyards, Juvé family’s original estate. Clay-limestone and chalky-clay vineyards span up to 800 feet high.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes are hand-harvested, gently the whole-clusters are destemmed, crushed and macerated at low temperature for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the vintage. This cold soak maceration adds depth and subtle color, as well as enhance the Pinot Noir red fruits aromas. The winemaker selects the lots that meet the right balance of color and flavors for the final blend. Only the wine obtained from the free-run juice is bottled, the one that retains the most delicate fruit aromas. Following the traditional method, bottles are laid down in the underground caves for a minimum of 12 months, where they will refine effervescence and develop its refreshing, vibrant character.

Only 9g/L dosage is added after the disgorgement to this dry sparkling wine, to showcase of the Pinot Noir fruit in its purest form.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Juvé & Camps is an indisputable worldwide leader of Spanish premium sparkling wines. This family-owned, 100% estate-based producer is revered in Spain for its painstaking focus on quality and sustainability, and its important role within the country’s conversation on fine wine in general. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Juvé & Camps and Vintus – All Rights Reserved.

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January Premium Club

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Bold wine Style logoOur Lady Guadalupe Pinot Noir wine bottleOur Lady of Guadalupe
Pinot Noir 2023
Santa Rita Hills, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

An endearing pour of a brooding crimson core with flashes of vermilion and neon pink as the glass swirls. Aromatics spill in double time with notes of muddled strawberry, “Pinot crunch”, cranberry, pomegranate, orange peel, and the coastal hills of lavender and sagebrush surrounding the vineyard. Without missing a beat, the palate flaunts rich and concentrated flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, fennel and a kiss of Maldon salt, kept in check by the layers of acid that dominate wines from the region. A multitude of sensations culminates with mild tannins and an energized finish that seems to perpetually exist.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills, California
Clonal Selection: 828, 777, Pommard 4, 667, 459, 115, 943, Swan, Calera
Élevage: Aged in French Oak for 10 months, 45% New
Alcohol: 14.8% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.76
Titratable Acidity: 6.09 g/L
Accolades:

  • Wine Enthusiast – 95 points and Editors’ Choice
  • Decanter – 96 points
  • Vinous – 95 points
  • Jeb Dunnuck – 95 points

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
In the summer of 2021, Dave Phinney (proprietor and winemaker), decided to produce his own wine from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard, giving him complete control in the vineyard and cellar.  Simply put, this is the only project in the US where Dave makes wine from a vineyard he owns.

The 2023 vintage will go down as one of the best in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. A very long, cool growing season led to ideal ripening, gorgeous fruit and wonderfully complex aromatics and concentrated flavors. With near-perfect weather during harvest, the crew were able to pick each individual block on schedule. Comprised of blocks from all over Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard, this is the best representation of the entire vineyard, transporting you to this special place in the AVA.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
After years of sourcing Pinot Noir from top vineyards in Santa Barbara, the team fell in love with the Sta. Rita Hills and in 2015 purchased an abandoned row-crop farm on the western edge of the AVA, later transforming it into Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard. Careful soil rehabilitation preceded planting, with the first vines established in 2018 and additional plantings through 2020. The vineyard now spans 127 acres of Pinot Noir across nine clones and six acres of Old Wente Chardonnay, with each clone and rootstock precisely matched to site-specific soils, microclimates, wind exposure, and ripening potential, using rigorously tested, mostly Protocol 2010–certified plant material. Sta. Rita Hills’ cool temperatures, wind, fog, and ocean influence naturally limit yields and disease pressure, while challenges like saline groundwater were addressed through a proprietary filtration method inspired by similar conditions in Baja California. Designed as a true winemaker’s vineyard and planted with fermenter-scale precision, OLG reflects Dave Phinney’s meticulous approach and commitment to terroir, sustainability, and people, producing single-vineyard wines beginning with the 2021 vintage and earning Sustainability-in-Practice certification, all while honoring the vineyard’s namesake and the crew who bring it to life. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard – All Rights Reserved

Bold wine Style logoRombauer Zinfandel Napa ValleyRombauer Vineyards
Zinfandel 2023
California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Aromas of cherry jam and blackberry, underscored by notes of nutmeg. The dark berry notes continue to the palate, leading to a rich body with soft tannins and a lovely acidity, ending with a lingering finish.

Varietal: 91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah
Appellation: California
Alcohol: 15.9% alcohol / volume
Release Date: October 2025
Harvested: Sept. 25th-Oct. 30th, 2023
Average Brix at Harvest: 27.2
Cooperage: 14 months in American (10% new) and French oak

VINEYARDS:
This wine comes from select vineyards in four top growing regions: Amador County (56%), El Dorado County (25%), Lake County (18%), and Napa County (1%).

WINEGROWING:
Rombauer’s winemakers believe that 2023 was one of the best vintages in recent memory. The year was cool and consistent, ending with warm spells in September. These perfect conditions allow for longer hang time, which results in more fruit intensity and concentration of flavors. Sustainable farming practices throughout the growing season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology. Harvest was long, with ideal conditions allowing us to pick each block at its optimal ripeness and at night to preserve its natural acidity.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully destemmed and optically sorted to ensure only perfect fruit made it into the wine. A cold soak extracted color and flavor before primary fermentation began in tank. The wine was gently basket-pressed and then racked to oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging.

ABOUT THE WINERY
Rombauer Vineyards was established in 1980, when the Rombauer family harvested their first grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District. Nearly 35 years later, the winery remains family owned and operated with members of the first and second generations involved in all aspects of the business.  When founders Koerner and Joan Rombauer moved their two children, two horses and five dogs to Napa Valley in 1972, they had no intention of starting a winery. They chose the area because it reminded them of the small-town, agricultural environment in which they had grown up, and it appeared to be a clean, safe place to raise their children. They purchased 40 acres of beautiful hilltop land on the Silverado Trail near the town of St. Helena in California. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Rombauer Vineyards – All Rights Reserved

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January Collector’s Club

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Collectors Wine ClubBlack Stallion Transcendent Napa Valley wine bottleBlack Stallion Estate Winery
Transcendent 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2019 Transcendent is a wine of true depth and sophistication. It exhibits aromas of dark cherry, pipe tobacco and black currant. Flavors of mocha, cassis and allspice intermingle perfectly on the plate. The Transcendent is a full-bodied wine with elegant, silky and poised finish.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: 66% Atlas Peak, 21% Napa Valley and 13% Yountville
Aging: 90% new French oak barrels/20 months
Alcohol: 15% alcohol / volume
TA: 0.59 g/100ml
pH: 3.68

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Sourced from some of the highest regarded AVA’s in Napa Valley, Transcendent is an expression of the best Napa Valley can produce. The wide range of AVA sources allow creates an exquisitely balanced wine with utmost elegance. Cabernet Sauvignon from the higher altitude mountain AVA’s brings an incredible depth and elegance to the palate.

Bold wine Style logoBlack Stallion Gaspare vineyard Napa Valley wine bottleBlack Stallion Estate Winery
Gaspare Vineyard 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Made from grapes grown on the BSEW Estate in the Gaspare Vineyard blocks. The vineyard is located in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, which is known for it’s moderate growing climate which encourages consistent ripening throughout the growing season. The 2021 vintage exhibits aromas of blackberry, brown sugar and cedar. It has a dark fruit flavor finished by powerful but elegant tannins.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Analysis: 15% alcohol / volume

Bold wine Style logoBlack Stallion Heritage Cabernet Napa Valley wine bottleBlack Stallion Estate Winery
Heritage 2022
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Heritage Cabernet is made using grapes grown in vineyards throughout Napa Valley. A significant portion of the grapes are from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, their home AVA, which is known to give Cabernet richness and depth of flavor without overwhelming tannins. Significant percentages of the Cabernet grapes also come from vineyards located in Pope Valley and Rutherford which help to give the blend roundness and softness.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Fermentation: 100% Malolactic Fermentation

VINTAGE:
The 2022 growing season in Napa Valley and Sonoma County was nearly ideal. There were some continuing effects of the ongoing drought, but most viticulturists were able to deftly manage their irrigation regimes to adapt. At the beginning of September there was a record-breaking heat wave, some Napa Valley locations experienced temperatures over 115ºF for nearly a week. This extreme heat sped up ripening in most varieties and led to an early and compact harvest.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes for this wine are harvested at night or in the early morning hours to ensure optimum quality when received at the winery. The grapes are destemmed prior to transferring to the fermentation tank, where the grapes ferment over the course of 2 – 3 weeks. The wine is routinely pumped over during fermentation to fully extract all the wonderful color, flavor and tannin from the grapes. When fermentation is finished, the resulting wine is drained from the tank, the skins are gently pressed to capture all the wine, and the young wine is pumped to barrels to start maturing. Malolactic fermentation finishes within a few months of the wine going to barrel, and the wine continues to age for the planned 18 months of maturation time. The barrels are racked twice during this aging time, which helps to clarify the wine. The wine lots are finally blended a few weeks before bottling.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the Silverado Trail was home to cattle and horse ranching. In the 1950s, Richard Tam and Ben Hardister built the Silverado Horseman’s Center covering 32 acres along the southern end of Silverado Trail. The original facility featured an equestrian center with an indoor riding track, 36 horse stalls, and a grandstand for indoor riding events. The property also included an outdoor arena with a grandstand that sat 3,000 people, a half mile race track, recreation buildings, private paddock, riding trails and a stallion breeding center. The center thrived until the 1990s. The original riding area now houses prized wines, instead of prize-winning horses. However Black Stallion Estate Winery carries its heritage forward. The estate’s legacy honors the world-class terroir of Napa Valley, the pioneering spirit of the Silverado Trail, and the Indelicato family’s warm hospitality and generations of wine expertise. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Black Stallion Estate Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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December Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubThe diver bubble club bottle with bowDays of Youth
The Diver
Sparkling Brut
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Diver Brut is part of Days of Youth’s California sparkling wine series. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. The Chardonnay presents lemon custard, grapefruit, apple, and citrus flavors with a soft, creamy foundation. The Sauvignon Blanc adds a bright acidity that gives a lively note with a hint of peach/apricot. The Gewürztraminer adds a beautiful floral character of jasmine, especially in the nose, and a hint of chalky mineral on the palate. Made in the Charmat method, the wine has about two bars of pressure creating a soft, Prosecco-like texture, which makes it easier and more enjoyable to drink. Enjoy with salty and spicy flavors, shellfish, salads, Thai cuisine, or even by itself.

Varietal: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer
Analysis: 11.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 1 g/L
Winemaker: Gregory Ahn
Illustrator: Abigail Ahn
Critical Acclaim: 86 pts Wine Enthusiast 2019

The Diver bubbly club wine bottle with bowDays of Youth
The Diver
Sparkling Brut Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Diver Brut Rosé is part Days of Youth’s California sparkling wine series. It is a dry Rosé wine made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The Chardonnay from Monterey County adds a balanced acidity with notes of honeysuckle and kiwi. The Pinot Noir adds a beautiful color. Made in the Charmat method, the wine has about two bars of pressure creating a soft, prosecco-like texture, which makes it easier and more enjoyable to drink. A wine that pairs with just about anything except the boldest of flavors. This wine is best enjoyed chilled.

Varietal: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Analysis: 12.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 1.1 g/L
Winemaker: Gregory Ahn
Illustrator: Abigail Ahn
Critical Acclaim: 83pts Wine Enthusiast 2019

ABOUT DAYS OF YOUTH:
Days of Youth is inspired by the magical spirit of imagination and the endless possibilities the world offers when you are a kid. The team behind this wine believes that wine brings these same possibilities as well as a youthful sense of joy and freedom to life. They bring that same freedom to winemaking by sourcing grapes based on quality and character, not appellation. They believe anything should be possible in the world of wine. They only categories they want to be in are delicious and fun. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Days of Youth – All Rights Reserved.

Da Lua Prosecco wine bottleDa Luca
Sparkling Prosecco DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Da Luca Prosecco is a bright, easy-drinking sparkling wine that reflects the character of Italy’s Veneto region. Made from Glera grapes grown in selected areas of the Prosecco DOC, it shows a pale straw hue and opens with notes of green apple, pear and soft floral tones, along with a light touch of citrus. The palate is clean and refreshing, offering crisp fruit, gentle acidity and a fine, steady sparkle. It works well as an aperitif or for casual celebrations, and it complements everything from seafood to simple starters, making it a flexible choice for many settings.

Varietal: Glera
Analysis: 11% alcohol/volume
Critical Acclaim: 86 pts Wine Enthusiast 2019; 90pts Wine Enthusiast 2023

ABOUT DA LUCA:
The home of Da Luca is in Sicily, Italy. Nothing captures the Sicilian spirit and vibrancy better than Scopa.  Played by families after dinner and growers amongst the vines, this lively, local card game was the perfect inspiration for their label.  Da Luca works with grape growers in Northern Italy to create their finest Prosecco.

Information & Photos © Da Luca Wines and Wine on Sale – All Rights Reserved.

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November Premium Club

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Bold wine Style logoArchimedesFrancis Ford Coppola Winery
Archimedes 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Dark and dramatic in color, the 2021 Archimedes presents robust aromatic impressions of blueberry, black currant, caramel, and toffee. Rich, smooth tannins complement a full array of flavors, including plum, dark chocolate, white pepper, tobacco, and anise – each adding to the balanced complexity of a stunning and sophisticated vintage.

Varietal: 93.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.4% Malbec, 1.6% Petit Verdot, 0.2% Other
Appellation: Alexander Valley & Pine Mountain sub-AVA, California
Alcohol: 15% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.58
Total Acidity: .65 g/100ml
Barrel Regimen: 20 months in French oak barrels, 80% new oak

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Considered one of the greatest mathematical minds of all time, Archimedes of ancient Greece was a physicist, astronomer, engineer, and inventor. The lever, compound pulley, and hydraulic screw are among his many inventions. As legend has it, Archimedes defeated the Roman army at sea by creating enormous reflective devices which harnessed the sun’s rays to ignite and burn their ships. The painting reproduced on our label memorializes this amazing moment in history. Having admired this great innovator, Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather Agostino named his first son Archimedes. With this wine, Francis Ford Coppola pays homage to Uncle Archimedes, a man who loved math and mechanics as much as his namesake.

Crafted for the true connoisseur, Archimedes is produced in very limited quantities from the vintage’s most impressive lots of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2021 vintage started off cold and dry. Initially inconsistent weather patterns created a lighter crop, but mild to warm weather later provided perfect conditions to develop concentration and flavor. The 2021 Archimedes was aged over a year and a half in French oak barrels, resulting in a beautifully integrated wine.

VINEYARD NOTES:
Archimedes is sourced from high elevation vineyards in Alexander Valley. High elevation means prolonged sun exposure and less dramatic temperature shifts. Vines can synthesize flavor and phenolic compounds at a higher and more consistent rate. Light onshore winds also work to moderate the temperature. Together, these conditions allow for a slow, steady ripening of the grapes, even when bud break is delayed after a dusting of snow during the winter.

HARVEST NOTES:
The fruit selected for the 2021 Archimedes comes from three separate vineyards in Alexander Valley. Archimedes Vineyard, in the Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak sub-AVA, is one of the highest elevation vineyards in Sonoma County. Residing high above the fog line at 2,100 feet, it features soil made of medium-sized rocks mixed with a fine loam. The Dayton Vineyard is in Northern Alexander Valley. Well-drained Josephine loam combined with the warm summer nights of the growing season and the vineyard’s elevation all promote ripe dark fruit flavors when the grapes reach full maturity. Finally, the Farrow Ranch Vineyard provides additional flavor notes as well as structure and tannins that are essential parts of Archimedes.

Bold wine Style logoEleanorFrancis Ford Coppola Winery
Eleanor 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah
Sonoma County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2021 Eleanor is a rich, full wine with extraordinary aromas and mouth-filling flavors that highlight the sophisticated levels of its complexity. Sonoma fruit provides this vintage with polish and a wealth of structure for the wine to further evolve in the bottle. Lively notes of cacao, dark plum, and tobacco on the nose are accentuated on the palate with impressions of mocha, chocolate, blueberry, and clove. Structured tannins and a long, persistent finish are key components of this incredible vintage.

Varietal: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 4% Other
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Alcohol: 15% alcohol / volume
Barrel Regimen: 18 months in French oak barrels. 80% new French oak.
Pairing Recommendation: Beef Carpaccio or Filet Mignon

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Eleanor has always been a true partner in all of Francis’s endeavors. After fifty years of marriage, Francis wanted to honor her with ‘Eleanor,’ her own wine. “I met Eleanor in 1962 upon the occasion of beginning my first feature film in Dublin, Ireland. She worked in the art department and we quickly became fast friends, as we had much in common — coming from artistic families and enjoying food and wine. Our friendship blossomed into a romance and we were married; Eleanor giving me the greatest creative gift possible, children. We moved to San Francisco to raise our new family, and dreamed of having a small country house in the Napa valley with a few acres of grapes. Unexpectedly we found ourselves the owner of a large and beautiful wine estate. We’ve lived on the property with our family ever since, and our love of the land and of winemaking grew beyond our expectations, into wineries in both Napa and Sonoma valleys. Eleanor has always been a true partner in all my endeavors, bringing her creativity, honesty, and generous spirit to it all — she’s wife, mother, artist, filmmaker, collaborator, and inspiration. For all this and more, after fifty years of marriage, I wanted to honor her with ‘Eleanor’ her own wine.” — Francis Ford Coppola

HARVEST NOTES:
The 2021 vintage started off cold and dry. Initially inconsistent weather patterns created a lighter crop, but mild to warm weather later provided perfect conditions to develop concentration and flavor. Overall, a very nice harvest producing beautifully concentrated, distinctive wines.

ABOUT FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY:
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Diamond Collection is a tribute to perseverance and the pursuit of excellence, reflecting the life journey of its founder, Francis Ford Coppola. Born in 1939, Coppola overcame polio as a child and later attended UCLA’s film school before directing The Godfather in 1972—one of cinema’s most celebrated achievements. Framed by the belief that “it takes time to make a diamond,” the collection represents the blend of nature, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind each bottle. These wines are crafted from carefully selected vineyards across California, designed to be both elegant and approachable, embodying a cinematic sense of character and place. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Francis Ford Coppola Winery – All Rights Reserved

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October Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubTrincheri-vermouth-rosso-bottleTrinchero Family Estates
Trincheri
Rosso Vermouth
St. Helena, California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bittersweet and deeply aromatic. A brooding blend of 19 botanicals from a month long cold extraction process. Crafted from Barbera & Chardonnay grapes and fortified with Brandy, the botanical blend features: Roman Artemisia, Cinchona Bark, Ginger Root, Burmannii Cinnamon, Whole Clove and Nutmeg, Orange & Lemon Peel, Vanilla Bean and Star Anise.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Trinchero Family Estates has been making premium wine in Napa Valley since 1948. The founder, Mario Trinchero, was born in the prestigious Piedmont Italy wine region, immigrated to New York City and became a bartender at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria® and Barbizon-Plaza® hotels, moved to Napa Valley to start a successful winery, and later created a distinguished vermouth for its tasting room. Today, Trincheri Vermouth celebrates the family’s heritage in Italy, New York, Napa Valley as well as craft cocktails everywhere. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Trinchero – All Rights Reserved.

Cava-Jaume-Serra-Bouquet-Semi-Seco-bottleJaume Serra
Bouquet
Semi Seco Cava
Barcelona, Spain

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bright and clean straw color with golden reflections. Small, continuous bubbles. The nose has intensity and elegance with hints of flowers and nuances of white fruits and citrus. The palate is well structured making it very pleasant and easy to drink. It has a very good length and a fresh and sweet finish at the same time.

Varietal: Macabeo, Xarel•lo, Parellada
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol/volume
Recommended serving temperature: 41º-42.8ºF
Pairing Recommendations: Very good with nuts, salads, grilled vegetables or desserts such as lemon pie.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The vineyard origins date back to 1647, the year in which a place called El Padruell was built. A walled estate that since the 17th century had served as protection for an old farmhouse-fortress, which according to legend, had a passageway that connected it to the village. In 1986, it was inaugurated in Vilanova i La Geltrú and the construction of the winery and the planting of vineyards began. In 1997, the García Carrión family acquired the Jaume Serra winery. Jaume Serra is located on the top of a hill that slopes gently down to the Mediterranean Sea in Vilanova i La Geltrú (Barcelona), surrounded by 125 hectares of vineyards with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo and Chardonnay varieties. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Jaume Serra – All Rights Reserved.

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October Collector’s Club

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Collectors Wine ClubOrin_Swift_Mercury_Head_bottleOrin Swift
Mercury Head
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The opaque core of the 2023 Mercury Head flashes with a neon crimson rim. Mesmerizing in the glass, the wine opens with notes of blackcurrant, Amarena cherry, California chaparral and an elegant kiss of oak. The palate is effusive with hints of ripe blue fruits, blood orange, dark chocolate and rhubarb, rich and layered as the wine continues to open. Fully integrated tannins are paired with an elegant and nuanced close of blackberry preserves and licorice.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 15.5% alcohol / volume
Maturation: Aged 13 months in French Oak, 52% New

WINEMAKING NOTES:
An assembly of the finest Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon lots from the 2023 vintage, Mercury Head brings pure expression of the single varietal, nothing else blended in. Already proclaimed as one of the best vintages in Napa Valley history, 2023 not only produced fruit of the highest quality, but lots of it. A long, cool growing season allowed flavors to develop without any pressure to pick prematurely. Sourced from the Stagecoach, Morisoli, Indian Joe and Warnock vineyards, the 2023 Mercury Head is one to hold onto for decades.

Bold wine Style logoOrin_Swift_Papillon_bottleOrin Swift
Papillon
2022 Napa County Red Wine
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Pouring an opaque crimson core with a brooding cardinal rim, the 2022 Papillon opens with aromatic notes of ripe cassis, blackberry, coastal chaparral, cedar box and allspice. On entry, the palate continues many of the same notes from the nose—cassis, pluot, blueberry, boysenberry, shaved fennel bulb and a touch of earth. A round, weighty mid-palate effortlessly gives way to dusty, coating tannins—a pleasing texture—and finishing hints of barbecue tri-tip, Madagascar vanilla and toffee.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot & Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Analysis: 15.4% alcohol / volume
Maturation: Aged 13 months in French oak, 40% New

WINEMAKING NOTES:
A wine of juxtapositions, Papillon’s Napa Valley Bordeaux blend is comprised of all five varietals. French for ‘butterfly’, Papillon elicits an amalgamation of emotional responses; a delicate butterfly and the weathered hands of a farmer; a boisterous wine that also has an elegant side. Sourced from across Napa, much of the wine is made from the Stagecoach Vineyard with a small portion of fruit coming from just over the county line at the Monte Rosso Vineyard. Together, each varietal lends its own strengths and personalities to produce a blend hardly seen anymore today.

Our good friend and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman, photographed the label. – Dave Phinney

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Established in 1998 by Dave Phinney, the name comes from Dave’s father’s middle name, Orin, and his mother’s maiden name, Swift. Though Dave grew up in California, it was in Italy where his obsession began. In 1995, what was originally billed as a semester studying abroad, turned into an immersion on all aspects of wine. By 1997, Dave was all in and landed his winery job at Robert Mondavi as a temporary harvest worker. He learned a lot, including that he wanted to make his own wine. The next year, with two tons of zinfandel and not much else, Orin Swift Cellars was born. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Orin Swift – All Rights Reserved.

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September Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubFetzer_Gewurtztraminer_bottle_shotFetzer Vineyards
Gewürztraminer
California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Crafted in an off-dry style, this Gewürztraminer balances subtle sweetness with crisp acidity and vibrant varietal character. An exotic swirl of rose petal, honeysuckle, peach and mango entices the nose, leading to a richly nuanced palate of honeyed apricot, peach cobbler, cashew nuts and pastry. No surprise: the aromatic white hits the mark with spicy foods and sipping on its own alike.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 2.8 g/100mL
TA: 0.62 g/100mL
pH: 3.16
Appellation: California
Accolades:

  • 90 points, James Suckling, December 2020
  • Best Value, Wine Spectator, August 2020

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“Vineyards along California’s coast dial up the layered aromas in our intriguing Gewürztraminer. This vintage brought cooler temperatures, lengthening the growing season and giving the fruit plenty of time on the vine to develop bright acidity and complex flavors. Fragrant grapes from cooler regions, including Monterey County, were pressed as whole berries, then slowly fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks. The notable absence of oak makes this wine exceedingly fresh, while partial lees contact during aging lends an unmistakable richness to the mouthfeel.” – Margaret Leonardi, Winemaker

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Fetzer Vineyards is built on the belief that wine can—and should—do more than delight the palate. Grounded in the motto, “A good today. A better tomorrow.”, the company focuses deeply on both people and planet, working tirelessly to uplift communities, reduce environmental footprints, and craft each bottle as a force for good. They are a Certified B Corporation pioneering Zero-Waste & Renewable Energy winery using organic & regenerative wine growing practices. Learn more about the winery here.

Information & Photos © Fetzer Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

Two Chicks
Sparkling Vodka Cocktails
Variety Pack
Las Vegas, NV

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This month, our Sweet Club members will enjoy a variety pack of eight sparkling cocktails from Two Chicks.

two-chicks-variety-pack-vodka-cocktailsIncluded in Variety Pack:

  • Sparkling Vodka CuTea (2)
  • Sparkling Lemon Strawberry Kiss (2)
  • Sparkling Vodka Fizz (2)
  • Sparkling Cranberry Tartini (2)

Vodka-CuTeaTwo Chicks
Sparkling Peach CuTea

Savory peach paired with refreshing cucumber tea and a subtle finish of thyme. The perfect polished vodka peach cocktail.

AWARDS:

  • 93 points, PR%F Awards
  • 87 points, Beverage Testing Institute
  • Silver, PR%F Awards Design Distinction
  • Silver, 2021 Beverage Testing Institute
  • Gold, 2021 Beverage Testing Institute
  • 2nd Place, 2021 Canned Adult Beverage Competition
  • Silver, 2022 Bartender Spirits Awards

Lemon-Strawberry-KissTwo Chicks
Sparkling Lemon Strawberry Kiss

Pucker up for the fresh taste of lemon, finishing with strawberry bliss. You will enjoy the essence of strawberry fields mixed with lemon, as the hint of basil finishes this vodka cocktail, as the perfect kiss.

AWARDS:

  • 2nd Place, 2021 Canned Adult Beverage Competition
  • Silver, 2021 PR%F Awards
  • Silver, 2022 Bartender Spirits Awards

Sparkling-Vodka-FizzTwo Chicks
Sparkling Vodka Fizz

Fragrant with flavors of lush juicy pear, this refreshing elegant cocktail is paired with a silky smooth vodka. The final hint of velvety elderflower blossoms leaves an aromatic kiss on your palate. This cocktail defines relaxation.

AWARDS:

  • 91 points, 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, “Excellent. Highly recommended.”
  • Great Value, 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 89 points + Silver, Beverage Testing Institute
  • Silver, 2021 Beverage Testing Institute
  • Gold, 2021 Beverage Testing Institute
  • 98 points, PR%F Awards
  • 2nd place, 2021 Canned Adult Beverage Competition
  • Silver, 2022 Bartender Spirits Awards
  • Silver, PR%F Awards Design Distinction

Cranberry-TartiniTwo Chicks
Sparkling Cranberry Tartini

Refreshing, sophisticated vodka cranberry martini with a Two Chicks twist, satisfying your palate with the tartness of cranberry and the zest of lime. They couldn’t resist calling this the perfect Tartini.

AWARDS:

  • 2nd Place, 2021 Canned Adult Beverage Competition
  • Silver, 2021 PR%F Awards
  • Silver, 2022 Bartender Spirits Awards

ABOUT TWO CHICKS:
“Two chicks was born out of my passion for encouraging people to embrace on another and connect.  I just felt like there wasn’t anything in the market that really embraced the qualities of empowerment, inclusivity, and connection.  And I decided to focus on Deliciously Designed™, ready to go drink cocktails, because people tend to connect over cocktails.” — Megan, Founder

Two Chicks offers more than convenient, premium canned cocktails—they champion empowerment, inclusivity, and storytelling through a brand crafted by women who believe in beautiful design, good taste, and meaningful connection. Learn more about the company and the women behind the brand here.

Information & Photos © Two Chicks – All Rights Reserved.

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September Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubJCB_21_120x450JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset
Nº21
Crémant de Bourgogne
Burgundy, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

While effortless to enjoy, the Nº21 Brut is nonetheless a bit mysterious, crisp and bracing; it also has the tiniest bit of luminous creaminess. The nose is fresh and fruity with almond and white flower aromas. The palate has a full and generous mouth with a lovely harmony between freshness and fruit.

WINEMAKING: Traditional Method following specification of the Crémant de Bourgogne AOC. Aged for a minimum of 12 months on slats.
AWARDS: Silver | Glass of Bubbly Awards 2017

WHAT THE NUMBER 21 SIGNIFIES:
Jean-Charles’ philosophy of wine has been profoundly shaped by the wine region where he was born and raised: Burgundy’s famous Côte d’Or, which translates to the Gold Coast. N°21 honors this connection and heritage, for 21 is the French government’s “department” number for the Côte d’Or wine region.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Jean-Charles Boisset was born into the world of wine in the village of Vougeot, Burgundy, France. His lifelong passion for wine began as a child, as he grew up above the cellars and within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos de Vougeot, the epicenter and birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

His parents, Jean-Claude and Claudine, founded the family winery in 1961 with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in one of the most traditional wine growing regions in the world.  Today, the family collection includes wineries that share more than 20 centuries of combined winemaking heritage and tradition in some of the world’s most prestigious terroirs, from Burgundy to the South of France, to California’s Napa Valley and Russian River Valley. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Boisset Collection – All Rights Reserved.

DOS_2022_CA_SparklingRose-750-US Background RemovedDrop of Sunshine
Sparkling Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Bright and delightful with crisp red fruit led by cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. Delicate and subtle citrus blossom complements the bright, fresh fruit aromatics with mouthwatering acid and a creamy finish.

Varietal Composition: 40% French Colombard, 20% Syrah, 18% Riesling, 11% Barbera, 11% Zinfandel
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
RS: 6.0 g/L
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.3
Winemaking: Charmat method
Pairings: Flavorful and fresh enough to drink on its own, but with plenty of structure to complement any creamy dish, cheese, cured meat, white meats or fish.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
At Drop of Sunshine, the focus is on what women truly desire: authenticity, representation, and genuine experiences. To bring this vision to life, the brand has partnered with the visionary storytellers at Hello Sunshine to create a wine that embodies these essential values. Drop of Sunshine is more than a product—it is a tribute to the women, connections, and narratives that bring people together. The brand invites everyone to make this wine part of every toast, story, and shared moment. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Drop of Sunshine – All Rights Reserved.

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