J.Wilkes Deal - $58.00

J.Wilkes Deal(No rating yet)

While Napa gets the buzz and the latest rapper/race car driver/NBA player/Kardashian wanna-be buying up vineyards, down south in the Santa Maria Valley, some remarkably elegant wines are being crafted out of the limelight. Tectonic plates crashing into each other have created lateral valleys that run perpendicular to the coast. These funnel cool moist air through the valley creating a remarkable cool climate AVA despite being quite a ways south. I've been really impressed with these wines and we're happy to offer cru members a really special deal. Buying any of these at the vineyard runs $30 a bottle, wine.com the same. Luckily, some wineries and winemakers like what we are doing here at Bitto, supporting wines by smaller producers, ignoring the bogus ratings, encouraging guests to branch out, etc. To help us show what this valley can do and to help you get into these wines at the lowest possible price, they have provided this unique threesome for us to sell.

Wine #1 is the Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. The lovely shows ripe red raspberry fruit, fresh cherry pie, clove and a light earthy, forest scent. Ample tannins add structure to the light acidity, giving palate-cleansing character that will improve almost any food that can be put on a plate or in a bowl. 

Wine #2 is the Santa Maria Chardonnay bringing orange blossoms, warm baked apple and lime zest with some faint caramel. Beautiful lilting acidity, a little seabreeze and just a hint of tropical fruit with oak to support but not overwhelm. More like white burgundy than the pineapple juice and popcorn butter versions from further north.

Wine #4 is the Paso Robles Highlands Cabernet Sauvignon. Santa Maria is a bit cool for Cab to fully ripen so this fruit comes from the new Paso Highlands District AVA. Courageously crafted with the same old world bright acidity as the Santa Maria wines, this is food friendly balanced Cab with classic black currant, cassis, blackberry, mocha and warm oak and vanilla that are in harmony not shouting to be heard.

Orchard Wine Cellar Movers and Shakers This Week

  • Armas de Guerra Rose

    #1 Armas de Guerra Rose

    My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time.
    (Holding the #1 spot)

  • Gran Passione

    #2 Gran Passione

    From the land of Amarone comes a delicious Merlot based blend. To perfectly ripe Merlot (60%) is added juice from dried Corvina grapes ala Amarone. Rich, deep and smooth, this is a remarkable Merlot that may just change your Merlot worldview! (behind by 3 bottles)

  • Bonavita Red

    #3 Bonavita Red

    Made from four grapes harvested later than usual to achieve a greater ripeness and smoothness. A deep and inky wine, with ripe plum and blackcurrant aromas. Nice ripe fig and cherry with chocolate and licorice flavors. Just enough oak to give it some backbone. tied

  • Tintero Moscato

    #4 Tintero Moscato

    Sori Gramella refers to the one of the only single vineyard Moscatos, and Marco is the only producer to bottle this striking limestone amphitheater commercially. Once the 30 year old vines give up their bounty, and the grapes are harvested and pressed, they are kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation until an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible. (behind by 11 bottles)

Fun New Arrivals

  • Gewurz

    Gewurz

    A CA Gewurztraminer crafted in the style of those from the Alps. Great crisp minerality, rose petal and lychee notes, with bright acidity to hold it together. All organic from the rugged and cooler Potter Valley in Mendocino. Try with grilled chicken or pork chops to see what a great food wine this is!

  • Chateau Redortier Beaumes de Venise

    Chateau Redortier Beaumes de Venise

    Wine geeks know of Gigondas and Vacqueras that show off Grenache like no other. Bordering both is Beaumes de Venise which is known for fortified Muscat. On a steep hillside (at 1500 ft!) twin sisters Sabine and Isabelle make this earthy, spicy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. A gorgeous wine.

  • Armas de Guerra Mencia

    Armas de Guerra Mencia

    An excellent introduction to Bierzo's native varietal, the palate is fresh, elegant, and clean. Energetic aromas of fresh blue fruits, violet and white pepper, plus a subtle touch of licorice. Supple and gently sweet on the palate, offering sappy boysenberry and floral highlights with a hint of smokiness.

  • A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon

    A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon

    This four grain whiskey uses a blend of rye, wheat and barley sourced from the Colorado Malting Company, and corn from Briess Malting in Wisconsin - encompassing the "mother grains" of bourbon. The whiskey ages about 3 years, all year round to capture the seasonal nuances from the ever-changing Colorado mountain air, in new, 53 gallon charred oak barrels source from Independent Stave Company.