This is a dry white made by famed Sauternes producer Chateau Giraud. A really nice change of pace (and a heck of a lot less expensive) from good old Sancerre. The semillon component brings another layer of texture and complexity to the table as well. This is unique, fun and very food friendly and an absolute bargain.

-Phil Bernstein

A dry white wine made from a blend of equal parts of sauvignon and sémillon and aged on lees for 6 months, half in stainless steel vats and the other half in barrels used for the château’s Premier Cru dessert wine, G de Guiraud is a truly exciting wine.

-Chateau notes

From one of the top family estates in the heart of Grande Champagne—the premier cru of Cognac—Claude Thorin’s V.S.O.P. shows remarkable finesse and depth. Elegant aromas of vanilla, dried fruit, and subtle florals lead to a smooth, silky palate with hints of spice and a long, refined finish. A true connoisseur’s Cognac that overdelivers for the price—perfect for sipping neat or gifting to any Cognac lover

The domaine farms ten acres in this high elevation appellation just southwest of Morgon. The vines are all head-pruned (as are all of the domaine's Gamay), average 50 years and grow on a steep, south-facing hillside of sandy granitic soil. The grapes are de-stemmed but not crushed, and ferments are spontaneous. The élevage is a relatively short one of six or so months in concrete vats, making for an especially exuberant wine of crisp red berry fruit. Production averages 1,670 cases.

-Importer notes

—Tom Wolf (Kermit Lynch)

Alc: 8% - residual sugar: 42,0 g/ltr – acidity: 7,9 g/ltr.
The single vineyard site “Ockfener Bockstein” is a
guarantee for filigree and “powerful” wines. this
vineyard site is also a classified VDP “Große Lage”,
out of which you can also vinify Große Gewächse. On
the palate you will find floral aromas and acacia honey
and nuances of vineyard peach. The subtle
sweetness is vibrant and fresh. In combination with
the racy acidity the Ockfener Bockstein Riesling
Kabinett make really fun. The palate is encased of
fine sweetness, so that you have a fine and long finish

Tannat is arguably the signature grape of Uruguay, but I've been pretty impressed by the Albariño there too. FAAA! shows all the crisp, briny hallmarks of Albariño from Galicia, but a bit richer pear and melon fruit on the palate. It's not easy to find good examples of the grape under $20, so this is really a great deal for a super-flexible food-friendly white. This will be a real crowd-pleaser either as a walk-around or with dinner. - John Fitter | Addy Bassin's

FAAA! Albariño is made by third generation winemaker Santiago Deicas in the Juanico subregion of Canelones, Uruguay. The Deicas Family moved to South America from the Alpine town of Bormio, Italy and founded their winery in 1978. They first started planting Albariño in 2009 and now have approximately 12 acres of Albariño under vine. Juanico is a coastal region that benefits from a temperate climate and well drained soils that allow for a slow ripening period which enables the fruit to develop a natural acidity and salinity. - Importer notes (Brazos)

Our Bourbon gurus John and Paul flew out to TN back in June to pick out this barrel straight from the distillery. Robust, spicy with just the right amount of JD sweetness. Really fantastic stuff!

133.8 proof

Another rare alpine variety from Savoie specialist Philippe Grisard. This Verdesse offers ripe yellow stone fruit aromas and flavors with hints of lemon zest and fresh thyme. It's medium-weight with a certain creaminess on the palate, but its vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and light on its feet. Verdesse was a rather more popular variety in the past, but there are barely more than 25 acres in total planted today. I'm glad to have been able to stash a few bottles away for myself, because it's no longer being imported. If anyone wants to cross another obscure variety off your list, here's a delicious chance! - John Fitter | Addy Bassin's

This 2018 wine presents a very dark color and a remarkable aromatic intensity, with hints of wild berries and spices. Smooth on the palate, it possesses a strong structure with good volume and hints of well-integrated oak notes. It's a robust wine that combines freshness and pure fruit, resulting in a very long finish.

Winery Notes:

Aromatics: Ginger, Honeysuckle, pear juice, cinnamon,
pineapple. Intense wafting threads of Nobel Rot.

Flavors: Pink grapefruit, Cara Cara Pith, Tart Cherry, cardamom
and ginger spices. Slight trace of clove.

Texture: Mid-palate has a slight prickle due to dissolved CO2, it
is lively and playful. Delicate and refreshing on the palate versus
the heavier aromatic profile. Despite the rich aromatics the
acidity remains persistent and provides a racy finish.