LIANA’S FEBRUARY PICKS

1- Graham's 10 yr Tawny Port:

Almost 200 years old and still a family owned/operated port house in Portugal, I chose Graham's 10 year Tawny because it is so deliciously refined...complex nutty aromas, hints of honey and fig, rich mature fruit flavors, and a luscious long finish...perfect with bleu cheese, walnuts, caramelized pecans and chocolate...the darker the better!

2-Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc:

Schramsberg is regarded as the first sparkling wine to gain distinction in California and to rival the prestige and quality of French champagne...tasting it, you know why!

The Schramsberg style of Blanc de Blancs ('white from white' made from Chardonnay) is dry and crisp and gained international recognition in 1972 when then President Nixon served the wine at the historic “Toast to Peace” in Beijing, China....While this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an apéritif; it is also perfect with fresh oysters, other shellfish, crab cakes, ceviche and grilled sea bass. It is also delicious with lemon chicken and Thai curries or serve with aged Gouda or other hard cheeses and as a counterpoint to soft triple creams.

3- Etude Pinot Noir:

If you are into an elegant and authentic pinot noir, then you are in for a real treat...one of my favorites! Etude is committed to producing a distinct style of quality, honoring Burgundian heritage with appreciation to their California roots. This lovely Carneros wine has aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, sandalwood and a touch of "turned earth". On the palate: red cherries, mocha and baking spice notes from aging in French oak extend to a nice lengthy finish.

4-Schramsberg Brut Rose:

Continuing with this amazing winery for the "love month" of February, it wouldn't make sense to omit this lovely rose brut! Schramsberg Brut Rosé is flavorful, complex and dry, making it both versatile with food and delicious by itself as an apéritif. The character of the wine is most strongly influenced by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay gives it spice, structure and length on the palate. A very versatile wine, try it with sushi, salmon, rock shrimp, pizza, roast chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, chocolate raspberry desserts and creamy cheeses with summer fruits.

5-Penfold's Bin 2:

People that know me know I love Australian wines and Penfold's is at the top! One I just recently tried is the Bin 2...and what a pleasant surprise! A blend of 80% Shiraz and 20% Mourvedre, this apparently was Penfolds' answer to an experimental "Australian Burgundy". Easy drinking with plenty of fruit but not overtly concentrated, this wine pairs well with beef, lamb, veal and pork dishes. 

6-Marques de Caceres White:

The vinification methods of Marqués de Cáceres are similar to those used in Bordeaux. Thus, French winemaking techniques and expertise have been applied to native Spanish grapes to produce one of the finest modern Riojas. This refreshing dry style Spanish white (100% Viura) has notes of pear, apple and citrus fruit...great length and lasting finish, pairing with many dishes: traditional appetizers, rice dishes, spicy dishes, seafood and sushi.

7-Cono Sur Merlot:

Cono Sur, named after the shape of South America the "southern cone", is a Chilean winery known for it's reputation (owners of Concha y Toro) and its quality, being the first Chilean winery to win ISO certifications (quality assurance and organic). This Merlot comes from Colchagua Valley, one of Chile’s most privileged origins. It’s a very dark red wine that screams intensity. Its nose presents black cherry aromas, with notes of pepper, coffee and sweet oak hints. Cono Sur 'Visión' Merlot has a full and very concentrated mouth, with ripe tannins and a marvelous structure. Definitely a velvety, elegant wine and wonderful with meat dishes.

8-Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon:

Souverain’s 120-year-old Estate Vineyard in the northern part of the Alexander Valley has consistently delivered quality wine...and this cabernet is no exception! Rich aromatics of roasted coffee, black and red fruit on the nose lead to flavors of black cherry, black plum and blackberry on the palate. Structured tannins along with subtle layers of vanilla and bittersweet chocolate offer a well-structured mouth feel that contributes to a long, toasty oak finish. Perfect for a hearty meal!

9-Goats do Roam Red:

Fairview owner/vintner Charles Back humorously suggested the vinification of a Rhône-style blend called "Goats do Roam" and thus, was born in 1999, what was for the South African wine scene an innovative blend using Rhône varieties such as Shiraz, Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvedre with a dash of local Pinotage, But, despite the humour of the packaging, the content of the bottle is impressive with its quality, combining rich complexity with great drinkability. Rich red fruit aromas with cloves and spiciness lend to a rich medium bodied style, with subtle oak influences and soft tannins. Bar-b-que anyone?