Fino


The unique yeast that grows on top of the sherry protecting it from oxidation.

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A Spanish sherry style. Fino is made from the grape variety Palomino Fino, it is protected by Flor yeast throughout its life. In what is called biological maturation.

The list of sherry styles below is not exhaustive. It is ordered from freshest and least alcoholic to most developed and alcoholic. The continuum of sub-styles under each is considerable. Variables being, average age, the strength of flor, and, level of oxidation (sometimes determined by the fill height of casks. These limits of each of these factors stretch as you shift from the freshest to most developed styles. A Fino won’t be seen past 6-7 years of age, an Olorosso my stretch to 90 years average age.

Freshest Fino – Manzanilla – Manzanilla Pasada – Amontillado – Palo Cortado – OlorosoPedro Ximénez Most Developed

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Feeling Thirsty?

Pinot Noir from Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte-de-Nuits

Domaine de l’Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges ‘1er Cru Mont des Oiseaux’ 2020

“The 2020 Nuits Saint-Georges Mont des Oiseaux 1er Cru offers dark cherries, hints of peppermint and spice on its quite extravagant nose. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy dark berry fruit, good volume here, fine acidity, hints of white pepper and sage furnishing the composed finish.”Neal Martin, Vinous 89-91 Points

Vintage 2020
$320
$310ea in any 3+
$300ea in any 6+

Chardonnay from Viré-Clessé, Mâcon

Domaine Guillemot-Michel Viré-Clessé ‘Charleston’ 2019

Wow! Initially a little spritz that swirled of quickly, the protective nature of dissolved CO2 goes some way to explaining why this wine looks younger than the “2020 Retour a Terre”.  Bottling with a little CO2 is a sign that they see this as a wine for the longer haul. It is obsolete to repeat many of Kelley’s remarks. It’s clear that the fruit is exceptional, the mid-palate weight, always a sign of quality Chardonnay, is impressive, along with the flow, shape and texture. Incred

Vintage 2019
$160
$153ea in any 3+
$146ea in any 6+

Shiraz/Syrah from Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhône

François Villard Saint-Joseph ‘Mairlant’ 2020

Love the perfume here very complete long layered fine, dark and red fruit with brooding and stalk. Harmonious with subtle pepper pop. Excellent élévage, fine acid. Build in structure and mid-palate grip, giving energy. Playful fun.Excellent comparision with Hauts Châssis’ Saint-Joseph made with no whole bunches.Saturated violet color. Vibrant, spice-tinged dark berry, cherry, potpourri and licorice aromas are sharpened by a smoky mineral flourish. Fresh blackberry and bitter

Vintage 2020
$107
$102ea in any 3+
$97ea in any 6+

Barbera from Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba ‘Francia’ 2018

The 2018 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is an explosion of floral, savory and mineral notes. Like the Cerretta, the Francia Barbera is quite delicate in this vintage. It has a bit darker fruit, stronger savory undertones and a touch more depth. It is a beguiling, beautifully layered wine that unfolds graciously over time.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points

Vintage 2018
$249
$242ea in any 3+
$235ea in any 6+