Roche Bousseau Anjou Blanc

The beautiful Château de la Roche Bousseau was constructed in 1433, though much of it was destroyed after the French Revolution and rebuilt thereafter. Vines were planted in 1791 and have grown to almost 200 acres of Chenin Blanc and the other usual Loire Valley grapes. Chenin creates a simple enough wine in most places, but in Anjou the grape offers wines that can be complex, complete and exciting.

Roche Bousseau Anjou Rouge

The Château de la Roche Bousseau is first mentioned in the 15th century, but it was destroyed following the French Revolution. The Regnard family bought their first vines in 1791 around that time, now they own about 200 acres of vines. This is typical of what they produce: absurdly underpriced 100% Cabernet Franc from older vines with bright fruit and slightly herbal notes that are both fascinating and perfect for you to toss chicken on the grill.

Rocoiseau Viognier

More than a half century ago Viognier was forgotten; near extinct. In the 1980s things blew up, with acreages quintupling. There were a few successes, but most just didn't do justice to the grape. Winegrowers eventually found the ideal conditions, while the Viogniers of the Rhone have become pricey and sought-after. Elevated spots in the Pays d’Oc are this wine’s source; to a great degree this is the grape’s frontier now.

Rombauer Chardonnay

Fruity. Buttery. Big. It's Rombauer, I don't think any further explanation is needed.

Rosabelle Rose

For rose it doesn't matter as much what grapes you use, just the process. Though they need to be picked early and when they’re still tangy and tart. For Rosabelle that means Grenache and Cinsault. These days a paler style of rosé prevails, set by Provençal producers and Rosabelle is cut from that cloth.

Schweiger Napa Cabernet

Seigneur Du Feu Cabernet

Throughout the last two centuries of winedom, French wine has been aged in French oak (minus a few years surrounding WWI but we’ll save that history lesson for later). American oak is crucial to many other wine regions: Spain, Australia, the U.S. (maybe even Silver Oak). So this is a southern French Cab with American oak’s lashing of coconut and vanilla – the classic aromas of American oak barrels. An unexpected but happy marriage!

Snowvale Cabernet

It's no surprise that I love Snowvale Cabernet. It's classic California; ripe fruit, full-bodied, hints of spice, firm tannins, and an intense yet balanced finish. The surprise is that it's only $13. This is one to buy by the case. Just don't tell your friends how much you paid.

Snowvale Sierra Foothills

Since the 2012 vintage we have been partnering with Banshee Wines to select some insane high end left over barrels from prestigious wineries and bottle them under their Snowvale and Willowlake labels. The results have been pretty eye opening. We’ve seen wine from Dominus, Hidden Ridge, maybe or maybe not Dunn and some other crazy names.

Solanilla

Verdejo can have a layered texture all its own, and this dead ringer for high end California Chardonnay proves that Spain is the current global King of insane quality for extreme value.