Wines To Go Buy This Week

2024 marks the 20th vintage for Spottswoode’s Lyndenhurst label. The original goal is still the same: use all five Bordeaux varietals and pull fruit from the estate as well as other exceptional Napa vineyards, all of which are organically grown. In doing so this wine allows for, “a broader expression of Napa Valley, while applying the same philosophy that shapes our Estate Cabernet,” says winemaker Aron Weinkauf.

For nearly 25 years, Rhys has been quietly making wine out of the underappreciated Santa Cruz Mountains. There is a delightful, earthy quality to this Pinot suggesting subdued fruit, green and black tealeaf and pomegranate. The acidity is spot on supporting the fruit along with the mild use of oak and the wines’ inherent tannic structure. However, this deviates from a lot of traditional bright-fruit-dominate California Pinot Noir because the Santa Cruz Mountains brings forth a brambly, earth equality that most other regions cannot attain. Their Mt.

Prosecco has a long and varied history, originally made as a still wine it eventually morphed into the world’s most popular sparkling wine. And now Voga has decided to take Prosecco back to its roots, and is making a “still Prosecco,” specifically without bubbles. Comprised entirely of Glera (the grape name which was also called Prosecco at one point) this offers softer notes of apricot, resin, and light guava, but this is not a fruity wine – there are more stone fruit characteristics – white peach, quince and loquat.

Not many family-run business can claim over 300 years in business, but the Saget family starting working with wine back in 1790. And leave it to the French to produce a very enjoyable Pinot Noir for under $20. Created in a lighter style this Pinot, at this price point, is a very good value and provides good quality fruit, tannic structure, and acidity. It offers red raspberry, light strawberry, delicate cherry, cranberry, worn leather, resin, a mild earthiness and a suggestion of cola. The wine is seamlessly blended and therefore drinks well.