Dear Friends,

As winter approaches, one’s mind naturally wanders to big reds, but I always like to keep my fridge stocked with refreshing whites year round. My wife and I always fight about the temperature (me low, she high) and I always lose, so from my perspective it's always tropical in my house. Besides, there’s nothing better to refresh your palate after a long day than crisp and juicy whites, winter, spring, summer or fall.

Today’s releases come from a grower partner and good friend of winemaker Sam’s up in the Clear Lake district of Lake County. One of the issues for growers in Lake County is that unless they have brands of their own, offers for their fruit are essentially viewed as a commodity, meaning a grower with great dirt is offered the same for his grapes as the guy down the street with not so good dirt. Our grower partner approached us Summer 2010 and a deal was struck for some terrific Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling based on some smaller lots he had made the year prior to show what the vineyard could do. These are good, well made whites priced for everyday drinking.

Lot 288 2010 Clear Lake District Sauvignon Blanc – crisp and bright aromatics with aromas of candied grapefruit, kiwi’s, and honeydew melon. This delicious fruit component is balanced with crisp acidity and complimented by an enticing minerality. Medium-bodied, fresh and delightful, this wine can be enjoyed over the next several years, but shows itself off splendidly now.

Lot 289 2010 Clear Lake District Riesling – Lush aromatics of apple, honeyed papaya and orange rind. Very Mosel-like and off-dry on the palate with great palate weight, but brisk acidity to back it up. Fantastic food wine for salads and Asian cuisine.

As you'll definitely want to stock up on these wines for the upcoming fall meals (think turkey folks), our customer service team is standing by to help you with your order or any questions you may have about our wines. Feel free to call us at 1-800-805-1971 or email us.