Wines of the Week: 
 2019 Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Spatlese Nahe Riesling Normally $79.99–$67.99 15% Off This Week ONLY! 2020 Occidental Freestone-Occidental (Steve Kistler) Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Normally $99.99–$84.99 15% Off This Week ONLY! * * * About the Wines of the Week: 2019 Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Spatlese Nahe Riesling Normally $79.99–$67.99 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery The Dönnhoff family first came to the Nahe region 250 years ago, establishing a traditional farm in the village of Oberhäusen an der Nahe, which included livestock and vegetable gardens in addition to some grape growing. Oberhäusen and this part of the Nahe river valley is very pastoral; it feels far away from the relative hustle and bustle of the Rheingau and wine tourism. The countryside is serene and beautiful, marked by steep hillside vineyards in the succession of villages following the river from Norheim to Niederhausen, through Oberhäusen, ending in Schlössbockelheim. The estate was started by Helmut Dönnhoff’s grandfather, Hermann, in the 1920s. Helmut took over from his father, Hermann Jr. in 1966; at that time there were only four hectares under vine and still quite a bit of farmland, which was rented out. In 1971, the farmland was sold and Helmut turned his full attention to producing quality wine. Helmut is a very instinctive winemaker with a natural touch that he’s clearly passed on to his son Cornelius, who joined him at the winery 2007. The Dönnhoffs believe in craft and workmanship with the understanding that “winemaking alone cannot bring quality; it can only retain the available quality.” In the 40+ years that have passed since Helmut began his work some things have changed and shifted, but the commitment to excellence and transparency above all has remained constant from one generation to the next. The Estate has grown to 25 hectares but both father and son feel that this is as large as they want to be; more growth would mean less time in the vineyards and cellar, where they feel most at home and in their element. Cornelius is as thoughtful as his father and the two share the same view on winemaking, viticulture, and taste in wine; balance and “Das ganze ding muss klingen – The whole thing must be sound” are at the center of their philosophy. 
About the Wine Although the Nahe is a dry region, Dönnhoff does not water their vineyards as to encourage deep rooted vines. The soil is covered with organic material like straw and compost to preserve water and to avoid evaporation and erosion in heavy rains. With a 40-60% slope, the vines are all grown on wireframes, low to the ground to benefit from the warmth of the stoney topsoil. The Riesling vines are old clones sourced from the sites in Niederhausen and Schloßböckelheim, with vines aging up to 65 years old. Grapes are always picked by hand at Dönnhoff over two to three passes through each vineyard. After manual harvest, the grapes are fermented and matured in a mixture of stainless steel vats and neutral 10+-year-old 1200L German stuckfass from Hösch. For over 100 years, the Hermannshöhle has been revered as the Nahe‘s top-ranked site and the benchmark by which all other vineyards in the region are judged. It takes its name from a small mine, or “Höhle”, in the middle of the hillside. “Hermann” is derived from Hermes, the Roman god of messengers and travelers, and the name likely hints at an ancient place of worship once located here. This site faces due south and lies 427-574 feet above sea level. Its soils are primarily blackish gray slate mixed with extrusive igneous rock, porphyry and limestone. For generations, this marvelous site has shaped our expectations for what fine wines from the Nahe can achieve. A perfect, steep southern slope with soils consisting of blackish grey slate and volcanic elements, extremely rich in minerals. The stuff of legends, for over 100 years this has been the most lauded site in the entire Nahe wine growing region. 
Critical Acclaim "All of nature's springtime joy and the epitome of autumnal ripeness somehow combine with summer-morning dew to offer one of the greatest off-dry German wines made in modern times. Breathtaking finish, so wonderfully light and filigree. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold."–100 Points, James Suckling * * * 2020 Occidental Freestone-Occidental (Steve Kistler) Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Normally $99.99–$84.99 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery Steve Kistler, founder and winemaker of Kistler Vineyards for 37 years, has established a new pinot noir brand “Occidental” which is owned and operated by the Kistler family. Occidental is dedicated to the production of world-class pinot noir from the Freestone-Occidental area. Occidental built a state-of-the-art winery on a ridge top next to the Bodega Headlands Vineyard overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Peak capacity is planned to be 7500 cases of pinot noir. The new winery was completed in August of 2013 just in time for the harvest. Currently, Occidental produces three vineyard designated pinot noirs: Bodega Headlands, SWK Vineyard, and Occidental Station and a Sonoma Coast bottling. These extreme coastal sites are among the coldest and latest ripening vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental area. When Steve Kistler founded Kistler with Mark Bixler in 1978, his ambition was the same as it is now, to make Burgundian- style wine from Sonoma’s cool climates. Their Chardonnay became a benchmark for decades to come. Occidental, on the far reaches of the western Sonoma Coast, is where Steve finally decided to put his roots in the ground after 35 years of working with vineyards throughout Northern California. Occidental Vineyards surrounds a southwest-facing ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean and are among the coldest and latest ripening sites in all of western Sonoma. Steve is incredibly excited about what he has built at Occidental, not only for himself, but for his daughters Catherine and Elizabeth, who are now both fully involved in the project. 
About the Wine The 2020 Freestone-Occidental wine shares the same winemaking techniques as their vineyard designated pinot noirs. Crystalline, bright, mouthwatering, and a bit salty with a saline mineral finish, the 2020 Freestone-Occidental evokes juicy red berries and a near perfect balance of finesse and energy–of bright, primary red fruits and saline elements. It conveys outstanding precision and lift in the mouth and finishes vibrant and long with beautifully sculpted tannins. Its modest alcohol (13.3%) makes this wine a perfect complement to any meal. It is delicious now and will develop nicely in bottle. * * * Also Tasting Today: .jpg)
2020 Mas de Daumas Gassac Frizant Languedoc Brut Rosé $32.99 2021 Casanova della Spinetta Il Rosé di Casanova Tuscany Rosado $20.99 * * * About The Also Tasting Today Wines: 2020 Mas de Daumas Gassac Frizant Languedoc Brut Rosé $32.99  
About the Winery The historic Mas de Daumas Gassac was founded in 1974 by Aimé & Véronique Guibert. While the couple were keen on planting crops, they weren't certain which crops would thrive until a soil scientist from the University of Bordeaux tested the glacial limestone soils (akin to those in the Cote d'Or) and convinced them to plant grapes. Today, winemaker Samuel Guibert and his four brothers each manage different aspects of the family business. The valley, which benefits from the nearby sea and mountains, is dotted with a patchwork of small, forest-enclosed parcels that span over 40 different grape varieties. Several years back, the Guibert family began working with a neighboring cooperative in Sète to produce fun, full-flavored wines from the surrounding countryside and rocky hillsides. Organic farming is de rigueur and the vinification is closely overseen by the Guibert family. The results are splendidly aromatic wines that bring out the terroir of this Mediterranean region. The Moulin de Gassac wines are named after the patron saint of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, one of the most stunningly beautiful villages in Europe drawing people from all over the world. 
About the Wine This Rose Frizant is a vibrant pink sparkler coming from young Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Made in the Charmat Method to offer fresh, floral aromas. When first poured, your palate is immediately excited by notes of tart cranberry, ripe strawberry and fresh herbs, offset by a hint of chalkiness and subtle tannin on the finish. Even a producer rooted in tradition can have some fun! * * * 2021 Casanova della Spinetta Il Rosé di Casanova Tuscany Rosado $20.99 .jpg) 
About the Winery The Casanova della Spinetta estate dates back to the 1890s when Giovanni Rivetti purchased vineyards in the Piedmont region of Italy. In 1977, the family moved to La Spinetta (meaning "top of the hill") in Castagnole Lanze. The Rivetti's utilized the land's great potential for Moscato and began to produce the regions first single-vineyard Moscato wines. Eventually, Casanova della Spinetta added red and rosé wines to their production. Now, the estate prides themselves on crafting their wines with passion. Rivetti’s wines are known for their ageability, their lushness, concentration, aromatics, and length. Casanova della Spinetta, located in the hills south of Pisa in the heart of Tuscany, produces Sangiovese wines from 40+ year-old vines. Due to the age of the vines, the yield of grapes may not be as bountiful as younger vines, however the grapes themselves are much more concentrated in flavor. .jpg)
About the Wine Giorgio Rivetti’s quest to make great wine has taken him from Piedmont to Tuscany, into the world of sparkling wines and aperitivos, and Rosato. His six hectare vineyard sits at about 300 meters above sea level and enjoys southern exposure. Dry, light-bodied and youthful, this Rosé from Casanova della Spinetta takes Rosé wine to another level. The nose offers floral aromas while the palate showcases raspberry, cranberry and black cherry flavors. Bursts of red fruit and citrus makes this a summer sipper to enjoy at the dinner table or while watching a late sunset from the deck. This is great juice to pair with salmon, lamb or salad. 50% Sangiovese; 50% Prugnolo Gentile * * * Cocktail Recipe of the Week: 
Spring Fling Ingredients: 1.5 ounces Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka
2 strawberries (diced)
2 cucumber slices (skinless and diced)
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
0.75 ounce simple syrup
club soda Directions: Muddle strawberries, cucumbers and simple syrup in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add vodka and lemon juice and shake with ice. Double strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with a strawberry and cucumber slice. Cheers and Enjoy! * * * Snack of the Week: 
Papa's Best Batch Roasted Garlic Smoked Pistachios Papa's Best Batch all natural pistachios are creatively seasoned in small batches. Hand-smoked over local applewood in the heart of Hudson Valley, NY. Gluten free and no artificial ingredients. These Roasted Garlic Smoked Pistachios are marinated in lots of fresh garlic, cider vinegar and just a touch of sea salt. Then they spend six hours in the smoker, roasting the pistachios and garlic to deliciousness. These four ingredients: pistachios, fresh garlic, cider vinegar and sea salt, combine to create the tastiest concoction you will ever try. Yum! * * * | 
