2021 Scheuerman Riesling
Pfalz, Germany
Brothers Gabriel and Simon Scheuermann won me over when I read their quote, “We don’t make German wine. We make Pfalz wine. In a Loire style.” As young boys, they knew their fate. Gabriel told his kindergarten teacher he wanted to be a winemaker and Simon was always one among the vines. At 16 and 19 years of age, they took the reins of their family winery. Just over ten years have gone by, and Gabriel and Simon are producing organic wines with biodynamic farming practice that are expressive of their land and style. This 100% Riesling is grown in sandstone and loamy soils giving it a texture reminiscent of the Loire. Being a ‘trocken’ this Riesling is completely dry. It has a light and bright body that is juicy from start to finish. In the glass it is a pale straw yellow. Aromas of stone fruit, green apple and citrus meet your nose. The palate is coated with peach, nectarine, and mineral notes, leaving your mouth watering for another sip.2022 Les Lunes ‘Astral Blend’
North Coast, California
There’s something about a light chillable red with great acidity that feels so refreshing, like a palate cleanser between bites of the loaded plate of mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and turkey. Les Lunes winery hit the mark for us this year with their ‘Astral Blend’ of 20% Pinot Noir, 6% Zinfandel, 23% Zinfandel rosé, 16% carbonic Zinfandel, 11% Sangiovese, 17% Chenin Blanc, 7% Colombard. All organically farmed and cared for vineyards allow for healthy robust fruit that stands strong with minimal intervention. We like to slightly chill this wine, not as cool as white, rosé, or bubbles as we feel that shades the aromatics and flavor profiles. So, think 20-30 mins in the fridge, a nice cellar temp of 60-62 degrees. In the glass, this is a vibrant light red. The nose is bright with brambleberries and earthy spices. The palate has crunchy red fruit, salinity, and medium tannins. Only 755 cases were produced.2021 Broc Cellars ‘Le Clairet’
North Coast, California
Never did I think I would want a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon on Thanksgiving, but Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars has a way of making wines that lift you up and don’t weigh you down. So, if a full-bodied red is what you crave with your Thanksgiving Feast, look no further than Le Clairet. Chris Brockway made his way to California from Nebraska as the brambly zinfandel called his name. What he soon discovered after landing in California was that most of the wines were bigger and hotter (meaning high in alcohol) than what he wanted. So, when he started Broc Cellars, he chose to focus on wines that are best for all of us, from the land to the vines to ourselves. With biodiversity and organic practices, there is soil health and natural water retention of the land. Grapes are harvested early for higher acidity and lower sugars. In the glass this red is rich with purple hues. There are notes of plums, red berries, and coastal mountain herbs on the nose. The palate is bright and clean with dark fruit notes, a hint of black pepper, and laurel bay leaves with a long clean finish. This is a joyful wine to share and drink. Only 1149 cases produced.
