Leaderboard 11.0
June 29, 2021: Varner Jim and Bob Varner studied at U.C. Davis in the ‘70s. They eventually found their way to the Santa Cruz Mountains, first planting vines in 1980, and spent most of their working lives at their Spring Ridge Vineyards, falling in love with the land and viticulture potential. Thus began the legacy of the Varner brothers and their Burgundian-styled winemaking. They cultivated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for 34 great years that was a labor of both love and satisfaction. At harvest, their crew of about 20 people meticulously sorted and picked just 2 acres of grapes per day. Bob worked in the...
Leaderboard 10.0
June 22,2021: For our 10th Leaderboard, we are singing the praises of Ceritas. This winery is fast becoming one of our favorites for Chardonnay. Ceritas sells out instantly on their mailing list, and a few lucky retailers (AWCO!) can secure small quantities. We are excited to offer two special Ceritas Chardonnays...the Chablis-like "Marena" from the Sonoma Coast and an age-worthy gem from the coastal Trout Gulch vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Brainchild of husband-and-wife duo John and Phoebe Raytek, Ceritas is first and foremost a celebration of the "vineyard." The couple prides themselves on their intimate knowledge of their...
Leaderboard 9.0
June 15, 2021: We are thrilled to offer one of our favorites for Father's Day: The Blue Blazer x Billy Sunday Old Fashioned Blue Blazer is a group of industry veterans and batched cocktail experts looking to bring quality and customization to the ready-to-drink market, starting with Chicago. They have partnered with renowned Chicago bar Billy Sunday (known for classic drinks, adventurous new creations and a deep library of vintage spirits) to offer their signature drink The Old Fashioned. Featuring award-winning 4-year old Driftless Glen Bourbon, Zucca Rabarabro, cane sugar and orange bitters, it is full of depth with rich flavors that...
Leaderboard 8.0
June 8, 2021: 2019 Chateau Thivin Côte de Brouilly Cuvee Zaccharie. If you haven't tried a Cru Beaujolais, now is your chance. This is not your Grandmother's Beaujolais Nouveau! Château Thivin is the benchmark domaine of the Côte de Brouilly--the oldest estate on Mont Brouilly. Old Gamay vines planted on steep hillsides, pink decomposed granite and whole-cluster fermentation combine to produce a fruit-forward, refined, and age-worthy red. No bubblegum or bananas here. Kermit Lynch describes these wines as “…a country squire who is not afraid to get his boots muddy. Handsome, virile, earthy, and an aristocrat." We agree and also think...