Standout U.S. Wines
Sparkling wines, still wines, white wines, roses, reds, chillable reds—the U.S. is putting out incredible wines in every style you could think of. These six standouts received our staff’s approval.
Channing Daughters, Cabernet Franc Rosato – 2021 $16.96
I have picked this wine in the past, but I feel it bears revisiting. Channing Daughters has always made quality wines that at the same time vary nicely with the vintage. This has always been one of my favorite rosés. Dry, clean, and full of bright fruit, balanced by a wonderful, earthy, vegetal, and herbaceous greenness. Reminding me of classic Loire valley rosé from Chinon or Saumur, this wine proves that beautiful things can come from difficult years. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Kerner, Left Foot Charley – 2018 $21.96
I’m always an advocate for the esoteric end of the spectrum, so seeing a Kerner made in Michigan piques my interest. If you love Alsatian, Germanic, or Alto Adige Italian white wines, this will definitely be in your wheelhouse. Aromatic with bright flavors of citrus and stone fruit. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Broc Cellars Love Red – 2021 $21.99
If you want to add some “love” into a sultry summer night, try uncorking Love Red. It’s a fresh, soft, and chillable Carignan-based blend. Grapes are handpicked from organic vineyards throughout Mendocino County and vinified with natural methods in Broc’s urban winery in Berkeley, CA. It shows flavors of fresh berries with a touch of fresh herbs and sweet spice. – Chung Park, Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bloomer Creek, “Edelzwicker” Pétillant Naturel – NV $24.96
A blend of Cayuga White, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer, this sunrise-colored pétillant naturel from Bloomer Creek will astonish with flavors of orange blossom, mangoes, and lemon/grapefruit citrus all packed into a dry, creamy sparkler. This bottle should be a summer staple. – Jose Banegas, Wines & Spirits Consultant
Florèz, “9 Volt”, Grenache Noir – 2021 $27.96
If you are looking for a chillable red that explodes with energy on the palate, this is the wine for you! Made entirely from Grenache coming from the Windmill Vineyard in the Dunnigan Hills AVA (part of the aptly named Yolo County in California), this is the definition of “glou glou” wine. Hot summer days that approach 100 degrees with cool nights in the 50s create unbelievable tension. Abundant aromas and flavors of cherry and watermelon are to be found in this electric red! – Alex Malecki, Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bucklin “Old Hill Ranch”, Ancient Field Blend – 2019 $41.99
While it gets talked about as a Zinfandel-based wine, this heavyweight from Cali terroir-obsessives Bucklin is really a field blend of 30 different varieties from a single vineyard planted in 1885. You’ll certainly find enough generous, dark fruit to satisfy anyone looking for a big red, but it’s surrounded by notes of bright juniper, baker’s chocolate, saline, mint, and a kiss of smoke, drinking with surprising elegance. – Jon Miner, Wines & Spirits Consultant