Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
Bodegas Lagarde “Guarda” Cabernet Franc – 2021 $21.96
With the first vines planted in 1897, Bodegas Lagarde is one of the oldest wineries in Mendoza, Argentina. Today the winery and estate are run by third generation sisters, Sofia and Lucila Pescarmona. When I first embarked to taste this estate-produced Cabernet Franc, I did fear I was going to find a glass that was too fruity and too luscious or lacking in personality. Boy was I wrong. The wine in the bottle is clearly produced by very skilled hands. The black fruit characteristics shined through: vibrant and deep black raspberry. The 12 months of French Oak maturation give this wine great structure and maturity. I simply loved the textured and supple tannins. The sip was long and elegant with enough acidity to compliment a lean meal or snacks. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Chinon “L’Epée”, Ch. du Petit Thouars – 2019 $22.96
To say that Neal Rosenthal has good instincts is more than an understatement. A legend in the wine world, his portfolio has long showcased the many viticultural regions of France. There was one notable exception: Chinon. What he finally chose…voilà! My expectations were high and I was not disappointed. Smooth on the palate with silky tannins, layers of red fruit (cranberry, currant, bing cherry) mix with earthier notes (leaves and herbs) and a touch of ground pepper, making for diverse pairings from meat to heartier fish to veggies to cheese. – Doug Yacka, Operations Manager
Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé, Amélie Constant – 2019 $28.96
Wow, what a delight! There is not a lot of Crémant that makes its way out of Bordeaux to our shores, so I am always on the lookout for it. This has a lot going for it, including 100% old-vine Cab Franc, 2 years of lees aging, and biodynamic vineyard practice. All that, and it’s a brut nature, so there’s no added sugar at dosage! Bouquets of cut flowers and red fruits on the nose lead you to a crisp, dry wine with a wonderful textural component and a lingering finish. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Hardin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 2022 $34.96
The Hardin is truly one of the best values in Napa Valley. This bottling is a secret blend of top Napa producers that delivers incredible aromas, textures, and flavors for a fraction of the cost to its neighbors on the shelf. The pedigree of the fruit is paramount here, as top Napa estates who command much higher prices (up to $150 per bottle) sell their extra grapes to create this delicious wine. These low-yielding vineyards produce intensely colored wines, with a texture that is both dense and smooth. Crème de cassis, spiced plums, subtle oak, and minerals welcome you in, while the finish leaves your palate craving another sip, or bottle! – Alex Malecki, Sales Manager
Gundlach Bundschu, Cabernet Sauvignon – 2021 $49.96
How do you pronounce it? “Gun-lock-bun-shoe.” How best to enjoy it? With family, friends, and cheeseburgers, sure, but the possibilities are endless. For me, this is California in a bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon grown on Rhinefarm creates wines of depth and power, well-integrated tannin structure, intense dark fruit and layers of cocoa and cassis. This wine is ready for you right now and will age beautifully up to ten years and beyond. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant