May 11. That's the day... we will reopen for limited appointment shopping. More details to follow, but that is when it will happen. And you can still do curbside pickup...

One of the obstacles we are facing is reclaiming the retail floor space that has become warehouse storage.

It doesn't help that I ordered a little too much of a few wines... And Rich is not letting it go. I was asking him to sell through a couple of cases of something, and his remark was, "Bet I can sell the it before the Tragolargo is gone, just saying "

Well, I'll take that bet. And I'm hoping you will help me out. Loads of reasons to do so including:

• The wine is a spectacular buy at $14.99... but at my cost of $9.99, it is a ridiculous steal
• We can't reopen till we have enough floor space
• Rich is British. You can't let him win the bet. That would be treason!
• And, what the heck, how bought buyers of the wine will get the first invitation to sign up for shopping time slots? Yep, I'm shameless. No way I am letting Rich win... I even removed him from the email list so he won't know I am doing this. (And if any of the other staff clues him in, you're fired! )

Tragolargo Monastrell 2019

Regularly $21.99

AT MY COST TO STICK IT TO RICH Sale $9.99

Beats the Best US Price Online by $10 per bottle! - save 55%!!!

91 pts Wine Advocate

So what makes this wine so incredibly drinkable? It starts with the 45+ year-old Monastrell vines from Casa Balaguer in the Alicante region of Spain. What these old vines lack in production quantity is more than made up for in quality - small amounts of complex and concentrated grapes. The winemaker then uses two separate fermentation techniques, blending them to create an incredibly vibrant, fresh wine with loads of unctuous, lush fruit on the back end. Aging in clay amphorae allows for a clear presentation of Monastrell's natural beauty while introducing a little oxygen... why? This little exposure to oxygen gives the wine a deep and rich texture. 

Put it all together and you have an incredibly juicy, vivacious wine. It’s got all the big berry and cherry I expect from Monastrell, all with a juicy streak of acidity underneath that enhances the drinkability and highlights each distinct fruit note. There’s beautifully elegant tannins and a lovely spice note that makes it all the more enjoyable. This is the exact wine I want when I get off work and there’s a little bit of sun left to sit out on the porch with.

Pairings? I don’t know… a pitcher?

Seriously, the winery recommends all the usual suspects - grilled meats, roast duck and pizza - along with Serran ham and Spanish cheeses. But the pairing that makes my mouth water is their suggestion of wild mushrooms and roasted red peppers stuffed with a soft goat's cheese. Oh my! 


Or reply. The wine is available now in both stores.