Undressed Peach Sangria           7.5

Sangria comes in all shades and once you try this refreshing white wine version you may never go back.  Chenin Blanc, Campari, Apricot Brandy, Orange Liqueur, Fresh pureed nectarine, peach nectar, lime juice, simple syrup

Hugo's Sangria                           7.5

Our refreshing version of this classic drink blends Los Cardos Merlot with Fresh lime, orange, & pineapple with a hit of El Presidente Brandy.

‘09 Becker Estate Pinot Blanc (Pfalz) Germany

When people think Germany, they think of ruthless efficiency, luxury cars, productivity and sweet wines.   The last one is the part that really chaps my hide.  Yes, they make the best Riesling in the world and yes, that Riesling often has residual sugar.  However, it's not a saccharine sweetness, but rather a juicy and ripe expression of fruit and earth. Moreover, they also do an amazing job at making bracing dry wines.   Case in point is the 2009 vintage, a warm year for Europe.  The extra heat allowed producers in Northern areas such as Pfalz to make some exceptional dry wines that display richness and depth.  Pinot Blanc, one of the many mutations of Pinot Gris, is a grape that thrives in such vintages.  The 2009 Becker is delicious and the sort of wine that makes you question why you waste your time drinking inexpensive Chardonnay.  Creamy and supple with some beautiful quince, apricot and zippy citrus.  There is a hint of oak to add depth and a touch of vanilla, but it doesn't distract from the vivacious flavors.
Glass:   9                    3oz Taste:  4.5                       Bottle:   36

08 Domaine Bila-Haut "Occultum Lapidem (Roussillon) |France

The Cote Du Roussillon area in the South of France is a magical place located along the foothills of the Pyrenees,  Aside from the abundant sunshine and throng of hillside vineyards, the area also is held to a less stringent set of regulations than your average French wine appellation. Consequently, it's an area full of lush, dynamic reds that exude flavor without breaking the bank. The Bila-Haut is a winery started by Chapoutier, the famous Rhone Valley producer. Here they break free from the rules and make wine with a more luxurious and modern approach. Blending Grenache and Syrah, they've created a fleshy red offering  dark plum, blackberry preserves and chocolate flavors.  Along with the decadent fruit is a nice meaty underbelly with a "bouquet garni" of Provence style herbs.   The wine is well balanced despite the wealth of flavor and generous tannins.  A superb choice to play against the complexity of our dark mole dishes. 
Glass:   12                   3oz Taste:  6                   Bottle:  48

’08 Domaine Weinbach Reserve Muscat (Alsace) | France                   48

I endure a love/hate relationship with the Alsace region.  When dialed in the ethereal play of minerality, fruit and fragrance is mesmerizing.  In off years they bear a striking resemblance to a "Real Wives" casting call, complete with over-the-top perfume and obvious, artificial charms.  The '08 Muscat, a brilliant grape, represents all that is best.  Elegant and off dry with mouthwatering notes of spicy nectarine, citrus, white flower and a tangy almost salty mineral kick at the end. 

‘09 Terredora Greco di Tufo (Campania) | Italy                                     42

Would the soul of Italy be so evident, if not for Campania?  It's the source for fruit, vegetables and the Italian holy trio of olive, tomato and mozzarella cheese.  The area has amazing seafood from the Amalfi Coast and a winemaking history dating back 2,000 years. Greco di Tufo is one of Southern Italy's most noble whites.  The chalky soil of the Tufo creates a pure and vibrant mix of mineral and fruit, especially in the single vineyard used by Terredora.  The radiant flavors of apricot, white nectarine, tart pineapple and citrus blossom are warm and generous.  On the palate it's pleasantly full with a supple, creamy finish. 

'08 Numanthia "Termes" Tinto de Toro (Toro)|Spain                             46

If you look beyond Spain’s Rioja, you'll see a land bursting at the seams with delectable whites, reds and roses of every style.  Numanthia owns a collection of old vineyards just south of the Duero river in the Toro region.  The area's grape of choice, Tinto de Toro, is a red varietal nearly identical to Rioja's Tempranillo, but with a more potent, wild flavor.  Termes is the youngest of Numanthia's vineyards -- young in this case being 50 years.  The decadent color and wealth of graphite, purple floral tones and macerated dark berries make a serious initial impression.  On the palate it proves quite voluptuous and barely dressed with oak. 

’09 Couly-Dutheil 'Les Chanteaux' Blanc (Chinon)| France                  52

I hope 2012 will be the year of Chenin Blanc.   It's a grape deserving of a place on every wine list. The flavor and character is stunning, especially when grown in  the matchless soil of the Loire Valley.  The Couly is a unique example, as only 1% of the entire Chinon appellation is planted to this heavenly white. Dedicated to sustainable agriculture, they make an intensely flavored wine with a core of mineral, vibrant stone fruit and a honey tinged edge.  It proves Chenin can be texturally rich like Chardonnay, but without using oak. The white peach, almond and wildflower aromas make for an enchanting experience few wines can match. 

’09 Biale "Black Chicken Ranch" Zinfandel (Napa) | California        65

Aldo Biale was part of the wave of Italian immigrants to settle in Napa during the 1930's.  Once there he set about raising chickens and growing a little Zinfandel.  Selling eggs was allowed, but his illegal wine business wasn’t, so customers simply added a request for the “black chicken” to their order.  In the 90’s the family went legit and formed Biale, producing some hedonistic zins that deliver a delirious mix of fruit and spice.  His famed Black Chicken is a flashy affair of lush red fruits, dark cherry, licorice, peppery spice, coffee and faint dried citrus notes.   

'08 Ken Wright ‘Carter Vyd’ Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills) | OR     90

Ken Wright is definitely on the list of great American winemakers! He has an eye for detail and a keen touch when it comes to highlighting the flavors of the vineyard.  The best chance to explore the widely unique sub regions of the Willamette Valley has been through his collection of single vineyard pinots.   2008 was a show stopper vintage for Oregon and we were fortunate to land several of his offerings. The Carter, expresses the richness of Eola-Amity Hills in the southern Willamette.  Along with the rush of brambly berry, black plum and cherry is a core of seductive tannins.   The wine balances its "Marilyn Monroe" tendencies with a meaty edge and a finish that reminds acidity is always key to making remarkably well balanced wines.  This will be here today, gone tomorrow!

’10 Martino "Old Vine" Semillon (Mendoza)|Argentina                           36

No one likes to be pigeonholed, espcially wine regions.  Rare is the area that excels at only one varietal or style.  Argentina for example is known for Malbec, but has a great deal more to offer, including white wines such as Semillon.  The varietal is a French native, like Malbec, and shows real potential in South America.  Grown from seventy year old vines in the Mendoza this is a lithe, vibrant and pure rendition of a classic white Bordeaux.  The touch of minerality is a welcome surprise and offsets the racy lemon, tart apple and fresh herbal notes.  Delicious with the freshness of our seafood cocktails, lively salads and locally caught fish.