Event

Every Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 pm we open a special bottle of wine and offer to you at a highly discounted price.
The wines are typically 90 points or better and are discounted 20-40%. Sometimes even more! when we can get special pricing from our vendors , we pass the savings along to you!!
Come in on Thursday and sample. If you can't make it, call us and we can put some aside for you!! 
(All purchases must be accompanied by a credit card.)

AU CONTRAIRE

 Pinot Noir 

 Sonoma Coast

2012

100% Pinot Noir

 91 Points!  The Wine Enthusiast    

"Light and spicy, this hails from cool-climate sites. It is exhilarating in cinnamon and clove, with a structured core of wild strawberry and a finish of fennel. The aromas of violet that waft forward on the nose are incredibly inviting, as is the wine's silky texture."  Editors' Choice

  Regularly $33.99

Special Sale Price  $25.00
 

Only $132.00 for six

Fun Factoid - The movie "Sideways" catapulted California Pinot Noir to stardom. 

Since the release of the hit movie in 2004, Pinot Noir production has grown by a whopping 81%!

Can’t make it Thursday?
 Call us 703-668-WINE (9463)

Our Thoughts.....

Brilliant ruby with aromas of layers of cherry, raspberry and plum with a hint of violet are surrounded by subtle spice. An elegant and silky mouthfeel with fine-grained tannins and firm acidity showcase the wine’s ripe red fruit. Pairs well with grilled and roasted meats such as lamb, pork, poultry, duck and light sauces, or with delicate cheeses.

About Au Contraire.......

The first US brand developed by the Taub family, owners of leading importer Palm Bay International, Au Contraire represents the family’s return to their roots in the California wine business. This charming French expression, Au Contraire, was used often by Palm Bay’s beloved founder David S. Taub, usually preceding an insight that took a turn from conventional wisdom. President & CEO Marc D. Taub fittingly adopted his father’s favorite saying to embody a new project that takes Palm Bay in a somewhat unexpected and exciting direction: domestic wines. After decades of bringing gems from around the globe to American consumers, Au Contraire is the debut new release from the Taub Family Vineyards selections. This new domestic portfolio is designed to complement Palm Bay’s renowned import selection, and exemplify a commitment to developing outstanding wines from key California appellations. Au Contraire comes from California’s prestigious Sonoma Coast AVA. With over 2,000 acres of vineyards, this appellation extends from San Pablo Bay in the south to the border with Mendocino County in the north. With most vineyards located above fog line, a cool climate and beneficial rainfall levels, it is an ideal growing area for fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

About the Vineyard.....

 PRODUCTION AREA Country: United States Region: Sonoma Coast, CA This wine is a blend of Sonoma Coast vineyards from Sebastopol, CA to the new Fort-Ross Seaview AVA overlooking the Pacific. The full spectrum of Pinot Noir clones are represented in this wine. Older traditional California selections such as Martini, 2A, and Pommard are complemented by the more recently available Dijon clones (115, 667, 777), as well as low vigor selections from the Swan and Calera vineyards. GRAPE VARIETIES 100% Pinot Noir

 PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES Fruit was rigorously hand sorted and fully destemmed with no crushing. Moderate cold soaks (4-5 days), warm fermentations (85-90° F) with mostly native yeasts, with minimal punchdowns. Total skin contact ranged from 11-18 days with all fermentations carefully basket pressed and put into barrel on their lees for malolactic fermentation. Racking was minimal. The wine is aged for 12 months in 100% French oak barrels (35% new).