October is not only visually stunning as Autumn leaves reveal their brilliant
red and orange glow, but when else can an adult act like a child and a
child like a grown-up…or a crazed clown. Halloween creeps up on us
and ushers us into the much-anticipated Holiday season. Baseball heads
into the play offs and football season is in full session. Seasonal ales are
abundant and we can begin to crack open those full bodied reds that
remained in hibernation in our cellars due to the hot climate. Fall and winter
dishes beg for those distinct wines that give new meaning to the phrase
“comfort foods”. As befitting this special month, our knowledgeable wine
staff has chosen a frighteningly great selection of wines to quench your
thirst and satiate your palate. No tricks here – just treats. As such, we offer
a cauldron of unique choices that echo this celebratory period, be they to
share with family over a Ghoul stew, scare up some frightfully good yarns,
or nudge you into wearing that Halloween costume you’ve been dying to
try. As always, enjoy these eerie elixirs and drink outside the crypt. And as
always, drink outside the box.
MONTHLY SELECTIONS
LOUIS DE SACY BRUT
TRADITION NV
RE G U L A R $43.99
GA ZE T T E S PE C I A L $34.99
The Sacy Family Estate is located in the very famous
terroir in Montagne de Reims, Verzy, and they have owned
vineyards in Champagne since 1633. Now that’s having
long time roots in this neck of the woods, pun intended.
André Sacy, in 1962, made the decision to actually produce
Champagne, in lieu of simply growing the grapes, creating
Champagne Sacy Père et Fils which would eventually
become Champagne Louis de Sacy in 1986. Aromatic, with
smoke, ripe damson plum and blackberry notes riding the
creamy mousse, layered with accents of lightly charred
toast, golden raisin and roasted nut. A delicious and mouth
coating tangy finish.
PAIR WITH SOFT CHEESES, SALADS, GRILLED
SEAFOOD AND SPICY ASIAN CUISINE…AND OF
COURSE, ENJOY ON ITS OWN WHILE COOKING!
Michael Cristillo Certified Specialist of Wine;
Corporate Wine & Spirits Buyer
FIRESTONE SANTA YNEZ
VALLEY RIESLING
RE G U L A R $10.99
GA ZE T T E S PE C I A L $9.99
Created by Harvey S. Firestone in the 1970s where
the family established the first estate winery in Santa
Barbara where they pioneered and inspired other central
coast wineries. The winds from the Pacific Ocean give
the fruits a great breeze that helps cool the grapes
developing a deep yellow hue. Crisp apple and tropical
aromas. Peach and honey brighten the palate with a soft
finish.
PAIRS WELL WITH ENCHILADAS OR SPICY FOOD.
Miguel Barberena Wine Specialist Hollywood
OCTOBER 2021
CAMPI VALERIO FALANGHINA
REG ULAR $17.99
GAZETTE SP E CIAL $14.99
Falanghina is most widely cultivated in Campania, just
above the ankle of the boot, but also thrives in other areas in
central Italy. This grape dates back to ancient Roman times
and has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity. As are most
typical Italian whites, this gem is crisp, racy and zesty with
citrus, white peach, apricot, some tropical notes with notes
of litchi and almond in the fine, lively, cleansing, mineralladen finish. A great alternative to the same ol’ Pinot Grigio.
A PERFECT PAIRING FOR WHITE FISH, SHELLFISH,
DELICATE POULTRY AND FONTINA OR MOZZARELLA
CHEESES.
Geoff Nicoll Dir. Beer, Wine & Spirits
LOBSTER REEF MARLBOROUGH
SAUVIGNON BLANC
REG ULAR $14.99
GAZETTE SP E CIAL $11.99
Impacted by recent frosts, Marlborough has lost
approximately 30% of the yields they are accustomed to,
and when coupled with increased global demand, paints
a rather grim picture for the immediate future. Prices will
rise, news flash, but there are still ample opportunities
that can satiate our need for this fun and exhilarating
grape. Lobster Reef is a delicate yet varietally true
example of Marlborough, without the polarizing aggressive
vegetal character that some find off-putting. Quince, citrus,
white flowers and delicate herbs are well-integrated and
nothing stands out.
REFRESHING AND FOOD FRIENDLY, THIS FUN WHITE
PLAYS WELL WITH CEVICHE, GRILLED SEAFOOD,
A BEET SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE OR AS AN
APERITIF.
Geoff Nicoll Dir. Beer, Wine & Spirits
DOMINIO DE PUNCTUM
20,000 LEGUAS AMBER WINE
RE GULAR $17.99
GAZ E TTE SP E CI A L $15.99
From a fully organic and biodynamic winery in the province
of Cuenca near central Spain sitting at an altitude of 800
meters above sea level comes this delicate still amber,
ripe for consumption. A beautiful light orange in the glass
produced from skin-contact fermentation of Chardonnay
grapes starts with aromas of fresh mint, hearty walnuts,
and succulent golden apples. A nicely acidic pop on the
front with notes of citrus rind, juicy stone fruit, and golden
raisins with hints of minerality and medium finish with
minimal funk. Fresh and delicate, a must try for those
newly initiated in the “orange” wine category.
SERVE AS AN APERITIF OR PAIR WITH GOAT CHEESE
SALAD, GRILLED CHICKEN KABOBS, OR ARRABIATA
SPAGHETTI.
Joe Richard Wine Specialist La Jolla
DOMAINE HERVÉ AZO CHABLIS
RE GULAR $24.99
GAZ E TTE SP E CI A L $19.99
Hervé Azo’s career in wine began with love-at-first-sight
(“un coup du foudre”). When this native Breton left his
high-powered job in Paris to work the harvest in Chablis
in the early 1970s, he never returned. The soils are as
classic and pedigree as they come, with the Chablis and
premier cru vineyards rooted to the famous Kimmeridgian
limestone, rich in prehistoric fossils, and the Petit Chablis
from the Portlandian limestone just outside the limits
of classic Chablis. A slightly ripe nose flirts with exotic
fruit of apricot and white peach. There is an excellent
mid-palate density to the textured medium weight flavors
that coat the palate, extending the mouthwatering and very
long finish.
PAIR THIS BEAUTY WITH ALL SEAFOOD AND
POULTRY AS WELL AS WITH STRONGER CHEESE
SUCH AS GRUYÈRE OR COMTÉ.
Michael Cristillo Certified Specialist of Wine;
Corporate Wine & Spirits Buyer
