2023 Weingut Strub ‘Dino Raw’ Riesling Trocken Skin Contact

•Rheinhessen, Germany
•100% Riesling
•Organic

Weingut Strub is a family-run winery in Germany’s Rheinhessen region, with a winemaking tradition spanning over 300 years. Now led by Sebastian Strub, the estate is known for producing expressive, terroir-driven Rieslings from the red slate soils of Nierstein’s famed Roter Hang. Strub embraces sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the vineyard’s character to shine. The wines range from crisp, mineral-driven dry styles to elegantly balanced off-dry and sweet expressions, showcasing the versatility of Riesling. The winery’s approach balances tradition with modern techniques, resulting in wines that are both classic and vibrant. Weingut Strub’s Rieslings are particularly prized for their purity, energy, and ability to age gracefully. As a small yet respected estate, Strub continues to highlight the depth and complexity of Rheinhessen’s terroir with every vintage.

Tasting Notes: This skin contact bursts with zesty citrus, peach, and wild herbs. A textured palate shows orange peel, crushed stone, and tea-like tannins, finishing dry with vibrant acidity and mineral depth.  Pair with spicy Thai curry, grilled miso-glazed salmon, or aged Gouda to complement its vibrant acidity, textured palate, and citrusy, herbal depth.

2023 Lieu Dit ‘Santa Ynez Valley’ Chenin Blanc

•Santa Barbara, CA
•100% Chenin Blanc
•Organic

Lieu Dit is a Santa Barbara-based winery dedicated to showcasing the potential of Loire Valley grape varieties in California. Founded by longtime friends Eric Railsback and Justin Willett, the winery focuses on single-varietal expressions of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and more, sourced from carefully selected vineyards across the region. With a philosophy rooted in minimal intervention, Lieu Dit emphasizes native fermentation, neutral oak aging, and a restrained winemaking approach to highlight the purity and vibrancy of the fruit. Their wines offer a fresh, elegant, and terroir-driven perspective on California winemaking, balancing Old World inspiration with New World energy. Known for their crisp whites and structured reds, Lieu Dit has become a favorite among sommeliers and wine lovers seeking bright, food-friendly wines that redefine California’s potential for Loire-inspired expressions.

Tasting Notes: The 2023 Lieu Dit Santa Ynez Valley Chenin Blanc is crisp and expressive, with notes of green apple, pear, and honeysuckle, balanced by vibrant acidity and a mineral-driven finish.  Pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, goat cheese, sushi, roast chicken, or light pasta dishes. Ideal with oysters, grilled vegetables, or a simple baguette and butter.

2023 Château Croisille Coco Ricot

•Cahors, France
•50% Malbec, 50% Merlot
•Organic
•Serve Chilled

Château Croisille is a family-run winery in Cahors, France, renowned for its expressive Malbec wines that showcase the region’s limestone-rich terroir. Founded in the late 1970s when Bernard and Cécile Croisille revitalized an abandoned vineyard, the estate is now managed by their sons, who bring a modern, organic approach to winemaking. The Croisille family practices organic farming, emphasizing biodiversity and minimal intervention to craft wines that balance power with elegance. Their Malbecs range from fresh and fruit-driven to structured and age-worthy, highlighting Cahors’ deep history and evolving potential. With a focus on terroir transparency, they employ natural fermentations and careful oak aging to preserve the grape’s purest expression. Château Croisille has earned a reputation for producing some of Cahors’ most exciting wines, appealing to both classic and contemporary palates.

Tasting Notes: The 2023 Château Croisille Coco Ricot is made with semi-carbonic maceration make it fresh and juicy, with vibrant red berry aromas, floral hints, and a touch of spice. Lively acidity and soft tannins make it an easy-drinking, versatile wine.  Perfect with charcuterie, light pasta dishes, roast chicken, grilled vegetables, mild cheeses, pizza or a burger. 

2023 Les Vignerons d’Estezargues Rosa Bonheur Rose Bubbles

•Côtes du Rhône, France
•59% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 9% Carignan, 8% Mouvedre, 5% Counoise, 4% Syrah
•Organic

Les Vignerons d’Estézargues is a pioneering winery cooperative in the Côtes du Rhône, France, known for its commitment to natural winemaking. Founded in 1965 in the small village of Estézargues, this co-op stands apart by allowing each of its member growers to vinify their fruit separately, producing single-vineyard wines rather than blending across vineyards. Focused on organic and sustainable farming, the winery avoids commercial yeasts, enzymes, or heavy filtration, letting the terroir shine through. Their wines are vibrant, pure, and expressive, showcasing the rich diversity of the Rhône Valley. Unlike many large cooperatives, Les Vignerons d’Estézargues champions minimal intervention winemaking, creating character-driven wines at an exceptional value. Beloved by natural wine enthusiasts and sommeliers alike, their approach has set a high standard for co-op winemaking in France and beyond.

Tasting Notes: This fun bottle of bubbles bursts with wild strawberries, white peach, and zesty grapefruit. Refreshing acidity, fine bubbles, and a dry, mineral-driven finish make it an energetic, crushable delight. Pairs beautifully with fresh oysters, goat cheese salad, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or spicy tuna tartare. Also great with picnic fare like baguettes, charcuterie, and Mediterranean mezze.