Hi, I’m Ed – WTSO’s in-house wine expert with a WSET Level 2 Certification! Every month, I’ll be sharing my top wine picks.
Warmer weather and longer days are signs that Spring is in the air and summer is on its heels, and that means it’s time to add some lighter wines to the cellar and make a wine shopping list for the weeks ahead. Here’s some of our favorite best-sellers that you’ll definitely want on that list, especially for your upcoming Mothers Day and Memorial Day weekend get-togethers!
92 Pt. Essenciel de Paradis Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rosé 2023 (71% off)
It’s not a party without some Rose’! The 2023 ‘Essenciel’ Rose is a lovely showing that begins with inviting aromas honeydew melon, white peaches, wild herbs and fresh flowers. On the palate this displays excellent freshness with lovely acidity leading into a bright and crisp finish that lingers with flavors of berries and minerals. This is a perfect thirst-quencher. A rose wine to share with friends, party, and celebrate with a barbecue. A beautiful taste of Provence!
93 Pt. Big Basin Vineyards Coastview Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
The 2017 Pinot Noir Coastview Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine. Dried cherry, cinnamon, blood orange, spice and dried flowers lend aromatic complexity. The 2017 has quite a bit of structure, but it is also drinking very well today. Time in the glass really brings out a whole range of floral, spiced notes. There is plenty of intrigue with this wine, that much is clear.
92 Pt. Artezin Zinfandel Collins Vineyard 2017 (58% off)
Ruby red in color this wine has indigo blue and violet hues. There is a concentration of delicious, bright pomegranate and boysenberry aromas followed by mouthwatering blackberry pie crust. Flavors are led by bright raspberry and red cherry cola, all of which are framed by a subtle pepper note. The cheerful fruit is complemented by baking spice, most notably clove and cinnamon, with soft, mouth-watering tannins delivering a round, balanced finish. Easy drinking on its own, but pairs like a champ with something fresh off the grill.
97 Pt. Sanguis ‘Handful of Ghosts’ Proprietary White Wine Santa Ynez Valley 2019
The 2019 Handful Of Ghosts is a blend of Chardonnay from John Sebastiano Vineyard, Roussanne from Watch Hill vineyard and a small splash of Viognier. It was harvested in multiple picks to express two opposite ripeness levels. Medium golden in color, it unfolds slowly to peaches and baked apples, jasmine, beeswax, pie crust and toast. Full-bodied, satiny and mouth coating, its honeyed flavors are balanced by energetic acidity, and it seems to gain amplitude as it glides into a very long, flavorful finish. An incredibly complex white wine, this serious, powerful wine has the potential to gain additional complexity should you decide to cellar it, but it’s geared for the dinner table now. Pair this with trout or branzino, or some other oily, flaky grilled or fried fish…..an absolute perfect food pairing!
Looking for a Valpolicella
Hey Monika! WTSO currently have a few Valpolicella in-stock. Someone from our team will reach out via email shortly.
Cheers! =]