May: the flowers have come as expected, alfresco season is in full swing, summer is just on the horizon. All I can hear these days is “Here comes the sun, do do do do….” The only thing better? Spring days with a chilled glass of Champagne or cool evenings with a light and spicy Garnacha. Luckily, those are some of our staff picks:

Josh’s Picks:

2007 Gustave Lorentz, Pinot Gris, Alsace, France [$21.99]

Lorentz is an eponymous with Alsatian white wine. This is a very good thing. For mineral, complex Pinot Gris, this is my favorite region. These wines go well with any fish dish, most Asian, any quiche, or on a roof.

2008 Patricia Green, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon [$35.99]

Such a fantastic example of Oregon Pinot Noir. Patricia Green’s 2008 offering has so much depth and balance. Lots of strawberry in the early sip, which opens up into mushrooms, and lots of really dusty earth. This is the first of the 2008 vintage we’ve seen come through from Oregon, and has me very excited for what is supposed to be  a fantastic year of wine from this region!

Ben’s Picks:

2008 Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain [$18.99]

This wine is bursting with fruit, yet earth and minerality can be felt on the palette as well.  The berry flavors along with the smoke and spice make this a very well rounded wine with a great finish that magnifies the spice and adds a little chocolate flavor at the end.  Pair with Hispanic food or grilled red meat.

Joseph’s Picks:

2008 Domaine Montirius, Cotes du Rhone, France [$19.99]

A deliciously jammy and lush blend, the Domaine Montirius puts the “dynamic” in “biodynamic.” Nice raspberry with an incredibly subtle spice note dominates this food-friendly Cote du Rhône, which is an incredible pairing with juicy beef dishes.

NV Vranken Demoiselle Grand Cuvee Brut, Champagne, France [$58.99]

The Demoiselle is a deceptive mistress: Slinky, smooth bubbles reminiscent of the skimpiest little black dress with a charming grapefruit tartness, this Champers would make Carrie Bradshaw blush. Unlike other yeasty bubblies, the Demoiselle is not a cheap French lady-of-the-night but instead one sexy….

Jason’s Picks:

2009 Botani Dry Muscat, Sierras de Malaga, Spain [$19.99]

Spring is here and so is Botani! Let this little aromatic flower raise your spirits with wonderful floral aromas of white blossoms and citrus. Let its rich body lift your soul with lovely tropical fruit flavors. This is a perfect warm weather white ready for your next outing!

2007 Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain [$15.49]

Another wonderful offering from the heart of Spanish wine country. This is a classic style with dusty spice and red fruits on the nose and very Bordelaise on the palate with mineral and earth tones taking the lead and darker fruits of black cherry and plum bringing up the rear. Smooth tannins help lengthen the finish.

Pete’s Picks:

2007 Hoopla Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville, Napa Valley, California [$14.99]

Fun and playful on the label translates to fun and playful in the bottle. When spring hits, I want some bright acidity to pair with spring veggies and fresh salads. OK, usually that’s just barely a start to my meals, but I do love the pairing. Want to really go outside of the box? Try this wine with potato chips for the perfect snack!

2008 Tenuta Ponte Falanghina, Beneventano, Campania, Italy [$15.99]

My first trip to Campania brought many surprises. The soccer game in the town square, the biggest bbq grill I’ve ever seen and a trip to the tunnels under the city featuring a shrine to the first bottle of Falanghina produced. Seriously, a shrine! How could you not fall in love with a wine they revere so much that they nearly worship it? Floral, rich fruit and refreshing.

Joe’s Picks:

2007 L’Angevin Pinot Noir, Russian River, California [$47.99]

Russian River Pinots can be some very complex sips. This is certainly no exception. Rare blue fruits with the forest floor secondary giving it a solid foundation. This wine is layered and compact. It opens up with cherries and other red fruits with a good swirl and time!

2007 Jasci Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy [$15.49]

A gorgeous hill town in the dreamy Tuscan countryside gives its name to a wine that is rich without being difficult! Red fruits over the old world earth gives this wine a beauty that is equal to the view from the city.

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