You’ll hear us talking about Europe’s 2024 vintage a bit this year: a cold, wet season where most growers' gloom over tiny yields is matched only by our downcast faces as we taste the sometimes dilute, under-ripe resulting wines. But where growers were able to keep their fruit clean and take advantage of August’s warm spell, the best 2024s can take us back to pre-climate change times and give wines of terrific freshness and verve.
Come taste what we’re talking about this Friday, 3-7pm, as you try a pair of delicious 2024 whites from Galacia and France’s Loire Valley – wines we bet you come back to again and again when you need a smile and something tasting and versatile in your glass in 2026. You’ll taste:
Bodegas Virgen del Galir Godello Val do Galir 2024 – If you enjoy the smoky minerality of Sancerre and the salty bite of Albarino, this is your go-to Godello! Really crisp and crunchy with a dry, salty, seafood-friendly finish.
Dom Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2024 – The cooler 2024 vintage works for you here, tamping down some Touraine volume to give a crisp, fresh, direct Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of citrus, peach and melon fruit and no lawn clippings at all.
Alfaro Family Vineyards A Estate Chardonnay 2020 – Not for everyone or everyday, but when your palate and occasion calls for a ripe, oaky, creamy, Chardonnay at a solid value price, this is going to work well.
Ch La Caminade Cahors Mission La Cominade 2023 - If you're looking for a dry red for January and a bargain to boot, you've found it. There’s some classic Cahors Malbec grip here and a nicely juicy softness from the 20% Merlot. Kind of in-between Bordeaux and Cotes du Rhone and crazy good value.
Alo Cotes Catalanes Jais Noir 2023 – Just a great all-purpose Carignan red you’ll enjoy solo, with rich stews and roasts, and even with a spread of sweet and spicy Asian food. From Rousillon, France, with a definite kinship to Catalonia on the other side of the mountains.
And once you take a nibble, you’ll be fascinated by Jose’s featured Deer Creek 7 Year Proprietor’s Grand Reserve Specialty. Over seven years aging this rich cheddar has turned dry, crumbly, crunchy with salt crystals and utterly irresistible. Join us! | 
