Tasting Notes: It has been said, "The wine maker sells the Barolo but drinks the Barbera". Barbera shares vineyard space with the celebrated Nebbiolo, and can sometimes be dismissed as the lighter cousin. However, more Italian producers are making wines with real substance and staying power. Cantina Stroppiana prides themselves on the working of the vineyard; great attention to the quality of the product rather than the quantity. This expression exemplifies that dedication. beautiful red garnet, red currant in color. Nose expressive and redolent: violets, currants, coffee notes, forest floor. Generous palate with black fruits such as dark cherries and currants, dark chocolate, ripe tannins, a bit of acidity in the background. PS, the Altea refers to the owner's daughter. Pairs with pasta and red sauce , pizza, hard cheeses ( Parmigiano). Drink now - 2029ish.

Price: $37.99 750 ml

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Tasting Notes: Glen Grant’s Exploration Series showcases innovative cask selections and flavour experiments that depart from the distillery’s traditional, long-aged style. Series No. 1 sets the tone with a lively, contemporary expression that leans into Glen Grant’s naturally crisp, orchard-fruit spirit. Nose: Fresh green apple, ripe pear, and honeyed malt lift from the glass, joined by soft vanilla, citrus blossom, and a gentle herbal freshness. Hints of sweet oak and light floral notes add sophistication. Palate: Silky and vibrant with flavours of orchard fruit, creamy vanilla, and subtle honey. Mid-palate introduces soft spice, toasted almond, and a touch of lemon zest. The interplay of bourbon sweetness and bright Speyside malt creates a clean, uplifting profile. Finish: Crisp and elegant with lingering pear sweetness, gentle oak, and a whisper of soft spice.

Price: $143.99

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Tasting Notes: Domaine de Terres Blanches is considered a "jewel" of the Maison Saget La Perrière, focused on producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention, guided by consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. This 2019 Domaine de Terres Blanches Sancerre "Le Vallon" is a white wine produced by the Saget La Perrière family in the Loire Valley of France. It is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes sourced from a specific parcel called "Le Vallon" (approx. 2.76 hectares), which is situated on "caillottes" (stony limestone) soils between the villages of Bué and Sancerre. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in thermo-regulated tanks for 20 days, followed by aging on fine lees to enhance volume and finesse. Nose: Powerful and intense, offering notes of citrus fruits (grapefruit, lemon), white peach, green apple, and a distinct flinty or smoky minerality. Palate: Full-bodied and well-balanced, featuring a rounded, "fat" texture that is balanced by a crisp, lively acidity. The flavour profile includes white fruits, tropical notes, and a persistent mineral finish. Drink now through 2030

Price: $62.99

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Tasting Notes: Sherry, in general, is under-appreciated. Sad, because it is unique in all its expressions. PX sherry, possibly the most extravagant of them, is up there in the rarified atmosphere of singular, unforgettable dessert wines (think Tokaji, Sauternes). This one, from the venerable Gonzalez Byass Bodegas, is breathtaking. I don't use that word lightly: I don't think I have ever used it in any of my previous entries! The wine is at least 30 years of age, solera treatment; its color is dark molasses that has been mixed with black coffee. A heady aroma wafts from the glass: sultanas, dates, dried figs, rum and raisin ice cream. The palate is sumptuous: almost syrupy texture, roast candied walnuts, hazelnuts, figs, treacle, and a wallop of Demarara sugar. Spectacular! Drink (sip!!) now, keep it in the fridge if you don't finish the bottle in one go, keep it for (my record is 40 days, shout out to Noah LOL and it still remains as good as when first opened). Pair it with something as equally decadent for Valentine's day, but it is stunning if you pour it on a scoop (or more) of vanilla ice cream.

Price: $45.99 350 ml

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Tasting Notes: In the spirit of the love-filled month, this wine celebrates passion specifically, Gran Passione wines express the dedication to work that honors the traditions of the land - something to be passionate about. Made with merlot grapes, this rose has notes of a fresh bouquet with hints of rose and sweet violet on the nose. With ripe watermelon, strawberry, and delicate elderflower on the palette. Ideal as a chilled aperitif, paired well with fish and chicken courses. Enjoy!

Price: $21.49

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Tasting Notes: If the long winter and heavy cocktails are dragging you down, are you looking for a bright, light " je ne sais quo " elevator for your cocktails? You'll find it in this beautiful Elderflower liqueur. With over 1000 fresh elderflowers in every bottle, just a soupcon brings a dash of joyful decadence to your cocktails and mixed drinks. I add a splash to sparkling wine, and even gin to brighten up the drink. It's fresh, all natural, and tastes like springtime in a bottle! A tablespoon drizzled in a fruit salad served with Pavlova is a game changer! Pick up a bottle and start experimenting!

Price: $52.99

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Tasting Notes: A delicious Blanco Tequila. It's fruity, fresh, and lush, but also kind of slight and delicate. A perfect blanco for the Situationship Shot! Recipe: 1.5 oz Tequila, ½ oz White Chocolate Liqueur, Strawberry Syrup [Optional: Strawberries] Directions: Combine Tequila, White Chocolate Liqueur, and Strawberry Syrup to a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake until combined and chilled. Pour the shot into the glass and add a strawberry to garnish.

Price: $79.99

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