2008 Donnhoff Estate Riesling $22.70
We will freely admit we just quite can't get enough of this wine. We're fans of German Riesling to begin with, but to find one this structured, complex, and focused for under $50 is really something. 2008 was an excellent year for the Nahe river valley in Germany, from which this label sources most of its fruit. Furthermore, most of the other labels from Donnhoff from 2008 go for twice the price, going all the way up to $90. This is all to say that the fruit, conditions, and winemaking are were excellent and it shows. The supple, steely, and even juicy main flavors sing on the opening: apple, peach, and stone are the forefront with vivid light spice, crisp acidity, and a dazzling finish. As you know we have been doing a lot of "experimenting" (well, somebody's got to do it!) with cheese from Sheri LaVigne's new cheese shop, The Calf and Kid, right here on Capitol Hill. If you haven't been by, please pay her a visit: she's in the "Melrose Project" on Pike and Melrose. We suggest a wonderful Vermont aged cheddar.

2009 Knipser Rosé "Clarette" Germany $25.00
We tend to watch carefully for great roses from Germany and Austria. These rosé wines bring an entirely different tasting experience for two reasons - one, they are made in the Germanic style, which tends to favor acidity, structure, and crisp fruit while having an "off dry" quality. Two, rosés from this region use Pinot Noir as the main grape, which makes for a unique and pleasing flavor profile. Bid farewell to any conventional thoughts you may have about rosé as you settle in to try this amazing light pink wine from Germany just a hint of spritz provide plenty of lively texture and composition. There's just nothing quite like this wine. More is available, but please let us know sooner than later if you like this so we can order some.

2005 Yellow Hawk Cellar Solstice $13.00
We cannot express enough sadness that one of our favorite wineries in Washington is closing. Yellow Hawk has been producing affordable, high quality and distinctive wines for years, but they are calling it quits. We purchased a bunch of stock in order that the club members can be sure to sample these wines. If you like this, buy it from us soon; there is not very much left, and after its gone, that's it. Using a great blend of some of Yellow Hawk's most popular single-varietals, the Solstice employs 40% Sangiovese, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Syrah, and just 8% Cabernet Franc to produce a broad experience for the palate. Usually the labels on the back of wine can be a bit general, but the description of Solstice from Yellow Hawk bears repeating: "Vines store the sun's luminous energy in the fruit during summer's golden days before resting through the long winter nights. The winemaker gently releases that power as grapes are transformed into wine. Our Solstice presents bright cherry and juicy plum characters with vanilla, cardamom, and mocha java notes. Pair with roast beef, lamb, game, roasted or grilled vegetables."