From the Cellar: Au Bon Climat "Hildegard" 2007

From Santa Maria Valley, in California's Central Coast, comes this bold and delicious blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté.

Au Bon Climat's winemaker, the legendary Jim Clendenen, uses Burgundian-inspired techniques to produce this 'chardonnay alternative' which we now offer by the glass at Aria.

Toasty, mineral and fresh, 'Hildegard" is extremely versatile with food.  Cheers!

andrés loaiza - certified sommelier
aria wine team

From our Cellar: Giaconda Estate Chardonnay 2008

Giaconda is quite possibly my favorite wine producer in Australia; winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner has been producing wine in the tiny little region of Beechworth Australia in northern Victoria since 1985.

Before returning to the land down under, Rick studied enology at UC Davis and during the 1970’s helped make wine at Stag’s Leap, Matanzas Creek, and for Bordeaux legend Christian Moueix of Chateau Petrus fame.

The 2008 Giaconda Chardonnay is a beautiful wine that bursts with apple and tree fruit and shows an amazing minerality and sense of place. The wine is tasting great now, but has a longevity that will allow it to age for a decade or longer.

jacob gragg - certified sommelier
aria wine team

From our Cellar: Clos de Ursules 2007

We are really excited to have a few Magnums of 2007 Domaine des Heritiers Louis Jadot 1er Cru 'Clos de Ursules'. The 2007 vintage of 'Clos de Ursules' marks the 150th anniversary of the Jadot's sole ownership of the historic walled vineyard and the entire production from 2007 was bottled solely in Magnum in celebration. Planted in the 17th century by the Ursuline Convent, 'Clos de Ursules' is one of my favorite Vineyards in all of Burgundy, producing rich deeply colored Pinot Noir with ripe succulent red cherry and fresh raspberry notes with great acidity year after year. The wine is a versatile match for the lighter fare on Chef Gerry's ever changing menu.


jacob gragg - certified sommelier
aria wine team