More: National Wine Day summer wines
J Vineyards Cuvee 20
This bubbly from J Vineyards in the Russian River Valley opens with nuanced aromas of toasted almond, followed by notes of Braeburn apple, dried cranberry and ginger snap. Carrying flavors of lemon meringue pie, the wine’s creaminess is whisked away by a lively finish. You can pair this versatile sparkling wine with an upscale at-home meal, or something easy like white cheddar popcorn. Beyond the J Vineyards & Winery website, this wine is also available through Wine.com, Drizly and Instacart.
Broadway Basketeers’ Merlot Wine Basket
Broadway Basketeers is known for making gift baskets for all occasions where gift-giving is the norm. Its Merlot Wine Basket in particular is an ideal gift for an indecisive shopper. An impressive array of chocolates, caramels and other candies is complemented with a range of salty snacks within this basket. The grand bundle of treats is paired wonderfully with a bold, dry, kosher-certified red wine that ought to delight the senses as cherry and vanilla roll off the tongue with every sip.
Limerick Lane Winery’s 2018 1910 Block Zinfandel
As known for its highly -ated wines, the heritage of the Limerick Lane Winery goes back to 1910. Jake Bilbro, a fourth-generation winemaker and native of Sonoma, is Limerick Lane’s owner. Under Bilbro’s stewardship, Limerick Lane has received significant acclaim and recognition, also running a “We Care” campaign to give back to partners with wine purchases.
The 2018 1910 Block Zinfandel in particular was limited to 298 cases produced. As produced within the Russian River Valley, it received a 96+ point rating from Jeb Dunnuck.
T.L.T. 2019 Swick Wine
MYSA Natural Wines is a sustainability-minded, direct-to-consumer natural wine importer, subscription and online retailer. While browsing the MYSA site, I discovered the T.L.T. label and its reverse Cote Rotie blend with 80 percent Viognier and 20 percent Syrah. Its light, glou glou style features hints of cranberry, strawberry and sour cherry in the taste beyond some peppery tannins. It is aimed to pair well with seafood and heavier fish.