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Our New Years Wine Resolutions

What better way to pass the cold winter nights than by trying new and interesting wines? Below, our wine team shares what they will be sipping on in the coming months and the wine categories they will be exploring.

Shannon’s Picks

Shannon is our Wine Buyer and head of the Wine Department. She is a Certified Sommelier and travels the world in search of the best wines, at the best prices, for DEPs.

I’ve been thinking alot about Alpine Whites. Maybe because it’s ski season, and I would love nothing more that to be in the Alps for Apres Ski, sipping on a crisp white. No need to travel all the way there, DEPs has brought the best to you!

Abymes Vin de Savoie, France $10.99

 

Terlaner Classico, Italy $21.99

Rijckaert Chardonnay Arbois, France $17.99

Fabienne Cottagnoud Fendent de Vetroz, Switzerland $25.99

Gordon’s Picks

Extremely knowledgeable and with many years of wine industry experience, Gordon’s recommendations are always spot-on. Gordon works at both store locations, be sure to ask for him on your next visit.

“Sparkling wines are so food-friendly, and come in such a wide variety of styles, that I resolve to try as many new sparkling wines as possible in 2017. I also pledge to seriously investigate wines from Oregon, one of our newer wine regions that is already producing outstanding wines and is expanding rapidly.

Louis Roederer Brut Premier $49.99

Evening Land Pinot Noir And Chardonnay $38.99

Jared’s Picks

Jared is the resident Scotch expert, but he is just as enthusiastic about wine! Visit the Ft.Thomas store to be amazed by his vast range of product knowledge.

“Having helped make this wine, my pick is Martinelli Vellutini Zinfandel 2012 ($48.99).I want to drink as many bottles as I can. I really enjoyed this wine. Although very tight when opened after 45 mins the spice and backbone of this wine come out. But upfront it has a lush ripe fruit and some heavy cranberry. Usually not liking high alcohol wines. Martinelli really changed my mind so I would like to try some other high alcohol red and whites this year.

So on the list are Molly Dooker Boxer and Maitre D ($26.99)for reds and for a white I would like to try Orin Swift Mannequin.”

Logan’s Picks

Logan is our Assistant Wine Buyer, and physics student on the side! He continues his wine education by participating in weekly blind tasting groups and study sessions.

Avancia Cuvee de O Mencia - $11.98 This red made from 100% Mencia is interesting to me. Having only had one Mencia before, I would really like to expand my horizons on what Spain has to offer the wine world. This should be a treat!

Bluegray Priorat - $17.99 Diving deeper into the realm of Spain, we learn of a cool little region called Priorat, which is in the Northeastern part of the country. Known for its Garnacha based blends, this guy should offer something different than the standard Tempranillos that we so commonly associate with Spain.

Numanthia Termes Tinto de Toro - $26.99 Everyone knows about Rioja in Spain, but not a lot of people know of Toro. Located South of Rioja, they grow Tempranillo that reaches a riper state, that can add to depth of flavor and meat to the wine. Bold and big is what I’m looking for in this wine.

Pingus Psi Ribera del Duero - $36.99 In between Toro and Rioja is another little appellation of Ribera del Duero. This area offers the best of both appellations. You get the rich, heartiness from Toro while getting the more subtle and complex notes of Rioja. This is going to be delicious.

Jenn’s Picks

If you’ve been to the Ft.Thomas location, surely Jenn has helped you with your picks. She has amassed a group of loyal customers who rely on her solid picks and recommendations. Nobody knows our selections as well as Jenn!

Elyse C’est Si Bon 2012, $21.99 -Out of the Sierra Foothills of California, C’est Si Bon is a grenache syrah mourvedre blend with a little cinsault as well. Medium in body with a silky texture, this wine offers plums, raspberries, and dried currants with subtle hints of slice and herbs. A wine with soft tannins and bright acidity, I expect this wine to pair well with a variety of foods, from hearty winter stews to roast pork.

Lieu Dit Melon 2015, $23.99 -The melon de Bourgogne grape is one that typically comes from the Loire Valley, and not one typically seen in California, so this wine out of Santa Maria Valley is one I’ve been curious about for a bit now. While the label suggests pairing it with oysters, I’m sure it can be more versatile than that. Descriptions call it fresh, crisp, and intense, offering peach, melon, and apricot, along with white flowers and crushed wet stones.

Trisaetum Pinot Noir 2014 $22.99 -Pale ruby in color, this beautiful wine out of Willamette offers up bright flavors of cherry and tea along with floral notes. This is an elegant Pinot and well worth its price.

Talley Chardonnay 2014 $23.99 -Out of Arroyo Grande Valley, this Chardonnay is both delicate and full-bodied at the same time. It shows plenty of fruit flavors of lemon rind, orange, pear, and apples, and yet there are also a decent amount of white flowers which linger along with hints of minerality and sea salt. This is one of the most appealing Chardonnays I’ve come across in a while.

Traci’s Picks

An avid wine traveller, Traci invests heavily in her wine knowledge and has personally been to many of the wineries that we carry. We consider her our Napa expert!

Neyers Left Bank Red – Red wine from Napa Valley. 50 – 50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. I love both grapes and it is a single vineyard site, so looks very enticing!

Aubry Champagne. I love sparkling, especially grower champagnes. This one has great press – delicate and feminine and a great price. Hard to beat!