Your Monday Morning Wine Briefing

Much better than a Monday morning news briefing!

Here's what you need to know:
I asked the staff this morning for a quick answer on their favorite wines in the store right now. 

Kimi - Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon Blanc 2014: Take one of the Loire Valley's leading white varieties Chenin Blanc and plant it in the region's most exalted red appellation, Chinon (most commonly 100% Cabernet Franc) and you have a wine that is quite out of the ordinary; white Chinon. This variety accounts for no more than 2% of the appellation's production - about 16000 cases each year, divided between dozens of different domaines. These wines can be hard to find even when visiting Chinon, as good growers sell out quickly. $24.50 NYR

Clare - Castello di Pomino 2014 Chardonnay Pomino Bianco: "The 2014 Chardonnay Pomino Bianco is pretty, aromatic and nicely lifted in the glass, with plenty of bright citrus and white floral notes. This delicate, aromatic Chardonnay-based blend is easily one of the better 2014 Tuscan whites readers will find. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Pomino Bianco is mostly Chardonnay, with a dollop of Pinot Bianco and a handful of other varieties." $16.99, VM 90 points

Casey - Roux Pere et Fils Gevrey Chambertin Vielles Vignes 2011:
"A juicy style, with cherry, raspberry, tea, and spice flavors and a mineral element lurking underneath. This is solid, turning more compact on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2016." $35.99, WS 91pts 

Erin - Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2010: "A ripe and juicy red with dried berry and green coffee bean character. Full body, fresh acidity and a juicy finish. A blend of corvina and rondinella." $20.99, RP 90 pts

Beth - Calabretta Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie 2006 - Fantastic representation of an Etna red with a little age! The vines for this wine come from a seven-hectare vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna. Average age of the vineyards is between 60-80 years with some plants over 100 years old, some ungrafted--on original root stock. This vintage is a blend of nerello mascalese and nerello cappuccio. The winery practices organic farming in black volcanic, stony soil at an elevation of 750 meters. super! $29.99

Kerry - Eric Rodez NV Cuvée des Crayeres Ambonnay Grand Cru Brut: "Light yellow-gold. Aromas of Poire William, white flowers and honey are lifted by a zesty mineral topnote. Fleshy and dry on the palate, offering very good lift and clarity to its bitter quince and peach pit flavors. Closes on an emphatic, sharply focused mineral note, with firm grip and spicy persistence." $59.99, VM 91 pts