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Green’s Top 10 Wines for 2018The Top 10 wines of 2018 are presented here-the 29th Anniversary of the Top10, by the way-and I must say the year has gone by in a hurry. The selections
range from customer favorites-Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rosé,Bridlewood California Pinot Noir and Spillwater Pinot Gris, just to name a few,
which have been best-sellers at for the better part of 2018-to a number ofunder-the-radar part of 2018 gems that the wine staff all agree deserve the Top
stage.
Nonetheless, the wine styles represented here can all be described as classic and true-to-form, and of course all with an impressive level of pedigree; the
difference comes down to familiarity. Finally, an eye towards versatile pairing with the spectrum of holiday foods was also a major consideration as we were
narrowing down our selections.
As always with the holiday program, the discount for Top 10 wines is 15% off of six bottles mix or match.
Please have a safe and happy holiday season this year and thank you for being a customer.
Doug Werner, Green’s South Carolina Wine Buyer
The Burn “Borne of Fire” Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
$14.95 750ml
Green's Cash Price“A simply stunning new entry into the world of Washington Cabernet from
what I’m sure is destined to be a renowned site for grape growing. The newly proposed AVA called “The Burn” is a dramatic, rocky plateau that runs along the Columbia River in between the existing AVAs of Horse Heaven Hills and Columbia Gorge. The name “The Burn” is taken from the age old practice of
controlled burns the early settlers to this area used to replenish the soils for the new growing season. The region boasts a long, moderated growing season and
high water retention in the soils (a major plus in the semi-desert area). The long hang-time for the fruit brings fantastic flavors and allows the winemaker to
experiment with whole cluster fermentation, something rarely seen with Cabernet Sauvignon. This practice provides aromatic nuance and fine, textural tannins. The wine is then matured in large format Hungarian Oak Puncheons
(500L barrels) that impart a more subtle oak flavor and sculpt the wines elegant, linear shape on the palate. This is a really elegant wine, bursting with
varietal character and a screaming value.”Ryan Woodhouse
Critical Accolade:“This is the first year made of this wine with wonderful blackberries, rose leaves
and blueberries. Wildly floral. Stems. Full body and round and fine tannins. Juicy and intense. Shows an eccentric style. All large oak [Large Format
Barrels]. A new nature and personality.”Rated 96 Points-James Suckling
1
750mlGreen's Cash Price
2017 was a return to normal for the Willamette Valley after three consecutive warm vintages. The season started with a cool and wet March, April and May,
which pushed bloom back to late June, setting the stage for a later harvest. Warm and dry conditions prevailed through the summer months creating the ideal situation for steady vine growth and fruit ripening. The vines set a higher than average crop. These crop levels were managed to bring the best out of the
fruit. Fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks, 2017 Spillwater Pinot Gris-a Green’s exclusive cuvee, no less-is a beautiful example from a classic Oregon
vintage. This wine has a pale straw color with glistening edges. Fresh fruit aromas of ripe pear and lime zest are followed by pleasant honeysuckle notes.
On the palate, there are lively flavors of nectarine, ripe pear and fresh cut pineapple, highlighted by violet tinges. This is a rich, viscous Pinot Gris, with a
striking balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity.
3Black Stallion Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016
$12.95 750ml
Green's Cash PriceLocated on the historic Silverado Trail in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District,
Black Stallion Estate Winery pays homage to the rich history of the 32-acre estate which was once home to the Silverado Equestrian Center. The property
was purchased in 2010 by the Indelicato family, a fourth generation family-owned company founded in 1924. Sourcing from the most prestigious
vineyards, the winery is committed to making only the most expressive wines.
Black Stallion Estate Winery showcases the best of Napa Valley’s diverse winegrowing appellations. Carefully select grapes from a multitude of
vineyards, individual vineyard blocks and often rows within a block. By combining the strengths of each lot, vineyard and appellation, their Winemaker crafts world-class wines, brimming with bold, rich flavors and gracious mouth-
2Spillwater Pinot Gris-2017-Oregon (not pictured)
$12.95
filling textures. Each wine reflects Napa Valley sophistication, finesse andharmony.
Critical Accolade:“Applepie and vanilla make for a patriotic nosing. The palate speaks to crispAsian pear, stoney-undertones, brown butter and toffee oak. A lovely acidity
keeps it fresh and food-friendly.”Rated 92 Points-The Tasting Panel
4 Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rose 2017 -France
$11.95 750ml
Green's Cash PriceCôte des Roses celebrates the Mediterranean lifestyle. The Languedoc
appellation stretches along the Mediterranean coast from the Spanish border asfar as the city of Nîmes, along the foothills of the Montagne Noire and the
Cévennes. The soils are highly varied, mainly with hard limestone and schist,but also gravel transported by the rivers of the Languedoc region. The warm,windy climate (semi-arid Mediterranean climate with mild winters) helps the
grapes to ripen in good, healthy condition, while retaining all their fresherqualities thanks to the altitude and the influence of the sea which eases thescorching summer heat. The bottle is original with its base in the shape of a
rose, created by a young designer from the Ecole Boulle. A wine to be given inthe same way you would offer a bouquet of roses!
A soft, pale, brilliant pink with bluish tints developing over time towards moreorangey nuances. The bouquet releases aromas of summer fruits, cassis andredcurrant. Floral notes of rose along with hints of grapefruit complete the
picture. The finish is fresh, offering notes of candy. On the palate theimpression is fresh and full, with great aromatic persistence and balance.
Critical Accolade:“Clean and fresh, with a delicate, balanced profile of white raspberry, cherry and lemon zest supported by lightly tangy acidity. Hints of mineral and herb
show on the finish. A Provence-style rosé.”Rated 90 Points-Wine Spectator
5Celler de Capcanes Potente 2016
$11.95 750ml
Green's Cash PriceHigh up in the hill, oughly 30 miles inland from Tarragona nd 100 miles to the south of Barcelona, lies the village of Capcanes, n the sub-zone of he Tarragona
DO called Falset. Essentially, this sub-zone is continuous with the Priorat DO, and the wines from this area have more in common with the wines of Priorato
than they do with those from the plains around Tarrragano itself.
Hand harvested of Garnacha, Cariñena, Syrah and Merlot grapes from the Capçanes from up to 50 year old vines at an altitude of 150-450meters. The
grapes were destemmed, fermented and macerated for several weeks in cement tanks. The wine is then aged for 9 months in French and American oak barrels. Under the guidance of the two winemakers, Angel Teixado and Antoni Alcover, owner/winemaker of Fra Fulco, Capcanes has progressed to a level of serious
quality among Spanish reds, and offers tremendous value.
Critical Accolade:“Very attractive nose of black cherries, sage and chocolate. Ripe and generous with nice, warm tannins that fill out the full body very nicely. Long and very
harmonious finish.”Rated 93 James Suckling
6Bridlewood California Pinot Noir 2016
$10.95 750ml
Green's Cash PriceBridlewood joins a long and rich tradition of winemaking in Santa Barbara
County. It wasn’t until the 1960’s and 1970’s, when a new breed of pioneeringwinemakers, including Dan Gehrs, started making wine in the broad area calledthe Central Coast, that a southern California winemaking renaissance occurred.Although the winery’s capacity is 50,000 cases, releases for the first few years
will be 10-15,000 cases. Growth will be consistent with the winery’s philosophyof producing many small lots of high quality wines.
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of dark berry, caramel and vanilla. The palate is an elegant expression of Monterey County, offering notes of raspberry, black cherry and subtle oak
notes. With each sip, silky tannins and a firm acidity build a smooth texture and long finish.
7Natale Verga Barbera Piemonte Passito 2016 (not
pictured)
$10.95 750ml
Green's Cash PriceThis wine is a rediscovery of the old tradition of using partially-dried grapes to add richness and concentration. The Barbera grapes were grown on southwest-facing slopes in the Monferrato hills, at 250-400m altitude. Soils here are clay and limestone. Following the traditional passito technique - a portion of ripe
Barbera grapes (around 20%), left on the vine for nearly a month after the main harvest to sun dry, were blended with fresh Barbera grapes before fermentation. This sweetens, enriches and softens the resulting acidity. 100%Barbera, this is a
wine that uses generations of history to create something that’s very modern and slick with notes of fresh cherries, raspberries and plum on a super fresh and
silky palate.
Critical Accolade:“Pours a pretty violet with vibrant fuchsia highlights. Pronounced aromas of sweet plums and raspberry jam. The palate is light on its feet, featuring dark
forest fruit intermingling with a delicate minerality that’s fresh and clean. This is an-homage to the artistry of wine-making. The deep, elegant flavors are a
truly pleasant surprise considering the light and nimble body. If you like Pinot Noir, you have got to try this Barbera!”
Rated 90 Points-Wine and Spirits Guild of America
Crémant de Loire, Prince Alexandre – NV
$12.95 750ml
Green's Cash PriceWhat is a Crémant, you ask? Well, in France this means a sparkling wine made
in the Champagne Method–aka Methode Champenoise–but in a wine regionother than Champagne. Loire is the wine region that is most famous for
Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Cabernet Franc from Chinon. Crémant deLoire can only be made with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc from Anjou,
Saumur, or Touraine villages in central Loire. Aging on the lees takes place forat least 12 months. The addition of the Chenin Blanc unlike traditional
(champagne) and the lees aging give this wine a lot of character and structureand a textural component that makes for enjoyable drinking while still being
very approachable. Enjoy as an aperitif or throughout the meal.
Critical Accolade:“Pale golden in color, this Chenin-dominated blend (plus Chardonnay and
Cabernet Franc) grabs you by the nose and invites you in. Lovely Red Williampear flavors; mouth-filling and quite long.” Rated 91 Points-www.decanter.com
9Le Chant du Soleil Côtes du Rhône 2017
$9.95 750ml
Green's Cash PriceThis red wine is made by the CAVE des Vignerons de Tavel, the supplier of most
of the Tavel Rose we sell during the summer. Some of the 140 producers whobelong to this co-op own vineyards located just outside the Tavel appellation.
This red is sourced from one of those.
These Côtes du Rhône vineyards, owned by this cooperative, are located just
8
over the Tavel border in the neighboring localities of Rochefort-du-gard andPujault. Made from Grenache, Syrah, Garignan and Mourvede, Le Chant du
Soleil Côtes du Rhône comes from 150 acres of vineyards which are an average25 years old. These older vines add to the depth of flavor in the wine. There’srichness and a touch of ripeness in the fruit flavors. A medium-to-full-bodied
dark colored red wine, it is quite special at its low price. The wine displayscherry red color, expressive nose with stewed cherry and red fruit aromas. On
the palate, it is harmonious and rich, with round tannins and a lively, fruit-forward character.
10Napa Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017
$9.95 750ml
Green's Cash PriceThe 2017 growing season offered superlative growing conditions with abundant
rain at the beginning of the year. Harvest brought lower yields with fruit ofexcellent quality. Winemaker Joe Shirley selects fruit from several sub-
appellations in the warmer regions of Napa Valley, including St. Helena andRutherford, to better tease out the vibrant aromas and flavors that make this
varietal so appealing. Napa’s warm days and cool nights are ideal for promotingSauvignon Blanc’s beautiful and vibrant aromatics, as well as its balanced
acidity.
Tasting Notes:Aromas of red grapefruit, melon and tropical fruit with floral notes. A full andlively palate of green apple and lemongrass balances this wine’s tropical notes
with crisp acidity that gives way to a lingering, honeyed finish.Just out, this wine has no score yet. Wine Enthusiast and The Tasting Panel
each score the 2016 90 points.
15% Six Bottle Discount (Mixed or Solid)On All Top Ten Wine Values.