2019 Stereophonic 'Blue Desert' Albariño - $23
Whether it’s among the craggy Rias of Atlantic Spain or staring down the savage beauty of the Pacific, the ascetic Albariño prefers to eke out an existence under chilling fog and against buffeting winds. It comes out razor sharp and intense and “Blue Desert” is a remarkable rendition -- one that we might have have guessed was Galician in a blind! Electric pear, guava and lime fruit shimmer on the palate with mineral and saline accents. The balance here is capital E excellente, and this stands as ready to invigorate the palate for your apertivo hour as it is to serve your seafood pairing schemes.
2018 Stereophonic ‘Endless River’ Gruner Veltliner - $24.50
VB Emeritus Jason Lefler nailed it with his first vintage of Gruner from Edna Valley’s famed Paragon Vineyard. The site looks west to the Pacific, and that cool vantage lends it all of the exciting herbal and floral elements of the Austrian original. This packs in flavor and acidity at generous levels while *also* retaining low alcohol... no easy feat! Shot through with apple and pear notes and laced with subtle hints of lychee and pepper, it’s as suited for spring rolls and Thai noodles as it is all by itself for Scrabble night.
