San Francisco Is Feeling the Love with Valentine’s Day Picks
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and our San Francisco team has got you covered. They’ve picked their favorite bottles for romancing yoru sweethearts! Whether you’re hitting the town in your finery or cozying up with Netflix, there’s a beverage for you in this list!
Mike’s picks:
Brouwerij Drie Fonteinen Oude Kriek, Belgium (375ml) $16.99 A delicious Kriek (Cherry lambic) made using hand-picked sour morello cherries that makes for a complex acidic beer that is lightly carbonated. This pairs wonderfully with cheese and nuts.
Privateer Rum "The Queen's Share 4 Year Old" American Rum (Price is so good that it has to be hidden! Add to cart to see.) A rich, delicious American-made rum that is fit for a queen… and everyone else.
Austin’s picks:
2015 Pape Clément, Pessac-Leognan $119.99 An elegantly rich wine with gorgeous tannin structure and supporting acid. Dark chocolate, graphite, and plentiful black fruit on the palate paint a beautiful picture to share with your partner or loved ones!
El Jolgorio Nyestra Soledad Santa Maria Zoquitlan $44.99 A beautiful terroir-driven mezcal, the Santa Maria Zoquitlan lies adjacent to a river in the district of Tlacolula just east of Valles Centrales. This geographical region produces some rich and mineral driven Mezcals bountiful with citrus. A romantic bottle of Agave to share with your special somebody.
Anchorage Brewing Co. "Flirting" DIPA, Alaska (16oz can) $7.99 Two unique hops are used in production. El dorado hops are a strong and firm hop delivering wonderful bitter flavors, while Incognito Strata delivers the prominent aromatic backbone of the beer. A match made in heaven -- Smitten with your valentine? Maybe pour them a cold glass of "Flirting" and see where things go.
Brooke’s picks:
2019 Schramsberg North Coast Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine $39.95 Celebrate La Vie en Rosé with this pink bubbly brut! Aromas of raspberry, peaches, and lemon shortcake burst out of the glass. A palate of bright watermelon, cherries, lemon zest, and brioche leave you feeling refreshed for a great night.
2021 Stolpman "Love You Bunches" Santa Barbara County Carbonic Sangiovese $19.99 Serve this chilled with someone you love bunches! Bright red fruits open the bouquet of this wine, followed by a juicy acidity. Just like candy!
Viñedos de Los Vientos "Alcyone" $34.99 (500ml) Enjoy this dessert Tannat from Uruguay with someone that makes you melt! A generous and rich palate highlights notes of warm chocolate chip cookies, figs, and dark chocolate. My favorite!
Scott’s picks:
NV Fallet-Dart Brut Rose $34.99 is the perfect Blanc de Noir Rose for those of you who like Bollinger and Ruinart. Deep cherry fruit, offset by a splash of bright raspberry and citrusy orange on the lingering finish. A great pick for those of you who also like a more saignee style of Brut Rose. A perfectly affordable pick for Valentine's Day! Have it with barbecue chicken or even a nice petite filet.
2020 Tempo d'Angélus, St-Émilion $19.99 was one of my favorites from the 2019 vintage and even more so for this 2020 release. It is nicely traditional without being too much so. A medium to moderately full mouthful, with dark red fruits, cedar, spice and light earth flavors. Very complex at this price point and pretty open to a variety of foods, including vegetarian fare. It will also age for a bit, if you want it to. I bought a few .750 ml bottles last week and a magnum this week. So much for keeping to my promise of paring down. However, at these prices, my wallet didn't complain. Well worth giving up a couple dozen eggs!
Hope’s picks:
Banshu Ikkon Chokara Banshu Yamada Nishiki Junmai Ginjo Sake (720ml) $34.99 A beautifully dry and floral sake to liven up your evening!
Redwood Empire "Rocket Top" Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $89.99 Butter up your loved one with Redwood Empire Rocket Top and its rich, spicy nuttiness.
Hombo Shuzo Mars Shinshu Mars Maltage "Cosmo" Wine Cask Aged Blended Whisky (750ml) (Price is so good that it has to be hidden! Add to cart to see.) The Cabernet and Pinot Noir casks give this whisky an elevated boost from the delicate style of Japanese whiskies. Dried figs and plum round out playfully on the pallet. It’s a must try that’s out of this world!