Markham’s 350 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards span the Napa Valley from north to south. The diversity of soil, climate and terrain in the vineyards offer an extraordinary palette of flavor and texture at harvest time, adding depth and nuance to each and every wine. Markham Vineyards continues to be recognized for making benchmark Napa Valley Merlots, as well as acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. We will taste:

Sauvignon Blanc 2018 — Blend: 62% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sauvignon Musqué, 3% Semillon. Estate-grown Sauvignon Musqué allows for a multitude of aroma profiles, while estate-grown Semillon provides a juicy texture and ripe melon character. The result is classic honeydew melon aromas interwoven with pear, jasmine and lemongrass. White peach and ripe melon flavors provide a juicy balance to the mineral notes and crisp citrus finish. Aged 90% in stainless steel tanks, 10% in wood tanks. Rating: 90, Wine Enthusiast. $19.99/$8

Merlot 2017 — Blend: 87% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Sirah, 1% Malbec. Markham bottled its first vintage Merlot in 1980, making it only the fourth winery to produce Merlot in the Napa Valley. This is currently the best-selling Napa Merlot in the US. Estate vineyards provide the backbone to this Napa Valley blend: Oak Knoll's Little Cannon offers a distinct sour cherry character while Yountville's Hopper House and Guardian vineyards add classic Bing cherry. Together, this wine has a lovely balance of candied cherry laced with dark chocolate aromas. Floral fruit runs from strawberry preserves to boysenberry and is accented with an assortment of baking spices. The velvety entry melts like chocolate on the palate providing a silky but dense mouthfeel with a long, intense finish. Aged 15½ months in American oak, 32% in new oak barrels. Rating: 88, Wine Enthusiast. $25.99/$10

Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 — Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot,4% Cabernet Franc. With this bottling of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, fruit from Rockerbox Estate Vineyard becomes the Yin to the Guardian Estate Vineyard’s Yang, coming together in perfect harmony. Sensuous aromatics layer vanilla, marzipan and graphite without overpowering the intensity of jammy boysenberry and raspberry notes. Lush, juicy texture offers perfect balance to the chewy tannins that follow through the finish. Aged 26½ months in French oak, 44% new oak barrels. Rating: 92, James Suckling. $44.99/$15

We are doing a combination of tableside and barside, depending on your party size! C’mon in when you’re ready. Please continue to select and sit at a table that matches your party size so that we can accommodate everyone.

For the time being, masks are still required upon entry to the store, until you are seated, and if you need to get up (except while tasting, of course).

As always, feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a garbage can at the back entrance of the store). AND, don’t forget the newly opened cheese shop, St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese. They will be introducing new cheeses regularly.

Thanks y’all, see you Friday!!