Yanni Went Wine Shopping (Again)

Here's the situation. Yanni went wine shopping. Yanni always goes a little overboard wine shopping. And now we've got three gorgeous new bottles on the list, a storage room that's suddenly very full, and Denise gave the look that says I told you so — in advance.

So we need your help. The fastest way to keep the peace (and free up some shelf space) is for all of you to come drink it. For the family. For the storage room. For Yanni.

Here's what he ordered for you:

🍷 Donum Pinot Noir 2023 (Carneros, Sonoma) — the new premium Pinot, and worth every inch of shelf space. Silky and elegant, with black cherry and five-spice, from one of Carneros' great biodynamic estates (the kind with a world-famous sculpture garden). This one Yanni will defend to the end.

🍷 Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Napa Valley) — a classic, age-worthy Napa Cab from a historic estate where legends like Warren Winiarski and Mike Grgich got their start. Black currant, mint, bay leaf, silky tannins. Big, balanced, very much worth the trouble.

🍷 Beronia Rioja Reserva 2022 (Rioja, Spain) — Tempranillo-led, 18 months in oak, smooth and spiced: black plum, dark chocolate, thyme, a touch of orange zest. The people-pleaser of the bunch.

Which one are you helping us with first? When your in, ask your server what's new, and do your part. Denise thanks you.

Starting Thursday: Crab Cake Special

You usually only see this one during the holidays. Our crab cake special — the one we roll out with our coursed holiday menus, the one people ask about all year — is here early. Golden and crisp outside, sweet and tender inside, the kind of crab cake that quietly ruins other crab cakes for you.

We're pairing it with the Ceretto Langhe Arneis from Piedmont, and it's a gorgeous match. Ceretto is a legendary Barolo house — but they're also among the winemakers who rescued Arneis, a native white grape that had nearly gone extinct. Their "Blangé" bottling (named, as legend has it, for the spot where Napoleon's bakers once camped) is crisp and mineral, with ripe pear, green apple, apple blossom, and a subtle almond note that plays beautifully against sweet crab. Fresh, elegant, and exactly right.

No need to wait for December. This one's here now.

December Is Already Filling Up

A quick heads-up while you're thinking about it: December is already booking. Holiday parties, team dinners, family celebrations — the good dates go first every single year, and the calendar is moving fast.

If a holiday gathering is anywhere on your radar, lock in your date now while you still have your pick. Our private events team makes the whole thing easy — great food, great wine (we've got some new bottles, if you hadn't heard), and none of the stress.

Take a look and let's get you on the calendar.