By Liz Miller, Wine Manager
It wouldn’t be February without the daily reminder(s) that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Since I would consider myself a true romantic who doesn’t believe that love can be bought, I’ve decided to use this newsletter to share my personal story with my partner instead. What does this have to do with wine? Instead of trying to sell you an experience, I’ll be using these wines to metaphorically represent each chapter of our personal relationship. Enjoy our story…
Hector knew my dad before we ever met, because my dad was setting up concerts in Gainesville under the moniker ESS (Electronic SubSouth). In fact, my dad introduced me to Hector's band long before I ever met him in person.
Hector's first memory of me was when I was working at Arrow's Aim Records in Gainesville, Florida. I was recommending Suicide's self titled album to someone at the same moment that he was holding an Alan Vega album in his hands (he bought that album by the way - pretty serendipitous, huh?).
We would eventually become good friends, and after moving to Atlanta on my own, Hector rented a car and made the drive up to visit me. After that visit, I knew that I wanted to be more than friends. I gave my roommate at the time a three month notice to find my replacement, and in those three months I had two jobs - one in Georgia, and one in Florida. I commuted back and forth every week either by car or bus, until finally moving back to Florida to be with Hector until he finished school. Once he graduated, and the pandemic began to calm down, we moved to Atlanta together.
We've shared wonderful ups and really tough downs, but that's how relationships work. Six years (and counting) in, and I still think he's the coolest person I've ever met. His impressive taste and vast knowledge of music is hard to beat - he's also humble, kind, effortlessly cool, and handsome to boot.
I love you, Hector - 365 days of the year.
Limited Addition “Rouge Crush” (the initial crush)
Rouge crush is a fun blend of the holy trinity of thin-skinned black French grapes - Gamay, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir. Grown in the Willamette valley, where these grapes thrive - this blend is bursting with flavors of pomegranate juice, fruit punch, and strawberry rhubarb.
Lampyres “Des Sens” (the honeymoon phase)
A sinful blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir, and a touch of Macabeau for good measure. This wine glides over the tongue like full fat French butter, with a tense mineral backbone and herbal finish.
Âmevive “Nothing but Love” (six years in)
There is literally nothing but grapes and love in this wine (50% Gamay, 50% Syrah, and 100% love). This is a “double zero” or ultra natural wine that doesn’t compromise quality or flavor. The unique grape combo is the perfect balance of energy and structure, with a bright, juicy finish that drinks like the juice of the drippiest ripe plum you’ve ever sunk your teeth into.
Fossil & Fawn “Only Always” (‘til death do us part)
“Only Always” is a love letter to Fossil & fawn’s admiration for Alsatian and Austrian varieties. Made from a blend of Auxerrois, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer - this aromatic blend offers balanced weight and acidity, with notes of alpine herbs, grated ginger, and kaffir lime leaves.
