Savvy Cellar

Jen’s Notes

A few Fridays ago, we checked out Savvy Cellar, a wine bar and shop in Redwood City. We had a great night, and discovered some interesting new wines. The tasting flights and by-the-glass selections rotate regularly. You can also pull anything off the shelves and drink it there for a small corkage fee.

The shop is organized around a radical concept: all of the wines they stock were scored at 90 points or above by any of the major wine publications and are also priced at 39.00 or less per bottle.

In addition to wine, Savvy Cellar offers a good selection of nibbles; we had a lovely cheese plate and marcona almonds.

Wines tasted:

Mont Marcal Cava Reserva
NV
6.00/glass

This Spanish bubbly was clean and pleasant. Not very complex or concentrated, but boasted a silky texture and subtle nutty and floral flavors.

Baileyana Pinot Noir
2002
6.00/glass

True to varietal, with cranberry and smokey flavors. Restrained and classy.

Aglianico Di Majo "Contado"
2002
7.00/glass

This Italian red, pronounced all-YA-nico, was unlike any wine I had ever tasted before. It showed scents of eucalyptus on the nose. On the palate, the wine was mouthfilling and concentrated, with firm tannins and a nice minerality underneath. The flavors included blackberry, herbs and smoke.

Tinto Fino Legaris Reserva
1999
9.00/glass

This Portuguese wine showed minty, earthy aromas. The palate had similarly minty highlights and subtle berry fruit, in a smooth silky texture. It was brilliantly made and well-structured.

Nepenthe "Tryst"
2004
6.00/glass

This Australian white is an usual blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Pinot Gris. It shows tangy citrus and herbal aromas, with a softer base note of honey and vanilla. On the palate, it shows an unexpected richness and a long finish. Flavors included lemon and subtle honey.

3 Rings Shiraz
2004
9.00/glass

Another one from Australia! This was a big wine. Not complex, but keenly focused and smooth. Woody aromas. Juicy and supple fruit on the oalate, jammy and a little spicy. Long finish.

Felsina Vin Santo
1997
11.00/glass

Appropriately enough, we ended the tasting with this dessert wine from Italy. It was.... risking understatement, absolutely delicious. One of the best things my tongue has ever encountered. The nose was redolent of sweet, caramelized hazelnuts. My palate was enveloped in candied orange peel, more hazelnuts and, amazingly, florals as well. We loved it, and can't wait to try some others.