August Wine Picks are brought to us by Sandy Rozek of RP Imports.  Sandy describes herself as an “old, yet spunky” veteran of the wine and spirits business. Rozek has been a Broker for RP Imports for several months.  She was the Wine and Spirit Director of the Common Man family of restaurants for many years, and before that was a wine broker for Martignetti Companies of New Hampshire.  She lives in the cozy town of Mount Vernon, New Hampshire with her very handsome boyfriend Mike Hodgman and their very sweet Rottweiler Diesel. www.rpimports.com

Sandy's Wine Picks for the HOT month of August are..

Girard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Always a crowd pleaser, this highly rated California Chardonnay provides a soft and round palate without the buttery influence, as seen in some Chardonnays from California. While the heat intensifies the ripening of the fruit during the day, a lovely fog rolls in at night in the valley and "blankets" the grapes...hence no over-ripening occurs. It's a wonderfully balanced wine. And this is not a wine that requires food to make it palatable, it can simply be enjoyed on your front porch....with a long straw!
 
Domaine Champalou Vouvray Brut, Loire
From the ever popular Kermit Lynch, we bring you celebratory bubbles, without the Champagne price tag. This is sparkling Vouvray! Yes sir...Chenin Blanc with beautiful, tiny bubbles. For those of you who are looking for something festive to serve at your next outdoor event? This wine is truly the most fun that you can have in a glass!
 
Girard "Artistry" Red, Napa Valley 
This is a stunning Proprietary blend of 5 Bordeaux-varietal grapes that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Malbec (yes, Malbec) and a small percentage of Merlot. It's a brilliantly colored wine that brings aromas of baked cherries, dark plum, lavender, cinnamon, allspice and freshly cut herbs. The firm tannins are well integrated which makes this an elegant wine to drink. If you can resist the temptation to empty the glass right away, try to take your time and notice the multi-layered nose...it's worth the time invested!
 
Merriam Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley
This long awaited, award winning, 2005 Cabernet Franc from Peter Merriam is truly worth the wait! But I wouldn't wait too long to score a case, as it evaporates quickly. Typically Cabernet Franc, requires some oxidizing to make it palatable, yet this wine does not. It's easy drinking the moment you pop the cork. It brings lovely dark plum-violets and spice on the nose, while on the palate it produces flavors of blueberry and currants, then it gives way to a thick long lasting finish of vanilla. If you've never experienced a Cabernet Franc, and Peter's is the first you drink, You may never want to try another...it's that good!