Winery Tasting Notes:  “Very Dark Red. The name frankly speaks for itself. Petit Verdot is a grape of dark color, stout tannins and concentrated flavors. The small berries of Petite Sirah means a more intense maceration of skin-to-juice ratio and some of the longest tannins of any vinifera. Together they create a dark, concentrated wine that can be enjoyed now but will age well for a decade or more. VDR is full-bodied yet supple, with deep, ripe fruit flavors of black currant and black raspberry perfumed by delicate notes of crushed violet. A firm, chalky tannin structure belies the velvety, luscious mouthfeel. Dense flavors integrate beautifully for a long, layered finish.”

Blend: 56% Petit Verdot / 44% Petite Sirah
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced: 1,200
Winemaker Name: Dave Nagengast
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Grilled meats, short ribs, wild game, rich stews, savory Italian dishes, rib-eye and smoked cheeses

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – This Santa Lucia Highlands blend of Petit Verdot & Petite Sirah is a ‘lil monster BUT not too overly tannic where it will destroy your pallet.  I know its cliché, but when the winter months bring the cold temperatures, rain/snow, Christmas trees are lit and fire places are glowing…I find comfort in a mammoth red wine chock-full of puckering deep flavors and a lingering finish.  Look no further the 2013 VDR “Very Dark Red!”

We introduced this wine on November 29^th during our annual Wine Club Member Holiday Tasting/Purchasing event and ended up being one of the top sellers of the evening.  With the overwhelming success of the wine that night, I decided that it should definitely be a wine club selection.

The winery is in its infancy but firmly believes in sustainable farming/winemaking which can be found within each and every bottle of VDR.  Located specifically in the Hames Valley…“ Hames Valley is one of the most perfect places on earth to grow top quality Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. It is situated just north of the San Luis Obispo county line and lies at the foot of the Santa Lucia Range in a Region IV growing climate with just the right amount of sunshine hours to achieve optimal flavor development. The soils of our estate Hames Valley Vineyard are Lockwood shaly loam, with fragments of broken rock that create fracture lines for the vine roots to penetrate deeply. The climate of Hames Valley is uniquely characterized by a very wide diurnal range with a day-to-nighttime temperature variation of up to 50°. The long, warm days are a must for top-notch Petit-Petite, while the dramatic nighttime cooling preserves firm structure and balanced acidity.” (http://www.vdrwines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/VDR_2013_PSPV_noprice.pdf)

There is no need to complicate this wine…sure it may (or may not) receive some added benefit from a little shelf time.  That said, we purchased the rest of the inventory available and my suggestion would be TRY IT NOW to see if you would like to grab a little more for the cellar!  Enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes:
COLOR: Streaks of garnet giving way to intense ruby red.
NOSE: Candied fruits and spices that evolve into clean underbrush, tea, and amber notes.
PALATE: Enhanced by notes of red flowers, the aromas return on the palate transported by confident but not overbearing alcohol. The tannins and fresh acidity work in counterpoint to create a balanced, soft wine.

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes:  90 Points
“The Cantele 2013 Salice Salentino Riserva shows a greater level of depth and finesse compared to many of its peers. The wine is packed tight with blackberry fruit, with Maraschino cherry, plum and prune in abundance. The wine is chewy and rich for sure, but it also provides an authentic and generous portrait of a red wine from Puglia. A spicy beef or lamb dish would make the perfect pairing partner.”

Blend: 100% Negroamaro***
Alcohol Level: 13%
Cases Produced: 20,833
Winemaker Name: Gianni Cantele
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Roast veal and beef, game, lamb, and ripe aged cheeses.

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT –  Sometimes all you have to do is ask and you shall receive an awesome wine that you never heard of before!  That’s exactly what happened with this stunning 2013 Cantele Salice Salentino Reserva Red Wine from Southern Italy.  If you are like me when thinking of southern Italian wines your first inclination would be Sicily but this wine actually comes from the eastern side of southern Italy or the “heel of the boot” if you are looking at the map.

This is one of those wines that might get lost on your wine rack because you don’t truly know what it is by looking at the label.  SO…if there is a night that you want a big chewy cab, or dark/dense syrah or petite syrah…reach for the Cantele Salice.  You are BBQ’ing some nice New York’s or Ribeye’s…maybe have something simmering all day in the crockpot…grab the Cantele Salice.  You won’t be disappointed.

Why did we choose this wine?  With prices of not only wine but everything going up, up and up…its refreshing to find such a value driven imported wine that can enhance one’s wine drinking experience.  Tasting this wine we found the similarities of the aforementioned varieties (last paragraph) and thought it could be a nice “gateway” wine to more imports in the future.  Though we specialize in domestic, primarily California wines we are constantly looking to expand our wine knowledge globally as well!  Enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes:
AROMAS: Milk chocolate covered raisins, all spice, orange zest, black cardamom, star anise and nutmeg.
PALATE: Intense blackberry, chocolate covered cherries, licorice and jammy currant.
TEXTURE: Silky smooth with ripe tannins and bright acidity leading to a long lingering finish.

Blend: 40% Zinfandel, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Carignane, 5% Grenache, 3% Petite Sirah
Alcohol Level: 14.7%
Cases Produced: 1,100
Winemaker Name: James Harder & Jim Regusci
Maturity: Drink Now – 2024

Pairings:  Grilled/Smoked/Roasted – Anything with 4 legs!  Stinky Cheeses, Hard Cheeses.

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT –  Tank Garage Winery is definitely a project that we are stoked about because it involves to Napa Valley icons James Harder & Jim Regusci.  Regusci is a stable in the Stag’s Leap District for producing some of the best cabernet sauvignon, merlot and zinfandel in the Napa Valley.  Dollar-for-dollar, one of the best values and most consistent wines we receive at CV and when we do receive it (small allocations) it sells out within days.  James Harder is the owner of JAMES COLE winery also located in the Stag’s Leap District on the Silverado Trail.  Also known for cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and probably the best petit verdot in the valley, it’s fitting that Regusci is the vineyard manager for James Cole winery.  The relationship between Harder and Regusci has blossomed into other business ventures including Nine North Wine Company which included labels (that we have carried) such as; Parcel 41 Merlot, Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon and Chasing Lions Cabenret Sauvignon.  Now, the two have embarked on a new road “Tank Garage Winery” which has a tasting room/winery housed in a classic 1930s era gas station in the Napa Valley town of Calistoga, California.  This is a MUST VISIT if in the valley, but make a reservation first:  https://www.tankgaragewinery.com/Visit/Make-Reservation

Sticking with the theme of “the bigger the better” this month, the 2014 Tank Garage “All or Nothing” Red Wine will not disappoint. Crafted in a similar style as both James Cole and Regusci wines…this predominantly zin-blend is complex yet, balanced with a smooth, delightful finish.  The 14.7% Alc, gives it a delightful punch of fruit but not overly sweet, so don’t trip out if you aren’t a zinfandel fan.  The complete package from ownership of the winery, blend of the grapes, to the label on this bottle indicate the thought and detail that went into the overall production of this wine.  Enjoy with friends or heck…enjoy it by yourself!  Cheers!

Winery Tasting Notes:  Rich, juicy blackberry, blueberry and cassis with dark chocolate and cedar spice notes. The dark fruit and minerality shine and are inherent of Coombsville AVA, where our Faust Estate Vineyard is located. A beautiful entry and mid palate are followed by rich aromas and flavors and a sweet fruit finish.

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes:  90 Points
“The Faust 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon comes largely from vineyards in southern Napa Valley’s Coombsville and Atlas Peak, but also includes some cross-AVA material from areas such as Yountville, Mt. Veeder, St. Helena and Rutherford. It is a well-made, ripe, concentrated, deep ruby/purple-colored Cabernet Sauvignon with sweet tannin, an attractive, cedary, licorice-infused aromatic and flavor profile, medium to full body and supple tannins. It seems to be the most drinkable and up-front of the Faust wines.”

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc,1% Petit Verdot
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: Charles Thomas
Maturity: Drink Now – 2028

Pairings:  BBQ/Smoked/Grilled/Cured Meats, Pork Loin/Chop, Hard Aged Cheeses

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – If you aren’t familiar with Faust, you will be after enjoying this delectable bottle of wine!  Essentially, this is the 2^nd label of famed Quintessa produced in the growing region of Rutherford (Napa Valley), but sold at a fraction of the price.  Quintessa/Faust were conceived by visionary Agustin Huneeus, whom has been making wine for over 50 years, while producing wine in more than 15 countries.  Faust is a tribute to Napa Valley’s noblest grape – full-bodied, decadently rich and unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s Agustin’s relationships with growers in other Napa Valley appellations, such as Yountville, Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak, St. Helena and Rutherford, that allow this wine to come to fruition.

This wine is your quintessential, classic, go-to, delicious cabernet sauvignon when looking for that perfect representation of a Napa Valley cab! I mean look at the process it goes through: “grapes are hand-picked, double-sorted, gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel and French oak fermentation tanks. After cold-soak and fermentation, the must undergoes a maceration period that can last up to three weeks. Critical flavor, aroma and color compounds are extracted at this phase. The wine is then transferred to French oak barrels for an aging period of 19 months.”  (http://www.faustwine.com/wine/faust/)

Folks, it just doesn’t get much better than that!  Well, yes it does…check your receipt!  Happy Holidays!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “2015 Illumination is a wine of exceptional aromatic complexity and purity. The bright fruit aromas of white peach and lemon sorbet interweave with fresh herbs, fig and beeswax honey. On the palate, the wine is alive with exotic stone fruit, lemon zest, and a hint of minerality that lead to a fresh flavorful finish.”

Blend: 39% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 48% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Semillon
Alcohol Level: 14.2%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: Rebekah Wineburg
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings: 

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Staying in line with the Quintessa theme another “Best-Seller” the night of our wine club member tasting was the 2015 Quintessa “Illumination” Sauvignon Blanc blend.  “Desirous of a white wine from Quintessa that he could enjoy at home with friends and family, Agustin Huneeus (owner of Qunitessa/Faust) planted a half acre of Sauvignon Blanc at Quintessa in 2002. This small plot of vines lives in the alluvial soils near the river where airflow and cooler temperatures encourage the grapes to thrive. Sauvignon Blanc Musqué sourced from Quintessa and select vineyards, which are reputed to have original Loire Valley cuttings, is a key part of the blend by enhancing the aromatic complexity and richness of the wine. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg seeks out additional vineyards in southern Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast that have hillside locations and cooler climates to ensure depth, intensity, fruit definition and minerality in the wines. (https://www.illuminationwine.com/assets/download/2015_Illumination_Fact_Sheet.pdf)

We not only selected this wine because of its overwhelming success at the tasting, but because its hands down one of the best domestic SB’s we have tried in quite some time.  Fresh, bright aromatics give way to delightful crisp and fruit forward taste that will compliment any holiday meal.  This is a “convertor wine” meaning it will convert non-white or non-sauvignon blanc drinkers into believers!  Oh…and don’t forget to check you receipt…you’ll love the wine and CV even more!  Cheers!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Light golden in color, with vibrant aromas and flavors of baked apple, white cherry and lemon meringue, Faire la Fête  – to create a party – encourages celebrating the everyday with energy, a zest for life and an appreciation for discovery.

From gourmet caviar and oysters to a low-key bowl of chips or popcorn, Faire la Fête is refreshing and incredibly versatile. Fresh acidity and lively bubbles make it the perfect pairing for crisp Caesar salads, creamy mac & cheese, fresh sushi and spring rolls, smokey & tangy barbeque, or even a rich, earthy butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sauce.”

Blend: 70% Chardonnay 20% Chenin Blanc 10% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Level: 12%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: NA
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Read Above

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Hey…it’s holiday time and everyone can use a nice bottle of bubbles that won’t break the bank and this non-vintage Faire Le Fette Brut is the HOT TIP!  “Faire La Fete – TO CREATE A PARTY – originates in the village of Limoux where the world’s longest running annual carnival celebration allows revelers to dance, sing, celebrate and enjoy an endless flow of sparkling wine.

Limoux boasts not one but four distinctive terroirs.  Containing benchmark chardonnay and pinot noir vineyards – the signature varietals of Faire la Fete – the four subzones conspire to deliver peerless sparkling wine!

We generally don’t send out sparkling wines through our wine club, but during the month of December it’s a perfect match.  You will find this refreshing and delightful, dry but not bone dry, crisp but not tart…it’s just right!  Enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes: “Named for the iconic image of the wind turbine on the label, the Turbine White is a delicious blend of white Rhone-style varietals. Light citrus blossom aromas mingle with stone fruit, lychee and herbal notes. The overall bouquet is light, but the flavor profile is full. The palate is initially bright with flavors of tropical fruits and orange oil giving way to a richer mid-palate and slightly nutty characteristics.”

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes:  89 Points
“The 2013 Proprietary White Turbine, a blend of 42% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Picpoul Blanc and 18% Marsanne, certainly qualifies as one of the more idiosyncratic and original blends in Northern California. The wine has a light gold color and a nose of rose petals, honeysuckle, and a touch of tropical fruit. It is a beautiful, fragrant and perfumed style of wine, but with good flesh and dry, crisp flavors – all evidence of a terrific blend put together by the winery. Drink it over the next several years.”

Blend: 42% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Picpoul Blanc and 18% Marsanne
Alcohol Level: 14%
Cases Produced: 354
Winemaker Name: Ross Cobb & Katy Wilson
Maturity: Drink Now – 2019

Pairings:  Fried Chicken, Poached Lobster, Sautéed Scallops, soft cheeses, sautéed shrooms!

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – This is a fantastic treat that we are excited to be sharing with our faithful wine club members!  Anaba (short for “anabatic winds”) was the first winery in Northern California to utilize wind power when owner, John Sweazey installed a 45-foot Skystream 3.7 wind turbine on the property to harness the anabatic winds. This single wind turbine generates electricity for Anaba’s tasting room, wine storage, office operations and irrigation pumps for the two estate vineyards.  To top it off in 2015, Anaba installed an electric car charging station that is also powered by their turbine.  Anaba is committed to green initiatives and continue to add protocols to minimize their carbon footprint.

You generally don’t see many white Rhone blends coming out of Sonoma but this one happens to be another ‘lil gem we found.  The Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc offer rich flavor, full mouth-feel and delicious stone fruit nectar.  The Picpoul balances the wine with soft acidity and structure.  I think that you are going to be very happy with this selection…only bad news is we bought all that there was left in distribution! On the 2014!!!  Cheers!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Very Dark Red. The name frankly speaks for itself. Petit Verdot is a grape of dark color, stout tannins and concentrated flavors. The small berries of Petite Sirah means a more intense maceration of skin-to-juice ratio and some of the longest tannins of any vinifera. Together they create a dark, concentrated wine that can be enjoyed now but will age well for a decade or more. VDR is full-bodied yet supple, with deep, ripe fruit flavors of black currant and black raspberry perfumed by delicate notes of crushed violet. A firm, chalky tannin structure belies the velvety, luscious mouthfeel. Dense flavors integrate beautifully for a long, layered finish.”

Blend: 56% Petit Verdot / 44% Petite Sirah
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced: 1,200
Winemaker Name: Dave Nagengast
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Grilled meats, short ribs, wild game, rich stews, savory Italian dishes, rib-eye and smoked cheeses

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – This Santa Lucia Highlands blend of Petit Verdot & Petite Sirah is a ‘lil monster BUT not too overly tannic where it will destroy your pallet.  I know its cliché, but when the winter months bring the cold temperatures, rain/snow, Christmas trees are lit and fire places are glowing…I find comfort in a mammoth red wine chock-full of puckering deep flavors and a lingering finish.  Look no further the 2013 VDR “Very Dark Red!”

We introduced this wine on November 29^th during our annual Wine Club Member Holiday Tasting/Purchasing event and ended up being one of the top sellers of the evening.  With the overwhelming success of the wine that night, I decided that it should definitely be a wine club selection.

The winery is in its infancy but firmly believes in sustainable farming/winemaking which can be found within each and every bottle of VDR.  Located specifically in the Hames Valley…“ Hames Valley is one of the most perfect places on earth to grow top quality Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. It is situated just north of the San Luis Obispo county line and lies at the foot of the Santa Lucia Range in a Region IV growing climate with just the right amount of sunshine hours to achieve optimal flavor development. The soils of our estate Hames Valley Vineyard are Lockwood shaly loam, with fragments of broken rock that create fracture lines for the vine roots to penetrate deeply. The climate of Hames Valley is uniquely characterized by a very wide diurnal range with a day-to-nighttime temperature variation of up to 50°. The long, warm days are a must for top-notch Petit-Petite, while the dramatic nighttime cooling preserves firm structure and balanced acidity.” (http://www.vdrwines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/VDR_2013_PSPV_noprice.pdf)

There is no need to complicate this wine…sure it may (or may not) receive some added benefit from a little shelf time.  That said, we purchased the rest of the inventory available and my suggestion would be TRY IT NOW to see if you would like to grab a little more for the cellar!  Enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Light golden in color, with vibrant aromas and flavors of baked apple, white cherry and lemon meringue, Faire la Fête  – to create a party – encourages celebrating the everyday with energy, a zest for life and an appreciation for discovery.

From gourmet caviar and oysters to a low-key bowl of chips or popcorn, Faire la Fête is refreshing and incredibly versatile. Fresh acidity and lively bubbles make it the perfect pairing for crisp Caesar salads, creamy mac & cheese, fresh sushi and spring rolls, smokey & tangy barbeque, or even a rich, earthy butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sauce.”

Blend: 70% Chardonnay 20% Chenin Blanc 10% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Level: 12%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: NA
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Read Above

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Hey…it’s holiday time and everyone can use a nice bottle of bubbles that won’t break the bank and this non-vintage Faire Le Fette Brut is the HOT TIP!  “Faire La Fete – TO CREATE A PARTY – originates in the village of Limoux where the world’s longest running annual carnival celebration allows revelers to dance, sing, celebrate and enjoy an endless flow of sparkling wine.

Limoux boasts not one but four distinctive terroirs.  Containing benchmark chardonnay and pinot noir vineyards – the signature varietals of Faire la Fete – the four subzones conspire to deliver peerless sparkling wine!

We generally don’t send out sparkling wines through our wine club, but during the month of December it’s a perfect match.  You will find this refreshing and delightful, dry but not bone dry, crisp but not tart…it’s just right!  Enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “2015 Illumination is a wine of exceptional aromatic complexity and purity. The bright fruit aromas of white peach and lemon sorbet interweave with fresh herbs, fig and beeswax honey. On the palate, the wine is alive with exotic stone fruit, lemon zest, and a hint of minerality that lead to a fresh flavorful finish.”

Blend: 39% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 48% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Semillon
Alcohol Level: 14.2%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: Rebekah Wineburg
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings: 

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Staying in line with the Quintessa theme another “Best-Seller” the night of our wine club member tasting was the 2015 Quintessa “Illumination” Sauvignon Blanc blend.  “Desirous of a white wine from Quintessa that he could enjoy at home with friends and family, Agustin Huneeus (owner of Qunitessa/Faust) planted a half acre of Sauvignon Blanc at Quintessa in 2002. This small plot of vines lives in the alluvial soils near the river where airflow and cooler temperatures encourage the grapes to thrive. Sauvignon Blanc Musqué sourced from Quintessa and select vineyards, which are reputed to have original Loire Valley cuttings, is a key part of the blend by enhancing the aromatic complexity and richness of the wine. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg seeks out additional vineyards in southern Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast that have hillside locations and cooler climates to ensure depth, intensity, fruit definition and minerality in the wines. (https://www.illuminationwine.com/assets/download/2015_Illumination_Fact_Sheet.pdf)

We not only selected this wine because of its overwhelming success at the tasting, but because its hands down one of the best domestic SB’s we have tried in quite some time.  Fresh, bright aromatics give way to delightful crisp and fruit forward taste that will compliment any holiday meal.  This is a “convertor wine” meaning it will convert non-white or non-sauvignon blanc drinkers into believers!  Oh…and don’t forget to check you receipt…you’ll love the wine and CV even more!  Cheers!

Winery Tasting Notes:  Rich, juicy blackberry, blueberry and cassis with dark chocolate and cedar spice notes. The dark fruit and minerality shine and are inherent of Coombsville AVA, where our Faust Estate Vineyard is located. A beautiful entry and mid palate are followed by rich aromas and flavors and a sweet fruit finish.

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes:  90 Points
“The Faust 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon comes largely from vineyards in southern Napa Valley’s Coombsville and Atlas Peak, but also includes some cross-AVA material from areas such as Yountville, Mt. Veeder, St. Helena and Rutherford. It is a well-made, ripe, concentrated, deep ruby/purple-colored Cabernet Sauvignon with sweet tannin, an attractive, cedary, licorice-infused aromatic and flavor profile, medium to full body and supple tannins. It seems to be the most drinkable and up-front of the Faust wines.”

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc,1% Petit Verdot
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: Charles Thomas
Maturity: Drink Now – 2028

Pairings:  BBQ/Smoked/Grilled/Cured Meats, Pork Loin/Chop, Hard Aged Cheeses

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – If you aren’t familiar with Faust, you will be after enjoying this delectable bottle of wine!  Essentially, this is the 2^nd label of famed Quintessa produced in the growing region of Rutherford (Napa Valley), but sold at a fraction of the price.  Quintessa/Faust were conceived by visionary Agustin Huneeus, whom has been making wine for over 50 years, while producing wine in more than 15 countries.  Faust is a tribute to Napa Valley’s noblest grape – full-bodied, decadently rich and unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s Agustin’s relationships with growers in other Napa Valley appellations, such as Yountville, Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak, St. Helena and Rutherford, that allow this wine to come to fruition.

This wine is your quintessential, classic, go-to, delicious cabernet sauvignon when looking for that perfect representation of a Napa Valley cab! I mean look at the process it goes through: “grapes are hand-picked, double-sorted, gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel and French oak fermentation tanks. After cold-soak and fermentation, the must undergoes a maceration period that can last up to three weeks. Critical flavor, aroma and color compounds are extracted at this phase. The wine is then transferred to French oak barrels for an aging period of 19 months.”  (http://www.faustwine.com/wine/faust/)

Folks, it just doesn’t get much better than that!  Well, yes it does…check your receipt!  Happy Holidays!