2013 Carrier Wines “Beach Comber” Albarino

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$20 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of wine brands come through our doors—including many based on warm-and-fuzzy animal motifs—but this is a first:  a brand celebrating carrier pigeons who served with distinction during war time.  Okay.

This was the brainchild of one Eben Drucker, a 2002 U.C. Davis grad, though not in enology; he studied cultural anthropology and economics.  After being introduced to wine through a fellow student and taking extension courses in wine, he co-founded a small wine brokerage at the age of 22, and it grew quickly into a multi-million dollar business.

He struck out on his own a few years later launching Spotlight Brands to market the wines of small producers.  He crossed over to the other side in 2013 when he partnered with a Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard to launch his own brand, Carrier Wines.

Beach Comber Albarino is the third release from this budding winemaker.  His first time to bat he made a pinot noir that is now sold out.  He released a 2012 chardonnay; the 2014 “Broken Arrow” Chardonnay is due out soon.

Gary’s Tasting Notes:  This is some truly snappy juice.  It may be nearly clear in your glass, but it is a tour de force of exotic tropical flavors—principally pineapple and mango, teamed up with a solid dose of Meyer lemon.  A solid, acid core makes this wine a no-brainer with the Asian specialties you take out from Auburn Thai Garden, or even Chef Alexander’s classic Cesar salad.

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