Stratera’s “Imber” is a wine for those of us who may be leery of those natural wines out there while still being curious about the rage. I’ve never been drawn to them or really enjoyed them much, but the Imber is an excellent option for us! We all have our reasons for not liking them. Perhaps you don’t want things floating in your wine? Or maybe you associate natural wines with a funky smell? Whatever the reason, this is a fantastic way to dip your feet into the crazy “natty” wine craze without diving all the way in. This Chardonnay is anything but shy! Imber spends over a year on its lees in neutral barrels, packing in serious texture and richness. It’s a citrus lover’s dream with a nose bursting with lemon juice, zest, peel, and curd, plus a playful mix of juniper, basil, apricot, green apple, and orange zest. On the palate, those apple notes go complete rockstar – think lemon oil, hazelnut, and a dash of herb salt. With vibrant acidity and a creamy finish, it wraps up with a delightful marmalade-on-shortbread moment. This wine is all about intensity, complexity, and wow factor! Give it a try – it’s the gateway to a whole new wine adventure!

Bleu Mont Dairy Bandaged Cheddar (Blue Mounds, WI) Cow Milk 
$26.99/lb