I know, I know… another Chardonnay from Keri! But honestly, I just can’t help myself—I keep stumbling upon bottles that are too good not to share. And this one? Well, it’s something really special. Winemaker Greg Brewer describes Diatom as being “motivated by the pursuit of subtraction and refinement… with a sense of transparency and a purity of intent and purpose.” In other words, he’s stripping Chardonnay down to its core essence. No oak. No stirring. No fluff. Just stainless steel fermentation that lets the grape shine in its purest, most luxurious form. Now, you might be thinking, “Didn’t you give me a stainless steel Chardonnay before?” And yes, guilty! But I promise, this one hits differently. Diatom isn’t just crisp and clean—it’s bold, linear, and somehow both skeletal and bougie at the same time. It’s Chardonnay taken back to basics, but in the most elevated way possible. And can we talk pairings for a moment? I discovered the ultimate one by accident. Picture this: I’d had a long day at work, grabbed the Artichoke Ficelle sandwich from the cheese shop, cracked open this bottle, and suddenly—magic. The wine was already delicious, but with that sandwich? Fireworks. As my Tobin TaterTot likes to say, “OH BOY!” You know when two good things collide and make each other even better? That’s what we’ve got here. So, whether you’re sipping Diatom on its own or pairing it with something simple (or indulgent), this wine is proof that sometimes less really is more. Clean, powerful, luxurious—this is Chardonnay stripped down and dressed up all at once.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I picked up this bottle. Honestly, I knew I’d probably enjoy it—mostly because Peter said I would—but what really drew me in was the snappy label and my curiosity about this unusual, unfamiliar grape called Baga. That mix of a trusted recommendation and a little wine adventure sealed the deal. This fizzy rosé is made entirely from Baga—a local Portuguese grape that's basically the underdog hero of the Bairrada region on Portugal’s central coast. It comes from a single vineyard, and while Baga may be a bit of a diva (thin-skinned and temperamental), it rewards patience and skill with some seriously impressive wine. For years, it flew under the radar, but now it’s getting the spotlight it deserves for crafting zippy, high-acid wines full of character and grace. This bottle from Prior Lucas is a prime example—Rui Lucas knows these grapes like old friends and brings out their charm with style and confidence. This wine has lively acidity and a firm tannin structure, balanced by bright red fruit, crisp minerality, and a subtle hint of creaminess. It’s well-structured but still graceful, with all the elements working in harmony. Balanced, bold, and a bit bougie. So, if you’re in the mood to try something off the beaten path—but still totally crushable—this bottle is your next move. It’s a fresh take on sparkling rosé, with roots in tradition and a personality all its own. Whether you’re a seasoned wine nerd or just someone who appreciates a good label and a better pour, this Baga beauty from Prior Lucas is absolutely worth the adventure. Go ahead—take the leap. Your glass (and your taste buds) will thank you.

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!