October Wine Club

Bordeaux may be best known for its powerful red wines, but the Graves appellation on Bordeaux's Left Bank also produces beautifully balanced dry whites. This wine combines the richness of Sémillon (60%) with the bright citrus character of Sauvignon Blanc (35%) and a small amount of Muscadelle (5%). The wine is made from mature vines averaging roughly 45–48 years old and is aged in stainless steel, allowing the freshness and character of the grapes to shine without oak.

In the glass, look for lime, lemon and grapefruit, along with subtle floral notes, hints of honeysuckle and a touch of tropical fruit. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with an aroma balanced by the lively acidity and mineral character that Graves is known for. The combination of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc is particularly interesting: Sauvignon Blanc contributes freshness and citrus, while Sémillon provides texture, body and a rounder mouthfeel.

The name Graves comes from the French word for gravel, referring to the region's gravelly, stony soils. Graves is one of the historic homes of dry white Bordeaux. While this area is also famous for red wines, its whites demonstrate just how versatile Bordeaux can be. This is a wonderfully food-friendly white.

🍽️ Pairing & Serving Tips

• Pair With: Oysters, roasted white fish, goat cheese, fresh seafood salads, and light poultry dishes.
• Why It Works: Sémillon gives it enough body to stand up to lighter main dishes, while Sauvignon Blanc's acidity cuts cleanly through rich seafood or soft cheeses.

Cabernet Franc is often thought of as Cabernet Sauvignon's more aromatic and savory relative, and this is a wonderful example of why this grape deserves more attention. From Washington's Yakima Valley, this wine is crafted primarily from Cabernet Franc, complemented by small amounts of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes come from Two Mountain's Copeland and Portteus Vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills, an area known for producing really nice and structured red wines.

In the glass, the wine shows bright red berries and blue fruit alongside classic Cabernet Franc notes of thyme, pine, lavender and minerality. The palate is fresh with lively acidity, tannins and a herbal character that keeps the wine interesting from the first sip through the finish. This wine also benefits from 19 months of aging in French oak, with approximately one-third of the barrels being new oak. The oak adds notes of spice, vanilla and mocha without overwhelming the fruit or the natural savory character of Cabernet Franc.

A little Cabernet Franc education: Cabernet Franc is one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Sauvignon Blanc. It is especially valued for its aromatic character, fresh acidity and herbal notes. In France, Cabernet Franc is an important grape in Bordeaux's Right Bank and is also the principal red grape of Chinon and Bourgueil in the Loire Valley. Washington's dry, sunny growing conditions allow Cabernet Franc to develop ripe fruit while retaining freshness. This is a great opportunity to experience Cabernet Franc outside of its French origins.

🍽️️ Food Pairings & Culinary Feature

• Pairs Well With: Roasted or grilled meats, lamb, gourmet burgers, and rich fall roasted vegetables.
• Special Feature: Perfectly paired with this month's exclusive recipe from Chef James!

Great wine isn't about status or complex jargon—it's about the people behind the bottle, the places they come from, and the joy of finding a new favorite.

You don't need to be a sommelier to explore world-class vineyards. Every month, Beverage Director Jason Kerstein hand-selects two remarkable wines with incredible stories to tell—pairing them with straightforward food ideas so you can just uncork and enjoy.

What's waiting for you every month:

• 2 Hand-Picked Bottles from around the world (typically one white and one red).
• Jason's Tasting & Food Pairing Guide so you know exactly what dishes bring out the best in every pour.
• 10% Off all extra bottle purchases in our Bottle Shop.
• Exclusive Recipe from Chef James and our culinary team.
• The Joy of the Unknown: An effortless way to step outside your usual routine and try something new each month.

Take a delicious detour from your usual routine.

Current Members & Pickup Info: Monthly totes are available for pickup at the Story Hill BKC Bottle Shop.

Looking to grab another bottle of past features like the Château Graville-Lacoste Graves Blanc or Two Mountains Cabernet Franc Reserve? Stop by the shop or ask your server during your next dinner visit!