I’ve mentioned before that I’m a member (and huge fan of!) the Wine Garage in Napa.  I belong to their wine club, which means twice a year (it’s normally a quarterly shipment, but I’ve arranged to receive mine less frequently to save on shipping costs) I receive a case of really interesting, delicious, small-production wines from various “off the beaten path” regions of California.

My latest case arrived yesterday, including a bottle of Mary Elke Brut from Elke Vineyards.  I was unfamiliar with this winery, located about halfway between Napa and Mendocino.  But I learned the 20-plus year old winery grows fruit for a number of better-known wineries, including Mumm Napa, Roederer Estate, Au Bon Climate, Far Niente and Franciscan, in addition to bottling its own wines.  Seems the Elkes are primarily growers, known for their Pinot Noir, in addition to Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and organic apples. And, “Guest winemakers are hired to make wine from the grapes farmed under the Elke Vineyards and Mary Elke labels.”

The Mary Elke Brut was the perfect festive companion to dinner last night with Mr. Cups, Pinot Egregious and Zinfinite.  The brut is made from 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir grapes that our tasters described as “straw colored,” “apple-y” and “crisp.”  It felt lighter to me than a yeast-heavy French champagne, which seemed just right after a day of Thanksgiving gluttony.  The Mary Elke Brut retails for $20/bottle from the winery.