Oakland spring is in full swing, and little buds now dot the many vines to the north, the east, and south of us. Winemakers are bottling and releasing the whites and rosés picked last year, and our shelves are full of new arrivals. New in a sense, but a newness we know, a familiar part of our earthly cycle, with labels, regions, and grape varieties we’ve seen and tasted before.

These bottlings are fresh editions of previous pleasures, like versions of original songs covered by beloved musicians, or carefully executed batches of mac and cheese, each preparation slightly different but providing a particular satisfaction we remember and look forward to. As the many translations of the Tao Te Ching together bring its meaning to life, Syrah from Paso will taste different from Syrah grown in the Rhone, and will vary as well from one winemaker and vintage to the next, but they’ll share key qualities of the variety, and reveal its facets from alternate angles.

These constant variations are what keep us fascinated by wine, and food, and nature, and art. The wonder of a new enjoyment bound by a familiar form; the reimagining of a Jazz standard; a perfectly poached egg with the first tender asparagus; the blooming rose that never gets old; and the freshly painted face of Oakland Yard. May the cycle continue, with renditions derived from previous iterations, issuing ever-current editions and inspired interpretations to delight us anew this spring!

TONIGHT - THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS: ALL FRENCH reds and whites
2020 Domaine de la Fessardière Muscadet
2021 Jean-Jacques Auchère Sancerre
2021 Domaine Goisot Bourgogne Aligoté
2021 Domaine de la Patience Rouge
2020 La Grange de Piaugier Côtes-du-Rhône
2020 Domaine de Majas Côtes Catalanes Rouge
Red or White Flights $15 from 5-9pm and wines by the glass until 9pm

SATURDAY 4/29: NEWLY ARRIVED CALIFORNIA FLIGHTS
2022 Populis Sauvignon Blanc
2022 Broc Cellars Love Rosé
2022 Las Jaras Glou Glou
NV Pierce Ranch Cosecheiro Touriga
Flights $18 from 2-6 and wines by the glass from around the globe until 9pm

Cheers,
Max