Wine By The Glass
This is my concept of Circa: special culinary moments echoing the excitement and newness of early 20th century dining, transplanted with the Millennial sophistication and global outlook we apply to food and wine today.
To that end, Circa’s wines are collected strictly on the basis of newness and excitement, and specifically to match our fresh, timeless, classically balanced cuisine.
You may not be familiar with some of these wines, but not to worry: we’d be happy to sample you on any of our wines offered by the glass, and we absolutely guarantee that you’ll love our bottle selections… or else we drink it ourselves!
*Prices shown are listed as "glass/bottle".
Soft, Rico-Suave Reds
Glass
Bottle
Garnacha de Fuego, Garnacha 2007 (Calatayud, Spain)
Plush, strawberry studded, high altitude/low attitude old-vine red
Plush, strawberry studded, high altitude/low attitude old-vine red
$7
$22
Bodegas Bretón, “Loriñón” Crianza 2003 (Rioja, Spain)
Made from Rioja’s native Tempranillo grape; smooth yet rich and beefy
Made from Rioja’s native Tempranillo grape; smooth yet rich and beefy
$8
$27
Earth, Zin & Fire 2006 (Lodi, California)
Kick out the (berry) jam! Smooth yet plumply fruited red Zinfandel
Kick out the (berry) jam! Smooth yet plumply fruited red Zinfandel
$8
$27
meaty, beaty, bouncy reds
Glass
Bottle
Laurel Glen, “Reds” 2006 (Lodi, California)
From gnarly, ancient Lodi vines; totally jammin’, juicy, velvety blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Syrah and not-so-Petite Sirah
From gnarly, ancient Lodi vines; totally jammin’, juicy, velvety blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Syrah and not-so-Petite Sirah
$6
$20
Bogle, Petite Sirah 2007 (California)
A Joan Jett – black pepper and blueberry in a tight, sassy package
A Joan Jett – black pepper and blueberry in a tight, sassy package
$8
$24
Earthquake, Zinfandel 2006 (Lodi, California)
Huge, black, spicy, endless… guaranteed to rock your world!
Huge, black, spicy, endless… guaranteed to rock your world!
$16
$51
Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir 2007 (Santa Barbara, California)
Velvety rich, round, aromatic cuvée by winemaster Jim Clendenen
Velvety rich, round, aromatic cuvée by winemaster Jim Clendenen
$12
$40
MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2006 (Sonoma Coast, California)
“My Two Dads” spirit lives on in the luscious, fresh fruit & velvety texture of this wine
“My Two Dads” spirit lives on in the luscious, fresh fruit & velvety texture of this wine
$9
$31
sensuously smooth pinot noirs
Glass
Bottle
Veramonte Reserva, Pinot Noir 2007 (Casablanca Valley, Chile)
Elegant textures of Burgundy combine with ripe black cherries in this lovely, complex pinot.
Elegant textures of Burgundy combine with ripe black cherries in this lovely, complex pinot.
$11
$37
Lily, Pinot Noir 2007 (Sonoma, California)
Wonderfully smooth, lush berry scented, coastal Sonoma growth
Wonderfully smooth, lush berry scented, coastal Sonoma growth
$16
$51
classic red wine grapes & blends
Glass
Bottle
Bliss, Merlot 2006 (Mendocino, California)
Merlot-everybody-loves; cute, easy, uncomplicated
Merlot-everybody-loves; cute, easy, uncomplicated
$8
$27
Vina Cobos “La Garto” Merlot 2006 (Mendoza, Argentina)
Rich, old-world style merlot from Paul Hobbs Imports
Rich, old-world style merlot from Paul Hobbs Imports
$11
$36
Abadia Retuerta, Sardon de Duero “Rivola” 2005 (Duero Valley, Spain)
This wine is a blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Rivola” is smooth and scented, like raw cacao, espresso and blood red cherries
This wine is a blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Rivola” is smooth and scented, like raw cacao, espresso and blood red cherries
$11
$35
BenMarco, Malbec 2006 (Mendoza, Argentina)
Medium-full, fleshy, world class bottling of this “other” Bordeaux grape
Medium-full, fleshy, world class bottling of this “other” Bordeaux grape
$11
$35
Crios, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Mendoza, Argentina)
Velvety-smooth and complex with sensual fruit
Velvety-smooth and complex with sensual fruit
$10
$31
Heller, “Dancer’s” Meritage 2004 (Carmel Valley, California)
Meritage (rhymes with “heritage”) style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; dense, medium-full, yet juicy rich, softly intense
Meritage (rhymes with “heritage”) style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; dense, medium-full, yet juicy rich, softly intense
$9
$31
Laurel Glen, “Chévere!” Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Valle Central, Chile)
Winemaster Patrick Campbell’s vinous ode to el commandante; exceedingly smooth, layered, tobacco-rich, food versatile style of Cab
Winemaster Patrick Campbell’s vinous ode to el commandante; exceedingly smooth, layered, tobacco-rich, food versatile style of Cab
$6
$20
Carr, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Napa Valley, California)
Luscious, layered, red berry/cassis style from Joseph Carr’s hillside estate
Luscious, layered, red berry/cassis style from Joseph Carr’s hillside estate
$12
$39
(almost dry) rosé
Glass
Bottle
Crios, Rosé of Malbec 2008 (Mendoza, Argentina)
This wine is a lovely and refreshing rosé made from the malbec grape using the traditional “saignée” method.
This wine is a lovely and refreshing rosé made from the malbec grape using the traditional “saignée” method.
$7
$24
sakés – the “wines” of the east
4 oz.
300 ml.
Is saké wine? No, since it’s made from meticulously polished rice rather than grapes. But yes, since it’s made through the conversion of sugars into alcohol by yeasts; and yes, because the finest are every bit as fine and delicate as traditional wines, and great matches for food.
Mukune, “Root of Innocence” Ginjo (Japan)
Ginjo is premium quality saké; always best served chilled and (we believe) in tulip shaped wine glasses. The Mukune achieves a creamy, tropical fruit fragrance – very much like white wine! – with a crisp but smooth, dry length of flavor.
Ginjo is premium quality saké; always best served chilled and (we believe) in tulip shaped wine glasses. The Mukune achieves a creamy, tropical fruit fragrance – very much like white wine! – with a crisp but smooth, dry length of flavor.
$15
$39
Shizuku, “Divine Droplets” Daiginjo (Japan)
Daiginjo is the “big ginjo” – finest of the finest, made only from heirloom varieties of rice and polished to an essence before steaming and fermenting. Shizuku’s is dry, bright, layered and fleshy, exuding juicy apple, a gentle char, and “flowing brooks.”
Daiginjo is the “big ginjo” – finest of the finest, made only from heirloom varieties of rice and polished to an essence before steaming and fermenting. Shizuku’s is dry, bright, layered and fleshy, exuding juicy apple, a gentle char, and “flowing brooks.”
$18
$46
Rihaku, “Dreamy Clouds” Nigori (Japan)
What’s with the dreamy names? While poetic, they are accurate reflections of these rice wines. Nigori is “rough filtered” saké, cloudy with rice residue, leaving intense, plump and plummy, moderately sweet fruit qualities, chewy yet feathery soft (ah, more “clouds”) on the palate.
What’s with the dreamy names? While poetic, they are accurate reflections of these rice wines. Nigori is “rough filtered” saké, cloudy with rice residue, leaving intense, plump and plummy, moderately sweet fruit qualities, chewy yet feathery soft (ah, more “clouds”) on the palate.
$12
$30
specialty dessert wines - exotic sweet whites
Glass
You haven’t lived unless you’ve sampled some of these rare, handcrafted wines with Chef John’s variety of creamy or fresh fruit desserts:
Maculan, Torcolato 2003 (Veneto, Italy)
Incredibly concentrated meditazione wine; produced from hand dried, botrytis (the “noble rot”) infected native white grapes.
Incredibly concentrated meditazione wine; produced from hand dried, botrytis (the “noble rot”) infected native white grapes.
$16
Château Roumieu-Lacoste, Sauternes 2003 (Bordeaux, France)
Classic, golden rich late harvest white; the classic crème brûlée white
Classic, golden rich late harvest white; the classic crème brûlée white
$17
Badia a Coltibuono, Vin Santo (Toscana, Italy)
Tuscany’s “holy wine,” aged for years in casks to attain a golden rich, nutty, naturally lush and balanced sweetness
Tuscany’s “holy wine,” aged for years in casks to attain a golden rich, nutty, naturally lush and balanced sweetness
$20
Mer Soleil, Late Harvest Viognier 2002 (Santa Lucia Highlands, California)
Thick, honeyed, tropical scented from estate grown Viognier; perfection with John’s panna cotta style Lemon Tart
Thick, honeyed, tropical scented from estate grown Viognier; perfection with John’s panna cotta style Lemon Tart
$23
specialty dessert wines - velvety sweet reds
Domaine la Tour Vieille, Banyuls 2005 (South-West France)
his lusciously full, velvety fortified red, vinified from spectacular hillside Grenache vineyards spilling out into the Mediterranean, makes a near-perfect “chocolate” wine
his lusciously full, velvety fortified red, vinified from spectacular hillside Grenache vineyards spilling out into the Mediterranean, makes a near-perfect “chocolate” wine
$11
Taylor Fladgate, Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000 (Portugal)
Plump, plumy style of this Portuguese classic, rounded by 4 to 6 years aging in wood
Plump, plumy style of this Portuguese classic, rounded by 4 to 6 years aging in wood
$9
Ferreira, “Duque de Braganca” 20 Year Old Tawny Port (Portugal)
Aged an average 20 years in casks, resulting in a wonderously rich, silky, nut toned richness
Aged an average 20 years in casks, resulting in a wonderously rich, silky, nut toned richness
$19
Dry Sparkling Wine
Glass
Bottle
Nino Franco, Prosecco Rustico (Italy)
Crisp and refreshing, fun alternative to Champagne
Crisp and refreshing, fun alternative to Champagne
$11
$38
Paringa, Sparkling Shiraz (Australia)
Rich red color, slight berry fruit and dry finish make this wine a real treat.
Rich red color, slight berry fruit and dry finish make this wine a real treat.
$6
$21
Marquis de Latour, Brut (Loire Valley, France)
Richly round, aromatic méthode Champenoise style sparkler
Richly round, aromatic méthode Champenoise style sparkler
$8
Marquis de Latour, Brut Rose (Loire Valley, France)
Sparkling Rose, the perfect way to start things out
Sparkling Rose, the perfect way to start things out
$8
Kenwood, Yulupa (California)
100% chardonnay sparkler “overflowing” with creamy flavors
100% chardonnay sparkler “overflowing” with creamy flavors
$7
Globally Sourced Dry Whites
Glass
Bottle
Nora, Albariño 2007 (Spain)
From the Albariño grape; fresh peach fragrance, crisp, easy dryness
From the Albariño grape; fresh peach fragrance, crisp, easy dryness
$7
$24
Loimer, “Lois” Grüner Veltliner 2007 (Austria)
Medium-full, green apple/lemon-lime/edelweiss fresh, fragrant grape
Medium-full, green apple/lemon-lime/edelweiss fresh, fragrant grape
$11
$36
Mason, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Napa Valley, California)
Pungent, herby, melony fresh and pure style by winemaker Randy Mason
Pungent, herby, melony fresh and pure style by winemaker Randy Mason
$10
$33
Château Graville-Lacoste 2007 (Bordeaux, France)
Back to the sauvignon blanc “mothership”, with a nice dose of semillon. Clean, crisp, fresh & mineral driven
Back to the sauvignon blanc “mothership”, with a nice dose of semillon. Clean, crisp, fresh & mineral driven
$13
$37
Kris, Pinot Grigio 2007 (Alto Adige, Italy)
Scarlet Johannson in lace: refreshingly pure, transparently tart
Scarlet Johannson in lace: refreshingly pure, transparently tart
$9
$29
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2007 (Val Adige, Italy )
The clean, intense aroma and dry flavor with pleasant golden apple finish make this Pinot Grigio a wine of great character and versatility.
The clean, intense aroma and dry flavor with pleasant golden apple finish make this Pinot Grigio a wine of great character and versatility.
$16
$51
King, “Domaine” Pinot Gris 2006 (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
Classic Oregon Pinot Gris; honeysuckle fresh, buoyant, fresh and minerally
Classic Oregon Pinot Gris; honeysuckle fresh, buoyant, fresh and minerally
$15
$48
Chardonnay
Glass
Bottle
Landmark, “Overlook” Chardonnay 2006 (Sonoma, California)
Full, fleshy, with classic “smoke-of-oak” barrel fermented intensity
Full, fleshy, with classic “smoke-of-oak” barrel fermented intensity
$16
$53
Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse 2007 (Burgundy, France)
Luscious pear with layers of subtle oak
Luscious pear with layers of subtle oak
$16
$51
Kim Crawford, “Unoaked” Chardonnay 2008 (Marlborough, New Zealand)
Sans oak: pure, crisp, sweet apple, medium weight varietal fruitiness
Sans oak: pure, crisp, sweet apple, medium weight varietal fruitiness
$12
$38
Roshambo “Imago” Chardonnay 2005 (Sonoma, California)
Scissors, paper, stone; can’t go wrong with this creamy apple style
Scissors, paper, stone; can’t go wrong with this creamy apple style
$11
$36
Au Bon Climat, Chardonnay 2007 (Santa Barbara, California)
Subtly oaked, crisp, silky style by master winemaker “Big Jim” Clendenen
Subtly oaked, crisp, silky style by master winemaker “Big Jim” Clendenen
$13
$36
Neil Ellis, Elgin Chardonnay 2007 (South Africa)
Totally unique, refined mélange of toasty oak, strong minerality and tropical fruit
Totally unique, refined mélange of toasty oak, strong minerality and tropical fruit
$15
$48
Sighs & Whispers
Glass
Bottle
medium sweet whites
Champalou, Vouvray “Cuvée de Fondraux” 2005 (Loire River, France)
The original demi-sec (“half-dry”) style of the Chenin Blanc grape; Mouth-wateringly fresh, honeyed and flowery scented
The original demi-sec (“half-dry”) style of the Chenin Blanc grape; Mouth-wateringly fresh, honeyed and flowery scented
$12
$38
Mönchhof, “Mosel Slate” Riesling Spätlese 2007 (Mosel, Germany)
Classic, lithe, delicate, flower and flint scented German Riesling from steep Mosel River hillside, “late picked” (spätlese) grapes
Classic, lithe, delicate, flower and flint scented German Riesling from steep Mosel River hillside, “late picked” (spätlese) grapes
$13
$41
Saracco, Moscato d’Asti 2008 (Piemonte, Italy)
As sweet and feathery light as it gets; perfectly lovely, summery apéritif, or a perfect match for light, fresh fruit desserts
As sweet and feathery light as it gets; perfectly lovely, summery apéritif, or a perfect match for light, fresh fruit desserts
$11
$36
Unless otherwise noted: all glasses served in 6 oz. portions, and bottles in 750 ml. size
