wine club
Each monthly wine selection(s) is hand-picked out by Hidden Creek Estates' Sommelier, Jared, with a provided description and recommended food pairings. The wine will be a mixture of some of our favorites and lesser known grapes. Wine sweetness will range from dry to off-dry with sweeter dessert wines occurring on a rarer basis.
The finest of print: Wine is to be picked up only and can not be shipped. You must have valid photo ID to prove that you are 21 or older in age. Wine will be ready starting the second week of each month (In January 2025, it will be ready the last week since it was the launch month). The membership starts at the date you join. You will be charged for the first month at the date of enrollment and receive the wine selection(s) for that month. For the subsequent months, you will be charged during the first week of the month. You may cancel at any time. If you are on the yearly plan, you may cancel for a pro-rated refund for your un-used duration based on your subscription start date. The refund will be further pro-rated to remove the yearly discount if the full year wasn't utilized. If you are requesting a cancellation of the yearly subscription, please reach out to jared@hiddencrk.com. To cancel the monthly plan, you must cancel before your credit card is charged for the next month. If you do not cancel before you are charged, you will still receive the wine and services for that month but will not be further charged once you cancel. No substitution requests for any wine selections will be honored. Hidden Creek Estates will hold any wine not picked up in the given month but reserves the right to provide a different wine of equal or greater value if supply of the intended wine has been exhausted. Reach out to Jared at jared@hiddencrk.com with any questions.
September Selections
Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec, Le Haut-Lieu 2023 (All Tiers)
Grape: Chenin Blanc
Region: Vouvray, France
Aging: 50% in stainless steel, 50% in used oak, rested on lees for 6 months
Jared’s Notes: This wine grabbed my attention the second I tasted it. Huet is one of the most legendary producers in Vouvray, and their “Le Haut-Lieu” vineyard has a reputation for elegance and precision. The 2023 vintage is fresh, lively, and full of character—it’s Chenin Blanc at its most charming.
On the nose, you’ll find bright orchard fruit—pear, green apple, and a little white peach—alongside delicate floral notes and that classic Loire Valley minerality. The palate is crisp and zippy with citrus and stone, but it’s not sharp—it has a soft roundness underneath that keeps it balanced and easy to drink.
I’d pair this with a bright seasonal salad, with some creamy goat cheese to play with the wine’s acidity. It’s drinking beautifully right now but also has the bones to age gracefully for years. Serve chilled and enjoy on the patio while the warm weather lasts!
R.H. Coutier NV ‘Cuvee Rose’ Brut, Champagne Grand Cru (Tier 2)
Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Region: Ambonnay, Champagne, France
Aging: Min 3 years on lees in bottle before disgorgement and release
Jared’s Notes: A charming rosé from the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, R.H. Coutier blends about 60–85% Chardonnay with the rest Pinot Noir (often still red wine), giving it both fresh lift and a soft pink hue. On the nose, you’ll catch red berries, blood orange, brioche, mint, and a whisper of spice or toast.
What’s really cool: it’s rare to get this level of Grand Cru expression at such a price, making it a top-value Champagne that’s both refined and approachable. This is a very small producer that still hand riddles (rotates the bottles) – something most producers leave to machines today.
August Selections
Deltetto Barbera d’Alba 2022 (All Tiers)
Grape: Barbera
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Aging: 12 months in oak
Jared’s Notes: The word Brame translates to desire or crave – very fitting for this wine! While Barolo is the “big guy” coming out of this region of Italy, Barbera is what the locals drink.
This wine is great with a slight chill on it and is light enough to enjoy on its own or with charcuterie but heavy enough to stand up to a pork dish (with a cherry glaze).
Winkler-Hermaden Pinot Blanc 2023 (All Tiers)
Grape: Pinot Blanc
Region: Steirmark “Styria”, Austria
Aging: Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks
Jared’s Notes: The Winkler-Hermaden winery embodies everything I love about wine – family owned and operated as well as making intentional decisions with everything they do. One of my favorite things they do is to make their own oak barrels from their own forests so you can truly enjoy the “terroir” in every aspect of their wine.
This wine has has notes of apple, citrus, but has some zing. I would love to enjoy this with a classic hot chicken or a beautiful lemon-ricotta pasta – maybe the one on our menu this month!
La Torretta Ghemme Il Motto 2015 (Tier 2 Only)
Grape: Nebbiolo
Region: Ghemme, Italy
Aging: Aged for 6 years in oak and 4 in bottle
Jared’s Notes: This wine has some earthier notes (think forest floor or mushrooms). The older age statement is what drew me to this wine. The winery holds the wine for 10 years before releasing, making it very unique! Ghemme is the lesser known sub-appellation of Piedmont.
This wine makes me want to enjoy it with a bold protein such as lamb with a delicious local mushroom medley in a red wine sauce. This wine will age for awhile or can be enjoyed now. I would recommend opening 20-30 minutes before enjoying.
July Selections
Grosjean Petite Arvine 2023 (All Tiers)
Grape: Petit Arvine
Region: Vallee d’Aoste, Italy
Aging:15% new oak, 15% used oak, 70% stainless steel
Jared’s Notes: I tasked my wine distributor with presenting me options to taste that are “off the beaten path” and boy did he deliver. When I tasted this for the first time, it was a no-brainer to include it in our wine club. This wine has crisp acidity that will help it age for a few years or make it enjoyable now.
On the nose, it is bright florals with a touch of grapefruit. I’d enjoy this with a seasonal salad, some shrimp, or some oysters.
Azienda Agricola La Torre Rosso di Montalcino 2023 (Tier 2 only)
Grape: Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Aging: Fermented in large Slavonian Oak Casks for 18 months
Jared’s Notes: One of the classic Tuscan wines. While I am always looking for the nerdier wines to feature, I love the old world classics so much, I have to sprinkle them in.
They have a saying “What grows together, goes together.” This region is known for their chingales (wild boar) and had a memorable meal once where I enjoyed a ragu of chingale with pici shaped pasta, so that is my wine pairing for this one – a homeade ragu with your favorite pasta! This wine can be held for up to 5 years or enjoyed now.
June Selections
Domaine Delaporte Sancerre 2023 (All Tiers)
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
Aging: Aged on lees (dead yeast from fermentation) for 6 months in Stainless Steel
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: This Sancerre is everything I want in a summer white—bright, zesty, and full of complexity. Sourced from old vines on limestone-rich soils in the village Chavignol, it shows crisp citrus, green kiwi, a touch of rhubarb, and that classic flinty minerality.
Fermented in stainless steel and aged on lees, it’s lean but layered—soft on the entry, then a clean lift of acidity on the finish. I like to enjoy this wine with oysters, scallops, sushi, or your favorite cheese on the patio!
Serve chilled and drink while it is fresher.
Cascina Morassino Barbaresco 2019 (Tier 2 only)
Grape: Nebbiolo
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Aging: Fermented in stainless steel and transferred to large oak casks for 20 months
Jared’s Notes: A lighter red that can stand up to a delicious bolder protein or be slightly chilled and enjoyed on the patio, this is my year-round wine. Coming from the village of Barbaresco, this is a little more floral and rose-forward than its Barolo counterpart.
You will find that this will be especially enjoyable with steak, mushrooms, and charcuterie. I’ve also been known to enjoy it with a pan of homemade brownies.
May Selections
Chateau Lassegue St. Emilion Grand Cru 2013 (All Tiers)
Grape: 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Bordeaux, France
Aging: 12 months in French Oak (60% new oak)
Winery Website Link
Jared’s Notes:
Some of you might recognize this wine if you were with us in the early days at Hidden Creek Estates. It was the very first premium glass pour I offered through our Coravin program, and I fell in love with it instantly. Years later, I recently rediscovered it while dusting off a bottle from my personal cellar—and the magic is still there.
The 2013 Château Lassègue is rich with character: deep, structured, and full of flavor. It shines when paired with a hearty protein—think classic steak and potatoes. But for a more relaxed night in, I highly recommend grabbing your favorite Rockford Italian pizza and letting the wine do the heavy lifting. Minimal dishes, maximum enjoyment.
I’d suggest opening the bottle 20–30 minutes before drinking to let it breathe, and plan to enjoy it within the next two years while it’s still in a beautiful place.
Famille Perrin Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2023 (Tier 2 only)
Grape: Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussane
Region: Rhone, France
Aging: Fermented separately by grape varietal in stainless steel, then blended and regularly stirred in a large oak barrel for a few months.
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: This wine is a real treat—and a personal favorite of mine. It comes from the southern Rhône Valley, specifically the historic village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which means “new castle of the Pope.” The name dates back to the 14th century, when the papacy temporarily moved to nearby Avignon, and the area became the Pope’s summer residence.
This white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a rare find, made from a blend of three native Rhône varietals: Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette. Very little of it ever leaves France, as the locals tend to keep it for themselves—often enjoying it as their go-to “barbecue wine.”
Its elegance and versatility make it a beautiful pairing with seafood, charcuterie, or something as simple and fresh as a caprese salad.
April Selections
Thibault Liger-Belair Hautes-Cotes de Nuits Le Clos du Prieure 2014 (All Tiers)
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Burgundy, France
Aging: 18 months in French Oak (80% new oak)
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: If you haven’t noticed by now, I have a soft spot for Burgundy—and this month, I’m featuring my third beautiful bottle from the region. This wine is over 10 years old, and while it still offers some lovely fruit notes, it’s starting to show those deeper, more complex non-fruit characteristics: think milk chocolate, coffee, dried herbs, and just a touch of pipe tobacco.
I recommend opening it 30–60 minutes before drinking to let it fully express itself. It’s a perfect pairing for roasted chicken, a tender pork dish, or even a rich chocolate dessert. While it’s drinking beautifully now, you could also cellar it for a few more years if you prefer more development. I bought the last 24 bottles of this in all of the United States so this is truly an exclusive pick for our wine club members.
Kurtatsch Amos (Tier 2 only)
Grape: Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon
Region: Alto Adige, Italy
Aging: Fermented separately by grape varietal in stainless steel, then blended and aged for 15 months in large oak barrels
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: Spring is coming and I wanted to give you a bottle you can enjoy on your patio on a beautiful day. This bottle will have good acidity with notes of stone fruit (peach and apricot) but have some elegance from a fresh bouquet of flowers. Enjoy with some charcuterie or burrata on the patio or will pair very nicely with seafood or lighter fares in a dinner setting.
March Selections
Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvee Brut (All Tiers)
Grape: 51% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir, 17% Pinot Meunier
Region: Hambledon, England
Aging: 35 months in bottle on Lees (Dead yeast from fermentation)
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: You are some of the first Americans to enjoy this wine. This wine just started import to the U.S. and arrived to port the first week of March where it was transported directly to the Chicago warehouse. It has the bready, yeasty characteristics of Champagne from France with a heavier note of green apple I typically associate with grower-producer houses in Champagne. If I blind tasted this, I would call Champagne every time. I hope you enjoy!
La Capilla Ribera del Duero 2020 (Tier 2 only)
Grape: 97% Tempranillo, 3% Merlot
Region: Ribera del Dureo, Spain
Aging: 100% French Oak (50% New Barrels)
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: This is one of the wines I naturally gravitate towards when I enjoy Spanish wine. Located closely to the more widely known Rioja, it is the same grape and same process. With a creamy texture and fresh red berries, this wine will pair perfectly with your next braised pork or beef dish.
February Selections
Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2018 (All Tiers)
Grape: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Aging: 100% Oak Aged for 2 years
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: This Brunello di Montalcino is an absolute delight. I had the privilege of visiting this producer a few years ago, and the experience left a lasting impression. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this wine offers rich notes of dark fruit—blackberry and blueberry—beautifully intertwined with warm baking spices. With its full-bodied depth, it’s the perfect companion for a perfectly seared steak or a slow-cooked ragù pasta. I recommend opening 30-60 minutes before enjoying to let it open up.
Francois Carillon Bourgogne Aligote (Tier 2 only)
Grape: 100% Aligote
Region: Burgundy, France
Aging: 100% French Oak (10% New Barrels)
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: Aligoté may be Burgundy’s lesser-known third grape, but it’s one of my personal favorites—so much so that I jump at the chance to buy out the entire stock in the Chicago market. Crisp and refreshing, this wine is crafted with the same care and precision as the producer’s top-tier offerings, aged in smaller barrels to enhance its complexity. Bright notes of apple and fresh herbs make it a perfect pairing for charcuterie, lighter fare like salads, and dishes featuring Greek yogurt.
January Selections
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021 (All Tiers)
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Walker Bay, South Africa
Aging: 100% French Oak
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: Elegant and expressive, this Pinot Noir bursts with ripe red fruit and warm baking spice aromas, delivering a silky, well-balanced palate. Sourced from vineyards with small yields and crafted with precision, this limited-production gem—only 600 cases imported—is a true rarity. Perfect for those who appreciate finesse in every sip. I would recommend pairing this with a charcuterie appetizer, poultry, or pork based entrees.
J. M. Boillot Montagny 1er Cru 2022 (Tier 2 only)
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Montagny, Burgundy, France
Aging: 100% French Oak (15-30% New Barrels)
Importer Website Link
Jared’s Notes: White Burgundy is one of my favorite wines to enjoy, and this Chardonnay from the village of Montagny is a perfect example of why. It offers bright notes of pineapple and citrus tart, balanced by a rich, full-bodied texture on the palate. This wine shines when paired with fresh lemon-topped fish, roasted poultry, or a creamy whipped ricotta spread on crostini. This wine is the best white burgundy I’ve enjoyed for less than $100! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
