2022 PIROLETTE SAINT-AMOUR
[reg. $22.99]
SPECIAL - $16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Grabbing good Cru Beaujolais for this price is fabulous and over the last decade, Gregory Barbet’s Domaine Pirolette has risen to leader status in Saint-Amour and Beaujolais itself.

Immediately this fleshy, full red bolts from the glass with scents of red and black plum, boosted by peppercorn and dark chocolate and a last-minute arrival of violet and red earth. The texture shows intensity along with superb depth from the old vines and nicely supported by the minerality and natural lift. Enjoy this stunner over the next 5-6 years, have it with roasted chicken/turkey, chanterelle pasta with cream, grilled pork tenderloin and even Pad Thai.

2023 RAUL PEREZ 'ATALIER'
ALBARINO 'CRUZ DAS ANIMAS'
[reg. $39.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

Anything these days from Galicia/Bierzo maestro Raul Perez tends to be spendy so when we discovered a special price on one of his Albarino wines, we almost did a flamenco dance in the parking lot. Thank goodness no one saw us, or we could have been arrested!

Marine-inflicted from the start, sea breeze, saline and shells take the lead followed by scents of peach pit and lime that step forward at as this multidimensional Albarino unfolds. Vinous but contradictory as there is ample structure and vibrancy that folds inward, becomes very vertical and food friendly on the drawn out and elevated finish. There is no shortage of electrifying acidity but the 80+ year old vines buffer it nicely. An excellent selection with crab but also will pair masterfully with grilled salmon.

GIRARD-BONNET 'A MI-CHEMIN'
BLANC E BLANCS GRAND CRU
[reg. $99.99]
SPECIAL - $74.99 BTL./$449.94 - 6 PK

One of the many highlights of my visit to Champagne two weeks ago was a visit to Girard-Bonnet, an upstart producer in Le Mesnil sur Oger. Getting to meet 30-year-old owner Paul Girard, one sees that the future is now, and I cannot express how great these Champagnes are and how their prices and availability will change soon. Think of the likes of Pierre Peters or Suenen before they became sought after and tightly allotted.

A Mi-Chemin (middle of the path) is equal parts from the Grands Crus villages of Le Mesnil and Oger. Base 2022 with 30% 2019, 2020 and 2021, this multi-vintage, sculpted Blanc de Blancs does not have an ounce of fat on it. Lifting lemon, firm chalk, honeysuckle, prominent lime and just a kiss of Anjou pear. The palate is dry and mouth-watering, with a well-balanced and elegant mousse. It is pithy through the mid-palate with classic minerality and has a clean and deceptively long finish. Outstanding Champagne…get yours now while it is on a smashing special!

2023 CLOS STE-MAGDELAINE
MEDITERRANEE BLANC
[reg. $26.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Famous for its Cassis Rose and Cassis Blanc, Provence stalwart Clos Ste-Magdelaine’s IGP Mediterranée offers a mini-Magdelaine experience even if it is just from outside of Cassis. Grown at 1300 feet in proximity to the ocean, this blend of 50% Ugni Blanc and 50% Rolle (French Vermentino) is quite a dashing charmer and now a deal for twenty bucks!

Illuminating and extremely satisfying with expressive notes of lemon blossom, saline, freesia and minerality on the nose. Electrifying tones of orange, rose, lemon, mineral and anise carry over into a clean and crisp, yet deceivingly intense texture that comes together to please the palate with zest and flavor. Try this wine with a simple linguine with shrimp, good olive oil and an assortment of vegetables.

2023 BENEVELLI DOLCETTO
D'ALBA 'LA COSTA'
[reg. $23.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Dolcetto with physique and never straying from its varietal roots, the nose reveals dark plum, dusty clay, Monforte mineral and licorice notes.

From the moment it is poured, it entices you to do what nature tells one to do with Dolcetto - drink the damn thing! Mouth filling and mouthwatering, the depth and detail of place assert themselves, but the Dolcetto salvo and snap-back on the above-the-norm finish come through as well. A delicious everyday red from a favorite Barolo producer, enjoy this wine with salami, sausage, prosciutto, pasta and a bunch of friends.

2020 GALET DE PAPES
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES
[reg. $53.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

For a limited time, one can score Galet de Papes Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf at forty-bucks.
80–110-year-old vines and 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah. Reminiscent of a cross between two great vintages, 2001 and 2017, 2020 is as is the norm for this cuvee, incredibly special, very stacked, and potentially very profound. Cerebral, confident, even cocky Chateauneuf, it is complex, and even at an early age, reveals a kaleidoscope of aromas.

Scents of crème de mure, kirsch, woodsmoke, Moroccan spice, red licorice and hot-rock follow into flavors that are lavish and maintain freshness. There is an intense structure for aging, however it is submerged beneath the core of old vine fruit. The Mourvèdre shines on the finish with tealeaf and berry tones. Cadillac sleekness, it promises to be a hedonist’s delight. Give it until 2027 and drink it through 2036+. We cannot emphasize enough at how good a value this really is. GREATNESS NEEDN’T COST YOU AN ARM AND A LEG!

2023 GONON MACON-BUSSIERES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Last call on this tasty Macon value!
100% UNOAKED Chardonnay, this wine screams of France! Clean, fresh and incredibly vibrant with magical notes of tangerine, lemon and most obviously, interlaced with exquisite minerality. The palate is zesty and pure with nervosity, thrust and sophistication of stoniness that follows from the nose. Balanced with lively fruit and detail, this versatile non-oaked wine will give wine drinkers a new insight into this chameleon of a varietal. A terrific selection for roasted poultry, mushroom or simply prepared fish dishes and an impressive one to sip on its own. There may be better Macon wines out there but for twenty-bucks, this one is hard to beat.

2022 JAEGER-DEFAIX RULLY
'MONT-PALAIS' PREMIER CRU
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

Damn we love white Burgundy! Jaeger-Defaix is an offshoot project from top-level Chablis producer Bernard Defaix. Located just south of the Côte D'Or and Chassagne-Montrachet, the wines of Rully can offer exquisite white Burgundy experiences without doing damage to your pocketbook.

From 40-45 year old vines from the Premier Cru vineyard, Mont-Palais, located at the highest and stoniest point of the Rully slopes, this wine is certifiably dangerous and is drinking extremely well! Elegant aromas of round and creamy pear, white peach, hazelnut and a delicate touch of flowers fill the nose. What stands out on the palate is the incredible texture and lingering mouthfeel that are perfectly balanced with notes ripe pear fruit, mineral, honey, and that classic hazelnut note with mineral electricity. Very complex, refreshing, and utterly delicious; a gorgeous, excellent chardonnay that is not to be missed! Drink now through 2032+ with roasted poultry, lobster, and crab with lots of butter or soft-ripened cheeses.

2022 GROSSOT CHABLIS
'FOURCHAUMES' PREMIER CRU
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE

Fourchaumes is the largest premier cru Chablis, located north of the Grand Crus and is quite famous for its quality. Eve Grossot’s 2022 is buzzing with a good core of vinous aspects but blitzes the palate with classic Chablis lightning.

From vines planted in 1988 and 1996, briny, fullish and hints of tropical fruit arrive early with the thumbprint of the famous calcareous Kimmeridgien soil adding notes of oyster shell and stimulating flintiness. More saline and a kiss of pear and lemon peel join in to harmonize before soloing again on the complex finish. As accessible as this wine is, there is an old saying around here - there is nothing more interesting than aged Chablis so hold some bottles for a few years and have some early on. Drink now through 2034.

2022 LEBREUIL BOURGOGNE
PINOT NOIR
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

Exactly a year since we first featured this wine, we uncorked a bottle and were overwhelmed by just how lovely this regional Burgundy has progressed. 2022 will be the last year that this is labeled as Bourgogne, instead it will be labeled as Haut-Cotes-de-Beaune ‘Mont Batois’, the single site a mere hundred or so meters above two famed Beaune Premier Cru sites.

Delightfully aromatic with perfume and polish. Red cherry, undertones of mineral with just a small peck of spicy-sweet oak. Refined and classy flavors indeed, with good burst and lift as well as a firm, pure finish. Classic, dry French Pinot Noir that is delicious now and will continue its advancement over the next 4-5 years.

2021 TYEE ESTATE PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Situated near Corvallis, this longtime Oregon estate is now in its fifth generation of farmers led by Merilee Buchanan, daughter of Dave and Margy who initially planted grapes on the farm in 1974. Lately the offerings from their site have been pure and all about what Pinot Noir should be, the antithesis of smoker-friendly, super-charged, Zinfandel wannabes.

Paramount earth tones combine beautifully with rhubarb, red cherry, strawberry and fine herbs. Vertical flavors possess superb depth and concentration, yet maintain an almost airy quality all in a compact yet vinous form. The finish is transparent, minerally, red and persistent. A fabulous value Pinot from a great vintage, if you haven’t had these wines in a while, you should give them a look.

2022 BARON SAUVIGNON BLANC
TOURAINE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Strong varietal character along with strong sense of Loire Valley’s Touraine appellation, Domaine Baron’s Sauvignon is a superb taste of France. Located on the Cher River about 45 minutes from the city of Tours this Sauvignon delights from the moment that it is uncorked and is the sort of selection that one would find in a Paris wine bar or oyster joint.

Classic chalky aromas form nicely around ardent mandarin and grapefruit scents that provide thrills and chills. Plenty of underlying mineral with depth and character alongside intense saline-like briskness, especially on the electric and lasting finish all which come together to make this a decisive Spring/Summer Sauvignon Blanc. Break out some good goat cheese,oysters or do up a nice flaky white fish and prepare for liftoff.

2023 ISENHOWER VIOGNIER
'I SERIES' COLUMBIA VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

A longtime Walla Walla value producer who makes Viognier with terrific restraint. This means it doesn't set off allergies with an explosion of floral notes. Dry and brisk yet still coasts the palate as the grape is known for. Peach, orange fruit throughout, this is delicious fodder with spicy food.

2022 TANNERIE
CARCASSONNE ROUGE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

From vines just outside the medieval city of Carcassonne in Languedoc. Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Merlot.

Savory black fruits, cocoa and subtle mint. Rosemary and white pepper along with kisses of sweet herbs. A flavorful and supple palate shimmers with spice, earth and raspberry aspects. A great go-to wine to enjoy as a weeknight wine with an array of cuisines including Chinese chicken dishes, sloppy joes, hearty soups, nachos and chicken wings during the NBA playoffs and much more.

2016 CARLOS SERRES RIOJA
GRAN RESERVA
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The center and heart of Spain’s Rioja region revolves around the town of Haro with its many wineries, which include the likes of La Rioja Alta, Muga and Lopez de Heredia. Of the twenty or so bodegas located here, Bodegas Carlos Serres equally as historic but not as well-known as others.

The most important caveat to this particular Rioja selection is that if you are expecting jammy and overtly fruity, read down the list for another choice because this is all about the old school. This entails that the wines are aged in mostly American and some French oak. The classification on this wine is Gran Reserva, a top cuvee and not produced every year, only the best like 2016. It also compulsory to be aged in oak for at least 24 months followed by a minimum of 36 more months in bottle before being released. 85% Tempranillo and a 15% blend of Graciano and Mazuelo, this wine shows ruby color with brick tinges. The bouquet is savory and packed with roasted earth, dried fruit tones, Mediterranean herbs as well as gentle hints of mint and cocoa. In the mouth, it is velvety, palate seducing and full of expansion and extension. The finish is balanced and very long. At age nine, this is drinking extremely well yet is easily capable of providing pleasure for another decade. Enjoy it with slow roasted lamb or pork dishes jacked with fennel.

2016 CHATEAU GUIRAUD SAUTERNES
1er GRAND CRU CLASSE
$53.99 - HALF BOTTLE

Merely writing words on to an e-mail to describe the attributes of this renowned Sauternes seems to be a violation of all that is epicurean and hedonistic in the wine world. No doubt, this has slam-dunk potential and is a super-exciting and great choice for any of you who love Sauternes or are looking for something that with a child born in 2016 that wants to cellar something for any monumental occasion in the future.

The higher percentage of Sauvignon Blanc (35%), which is more than most in this classification, is what brings renown and energy to the unctuous, generous, exotic qualities of the Semillon. Golden in color. The nose is forward and expressive with notes of honey, quince, almonds and apricot. In the mouth, the wine is rich, with the essence of apricots, orange, and other tropical fruits. The acidity bursts, giving the wine great definition and clarity. The finish is sweet, honeyed, and long but never cloying, a stylemark of Chateau Guiraud. This beautifully made, perfectly-drinking Sauternes is one of the tops of the vintage and will easily drink well for another decade+.