2024 CASCINA PENNA-CURRADO
TIMORASSO 'DERTHONA'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - 6 PACK

In 2016 the Currado family sold the famed Barolo estate of Vietti with Luca and Elena staying on until early 2023. Luca and Elena have now resurfaced with their new, boutique, small Serralunga-based winery called Cascina Penna-Currado. Barolo wines will arrive in 2027 but Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo and now Timorasso are available. Luca and Elena took a keen interest in this grape from eastern Piedmont, which is a bit like white Barolo because of the similar soils.

Fast rising, the Derthona region is emerging as one of the greatest for Italian white wines and 2024 is a top-drawer white wine vintage for Italy. Scents of acacia, gerber daisies, nectarine, honey and mineral undertones gleam from the glass. Depth and material along with terrific brilliance and zest. Unrelenting and lengthy, this white can age quite well but it is sooooo tasty right now. Deep enough for rich flavors like fish in sauce, but its superb dexterity and lift allow it to pair nicely with crab or scallops in butter. If you like wines like Chablis, dry Alsace or great Gruner, you will love this one. VERY LIMITED

2024 BISCI VERDICCHIO
DI MATELICA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Located inland and at significantly more elevation gain, what separates the Le Marches regions of Matelica and Castelli di Jesi are their locations and specifically their soils, which are sheer hard limestone and quite unique to the area. Verdicchio is the spiritual white grape of the Le Marches region and like Bucci, we have been devotees of Matelica leader Bisci's wines for twenty-five years.

The newly arrived 2024 possesses confidently intense aromas of mineral, oyster shell, lemon and perfumed, powdered rock fill the glass of this tightly wound white. It does not get fresher than this with bracing acidity in the mouth and tons of lemon-lime fruit, mineral, saline and chalk. A decisive seafood wine, it is extremely fine with crab.

2023 MURGO ETNA BIANCO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

From the eastern slopes of Mount Etna and grown at 1600-2000 feet, Murgo’s Etna Bianco is not only the hardest working white wine on the volcano, but also one of the finest values.

A blend of indigenous Sicilian white varietals. 70% Carricante and 30% Cataratto Bianco, the grapes and decomposed lava soil present themselves well in the glass. Carricante brings freshly marked minerality, saline, and smoke while Cataratto brings lemon and orange. The volcanic soil synchronizes all the intoxicating aromas. A generous entry, minerals shine up front while tightwire citrus qualities in the middle stick around on the back end. Pair it with delicate fish, grilled halibut ala "salmoriglio" (oil, lemon, garlic, parsley, salt & pepper).

2023 BEDROCK ZINFANDEL
'OLD VINE'
[reg. $31.99] SPECIAL - $21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Bedrock Zin is to wine as the Minutemen were to rock and roll with their motto, we jam econo. Never overdone or oversized, Bedrock’s Sonoma Zin doesn’t need eighty notes when eight work sufficiently. After visiting in October, what Morgan, Chris, and the Bedrock family have turned out in recent and past vintages is nothing short of pinnacle.

From 80-year-old vines, the 2023 is chewy yet civilized, not caricature wine, bright and exuberant strawberries and cherry combine with spicy dark qualities and make this Zin a superb example of Bedrock’s virtuosity. Enjoyable as a young wine, it will drink and provide happiness when accompanied with tangy, meaty dishes over the next ten years.

2023 ORNELLAIA 'LE VOLTE'
TOSCANA ROSSO
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

Here is a chance to have a Super Tuscan experience from a legendary producer at a fair price. Tenuta Ornellaia is famous for its namesake wine as well as the extremely scarce Massetto, both of which are far north of two hundred dollars. Le Volte is a creative blend that is imminently accessible and is a wonderful way to indulge in one of Italy’s legendary producer’s wines without having to take a second mortgage out on your house.

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot & 5% Petit Verdot, this offering reveals savory cassis, plum and blueberry tones along with underlying Eastern spices, Italian herbs and gently placed chocolate-y notes. Creamy, layered, engaging and mouth-filling, no doubt this will appease a diverse crowd of palates and will carry well to the table with its noble undertones. Drink this beauty through 2031 with beef or lamb dishes.

2023 CHATEAU FAGE
GRAVES DE VAYRES BLANC
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

The obscure Bordeaux region of Graves de Vayres has nothing to do with the more famous Graves region that is home to Haut Brion. This small area sits across from Fronsac and Pomerol with gravel soils which differentiate it from the surrounding Entre-Deux-Mers wines.

60% Semillion, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, this white Bordeaux is not meant to be a competitor to our beloved Haut-Rian but an alternative that is oh so scrumptious. Extremely satisfying bringing together mineral intensity, with classic fleshy tangerine, honeysuckle and lemongrass aromas. Walking the line between ‘intense and finesse,’ mouth-coating richness rules the day yet beautifully cut by fresh citrus flavors that stay with you until your next sip. Drink with prawns, salmon, roasted chicken and especially good goat cheese.

2021 IPPOLITO CIRO ROSSO
'LIBER PATER'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Virtually only found in Calabria, Gaglioppo is a grape originally of Greek origins and maybe the closest analogy that we produce is that it may be likened to a warm climate Nebbiolo.

Ippolito's Ciro is hearty with a roasted red plum, briar, red licorice and rose petal aromas which follow into a warm, dry Italian texture shows a tangy, mineral texture and finish. For some reason, this red wine pairs very well with spicy food as evidenced by the Calabrian chiles that are omni-present in the area. Try this with a penne arrabbiata or a jalapeno burger.

2023 ARGIOLAS CARDANERA
CARIGNANO DEL SULCIS
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - 6 PK

Sardinia. Initially thought to brought by the Spanish in the fourteenth century but it is now known that the grape goes back even further to Phoenician times.

Wild cherry aromas with sea salt, white pepper, a kiss of funk and Mediterranean herbs. Savory, very balanced and luscious texture. Pepper and wild spice from the nose follow on the saturated but clear finish. Drink over the next five years with lasagna, lamb and more.

2022 PESQUIER GIGONDAS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

The newly arrived 2022 shows why Mathieu Boutiere and Domaine du Pesquier are regarded as five-star Gigondas producers.

Distinguished, even silky given the force of the vintage. No shortage of depth and fullness. Genius and vinous texture with polished tannins and a persistent, very spicy finish. Rock star juice! Drink through 2035.

2023 TOMMASI LUGANA
'LE FORNACI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A white wine from famed Amarone producer Tommasi’s Lake Garda estate.

Made from 100% Turbiana (Trebbiano di Lugana), completely unoaked, and armed with redolent tones of melon, tangerine, lime, and pronounced saline that go non-stop. Filling the mouth with depth, ample zesty, crisp acidity holds it all in balance and extends to the finish reminiscent of the soaring outro guitar solo that Dave Gilmour drops on Comfortably Numb.

2022 DOMAINE GROSSE-PIERRE
CHIROUBLES 'CLAUDIUS'
[reg. $34.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$161.94 - 6 PK

Chiroubles is one of the ten Cru of Beaujolais and one that fans seem to miss or forget. Pauline Passot of Grosse Pierre is one of the Chiroubles and Beaujolais’s young megastar’s. This single parcel of 70–90-year-old vines shows why she is great at what she does.

Sensual hedonism, dramatic and a full presence of crème de framboise, smoke, violet, warm granite and undertones of strawberry jam and cinnamon-stick. Resoundingly mouth-filling, a total eruption of flavors cascades through the mouth. Bountiful finish with broad and balanced fruit that covers the palate. Drink through 2032.

2023 PAOLO SCAVINO
BARBERA D'ALBA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Even with the National Sales Tax (aka tariffs) this Barbera is still steals your heart for twenty dollars.

Snappy blackberry tones ride shotgun with cranberry, cocoa powder, mineral and earthy spice. Refined, richly seductive texture with a backdrop of mouthwatering acidity. Drink with risotto, sausages and more.

2023 CAPRILI ROSSO
DI MONTALCINO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PK

Fabulous new arrival from one of our FAVORITE Brunello producers and a genuine taste of Tuscany!!

One of the true gems of Montalcino, Caprili's Rosso is always a steal! Seductive, suave and packed with overflowing Sangiovese depth and personality…This delicious red is everything that one should love about drinking top Tuscan wines!

2024 GRANVILLE PINOT NOIR
'BASALT' WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$34.99 BTL./$219.94 - SIX PK

Second generation, Dundee Hills based Granville’s wines need to be in your glass. The Basalt cuvee is a blend of Pinot from Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity and shows why all the hype of Oregon’s 2024 vintage is merited.

Youthfully packed. Strawberries, freshly cut flowers, cinnamon stick, rhubarb and aromatic spice integrate nicely and lift and caress the senses. All about 2024 with structure and penetration, but prominent high-toned red fruits support the material. Uber-fine palate presence and endurance, this wine over-delivers for its price point. Better to put into the cellar for about a year but if you must uncork one, do decant.

2021 MEERLUST ESTATE
CABERNET BLEND
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

36% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot – a classic Bordeaux blend from South Africa. Known for Rubicon, this longtime favorite offers a big wine experience for half the price.

Classically formed. Luminous blueberry, cherry and turned earth with hints of coffee and nutmeg from the use of well-placed oak. Stylish with sophisticated flavors that Bordeaux influence but new world warmth and fruit. A smart choice for Cab/Merlot/Blend lovers and their friends.

2022 GROSSOT CHABLIS
PREMIER CRU 'VAUCOPIN'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PK

Over the years many friends have come to love Eve Grossot’s Chablis wines, and we are winding down 2022, soon headed to 2023 and their higher prices. Take advantage.

Two weeks ago, we offered Fourneaux and this week it is Vaucopin Premier Cru on display. Charismatic Chablis from a very steep site. Freshness, volume, chalky minerality and salinity. Natural depth from fifty-year-old vines. Fine amplification with unyielding nervosity. Incisive with voltage and drawn-out purity, this is a Chablis lover’s Chablis to drink over the next decade.

2020 JM RAFFAULT CHINON
'LES PICASSES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

One of our go-to producers in Chinon, these wines are deceptive with their value, quality and potential for aging.

All Cabernet Franc, Les Picasses is from the plateau above the village of Chinon planted in clay, flint and limestone. Laced with scents of wild strawberry, fennel, and licorice with the seamlessness typical of the five-star 2020 vintage. Raspberry fruit shines, with prominent, savory, earth and herbs cresting on the lasting finish. A true taste of France. Enjoy through 2030 with everything from BBQ, duck, roasted chicken or a joyful dish of steak-frites.

2023 PATRICIA GREEN CELLARS
PINOT NOIR ESTATE 'OLD VINES'
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $31.99 BTL./$191.94 - 6 PK

A long-established Oregon producer, the late Patty Green along with her business partner/co-winemaker Jim Anderson have made exquisite wines since their inception in 2000. Sadly, we lost Patty in 2017, but Jim has continued the legacy and superb quality of the estate. Patricia Green’s Estate Old Vines Pinot is from their home vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge planted between 1984 and 2000.

Vintage 2023 produced a fleshy, flashy wine, yes still exudes an extra-level of class. Aromatic, forward and teeming with nutmeg and exotic spices alongside impressive raspberry scents. Mouth filling, this wine exudes caressing qualities that are eloquent and absorbing from start to the lingering finish. Enjoy this extroverted Pinot Noir over the next 10-12 years.

2024 INGRID GROISS
GRUNER VELTLINER 'WEINVIERTAL'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The Weinviertal region near the borders of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, is home to Austria’s spicy and energetic versions of Gruner-Veltliners.

Symmetrical and energetic with key-lime, peach-pit and wet stone traits. The mineral backbone turns into a crisp, peppery, anise and fresh mouthfeel that captures the palate. Enjoy this delicious Gruner with salad, asparagus, grilled prawns and more.

2023 BEDROCK 'OLD HILL RANCH'
HERITAGE SONOMA RED
[reg. $74.99]
SPECIAL - $54.99 BTL./$659.88 CASE

Morgan Peterson, Chris Cotrell and the team that they refer to as ‘their Bedrock family’ have established themselves as one of Sonoma’s go-to producers. Last month I spent a morning at Bedrock and walked through their eponymous Heritage Vineyard and tasted through a superb range of their wines.

The Old Hill Ranch Vineyard is owned and farmed by Will Bucklin. The Peterson family’s history with wines from this hallowed site and friendship with the Bucklins goes all the way back to Morgan’s father’s Ravenswood days. The vines date back to the 1880s and thirty different varietals make up the field blend. Zinfandel spearheads the wine along with Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Mataro. Rare and uncommon grapes like Persan, Mollard, Etraire de la Dui and even some that have no matching genetic fingerprint are in this profound field blend. Explosive and seductive with black and red berry, briar, blood orange, pepper to start. As it airs, nutmeg, cinnamon, turned earth, and sage materialize. Heaps of nuance, genuine old vine depth and non-stop persistence surge. Multi-layered both aromatically and flavor-wise, this special wine drinks early and will improve over the next 15+ years.

2021 BENMARCO CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 'UCO VALLEY'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

The formidable Uco Valley/Mendoza team led by Susanna Balbo and winemaker Edy Del Popolo have put forth consistent, full-flavored wines that exemplify both strength and smoothness.

Classy and aromatic with a full nose of tobacco, allspice and prominent cassis and vanilla. Handsome in the mouth with loads of depth, character, vibrancy from start to long finish. Drink this delightful, overcomplex Cab over the next 7-8 years.

2022 VILLA VARDA REFOSCO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Italy's Friuli region is known for some of their greatest white wines, however red wines are produced including this fabulously priced value from the native Refosco grape.

Lushness and smoothness combine with sturdiness and grainy grip enhancing the unique sanguine, mineral aromas typical to the grape and region. The generosity of the vintage unveils cherries, herbs and spices wrapped around smoke and spices. Hints of coffee on the back end complement the classic wild character that the wine possesses. Delicious now and over the next few years with roasted pork or lamb.

2016 CHATEAU COS LABORY
SAINT-ESTEPHE (5th Growth)
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK

One of the lesser-known classified growths of Saint-Estephe, Cos Labory has been riding a giant wave over the last two decades. 2016 is a grand vintage and the 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc blend is emerging from its early slumber.

Authentic, upscale and a whole lot to love. Cedar, blackberry, adobe earth, pipe tobacco shine with late arriving bright tones. Full-bodied, balanced intellectual and very well-honed, at age nine is very charismatic. The significant finish fans out on the palate. Mighty impressive indeed. Drink through 2039+.

2014 SIERRA NORTE
BOBAL-TEMPRANILLO
$9.99 BTL./$119.94 CASE

From just outside Valencia, this Spanish blend of the local Bobal grape (65%) combined with a big splash of Tempranillo is quite the head turner for ten dollars.

Organically farmed and permeating with dark chocolate, Asian spice, red, black and blue berries that coat the mouth with roasted earth and good structure to add a level of intrigue. Utterly enchanting with soulful fare from barbecued ribs to paella.

2020 REMI JOBARD MEURSAULT
'SOUS LA VELLE'
$119.99 BTL./$719.94 - SIX PACK

One of Meursault's apex names, Remi Jobard’s wines are detailed, luxurious and amongst the appellation’s elite. Sous la Velle is a ‘deuxieme cru’ just beneath the celebrated village itself and the meager, rocky soil provides enough electricity and verve that lights up Beaune and its suburbs.

2020 is superbly mouth-filling. Notes of apple turnover, wet stone and lemon-peel overflow on the entire palate. Tangerine fruit balances the lavish texture, especially on the lingering close where the frank mineral and hazelnut aspects provoke and cause contemplation. Quintessential white Burgundy and Meursault that is limited. Stunning now and over the next decade-plus.

2024 ANDREA FELICI VERDICCHIO
CASTELLI DEI JESI
$19.99 BTL./$119.94- SIX PACK

Looking for the ideal white for fall/winter salmon, mussels, crab and other delights? Look no further because Crazy Leo's Verdicchio is on its usual sterling form and is a white wine for all seasons. We encourage you to grab some before year end when the price increases due to the National Sales Tax (a.k.a. tariffs).

In a short amount of time, Leopardo Felici has racked up a catalog of accolades, top scores, numerous Tre Bicchieri awards, and Gambero Rosso’s winemaker of the year in 2020. Located at the highest point of the Castelli dei Jesi appellation, lemon/nectarine soaked in mineral scents that dominate the nose with underlying rock dust, yellow apple, flint and lime. Bone dry with intense attack, expansion and brilliant clarity. The finish does what all great white wines do, coats the mouth then briskly sweeps it clean.

2022 PECCHENINO DOGLIANI DOCG
'SAN LUIGI' DOLCETTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Delivering something a bit more, the Piedmont village of Dogliani is synonymous with the Dolcetto grape and was upgraded to DOCG in 2009. Orlando Pecchenino is a prime producer of Dogliani (as well as Barolo), and his single Cru of San Luigi is always a steal. Located close to the Barolo village of Monforte D’Alba, the northern sector of Dogliani produces very distinct wines and differ from the other two maestros of the region, Einaudi and Boschis.

Clay soil brings about a sturdier style of Dolcetto, but one that maintains poise and mouth-watering qualities. Very purple aromas with solid Morello cherry scents wrapped around chalky, minerally tones which, in true Dogliani fashion, leap from the glass. In the mouth, ravishing, dense and precise flavors build to a long finish with undertones of dark chocolate. An engaging wine to pair with antipasti like salami or carpaccio yet full enough to stand up nicely to pork or game.

2022 DOMAINE LEBRUEIL
SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE
[reg. $51.99]
SPECIAL - $37.99 BTL./$227.94 - 6-PK

This special deal is more exciting than Nail Gun Day at any Philadelphia sporting event! It is amazing to offer any red Burgundy for under forty these days and this is the wine that drives the Savigny-les-Beaune specialist Jean-Baptiste Lebreuil’s bus. Made from five different parcels, 80% situated just beneath Premier Cru vineyards with deep clay soils and aged in 10% new oak. We are starting to clear out the 2022s to make room for new arrivals and Jean-Baptiste’s visit and tasting in early 2026.

Concentration and finesse. Overflowing with class but classic Savigny wild child aspects lurk beneath the surface. Aromatic spices present themselves aromatically and texturally. Nice richness, sneaky grip. Nice balance between lushness and firmness and really over-delivers on the finish that spreads out on the palate. Very lovable now but no problem with drinking over the next 10 years.