2022 VILLA VARDA REFOSCO
FRIULI-GRAVE D.O.C.
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

A red within a sea of white grapes in Friuli, Refosco is a native red varietal of the Friuli region of NE Italy. Located close to the eastern border of Veneto in the Friuli Grave region, Villa Varda produces a textbook version of this grape varietal.

Lushness and smoothness combines with sturdiness and grainy grip along with the unique sanguine, mineral nose that is typical to the grape and region. The generosity of 2022 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. This wine is delicious now and over the next few years and is perfect with roasted pork or lamb.

2023 KELLEY FOX PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS 'MIRABAI'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

Reg. $41.99 - 93 Points – The Wine Advocate. Imagine my surprise to see a reduced price for one of Oregon’s finest producer’s Pinot Noir. Kelley has been making wines in Oregon since 2000 and started Kelley Fox wines in 2007 immediately making Burgundian-inspired Pinots. Makes sense, Kelley worked with influences including David Lett from Eyrie.
Mirabai is Kelley’s Dundee Hills cuvee blended from Weber, Stater, Durant and Maresh vineyards with the youngest vines planted in 1990 and oldest from 1970. Aromas of lavender, pepper, plum, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose. While scrumptious now, a little bit of time will reveal even more. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shines through rolling into an ethereal texture that is chock full of Maresh and Dundee Hills character. Exceptionally long indeed, this Pinot Noir will undoubtedly unfold into something special. Drink through 2035.

2022 DUPRE BOURGOGNE ALIGOTE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Given tariffs, a weaker dollar, and Maconnais estate Domaine Dupre’s philosophy of low yields and sustainable farming, I am amazed that we can run this Aligote for twenty dollars given their splendid quality.

Dupre’s clay soils for this white wine assist in a dry year like 2022. Strutting with aromas of lime, mango, grapefruit and yellow flowers. The texture starts round, becoming spry with a distinct anise note on the finish. Have this white wine with sushi or shellfish.

2021 MARIETTA 'ARME'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

93 Points – The Wine Advocate…Excuses regarding Cabernet prices are over when it comes to this wine because for 27-bucks, this has serious pop for those who like what California has to offer. Founded by the late Chris Bilbro in 1979, son Scot has been at the estate for over 10 years and is now fully in charge. Never a shortage of depth and power, this Cab is blended from fruit from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley and the McDowell Valley.

Cassis, cedar, dusty earth, well-integrated spicy oak and kisses of peppermint tones shadow a sumptuous, concentrated, well balanced palate. Builds nice vibrancy and texture on the finish that extends beautifully. This strapping, full-flavored value drinks exquisitely now and will continue to do so for another decade.

2021 ILLUMINATI MONTEPULCIANO
D'ABRUZZO RISERVA 'ILICO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

One of the on-the-move regions of Italy is Abruzzo. The ancient Montepulciano grape has become more than ten-euro trattoria wines. Better farming and technique along with young energy has allowed new estates and long-established ones to thrive with superb quality.

Steadfast in its Montepulciano characteristics, violet, sage, mint balsamico, and grilled meat follow over to a velvety texture that spreads out over the entire palate. Focused and lingering on the finish that while smooth, never loses its feral Montepulciano roots. One of the great protagonists with food, drink this beauty over the next 4-5 years with roasted leg of lamb, meatballs, grilled beef, loaded baked potatoes, beets, venison and tomato sauces.

2024 SCHLOSS. GOBELSBERG
GRUNER-VELTLINER KAMPTAL
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

One of my favorite estates for inaugurating newcomers to the Gruner-Veltliner grape as well as endorsing quality, is Schlosskellerei Goberlsberg’s from Austria’s Kamptal region.

A blazing palate-grabber with shifting scents of honeysuckle, white pepper, lime, grapefruit to white peach, pine and crisp granny smith apple. Maintaining raging coolness and a beautifully textured mouthfeel over to the peppery finish, this delicious white wine has an abundance of range and lingering aspects. Pair with an array of seafood but have fun because it also compliments many diverse types of food and will admirably hold up to spicy dishes.

2024 MDZ MALBEC MENDOZA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

A savory, unoaked version from Argentina's Mendoza region, this everyday gem showcases expressive bright, succulent fruit heightened by Indian spice and earth. More than just a juicy-loosey fruit bomb, there is good structure that lays the tracks for a fleshy, endowed red with appealing nuances. Have with hearty grilled meats, stews and robust cheeses. Terrific for 12-bucks.

2020 DOMAINE COLLIER SAUMUR-
CHAMPIGNY 'LA RIPAILLE'
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 - SIX PACK

Son of the late Charly Foucault, Antoine Foucault founded this small Domaine in 1999 when he was a mere 26-years-old. His family name is titan when it comes to Loire Valley wines. Antoine’s father and uncle were the minds behind the great Saumur-Champigny wines at the luxury, extremely expensive Clos Rougeard however, Antoine became a superstar on his own, delivering prolific red and white wines that are darlings of the wine world.

If you want to blow up the internet feature these wines when they are not allocated! 2020 red Loire wines are classic, top-drawer and on the top end, built to age. Profound Cabernet Franc capable of great age, the 2020 is a distinguished, but firm wine with generous raspberry and currant fruits, Asian spices, green fig, licorice and sandalwood aromas. Streamlined and vinous along with a sense of buoyancy and bounce on the stretching finish of terroir. While quite fine and delicious, after some cellar time it will expand, and then earthy complexity, herbs, and dried raspberry will join the party. Am enormously outstanding single vineyard wine that should be in the cellar of anyone that loves beautifully aromatic, soulful French wines that fly under the usual Bordeaux/Rhone/Burgundy radar. Drink 2027 - 2040.

2023 DOMAINE ESCARAVAILLES
RASTEAU 'LES COTEAUX'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

It is never easy to determine just who is ‘best’ in any given region. This statement is always a moving target but for Rasteau one of the genuine contenders is Domaine de Escaravailles. Now led by Madeline Ferran, these poised, expressive wines have become some of the Southern Rhone’s most pursued for the entire range.

Les Coteaux is grown at 1100 feet on blue clay (Argilles Bleues) and is 80% Grenache & 20% Syrah and a full-on heist. Full and chiseled, a tidal wave of black raspberry fruit, provençal herbs, pepper and licorice whip. In the mouth it is voluptuous with fine fruit for early drinking, along with good spine and backbone to develop through 2033. Sober October my a$$, double down and drink a bunch of this hearty red!

2021 CHATEAU DU GAZIN
CANON-FRONSAC ROUGE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

I love off-the-beaten path Bordeaux regions. Canon-Fronsac is a hidden gem that lies within lands of greatness. Just southwest of St-Emilion and 5 kilometers from the Pomerol plain, this is an area where many small producers excel.

Chateau du Gazin is a terrific find. Chalk-driven soils with clay outcroppings, this wine is quite handsome, possessing classically formed aromas of blue fruits, forward mineral/ironstone, graphite and spiced earth. Increasingly aromatic as it unfurls in the glass, everything comes together nicely on the silky but structured texture that extends and fans out on the deceptively packed, lingering finish. This is right bank Bordeaux personified and a steal for 24-bucks. Drink this bad boy through 2032.

2024 ALTANO DOURO BRANCO
[reg. $14.99]
SPECIAL - $9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

This is your new 10-buck favorite unoaked, dry white wine….you just haven’t tasted it yet! From Portugal’s Douro and made by the Symington family (onwers of Warre’s Port), Altano wines are already terrific values but now at ten dollars, one can slam it back on a regular basis….even as a breakfast eye-opener!

50% Malvasia Fina, 25% Viosinho, 25% Moscatel Galego, 10% Arinto this aromatic, invigorating white wine reveals orange blossom, nectarine, banana and a subtle chamomile note. Lots of burst and lift, perfect for light seafood or as a fun gathering wine with hors d’oeuvres.

2021 CHAPUIS CREMANT DE
BOURGOGNE EXTRA BRUT
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK

FINALLY, it has arrived! Domaine Chapuis is a small estate based in Burgundy's Macon region, specifically the village of Mancey. Having been referred to this Domaine a couple of years ago offering their white Burgundy, we are delighted to introduce what will undoubtedly become a new favorite sparkling wine.

70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, 15% Gamay and at least two years aging in the cellar and on the lees before release providing much more complexity than many Crémant de Bourgogne that we have featured. Commanding dried yellow apple and nectarine, and almond scents. In the mouth, this wine has teeth due to its low dosage, assertive bubbles provide a vivid, elevated texture that charges all your taste senses, especially on the attacking finish that reveals brioche and biscuit. With the structure coming from the red grapes, this bubbly can be served from the aperitif, then first courses, followed by white meat/seafood mains, all the way to the cheese course.

2021 CASA CASTILLO
JUMILLA TINTO
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE

93 Points – The Wine Advocate…If you were to look up the word confusion in the Webster's Dictionary, you might see this entry: 1.) the quality or state of being confused. 2.) an act or instance that is confusing. If you were to look up the word confusion in The Cellar Door Dictionary, you would read the following: 1.) Four Oregonians at a 4-way stop-sign in the rain. 2.) Spanish Wine Laws and the state of anarchy of which varietals are 'principal grapes','permitted grapes,' and 'experimental grapes.

The southeast Spanish region of Jumilla is set up in this manner with numerous allowed varietals, but one red grape above all is most recognized and that is Monastrell or Mourvèdre for all of you Francophiles! The 2021 Jumilla Monastrell is an affordable winner that acts like a Baby Spanish Bandol. Bursting with blackberry, iron, tealeaf and scorched earth, is an assertive red that has bold fruit then gains brightness and firmness in back. This has marinated flank steak written all over it. Drink over the next 3-4 years.

2020 CHATEAU BARBE-BLANCHE
LUSSAC SAINT-EMILION
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Chateau Barbe Blanche is in the village of Lussac, one of four satellite regions of St-Emilion and the one considered to be the most substantial of the group.

Model French Merlot (85% and 15% Cabernet Franc), a sizeable offering from a tremendous Bordeaux vintage, this wine reveals ripe notes of cherry, deep plum, leather, mineral and subtle cocoa powder. On the palate intense berry notes hook up nicely with red earth, followed by vanilla/espresso notes from the thoughtfully placed French oak. Very satisfying now and will develop and provide pleasure through 2032+.

BEDROCK 'THE WHOLE SHEBANG'
RED XVII CUVEE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Rise up, Comrades in solidarity against outrageous wine prices with glass of The Whole Shebang today!! Bedrock’s Whole Shebang is a populist manifesto, a true Wine for the People and a blend of declassified Zinfandel, Syrah, Carignan, Mataro and Alicante Bouchet.

Succulent, ripe, raspberry conserve fruit with suggestions of briar and ground black pepper. Spicy, dark and racy, plentiful and delicious, with its easy charm and even easier pricing, it is the ideal house red wine. Perfect for pizza, pasta, grilled burgers and more.

2022 VIETTI 'PERBACCO'
LANGHE NEBBIOLO
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE

93 Points – The Wine Advocate…By now, you all have heard the real backstory of this wine, but it is always worth reiterating it. Barolo/Barbaresco in all but name, the Perbacco is a selection of juice and vineyards that show more readiness and drinkability than their Barolo and Barbaresco aged 18-20 months in cask.

Lyrical Nebbiolo with drawn-out red fruits, chocolate licorice and undercurrents of perfumed earth tones, there is exquisite movement, depth and persistence, especially on the detailed and luxurious finish. 2022 is a very warm, open vintage and this is tasty now through 2030.

2022 SCALA CIRO ROSSO CLASSICO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Calabria's Ciro region is situated near to the magnificent Ionian coastline on Italy's boot tip. Scala is one of the area's leading producers and the estate's core Ciro Rosso, made from 100% Gaglioppo. The most important grape of Calabria, Gaglioppo is originally of Greek origins appearing in Italy around the same time as Aglianico.

Smoked strawberry licorice, saline and dried flowers, this is as old-school and food friendly as it gets. Well-formed, tangy, dry and semi-spicy with a fine and savory finish. Not one for sipping as a cocktail, it is perfect to drink with roasted meats with tomatoes or a spicy pasta dish. It is amazing how this wine can cut into dishes based around hot chilis.

2023 BERSTROM PINOT NOIR
CUMBERLAND RESERVE
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK

A magical blend of Pinot Noir grapes from Bergstrom’s five estate vineyards, I always feel like it is a Definitive Edition, because of the creative labor that goes into making such a fabulous blend and balancing the multiple vineyard sites.

The 25th anniversary version uncovers a beautiful crimson color, the aromas of this wine showcase cranberry, blueberry, savory laurel, licorice, rose and jasmine fragrances. The focused, nicely penetrating palate buffered with succulent acidity allows it to maintain freshness and structure. Already drinking very well now, the 2023 will age effortlessly for another 8-10 years.

2016 TRIMBACH RIESLING
FREDERIC EMILE
[reg. $119.99]
SPECIAL - $89.99 BTL./$539.94 - 6 PK

97+ Points – Vinous…Trimbach’s Frederic Emile Riesling is something incredibly special and when it comes to dry Riesling that can age for eons, there are very few that enter this realm.

Two Alsace Grands Crus vineyards (Geisberg and Osterberg) comprise this wine and at nine years old, is just starting to drink well. Aromatic, complex, diamond-steel precision, daunting mineral, lime, floral, more flint and on and on. The texture is pristine, bone dry and like sticking your finger into a light socket that it is so electrically dry. Superbly touching all points of the palate, this wine soars, folds in then planes out on the lengthy finish noticeable minutes after the wine is swallowed. One of not only France and Alsace’s greatest white wines but also one of the world's finest. Drink through 2040+, it will continue to progress.

2023 COUTEAU MORGON
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The fall equinox has arrived and so has delicious Cru Beaujolais and this from Jonathan Pey has become a house favorite Gamay.

2023 reveals luminous presence of crème de framboise, smoked violet, anise and undertones of strawberry and cinnamon-stick enliven the glass. Resoundingly vivacious, this gem is a total eruption of flavors that cascade through the mouth. Finishes lengthy and full of spice but fills in beautifully with sultry fruit that coats the palate as it goes down. The classic pairing is roasted chicken with mushrooms, but it can also pair well with Indian cuisine as well, even spicy vindaloo.

2024 BLEDSOE-McDANIELS
CHENIN BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Drew Bledsoe and winemaker/co-owner Josh McDaniels purchased Mimi Casteel’s Hope Well Vineyard in 2019 and renamed it Coulee Estate, and they have continued the legacy of this varietal by continuing to make a Chenin from the original quarter acre initially planted on the site.

Richness and crispness define this tasty Eola-Amity white. Fully dry, this wine permeates gunsmoke, lanolin, quince and pronounced red apple tones. Ample, intense flavors with a swath of dense fruit and mineral that touches the entire palate. A balanced number that really turns on the jets with a resolute, long finish. This impressive offering is a must try with salmon, fried chicken or calamari and goat cheese.

2024 WALTER SCOTT
PINOT NOIR 'COMBE VERTE'
$29.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

For almost two decades Walter Scott has proven themselves to be one of Oregon’s finest producers. Rooted in the Eola-Amity Hills, Combe Verte is their well-above-the-normal Willamette Valley cuvee with fruit from Sequitur and Freedom Hill Vineyards added in.

The hype of the Oregon 2024 vintage is very real, but this promises to be a vintage to age very well. The wine is still youthful and typical of a Walter Scott wine based around aromatics, finesse and beauty. Red berry, violet, soft smoke, and elusive herbs and spices are the characteristics of the wine. In the mouth, it is noticeably young and packed in, but what is underneath is velvety, concentrated and long without being jam. The finish is ethereal, packed and lengthy. Decant if you want to enjoy now but it will be at its best from 2027 – 2036+.

2021 FOXGLOVE ZINFANDEL
PASO ROBLES
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Foxglove is California Chardonnay specialists Jim and Bob Varner's best-buy oriented side project and not only are these delicious wines, but they are also very affordable.

Succulent dark raspberry, blueberry, herbs and spice without being ponderous. Warm and full bodied on the palate with a vibrant finish. A whole heap of Zin for under twenty dollars.

2023 DECUGNANO DEI BARBI
ORVIETO 'FRAMMENTO'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Italians use different hand gestures when they are speaking and when it comes to Orvieto, variances occur. For lighter and easy to understand versions, their gestures are used at a minimum. The bad ones receive middle fingers and/or the under the chin, upside-down hand wave, you can figure out what they mean ;-). For Decugnano dei Barbi’s wines it is open arms, hands in the air, etc. etc….any gesture of excitement will do.

Mineral and marine scents dominate with unoaked shimmering purity. Lime, white blossoms and an undertow of nectarine arrive. Very crisp and prominent stony character hits the tongue and engages the senses all the way to the zesty, mouth-watering finish. Beautiful with prawns or mussels…or for a great glass of white wine on its own.

2022 GLAETZER 'CARNUNTUM'
BLAUFRANKISCH
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Located about halfway between Vienna and the border of Slovakia, the Carnuntum region of Austria is planted with 55% red grapes. Walter Glatzer eschews the use of nuking his Blaufrankisch with a bunch of oak; hence this wine may be served with or without a chill.

Bursting, medium-bodied and promiscuous with a dark garnet, almost black color. A nucleus of spicy white and black pepper over purple fruit, briar and floral scents . Additional fresh, juicy red plum and sour cherry notes back up the fully dry, yet mouthwatering finish. Enjoy with smoked sausage, baked pasta-gratin dishes, otherwise known as macaroni and cheese!

2021 CIGLIUTI BARBARESCO
'VIA ERTE'
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - 6 PACK

95 Points – The Wine Spectator…Sometimes Barbaresco is wrongly stereotyped as being lighter than Barolo. Well, let me tell you that I can give you wines from Barbaresco that will bully Barolo and show you wines from Barolo that are very refined and sultry.

The Cigliuti sisters’ holdings are in very sturdy areas in the Barbaresco region in the village of Neive. 2021 is a great vintage. This wine for fifty dollars is quite a value for a single cru Barbaresco. Via Erte is from a Cru known as Bricco di Neive. Refined and sophisticated with roses, mushroom and steely-mineral aromas. Rich with nice depth and length and yet holding a presence of structure and wiry, sculpted character. Even though this wine shows a prettiness that is very engaging to smell, its imposing underbelly and compact, focused, long finish will make for an engaging wine in the future. Decant if you want to drink one early but it will ultimately be at its pinnacle 2028 – 2039.

2021 DOMAINE VETRICCERIE
'ILE DE BEAUTE' CORSE ROUGE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

From Corsica, this tasty value red made with Nielluccio (linked to Sangiovese via Genoa) and Sciacarello (native to Corsica) will make you want to catch island fever.

Tangy licorice, red currants, brine, spice and sage scents. Rhythmic, forward, savory flavors hypothetically combine influences of mainland Italy sprinkled in with traits of Sicily then finishing with a sultry kiss of southern Rhone aspects. Drinks extremely well now and is a genuinely enjoyable way to enhance grilled chicken.