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.

2024 JC SOMERS GAMAY
'JOIE DE CHIEN' LAURELWOOD
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

During the festive season, many folks have out of town guests and like to show off Oregon’s wines. Deservedly so, we have so many top-notch selections including these two from JC Somers (former J. Christopher/Cameron). Gamay has played a role in the valley for many years and this comes from the Louise Vineyard in the Laurelwood AVA and Jay Somer’s Joie de Chien wines are outstanding twenty dollar values.

As crowd-pleasing as a wine can get, a potpourri of aromas including peonies, strawberries, blackberry, cinnamon and smoked earth rolls into texture that is bursting, invigorating and exuberant, with depth, personality and persistence. A masterful match with a myriad of dishes like slow-braised beef, mushroom pasta, pho and is my favorite local match with upcoming Thanksgiving turkey.

2024 JC SOMERS PINOT BLANC
'JOIE DE CHIEN' LAURELWOOD
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Also from the Louise Vineyard is this lip-smacking Pinot Blanc. Somewhat doubly inspired with creamy tones that feel Alsace but also revealing elevated crispness and steeliness of something from Alto Adige.

Aged entirely in stainless steel tanks, abundant smoke, red apple, and cardamom along with pure mineral tones beam from the glass. The components continue in the mouth, with bursting fruit, along with the right amount of creaminess, earth, a hint of spice, and a long, dry finish. A fabulous Oregon Pinot Blanc, it works with turkey as well as salmon, shrimp/chicken curries, crab risotto and more.

2022 CHATEAU FONTANES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'PAYS D'OC'
$16.99 BTL./$220.88 CASE

Unlike many who mass-produce this varietal in this area, Languedoc maestro Cyriaque Rozier takes Cabernet Sauvignon very seriously. How he maintains this price point while sustainably farming the land is beyond us!

Exuding warm climate Cabernet traits as well as Mediterranean aspects, old vine cabernet cassis and blackberry notes shine along with underbrush characteristics of mint, thyme and cracked pepper. Chewy, succulent, satisfying and deceptively structured, this wine is a terrific everyday Cab that can be consumed on its own or paired with grilled lamb or pork chops and much more. 'Sudnapafrance'!

2023 FRITZ HAAG
RIESLING FEINHERB
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Feinherb is an unofficial classification, but it is quite trendy. Unlike the official term of halbtorcken (half dry), I like to think of this as three-quarters dry and very versatile.

The Fritz Haag 2023 Feinherb is pure electricity in a glass! A blitzkrieg of nectarine, mandarin, wet chalkboard and subtle smoke follow through to an exhilarating, nervy, succulent finish that draws you back for glass after glass. Plenty of zest and character for those who may fancy themselves as aficionados, but also fruity enough to serve to Great Aunt Helen during dinner....I emphatically recommend this because my Great Aunt Helen was one of the finest card cheats at family poker games and wasn't quite so sleight of hand when she had a good wine-buzz on.

2022 ARGIOLAS 'COSTERA'
CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Argiolas is proof that you don't have to look in Tuscany or Piedmont to find mouthfilling Italian gems. Argiolas is a leading Sardinian property that elevated the island’s fine quality.

90% Cannonau, 5% Carignano, 5% Bovale Sardo, this grenadine aromas shine with Mediterranean garrigue spices, prominent notes of plum/pepper, sea-salt and cinnamon. The texture is warm and engaging with interwoven cherry-pit and minerally flavors which unfold into a voluptuous, tangy finish. A tasty lamb wine.

2023 LES PENTES DE BARENES
TURSAN BLANC
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

There are occasions (including holidays) where you have that one annoying relative who fancies themselves as a wine expert after one trip to a wine region. If you want to play stump the jagoff, see if they know the Tursan region.

Located in SW France north of Pau and neighboring Madiran and Armagnac, Tursan produces country reds and whites. Made from the singular, local Baroque grape and enhanced with Gros Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc, this white seems to me to be a fine Vouvray alternative. Verbena, chamomile and citrus peel aromas play off discreet mineral and spice. Mouth filling with invigorating piquancy conjuring nuances of mandarins, papaya and exotic spice. A tasty partner with proscuitto or Jamon Serrano, scallops in butter/white wine, sole in a light cream sauce or sheeps milk cheeses from the Pyrenees. It is also a wonderful match with Thanksgiving turkey.

2024 TWO COPAS MENDOZA RED
TEMPRANILLO-MALBEC
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

Made from 80% Tempranillo/20% Malbec from Argentina’s Mendoza region, this wine offers a lot of flavor, personality and generosity. Mocha and blackberry tones permeate from the glass, and, with a little aeration some smoked meat and pepper start to arrive. In the mouth it's luscious and ripe with a dark texture, soft acids and a forward and flavorful finish. RED WINE LOVERS SHOULD BE ALL OVER THIS BEST BUY!

2020 GUIGAL COTE-ROTIE
'BRUNE ET BLONDE'
SPECIAL - $49.99 BTL./$299.94 - 6 PK

The last time a Guigal wine graced these pages, the World Cup was in South Africa with vuvuzelas, Instagram was launched and Keith Richards released his autobiography. Like The Rolling Stones maestro, Guigal is still kicking and their latest iteration of Brune et Blonde Cote Rotie is a killer.

The 2020 Brune et Blonde is magnificent, but a conundrum because it is almost TOO irresistible now. It will be even better with some cellaring. 40-50% new oak. Lavishly smoky with fragrant black raspberry, smoked bacon, black olive and roasted coffee sailing from the glass. Sensual and graceful with excellent richness that submerges the structure. Concentrated and ethereal, granitic spice and elevated red tones turn up on the mighty finish. Reasonably accessible with decanting but best between 2027 – 2035. A great deal for the price, many others listing online for $70 and north.

2015 PAOLO PETRILLI FERRAU
C'ACCE MMITA DI LUCERA ROSSO
[reg. $84.99 MAGNUM]
SPECIAL - $54.99 MAG/$164.97 - 3 PK

When the pandemic arrived, many wines became COVID casualties. Places closed, people were quarantined and wines gathered dust and this Puglia wine got lost. We offered these magnums earlier and there are still a few three packs of this ten-year old Italian red in magnum bottles at a wondrous price.

Drinking exquisitely now, this mature blend of Nero di Troia, Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Bombino in a large bottle reveals tangy earth, violet, cranberry, smoke, savory herbs all transferring to a mouth feel that has generosity, plush dry fruit, subtle sage and coffee notes. Long, long and popping at the end. A few of us drank a magnum at Monte’s Red Sauce Restaurant in Moreland for my birthday and it was absolutely brilliant with their tomato sauce dishes. A real deal for a double-sized bottle!

2023 DOMAINE THEVENET
MACON-VILLAGES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

We have been selling Domaine Thevenet’s Maconnais wines since I arrived in 1998. Not only is this one of the best kept secrets, they also can claim the most frigid cellar that I ever tasted in and visited. For the first time we are offering their unoaked apex-buy Macon Villages.

The fruit comes from the villages of Bussieres and Milly providing fragrant lemon, green apple and stony mineral. Zippy flavors dominate, but expansion and intensity from the vintage prevail. Crisp and nerveaux on the finish, it is perfect with fish done in a light sauce, old-school roasted chicken or a vegetarian mushroom/pea pasta. There may be less expensive Macons, there may be greater Macons, but we feel that there is no finer Macon for the money!

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

A longtime Cellar Door favorite, we are starting to wind down the 2022 vintage of Eve Grossot’s Chablis. The 2023s are coming but they will be 20-25% more expensive due to tariffs. Grab this undervalued Premier Cru while it is at this price! The words that best reflect the essence of this Premier Cru are generosity and mineral finesse. Fourneaux’s small thirty-three hectares are on a Kimmeridgian subsoil and poor stony and clay soil, and Eve Grossot owns a mere 1.75 of the entire site. This unique Premier Cru's grapes ripen nicely but never sacrifice their Chablis soul.

The perfume and aromatics on this Premier Cru are mighty impressive and is quietly becoming prototype Chablis that is very undervalued. Flinty mineral has taken the lead now with breezy chalk and fine undertones of mandarin and lemon. Regal texture, almost crunchy but ample depth and personality in the middle then driving home nicely with a brisk, thrusting, mouthwatering finish. Drink through 2033.

2022 LA CROIX MONTJOIE
VEZELAY BLANC 'IMPATIENTE'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

Located just outside the small village of Vezelay, 45 minutes south of Chablis is this gem of a Domaine. Vezelay was upgraded to a well-deserved elevation to AOC status in 2017, amazing initself because the vineyards were only restored in the early 1970s.

Founded in 2009 by Sophie and Matthieu Woillez, they are situated in one of the most picturesque areas of Burgundy. 100% Chardonnay but not sloppy, goopy, or oaky. The fullness comes from the estate's low-yielding, south-facing, blue clay marl soil vineyard site that is dedicated to this offering. Scents of lime, anise, yellow flowers pronounced mineral, saline and chalk follow through to a texture that has excellent movement and energy along with mouth-filling flavors and persistence. Drink this beauty with a flaky fish doused in a butter-laden sauce.

2021 NATHALIE RICHEZ HAUTES
COTES-DE-BEAUNE BLANC
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

Nathalie Richez is the definition of a garagiste winemaker. Her winery is literally a room next to her house with the cellar below a shed in her back yard. We have always championed white Burgundy but as we have seen seismic price changes and what we once had normal access to are now almost unaffordable which has caused us to seek out producers such as her – young, passionate, dynamic and from regions that are now being prized for their rising quality.

Owning a small site in the village of Saint-Aubin just outside the village boundary and butting up against the St-Aubin vineyard of Champ-Tirant it is a Chardonnay-purist’s chardonnay, exuding terroir and depth of fruit. Crushed rocks, lemon zest, peat and white flowers dominate the nose. The texture is very gallant with sophistication, intensity and creaminess that would not be out of place in a St-Aubin Premier Cru that would easily sell for seventy. Exciting from front to back and at this point, the finish is now very extensive indeed. A delicious drink now through 2031.

2021 CHATEAU CANTEMERLE
HAUT-MEDOC (5th Growth)
[reg. $51.99]
SPECIAL - $27.99 BTL./$143.94 - 6 PK

2021 CHATEAU CANTEMERLE HAUT-MEDOC (5th Growth) [reg. $51.99] SPECIAL - $27.99 BTL./$143.94 - 6 PK Chateau Cantemerle is one of the rare, classified growths that is Haut-Medoc. Only one of five, they are th last Chateau before arriving to Margaux. The local distributor is offering a wonderful closeout special due to 2022 having just landed.

2021 is a sleeper/shadow vintage that is a Bordeaux lovers’ vintage. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Aromas of red plum, dark cherry, cedar, graphite, violet, coffee and pipe tobacco are magnetic. In the mouth, this beauty reels you in with a veneer, velvety texture with uplifting minerality and crunchy cherry suggestions. At 13% alcohol this is a deceptive bottle of young Bordeaux being so delicious right now, specifically with a pan-seared thick porterhouse, but there is also no doubt that it will unfurl and age well. An expression of textbook Bordeaux, ready and approachable young but will evolve further over the next 10-15 years.

2023 FATTORIA ZERBINA ROMAGNA
'POGGIO VICCHIO' SANGIOVESE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

It is customary for Cristina Geminiani to produce delicious, award-winning, value-driven red wines, especially since she is responsible for establishing and enhancing the Romagna region just west of Bologna.

From a single vineyard and plot in Marzeno, articulate tangy berry, red flowers, fennel and sage qualities take center stage to create a wonderful mouthfeel that is both filling and uplifting. Suede-like structure, terrific complexity and vibrancy throughout with moxie, depth and persistence. Drink with classic Italian dishes based around grilled pork or beef, it is also valiant with penne in a Bolognese sauce or lasagna.

2023 POJER e SANDRI
NOSIOLA DOLOMITI BIANCO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Pojer e Sandri is widely recognized as an elite Trentino grower. The partnership and friendship of Fiorentino Sandri and winemaker Mario Pojer dates to 1975 and their wines are innovative expressions of Northern Italy. Now led by a new generation, they remain wines that cause one to sport a terroir turban because they are genuinely transparent.

Nosiola is a grape native to Trentino, and this ultra-vivid white wine value is dialed in with spicy, smoky apple/lemon tones and overriding mineral and very subtle hazelnut aspects that go off like fireworks. Intense, piercing brightness shines with laser-beam precision chiming throughout the whole experience, particularly on the superb minerally finish. Enjoy with lighter fish dishes, vegetable soups, shrimp and mild cheese.

2023 DOMAINE DE MARCOUX
LIRAC 'LE LORENTINE'
[reg. $35.99]
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the appellation of Lirac. Many Rhône fans have long known about the superb price/quality rapport of Lirac's wines. Highly-celebrated, Domaine de Marcoux was one of the first Chateaueuf players to cross the river to obtain Lirac vineyards in 2003.

Vintage 2021 is stylish, balanced and has proven repeatedly that there is Rhone character abound. 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre and 20% Grenache. Telltale Lirac aromas of anise, purple flowers, black plum, herbes de Provençe and smoked hickory wood erupt and entice. Mouth filling with terrific movement and energy, this wine is so relentless for this special price. Enjoy over the next 7-8 years with lamb.

2023 FLACO TEMPRANILLO
VINOS DE MADRID
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

From just outside Madrid, this is Tempranillo 101 and an utterly delicious choice for a nightly tipple to a launch point to more upscale appellations.

Forward, lush aromas of raspberry compote, roasted earth and gentle hints of cinnamon. Nicely balanced fruit, with great maintenance of freshness make this a perfect red to slam back morning, afternoon or evening.

2023 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
ABBEY RIDGE
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PK

In any given vintage with Cameron’s Pinot Noirs, one can certainly be called an Abbey vintage or a Clos vintage where one stands out over the other...yet both still maintain their profundity. 2023 is one of those vintages that both performed at exceedingly elevated levels but, the Abbey Ridge that takes it by a mere nose.

On its usual world class form, the 2023 Abbey Ridge is ravishing. Complex, aromatic, sexy Pinot aromas slither from the glass. Poised tones of lavender, smoked earth, herbs, red and black raspberries deliver excellent transparency. In the mouth, it is a prodigal musician, ethereal, cerebral, and changing the questions just when you think you have all the answers. The 50-year-old vines bring sheer joy and persistence pleasantly lingering for minutes. Drink through 2038+.

2023 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
CLOS ELECTRIQUE
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PK

The 2023 Clos Electrique is quite a masterpiece itself but speaks a different language than the Abbey Ridge.

Planted in the early eighties, Clos Electrique is a superb Dundee Hills site. The terroir here is a bit warmer than Abbey Ridge but John Paul does not pull any magic tricks with his techniques. Always a bit sturdier and masculine than the Abbey the 2023 Clos Electrique is spice driven, full and round, but with no shortage of grip and the vintage plays right into JP's hands. It commences with smoke, leather and violet then after ten minutes or so morphs into more alluring floral notes of violet and lilac followed up by elevated Italian plum. In the mouth, the voluptuousness of this vintage delivers a core of rich, ripe red fruit, with exotic warm spices and a long lively finish. Drink through 2038.

2023 CAMERON CHARDONNAY
CLOS ELECTRIQUE
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PK

Clos Electrique is always about the many clones that John Paul uses for this wine and 2023 is yet another masterpiece.

Beautifully defined and scintillating aromas of orange, cream, buttered toast, cinnamon and mineral tones draw you in. Quite tantalizing, the palate is both electric and rich along with spine and structure for further aging. Brilliantly delineated around the edges, this wine carries into a long, polished and graceful finish. Perfect for White Burgundy aficionados or for anyone who loves the world’s most compelling Chardonnays. Drink this wine with any hedonistic seafood dish through 2038.

2021 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA
RIPASSO 'SAN ROCCO'
$25.99 BTL./$155.94 - SIX PACK

In Italy, 2021 is a heroic red wine vintage including those from the Valpolicella/Amarone area. Our friend Riccardo Tedeschi’s Valpolicella Ripasso may be one of his best-ever versions of this cuvee.

Ripasso is the Venetian technique that involves taking freshly pressed Valpolicella Classico juice and passing it over the pomace (mainly skins and seeds) of the Amarone, bringing further power and complexity. Well-dressed and muscular with chocolate covered black cherries, balsamico, savory elements and kisses of Moroccan spice. Broad and substantial and balanced by the Corvina grape’s stimulating acidity and a finish that pleasantly lingers for minutes. A hearty autumnal/winter selection to drink over the next 7-8 years with osso buco, braised lamb shanks, Spezzatino di Manzo and gorgonzola cheese.

2021 PENLEY CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 'COONAWARA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine…People are always searching for the twenty-dollar Cabernet that tastes like forty and this one is the choice.

Grown in Terra Rossa soils In SE Australia’s Coonawarra, Cabernet is king. Intense cassis, herbs, vanilla and toffee kick it off, but after about 10 minutes of aeration, more peppermint, dusty earth and cigar box permeate through. Penetrating and dense texture, which is luscious and dry. Plentiful backbone and, dare we say, a little Northern Pauillac-like influence with its boldness and sass. Impressively lengthy and buxom, grill up a steak or pork chops. Enjoy it over the next decade.

2024 BERNARD MAGREZ
BORDEAUX BLANC
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE

Famed for owning the grand Chateau Pape Clement, Bernard Magrez is a force in Bordeaux. Specializing in wines from the Graves, the standards associated with his name are remarkable on all levels.

Sauvignon Blanc with a dollop of Semillon, this scintillating white Bordeaux is extremely satisfying bringing together mineral intensity, with classic fleshy tangerine, honeysuckle and lemongrass aromas. Walking the line between ‘intense and finesse,’ penetrating flavors rule the day yet beautifully cut by fresh citrus flavors that stay with you until your next sip.