2022 KARA TARA CHARDONNAY
[reg. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

A tasty Chardonnay that will appease both the buttery/oaky palate as well as one who prefers a more Burgundian effort, this deserves your attention at this special price!

From three South African regions and aged in 15% new oak, this fleet-footed darling shows a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease. Instead, think of pure creamy length and palate-coating mouthfeel. The palate is refined with ripe, tropical notes and light custardy spice with brightness to balance the whole package. Overall, this wine of equilibrium pairs well with fettuccini Alfredo, prosciutto, and shrimp ceviche.

2022 FRANCOIS VILLARD SYRAH
'COLLINES RHODANIENNES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Former chef Francois Villard makes fine wines from vineyards in Condrieu, Cote-Rotie and St-Joseph. Since around 2012, he has dialed his wines in, now utilizing less oak, going for classy French Syrah wines that pair beautifully with food. This regional Syrah comes from young vines grown in decomposed granite soils from four St-Joseph villages.

The 2022 reveals a real pepper-pot nose abundant with plum, raspberry and black olive, it is generous with lifting fruit upon entry all unfurling into minerally vibrancy. A wonderfully versatile, spectacular value red to bring to friends’ homes over the warmer months, especially when you are not sure what they will be serving for dinner. Drink over the next five years.

2023 SURRAU CANNONAU DI
SARDEGNA 'NARACU'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Off to the island of Sardinia we go! The Grenache grape, known as Cannonau on the island, was brought by the Kingdom of Aragon when they ruled the island in the Middle Ages and Renaissance era. The grape itself has always possessed a sort of nobility here, is decidedly individual, and shows its marked difference and uniqueness to its impressive island terroir.

Located in the northern part of the island, Surrau has been one of our most popular go-to Italian producers. The compelling, newly arrived 2023 Cannonau is laden with aromas of Mediterranean garrigue spices, prominent notes of raspberry, plum/pepper, intriguing sea-salt and cinnamon that waft from the glass. After being enticed by the fine aromas, the texture intrigues even further with warm and engaging, interwoven cherry-pit/saline/minerally flavors that unfold into a voluptuous, tangy finish. Enjoy this sultry red with braised meat dishes or aged sheep's milk cheeses.

2023 BASTIDE BLANCHE
BANDOL ROSE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

There are simple, fun light rose wines that are inexpensive. On the opposite side of the coin there is Bandol. These are gourmand rose wines that have complexity, depth and can age very well. I recently had a chance to drink a bottle of the 2023 and it is becoming colossally delicious.

Always our favorite Bandol Rose, think of this as a serious white Rhone/Provencal wine that happens to be pink. Scents of hawthorn, anise, cherry pit, sea salt, mineral and more. The depth and richness are present up front with flowing acidity and orange zest coming on strong on the mid-palate and long finish. Try this with a plethora of seafood dishes, grilled chicken with Provencal herbs or if you are adventurous, bouillabaisse or paella. Enjoy over the next five years.

2022 BUCKLIN CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 'BEDROCK VINEYARD'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

The Bucklin and Peterson families have been neighbors, friends and colleagues in Sonoma for decades. Owning the Old Hill Ranch Vineyard, Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood made single vineyard wines from this site for many years. These days his son Morgan Peterson still makes wines from this site at his Bedrock estate, so it is only natural for Will Bucklin to make a Cabernet from Bedrock’s estate vineyard, and it is spectacular.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the fruit from the Bedrock vineyard is very generous. Black and red cherry tones lead the way then followed by undertones of nutmeg, vanilla, cedarbox, graphite and subtle mint. Fetching full Cabernet fruit greets the palate and expands nicely. Broad, attractive and extremely undervalued with tannins arriving on the finish portending very good longevity. Enjoy this hearty Sonoma Cabernet through 2040+.

2022 LI VELI SUSUMANIELLO
'ASKOS' SALENTO
$23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK

Owned by the Falvo family who formerly owned Avignonesi in the Tuscan village of Montepulciano, Li Veli is one of the innovators and leaders of the Southern Italian region of Puglia.

Susumaniello is an ancient, rediscovered varietal to an area that was solely about Primitivo and Negraomaro. The origins of this grape are varied, with theories that it came from Greece or the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Recent DNA has shown it to be a cross between a native Puglian table grape and Garganega, which is the grape of Soave. It is Italy, go figure. Vivacious plum, rhubarb, almond, allspice and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the crunchy portion of a cherry, just around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook, yet upscale Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, something with a spicy Asian influence or just a simple, well-ripened pecorino cheese.

2018 CHATEAU TOUR DE SEGUR
LUSSAC SAINT-EMILION
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

The brilliance of what is going down in Bordeaux with smaller Chateaux that are committed to top farming and winemaking aspects in both famed regions and the satellite regions is quite impressive. Often it is the case that one can obtain a terrific bottle that not only drinks well early, but one that can also age well without having to break the bank.

Chateau Tour de Segur is in the village of Lussac, one of four satellite regions of St-Emilion and is the one considered the most robust of the group. 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Stacked and packed this wine shows off class and grace yet has a trucker's mouth with a bit of attitude and sass to it. Teeming with earth, limestone, red cherry, some violet and kisses of nutmeg and mineral on the nose, it follows through to a texture that is mouth coating and having all the substance of the warm 2018 vintage. Excellent length and a wine that will outclass higher-priced neighbors, there is ample structure for aging. Drink from through 2032.

2022 LOS MORROS CARMENERE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

The Los Morros winery is designated for value wines and is one of two Chilean outfits owned by Miguel Besoain. A graduate from the Universite de Bourgogne in Dijon, Miguel followed his schooling with 10 years of toiling in wineries in France and Germany before returning home to the Maipo Valley to do his own thing.

Leather, spice, tealeaf, black licorice and black plum shine on the nose and follow through broad, polished and persistent texture possessing none of the mean-green tones that not-so-good Carmenere offerings give off. Plenty of backbone, this wine will pair with spicy meatballs, leg of lamb or chili relleno.

2016 FRANCO PACENTI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA
$75.99 BTL./$455.94 - SIX PACK

Located in the northern sector of Montalcino, Franco Pacenti’s Canalicchio estate is a sleeper producer who produces wines from an exquisite terroirs that provides immense elegance, polish, breed and depth. This is a wine that takes on the traits of its maker…holding its cards close to his chest, very debonair and only revealing its true personality when it is ready. If you haven't heard by now, 2016 is a resoundingly grand vintage for Montalcino and this wine follows its path nicely with wines built to last. Riserva here actually means more than just an extra year in the barrel, it is a wine from only the best of the best lots and not a lot is produced.

Savory, pure aromas of sage, thyme, pepper, refined dried violet and cherry notes that give a quiet elegance to the wine. Aromatically handsome and subtle which follow through to the mouth with prominent spices, plenty of push and depth and density with more backbone arriving as it moves towards the lingering, but bound tight finish. A real product of the grandiose 2016 vintage with its personality, viscosity and depth, it also snaps back after the wine is swallowed. Hold until age ten. Drink end 2026 – 2040.

2022 BAUDRY CHINON 'LE DOMAINE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

It is always challenging to make the statement of who is the best in any growing region. The title changes hands due to circumstances, vintages, generation changes, etc. For quite a while now, the current champion of Chinon is Domaine Baudry. Mathieu Baudry simply puts forth detailed red wines to degrees that express both Cabernet Franc and their terroirs.

The Le Domaine cuvee is Cab Franc grown on soils that are 70% of sand over limestone/30% gravel on the Chinon Plateau. Attractive raspberry, dried herbs, licorice, sandalwood, and tobacco permeate from the glass and continue intriguing the olfactory senses as it opens. In the mouth, the warmth of the 2022 vintage gives it expansion, but overall, the composition of the wine is lacy, classy, and fragrant in the mouth with a steely underbelly. The finish is refined, soulful, and a definitive taste of France. Partake in a bottle of this 100% Cabernet Franc with a roasted, herb-encrusted pork-loin over the next 8-10 years. It is lunchtime as I write this, and I am getting hungry as these words are being typed!

2021 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA
SUPERIORE 'NICALO'
$21.99 BTL./$131.94 - SIX PACK

NEW VINTAGE…and 2021 is five-star level for this region. Perhaps we should title this wine along with the following as ‘The Venetians Aren’t Blind’ because they are the essence of the region without being Amarone. Grapes for this offering are dried for about a month then aged for 18 months in large Slovenian botti and this is what brings and extra level of oomph and complexity to the wine.

Lush but lively notes of ripe cherry, raspberry, violet, cocoa powder and roasted earth carry over to a texture with savory red fruits and fine grip lending structure and backbone. Finishing quite long and having ample dimension, this Valpolicella will make everything from roasted pork to mushroom risotto or a gorgonzola cheese dance on your palate. Drink over the next 5-6 years.

2022 BATISTELLE SOAVE CLASSICO
'BATISTELLE'
[reg. $24.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$119.94 - 6 PK

While we adore the Soave stylings of Pra, Gini and Suavia, there is also a plethora of wonderful producers in this zone. Up until 2002, the Dal Bosco family sold their grapes to the local co-op and soon after created Le Battistelle with their many parcels around Brognoligo in Soave. A little long in stock, our distributor placed this fabulous Soave on an exceptionally fine special.

The Batistelle version is one of the top wines of the estate. Located in the same valley, across from Pra, the volcanic and basalt-laden soils bring about excellent minerality to bounce off honeysuckle, pear, orange peel and lemon. Sensual palate presence, there is plenty of suave harmony and brisk notes on the finish. Try this with grilled prawns, seafood pasta dishes or lighter chicken dishes.

2021 LUKE JEFFERSON SYRAH
'SYMBION' WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Retired Cristom winemaker Steve Doerner has not exactly fully retired as he continues to make superb wines under his Luke Jefferson label and Eola-Amity vineyard. Many know Steve for his profound Pinot Noirs, but at both Cristom and Calera, he also produces superb Syrah and not from Washington...but from Eola-Amity.

Made with an abundance of whole clusters, this Syrah is a gift from Eola-Amity soils. Wily aromas of perfumed black plum, smoked meat, freshly ground white pepper and a hint of cinnamon and olive. Fills the mouth nicely and possesses supple, smooth tannins and a nice backbone as well. Very drinkable now with barbecue or in winter with a braised lamb dish. Will age nicely for 8-10 years as well.

2022 FRESCOBALDI POMINO BIANCO
'CASTELLI POMINO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Situated northwest of Florence, the relatively unknown DOC region of Pomino was created in the 1970s. Exceedingly small in land size, this area does have the usual Tuscan red varietals but also is known for its white wines as well.

If this wine were presented to me ten years ago, I would have gone running to find a pair of tweezers to pull the splinters from my tongue because it was nuked with oak. These days the wine is aged in stainless steel with a miniscule portion of used barrels. The blend is Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay revealing mango, yellow apple, subtle white flowers and a touch of flinty notes. Very direct flavors on entry build and expand the close by sweeping clean the entire palate with its brisk acids.

2021 CHATEAU GROLET
COTES-DE-BOURG BORDEAUX
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK

Beneath the archaic aspect of secrecy in Bordeaux, there is ample forward thinking of a young generation of Petite Chateaux owners who are making terrific wine and doing with sensible farming and diligence in the winery. Jean-Luc Hubert practices biodynamic farming on his estate that perched on slopes in the Cotes-de-Bourg district affectionately known by locals as ‘the little Switzerland of Gironde.’

The usual Bordeaux suspects epitomize this Bordeaux, Merlot, Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon from 55-year-old vines. Soils here are loam and gravel which deliver minerality, but the wine also enhanced by skillfully vinous cassis and blue fruits. Earthy spice comes forward on the lengthy finish. Depth and persistence are present, both of which are hallmarks of Bordeaux's excellent and well-defined vintage. Lovely now with a pan-seared rib-eye steak, duck or aged cheeses.

2021 CHATEAU MASSIAC MINERVOIS
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

We often refer to Minervois as an outlaw growing region, particularly since it is so vast, has terroirs that change like an obstacle course, and utilizes an abundance of varietals. Chateau Massiac is quite a staple of the region and one whose wines have both detail and cojones. Located in the North-center area in the heart of the appellation, this cuvee from Minervois is a blend of Syrah and Carignan.

The credo at Massiac is expressed so well on this wine - elegance, yet concentration; expressive, but subtle; hedonistic, but cerebral. 2021 captivates its audience with black raspberry aromas, which lead to a broad, spicy, animalistic, ripe red/black raspberry-packed personality. Warmly textured, impressive palate coverage, yet with fine acids and tannins. Complex, sultry, and crammed with southern French soul, possessing a meaty finish that screams of pepper and herbes de provence. A total lamb wine, drink this killer through 2028.

2023 MILENRAMA RIOJA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Sisters Ruth and Ana De Andres have projects and wines from numerous spots in Spain with the majority, like this offering, being killer for their price points. Last year we were enthusiastic about the Jumilla, this year it is their scrumptious, everyday Rioja.

100% Tempranillo. Aged entirely in tank. Packed with clean, fruit-forward scents of strawberry along with hints of earth, smoke and white pepper. Savory-textured flavors with surprising dimension shine with plenty of juicy, mouth-watering notes throughout. A great red for tapas, paella, sausages and more.

2022 CROWLEY PINOT NOIR
'FOUR WINDS VINEYARD'
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK

Commencing his first wine in vintage 2006, we instantly were able to grasp that Tyson Crowley was going to be a formidable force when it comes to fine Oregon Pinot Noir. Having honed his craft previously at Cameron and others, Tyson has been able to take those lessons and incorporate them into his own work.

Four Winds Vineyard is one of the finest, high elevation cool sites in Oregon. Located in the McMinnville Coast Range and sitting at eight hundred feet, this site makes well-structured, very red tinged, flavorful Pinot Noirs. Gorgeous and oh so classic pinot noir nose of lavender, strawberry, mulled spice, earth and pepper with undertones of mushroom providing instant complexity and transparency. Texturally, it is quite giving with a ripe and silky texture, and a sense of deep perfume that speaks clearly. The palate’s flavors are indicative of the vineyard, with the high elevation bringing backbone and firmness to the pleasurable aspects of what is up front. Sensuous and prototype, top-drawer Oregon Pinot, these aspects continue to the finish that maintains a finesseful pure character that is present throughout the wine. Clamps down on the persistent finish, this wine could use a few years on cellar time. Drink this 2028 – 2040+.