2025 LUPU DEL SOLE
TERRE SICILIANE ROSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

If you ever ratted out your mob colleagues, you might end up in witness protection running a Ferris wheel. Still, all is not lost: when your pasta dinner is basically egg noodles and ketchup, Lupu del Sole Rosso is the wine upgrade that might make you nostalgic for your loansharking and whacking days.

This blend of Nero d’Avola/Nerello Mascalese exudes the essence of both Sicilian varietals. Flamboyant aromatics with blackberry and plum tones but also conveying its vibrancy. Well-rounded and flavorful this is a wonderful summer red to pair with slow roasted chicken spiked with lots of Italian herbs, caponata, arancini or saltimbocca.

2020 HAUT-RIAN CADILLAC
COTES-DE-BORDEAUX ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Chateau Haut-Rian’s classic red Bordeaux is drinking oh so beautifully at age five.

2020 is classic in aromas and flavors and is prototype French Merlot (90%) with a ten percent addition of Cabernet Sauvignon. Sumptuous blueberry fruit leads the way followed by a mosaic of herbs and spices including tealeaf, dark chocolate and turned earth. A seductive attack with supple texture and brilliant mineral/earth detail, there is no question that it is Bordeaux. Very red and black cherry on the ringing, fine, deceptively long finish. Drink with chicken dishes, cheeseburgers, lentil soup and more.

2020 ALVAR DE DIOS ARRIBES TINTO
'CAMINO DE LOS ARRIEOS'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

From Arribes, a remote region in western Spain along the Portuguese border, this field blend is built around Rufete with lesser amounts of other native varieties from 36 tiny plots.

At 12.5% alcohol, this red shows the fragrant minerality of Arribes’ hillside soils, with bright notes of blackberry, olive, and sanguine. Allspice and licorice frame layers of berry, herbs, and peppermint. Lacy and full of personality, this gamey, gnarly wine shines at the table with ham, pork, bacon, and more.

BIANCAVIGNA PROSECCO
CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A Prosecco that doesn’t p#ss me off, BiancaVigna’s bubblies defy the usual mediocrity—more soul and depth, less bubble-gum gloss born of a marketing idiot’s concept.

The color and fragrances of this sparkler provide luminosity with no shortage of fabulous flavor. Wildflowers, lime and yellow apple twinkle from the glass. Texturally it is pure silk with dignified bubbles that caress the senses before closing with a long, virtually ambient finish. Perfect as an aperitif and as a refined accompaniment for hors d'oeuvres, first courses and magnificent with sushi.

2023 ALAIN GRAILLOT
CROZES-HERMITAGE BLANC
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK

Back in 2015 when I visited Domaine Graillot, Max Graillot was fully on board with the changes made to this limited white wine. Formerly, Max’s father Alain made it an old-fashioned, heavier, oaky style. Nowadays this 80% Marsanne/20% Roussanne blend is aged in half one-year barrels with the other half in stainless steel without the use of malolactic fermentation.

Savory, expressive aromas fill the glass led by apricot and pear with ginger, jasmine, anise and white pepper undertones. Fruit-driven, lovely round core, sneaky mineral with plenty of late-arriving mandarin tones provide immense palate-pleasure. Very enjoyable over the next 7-8 years, this wine absolutely sings with asparagus dishes, halibut in sauce or seared scallops wrapped in bacon.

2024 ARCHITECT CABERNET
SAUVIGNON SONOMA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Architect Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit like Willie Wonka's golden ticket or the next mean spirited reality show, the buzz and excitement never seem to go away and is always viewed, or in this case, consumed. Being one of the best-priced California Cabs that we feature, do not let the Oompa Loompas buy it out from under you.

Teeming with aromas of blueberry, cassis and mocha with no shortage of old-school California peppermint and anisette scents, those who love Cabernet will immediately be impressed. Savory and fruit forward, with amiable flavors, structure and finely balanced tannins that drop a poised, gentlemanly finish that hangs around nicely.

2024 FRANCO SERRA
DOLCETTO D'ALBA
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

A real steal for the money, this light, vivid Dolcetto is raised in stainless steel and is a bright, quaffable drink with soul.

Pleasurable aromas start with stony minerality, mint, purple flowers and hints of red plum. A wonderful introduction into the grape and grande territorio that is Piedmont. Have with ‘Piemontese Sushi’, known as carne cruda. Steak tartare will work in its place as well as a mushroom dominated pasta dish or a plate of salumi.

2021 KNOLL PINOT NOIR 'ELKTON'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The Elkton AVA, an enclave within the larger Umpqua Valley AVA, is regarded as the coolest and wettest of all Oregon growing regions. Being a mere thirty-five miles from the coast, it is prime for deliciously full Pinot Noir. After a career in real estate, Leslie Beckley made a momentous change following her passion for viticulture and winemaking in her fifties by starting a vineyard and winery.

Pinots from this region take on aromatic aspects and body that feels a bit like Sonoma Coast but is all Oregon. Marionberry, salt, ground pepper, kisses of chocolate/coriander aromas reveal their presence immediately. In the mouth, one feels the fullness but never without the smoothness and silkiness that is fine Pinot Noir. Formidable thrust and spice on the marine-inspired finish that lingers on in a dark-toned manner. Enjoy it over the next decade.

2024 QUINTA PORRAIS
DOURO BRANCO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

The Douro region is known for Port, but excellent dry reds and whites are produced.

Made from provincial Codega do Larinho, Rabigato, Verdelho, Viosinho grapes it is provocatively fragrant with bursting aromas of lemon, talc, gerber daisies, and seashells. Lively wiry, very dry clean flavors, movement and extension set it off as a starter or with lighter seafood preparations.

2016 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA
'VINA ARANA' GRAN RESERVA
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK

95 Points – Decanter Magazine…Produced for decades, the great bastion of traditionally styled Rioja La Rioja Alta upgraded their Vina Arana Reserva to Gran Reserva. Deservedly so, the terroir and grapes deliver stunning results and the new 2016 is on top form.

Mineral, sandalwood, roasted spice, lead pencil, game, dried strawberry, and earth shape the nose. Poised and seamless, this old-school Rioja is fresh and sophisticated, with a core of red fruit and a long finish framed by velvety tannins. It will age for at least another decade, but drinks beautifully now with rack of lamb, roasted pork, lentils, or aged cheeses.

2020 BLACK SLATE PRIORAT
MAS ALTA 'LA VILELLA ALTA'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The Black Slate La Vilella Alta Priorat primarily Grenache with tiny amounts of Syrah, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Elevation and clay-limestone-schist soils are what bring about exuberance and finely tune this full-bodied offering.

Wonderfully dramatic and sophisticated, its persistence and character with spicy, mulled black cherry, grenadine, slate, wind-swept lavender and tangy licorice aspects glisten. The palate is very extroverted, layered and natural minerality shines from soils with submerged structure. The back end lasts forever, and the entire package is class from the get-go. Amazingly one can uncork a bottle but there is no doubt that this wine will easily age 5-6 years.

2024 GUIGAL
COTES-DU-RHONE BLANC
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

This happy surprise from a Rhone legend as the same as finding a twenty in your pants pocket after pulling them from the dryer. More famous for the red version, this white Cotes-du-Rhone is going to make a whole lotta people investigate the whites.

Guigal succeeds where many Viognier-based whites fail, staying balanced to avoid becoming the equivalent of floral shampoo. 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, and 2% Grenache Blanc, aromas of honeysuckle, orange peel, pear, and mineral lead to a wine with finesse, delicacy, fruit and spice on the spirited finish. Try it with beet salad and goat cheese, shrimp scampi, or spaghetti primavera.

2022 CHATEAU CEDRE
CAHORS 'HERITAGE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Cahors is known as the black wine of France but there are times I call it ‘le casse-couilles de vin Francais’ because its assorted styles. Some are treacherous and industrial; some try to be like Argentina with too much slickness and then there are wines like Cedre’s which are soulful expressions of terroir.

Scents of red and black licorice, violet, sandalwood and raspberry step to the palate with generosity and a clean, subtle modern twist, never straying from its Cahors roots with its earth-mother texture. Drink over the next 4-5 years with hearty beef stew, prime rib or grilled lamb sausages.

2023 ANA MARIA CUMSILLE
CARINENA 'LOMAS COLORADAS'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Guilty pleasures come in many forms including music, food, literature and of course wine. When it comes to grapes, I have a mushy spot for good Carignan, but the last place I would ever think to find one is Southern Chile’s Itata region.

Ana Maria Cumsille, chief winemaker at Viña Carmen, one of Chile’s historic producers, fell in love with the cool-climate Itata region and began making wines under her own label. This single-vineyard Carignan comes from a site planted in 1980 at just under 1,000 feet of elevation. Aromas of white pepper, Asian spice, and ripe raspberry lead into a wine with impressive depth and generous fruit. The finish is long and lingering, inviting another pour. Pair this complex, appealing, medium-bodied red with grilled chicken or pork seasoned with fennel.

2024 VALLEVO MONTEPULCIANO
D'ABRUZZO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Fun, forward, fruit-driven unpretentious, Montepulciano is the consummate wine for any occasion. Ordering pizza? Drink Montepulciano. Celebrating sending the brats back to school after summer vacation? Drink Montepulciano (although some parents may prefer Champagne. If this is the case, call Bryan immediately!) Having a party?? Drink Montepulciano.

So now that you have the idea, plan to order your bottles of this lip-smacking central Italian red! Harmonious and chock full of bright, lively strawberry fruit it is dry and delivering a combination of spice and earth it makes for a perfect every evening Italian wine.

2024 TERRENZUOLA
CINQUE TERRE BIANCO
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

Once you get past the hordes of tourists, there are small amounts of very fine white wine made in the area in the miniscule, 1973 established Cinque Terre DOC. Terenzuola’s terraced 2.43 acres in the appellation overlook the sea and are split into sixteen plots of land producing a mere two thousand bottles (that’s about 165 cases to you and me, Russ).

Made from Vermentino, along with two native grapes, Bosco and Albarola, this white wine is sizzling and fascinating. Decomposed sandstone combined with seaside proximity allow the vines to inhale the salty air like a Mediterranean bong. Persuasive notes of lemon blossom, star anise, saline, freesia and minerality fill the glass, your nose and the entire room. The tingling entry gives way to an elevated vinous texture, possessing buoyant crispness, dimension, balance and extension. A white wine vehicle for fish jacked with anise and Italian herbs. It also works brilliantly with green vegetables, kale, mushrooms, asparagus and more.

2024 KELLEY FOX
PINOT NOIR 'MIRABAI'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

Another Pinot from the great 2024 vintage and one of Oregon’s illustrious, award-winning producers. Kelley is maintaining the price on this old vine entry blend Pinot Noir, and you are obliged to have it if you like her wines and fine Oregon Pinot.

All Dundee Hills from Weber, Stater and Durant Vineyards and Kelley articulates it oh so well…‘The Mirabai 2024 is a youthful, rich red with blue undertones and brilliant transparency. My first impression is a visually observable silkiness. The nose is full of abundant Hood strawberries and red raspberries with subtle warm spices. The 2024 is utterly fresh. As fresh as the cool, rain-air. The mouth becomes quite focused after the almost lush beginning but maintains its juiciness throughout. The extended, silky finish has beautiful tension and balance. This is a serious Mirabai, and in the past, I would have loved for any of my single vineyard Pinots to be as well-composed as this one is.’

2022 RASA 'OCCAM'S RAZOR'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Not sure how Cabernet lovers missed this a few weeks ago, but we are running Walla Walla genius and high-end producer Rasa’s gateway Occam’s Razor Cabernet Sauvignon again.

Flavorful black plum and coriander are enveloped by chocolate/espresso nuances. Palate staining, there is an irresistible quality to this wine now, but don't drink it all up at once, because it will age nicely for 6-8 years.

2024 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

Cazzo si, John Paul and Cameron are going to make many friends with the blistering new release of the 2024 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir! Not only is the quality breathtaking, but JP also held the price steady in what is an all-time great vintage for Oregon.

The forty-year-old vines from Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique endow a core of depth and swath of fruit submerging the common theme of verticality and structure that symbolize this apex vintage. The first aromas transport you to aromatic nirvana with alluring, penetrating perfume of lavender, turned earth, rose petal, cassis, smoked herbs and subtle cardamom tones. Cerebral and very suave, there are layers of sophistication and grace with all the components staining the palate. Super-material on the drawn-out finish that is even-keeled, vinous, exceedingly persistent for a Pinot at this price point and at 12.8% alcohol level. Knockout juice from one of Oregon's masters, drink through 2035+.

2023 CHATEAU DE LA TERRIERE
BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Swearing is encouraged at Cellar Door and when you taste this new release Beaujolais Village, we promise you will enthusiastically drop colorful metaphors with the rest of the class.

Silky-smooth with notes of fresh summer berries, minerals and rose petals, this four-chord melody turns into a full-on sonata in the mouth with depth from vines that come from a specific lieu dit vineyard in the Cru of Regnie. Exceedingly long and very classic Beaujolais, this wine is a photo of diversity when it comes to food pairings. Drink with rib-eye with a chanterelle sauce, jambalaya, Bun Thit Nuong (Vietnamese pork & Rice noodles), Beaufort (or strong gruyere) cheese, white sausage, pot au feu (Lyonnais Sunday roast), steak tartare, dark meat of the fried chicken legs and on and on…

2024 QUINTA DE COSUELO
ALBARINO 'VALDAMOR'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

When a Wine Sheet entitled ‘Shucky Darn’ (grazie Julie) it is mandatory that we feature an oyster wine…and this one is a bad mothershucker!

Quinta de Couselo is situated in the O Rosal Valley on the southern limit of the Rías Baixas appellation just across from Portugal. This region’s deep sedimentary granite soils and exposed slate make for different expressions than their colleague regions, especially with the salinity of the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Energetic like a six-year-old hopped up on cola and chocolate but salinity and substance bring complexity beyond just pure energy. Lemon-lime and mineral glimmer throughout and particularly on the mouthwatering finish. You know what you need to serve while drinking this wine. ??

2023 FOXGLOVE CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 'PASO ROBLES'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

A Cellar Door standard for over two decades, the name of this winery may or may not be inspired by Spinal Tap's legendary, seminal, albeit fictional album 'Smell the Glove'.

Made by renowned Chardonnay producers Jim and Bob Varner, the brothers' Foxglove label has become synonymous with top-value California wines including this Paso Robles Cabernet. Resonant cassis fruit with depth and character that is impressive for a wine at this price level. Tell-tale Paso cocoa powder is present with an extra level of pencil shavings and cedar from the addition of 18% Petit Verdot. A pleasurable selection to have with meatloaf, cheddar cheeseburgers, BBQ ribs or grilled portobellos. Not to worry if you don't have food, it is also scrumptious glass of Cab for anytime consumption.

JUVE & CAMPS CAVA
BRUT ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Fighting against the machine harvest, industrial Cava menace, Juve & Camps Brut Rose is on the scene to cleanse our minds, souls and palates.

100% Pinot Noir. Alluring, neon-dark pink color and teeming with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, mineral and subtle lemon. A cascading texture and bursting fruit that does not relent, you will look even better than you already do while hoisting a glass of this sparkling rose at a gathering. If you're not worried purely about aesthetics or narcissism, drink it with grilled sweet onions with romesco sauce, grilled shrimp and deep-fried calamari.

2023 ALAIN GRAILLOT
CROZES-HERMITAGE
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

I have been buying, selling, collecting and importantly, drinking this Domaine Graillot’s over-delivering Crozes-Hermitage. After tasting with Max and Antoine Graillot in France last year, it is undoubtedly 2023 is another triumph in the annals of this influential producer's dazzling history.

We love to drink wine, but there is something about putting the glass to your nose and just smelling the beauty of a top wine. What sets it apart from other Crozes wines is the extra level of depth and dimension that makes it stand above the other contenders. Smoky, peppery and chock full of plum, currants and freshly ground black pepper aromas attack then mesmerize. Lavishly flavored, but youthful, Graillot's wines always provide sensory overload and intricacy. Incredibly attractive now as most vintages of Graillot wines are but for best results, drink it 2028 – 2038+.

2023 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

It is foolish to refer to this wine as 'entry level' simply because of the impressive scion material that goes into this blend. Entirely declassified from their single vineyards (Durant, Whistling Ridge and others), this Pinot Noir is a great representation of a Village blend.

Whole cluster fermentation gives this wine a fine pale color but also swaths of aromatic dimension. Genteel scents of blackberry, strawberry, soft, slightly elusive herbs, spices, and an underlay of earth and red-hot-candy pepper tones unfold with aeration. Provocative with clarity and finesse along with lifting fruit and spine, all the spices on the nose greet you on the earthy finish. Drink over the next 6-8 years.

2024 CHATEAU SOUCHERIE
ANJOU BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The small region of Savennieres, located just outside the city of Angers, is playfully called the Montrachet of the Loire Valley and Chateau Soucherie is one of its most fabulous growers. This estate has a long history in the Loire Valley near Angers and while specializing in Savennieres, they make a brilliant Anjou Blanc from vines just outside the zone that delivers sizzling price-quality rapport.

Initial aromatics of freshly squeezed oranges that insinuate being steeped over rocks. Chamomile, lemon, and honey-spice round out the already complex nose. Bright stone fruit essences encompass a tasty range of pear, apple and peach with hints of slate and quince highlight the palate. Precise and pure, this Chenin Blanc is crisp, clean and splendid as an aperitif, it will also accompany an array of goat cheeses and Asian-spiced seafood or white meat dishes.

2023 BARBI UMBRIA ROSSO
'QUI PRO QUO'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

From Umbria, 50% Montepulciano & 50% Sangiovese and a first-class pizza and red sauce wine.

Aged entirely in stainless steel vats, this wine possesses bouncy plum, violet and wild spicy qualities shine on the nose. Texturally it is vibrant and crammed with strawberries and turned earth tones. Try it with pizza with pepperoni or capicola or a pasta smothered with a Bolognese sauce.

2017 CANTINA SOCIALE
COPERTINO RISERVA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Located in the southern portion of Puglia near Lecce and Salento, Copertino is a DOC rarely seen outside of Italy. The outstanding Cantina Sociale co-op is the main producer, and these are old school Italian reds that literally have Paolo Conte playing in the background.

Mostly Negramaro with small dollops of Malvasia Nera and Montepulciano. Berries, plum, allspice, almond 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 fleshy, vibrant portion of the cherry that is right around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook 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, but it is at its best with pizza.

2022 GOMEZ CRUZADO
RIOJA CRIANZA
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Established in 1886, Gomez Cruzado is one of the most important producers of Rioja wine. Compared to many larger neighbors, these wines slither under the Rioja radar. This Bodega’s valor of maintaining elegance and class is very admirable after 130+ years.

75% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, you shouldn't sense that this Crianza is solely elegance; it possesses plentiful punch complementing glorious components of dried cherries, spice and leather and savory herb aspects. Cutting a sleek, handsome profile with fine balance, it finishes long, dry, and with well-defined, earth accents. Drink through 2032.

2024 ELVIO COGNO
NASCETTA DI NOVELLO BIANCO
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PK

'All of life is a dispute over taste and tasting' --- Nietzsche....One of the things that makes me as cranky as Willie Nelson or Snoop Dogg when they're out of weed is the archaic misinterpretation that Piedmont’s white wines are non-descript. Given the quality of Arneis, Timorasso, Gavi and Nascetta, we are currently in an epoca bellisima of diversity and deliciousness.

Elvio Cogno is one of a handful of Piemontese producers who revived this ancient, temperamental white grape in the mid-1990s adding further fascination to modern Piedmont’s varietals. Intriguing and elusive, the resulting white wine is fragrant with bustling scents of pear, blossoms, ginger, lychee and underlying minerality. Mouth-filling, full of energetic burst with complexity and complimentary succulence progressing to the delectable, drawn-out finish. Enjoy this delicious white wine with monkfish, grilled tuna or white meats as well as soft-ripened cheese after the main course. Drink over the next 5-7 years.

2023 JM RAFFAULT CHINON
'LES GALUCHES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Picture yourself kicking back in a French café or bistro wearing oversized sunglasses enjoying a hunk of paté or rillettes while getting loaded on this Cabernet Franc.

Luminous, clean and full of fruit, earth and soul, it engages the olfactory senses with raspberry, sanguine, roses and turned earth aromas. The texture surges with red tones, sandalwood and an underlay of licorice. At 12.5° alcohol, this is an enticing wine to have with anything that will clog the arteries.

2021 FATTORIA DI FELSINA
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE

95 Points – The Wine Spectator…Combine a seamless, great Chianti vintage like 2021 with one of the legendary, epic producers and Tuscan fireworks are sure to go off!

From vineyard sites in Castelnuovo Berardenga planted in the 1970s, the Black label Riserva is a tremendous value. An Impressive combination of power and smoothness, deep and dark black cherry and plum fruit are the wine’s trademark. Highlighting Tuscan savory floral, sage and toffee scents, an abundance of detailed terroir rides shotgun on this complex red. Generosity up front then fanning out on the entire palate the sensuous fruit submerges the stacked tannins. The true highlight of this wine is its graceful aftertaste that lingers on and on then snaps back for more. Felsina’s wines never rip the enamel off your teeth if you desire to uncork one now. Drink this future hall of famer through 2035+.

2024 RASA VINEYARDS 'OCCAM'S
RAZOR' CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$26.99 BTL/$323.88 CASE

Walla Walla genius and high-end producer Rasa’s gateway Occam’s Razor Cabernet Sauvignon is from top-notch Washington sites.

Flavorful yet not overblown or overoaked, black plum and coriander are enveloped by chocolate/espresso nuances. Palate staining, there is an irresistible quality to this wine now, but don't drink it all up at once, because it will age nicely for 6-8 years.

2022 CARPE DIEM CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Made by Louis Roederer, this Chardonnay is a modern throwback to the best highlights of older California presentations.

Full throttle, yet light on its feet, a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease entices. Think of pure creamy length and a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Sounds a bit naughty but it really is not. Refined tropical notes and light custardy spice with bright vibrancy for equilibrium, it has everything a Cali-Chard lover will enjoy with no one component outshining another, brilliant juice to be consumed with friends and fish tacos.

2022 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
'DURANT VINEYARD'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

The 2022s from Marcus Goodfellow are magical, compelling stories. Even in a youthful stage, his Dundee Hills Durant Vineyard Pinot possesses profound scents with underlying perfume that in time will stand above all other elements of this wine.

Strawberry, fine earth, pepper, cardamom and Indian spices unfold as it airs in the glass. Superb, ethereal depth and penetration. Sculpted and not soupy or over-thought, vertical backbone arrives on the drawn-out, luxurious finish. Put this Pinot down until early 2028 and then drink it through 2036+.

2023 CHATEAU VIRGILE
COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

Last call for the last four cases of this ten-dollar Southern French steal before the price increases.

50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Marselan & 10% Mourvedre, this sturdy red is chock full of alluring violet, sea-salt, lavender, blueberry and cherry aromas. Classic roasted earth, pepper and feisty aspects commonly found in these wines takes it up a level. Chewy, ripe flavors expand into a firm and spicy middle then extend into the way above average finish.