2019 CHATEAU JEREMIE CORBIERES
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

To use a Pearl Jam analogy with this wine would be way too easy, however when it comes to the region of Corbieres this particular producer rose up from the underbelly just as the famed Seattle band did back in the day.

45% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this wine raises the bar for many versions from this area in this price range. Generous from the outset with smoked plum, blackberry, white pepper and undertones of mineral, rosemary and black olive. Savory and palate coating with a fine attack while never losing its bucolic soul. A perfect with with braised fare as well as grilled or pulled pork.

2018 ANTONELLI MONTEFALCO ROSSO
$16.99 BTL./$101.94 - SIX PACK

Montefalco Rosso embodies the link between wine and the area of Montefalco in the landlocked region of Umbria, which borders Tuscany, Le Marches and Lazio. Produced from 70% Sangiovese along with 15% each of Sagrantino and Montepulciano, this wine epitomizes the character and identity championed by Filippo Antonelli who is one of the region’s premier producers.

Aged in large barrels, this wine takes on the vision of what Filippo Antonelli strives to obtain - excellent fruit along with plenty of Umbrian terroir – concentration and depth along with freshness and likability. Savory, generous and very traditionally made. Lots of marionberry, cherry, Italian herbs, and underlying spices. Dry and hearty with excellent vibrancy and length, this wine instantly transports you to Central Italy! Drink with an array of dishes including slow-roasted beef or risotto jacked with mushrooms.

2018 ANTONELLI MONTEFALCO
ROSSO RISERVA
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK

At Casa Antonelli, Riserva really signifies something more than just adding more shiny new barrels. Like so many other areas in Italy, 2016 is a remarkable vintage and this wine is a resounding step up from the classic Montefalco.

Produced from their oldest vines and finest plots, the blend of 80% Sangiovese & 20% Sagrantino really morphs into a wine that is certain to seduce. Major-league, very deep aromas waft from the glass. Prominent blackberry, sage, cherry pit and balsamic notes follow through to a texture that is complex and full bodied all while maintaining an airy aspect. Extensive, expansive and very Italian, this wine is really takes shape and reveals extra dimension. Enjoy this with a slow roasted leg of lamb jacked with Italian herbs or a full-flavored meat and cheese-filled lasagna over the next 6-8 years.

2018 EVESHAM WOOD
PINOT NOIR EOLA-AMITY HILLS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

As we hurdle towards limited releases (or none at all) of 2020 Pinot Noirs, there could be a deficiency in the normal amounts that usually flow through the release chain in the coming months. That said, while we still have chances to grab excellent examples like this five-star Eola-Amity producer’s wines.

Evesham's Eola-Amity cuvee is an appellation-specific wine that bridges the gap between the Willamette Valley offering and the single vineyard wines. Delivering graceful aromas and flavors that conjure up harmonious notes of strawberry and cocoa-dust, texturally this offering is concentrated and persistent with plenty of dark tones up front that fan out into a vivid, suave and rich finish. Top-notch, obsessive farming and winemaking at its pinnacle, this wine shows admirable approachability now and will drink nicely through the end of the decade. Given the price hikes that we have been seeing to buffer the small quantities or non-production of 2020 Pinot Noirs, this wine is a steal for its price level.

2016 PIANTATE LUNGHE ROSSO CONERO
$14.99 BTL./$89.94 - SIX PACK

100% Montepulciano. Piantate Lunche is a partnership of three growers who once sold their grapes to Umani Ronchi before jumping out on their own and achieving big success.

An attractive lineup is produced here but it all starts with the scrumptious classic Conero Cuvee. Made entirely from the Montepulciano grape, reveals plenty of blackberry, smoked meat, rosemary, and layered plum tones. Deep and mouth-filling with sensual fruit to make it very easy going, but still maintains just enough of the savage personality that is Montepulciano, especially in the bursting, spicy finish that is super-long, especially for an 14 dollar wine. An excellent wine to pair with a Bolognese sauce over top of penne or other tubular pasta. Drink this stunning, layered Italian red over the next 6-8 years.

2019 FRANCOIS CARILLON
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE

This wine comes from three plots (2 in Puligny-Montrachet, 1 in Meursault) situated just outside the zones to be referred to as their larger counterparts. Carillon is a Puligny maestro, however, even with his (and many others) prowess with the Premier and Grand Cru wines of these famed appellations, what truly separates the greats is their capability to produce regional Burgundy wines that really reach for the stars when it comes to quality and especially in a top vintage like 2019.

Impressive, upscale aromas indicate that this wine is wearing virtual platform Puligny-Montrachet shoes. Not quite the ones Frenchy Fuqua wore back in the 70s with the goldfish in the see-through soles, which means that while it isn't the grands vins, many tendencies and influences of it are abound. White peach, mineral, rum-butter, orange and kaffir lime scents stand out and follow through to an exciting texture that is rich and is buffered by excellent citrus tones. The finish is electric with impressive viscosity and length. A total instant gratification wine this will be perfect for quite a bit of upscale seafood dishes or roasted chicken.

2020 HILLERSDEN SAUVIGNON BLANC
'LONG STORY SHORT'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are a lot like your pet dog. Labrador or Golden Retrievers come to mind because they are friendly, full of energy and life and rarely bite.

The nose exhibits intense, typical aromatic varietal characters starting with a delicate tangerine/lime juice aroma and evolving into intense ripe passion fruit notes. In the mouth, this wine tends toward the riper end of the aroma/flavor spectrum with perhaps a little more emphasis on stone fruit flavors and zesty acidity to finish it all off. Break out the spicy Szechuan or Thai cuisine to pair with this one.

2020 MAS DE LIBIAN COTES-DU-RHONE
'BOUT D'ZAN'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Mas de Libian is located in the foothills on the way to the Ardeche, a region of Cotes-du-Rhone that in past times was often overlooked. The Thibon family has been farming and making wine at Mas de Libian since 1670. Fast-forward to modern-day, we have a generation who is keen to pay respect to the earth, vines and wines.

The 2020 Cotes-du-Rhone is named after Zan, a particular licorice that comes in bits (bouts). Average age of 40-year-old vines are utilized here and there are no magical winemaking tricks. 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, this sophisticated wee beastie emits jumpy aromas of grenadine, plum, Thai spices and black licorice. Texturally layered with excellent movement and penetrating depth especially on the lengthy, broad finish that snaps back after the wine is swallowed then pleasantly hangs around.

2018 TERRE NERE ETNA ROSSO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Marc de Grazia’s Terre Nere is a superb estate who makes wines that showcase Mt. Etna's myriad of terroirs, both within the single cru wines as well as this overachieving wine from a blend of sites.

95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio, this wine is oh so Sicilian and oh so sensual. Irresistible strawberry and currant shine while undertones of mint, spice, and licorice join in. Flavorful and harmonious, there is ample vivacity and suaveness to go along with deceptive depth and length. Have with grilled lamb or try it as a red with grilled salmon drizzled with good olive oil or with pesto, meat-filled ravioli or hard Italian cheeses.

2016 CHATEAU LES PETITES
COTES DE BLAYE (Bordeaux)
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

The name of the Chateau itself is appropriate due to its mere 12 hectares spread over three villages in the northern Right Bank of Bordeaux. The latest version shows off the seamlessness of the 2016 vintage and is a joy to drink and savor on an every evening basis.

Spice-box, tobacco, red berry and some herbs and flowery notes make this an easy to understand Bordeaux. Forward, plush and supple flavors combined with the earth and mineral of Bordeaux make this a great introduction to Claret. However, when the quality of the vintage is that of 2016, it also makes for a great value-oriented wine that a serious wine lover can also enjoy as well. Drink it with a plethora of cuisine ranging from smoked meats, grilled beef, Vietnamese dishes, roasted chicken, veggies and more.

2017 CAMERON NEBBIOLO
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

John Paul, the mad genius behind Cameron winery has been committed to Nebbiolo since he first planted a bit on Clos Electrique in 1994. By 2003, there was half an acre. In 2006 John’s friend Alan Foster, or as John calls him, Hippie Alan, planted Nebbiolo on his White Oak Vineyard in 2006. This is the same site as where he gets the fruit for his Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir and blended with Clos Electrique, this is a legitimate, delicious, ageworthy New World Nebbiolo.

Taking its cue from the northern reaches of Piedmont (Gattinara, Ghemme) versus the Langhe, this Nebbiolo is very red in its tone. 100% Nebbiolo and revealing alluring, refined scents of licorice and wet stone along with red fruits and potpourri-spices. Submerged perfume and earth unfolds as the wine airs in the glass. In the mouth, a sultry core of fruit presents itself before gaining structure and spine. Energetic, mysterious and elusive yet very seductive. Enjoy this Nebbiolo through the end of the decade.

2015 TOMMASO BUSSOLA AMARONE
$65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE

Dare we ever say that 65-dollars is a value but when it comes to Amarone and from one of the region’s apex producers this proclamation rings out true and very loud. Tommaso Bussola was originally a stonemason who learned the business, farming and techniques from his uncle before he took over the estate. When asked years ago to name Amarone/Valpolicella’s next superstar, the late, great, legendary Giuseppe Quintarelli named Tommaso without hesitation. This comes from a producer where the Amarone wines easily sell north of 200!

2015 is a full throttle and classic Amarone vintage that delivered no holds barred wines. Exciting from the moment it is poured, this wine conveys power yet maintains freshness and accessibility due to the acid-retaining Corvina, Corvinione and Rondinella grapes. What is most impressive about this classy Amarone is the incredible balance that is maintained from the moment the first aromas of rich fruit hit you to the long lasting finish. Classic notes of exotic spice laden plum, dried cherry, dark Valrhona chocolate, and roasted almonds roll out of the glass. That same velvety decadence fills the mouth with lush berry fruit but is all balanced on a pinhead with fine-grained and ripe tannins that form an elegant structure and a record flavor-filled finish. While this is so appealing now and could be had with aged cheeses, especially gorgonzola and roast beast of some sort, make sure you put some away and enjoy over the next 15-20 years.