2022 MULDERBOSCH RED BLEND
'FAITHFUL HOUND'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

From a South African producer known more for their white wines is a scrumptious Bordeaux-influenced love letter to the Stellenbosch region.

37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot, 18% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Dense aromas of blueberry, forward mineral/ironstone, graphite, emerging red cherry and spiced earth. More and more 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. A lot of wine for twenty bucks. Enjoy with a Sunday pot roast, fried chicken or soft cheeses.

2024 BASTIDE BLANCHE
BANDOL ROSÉ
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

FINALLY!! The arrival of our favorite Bandol Rosé that happens to be one of the finest values from one of the region’s apex growers. Even through tariffs and a weaker dollar, I am keeping the same price for this fabulous pink wine as it has been for the last eight years. Compare this to the likes of Tempier, Ott or Pibarnon, all of which come in well north of forty. I had a glass of this 2024 in Paris after an afternoon at Musée d’Orsay and between the impressionist art along with this complex rosé, it made for a fine day indeed.

51% Mourvèdre 24% Cinsault, 19% Grenache 6% Clairette. Sea spray, berry, herbes de provence, lemon, edamame, and strawberry scents fold over into a mouth coating, fleshy, yet brisk texture. Beguiling complexity, richness and depth shine on the long, long finish. A gourmand rose, wash it down with seafood stew, grilled whole chickens with fresh herbs, salmon with dill sauce, crusty bread and an assortment of olives and more. ALSO, one doesn't have to just drink Rosé for summer, this is substantial and complex enough to age for several years. As always, this is very limited.

2023 DESVIGNES MORGON
'CHATEAU GAILLARD'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

On any given evening, one could stream history documentaries and see great battles fought throughout time. Better yet, one could tune into an NFL feed and the golden, deep voice of John Facenda could place you in the glory days of bloody battles between the Steelers and Raiders in the 1970s. Kinda makes you wanna fight! Why do I want to tackle pugilistic endeavors at this time? Mostly because it seems as though every time you mention the word Beaujolais people run away as Dracula does when he sees a clove of garlic! The Desvignes family’s Morgon wines are what are so righteous and good that is occurring within Beaujolais right now.

The lieu dit of Chateau Gaillard is located at the highest point overlooking the village of Villie Morgon. Desvignes 2.5-acre plot is 80-year-old south-facing vines. A virtual granitic highway with crumbled rock off-ramps comprises the soil. This gives this Gamay from this portion of Morgon its underlying power. Brilliant scents of bing cherry, Italian plum, savory earth, underlying meatiness and freshly ground pepper. Darker on the initial mouth feel than what the aromas would initially show. Broad and fanning across the entire palate before giving way to an impressive, high-pitched, persistent finish that rolls on and on. Drink over the next 10+ years with sausage & lentils, hearty mushroom dishes, Bun Thit Nuong (Vietnamese pork & Rice noodles), Beaufort (or strong gruyere) cheese or a steak au poivre.

2023 EMILIO MORO RIBERA DEL
DUERO 'FINCA RESALSO'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

A tempting Tempranillo from one of Spain’s high-rent regions that doesn’t call for a second mortgage.

Four months aging in oak barrels is utilized to add a level of refinement, class and spice. Strawberry, cocoa powder, tobacco and truffles shine on the nose and lead into embracing flavors that are smooth, integrated and luscious. A terrific number from a much-heralded producer, this flavorful wine cries out for a ribeye or smoked sausages. Drink now through 2029.

2023 JL CHAVE SELECTIONS
SAINT-JOSEPH BLANC 'CIRCA'
$36.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE

Circa, formally known as ‘Celeste’, is from 90% Roussanne & 10% Marsanne planted on steep granitic slopes in the village of Mauves, known as the cradle of Saint-Joseph. It is widely accepted that the finest versions of Saint-Joe come from these hillsides. The vineyards for Chave’s Circa are located in Mauves and owned by the family since the purchase of Le Clos de L’Albastrier in 2009.

Expressive, sensuous aromas fill the glass and explode with character! A full-flavored, mouth-coating yet electric white offers beautiful fragrances of peach-blossom, rose petals, ginger and gently placed acacia and anise-pepper tones. Wonderfully fleshy from the Roussanne but with the building acidity from Marsanne are the seams that bring it all together. Incredibly floating and intense stuff that buzzes on the finish, persisting for quite a long time. A generous white wine that can go with pork or veal dishes spiked with cream and mushrooms. It will also pair beautifully with fuller fish dishes; try it with monkfish in a sauce with bacon. Drink over the next 10-12+ years.

2024 ANTONIO MAZZELLA
ISCHIA BIANCO 'BIANCOLELLA'
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK

This and the following wine are the start of an Italian island tour. Ischia is a small, rugged island in the Tyrrhenian Sea near Naples. Biancolella is a native grape literally grown on cliffs overlooking the water. This white has traits that remind me of something from Etna combined with something aromatic and dense like Roussanne.

The volcanic soil combined with proximity to the sea allows the vines to breathe in the salty air. A full on, enchanting white revealing expressive notes of lemon blossom, star anise, saline, freesia, banana, white peach and minerality on the nose. The luscious entry gives way to a vinous texture that is elevated and possesses perky crispness and balance. A luxury vehicle for fish jacked with anise and Italian herbs, green vegetables, kale, mushrooms, asparagus and more. One of the most compelling Italian white wines that I have tasted this year.

2024 ISOLA DEI PROFUMI
SICILIA ROSSO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

The second stop on our Italian island tour is Sicily with a red that is perfect for weeknight enjoyment.

70% Nero D'Avola, 30% Perricone. An extremely extroverted drop with aromatic tones of red plum, clove and thyme that lead to erupting flavors that show brighntss. Combine this with pasta with light-to medium sauces or lightly cooked fresh tuna.

2023 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
'DUNDEE HILLS'
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE

Declassified Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge augmented with a smattering of La Colina, this Pinot is symbolic of Oregon’s Dundee Hills.

After tasting the 2023, I remarked to John Paul that this version extended across the palate more than 2022. The Brilliant, full-frontal Cameron and Dundee Hills nose is highlighted by jasmine, strawberry, turned earth, sneaky blueberry, late arriving pepper and nutmeg notes. Stylishly mouth filling with old vine depth and extension, covering all points of the palate and finishing with lingering aspects that call you back for more. As usual this cuvee drinks early but no problem for it to age 10-12 years from vintage date.

2021 RIDGE ZINFANDEL
'PAGANI RANCH'
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

95 Points – Vinous…90% Zinfandel, 5% Alicante Bouschet & 5% Petite Sirah. Since 1991, Ridge has made Zinfandel from the Pagani vineyard on the east-facing side of the Sonoma Valley. 90-120 year-old vines, Pagani Ranch is a powerhouse the Ridge line-up. Big, forceful, assertive yet cerebral. No malevolence at all, just deep, full-throttle attractiveness with impeccable aging potential.

The decadent, thunderous nose instantly reveals that you are in for a hell-ride of a wine experience! Layered plum, coriander, distinct terroir and plenty of briary spice. Zin hedonism at its finest, but the blend of grapes allows for complexity, depth and grace on the lasting, luxurious finish. Always a special cuvee from Ridge, drink this with something substantial if you would like to enjoy it now or put it down for 5 years or drink it over the following decade, no problem; Ridge’s Zins have great propensity to develop exciting nuance as they rest in the cellar.

2024 HAUT-RIAN
BORDEAUX BLANC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

2024 is a smaller vintage in quantity but for this white wine the quality is immaculate.

Armed with the more lemon-lime versus tropical fruit, there is an old vine presence that clings beautifully to the palate. Lots of spine and elevation, this wine extends beautifully. As usual, tasty fruit aspects shine with its mineral presence emerging even further in the coming months. Don’t be remiss, get this 12-dollar wonder and drink it over and over and over again!

2024 HAUT-RIAN
BORDEAUX ROSÉ
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

It has been said that Muddy Waters invented electricity. Hell, even Bob Dylan went electric, but Pauline’s Haut-Rian Rosé is always electric!

Unlike provençal merde at twelve-bucks, Haut-Rian is real wine with grapes specifically for Rosé and made by real people! Breezy, brisk, strawberry-lime scents along with teasing minerality and subtle herbs. Uplifting, illuminating, pulsating vibrant qualities along with a superb texture fills the mouth and sweeps it clean then comes back with snappy, mouthwatering climaxes on the snappy, confident finish.

2024 HAUT-RIAN
BORDEAUX CLAIRET
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Put a bottle Haut-Rian’s ‘a la Fraiche’ Clairet into your frigo and it will make it run better. Not Claret but Bordeaux Clairet, a classified Bordeaux appellation used for their dark rosé, but in trendier terms, chillable red.

Equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot and left on its skins for 24 hours, this crunchy wine follows suit to the cool 2024 growing season. Joyful raspberry and plum fruit alongside savory, dusty herbs, prominent earth and a kiss of mint. Succulent, bursting, dry and toothsome from the jump. Lots of pop and persistence. A great wine to have with Tex-Mex, roasted chicken or turkey, barbecue, charcuterie and even paella.