2022 GIACOMO FENOCCHIO
BARBERA D'ALBA SUPERIORE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

From Monforte d’Alba, Claudio Fenocchio’s wines are seemingly from another era. Think of Barbera from the likes of Mascarello or Rinaldi, only aged in old, large, Slavonian botti.

From a west-facing site in the revered Barolo village of Monforte, this Barbera exudes detail. Aromas that speak more of Piemonte than grape varietal swirl from the glass, with dried rose petal, dark chocolate, mushroom cap, anise, mint and smoked earth. Luxuriant fruit smoothly coats the mouth with earthy spice following on a vibrant and persistent finish. The intense complexity is just beginning to summit and will continue to develop and drink exquisitely for another 6-8 years. Operatic juice with risotto, lasagna or braised meats.

2023 TERRIERE BROUILLY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

95 Points – Decanter Magazine’s World Wine Awards…Terriere hit a tape measure shot with their 2023 Brouilly. Recently Terrière sold their Moulin-à-Vent properties, deciding to specialize in what they do best, Brouilly. Terrière's vineyards for are located on the much smaller north side of the appellation where there are substantial amounts of red granite deposits and widely regarded as one of the finest terroirs in all of Beaujolais.

Supreme sensuality is evident in the as soon as the wine is poured into the glass. Creamy raspberry fruit shines along with nutmeg and graham from the granitic soils. As it opens, mineral, peat and pepper arrive. A mouth filling, classic core that is composed and succulent with engaging red berries on the stirring, long finish. Beautiful now but will develop well for another six-7 years. Pair with coq au vin or beef bourguignon.

2022 MICHEL GROS
HAUTES-COTES-DE-NUITS ROUGE
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE

This is a bombass Burgundy value from a Vosne-Romanee maestro and from a vineyard site about eight miles from the winery at about one thousand feet. This elevated cool-climate site thrives in warm vintages like 2022. With it being directly imported, it is also at a superb price with many sites listing it at fifty.

Receiving all the love that the estate’s top Premiers and Grands Crus receive, this is one hell of a glass of French Pinot. Refined, classic Pinot perfume and multi-faceted aromas, it is formidable for merely having Hautes-Cotes de Nuits appellation status. Cherry-pit, cooking herbs, flowers, and wild spice give way to a well-formed texture that possesses excellent mid-palate depth, power and persistence. Moves nicely and performs mightily. Drink over the next 10-12 years.

2021 DIANETTI VINI
OFFIDA PECORINO D.O.C.G.
[reg. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

There are archaic theories that Italian white wines will not age, but this wine has settled down nicely, is drinking beautifully and on blazing special.

Only in Italy does the name Pecorino denote a cheese and a white wine grape. Found mostly in Abruzzo but the southern Marches DOCG region of Offida is where it is at its best. Magnetic with secondary scents of orange zest, chamomile, sea salt and seashells. Builds more aromatic wideness as it unfolds. Bone dry with vibrancy, movement, depth and extension. A magical combination with mussels or prawn dishes slathered in garlic, olive oil, and/or tomatoes. At fourteen this should be purchased by the six-pack!

2022 BEDROCK SYRAH
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE

Known for their Heritage red blends, Bedrock also makes serious Syrah, and they are immensely proud of their entry offering. Embracing the entirety of California Syrah, the grapes come from top sites in Sonoma, Santa Barbara and more.

There is confidence, yet it never goes off the reservation to becoming supercharged. Cool black raspberry tones shine with ground black pepper, smoked bacon, subtle licorice and cranberry adding to the overall profile. Upon entry, it expands over the entire palate revealing abundance and airiness with good support and silky tannins. Persistent and going above and beyond for its price. Enjoy over the next decade with barbacoa, braised short ribs, game birds and well-aged goat cheeses.

2021 OWEN ROE CHARDONNAY
DUBRUL VINEYARD
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Owen Roe and DuBrul are synonymous with red wines, but I was happily impressed with this nicely made edition from one of Washington’s most touted and famous vineyard sites, Owen Roe’s style for this wine has changed over the years. Less new oak is utilized with freshness and zest emphasized without sacrificing its depth.

Full of pear and tropical fruit, a kiss of butter is enhanced with spicy cardamom and lemon drop. Natural richness is present from the sunlight the grapes receive. Layers of fruit are along for the ride and the finish fans out exquisitely. Lots of harmony and class, enjoy with smoked salmon, ling cod in a light sauce, grilled spot prawns and more.

2018 CHATEAU DUCLUZEAU
LISTRAC-MEDOC
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Situated just inland from Margaux, Listrac and neighboring Moulis have emerged on the Bordeaux wine scene over the last decade. Both areas have seen investment from larger Chateaux, however there are a bunch of small, outstanding growers in the area and their quality has risen immensely.

Owned by the Borie family (same as Ducru Beaucaillou), the terroir of the estate has always favored Merlot, and this is made with ninety percent. Blueberry-driven scents around cassis, coffee, gravelly, fine herbs and pekoe. Flavorful, creamy and very silky with underlying firmness. Becomes commanding and graceful on the luscious finish. A terrific steak wine, drink over the next 6-8 years.

2021 SENORIO DE LA ANTIGUA
MENCIA 'FINCA CABALENA'
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

The best way to describe this savory red made from the same grape as Bierzo is that it is cheerful! Loads of strawberry, fresh roses, underlying minerality. No shortage of zest and pop in the mouth; good soulful character, nice depth and not heavy. Prosciutto, smoked meats or mushrooms would be perfect to put on the plate with this Spanish red.

2019 IL POGGIONE
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK

96 Points – Vinous…About as iconic as they come for Brunello di Montalcino, Il Poggione has been a stalwart in this area making Brunello since the 1890s about one hundred years before the craze of the region ever took hold. Ultra-traditional, these are always amongst the area’s most in-demand wines.

Exuberant, full scents of violet, rose, plum, tobacco, menthol and underbrush instantly awaken the senses. In the mouth, 2019 shows its spirit with spine and full flavor. Waves of darkness radiate out from the fleshy core and there is plenty of structure albeit with a tactful touch which will allow for development, but this is quite irresistible now with a T-bone. Enjoy this wine over the next fifteen years.

2021 MASSERIA SUNARI
PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

From Puglia and 100% Primitivo which along with Crljenak Kastelanski from Croatia is genetically linked to Zinfandel. A completely different beast due to the soil types and climate, Manduria is the mother-lode region for the best versions of this varietal.

Deep, forward, chewy and devilish with dark berry fruit, roasted earth and pepper spice on the thrill-ride nose. Refined intensity in the mouth with juicy blackberry, brambly raspberry, vanilla, roasted coffee and exotic spice. The finish is peppery, juicy and easy to like, especially at this price. An easy decision with anything from mushroom risotto, pizza or pasta and a great match for a cheese plate with semi-soft cheese and cured meats.

2023 LIONS DE SUDUIRAUX
BLANC SEC BORDEAUX
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

If the name is familiar to you then you are not wrong, this is a tasty dry wine from famed Sauternes producer Chateau Suduiraut.

From a specific plot within their famed Sauternes wines, this dry Bordeaux is made with Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. Aged 70% is stainless steel tank and the remainder in barrels, there is a prominent creamy fig, lemon and mango tones. Attacking minerality arrives with hints of vanilla and spice all rolling into a brisk but fleshy texture that has fine body and abundant persistence. This wants hearty fish dishes, with sauce or spicy preparations.

2023 THE 75 WINE CO.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'FELIZ CREEK'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

In California, Andy Beckstoffer is one of the state's most distinguished wine figures. As a grower, he was behind various famous vineyards (Beckstoffer To-Kalon, Beckstoffer Las Piedras, Carneros Creek & more). Andy's son Tuck followed in his dad’s footsteps with 75 Wine Company which delivers impressive California wines at terrific prices.

75 Wine Company's name is an homage to California wines in the 1970s and its history. Feliz Creek is a single vineyard from Mendocino, and this 100% Cab is full of flavor and character, exciting us with a value California Cabernet the likes we haven’t seen in quite a while. Sculpted, ample aromas of blackberries, cassis, a hint of licorice, and cedar box surge from the glass and carry over into a packed, full mouthfeel of cassis/mulberry fruit, cocoa, nicely placed spicy oak and good length in the mouth. Drink over the next 5-8 years.

2022 I FAURI
MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

We highlighted this Italian red at a recent Friday tasting and it showed beautifully, revealing why Abruzzo’s red wines are more than ten-dollar trattoria wines.

Exciting, expressive and inviting with a classic Montepulciano nose of purple tones (violets, plums, marionberry) to go along with smoked meat and licorice. In the mouth it is a spice-bomb with killer depth, vibrance and definition with superb length on the earth/coffee-tinged finish. One of the most versatile red wines to go with food, it is magical with tomato-based dishes, smoked meats and especially lamb.

2022 SCHLUMBERGER
PINOT BLANC 'PRINCE ABBES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Founded by Nicolas Schlumberger in 1810, Domaines Schlumberger produce 100% estate-bottled wines from southern Alsace and today, the 6th and 7th generations continue the family tradition.

Tempting and tasty as ever, Dry, crisp and detailed as well owning more lift, dimension and body than the average Pinot Blanc. Complex, spiced honey and wet-stone aromas surround smoke and red apple tones. In the mouth the attack is restrained, precise and expansive and one that we enthusiastically recommend that you try with simply prepared halibut or chicken dishes.

2023 GRANITO DE GREDOS
GARNACHA MENTRIDA
[reg, $26.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

From the Mentrida D.O. just outside of Madrid, this area has is known for its superb and individually styled Garnacha wines.

100% Garnacha grown at 1500-3000 feet. A fine color and very transparent aromas make it have Pinot Noir mentality. Savory scents of grenadine, cherry pit, prominent laurel and building white pepper notes. Vibrant, spice-driven, cool and yet mouth filling. Serve slightly chilled with Manchego cheese, Serrano ham or smoked meats in a salad.

2023 MI TERRUÑO MALBEC 'UVAS'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Mi Terruño is a recent find in Argentina from Mendoza’s Maipu Valley that is honest and what an everyday red/malbec should be.

Aged in a combination of stainless steel and two-year-old barrels, this wine exudes vibrancy and vivid fruit. Pleasing cedary aspects with cocoa and peppermint playing nicely off underlying earth and mineral scents. In the mouth there is a plentitude of succulence nicely set off by bright, high-elevation red tones. Drink now and drink often.

2021 MAURO MOLINO BAROLO
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

95 Points – The Wine Advocate…One of the hidden gems in the Barolo village of La Morra, Mauro Molino and his children Matteo and Martina have been long producing sultry wines that represent terrific value. Aged in neutral 2500-&-5200-liter casks this comes from two sites in La Morra and one in the emerging Monforte region of Perno.

Intensely aromatic, this Barolo from the five-star, important 2021 vintage immediately throws off perfumed rose petal, strawberry and licorice tones. Currently, folded into itself, but a sensuous beast is lurking beneath, blaring with signs of greatness, asphalt, dark Belgian chocolate and a deep core of red fruit. Wonderfully intense in the mouth with fine structure. This classic and elegant Barolo is marked by gorgeous mouth filling flavors carrying over seamlessly from the nose. Best end 2027- 2037.

2019 ROEDERER ESTATE
'L'ERMITAGE' BRUT
$74.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

100 Points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine…From Louis Roederer’s California property, I am hard-pressed not to say that this may be one of the absolute finest US sparkling wines I have tasted.

52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir, disgorged in 2024. ‘If sunshine could be bottled it would be this. Aromas of fresh succulent stone fruit, a hint of yeast, citrus blossoms and notes of quince on the nose. The mousse is creamy and light with baked red apples, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, sticky caramel and layered salinity with a mouthwatering finish. It will bring a smile to your lips.’ – 100 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine

2024 ALMONDO ARNEIS
'VIGNE SPARSE'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK

Piedmont’s Roero region is famous for Arneis and most of it is grown in a specific area of the region. While so much is good, Federico and Stefano Almondo are making white wines from this grape that are extraordinary and very special indeed.

All of Almondo’s sites are within the village of Montà at the highest point of the Roero and 2024 is very impressive for white wines. A blend of different sites with the soil dominated by sand, aromatic lime, honeysuckle and subtle nectarine roll into a mouthful of citrus fruit and salty minerality. Often we speak about wine with food but this tastes great on its own. Food-wise, try white fish done with a citrus marinade or fruit salsa, grilled prawns, salads and more.

2024 ALMONDO ARNEIS
'BRICCO DELLE CILIEGIE'
$23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK

Bricco Ciliegie is a site that has sand, but what makes it very individual is the presence of limestone with some clay.

Blitzing mineral and energy present with underlying scents of lemon and apricot and gentle touches of saline. The entry is round and expansive then picking up nerve and livewire character that lifts the wine and fills the mouth with joy. Kisses of honey and fennel beam on the finish, but what really sets it off is the stoniness and brilliant persistence. Dungeness crab is epic with this Reserve Arneis and it will also pair nicely with scallops, seabass or seafood risotto with asparagus.