2019 POLIZIANO ROSSO
DI MONTEPULCIANO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Federico Carletti is a legend in Tuscany. Known for being a stickler for quality in the vineyard, his intense level of commitment is evident in the wines that he produces. Federico uses the best of modern practices yet maintains a sense of place and has a firm stance in the great traditions of the region. After tasting the 2019 Rosso di Montepulciano, me thinks there seemingly is a chunk of top-notch, declassified Vino Nobile fruit inserted here. This is par for the course, especially given that Federico gives as much love to his Rosso as he does to his 60-dollar single Cru Asinone Vino Nobile.

Super-Sangiovese nose with super material, this crowd-pleasing red shows off flashy wild cherry, savory herbs, smoke and spicy earth on the nose and especially on the engaging, mouth-filling palate. Lots of depth and personality…especially for 15 bucks!

2018 GUNDLACH-BUNDSCHU
SONOMA RED 'MOUNTAIN CUVEE'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

One of the most historic properties in California, enough cannot be stated on the influence that Gundlach-Bundschu has had on Sonoma and California viticulture. This estate has had peaks and valleys throughout its existence but recently has been on a major roll with outstanding wines that give off so much California character for their price levels.

Unapologetically Sonoma and California in profile, this Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend delivers so much good for an excellent price, especially in comparison to so many others in the state’s famous growing regions. Unlike many others from California in this price level, there isn’t any fruit from Lodi or bulked out juice to this wine, all of the grapes come from Sonoma; Gundlach’s estate vineyard along with other Sonoma sites. Chock full of cassis, blueberry and violet with spikes of cocoa that seemingly swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with lots of sensuality to it. A subtle mineral underlay and deceptive structure give this wine nice spine and breadth of flavor. Very drinkable now, especially with braised shortribs or a grilled steak, it wouldn't surprise us if this were to age 4-5 years, too.

2015 BLACHON SAINT-JOSEPH
'CUVEE HOMMAGE A ROGER BLACHON
[reg. $39.99]
SPECIAL - $27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE

Few things in the wine biz excite me as much as old school Syrah from France’s Northern Rhone Valley. Long established in Mauves, the Blachon family has been delivering handcrafted, pure expressions of Syrah from this cradle of the original St-Joseph appellation for over 30 years and to this day, these wines do not disappoint. The Cuvee Hommage Roger Blachon is produced in honor of their father; Sylvain and Delphine Blachon have followed their famed papa’s path exquisitely. Made from the very steep, monopole vineyard of Les Cotes Saint-Joseph, this is always one of the top examples of the appellation.

Moving into secondary scents at age six, black cherry, licorice, smoke meat, olive and truffle dominate the aromas. Sensuous yet substantial, this red coats the palate, possesses nervosity and grip, and then concludes with a provocative and lasting finish. This perhaps is one of most perfect matches for game and red meat, such as duck, rabbit, and venison. Drink this sublime Syrah through 2028+.

2017 LEEUWIN ESTATE RIESLING
MARGARET RIVER 'ART SERIES'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

92 Points – Vinous. The word of the day is ‘Jejune.’ Synonyms for jejune are, tiresome, trite, and vapid. This wine is none of them; in fact, it is from one of Australia’s legendary producers and leaders. From the Margaret River region of Western Australia, this estate has been in top form since its inception in 1973.

‘Brilliant straw. Pungent, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit and floral aromas take on a spicy ginger nuance as the wine opens up. Gently chewy and focused on the palate, offering energetic lemon pith, Bosc pear, bitter quinine and honeysuckle flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Closes very long and lively, with a resonating floral note and subtle spiciness. – 92 POINTS, VINOUS’

2018 PRA SOAVE CLASSICO 'STAFORTE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Pra continues their firms grasp on the Soave title belt and the lineup in 2018 is quite remarkable. The Staforte is from the top of the Soave hill and from four excellent sites (Froscà, Froscarino, Ponsara and Val dell’Acqua). Aged on its lees in tank with batonnage for a minimum of 6 months and then for at least 12 more months in bottle.

If you were to build a supermodel for Soave this is what it should be due to its excellent blend. Scintillating from the first moment it is poured. Lemon drop, almost crystalline rock and smoke aspects, honeydew melon, and ample salinity. The texture fills the palate and there is plenty of voltage to go along with the depth. Very debonair but just when you think the long finish has ended, it jolts back for more. One of the best Staforte produced by the Pra family. Enjoy it with seabass with a sauce, grilled salmon or a vegetarian risotto spiked with chanterelles in a couple of months.

2018 VILLA MEDORO
MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

Tre Bicchieri Award from Gambero Rosso. Excellence in Abruzzo, we are thrilled to offer this out once again!

Nose filling and mouth filling! 100% of the Montepulciano grape, fragrant, forward aromas of flavors of strawberry, pepper and herbs carry over into a lively and texture that spreads out over the entire palate and finishes with echoes of savory spices and fleshy plum tones. Very food-friendly, enjoy it with a Sunday roast, pasta alla puttanesca or alla arrabiata sauce, which ever fits your mood.

2020 BODEGA RAMON RAMOS
TORO ROSE 'MONTETORO 9'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

About as tasty as a ten-buck rose can ever be, this 100% Tempranillo version falls into our mantra of ‘don’t think, just drink’!

Thirst quenching indeed! Smoke, strawberries and subtle herbs dominate the nose while the palate is lifting, refreshing and full of zest and generosity. Perfect for summer parties and will go well with various tapas, grilled fish or vegetables.

CHAMPAGNE PHILIPPONAT
BRUT ROYALE
$54.99 BTL./$659.88 CASE

A true connoisseur’s Champagne, the style of Philipponat is one of richness, dimension and power. Brut Royale Reserve is the artist rendition, the engine that pulls the train at this magnificent estate. Being small and very well-respected, this house strives for quality on all levels and their multi-vintage cuvee is criminally undervalued and categorized.

65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay & 5% Meunieur. Full-bodied and well constructed, with bursting, radiant fruit that bursts from the glass. Expressive, polished scents of apple, biscuit and citrus lead into a generous, yet elegant texture with its very fine bubbles and complex, long finish. Enjoy it by itself, with friends or with a memorable meal based around seafood.

2017 LUKE JEFFERSON PINOT NOIR
'THE HEAD AND THE HEART'
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE

Luke Jefferson Vineyards was started in 2012 by famed, influential Cristom winemaker Steve Doerner and his wife Irene Steh as an homage to their young son Luke. The Doerner style utilizing whole clusters is evident in these small production wines. Tiny production, these are some of the most compelling Oregon PInot Noirs out there. Made from their vineyard on the eastern slopes of Eola-Amity that was planted in 2000, this small 2.5-acre site is planted to five clones. Aged in 30% new oak with ample whole cluster fermentation, it is ethereal and cerebral.

Luxuriously complex notes of lavender, cinnamon-coated strawberries, mushrooms and intermittent, aromatic herbs and spice gently careen for the glass. Suave, full of fashion-sense with ripe red cherry, telltale cinnamon and very fine tannins which give some flattering structure beneath the surface. Think of a perfectly tailored Armani suit and you will understand the wine. Smoke and lacey fruit linger on the saturated, long yet compact and youthful finish. Give this until 2024 and drink it through 2031+.

2014, 2015 and 2016 vintages are also available – inquire.