2024 AYRES PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

With twenty years of excellent Pinot Noirs, it makes sense that Brad McLeroy would produce a dazzling wine in a great vintage like 2024.

A blend of Ayres Estate in Ribbon Ridge and Oliver’s Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton, it entices with cinnamon/clove scents along with prominent pie cherry tones on the sensuous, graceful nose. Movement and polish in the mouth while airy, it picks up substance and fresh liveliness, spreading out with touches of seamless fruit and an undercurrent of detailed earth on the finish. The classy material of 2024 lingers nicely. Drink over the next decade.

2022 MARIETTA CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 'ARME'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

93 Points – The Wine Advocate…Established in 1979, the Bilbro family’s go-to Sonoma estate has consistently delivered fine wines that are meant to be enjoyed with food, friends or cellared. They have eschewed the mentality of making triple-digit-priced trophy wines and we are all fortunate drinkers.

86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot from Marietta’s vineyards in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley and Yorkville Highlands and McDowell Valley AVAs in Mendocino, this wine soars above its 27-dollar price. Filled with aromas of blackberry, cassis, mocha and no shortage of old-school California peppermint and anisette scents, those who love Cabernet will immediately be impressed. The entry is savory and fruit forward, with succulence, good structure, keenly balanced tannins and a finish that is handsome and long-lasting. Gorgeous now with its good stuffing, this wine can also age another decade-plus.

2022 BACHEY-LEGROS BOURGOGNE
CHARDONNAY 'ST-MARTIN'
[reg. $41.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The local importer offered us a closeout deal on the last seventy bottles of this remarkable old vine White Burgundy. Specializing in wines in both Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay, brothers Samuel and Lenaic Legros are among the fastest rising young stars in Burgundy.

Old vines from a single vineyard on the lower slope overlooking the plain of Santenay, the brothers deemed its terroir as exceptional enough to put the site’s name on the label. Like a great song that builds and builds, it commences with restraint morphing into dramatic and symphonic qualities. Buttered toast followed by orange-blossom, lemon, tinges of rosemary and mineral with late arriving spice tones. The mouth shows power, depth, class and superb balance that shines above its classification. The finish parachutes floating back to earth with lively, linear citrus/spice tones that pleasantly extend long after the wine is swallowed.

2019 PEACHY CANYON
ZINFANDEL 'WEST SIDE'
[reg. $22.99]
SPECIAL - $14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

One of the pioneers of the Paso Robles wine region, profuse deliciousness is always on offer from Peachy Canyon. Their Westside Zin is always one of the region’s excellent expressions and is now on a phenomenal special.

Superb Zin intensity, this offering is very civilized with secondary notes starting to become present. Extroverted with raspberry, cranberry and cherry tones flanked by complex briar, savory bouillon, smoke and dried herbs. Chock full of smoothness, evolving into cardamom and chocolate aspects. Smooth as hollandaise, this fully developed Zin drinks very well, especially with barbecue.

2019 SAN GIACOMO
ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Like the Peachy Canyon, this is another hearty red wine that is drinking very well. San Giacomo is based in northern Montalcino, and their Rosso receives the same love as the Brunello.

Twelve months in large barrel plus twelve more in bottle, luscious and with dried red berry fruit, roasted sage, violet and turned earth notes flow and evolve. Attractive purity once this wine hits the mouth, with its uninhibited core. Tuscan roasted herbs and suaveness add a beautiful frame for the developed fruit. A wine to consume with a fine meal, especially roasted meat dishes, mushroom and/or pork ragu.

2023 D'ANGELO AGLIANICO
DEL VULTURE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

When one thinks of grape varietals from Italy, Aglianico usually doesn’t jump to the forefront. Sometimes known as the Nebbiolo/Barolo of the South, this grape thrives beautifully in the Vulture area of the Basilicata region.

Dark and brooding, medium to full body in style, here is what you can expect: dark plum in color, the nose shares scents of amaro, kirsch, sage, and fruitcake. The wild, country palate offers spicy fruit with a scorched minerality that speaks of the region from which it hails – the dominance of volcanic soil in the vineyards. The texture and mouth feel lends good weight and grip to the long and chewy finish that finishes with depth and ferocity. A wine for food, not cocktail-style sipping, enjoy over the next 5-7 years with sausage-mushroom pizza, slow-roasted lamb or a spicy-tomato pasta dish.

2024 CANTINE VOLPI 'ERA'
NERO D'AVOLA TERRE SICILIANE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Sourcing wines from throughout Italy, Cantine Volpe’s Era wines are strong everyday drinkers.

Made from 100% Nero d'Avola, it shows ripe, vibrant plum and berry fruit, touched by brightness and none of that funky Huarache sandal smell that shows up in bad versions. Tasty with grilled meats, pizza, pasta, even burgers. In other words, it's a wine for all seasons and in this economy, one can drink this one like a patrician every night of the week.

2022 BOIS DE BOURSAN
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE

One look at the name Versino and one can instantly see that it is not of French origin. Originally, from Piedmont in Italy, Jean Versino started his small, 40-acre Domaine in Châteauneuf-Du-Pape in 1955. Jean’s son Jean-Paul came on in 1991 taking over the Domaine, farming forty parcels in Châteauneuf-Du-Pape.

Traditionally made meaning no small barrels or destemming. Full-textured but as is always the case chez Versino, balance and smoothness are de rigueur. Inundated strawberry, reglise, rosemary, grenadine and plum-pepper aromas sit up nicely in the glass and lead into a voluptuous, dry, structured and sinister texture. Density and expansion early on, but trust me, this wine evolves and ages tremendously. A real steal given the estate’s pedigree, enjoy early on with a grilled steak or age it for another five or so years and marvel at it with slow braised, Provençal fare like a daube de boeuf. Drink through 2033.

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.