2022 TIKAL MALBEC 'AMORIO'
SPECIAL - $14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

[reg. $34.99] – 60 bottles available…Another liquidation offer from a distributor that is soon closing. Founded by Ernesto Catena, Tikal reflects a top-to-bottom passion for Malbec and high-altitude Mendoza vineyard sites at 3,200+ feet. These wines are normally pricey and high quality; at this price, they deserve your attention.

Deep and decadent, with abundant notes of blackberry, dark cherry, Indian spice, violet, and cocoa-laced tobacco. The palate is ripe and lush, offering velvety texture and smooth, plummy fruit, with just enough tannin for structure. For maximum pleasure, decant thirty minutes before serving. Drink through 2034 with grilled steak and chimichurri, spicy pork dishes, or penne Bolognese.

2024 PASCAL JANVIER
COTEAUX DU LOIR BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

From a lesser-known, picturesque corner of the Loire’s Loir tributary comes this terrific dry white, made entirely from Chenin Blanc.

High voltage in the glass: pear, ginger, and quinine frame vivid rocky minerality. Transparent yet ample, with razor-sharp lemon-lime briskness and a taut, focused finish. Serious yet playful Chenin to drink over 6–8 years with salmon, trout, or young goat cheese.

2024 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Last Call…Blended from Abbey Ridge, Clos Electrique, La Colina, and a portion of White Oak, this is John Paul’s far-above-average entry cuvée. It outshines many forty-dollar wines and benefits from the remarkable 2024 vintage.

Plum, pepper, roses, red earth, cranberry, nutmeg, and smoke lead into a nimble, rich, harmonious palate and long peppery finish. Extremely attractive now, this may be the finest version yet and should age gracefully for 7–8 years.

2022 TURLEY ZINFANDEL
FREDERICKS VINEYARD
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

For decades, Turley has made Zinfandel in a bold, full-throttle style. Fredericks Vineyard sits on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley, and Turley has made Zinfandel from this site since 2006.

“Magnitude” perfectly captures this wine. Mint-laced chocolate, cassis, and cherry aromas rise with notes of cedar, smoked meat, pepper, and nutmeg. Broad and bold, it shows penetrating fruit, warmth, and depth, finishing with pronounced briar and licorice.

2022 LYDIAN CABERNET
SAUVIGNON COLUMBIA VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Avennia’s second label delivers a vastly undervalued Washington Cabernet Sauvignon that punches well above its weight and outperforms many wines at twice the price.

Vanilla and cocoa notes wrap around generous black cherry, smoke, cola, and milk chocolate, all glistening as soon as the wine is poured. The palate is stylish and dense, with the steady, mouth-coating flavors expected from these excellent wines. Layered, forward, and accessible, it is ideal with steak or short ribs; enjoy through 2031.

2022 BENANTI ETNA BIANCO
CONTRADA RINAZZO
SPECIAL - $59.99 BTL./$359.94 - 6 PK

[reg. $71.99]…After years in wine, we are still learning. Antonio Benanti’s visit last year taught us that Etna Bianco “Superiore” applies only to sites in Milo, on the mountain’s east side.

Contrada means single vineyard on Etna, and Rinazzo surely ranks as Grand Cru. Facing the sea at 2,600 feet on fine ancient lava soils, it offers saline yellow fruit, perfume, seashells, and superb minerality. Focused and intense, it bursts with briny lime, orange peel, persimmon, and vivid fruit while staying stony and vertical. Delicious now, it should age 15+ years. In Burgundy, it would cost four times more.

2021 LIVIO SASSETI 'PERTIMALI'
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$54.99 BTL./$329.94 - 6 PK

People and publications often name their desert-island albums, foods, and more. If I had to choose a desert-island Brunello, it would be Livio Sassetti Pertimali. I have bought, sold, cellared, and drunk these wines since the 1990 vintage, and a generation later, their quality still floors me.

Brunello di Montalcino’s 2021 vintage has fans in a frenzy, and this top producer only raises the excitement. From Montosoli hill, just north of the village, it delivers deep fruit, bold structure, balance, finesse, and breed in a silky, substantial frame. Aromatic and classy, it layers blackberry, violet, mineral, hot rock, roasted coffee, and savory spice. Charming now, but best from 2029 onward as its depth and complexity unfold.

2023 DOMAINE LA MANARINE
COTES-DU-RHONE
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE

Domaine La Manarine comes from Plan de Dieu in Provence, a terroir long linked with classic Côtes-du-Rhône. Founded by Gilles Gasq in 2001, this young family estate spans 40 acres and has quickly earned an impressive reputation.

Grenache dominates this part of Côtes-du-Rhône, and this bottling comes entirely from 40-year-old vines. Sultry blackberry meets vivid grenadine, Provençal and Thai spice, olive, silky tannins, and impressive length. With strong palate presence and soulful Rhône character, it is an impeccable value at sixteen dollars.

2025 BENANTI ETNA ROSÉ
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Avere culo— because this Mount Etna favorite won’t be around forever. It beautifully reflects both the grapes and Etna’s volcanic, mineral-rich soils.

The aromas are vivid and lifted, with notes of strawberry, minerals, and savory fennel. On the palate, it is intense, vibrant, and succulent from start to finish. Don’t mistake it for a purely geeky rosé—its immediate pleasure only deepens its complexity. It will drink well into next year, though it is especially alluring now alongside grilled swordfish, beer-can chicken, Hong Shao Rou, arancini, eggplant dishes, and more.

2025 CHATEAU MESCLANCES
COTES-DE-PROVENCE ROSÉ
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

We have assumed control! At this time of year especially, we turn to France for the dry, delicious rosés we love—and Chateau Mesclances is a relatively new discovery for us.

Rosé is central at this estate located east of Toulon and a mere ten miles from the sea. A bone-dry blend of 70% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and Cinsault, it is unmistakably Provençal, with aromas of smoke, sea breeze, raspberry, rosemary, and thyme. The palate is fresh, lifted, and generous. Pair it with barbecued chicken, cod or halibut with olive oil, salt, and herbs, or white-sauce pizza.

2025 SCALA CIRO ROSÉ
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

One of the most memorable lines from Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is, “When someone’s about to get whacked, they never see it coming.” We didn’t see this stunning rosé coming either. Scala is a Calabrian benchmark known for excellent reds, and we strongly encourage you to try this mouthwatering, thirst-quenching rosé.

Made from 100% native Gaglioppo, it opens with aromas of morello cherry, smoked herbs, dried rose petals, and minerals. The palate is savory, succulent, and layered, finishing with vivid pleasure. Wonderful with traditional seafood, it also pairs beautifully with spicy Latino or Asian dishes.

2025 FARINA BARDOLINO
CHIARETTO ROSÉ
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Italy makes many pink wines, but only three areas are traditionally known for rosé: Abruzzo, Puglia, and the Chiaretto zone around Lake Garda.

A lively blend of Corvina and Rondinella, this vibrant rosé from the Veneto side of Lake Garda offers raspberry fruit, a silky texture, bright acidity, and a touch of spice. Long and expressive, it is balanced, refreshing, and ideal as an aperitif or for contemplating the summer void.

2025 LUCIEN CROCHET
SANCERRE ROSÉ
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

Thirty-two dollars for rosé—are you f%^&ing kidding? Since Karen hasn’t mandated morning doses of Thorazine or made me cut back my caffeine intake (yet), I decided to offer this thrilling dry pink that ranks among the best I’ve tasted this year. Lucien Crochet, and now his son Gilles, have been crafting Sancerre for nearly five decades. Steadfast terroir-ists, Crochet makes this rosé entirely from Pinot Noir grown in two prized vineyard plots planted on both caillottes (white stones) and Kimmeridgian soils. Blindfolded, you might not even register that the wine is pink—you would simply know you were drinking serious Sancerre. It is all about terroir.

Crochet’s Sancerre Rosé is made by direct pressing from fruit grown specifically for this cuvée. Pale in color but full of character, it shows aromas of hawthorn, cherry pit, wet stone, crustacean shell, nectarine, and subtle pepper. The palate is lively and energetic, with fine body, vivid tension, and impressive depth through a broad, graceful finish. A serious rosé, it deserves the same attention as any great Sancerre Blanc and pairs beautifully with grilled salmon.

2025 PROPRIETA SPERINO
COSTA DELLA SESIA ROSÉ
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

According to a recent—and highly unofficial—study from The Cellar Door School of Medicine, dry rosé cures just about everything, from the common cold to lockjaw. This Piedmont pink, apparently, remedies it all. **Full disclosure: when it comes to actual medicine, Dr. Bryan is an unqualified quack. Wine, however, is another matter—and one in which his credentials are far more convincing.**

Best known for Chianti and the Super Tuscan Ceparello, Paolo and Luca de Marchi sold their longtime estate and “retired,” only to buy land near Lessona in Piedmont nearly 20 years ago. Their excellence clearly continues in this new chapter. A blend of 90% Nebbiolo and 10% Vespolina, this rosé offers strawberry, mineral, and savory fennel notes, with a vibrant, succulent palate. Relaxed yet complex, it is deeply pleasurable from start to finish.

2025 FARINA BARDOLINO
CHIARETTO ROSE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

In Italy, Chiaretto is often called “the Christmas wine” because it is so popular in December, but a rosé this fresh is just as easy to enjoy in June.

Made from Corvina and Rondinella, this vibrant pink wine from the Veneto side of Lake Garda offers lively raspberry fruit, a silky texture, bright acidity, and a hint of spice. Long and expressive, it is well-rounded, refreshing, and likely to sell out quickly.

2023 PIAGGIA 'PIETRANERA'
TOSCANA ROSSO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Piaggia is one of the leading estates in Tuscany’s Carmignano region, and this is the first time we have offered its savory, approachable gateway wine, Pietranera.

A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Franc, this unconventional wine expresses both Tuscany and its galestro soils with confidence. Wild cherry and berry take the lead, supported by smoke, sage, balsamico, and sandalwood. Lavish yet finely balanced, it is succulent, flavorful, and impressively long for the price. Enjoy it over the next decade with penne Bolognese, brined pork chops spiked with rosemary, sage, and garlic, or grilled ribeye.

2021 FRITZ HAAG
RIESLING TROCKEN
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Describing the full range of Riesling is one of the most frustrating aspects of my job. The grape produces wines in every style, from intensely dry and ageworthy to lusciously sweet dessert wines, with everything in between. This bottle is worth your attention: Fritz Haag is one of the Mosel’s—and Germany’s—most important producers, and this wine delivers. It is Riesling, it is German, and for anyone still doubtful: yes, it is dry.

With impressive dimension on both the nose and palate, this wine reflects the slate soils of the steep slopes around Haag’s home village of Brauneberg. It is vibrant, luminous, succulent, and distinctly stony, finishing with blistering energy and precision, this wine seemingly grooves its ass out on the dance floor and is cool as a cucumber. Pair it with seared albacore tuna marinated in ginger, soy, and garlic, or with white sausages.

2023 BODEGAS ARZUAGA
RIBERA DEL DUERO 'LA PLANTA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

When I am not dabbling in the occult during work hours, I search for wines that deliver exceptional value, and the Ribera del Duero region’s Bodegas Arzuaga has been many Spanish wine lovers’ secret find for years.

Made from 100% Tempranillo, it opens with polished aromas of strawberry jam, clove, coriander, and mocha. The palate is layered and graceful, with solid depth, while red and black berry notes become more pronounced as it opens. The finish is suave, poised, and long. Drink it over the next five years with lamb or braised beef. At twenty dollars, La Planta performs far above its price.

2025 DOMAINE LE GALANTIN
BANDOL BLANC
SPECIAL - $23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

[reg. $29.99]…Bandol Blanc remains rare, with white wine making up just 5% of the appellation, so little reaches the U.S. Domaine Le Galantin’s brisk, refreshing version is 85% Clairette, 10% Ugni Blanc, and 5% Rolle, which adds roundness and exotic fruit notes. The region’s maritime influence, also evident in the estate’s red and rosé wines, helps shape its character.

Aged only in stainless steel and concrete, this white is distinctly Provençal. Mango, minerality, lemongrass, and nectarine lift from the glass, while the region’s sunshine adds depth. The word alléchant—mouthwatering—fits, especially on the long, vivid finish. Pair it with swordfish, smoked salmon, grilled asparagus, zucchini, prosciutto or bacon, or Asian dishes with moderate heat.

2024 ANDELUNA '1300'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Anne-Charlotte Bachas’s Font du Loup estate is based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the north side of Le Crau, a site best known through Vieux Télégraphe. Beyond her outstanding Châteauneuf wines, she also makes a Côtes-du-Rhône of legitimate distinction.

Rosemary and fennel rise first from the glass, followed by strawberry and blackberry. Plush but not overripe, the fruit corresponds with refinement and clarity, with white pepper lurking on the elegant finish.

2024 MESA PINOT GRIS
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Mesa is essentially a second label from the little-known but respected Oregon producer McKinlay. Pinot Gris is wine I rarely willingly drink, as too many examples are dilute or dirty sugar water, but in the capable hands of Matt and Jacob Kinne, it becomes something compelling.

Fresh citrus notes swell from the glass, with tangerine, lime, and lemongrass leading into a crisp, lightly smoky palate that is both mouthfilling and refreshing. Telltale roundness is present up front yet it remains poised and dry. A superb way to start a warm evening and matches well with vibrant cheeses, sole, or halibut.

2023 PILLOT BEAUNE
'BOUCHEROTTES' PREMIER CRU
$65.99 BTL./$395-94 - SIX PACK

Les Boucherottes is a Premier Cru vineyard in the southern part of Beaune, just beside Pommard. This excellent parcel, planted between 1966 and 1996, sits on slightly stony brown limestone soils and offers a warm, plush expression. Laurent farms just 1.13 acres here, and annual production is usually around 200 cases.

The nose is striking from the outset, with rose, pepper, mineral, and touches of vanilla and nutmeg. On the palate, its impressive breadth is confirmed by youthful structure, with fresh aromatic herbs and Asian spice nuances. Savory, succulent, and persistent, drink it through 2038.

2023 FONT DE LOUP
COTES-DU-RHONE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Anne-Charlotte Bachas’s Font du Loup estate is based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the north side of Le Crau, a site best known through Vieux Télégraphe. Beyond her outstanding Châteauneuf wines, she also makes a Côtes-du-Rhône of legitimate distinction.

Rosemary and fennel rise first from the glass, followed by strawberry and blackberry. Plush but not overripe, the fruit corresponds with refinement and clarity, with white pepper lurking on the elegant finish.

2022 VESSIGAUD MACON-SOLUTRE
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CS.

[reg. $31.99] – 48 bottles available…Specializing in Pouilly-Fuisse, Pierre Vessigaud also makes excellent Macon wines from neighboring villages.

Solutre is best known as a Pouilly-Fuisse village, it also includes vineyards designated as Macon-Solutre. Rocky limestone soils give this French Chardonnay striking energy. Aromas of cereal, orange, lemon, mineral, and dusty stone with a hint of spice. Tense and detailed on the palate, it finishes long, vivid, and palate-coating. Flavorsome with refined seafood, yet substantial enough for salmon or roast chicken.

2021 CHATEAU LALANDE
SAINT-JULIEN
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CS.

[reg. $44.99] - 48 bottles available…Chateau Lalande is a non-classified Saint-Julien Bordeaux estate located in a respectable neighborhood of the appellation, bordering Chateau Talbot and Lagrange and facing Ducru-Beaucaillou.

55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, this classic Bordeaux offers cassis, black cherry, cocoa, gravel, and cedar. Concentrated and layered yet still youthful, it is approachable now with decanting. Persistent and characterful, it balances elegance and power and will pair beautifully with hearty meals over the next 12–15 years.

2022 CHATEAU VIRGILE
COSTIERE-DE-NIMES ROUGE
SPECIAL - $9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

2024 UMANI RONCHIA VERDICCHIO
'VILLA BIANCHI'
SPECIAL - $11.99 BTL./143.88 CASE

[reg. $16.99]…Castelli dei Jesi is a standout Castelli dei Jesi Verdicchio estate and a source of some of Le Marches’s most delicious examples.

Aromas of shellfish, mineral, and kaffir lime lead to a clean, harmonious, long palate. Bright lift and stony minerality shape the subtle yet substantial finish. An excellent match for steamed mussels or clams with saffron.

2022 ARGIOLAS 'COSTERA'
CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA
SPECIAL - $9.99 BTL./119.88 CASE

[reg. $24.99] - 60 bottles available…A distributor is clearing inventory ahead of being sold, and this Sardinian wine is one of the closeouts. Argiolas is one of the island’s top estates and a key force behind Sardinia’s rise in quality.

Made from 90% Cannonau, 5% Carignano, and 5% Bovale Sardo, it shows grenadine, garrigue, plum, pepper, sea salt, and cinnamon. The palate is warm and inviting, with cherry-pit and mineral notes driving a tangy, generous finish. Excellent with lamb.