2023 CARREL & SENGER
JONGIEUX SAVOIE BLANC
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Like clockwork, the Tour always climbs into the Alps, often weaving its way through picturesque scenery as well as wine regions that many are unfamiliar with. When Thomas Senger acquired Domaine Eugene Carrel, it has been eye-opening to see an already strong Domaine gain further strength and higher quality.

From the Savoie region of Jongieux, this low-alcohol (11.5%) white wine epitomizes the essence of the term summer-slammer! Made with 100% Jacquère grape, this gushing Alpine-waterfall of a white is more intense and complex than one would ever imagine at its modest alcohol level. Alluring aromas of freshly cut white flowers, melon, mandarin, mineral and white licorice, the intensity and explosiveness on the nose follows through to the mouth with dry, brisk, mouthwatering tones that show excellent intensity from old vines and sustainable farming. The finish is nakedly pure and super-long; enjoy it with grilled shrimp or just by itself.

2022 VOGE COTES-DU-RHONE
'LES PEYROUSES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

A 'step-up' and stereotype breaking, sophisticated Cotes-du-Rhone from a Northern Rhone Cornas master. Domaine Alain Voge’s Lionel Fraisse has emphasized the Domaine’s Cotes-du-Rhone to better quality. Made from 100% Syrah with a small portion of 10-year-old Cornas vines blended into the final wine.

More girth and assertiveness than 2020 and 2021. Fragrant with currants, rose, blackberries and pronounced smoked meat. Black pepper is here, but it is a backdrop along with hints of dark chocolate. Expansive layered flavors creep through the mouth with high-toned grip morphing into red fruits then finishing very lengthy, earthy and succulent. Drink this sensuous Syrah over the next 6-8 years with leaner meats like sirloin steak, lamb chops or dressed up pork tenderloin.

2023 CHATEAU CLAMENS FRONTON
'NEGRETTE & CO.'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Fronton, located about forty miles outside the city of Toulouse, is an obscure wine region located about thirty-five miles outside of the city of Toulouse. This area makes wines based around the local Negrette grape that are dark, flavorful and a true taste of France.

The Frontonization of Portland is underway! An individual wine, presenting aromas of wild blackberry, plum pit, leather and anise along with bursting flavors that are savory, tangy and succulent. Medium weight and calls you back for another six glasses. Easy to drink and perfect with cold meats (terrines and pates), as well as sausages, meatloaf or bean-based dishes like cassoulet.

2022 JM RAFFAULT CHINON
'CLOS D'ISORE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Even though the Tour de France starts in the far north of the country, the first wine region they cycle through is the Loire Valley, starting in Chinon. This region is in a beautiful era right now with superb producers extending outside of established stars like Joguet and Baudry, including this Cellar Door favorite, JM Raffault.

Clos D'Isore is an enclosed vineyard that dates to the 17th century. The current 6+ acres were planted in 1938 and are steeply situated in clay/limestone soil, which sits atop a white chalk subsoil. 100% Cabernet Franc, Rodolphe Raffault’s 2022 is a well-structured wine with generous raspberry fruits, Asian spices, pronounced flint, sanguine and pekoe all which are packed in snugly. Old-vine depth backbone and persistence abound, this wine is a value choice that while accessible early on with a hearty meal, will also age extremely well. Drink over the next 15 years.

2023 TERRES DOREES
BEAUJOLAIS BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Gather ‘round kiddies, we have a great lesson in a well-known, yet obscure sub-category of White Burgundy called Beaujolais Blanc. Domaine Terres Dorees is in the beautiful Pierres Dorees area (region of Golden Stones) of Beaujolais. This area is noted for the golden sandstone that is prominent everywhere. Quite famed for their red Beaujolais, this Domaine takes their white wines to lofty heights sans the high price. Unlike the famed granitic soils of the Cru of Beaujolais about 45 minutes north, this part of Beaujolais, is slightly warmer with limestone-dominated soils.

Twelve percent alcohol, 100% Chardonnay and unoaked, this offering has so much goodness. Peach, sage, toasted bread, mineral, anise and spice careen from the glass and lead into a texture that is vinous yet attacking and dry. Loads of purity and breezy acidity from the limestone all culminating in a lively and energetic finish. Perfect to drink over the next 3-4 years, this far-southern White Burgundy is perfect with cod or halibut dressed in a light cream sauce.

2023 CHATEAU D'OUPIA
'LES HERETIQUES' HERAULT ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

It is not the largest or most multi-faceted red that we sell, but year in and year out, this Minervois Chateau’s juicy, flavorful red delivers loads of pleasure.

90% Carignan, 10% Syrah and tres typique of a wine from the Languedoc, black raspberry notes roll from the glass. Vibrant and peppery with bursting flavors throughout, have it now and have it with anything on the grill. Don't think, just drink.

2022 DOMAINE BOUCHOT
POUILLY-FUME 'MCMLV'
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE

Bouchot is a new, yet well-established Domaine. Native to the region, Antoine Gouffier trained in several regions around the world. In 2018, neighbor Domaine de Bouchot’s owner Pascal Kerbiquet wished to retire, thus Antoine was able to purchase and gain another mentor to start his concept. The beauty of this Domaine and area is the abundance of silex (flint) soils.

We lovingly refer to this wine as the Super Bowl wine due to the Roman numerals, but this cuvee indicates the year that these vines were planted (1955). We did a tasting back in March, and this offering made us become wide-eyed with enthusiasm. Aged in several types of vessels (large, medium, small barrels, stainless steel, concrete eggs, amphora), this Pouilly-Fume is one of the most elegant and poised I have tasted in a long time. Delicate yet intense flavor defines this delicious wine with white grapefruit, tangerine, chalk and mineral. Seamless, detailed yet lush fruit flavors are nicely reined in by the flinty nature of the Silex soil. The finish is very intellectual with smoke, quince, seashells and on and on. Stretching across the entire palate and soaring, this sophisticated demon can be consumed over the next 10-12 years with salmon, all types of goat cheeses, crab cakes, marinated halibut cheeks and more.

2015 VIEUX TELEGRAPHE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 'LE CRAU'
$139.99 BTL. - LIMITED

95 Points – The Wine Spectator…Vieux-Telegraphe is NOT a wine for immediate gratification to respond to the nature of the American 8-second soundbite mentality when it comes to wine. VT always requires patience so when we were offered a chance at a very accessible, ten-year-old version from a great vintage, we had to jump.

Due to hail destroying their Chateauneuf crop in 2022, the Bruniers released some older vintages to offset the loss. Drinking very middle-aged and exquisite, Chinese five-spice, hickory, truffle, white pepper and rhubarb. Complex scents of violet, grenadine and camphor also ride shotgun. In the mouth it is drinking exquisitely. Smoothly textured, impressive mid-palate presence and really fanning out on the energetic, spice-laden, drawn-out finish that lasts and lasts. Still underlying grip and no problem for continued development for another 10-12+ years.

2023 DOMAINE DUPRE
BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Twenty-dollar French Pinot. Do not be skeptical, it is quite a toothsome treat.

Suave berry joins mineral and peat-smoke along with underlying herbs and strawberry licorice - well-crafted, radiant and high-toned. With a seductive underbelly, there is refinement and buoyancy that allows for diversity with food choices. Cool it down for a chillable red and have with pate or other hors d’oeuvres. For non-chilled, enjoy it with mushroom pasta, stir-fried beef or chicken, steak-frites and soft-ripened Camembert cheese.

2023 LES PETITES SARDINES
MUSCADET SUR LIE
SPECIAL - $9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

The sun is out, Bon Iver is playing and what can be more fun and tastier than a whimsical 10-dollar Muscadet? Made by the co-op of Pallet in the Sevre et Maine region, this blazing, crisp white wine spends 2 months on the lees and from start to finish, tickles you in places including one or two naughty spots.

100% Melon (remember Muscadet is the region and has nothing to do with the Muscat grape). Pure aromas of oyster shell, lime zest and granite. Cut like a diamond, refined and just honest, crisp Loire white. Bright, linear acidity balances everything out. Grab some fresh oysters or mussels…what are you waiting for?!

2024 CHATEAU DE ROQUEFORT
COTES-DE-PROVENCE ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

July 4th is just days away and usually Bryan prefers M-80s to sparklers. Who really cares about safe and sane, it's all about dumb and dangerous! Hold my Rose, watch me light this off!!!

Located thirty minutes east of Marseilles and less than 20 from Cassis, this is prototype Southern French Rose. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Rolle & Clairette. Ethereal aromas of smoked raspberry, rose petal, lemon, herbs and stony traits carry over into a texture that hijacks the palate. Burst and thrust all the way to the uplifting finish, enjoy with goat cheese, grilled chicken, lighter seafood preparations or just by itself.

GOODFELLOW EXTRA BRUT
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
[reg. $49.99]
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE

The growing trend of quality Oregon Sparkling wine is in full effect, but further still is fine elevation of quality. Longtime Pinot Noir and Chardonnay maestro Marcus Goodfellow is in the top echelon (if not the top IMHO) of Oregon bubbles and this is part of the first releases of his sparkling wine program.

68% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir with low dosage and the base wines from the immaculate 2019 vintage. Expressive, poised scents of lime, nectarine, salted white chocolate, and spice lead into a sculpted, yet elegant texture with its exceptionally fine bubbles and complex, long finish. Enjoy it by itself, with friends or with a memorable meal based around seafood. If you are Champagne/Bubble hounds like we are then you should, no, you MUST take advantage and check this out, it is the real deal indeed!

2016 VOLKER EISELE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK

Founded in 1974, Volker Eisele established his vineyard and has been organically farming since day one. Up until 1991, the estate sold grapes to many premium, big-name wineries in Napa. Over the last thirty-plus years, sturdy Cabernets have emerged, and we are thrilled to be able to offer one that is entering its window of accessibility.

If you are expecting huge, jammy fruit, that is exactly what an aged wine does not bring. Instead, expect finesse, suppleness, earth, herbs, dried flowers cherry, hints of mint and tobacco with engaging texture that touches and seduces the entire palate. A terrific way to experience a California wine from one of the state's most prolific producers that is starting to drink very well.

2023 LUIGI GIORDANO
DOLCETTO D'ALBA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Located in Barbaresco, Luigi Giordano is one of the spiritual cardinals of traditional winemaking in the region and this extends to their wines that other than Nebbiolo.

This is a dreamy Dolcetto. It is red and not purple (we're in Barbaresco, not Dogliani) and may be served at room temperature or chilled. A classic red wine for the whole meal with a red-ruby color, penetrating aromatics slight spicy-earth note. Soulful, yet smooth, fresh and balanced, with the bursting aftertaste typical of Dolcetto. Think of a mostly well-behaved dog who out of nowhere steals your slice of pizza. Speaking of which, this wine pairs very well with New York style pizza, tempura zucchini, steak or tuna tartare, cheeseburgers, or a penne Bolognese.

2022 ANGELO NEGRO 'PERDAUDIN'
ROERO ARNEIS RISERVA
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The Negro family have been grape growers and winemakers in the Roero hills since 1670. In the early 1970s Giovanni Negro produced one of the first dry Arneis in the region and this Riserva offering comes from a historical, diverse vineyard site at one thousand feet in elevation.

The calcareous/sandy soils laced with fossilized shells are what drive this way above the norm Arneis. Savory aromas that are expressive and aromatic fill the glass. Fine floral, prominent nectarine, ginger and fastidious wet stone aspects shine on the nose. Layered and inviting mouthfeel with great quench along with breathtaking bursts of stone fruit and citrus energy. Dazzling, lengthy, snap-back finish that is serious business indeed. A wonderful choice for any lover of the great whites of the world.

2023 OLIM BAUDA
GRIGNOLINO D'ASTI
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Grignolino is not exactly a household grape varietal…even when it comes to Piedmont’s wines. This ancient grape almost disappeared from the region with the popularity of others like Nebbiolo and Barbera overtaking it. Recently, a small and outspoken resurgence is taking place and of course Olim Bauda brothers Dino & Gianni Bertolino are right on the scene.

In some ways one could treat this wine as an unoaked Valpolicella or vivid Beaujolais but honestly the attitude and approach is very individual. Best served with a slight chill, strawberry, ground pepper, underbrush and sage notes follow through to a vivid, succulent, high-toned palate that has plenty of middle suppleness to go with the plucky nature of the grape. Enjoy with lasagna or a zucchini/ricotta pasta, grilled chicken or a mushroom tart.

2023 ENRICO SERAFINO GAVI DI
GAVI 'GRIFO DEL QUARTARO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A notable Piedmont estate, Serafino was lost in the wilderness for many years until purchased by the Krause family in 2015. In the last decade they, along with winemaker Paolo Giacosa are restoring the quality and image thus putting it into its rightful position as one of influence and history.

Serafino is in Canele in the Asti region, but their presence is throughout the Piedmont region, including the commune of Gavi since 1914. Located in the far southeastern reaches of the region, close to Genoa and made from the Cortese grape, the clay & marl-based soils shine. Lime and apple notes intermingle nicely with mineral on the nose and carry over to an attacking texture that has burst and saline qualities. Lovely briskness buffers surprisingly penetrating components, especially on the finish. This blazing white absolutely screams out for crab, although mussels or cod will work well, too.

2023 CA' GIALLA
MOSCATO D'ASTI
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE

Wine does not always have to be serious. Nowhere is this more evident than in Piedmont, home of Moscato d’Asti. This semi-sparkling, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious wine should be consumed both before and after dinner, and in copious quantities. After all, not only can one afford to indulge in this delicious staple, but they can also do so without serious head trauma the next day. After all an entire bottle of this is equal to drinking about two craft beers.

Ca’ Gialla is one of the best producers of this DOCG region. Peach skin scents, soft, fuzzy, refreshing sweetness, this is an immediate pleaser, even bringing even the toughest of people to sensory overload. Serving recommendations for this wine vary. Always drink it cold, we have been told it makes the perfect wine to consume after a hard day’s work in the vineyard or the garden. Then again, we have also heard of other uses that might be mentioned in a proposed ‘Only Fans’ wine sheet. Whatever the use, Ca’ Gialla’s Moscato makes the perfect light ending to a meal served with a simple fruit-inspired dessert. We love getting fresh Oregon berries or peaches and pouring Moscato over top of them.

2022 TENUTA I FAURI
TREBBIANO D'ABRUZZO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The traits in wine that we love so much are like the traits that we love when it comes to listening to The Clash or Sonic Youth, everything done in a feral, voluminous, pure form, but total brilliance. I Fauri's Trebbiano is made with 100% of the namesake grape whose clone from the Abruzzo region is very prized.

From 60-year-old vines, this Trebbiano is a hell of a white wine deal that is a pure palate-pleaser. Lemon, pear, blossom, subtle almond and flinty scents open the show. On the palate, there is crisp electricity, a medium body and a velvety mouthfeel. Lemon and apple flavors together with some background rocky character captivate and luxuriate on the teeming, persistent follow through. Throw this back with with spaghetti ‘mare e monte’, shrimp/zucchini pasta or grilled swordfish.

2022 TENUTA I FAURI
MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

The traits in wine that we love so much are like the traits that we love when it comes to listening to The Clash or Sonic Youth, everything done in a feral, voluminous, pure form, but total brilliance. I Fauri's Trebbiano is made with 100% of the namesake grape whose clone from the Abruzzo region is very prized.

From 60-year-old vines, this Trebbiano is a hell of a white wine deal that is a pure palate-pleaser. Lemon, pear, blossom, subtle almond and flinty scents open the show. On the palate, there is crisp electricity, a medium body and a velvety mouthfeel. Lemon and apple flavors together with some background rocky character captivate and luxuriate on the teeming, persistent follow through. Throw this back with with spaghetti ‘mare e monte’, shrimp/zucchini pasta or grilled swordfish.

2024 CHATEAU DE MANISSY
TAVEL 'LES LYS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Tavel has been growing and producing pink wines since 600 BC and is misunderstood as a Rose region. More often, people are expecting these wines to be simple patio pleasers; however, they are the opposite, and the locals all refer to it as vin pour le repas. In addition, one person mentioned that Tavel is not red, white or Rose - it is Tavel! Limestone soil drives these wines and while they have big color and body, they always maintain energetic presence and an underbelly of illuminating briskness.

Florian Andre of Chateau Manissy is a Tavel magician and when he approached the religious order who owned this property, the monks were impressed with his philosophy. After years of turning down other offers, invited Florian to do the wines. The 2024 Tavel Cuvee des Lys reveals raging aromatic red berry, wind-swept herbs, mandarin and plenty of floral aromas shout out for you to take a big swig. Completely dry, generous and mouth filling, but so with a fine push of acidity on the full finish. Brilliant ripeness, but brilliantly balanced, this is a winner that will stand up to grilled white meats, denser fish, tomato-based pasta dishes as well as spicy Asian cuisine.

2024 CHATEAU DE MANISSY
TAVEL 'TETE-DE-CUVEE'
$29.99 BTL. - Very Limited

For only the second time we are featuring Manissy’s top Tavel cuvee. It is also important to note it is released a year later than the Lys.

50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault & 20% Clairette, this wine still possesses the old-school traditional label that was first introduced in 1915 and Florian honors the monks classic traditions with the handling and production. Scintillating notes of saline, mineral, currants, sappy strawberry and herbes de provence. Silky, layered and it is on the palate that one notices the 24–48-hour maceration on the skins. Complex, expansive and unlike any Tavel you have ever tried. This is a version that can easily age for 10-15 years and pairs well with meat and richer seafood. Drink with Moroccan cuisine, particularly tagines, heartier fishes, chicken or pork in puff pastry, roasted duck or turkey and aged goat cheeses. Good news is that it is sooo damn delicious. The Bad news - Only 12 bottles available

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.