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2007 November	2007 December

January/February 2007 

Kamiak Red 2003 
This Columbia Valley Cab-Merlot blend is a second label of Gordon Brothers and named after a legendary local Native American chief. The lush dark Cabernet Sauvignon-driven fruit is round and smooth with just a kiss of vanilla oak. Balanced yet with plenty of flavor, this has much of what makes Washington wines so popular for a fraction of many of the prices. $9.99/$7.99 case 
Mano a Mano Tempranillo 2004
From the awesome Spanish wine importer Jorge Ordonez, this bold full-bodied red has layers of ripe cherry fruit with hints of the meaty dusty notes that typify this classic Spanish varietal. Just enough ripe tannin and acidity lifts this wine to a long juicy finish. New lower price even! $7.50/$6.00 case 
Wilhelm Walch Pinot Grigio 2005
Elena Walch is one of the most respected names in Italy’s Alto Adige and with a new lower-priced line, it’s easier to discover why. Fruit is sourced only from the Alto Adige zone, offering greater richness and depth than most Italian whites in this price range. Partial malolactic fermentation adds texture to the layers of herbal citrus, melon and apple fruit making a nice counterpoint to the region’s trademark minerally acidity. $10.99/$8.80 case 
Chateau Haut Rodier Bordeaux 2005
From the much-anticipated 2005 vintage, this basic Bordeaux rouge offers a glimpse into what the hype is all about. With wonderfully expressive aromatics for such a young wine, this is rich and round with gently gripping tannins on the finish. New World-esque enough to be immediately enjoyable, yet still tastes like Bordeaux. $8.99/$7.20 case 
“Fuego” Old vine Grenache 2005
This wine was stuck in customs for most of December when it was supposed to be in the case of the month so let’s try it again; at this price we expect it to become a favorite. Parker calls it a “remarkable value” and says “it is hard to believe a $7 wine could possess so much flavor. Sweet raspberry and cherry fruit intermixed with loamy soil and spice aromas soar from the glass of this medium-bodied, richly fruity red that has never seen a hint of wood”. $6.99/$5.60 case 
Chateau La Vernède Languedoc ‘04
This perennial favorite offers an enticing array of almost everything expected from southern France: the dusty muted blackberry fruit is framed by hints of licorice, anise, and mint and what is clearly a powerful backbone underneath comes across as smooth and polished on top. A case of the month standby for several consecutive vintages, the 2004 does not disappoint. Still only $7.99/$6.40 case
Hofer Gruner Veltliner 2005
This new vintage of “Hoffer the Quaffer” is just a tasty as the 2004 and still has “bonus” written all over its 1 liter bottle. Austria’s best known white grape is a real bargain treat here: clean pure and appealing with lip-smacking tangy fruit and more sheer flavor than expected in this price range for Gruner Veltliner. $8.99/$7.20 case 
Amano Primitivo 2003
Zinfandel in style with its soft juicy plummy fruit yet still Italian with its touch of earth and spice, this is medium to full-bodied and is popular year-round with both Zin lovers and Italian wine fans. Multicultural never tasted so good. $8.99/$7.20 case 
La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2004
An autumnal red with its aromas of wet ground and slightly decaying leaves, smoke from a distant fire, and dried plum fruit. With an elegance not normally found in this appellation, it still has its trademark richness and body. Organically farmed by a small producer always makes it taste better. $9.99/$7.99 case 
Haut Rian Bordeaux Blanc 2005
A new vintage of this popular French white which balances the richness of Semillon with the raciness of Sauvignon Blanc to produce a lovely drinking experience: clean and refreshing with fleshy white fruit flavors and a lengthy finish. $9.99/$7.99 case 
Folie à Deux Menage à Trois 2005
The 2004 was a hit and so should the 2005 with its big berry Zinfandel flavors and brambly spice bolstered by a dash of darker Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and a silky smooth mouth-feel. A blend of Zin, Cab, and Merlot but this year the Zin dominates making it lush and juicy. $10.99/$8.80 case 
Drouhin Bourgogne Blanc 2005
Like a crisper cleaner version of California Chard, this has a smooth round creaminess and a kiss of oak but retains the classic Burgundian minerality and acidity. Balanced between richness and liveliness with appealing pear and apple notes, this was a big hit across the style spectrum. $9.99/$7.99 case 
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March 2007
Domaine Sorin Cotes de Provence 2003 
This hearty French red comes from organically- farmed vineyards located just outside of the coastal appellation of Bandol. Luc Sorin makes great Bandol but Bandol reds need many years to show their best so Luc makes this for more current drinking. Same hearty style, just ready now. Predominantly Grenache and Syrah, this abounds in rich black fruit flavors balanced by zingy raspberry notes and a peppery spiciness. $9.99/$7.99 by the case 
Los Planos Syrah 2004
A rock star for those who favor the European style but still like a $10 wine to be an easy quaffer. Dense dark and hearty yet polished and opulent with cherry berry fruit and a gingerbread spiciness, this deftly walks the fine line between old world structure and new world drinkability. $9.99/$7.99 by the case. 
Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2004
The new vintage of this perennial favorite is spot-on; just read what Parker thinks: "One of the world’s best values in Sangiovese... Aged six months in large foudres, it offers up aromas of strawberries, black cherries, damp earth, spice box, and fruit cake. This expressive, medium-bodied, fleshy Italian red is meant to be drunk over the next 1-2 years. Buy this one by the case!” 90 points. $8.99/$7.20 by the case. 
Norton Chardonnay 2004
This Argentine caught our eye as a nod to the richer Chard style of yore. It offers plump appley richness and oaky spice yet has nice acidity that keeps it fresh and lively on the palate thanks to high-elevation vineyards (3600 feet). $8.99/$7.20 by the case 
Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Much different than the Australian Cab above, this leans more toward Cabernet Franc with its cedary woodsy tobacco spice, mild red fruits, and midweight elegant frame. A bit of a surprise from California but tasty all the same. $9.99/$7.99 by the case. 
Lafazanis Roditis 2005
When Greek wines are all the rage several years from now (come on, don’t laugh), Sotiris will be able to claim much of the credit. Sotiris works only with top-notch wineries whose average age of vines are over 50 years. The portfolio is new to Portland and this delicious white is an excellent place to start. At once aromatic and delicate, it is crisp and dry yet not stingy and is elegantly captivating while seeming simple. Not easy to pull off. $10.99/$8.80 by the case. 
Maragoya Rioja Crianza 2001
A very cool wine that is on the opposite end of the spectrum from most fruit-driven reds in this price range. Still tasting like traditional Rioja despite being 100% Grenache, there is clearly lots going on, with secondary flavors of dried fruits, coffee notes, charry oak and vanilla bean all wrapped up in a medium- bodied creamy-textured package. This is showing beautifully right now as it keeps changing in the glass. Way more interesting than much in this price range. Regularly $16, now just $9.99/$7.99 by the case. 
Las Liebres Bonarda 2006
This second label of Altos Las Hormigas is a shop favorite for its lush dark fruit that is both mouthfilling yet medium-bodied with enough tangy acidity to make you reach for another glass. Thought to be a cousin of Piedmont's Dolcetto varietal, this shows some of the same tangy berry plum flavors and juicy freshness.$7.99/$6.40 by the case. 
McWilliams Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Although fruity and clearly an Australian wine, this Cab is surprisingly well-balanced and harmonious with floral tangy aromatics and fine-grained yet obvious tannins providing a foil for the juicy black/boysenberry fruit. $9.99/$7.99 by the case. 
Chateau L'Aiguillette Muscadet 2005
Dry, minerally and biscuity with fleshy white fruit and a kiss of salty tang on the finish. Another satisfying and affordable beauty from the end of France's Loire River. Spring is right around the corner. $8.99/$7.20 by the case. 
Ambiente Tempranillo 2003
Another Argentine find that takes the classic grape of Spain and gives it a new world twist. Clean and more fruit-driven than most Spanish Tempranillo, this has smoky plum and blueberry notes riding on a medium- weight elegantly styled frame. Smoothly textured and awfully classy for the price. $8.50/$6.80 by the case. 
Rolling Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2005
Some like the label, some don’t, but it doesn’t matter since what’s inside is zippy zesty New Zealand-style Sauvignon Blanc shot through with a jolt of tropical fruit- driven Semillon to provide a fleshy roundness. Gooseberry, Key lime pie, all for only $7.99/$6.40 by the case. 
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April 2007
Waterbrook Mélange 2004
This new vintage of a longtime NW favorite once again changes direction from previous incarnations. Dry dusty and redolent of wild herbs, this is medium- bodied with a wealth of mellow black fruit that provides an ample canvas for the swirl of nuanced flavors above. $10.99/$8.80 caseCastano Monastrell 2005
90 points from Parker: “an insane value produced from three vineyard sites ranging in age from 40-60 years. Opaque purple-colored, it gives up fragrant aromas of blue fruits, plums, and prunes. Ripe, layered, and full-flavored, this hedonistic effort can be enjoyed now but will surely evolve for 2-3 years. Match it with beef and lamb.” $7.99/$6.40 case 
Farnese Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2004 
A classic pizza quaffer whose description, I now realize, kinda sounds like the description of a pizza. Tangy red fruit (veering toward the bright acidity of tomatoes), herb and spice, a soft mouth-feel (think melted mozzarella) with a firm structure underneath (the crust). Sounds like a marriage made in Heaven! $7.99/$6.40 case 
Selbach Riesling 2005
Just in time for Easter, this new German arrival plays it lively and fruity with a smoky slate undercurrent. Pineapple pear and peach flavors are round and luscious but citrus-y acidity keeps the fruitiness in check. Great for Easter Ham (among other things), the easy-going fruitiness and lower alcohol don’t bog you down. $9.99/$8.00 case 
Phelan Segur Rosé 2005
Maybe April is a little early for rosé but we couldn’t pass this deal up. Regularly $17, the distributor was happy to see this go at a lower price because it hasn’t exactly been rosé-drinking weather. Provencal in style, this is dry, mid-weight and light in color with mild strawberry notes and a persistent minerality. Welcome sunshine! $9.99/$8.00 case 
Jouclary Cabardès 2004
An old favorite from one of the rare French appellations that blends Bordeaux varietals with traditional Rhône varietals. A blend of Merlot, Syrah and Grenache, this is hearty and full-flavored yet mellow and displays dark plummy fruit and woodsy cinnamon spice all wrapped up in a roundly-textured package. Great for spring’s lingering hearty meals. $8.99/$7.20 case 
Quinta da Espiga 2005
A tasty little surprise from Portugal that delivers loads of fresh sappy raspberry, sweet red cherry and floral aromatics in a juicy medium-bodied style. Polished, smooth and lively, this is a refreshing change from Portugal’s more common darker heavier reds. $7.99/$6.40 case 
Camplazens Syrah 2005
With its name taken from a nearby region known as the “camp of pleasure” since Roman times, this French Syrah provides a glass of French-styled pleasure. A nod to the northern Rhône style is evident with its floral earthy almost meaty notes but overall is a polished mid-weight drinker that should please Syrah fans on both sides of the aisle. $9.99/$8.00 case 
Casamaro Rueda 2006 
Bursting with freshness, this Spanish white primes the palate and fires the imagination for the summery pleasures ahead. Lively tropical notes of kiwi and guava are intertwined with zesty orange rind and fleshy white peach to produce a lively liquid fruit salad. $9.99/ $8.00 case 
Verget du Sud "Au Fils du Temps," Vin de Pays du Vaucluse NV 
Produced by well-known Burgundian Jean- Marie Guffens from his Luberon estate, this blend of Grenache and Syrah is fresh and bright, full of floral spice, sweet cherries and raspberries with a touch of herbal garrigue. Light on its feet and brimming with crisp intensity, it'll make a fine pairing for a wide range of foods. $7.99/$6.40 case 
Promessa Rosso Salento 2005 
From the arid hills of southern Puglia in the heel of Italy's boot comes this warm-weather blend of Primitivo and Negroamaro. Delivering a sappy punch full of spicy dark cherry/raspberry, delicate citrus floral notes and a touch of smoke this is another example why we love this area for its great values. $7.99/$6.40 case 
Domaine des Schistes blanc 2005 
A delicious white that hails from the Catalan region in southwestern France, its fleshy melon fruit is nicely balanced by lively acidity and accented by hints of almond and mild herb. Fresh floral and decidedly dry, this is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Maccabeu and Muscat. $9.99/$8.00 case
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May 2007
Cortecillas Rioja 2005 
An elegant mid-weight Rioja that sees no oak allowing the bright red and black berry flavors to shine. Pure and clean with a palate-refreshing backbone of acidity and a kiss of smooth tannins on the finish. $7.99/$6.40 by the case 
Huntington Petit Sirah 2005 
So smooth and polished I'm suspicious that this was fed through one of those spinning rock polishers but it sure tastes good. Soft and velvety with ripe blackberry fruit and whiffs of vanilla-scented leather chaps. $9.99/$7.99 by the case 
Umani Ronchi Rosso Conero 2005 
Classic trattoria red that marries typical Italian characteristics (dry, meaty dusty notes) with a rush of sappy red fruit to produce an easy-to-like everyday red. Not too fruity, not too dry, it's just right. $9.99/$7.99 by the case 
Gouguenheim Malbec 2005 
Frank Gehry's Malbec of choice and why not? Doing what Malbec does best, the "Goug" whips smoky sweet marionberry fruit into a lush mouth-filling concoction with a splash of toasty oak and a dribble of brambly spice. $10.99/$8.79 by the case 
Tour Saint-Georges Bordeaux 2005 
One of the nicest young Bordeaux we've tasted in a while (considering the price), this has surprising complexity with subtle notes of floral iris and iron-rich earth to complement the dark cherry and plum fruit. Juicy and pretty intense for Bordeaux, this again shows the quality of the 2005 vintage. $9.99/$7.99 by the case 
Galan del Siglo Monastrell 2003 
This lost gem just showed up with a new distributor and we're thrilled that it's still the 2003. The years have mellowed this 100% Spanish Mourvedre transforming the "burly black fruit" wine into something much more. The dark black fruit is still there framed by a panoply of scents and flavors. Classic "barnyard" aromatics give way to sweet peppery spice and a long lush mouth-feel with echoes of wet earth plum and blackberry. $8.99/$7.19 by the case 
Marques de Caceres Rosado 2006 
Charmingly devoid of excessive complexity, this easy quaffer does not however necessarily lack character; only that its character is simple yet honest. Gently fruity, pretty and roundly textured with an addictive cherry strawberry succulence that seems to say: leave work, go to the park, drink me, then take a nap. $7.99/$6.39 
Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2006 
After tasting over a dozen Sauvignon Blancs at a recent trade tasting, we came away loving this New Zealand beauty. It displays the magic combination of richness, vibrancy and full-flavor that makes the best Marlborough blancs deliver. Full of aromatic green grass and light herbs, zingy lime, gooseberry, plus tropical passion fruit and guava, there's something for everybody. Crisp acidity and a bit of stony minerality keep it lively and fresh. $9.99/$7.99 by the case 
Domaine de la Guicharde Cotes du Rhone 2003 
This is just hitting its stride and while 2005 has been getting lots of press, it's hard to deny the pleasures of a red with a few years under its belt. Open and enticing with classic floral herbes de provence aromatics and a juicy mid-weight frame carrying the load of black raspberry fruit that tastes like it's been warmed by the sun. $8.99/$7.19 by the case 
Casa Santos Lima Fernao Pires 2006 
A traditional Portuguese white that drinks a bit like a dry Viognier. Pleasantly aromatic, the peach blossom and honeysuckle are there but not overwhelming; this sense of judicious restraint follows on the palate where the mild peach is fleshy and lanolin- creamy but balanced by a kick of acidity like a cool breeze on a warm day. $8.99/$7.19
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June 2007

Renwood Barbera 2004
Here's yet another example of a tasty Cal-Ital varietal. This classic Piedmont grape translates its juicy and plush dark cherry and floral aromas perfectly to the Sierra foothills and gets some additional spice and lift from a tiny bit of Viognier. $9.99
Campo da Vinha Vinho Verde 2006
Don't let the low price put you off, this is delicious stuff. Vinho Verde can be translated from Portuguese as one of the following English words (or preferably all of them together): light, tangy, zippy, floral, minutely effervescent, thirst-quenching, lip-smacking, addictive. Empty a bottle into your CamelBak and go for a hike. Seeing as you could probably chug a bottle in under three minutes, thank God the price is this low. $7.50
Chateau Bonnet Entre-deux-Mers 2006
Another tasty white that delivers much more than its bargain price suggests. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle, this offers pretty floral aromatics, a classic Sauvignon Blanc liveliness to start then fleshes out on the finish (thanks to the Semillon). Seemingly straightforward at first, its nuanced staying power may surprise you. $8.50
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2004
A Rhone red that has traded its rustic dirt- encrusted coveralls for a sport coat and slacks, this is polished and elegant, soft and mid-weight with a bouquet of lavender and bowl of just-ripe red berries. Charming and fit for warmer weather, the hint of chewiness on the finish shows character beneath all the pretty make-up. $9.99
Colosi Rosso di Sicilia 2005
After tasting the new vintage of this perennial best-seller, all I could think was, wow - what a stunner. Unexpectedly dark and richly textured yet balanced by refreshing acidity, this has waves of dark raspberry fruit and peppery spice lapping at the shore that is your palate. It even comes with a new and improved pretty label. $9.99
Eugene Carrel Jongieux Blanc 2006
Sounds like a character from a 19th century French novel (Balzac, maybe?) but no, he is the man responsible for this lovely white from France's Savoie region, land of fondue and yodeling. Comprised entirely of Jacquère (the dominant white varietal of the region since the late 1800's), this is all flowers and minerals bursting from the glass on a wave of scarcely- perceptible pétillance. Light, fresh, and vibrant, this has oyster-wine written all over it. $9.99
Canyon's Edge Sagebrush Red 2002
Another undervalued Washington red that gives the ever-popular Kamiak a run for its money. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah that is surprisingly rich and focused with pure Cabernet flavors of cassis and blackberry dominating with firmer red fruits bringing up the rear. Move over "House Wine", Sagebrush Red is blowing in to town. $9.99
Conti di Buscareto Verdicchio 2006
Fresh off the boat and ready to party, this lovely Italian white wears a steely stony facade but teases the tastebuds with fleshy melon and pear fruit until it gives up the game and lets it all hang out. $9.99
Chateau Pesquié Rosé 2005
Delivering all that's needed in a rose at a great price, this is juicy, medium-weight and dangerously easy to quaff. The pretty strawberry fruit is light and fragrant, and the finish is clean and refreshing. Hmm..., maybe I'll go open a bottle right now and watch the fading colors of the setting sun. $9.99
Tamas Estates Zinfandel 2004
Easy to like and easy to drink, this new arrival is chock-full of high-toned red berry fruit and zesty spice. It packs plenty of flavor without being overly jammy or heavy. Get out the grill. $8.99
Les Heritiques Rouge 2005
A shop favorite for I don't know how many years and one of the rare inexpensive Frenchies that remains so (both inexpensive and Frenchie). With classic Languedoc flavors of dense black fruit and earthy spice, this hearty little number gives you something to chew on besides your dinner mint. $7.99
Red Guitar Tempranillo-Garnacha'05
A burly (read modern) style of Tempranillo with roasted black fruit flavors, toasted herbs that is rich on the palate shot through with a burst of bright red tangy fruit from the Grenache. Punchy and jocuarly robust, this would be great with grilled lamb covered in herbs or North African tangine. $9.99
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July 2007

Here's yet Penfolds Coonawarra Shiraz 2003
Cost Plus' loss (ssssss) is your gain. This "private" label for the world market chain is no longer private and is actually just re-labeled Bin 128, which is normally priced $18-20. If, like me, you can't keep all the bins straight, Bin 128 is Penfolds' cool-climate shiraz and it shows. Instead of explosively jammy fruit, this shows balance and restraint with Rhône-like characteristics of meaty aromatics and minerally structure underlying the floral raspberry fruit. Now just $10.99.
Molitor Riesling 2004
Markus Molitor produces so many different bottlings that my teeth almost hurt just thinking about it. When we visited him two years ago, he had almost sixty different Rieslings to taste! (Talk about an education). This introductory offering is a delicious window into his style. Once past the mild yeasty notes (the wine ages on its lees), the wine is pure and crystal clear with a little lemon curd tang on the finish. Dry, mid- weight and vibrant, this is terrific summer quaffing. $9.99
Finca El Reposo Malbec 2004
People are digging Malbec, that's what I see, and why not when they taste like this. A little familiar and a little not, the dark red fruit is spicy and smoky with light oak notes and cinnamon all packed in a medium-to-full bodied balanced package. $9.99
Chateau D'Oupia Rosé 2006
This perennial favorite has delivered the goods for years and the 2006 is a worthy successor. Charming in its duality and ease of use, it offers both an elegant and pretty profile and juicy generous watermelon/red berry fruit, all for a great price. $10.99
Marques de Reala Grenache 2005
The river of Spanish Garnacha continues to flow; up this month, a midweight juicy little number that boasts surprising intensity with its mouthful of crushed black raspberries and spicy finish and just the right amount of earthy notes and tannin. $9.99
Heartland Stickleback White 2006
Not sure what a stickleback is but I think I like it. Produced by Ben Glaetzer (who also produces 98 point-scoring $100 wines), this Australian blend of Chardonnay, Semillon, and Verdelho is floral, bright and bursting with fleshy tropical fruit. Lively acidity keeps the round fruit in check and leaves a kiss of sweet tart on the finish. $9.99
Cermeno Tinto de Toro 2005
A Tempranillo from the wilds of Toro, Spain that is quite the powerhouse: the spicy blackberry and boysenberry fruit is sappy and fleshy and the ample grip and heft cry out for charred meats. $10.99
Domaine Chênes-Colombes Macon-Villages 2005
We've sold this before but at a recent tasting, it seemed to show even better. Offering the grace and clarity of French Chardonnay with a welcome plumpness thanks to the 2005 vintage, it seemed an easy choice for July. On one hand, it's straightforward and refreshing, but also possesses nuance and a sense of place. $9.99
J. Lohr Valdigué 2006
And now for something completely different. This California red is like Beaujolais yet via the Languedoc. So vibrantly violet in color that it almost glows, it offers floral aromatics and the gentle tannins of Beaujolais with lively spice notes and ripe yet mellow black fruit flavors. Light-to-medium bodied, chill this a bit and go for a picnic. $8.99
Fantelli Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Sometimes a good cheap Cab is all you need. At this price, it's a far cry from Quilceda Creek, but for summer picnics and BBQ you won't be upset if someone drinks it all while you're off playing badminton. With dark black fruits and notes of smoky loam, this has better structure and balance than the price suggests. $6.99
Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Sangiovese 2005
A wine (and story) that is perfectly suited to the Small Vineyards vision. This wine is made by monks, and has been made in the same abbey since the 14th century (they also grow all their own food as well). Not released for commercial use, (how Tom Kelly talked them into selling some to the United States is probably a good story in its own right) any money raised by its sale is redirected to charity. And the wine itself? Awfully nice. A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, it drinks like an Italian with slight Bordeaux notes, open-knit and juicy with cherry plum fruit and hints of herbal spice. Mid-weight and built to be a daily drinker (it is the monks' daily drinker, after all) this is well-suited to summer's coming casual meals. Only 400 cases produced. $10.99
Antonio Sanguineti Vincero! 2006
Brought to us by "Maestro" Sanguineti, who makes the very popular Nessun Dorma Super Tuscan we've featured before. A tasty Tuscan white blend of Vermentino, Malvasia, and Chardonnay that offers up a variety of flavors for not a lot of money. It begins with lushly- textured, vibrant floral white fruits veering toward the tropical and then is joined by a kick of lemon and lively acidity to create a complex finish. Equally good as a great sipper or a partner for food. $9.99
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INDEX