August/September 2008  
Case of the Month $100

As the world's nations convene to battle it out in summer sports, the Case O' gathers once again the world's best values for a less exhausting get-together. As the Olympics are a means to learn about the rest of the world, so is the Case (pun intended) here. Although we've no Chinese wine, this case offers plenty of delicious ways to learn more about foreign lands. Enjoy!

FYI: The case contains 1 bottle each of the 12 selections at a discounted price. You are also welcome to purchase the wines individually, as part of a custom mixed case (10% discount), or by the whole case (20% discount). 

Granbazan Albarino 2007
Originally $18, a last minute switcheroo deal makes this just $10.50! We were going to write it up at $18, at this price, it can't be beat. Customers love the ying/yang personality of Albariño, from Rias Baixas in Galicia, on Spain's northwest coast. This boasts a lemony citrus zing! balanced perfectly with a bit of plump peach and tropical ahhh! Chalky minerality, a smidge of white pepper and floral spice add complexity. A classic seafood wine, we love this with shrimp and briny oysters fresh off the Weber. $10.50

Monte Oton Grenache 2007
Another eminently drinkable Spanish Grenache from importer Jorge Ordonez and Borsao (who produces shop fave Tres Picos) whose flavors and value mimic the legendary Fuego Garnacha. Medium-weight and sappy smooth, the ripe cherry fruit is shot through with peppery smoky briary notes and the finish is surprisingly long. It's tough to beat these Spaniards when it comes to value. $9.99

Lezaun Rosado 2007
Take the heat out of a late summer's eve with this bargain-priced Spanish favorite. 100% Grenache from Navarra, this is soft and fleshy with cherry/strawberry fruit and a touch of spice on the finish. It goes down awfully easy and at this price, you won't feel bad opening another bottle. Still incredibly priced at just $7.99.

Garofoli Rosso Piceno 2006
This easy-drinking pizza wine is just the ticket when it comes to casual meals and get-togethers. Smooth, grapey and mouth-filling with black tarry fruit and just hints of meaty smoky Italian-ness. A wine everyone seems to enjoy, as a friend says "Chateau No Problem". $9.99

Drouhin Laforet Chardonnay 2006
A continual hit and best-seller, this French Chardonnay has it all for the right price. It is creamy and flavorful enough to satisfy those who prefer rich Chardonnay flavors yet retains its inimitable French-ness with its lively crisp profile and mild minerally edge. Party, picnic, dinner... if you're looking to please a diverse crowd, this is the white of choice. $9.99

Cellar #8 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Packing everything desirable in a summertime headed-to-a-BBQ Cab, this reliable Californian is velvety smooth and offers real Cab flavors (blackberry, cassis, plum) in a rich but not overly jammy style. Notes of toasty oak, vanilla and coconut add sex appeal yet never overshadow the purity of the fruit. $9.99

Nugan Shiraz 2006
A surprisingly complex Australian, this delivers a range of Syrah flavors without resorting to simple ripe fruit to carry the day. High-toned raspberry aromatics turn to darker fruit on the palate while plenty of spice and floral earthy notes swirl about. $9.99

Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet 2007
The iconic green bottle is back and in excellent form. Formerly a little-known white varietal from France's Languedoc region whose name in the local dialect means "lip-stinger", this lively white has become a much-beloved Portland summertime favorite. Notable for its bracing acidity, the 2007 is of course lively and zesty but also has amazing staying power on the palate for such a modest wine. Perfect for cooling off after some strenuous gardening. $9.99

In Optimus Minervois 2005
With such an optimistic name, how can one not be inspired? Minervois is a sub-appellation of France's sunny Languedoc countryside and this tastes every bit the part. Fleshy and plump, the full-flavored black fruit tastes as if warmed by the sun and a nice dark loamy mineral edge hints of something wild. $9.99

Semeli Mountain Sun White 2006
Although choosing a Greek wine during Olympics month seems like a cute idea, we actually chose this because it is a lovely summer white, something new and rather exciting. A blend of Moschofilero & Roditis from the Peloponnese, there are hints of the exotic in an otherwise familiar package. Fresh and floral with orange blossom and rose notes, the palate alternates between lemony fruit and lean stony notes and overall is refreshingly light on its feet. $10.99

Carchelo Jumilla 2006
100% Monastrell (Mourvedre) made in a polished perfume-y style that makes for rather irresistible drinking. With flavors of ripe blackberry, tangy marionberry and herbal spice, this cries out for grilled lamb or spicy pork sausages. $9.99

Trumpeter Malbec-Syrah 2006
A fifty-fifty split that results in a whole lot of juicy black fruit flavors, peppery spice and chocolate-covered cherries for dessert. Broad and plush on the palate, this takes all the fun of Malbec and adds a similar favorite Syrah for an overload of tasty red wine delight. $8.50

Curious about wines we’ve included in previous Cases of the Month?
Click here to see our previous choices.