MARCH CASE OF THE MONTH - $135

 
 

Ramirana Apalta Vineyard Red 2015
Another awesome already-aged-for-you warehouse find that is drinking beautifully this comes from the highly regarded Apalta Vineyard in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carmenère and 15% Petit Verdot, this offers Bordeaux-like finesse and heightened aromatics courtesy of the Carmenère. Woodsy and floral to start, the palate delivers a silky stream of bright cherry, black raspberry and currant, lightly dusted in peppery spice ending with caressingly creamy tannins. Originally $25+, here just $14.99  

Ercole Barbera del Monferrato 2022
Packaged in a liter-sized bottle to help wash away the sordid memories of dry January this young red is as cracklin’ fresh as if drawn straight from the cask in the winery’s cellars. It showcases the vivacious high notes that make Barbera such a food-friendly varietal as the vibrant acidity wraps around the medium-bodied palate pulsing the flavors along. Floral violet aromas lead to crunchy cran-raspberry and blueberry fruit notes that glide along a smooth glossy texture. $12.99

Branko Ribolla Gialla Collio 2020
Ribolla Gialla is such a cool varietal and is rarely this inexpensive so we jumped on this deal. A local varietal in the Collio region since at least the 1300’s (when an Italian poet listed ‘indulgence of Ribolla wines’ as one of the sins of gluttony), it is rarely seen elsewhere except for neighboring Slovenia where it is known as Rebula. This version offers the varietal’s trademark lively acidity and floral, lightly earthy aromatics married to a soft dappled texture thanks to partial aging in neutral oak. This added richness makes it a great winter white while still being able to shine with seafood or lighter dishes. Originally $19, now $13.99

Notre Dame des Pallières Côtes du Rhône 2021
Over the past few years we have featured single village reds from this Gigondas-based winery; both the Sablet and Rasteau were very popular and this should be as well. In addition to great winemaking ,the blend here is atypical for the region making it tasty and interesting. With 50% Syrah, 25% each Grenache and Marselan, this offers big, wild flavors with a polished medium-bodied texture, an incongruity that made me thinking of glamping. The fruit leans dark, with blackberry and deep cherry, and non-fruit accent notes ran the gamut from cinnamon, nutmeg and coffee bean to a pepper/herb-crusted steak grilling over hardwood briquettes. $13.99

Jean-François Garlon Beaujolais Cuvée Réserve 2017
From biodynamically farmed old vines, this is a dense meaty style of Gamay, more like an old school Burgundy (Pinot Noir) or even northern Rhône with its woodsy wild blueberry and dark cherry fruit. Despite several years in bottle there is still power under the hood. With air it gets prettier revealing notes of black tea, rosy floral aromatics and cola before finishing with lightly earthy tannins. Originally $20, importer retiring makes it just $12.99

Gump Hof Vernatsch Alto Adige 2016
The Prackwieser family has owned this winery for over 200 years, nestled among the steep slopes along the Italian/Austrian border. Although part of Italy now, the region once was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and many longtime wineries have German names and use German nomenclature for varietals. Vernatsch is German for Sciava, an indigenous varietal that produces charming, lighter-bodied reds with vibrant acidity and supple cherry fruit. The nose here is inviting, a perfumed mix of fennel, toasted brown spice, orange zest and black cherry. Age has nicely softened the acidity without dulling the fruit making this an easy-going, chuggable red that borders on thirst-quenching. If you're a fan of Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir and other cool climate reds this is fun to explore. $14.99

Rio Madre Graciano Rioja 2021
Graciano is a minor varietal in Rioja, typically added in small percentages to Tempranillo-dominant blends to add color, body and softness. Rarely bottled separately, it's fun to taste it on its own and see what it brings to a blend. Inky dark and full-bodied, blue- and blackberry fruit is accented with dusty mineral smoky notes and plenty of black peppery spice. This is richly flavored yet lively and juicy, with soft fruit-encased tannins on the finish. $11.99

Ravier Apremont Savoie 2021
With suggestions of Sancerre or even Chablis, this white from the French Alps is a refreshing prelude to spring. 100% Jacquère, the main local varietal, this longtime GWB favorite offers a mouthwatering mix of lemon, green apple and limestone intensity backed by floral fresh herb aromatics and a snappy crisp texture. $12.99

Altos de la Hoya Monastrell 2020 
Coming from Spain's Jumilla region, this is made from very old ungrafted vines, some of which were planted in way back in 1872 (!). Offering an appealing mix of old-world character and new world accessibility, this is aromatically expressive as notes of violets, lavender and thyme waft from the glass. The fruit is juicy dark and lightly firm, skillfully threaded with fine-grained tannins. $10.99 

Villadoria Senatore Primo Piemonte Rosso 2020
This blend of Barbera and Dolcetto is a classic daily drinker Piedmont red. Offering a crunchy lively feel with mild earthy aromatics, the ripe plum softness is balanced by zestier notes of cran-raspberry, a refreshing pick-me-up on a dull winter’s eve. Regularly $17, now $12.99.

Casa Santos Lima Bons Ventos Lisboa 2021
A rock-solid Portuguese bargain red, this opens with brambly spicy notes of potting soil and freshly ground pepper followed by a wave of dark marionberry and boysenberry fruit. Sappy and smooth on top with an underlying power below, it's juicy and friendly with enough side flavors to hold your interest. $9.99

Jean-Marie Reverdy Charme de Loire Sauvignon Blanc 2022
This classic Loire Sauv Blanc comes from near Sancerre and impressed us with it’s elegant floral nose, clean flavors and happy personality. There’s a nice burst of citrus, white peach, subtle green herb touches and a bit of minerality that keeps it all juicy and vibrant. This would pair well with a variety of foods from cheeses and other nibbles, to seafood chicken and pork. $13.99


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