MAY/JUNE CASE OF THE MONTH - $135

Autre Monde Zinfandel Columbia Gorge 2023
We’re happy to see this again, a limited-run bargain from Chris Berg at Roots Wine Co. in Yamhill. Made from the Primitivo clone planted in the Heritage block of the Pines Vineyard just outside The Dalles, this is brighter, prettier and more medium-bodied than a typical California Zin. Its appealing freshness is matched to a round rolling mouthfeel with raspberry, strawberry and fresh currant flavors accented by aromas of woodsy briar, rosemary and cracked pepper. $14.99

Rippa Dorii Ribera del Duero Roble 2021
A 100% Tempranillo that drinks like a more expensive bottle, this offers a broad, flowing, almost sensual texture boosted by a punchy through-line that keeps the flavors rolling. The push-pull of mellow fruit and lively aromatics keeps it dynamic, while warm tones of African brown spices, cedar shavings and smoked paprika lend a grounded yet exotic feel. Delivers quite a lot for just $13.99.

Château de Gaudou Cahors Grande Lignée 2019
From the southwestern French appellation that is synonymous with Malbec, this reserve-level cuvée has softened and smoothed out thanks to five years of bottle age but still shows an underpinning of the earth-driven power and pastoral rusticity that Cahors is famous for. An umami-rich perfume of thyme, cured olive and braising beef hovers above just-ripe plum and black currant with a hint of orange rind adding lift and complexity. Old world flavors in a juicy approachable style makes this a great introduction (or revisit) to Cahors. Normally $19, a timely flash sale makes it now just $14.99.

Lismore Sauvignon Blanc “The Retreat” Marlborough 2023
Like a lower alcohol tropical cocktail or, if you’re hallucinating from sunstroke, a beach party in a bottle, this NZ SB delivers a kaleidoscope of color flavors – grapefruit ruby red, kiwi green, mango orange and pineapple yellow with a generous dash of salted lime to amp it up even more. Legit Marlborough character for just $11.99.

Maison Noir O.P.P. Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021
A local end-of-vintage deal, this “Other People’s Pinot” comes from the irreverent winery project founded by sommelier André Heuston Mack in 2007. Made in a lush, polished style, the rosy floral aromatics lead to dark cherry and red plum with hints of toasted oak and cola spice riding out the finish. Normally in the mid-$20’s, now just $14.99.

Château Lauriga “Le Cadet” Côtes du Roussillon 2019
Lost in a warehouse and found recently while installing new shelving!, this five-year-old Syrah-dominant blend from the French Spanish border is in a great spot. Rich and full of flavor, the texture is chewy yet polished smooth and a wee hint of barnyard adds that fourth dimension of complexity. This Wine Spectator May 2021 review does it justice although four additional years of bottle age have helped soften the tannins and integrate the flavors even more. "A glossy red, with garrigue and spice notes edging the steeped cherry and raspberry reduction notes that are bound by supple but powerful tannins. Black tea, mineral and meaty aromas echo on the finish.” 90 pts. Reviewed at $20, here just $12.99.

Ultraviolet Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
A labor of love project of winemaker Samantha Sheehan, the fruit here comes from high-ish elevation vineyards in northern California’s Lake County giving this a more elegant, almost European feel compared to most Cali Cabs in this price range. Medium-bodied with a lightly caressing texture, the blackberry/currant dark tones are brightened by flashes of strawberry/rhubarb while pops of green peppercorn, dark chocolate and a kiss of oak linger on the sticky finish. $14.99

Umani Ronchi Villa Bianchi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2023
An invigorating mash-up of poached pear, lime zest, toasted almond and saltwater taffy, this offers a spirited personality with flavors that start electric, soften and lengthen slightly mid-palate before racing off again on the finish. $13.99

Volcanes Carménère Reserva Rapel Valley 2022 
Silky smooth and mouthfilling, this Chilean red is packed with flavor from the sweet, cured tobacco and chipotle nose to the cocoa powder sandalwood notes on the creamy finish. In between is a flowing river of ripe warm black/blue berry compote lightly dusted with cinnamon. 15% Cabernet Sauvignon adds dimension and structure and helps tame Carmenère’s typical green peppery bite. Time to break out the grill! $11.99 

Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2022
An archetypal Italian table wine, this delivers a sturdy, savory mouthful of dark meaty fruit; it would pair equally well with one last hearty wintery stew or the first BBQ of the summer season. The fruit is dense and lightly grippy, black cherry streaked with red berry, studded with suggestions of dried oregano, allspice and black licorice. $11.99

Protocolo Blanco La Tierra de Castillo 2023
This surprisingly tasty value Spanish white comes from central Spain about 50 miles south of Madrid. Comprised mostly of Macabeo and Airén, a little known but widely planted workhorse variety, it is fleshy and round with generous flavors of pear, melon and shortbread cookie balanced by a vein of citrus-y acidity and a lively white pepper, ginger bite on the finish. $9.99

Château Routas Rosé Coteaux Varois en Provence 2023
This popular Provençal pink comes from a beautiful, forested estate “nestled between the old town elegance of Aix-en-Provence and the white sand beaches that line the Gulf de Saint Tropez.” Dang, just typing that makes me want to pop a bottle. Made in a brisk refreshing style the flavors are precise, delicate and persistent, with waves of watermelon, cherry and light peach crashing upon the shores of your palate propelled by zesty, tongue-tickling acidity. Minerally crisp throughout, the finish brings a final wave of peppery herbes de Provence aromatics and a tangerine twist snappiness. 50% Cinsault, 30% Grenache 20% Syrah. $13.99

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