June/July Case Of The Month - $115
COM = a mixed case with one bottle each of these winners
– or you can buy them individually as well.
Radicle Red Col Valley 2014
An unusual blend hiding behind an odd label but it works well. Italian flavors are married to a smooth lush Washington texture, medium-bodied and comforting. The fruit is black and mellow, joined by notes of balsamic, warm oak and spiced salumi, spiked with clove, nutmeg and allspice. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Barbera. $11.99
Broadbent Vinho Verde NV
Cool brisk and limey, like a refreshing slap of aftershave, this perennial summertime favorite is a welcome sight, bringing with it imagined plans of creekside picnics, lazy gardening or just being honest with myself and napping in a shaded hammock. Lower in alcohol and tongue-tickling with its prickly spritz, it’s a perfect way to cool off on a warm afternoon. Aside from its citrusy thrust, there’s a splash of ripe pear and juicy green grape flavors on the finish adding a touch of richness and length. $9.99
Isle Saint Pierre Rosé 2017
An “island” wine from near the end of the Rhône where it empties into the Mediterranean, this looks and drinks like a typical lovely Provençal pink but the varietal mix is a surprise: 40% each Merlot and Cab Franc joined by a mix of Arinarnoa, Tannat Cab Sauv and Petite Verdot. Apparently Grenache, Syrah, etc. did not fare well in the sandy, silty soil but no matter, this drinks beautifully. With plenty of lift and cut to balance its overall gentle texture, the perfumed aromatics of salt air and thyme hover over fruit flavors of white peach, tangerine and just-ripe cherry with a splash of salty lime on the finish. $9.99
Santo Cristo Garnacha 2016
A high-elevation closeout deal from northern Spain, the juicy strawberry and black cherry fruit is backed by a minerally spine thanks to the region’s clay ferrous soil. $7.99
Delas Côtes du Rhône 2016
This review in The Wine Advocate nicely conveys the joy this young red brings: “A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, this is a screaming value. It offers bold black cherry and blueberry fruit aromas, lively fruit flavors, silky tannins and a crisp, lengthy mocha-tinged finish. Drink this bouncy little wine over the next couple of years.” $12.99
Tormaresca Neprica 2015
A popular country wine from the heel of Italy’s boot, this is a good daily drinker with rich satisfying flavors delivered in a lively palate-refreshing style. Bass notes of warm muddled berries and dark plum are balanced by tangy cranberry rhubarb notes while aromatics of rosemary and baking spice hang in the background. Juicy and lively, it finishes with a red licorice craisiny cola bite. $9.99
Gilbert Chon Muscadet 2016
Dry, crisp, prickly and jumpy, this Loire Valley white is just the thing to wake up your palate after a long day. Saline floral aromatics lead to bread dough and lemon drop notes on the palate finishing with a white pepper snappiness. $11.99
Guenoc Petit Sirah 2016
Unabashedly fruity and boisterous, this Cali red carries a friendly party-time vibe and price, just the ticket for our emerging BBQ season. It tastes of a mix of whatever berry flavors exist, all fully ripe and crushed together in one big happy glass. Despite its richness it offers poise and balance with the more rustic side of Petit Sirah emerging on the finish, a gentle grip of tannins which holds everything together. $8.99
Egiarte Tempranillo Crianza 2013
Showing the burlier side of Tempranillo, this comes from a small organic family farm just outside the Rioja border. It starts dark and muscular before opening to reveal punchy mixed berry and black cherry fruit shaded by woodsy, spicy oak. Powerful tannins rise on the finish making this a good pick for BBQ ribs or a well-marbled steak. $9.99
Astruc Viognier 2017
Aromatic and gregarious, there’s something cheery about Viognier. The new vintage of this longtime favorite is again spot on: floral honeysuckle aromatics lead to sappy peach on the palate while a low-voltage current of acidity keeps it all lively and fresh. From the Limoux region of southern France. $9.99
Rutini Trumpeter Malbec 2016
This Argentine offers more than first meets the eye as it took a few minutes to open up but once it did, there’s lots going on. While the texture is new world, caressing and supple, the flavors seem more old world with mellow black fruit, cracked mixed pepper and a beef jerky earthiness. As it opens the flavors shift to red while a perfume of rosewater and milk chocolate colors the whole. $10.99
Paraza Minervois 2014
Compact layered and complete, this southern French red is a lot of wine for the money. A pool of blackberry compote is stiffened with nuggets of iron-tinged dried currant while leathery herb notes ride out the long finish. Rustic and hearty, this tastes of the French countryside. $11.99
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