October Case Of The Month - $115
COM = a mixed case with one bottle each of these winners
– or you can buy them individually as well...
Domaine Pouillon Katydid Horse Heaven Hills 2012
Deal Alert! This Rhône style Columbia Gorge red has been popular for years; as the winery releases a new vintage they are blowing out the last of the abundant (and highly regarded) 2012. Offering a European flavor profile matched to the fuller fruitiness of the Pacific NW, this shows a Mourvèdre influenced spicy meatiness and light funk, secondary flourishes that nicely frame the succulent black plum and berry fruit. Now is a good time to raise a glass to the Columbia Gorge and its resilience; this seriously good red makes it easy. Normally $28, here just $14.99.
Rondan Rioja Crianza 2011
This longtime traditional Rioja favorite shines in 2011 offering loads of old world character and interest at a great price. Its marble-smooth texture is full and creamy, accented by fresh spicy oak and a warm clay earthiness. The mix of red and black berry fruit is mellow yet concentrated, opening with air in the glass before finishing with an al dente chewiness. $11.99
Ippolito Ciro Rosso 2015
The warmth of the ’15 vintage brings this southern Italian monster out of the darkness, softening its burly edges and giving it an appealing perfumed nose. 100% Gaglioppo from the toe of Italy’s boot, it isn’t completely tamed and still carries enough structure and tannin to pair nicely with autumn’s heartier dishes. Red berry on the nose turns to black on the palate with tobacco and licorice highlights, flavors that collide on the powerful finish. $10.99
Mason Sauvignon Blanc Napa 2014
Offering an autumn-appropriate richness and breadth, this Napa white runs through a range of flavors including zesty grapefruit, freshly cut herb and late summer melon. The interplay of brisk stony crispness and sunny tropical softness lends it surprising tension. Rightly popular at its regular price of $17, this is a lot of fun at just $10 (thanks to an end of vintage deal).
Bouchaine Pinot Noir Carneros 2011
A terrific closeout deal gets this $30 Cali Pinot down to just $12. When first opened it shows a typical Carneros style restraint but becomes more lively and full with air as boysenberry and ripe cherry flavors balance the loamy dried herb earth notes. Shifting through a range of Pinot personalities, it offered flashes of Burgundy, New Zealand, Oregon and of course California. Classy wine for just $11.99.
Lapostolle Carmenère Cuvée Alexandre 2013
Rich, smoky and lush, there’s lots to like in this closeout deal on Chile’s signature varietal. Coming from the highly regarded organic Apalta vineyard, this offers a concentrated punch of cocoa-dusted dark black fruit with just a vein of Carmenère’s trademark peppery tobacco kick before finishing powerful and savory. Tasting it made me think of all kinds of hearty winter dishes, now to decide which one to make. Normally $24?, here $11.99.
La Tremenda Monastrell 2014
An outlier in many regards, this displays a jazzy, elegant red-fruited face of Spanish Mourvèdre, capturing a 92 point review from the Wine Advocate- quite impressive for the price. Old vines planted in limestone at 2000 feet translates to complexity and an uncommon freshness for this typically burly varietal. The cherry kirsch flavors are pretty and polished with a sprinkling of Mediterranean herbs and dusty stony notes that fade gently on the finish. $11.99
Palazzone Orvieto 2014
A classic Italian white from Umbria, some Orvieto bianco can taste benign to the point of boring, but not this one. Some time in bottle gives this a satisfying richness and the light honeyed texture plays well alongside brighter notes of fresh green grapes and lemon cream. With toasted almonds on the nose and salt water taffy on the finish, this has more complexity than first meets the eye. $9.99
Royal Tokaji Furmint 2011
Distinctive and autumnal, this Hungarian white opens with candied lemon peel, sea salt and brown spice aromatics dropping into poached pear and ripe musk melon on the palate. The texture is lovely, plump and rollicking and the Alsatian-like earthiness adds depth and nuance. $10.99.
Varvaglione Primitivo, Salento 2014
A delicious example of this Italian relative (parent, sibling?) ofZinfandel, this balances a warm southern Italian juiciness with a countryside forest aromatic spiciness. Aromas of hickory smoke and zesty pine forest hover above the dark raspberry fruit ending with a cushiony chew. Not only is it tasty, it’s fun to say! $8.99
Cambis Saint-Chinian 2014
Striking a balance between polished and rustic, this happy Languedoc Grenache-Syrah blend is full of ripe raspberry and red currant, friendly flavors surrounded by a dog’s kiss of barnyard funk. Hints of cured salami and allspice weave in and out as the fruit ambles its way to an easy-going finish. $10.99
Cigarra Tinto 2015
Blissfully free of any cigar ash flavors, this Portuguese red is clean and lively with perfumed pie cherry and cranberry fruit that goes down smooth. Versatile and juicy, this has daily drinker written all over it. $9.50
Recent GWB Newsletters
Here are current and back-issues of the Great Wine Buys Newsletter to help you print out this month or find a wine from past issues.