June Case Of The Month - $115
COM = a mixed case with one bottle each of these winners
– or you can buy them individually as well
Thulon Beaujolais-Villages 2017
Summery in weight but with more depth than at first glance, this offers telltale Gamay notes of violet and potting soil earthiness. Beyond the floral aromatics the fruit runs raspberry to marionberry, supple and smooth with a gentle yet persistent granite firmness on the finish. $11.99
Hecht & Bannier Languedoc Rouge 2016
H&B is a dynamic winemaking partnership with several projects across the Languedoc and their basic red is especially good in 2016. Although it bears the simple Languedoc appellation the fruit was sourced exclusively from an organic vineyard in Saint Chinian. 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 15% Carignan, this showcases the intensity of warm-weather Syrah. Dark, meaty and lightly gamey, it’s full-bodied and plump on the palate, the aromatics of lavender and black tea turning to blackberry and cassis on the palate. The finish softens slightly with pops of black licorice and peppercorn. $11.50
Bertani Rosé 2018
Delicate and fragrant, this was one of the first new rosés we tasted this spring and its pale color and gentle flavors seemed to mirror the first tentative moments of winter fading to spring. Made by a top Amarone producer, this is about as opposite as possible from Amarone. Brisk and refreshing it drinks almost more like a white with a light peachiness and fresh garden herb, flavors that melt away on the dry finish. $9.99
Adega de Moncao Vinho Verde 2017
Lightly spritzy and refreshingly thirst quenching, these Portuguese whites are a summertime favorite. This new-to-us bottling is slightly more serious than most and goes beyond the basics of snap, crackle and pop; creamier and richer in texture, there’s a white peach fruitiness that perfectly complements the cool stone spearmint snappiness. $10.99
Casata Monticello Dolcetto d’Asti 2017
Surprisingly supple and smooth for a young Dolcetto, there is still an undercurrent of Dolcetto’s trademark tannic structure lurking within, toothsome and pleasantly raspy. Medium-weight and summer-ready, the black cherry cola and raspberry flavors are spiced with notes of red licorice, mixed peppercorn and that movie house snack favorite, Cinnamon Red Hots. $9.99
Brutal Mencia Bierzo 2015
With a name like that, need we say more? Actually despite being a bit meaty and wild tasting, it’s not really brutal but does deliver loads of interest and flavor for the money. Deceptively smooth to start with a wash of dark blue fruit (like, really blue), it slowly builds into a rumbling muscle-y brambly powerhouse. Tarry sanguine iron leafy notes permeate the fruit while grippy tannins hang on the finish. No shy summer sipper, give this some air, pair with grilled meats and enjoy the ride. $11.99
Labbé Abymes Vin de Savoie 2017
Reminiscent of a bone-dry Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, this offers a razor’s edge profile of lemon, lime and Alpine stone backed by a juniper gin-like spiciness; instead of having a gin and tonic, drink a glass of this instead. 100% Jacquère from France’s Savoie region, as brisk and invigorating as the high mountain air. $11.99
Bonelli Gutturnio Superiore 2016
An off-the-beaten-path red from western Emilia-Romagna that marries the familiar Barbera (60%) to the less familiar Bonarda (40%). Slightly rustic in a livelyvino di tavola style, this is fragrant and appealing with cola-tinged cherry fruit, cocoa and countryside herbal aromas. The texture is generous and smooth with just enough Barbera acidity to keep it fresh. $11.99
Mavette Vaucluse 2017
Wish you were in Provence right now? Lounging by your Airbnb’s pool after a vigorous hike in the limestone hills? We can’t help you with that but we can tell you that if you were there, this 100% Grenache is the type of country red wine you would find in the local café, bistro or bar. Hearty and mouthfilling there’s an appealing honesty to the flavors and style, a little unpolished but heartfelt. Warm black plum opens to ripe kirsch flavors while notes of wet earth, licorice and garam masala hang in the background. $8.99
Roto Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
True to its Chilean origin this is a spicy savory style, backed by a wash of lively blackberry boysenberry fruit. The finish is sappy and peppery trailing fruit-encased tannins. With big flavors and personality this punches above its price point. $11.99
Sanz Rueda 2017
There’s a decidedly citrusy personality to this Spanish white yet like a good Bordeaux blanc, the blending of two complementary varietals leads to a balance of flavors and texture. Racy pink grapefruit is balanced by softer tropical notes of cantaloupe, guava and mango before finishing with a lemon zest saline snap. $11.50
Guenoc Petit Sirah 2016
A bargain hit last summer, let’s do it again! 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 as gentle tannins hold everything together. $8.99
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.
Coming Soon