JUNE/JULY CASE OF THE MONTH - $135

Ruta 22 Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2021
With true-to-varietal Cab Sauv flavors and surprising complexity this was a solid buy even at its original price of $15. Thanks to an oops-wrong-shipment deal, $9.99 is even better! The aromatics are high-toned and mildly exotic, an airy blend of fresh mint, toasted nut, cigar box and dark fruits. The texture is silky and medium-bodied with black cherry and currant floating above an aromatic bass line of sandalwood, incense and cocoa powder while light tannins on the finish add texture and punch. Normally $15, now $9.99.

Mazzei Poggio Badiola Toscana 2019
From vineyards high up in the Chianti hills, this summer-weight Sangiovese-dominant blend is quintessential Tuscan vino da tavola. Meant to accompany food it’s fresh and zesty with tangy cherry and plum surrounded by inviting aromatics of oregano, balsamic, blond tobacco and fennel seed. It strikes an ideal balance between palate-cleansing acidity, light crunchy tannins and supple fruit. Normally $18, a distributor-switch deals makes it just $11.99. 

Côté Mas Rouge 2022
With its bonus 1 Liter size, easy-to-open screwcap and juicy, medium-bodied profile this southern French red is a great pick for picnics, camping or parties on the go. Or, if you’re too lazy to do any of those things, it will be just as enjoyable sitting at home! 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache from the Languedoc, it’s chuggable and almost thirst-quenching as lively raspberry and marionberry flavors dance across the palate backed by light aromas of fresh herb and wet earth. $13.99

Farina Lugana 2021
100% Trebbiano from hillside vineyards south of Lake Garda, west of Verona, this offers an irresistible mix of succulent fleshy fruit and refreshingly zippy acidity as a creamy pillow of ripe pear, dried mango and nutty shortbread is electrified by a vein of tangy lemon before finishing with a salty snap. Reminded us of a lighter-weight version of longtime favorite Marchetti Cavaliere Verdicchio. Originally $20, end-of-vintage deal so now $13.99.  

Aramis Shiraz McLaren Vale 2021
Crikey!, it’s been quite a while since we’ve had an Aussie Shiraz in the case but, in the words of one eloquent taster, this is classy-a** stuff. The McLaren Vale region is prized for producing more moderately endowed reds compared to many other Australian regions, as many vineyards benefit from the cooling breezes of the nearby Gulf St Vincent. The Aramis Estate vineyard in particular is among the coolest in the appellation, sitting just a few kilometers inland from the sea. That said, this is still classic Shiraz – inky dark and opaque with dark aromas of Mission fig, blackberry, coffee and cracked pepper edged with a balancing lemony lift. Full-bodied and lush, the flavors are saturated but not overly fruity, while an underlying structure and light tannins keep the richness in check. Normally $16, now just $10.99.

Castillo de Jumilla Monastrell 2023
A little powerhouse of a wine, this comes from a rugged high plateau in southeastern Spain. Offering a great combination of bright, spicy, fine-boned red fruits and dark meatier black ones, it expands with air to subtly showcase Monastrell’s (Mourvèdre’s) naturally wild side – a smoky, scorched earth, olive tapenade umami vibe that adds interest and gravitas to its otherwise cheery, juicy fruit persona. It packs a lot in for just $11.99.

Bertani Valpolicella 2020
From the winery that made the first official Amarone in 1958 comes this classic example of unmanipulated Valpolicella, a lighter-bodied, chillable red with food-friendly acidity and user-friendly plump fruit. Delicate aromas of ground pepper, cinnamon and dried flowers lead to high-toned strawberry and sour cherry on the palate with an undercurrent of minerality. Focused and refreshing, this will pair nicely with summer’s lighter dishes. $12.99

Dow’s Vale de Bomfim Douro White 2022
Loaded with personality and thirst-quenching juiciness, this four-varietal Portuguese white blend was a blast to take notes on as we tried to pin down the moving target of disparate flavors. Alternately floral, tangy, minerally or savory, the nose offers hits of cool mint and warm sage, chalky talc and salted lemon. The texture is rounded yet prickly as pops of green fruit flavors – kiwi, grape, apple and lime – bounce around before mellowing into a dry, biscuit-y finish. This would pair well with baked lemon and herb white fish or minty Greek salad. 30% Viosinho, 30% Rabigato, 20% Gouveio and 20% Arinto from Port country’s Douro River valley. Normally $16, a summer flash sale makes it just $11.99.

Mi Terruño Malbec Uvas Mendoza 2024
This newly arrived direct import is lively and youthful with pretty high-toned strawberry and marionberry that sail across the palate, finishing with suave tannins and a kiss of dark earthy spice. Medium-bodied yet concentrated, the sticky flavors hang on the long finish. $13.50

Lezaun Tinto Navarra 2022
A blend of Tempranillo and Grenache from an organic vineyard just east of Rioja, this is classic Spanish country wine – vibrant and sappy yet slightly rustic and underpriced for the quality. Bright pie cherry and ripe marionberry mingle with smoked paprika and orange zest, while the texture is gently soft yet refreshing. $12.50

Monte Tondo Garganega Frizzante Verona NV 
A much-loved summertime staple, this playfully spritzy charmer bursts with a dry ‘n snappy cheerful freshness backed by an undercurrent of baking spice-dusted pie crust. Fresh pear, toasted almonds and ginger ale flavors are balanced by brisk notes of lemon curd and sea salt that snap crackle and pop all the way through the long finish. With lovely aromatics, a gentle yet spritzy texture and slightly lower alcohol, this is as delicious at brunch as it is for happy hour. $12.99

Weingut Frank Rosé Herrnbaumgarten 2023
As the popular Gobelsburg Rosé has proven, Austria can be an exciting source for off-the-beaten-path, delicious pink wine but Portland doesn’t see that many options. Enter our old friends Small Vineyards and this pale lovely from a tenth-generation winemaker in the cool-climate corner of northeastern Austria. A near-equal blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt, it refreshes with a spicy minerally tang backed by delicate shades of strawberry and cherry, while a floral perfume echo lingers on the dry, crisp finish. $14.99

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