NEWSLETTER FEATURES
Château Haut de la Bécade Pauillac 2011
$21.99/$17.60 by the case
Yes you read that correctly: a 14-year-old Bordeaux from the hallowed appellation of Pauillac for just $22! An intrepid importer scored this directly from the winery, giving us all the unheard-of opportunity to explore the shifting moods and nuanced complexity of a well-aged, old school Pauillac at half the price of the current vintage. A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend built to age, this benefits greatly from aeration and changes personality seemingly with every other sip. The nose is subtle to start but pretty, a delicate perfume of rose, pipe tobacco, loamy soil and dark berry. The palate offers a similar round of costume changes – dried currant and cherry notes become bright and piquant while briary tannins melt into softening edges. The one constant is an underlying earthy power giving ballast to the churn of flavor above. Whether you’re a lover of distinguished, evolved Bordeaux or just merely curious, this is fascinating to enjoy slowly as it shifts and sways from sleepy mellow to lively awake with many stops in between.
Crous St Martin Rasteau ‘Les Garde-Corps’ 2019
$18.99/$15.20 by the case Normally $25
If you remember the terrific 2019 Cairanne in March’s newsletter here’s an exciting encore – same winery, same vintage and similar discounted pricing. The village of Rasteau is a short 10-minute drive east of Cairanne and many of its vineyards are covered in the same large rounded stones (galets) that make Châteauneuf so special. This and the predominance of south-facing vineyards that soak up the sun have contributed to Rasteau’s increasing recognition as one of the top southern Rhône appellations. A Grenache-dominant blend with Syrah and Mourvèdre from mostly clay soils, this delivers the expected dark briary, powerful fruit wedded to an elegant, satiny texture thanks to five years in bottle. The flavors are developed and integrated, a mix of black cherry and plum backed by classic Rhône earthy notes of cured black olive and fragrant herbes de Provence. As I noted about the Cairanne: this (too) is a great opportunity to savor the complex, balanced charm of a southern Rhône red with a few years of bottle age.
PS – The Cairanne sold out in May but with persistence and luck we were able to land another shipment at the same low price. If you wanted more but heard it was gone, it’s now back! A Cairanne v. Rasteau tasting would make for a fun, educational, perhaps intoxicating summer evening.
Domaine de L'Amauve Côtes du Rhône-Villages Séguret La Daurèle Blanc 2024
$25.99/$20.80 by the case
One of our most popular whites over the past few years this has been a delightful surprise, showing the sophistication Rhône whites can achieve through skillful winemaking. Winemaker Christian Voeux made wine in Châteauneuf du Pape for twenty-four years before retiring to his family’s ancestral domaine and his many years of experience clearly show. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Viognier and Ugni Blanc this is elegant and delicate yet flavorful and plump with a beautiful, perfumed nose of floral fennel, honeysuckle and citrus blossom aromas. The fruit flavors are precise and vibrant – just-ripe nectarine, crisp pear and a green grape juiciness – and subtly threaded with spicy notes of white pepper and tarragon. The texture is round and succulent, balanced by a vein of tangy lemon meringue and a refreshing twist of orange zest on the creamy finish.
Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli Blanco Getariako Txakolina 2023
$19.99/$15.99 by the case
Don’t worry, you don’t have to pronounce this tongue-twisting name when you order over the phone, just say “I would like some of that deliciously refreshing Basque white wine with the spritz!” Somewhat similar to Portugal’s Vinho Verde but with more texture, energy and flavor… crisp, minerally, spritzy Txakoli is a summer favorite, whether you’re lucky enough to be drinking it in one of the zillion pintxo bars in San Sebastián or just in your own backyard. Slightly lower in alcohol and dangerously easy to drink, it works great with apps, salads, seafood, yard games, Instagram scrolling, you name it!
This one is a classic – the family has been producing wine near the town of Getaria since 1649 and helped revitalize Txakoli leading to the foundation of the appellation in 1989. Their steeply sloped vineyards of Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza varietals sit just 100 meters from the Atlantic, giving this an invigorating, sea spray saline freshness that adds snap to the citrus-y, light peach flavors that are racy yet pleasantly plump.
Bodegas Vatan Triton Tinta de Toro 2021
$19.99/$15.99 by the case
Like drinking a history podcast, this 100% Tempranillo is produced from the oldest clone in Spain from head-trained ungrafted vines in high elevation, sandy rocky soils whose average age is 79 years old (some were planted in 1900). Spain’s most famous wine region during the Middle Ages, the Toro area was hit hard by the Spanish Civil War and was adrift for decades until achieving modern appellation status in 1987.
Today Toro is best known for being the only Spanish region to have completely resisted phylloxera (the vine-destroying root louse) thanks to its sandy soils, and for producing a powerful robust style of Tempranillo, like this one. Dark and dense, aromas of plum and blackberry mingle with roasted spices and cedary sandalwood while the palate offers a harmonic balance of lush dark fruit, fine tannins and elegant acidity. If you like Tempranillo but are unfamiliar with Toro, this is a great place to start.
More 2023 Rosé Deals in Time for Warm Weather
Two Provençal best-sellers plus a new-to-us Austrian priced almost 20% less than incoming new vintages? Time to load up!
Domaine Bunan Bélouvé Rosé Côtes de Provence 2023
$18.99/$15.20 by the case New vintage $23
From a single terraced organic vineyard perched in the hills overlooking the port of Bandol and the Mediterranean, this has been a customer favorite for years delivering both thirst-quenching refreshment and layers of complexity in a fuller, rounder, Bandol-like style. Varietally mimicking its more expensive neighbors down the hill, this is dominated by Mourvèdre with Grenache, Cinsault and a touch of Syrah. Sun-warmed wild herbs and seaside saline perfume the nose followed by dappled, toothsome flavors of strawberry, cherry and even light peach. A white pepper zestiness runs throughout giving it a punchy, dynamic feel and everything comes together on the long minerally finish.
Château Margillière Rosé Coteaux Varois en Provence 2023
$17.99/$14.40 by the case New vintage $22
A beautiful, movie set-worthy property in the heart of Green Provence, Margillière is also owned and run by Domaine Bunan and this bears the aristocratic air of that famous appellation: dry and terroir-driven with notable presence and an underlying earthy power that keeps your palate curious and engaged. Organic since 1999, the vineyards are underpinned by limestone and surrounded by forest and wild herbs, imbuing this with minerally, peppery, herbes de Provence aromatics. The fruit is elegant, racy and mouth-watering with dried strawberry and cherry buoyed by a tangerine freshness that keeps the flavors pulsing along before cascading into a saline-tinged finish.
Weingut Frank Rosé Herrnbaumgarten 2023
$14.99/$11.99 by the case
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.
Plus 40 more different rosés from around the world here in the shop; come on in and see the kaleidoscope of colors!
Previous Favorites Still Available
Ayres Pinot Noir Perspective Ribbon Ridge 2023
$26.99/$21.60 by the case Normally $33
The 20th anniversary of Ayres’ first release has winemaker Brad McLeroy doing what he has done since the beginning, quietly producing excellent value, true-to-terroir, deliciously drinking Pinot Noir. This bottling is mostly estate fruit along with neighboring Armstrong Vineyard and delivers loads of spicy, soil-driven Ribbon Ridge character in a dark-fruited, powerfully punchy style. Aromas of bright red berry and elegant floral tones lead to a beefier core of tangy black raspberry, cherry and peppery black soil. Youthful and lively, the suave texture, juicy tannins and dark flavors makes this a great choice for those who like their Pinot Noir with some meat on the bone.
Belle Pente Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton 2022
$31.99/$25.60 by the case
We’ve long been fans of Brian O’Donnell’s Pinot Noirs, wines that effortlessly combine elegance, detailed complexity and an overall flavor saturation that gives them their own personality, while still tasting like a quintessential Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. His Yamhill-Carlton cuvée is all declassified estate fruit, an intentional blend of early pick, late pick and press wine that delivers classic Yamhill-Carlton character in a drink now, accessible style. As always the aromatics here are lovely, an enticing mix of floral violet, dusty blueberry, tangy rhubarb and savory spice. The palate is refined and delicate, with high tone raspberry cherry and fertile soil notes unfurling on a bed of light tannins. Aeration does wonders for this youthful new release, so let it breathe to take advantage of all it has to offer.
Château Routas Rosé Coteaux Varois en Provence 2023
$13.99/$11.20 by the case Regularly $18
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.
Muga Rioja Rosado 2023
$16.99/$13.60 by the case
If you're looking for a rounder, more easy-going, slurpable style to quench your thirst and help brighten your mood after too much doom scrolling, this perennial favorite again shines in 2023. The aromatics burst from the glass, all floral rosy white peach, briar spice and citrus rind. Airily light and refreshing, there’s a sneaky depth of flavor and the finish softens gently and slowly, trailing notes of watermelon and almond paste. Effortlessly elegant which isn’t really a surprise - Muga is a top Rioja producer and their commitment to quality is obvious even here. 70% Garnacha, 30% Viura.
Clos Sainte Magdeleine Côtes de Provence Rosé 2023
$24.99/$19.99 by the case
Magdeleine sits on a breathtaking spit of land jutting into the Mediterranean in the picturesque fishing village of Cassis just east of Marseille. Search Google Images for the winery and start planning your next vacation (make sure to have a napkin handy in case of drooling). One of our absolute favorite rosés last summer was their flagship Cassis bottling but priced north of $45 it was more French Riviera daydream than NE Portland reality. Happily some of their winemaking magic is also found in this cuvée, made from an organic vineyard along the seaside closer to Bandol. It captures the essence of Provence rosé with exceptional clarity, balance and restrained generosity - seductive aromas of sun-warmed herbs and floral citrus, a caressing yet racy texture, succulent red berry fruit and a mouthwatering sea-spray finish. Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
Tacchino Barbera del Monferrato 2017
$18.99/$15.20 by the case
Drinking a gifted bottle of this older vintage around Thanksgiving I thought “wow, this is in a great spot, wish it was still available”. Turns out, it is! We had to source it from out of state but it’s well worth the wait, offering an envious combination of complex integrated flavors, a smooth rich texture and the original years-ago price.
Third generation winemaker Romina Tacchino and her brother farm just over twenty acres in the lush, forested hills of Piedmont’s Alto Monferrato region. Located northeast of Barolo and Barbaresco in the foothills of the northern Apennine mountains, the area is rich in history, picture postcard views and castles – as well as being the likely birthplace of the Barbera varietal. True to Monferrato’s reputation, this has a slightly more wild aromatic personality than Barbera from Alba or Asti, with vibrant acidity electrifying the dark plush fruit. Top aromas of oregano, rosemary and tobacco float above the mass of spiced black plum and berry fruit while notes of wild strawberry, licorice and orange zest linger on the long finish.
La Fond de Notre Dame Gigondas “Le Mas” 2022
$23.99/$19.20 by the case
Sourced directly last fall just as the 2022 vintage excitement was beginning, this marries youthful power and graceful beauty, packed with all the flavors/aromas we love in southern Rhône reds. With an average vine age of 70 years, there’s a deep intensity hiding below the polished, glossy surface. The dark cherry/blackberry fruit is perfumed by the many sunny scents of southern France – floral lavender, savory herbes de Provence, umami black olive tapenade – while the finish brings enough of Gigondas’ classic hearty earthiness to show this is no mere Côtes du Rhône.
Lagar de Cervera Albariño Rias Baixas 2022
$22.99/$18.40 by the case
For fans of crisp minerally whites, Albariño from Spain’s northwestern coast is a favorite. Tasting this recently we all agreed – here’s our new go-to bottle, bursting with energy, flavor presence and that irresistible salty, lemony kick. With vineyards in the slightly warmer southern part of the appellation, the fruit ripens early while maintaining acidity, leading to fuller flavors and texture balanced by juicy mouthwatering acidity. Aromas of fresh fennel, tarragon and exotic tropical fruits soar above succulent white peach and crisp green apple, ending with a lingering saline citrus flourish.
Ferrando Canavese Rosso 2022
$20.99/$16.80 by the case
Ferrando was the first winery imported by legendary importer Neal Rosenthal back in 1980, from an area that even today very few wine drinkers know about. Based in the tiny Carema appellation (about 50 acres in total), they also make wine from the larger Canavese region, about 45 minutes north of Torino on the border with the Valle d’Aosta, in the shadow of Europe’s highest peak Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc). The wines from here are classic cool-climate in style – bright, fresh and energetic with delicate tannins and pretty, pure fruit flavors.
This Rosso has become a real favorite here, comprised mostly of Nebbiolo with roughly 25% Barbera and a splash of the rare local variety Neretta. Vinified in stainless to preserve aromatic complexity, it opens with fragrant notes of crushed mint, wild strawberry and cherry, delicately succulent flavors that ride a gentle spine of lively acidity. The Barbera adds darker plum and a softening touch while cola, fine ground pepper and cinnamon spice linger on the smooth yet crisp finish.
Domaine Les Gryphées Beaujolais Cuvée Centenaire Les Balmes 2023
$16.99/$13.60 by the case
A silly value for a wine coming from low-yielding 103 year-old vines, this marries the easy-going, insouciant charm of young Gamay to a richer texture and concentration level more typical of pricier Cru Beaujolais. The vineyard sits on a steep slope (balmes in local dialect) in a mix of limestone, clay and golden chalk, a mineral-rich soil that helps define the region. Winemaking is old school – hand harvests, indigenous yeast fermentation and aging in old large barrels (foudres) – to produce a wine of character and place. The nose is all purple flowers and mixed wild berries, with deeper cherry and appealing baking spices joining on the palate as Gamay’s trademark acidity keeps the flavors sailing along, high, crunchy and bright.
Pieropan Soave Classico 2023
$19.99/$15.99 by the case
A benchmark for the appellation, Pieropan is the oldest family-owned estate in Soave and was the first to offer a single vineyard designation in 1971. Over the years, they have pushed the whole region to higher quality standards and have been certified organic since 2015. A recent Wine Enthusiast review of the 2023 hints at the respect Pieropan inspires:
"Every year Pieropan captures the soul of Soave, Garganega and the vintage in such a pristine way that it keeps us in awe. This vintage shines with aromas of Fuji pears, Anjou apples, lemon blossom and flint. The palate is crisp with green apple skin and lemon zest flavors that give way to toasted almonds, acacia honey and a minerality so deep that you might as well be in a quarry."
Ca'n Verdura Negre Binissalem Mallorca 2023
$24.99/$19.99 by the case
The new vintage just landed, an exciting step off the beaten path. The Mediterranean island of Mallorca may be better known for its beaches and party vibe than for wine production, but a new generation of young winemakers are making waves by resurrecting indigenous varietals and saving vineyards from development. One of the stars of this movement is winemaker Tomeu Llabrés who founded his micro-winery Ca'n Verdura in 2012 focusing on the ancient native varietal Mantonegro. This entry-level red is a delicious, curious blast providing an exciting introduction to this varietal and region. A blend of mostly Mantonegro with Callet, Monastrell and other international varietals, this is super fragrant, drawing you in with its kaleidoscope of whirling aromas. The bright happy red berry flavors are laced with blood orange zest and exotic spice notes from peppery Chinese Five Spice to warmer-toned sarsaparilla. Richly textured yet crackling with energy, it beautifully straddles the line between chillable refreshing and sappy succulence, offering the best of both worlds.
Muriel Rioja Reserva Vino de Elciego 2018
$17.99/$14.40 by the case
Delivering Reserva-level quality at a Crianza-level price, this 100% Tempranillo comes from the town of Elciego in Rioja Alavesa, the smallest and northernmost sub-region of Rioja. Thanks to its high-elevation vineyards and chalky clay/limestone soils, the area is renowned for producing wines of elegant aromatic complexity and refined yet powerful structure.
Even at 6+ years of age, this retains a youthful energy with a shifting personality that keeps the palate engaged. One sniff in and you know where you are (Rioja!); a few swirls bring forth a magic combination of dusty stone cellar, warm wood, dried roses and incense. The elegance and subtlety continue on the palate with delicate yet persistent notes of cherry and black currant saturating the medium-weight, lightly creamy texture. The finish adds hints of sarsaparilla, cocoa and rosemary before fading into fine-grained tannins.
Surrau Vermentino di Gallura Limizzani 2023
$17.99/$14.40 by the case
One of our favorite recent arrivals, this winter-weight white from the island of Sardinia is a delightful surprise with stony wild herb aromatics, a toothsome, layered texture and a brisk saline-tinged finish. Surrau’s vineyards are in Gallura, Sardinia’s best appellation, located at the far northeastern tip of the island. Comprised mostly of decomposed granite and sand rich in marine fossils, the soil imbues the wine with a sea-breeze freshness and mineral underpinning, the perfect counterpoint to the succulent, slightly exotic fruit. Creamy yet punchy, flavors of dried mango, apricot and poached pear are accented by lemon thyme, toasted almond and salted lime zest.
Château Jacques Noir Saint-Emilion 2020
$19.99/$15.99 by the case
Bordeaux lately has been a fertile hunting ground for character-filled wines at great prices. Add this new arrival to the list – a serious, impressively endowed 100% Merlot from a 10-acre vineyard at the eastern edge of this famous appellation. The nose is spot on, a mix of savory woodland aromas and loamy graphite, followed by loads of black cherry and currant fruit. The texture is weighty, smooth and almost plush, sitting on just the edge of sappiness while fine tannins provide a balancing structure. 2020 was a great vintage and this is just getting going; drinking it over two days showed it to evolve and gain complexity the longer it was open, while maintaining its dense powerful fruit. An excellent value for true Saint-Emilion.
Turley Zinfandel Old Vines 2022
$32.99/$26.40 by the case
Turley is a legendary name in Zinfandel, producing around 50 different cuvées from over 50 different vineyards across California, most of them with crazy old vines. While most of their offerings are winery or restaurant only, this gorgeous blend captures both the essence of their style and the unique character of Zinfandel made from truly old vines. Age range here is between 50 and 130 years, wild to imagine, and the fruit is sourced from over 20 different vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Amador, Paso Robles and other appellations.
While always a treat, this 2022 is one of the best versions we can remember, something also noted in Erin Brook's 92-point Wine Advocate review: "[this] punches above its weight in this vintage. The nose is considerably deeper, fuller and more polished, opening with aromas of crushed plums, wild berry preserves, tobacco leaves and similar autumnal accents... The palate is light- to medium-bodied [for Zinfandel!], carrying through the polished quality of the nose and melds it with a subtly dusty tannin structure and bright acidity. The finish is straightforward and easy to drink, offering generous layers of fruit, spice and floral notes."
Amalie Robert Pinot Noir The Uncarved Block Willamette Valley 2016
$30.99/$24.80 by the case
Allow me to let the late, great wine critic Josh Raynolds make the introduction here: "Dena Drews and Ernie Pink have been quietly producing some of Oregon's most elegant and perfumed Pinots since the 2004 vintage. Their 30-acre vineyard outside the town of Dallas, abutting the famed Freedom Hill vineyard, is painstakingly farmed and yields are kept low so production of these wines is limited. Winemaking includes abundant use of whole clusters, which is no doubt responsible for the wines' exotic bouquets and sneaky structure…"
Dena and Ernie clearly love what they do and seem in no hurry to push their progeny from the nest. Multiple past vintages are still available; we currently stock 2010, 2012 and this lovely 2016 which is a blend of all the different blocks of their vineyard, a balanced reflection of varied soil types, microclimates and clonal selection. Dark fruited and spicy, it’s a perfect combination of the winery’s elegant style and a warm vintage, with its generous yet silky texture and deep well of flavors. At eight years from harvest, it has a mellow, integrated feel as subtle sandalwood and pipe tobacco aromas perfume the dark cherry fruit and linger on the long juicy finish. As I wrote simply in my tasting notes, “delicious older vintage, very cool for the price.”
Vall Llach Embruix Priorat 2022
$27.99/$22.40 by the case
A favorite bold Spanish red from years ago, we tasted it recently and immediately remembered why we liked it so much. A blend of Garnacha, Cariñena, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, there's so much going on here with its flavors and textures that it drinks like an older, more expensive wine. What makes Priorat so unique is the soil – a wild-looking broken black slate called llicorella that gives good Priorat reds an unmistakable minerally spicy note that is a perfect foundation for the dark, rich fruit. Aromas of lavender, aniseed, espresso and dark chocolate fade into mellow plum and blackberry on the velvety palate while whispery tannins linger on the long, spicy finish.
Planeta Mamertino Sicily 2017
$23.99/$19.20 by the case Originally $37
Another older vintage jewel discovered rooting around the metaphorical cellar, finding this was like traveling to a familiar region and still being surprised and charmed by something new. Mamertino is a small, little-known appellation on Sicily’s far northeastern coast. A blend of 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% the rare indigenous varietal Nocera, this is, as a glowing review in Vinous exclaims, “a unique and gorgeous expression of variety and place”. The 8-hectare vineyard sits very close to the sea surrounded by 20 hectares of ancient olive groves and the wine’s aromas and flavors seem marked by this primeval setting. Juniper-inflected, slightly minty aromatics deepen into bold woodsy spice and savory notes that called to mind a nicely aged Tuscan red. Dusty red cherry and plum contrast well with darker saturated notes of marionberry and boysenberry as a core of acidity brings a spark of energy that enlivens the mouthcoating fruit. Medium weight and supple with suave tannins, the lively finish brings more complexity with aromatic pops of orange zest, cured tobacco and meaty bacon. A fun interesting wine, this would pair great with the earthy flavors of fall.
Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico 2021
$20.99/$16.80 by the case
“Old school charm at an old school price” promised our rep and when tasted we had to agree. In the ocean of Chianti the good ones float to the top and so do their prices. Luckily so far not this one, although it was just awarded the coveted Tre Bicchieri designation in the 2024 Gambero Rosso (Italy’s most prestigious wine guide), only one of five Chianti Classico wines (out of hundreds) to receive that highest designation. So, let’s enjoy it while we can! Impressive for its bold yet balanced personality, the fruit runs dark and full with appealing rustic touches. Aromatic suggestions of a cedar chest, forest floor, briary bramble and allspice add nuance and a sense of place to the mouth-filling dark cherry and black plum fruit while palate-refreshing acidity keeps the adventure moving along.
Uval Umanu Blanc Île de Beauté 2022
$18.50/$14.80 by the case
Officially part of France since 1769, Corsica was for centuries under the cultural influence of Italy (the city-state of Genoa specifically) and in many ways is more like its southern neighbors Sardinia and Sicily than mainland France. Like many other Corsican wineries, Uval features organic viticulture, limited production, native varietals that reflect the region’s independent culture… and an excellent value!
A blend of 70% Vermentinu and 30% Biancu Gentile from the rugged northeastern coast of Corsica, this opens lively and brisk with a lemony, salty sea spray tang and thyme-scented minerality before turning sappier on the more exotically flavored palate. Its charm lies in this balanced tension – crisp and snappy yet polished and generous with alternating waves of citrus, wildflower, pear, limestone, mango, pineapple and an earthy kiss of white pepper on the long, lip-smacking finish. With so few Corsican whites available and typically at higher prices, we are happy to have this for late summer.
Secret Squirrel Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2019
$20.99/$16.80 by the case
Without a doubt our best-selling NW Cab over the past six months, the vintage recently rolled into 2018 and the cases keep rolling out the door. The well-known secret here is that this is made by Corliss Cellars, one of Walla Walla’s most prestigious wineries. But… if you don’t know that or don’t like animal labels you might not pick this one up. The quality and taste, however, are exactly what you would expect from a winery like Corliss and this new vintage tastes a lot like the 2017, just a bit bolder and more concentrated. Full-bodied and polished, the blackberry, black currant and cherry kirsch flavors are accented by bass notes of cedar, dark chocolate and spicy oak. Despite its age there’s still plenty of power and muscle below; with air it softens and gets prettier revealing brighter red berry, rosy floral aromas and even a subtle lemony lift. A much nicer wine than the price suggests, the Wine Advocate minced no words in their review: "this wine over-delivers for the price and will outperform the competition once it's released. Buy it by the case.”
Francis Blancet Pouilly Fumé ‘Calcite’ 2023
$22.99/$18.40 by the case
“Sauvignon Blanc by way of Chablis!” is how the importer describes this and with one sip it is easy to see the connection. Pouilly Fumé is prized for its flint-rich soils and fruit for the ‘Calcite’ cuvée comes from vineyards also rich in chalky Kimmeridgian marl, similar to that found in Chablis. The result is a minerally marriage made in heaven. Distinctive and invigorating, this abundance of spicy, flinty, saline aromas is the perfect intro to the tightrope of zesty flavors – juicy Meyer lemon, tangy tangerine and a slightly exotic Kiwi note. As it warms and opens softer notes of lemon oil and nectarine emerge, broadening the palate but it maintains its racy minerally vein well through the long crunchy finish.
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