NEWSLETTER FEATURES
Bodegas LAN D-12 Rioja Crianza 2021
$19.99/$15.99 by the case Normally $26
The 2019 version of this was our most popular Rioja last year, and with 2021 considered a great vintage – plus another flash sale price drop – we expect this to again take top prize. LAN makes a variety of cuvées and this D-12 bottling is one of their best. And that’s not just us saying it, the whole D-12 project, according to the winery, revives the tradition of Riojan vine growers choosing their best tank to keep for themselves (D-12 refers to that symbolic tank). Despite it being undoubtedly apocryphal and a bit of savvy marketing, this wine really is quite delicious, especially given an almost 25% discount. Made up of 100% Tempranillo from three older-vine vineyards, fermentation takes place in stainless to maintain aromatic purity and maximize color before aging in American and French oak. The balance between medium-bodied freshness and deeper, complex toasted notes is a big part of its charm. The nose is classic Rioja with loads of cola and brown spice, cocoa, sandalwood and vanilla oak aromas. The texture is creamy and mellow yet lively with airy flavors of cherry, red plum and dried currant. The finish is powerful yet elegant with fine tannins melting into the creamy oak-spiced fruit.
Ride and Ridden Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2021
$21.99/$17.60 by the case Normally $40
A distributor-switch deal slashes the price almost in half on this mighty 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Despite the playful name and label this is serious stuff that benefits from decanting and appropriate food pairing. It drank almost even better two days after opening so don’t be afraid to air it out and pair with some rich, hearty fare. 92 points from the Wine Spectator who says: “Lots of cassis, classy oak, spice, camphor, and hints of chocolate all emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, a medium to full-bodied, juicy, classic Sonoma Cabernet delivering ripe tannins, plenty of fruit and opulence, and outstanding length. Drink this brilliant 2021 over the coming 10-12 years, and this could merit an even higher rating with 2-3 years of bottle age.”
Ride and Ridden Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021
$21.99/$17.60 by the case Normally $35
Same distributor-switch deal, same great quality (and fancy thick-glass bottle!), just with 100% Cabernet fruit from sunny Paso Robles. More open-knit and sappy than the Sonoma to start, there’s still a ton to unpack here. Silky and sexy in texture, its floral, cocoa minty aromas lead to deep saturated flavors of dark berry, kirsch, toasted graham cracker and baker’s brown spices before ending with lithe, fruit-encased tannins. With air it expands, becoming denser, more powerful and complex, proving that despite the label this is not a one-trick pony.
Sangouard-Guyot Mâcon-Vergisson La Roche 2023
$23.99/$19.20 by the case Normally $30
The new vintage from this longtime Mâcon favorite has finally arrived and the importer offered a one-month price break to help offset tariffs so we can load up at better pricing. Sanguourd-Guyot has been a family winery since 1799, farming around 30 acres mostly in Pouilly-Fuissé. This cuvée is a star of their line-up and arguably the best value. The vineyard sits on a steep limestone slope just below the dramatic Rock of Vergisson, right on the border with Pouilly-Fuissé. Fermented in tank then aged partially in neutral oak, it displays a crystalline purity cushioned by the gentlest of fruit texture. Bursting with tangy lemon, white flowers and just-ripe pear this has the racy intensity we want in white Burgundy, with the subtle background texture and depth of fruit more typical of higher-priced wines.
Château Reynon Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux 2019
$19.99/ $15.99 by the case
Cadillac isn’t just the name of a luxury vehicle and/or pop culture icon, it’s also a subregion of Bordeaux known for its supple approachable reds and typically good values. Château Reynon has a reputation as the best address in the appellation, whose vineyards consist of well-drained clay over limestone on steep slopes that descend toward the right bank of the Garonne River. Owned since 1976 by the legendary Dubourdieu family the winemaking here is top notch. Aside from our own enthusiastic notes there are several high-scoring reviews, with this one particularly capturing its exuberant personality: "The 2019 Reynon is such a gorgeous wine. Inky and plush, with tons of richness, the 2019 is a wine to buy by the case. It is every bit that delicious. Blackberry, chocolate, spice and new leather are all kicked up in this boisterous, juicy Côtes de Cadillac from the Dubourdieu family." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Tre Donne Langhe Nebbiolo 2021
$15.99/$12.80 by the case Originally $30
A stunning value at this discounted price, here’s another deal that we scored when a Midwest distributor closed and couldn’t take their order. Run by the three Lequio sisters since 1988 and now helped by a new generation of donne(their daughters), the winery is in Barbaresco and the fruit here comes from low-yielding older vines farmed organically. 2021 was a terrific vintage in Piedmont and stylistically this lands in that Goldilocks zone, a near perfectbalance of generosity and structural tension that delivers complex classic Nebbiolo flavors. The texture is lightly sappy yet taut with an underlying energetic power as tarry, rosy, peppery aromas color the supple black cherry fruit, finishing with darker plum and amaro-like spices.
Cantina Terlano Pinot Bianco Tradition Alto Adige 2023
$19.99/$15.99 by the case Normally $24
Easily one of our best-selling Italian whites over the past year, this is what we show customers when they ask for our favorite Pinot Grigio; correct, it’s not Grigio, it’s better than Grigio! Founded in 1893, Cantina Terlano is a highly admired co-op located just outside of Bolzano, the gateway city to the Dolomites. While they do produce a delicious Grigio and other whites, their Pinot Bianco is the star of the line-up. Grown in sandy rocky volcanic soil at elevations up to 3000 ft with southwest-facing exposure it strikes a great balance between a crushed-rock, minerally focus and a delicately creamy richness. Multi-dimensional and persistent, aromas of floral chamomile and yeasted bread lead to Bosc pear and burnished red apple on the layered palate, with notes of salted almond on the gentle finish.
Cameron Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Reserve 2023
$44.99/$35.99 by the case
Every vintage this hits that excellent value sweet spot by drinking much better than its price point, and given the small production it always sells out quickly. Just released and only five dollars more than the regular Dundee Hills, it delivers a “whoa, this is a big step up” moment. A blend of 85% Abbey Ridge and 15% Clos Electrique it offers all that lovely Abbey Ridge charm and elegance – floral rosy perfume, fresh summer strawberry, juicy red cherry – with Clos adding darker fruit, savory notes and depth to balance out the high-toned, airy prettiness. Already so delicious it’s easy to overlook how complex it is, but as any Cameron Pinot fan knows, this will just get better if you can keep your hands off it. Looking back over my notes, two words, which I underlined, jumps out – really tasty.
Domaine Fond Croze Cairanne 2022
$19.99/ $15.99 by the case
Last summer/fall we featured two southern Rhône village cuvées from this unpretentious gem of a family winery, the Vaison La Romaine followed by their Rasteau. After recently tasting this, another outstanding village bottling in their line-up, we loaded up at its pre-tariff price. A blend of 50% Grenache and 25% each Mourvèdre and Carignan, its personality lands somewhere between the other cuvées mentioned above. Offering an irresistible juiciness balanced by a concentrated core of fruit, it’s energetic and lively with a cascade of rich, pure flavors. The texture is silky, loaded with red and blue berry and cherry fruit, all perfumed by light notes of herbes de Provence and subtle ground pepper. If you liked the now sold out Crous Saint Martin Cairanne, this is an awesome follow up.
Fento Albarino Rias Baixas 2024
$23.99/$19.20 by the case
The new vintage of this beloved mineral-driven Spanish white arrived last month and we’re thrilled to say it’s as good as ever. A personal family project of winemaker Eulogio Pomares (Bodegas Zarate) and wife Rebeca Montero, the fruit comes from organic, dry-farmed vineyards composed of mica and granite. With minimal intervention during winemaking – native yeast, stainless steel, low sulfur – the essence of the fruit and rocky terroir shines through. Expressive and brimming with a youthful energy, the nose offers a floral perfume of salted lime, white flowers and summer melon. The palate is snappy yet roundly supple, dripping with Meyer lemon and fresh pear, flavors that remain supercharged through the crisp spearmint-laced finish.
Previous Favorites Still Available
Small Vineyards New Arrivals
As many longtime customers noticed, for the first time in 19 years we didn’t send out a Small Vineyards Italian Direct Import offer due to the uncertainty of potential future tariffs, but we still ordered some wines, which recently arrived from Italy.
The great news is that Small Vineyards honored their pre-tariff pricing so these always great value wines are an even better deal this year, essentially with a 15% discount already built in. We didn’t go deep but couldn’t resist some perennial favorites, older vintage opportunities and new faces worth exploring.
La Quercia Aglianico Puglia 2023
$15.99/$12.80 by the case
This is a reload of the 2023, which was especially popular last year and as it turns out, the final vintage from this Puglia vineyard. Starting in 2024 La Quercia is using fruit from their Abruzzo vineyards, much closer to the winery. We tasted it, it’s good, just different, so we asked if we could take one more ride with this old friend before it’s history.
Aglianico is an ancient Greek varietal mostly found in Campania and Basilicata where the volcanic soil tends to produce structured, tannic and long-lived versions, often with a pronounced peppery note. This bottling from the heel of the boot offers a more open personality: full bodied, ripe, and mouthfillingly soft with just a hint of the varietal’s peppery mineral grip on the finish. Clearly touched by the sun, it offers a pool of dark plum and black cherry fruit accented with appealing tones of toffee, cocoa, cured tobacco and allspice.
Cantina del Morellino Cala Civetta Ciliegiolo Maremma Toscana 2021
$14.99/$11.99 by the case
Try saying that backwards! This unique offering has become a bit of a cult favorite as there’s nothing quite like it currently available in PDX. Curiously we were able to taste both the 2023 and 2021, and while the 2023 offered a joyous youthful energy, the 2021 was a revelation on how aging just two years in bottle can bring out so much more complexity and depth. Fragrant and dark, aromas of black cherry, peppercorn, cola, cinnamon and briar mingle confidently on the nose. The texture is medium-weight and tensile, balanced between a generous sappiness and lightly crunchy tannins. Tangy plum high notes alternate with darker cherry bass notes, all accompanied by a chorus of balsam, savory oregano and stone cellar dustiness.
Rarely seen bottled on its own, Ciliegiolo is a traditional Tuscan blending varietal currently enjoying a resurgence in coastal Tuscany and Liguria to the north. Likely either a parent or offspring of Sangiovese (depending on whose DNA research you reference), its name comes from an Italian word for cherry and after one taste you’ll understand why. Like a darker, richer and more wild version of Sangiovese it’s loaded with red and black cherry flavors, backed by fragrant woodsy potpourri and brambly pastoral aromatics. As a new generation seeks to reclaim its heritage, the indigenous Ciliegiolo is increasingly being planted in Tuscany thanks to its distinctive personality and long history in the region.
———————————————————
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Uval Umanu Blanc Île de Beauté 2022
$18.50/$14.80 by the case
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.
GWB Newsletters Archive
Here are current and back-issues of the Great Wine Buys Newsletter to help you print out the month or find a wine from past issues.
Coming Soon