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Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2003
$16.99/$13.50 by the case. Regularly $27
Ring in the new year with this great deal on an aged Chianti, which to me is an archetypal winter comfort wine. Although they don't often get huge scores or become hard-to-get collectibles, there's something ultra satisfying and reassuring about a good solid Chianti paired with a big plate of pasta. This Riserva goes way beyond merely good and solid, it's also nicely aged and (that magic after-the-holidays word) on sale! The distributor wants out with the old and in with the new so let's help them out. 2003 was a warm vintage but this doesn't show it. Not overly fruity but still flexing some muscle, this has settled into middle-age well, with a smooth silky texture, finely-detailed dried cherry and mild herb notes, plus just enough tannin and acidity on the finish to give it that classic Chianti snap.

Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2009
$21.99/$17.60 by the case
From one of the leaders of the appellation, even this, his introductory bottling perfectly captures the essence of Priorat. Deftly straddling the line between fruit and terroir, this offers loads of both. Like most of the best reds along the Mediterranean's northern rim, this is meaty and hearty with freshly-turned earth and brambly spice notes - authentic flavors that are highlighted against a backdrop of youthful blackberry, red plum and blueberry fruit. Polished and juicy yet dark and deep, this multifaceted wine has become a Spanish best-seller these last few months, appealing to palates of all stripes.

El Corazon First Crush Cabernet Franc & Supernova Malbec 2010
Both $28.99/$23 by the case
Spencer's jazzy fruit-driven wines seem to sell out as fast as they come in so we would be remiss not to announce his new releases. Although his Cabernet Franc first got our attention, his Malbec now really shines as well (after he switched fruit sources last year) and is now arguably equal in quality while offering a different personality. The amazing thing about these two wines is that they are so rich, expressive and saturated with flavor without being overblown and remain so well balanced. The 2010s are much like the 2009s; same fruit sources and same miniscule production (up to 125 cases of Cab Franc, 160 of Malbec). Both have a youthful lively intensity and a pillowy plush mouthfeel that firms up on the finish. The Cab Franc plays the bass part with black berry fruits accented by cocoa and oaky spice, while the Malbec plays treble with throbbing fleshiness awash in zesty red berry.

JK Carriere Pinot Noir Provocateur 2009
$23.99/$19.20 by the case
Another 2009 that over-delivers on quality, Jim Prosser's second label Pinot has been quite the swift seller off the shelf. Given the way Jim crafts his wines, this is an excellent cold weather choice. Built in a more muscular chewy style, there's layers of black plum, Amaro cherry, licorice and wisps of savory and earthy notes to work your way through as you warm your toes by the fire. While offering some of the softer and pretty easy-going openness typical of so many 2009s, this (like almost all of Jim's wines) has a structure and power rarely found in this price range.

Renato Ratti Nebbiolo d'Alba Ochetti 2009
$21.99/$17.60 by the case
Following the comfort thread (mentioned above) what's winter without a good stew or soup, suffused with a mushroomy earthiness or the tender chew of long-braised meats? Sure a Barolo or Barbaresco sounds perfect, but here's a Piedmontese winner at a price that allows you to open more than one bottle. Both approachable and serious, this Nebbiolo offers a full range of classic flavors in an elegantly nuanced way. Smoky high-toned cherry and dusty mineral notes float on a slow-moving stream of fine tannins ending with notes of fig jam. As it opens, it develops a nice grippy yet pliant texture, and the aromatic complexity just keeps getting better. Great for blowing away the gloom.

Monchhof Erden Treppchen Riesling Spatlese 2007
$13.99/$11.20 by the case. Regular price $23
Considered "an exceptional value" at its original price, a distributor-switch deal makes this the best Riesling buy in the shop. Fruity yes, but pair it with spicy Thai or Indian and you'll appreciate how the luscious fruit tames the heat while framing the other flavors beautifully. This 91-pt Wine Advocate review puts it nicely (if just a bit fanciful): "[This] is scented with fresh tangerine, heliotrope, wisteria, and mint. Lush and brimming with ripe pineapple, musk melon, and tangerine, it spreads a creamy fruit concentrate over the palate yet remains infectiously refreshing in its long, sappy finish. Once again, this...represents an exceptional value and should go right on pleasing for a decade or more, provided anyone both thinks to cellar it and can resist temptation in the interim."

Curious about wines we’ve covered in the past?
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