MAY INTO JUNE CASE OF THE MONTH - $140
Hedges CMS Organic Columbia Valley 2023
Red Mountain’s Hedges Family Estate is one of the leading proponents of organic and biodynamic winemaking/farming in Washington and even this entry-level red shows vintage variation and a nuanced terroir influence rare for the price point. The just-released 2023 is youthful and bright with an appealing mix of saturated fruit, earthy spice and medium-bodied structure. Aromas of dark cherry, cola, mint and cocoa lead to a caressingly lush texture balanced by jazzy cran-raspberry notes with lightly sticky tannins on the finish. 55% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Syrah. $13.99
Château La Pirouette Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2023
As we say regularly when we score another awesome Bordeaux deal, in this era of tariffs etc. Bordeaux continues to be a bright spot; even several years ago you would have been hard pressed to find a good Médoc red under $15. Youthfully taut with a coiled energy, this shapeshifts in the glass showing flashes of floral red rose, red currant and darker peppercorn blackberry. Grounded in structure with an opening edge of velvety richness, this became even more expressive on day two. A more serious wine than the price suggests, give it plenty of air to allow its personality to shine. $13.99
Favonius Tinto 2022
This 100% Touriga Nacional from around Lisbon captures the chillable red vibe liveliness and slightly wild flavor of many natural wines in a clean, friendly style. Produced with minimal sulfur it has a little trapped CO2 for freshness so please note: give it lots of air to open and blow off the light prickly texture. Once ready to go, it reminded us of a lighter style Nebbiolo or Barbera with vibrant raspberry strawberry notes and hints of menthol and porcini. With a buoyant personality and pure, just-ripe fruit flavors this should pair nicely with the coming warmer weather. Originally $25, end-of-vintage deal makes it just $11.99.
Bodegas Naia Rueda Verdejo 2024
Coming from older vines in one of Spain’s most popular appellations for white wine, this well-known favorite offers a pleasantly round mouthfeel to balance its overall zesty, grapefruit-led personality. Aromas of fresh chervil and wildflower honey lead to nectarine and apricot on the palate, cut nicely with limey acidity. The finish is crisp and snappy with hints of stone fruit pit and white pepper. $14.99
Josh Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Reserve 2023
A big step up from the main Josh line-up, this Paso Robles appellation Reserve bottling is over 30% off this month so it tastes even better! Dark and saturated, the blackberry, cherry and marionberry flavors are draped in warm-toned spice notes of allspice, licorice and cocoa while flickers of vanilla oak play on the lightly structured finish. Normally close to $20, this month just $12.99.
Château Routas Rosé Coteaux Varois en Provence 2024
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.” Made in a brisk refreshing style the flavors are precise, delicate and persistent with waves of watermelon, red berry and white nectarine 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. Regularly $18, here just $14.99
Cusumano Nero d’Avola Sicilia 2023
A lively and expressive version of Sicily’s main red varietal, this opens with aromas of dark cherry and cranberry laced with violet and smoky blond tobacco. The texture is lightly creamy yet vibrant, with crunchy red berry softening into darker plum with flourishes of dried rosemary, orange peel and cracked pepper on the finish. $13.99
Curator Red Blend Swartland 2024
A summer style South African red whose 15% Pinotage adds a hint of its trademark earthy bramble, this is invitingly fresh and vibrant with subtle depth and concentration. A mix of juicy red plum and marionberry is joined by spicy green peppercorn, finishing with a light clay earthiness. From dry-farmed old bush vines, remarkably some up to 100 years old. $11.99
Monte Tondo Garganega Frizzante Verona NV
Summer’s here and the time is right… for loading up on this delightfully fizzy white, a hit summertime favorite here for over ten years. 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, the bottle tends to empty much too quickly. $13.99
Domaine de la Mavette Vaucluse 2024
This easy-listening red is 100% Caladoc, a rarely seen hybrid cross between Grenache and Malbec. Coming from a 20-year-old vineyard in the southern Rhône village of Sablet, it’s the type of local wine you’d come across in casual bars and cafés if fortunate enough to visit the south of France this summer. Medium-bodied and imbued with pretty strawberry raspberry notes, the texture is plump and inviting with light stony herbal notes perfuming the soft finish. $11.99
Cline Sauvignon Blanc Seven Ranchlands 2023
At first glance this is as expected: brisk and refreshing, but there’s also a subtle complexity that adds a layer of interest beyond mere thirst-quenching. Aromas of lime zest, basil, green apple and light juniper introduce competing flavors of tropical and citrus while a cool stony note hovers over the decidedly dry finish. Normally $17, a flash sale makes it just $11.99 this month.
Château de Rouanne Vinsobres 2020 (see Newsletter Features for description) $15.99
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