AUGUST INTO SEPTEMBER 2026
Newsletter Features
A Note About Some of This Month’s Offerings
Courtesy of a major local distributor closing, the July newsletter was packed with crazy closeout deals, some of which are still available. Here are a few more we scored…
Joseph Mellot Sancerre La Chatellenie 2024
$23.99/$19.20 by the case Originally $42
Perfectly timed for the lingering dog days of summer, this incredible deal from one of our best-selling regions is classy, nuanced and downright delicious. The appellation of Sancerre sits in the Centre-Loire area in the middle of France, much closer to Chablis (only 50 kilometers) than to the château-filled “Garden of France” middle Loire of popular imagination. Its three main soil types – seashell-rich Kimmeridgian clay-limestone marl, stony limestone and flint (silex) – give the wines an unmistakable and irresistible mineral signature.
This bottling comes from 25-year-old vines planted in flinty clay, fermented in stainless steel and bottled young to capture its energy and freshness. Initial aromas of flinty minerality, lemon zest and floral jasmine lead to juicy white peach and yellow plum on the palate. With air another layer emerges adding a succulent burst of lime, fresh chervil and kiwi, all propelled by pulsing acidity. Supple, mouthwatering and minerally, this is definitely the best deal we have seen from Sancerre in a long time.
La Ferme du Mont Gigondas “Jugunda” 2016
$31.99, Originally $45
Buried in the warehouse and mistakenly listed as a Côtes du Rhône in the system (with no vintage), this was an awesome surprise when it showed up. Ten years old and drinking beautifully, it offers gorgeous aromatics, complex integrated flavors and a lingering sense of the power it had when young. Winemaker Stéphane Vedeau crafted this 80/20 Grenache/Syrah blend from two distinct organic/biodynamic Gigondas vineyards – 60+ year old Grenache on limestone clay terraces and Syrah from the higher elevation limestone soils of the Dentelles de Montmirail.
The nose alone is a treat, perfumed with spicy anise, fragrant lavender, wild garrigue and warm toned mellow red fruit acting as a silky topcoat over a layer of mixed berry and cherry. The texture is medium-bodied yet dense, with still-softening tannins providing a gentle structure on the long, peppery finish. Wish we had lots more, but limited availability.
Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2022
$19.99/$15.99 by the case Normally $28
This longtime shop favorite needs little introduction, we’re just excited to have a legitimate, great-drinking Walla Walla Cabernet for a mere 20 bucks. Seven Hills was founded in 1988, among the first five bonded wineries in Walla Walla. Although founding winemaker Casey McClellan is no longer at the helm, the winery has stayed remarkably focused on the style he pioneered – balanced and aromatic with a lively, red-fruited personality that is as versatile at the table as it is delicious on its own. This 2022 is just singing right now with a lush caressing texture and elegance that makes it seem like a more expensive wine. Critic James Suckling gets right to the point in his short yet accurate 93-point review: “Rich and creamy, drenched in marinated cherries, blackberries and milk chocolate. Mouth-filling, deep and full-bodied but nicely polished in texture.”
Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes 2023
$21.99/$17.60 by the case Normally $26
This perennial overachiever has been in the shop pretty much every vintage since the 1998 and it’s a wine that clearly drinks waaaay better than its basic appellation would suggest. There’s a simple reason why – the enclosed “clos” vineyard that produces this wine is entirely surrounded by Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards, having been intentionally left out of the appellation in 1936 due to a bureaucratic spat. Old vine Grenache farmed organically and biodynamically in the stony terroir of Châteauneuf du Pape for $22? Yes please! Richly textured yet elegant, this overflows with spicy wild herb garrigue aromas and concentrated berry and black cherry fruit, with silky fine-grained tannins providing power and lift. 84% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan.
Alta Mora Etna Bianco Sicily 2024
$26.99/$21.60 by the case
While most wine drinkers rightly get excited about Sicilian reds, the whites can be an eye-opening experience. At a Friday night tasting last year the lone white outsold the reds and at a more recent Sicilian tasting this was a big hit. 100% Carricante from the minerally volcanic soils around Mt Etna, this is rich yet lively, snappy and sappy with layers of intertwined flavors. Slightly exotic in personality, it blends white peach, ripe pear, lemon and mild pineapple with dried herb, white floral aromas and a salty spicy minerality. Alternately succulent then crisp, this yin-yang keeps the palate engaged as it rolls on through the long, lightly nutty finish.
Peyrassol La Croix Rosé Méditerranée 2025
$16.99/$13.60 by the case Normally $21
Located in the heart of Provence and existing as a winery (allegedly) for almost 800 years, Peyrassol is as iconic as they come. This La Croix cuvée comes from organic vineyards just outside the Côtes de Provence appellation and tastes like a classic Provence rosé, with a peachy plumpness balanced by racy acidity and accented with delicate aromas of herbes de Provence, white pepper, strawberry and raspberry. The finish is dry, stony and lightly spicy.
Previous Favorites Still Available
Domaine du Colombier Crozes-Hermitage 2022
$22.99/$18.40 by the case Originally $40
An awesome chance to pick up a world class northern Rhône Syrah for almost half price, this is also an awesome opportunity to experience how much a wine can open and change with air. At first taste this was aromatically quiet with a livewire of acidity that hurried the flavors and kept the texture vibrant yet lean. But after 20+ minutes in the glass it blossomed beautifully leading one stunned taster to exclaim “now it’s a completely effin’ different wine!” The adjectives poured forth – floral violet, smoky bacon, cracked pepper, meaty iron, dried rosemary, cherry, blackberry, blueberry…the list went on. The texture fleshed out, flirting with a juicy richness before culminating in a long powerful finish. It was a remarkable transformation of a remarkably delicious, distinctly northern Rhône Syrah.
Jean Bouchard Pouilly-Fuissé 2020
$23.99/$19.20 by the case Originally $42
A five-year-old white Burgundy for almost half price? Yes please! Coming from steep slopes of clay limestone soil in southern Burgundy’s most prestigious appellation, this is in a perfect drinking window, developed yet still poised and energetic with integrated lemon zest and mineral notes balancing a creamy, rounded texture. A lovely string of acidity wraps around the richness as notes of golden apple and just-ripe pear mingle with toasted hazelnut, bread yeast and woodspice, with suggestions of beeswax and flint echoing on the long finish.
Tenuta Luce Lucente 2022
$19.99/$15.99 by the case Originally $30
Although located in the higher-elevation, southwest corner of Montalcino, Tenuta Luce makes very little Brunello. Their focus from the start was to take the quality of Montalcino’s vineyards and produce bold, internationally styled Super Tuscans that offer an amped up, almost decadent version of Tuscany’s signature varietals. Lucente is the second wine of the estate, designed to please upon release and made in a generously fruited, polished style. There is no one single style of Super Tuscan, but for many of its fans, it tastes a lot like this.
This 2022 reflects the hot growing season with its concentrated fruit and substantial mouthfeel yet remains lively and appealingly juicy. In a string of 90+point reviews the words balance and fresh pop up repeatedly, almost to the surprise of the reviewer. What that freshness is balancing is a core of creamy dark cherry and blackberry fruit glossed over by a sheen of hickory smoke, dark chocolate and fragrant cedar. As one taster noted, “it smells expensive!”
Château Tournefeuille Lalande-de-Pomerol 2021
$19.99/$15.99 by the case Originally $36
An aromatic and elegant Right Bank Bordeaux from clay-gravelly soils, this medium-bodied charmer opens with enticing aromas of eucalyptus, dried rose petals, cedar shavings and a faint whiff of pipe tobacco. Richly textured yet silky and bright, the fresh strawberry/cherry fruit is edged by a loamy soil earthiness with fine-grained tannins rounding out the finish. A delicious example that showcases the immediate charms of a cooler vintage like 2021 and a much nicer wine than its discounted price suggests.
Château de Font Vive Bandol Rosé 2025
$22.99/$18.40 by the case
From a small winery whose vineyards border Bandol superstars Tempier and Terrebrune, this new-to-Portland pink delivers textbook Bandol character and power at a fraction of the price of those famous names. Roughly a third each Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault, it is beautifully perfumed, all fresh red berries and summer roses with a streak of warm Mediterranean herbs. Roundly textured, the delicate nectarine/apricot fruit carries pops of sea salt, pink peppercorn and citrus-y kumquat. With more body and intensity than most rosés, this is great to pair with richer summer dishes or just when you want to amp up your rosé game.
Triennes Rosé Var, Provence 2024
$16.99/$13.60 by the case Originally $21
This sells so well it doesn’t need a newsletter spotlight but since we suggest it to anyone who asks for a rosé recommendation, we might as well put it in writing. Mostly Cinsault with a little Grenache and Syrah, it is quite simply a classic: lively, thirst-quenching Provence rosé whose effortless charm belies the quality of winemaking. Triennes is owned by two of Burgundy’s most revered winemakers – Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti – and kudos to them for producing a wine that is such a joy to drink without having to overthink it. The Cinsault brings lovely floral aromatics and racy, lip-smacking acidity while the Grenache and Syrah add a gentle softness and zesty red berry fruit. A sleeper hit of the summer so far, grab a bottle and join the party.
Collestefano Verdicchio di Matelica 2024
$20.99/$16.80 by the case
A New York Times Italian favorite that often sells out quickly, this is sleek yet powerful, delivering a jolt of crushed granite, lemon and saline notes that invigorate the palate. As it opens and warms more nuanced flavors emerge – just-ripe pear, white pepper, orange blossom and lime zest – echoing about on the refreshingly brisk finish. The biodynamic 10-acre vineyard in the Marche sits up high in the Apennines mountains with wild strawberries planted between the rows to keep weeds down. Sounds like a dreamy place to work: the importer says winemaker Fabio Marchionni is one of the happiest people he has ever met. Living in a setting like that with a glass of this in his hand I can understand why.
Josep-Maria Vendrell Montsant Miloca 2024
$19.99/$15.99 by the case
This absolutely delicious 100% old vine Carignan comes from vineyards not far from the Priorat border, and with only 50 cases made we’re extremely happy to get some. Referred to as a “high-class country wine” by the importer, it feels both satisfyingly rich and vibrantly fresh with enveloping aromatics of piercing wild berry and hazy peppery bramble. The palate is soft and juicy, buoyed by a current of mouthwatering acidity. Its effortlessly joyous profile belies (or maybe highlights) the qualities that make it so – hand harvested organic 50 to 80-year-old vines, indigenous yeast fermentation and bottling unfined and unfiltered. 100% Carignan cuvées are rare enough, ones that taste this good for just $20… we’d love to see more.
Brunely Vacqueyras Les Secrets De La Licorne 2023
$21.99/$17.60 by the case
When visiting Gigondas producer Edmond Burle in the early 2000s I remember his son Damien shrugging in that Gallic way when asked about the difference between Gigondas and its less famous neighbor, Vacqueyras: “Not much really; you can charge more for Gigondas because it is better known.” Oh how I love an honest vigneron. Even if most southern Rhône aficionados would argue that Gigondas is indeed a step up from Vacqueyras, the differences can be slight, especially in old vine cuvées like this one. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from 50-80-year-old vines, it displays a Gigondas-like dark fruited intensity at a very un-Gigondas price.
“This brings a classic, Provençal style in its ripe black cherry, melted licorice, and sappy, floral, garrigue-like nuances. It's a rich, powerful 2023 that has tons of fruit and a voluptuous, layered mouthfeel. It puts its foot firmly on the ripeness scale while staying pure and balanced.” 93 points, Jeb Dunnuck.
Viña Nora Albariño ‘Peitán’ Rias Baixas 2024
$18.99/$15.20 by the case
While we love the crisp raciness that coastal Albariño is famous for, versions from farther inland can also delight, with a wider range of flavors and creamier, more generous textures. This delicious example comes from the most eastern and southern subzone of Rias Baixas, called Candado do Tea, and is made by the young rising star winemaker Emilia Schmidt. Its succulent peachiness is enlivened by persistent yet moderate lemon peel acidity and its swirl of slightly exotic flavors gives it dimension beyond the typical citrus mineral spectrum. Floral honeysuckle and tangerine slide into juicy mango and white peach with cleaner notes of crisp Bartlett pear on the finish.
Domaine Bunan Bélouvé Rosé Côtes de Provence 2024
$19.99/$15.99 by the case New vintage $26
A beloved shop favorite (pun intended), this 2024 seems especially enjoyable thanks to lovely floral aromatics and a generous yet lively personality. From a single terraced organic vineyard perched in the hills overlooking the port of Bandol and the Mediterranean, it delivers both thirst-quenching refreshment and layers of complexity in a fuller, rounder Bandol-like style. Varietally mimicking its more expensive neighbors, 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.
Palamá Ninì Susumaniello Salento 2024
$19.99/$15.99 by the case
We have sold the Palamá wines for 20+ years – Primitivo, Negroamaro, Verdeca – but until recently had never tasted this, their small-production bottling of one of Salento’s most obscure, interesting varietals, Susumaniello. Ignored to the brink of extinction as growers turned to higher volume reds, even just a few years ago there were only 125 acres planted in total. Determined to save their local heritage a handful of wineries kept growing and promoting it and given its unique charms, it’s now taken off in popularity.
The inky dark color and ripe rich fruit is balanced by natural acidity, giving it a surprising freshness, and its woodsy aromatic complexity is much more nuanced than other reds of the region. This was made entirely in stainless yet has a perfume of woodland woven in that adds a wild feel to the red berry and plum fruit. Zesty pops of licorice and pie cherry add to the buoyant feel before turning darker and more robust on the spicy dried herb finish.
Plaimont Les Cépages Préservés Saint Mont Blanc 2020
$17.99/$14.40 by the case
If you liked the Yura Jurançon Sec featured in November/December, this white is made at the same winery with similar grapes. You may also remember the 2019 version of this, a bona fide hit when we introduced it a few years back. Like that, this overflows with gorgeous aromatics of yeasty spice, lemongrass and lime leaf, a lush yet lively texture, and wonderful balance between the white peach/apricot succulence and citrusy electric vibrancy. Such an interesting and delicious wine for the price, sometimes it really pays to explore.
Saint Mont sits in southwestern France’s Pyrénées sub-region roughly 50 miles from both the Atlantic Ocean and the snow capped peaks that lead to Basque country, an area that doesn’t receive much international attention. But as in many overlooked regions new ideas are springing to life and the forward-thinking folks at Plaimont are using the past as a guide to the future. The three varietals here – Gros Manseng, Petit Corbu and Arrufiac – are historic to the region. A return to organic farming, lower yields and less interventionist winemaking is proving that for complexity and pleasure, these wines are worthy to compete on the world stage.
Hanna Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023
$16.99/$13.60 by the case Normally $30!
A "need to hit our sales goal" deal from the local distributor shaves almost 50% off this classic cooler-climate Cali Chard from the northern reaches of Sonoma. We offered this deal last fall but it sold out quickly leaving many customers wanting more. Well, it’s back and amazingly a dollar cheaper! Hanna was founded in 1985 and is still family owned and operated with second-generation Christine Hanna currently running the winery. With a delicious balance of lemony freshness and creamy mouthfeel, this offers the generous charm of California with a nod to France with its dry, lively structure and clean, focused profile. A recent Wine Spectator review sums it up nicely: "Bright and fresh, showing a mix of citrus notes up front, with fresh-cut apple and fresh ginger flavors, plus a touch of hard lemon candy. Offers crisp acidity and spice details on the finish."
Tacchino Giusti Barbera del Monferrato 2018
$17.99/$14.40 by the case
The 2017 was one of our best-selling Italian reds in 2025 so we were thrilled when this 2018 was recently offered direct from the winery. It offers all the developed flavor complexity and true Piedmont character that we loved in the 2017 in a slightly fuller-bodied style, making it again one of the most interesting and best value Italian reds in the shop.
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 perfume the mass of spiced black plum and berry fruit while notes of wild strawberry, licorice and orange zest linger on the long finish.
Château Mitrotes Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2022
$20.99/$16.80 by the case
The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux is already widely considered as one of the greats, with many wines balancing richness with freshness and power with elegance in an appealingly open-knit style. The Merlot-based reds of Saint Emilion did particularly well and this internationally styled charmer is a delicious example. Generous and mouthfilling, this delivers a velvet-covered core of power with loads of black currant, cherry and blueberry richness backed by dark spicy notes of Asian spice, cocoa powder and toasted oak. The texture is sexy and lush, with supporting fruit-encased tannins that soften with air. Although this is already a treat, it will continue to improve for years if you can keep your hands off it. An excellent value for true Saint-Emilion.
Domaine du Salvard Cheverny 2024
$21.99/$17.60 by the case
Near the end of a recent seemingly interminable tasting day this jumped out like a breath of fresh springtime air, a Sauvignon Blanc-dominated charmer from the eastern Loire that reminded us why we sometimes taste 35+ wines in a day – to find the gems like this. For longtime Kermit Lynch followers this is hardly a hidden gem though; imported by Kermit since 1992, this fifth-generation family estate is a reliable, over-achieving value vintage after vintage. That said, this just arrived 2024 tastes like the most complete version in a while. The nose is lovely, an expressive perfume of spring flowers, lemon verbena, mild tarragon and vibrant gooseberry. Delivering Sancerre-like flavors with a more mid-weight texture, it’s crisp yet caressing with Meyer lemon and lime fading into softer white peach, while the finish brings notes of crushed chalky stone and a refreshing lemony kick.
Gaussen Vin de Pays du Mont Caume 2019
$19.99/$15.99 by the case
Gaussen makes one of the most old-school style wines in a fairly old-school appellation, Bandol. A small Provençal village perched on the Mediterranean, Bandol is quietly famous for its long-lived Mourvèdre-dominated reds and powerful age-worthy rosé. His Vin de Pays, from vineyards outside the boundary, is made from the same mold, albeit designed to drink younger. A blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache with a little Cabernet Sauvignon, it is redolent of classic cured black olives, wild pungent herbs, briary wet earth and dark dried fruit. Compared to some vintages this 2019 is open-knit and approachable, balancing its typical animale wildness with a juicy black cherry smoothness, making it a versatile wintertime companion.
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino 2019
$59.99 Normally $85+
One of the iconic names in Montalcino since the early 1900s, Sassetti’s vineyards are on the Montosoli hill located on the cooler northern side of the appellation. Their style is traditional yet sneakily hedonistic, with a racy underpinning bringing life to the dark wild fruit and spicy aromatic accents. Usually in short supply or even allocated, a recent distributor switch resulted in excess inventory, hence this golden discount opportunity from the great 2019 vintage no less. Although this will easily age a decade or longer, we were surprised at how delicious it already is – sultry, silky textured and packed with layers of complexity. Acclaimed with a string of 95-point reviews from top critics, this one describes the magic well:
“The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a spice box of a wine, opening with a burst of camphor and dried flowers, giving way to crushed blackberries, sage and cloves. This is surprisingly energetic and racy in style. Vibrant acidity propels depths of dark red fruits and inner floral as salty minerals saturate. The 2019 finishes structured and long yet still lively, leaving violet inner florals and hints of currant to taper off slowly. The combination of power, depth and energy makes this impossible to ignore.” -95 pts, Vinous
Klipsun Vineyard Red Blend Red Mountain 2022
$41.99/$33.60 by the case Normally $55+
A knockout single vineyard Bordeaux blend from Washington’s prestigious Red Mountain AVA, wines like this have given Red Mountain its enviable reputation. Bold and mouthfilling with serious presence and intensity, the saturated flavors cascade across the palate with polished tannins providing a sturdy framework. Mixed berries, black cherry and plum are joined by accents of tobacco, cedar shavings and crushed slate, appealingly wild aromas that meld beautifully with the dark fruit. Powerful and concentrated, this drinks well now – especially if decanted – but will evolve nicely for years to come. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 17% Syrah, 7% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc.
Abbey Road Farm Chardonnay Yamhill-Carlton 2021
$17.99/$14.40 by the case Originally $36
A slam dunk end of vintage deal, this terrific organic Chardonnay showcases the white Burgundy-inspired, lively style that Oregon is known for, married to a lightly creamy texture and a wealth of detailed flavors. Succulent apple and pear are accented with notes of toasted almond, warm spice and a hint of vanilla, while a precise beam of lemony acidity provides focus and lift. The finish is dry and supple, trailing notes of dried white fruit, jasmine and mandarin peel. With acclaimed winemaker Blair Trathen at the helm of this 82-acre working farm with an onsite B&B, the buzz around Abbey Road Farm keeps buzzing stronger and this is a great introduction to their wines.
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.
Belle Pente Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton 2022
$34.99/$28 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.
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