2024 KIENTZLER PINOT BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

June Special. Price goes up July 1. We’ve long been fans of Kientzler’s Alsace wines, especially this bottling, which we’ve featured for years.

The 2024 Pinot Blanc exceeded expectations and may be the estate’s finest version yet. It shows real finesse and is so immediately drinkable that finishing a bottle would be easy. Aromas of pear, apple, flowers, and smoke lead to a dry palate with pure fruit, bright acidity, and a long finish. My notebook says, “I could drink this all day,” and after one sip, you may agree.

2021 ACUSTIC CELLER MONTSANT
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Located on the slopes surrounding Priorat like a horseshoe, about two hours south of Barcelona, Montsant has a distinct terroir that differs greatly from its more famous, higher-elevation neighbor. Since earning D.O. status in 2001, the region’s quality has continued to rise. Albert Jané has been making wine here since 2003, and his bottlings are among the region’s most compelling.

Made from 65% Carignan and 35% Grenache from 35- to 80-year-old vines, this 2021 captures a classic Mediterranean vintage. Albert’s benchmark Montsant shows pronounced herbs and spice layered over licorice, violet, and windswept minerality. The fruit is concentrated yet balanced, and the finish is ripe, structured, and full, with plenty of vibrancy and lift. It is very appealing now and should age well for another 5 to 7 years.

2023 FERRANDO ROSSO
CANAVESE 'TORRAZZA'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Carema and Canavese are both in Piedmont, far north of Barolo and Barbaresco near the Valle d’Aosta border. Luigi Ferrando is the region’s leading producer, renowned for Carema Nebbiolo and wines from Canavese, an appellation created in 1996.

Ferrando Canavese Rosso is mostly Nebbiolo, with about 30% Barbera and a touch of Neretta. The 2023 combines generous fruit with freshness from the area’s elevation and cool nights. Aromas of strawberry, mint, licorice, smoke, and herbs lead to a vibrant, deep palate and a long finish. Complex, satisfying, and an excellent value, it pairs beautifully with stuffed ravioli or mushroom-cheese risotto.

2024 YURA JURANCON SEC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

97 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards…This crisp, dry French white may become your new favorite—if you haven’t tried it yet. From Jurançon in southwestern France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, the region produces whites that range from bone-dry to richly sweet dessert wines.

A bone-dry burst of joy, this blend of 60% Gros Manseng and 40% Petit Manseng offers aromas of honeyed lemon oil, apricot, and tropical fruit, accented by exotic spice. The palate is lush and mouth-coating, yet its saline-like acidity and bright energy keep everything fresh, leaving a long, clean finish.

2023 OEDIPODA JULIENAS
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

Juliénas is named for Julius Caesar, and local growers believe it was the site of Beaujolais’ first vineyards after the Roman conquest of Gaul.

Balancing heartiness with finesse, Oedipoda captures the character of the cru. Aromas of blackberry, peppercorn, red berries, cinnamon, and stony minerality make a vivid impression. On the palate, it is direct and well balanced, with fruit and mineral notes carrying through a long, energetic finish. Enjoy it over the next 6 to 8 years with roast chicken, mushroom pasta, or well-aged Gruyère.

2025 CHATEAU PRADEAUX
COTES-DE-PROVENCE ROSE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Chateau de Pradeaux is a leading Bandol producer, and this overachieving bottle is an excellent introduction to the range.

This rosé, once part of the Bandol appellation, is 60% Mourvèdre. Expressive aromas of strawberry and herbs lead into a chalky mineral note. Sleek acidity supports the depth that comes from forty-year-old vines, while flavors of red berry, lemon, and sea salt linger on the finish. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with seafood stew, grilled halibut with salsa verde, grilled chicken with fresh herbs, or crusty bread with goat cheese and olives.

2023 BODEGAS EGUREN
TEMPRANILLO
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE

At this price, there’s no need to overthink it—just drink.

From the warm climate La Mancha region, this Tempranillo is made for early drinking. It opens with lively aromas of raspberry, balsam, and spiced earth, then delivers a vibrant, supple palate full of character. Persistent and fresh, it’s a delicious everyday red that pairs just as easily with a burger as it does with a group of friends.

2016 CALABRETTA NERELLO
MASCALESE VIGNE VECCHIE
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PACK

Massimiliano Calabretta makes his wines in a traditional Barolo style, with extended aging in large Slavonian botti. Although this wine could be labeled Etna Rosso, he chooses instead to name it for the grape variety, sourced from 70+ year-old ungrafted vines. In other words, it feels like a journey back to old Italy—and it is undeniably delicious.

The 2016 is the current release, and at nine years old it is drinking beautifully while still offering plenty of upside. Its garnet color reflects a classic, traditional, non-destemmed style. Aromas of chocolate-covered orange, red berries, dried flowers, smoke, mushroom, and graphite lead to a layered, energetic palate with impressive length. This is not a cocktail wine—pair it with roast lamb or aged cheeses over the next decade.

2024 BEDROCK HERITAGE RED
DOLINSEK RANCH RUSSIAN RIVER
$49.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK

This is a new Bedrock offering for us, and the aromatics from this Russian River site more than justify the price.

The texture is exceptionally smooth. Built on a Zinfandel base with Alicante, Barbera, Black Muscat, Chasselas, and many other varieties, it delivers seductive notes of black pepper and cardamom alongside intense raspberry, plum, nectarine, lavender, and rosemary. Velvety and lush, it carries through to a vivid, expansive finish. Let it evolve in the glass, or decant if you’re short on time. Drink through 2037+.

2024 DOMAINE DES FORGES
ANJOU ROUGE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

Since tasting this delicious, chillable red in Paris last year, Bryan has been eager to share it. Red wines from France’s Anjou region are among the country’s most soulful and are a staple in their local wine bars.

From the western Loire, just outside Angers, this unoaked Cabernet Franc offers both intrigue and pleasure. Notes of red raspberry, warm granite spice, cherry licorice, and hints of jasmine lead into a wine that is bone-dry, pure, and vibrant, with sizzling energy and earthy character. Serve it lightly chilled with charcuterie, sausage, pâté, steak frites, or a substantial fish dish.

2024 DOMAINE DES FORGES
SAVENNIERES 'CLOS DU PAPILLON
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

One of France’s finest dry white wine regions, the still-underrated Domaine des Forges delivers something special with its single-cru Clos du Papillion Savennieres. At $33, it is not inexpensive, but if this single vineyard cuvée came from Burgundy, Champagne, or Chablis, it would cost two to three times as much.

The 2024 release is outstanding. Chamomile, quince, and striking minerality leap from the glass, followed by honeyed Earl Grey notes, orange zest, white anise, and pepper after a few minutes in the glass. It is incredibly complex, very dry, and lifted enough to cut through its concentrated fruit. The finish is long, pure, and mouthwatering, with remarkable energy and persistence. It is appealing even now, especially with hearty seafood, and will drink beautifully through 2036+.

2018 BELARGUS QUARTS-DE
CHAUME 'QUARTS' GRAND CRU
[reg. $169.00]
SPECIAL - $129.99 HALF BTL.

99 Points – The Wine Advocate…There is always debate about the best way to end a special meal: coffee, grappa, cognac, smokes, after-dinner mints, or one of the Loire’s great dessert wines. For us, the answer is easy—treat yourself to this excellent Chenin Blanc dessert wine from Quarts de Chaume in the western Loire Valley.

'If you're gonna run with the big dogs, you can't p*ss with the puppies.' - A famous West Virginia quote. One doesn't have to worry about Belargus not runnin' with Rottweilers or St-Bernards, because they stand with the best in dessert wine. Rich and powerful with notes of baked pear, lemon pie, cinnamon, stony spice, and super-ripe white peach, layered with emerging hints of mango, quince, cardamom, honey, pekoe tea, and earth. Broad and expansive on the palate, it finishes with lift and spice. Pair it with foie gras, pungent cheeses, or fruit desserts, or enjoy it on its own. Drink through 2045+. Five splits available.

2025 ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
$34.99 - 500 ML BTL. - VERY LIMITED

Rocca di Montegrossi Olive Oil is one of the harder bottles to find, and Marco Ricasoli’s oil is every bit as impressive as his wines.

Made from 90% Correggiolo and 10% Moraiolo olives, this oil emphasizes finesse, vibrancy, complexity, and balance over sheer intensity. The Chianti site benefits from maritime winds that reduce the risk of frost—an important advantage after the devastating 1985 freeze that destroyed many old olive trees, while the majority of Marco’s survived. Organically produced, the oil reflects the character of those mature trees, showing a beautiful green color and vivid aromas of ripe green olive and fresh fruit. Rich and creamy on the palate, it finishes with harmonious, appealing spice. Combine it with Montegrossi’s Chianti wines, it is excellent for dipping with quality bread, finishing meat and fish or serving with grilled vegetables and salads.

2024 ALTO LIMAY PINOT NOIR
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Many in the wine world see Argentina’s Patagonia as the next important Pinot Noir region. Its cool climate has drawn top producers, including this partnership between Paul Hobbs and Patagonia stalwart Familia Schroeder.

Plum, mocha, and floral aromas lead the nose. A subtle cinnamon-spice complexity is already present and should evolve into savory, gamey notes with age. Silky tannins frame the fruit, making for a seamless wine that is ideal with fowl yet sturdy enough for beef or lamb.

2023 JEAN PABIOT SANCERRE
'LA MERISIERE'
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

A leading name in Pouilly-Fume, Domaine Pabiot also makes excellent Sancerre in small quantities. As with all of their wines, terroir takes center stage, and this bottling reflects a patchwork of clay, limestone, flint, and white-stone soils.

Intense aromas of flint, mandarin, gooseberry, and lemon immediately command attention. Ripeness meets brisk, cool-toned acidity, creating a broad texture and a long finish marked by the nervosité so typical of this celebrated region. Pair this vibrant wine with halibut, grilled salmon, or excellent goat cheese.

2022 CORREGGIA ROERO NEBBIOLO
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Matteo Correggia helped elevate the quality and reputation of Piedmont’s Roero region. Though he died far too young, his legacy lives on through his family’s wines and many other producers in the area.

Aromatic, refined, and impressively complete, this 100% Nebbiolo makes an immediate impression. Licorice, floral notes, chinato herbs, and a steely edge give it a linear, wiry shape with depth but no heaviness. Character and finesse carry through the long, persistent finish. A value Nebbiolo worth seeking out, drink it through 2030.

GOODFELLOW EXTRA BRUT
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$36.99 BTL./$221.94 - SIX PACK

Oregon sparkling wine continues to rise in quality, and Marcus Goodfellow stands among the state’s best producers. This bottling is the gateway cuvee from his sparkling wine program.

68% Chardonnay and 32% Pinot Noir, with low dosage and base wines from the pristine 2019 and 2021 vintages. Aromas of lime, nectarine, salted white chocolate, and spice open into a sculpted yet elegant palate with exceptionally fine bubbles and a long, complex finish. Enjoy it on its own, with friends, or alongside a memorable seafood meal. If you love serious sparkling wine, this is well worth your attention.

2024 THE CURATOR
SWARTLAND RED BLEND
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE

A lip-smacking, dry South African red at $11 that stands apart from the industrial plonk often found at this price.

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Shiraz, 15% Pinotage. Blackberry, tea leaf, and licorice mingle with peppery spice, subtle oak, and earthy notes. Rich yet stylish, it shows an almost Italian plum character and a feral finish. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage, or hearty stew.

2023 XISTO ILIMITADO
DOURO TINTO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Luis Seabra is a leading voice in Portugal’s new generation of Douro winemakers, showing that the region’s wines can be precise, vivid, and expressive rather than over-oaked or heavy.

From vines planted between 1960 and 1980 in yellow schist at 1,200 to 2,000 feet, this seven-variety blend led by Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz is bright, balanced, and expressive. Notes of lavender, cranberry, white smoke, red plum, herbs, and Thai spice lead into a palate of lively fruit, black licorice, white pepper, blueberry, and soft smoke. Generous in texture with subtle structure, it will drink well over the next 6 to 8 years with beef tenderloin, Asian-style pork, game, or mushroom dishes.

2023 LEBREUIL SAVIGNY-LES
BEAUNE 'AUX GRANDS LIARDS'
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK

Once classified as Premier Cru before losing the designation during World War II, this south-facing slope sits just below the line of Premiers Crus.

The nose is compact yet expressive, with mineral, dried flowers, roasted coffee, black cherry, and plum. On the palate, ripe berry fruit stays beautifully balanced, supported by fine-grained tannins from fifty-year-old vines. Floral notes, dried porcini, and Bing cherry linger through the finish. Drink now with a 30-minute decant, or better yet, wait until next year and enjoy it through 2036.

2023 CARREL JONGIUX BLANC
VIN DE SAVOIE
[reg. $18.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Because the distributor has a large supply of this white wine, they made the consumer-friendly choice to reduce the price to pre-tariff levels.

From Savoie’s Jongieux area, this low-alcohol (11.5%) white is the definition of a summer slammer. Made from 100% Jacquere, it delivers far more intensity and complexity than its modest alcohol suggests. Aromas of white flowers, melon, mandarin, mineral, and anise carry through to a mouthwatering palate. The finish is pure and remarkably long. Enjoy it with grilled shrimp or on its own.

2021 DOMAINE BISCARELLE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE

After years of selling fruit to negociants, former autoroute patrolman Jerome Greico took over his father-in-law’s vineyards in and around Chateauneuf-du-Pape and left his day job to bottle his own wines.

Overshadowed by the powerful 2020 and 2022 vintages, 2021 is easy to overlook. Yet these slightly lower-alcohol wines offer soul, poise, and finesse. Ground pepper, lavender, deep plum, and smoked meat show on the nose and palate, framed by a generous, cushiony texture and a long, smooth finish with spice and licorice. Delicious now with grilled steak, it should continue to develop for another 8 to 10 years.