2025 DOMAINE LE GALANTIN
BANDOL ROSÉ
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

The popularity of this dry Southern French Rosé speaks for itself. If you wait too long, it will be gone. Bandol at fifteen dollars is unrealistic, but Bandol at twenty-four? Happily, yes.

Rosé may have lost some of its shine because of overproduction and too many poor, inexpensive examples, and the current market correction is separating the good from the bad while some regions cut back production. As usual, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Grenache make up the blend, giving this mouth-filling pink wine real complexity. Classic raspberry and strawberry aromas are layered with spice, herbs, and rose petal, leading to broad Mediterranean flavors and a savory finish lifted by fresh briskness. Enjoy this substantial yet lively Rosé over the next 2–3 years with grilled tuna, pan-seared sea bass, dishes with Romesco sauce, or white meats.

2025 DOMAINE ESCARAVAILLES
CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE ROSÉ
$14.99 BTL. - 18 bottles available

Led by Madeline Ferran, Domaine des Escaravailles is one of Rasteau’s top estates. Alongside some of the appellation’s best Rhône reds, she makes a tiny amount of striking, delicious dry Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé. Only eighteen bottles remain.

Made from 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 20% Cinsault, this 2025 delivers unusual complexity for the price. Aromas of cherry pit, rosemary, peach blossom, and subtle blue fruit lead to a full, generous palate and a fresh, cleansing finish. Enjoy it with goat cheese, salads, or seafood pasta.

2025 DOMAINE DE BAGNOL
CASSIS ROSÉ
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

This Cassis is not the liqueur from Beaune, but the beautiful coastal town in Provence. Wine has been made here since before the Greeks arrived around 600 BC. Little is exported because local tourism and the area’s excellent seafood create strong demand for these local wines. Along with its striking white cliffs and blue Mediterranean views, Cassis is also known for wines, and this compelling Rose is one of the region’s best-known and most delicious bottles.

A true Rosé of character, lively aromas of hawthorn, berry, herbes de Provence, lemon, and strawberry lead into a texture that is rich and mouth-filling, yet fresh and energetic. Its depth and complexity carry through the long finish. It is enjoyable on its own, but especially good with seafood stew, grilled chicken with fresh herbs, or crusty bread and olives.

2025 MAS DE VALERIOLE
'VÉ' MEDITERRANÉE ROSÉ
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

This may be the most distinctive Rosé in the lineup, made just over ten miles from Arles in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Vé is a Provençal expression meaning “look at that!” and this wine is something like a grown-up pink lemonade. Made from 70% Caladoc, 15% Merlot, and 15% Marselan, this wine gets minimal skin contact, which helps keep it especially refreshing. Aromas of cherry pit, melon, and sea salt lead to a crisp, bright texture that is pure easy pleasure. Bring it to a picnic or the beach, enjoy it in the hot tub, use it at breakfast to cure a hangover, shower with it and so on...

2025 LUPU DEL SOLE
TERRE SICILIANE ROSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

If you ever ratted out your mob colleagues, you might end up in witness protection running a Ferris wheel. Still, all is not lost: when your pasta dinner is basically egg noodles and ketchup, Lupu del Sole Rosso is the wine upgrade that might make you nostalgic for your loansharking and whacking days.

This blend of Nero d’Avola/Nerello Mascalese exudes the essence of both Sicilian varietals. Flamboyant aromatics with blackberry and plum tones but also conveying its vibrancy. Well-rounded and flavorful this is a wonderful summer red to pair with slow roasted chicken spiked with lots of Italian herbs, caponata, arancini or saltimbocca.

2020 HAUT-RIAN CADILLAC
COTES-DE-BORDEAUX ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Chateau Haut-Rian’s classic red Bordeaux is drinking oh so beautifully at age five.

2020 is classic in aromas and flavors and is prototype French Merlot (90%) with a ten percent addition of Cabernet Sauvignon. Sumptuous blueberry fruit leads the way followed by a mosaic of herbs and spices including tealeaf, dark chocolate and turned earth. A seductive attack with supple texture and brilliant mineral/earth detail, there is no question that it is Bordeaux. Very red and black cherry on the ringing, fine, deceptively long finish. Drink with chicken dishes, cheeseburgers, lentil soup and more.

2020 ALVAR DE DIOS ARRIBES TINTO
'CAMINO DE LOS ARRIEOS'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

From Arribes, a remote region in western Spain along the Portuguese border, this field blend is built around Rufete with lesser amounts of other native varieties from 36 tiny plots.

At 12.5% alcohol, this red shows the fragrant minerality of Arribes’ hillside soils, with bright notes of blackberry, olive, and sanguine. Allspice and licorice frame layers of berry, herbs, and peppermint. Lacy and full of personality, this gamey, gnarly wine shines at the table with ham, pork, bacon, and more.

BIANCAVIGNA PROSECCO
CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A Prosecco that doesn’t p#ss me off, BiancaVigna’s bubblies defy the usual mediocrity—more soul and depth, less bubble-gum gloss born of a marketing idiot’s concept.

The color and fragrances of this sparkler provide luminosity with no shortage of fabulous flavor. Wildflowers, lime and yellow apple twinkle from the glass. Texturally it is pure silk with dignified bubbles that caress the senses before closing with a long, virtually ambient finish. Perfect as an aperitif and as a refined accompaniment for hors d'oeuvres, first courses and magnificent with sushi.

2023 ALAIN GRAILLOT
CROZES-HERMITAGE BLANC
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK

Back in 2015 when I visited Domaine Graillot, Max Graillot was fully on board with the changes made to this limited white wine. Formerly, Max’s father Alain made it an old-fashioned, heavier, oaky style. Nowadays this 80% Marsanne/20% Roussanne blend is aged in half one-year barrels with the other half in stainless steel without the use of malolactic fermentation.

Savory, expressive aromas fill the glass led by apricot and pear with ginger, jasmine, anise and white pepper undertones. Fruit-driven, lovely round core, sneaky mineral with plenty of late-arriving mandarin tones provide immense palate-pleasure. Very enjoyable over the next 7-8 years, this wine absolutely sings with asparagus dishes, halibut in sauce or seared scallops wrapped in bacon.

2024 ARCHITECT CABERNET
SAUVIGNON SONOMA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Architect Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit like Willie Wonka's golden ticket or the next mean spirited reality show, the buzz and excitement never seem to go away and is always viewed, or in this case, consumed. Being one of the best-priced California Cabs that we feature, do not let the Oompa Loompas buy it out from under you.

Teeming with aromas of blueberry, cassis and mocha with no shortage of old-school California peppermint and anisette scents, those who love Cabernet will immediately be impressed. Savory and fruit forward, with amiable flavors, structure and finely balanced tannins that drop a poised, gentlemanly finish that hangs around nicely.

2024 FRANCO SERRA
DOLCETTO D'ALBA
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

A real steal for the money, this light, vivid Dolcetto is raised in stainless steel and is a bright, quaffable drink with soul.

Pleasurable aromas start with stony minerality, mint, purple flowers and hints of red plum. A wonderful introduction into the grape and grande territorio that is Piedmont. Have with ‘Piemontese Sushi’, known as carne cruda. Steak tartare will work in its place as well as a mushroom dominated pasta dish or a plate of salumi.

2021 KNOLL PINOT NOIR 'ELKTON'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The Elkton AVA, an enclave within the larger Umpqua Valley AVA, is regarded as the coolest and wettest of all Oregon growing regions. Being a mere thirty-five miles from the coast, it is prime for deliciously full Pinot Noir. After a career in real estate, Leslie Beckley made a momentous change following her passion for viticulture and winemaking in her fifties by starting a vineyard and winery.

Pinots from this region take on aromatic aspects and body that feels a bit like Sonoma Coast but is all Oregon. Marionberry, salt, ground pepper, kisses of chocolate/coriander aromas reveal their presence immediately. In the mouth, one feels the fullness but never without the smoothness and silkiness that is fine Pinot Noir. Formidable thrust and spice on the marine-inspired finish that lingers on in a dark-toned manner. Enjoy it over the next decade.

2024 QUINTA PORRAIS
DOURO BRANCO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

The Douro region is known for Port, but excellent dry reds and whites are produced.

Made from provincial Codega do Larinho, Rabigato, Verdelho, Viosinho grapes it is provocatively fragrant with bursting aromas of lemon, talc, gerber daisies, and seashells. Lively wiry, very dry clean flavors, movement and extension set it off as a starter or with lighter seafood preparations.

2016 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA
'VINA ARANA' GRAN RESERVA
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK

95 Points – Decanter Magazine…Produced for decades, the great bastion of traditionally styled Rioja La Rioja Alta upgraded their Vina Arana Reserva to Gran Reserva. Deservedly so, the terroir and grapes deliver stunning results and the new 2016 is on top form.

Mineral, sandalwood, roasted spice, lead pencil, game, dried strawberry, and earth shape the nose. Poised and seamless, this old-school Rioja is fresh and sophisticated, with a core of red fruit and a long finish framed by velvety tannins. It will age for at least another decade, but drinks beautifully now with rack of lamb, roasted pork, lentils, or aged cheeses.

2020 BLACK SLATE PRIORAT
MAS ALTA 'LA VILELLA ALTA'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The Black Slate La Vilella Alta Priorat primarily Grenache with tiny amounts of Syrah, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Elevation and clay-limestone-schist soils are what bring about exuberance and finely tune this full-bodied offering.

Wonderfully dramatic and sophisticated, its persistence and character with spicy, mulled black cherry, grenadine, slate, wind-swept lavender and tangy licorice aspects glisten. The palate is very extroverted, layered and natural minerality shines from soils with submerged structure. The back end lasts forever, and the entire package is class from the get-go. Amazingly one can uncork a bottle but there is no doubt that this wine will easily age 5-6 years.

2024 GUIGAL
COTES-DU-RHONE BLANC
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

This happy surprise from a Rhone legend as the same as finding a twenty in your pants pocket after pulling them from the dryer. More famous for the red version, this white Cotes-du-Rhone is going to make a whole lotta people investigate the whites.

Guigal succeeds where many Viognier-based whites fail, staying balanced to avoid becoming the equivalent of floral shampoo. 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, and 2% Grenache Blanc, aromas of honeysuckle, orange peel, pear, and mineral lead to a wine with finesse, delicacy, fruit and spice on the spirited finish. Try it with beet salad and goat cheese, shrimp scampi, or spaghetti primavera.

2022 CHATEAU CEDRE
CAHORS 'HERITAGE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Cahors is known as the black wine of France but there are times I call it ‘le casse-couilles de vin Francais’ because its assorted styles. Some are treacherous and industrial; some try to be like Argentina with too much slickness and then there are wines like Cedre’s which are soulful expressions of terroir.

Scents of red and black licorice, violet, sandalwood and raspberry step to the palate with generosity and a clean, subtle modern twist, never straying from its Cahors roots with its earth-mother texture. Drink over the next 4-5 years with hearty beef stew, prime rib or grilled lamb sausages.

2023 ANA MARIA CUMSILLE
CARINENA 'LOMAS COLORADAS'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Guilty pleasures come in many forms including music, food, literature and of course wine. When it comes to grapes, I have a mushy spot for good Carignan, but the last place I would ever think to find one is Southern Chile’s Itata region.

Ana Maria Cumsille, chief winemaker at Viña Carmen, one of Chile’s historic producers, fell in love with the cool-climate Itata region and began making wines under her own label. This single-vineyard Carignan comes from a site planted in 1980 at just under 1,000 feet of elevation. Aromas of white pepper, Asian spice, and ripe raspberry lead into a wine with impressive depth and generous fruit. The finish is long and lingering, inviting another pour. Pair this complex, appealing, medium-bodied red with grilled chicken or pork seasoned with fennel.

2024 VALLEVO MONTEPULCIANO
D'ABRUZZO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Fun, forward, fruit-driven unpretentious, Montepulciano is the consummate wine for any occasion. Ordering pizza? Drink Montepulciano. Celebrating sending the brats back to school after summer vacation? Drink Montepulciano (although some parents may prefer Champagne. If this is the case, call Bryan immediately!) Having a party?? Drink Montepulciano.

So now that you have the idea, plan to order your bottles of this lip-smacking central Italian red! Harmonious and chock full of bright, lively strawberry fruit it is dry and delivering a combination of spice and earth it makes for a perfect every evening Italian wine.

2024 TERRENZUOLA
CINQUE TERRE BIANCO
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

Once you get past the hordes of tourists, there are small amounts of very fine white wine made in the area in the miniscule, 1973 established Cinque Terre DOC. Terenzuola’s terraced 2.43 acres in the appellation overlook the sea and are split into sixteen plots of land producing a mere two thousand bottles (that’s about 165 cases to you and me, Russ).

Made from Vermentino, along with two native grapes, Bosco and Albarola, this white wine is sizzling and fascinating. Decomposed sandstone combined with seaside proximity allow the vines to inhale the salty air like a Mediterranean bong. Persuasive notes of lemon blossom, star anise, saline, freesia and minerality fill the glass, your nose and the entire room. The tingling entry gives way to an elevated vinous texture, possessing buoyant crispness, dimension, balance and extension. A white wine vehicle for fish jacked with anise and Italian herbs. It also works brilliantly with green vegetables, kale, mushrooms, asparagus and more.

2024 KELLEY FOX
PINOT NOIR 'MIRABAI'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

Another Pinot from the great 2024 vintage and one of Oregon’s illustrious, award-winning producers. Kelley is maintaining the price on this old vine entry blend Pinot Noir, and you are obliged to have it if you like her wines and fine Oregon Pinot.

All Dundee Hills from Weber, Stater and Durant Vineyards and Kelley articulates it oh so well…‘The Mirabai 2024 is a youthful, rich red with blue undertones and brilliant transparency. My first impression is a visually observable silkiness. The nose is full of abundant Hood strawberries and red raspberries with subtle warm spices. The 2024 is utterly fresh. As fresh as the cool, rain-air. The mouth becomes quite focused after the almost lush beginning but maintains its juiciness throughout. The extended, silky finish has beautiful tension and balance. This is a serious Mirabai, and in the past, I would have loved for any of my single vineyard Pinots to be as well-composed as this one is.’

2022 RASA 'OCCAM'S RAZOR'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Not sure how Cabernet lovers missed this a few weeks ago, but we are running Walla Walla genius and high-end producer Rasa’s gateway Occam’s Razor Cabernet Sauvignon again.

Flavorful black plum and coriander are enveloped by chocolate/espresso nuances. Palate staining, there is an irresistible quality to this wine now, but don't drink it all up at once, because it will age nicely for 6-8 years.