2017 CANTINA SOCIALE
COPERTINO RISERVA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Located in the southern portion of Puglia near Lecce and Salento, Copertino is a DOC rarely seen outside of Italy. The outstanding Cantina Sociale co-op is the main producer, and these are old school Italian reds that literally have Paolo Conte playing in the background.

Mostly Negramaro with small dollops of Malvasia Nera and Montepulciano. Berries, plum, allspice, almond and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the fleshy, vibrant portion of the cherry that is right around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, something with a spicy Asian influence, but it is at its best with pizza.

2022 GOMEZ CRUZADO
RIOJA CRIANZA
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Established in 1886, Gomez Cruzado is one of the most important producers of Rioja wine. Compared to many larger neighbors, these wines slither under the Rioja radar. This Bodega’s valor of maintaining elegance and class is very admirable after 130+ years.

75% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, you shouldn't sense that this Crianza is solely elegance; it possesses plentiful punch complementing glorious components of dried cherries, spice and leather and savory herb aspects. Cutting a sleek, handsome profile with fine balance, it finishes long, dry, and with well-defined, earth accents. Drink through 2032.

2024 ELVIO COGNO
NASCETTA DI NOVELLO BIANCO
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PK

'All of life is a dispute over taste and tasting' --- Nietzsche....One of the things that makes me as cranky as Willie Nelson or Snoop Dogg when they're out of weed is the archaic misinterpretation that Piedmont’s white wines are non-descript. Given the quality of Arneis, Timorasso, Gavi and Nascetta, we are currently in an epoca bellisima of diversity and deliciousness.

Elvio Cogno is one of a handful of Piemontese producers who revived this ancient, temperamental white grape in the mid-1990s adding further fascination to modern Piedmont’s varietals. Intriguing and elusive, the resulting white wine is fragrant with bustling scents of pear, blossoms, ginger, lychee and underlying minerality. Mouth-filling, full of energetic burst with complexity and complimentary succulence progressing to the delectable, drawn-out finish. Enjoy this delicious white wine with monkfish, grilled tuna or white meats as well as soft-ripened cheese after the main course. Drink over the next 5-7 years.

2023 JM RAFFAULT CHINON
'LES GALUCHES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Picture yourself kicking back in a French café or bistro wearing oversized sunglasses enjoying a hunk of paté or rillettes while getting loaded on this Cabernet Franc.

Luminous, clean and full of fruit, earth and soul, it engages the olfactory senses with raspberry, sanguine, roses and turned earth aromas. The texture surges with red tones, sandalwood and an underlay of licorice. At 12.5° alcohol, this is an enticing wine to have with anything that will clog the arteries.

2021 FATTORIA DI FELSINA
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE

95 Points – The Wine Spectator…Combine a seamless, great Chianti vintage like 2021 with one of the legendary, epic producers and Tuscan fireworks are sure to go off!

From vineyard sites in Castelnuovo Berardenga planted in the 1970s, the Black label Riserva is a tremendous value. An Impressive combination of power and smoothness, deep and dark black cherry and plum fruit are the wine’s trademark. Highlighting Tuscan savory floral, sage and toffee scents, an abundance of detailed terroir rides shotgun on this complex red. Generosity up front then fanning out on the entire palate the sensuous fruit submerges the stacked tannins. The true highlight of this wine is its graceful aftertaste that lingers on and on then snaps back for more. Felsina’s wines never rip the enamel off your teeth if you desire to uncork one now. Drink this future hall of famer through 2035+.

2024 RASA VINEYARDS 'OCCAM'S
RAZOR' CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$26.99 BTL/$323.88 CASE

Walla Walla genius and high-end producer Rasa’s gateway Occam’s Razor Cabernet Sauvignon is from top-notch Washington sites.

Flavorful yet not overblown or overoaked, 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.

2022 CARPE DIEM CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Made by Louis Roederer, this Chardonnay is a modern throwback to the best highlights of older California presentations.

Full throttle, yet light on its feet, a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease entices. Think of pure creamy length and a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Sounds a bit naughty but it really is not. Refined tropical notes and light custardy spice with bright vibrancy for equilibrium, it has everything a Cali-Chard lover will enjoy with no one component outshining another, brilliant juice to be consumed with friends and fish tacos.

2022 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
'DURANT VINEYARD'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

The 2022s from Marcus Goodfellow are magical, compelling stories. Even in a youthful stage, his Dundee Hills Durant Vineyard Pinot possesses profound scents with underlying perfume that in time will stand above all other elements of this wine.

Strawberry, fine earth, pepper, cardamom and Indian spices unfold as it airs in the glass. Superb, ethereal depth and penetration. Sculpted and not soupy or over-thought, vertical backbone arrives on the drawn-out, luxurious finish. Put this Pinot down until early 2028 and then drink it through 2036+.

2023 CHATEAU VIRGILE
COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

Last call for the last four cases of this ten-dollar Southern French steal before the price increases.

50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Marselan & 10% Mourvedre, this sturdy red is chock full of alluring violet, sea-salt, lavender, blueberry and cherry aromas. Classic roasted earth, pepper and feisty aspects commonly found in these wines takes it up a level. Chewy, ripe flavors expand into a firm and spicy middle then extend into the way above average finish.

2023 DECUGNANO BARBI ORVIETO
'MARE ANTICO' SUPERIORE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

One of Orvieto’s finest producers, Decugnano dei Barbi’s wines are in all of Rome’s top restaurants. We have featured their entry wines, but this is our premier offering of their top Orvieto which was awarded Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso. Labeled as Superiore, emphasizing Orvieto’s gold standard classification, lower yields are required and these wines take on more seriousness versus classic versions. Based around Grecanico, Mare Antico takes its name from the region once being under a sea.

Made from 40-year-old vines, the wine impressively shows its depth as soon as it hits the mouth. Stylish tones of lemongrass, oyster shell and nectarine lead into a ripe, generous, explosive texture enhanced beautifully by brisk, lively acidity, especially on the surging finish. Whether you serve shellfish, sea bass, spicy chicken, and gazpacho or just want a nice glass of white wine after a busy day, this one is hard to beat.

2022 BEDROCK SYRAH
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

I recently drank a bottle of this excellent Syrah from one of our favorite Sonoma producers and made me notice that its Saint-Joseph or Crozes-Hermitage influences are firmly plastered on its sleeve.

Fully confident in its Syrah skin, it never goes off the reservation to become supercharged and heavy. Black raspberry tones shine with ground black pepper, smoked bacon, subtle licorice and cranberry adding to the overall profile. Upon entry, it expands over the entire palate revealing abundance and airiness with abundant penetration and silky tannins. Persistent and way undervalued for this price point. Enjoy over the next decade with barbacoa, braised short ribs, game birds and well-aged goat cheeses.

2021 GD VAJRA BAROLO 'ALBE'
$37.99 BTL./$227.94 - SIX PACK

95 Points – The Wine Advocate...Located just above the village of Barolo, GD Vajra's wines are among the region's finest, and the Able cuvee is so sensibly priced.

‘Do you have a favorite pair of jeans or a favorite dress that you keep in your closet for all occasions? That's the equivalent of this wine. The G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Albe is an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there. The bouquet focuses on dark berry, pressed flower and crushed stone. It offers good sharpness over broad lines. The mouthfeel is medium-plus in texture and it closes with silky, accessible tannins. Fruit comes from three cru sites: Coste di Vergne, Fossati and La Volta.’ - 95 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE...Drink 2028-2040.

2020 FURLOTTI MALBEC MENDOZA
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

In the never-ending search for under-twenty-dollar Malbecs an old comrade turned up. Grown at 3300 feet in the Lunlunta district of Mendoza at a site planted in 1936, this wine’s old vine propensity really overshadows so many under twenty versions.

Aged in stainless steel and 30% neutral barrel, the alluvial soil, elevation and pure fruit beam. Captivating scents of raspberry, pekoe, chocolate, fig and red earth aromas keep coming on as the wine unfolds in the glass. In the mouth, it has voluptuousness finessed by cool, zesty tones, a vertical backbone and a very vinous, broad and seductive finish. Drink this very real Malbec over the next 6-8 years.

2023 STIFT-GOTTWEIG GRUNER
VELTLINER KREMSTAL 'FURTH'
[reg. $27.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A Benedictine community in Austria that owns approximately sixty acres of vineyards, Kremstal-based Stift Gottweig's monastery revived their thousand-year-old winemaking tradition with the help of one of the nation's gurus, Fritz Meisbauer.

Aromatic with perfumed and precise aromas of smoke, papaya, nectarine, lemon, turmeric and insatiable minerality. Amply textured and fully dry, yet completely electric. Hell, it could light up all of Vienna with its vibrancy! Superb, linear, saline/tangerine finish that goes on for minutes after the wine. Enjoy with white sausage, ahi tuna, dim sum and more….and with this wine, you are blessed my children, and you are welcome.

2021 LABRANCHE-LAFFONT
MADIRAN 'TRADITION'
$19.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

One of Madiran’s superstars, Christine Dupuy took over this SW France estate at age 23 in 1992.

70% Tannat, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Savory and singular with dense aromas highlighted by mint, black licorice, tar, sandalwood and freshly ground espresso play nicely off blackberry fruit. Structured, vinous and maintaining a very personable quality, offsetting its dark side. Higher notes arrive on the long, gripping, very lingering finish. Drink this lovely value through 2031. A prototype wine for cassoulet but also pairs well with duck, grilled lamb skewers, strong cheeses, pate or a roasted porchetta.

2024 MARIETTA 'OVR'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

The moniker OVR was initially for Sonoma steadfast Marietta’s wildly tasty Old Vine Red blend. Inspired by the popularity of the blend, OVR now implies Old Vine Ranch and consists of Riesling, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and this unbelievably priced 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Every sip from the glass is as exciting as the first, this succulent, vibrant Cali Cab teems with black cherry, mocha, vanilla bean and cedar-box. Mouth-filling, persuasive and with instant gratification, toss a burger, steak, chicken or even squirrel (if that’s your thing) on the grill and toss back many bottles.

2023 PILLOT POMMARD PREMIER
CRU 'CLOS DE VERGER'
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK

Our annual allotment of Laurent and Adrien Pillot’s Red and White Burgundy wines have arrived. Most are close to selling out, but we received a bit more of a few gems including this mighty Pommard Premier Cru.

A quasi monopole, Clos de Verger is a rare wine because there are only two owners. Laurent’s vines were planted in 1962 and 1984 and increasingly when I taste this wine, it pushes all my Burgundy buttons. Always a bit more precocious than the loftier Charmots and Rugiens, beautifully broad-scaled strokes of allspice and dark roses ride alongside classic smoky earth and spice. Mouthcoating, brilliantly focused and well-groomed, the old vine texture is deep and moving. The finish is compelling as is the entire makeup of this gorgeous Premier Cru, but it is still youthful. Hold until 2029 and drink through 2040. Inquire for other new 2023 Pillot arrivals.

2023 MULDERBOSCH CAB BLEND
'FAITHFUL HOUND'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

From a South African producer known more for their white wines is a scrumptious Cabernet blend that is a love letter to the Stellenbosch region.

37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot, 18% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Dense aromas of blueberry, forward mineral/ironstone, graphite, emerging red cherry and spiced earth. Increasingly aromatic as it unfurls in the glass, everything comes together nicely on the silky but structured texture that extends and fans out on the deceptively lingering finish. A whole lot of wine for twenty bucks. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years with a Sunday pot roast, fried chicken or soft cheeses.

2024 FRUITIERE MUSCADET
'GNEISS DE BEL ABORD'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Not to be confused with Muscat, the name Muscadet is the name of a region, and the grape is Melon de Bourgogne. Unlike Muscat, this grape which is suited to the Atlantic climate around the city of Nantes delivers wines that are bracingly dry.

The Lieubeau family makes Cru Muscadet and with this wine, it goes a step further, being a single vineyard offering from gneiss soil. Gneiss (pronounced ga-ness) is metamorphic rock that may have come from granite and is characterized by alternating layers of light and dark bands. A hard soil, or should we say pure rock which makes it even more stunning that a vine could even penetrate it! This wine reflects where it is grown as there are serious gunflint and stony aromas which remind one of a quarry right after it has rained. Combining ripe lemon with these notes adds complexity. In the mouth, it is intense and gains laser-like persistence and herbs and spice which carry over into the citrusy and thrusting finish. This wine is the mussel wine of the three, but will also go with numerous shellfish preparations, though avoid the spice.