MASSIMO COLLETI
PROSECCO TREVISO
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Look beneath the polished surface of the wine business and you’ll find we’re not always the cute, cuddly creatures we’re made out to be; our conversations are often laced with salty language. A recent tasting with the supplier of this sparkling wine led to a genuine discovery: one of the best Proseccos I’ve ever tasted. High praise, because I despise most derivative Prosecco—or “pro-suck-o”—as little more than sugary water with bubbles.

Back to the story: between colorful metaphors, Joe the Reaper explained that Massimo Coletti is a tiny, award-winning estate that goes to painstaking—and expensive—lengths to produce Prosecco of the highest quality. After tasting it, I understood the acclaim. The wine is as beautiful to drink as its countless tiny bubbles are to watch. Wildflowers, pears, apples, and a delicate mineral note rise from the glass. The palate is energetic, brisk, fruit-driven, and intense, yet the bubbles are exceptionally refined and silky for the region. Complex and far too classy for a Bellini, it pairs beautifully with light seafood or works equally well as an aperitivo.

2023 PESQUIÉ VENTOUX ROUGE
'LES TERRASSES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Formerly called Côtes-du-Ventoux, Ventoux is a landscape of rolling hills and valleys surrounding Mont Ventoux and stretching toward the Dentelles de Montmirail. A new generation of producers is gradually reshaping the region’s image, challenging the dominance of local cooperatives and crafting excellent wines that reflect their varied terroirs.

60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. With the unmistakable character of Provence, aromas of lavender, smoke, thyme, and pepper lead to a deceptively deep, textured wine with substance and soul. This versatile, year-round red pairs with slow-roasted lamb or winter stews as readily as summer grilled fare.

2024 EVESHAM WOOD PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

[reg. $24.99]...A limited short-time special on one of Oregon’s most behind the curtain producers. Eola-Amity based Evesham Wood has been delivering apex Oregon Pinot Noirs for forty years and this stellar 2024 is a brilliant value for twenty-bucks.

From the moment it is poured, inviting aromas of crème de cassis, cherry, violet, cedar, and subtle mint emerge. This beautiful Pinot shows impressive depth, poise, and balance, making it a versatile match for salmon, lamb, roasted chicken, or mushroom risotto. Drink over the next 6–8 years.

2025 LAGAR DE CERVARA ALBARIÑO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

This Galician property belongs to Rioja legend La Rioja Alta, whose estates have lately been delivering staggering quality. Lagar de Cervera lies in O Rosal, near the sea and the Miño River. Its alluvial soils and proximity to the Atlantic give the wine a pronounced maritime character.

Two words come to mind when tasting this white: beauty and fireworks. Briny and mineral-driven, it gains intensity in the glass as floral notes mingle with nectarine, tangerine, saline, and lemongrass. Energetic yet elegant, with depth and personality, it is a ballerina wielding a crowbar. The finish is pure, precise, and persistent. Pair it with clams, mussels, salmon, halibut, cod, sea urchin—or almost anything else that swims.

2021 IL PALAZZINO
'ARGENINA' CHIANTI CLASSICO
GRAN SELEZIONE
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

94 Points – Vinous...From the outstanding 2021 vintage, this is one of the Gran Selezione category’s best values. These wines typically begin around $45, making this underpriced bottle especially compelling. Il Palazzino is based in Monti, within Gaiole in Chianti, where the Sderci family has owned the estate for more than a century and has grown grapes and made wine for roughly 30 years.

From the Argenina cru, the wine opens with classic Tuscan aromas of roasted herbs, violet, cherry, mint, dusty earth, and savory roasted meat. Ripe Bing cherry drives the palate, framed by spice and fine-grained tannins. Poised, expressive, and true to form, this elegant, sultry Chianti offers impressive energy and depth. Drink through 2035.

2025 BISCI VERDICCHIO DI
MATELICA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The Master of Puppets of Matelica returns with a new vintage. We don’t know whether the metal legends in Metallica drink this wine, but they should endorse it—because in this region, Nothing Else Matters.

Aromas of flint, earth, lemon peel, and smoke lead to a taut, bone-dry palate that is precise and firm. Fans of crisp, flavorful, unoaked whites will love it. It is an ideal match for smoked fish, crab, and anyone listening to punk, R&B, classical, jazz—or, of course, Metallica cranked up to 11.

2024 UGOLINO ROSSO PICENO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

How the hell did all yinz lovers of under-$15 wine miss this a few weeks ago? Maybe you were on vacation, so here’s another reminder of just how delicious it is.

A blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, it opens with lively aromas of raspberry, minerals, smoke, sage, and licorice. Don’t mistake it for Brunello or Barolo; this is a joyful, smooth-fruited wine with gentle spice, fine balance, and good length. It pairs well with pasta and meat dishes, but especially shines with bolder seafood when served slightly chilled.

2022 LYDIAN CABERNET
SAUVIGNON COLUMBIA VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Though part of Avennia’s second label, this undervalued Cabernet Sauvignon outperforms many wines twice its price. Founded in 2010 and led by Chris Peterson, formerly of DeLille Cellars, Avennia’s Lydian Columbia Valley wines offer superb Washington quality for under $25.

Vanilla and cocoa frame black cherry, smoky oak, cola, and creamy milk chocolate aromas. The palate is stylish, dense, and well weighted, with the persistent flavors typical of these wines. Layered, approachable, and ideal with steak or short ribs; enjoy through 2031.

2023 ARNAUD MORTET GEVREY
CHAMBERTIN 'MA CUVEE'
$119.99 BTL./$719.94 - 6 PK

The Mortet name is synonymous with Burgundy’s renowned village of Gevrey-Chambertin. In 2006, at just 24, Arnaud Mortet took over the estate after the sudden passing of his influential father, Denis. Over the past two decades, he has built on that legacy with powerful Gevrey-Chambertin wines.

Ma Cuvée is Arnaud’s love letter to the village, drawn from seven sites, including four just below the Grands Crus. A true expression of Gevrey-Chambertin, it layers strawberry, smoke, and mineral over chocolate, licorice, and blackberry. The palate is poised and expansive, with a firm spine and upright structure. A lush finish reveals a touch of oak that should integrate with a few years of age. Hold until end 2027 and drink through 2038+.

2023 DOMAINE TOUR-PENET
MÂCON-PERRONE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

A White Burgundy wonder, Domaine de la Tour Penet covers 11.25 hectares in Perrone, a village considered, after Cluny, one of the earliest recorded homes of Chardonnay. Its Maconnais vineyards lie in a single block around the 18th-century château. Anne Ramonet, formerly married to Jean-Claude Ramonet of Chassagne-Montrachet renown and part of the Ferret family, now leads the estate. Most of the vines are 70–80 years old, with some reaching 100 years.

Intense yet refined aromas of lemon, crunchy yellow apple, and apricot are grounded by a mineral undertow. The site brings fruit presence, while diamond-like precision and finesse carry the spacious texture. Firm and vibrant, it finishes fleshy, zesty, and deeply flavorful. Enjoy over the next five years with scallops in sauce, mushroom risotto, sea bass or similar fish in cream sauce, or aged goat cheese.

2025 DOMAINE BART
MARSANNAY ROSÉ
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Many think French rosé comes only from Provence or the Loire—not Burgundy—but Marsannay rosé has deep roots. After World War I, as demand for red Burgundy declined, rosé helped sustain the region until reds regained prominence.

This distinctive pink is one-third saignée and two-thirds direct press and food-friendly. Aromas of smoked red cherry, rose petal, herbs and mineral lead to a textured, energetic palate with pepper and cinnamon on the finish. Enjoy over the next 2–3 years.

2021 LA RIOJA ALTA VIÑA ALBERDI
RESERVA SELECCION ESPECIAL
$26.99 $323.88 CASE

94 Points - The Wine Advocate...This may prove to be the greatest version yet of La Rioja Alta’s Viña Alberdi. For only the second time—the first was 2001—it has earned Selección Especial designation from this legendary Rioja estate. When I tasted it last week, I would have guessed it was the next-level Viña Ardanza had I not seen the label.

Inviting aromas of mineral, roasted spice, lead pencil, and game frame notes of roasted strawberry, balsamic, cherry pit, mocha, and earth. Poised, seamless, and old-school, it offers a serious core of ripe, dry red fruit, with a long finish and velvety tannins that provide backbone and structure. It will easily age another decade, yet already shows enough complexity and smoothness to justify opening a bottle now with a rack of lamb.

2023 CHÂTEAU CLAMENS
COMTÉ TOLOSAN ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Comté Tolosan is a broad country-wine region in southwestern France, south of Bordeaux, just above Madiran and the Pyrenees, and stretching toward Toulouse.

Château Clamens specializes in Fronton, but also makes delicious vin de soif within this protected region. Fragrant notes of violet, berry, smoked herbs, and pepper define this cheerful wine. Smooth and striking in texture, it fills the mouth and invites another glass. Medium-weight, easy to drink, and ideal with terrines, pâtés, and sausages.

2024 RAUL PEREZ BIERZO BLANCO
GODELLO 'ULTRIEA'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Looking like a member of ZZ Top with a soccer bun, Raúl Pérez is one of the genuinely kind humans in the wine world. Along with the Palacios family Raul helped shape Bierzo since the region’s modern phoenix nearly 25 years ago. Little amounts of white Bierzo are produced, and this compelling white wine merits your attention.

100% Godello. Possessing body and depth, the grape’s natural electricity glows. Pink grapefruit, mango, and prominent slate-driven wet chalkboard aromas roll to a palate-coating, succulent texture with plenty of cut. Grill swordfish, tuna, or fresh Chinook salmon alongside it, and the pairing will certainly thrill any white wine enthusiast.

2024 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS RESERVE
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE

Unless you have gone completely off the wine grid, you already know how strong 2024 is across Oregon. The Pinot Noirs are tremendous, with excellent aging potential. Many are densely built and need time, but here the old-vine depth is already clear, drawn from ten barrels of Abbey Ridge and three from Clos Electrique. I hesitate to call these declassified wines; think of them instead as Patrick Mahomes starting at quarterback with Joe Burrow as the backup—seriously great material that makes these wines highly undervalued.

The newly arrived 2024 Pinot unfolds slowly with a seductive perfume of lavender, violet, licorice, and fine herbs. Crunchy dark fruit tones mingle with smoked meat and strawberry, while the palate is graceful, layered, and sensual, carrying engaging Asian spice. It penetrates deeply while remaining unmistakably Pinot Noir. Vibrant, supple, and beautifully balanced, it finishes with a resonant persistence that seems to last forever. Drink now with a decant, or cellar through 2039.

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

From a South African producer better known for whites, this Stellenbosch Cabernet blend is a terrific value: 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot, 18% Merlot, and 2% Malbec.

Dense notes of blueberry, ironstone, graphite, red cherry, and spiced earth open in the glass, framed by a silky yet structured texture and a lingering finish. Enjoy over the next 5–6 years with Sunday pot roast, fried chicken, or soft cheeses.

2024 JURTSCHITSCH GRUNER
VELTLINER 'TERRASSEN'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Unlike German wines, Austrian examples are typically dry, fuller-bodied, zesty, and mineral-driven. Jurtschitsch, part of Austria’s quality-focused generation, crafts this Langenlois Grüner with mineral-soaked lemon-lime and peach notes.

Crisp and fresh, it coats and cleanses the palate with impressive persistence. Fans of intense, nervy whites will love it. Ideal for late summer, it pairs with salad, grilled asparagus, prawns or lighter pork dishes.

2025 HAUT-RIAN
BORDEAUX BLANC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

For nearly three decades, The Cellar Door has been an ardent believer in Chateau Haut-Rian. Sometimes that passion makes us overly serious and cerebral when describing the wine, causing us to overlook its true je ne sais quoi. Don’t overthink—just drink!

Just arrived, the 2025 Haut Rian is an oracle of deliciousness live and direct from Wine Nirvana. Ultra-fragrant, it bursts with grapefruit, melon, and lime, elevated by signature mineral tones. On the palate, its generous attack is energetic and brisk—clean, lively, and substantial thanks to very old vines. Don’t pass up this overachiever; order it by the trunkload and make it a bottle-after-bottle favorite.

2022 HAUT-RIAN CADILLAC
COTES-DE BORDEAUX ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Beginning with the 2019 vintage, Pauline Dietrich Lapierre began labeling this red wine under its proper appellation, bringing its Cadillac origins clearly to the forefront. This matters because many young producers eligible to use the designation have formed a consortium and are eager to promote appellation status for these red wines, which represent a step above the broader Bordeaux Rouge category.

Lush raspberry and blueberry fruit lead, accented by herbs, spice, pekoe, dark chocolate, and turned earth. The palate is supple and inviting, with vivid mineral-earth detail, while red and black cherry extend through a fine, resonant finish. Haut-Rian’s Cadillac Côtes-de-Bordeaux is impressively versatile at the table—I’ve enjoyed it with cheeseburgers, penne Bolognese, pho, and beef tenderloin with mushroom reduction, while others recommend it with salmon or fried chicken. In short, this red offers serious value and pure, lip-smacking pleasure.

2025 HAUT-RIAN
BORDEAUX ROSÉ
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Still the under-fifteen Rosé champion that knocks the merde out of any Provençal version at this price (and probably some at higher prices.

Cool, kindhearted, and packed with pink pleasure, it offers aromas of lime, cranberry, blueberry, fine herbs, and a touch of peat smoke. This neon-electric rosé is brilliant and zesty, with a light-footed texture that keeps you coming back. It also has so much finish that I’ve deviously dubbed it as the sneak attack from the back and the grind from behind! Consider it a call-and-response wine: order, drink, repeat.