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2017 YALUMBA VIOGNIER 'Y SERIES' SOUTH AUSTRALIA
When the resurrection of Australia's wine image is finally complete in the United States, converted back to a country of great diversity from the awful era of mass marketed 'critter labels', Yalumba will be considered one of the great wineries that survived and thrived on both sides. Coming up on 170 years of existence, the winery certainly has roots to the old school, but also lead the way in the Australian emergence during the 1990s-2000. They were among the very first to experiment with alternative closures like screw caps for higher quality wines well before tainted corks made it a worldwide issue, as well as championing grape other Rhone varieties like Grenache and Viognier in the face of large scale Syrah/Shiraz planting and promotion. Their entry level 'Y Series' provides a great value for the grape variety while still maintaining their commitment to environmentally conscious winemaking, even being Vegan friendly. Fresh wildflower fragrances and surprisingly bright, almost minerally white fruits on the nose, leaning more towards a French style than most Aussies usually do. The palate is round and enjoyably juicy, but again there is nice acidity that brings necessary acidity and crisp fruit. A fine cocktail option, even better with foods with a touch of spice or complex seasoning. Regular Price $12.99, $11.04/case 2014 CASA LAPOSTOLLE MERLOT GRAND SELECTION VALLE DEL RAPEL The public image of Chilean Merlot took a beating early on in its exportation during the 80s and 90s, as many consumers found them green and weedy when compared to Merlot from the rest of the world. Thanks to early exploration during the 90s into genetic studies of their vines, a large number of Merlot vines were to be mistakenly labeled as such, and were actually the Carmenere grape. Not only did it give Chilean wineries proper info into making their Merlot better, it gave them what was thought to be a long lost variety to start featuring. Now that the proper Merlot vines have been identified, they've had time to make world class wine again. Dark and earthy in aroma and flavor, this shows a lot of the influence Bordeaux has in Chile, with structure and firmer tannins than the typical cocktail Merlot. A little spot of Petit Verdot blended in gives it some inkier fruits and some oomph behind the polished red fruits, as well as some notes of dark chocolate or coffee. Great with hearty foods, and required experimentation for Bordeaux fans looking to see what else is out there in their wheel house. Regular Price $15.99, $13.59 2017 DOMAINE DE ROQUEFORT 'PETIT SALE DE VILLENEUVE' PAYS DE BOUCES DU RHONE BLANC While warmer climates generally produce fruitier and lower acidity wines than comparatively cooler ones, there are always tricks that can help a winery fight against those trends. Cooler sub-climates with windier conditions and less fertile soils can restrict a plants vigor, slowing the grape's sugar development which keeps their alcohol levels lower. Farming the vineyards organically or Biodynamic also lowers the plant's vigor, and when the plants are healthy result in big flavors without accompanying high alcohol levels. Producers like Chateau de Roquefort are great examples of those beliefs, a long time independent producer that embraces those philosophies, and their wines are often heralded as standout wines in a region that has a reputation for widespread mediocrity. A blend of Clairette and Vermentino, staples varieties of the Provence wine environment, this has an impressively fresh and expressive aroma of warm flowers, exotic oils, and fresh Mediterranean citrus. The palate surpasses the nose with a surprisingly round and lush mouthfeel (especially for a wine that weighs in at only 11.5%abv), bringing out loads of intensity to the citrus character, as well as a lengthy finish that shows absolutely zero signs of any sweetness. Pair this with a great seafood dish, someplace you would usually try a Muscadet or a Chablis. Regular Price $18.99, $16.14/case 2015 CHATEAU VALCOMBE 'LES HAUTS VALCOMBE' COTES DE VENTOUX When looking for values in the wine world, it's often a good idea to go 'next door to' the more famous wine names or growing areas. Adjacent to the southern Cotes du Rhone (known for containing the Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras areas) sits the Cotes du Ventoux, containing the rolling foothills of the famous Mount Ventoux but not much in the way of famous wines. Many wineries in the Rhone are looking to source or own vineyards here to make their value wines, as opportunities to get vines in the Rhone become rare and increasingly expensive. Chateau Valcome is one of the very few wineries in Ventoux with a long standing history of independent production and high quality, so they are way ahead of the game, yet are still outstanding values compared to their CDR equivalents. 'Les Hauts' is a 60/40 blend of Grenache and Syrah from uniquely North-facing vineyards, which keeps the vines from ripening too quickly and getting the alcohol levels too high.Full bodied but distinctly less fruit forward than many Rhone wines, with loads of cool cherry and dried cranberry aromas along with notes of wild herbs and dark meats. The cooler vineyard facings allow the Syrah to get more savory flavors like in the Northern Rhone, and the use of cement tanks versus oak barrels for aging allow the wine texture without adding charred tannins or oaky flavors to get in the way of the natural intensity and personality. A wine that deserves a bit more attention than your typical pop and glug Cotes du Rhone, perfect with roasts and hearty simply cooked meat dishes. Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case 2017 LA FERLA INZOLIA TERRE SICILIANE The Inzolia grape (also spelled 'Insolia' with equal frequency) is a workhorse variety native to Sicily. It was primarily known as a base for making Marsala, but now finds its way into blends all across the island. Thanks to improved modern winemaking techniques that help to prevent oxidation, it is even gaining popularity being featured on its own. Naturally light on its feet and lower in alcohol, it presents a tasty alternative to the all-too-often fruity inexpensive white wine options out there. Fresh white peach and pear skin aromas with just a touch of drier melon rind that keeps the aromas from veering into the tropical realm, with similar flavors on the palate. Plenty of body for the price point with no signs of sweetness, and the low 12%abv gives the wine a clean drinkability that almost goes down like water. A great everyday wine to have in the fridge and pull out at a moment's notice when the mood strikes. Regular Price $10.99, $9.34/case 2013 THEODORAKAKOS ESTATE MAVROUDI LAKONIA Greece has a wine culture and history as old and storied as that of Italy and other parts of Mediterranean Europe, but unfortunately has missed out on the structure and branding that brings in tourists and helps them get recognized across the rest of the world. Lots of vineyards filled with unique native varieties, but often lost to the draw of planting more 'international' varieties that consumers may know but have no Greek identity or character. Fortunately that pendulum is starting to swing, and consumers seem to desire that local flavor, which exists in spades from this winery in that heart of Spartan historical lands. The Mavroudi grape is dark and hearty with lots of strong flavors and big tannins, giving it a reputation similar to the 'black wines' of Cahors in France which are made from Malbec. And like Cahors, even the inexpensive ones need a few extra years in the bottle to start calming them down. Bordeaux-like earthy tones and initial aromas of cassis and pencil lead, with some warmer red fruits and plums that show as it opens. Still fairly tannic on the palate, but softening enough to show through the complexity and character that makes the wines interesting. Perfect with lamb and other hearty Mediterranean meat dishes. Regular Price $14.99, $12.74/case These wines regularly sell for $91.94 For Select Six September they are $78.99 You Save $12.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $73.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $83.99 Pick any three different bottles and get 10% off!
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2015 WEINHAUS MICHEL PINOT BLANC NAHE 'FRUITY'
There are a lot of label laws that govern what you can and cannot say on wine and beer labels. Often it is based on legal standards for use of the terms, other times it is based on decency standards. So while you may often find a term like 'juicy' in a wine's tasting note, it's rarely part of the name because it doesn't 'mean' anything. If it's used, there better be some truth in advertising, and thankfully this wine comes through. In fact you would be hard pressed to find a better name for it. Softer in acidity than Riesling grown in the region, Pinot Blanc therefore doesn't need nearly as much residual sugar to achieve a balanced and pleasant presence, so this wine weighs in at less than a 'halbtrocken' or 'half-dry' wine. Soft white fruit aromas with hints of cooling lime, and lots of mouthfilling texture that only the word 'juicy' can describe. No hard edges, no sugary stickiness, just center-of-the-grape pulp flavors and easy drinking goodness. A great wine to have around the house if you enjoy foods with some heat or more exotic spices, or everyday easy quaffing. Regular Price $14.99, $12.74/case 2016 HERENCIA ALTES GARNAXTA NEGRA TERRA ALTA This is a frequently appearing winery in our Select Six and other store features, as their wines feature exceptional values from a less prominent wine growing region. All things we NEVER get tired of promoting around here. The Terra Alta region sits at the southern end of Catalonia, just before the start of the Levant north of Valencia. Many would expect the region to bear the brunt of the Mediterranean heat the way Valencia and Alicante do, but the higher altitudes here provide a relative break as do the constant cooling winds. The wines here therefore have a much more restrained style to them, at time almost Rhone-like, and because of the remote and relatively under-developed nature of the industry here is filled with great values like this. This 100% Grenache/Garnaxta fits into the Cotes Du Rhone-like realm, intended to be an everyday drinker without too much need for cellaring. Deep color with lots of warm red fruits and sweeter spices on the nose, but the warmth gets pulled back on the palate with a snap of acidity and fine tannins bringing out some darker and more savory elements. Too often the less expensive Spanish wines can get outright sweet on the palate, but this keeps a nice savory edge behind the fruit. A nice value for BBQ parties. Regular Price $11.99, $10.14/case 2017 EARLY MOUNTAIN VIDAL BLANC 'YOUNG WINE' Vidal Blanc is a hybrid grape variety that has tended to be a workhorse in Virginia as it has good durability to both heat and moist weather, and they tend to have higher volume of production per vine. The 'easy' route for the grape is to make semi-sweet to desert level wines and not really push the limit on experimentation, but thankfully some wineries like Early Mountain are looking beyond the norm. Inspired by the more bistro-styled and 'natural' wine makers, their 'Young Wine' series looks to make lower weight wines with less alcohol and up-front sweetness, and have pulled those characters from Vidal Blanc in surprisingly tasty fashion. Light peach and pear aromas with hints of cooling citrus zest and wet stones call to mind some of the dry Chenin Blancs from the Loire, with no signs of any cloying sweetness anywhere on the radar. The palate is quenching and wet, plenty of fresh acidity present but gets amped up when it's fresh out of the refrigerator that brings out the white fruit and lemon juice tones. This is a very individual wine from a Virginia producer that is beginning to show a broader spectrum of what our industry is capable of producing. Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case 2017 LA VALENTINA CERASUOLO d'ABRUUZO (VINOUS 91POINTS) The Italian language and culture are among the most beautiful in the world, but it can make life a bit maddening when keeping a handle on their wines. The term 'Cerasuolo' is a more lyrical name for 'cherry', and can refer to both the color and the flavor/aroma. The term has been adapted to two wine areas in their D.O.C. system, but they are two wines from very different areas using VERY different grapes. The D.O.C.G Cerasuolo de Vittoria is a full-on red wine from Sicily built from the Nero d'Avola and Frappato grapes, and the 'Cerasuolo' term refers to the cherry fruit flavors commonly found in the wine. The D.O.C. Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is a rose from the Abruzzi region on the Eastern coast, and is made from the Montepulciano grape. The 'Cerasuolo' is for the deep cherry color the rose commonly has, and is in perfect display in this version. Juicy and round on the palate, softer on acidity than most French/Provencal roses, but not fruity or leaning towards sweetness, with notes of fruit skin and citrus peel on the nose and lightly sour or bitter tones on the finish. This has a lot more of the 'red' wine flavor spectrum than many, and can stand to be paired with some more meaty dishes, but still has the warm weather charm and refreshing capability we all expect from a rose for the Summertime. Regular Price $14.99, $12.74/case 2016 BERNARD CHEREAU MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE 'CH. l'OISELINIERE DE LA RAMEE' For much of its existence the wines of Muscadet were considered very simple and nondescript, very rarely pursued for drinking unless you were near the city of Nantes where the vineyards are located. Over the last few decades, as more emphasis has been placed on family producers and more distinctive qualities of vineyards and growing areas, the wines have developed an under-the-radar appreciation from wine fans for their light seashell flavors and easygoing dryness. Just recently the region has developed a vineyard designation called 'Cru Communaux', and this property is identified as one of the first Crus of the area. Meaning 'owl's nest', the Chateau makes a pair of wines from the vines averaging around 60 years old, one of which is aged in cement tanks on its lees for nearly three years, and this one which only ages for six months. Quintessential Muscadet aromas of cool mineral rich white fruits and freshly shucked oyster shells, an immediate call to the nearby ocean shore and shell-riddled soils. The lees time gives the texture much needed body and flesh so often lost in the mass production versions, but still keeps the finish refreshing and light. This wine begs for shellfish or any fish dish with a briny presence. Regular Price $15.99, $13.59/case 2014 VINA REAL RIOJA CRIANZA (VINOUS 90 POINTS) Vina Real was established nearly 100 years ago and focuses on making wines from the Rioja Alavesa region. Their wines have generally been considered more 'modern' in character for the CVNE portfolio, but only by comparison to the staunch traditional presence of the other historic wines in their portfolio and in the region. A traditional makeup of primarily Tempranillo with the balance comprised of a varying ratio of Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo, this Crianza is immediately more interesting that the top bottling from most wineries. Loads of currants and dark briary fruit come forth quickly mixed with distinct Rioja dirt and dust. On the palate the texture is as first polished, almost Burgundian, with the more persistent tannins showing up only at the finish, allowing the dark fruit and almost balsamic savory tones to show through. As part of the Vina Real line this wine has some of the sharper edges buffed off it so that it has a more immediate drinking character to it, but tasting the wine as it opens up leaves little doubt it can also be cellared for a longer haul. Regular Price $18..99, $16.14/case These wines regularly sell for $94.94 For Select Six August they are $80.99 You Save $13.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $81.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $79.99 Pick any three different bottles and get 10% off! 2017 CASALE DEL GIGLIO VIOGNIER LAZIO
While the Latium region around the city of Rome is renowned the world over for its history, culture, and religious impact, the wine reputation is surprisingly lacking in comparison to other parts of the country. There is plenty of wine made there, of course, but outside of a few regional pockets (Frascati, Est! Est!! Est!!!, Orvietto) there are few names that mean much of anything to the outside world. In recent years this has led a lot of the more industrious wineries to experiment with more international grape varieties to try and find a new voice. Casale del Giglio in Aprila North of Rome was among the first to develop their program and has some fascinating wines at their disposal. This Viognier borrows more from the French style, with less of the perfume-y aromatics and more acidity on the palate. Vibrant and racy with cool white flowers and melons on the aroma, extremely fresh on the palate with a nice round texture that holds up to a surprising number of dishes. It may not be 'native' Italian, but it definitely has its sensibilities. Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case 2015 LES VIGNOBLES GUEISSARD COTES DE PROVENCE 'LES PAPILLES' The Provence region covers a broad swath of the French Mediterranean from the Italian border to where the Rhone enters the sea near Marseille. In between is a vast spectrum of vineyards that vary wildly in quality and quantity of wines produced. It can be difficult to navigate the oceans of mediocre bottles to find the most interesting ones when there is very little differentiation on the labels from one another. The steeply terraced vineyards of Bandol is one of those standouts, considered among the finest in Southern France, and anything that makes use of grapes here is worth seeking out. Gueissard works vineyards both inside Bandol and just outside to boundaries, making reds (and Roses) under both appellation names. The Cotes de Provence blends some of the Bandol fruit into it, and sees less time in oak to give it a more approachable flavor. A fairly even blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvedre, with a hearty edge to the gamey dark fruit and just enough ripeness to bring some modern richness to the palate. Something a little different for those that have a Cotes du Rhone as their 'go-to' red wine. Regular Price $16.99, $14.44/case 2016 AZ. AG. GIORGIO ZAGLIA FRIULIANO FRIULI At one time, this native grape of Friuli was called 'Tocai Friuliano'. The name was changed recently to help cut down on the confusion between it and the Tokaji/Tokay wine regions of Hungary and Slovakia. Those wines are noteworthy sweet wines, along the sweetness and quality levels of great Sauternes, while Friuliano is a round and softly fruited wine with a bit of perfume but no actual sweetness. Pinot Grigio reaches some of its highest levels of expression in these hills, but Friuliano makes the wines that best describe the region. This is a great introduction to the variety if you have not had the pleasure, full of fresh pears and white fruits, as well as the tell-tale varietal aroma many will associate with acacia blossoms. Lots of weight on the palate for the money, definitely not a 'shrinking violet' wine with no body, perfect for a cocktail or lighter meals. Regular Price $11.99, $10.14/case 2014 CLAAR CELLARS CABERNET/MERLOT WHITE BLUFFS COLUMBIA VALLEY If you like the style of Washington wines, they can provide some of the best value found in American wines. One aspect is the remoteness of the Columbia River valley where many of the best vineyards are located. Even until very recently the cost of vineyard land was remarkably inexpensive, which enabled lots of growers to get started without nearly as much debt. This translates into more production of less expensive wines, and if you enjoy their deeper, plummier fruit character you are in for some real treats. You also find more eco-conscious houses like Claar Cellars out in the Columbia Valley, with all their vineyards certified sustainable and salmon safe, important for the fisherman downriver. This Cab/Merlot blend is classic for Washington, deep and rich with lots of dark currant and cocoa tones and lots of polish on the palate. For those that think Merlot is too tame a grape, the Washington versions generally have more intensity and depth, so its presence here does not lessen the wine at all, just allows a little bit more of a satiny texture to the finish. A tasty everyday option for food and fun. Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case NV MARFIL CAVA BRUT The narrative is changing for Cava, becoming a much improved source for artisan sparkling wines of real character instead of the high volume/low diversity reputation it has carried for so long. In this one sub-region where Marfil is located, there has evolved a variation of the Xarel-Lo grape peculiar to the version used in the rest of Penedes. Here they call it Pansa Blanca, and in much the same way the wines of Brunello use a different Sangiovese clone, these wines are noticeably different than their neighbors. Marfil craft this tasty organic Cava (as well as a still white wine and fascinating Solera style dessert wine) using traditional methods as well as native yeasts to bring out the distinct flavors of their hidden gem. Classic dry aromas of crisp citrus with a touch of yeast from extensive aging on the lees before release, which also brings out extra richness on the palate. The complexity is much more interesting from the use of native yeasts and the Pansa Blanca grape, a touch more savory herbs and notes of green citrus you usually don't get at this price point. A nice match with light seafood or tapas. Regular Price $13.99, $11.89/case 2016 FX BARC CHINON 'LA PETITE TIMONERIE' The Loire is one of our favorite wine sources in France, if not in all of Europe, and we are constantly fascinated with the continuous stream of new producers that are available to us. Owner/winemaker Francois Xavier was head winemaker at one of the more established estates in Chinon for many years before striking out on his own to create his own wines. Using his connections to growers across the Loire he established sources of grapes for what is now more than a dozen different red, whites, and roses from multiple appellations. And these aren't throw-away vines, either, as the majority of properties are organically run and well established vines of more than 20 years. This bottling comes from two 45 year old vineyards planted in the sandy soils closer to the river which brings out the more delicate aspects of Cabernet Franc. Fragrant crunchy red berries with the soft silky earthiness that the Loire is so well known for. This is built with no oak aging and the intention to be drunk sooner rather than later, so all the delicious flavors are right up front ready to impress. Excellent match with pepper steak. Regular Price $$18.99, $16.14/case These wines regularly sell for $97.94 For Select Six July they are $83.99 You Save $13.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $75.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $91.99 Pick any three different bottles and get 10% off! 2017 OSTATU RIOJA ALAVESA BLANCO
Bordeaux and Rioja share a lot of common history and DNA in their wines. The structure and age-worthiness of the red wines from both regions are strikingly similar, and surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly) so are the white. Depending on the blend of grapes used and the use or absence of oak use, the wines can be either fresh and bright or intensive and long lived. This one falls into the 'fresh and bright' category, built from a blend of Viura and Malvasia aged on their lees in stainless steel, but also using native yeasts for fermentation to bring out a unique complexity. Clean and almost clear in color, the nose is mostly stone fruits and melons, a classic aspect of the Viura, along with a prettiness of flowers and black tea from the Malvasia. The native yeasts keep the aromas from getting TOO fruity or tropical, bringing out some subtle savory notes that make the aromas increasingly exotic as it opens up. The palate has a lot of Viura's round waxy mouthfeel, intensified by aging on the lees which brings out a light tannin texture on the finish. Regular Price $16.99, $14.44/case 2016 CH. LA MOTHE DU BARRY BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR After the nearly picture perfect 2015 vintage in Bordeaux, a year when pretty much everyone with vines made a really good to great wine, the 2016 vintage forced them to do a little work. Cool wet weather in the Spring forced a lot of early work to avoid flowering and mold issues that can affect crop size and grape quality. Those that did the work were rewarded with a dry Summer that provided well ripened grapes and very high quality wine in the end. While there may not be quite as many values out there as 2015, it isn't like they will be that hard to find. This Biodynamic producer was featured at the end of March in the Washing Post and really shows off the ripe fruit and energy of the vintage, essentially Merlot but with a lot more earth and cocoa-fine tannins than usually found in this price point. Don't spend all your Bordeaux budget for the next decade on just 2015, you will miss out on some beauties! Regular Price $13.99, $11.89/case 2015 TUCK BECKSTOFFER WINE 'THE '75' SAUVIGNON BLANC In the mid-1960 Tuck's father Andy moved his family from Richmond, VA to Napa as part of the Heublein Company, which had purchased several prized vineyard sites in Napa. Over the decades the vineyard management company grew to own and farm over 2,500 acres in Napa, Mendocino and Red Hills, providing fruit for some of the most acclaimed wines in the 80's and 90's. Tuck has followed in the family business, but also moved into the winemaking side about 20 years ago, taking his extensive vineyard knowledge into growing and acquiring grapes for his own projects. The 75 Wine Co. label is more of an entry level label, using mostly sourced fruit from various appellations yet still show great distinction. The aromas definitely give a sense of the wine being from 'cool climate' sources like Mendocino and Red Hills/Lake County, which provides fruit with crisper fruit aromas and more natural acidity, and the palate definitely shows that off as well with an almost Loire-like racy texture and cool minty vibrancy. There is a touch of the New Zealand style gooseberry fruit on the finish, just enough to give a tanginess to the palate but does not dominate the flavors at all. Regular Price $15.99, $13.59/case 2017 ALAIN JAUME/GRAND VENEUR COTES DU RHONE ROSE RESERVE For this round of the Select Six, the Rose will be playing the part of a Red wine. See how versatile they are? The Alain Jaume and Grand Veneur labels should be fairly familiar to frequent shoppers in our store, as well as other quality stores around the state, as their importer is based here in Virginia and they have a very large number of bottlings in their portfolio. With estate owned vineyards going into the Grand Veneur wines and sourced vineyards going into the Alain Jaume, the family run property makes a seemingly endless lineup of wines that hit great quality for the price at all levels. Clean, fresh, almost salmon-colored in the style of a Provencal Rose more so than those from closer by Tavel, but with a bit more softness and fruit on the palate. This is yet another strong option for warm weather drinking either chilled down on its own or with light Summer dinners. Regular Price $13.99, $11.89/case 2016 CH. DE FONTENILLE ENTRE-DEUX-MERS BORDEAUX BLANC When you don't want to throw around a lot of money looking for solid everyday wines, it often pays to seek out some of the emerging regions on the edges of the more famous names. Entre-deux-Mers is the land in between the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers that merge near the city of Bordeaux and form the large Gironde estuary. While their wines don't have the reputation or hype associated with their neighbors further downstream, the quality is still very solid, and there is actually a much higher percentage of white wine produced here as well. This comes from an estate that is routinely considered among the best in the region and exemplifies the quality you can get for the dollar. A classic blend of primarily Sauvignon Blanc with equal splashes of Semillon, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris, this sees no oak so it's all about the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit. The Semillon provides a bit of body and richness on the palate, and the Muscadelle gives a pop of aromatics, but the Sauvignon Blanc takes the main stage with lots of green citrus and herb tinged acidity on the finish. Regular Price $12.99, $11.04/case 2015 BODEGAS VOLVER 'ACTEA' MONASTRELL A unique find for us, and a great value for you! This label is a limited private release made by renowned Spanish wine importer Jorge Ordonez from a single source of older vine dry farmed Monastrell from the Alicante region. The bad news is that if you end up liking it as much as we do, you won't be able to find it again as it's likely a one time availability. The good news is that you get a ridiculously good deal for at least a little while. Deep, inky color with black fruit aromatics to match, this has a surprising amount of structure to keep it from lapsing into an over-extracted ooze-monster, and has great complexity that nobody could get tired of at this price. Durable enough to keep for a time in the cellar, this will be a hidden treasure for many people to break out for weekend cookouts. Regular Price $15.99, $13.59/case These wines regularly sell for $89.94 For Select Six May they are $77.99 You Save $11.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $78.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $76.99 Pick any three different bottles and get 10% off! 2016 LAFAGE 'NOVELLUM' CHARDONNAY VIN DE FRANCE
(Wine Advocate 92points) Another vintage, another impossibly tasty value found in this unique Chardonnay from southern France. More often than not, Chardonnay grown in this part of the world is nothing to get excited about, often planted in bulk and end up producing innocuous low acid juice of little character. The Lafage winery brings a little extra magic to their Novellum Chardonnay by aging the juice on Viognier lees, which are the pulp and unfiltered pieces of the grape after pressing, and where a lot of the aromatics are found. Bright flowery and white citrus aromas pop from the glass, a beautiful essence of Spring in a glass. Even better is the palate, which captures the aromas without sweetness, just a round mouth-filling texture of pure fruit. The Viognier lees also provides a much needed tingle of extra acidity on the finish to enhance the vibrant fruits. Fun for a cocktail, but incredibly versatile with a broad array of fish, poultry and even pork dishes. Regular Price $14.99, $12.74/case 2015 CASTILLO MONJARDIN TEMPRANILLO NAVARRA A large percentage of Spanish Tempranillo in the value price range are shockingly similar to each other, built to be fruity. one dimensional, and are doing their job if they are just an inoffensive value. Castillo Monjardin has performed a minor miracle by creating a Tempranillo for under $10 that is not just serviceable but downright intriguing (And it isn't random luck either, as we have featured their Garnacha recently as well). Ripe dark fruit on the nose, but not jammy in any way as some can be, and even shows some earthier notes and dark currant tones. There is a nice round texture without hard edges, impressive for a wine not aged in oak at all, and shows nice polish and complexity without a heavy or cloying finish. A quality all-purpose inexpensive wine that doesn't feel 'cheap'. Regular Price $9.99, $8.49/case 2017 BONNY DOON PICPOUL ARROYO SECO BEESWAX VINEYARD The Picpoul grape is generally regarded an a humble workman grape that usually makes serviceable everyday drinkers from Southern France. Light, brightly acidic (translates to 'lip-stinger') and low in alcohol, the grape rarely benefits from the effort taken to make 'high end' wines, so the name doesn't get featured that often. This doesn't mean it isn't an important grape, as it provides much needed acidity in many Rhone blends, and on it's own makes lower alcohol wines of surprising life that more and more people are starting to enjoy. From the Beeswax Vineyard where their Cigare Blanc Chateauneuf-style white blend is grown, this stand alone Picpoul has all the sting you could possibly want, full of citrus zest and a tingly saltiness to the finish similar to a French Muscadet. Extended time on the lees gives it more texture that helps take it to a level the grape usually doesn't reach in France, providing even more complexity and lip-smacking action. The perfect seafood wine for warmer weather. Regular Price $18.99, $16.14/case 2017 DOMAINE DE FONTSAINTE 'GRIS DE GRIS' CORBIERES Rose wines are versatile this time of year, especially for us when we use them in the Select Six. This month the Rose is being used as one of the red wines, which is appropriate because the winemaking here is more akin to a red than a white. Fontsainte is one of the few estates to make use of the Grenache Gris grape, a lesser known genetic cousin of Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc which appear in large amounts throughout the Mediterranean. Grenache Gris has a slight tint to the skin when fully ripe, so when Fontsainte makes this wine the pressed juice rests on the skins in the same manner it would when making a red wine. The salmon color in the finished wine is all the pigment the grapes have to offer. The flavor profile is similar to most classic dry Rose, pulling from both white citrus and high toned red fruits, but what often makes this stand out is the added texture from extended time on the skins, a tannin character hinting at a red wine and providing a fuller, more substantial finish. This is a rose that can keep quite well over time and will hold up to more intensive dishes than you would usually throw at a rose in this price point. Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case 2016 CASA BELLA MONT'ARQUATO MALVASIA FERMO COLLI PIACENTINI If people are familiar with the Malvasia grape at all, it is usually from the sweeter late harvest or dried 'passito' wines that are deservedly famous. The normal wines also deserve attention, especially where it is featured in the Emilia-Rogmagna region. Much like a Viognier, the natural aromatics will make most people expect the wine to taste sweet (and some wineries will play down to that level), but great versions like this actually are quite dry which gives them lots of enjoyable food possibilities.The aromas are pure wildflowers, sunny citrus and melon, persistent but not heady. The wine has a low-ish alcohol level, but not because it is keeping residual sugar behind. Instead the wine is harvested at a lower natural ripeness which keeps more acidity in the finished wine and allows it to be fermented completely dry easier. The dry freshness is most evident on the palate as it gives all the flowery fruits a cleaner, almost 'wet' aspect to the finish instead of a sugary stickiness. A great match with light, fruit-driven courses or even brunch omelets. Regular Price $16.99, $14.44/case 2014 RASA VINEYARDS 'OCCAM'S RAZOR' RED BLEND COLUMBIA VALLEY (Wine Advocate/Vinous 89points) Rasa Vineyards is a small producer of nearly cult-level status in Washington State, with a reputation for making fantastic high end wines from a broad selection of grape varieties. As many wineries like this have come to find, however, it is very difficult to be successful doing nothing but expensive small production wines. The winery describes this wine as the 'least expensive but most time consuming wine to make' coming from seven different vineyard sources and using nine different grape varieties. The result is surprisingly successful and gives an impression of the Rasa style. Lush deep plum and black fruit aromas with a touch of toasty oak give an impression of great size to the wine, but the palate is surprisingly agile and polished. Silky, almost bright with fine acidity and a very smooth tannin texture bring out peppery notes and higher toned red fruits than you find on the nose, making for a complex and satisfying red that genuinely delivers value for fans of Washington State wines. Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case These wines regularly sell for $96.94 For Select Six April they are $82.99 You Save $13.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $85.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $79.99 Pick any three different bottles and get 10% off! 2016 ELENA WALCH MULLER THURGAU IGT VIGNETI DOLOMITI
As featured in a recent 'Wine Spectator' article, Elena Walch is one of the top family run wine estates in the Alto Adige region of Italy. Being so close to the mountains and the Austrian border, Alto Adige seems like one of the least stereotypical 'Italian' regions. Not only are the names of people and places heavily influenced by Germanic culture, the wine styles are as well. Cool climate whites like Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc thrive here along side Pinot Grigio, and Muller Thurgau may be at its best and most distinctive here. The grape is usually very neutral and utilitarian, a workhorse grape built for volume, but the steep banked high altitude sites pull out more subtle pleasures. Bright, clean and vibrant on the nose with pale peach and orange fruit aromas, as well as a line of spice notes that build up as it opens. The palate is quite dry, brimming with stone fruits and a rounder texture than expected that gives each sip a 'fresh bite of fruit' type sensation. A terrific and distinctive white wine for light first course dishes as well as an everyday sipper for those that love a lighter, brighter style of white. Regular Price $16.99, $14.44/case 2010 CHATEAU DU PINTEY BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR Bordeaux is a wine region that requires patience to get the full effect of what the region has to offer. Even at the less expensive range, the wines have a well documented history of performing well for many years past the vintage, not just surviving but thriving, becoming something more than what it was when first put in the bottle. A novice can get frustrated by that not being a blanket statement; the cheapest made Bordeaux don't keep very well, and not EVERY vintage is worthwhile either except for the top 5% or so estates. But in great vintages there is no other region in the world that provides as many wines still under $20 that will reward keeping in the cellar for a decade or longer. 2010 was just such a vintage, and this wine is just starting to showcase the benefits of time in the bottle. Still dark and earthy on the nose, the slight color changes of age are appearing, hinting at pale brick tones at the edges. The palate is where the age really becomes apparent, quickly shedding the harder tannins with time open and presenting a silkier texture, as well as notes of savory spice, tobacco and red fruits that are covered in its first years by youthful red and black fruits. For fun, try this beside a similarly priced 2015 Bordeaux, also a very successful vintage, and see if you find aging wines worth the patience and effort. Regular Price $16.99, $14.44/case 2016 EDALO BLANCO CONDADO DE HUELVA New vintage (and new label) for one of our more unique finds from last year. The Zalema grape is a fairly obscure variety found almost exclusively around the town of Huelva along the Andelusian coast. From such a warm climate near the Jerez or Sherry producing part of Spain, one would think the wines would be fruity or even fortified. Surprisingly the high plateaus near the coastline actually see steady coastal wines that cool the vineyards, and the native grape varieties actually do a spectacular job maintaining their natural acidity that is vital for wine. Lots of melons and tangerine aromas on the nose with a slight salty lime zest element give the wine a refreshing coastal attitude, while the lighter bodied palate is quenching and refreshing, lower in alcohol viscosity than the majority of Spanish white wine and just a hint of leesy texture on the finish. Anywhere you would want to have a Loire Sauvignon Blanc or light bodied Italian white would be a fun time to try this, and it may become a part of your regular drinking rotation! Regular Price $11.99, $10.19/case 2016 KELLEREI KALTERN PINOT NERO ALTO ADIGE Another wine from the Alto Adige appears in this Select Six, and we are OK with that as the reds and whites are quite unique and diverse. Long time customers of our store will probably recognize the Kellerei Kaltern labels, as the well run co-operative has been a mainstay here with their Pinot Grigio and many other selections of reds and whites. Many consumers will be surprised by the quality of Pinot Noir (Nero) produced here, especially those that may have grown weary of the priced paid for everyday Burgundy in recent years. The cooler climate helps to keep the sweeter fruit tones in check and brings out the tart red tones from the acidity, yet you don't find the high end levels of a 'Grand Cru' vineyard or producer, so the prices don't trend in that direction either. Subtle Old World styled fruit with subtle currant and soil influenced tones, more Burgundy in style with very little overt juicy flavors, and a vibrant silky texture on the palate that shows off how the Pinot Noir grape keeps its silky texture everywhere it goes. A distinct, food friendly Pinot that will please a lot of people. Regular Price $16.99, $14.44/case 2016 PASCAL JOLIVET SAUVIGNON BLANC VAL DE LOIRE 'ATTITUDE' Difficult vintages over the last few years in the Loire have made it increasingly difficult to find the exciting values that the region has been so consistent with over the years. Some of our favorite small producers may not have the volume to send as many cases over, or even more worrisome may have been hit hard by environmental factors and just not made wines of as good a quality as in the past. Therefore the wines we find that are exciting we are grabbing onto with both hands. Jolivet is well regarded as a Pouilly-Fume producer, and the fruit for this wine is sourced from in and around the region. Vibrant, flinty white fruit with hints of the tart gooseberry tones, and a distinctly Loire palate of tingly acidity and piercing citrus, as well as a bit of leesy texture that provide extra much needed body. A perfect Spring time wine. Regular Price $16.99, $14.44/case 2016 RIEBEEK CELLARS SHIRAZ SWARTLAND This is a wine where you almost have to apologize for the price. You tell a customer how good it is, and the reaction is 'Really? That good? For under $10? What's the catch?' Yes, this really is THAT good. The South African region of Swartland is an under-tapped resource since the end of Apartheid, with thousands of acres filled with older vines from a time when the bulk wine industry for almost all of Africa was based here. Even the slightest efforts to improve quality can reap massive benefits, and can be done on the cheap. Rich dark fruit with absolutely no hard edges, and also without the sugary fruit left behind all too often in Australian Shiraz of the same price. If anything the underlying complexity is that of a nice Cotes du Rhone, with savory spice behind the currant and blackberries, even a touch of meaty game notes. Super easy to enjoy, and complex enough for you to enjoy the last bottle in the case as much as you did the first one! Regular Price $9.99, $8.49/case These wines regularly sell for $89.94 For Select Six March they are $77.99 You Save $11.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $79.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $77.99 Pick any three different bottles and get 10% off! 2016 GUILHEM et JEAN-HUGUES GOISOT BOURGOGNE ALIGOTE
(Wine Advocate 89points) The Aligote grape is often marginalized as a quality wine grape, dismissed to being mixed into a Kir cocktail. There are however pockets of producers, especially in Burgundy, that still maintain a high standard for the grape, making them with the same care and effort as they do their Chardonnay based Bourgognes. The grape is naturally lighter on its feet than Chardonnay, and this has the tell-tale aromas of fresh citrus zest and white fruit along with some mineral/wet rock tones. The palate is round without any oak aging, given depth most Aligotes lack thanks to being aged on the lees, and shows off plenty of vibrant complexity while still keeping a fairly light sensation. A great match with lighter fish and poultry dishes. Regular Price $18.99, $16.14/case 2013 HYATT VINEYARDS MERLOT RATTLESNAKE HILLS The mantra for Washington State wines is that if you like their style you will LOVE the value they provide. Their environment delivers lots of natural richness thanks to the long sunlight hours during the growing season, followed by the quick move to shorter cooler days towards the end of harvest that can help maintain acidity and/or tannins. This exceptional family owned producer is a prime example with their Merlot (and their Cabernet Sauvignon, which is likely to appear in another Select Six in the near future), delivering all the hallmarks of the state. Immediate dark plum and cocoa tinged black fruit aromas are followed in kind on the palate with a LOT more body and texture than you could hope for from a Californian Merlot at this price. Their is more tannin on the finish than usually found on these sorts of Merlots too, giving it a much lower sense of sweetness and providing lots of backbone to hold up to a meal as well as enjoyed solo. Regular Price $11.99, $10.19/case 2016 ALAIN de la TREILLE VOUVRAY We do our very best to maintain a high standard for wines from Vouvray, as there are a lot of wines that traffic on the name but barely hold any resemblance to what Chenin Blanc can and should be. The gulf between what is a 'value' and what is just 'cheap' can be quite wide. Finding this has been a real treat, making it easy to enjoy inexpensive Chenin Blanc again. Pure, beautiful pear and white fruit aromas with just a hint of honey and beeswax that is such a signature of Vouvray, pillowy soft on the palate but not sticky with sweetness as the fine crystalline acidity cuts through the finish. Pretty enough to drink with delicate dishes but enough body to hold up to a honey glazed ham or spicy Asian cuisine. Regular Price $12.99, $11.04/case 2015 AZ. AG. GAMBA GNIREGA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 'LE QUARE' You hate to describe a wine as good as this as a 'beginner's wine', but people that haven't tried or don't think they like Italian wines need to try good Valpolicella. The region is more famous for their Amarone wines made from dried grapes, white Valpolicella is the wine made from those same grapes before being dried out. An ideal red that provides a much softer texture and profile than usually found in the more famous Italian regions of Tuscany and Piedmont, this is almost fiendishly easy to drink with its minimal tannins and crunchy cherry and blackberry fruit. This is a wine you can pop out at the dinner table and make virtually everyone happy; and if you are interested in keeping Mother Earth happy as well, they are one of the 'greenest' wineries in the Veneto in terms of energy usage and farming practices. Regular Price $13.99, $11.89/case 2015 KEES-KIEREN GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING HALBTROCKEN The 2015 vintage in Germany was among the best in past few decades, not just for the quality but for the QUANTITY of the quality. Almost every winery worth the calling made successful wines up and down the style line, from driest to latest harvest. These are always great vintages for the savvy shopper because even after all the hype from the last two years there will still be a bumper crop of great deals appearing from all angles. This is a quintessential Mosel Riesling from one of the major prototype vineyards; if you Google the Graacher Himmelreich name you will find images off a postcard, the quaint historic riverside town with the impossibly steep vineyard rising behind to the sky. Pure, perfect Riesling flavors of white fruit and hints of petrol, and as a halbtrocken (or 'half-dry') there is just enough fruit on the palate to soften the vibrant acidity without becoming sweet at all. If anything, there is more mint and green herb that shows than sweetness, showcasing the natural complexity Riesling contains. Regular Price $19.99, $16.99/case 2015 A. BERTHET-RAYNE COTES DU RHONE-VILLAGES CAIRANNE VIEILLES VIGNES (Wine Spectator 90points) There seems to be an endless supply of great quality and fairly priced wines from the Rhone year after year as the region enjoys a relatively crisis-free stretch of vintages over the last decade. Which is great with us, as the region also has some of the most diverse wines to offer. There are more grapes allowed for use in the appellation than any other in France, so there is an endless number of blends and ratios to explore from producer to producer. Primarily Grenache (as is the lion's share of Southern Rhone wines) with a healthy chunk of Syrah and Carignan, this is a superior combination of fleshy, full bodied fruit and surprising subtlety, almost worthy of calling it a 'baby Chateauneuf-du-Pape'. Ripe red fruits mingle with Provencial herbs and a slight cured meat gaminess from the Carignan, and a very polished texture considering the intensity, giving the flavors a very luxurious mouthfeel. A robust and enjoyable wine for a Winter's meal. Regular Price $19.99, $16.99/case These wines regularly sell for $97.94 For Select Six February they are $83.99 You Save $13.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $88.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $78.99 Pick any three different bottles and get 10% off! 2015 PAUL ANHEUSER SCHEUREBE KREUZNACHER
If you are looking to start 2018 off with a little bit of diversity in your white (and red) wine selection, this Select Six is a great way to jump into that New Year's resolution. Scheurebe is a hybrid grape created in Germany, perhaps not the sexiest of grapes but a really efficient and flavorful grape that can make wines without having to be aggressively sweet. Plus in outstandingly easy vintages like 2015 a winery can pretty much dial a wine into whatever they want it to be and make the best possible tasting juice they can. Big white flowers and magnolia blossoms on the nose with the noteworthy grapefruit tones that Scheurebe always shows. On the palate the bit of residual sugar gives the grapefruit tones a more candied flavor than the nose, but the lively acidity and almost salty minerality from the slate soils gives plenty of tang to the finish. A tasty treat that will match nicely with slightly spicy dishes or a warm, hearty broth-y soup. Regular Price $12.99, $11.04/case 2014 CABRIZ DAO COLHEITA SELECIONADA Another fun red wine from Portugal, and an undeniable value, but also quite different than the one we had in the last Select Six. The Dao sits just South of the famous Douro River where Port is made, and has some overlap of grape varieties used, but stands out most for the use of the Alfrocheiro grape. Soft in texture and tannin somewhat like a Pinot Noir, but spicier and darker with a warm fruit character, the grape tends to be featured most often in everyday wines that don't want or need a lot of cellar time or pretense. Immediately warm and friendly when first opened with lots of big red fruits and tomato sauce-like tones on the nose, the touches of dark fruit come through more on the palate from the use of Tinto Roriz and Touriga Nacional. A great cold weather 'comfort food' wine, big in flavor without a lot of ceremony that needs to go along with it. Regular Price $11.99, $10.19/case 2016 LA STAFFA VERDICCHIO CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE We love a good Verdicchio when we can find it, and we love recommending it even more! Verdicchio is one of the primary grapes used on Italy's Adriatic coast, known as The Marches, but isn't terribly well known due to the lack of tourist destinations and a long reputation for the wines there to mostly be made for bulk production and consumption. Castelli di Jesi is one of the hot spots for higher quality, and the designation 'Classico Superiore' means that the wine is made to a very high standard with better natural ripeness. The bright citrus and white fruit aromatics along with the natural zesty salinity immediately call to mind the natural pairing with all sorts of fish and seafood, but the 'Superiore' level brings impressive richness and mouthfeel to the wine as well, enough so that it can easily hold up to most any chicken or poultry dishes you can concoct. Regular Price $15.99, $13.79/case 2014 CHATEAU LE PUY/DUC DES NAUVES COTES DE BORDEAUX In a wine region as famous and heavily examined as Bordeaux, it's hard to find a producer that does something different or unique. This Chateau does so simply by not changing anything about how the family does its business in over 400 years. No chemical fertilization in their history, mostly multi-use large barrels in the winery, and Biodynamic practices throughout the process right down to using plow horses in the vineyards. In a region where glitz and high tech is all part of the image, this house is decidedly low profile, but the wine is impressive and distinct amid the seas of same-ness. Sourced from a single parcel (mostly Merlot with @10% each of Cab Sauv and Cab Franc), the Duc des Nauves shows the rich dark fruit of the exceptional 2015 vintage, loaded with dark currants and deep textures from no filtration. The uniqueness comes in the subtleties, born not only from the practices in the vineyard but using native yeasts allowed to develop spontaneously, providing veins of wild, savory herbs and and an almost citrus tang. This is a Bordeaux that will get almost anyone excited again about the region, and a tasty dinner wine for the Winter. Regular Price $19.99, $16.99/case 2016 GRILLOS DAO VINHO BRANCO When you are looking for an everyday, inexpensive wine, it becomes very easy to get into a rut with the more 'known' grape varieties. There are only so many flavors the Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio grapes have in their arsenal that can make it into a $10 bottle before you start to feel like you've tasted it all. This is why we are always looking to introduce new varieties from their native regions that haven't gotten the international love and recognition. Bare minimum it's the opportunity to reset your palate and expectations a bit with something unexpected, perhaps finding yourself the next 'big thing' for your fridge. The two grapes used here, Encruzado and Cerceal-Branco, are far from household names, but show lots of weight and fresh white fruit without getting sugary or flat tasting from over-ripeness. The zest and light tingle to the finish provide more nerve and acidity that one would think for a wine from warmer climates. Keep this in mind for everyday sipping and Springtime salads. Regular Price $9.99, $8.49/case 2015 AIA VECCHIA ROSSO TOSCANA 'LAGONE' We don't usually present wines in the Select Six that are built from the same grapes, but this will provide a fun compare/contrast opportunity. This is a VERY similar Bordeaux style blend as the Chateau le Puy, Merlot dominated with similar proportions of Cab Sauv and Cab Franc, but the execution of the wines and the environmental differences creates very different wines. Even coming from what most of us consider an 'Old World' place of origin in Tuscany, this wine sees an oak barrel treatment and winemaking processes that give the wine a more 'New World' richness and flavor profile. Dark cherry and black fruit burst quickly from the glass with a noticeable toasty vanilla note from the oak, and a rich round texture that is more modern and immediately pleasurable, not needing a lot of decanting or cellaring. Equally enjoyable, but for very different reasons, and sure to be a favorite over the Bordeaux to some and not to others. Vive la difference! Regular Price $17.99, $15.29/case These wines regularly sell for $88.94 For Select Six January they are $75.99 You Save $12.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $67.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $83.99 2016 CAPOLINO PERLINGIERI FALANGHINA 'PRETA'
Italy continues to be a great source for unique and unexpected wines, even after being at the center of the wine universe for centuries. Campania is the region around Naples, famous for the ancient volcano Mount Vesuvius, which has not only shaped their culture and history but also provided unique soils with lots of volcanic rock. These soils and the rugged coastal to mountainous environments provide a backdrop for wines unlike anything found in the North. An impressive mix of rich Mediterranean citrus born from the warm dry coastal climate with hints of mint and grassy herbal notes. The palate is powerful, full of white fruits and some skin tannin for texture, but little astringency to get in the way of the pleasure. Wine drinkers fixated on Italian Pinot Grigio just don't know what they're missing. Regular Price $18.99, $16.14/case 2015 EVOLUCIO BLAUFRANKISCH The Blaufrankisch grape doesn't hold quite the acclaim or recognition in Europe as other more famous grape varieties, but it is hard to beat for good old fashioned fun. An older crossing of ancient Germanic grapes, the variety thrives in Austria and Hungary where it makes some of the juiciest and easy drinking red wines found. This exceptional value bottling is made by a Hungarian based winery from fruit sourced just over the border from Austria, and is pure juiciness. Several shades of red and black cherries dominate the aromas with subtle cool spices in behind, and a very soft texture on the palate that shows just a suggestion of tannins to keep any true sweetness away. This is a gulpable red that should hit a wide variety of palates and be easily enjoyed with an equally wide number of foods as well. Regular Price $12.99, $11.04/case NV TREVERI BLANC DE BLANC EXTRA BRUT COLUMBIA VALLEY Even if you only drink Champagne or sparkling wines on New Year's Eve, you HAVE to appreciate a bargain like this when you find it. Since 2010 this producer in Washington has been focused on making quality sparkling wines in the traditional manner with both traditional and non-traditional grapes. This Extra Brut bottling is made from 100% Chardonnay, and it will STUN those of you that like their bubbly as dry as possible. Nice tight bubbles in the glass with dusty white fruit aromas, and plenty of body in the mouth to support the dry citrus and crisp, tingly finish. As the carbonation dies down over time, the creamy, slightly yeasty flavor of the Chardonnay comes through, which really gives insight to the inherent quality of the wine. Pop some for the holidays, and you just might be ending up keeping one in the fridge all the time! Regular Price $15.99, $13.59/case 2015 DOMAINE BASSAC 'LE MANPOT' COTES DE THONGUE Don't let the whimsy of this mustachioed label fool you, this is seriously good wine from the Languedoc. A relatively newly formed estate, Domaine Bassac has jumped in with both feet to the organic/biodynamic concepts, already one of the largest of its kind in the region. A blend of mostly Bordeaux varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little splash of Syrah,, Le Manpot (named after an ancestor that sported a famously flamboyant mustache) has the richness of a Cotes du Rhone with the flavor profile of a nice Bordeaux. Dark cassis and currant fruits on the nose, surprisingly silky on the palate with darker fruits coming through, and a nicely structured finish with better tannins than usual from a Languedoc wine. A great red meat or roasted vegetable wine option. Regular Price $15.99, $13.59/case 2016 AZ. AG. INAMA SOAVE CLASSICO (VINOUS 91points) Usually in the Select Six we look to feature wines from completely different countries whenever possible to provide maximum diversity. While there are two white wines from Italy this month, they are as diverse as can be, which is of course part of the wonderful nature of Italian wines and their culture. Soave is one of the noble white wines of the Veneto, despite the hit their reputation took from mass market brands for decades. Classico refers to the original vineyards closest to the city, where the standards for quality are still high, all the way down to how each vine is trained. This bottling shows off everything that makes Soave great, an intersection of unique quality and excellent value. Beautiful aromas of white flowers and minerals with a touch of cool citrus, plump and vibrant in the mouth full of bright textures, and a racy finish that shows off more of the minerality and touches of almond skin type dryness. A dream match-up with most any fish dishes or risotto. Regular Price $16.99, $14.44/case 2014 CASA DE SANTAR DAO VINHO TINTO (Wine Spectator 89points) We have been on a bit of a Portuguese kick in recent months with the Select Six, but we just can't help ourselves. Not only are there many screamingly good values to be found, but the diversity is such that you won't get bored trying the same varieties over and over again. The Dao valley sits just below the more famous Douro Valley, where Port is found, but their grapes of choice are very similar with lots of emphasis on Touriga Nacional. The intense grape forms the backbone of the many rich and opulent reds that emerge from here, often Rhone-like in their plump fruit and softer tannins but with blacker fruits. Huge in size for the money, loaded with black cherry and plum aromas along with hints of baking spices, intensely loaded with fruits on the palate as well with an inky, teeth-staining finish. A great all purpose value for hearty wintertime enjoyment. Regular Price $11.99, $10.19/case These wines regularly sell for $92.94 For Select Six December they are $79.99 You Save $12.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $88.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $70.99 2016 RIBAFREIXO 'BARRANCOA' ALENTEJANO WHITE
Portugal has been developing a strong reputation as a spectacular yet under-rated tourist destination. Loads of natural and cultural beauty draw people from all over the world, exposing them to the diverse culture and what is presently a very under-valued market. While there, tourists are also experiencing their cuisine and emerging wine scene, which extends WAY beyond Port from the Douro or Vinho Verde. Lots of diversity throughout the country featuring many native varieties provide inexpensive but significant and distinctive wines. From the Alentejano region East of Lisbon (made using mostly unpronounceable local varieties), this is loaded with bright colors of green and white citrus, plenty of zest and hints of minerals on the aromas, light on the palate with a hint of salinity like a Muscadet but with more sunshine and white fruits. A solid pairing for almost any lighter seafood dishes as well as pork or poultry cooked with citrus. Regular Price $10.99, $9.34/case 2015 CHATEAU MOULINAT BORDEAUX The 2017 vintage in many parts of Europe was a struggle due to weather issues plaguing regions at multiple times during the year. Bordeaux was significantly damaged early on by an early frost that damaged/destroyed parts of almost everyone's vineyards, reducing volume drastically and limiting the potential quality for what remained. While those wines won't be finished for another year or more, we are as a result seeing more releases from the high quality AND strong volume 2015 vintage to try and make up for the future losses. This sits in that perfect sweet spot for inexpensive Bordeaux, with classic dark currant fruits and dry savory aromas, but soft and approachable on the palate, begging for short term drinking. While there are many of the more expensive Bordeaux from this vintage that will be worth cellaring for many years, this is all about immediate gratification, and at this price even on a weeknight. Regular Price $12.99, $11.04/case 2015 AZ. AG. ELISABETTA TOSCANA VERMENTINO Popular throughout the Italian and French Mediterranean coasts (known in France as Rolle), Vermentino is mostly identified in Italy by the extreme coastal North region of Liguria and the Southern island of Sardinia. About halfway or so in between lies the region of Maremma, which represents the coastline of Tuscany and is often forgotten as a wine growing region when compared to its more metropolitan neighbors inland neat Florence and Siena. The region is warmer than Tuscany, providing wines with a bit more fruit than those from the interior, yet because they aren't part of the historic tourist pathways the wines are relatively undiscovered. Warming golden in color, the first aromas are equally warming with rich Mediterranean citrus and pear skins, as well as a hint of cooling mint in the background. The palate is round and very smooth, filled with citrus and pear skin tannins that leave a long spicy finish. This is a great wine to work in with fish or poultry dishes that have bold, spicy flavors, Tex-Mex, strong chowders, and the like. Regular Price $18.99, $16.14/case 2015 VINHOS BORGES 'PEROLA' VINHO REGIONAL DURIENSE Continuing the display of great values from Portugal, we bring you one of the rarest of all wines these days; an $8 wine that actually over-delivers. The Duriense wine region encompasses the Douro and Port producing regions as well as some surrounding lesser areas, creating a 'catch-all' designation for producers that work with vineyards in multiple parts of this northern region of Portugal. Built from Touriga Nacional and other regional red grapes, this wine gives you everything you could possibly want for the money with no flawed or negative edges poking their way in to detract from the enjoyment. Spicy warm plum and dark fruit aromas set the table for similar flavors on a juicy soft palate with just a hint of tannins that catch on the finish, leaving with a pleasant dried fruit skin finish. Easy and uncomplicated, perfectly priced to enjoy whenever the mood strikes you. Regular Price $7.99, $6.79/case 2014 ERICH & WALTER POLZ SAUVGNON BLANC STEIRISCHE KLASSIK Austria is rightfully known for its white wines made from their indigenous Gruner Veltliner grape as well as Riesling, but the quality of their Sauvignon Blanc is often overlooked by comparison. Styria in particular has developed a representation of the grape that stand up in distinction to those from the Loire and New Zealand. Lots of cool white fruits on the nose and palate are their hallmarks, generally not as lean as the Loire nor as much of the grassy/gooseberry fruit as New Zealand. The cooler 2014 vintage brings out a bit more of the acidity, but the freshness and brightness still remain, and there is plenty of ripeness on the palate for balance, enabling the wine to pair well with richer seafood and poultry for cooler season dishes. Regular Price $14.99, $12.74/case 2014 HERVE SAUVAIRE 'MAS SAUVAIRE' IGP PAYS d'OC This Select Six is just chocked full of easy drinking red wine values that are perfect for stocking up with for the cold season ahead. This last wine is a true 'Bistro blend', originally created by the winery for consuming at the winery and local establishments with no intentions of selling it with their more acclaimed estate wines. But their importer sampled it during a visit and fell in love, requested they send over a handful of cases to see how it did over here. Boom. Instant success. Mostly Carignan with some Syrah and Grenache, the soft savory fruit and bright rose petal aromas all but demands some food be plated up. Often Carignan based wines can be lean and astringent, but this has a soft polished texture from being aged in concrete tanks and bottled unfiltered that make this absolutely gulpable. This is pure French Mediterranean sunshine in a glass. Regular Price $12.99, $11.04/case These wines regularly sell for $78.94 For Select Six November they are $67.99 You Save $10.95! Select Six White (2 of each white) is $75.99 Select Six Red (2 of each red) is $57.99 |
Seasonal Picks at a Great PriceEach month we pick six fantastic wines and give them to you at an even better price when purchased together CategoriesArchives
September 2018
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