APRIL CASE OF THE MONTH - $135
CASE OF THE MONTH
Autre Monde Zinfandel Columbia Gorge 2022
A sub-label of Yamhill’s Roots Wine Co., chill wild man winemaker Chris Berg is back with another limited-run bargain, this time from the Gorge’s Pines Vineyard – first planted way back in 1852. Made from the Primitivo clone planted in the Heritage block, this is brighter, prettier and more European in style than a typical California Zin. Bottled at the beginning of March this is still in its infancy and benefits from air. With vigorous swirling detailed red fruit notes emerge from the primordial brambly haze – strawberry, raspberry and fresh currant, accented by deep woodsy spice notes of sandalwood, rosemary and briar. Only 200 cases made. $14.99
Colli di Castelgranci Aglianico Irpinia Campi Taurasini 2015
Super aromatic and distinctive, this 9 year-old southern Italian red is a great example of the minerally, spiny power of Aglianico grown in volcanic soil. The nose is fragrant and punchy, damp blooming roses mixed with cracked green peppercorn, and the red currant/raspberry fruit is high-toned and persistent while fine tannins ride out the spicy, menthol-tinged finish. Despite its age this still benefits from decanting and pairing with richer foods. $13.99
Château de la Vieille Tour Bordeaux Supérieur 2019
We’ve been charmed by many 2019 red Bordeaux, add this to the list. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, it’s classy and open-knit with a glossy topcoat that initially conceals the richness hiding below. The fruit is clean and pure, dried blueberry and cherry, with mild background aromas of cedar, roasted meat and loamy soil adding dimension. The texture is rolling and toothsome, ending with light, food-friendly tannins. Normally $19, this month just $13.50.
Bodegas Naia Rueda Verdejo 2022
Coming from older vines in one of Spain’s most popular appellations for white wine, this well-known favorite offers a pleasantly round, gentle mouthfeel to balance its overall zesty personality. Aromas of fresh chervil and wildflower honey lead to nectarine and apricot on the palate, cut nicely with limey acidity. The finish is crisp and snappy with hints of stone fruit pit and white pepper. $13.99
Colosi Nero d’Avola Sicilia 2022
A friendly and flamboyant version of Sicily’s main red varietal this is fresh and juicy yet sappy and saturated with loads of red plum, marionberry and pie cherry fruit. Woven into the fruit party is a zesty mix of dried orange peel, cracked black pepper, red licorice and oregano. Lively and versatile this would pair well with a variety of dishes and frankly is quite chuggable on its own. Normally $20, a spring sale makes it just $13.99.
Saint-Estève Corbières 2017
A satisfyingly old school red from the Languedoc in southern France, this Grenache/Syrah blend is earthy and spicy and just a wee bit funky as a mix of bass note black fruits tangle with brighter red notes, keeping the palate happily engaged through the long finish. Thanks to time in bottle it expresses a mellow, warm-toned personality, softened and developed, with a memory of its former meatiness lurking below. $11.99
Planeta La Segreta Grillo Sicilia 2020
Nearly abandoned in the 1980s the white varietal Grillo is becoming more and more popular and with good reason. This is a delicious example, immediately drawing you in with its aromas of vanilla butter cookie, toasted salted almonds and a dried lemon thyme/sage tone. The texture is great, mid-weight and supple with flavors of poached pear spritzed with lemon while the finish fades slowly leaving echoes of orange Dreamsicle. $12.99
Quinta de Porrais Douro Tinto 2020
Dark and full-bodied with a robust meatiness this Portuguese red is a throwback to wintertime fireside drinking and may yet prove handy before real summer weather arrives. There’s an intriguing hint of funky mineral spice in the nose followed by dense black fruits on the palate – fig, dried plum and blackberry coulis – with accents of espresso and clove adding to the overall dark feel. Made from traditional Port varietals including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and more. $12.99
Clos de los Siete Red 2019
An Argentine project of the famous French winemaker Michel Rolland, this proudly shows off his showy style. A six-varietal blend dominated by Malbec, it is mouthfilling yet mellow with warm cocoa overtones and bass note fruit flavors, yet has supporting tannin and acidity to add structure. Mixed dark berry and smoky cherry loll about the palate with vanilla oak notes and polished tannins on the finish. Normally $23, this month just $12.99.
Scaia Rosato Veneto 2022
In like a lion, out like a lamb… March certainly ended with gentle, lamb-like weather. As we look forward to more sunshine, you’ll be happy to have a nice rosé on hand and this end-of-vintage deal was too good to pass up. 100% Rodinella from the Valpolicella area, it’s dry and crisp with light strawberry, kiwi and satsuma flavors and a breezy, fun personality. Or as one 90-point review called it “a beach party in a bottle”. Normally $16, now $10.99. Note: this has a glass stopper, no corkscrew required.
Colonia las Liebres Bonarda Mendoza 2022
Someone asked us for a Bonarda recently and we were like, oh yeah Bonarda… Although the second most planted varietal in Argentina (after Malbec) it is not very well known in the US. This cuvée from Altos las Hormigas is a good example, produced in stainless to preserve its fruity character. Offering a mix of high-toned red and blue fruits and loamy spice aromatics it is medium to full-bodied and broad on the palate with dark cherry, blueberry, red licorice and spiced graham cracker crust. $12.50
Duffour Côtes de Gascogne 2022
This just-arrived southwestern French white delivers a fresh springtime vibe with its airy tarragon/tropical fruit aromas and zesty grapefruit thrust. The nose hints at the tropical but the electric palate is mostly citrus-driven – lemon, lime and more grapefruit – before an exotic pineapple kiss sneaks in on the finish. 70% Colombard, 15% Gros Manseng, 15% Ugni Blanc. $9.99
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