Bubbly*********************************************************

Ayala Champagne "Brut Majeur" Rose NV, France, $74.99
We got the chance to retaste this this week, and wow, is it good! The suggestion came up that this would be a great match for rare beef (i.e. carpaccio). Mr. Suckling thought very highly of it too: "A cleverly arranged nose with saturated rose-like perfume layered into ripe expressive peaches, strawberries and wild dark cherries. The palate holds that darker cherry edge with real style and balance. Terrific. Drink now." 93pts JS

Billecart Salmon Extra Brut Champagne 2007, France, $94.99
This vintage not yet rated; previous vintage 94pts JS

Billecart Salmon Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2004, France, $97.99
"The vintage edition of Billecart's Blanc de Blancs comes from the same four villages as the NV but carries a much more savory style, showcasing plenty of pastry and chalky lees-derived oyster shell as well as a subtly spicy oak thread. Fresh almond nougat, honeyed peaches and white flowers all abound. The palate texture is striking, smooth and creamy, as peach and lemon-custard flavors run even and long. Really impeccably balanced. Handy depth and drive. Drinking very well now: in a great place." 95pts JS, also 95pts WE

AR Lenoble Champagne Demi-Sec "Cuvee Riche", France, $64.99
25% Chardonnay from the Grand Cru village of Chouilly - 30% Pinot Noir from the Premier Cru village of Bisseuil - 45% Pinot Meunier from Damery in the Marne Valley - "We tasted this lovely bottle last week. 'Demi-Sec' translates as half-dry, and though this wine is more lush in fruit than a typical Champagne, it isn't overly sweet; in-fact, the range of residual sugar allowed for Demi-Sec is 32-50 grams/liter and this one comes in right at 32 grams. If you are thinking of serving bubbly with dessert, this is the ticket." DM

Whites*********************************************************

Anselmi "San Vincenzo", Veneto, Italy, Reg. $17.99, Sale $10.99
This is definitely the best deal on white wine in the store - a Top 100 Wine for $11! "An expressive white, creamy and lightly juicy throughout, offering flavors of blood orange granita, fresh tarragon, yellow peach and mineral, set in a light-bodied frame. The finish is juicy. Garganega with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2019." 90pts & #60 in Top 100 Wines of 2016 -WS, about 2 cases left at this crazy deal!

Terlan "Winkl" Sauvignon (Blanc) 2016, Alto Adige, Italy, Reg. $42.99, Sale $35.99
This vintage not yet rated; here's the Wine Advocate's take on the 2015, "Winkl is one of my absolute favorite Italian white wines and the current vintage is even better than most. The 2015 Alto Adige Sauvignon Winkl is a soft and creamy expression with loads of aromatic definition and depth. The bouquet peels back to reveal thick layers of stone fruit, acacia honey, toasted almond, wild sage and crushed mineral. Think of a Sauvignon descriptor, and this wine has it on full display. The beautiful quality of fruit is reinforced by the smoothness and the suppleness of the mouthfeel." 93pts

JAX Y3 Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Napa, CA, $18.99
"Light yellow in hue with a hint of green, this polished Sauvignon Blanc emanates freshness. Intense aromas of white floral and citrus are interwoven with an enticing note of white jasmine. On the palate you have fresh grapefruit, pear and a hint of melon with mouthwatering acidity. Stainless steel fermented sur lees, this wine remains true to Napa Valley, fruit-forward and crisp with a bright minerality." -from the winery.

Seghesio Vermentino 2015, Russian River Valley, CA, $23.99
"Aromas of ripe pear, lime zest and citrus leaves. Flavors of ripe honeydew melon and fresh cut pears. Vermentino's thick skins contribute a lush texture that balances its crisp acidity." -from the winery

Urbans Hof "Bockstein" Auslese 2014, Mosel, Germany, $64.99
"Pure and powerful, with flavors of tangerine, kiwifruit and ripe grapefruit, layered with plenty of honey and cream notes. The spicy finish is refined, glistening with dried apricot details. Drink now through 2035. 600 cases made." 93pts WS, also 93pts WA

Reds***********************************************************

Coreto Lisboa Red 2015, Portugal, $9.99
"This was a perfectly pleasant, big-fruited blend from the area around Lisbon. It is a blend of Caladoc, Alicante Bouschet, Castelão, Pinot Noir, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and it is sure to please fans of modern wines in this style such as Apothic." DM

Monte Real Rioja Crianza 2014, Spain, $15.99
100% Tempranillo, Aged for 18 months in new American oak casks. "Dark and full for Rioja, modern in its extraction and plush mouthfeel, but traditional in its savory, rustic mix of berries, wood and tobacco notes." DM

Montecalvi Chianti Classico 2012, Tuscany, Italy, $21.99
"Medium weight, but with good, grippy length, there is plenty of dark red berry fruit along with a pleasant cedary note. Warm, spicy notes add interest. Great for pasta with tomatoes and capers." DM

Gramercy "Lower East" Syrah 2013, Columbia Valley, WA, $31.99
"The aromas bring immediate appeal, with notes of brown stems, herbs, crushed flowers, smoked meat and black pepper. The flavors don't disappoint, showing purity, focus and generosity with a spot-on sense of balance and a lengthy finish that kicks it up a notch. Give it time to open up." 93pts WE

Ponzi Pinot Noir "Classico" 2014, Willamette Valley, OR, $43.99
"It has been a very good week tasting wise. This gem shows the wonderful marraige between a classic, restrained producer like Ponzi and full, ripe vintage like 2014. Deep ruby red in color with dry, savory, warm cherry fruit by the bucketload, but not lacking in the classic earth and mineral notes either, this is the best of both worlds." DM

Drouhin Cote de Beaune 2015, Burgundy, France, $47.99
"The 2015 Cote de Beaune Rouge is often my recommendation for Drouhin's "insider" choice for those on a budget. It has a pretty redcurrant and cranberry-scented bouquet with commendable purity that is almost Gevrey-Chambertin in style. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannin. It feels a little rigid at the moment, however that is compensated for with fine tension and freshness on the finish. Bet your bottom dollar that this will end up being great value." 88-90pts WA

Domaine Serene Pinot Noir "Evenstad Reserve" 2014, Willamette Valley, OR, $89.99
"There is a darker fruit spectrum evident in the reserve, with notes of coffee, smoke, black fruits, a touch of charred wood all worked through, and without damping the core fruit flavors. Those bright flavors spotlight raspberry, plum and black cherry. A light cola flavor pokes through, with ripe tannins and proportionate acids. The barrel treatment is beautifully applied, adding sweet spice to the finish." 94pts WE

Sea Smoke "Southing" Pinot Noir 2015, Santa Rita Hills, CA, $84.99
Not yet Rated; Previous 3 vintages 92, 94 and 93 points respectively -WE