Bodegas Grant "La Garrocha" Amontillado, 375ml, Spain, $16.99
"Accessible and round, with notes of salted caramel, almond husk, date and dried persimmon all weaving through the detailed finish. A great introduction to the amontillado style for Sherry newbies, but still complex enough for aficionados." 90pts WS
Whites*********************************************************
Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand, $15.99
This vintage not yet rated, but the 2015 made last year's Top 100 Wines of the Year in The Wine Spectator
Tariquet Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Gascogne, France, $
"The term 'minerally' is probably overused and definitely misunderstood in wine assessment. It's about texture, not flavor, plus freshness and firmness. And this has all of that, plus juicy and tasty fruit and a bracing, refreshing finish. Not sure what else anyone could want in a white wine. A lovely, semi-intense floral nose, vivacious flavors (tropical and citrus fruits) and zingy acidity are hallmarks of this gem from France's Gascogne region in the Alpine foothills. Try it with seafood, whether it be light (ceviche, oysters) or heavy (salmon), and be sure to get some more for when we can break out the patio furniture and start sipping alfresco." -Bill Ward, Star Tribune
Illahe Viognier 2016, Willamette Valley, OR, $19.99
Taste it with us Friday!
Buglioni "il Disperato" Bianco 2015, Venezia, Italy, Reg. $21.99 , Sale $17.99
"100% Garganega from 30 year old vines in gravelly soils. Fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain freshness. Straw yellow color with a golden shimmer. Intense aromas, rich with notes of flowers and tropical fruit, especially mango and pineapple. Good structure and acidity. Round in the mouth, savory and balanced." -from the winery
Casematte "Peloro" Bianco 2015, Sicily, $24.99
"A blend of 65% Grillo and 35% Carricante, this offers subtle aromas of ripe orchard fruit, wild flower and a whiff of almond. The vibrant, savory palate boasts green apple, creamy white peach, citrus and aromatic herb alongside an energizing mineral vein. It finishes crisp and clean." 92pts WE
Rose***********************************************************
Sasha Lichine "Single Blend" 2015, France, Reg. $11.99, Sale $8.99
Chapoutier "Belleruche" 2015, Rhone, France, $11.99, Sale $8.99
La Vieille Ferme 2016, Rhone, France, $9.99
Illahe Estate Tempranillo Rose 2016, Willamette Valley, OR, $19.99
Reds***********************************************************
Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Columbia Valley, WA, $19.99
"Firm and toasty, this expressive wine offers layers of blueberry, currant, black pepper and black tea that dance across a field of fine tannins, finishing with harmony and presence." 90pts WS
Daniel Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon "Bellacosa" 2014, North Coast, CA, $27.99
"So if you recognize the name Cohn, it is for good reason; B.R. Cohn made some of the finest Cabernets in Sonoma for decades. Daniel is the son of Bruce Cohn. His new venture shows all kinds of promise if this wine is any indication. Full and rich with a bowl full of dark berries, it has great length and a very approachable texture." DM
BonAnno Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013, CA, $24.99
77% Cabernet Sauvignon with lesser parts Merlot and Petite Verdot. This is also super approachable with a super silky-soft texture and just enough tannin and oak to keep it balanced.
Illahe Pinot Noir Estate 2015, Willamette Valley, OR, $26.99
"The aromas of the 2015 Illahe Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir begin with strawberry, tamarind, and blackberry then broaden along the palate to include chalk, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and earth. The acid supports a complete yet not overwhelming tannin balanced between skin and oak. The wine retains its velvet mouthfeel through a process of clarification by racking. For an entrylevel pinot, this wine is a great value and will last 6 to 12 years under the best conditions." -from the winery.
The Federalist "Bourbon Barrel Aged" Zinfandel 2014, Mendocino, CA, $23.99
"This is a bold Zin made to please whiskey and barrel aged beer fans. It is heady (15.5% Alcohol) and boldly spiced with plenty of body, which is contributed to by the small amounts of Petite Sirah and Merlot that are blended in. It struck me as a wine for charred meats or to have with a cigar. Not for everyone, but it might develop a cult following." DM
Pipoli Aglianico del Vulture 2014, Campania, Italy, $17.99
"This is definitely a modern take on what is often a traditional and rustic Southern Italian red. It is rounder with a sizable dollop of oak and ripe dark berry fruit. Hints of herbs and spice give it a touch more intrigue." DM
Arnot Roberts Syrah 2014, Sonoma Coast, CA, $44.99
"The 2014 Syrah North Coast is quite possibly the single best wine in the Arnot-Roberts range this year when it comes to quality and price. Pliant, expressive and giving, the 2014 possesses notable depth and intensity. Lavender, sage, menthol, blue/purplish fruit, licorice and graphite meld into the rich, textured finish. The 2014 was done with 100% whole clusters, but that does not take away from the wine's immediacy and sheer deliciousness, even at this early stage. (The) wine is now labeled Sonoma Coast (previously it was North Coast). Drink 2016-2024." 92pts V
Bila Haut "Occultum Lapidem" 2013, Roussillon, France, (1.5 Liter) $74.99
"The translucent purple-colored 2013 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem comes from the schist soils around the village of Latour de France. A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Carignan that was harvest on September 15 and aged all in concrete tanks, it's a fabulous wine that offers elegant notes of red and black raspberries, roasted herbs, pepper, melted licorice and asphalt. These flow to a medium to full-bodied 2013 that has a full, layered mid-palate, beautiful fruit, fine tannin and a classically focused, dry finish. It continues to freshen up in the glass, has integrated acidity and lots of class. Buy this brilliant wine by the case and drink it over the coming decade." 94pts WA
