Altos Las Hormigas
"Gualtallary" Mendoza Malbec 2017
96+/100 - Wine Advocate (10/31/2019) "Expressive, mineral and vertical, austere, like biting into chalk. It's produced with grapes from a rented plot in a somewhat fashionable appellation that is quite large and diverse. The palate is super austere, dry, serious and mineral, while the nose is expressive and has the wilderness of the place with unusual elegance and freshness for a year like 2017. It finishes long and tasty, with some violets. Could this be their best Gualtallary to date? Drink Date: 2019 - 2030." (Argentina)
Maison la Berthaude
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019
90/100 - Our Score (11/2020)
90/100 - Wine Advocate (10/30/2020)
90-92/100 - Jeb Dunnuck (10/6/2020) "A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre, raised in stainless steel and concrete, the 2019 Chateauneuf Du Pape Maison La Berthaude Tradition reveals a healthy ruby/purple color as well as complex, traditional notes of blackberries, peppery garrigue, new saddle leather, and dried flowers. With medium to full-bodied richness, notable purity of fruit, and silky tannins, it's a charming, balanced, outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape in the making." (France)
Casa Santos Lima
"Confidencial" Tinto Riserva 2016
88+/100 - Our Score (9/2020)
90/100 - Wine & Spirits (4/2020) "This wine's tart cherry flavors feel cool and oceanic. Some green notes of peppercorn and cherry leaf hold its concentrated flavors tight, embedded in clay-like tannins. What's confidential about this wine is the blend of more than ten varieties, grown in clay-limestone soils, and the names of ten unfamiliar varieties probably don't matter when the wine is so fresh and bright." (Portugal)
Bogle
"Phantom" California Red Blend 2017
The 2017 Bogle "Phantom" delivers in spades. Aged for 25 months in American oak, this blend of 52% Petite Sirah and 48% Zinfandel hits your nose with rich cedar and ripe blackberry aromas from the moment the cork is popped. There's a density, lushness and balance here that you rarely find in a California wine under $20. If you are a fan of The Prisoner, you're going to love this one. Try with short ribs, or enjoy it all by itself! (California)
Tenuta di Arceno
"Il Fauno di Arcanum" Toscana Rosso 2015
93/100 - Wine Advocate (5/31/2019) "The 2015 Il Fauno di Arcanum is a robust and thickly layered blend of 59% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. This wine offers terrific value, especially to those who prize soft richness and concentration in their blended Tuscan reds. This beautiful, medium to full-bodied wine would pair seamlessly with grilled or roasted meats. The warmth and sheer exuberance of the vintage will put a big smile on your face. Drink Date: 2019 - 2028." (Italy)
Sierra Cantabria
Rioja Crianza 2016
91/100 - Wine Advocate (6/28/2019) "The 2016 Crianza is pure Tempranillo from a year they consider spectacular because of the health and ripeness that the grapes achieved very slowly. The destemmed grapes fermented in stainless steel, and the wine matured in French and American oak barrels for 14 months. It is still quite toasty and has a classical profile despite the new-ish oak, a little creamy, with that soft, voluptuous mouthfeel but with the fresh profile of the 2016 vintage, with red rather than black fruit. It's a year of good yields, and the fruit and the wines have very good balance and freshness, less concentrated and more drinkable. It's a year of balance and freshness, with good yields and healthy grapes. It has to be one of the finest vintages for this wine. 150,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019. Drink Date: 2019 - 2023." (Spain)
Arnaud Lambert
"Clos de Midi" Saumur Blanc 2019
93/100 - Wine Spectator (11/15/2020) "This offers an expressive mix of yellow apple, persimmon and Meyer lemon flavors infused with light notes of hazelnut and hints of smoke. The acidity is electric, giving this plenty of verve and carrying all the elements to the long and seductive, lightly floral finish. Best from 2022 through 2034. 3,750 cases made, 627 cases imported." (France)
Suavia
Soave Classico 2018
90/100 - Our Score (7/2020)
90/100 - Vinous, Ian d'Agata (6/2019)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (10/31/2020) "Sleek and well-cut, this light- to medium-bodied white features a lively mix of passion fruit, Meyer lemon zest and green pear flavors, underscored by a streak of petrol-laced mineral that rings out on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 12,500 cases made, 5,000 cases imported." (Italy)
Château Petit-Freylon
"Cuvée PF" Bordeaux Blanc 2019
87+/100 - Our Score (11/2020) Smartly priced White Bordeaux always gets us excited. At our special price of $8.99, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Petit-Freylon gives tasty flavors of honeydew, tangerine, green herbs and rounded river stone minerality. Fresh, bright and creamy, this gives California and New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs a run for their money. (France)
Matchbook
"Old Head" Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay 2018
90/100 - Our Score (11/2020) The Matchbook "Old Head" Chardonnay is back, and it's deliciously creamy with tasty flavors of baked orchard fruit, wood spice, vanilla, honey and toast. This mouth filling, nicely balanced Chardonnay comes from the Dunnigan Hills of California. Never heard of it? You're not alone! Just drink the wine, it's quite yummy. (California)
Domaine de la Petite Roche
Saumur Brut NV
A seriously impressive Loire Valley sparkler!
90/100 - Our Score (9/2020)
90/100 - Wine Enthusiast (7/1/2020) "Predominantly Chenin Blanc, this is an attractively crisp and textured wine. Aged in the caves of Saumur, the wine bubbles with a nutty character as well as green apples and great acidity. Drink now." (France)
