New Spring Six Pack

To celebrate the arrival of spring, we've snuck a couple whites in the six pack this time around! Even if you are not a white drinker, they're good to have around for cooking or entertaining purposes. 

 

As usual, you get 6 wines for $60 (a $70 value) in a reusable or recyclable cardboard box.

 

Whites

 

Orobio White Rioja (Spain) - Most people are familiar with Rioja's red wines, but few have experienced the whites! Made with the Viura grape, it's a white that's both rich and lively, showing unique savory notes (bread, spice) alongside orchard fruits.

 

Santa Julia Torrontes (Argentina) - A lovely organic white from the Mendoza region. We love it for its aromatic intensity, its supple texture, and its refreshing pithy citrus notes.

 

Reds

 

Lancatay Malbec (Argentina) - We wrote about Malbec a few weeks ago, and this has been a consistent favorite of ours since we opened. Highly perfumed with elegant black cherry and bright raspberry.

 

Cantele Primitivo (Itay) - From the heel of the Italian boot, this is a new addition. While many primitivos can be overly jammy (it is related to California's Zinfandel grape after all!), this one was pleasingly balanced and really tasted authentically Italian.

 

George Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages (France) - Poor Beaujolais gets an unfair rap as overly-sweet, quaffing wine. That may apply to some of the Beaujolais Nouveau, but we think the Beaujolais Crus and Villages wines are some of the best values in French wine. Made from the Gamay grape, it's one of the best alternatives to Pinot Noir out there.

 

Chateau Malbot Bordeaux (France) - If you've seen the cover of this month's Wine Spectator, then you know what a big deal the wine press is making about the 2005 Bordeaux. While many of the wines they cover are priced in the thousands, this little wine is a total gem. It ably captures the essence of Bordeaux's elegance.

 

 

Vina Borgia is Back, and Only $7!

 

Perhaps the best deal we've offered so far, especially when we'll sell you the case (12 bottles) for only $72 (plus tax). This Grenache from Spain's value maverick, Borsao, is ridiculously good for the price. Bright strawberries and white pepper are in the bottle, with an outer label that is modern and appealing. Also available in a magnum (1.5 Liters) for $17. Supplies are limited!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Ton of New Wines in Stock!

 

 

This was a banner week for exciting new wines arriving on our loading dock!

 

 

Several popular items are back in stock:

 

Wrongo Dongo Monastrell (Spain) $10

 

Burgans Albarino (Spain) $16

 

Cline Cashmere (California) $17

 

 

Amazing new wines from Northern Italy:

 

Giovanni Puiatti "Le Zuccole" Tocai Friulano  Minerally and fresh white wine that's a must-try for Pinot  Grigio fans. Plus, it's closed with a super cool glass cork! $13

 

Mauro Molino Nebbiolo  Nebbiolo is the grape used in Barolo and Barbaresco, and this is an excellent alternative for those nights when you don't want to spend $50+. Decanting is a good idea, as it opens beautifully and reveals lush blackberry, cherry and raspberry with notes of tar and roses. Firm tannins; tastes waaay more expensive than it is, which is always a plus. $18

 

Poderi di Luigi Einaudi Dolcetto di Dogliano  Dolcetto and barbera are the wines the Piemontese drink every day, while reserving their Barolos and Barbarescos for rich winter feasts and special occasions. Dense, ripe and very rich, an impressively layered dolcetto that finishes with broad, dusty tannins.  $24

 

Conterno Fantino Barbera d'Alba  Two thousand six yielded some powerful, densely packed barberas with harmonious, ripe acidity and uncanny richness.  Black cherry, licorice, espresso and bitter chocolate, boasting a chewy, layered texture. $29

 

Accordini Valpolicella Ripassa  One of the best ripassas we've had in recent memory; rich, dark and leathery with lots of figs, mocha powder and good grip. $20

 

 

 

 

Notable Miscellany

 

Domane Wachau Achleiten Gruner Veltliner  A ridiculous deal on single vineyard Gruner! Buy it soon or we may be too tempted to keep it for ourselves. $24

 

Wieninger Rose of Pinot Noir  Delicate, dry and minerally rose from Austria. $14

 

Yering Station Pinot Noir  From Victoria, Australia, this is surprisingly elegant and varietally-correct Pinot Noir! $20

 

Walnut City Wine Works Reserve Pinot Noir  Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at this price? Get out of here! $22

 

Beck Heideboden Red Blend  Austrian reds are tough to beat if you're looking for elegant, smooth reds that speak of place. Judith Beck makes really fabulous wines, and this one combines Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir. $24

 

Marietta Alexander Valley Petite Sirah  For those of you who like your wines supple, full and inky! $20

 

Crios Syrah / Bonarda  A really interesting blend from Argentina. Earthy yet bright. We are also featuring the Crios Malbec on sale! $15

 

Bonterra Merlot  Bonterra is a proudly Organic line of wines from Mendocino County in California. $15