Mid-Week Newsletter 6-26-25

In This Newsletter:

Alzinger
Trending Oregon Whites
Bordeaux Magnums
Grape of the Week: Sauvignon Blanc


 
Alzinger:
 
The Insider’s Ticket to the Wonder of the Wachau

 
The beauty of Austria is something to experience, but there is one area that truly stands out, both for its charm and the amazing wine: the Wachau. This is where you’ll find legends like F.X Pichler and Weingut Knoll within strolling distance of one another. And there is little doubt that having Knoll across the street, creating one of the most iconic white wines in the world, inspired a young Leo Alzinger.

Representing the second generation of winemaking in the Alzinger family, Leo developed a style reflecting his analytical and precise nature that allowed each parcel to shine through individually. The subtle, but clear differences in each of his wines created a stir, and the demand started to grow. The wines would soon rival their more famous neighbors in quality, though stylistically they could be said to stand out for their leanness and tight acidity.

Leo Alzinger Jr. watched his father, studying at his elbow in the vineyard and the cellar. His decision to continue making wine in the style of his father speaks to their shared belief that the character of the individual vineyards of the Wachau are clear and that they deserve their place amongst growing areas in the world. Today, Alzinger showcases this fact with spectacular finesse and care. These wines are the embodiment of the region’s terroir, and well worth careful consideration.
 
In Stock Now from Alzinger:
 
Weingut Leo Alzinger Durnsteiner Riesling Federspiel, Wachau 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 92 points
“The 2022 Riesling Dürnsteiner Federspiel was picked from various smaller parcels on the foot of the Loibenberg, including terraces of Loibenberg and Burgstall. Exquisitely pure bergamot notes are fragrant and enticing on the nose. The palate is chiseled, fine and taut, with a slightly riper note of citrus that reminds of Meyer lemon, yet still with the fragrant green citrus frisson. This is a bright, pure wine of exquisite slenderness and citrus fragrance. (Bone-dry).”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Weingut Leo Alzinger Durnstein Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2023 750ml $36 special, 9 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points
“Bright and fruity gruner showing aromas of pineapples, papayas and peaches. Medium-bodied, juicy and vibrant. Excellent length, too, with citrus zest and nutmeg notes at the end. Drink now. Screw cap.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Weingut Leo Alzinger Muhlpoint Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2023 750ml $36 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 90 points
“The 2023 Grüner Veltliner Mühlpoint Federspiel, a site just underneath Steinertal, in the lower reaches where there’s more loess in the gneiss deposits. It’s gently savory on the nose and delivers yeast and pepper. The palate has a lovely stoniness and a slender aspect, with the pepperiness shimmering on the yeasty mid-palate. Lemon, stone and pepper make for a juicy, light-footed Federspiel. (Bone-dry)”
 
Weingut Leo Alzinger Loibner Loibenberg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2022 750ml $69 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 93 points
“The 2022 Grüner Veltliner Loibenberg Smaragd is picked from a loess island in the mid-slope of this rather large and warm site. Harvest point here is key. Yeasty creaminess is immediately evident on the nose, while more swirling brings some pear skin and pepper. The palate delves into this yeastiness but adds lovely tension to its fluid, slightly peppery core that has some pithy concentration. This sails on but without an ounce of fat—elegant, supple and smooth (Bone-dry).”
 
Shop our six in-stock Alzinger selections now!



#Trending Oregon Whites
 
Though the Willamette Valley, and Oregon by extension, might be best known for its Pinot Noirs, the white wines options are where diversity and affordability reigns. We stock dozens of options from mineral-driven Chardonnays, crisp Pinot Gris, fragrant Sauvignon Blancs, and stylish blends, and some of the best Riesling outside of Germany. Shop recent favorites or explore all of our options on our webstore now!
 
In Stock Now:
 
Bow & Arrow ‘Fool’s Gold’, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery Note
“50% Chardonnay/50% Sauvignon Blanc. After experimenting in 2019 with making a Cheverny Blanc style Chard/Sauv Blanc blend and having it exceed all expectations I am happy (relieved?!) to announce I went all in and made much more”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Benton-Lane Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $24 special, 15 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points
“Notes of peaches, dried apples, toasted almonds and pastry crust on the nose. Medium-bodied, layered and mouth-filling, with vivid acidity and a textural, lengthy finish. Drink or hold.”
 
Cameron Winery Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2023 750ml $24 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery Note
“Vinified from Abbey Ridge & Clos Electrique fruit, this is the best Chardonnay in its price range on the market. Lime leaf and orange blossom aromatics with a light touch of vanilla make me think of lemon tart! A lovely rich mouth with some tartness and a long, mineral finish allows it to be both an aperitif while you’re cooking and it will go with the meal afterward, though if you drink enough while you’re cooking, this latter point will be unimportant!”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $36 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Winery Note
“Our mere quarter of an acre of 1991-planted Chardonnay in Le Puits Sec might be small, but it produces a mighty Chardonnay—often a favorite of each and every vintage. This micro-block of Chardonnay is at the top of our Le Puits Sec (facing east), on a mix of volcanic Nekia and Jory soils. Barrel fermented and aged in one neutral barrel and a younger half-barrel. 45 cases produced.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Kelley Fox Wines Albariño Willamette Valley 2024 750ml $24 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Winery Note
“[On the 2023 vintage] This small bottling of Albariño was fun to produce and is intended to be a super casual white table wine. The fruit was whole cluster pressed and spent its entire life in a small stainless tank. It is brilliantly transparent pale, pastel yellow in appearance. The nose is full of mixed tropical citrus with a nod to peach skin and a green energy that is life-filled and refreshing as opposed to underripe and austere. The mouth is juicy and mirrors the tropical citrus nose with just a hint of pleasing plant-y character carried by racy acidity, a smooth texture, and a really nice, clean finish.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Peter William Vineyard Daisy Creek Vineyard Viognier, Rogue Valley 2023 750ml $26 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Norm Roby-Wine Review Online 95 points
“Though most Rhône varieties thrive in its estate vineyard, the winery reaches out for Viognier from the nearby Daisy Creek Vineyard. The result is an exceptionally rich and balanced Viognier that sets the bar high. All the fruit for this 2023 was harvested on September 19th, and was whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented. Light yellow in color, it offers a lovely mix of ripe peach, mango and honeysuckle on the nose. Medium-bodied and concentrated, it opens up and delivers plenty of peach and lychee flavors with some ginger in its aftertaste. Balanced and creamy in texture with nuanced oak in the background, it ends on a long note of delicious fruit.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Tan Fruit Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2022 750ml $54.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points
“The 2022 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard comes from a block of Dijon clone vines planted in 1991 in the Dundee Hills on a steep, south-facing slope at 675 feet of elevation. Barrel fermented and matured for 10 months in 15% new French oak, plus four months in stainless steel, it’s reminiscent of Chablis and boasts exceptionally pure aromas. It opens with flint and petrichor before blossoming to apricot, elderflower liqueur, lime peel and hazelnuts. The palate is vibrant and silky with understated layers of creamy, peachy fruit, and its linear acidity and flinty tones come together for a shimmery finish. For several days after it’s opened, the Maresh Vineyard becomes more and more expressive, pointing to a long life in the cellar.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Shop our 180 in-stock Oregon selections now!



Bordeaux Magnums
 
Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L $899 special, 13 magnums in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points
“Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Chateau des Laurets, Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion 2005 1.5L $199 special, 2 magnums in stock now
VinopolNote:
From the right bank of Bordeaux, this merlot dominant blend is full of red and purple fruit, with secondary notes of earthiness and leather. The oak creates a smooth and full body structure. Open and decant; this wine is ready to drink now!
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Chateau des Laurets, Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion 2009 1.5L $199 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Andreas Larsson-Tasted 89 points
“Dark ruby red, the nose offers spice, vanilla, dark plum and cassis, rather full palate with a dense texture and young tannins, good freshness and juicy black currant fruit, fine length.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Chateau des Laurets, Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion 2010 1.5L $199 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points
“Bold, ripe and almost flashy, showing good drive and vivacity, with fresh acidity pumping the boysenberry, steeped plum and raspberry fruit along while a roasted apple wood note fills in the finish. Drink now through 2018. 18,300 cases made, 750 cases imported.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Chateau Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 1.5L $199 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points
“Showing even better now than on release, the 2015 Château Clos de Sarpe might be one of the greatest wines to ever emerge from this tiny vineyard just outside of Saint Emilion. Dense purple/plum-hued, with an enormous bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, white truffles, violets, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, an incredible sense of opulence, and silky, polished tannins. It’s absorbed just about every trace of its oak élevage, and while it’s an incredible drink today, it’s going to evolve for 30+ years or more.”
 


Grape of the Week:

Sauvignon Blanc
 
Summer is Sauvignon Blanc season. Shop top picks from Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé in the Loire or explore New World options from the Americas, South Africa, and New Zealand below!
 
In Stock Now:
 
Peter William Sauvignon Blanc, Rogue Valley 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote:
Their second vintage of Sauvignon Blanc, this is made in the style of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc and shows grassy and flinty notes.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Alpha Omega Two Squared Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $16 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Winery Note
“The 2020 Hudson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc offers a sophisticated exploration of Napa Valley’s Carneros AVA. As the only Sauvignon Blanc produced from this prestigious vineyard, it reflects the vineyard’s unique character. Sourced from the esteemed Hudson Vineyard, which benefits from cool marine influences and sedimentary soils, this wine captures the essence of its terroir. Aromas of papaya, Fuji apple, and lime zest combine with floral notes of citrus blossom and hints of shortbread cookies. On the palate, flavors of lemon oil, nectarine, and nutmeg are complemented by a refreshing wet slate minerality and lively acidity. Aged for 16 months in a mix of French oak and stainless steel, this wine layers elegance and complexity, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a refined Sauvignon Blanc with character and depth.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Bedrock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley 2023 750ml $24 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note
“We have been extremely pleased with the consistently high quality of Sauvignon Blanc from Bedrock Vineyard despite the relative youth of the blocks it comes from. This is, no doubt, thanks to the deft hand of our viticulturist Jake Neustadt and foreman Alberto Rojas, who have been careful to keep the prolific variety well-balanced. Made completely from the Musqué clone to allow better aromatic development at lower potential alcohols, the fruit was whole-cluster pressed, then barrel fermented in a combination of Austrian and French oak barrels, a portion of which were new. The Sauvignon Blanc from Bedrock is blessed with an enormous amount of natural vibrancy thanks to its low 3.05 pH, so the barrels help to build texture and amplitude via lees contact. This balances the exotic passion fruit, mango, and lemon curd aromatics with dense and refreshing fruit. This is one of my favorite SBs we have made.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Justin Vineyards & Winery Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast 2023 750ml $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points
“Sleek and elegant, with plenty of power to the lemon curd, mango puree and fresh pineapple notes. Details of lemon verbena, ginger and orange blossoms add charm and aromatics on the finish. Drink now. 129,727 cases made.”
 
Marietta Cellars Old Vine Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, California 2024 750ml $16 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery Note
“Fresh, tropical, and evocative, this Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, clean, and undeniably refreshing. With each sip, it transports you to a world of ancient vines and lush green canopies. This wine isn’t just a drink; it’s a sensory journey, a way to slake the heat and dust of the day while savoring the pure, natural beauty of California’s landscape. Tropical core, fig, white flowers.”
 
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2024 750ml $19 special, 21 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points
“Vibrant and fresh aromas of passion fruit, cut grass and pineapple. The light-bodied palate has a creamy mouthfeel and focused acidity, giving notes of peaches, nectarines and lychees. Tropical fruit-driven with a generous texture. Drink now. Screw cap.”
 
Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2023 750ml $19 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 90 points
“This is not your average 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. It’s aromatically intriguing, with different layers appearing with every sniff. Initially, there are notes of medicinal herbs, followed by blackcurrant, green capsicum, passion fruit and even lime. Perhaps the diversity of scents could be attributed to the combination of fermentations across tanks, oak barrels, concrete eggs and amphorae. The palate is focused on texture: there’s reassuring padding on the mid-palate despite being light in body, while there’s drive and punch on the dry, herbal finish. (Drink between 2025-2028).”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Te Mata Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Erin Larken-Wine Advocate 92 points
“The 2022 Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc has been fully tank fermented, no solids, but it was left on the lees post-ferment for texture. There are notes of cheesecloth, pineapple lumps, Pink Lady apples and saline acidity. It’s fleshy, with preserved citrus, juicy acidity and plenty of brine, then sugar snap peas, Nashi pears and a hint of guava/lychee. The fruit was sourced totally from the estate vineyards in Hawkes Bay; Havelock Hills, Gimblett Gravels and Dartmoor. 12.7% alcohol.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Bonus dessert wine!
Renaissance Vineyard & Winery Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, North Yuba 1989 375ml $11.90 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Winery Note
“Medium to dark amber-brown in color, this wine smells of burnt orange peel, a hint of bergamot, and cafe au lait. In the mouth dark burnt honey, cafe au lait, and a touch of even darker molasses flavors have a wonderful toasted grain quality to them that makes this wine seem almost more savory than sweet despite its significant sugar levels. Really compelling and interesting, with plenty of acidity to keep this wine lively after all this time. A phenomenal flavor experience. Moderately sweet.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 


 
Don’t miss our sales going on now:
 
Felsina
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Felsina
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Felsina
 
California Zinfandel
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of California Zinfandel
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of California Zinfandel

 
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Felsina sale ends Friday, June 27th at 9 am Pacific. California Zinfandel sale ends Saturday, June 28th at 9 am Pacific.