Congratulations to Marcus Goodfellow

September 2017

Always Delicious Chardonnays

Now With New Scoresgoodfellow insert

Marcus Goodfellow’s Matello and Goodfellow Family Cellars labels have been mainstays at the shop for some time now—wines that we carry regardless of vintage, scores or overall hype.  The wines are amongst the best in Oregon and consistently some of the most inspiring wines we taste.  It looks like we aren’t alone in our love—the new Wine Advocate reviews for our fair state lavish (deserved) praise on Marcus’ wines, particularly two Chardonnays (Richard’s Cuvee and Durant Vineyard) which we wanted to feature today.

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $36 special

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 375ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19.50 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2014 Chardonnay Richard’s Cuvee knocks it out of the park with a nose of ripe apricots, pink grapefruit and guava underscored by fresh ginger, baking bread, beeswax and yeast extract hints with a waft of jasmine.… Read the rest

Il Poggione’s Magnificent 2011 Brunello

il poggione sealAugust 2017

Most Brunello collectors buy either traditional or modern examples with the exception of a few wines whose appeal seems to transcend stylistic categories. These wines are the real ‘collectible’ Brunelli—there’s always going to be a market for them. In that category, Il Poggione manages to be unique. It’s a wine that’s traditionally made, yet approachable, beloved across the board and is still reasonably priced.

For that reason, Il Poggione remains one of our favorite wines in Brunello—it’s tough to beat the combination of quality and price. The wines are probably the least expensive, collectible-quality Brunello out there. The 2011 vintage is no exception and the wine is gorgeous, from a warm vintage but with the freshness and elegance you expect from Il Poggione.… Read the rest

Budget-Friendly Rhone Wines

June 2017

Featured New Arrivals

Just in time for your summer festivities!

Budget-Friendly Rhone

(And Rhone-Adjacent) Wine

Domaine Boisson Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d’Uchaux Clos de la Brussiere 2009 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $18 special
Case-12 Domaine Boisson Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d’Uchaux Clos de la Brussiere 2009 750ML ($299.95) Buy Now: $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Robert Parker 91 points “Even better is the 2009 Cairanne Clos de la Brussiere from the Massif d’Uchaux, the newest Cotes du Rhone-Villages appellation. A dark ruby/purple color is followed by deliciously ripe fruit in this seriously stacked and packed effort. Revealing lots of kirsch liqueur, loamy soil, garrigue and lavender notes, this full-bodied, richly fruity, pure, well-balanced 2009 should drink well for 4-5 years.”… Read the rest

La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet 2013

June 2017

La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2013

A Great Big Cabernet at a Great Big Discount!

la jota wineryIt’s telling that La Jota’s full name is “La Jota Vineyard Co.”  Founded in 1898, it’s a winery explicitly tied to a place, in this case Howell Mountain.  Howell Mountain is a special place in Napa to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and the history of the winery reflects that—the first awards for the winery were in the 1902 Paris Exposition.  They shuttered during prohibition and became a “ghost winery” until the current winery opened in 1982.

The winery makes its wines from estate fruit spread over 28 acres of prime volcanic Howell Mountain real estate, and the Cabernet is what they’re known for. … Read the rest

Siro Pacenti Brunello

Siro Pacenti New Arrival!

June 2017

A Master of Modern Brunello

pacenti-brunello“Giancarlo Pacenti is by far the leading exponent of the modern school of Brunello di Montalcino. No other producer has succeeded in crafting wines of this much textural beauty and refinement.” – Antonio Galloni

“Giancarlo Pacenti is the best winemaker in the appellation of Brunello di Montalcino. Everything is done in the best possible way and at the right time in his well-kept vineyards and the pristine small winery under his house. His Brunellos are usually a blend of different vineyards from both the south and north sides of the Montalcino hill, giving them great richness and structure as well as freshness. They are aged in French oak barrels yet show very little wood character, and their crystal clear style is one that ages extremely well.”… Read the rest