WINE DEALS 7/12/2025
1) Hourglass Blueline Estate Merlot 2022, Napa Valley: $85.99 The 2022 Blueline Estate Merlot offers a rich, intense, and pure expression. With the addition of 2% Cabernet, the wine gains subtle depth and structure while allowing the Merlot to shine on both the nose and palate. Aromas of ripe dark plum, red cherry, and raspberry are interwoven with savory notes of black olive tapenade, hoisin, mandarin orange peel, and Herbes de Provence. The fruit character deepens and intensifies through the mid-palate, culminating in signature notes of black sour cherry and crème de cassis. From start to finish, the wine is seamless, showcasing an expansive, weighted, and rich texture that is balanced by natural acidity, supple tannins, and Blueline’s vibrant minerality.
2) Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2016: $348.99 98+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent: “The 2016 Cristal is a blend of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay with 7 grams per liter of dosage. No malo-lactic was performed here, and 31% of the base wines were aged in French oak. The nose begins with bright red berry notes of fresh raspberries and strawberries before opening out to a complex undercurrent of saffron, white chocolate, talc, baker’s yeast, and emerging wafts of citron blossom and pear tart. The palate is very dry and spicy, not needing even a touch more sweetness thanks to the abundance of ripe berry and citrus flavors, delivering beautifully knit acidity and typically tiny, persistent bubbles. It finishes with notes of effervescent chalkiness and saffron flowers, leaving you reaching for another sip.” 07/24
98 Points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast: “This iconic Champagne, first made in the 19th century for the Tsar of Russia, shows its typical stunning balance and poise between richness and concentration. It has a pure white fruit and honeysuckle aroma and tight, tangy fresh fruit flavors. Just ready to drink, the wine will age well, for at least 20 years. Organic.” 12/24
97 Points, Tom Hewson, Decanter: “Cristal 2016 represents a return to purity and classicism for this cuvée, even seen through the lens of 2016’s ripe, generous opening. It is characteristically discreet in youth, cloaking its ripeness in long, chalky, stony energy. Gentle mandarin, pale apricot and raspberry fruit sit under slowly maturing notions of floral honey and tight, smoky charm. There’s an airy, flowing delicacy and persistence which lifts this cuvée above some other expressions of this year. It’s a hugely promising Cristal, likely to stand as tall as the sought-after 2012 and 2013 releases.” 09/24
97 Points, William Kelley, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Cristal is a taut, incisive rendition of this benchmark bottling, unwinding in the glass with youthfully reserved aromas of citrus oil, white flowers, wet stones and subtle hints of sweet, buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and racy, it’s almost as electric as the brilliant 2013, with serious concentration, a pure core of fruit, chalky structuring dry extract and a long, intensely mineral finish. Given its tightly wound profile, my advice is to forget it in the cellar for a few years and work on the more open, outgoing 2014 in the meantime.” 08/24
96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2016 Cristal is bright, aromatic and nicely lifted. Citrus peel white flowers, mint and a touch of chamomile all grace this understated, wonderfully refined edition of Cristal. Light on its feet and super-refined, the 2016 is exquisite in its understated beauty. I can’t wait to see how the 2016 ages and won’t be surprised it gains a bit of weight in bottle, as Cristal so often does. The blend is 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay, so a touch more Chardonnay than the norm. Of the 45 parcels that make up the Cristal domaine, just 32 were used for the blend. Verzy and Verzenay dominate the Pinots, then Aÿ. Avize takes the lead in the Chardonnays, followed by Mesnil and Cramant. Dosage is 7 grams per liter.” 03/24
3) Terras Gauda O Rosal White Blend 2023, Rias Baixas: $23.99 The 2023 Terras Gauda O Rosal is an exemplary bottling of a truly stellar Spanish white wine. Full-bodied with soft acidity, this wine is lively on the palate, with predominant flavors of ripe peaches, tangerines and orange peel, coupled with delicate earthy notes and floral undertones. A well-rounded Galician white wine, hints of mint and a soft creaminess culminate on the finish, providing a fresh, youthful and vibrant mouth feel. At once complex and easy to drink, the estate suggests pairing this wine with seafood, cream-based dishes, dishes with rich sauces including Asian food, and meals with a combination of chicken and rice. Blend: 70% Albariño, 25% Caíño Blanco, 5% Loureiro.
4) Elena Walch Vigna Kastelaz Gewurtraminer 2023, Alto Adige: $64.99 The Gewürztraminer Vigna “Kastelaz” is an international benchmark for the variety and Elena Walch for this reason has been dubbed the “Queen of Gewürztraminer” by Gambero Rosso. With a rich, golden yellow color and a beguilingly complex bouquet, both elegant and mineral, this wine offers aromas of roses and lychee as well as subtle acacia honey. On the palate, it is convincing and complex with an elegant structure, stimulating acidity, harmonious-spicy freshness and a delicate, vibrant and dry finish. A wine with finesse and character.
5) Hourglass Blueline Estate Cabernet Franc 2022, Napa Valley: $153.99 The 2022 vintage brings yet another masterpiece from Blueline Estate, showcasing a blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine opens with captivating aromas of rose petals, potpourri, flint, raspberry, and cranberry, all gracefully intertwined with floral undertones and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, lush layers of dark fruit envelop a firm, structured core, reflecting the depth of this vintage. Blueline’s distinctive gravelly soils impart a vibrant minerality that adds tension and lift, enhancing the wine’s precision and focus. The intricate tannin structure is built for longevity, promising to reveal even greater allure as it evolves with time.
6) Hourglass Blueline Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Napa Valley: $149.99 The magic of Blueline Estate continues to wow us with the estates’ signature wine. The 2022 walks the perfect balance of elegance, brightness, and power. A blend crafted from Cabernet (80%), Petite Verdot (10%), Malbec (7%) and Cabernet Franc (3%) showcases Tony’s blending skill. Aromatics of ground coffee, wet gravel, forest ferns and barrel toast cascade with nuanced precision, winding through dramatic red and dark fruit tones. Dark sour cherry, red plum, pomegranate and blackberry translate powerfully from nose to palate. Rich silky tannins are countered with a tensional energy of mouthwatering natural acidity and the trademark Blueline minerality.
7) Vinas Familia Gil Family Estates Clio Red 2022, Jumilla, Spain: $45.99 The Vinas Familia Gil Family Estates Red 2022, from Jumilla, Spain, is a bold, expressive red wine known for its rich flavors and silky tannins. It features notes of dark fruit, spice, and is often described as having a smooth, elegant finish. The wine is made primarily from Monastrell grapes with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, grown in old vineyards at high altitudes.
8) Tenuta Maccan Pinot Grigio 2024, Friuli: $24.99 This Pinot Grigio is referred to as a “ramato,” meaning it spends extra time on the skin, 2 to 3 days, and offers a wine rich in flavor and color. A lush orchard fruit character, with aromatics of both flowers and wild herbs. It has a dense fruity structure with peach and apple skin, sustained by a distinct tangy freshness and finish. This wine is very versatile from salads and vegetable appetizers to seafoods and white meats. Perfect with chicken roasted with Mediterranean herbs.
9) Le Morette Chiaretto di Bardolino Classico Rose 2024, Veneto: $22.99 It’s all in the name. The root word for Chiaretto is, Chiara, meaning, clear or light. The translation here is “the little pale one” referring to the delicate pink color. CHARACTER: Exotic fruit flavors and flowers spring out of the glass; orange blossom, red berries, citrus, and stone fruits combine on the palate with surprising weight and texture. With just a few hours in contact with the skins, the delicate color is not to be underestimated. ENJOY WITH: A versatile food wine from charcuterie and fresh cheese to seafood, Cajun flavors, or southern fried chicken. This wine handles a little spice very well. Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara (55%/35%/10%)
10) Auspicium de Vinosalvo Montecucco DOC, Toscana Rosso IGT, 2017: $27.99 Sangiovese 60% – Syrah 40%. Winemaker’s tasting notes – black-tinged, deep ruby-red with color. Brooding initially, the bouquet unfolds to reveal dark and red fruits, cinnamon spice, violets and orange peel. Spiciness, stewed marasca cherries and cassis dominate the palate attack, giving way then to more complex balsamic, cigar box and savory-garrigue notes. A bright acidity, subdued alcohol and velvety tannins complete the structure. Food matching: a compelling match for the strong flavors and textures of traditional Roman fare. Also, with the full-on hunter-style game stews of the Maremma.
11) Champagne Domaine Nowack Terres Bleues 2020, Extra Brut: $99.99 Great price! Grand Vallée de la Marne – a sub-region of Champagne located southwest of Reims, situated on the banks of the Marne River. Soils here are less uniform than in the other sub-regions of Champagne, with a variety of clay, marl, and limestone. The dominant grape variety is Meunier. Varieties 100% Meunier Farming Certified Organic (Ecocert – EU), transitioning to Biodynamic (Demeter – EU). Hand-harvested. Vineyards & Site Estate fruit. Fruit comes from the top of a single vineyard at 180m on fossilized limestone soils called “terres bleues.” Vinification & Aging Base wine is from 2020 – fermented with native yeasts, aged in small oak barrels, unfiltered and unfined. Tirage 7/2021. No dosage. Disgorgement 01/2024. Vandières, Vallée de la Marne (Rive Gauche) — Champagne Flavien Nowack’s family has been making traditional, blended champagnes in the Marne Valley for generations in the village of Vandières. Approximately 75% of the family’s vines are planted to Meunier, with the remaining 25% planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In 2011, having studied with younger generation grower-producers like Emmanuel Brochet, Flavien gradually began moving his family’s estate’s production, parcel by parcel, in a new grower-oriented direction – focusing on organic farming, minimal intervention champagne-making, and single parcel, single vintage bottlings. Each year, he selects a single parcel from the family estate to rehabilitate and transition into organic farming, choosing to vinify in a way that he feels best captures the individual site. Passionate about the idea that nothing should come between the purest expression of terroir – he farms organically, does not chaptalize, and does not seek malolactic fermentation for his base wines. He relies on the natural yeast of unfermented grape must as his prise de mousse for secondary fermentation in bottle. As a result, these Champagnes are lower in pressure than typical, creating a noticeable vinous quality in these exceptionally soft and delicate wines. He is a young talent with a clear vision.
12) Champagne Bertrand-Delespierre Enfant de la Montagne Premier Cru Brut, 375 ml: $29.99 Grapes: 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay. This superb grower Champagne comes from two growers farming 24 acres in the Montagne de Reims. Beautiful citrus notes on the nose blend with floral notes and gentle aromas of toast, with a touch of spice on the finish.
13) Champagne Georges Remy Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2019, Bouzy: $104.99 Smoky, nutty and somewhat bready aroma of pomaceous fruit and a little dark berries with flavors reminiscent of chanterelles, metallic traces, hints of herbs, butter and a hint of tobacco. Ripe, juicy and yeasty-spicy, again somewhat bready, warm fruit, fine, rather moderate mousseux and a certain acid bite, persistent on the palate, has substance, power and sweetish melting, smoky and nutty hints, dark background, certain minerality, some grip, quite dense, very good, juicy and finely spicy finish. Georges Remy is a young winemaker based in Bouzy, one of Champagne’s most famous terroirs for Pinot Noirs. Probably unique in Champagne, he began by making Coteaux Champenois before producing champagnes. This Blanc de Noirs 2019 was made from Pinot Noir grapes from the parcels Les Vaudayants, Huriauts (both harvested on September 18) and Hennepé (harvested on September 17), all three located in Bouzy. The cuvée was vinified and aged on fine lees in new oak barrels or barrels with a maximum of 4 wines.
Malolactic fermentation was carried out, while Georges Remy decided not to dose this champagne in order to let the terroir express itself fully.
14) Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de la Hutte 2022, Anjou-Saumur: $118.99 Vinous 97 pts. “Although it’s ungenerous on the nose, the 2022 Savennieres Clos de la Hutte is tender and generous in the mouth, welcoming you in. There’s a cloud of gently handled fruit that embraces the palate, but it does so in an elegant and light-on-its-feet way. Texturally, it’s seamless and coats the mouth with fine texture. In terms of flavor, expect salty, briny notes and citrus tones alongside a touch of spice and nutty oak on the finish. This is a wine that seems to be able to take a deep, calming breath and become more complete.”
15) The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2022, Dundee, Oregon: $37.99 The desire to stay true to place and limit our impact on nature educates Eyrie’s viticulture and winemaking practices. In the winery, we refrain from unnecessarily manipulating the wines during their fermentation and maturation, allowing them to reflect the vintage. When Alsatian clones of Pinot blanc became available in Oregon, a small test plot was planted in Eyrie’s Sisters Vineyard. The block was doubled in the late 1990s. The crop is picked by hand, destemmed, pressed, and run to small stainless steel tanks to ferment and age. We take a slow approach; our Pinot blanc ages 3-4 times longer than most commercial versions before bottling.
16) Double Diamond Proprietary Red Blend by Schrader 2022, Napa Valley: $83.99 Decanter 93 pts. The 2022 Double Diamond Proprietary Red allows winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown to experiment with a blend under the Schrader label. Fruit is sourced from notable vineyards, including Wappo Hill for Cabernet Franc, Shifflet for Cabernet Sauvignon in the western hills of the Oak Knoll District, and Red Hen Vineyard for Merlot. This is a lush red with high-toned, perfumed aromatics, dark berry fruit, cassis, and dark cacao notes with a cool, wet slate minerality. Full-bodied, it showcases creamy dark cherry and blackberry fruits, hints of plum, fine-grained tannins, and wild herbs on the extended finish. Balanced, joyful, and far too easy to drink. (JC)
17) Domaine Chofflet Givry Heritage 2022, Burgundy: $43.99 100% Estate grown Pinot Noir 13% alcohol. Pinot Noir from 30 year old vines. This wine comes from several sloping, amphitheater vineyards in Russilly on limestone-clay soils with southeast exposures. The Givry Rouge Heritage is packed with bright, succulent and spicy dark cherry and plum fruit.
18) Fournier Pouilly-Fume Les Deux Cailloux 2021, Loire: $32.99 Translating to “The two pebbles,” Les Deux Cailloux is a nod to the phenomenal terroirs that give rise to the tropical notes of this rich, round Pouilly-Fumé. Fournier Pouilly-Fumé lives every bit up to this wine’s reputation as the most elegant expression of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. A sublime white wine with crisp apple, juicy mango and zesty grapefruit. A medium body and bright acidity wrap up with a tangy finish.
19) Atalier by Raul Perez Albarino ‘A Cruz das Animas’ 2023, Rias Baixes: $38.99 Extremely exciting project from Raul Perez, making Albariño in a traditional manner. The vines have been farmed by the same family since the mid-nineteenth century, giving the wine an extra intensity and concentration. The grapes are picked later than most to soften the acidity, meaning MLF isn’t needed. The wine is then aged in old oak foudres for extra weight and texture. A serious Albariño which may cause you to rethink your perceptions of the grape.
20) Michael Pozzan Winery Annabella Red Blend 2022, CA: $18.99 The 2022 Annabella red blend is explosive with aromas of cranberries, strawberries, and cocoa powder, with a hint of cinnamon. In the mouth, the wine shows perfumed flavors of red plum, cherries, and freshly roasted coffee, surrounded by soft tannins and a food-friendly acidity. The finish is perfumed with nutmeg and a hint of vanilla. Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) Syrah (10%) Petite Sirah (4%) Petit Verdot (2%)
21) Angelo Negro Perdaudin Roero Arneis Riserva DOCG 2022, Piedmont: $31.99 Intense straw yellow color. Aroma of white flowers such as acacia and orange blossom, notes of pineapple and pear. The palate has a strong, full, warm attack, with a long final and is characterized by a pleasant mineral note.
22) Champagne Jacquinet-Dumez Dialogie Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru: $61.99 NV- Champagne Jacquinet Dumez is a family-owned and operated winery located in the Premier Cru village of Les Mesneux in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. Aline and Olivier, along with their daughter Diane, are the fourth generation of winegrowers to run the estate. They are independent winegrowers, and they speak their own language of winemaking, staying true to the family’s history and traditions. still with terrific freshness. A Blanc de Noirs composed of 80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir, ‘Dialogie’s bottled in a round and accessible style after two years on the lees. Supple red fruit, baking spices and a touch of puff pastry and lime zest notes combine here, making this as appealing an aperitif as a companion to dinner. Oak influence and dosage are kept very low, allowing for full transparency of terroir. For Diane, champagne is more than just a beverage; it’s an opportunity to combine her thirst for action with her oenologist diploma. The winery cultivates approximately 8 hectares of vines, mainly composed of the classic Champagne grape varieties, with a focus on Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. They practice sustainable and responsible viticulture – currently in conversion to organics, their first commitment is to the health of their vineyards and the quality of their wines. The wines are crafted using traditional methods, with a focus on terroir expression, complexity, and elegance.
23) Fichet Macon-IGE Climat “Chateau London” Chardonnay 2023, Burgundy: $25.99 The Château London lieu dit is one of the Mâconnais’ oldest and most reputable terroirs, largely thanks to its microclimate and unique white limestone soils. This wine combines nine of its plots, some with vines over a century old, in an intensely aromatic and acid-driven wine. With notes of citrus, exotic fruits, wax, and touches of sea salt and light cream, it’s a refreshing and intricate wine. Straw yellow with greenish reflections with an intense aroma, efreshing and sour notes wax, yellow apples, lemon, sea salt, minerals, chalk and light cream. The palate contains intense acidity, chalks, wax, exotic fruits, citrus, sea salt, apricot, oak, apple butter and jam. Light passing through the palate.
24) Eden Rift Valliant Pinot Noir 2021, Central Coast: $28.99 The Valliant Pinot Noir showcases the bright, fruit-forward nature of Pinot Noir grown along California’s Central Coast. The cool, maritime influences of the Pacific Ocean provide the fruit an extended period on the vine whereby the grapes develop increased flavor. In the bouquet, this bottling shows notes of wild berries, spiced cranberry, black cherry as well as purple flowers and vanilla cream. Replete with acidity, the wine shows medium weight with supple tannins and a long, chalky finish.
25) Arista Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, Anderson Valley: $103.99 A hint of earthiness blows off to reveal layers of tangy red cherry, cinnamon candy, pomegranate, cranberry, and roasted chestnut. In true Anderson Valley fashion, elegance and vibrancy define the feel of this wine, with snappy, just picked red fruit and a subtle cola note carrying the long, smooth finish.
I had the pleasure of having lunch with the son of the founder and tasting the wines of Lamoresca from Sicily recently. My rep says: I believe that Lamoresca are the best wines being made in Sicily today when you take freshness and value into consideration. Here are three that I picked (and one more really delicious red that I had to preorder that will be here end of the month):
26) Lamoresca Rosato 2024, IGP Terre Siciliane: $37.99 A blend of Nero d’Avola, Frappato and a touch of Moscato from both Filippo’s own vineyards and a friend’s vineyard in Vittoria, all planted over sandy soils. After just a few hours it is pressed to vats for a short rest and is bottled young, heady with orange blossom, zest and brine. The perfect aperitivo, it is Sicily in a glass.
27) Lamoresca Rosso 2023, IGP Terre Siciliane: $38.99 A blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato from vines planted over sandstone and clay, high in the hills outside San Michele di Ganzaria. The former was fermented on the skins for two months, then aged in old wooden casks for just over a year, whilst the latter spent around a week on the skins and was aged in concrete. The two were the blended to produce a wine that is a little more compact and elegant than previous vintages, its southern fruit and bitter herbs framed by some neat tannins, making it a wonderful companion for the rustic dishes of Sicily’s interior.
28) Lamoresca Nerocapitano Frappato 2024, IGP Terre Siciliane: $37.99 Nerocapitano is what the locals in Filippo’s village call Frappato. The fruit here comes from twenty year old vines planted over clay and sandstone. The grapes were fermented on the skins for a fortnight, before being pressed off to concrete vats for a short rest. Light, bright and perfumed with red cherry, blood orange and wildflowers, served chilled, it is one of our favorite reds for the sunshine.
29) Les Glories Chablis 2022, Burgundy: $37.99 WE 92 pts. Bright citrus and tangerine aromas are layered with white mushroom, white peach, and stone. The palate is full-bodied, with a rich texture and a strong mineral backbone. The wine’s depth and linear structure offers both complexity and promise.