’06 Alonso del Yerro Ribera del Duero $19.97
The 2006, like previous vintages, manages to have an intense fruit-driven structure without killing your taste buds. This is the cliché ‘power with finesse’ equation so many wines claim to have, but rarely do. When you first smell the Alonso, you might say, ‘A-ha! This is definitely modern.’ Lots of black fruit, that ‘ol small town cigar shop scent, and baking spices hit you up front. It’s the type of aroma we love, but that is all too often followed by alcohol, misbehaved tannins, and sloppy pH. But then, miracle of miracles, it tastes clean, elegant, and has a refreshing acidity. It also shows the typicity of Ribera del Duero’s Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), with its cassis, espresso, and bright cherry notes, but without any New World voodoo.

’08 Manincor Alto Adige Moscato Giallo $19.99
Ok, first things first: Put the word Moscato out of your head. This has nothing in common with the sweet, floral after dinner drink (not that there's anything wrong with it) but is instead a dry, dynamic expression of the Alto Adige terroir. Crushed cloves, anise, grapefruit, cedar, nutmeg...the list goes on and on. Slow, spontaneous fermentation and a natural clarification process really allows the unique character of the Moscato Giallo to enchant you. Try this with food combos that pair the sweet with the savory, like cheese with honey or prosciutto and melon. Unique, unforgettable, and totally addicting.

’07 Chateau Saint-Roch “Chimeres” Cotes du Roussillon Villages $15.99
Fresh and jam-like layers of black raspberry, rhubarb, and fresh cherry in the nose and mouth are tinged with resinous sage, rosemary, and lavender, while striking top notes of gentian and violet waft from the glass. For all of its saturating sweet ripeness and fresh berry brightness on a silken-textured palate, this also harbors low-toned roast meatiness, while piquant notes of toasted pistachio and almond, black pepper, cherry pit, and herbs keep its long finish far from any danger of succumbing to superficial sweetness. It will be worth following for at least 3-4 years, if not longer.

’09 Ulacia Getariako Txakolina Hondarribi Zuri/Hondarribi Beltza $15.49
Summer is not complete without Txakolina, the crisp, lightly petillant, wine from the Basque Country. Simple yet total refreshment is the name of the game with most Txakolina, but the Ulacia takes this liveliness to whole other level. Notes of lemon, tangy slate, and apples dance among the creamy bubbles created by the all natural fermentation. You simply can not go wrong with this wine except for not having any on hand when the guests show up. Next to fine Champagne, there's almost nothing we'd rather have for an aperatif than the Getariako. And as for seafood? It's a mind-blowing combo. When the earth leans towards the sun, we lean towards the Basque country and do as they do: Drink Txakolina every day! And at only 11% alcohol, why not?

’08 Caparzo "Rosso" IGT Toscana Sangiovese $10.99

’NV Szigeti "Gruner Veltliner Brut" Sparkling Gruner Veltliner $14.99
When's the last time you had a sparkling Grüner Veltliner? That's right, never! Or at least we hadn't until this 'fall in love' sparkler entered our lives. And fall in love we did. Nice round bubbles, lemon accents, and 'set you phasers to stun' acidity. It will work as the perfect aperitif, or substitute for Champagne, but will also pair nicely with cream sauces, cheese plates, or just about any seafood dish. A fantastic find we hope to be able to keep in stock once it builds its fan-base, of which you can consider us firmly a part of.

’07 Valdarno Chianti Sangiovese $12.99
This inexpensive and beautiful Chianti is an outstanding value. Lovely dried cherry and smoky aromatics are followed by delicious berry flavors, moderate acidity and succulent cedar infused tannins. Serve this with hearty pasta dishes, roast beef, homemade pizza, eggplant parmigiana and grilled artisan sausages or center cut porkchops over polenta. This is truly one of the finest values we have found from Chianti in a very long time.