Bouvet Signature Brut Cremant – Loire Valley – $16
“Bouvet Ladubay, one of the Loire’s largest producers of sparkling wine, is back under Monmousseau family control since 2015, after having been run by a succession of corporate enterprises. This mid-weight rosé, made exclusively from Cabernet Franc grown in the Saumur region of the Loire Valley, delivers spice with a hint of sweetness. This energetic wine would be a good match for spicy food or sushi and a superb way to welcome guests this Thanksgiving.”
88 Michael Apstein Nov 10, 2020
Taylor Fladgate LBV Port – Portugal 2016 – $25
Our favorite LBV port – Here’s what the experts say: “One of the original Late Bottled Vintage brands, this continues to set a fine style. This latest release is full of black fruits that have been softened by extra wood aging. At the same time, the richness of the wine shows strongly and emphatically, giving a Port that has density and ready drinkability.” Roger Voss 91pts WE
G.D. Vajra Rosso – Italy 2022 – $16.25
“G.D. Vajra is perhaps most well known for their Cru Barolos, but their entry-level Langhe Rosso is a fantastic wine, especially at its $15 price point. A blend of local Piemontese grape varieties, it pours to show a deep ruby in the glass. Scents of violets, plums, and juicy cherries are all present. In the mouth, the wine is medium-bodied, with crunchy and vibrant red fruit flavors. The acidity is bright, and the finish lingers longer than you might expect at this price. Another wine that would be at home on any Thanksgiving table.” 92 John McDermott Nov 21, 2023
Morgante Nero d’Avola – Italy 2020 – $10
“Cranberries, cherries and pomegranate come out on the nose, followed by freshly potted plants and a hint of nutmeg and clove. The savory palate emphasizes the notes of potting soil, flower petals and crunchy red fruit, with tannins that stay relentless through the finish.” — Danielle Callegari 87 Pts WE Best Buy
“Aromas of crushed plums, black tea, fresh flowers, and blackberries. Medium-to full-bodied with silky tannins. Notes of coffee and black licorice on the palate mix with the black fruit and berries. Nicely balanced intensity.” James Suckling 92 Pts
Lupo Meraviglia – Italy 2021 – $12
“Don’t let the squat packaging fool you — this is a big bomber of a wine from the heel of the boot in southern Italy, with alluring raisin box character on the nose, supple tannins and easy oak tones carrying dark berry fruit through a long finish. This is lush and delicious from beginning to end, and it delivers quality way above its price point. Lupo Meraviglia’s Tre di Tre is a blend of Negroamaro, Aglianico and Primitivo.”
92 Rich Cook Nov 14, 2023
Tramin Kellerei – Alto Adige (Italy) Schiava 2021 – $16.50
“While typically light-bodied, Tramin Kellerei’s Schiava is a more-refined version for this pleasant, quaffing style northern Italian red. Pale colored with a tangy, slightly gamey flavor, it has an almost silky texture with an almost creamy cherry-flavored finish. Light-bodied, light tannins, long on the palate, it is a pleasant sipping wine.”
89 Roger Morris Nov 21, 2023
Z. Alexander Brown “Uncaged Red” – California 2020 – $13.50
“This full-bodied blend of mostly Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah has plenty of delicious red and black fruit flavors accented lightly by oak spices like cinnamon, cedar and vanilla. Moderate tannins give it a nice, appetizing grip.” — Jim Gordon WE 90pts
McManis Pinot Noir – 2021 Lodi – $14.50
Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino – Sardegna Italy 2022 – $14
“The grapefruit and lime nose on this wine also brings almond flowers, stones and citrus zest. A citrusy palate delivers strong dandelion greens and flowers. An almost soapy floral finish comes with a bit of nuttiness.” 87 pts WE “Best Buy”
Chateau de Fontenille Entre-deux-mers – France 2022 – $15.25
“The wine, from close to the abbey of La Sauve, is rich and creamy, its density and spice combines with the ripe white fruits. The wine could age further, so wait to drink until late 2024”. — Roger Voss WE 90pts Best Buy
Man Family Chenin Blanc – South Africa 2023 – $12 (currently OOS, hope it will be back next week)
From the Winery: “MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc is a light straw color. Vibrant notes of quince, pear and pineapple on the nose. White peach, green apple and a burst of citrus, with well-rounded acidity, minerality and a rich mouthfeel. Crisp and fresh, rounded acidity and medium texture on the palate.”
Villa des Anges – Sauvignon Blanc – France 2022 – $11
“This golden wine is expressive on the nose with bursts of floral notes and ripe stone fruits. Juicy peach and pear flavors on the palate with a nice clean finish. This balanced and structured wine can be paired with heavier white meats and grilled fish.” WE 87pts
Scaia Garganega/Chardonnay – Italy 2022 – $13.50
“The folks at Tenuta Sant’Antonio created the Scaia name to allow them to be creative. Instead of following the traditional appellation rules, they can play around making a wine that they design, like this carefully crafted non-traditional blend of 55% Garganega with 45% Chardonnay. It has a rich yellow color with hints of gold, and aromas and flavors of citrus and green apple with a silky texture in the mouth. That silkiness comes from the weekly stirring of the lees, the expired fermentation yeasts, and an hour of cold maceration that lowers the total acidity. They have created a plush wine with a rich and round texture, supported by vibrant acidity. Another non-traditional touch is the glass closure called Vinolok, instead of a cork.” 93 Rebecca Murphy Apr 2, 2024 WRO