Crowley Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special, ETA July 26th

“The 2014 Willamette Valley is all first-press wine comprised mostly of Pommard clone Pinot with some Dijon and the last of the Gehrts Vineyard (now that Jadot has purchased the vineyard). The WV was aged in barrel for over 16 months before bottling. It’s a lighter styled Pinot meant for hot summer days. In the glass, there are highly perfumed notes of cranberries, garrigue and a touch of fresh iris and pine. It’s medium to light bodied with very finely grained tannins that coat the palate and a refreshing acidity. The entire range of 2014s from Crowley has benefitted from the new entry-level wine, A La Votre, made from 9 barrels of press wine.… Read the rest

Domaine Philippe Tessier Phil’en Bulle NV 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

“Phil’en Bulle” is quite a wise intro to petillants-naturel – just funky enough and yet so fresh, bright, and a little earthy… Meant for freshness and to add a little fizzy fun to a meal, it’s a perfect apertif wine. A blend of Romorantin and Menu Pineau, an energetic dose of wildflowers and tropical fruits zip along the tongue with a mineral-laden, slightly savory edge. Serve chilled but not too cold; this is a great wine for dinner parties or potlucks, as it shifts magically to complement most any flavor. – Tyler… Read the rest

Scarpa ‘RossoScarpa’ Monferrato Rosso, Piedmont 2010 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

The Scarpa estate has existed since 1854 and, across the ensuing 162 years, has been owned by five different families who have each helped shape the label’s destiny. Through the 60’s and 70’s, Mario Pesce worked hard to establish the name as a world-class winery; time spent studying in Alsace and Burgundy brought about an experimental approach to winemaking which he retrofitted onto the existing Italian traditions at home in Monferrato. Across Piedmont, Scarpa became a known and respected name, earning the respect of such legends as Bruno Giacosa and Angelo Gaja.

This 90-10 blend of Dolcetto and Ruche is rendered in stainless steel and left to age in bottle.… Read the rest

Domaine Philippe Tessier Cheverny Rouge, Loire 2015 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

With Phillippe’s Cheverny Rouge, it’s all about texture and energy. This blend of Gamay, Pinot and Cot presents wild red fruit along with an edgier, earth-and-spice-tinged finish.  The Gamay sees two weeks of carbonic maceration, which gives the wine a livlier feel on the palate. The Pinot is 30% destemmed and the Cot is completely destemmed. All is fermented seperately prior to determining the finished 60/30/10. Minimal manipulation and maximum fun!Cheverny is all about value and charm, and Msr. Tessier is perhaps its finest steward. – Tyler… Read the rest