Italy's Piedmont

Situated in the northwest, Piedmont shares borders with France and Switzerland. The region’s Italian name, Piemonte, translates to foot of the mountains, which is a fitting descriptor for its subalpine location and the fact that it’s surrounded by mountains on three sides—the Alps in the north and west and the Apennines in the south.

There are two distinct winemaking areas in Piedmont. One is northeast of Turin in an area near Lake Maggiore. The other, which is the region’s real heartland, is located southeast of the city in the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo. The highest concentration of vineyards altogether is in the Langhe and the Monferrato hills. This is where the region’s most acclaimed vineyard sites can be found. The land here is strikingly dense with vines. The surface area of some villages, particularly around Barbaresco, is almost entirely planted with curving rows of grapevines.

As a wine region, Piedmont has had enormous success cultivating its own indigenous varieties. Though some international grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are planted here, the region is renowned for its red wines made from grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto and whites made from Cortese, Arneis, and Moscato.

Ercole Bianco Monferrato 2024 $15 - Fresh aromas of Asian and Bartlett pear meet lime citrus, white flowers and green apple, alongside a flinty minerality over white nectarine and herbs. The palate is as refreshing as its nose suggests, and mirrors notes of citrus, pear, and apple, finishing high on a wave of minerality. 80% Cortese, 15% Chardonnay, 5% Sauvignon Blanc 

Corsini 2022 Langhe Rosso “Matot" $16 - Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Barbera. The resulting wine exhibits a deep ruby red color with violet hues. The bouquet is rich and complex, dominated by black cherry, blackberry, and currant aromas, complemented by subtle notes of earth, tobacco, and leather. On the palate, it is well-structured, balancing lively acidity and moderate tannins, with flavors of juicy dark fruits and hints of pepper leading to a dry finish.

Ricossa Barbera d’Asti 2021 $18 - It is the most widespread grape variety in Piedmont, and one of the most versatile. Over time Barbera has become one of the most representative and interesting wines of Piedmont, with very interesting evolution and aging potential. Deep color, it has notes of red fruits such as blackberries, cherries and currants, homemade grandmother’s jams, and a touch of vanilla. The palate is a wine with an enveloping body and delicate tannins, fresh and with a balanced finish.

Ca’ del Baio Dolcetto D’Alba 2024 $20 - Vibrant violet-ruby in the glass. The nose offers ripe red plum, blueberry, and a hint of licorice, lifted by floral notes and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is fresh and supple, with soft tannins framing juicy fruit and subtle bitter almond. The finish is smooth and bright with energetic lift.

Bonus Wines

Le Marie Sant Agostino Arneis 2023 $23 - There is very little Arneis in the Pinerolese, and it is only made by Le Marie because they have a wonderful 30+ year old vineyard that gives extraordinary fruit. Lemon, lime, yellow pepper and spiced pear. A lovely textured, refreshing and delicate.

Reverdito Barolo 2019 $39 - In my opinion, Reverditio makes one the best Barolo's under $40 and the 2019 no exception. Garnet red with orange highlights, bouquet of woodland and aromatic herbs, slightly spicy. Full and balanced on the palate, with fine complex tannins.

Ca’ del Baio 2021 Barbaresco ‘Vallegrande' $46 - Here's a Decanter review of this wine: Bright cherry fruit expression, velvety and full-bodied with great balance. It has a firm structure and is well packed with fruit. Elegant wine with great refinement and a long licorice and slightly chocolatey aftertaste. Drink or hold. 95pts!

We’ll have Tyler from PDX Wines pouring some top hits from his book.

2024 Angelo Negro Langhe Nebbiolo Angelin $23

2022 Piemaggio le Fioraie Chianti Classico $27

2018 Il Censo 700 Nero d'Avola Terre Siciliane $25

2023 Foradori Teroldego $33

2020 Tommaso Bussola Valpolicella Ca' del Laito $31

December 3rd - We'll have wine veteran John Leonard from Casa Bruno pouring the new vintages of the iconic Felsina Winery of Chianti 5 -7pm free.

Fèlsina 2022 Chianti Classico $34

Fèlsina 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva $43

2019 Toscana "Fontalloro" $75

Fèlsina 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico $6\2

Todd Bacon will be back with a selection of Italian wines from his direct imports. This is a free tasting 5 - 7pm.

Ca Maiol Trebbiano di Lugana Prestige 2023   $20                    

 Cantina Mesa Giunco Vermentino di Sardegna 2024  $23         

 Masi Campofiorin Verona IGT Rosso 2021  $19                           

 Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva “Lareale” 2021 $37

 Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo 2022  $32                                   \

 Masi Amarone Classico “Costasera” $65

Friday Flight: Spain 4 - 8pm $16 for 5 pours

Rey Santo Verdejo 2024 $14 - Round and pleasant aftertaste. The acidity is balanced with a combination of persistent flavors of citrus, herbs and a mineral touch.

Bodegas Eguren 2023 Tempranillo “Candado” $14 - Sublimely intense aromar of red fruit with subtle hints of toast, underlined by mint and eucalytus. Palate: A fresh surprise which is very fruity in the mouth and lasts for a long time, thanks to its subtle tannins.

Bodegas San Velro Tinto Plano Alto 2022 $15 - This is inky with dark berries and graphite to the black-cherry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and long, textural finish that goes on for minutes.

Marques de Legarda Crianza 2019 $18 - With all its savory perks, there's no shortage of sweet-smelling fruits: wild berries, dark cherries, and red plums.

Altolandon Mil Historias Tempranillo 2021 $19 - Intense and bright picota cherry colour. The nose is clean and intense, lots of black fruits, candy and floral notes. A medley of plum, strawberry, black cherry and black currant with undertones of white pepper, earthy notes, and a very pleasant balsamic end with a hint of sweetness.

Bonus Wines

Mil Historias Blanco 2022 $20 - Dark yellow, a Little golden, aromas of ripe citrus and white stone fruits, floral tones of pink, rich fruit on the palate.

Bodegas Arzuaga Ribera del Duero 2023 La Planta $21 - The wine has a beautiful aromatic intensity with bramble fruit, dark strawberry and black cherry fruit flavours along with a wonderful combination of herby and smoky/sweet spice notes on the finish.

Mas ALTA Mas Alta Priorat Black Slate Vilella Alta 2019 $33 - Opaque dark ruby color. Smoky kirsch notes, savory spices, anise. Big white pepper spiced Grenache dominates palate. Lush black cherry, kirsch fruit, pepper, fine-grained tannins continue onto very long finish.

Chehalem Mountains Winegrowers Pop-Up 5 - 7 free. We'll have Nathalie's Estate, Balsall Creek and Oliver Springs pouring wines from their estates.

November 5th - Caterina Cornacchia from Barone Cornacchia in Montepulciano d'Abruzzo will be here pouring her wines 5 -7 free. 

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2023 $16

Pecorino Controguerra 2022 $19

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo "Casanova" 2022 $20

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 'Vigna Le Coste' 2018 $29

The Flight 4 -8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 bonus pours for purchase.



Cantine Castegio Barbera 2022 $14 - This is the one outlier that isn't from Piedmont but from Lambardy.  Pleasant cherry, blueberry, raspberry fruits, violet, and earth. Medium-bodied, well-rounded with good fruit and soft finish.

 Ca del Baio 2023 Paolina Barbera D'Alba $19 - Colour - deep ruby red with purplish highlights. Nose - vinous and intensely fruity, with nice hints of red currants and raspberries. Taste - fresh and vibrant on the mouth, showing a long, rich, smooth flavour.

 Olim Bauda La Villa Barbera D'Asti 2024 $19 - Ruby-red color, intense cherry and berry aromas, and full-bodied, generous palate with a long finish.

 DeForville 2022 Barbera d'Asti Ca' del Buc $20 - Medium-bodied and dry. This wine expresses freshly crushed blackberries, sour cherries, and spice. Vibrant and fresh with dark fruit, the palate is tightly woven with bright acidity before it finishes with fine tannin.

 Elio Perrone 2024 Barbera D'Asti $21 - Dark berries and anise float above layers of leather, mint and tobacco. Palate has a bright berry center, with defined tannins and a minerally, dark fruit finish.

Bonus Wines

 Ruggeri Corsini Barbera D'Alba 2023 $22 - Fresh and bright, crushed red fruits. Softer tannins and long finish.

 Giacomo Fenocchio 2023 Barbera d'Alba Superiore $30 - Deep ruby red with hints of purple. It has an intense bouquet, with dark cherry skin and plum, pleasant woodland flowers, wild herbs, and forest floor. A textured mid-palate leads to a dry and complex finish.

 Francesco Rinaldi Barbera D'Alba 2022 $35 - The vineyards located in Barolo, in the flatter areas of the Cannubi hill, have a sandier soil; in La Morra, in the areas of Zonchetta and Boiolo, the soil is more clayey with calcareous components. Refinement in bottles for several months gives the wine a vibrant red ruby color with violet reflections and an ethereal and intense bouquet.  

We will be pouring the new releases from Chateau de la Font du Loup 5 - 7pm.

Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024 $24

Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2021 $24

Châteauneuf du Pape "Les Demoiselles" 2023 $42

Châteauneuf du Pape "Puy Rolland" 2023 $80

Gamay

France

The Romans planted the first vines thousands of years ago in what is now known as the Beaujolais region. During the following centuries, Benedictine monks cultivated the vineyards, then local lords. Most of the wine made was consumed in the region or in the surrounding areas which were reachable by river. 

Beaujolais has a reputation as the less prestigious sibling to Burgundy, the highly-regarded wine region directly to the north that is home to the pinot noir grape. This dates back to 1395, when Philipe the Bold, a Duke of Burgundy, outlawed the cultivation of the gamay grape in Burgundy, calling it a “bad and disloyal” vine.

Gamay grapes ripen earlier and are easier to farm than finicky pinot noir, and Philipe believed they made for a lower quality wine than the “elegant” pinot noir. Gamay grows well in the granite soils of Beaujolais, where it was still allowed to be grown, so it became associated with the region.

Oregon

The story of Gamay in the Pacific Northwest is not a long one, first planted in the area by David Adelsheim in the 80s from clones he brought back from Burgundy. He was advised that the grape would thrive in the region's acidic soils, which it did, although Pinot Noir was still the dominant red varietal and remained the focus of many producers.

It's only been in the last 15 years or so that a growing number of winemakers have caught on, in part due to the fact that Gamay has adapted well to climate change and can now consistently reach maturity while retaining high acidity. It's also a grape that, as many lovers of natural wine know, is an ideal conduit of terroir and can express the personality of a place with great purity and honesty. Today Gamay still only makes up about 1% of plantings in the region, making it a rare gem and a special treat to have on our shelves.

The Flight 4 - 8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional for purchase.

Frank Besson "Granite" Brut Rosé Beaujolais $27 - Franck Besson is a unique producer in Beaujolais: a specialist in traditional-method sparkling wine production. He inherited 4 hectares of high elevation vineyards from his father-in-law, just outside the Cru Juliénas.

Domaine Lucien Lardy Beaujolais-Villages “Vignes De 1951” 2022 $19 - Nestled on 5 acres, the vineyard boasts 4000 vines per acre, thriving over 60 years on the «Les Peloux» plot. Pale purple color in the glass. The nose is very fruity with blackcurrant notes. In the palate, the wine is very fruity, supple with a bright and mineral finish.

Timothy Malone Gamay Jubilee Eola-Amity 2022 $24 - Mineral-accented raspberry, cherry and floral aromas are complemented by a baking spice note that builds as the wine opens up. Silky and concentrated yet nervy.

Laurent Perrachon Village 2023 $$17 - Bright fruit meets with strawberry-cranberry aromas on the nose followed by dried orange peel.

Scenic Valley Farms Gamay Willamette Valley 2024 $$21 - Brambly red fruit. Crunchy raspberry, strawberry and bright acid.

Bonus Wines

Céline & Nicolas Hirsch Julienas 2023 $24 - Juliénasis an appellation covering wines produced from vineyards in the north of the Beaujolais region of eastern France. The red, Gamay-based wines of Juliénas often show characters of spice, flowers and red fruit.

Belle Pente Gamay Willamette Valley 2022 $28 - Gamay grapes are the last to be harvested in our estate vineyard, and the fruit for this 2022 rendition was picked on October 12th. We retained about 40% of the whole clusters, with the balance gently destemmed. Even with the cool growing season, the fruit achieved full ripeness while retaining it's distinctive "gamay-ness". Look for primary grape flavors and spicy aromas, medium body, and freshness on the palate.

Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Labourons 2023 $39 - Perched at altitude in the windswept hills above Fleurie, Les Labourons is Anne-Sophie Dubois’ flagship parcel—a steep, granitic vineyard she farms organically and vinifies with a Burgundian hand. The 2023 vintage shows her hallmark precision and restraint: 100% destemmed Gamay, native fermentations, and aging in used barrels that frame the wine without clouding its purity.

It opens with violets, crushed raspberries, and a flicker of spice, but the real story is in the structure—fine tannins, stony tension, and a slow-building depth that makes this far more than just a pretty Fleurie. It’s delicate but not fragile, vibrant but serious.

Free tasting with Flaneur 5 - 7pm free. We’ll be pouring

Aligoté 2023 $39

Chardonnay 2023 $20

Pinot Meunier 2023 $39

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023 $30

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir "Cuvée Constatin" 2023 $45

The Flight 4-8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional wines for purchase.

Clamens Le Petit Clamens Comte Tolosan Rouge, France 2023 $13 - From France's South West. A harmonious blend of Merlot and Syrah with an inviting aroma of sweet, soft black fruits with delicate hints of liquorice, plum, dark chocolate and a whiff of smoke. Complex and inviting. 

Autard Cotes du Rhône Rouge, France 2022 $22 - 70 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, from grapes grown in several parcels just outside the Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  bright flavors of raspberry, strawberry, cherry, and red currant, all wonderfully complemented by lifted aromatic notes of lavender, classic Southern Rhône garrigue, and a dash of black pepper. An underlying stony minerality appears in the wine’s lengthy finish, adding continued depth and complexity.

Lafage Bastide Miraflors Languedoc, France 2020 $16 - It offers loads of black fruits, roasted herbs, peppered meat, violets, and bacon fat as well as full-bodied richness, a round, opulent style, ripe tannins, and a blockbuster finish. 74% Syrah and 26% Grenache.

Tannerie Carcassonne Languedoc, France 2022 $14 - Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry, black plum, leather, and creme de cassis and cocoa nibs with a medium body and a medium finish that exhibits overtones of black currant, roses, and smoky dried flowers. Dusty earth and minerality coupled with red and black fruit.

Couteau Morgon Beaujolais, France 2023 $22 - 55 year old vines of Gamay and granite, schist. Lifted aromas of wild cherry, violet, crushed rock and savory herbs.

Bonus Wines

Defaix-Bernard Bourgogne Aligote 2023, France $23 - The vines are from the Auxerre area of Chablis. It is a fresh and lively style without any oak ageing, but does spend 8 months on its fine lees in stainless steel. Vivid and fresh. Citrus and wet stone with bracing acidity.

Santa Duc Famille Gras Côtes du Rhône, France VV 2022 $26 - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan. This medium-bodied wine offers a beautiful aromatic freshness with notes of black fruits and kirsch, pepper and garrigue, embellished with some notes of tobacco leaf.

Font du Loup Chateauneuf du Pape les Demoiselles, France 2023 $42- 80% Grenache + 20% Syrah. Featuring bright, spicy red-fruit aromas, this is an exciting wine just to smell. Add in flavors of raspberry and cream, a lush texture, ample weight and a long-spice-driven finish.

For this Friday Flight we will help promote an event the Oregon Repertory Singers are doing on October 11th called Sing for the Cure: A Proclamation of Hope. This is an event for Breast Cancer Awareness month to raise money for the cure. I'll be pouring wines made by women and at least one pink. For tickets and information about the event, click here. Use the code PINKWINE and receive 10% off tickets through October 1st.

BAVA Cor de Chasse, Gavi di Gavi, DOCG 2023 $28

BAVA Libera, Barbera D’Asti, DOCG 2023 $24

BAVA Langhe Nebbiolo, DOC 2023 $26

BAVA Ruche’ di Castagnole Monferrato, DOCG 2024 $28

BAVA Piano Alto, Nizza, DOCG 2018 $44

BAVA Barolo Cru Scarrone, DOCG 2016 $85

My good friend Brian Martin will be here for our first wine class/seminar. Brian has spent a lot of time in Champagne cultivating relationships with many growers there so I'm excited to be able to do this. We'll be tasting 9 different grower Champagnes from Côtes des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and the Aube. We'll start at 5 and should be done by 6:30. Snacks will be provided. We are capping this at 12 people so RSVP me at vinoshoppdx@mail.com if you would like to attend. $55

Friday Flight 4 - 8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional for purchase

Chateau Auney Graves Blanc 2023 $26 - From a two-hectare plot of gravely soil rich in clay and limestone, planted to 65% Sémillon, 20% Muscadelle and 15% Sauvignon Blanc. This is a Bordeaux that balances the wooly intensity of Sémillon with the freshness and vivacity of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. Its notes of pommelo and honeydew melon are supported on a base of chalky minerality.

 Chateau de Costis Bordeaux Rouge 2021 $13 - Chateau de Costis has an extraordinary deep, shiny, red color. The aroma is powerful with a lot of fruitiness. The taste is soft with a very good amount of fine, dusty tannins that give this wine a warm feel. Its rich structure is matched by the ripe blackberry fruits and given a lift by acidity.

Roquegrave Medoc 2021 $14 - Château Roquegrave is a medium-bodied red featuring aromas of juicy dark fruits like blackcurrant, blueberry, and mulberry, complemented by subtle notes of anise and warm baking spices. On the palate, you'll find these flavors mirrored, supported by firm tannins that lead to an elegant, lingering finish. 

Clos de l’Esperance Lussac Saint-Emilion 2023 $16 - The 2023 Clos de l'Espérance has a fine, raspberry- and dark-cherry-scented nose with well-integrated oak. There's a sense of energy here. The palate is medium-bodied and nicely structured with sappy red berry fruit, nice grip and a smear of dark chocolate judiciously applied on the finish. 

Chateau de Landiras Graves Rouge 2018 $20 - Grand generosity, showcasing deep, vigorous dark forest fruit and an appetising blackcurrant freshness within juicy and fabulously-integrated tannins. Lovely, boisterous and rich in fruit. 95 Points Decanter

Bonus Wines

De Cranne 2019 Côtes de Bordeaux $22 - With its origins in 1833, this 6th generation family winery has been crafting quality Bordeaux wines ever since. This unoaked dry red has a good amount of structure and richness but with a great, fruity finish.

Chateau de Grandchamp Montagne Saint-Emilion 2020 $24 - Château de Grandchamp is the only domaine on the hillside overlooking the ancient commune of Parsac, located in the Montagne Saint-Emilion appellation on the right bank of the Dordogne. Chateau de Grandchamp is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aromatically intense and very well-balanced on the palate with clean fruit flavors and a mineral finish.

La Grange des Bardes Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019 $37 - The nose is balanced and fragrant with tones of dark red cherries, creosote, cassis, raspberries, violets, cedar, and some tobacco leaf. The Medium bodied feel shows off the balance of the nose with medium acidity and slightly coarse, medium tannins. 

Flight 4 -8pm $16 for a taste of 5 wines with 3 additional for purchase.

Olivares de la Hoya Rosado Jumilla, Spain 2024 $13 - Old vine Garnacha from the sandy soils of Jumilla. Bright red fruit, cherry, strawberry and cranberry.

Cora 2022 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy $13 - This is an excellent value, with notes of bitter cherry and spice on the nose. The wine is medium bodied and juicy, with just enough tannin on the finish to give it structure.

Champ Fleury Bordeaux, France 2020 $19 - Sourced from vineyards near Saint-Émilion, it offers a classic Right Bank expression with soft structure and ripe fruit. Cabernet Franc adds lift and subtle spice.

Bernabeleva 2023 Camino de Navaherreros Tinto, Spain $19 - One of my favorite expressions of Garnacha. This vintage is fresh and lithe, offering red fruit, mountain herbs, and a sense of place.

Lucien Lardy Beaujolais Vieille Vignes, France 2022 $20 - Lardy makes some of the most interesting Gamay in my opinion.

BONUS WINES

Francois Cazin 2021 2021 Cour-Cheverny, France $23 - One of the most recent appellations of the Loire Valley (designated 1991), Cheverny has produced wine since the 6th century. Cazin is made from 100% Romorantin, an ancient local grape rarely seen outside the region. The 2021 offers up a bright, complex and utterly classical bouquet of fresh lime, quince, beeswax, orange peel, a lovely foundation of chalky soil tones and a topnote of white flowers.

Tomassi Valpolicella Classico Superior, Italy 2022 $24 - A blend of 60% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 15% Molinara. This wine balances red and black fruit flavors with notes of sage, mint and marjoram. Carried by velvety tannins and mouthwatering acidity, the wine turns savory with exposure to air. With almost 40 years of experience under their belt, Bodega Akutain produces classically-styled Rioja wines exclusively from their own 6.5 hectares of vineyards located near the town of Haro, in the subzone Rioja Alta, widely considered to be the most prestigious terruño for producing age-worthy Rioja wines.  

Akutain Rioja Alta Crianza, Spain 2019 $35 - Over 40 years producing wines in Rioja Alta which produces some of Spain's most age worthy wines. 14 to 16 months in both French and American oak. Dark fruited, baking spices with firm tannins.

Portugal

No other country can match Portugal’s range of indigenous wine grape varieties, a rich palette for winemakers that goes back to the Bronze Age. Tartessians, Romans, and Phoenicians introduced wine grapes here, and viticulture eventually spread across Portugal’s diverse geography. Isolated from the rest of Europe, many unique wine varieties developed there as vines accustomed themselves to extremes in soil, weather and altitude. 

Now, in a small country with over 250 unique, indigenous wine grape varieties to choose from, it is not surprising that Portuguese winemakers usually draw from a variety of grape sources to create balanced, flavorful blends. The result is that Portugal is blessed with a treasure chest of unique and distinctive wines.

Portuguese blends, with their distinctive combinations and unique character, reward people seeking diversity. These wines, at their best, often from small but distinct regions, combine ancient winemaking wisdom with the latest scientific and technical knowledge to put the wonder and pleasure back in wine.

Quinta de Porrais 2023 Douro Branco $14 - The wine is a blend of Rabigato and Codega de Larinho, two classic whites of the valley.

Filipa Pato 2023 DNMC Tinto $19 - 100% Baga. Red fruited, savory, lifted aromatics.

Quinta dos Currais Tinto 2020 $13 - This is 80% Touriga Nacional, 15% Aragonez and 5% Castelao. Tarry, spicy and a bit reductive on the nose. Dense palate with blackberry and black cherry fruit with firm tannins. Bold, focused and firm on the finish

Quinta de Porrais 2022 Douro Tinto $15 - Sousão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional. This wine has excellent aromatic intensity with hints of ripe red fruit and spices. In the mouth reveals excellent structure and elegance, again with notes of ripe red fruits combined with oak notes.

Gota Wines Mirra Alentejo Red 2021 $17 - Castelão (20%), Moreto (20%), Aragonez (20%), Trincadeira (20%), and others (20%) Fresh and juicy wine dominated by notes of black fruit with aromas of black olive and spices, truffle and leather with a structure of soft tannins that surround the fruit. 

Bonus Pours

Filipa Pato 2024 DNMC Branco $21 - 80% Bical 20% Arinto. Fresh and textural, it offers citrus, white flowers, and saline minerality with lively acidity. 

Nicolau de Almeida, 2021 Cima Corgo Tinto $23 - Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, Tinta Amarela, and Bastardo. The aromatic profile is layered with notes of wet grass and white pepper, complemented by subtle hints of red fruits and a spicy undertone. On the palate, the wine is fluid and balanced, with a refreshing acidity that harmonizes with its structured tannins. 

Nicolau de Almeida, 2019 Teles Theta $35 - An old vine field blend of primarily Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Only small quantities and only in specific years that highlights the influence of the soil of the Douro Valley and, above all, of each of the decisions made by human beings with maximum involvement. is a smooth red wine with intense aromas of red fruit, floral notes and spicy hints. On the palate it is broad, juicy and fresh. A wine with refreshing acidity, ripe, fine tannins and a fresh, mineral finish.

The Flight is 4 - 8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional pours available for purchase.

Malbec

Malbec, sometimes called Côt or Auxxerois, is a 2,000-year-old black and thick-skinned grape variety with quite a history. Although Malbec originated in France, today it is often celebrated in association with Argentina. Malbec produces a full-bodied and deep coloured red wine known for its ripe plum flavours and notes of dark fruit such as blackberries and dark cherry. Thanks to its dark and inky color, Malbec earned itself the nickname "Black Wine". In particular, Argentinian Malbecs have a fruit-forward, juicy style with a reputation for richness balanced by high acidity and round, soft tannins.

The Flight - 4 to 8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional wines for purchase

Santa Julia + Malbec 2024 Argentina $13 - Violet-intense purple, concentrated and bright. A complex nose with varietals notes of ripe, fruits, figs, prunes, jam and raisins. A good body, with sweet tannins and well balanced by acidity. A lingering and complex finish.

RJ Videos MDZ Malbec 2023 Argentina $14 - This 100% Malbec showcases the best and classic qualities of Mendoza. The nose comes alive with hints of mocha, blueberry, cherries, and rose petals that lead to a rich mouth feel held up by a good structure and smooth tannins.  

Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2023 Argentina $16 - Intense and lively red-purple color. Intense red ripe fruit aromas such as prunes and cherries, with black pepper and tobacco. Can also detect chocolate, cherry liqueur, and spicy notes.

Ernesto Catena Tahaun Malbec Argentina 2022 $19 - The name "Tahuan" is inspired by the Inca word for "The Found Lands United," reflecting the winery's mission to honor the ancient culture. On the nose the wine offers lots of toasty aromas, but then, after only a few minutes, the aromas of fresh and juicy red fruits -such as strawberry and cherry- take center stage. There are also intriguing hints of wild flowers and violets.

Clos la Coutale Cahors 2022 France $21 -  A robust, tightly coiled rouge, lifted by an impressive freshness that is balanced by notes of dark fruit, plum, earth, and eucalyptus.

Bonus Wines

Maal Biolento Malbec Luyan de Cuyo, Argentina 2022 $25 - The 2022 Malbec Biolento is sourced from old vines in Las Compuertas, Luján de Cuyo. Partially aged for six months in used barrels, this purple wine reveals crystal-clear aromas of plums, white pepper and a touch of mint. Rich and plush, with supple and velvety tannins, the smooth palate bursts with flavor and offers a long-lasting expression of pure fruit character. 95 points Vinous

Novelty Hill Malbec Stillwater Creek Vineyard Columbia Valley, Washington 2022 $26 - A deeply colored, expressive wine with inviting aromas of wild blueberry, black cherry, and ripe plum, layered with subtle hints of violet and baking spice. The palate is plush and concentrated, offering juicy dark fruit and a thread of cocoa, framed by polished tannins. Smooth and balanced, the finish is long and refined.”

Chateau du Cedre Cahors Cedre Heritage 2021 $29 - This deep, inky red practically shouts blackberry and liquorice from the glass. It comes from Cahors, where Malbec is the star grape, and it shows off all that powerful, dark-fruited character. The vineyards bask in warm sunshine, ideal for ripening grapes to perfection, and a touch of oak adds a whisper of spice.

We'll be grilling out on the patio again with Emmanuel Lemoine, US Export Director for Famille Perrin. $15 gets you a flight of 4 wines plus some brisket and sides. There will be one bonus wine available for purchase.

Leos Rose Augusta 2024 Provence

Famille Perrin Cote du Rhone Villages 2021

Famille Perrin Vinsobres “Les Cornuds” 2021

Famille Perrin Chateauneuf du Pape “Les Sinards” 2021

Bonus pour $10 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2021

Flight 4 - 8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional for purchase

Let's do a comparative Pinot Noir flight this Friday featuring wines from both Oregon and Burgundy. I absolutely love both expressions and can't wait to do some side-by-side comparisons.

The Flight

The fashionable red burgundy grape is capable of producing divinely scented, gorgeously fruity expressions of place but often unwilling or unable to do so. Pinot Noir is sensitive to the size of crop it is expected to produce, and many vapid examples exemplify an over-demanding yield. It ripens relatively early (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are often harvested at the same time in Burgundy) so is not suitable for very warm regions where there would be no time to develop interesting flavours before acid levels plummet. On the other hand, many of the cooler regions in which it thrives suffer autumn rains which can rot Pinot's thin-skinned berries, resulting in pale, tainted wines. The Pinot Noir grower's lot is not an easy one.

The positive side of all this is that Pinot Noir is a very transparent grape. It really can communicate the difference in terroir, or grape-growing environment, between adjacent plots of vineyard. The heady wines grown in Les Amoureuses vineyard in the village of Chambolle, for example, really do taste distinctly different from the majestic produce of Le Musigny vineyard next door which is almost invariably fuller, denser and longer-living.

Constant Crush Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2023 $15 - This is a real zinger! Bright red fruits dominated by cranberry, cherry and pomegranate. Fresh and bright on the palate with generous fruit.

Timothy Malone Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023 $17 - I'm stunned how Tim bottles such beautiful wines at these prices. This vintage for Tim yielded a very delicate wine. Red fruited and crunchy with racy acidity.

Ovum "EZY TGR" Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $19 - Striking, translucent ruby red in the glass, the first aromas are classic Willamette Pinot – fresh strawberry and dark ripe berries. Cherry cola notes begin to emerge as it opens up in the glass, followed by dried rose and black tea.

Thevenet & Fils Bourgogne Rouge Les Clos 2023 $20 - Red fruited and vibrant on the attack. Subtle and fine tannins.

Domaine Pillot Bourgogne Rouge 2022 $21 - Delivers precise red berry fruit framed by subtle earth notes and fresh acidity. It reflects the estate’s focus on terroir clarity and makes an approachable yet refined choice for versatile food pairing.

Bonus Wines

Evesham Woods Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2023 $25 - On the palate this offers tart cranberry and pomegranate seed flavors that mingle well with dried herbs and shades of forest floor.

Domaine Pillot Mercurey 2022 $29 - This is a lovely example of Mercurey with delicious, red fruits and spice on the nose, carefully extracted tannins and a beguiling, fresh aftertaste. Pinot from Mercurey  colour is a deep, profound ruby. This crisp-fruited wine evokes strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Age brings in notes of underbrush, spicy tobacco notes and cocoa beans. In the mouth this wine is rich, full-bodied, and chewy. In its youth, the tannins of this wine lend it a mineral firmness. When aged, it is attractively rounded and meaty.

Agnès Paquet Auxey-Duresses "Les Hoz" 2022 $54 - Wines from Auxey-Duresses are bright ruby colour is neither too light nor too dark. The bouquet, too, is well-balanced between rich aromas of small black fruits (blackcurant, blackberry, bilberry…) and flower scents (peony). In the mouth, the attack is refined and supple, measured, meaty and pleasing. When young, there may be a touch of astringency but its tannins soon soften and its texture becomes velvety and it develops musky notes, as well as those of leather and spices.