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.

We’ll have Jonathon from Wild Child Winery here pouring his wines 5 - 7pm.

Languedoc-Roussillon

Located in Southern France, the Languedoc is part of the large Mediterranean coastal area now known as the Occitanie region, reaching from the Spanish border on the southeast to the region of Provence in the east. The Languedoc makes up approximately 90 percent of the territory; Roussillon occupies the other 10 percent. Together they represent France’s largest wine-producing region and vineyard area—more than one in three French wines is produced here. The greater Languedoc-Roussillon region is also the largest vineyard area in the world with a geographic identity. Viticulture is one of the main drivers of the local economy, and many of the wineries are small family holdings that date back generations.

The main area of the Languedoc wine region stretches across three départements—from the Aude to the Gard by way of the Hérault—and then extending to the Pyrénées-Orientales where it meets Roussillon. The region’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea helps provide greater consistency across vintages than in other areas of France.

For the most part, the region has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild springs, autumns, and winters. There are, however, varying microclimates throughout. They can be broken down into five groups.

1. Mountain: In the north of the region, the climate tends to be more continental, similar to that of the nearby Rhône.

2. Coastal: Along the coast, there is a strong Mediterranean influence, with abundant sunshine.

3. South: In the southern part of the region, the climate is similar to Roussillon’s—making it suitable for more production of Carignan.

4. Center: In the heart of the region, the climate is classically Mediterranean.

5. West: In the west, the region experiences a mix of continental and Atlantic influences, which help create ideal conditions for Languedoc’s sparkling wines.

Domaine Riere Cadene Côtes De Roussillon Villages White Augusta 2023 $20 - Named after Emperor August who, 2000 years ago, built the road that goes through the Pyrenees Mountains, this cuvée is a blend of 60% Macabeo, 25% Grenache Blanc and 15% Vermentino. The 80+ year old vines are grown on the hillsides of the Agly Valley, on black schist and black marls. 

Château d’Oupia 2023 Les Heretiques $14 - Les Heretiques is mainly old vine Carignan plus a splash of Grenache to add a little oomph. It is a rustic, earthy, and spicy red wine with loads of ripe berry fruit.

Domaine De Campaucels Igp Oc “Rousseline” 2020 $15 - Grenache, Cinsault, Merlot and Syrah. Raspberry and truffle aromas with smoky notes. Taste is round, fruity and light, balanced with melted tannins.

Chateau du Donjon IGP Red Coteaux de Peyriac "Le Petit Coup" 2021 $16- Merlot 50%, Grenache 25%, Carignan 25% "With its pretty ruby colour, P'tit coup rouge is a bistro wine of excellence: a fruity, round red wine with a beautiful balance, which makes it immediately pleasant.."

Olivier Coste “Mourvèdre Illégal” 2023 $17 - 100% Mourvedre. Dark and inky in the glass. Medium bodied, blue fruits, and soft tannin.

Bonus Wines

Olivier Pithon “Mon P’tit Pithon” Rouge 2023 $22 - Olivier Pithon Mon P’tit Pithon Rouge is a crunchy, chillable, thirst-quenching red. Fresh cherry and blueberry, tart cranberry, and a lemon zest acidity on the finish. 100% whole berry co-fermentation in large stainless-steel tanks.

Domaine Riere Cadene L'Echals 2020 $26 - The result is a classic roussillon table red, with strong syrah aromas of stewed black cherry and red currant, pipe smoke, Ethiopian coffee beans and olive tapenade. Grenache + Syrah.

Danjou-Banessy, “Roboul” 2022 $36 - Comprised of Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre grown in clay/limestone soils under galets (see Châteauneuf) and aged for 14 months in barrel. In the glass it is a pale ruby, and on the palate it charms with delicate red fruits and powdered stone.

We’ll have Scenic Valley Farms winemaker, Gabe, pouring a lineup of his current release here 5 -7pm.

I don't know why, but wines grown on Islands have always fascinated me. They seem to be a blend of cultures not quite the same as the countries they belong to. Corsica, Mallorca, Sicily, Sardinia and Crete all make compelling wines that deserve attention. Let's island hop for this week's flight.

Alexakis 2024 Assyrtiko Crete, Greece $20 - The fruit is amply layered with marine salt and minerals, giving the wine a very angular and crisp personality. There are aromas of lemon, pear and star fruit over a lean, fresh close. 

Alcesti 2022 Isola dei Profumi Rosso Sicily, Italy $15 - A blend of Periccone and Nero D'Avola. Bright red fruits, medium bodied, soft tannins and juicy.

Domaine Vetriccie Il Beaute Rouge Corsica, France 2021 $14 - The wine pours a ruby red with slight purple reflections at the rim. On the nose, there's a lively mix of red and dark fruit. Expect aromas of ripe cherries, wild raspberries, and blackberries, with hints of Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Ciello Rosso Nero D'Avola Sicily, Italy 2021 $16 - Ciello Rosso Nero d'Avola Terre Siciliane offers a rich and full-bodied flavour profile. It typically exhibits dark fruit flavours like black cherry and plum, along with hints of spice and savoury notes.

Contini Cananou 2022 di "Sardegna" Sardinia, Italy $19 - Familiar aromatics of blackberry, plum, violets and provençal herbs greet you from the glass. The acidity effortlessly persists on the slightly rich palate with a lovely smooth texture that gently leads to a mildly sweet and herbal tannic finish.

Bonus Wines

Ca'n Verdura Tinto 2023 Mallorca, Spain $24 - 51% Mantonegro / 24% Merlot / 20% Syrah / 4%Monastrell / 1% Callet. This fragrant, Mediterranean red is medium-bodied, with notes of wild red berries, citrus, fresh herbs, and exotic spices. It is fresh and energetic, with excellent texture.

Azienda Agricola Schirru 2022 Vino Arkimia Bianco Sardinia, Italy $27 - 60% Vermentino, 35% Nuragus, 5% Semidano, Malvasia, and other minor, endemic Sardinian varieties. The fruit is hand-harvested, fermented with 24 hours of skin contact in stainless steel. Aged in steel for 11 months on fine lees, unfined, unfiltered. This is a white wine fuller in body with pronounced herbal tones, apple peel, and hints of toasted nuts.

E Custodi Etna Rosso "Aetneus" 2019 Sicily, Italy $38 - A blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% of Nerello Cappuccio from vines between 90 and 150 years-old planted at 2000ft. on the slopes of Mt. Etna. The 2019 vintage is a stunning reflection of Etna’s raw power and finesse: aromas of red cherry, blood orange, wild herbs, and volcanic ash leap from the glass. The palate is taut and linear, framed by firm, savory tannins and a cool, mineral finish that speaks directly of the lava-rich soils. There's a brightness to the fruit and a wild, smoky edge that make this unmistakably Etna and unmistakably alive.

Don't miss the Landmass tasting Wednesday, July 23rd. These gals are on fire right now and on everyone's radar. I don't think I've seen this kind of excitement around a winery in my 18 years in the Oregon wine business. We'll be pouring these 5 - 7pm free.

Heavy Glow Sparkling Rosé $24

Grüner Veltliner 2024 $24

Chenin Blanc 2024 $24

Chillable Red 2024 $26

Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2023 $30

We’ll have my friend Brian Martin from Prufrock Wines pouring some highlights from his book this Friday 4 - 8pm for our flight. Wines from Columbia Gorge, Willamette Valley, Austria, Sicily, Chianti and Bordeaux.

This is a great lineup so grab a friend and come on down.

Timothy Malone Nebbiolo Rosato Columbia Gorge 2024 $19 - I've know Tim for years as the winemaker at J Christopher and have watched the success he's had with his own label. Nebbiolo from the Garnier vineyard out in the Gorge. Light, bright and refreshing!

Weninger Ponzichter Austria and Hungary NV $20 - Named for the German speaking “bean growers” that farmed between the vines of the Austrian and Hungarian borders. This light red blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt has a nose of fresh spring meadow and a palate displaying notes of bright red fruits, black pepper, alpine herbs, and earth.

Oedipoda Gamay Beaujolais, France 2023 $21 - From declassified plots of Gamay from Jullié and Émeringes (just south of Jullié) with soil types of pierres bleues andschist. In order to achieve a lighter extrac4on this wine is pressed before alcoholic fermenta4on has fully completed and as higher alcohol levels extract more tannin, they achieve a brighter and frui4er wine that could be served a few degrees cooler than the village or cru wines.

Champfleury Bordeaux, France 2020 $20 - This is mostly Merlot from the St Emilion area, and offers classic notes of blackcurrant, tilled earth, dark chocolate and vanilla bean mark the nose, and palate shows deep black cherry, currant, fresh raspberries and black dirt among gentle yet firm tannins. 

Calabretta Nerello Mascalese Gaio Gaio Sicily, Italy 2022 $23 - Ripe rhubarb, strawberry pie, blueberry, fig, cedar, pine needles, forest floor, purple flowers, violets. Palate is fresh strawberries and crème on a vibrant palate with fresh garden herbs + rustic tannins. Honoring centuries old traditions in natural farming, the Calabretta family tends these historic vineyards on the volcanic soil of Mount Etna, intertwined with olive trees and fruit orchards, for now 4 generations. Since 1997 Massimo & Massimiliano built a new winery and started to bottle and sell the Calabretta wines all over the world.

Bonus Wines

Twill Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023 $26 - I met with the winemaker last week and tasted through the Twill wines and loved them all. I'm bringing in a few of the wines and thought the Pinot Noir would work for the flight. Deep, crimson red. Immediate and sweeping aromas of rose petal, rhubarb,blood orange and raspberry. Brooding secondary notes of salt, cranberry and earth provide layers to the more agile and forward red aromas. Flavors feel pure, poised and tense with primary notes of pomegranate and nutmeg.

i Clivi Schioppettino Venezia Giulia Friuli, Italy 2022 $29 - Ferdinando Zanusso lived and worked in Africa for forty years, before returning to Italy and his wife’s hometown. Here in Corno di Rosazzo, Gramogliano, he founded I Clivi in the mid-1990s. Shortly after its founding, his son Mario joined him in the winery where he continues to oversee all aspects of the vineyards and winemaking. Ferdinando and Mario share a vision to showcase Friuli’s prized terroir and unique, singular expressions of Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Cabernet Franc, and Schioppettino. Bright notes of strawberries and cherry compote hover over notes of peppercorns, dried thyme and rose water. A silky mineral-forward texture steals the show before a savory, fruity finishes crisp with lingering mouthwatering acidity.

Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico DOCG 2019 $39 - The 2019 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, open-knit wine. In most vintages, the Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico is quite forbidding young, but the 2019 is surprisingly approachable. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, menthol, licorice, dried herbs, ripe red cherry fruit and a suggestion of new oak all open effortlessly. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gem. In 2019, the Chianti Classico is quite aromatic and decidedly medium-bodied. 94 points from Vinous

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

We'll have Emily from Handcrafted returning this Friday for a European flight from her book. Along with her Missouri "can do" attitude, she's bringing wines from Italy, Spain and France. We spent an hour coming up with this list yesterday so come on down Friday and check it out.

The Flight

Galerna Verdejo Castilla, Spain 2024 $14 - 100% Verdejo A fruit forward white wine with pear aromas and light tropical notes on the nose. Dominio de Punctum was born in 2005 as the initiative of three siblings with a shared goal: to produce wines that care for both our ecosystem and our palate.

Galerna Garnacha Castilla, Spain 2023 $14 - 100% Garnacha Bright red fruits, cherry, raspberry and white pepper.

Maylandie Cabanon Corbierres Rouge 2023 $16 - Cinsault and Carignan. The Corbières appellation is the largest appellation in Languedoc and includes terroirs with varied geological and climatic characteristics. It is mainly on the Boutenac terroir that the 25 hectares of vines of Château Maylandie are grown. The grape varieties of Château Maylandie are essentially composed of Grenache noir, Syrah and Carignan. In addition to these three majority grape varieties, it also includes Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Vermentino. Lightly aromatic with morello cherry juice and strawberry compote, almost floral like reseda. On the palate, caramelized apple and licorice combine with a fine, tight texture.

Raffault Chinon Galuches, Loire Valley 2023 $22 - 100% Cabernet Franc Les Galuches lieu-dit is an ancient river bed of the Loire. The name of parcel derives from the presence of gravel. According the records from the era, vines were already well established in this sector by the 1830s. The Cabernet Franc ripens very well in the domaine’s 10 hectare holding on a sand and gravel soil. The wine rests 6 months in 500 litre double barriques. It is very aromatic and is noted for its bouquet of violets, followed by lush and supple dark berry/cherry fruit. 

Cavaliera Elena Pignoletto Bianco Lambrusco NV, Veneto $21 - Clean, crisp, and very dry, with yeasty summer fruit notes on the nose, a dry and mineral palate, and refreshingly tonic bitters on the finish. The Cavaliera lambrusco is not “normal” lambrusco (it should be normal for wines to be this delicious), but it is authentic lambrusco. The Cavaliera wines are made to highlight the hyper-local varieties of the area of Castelvetro: lambrusco di Grasparossa, pignoletto, and trebbiano.

Bonus Wines

Brotte Creation Grosset Cairanne, Rhône Valley 2020 $23 - CairanneRuby with garnet reflections. The nose offers a combination of fresh fruits such as raspberry and redcurrant. Spicy notes of cinnamon and garrigue stand out. The wine will gain in suppleness over time, and in jammy aromas of raspberry and plum as well as undergrowth. The wine is generous and spicy with notes of wild strawberries, raspberries and red currants.

Jean Louis Chave Mon Coeur 2023, Rhône Valley $26 - The Chave family is based in a small village on the northern right bank of the Rhone. There have been Chaves growing vines on the famous Hermitage hill since 1481. Gerard Chave took over from his father in 1970 and rapidly achieved megastar status due to the extraordinary quality of his wines and has since passed on the winemaking responsibilities to his son Jean-Louis. 

Cecilia Monte Barbaresco 2019 $45 - High rent district terroir! Cecilia’s San Giuliano Barbaresco vines are adjacent to the rightfully esteemed Gallina vineyard. The ground here is very white with clay and limestone, facing East. A nose that is about purity and lifted aromatics with tones of strawberries, red cherries, raspberries, rose petals, cinnamon sticks, fresh herbs, violets, new leather, mineral notes, and some potpourri notes.

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

Gulfi di Vito Catania 2021 Bianco "Valcanzjria"  $23

Valdibella 2022 Grillo "Ariddu" $17

Gulfi di Vito Catani 2023 Nero D'Avola $26

Il Custodi Pistus 2022 Etna Rosso $28

Il Custodi "Aetneus" Etna Rosso 2029 $38

Rioja

On June 6, 1925, Rioja became the first Designation of Origin (DO) in the country. And though the designation is celebrating its centennial, ancient artifacts and ruins—including wine presses and cellars dating back 2,000 years—prove that winemaking is a deep-rooted cultural practice in the region. 

This deep history allowed Rioja to help the European wine industry through one of its most difficult periods: the phylloxera outbreak that swept across France during the 19th century. While Rioja’s ample production succeeded in slaking international thirst, Spanish winemakers, too, benefitted from this exchange. 

“A lot of French winemakers came to look for grapes here and they actually established wineries,” says Peter Arijs, the education and global projects manager of the Rioja Consejo Regulador, confirming that several of the now century-old wineries in operation today were founded during this time. “The French brought with them their knowledge and also their winemaking techniques and that involved barrels, which was not common to the region.” 

In fact, the region has never stopped innovating and improving. In 1980, Rioja was the first to develop a system for standardized categorization based on aging—crianza, reserva, and gran reserva—each indicating a specific length of aging time prior to release. “These are wines that have been aged for you in the winery in perfect conditions,” says Arijs. “You don’t have to buy a wine very young, put it in your cellar and wait. These wines are basically released when they are ready to drink. That’s a huge advantage and something that still makes these styles very relevant today.”

As a testament to the high standards met and exceeded throughout the region’s wine industry, in 1991, Rioja became the country’s first Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa). Quality control measures put specific restraints on planting density, vine load, and total harvest size in an effort to maintain healthy grapes and quality wine production, and to uphold Rioja’s reputation as a premium wine-producing territory. To this day, only Rioja and Priorat have achieved this prestigious status. 

Ostatu 2024 Rioja Rosado $19 - 70% Tempranillo, 27% Garnacha, and 3% Viura. Tasting Notes Floral and acidic, very light on the palate with notes of red berries.

Luberri 2023 Rioja Orlegi $15 - Luberri Orlegi is the reference point for traditional, light-bodied, fruit-forward wines of Rioja Alavesa. Bright red and blue fruit from high-elevation vineyards. Fresh acidity and light on the palate.

Anciano No. 5 Rioja Crianza 2020 $14 - Elegant, complex, well-structured, fresh and fruity. Aromas of red fruits and vanilla with subtle hints of liquorice and toffee. Silky and persistent finish with a touch of spice. 

Carlos Serres Crianza Rioja 2020 $15 - Dark garnet in the glass, this Crianza has aromas of forest floor, red cherry, and black plum. In the mouth there are flavors of ripe black fruits and red cherries with a hint of new car leather in the finish.

Peciña 2023 Rioja Cosecha Tinto $16 - A luscious red wine. On the nose, it is distinguished by its intense notes of fresh red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, imparting a vibrant freshness. On the palate, it is light and easy to drink, with a fruity character.

Bonus Wines

Sierra de Toloño 2023 Rioja Blanco $23 - 100% Viura. The primary aromas of white flowers give way to an elegant and complex background, with subtle toasted pastry notes. Its mouth is surrounding and silky, with powerful acidity that allows a lasting aftertaste.

Peciña 2017 Rioja Crianza $24 - This “Crianza” (usually the lightest and youngest of aged Riojas) is the equivalent of other producers’ “Reservas,” as it ages for 2 years in American oak, and then another 2 years (!) before release. Red berries, dried flowers, vanilla, tobacco, and silky tannins, too.

Bonus Bonus

Lopez de Heredia Cubillo 2016 $34 - Viña Cubillo wines come from the vineyard called Viña Cubillas, some 4 km away from the bodega, which as with all of the other vineyards, was bought by our founder. Historically these wines were called "Special Harvest". Vina Cubillas has an altitude of 410 m, and the vines have an average age of 40 years. The soil is from the terciary age and is a mixture of clay and limestone. Savory berries with aromas of white pepper, blood orange peel, preserved plums, iron and a touch of dust. Still pretty structured and intense, with a medium to full body, but juicy.

The Flight

Piedmont, located in northwestern Italy, is renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly red varieties. The region is most famous for Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the Nebbiolo grape, known for their complexity, aging potential, and aromas of tar and roses. Barbera and Dolcetto are also widely produced, offering more approachable, fruit-forward profiles. Piedmont’s cool climate and rolling hills, especially around Alba and Asti, contribute to the distinct character of its wines. The region also produces elegant white wines like Gavi and the sparkling Asti Spumante. Piedmont's deep winemaking tradition makes it a cornerstone of Italian viticulture.

Alto Piedmont, in northern Italy, produces distinctive wines primarily from the Nebbiolo grape, locally called Spanna. Known for their elegance and minerality, these wines are lighter than Barolo but still complex and age-worthy. Key appellations include Gattinara, Ghemme, and Boca, where volcanic soils and cooler climates shape refined reds with floral, earthy notes. Blends may include Vespolina and Croatina, adding spice and structure. Alto Piedmont remains a hidden gem for Nebbiolo lovers.

Lombardy, in northern Italy, offers a diverse range of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds and renowned sparkling wines. Its most famous wine region, Franciacorta, produces high-quality metodo classico sparkling wines rivaling Champagne. Valtellina, in the Alps, crafts elegant Nebbiolo-based reds known as Chiavennasca. Lugana, near Lake Garda, delivers fresh, mineral-rich white wines from the Turbiana grape. Lombardy’s varied terroirs and climates make it one of Italy’s most versatile wine regions.

Ercole Bianco 2023, Piedmont $15 (1 liter) - Peach pit, pear, sweet nectarine with delicate flowers. Crushed pineapple and sweet citrus on a smooth, mineral driven palate. Blend of 80% Cortese with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in Stainless Steel. 

Cantalupo Rosato Il Mimo Colline Novaresi, Alto Piedmont 2024 $22 - This gorgeous 100% Nebbiolo Rosato is full of aromas and flavors of fresh red berries, rose petals, and spice notes. A more full-flavored style of rosé, it has a juicy, long finish, with mouthwatering acidity to balance the rich flavors.

Cantina Casteggio Barbera 2022, Lombardia $13 - Intense ruby red color with violet tone. Intense perfume of black fruits. Mouth: a young fruity taste with almond aroma.

Ca del Baio Dolcetto d’Alba Lodoli 2023, Piedmont $16 - The Dolcetto d'Alba Lodoli presents itself with a lively ruby red color, hinting at its organoleptic qualities. On the nose, it offers an aromatic bouquet rich with notes of cherry, raspberry, and a slight spiciness that adds complexity without overpowering the freshness of the fruit.

Cantina Sociale di Gattinara 2022 Vino Rosso, Alto Piedmont $22 - This Vino Rosso is predominantly Nebbiolo grape blended with other local, indigenous grapes. Hand harvesting and aging in Slavonian casks lends to the enticing aroma with its tobacco nose highlighted with hints of cedar. On the palate you are greeted with flavors of red and black berries that instantly dazzle the tongue.

Bonus

Cigliuti Barbera D’Alba Serraboella 2022, Piedmont $27 - The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Serraboella is plump, juicy and super-expressive. A rush of dark cherry, plum, mocha, rose petals and licorice caresses the palate. Pretty floral notes lift the finish, adding brightness and persistence. 

Cantalupo Nebbiolo Agamium Colline Novaresi 2022 Alto Piedmont $21 - The 2022 Colline Novaresi Agamium, 100% Nebbiolo, is a terrific entry-level wine in this range. Bright acids cut through a core of red berry fruit, chalk, white pepper, mint and pine. This mid-weight Nebbiolo is an absolute gem.

 Bonus Bonus

Marco Ferrari 2023 Rosso di Valtellina, Lombardia $45 - Their 2023 Rosso di Valtellina has every keynote I look for in a Nebbiolo — grippy tannins, bright acidity, light body, tart fruit, and excellent minerality.