March case of the Month: Wines Under $20

This month, we’re excited to roll out a case with an awesome selection of 12 fantastic wines, all under $20! Check out our lively mix, starting with some crisp, aromatic white wines that burst with zesty citrus and floral vibes.

Don’t miss out on a tasty Alpine rosé, known for its fun minerality and refreshing acidity—perfect for those warmer days ahead!

We’ve also got some juicy, fruity reds, each packed with a blend of flavors from famous wine regions around the globe. Enjoy rich berry notes, a touch of spice, and a great balance that highlights its terroir's unique character.

And the best part? You can grab this entire case for under $200, making it a fantastic deal for wine lovers looking for quality and variety!

Case of the Month Highlights

Domaine Carrel & Senger 2023 “Jardin d’Altitude” Rosé

Mondeuse and Gamay are two red wine varietals that thrive in cooler climates in France. Both are known for their impressive aromas and structure, making them perfect for a delightful springtime rosé.

This steely-pink wine is lean and approachable, offering playful notes of candied red fruit and citrus peel and a distinct minerality from the Alps.

Grab a bottle for your aperitif hour at the Bottle Shop, or check it out in our case of the month!

Love & Squalor 2023 Mothershucker

This wine truly has character! It’s an aromatic, crisp, and dry white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.

The grapes are grown in the Willamette Valley, benefiting from marine sediment and volcanic soils. The intensely mineral-rich soils combined with the cool, salty Pacific air create a wine that pairs perfectly with shellfish, spicy dishes, and fresh spring vegetables.

Be sure to check out this crowd-pleaser in our under-$20 selection for COTM!

2023 Timothy Malone White Label Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

This month’s case features a shop favorite Pinot Noir! At only $17, this wine offers exceptional elegance and vibrancy.

With notes of crushed, dried herbs, Douglas fir needles, bright raspberry leaves, and tart red fruits, it is sure to please any crowd—all for under $20.

It really exceeds expectations!

Domaine de L'Idylle Wines

This month, we are excited to feature fresh, youthful, and crisp wines from Domaine de L'Idylle in the Savoie region of France!

Our selection includes a 100% Jacquère and a 100% Gamay. The Jacquère is mineral-driven, crisp, bright, yet complex—perfect for pairing with fondue. The Gamay is fruit-forward and fresh, making it an excellent choice for a springtime roast or as a refreshing aperitif.

Both wines are priced under $20 and are highlighted in our Case of the Month (COTM).

February Case of the Month: Rainy Day Wines

This month's case features a selection of wines perfect for enjoying on a rainy night, whether playing board games or watching a movie at home.

We’ve got some fun bubbly options from Italy that are sure to bring a little sparkle to your evening. For a chill vibe, check out our easy-drinking whites that everyone will love, making them great for snacks or just sipping on their own. And don’t miss the budget-friendly reds that offer a whole lot of flavor and depth, ready to take you on a little taste adventure right from your couch.

Swing by in February to grab this awesome case, and get ready to turn any night into a super cozy experience, no matter what the weather’s like!

Case of the Month Highlights

Gilbert Cellars 2022 “Left Bank”

The “Left Bank” moniker on this Washington red blend is a tip of the hat to Old-World Cabernet-dominant red blends from the west, or “left,” Bank of Bordeaux in France. Here, harsh conditions and soils foster concentrated, complex, and earthy Cabernet Sauvignons that can be pretty different from many New World expressions. Cabernet Franc and Merlot are traditionally in these blends, while the grape Carménère is like the Cabernet family's long-lost cousin who went to study in the Americas. This grape can highlight the Cabernets' herbaceous and herbal aromas and tannins while supporting Merlot's supple red & purple fruited notes. Think plum, black currant leaf, and eucalyptus.

This blend is an approachable, everyday Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. 66% is Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% is Merlot, and 2% is Carménère, all grown sustainably on the peaks above the Columbia River in Eastern Washington. The fruit is sun-ripened and windswept, making for a luscious glass with impressive structure for an everyday red. Pair it with hearty meats and stews.

Adegas Guímaro 2023 Ribeira Sacra DO Mencía

When we think of Spanish wine regions, we often envision sun-drenched plateaus with little rainfall. However, the steep, temperate hillsides of Galicia in northwest Spain offer a different perspective. Along the Miño and Sil Rivers slopes lie the terraced vineyards of Ribeira Sacra DO. Here, red wines (tintos) are crafted from the aromatic and uniquely mineral grape variety, Mencía, which expresses the slate soils alongside its floral notes and warmly spiced black fruit flavors.

“Adegas Guímaro,” meaning “Rebel Winery” in Galician, reflects a local 15th-century uprising when independent farmers resisted the ruling noble class. This historical event is a source of pride for many locals today. The wine produced here is a wine of the people, characterized by its expressive and youthful nature. It is perfect for enjoyment with grilled sausages, spicy tomato dishes, or even seafood. Explore this gem from our Rainy Day February case of the month!

Kiona 2021 Lemberger

This wine has a dedicated following, and it's easy to see why! It's a PNW mountain wine characterized by its spicy notes and plush blue fruit, resulting from the extreme conditions in which the grapes are grown.

This wine shines mainly because it is made mainly from estate-grown Lemberger, also known as Blaufränkisch. This Austrian grape is celebrated for its spiced black and purple fruit profile and plush, velvety tannins.

When cultivated in the high desert of Washington's Red Mountain AVA, Lemberger offers a medium body with flavors of wild berries, warm earth, anise, and herbs on the palate.

This wine is incredibly versatile and budget-friendly. It pairs wonderfully with sausage, beans, and stir-fry or can be enjoyed on its own. Don't miss out on this conversation starter in our “rainy day” case of the month!

Corte San Pietro “Sei Bollissima” NV Spumante Brut

If I had to describe this sparkling wine in one word, it would be “cheeky.” It hails from Piedmont, a region in Italy known for its dry red wines made from Barbera.

This wine is crafted from gently crushed Barbera and Cortese grapes, creating a style reminiscent of Prosecco. The gentle pressing followed by cold maceration of the fruit results in predominantly dry notes of tart pear, red apple, and candied citrus peel. The pleasant bubbles enhance the experience without overwhelming the palate.

On the back of the bottle, behind the colorful label, it simply states, “blah blah blah blah…drink it,” and I couldn’t agree more! This refreshing wine might become your new favorite for springtime brunches—be sure to check it out in our case of the month!

Sip into Sweetness: Celebrate February with the Timeless Elegance of Kopke Port

When you think of February, thoughts of warm hearts and sweet treats come to mind—perfect for cuddling up with a glass of something special! And what better choice than Port wine? We must highlight Kopke, the oldest Port wine house in the world, established way back in 1636. It all started with Nicolau Kopkë, a member of the German Hanseatic League who made his way to Portugal and began exporting delicious Port to Northern Europe. Talk about a pioneer!

So, what exactly is Port? It’s a delightful fortified dessert wine, primarily coming from the beautiful Douro Valley in northwestern Portugal. While most of us think of Port as a rich red, there are also fabulous white varieties that deserve a spot on your table.

The process is fascinating: grapes are sent from inland vineyards to the bustling coastal cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Once there, they’re crushed in shallow granite vessels, traditionally by foot stomping or with modern machinery. After a brief fermentation, a distilled grape spirit is added to stop the yeast in its tracks, preserving the natural sugars and giving Port its sweet, boozy character.

Now, let’s talk about why Port is perfect for February. Imagine cozying up on a chilly evening with a glass of this luscious wine. It’s the ultimate pairing for all those chocolate delights we crave around Valentine's Day! Whether it’s rich chocolate desserts or decadent stewed fruits, Port elevates the experience to a whole new level of deliciousness.

So, make your February extra special and swing by the Bottle Shop to grab some remarkable bottles. Nothing beats sharing a cozy moment with loved ones and a glass of Port by a warm fire. Cheers to love and sweet sips!

Discover the Exciting World of Non-Alcoholic Wines and Spirits

Exploring the world of non-alcoholic wines and spirits has never been more exciting. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated sipper or a complex cocktail base, there are more options than ever. From bold and bitter amaro-style spirits to crisp, refreshing Rieslings, non-alcoholic alternatives are proving that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy depth, complexity, and flavor.

In this blog post, we will highlight a few standout selections that offer all the character without the alcohol—perfect for any occasion, any time of year.

The Pathfinder Hemp and Root Distilled NA Spirit

Amaro-lovers rejoice! Enjoy the bittersweet and herbal flavors of this winter digestif without the alcohol! Patented-distilled from fermented hemp and blended with Wormwood, Angelica Root, and Douglas Fir needles, The Pathfinder Spirit offers a bitter and complex profile.

It can be crafted into a cocktail or sipped on its own, and it's said to cure a variety of ills— from ennui to hot tempers, weak knees, and everything in between. Try The Pathfinder today! We have the spirit on shelves now, with their canned NA negronis arriving at the Shop soon.

Allendorf “Save Water Drink Riesling” Free

This dealcoholized Riesling is dry, crisp, and tart. It can be enjoyed on its own or made into a spritz with soda water!

“It's Not a Sin” Dealcoholized Aromatized Wines

“It’s Not a Sin” begins as a dry German Riesling, from which the alcohol is then removed. Aromatics are added back in, creating a vibrant and tart sipping experience.

Flavors like raspberry and mint or ginger and orange peel perfume the non-alcoholic wine, making it a beautiful aperitif or suitable for a spritz with soda water or tonic!

January COM: Travel the New World

We're collecting stamps on our passports as we travel through the New World! This month’s collection features a diverse selection of wines, including 1 sparkling, 5 whites, and 6 reds. Some are more traditional, while others are experimental and innovative. They showcase a blend of Old World influences with new terroirs and cultures to explore. We are very excited about this incredible variety! Cheers!

Case of the Month Hightlights

Kumusha Wines

In 2017, Tinashe launched Kumusha Wines, with "Kumusha" being the Zimbabwean Shona word for "your home," "your roots," or "your origin." Through Kumusha Wines, Tinashe brings his down-to-earth Zimbabwean sensibilities to his minimal-intervention wines, allowing the land of South Africa to truly shine. The Cabernet Sauvignon showcases gamey, earthy smoke and high-toned red berries, while the Sauvignon Blanc highlights the distinct minerality of fruit grown on wind-swept hillsides, offering plenty of citrusy and herbaceous aromas that invite you back for more.

With our January Case of the Month, join us as we travel through the New World and explore the unique stories and terroirs of South Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Over the past few decades, Old World traditions have influenced these regions and their people, leading to the emergence of new customs. As a result, the world of wine has become increasingly diverse. Join us as we discover some of these wines and their stories!

Domaine Bousquet 2019 Gaia Red Blend Tupungato

The “Tupungato” label on this bottle refers to the mountain where the grapes were grown at 4,000 feet above sea level.

This Argentinian red blend is crafted from 100% organic fruit. Its plush, peppery body and savory earthiness pay homage to Old World blending techniques while highlighting the boldness and fruitiness characteristic of New World wines. With leather, moss, and dark fruit flavors, this Malbec-dominant blend pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, mushrooms, Chinese cuisine, and root vegetables.

Be sure to pick up a bottle in our January case of the month!

Broc 2022 “Love” Red

Broc Cellars, owned by winemaker Chris Brockway, produces minimal-intervention California wines in Berkeley—a non-traditional setting for innovative wines. The “Love” Red is a perfect example of this approach, showcasing the future of creativity in New World winemaking.

This blend features varietals typically found in the South of France but employs winemaking techniques that render it vibrant, lively, and distinctly Californian. Expect flavors of tart, dried red fruits and earthy blackberry, which contribute to the wine's intentional and food-friendly structure. It pairs beautifully with savory charcuterie, fresh crudités, and a variety of romantic winter dinners!

Consider stocking up for Valentine’s Day, or visit our January Bottle Shop Case of the Month to pick it up. The Broc “Love” wine checks all the boxes for a fantastic, lighter-bodied winter red!

Kumeu River 2023 Village Chardonnay

This village, Chardonnay, hails from the North Island of New Zealand and is renowned for its complexity and restraint, all at an attractive price point. Vinified in Auckland, this wine is crafted from grapes from various vineyards across the island, with 80% of the fruit coming from Hawkes Bay. The limestone soils of this region contribute a crisp mineral quality to the wine.

The flavor profile is lean and complex, featuring creamy citrus notes alongside subtle, earthy nectarine undertones. The oak influence is light, as only 30% of the wine was aged in previously used oak barrels, while the remainder was fermented in stainless steel. This makes the Chardonnay ideal for those who enjoy a textural white wine not dominated by oak's warmth.

Fresh and complex, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood, pasta, or as an aperitif. Check it out in the Bottle Shop's January case of the month!

December Case of the Month: Christmas in the Alps!

It's time for fireside fondue and an après-ski drink! We have Champagne dupes, aromatic and mineral-driven whites, and gently spiced, fruit-forward reds. This month's case represents exquisite wines from France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Case of the Month Highlights

Elena Walch 2023 Pinot Grigio

This Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige has been ranked #33 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2024 and is also featured in our Alpine case of the month for December! It offers complex notes of peppery wet stones, tart green pear, and mountain herbs, making it approachable and stimulating. This wine is perfect for pairing with a winter seafood tower or a cheese plate.

Elena Walch is an architect who married into a winemaking family in Alto Adige, Italy's northernmost wine region, located high in the Alps. She quickly established a reputation in the area and is well-regarded for her varietal wines and blends. We carry several of her wines, so be sure to see why she is a favorite at the Bottle Shop!

Léon Beyer Riesling & Pinot Noir

Alsace is a wine region in northeastern France with historical ties to Germany. Its distinct identity is shaped by a warm, dry climate and the protective Vosges Mountains, which allow southwest-facing vineyards to receive ample sunlight for grape ripening. While aromatic wines like Riesling are often seen as overly sweet in the U.S., Alsace wines are typically fermented dry, offering rich flavors and bright acidity that complement many dishes. The Beyer Family has been part of this winemaking tradition since the 1580s, blending heritage with sustainable practices for future generations.

Our December case of the month features several wines from Alsace, including these two from Léon Beyer: a Riesling with lime peel and elderflower aromas, complemented by subtle tropical fruit notes and a mineral backbone with citrusy acidity and a Pinot Noir with bright red fruit flavors, supported by distinct Alpine herbs that enhance its delicate structure. These wines would make a wonderful pairing for a winter meal.

Celebrate 50 Years of Tignanello: The 2021 Super Tuscan is Here!

We have an exciting new arrival at the Bottle Shop! This historic Tuscan blend from Antinori celebrates its 50th vintage with the 2021 bottling, considered one of the best vintages to date.

This bottling showcases Sangiovese's world-class elegance. The Cabernet Sauvignon varieties contribute earthy, herbaceous notes and warmly spiced undertones from aging in small oak barrels. The tannins are robust and reminiscent of rich tobacco.

It can be cellared for a special occasion in the future or enjoyed this holiday season with those who appreciate the finer things in life. It would also make a remarkable gift!

In Tuscany, as in many Old World wine-producing regions, there are strict regulations regarding the types of grapes that can be used in wines from the area. Sangiovese is the dominant grape in wines from Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Blending with other grape varieties is either restricted or prohibited if a vintner wants to label their wine with a regional DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). Otherwise, even high-quality wines may fall into the lower IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) category, which typically reduces market value.

In the 1970s, a few Tuscan producers began using their finest Sangiovese grapes to create blends with Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These wines were initially reserved for estate use but were eventually released to the market under IGT status, generating significant attention. They became known as "Super Tuscans," and their popularity has grown ever since.

Antinori is a 600-year-old estate in the Chianti Classico region. It is renowned for its elegant, red-fruited, high-toned, and complex Sangiovese, which is cultivated at a higher altitude than in Chianti. The grapes for this wine are grown in Tignanello, which is regarded as one of the best vineyards in the world.

Come pick up a bottle at the Shop, or explore other wines from the Wine Spectator's Top 100 list for 2024!

November Case of the Month

The November Case of the Month includes 12 wines perfect for Thanksgiving! 

This selection includes some tasty white wines with a nice oaky flavor and zesty acidity, making them a great match for all those rich holiday dishes. You'll also find a fun rosé, a unique orange wine for something different, and a sparkling bubbly to bring some fizz to your celebration. 

On the red wine side, expect fresh, fruity options with a hint of warm, spicy oak, complementing the sweet and savory flavors of classic Thanksgiving meals. 

The wines in this case are a fantastic pick for any holiday gathering you've got planned!

Shiba Wichern 2022 Havlin Auxerrois

Rarely does a wine make us stop in our tracks like this Auxerrois from winemaker Akiko Shiba. It is pretty, textural, quaffable and complex, reminding us of all Thanksgiving flavors!

Auxerrois, an Alsatian white grape related to Pinot Blanc, seldom gets the spotlight to showcase its subtle, Chardonnay-like qualities. It is naturally low in acidity and features earthy, ripe orchard fruits with notes of honey and candied citrus.

These delicate flavors are enhanced by allowing skin contact with the must before fermentation and aging the wine for over a year in large Acacia vessels, imparting a more subtle, floral, warm-spice flavor than oak. Shiba has gained recognition as a talented winemaker in the Willamette Valley and Germany, where she first studied wine. In this bottle, sourced from Havlin vineyard fruit, she aimed to give the usually light and gentle Auxerrois added intensity and structure, allowing it to express itself boldly while remaining well-balanced and fresh.

Lang & Reed 2021 Cabernet Franc

In 1993, Land & Reed was founded in Napa Valley by two sommeliers from Kansas City who were intrigued by the potential of Cabernet Franc in the region. Cabernet Franc, a parent varietal of the more renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, has always played an important role as a blending grape in Bordeaux and has also been celebrated in single-varietal expressions from the Loire Valley in France. In Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc can enhance the brighter, more floral, and aromatic qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon. Conversely, in the Loire, this varietal is known for its vegetal and herbaceous flavors, resulting in a medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

In this particular expression of Cabernet Franc, ripe red fruit and floral notes lead into a tart berry acidity and plush tannins, creating the perfect complement for savory meals throughout the autumn season!

Robert Perroud “L'Enfer des Balloquets” 2022 Brouilly, Beaujolais, FR

The November Case of the Month wouldn't be complete without a Beaujolais! Gamays are the perfect November wine! With their spiced-purple-fruit profile and juicy vibrancy, they make a lively pairing for poultry, mushrooms, and herbal side dishes while complimenting cheese and the earthy-sweet flavors of sweet potato and pumpkin.

This Gamay comes from Brouilly, a Cru of Beaujolais-in France that is south of Burgundy and is exclusively known for making wines from Gamay Noir, which are meant to be drunk somewhat young and embody the freshness of recent harvests.

The name "L'Enfer" refers to the steep, rocky soils of the vineyard site for this fruit–a site which is "hell" to harvest! In this region, the best Gamays are grown on steep, rocky slopes to keep yields down and concentrate the fruit's vibrant flavors. This wine from has spiced cherry and juicy red plum notes with sophisticated earthiness and tannins.

Domaine Castéra 2021 Jurançon Sec

Due to their rich fruit textures and vibrant acidity, the Manseng varietals can be compared to the more familiar French white grape, Chenin Blanc. Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng are two distinct but related varietals grown in the Jurançon region of Southwestern France. Like Chenin Blanc, these Jurançon varietals can be crafted into either sweet or dry ("sec") wines.

This wine is made from early-harvested estate fruit, which is grown using biodynamic practices to address disease pressure, a primary concern in the rain shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains. The viticulturists and enologists do not add sulfur during pressing, allowing for slight oxidation. This process imparts a character reminiscent of slightly bruised fruit and praline, balancing the wine's high acidity and salty minerality. The wine is then aged in a combination of stainless steel, neutral oak, and sandstone vessels, highlighting the diverse textures on the palate.

Johan 2021 Pinot Gris “Drueskall”

The name "Drueskall" translates to "grape skin" in Norwegian, paying homage to the heritage of Johan's Founder, Dag Johan Sundby, and the intention and technique behind this wine. Drueskall is a skin-fermented white wine, known as "orange" wine, made using white or gris grapes in a style similar to red wines.

Typically, when producing white wine, the juice, or "must," is gently pressed and separated from the grape solids, and only the juice is fermented. In contrast, with this wine—and red wines in general—the fruit is crushed (or "macerated") and fermented together with the must and solids. The grape skins, seeds, and sometimes stems contribute tannins and pigments, which enhance the wine's structure and generally promote better aging potential.

The 2021 Drueskall features some stem inclusion and has spent considerable time fermenting on its skins before aging in a wooden vessel. This process gives it a fuller structure reminiscent of red wine while maintaining the characteristics of a white wine varietal. The aging in oak also allows for some oxidation, intensifying the fruit flavors and resulting in a delightful profile of dried fruits and spices—ideal for Thanksgiving dinner!