September Case of the Month

This month's Case of the Month was inspired by the wines of Iberia.

Iberia wines are known for their rich and diverse flavors, influenced by the Iberian Peninsula's unique terroir and winemaking traditions. This month, we've curated 12 exquisite wines, from whites to reds to a lovely sparkling rosé. You will definitely want to stop by and pick up this excellent September Iberia-inspired Case of the Month!

Case of the Month Highlights

Filipa Pato and William Wouters "3b" Sparkling Rosé

The name of this Portuguese extra brut, "3B," refers to the two grapes used—Baga and Bical—and the region it comes from, Bairrada. Filipa and her husband, William, exclusively use grapes native to the area, native yeasts and biodynamic practices.

They combine these ingredients and techniques, learned from working in wine harvests around the world, to create what they call wines "without makeup." Baga is a grape indigenous to this part of Portugal. Its thick skins can make it challenging to work with, leading to overly astringent red wines. However, Baga can shine in sparkling wines!

This "3B" is a champagne-style sparkling wine with little to no sugar added during bottling. 84% of the fruit used in this wine is Baga, and the thick skins give the wine a stunning, almost fuchsia color. It has a bright fruit palate, but the finish is dry and toasty with creamy bubbles. It's a vibrant and sophisticated representation of this region.

Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina

Ameztoi is a family in the Basque region known for producing traditional Txakolina. This wine is a low-alcohol, high-acid, lightly sparkling white wine made from the indigenous grape Hondarrabi Zuri (Hondarrabi Beltza is also permitted, but Ameztoi only uses Zuri). The family's winery in Getaria overlooks the Bay of Biscay, offering a stunning view of the town of San Sebastian from the surrounding cliffs. This crisp and refreshing wine is best enjoyed on hot days, with its flavors reminiscent of the salty sea air and rich history of the Basque region. It's often compared to a Basque Vinho Verde. Pair it with cheese or shellfish, or savor it as an aperitif on a warm day.

Ameztoi, a family in the Basque region, is known for producing traditional Txakolina, a low-alcohol, high-acid, lightly sparkling white wine made from the indigenous grape Hondarrabi Zuri. The wine offers a taste of the region's history and is perfect for hot days. Pair it with cheese or shellfish, or enjoy it as an aperitif.

La Cartuja Priorat, 2021

The term "Llicorella" on this label refers to the Catalan term for the soil type in the Priorat region. Llicorella soil is not typical soil; it is composed of large pieces of slate mixed with smaller pieces of mica quartz, making it very rocky.

The reddish-black slate pieces are a mix of clay and volcanic ash, compressed and eroded over many years. Contrary to what one might expect, poor-quality but well-draining soil is highly valued for growing grapes used in winemaking, similar to the Rocks District in Eastern Oregon.

The Llicorella soils of Priorat are known for growing renowned Garnacha, among other indigenous grapes, to produce complex and mineral-driven red wines. "La Cartuja" is a single-vineyard Priorat made from 70% Garnacha and 30% Mazuelo (Cariñena). It offers high-mineral, low-acid, and blue fruit notes and pairs well with beef, mushrooms, or Chinese food.

Pago Casa Gran 2021 Malvasia

This Spanish white wine embodies "terroir" down to the Iberian script on the label, which is an homage to the ancient Iberian settlement site near the winery southwest of Valencia.

Located at the base of a mountain in the historic "Les Alcusses" valley, vineyard sites of indigenous Malvasia grapes experience a massive range of temperatures under the strong Spanish sun. These conditions allow the fruit to ripen while retaining complexity, lending themselves to tropical citrus and earthy notes in this fresh but compelling wine.

Pago Casa Gran has been 100% organic since 2006 and uses some biodynamic practices. This wine is made using native yeasts.

New Wine Arrivals Plus a Case of the Month Feature

Introducing our latest additions to the shop, including a playful and juicy Slovenian sparkling wine, a creamy Italian white, and a distinctively savory Bandol rosé (also in our August Case of the Month).

Each of these wines offers a unique and delightful experience, perfect for toasting the last days of summer and beyond. Let's explore the delightful characteristics of these new arrivals and the stories behind their origins.

Kobal “Bajta” ‘23 Petillant Natural of Blaufränkisch 

This Slovenian sparkling wine is playful and juicy–ready for whatever you have planned this month to soak up the last days of Summer! A "pet nat" is a wine that is finished before fermentation, which traps CO2 and makes for an electric-sparkling wine! Blaufränkisch is a rich and fruit-forward grape native to neighboring Austria, and it is related to Gamay, which is more commonly known for its earthy, fruit-forward qualities. This "Blau" makes for a brambly sip (think raspberries & blackberries!), rounded out with notes of warming spices, like star anise, and a brioche-like-finish from fermenting in the bottle. Come grab a bottle today!

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Ermes Pavese “Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle” ‘22

This 100% Prié Blanc from Valle d'Aosta can make it to both aperitif-hour and dinner! Fruit for this wine is sourced from Europe's highest vineyard site, in the Italian Alps near the French/Swiss border. Prié Blanc is the oldest documented variety of grape grown in Valle d'Aosta, conveying a lovely minerality. This wine sees some time on fine lees, which gives an otherwise simple wine a great deal of savory structure, and partial malolactic conversion retains a great deal of palate-cleansing acid. In contrast, its creamy structure plays well with food. So good, and sure to please every white wine drinker!

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August Case of the Month Feature

August is the best time of year to visit the South of France, so we're celebrating its region's warm climates, rocky hillsides, and maritime influence with our August case of the month!

While no trip to Provençe would be complete without plenty of "pink wine," Bandol would certainly be stop number one. Bandol is a region east of Marseille, in Provençe, renowned for world-class rosés.

Here, the hillside slopes away from the Mediterranean Sea, providing a barrage of warm southern sun and cool sea air on its terraced vineyards, which were first planted in 600 B.C.E. by the Ancient Greeks.

While Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Syrah and "Rolle" (otherwise known as Vermentino) all do well in this region, the grape Mourvedre lends itself to distinctively savory wines.

Domaine Le Galantin 2023 Bandol Rosé

This 2023 rosé from Domaine le Galantin has bright, salty fruit notes (think August melons), balanced by a savory, herbaceous finish that begs for an al fresco happy hour!

Grab this one and 11 other wonderful varieties from the South of France in this month's case of wine!

August Case of the Month featuring wines from the South of France.

Special Release - Portland Bottle Shop Pinot Noir

We've got some big news to share...the Portland Bottle Shop Pinot Noir is here! We celebrated the shop's 13th anniversary in June, and to celebrate, we are popping our very own Pinot Noir! In collaboration with Roots Wine Company, this exquisite wine, with its distinct flavor and aroma, is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional small-producer wines.

This limited batch of Pinot Noir is not just a summer delight but a versatile wine that can be enjoyed in any season. With its medium-bodied flavor profile and delicious red fruit notes, it's the perfect companion for any occasion.

Stop by the shop to enjoy a glass or grab a bottle to take home. The Portland Bottle Shop Pinot Noir would make a lovely hostess or birthday gift and is perfect for sipping with friends and family.

If you are planning to enjoy the bottle at home, we recommend giving it some time to breathe before indulging in its delightful flavors. This Pinot Noir is truly something special, and we hope you all get the chance to experience it. Here's to good wine and great company! Cheers!

June Case of the Month

Our June Case of the Month is here to kick off summer with a bang! One of our favorite things about summer is all the backyard celebrations. This month's case features 12 wines that are perfect for just that. It includes lots of bubbles, rosés, some whites and chillable reds - all food-friendly and easy to drink!

One of the standout wines in this month's case is Three Wine's 'Faux Pas.' Hailing from Contra Costa County, California, this unique chillable red blend features 56% Carignane, 20% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Surah and 7% Mataro. It's a juicy, crushable delight, perfect for patio weather or for dreaming of sunny days. Taste this one ahead of time, as it is currently our special pour to enjoy by the glass at the shop.

Also included in this month's case:

• 2020 Judith Beck Zweigelt Red Wine

• 2023 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Rosé

• 2023 Bonny Doon Vineyard Pink Wine of the Earth Rosé

• 2023 Valeriole Vé Rosé

• 2023 Evesham Wood Blanc du Puits Sec

• 2023 Timothy Malone Wines Viognier

• J.L Denois Brut Rosé

• Dalla Terra Vino Blanco Sparkling White Wine

• Cantina Di Carpi Sparkling Rosé

• +&+ Cava Sparkling Wine

• Broadbent Vinho Verde White Wine

A day in the Willamette Valley at J. Christopher Wines

On Monday, May 6, The Portland Bottle Shop team loaded up and headed to wine country to visit the ever-popular J. Christopher Winery. 

J. Christopher Wines, nestled in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, is a testament to a New World wine made in the unhurried Old World style. Their wine creations include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and more. Their patient approach to winemaking allows each wine to fully express its origin, whether it's the Old World or the New.

Upon arrival, we were taken on a tour of the wine caves. Five manufactured caves house J. Christopher's many delicious wines. The caves allow the wines to be kept in a temperature-controlled atmosphere without the need for additional resources. 

Our visit was hosted by Timothy Malone, the heart and soul of J. Christopher's winemaking. Timothy, who also creates wine under his own label, Timothy Malone Wines, started his journey with J. Christopher back in 2006. His personal touch and unwavering dedication to his craft are not just evident but palpable in every bottle.

In 2020, Tim was asked to return to J. Christopher as their full-time winemaker. And thankfully so, as we get to indulge in their delicious wines. 

J. Christopher's vineyards are home to 11 different soil types, thanks to geology, the creation of the coastal range, volcanic mud and the Missoula floods from years ago, which brought soil from other areas. Most of the wines of the J. Christopher label are grown in higher-elevation soil.

After we toured the vineyards caves and tasted a few of Tim's personal wines, we were treated to a tasting and charcuterie boards in the tasting room.

Tim walked us through five varieties, each exceptional in their own way.

We started with the 2019 Basalte Pinot Noir, which was matured for 18 months in barrels. Tim informed us that all J. Christopher wines are matured for at least 18 months before tasting to determine whether they need to mature more, a nod to their Old World winemaking style.

From there, we moved on to the 2019 Volcanique Pinot Noir. The grapes from this wine come from the Dundee Hills, and it was a crowd favorite.

We rounded out the Pinots with the 2018 Medici Vineyard Pinot Noir. The grapes from this bottle were planted in 1976, giving the wine great complexity.

Next, we moved on to some whites with the 2019 Sol Et Soliel Chardonnay. This particular Chardonnay was created using a reductive winemaking process. This means letting the grapes do their thing without the presence of oxygen. This allows the primary fruit to come off and creates a more robust flavor integration with more nuance.

Lastly, we tasted the 2023 Chehalem Mtns Sauvignon Blanc. This one was a quick change from our previous sips. The strong melon scent hits your nose, followed by the delicious fruity flavors. This one begs for a sunny day and a patio.

The winery's unwavering commitment to quality and terroir-driven winemaking has earned it critical acclaim and a loyal following. J. Christopher Wines is a must-visit in the Willamette Valley. If you can't make the trek out to visit them, stop by the Bottle Shop and pick up a variety of theirs from our shelves.

Timothy Malone Friday Night Tasting

If you want to learn more about J. Christopher and Timothy Malone Wines, join us on Friday, May 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for our Friday night tasting. Tim will be here to answer all of your questions while you taste a variety of wines.

Oregon Case of the Month

May's Case of the Month is assembled in honor of Oregon Wine Month! Not just Pinots and Chardonnays, we highlighted the breadth of innovation and creativity in Oregon wine-making, as well as our state's history and unique landscape. Here is a taste of what's included.

Van Duzer Estate Pinot Gris, 2023

This wine highlights the unique AVA of the Van Duzer corridor, a geographical feature west of the Willamette Valley that allows cool Pacific winds to descend upon the vineyards each evening. This cool air creates more hearty and thick-skinned fruit, which informs the complexity of the wines produced here.

Patricia Green Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

The team at Patricia Green always deserves a shoutout for what they do with Sauvignon Blanc in the Willamette Valley. Less than 100 acres of the variety are planted here (compare that to over 5,000 acres of Pinot Gris!), making it a rare and exclusive treat for those in the know to experience the light-hearted complexity of these wines. The fruit for this bottling comes from all over the Valley and lends itself to a sophisticated and aromatic expression that one could see themselves crushing all Summer long.

David Hill Winery Farmhouse Red Blend

While fruit for the Farmhouse Red Blend is sourced from vineyards in Oregon and Washington, David Hill Winery is a site of profound historical significance in the north Willamette Valley. The Farmhouse, now their tasting room, was built in 1883 as part of the Reuter Family homestead. Before the era of American prohibition, award-winning Alsatian-style wines were produced here. In 1965, a UC Davis graduate named Charles Coury replanted the vineyards with rootstock from Alsace and Burgundy. These are now some of the oldest vines in the Willamette Valley, a testament to the rich and enduring history of Oregon's wine industry.

Joe Swick Gamay Noir

Joe Swick produces "naked wines," exemplified by this unexpected Gamay Noir. Swick creates fascinating and fun wines that maintain their finesse by using exclusively organic and biodynamically grown fruit and employing minimal-intervention techniques. These wines highlight cooler climate sites in Oregon, and through them, Joe hopes that people can "taste the Pacific Northwest." This whole-cluster Gamay may look feather-light, but it packs a punch and deserves a light chill and some protein-focused small plates to accompany it.

Peter William Vineyards Syrah, 2018

Another favorite is the Syrahs produced by the team at Peter William. Winemaker Eric Weisinger produces sophisticated and ageable Syrahs in the warm climate of the Rogue Valley for an excellent price. We encourage you to pick up an extra bottle of this one to hold onto for a couple more years!

The case also features some other beautiful Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. We curated this case to share a taste of what there is to celebrate within our 23 AVAs in honor of Oregon Wine Month! 

Come pick up a case, stop by to see what else we have on the shelves, or attend one of our weekly tastings on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30! 

We at the Portland Bottle Shop and the Oregon wine industry appreciate your support of Oregon wine. Cheers!

Oregon Wine Month Friday Night Tastings

May is Oregon Wine Month, a time to celebrate the state's incredible wineries and the unique terroir that produces some of the world's finest Pinot Noir, along with many other varietals.

To celebrate, we're featuring a different Oregon winery for every Friday Night tasting in May. From the Willamette Valley to Southern Oregon, Oregon winemakers are dedicated to sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques, highlighting the best of Oregon's diverse wine regions.

Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore the world of wine, these wineries offer a taste of the best that Oregon has to offer. So grab a glass and join us in celebrating Oregon Wine Month!

May 3 - Roots Wine Company

Roots Wine Company, nestled in Yamhill County, Oregon, was established in 2002 by the passionate duo Chris Berg and his wife, Hilary. Their unwavering commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices is the heart of the winery. This dedication, coupled with their focus on crafting high-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and others, has earned them a great reputation both in and out of the wine industry. Beyond their estate-grown wines, Roots Wine Company also collaborates with other top vineyards in the Willamette Valley, showcasing their commitment to the community.

May 10 - Evesham Wood

Evesham Wood, located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of the Willamette Valley in Oregon, was founded in 1986 by Russ and Mary Raney. In 2010, the Raney’s passed the torch onto their longtime assistant, Erin Nuccio. Their dedication to organic farming practices is a testament to their respect for the land. Evesham Wood's range of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer truly reflect the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley. The winery's focus on minimalist winemaking techniques further enhances the expression of the valley's distinct wine characteristics.

May 17 - Timothy Malone Wines

Timothy Malone Wines is a small, family-owned and operated winery in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Tim is not only a great winemaker, he’s a hell of a musician (Berkeley trained) and an all-around good guy. He creates some of the best Pinot Noirs along with aromatic white wines that are as enchanting as the Willamette Valley itself. His winemaking practices are inspired by the Oregon forefathers, resulting in authentic wines that truly reflect the time and place they come from. Each sip is a journey through the valley's rich history and unique terroir. 

May 24 - McBeth Vineyards

McBeth Vineyards is situated on the southern edge of the Willamette Valley, just outside Eugene, Oregon. They produce a small lot of 100% estate-grown wine. Their Pinot Noir is made from a field blend of several different clones, bringing out the best of each. Their wines are known for their pleasant mid-palate fruit and easy-going aromas and flavors. These are perfect wines for those who enjoy a truly downhome, farmhouse-style wine.

May 31 - Oregon Classics

Oregon Brand Management will join us to pour five Oregon classics for our Friday Night wine tasting. This tasting will showcase the best of Oregon's wine heritage, highlighting some of the state's most iconic wineries. Join us as we close out Oregon Wine Month with an unforgettable evening of exceptional wines and celebrate the rich history and heritage of Oregon wine!

March Case of the Month

This case has everything you need as we start entering more spring-like weather. Several light, refreshing whites are perfect for sunny days, and some reds will keep you warm on the chilly nights we still have. This month’s case is only $220 (a $55 savings!!!). Check out the list below and come by to grab one. You will be very happy you did!

Avinyo Petillant Vi D’Agulla (SP)

Organically grown Macabeo and Xarel-lo. Very pretty with just a slight spritz, this is a fun starter wine with any app or just on its own because it’s amazing.

Crnko “Jarenincan” (SL)

This wild field blend has incredible minerality and aromas. It is clean and pure and should be in everyone's refrigerator. “…a serious wine for not-so-serious occasions.”

Triennes Rose (FR)

Made by some of the top Burgundian producers around, this organic pink is an annual favorite. Its refreshing blend of juicy red fruit, lemon, tart pomegranate, and balanced acidity is refreshing.

Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sorbara (IT)

This is not your typical Lambrusco; it is a lighter, more pink wine. The mousse is wonderful, and the palate is full of bright red fruit. Violets are throughout, making it a perfect pairing for your next charcuterie board.

Paolo Scavino Dolcetto D’Alba (IT)

One of our favorite producers in Piedmont, Paolo, makes a classic Dolcetto with rich, dark fruit and herbs. It is medium-bodied, has good intensity, and has a nice long finish.

Day Wines Infinite Air Castles (OR)

75% Gamay with 25% Dolcetto blended in. Loaded with lots of strawberries and plums. Plush mouthfeel and very well-balanced acidity.

Rutherford Hill Merlot (CA)

This is a classic California Merlot with cedar, dark red, and black fruit notes. It is plush on the palate with teeth-staining richness. Don’t get me wrong; there is balance there, but this is no pushover.

Deuce Cellars Syrah (WA)

Coming to us from the Walla Walla Valley, this dark plum Syrah is simply delicious. It’s everything you want from a WA Syrah: dark, chewy fruit with roasted coffee and cocoa powder notes.

Franco Serra Barbera D’Asti (IT)

Bright cherry notes pop from this great little pizza wine. Floral notes are strewn with herb and anise—great acidity on the lingering finish.

Biscarelle L’Histoire Continue (FR)

This amazing wine is just a stone's throw from their Chateauneuf du Pape property. Made from 100% organic Carignan, this wine over-delivers like no other. It's absolutely delicious.

La Fortuna Rosso Toscano (IT)

This is all Sangiovese from a top Brunello producer. It tastes a lot more expensive than it is. Bing cherry floats with chocolate undertones. It is super balanced, with a light dusting of tannins on the finish.

Les Capucins (FR)

This is mostly Syrah from the Languedoc region in southern France. It contains everything you want from these wines: sun-touched red fruit and herbal notes throughout the palate. It is wonderfully complex for a wine at this price point. There is nothing not to like. Cheers.