Great Value Reds Mixed Case - May 2023

Le Garenne Pinot Noir (France) – La Garenne is the value brand from Loire Valley powerhouse family Reverdy and really over-delivers.  The wines are all sustainably farmed, dry-farmed, hand crafted, low sulfur, no additives and utilize native yeasts.  The Pinot Noir is aged for 10 months in French oak before release.  Try to find all that from a California producer for less than $20!  A nose of red berries, black berries, and hints of iris flowers, with a palate that is light bodied yet very flavorful.  Notes of soft tannins cushioned by generous fruits and balanced by red-cherry acidity and earthy/minerally undertones.

Evolucio Blaufrankisch (Austria) – Scientific DNA testing now tells us that Blaufrankisch originated in Slovenia, but now is one of Austria’s signature red wine varietals and accounts for a large proportion of production in the country’s production (2^nd most widely planted behind Zweigelt).  Juicy, red berry fruit with notes of earth and warm spices on the nose. The rich (but not jammy or heavy) fruit is balance by lively acidity, more farm-y soil, and a clean finish on the palate.

Bodegas Olivares “Tinto” Monastrell (Spain) - Bodegas Olivares are a family-run winery in the sunny region of Jumilla in the south-east of Spain, where Monastrell is king.  This is a rework of the classic “GSM” blend, with the local Monastrell (AKA Mourvedre, or Mataro) taking the lead role to make an MGS. The wine has sun-drenched summer fruit with a fresh, breezy acidity from the high altitude in which it’s grown. With sweet, swarthy berries and an exotically spiced finish, that exceptionally easy drinking and will disappear fast.

Almarada Malbec (Argentina) – Winemaker Antonio Mas has devoted his grape-growing career to studying the different clones of the varietals that he works with and is considered one of the region’s foremost experts on Malbec grapes.  Aromas of blackberry, plum and cherry fruit with hints of cedar and mocha.  The intense and full bodied palate tastes of black plum, dried cranberry and chocolate with medium weight, velvety tannins.

Peirano Estate “Heritage Collection” Old Vine Zinfandel (California) – Lance Randolph was the 4^th generation of the family to farm the 300 acre Peirano Estate in Lodi, and made his first wines from the family vineyard in 1992.  Three decades and many awards later, the Peirano Estate is producing some of the area’s most delicious, yet affordable wines.  Produced from 100 year old Zinfandel vines the initial whiff of this seductive wine produces aromas of spiced blackberry, plum, dried cherry and baking spices. On the palate you get an initial sensation of luscious, juicy, freshly-picked ripe blackberries and freshly baked blackberry pie, lightly spiced. The second sip explodes with sweet ripe black cherries, black licorice, black plums and black pepper with moderate tannins and juicy acidity.

Sand Point Cabernet Sauvignon (California) – The Sand Point wines from the Lange Twins winery are amazing wines for just $11, and their Zin has been one of our best sellers, but the new vintage of their Cabernet may be our current favorite of the lineup.  The intense aroma of fig, black pepper, and eucalyptus are complimented on the palate with strong fruit forward flavor. Firm, polished tannins support the long, surprisingly polished finish.  Certified Green & Sustainable!