Great Value Reds Mixed Case - December - January

Altos Las Hormigas Tinto (Mendoza, Argentina) - The Altos Las Hormigas Tinto is an exceptionally vibrant and distinctive red blend from Mendoza, Argentina, that consciously moves away from the typical heavy, oak-driven style of the region. The blend is a modern interpretation of an old-world tradition, primarily featuring Malbec and the high-acid Bonarda, with a touch of the white grape Semillon included specifically to enhance the aromatic complexity and lift the wine’s freshness. The resulting wine is bright ruby red in color and offers alluring aromas of ripe red fruits, predominantly raspberry and cherry, complemented by fascinating herbal notes, pink pepper, and a subtle suggestion of fresh tangerine rind. It is vinified and aged entirely in concrete vats, resulting in a medium-bodied palate that is juicy, finely textured, and characterized by a pure, clean finish that maintains a beautiful, refreshing acidity.

Je Deteste Merlot (France) - The Je Déteste Merlot is a compelling and deliberately playful pure Merlot from the IGP Gard region in the South of France. The name itself, which translates to "I hate Merlot," is a direct and humorous challenge to the notion that gained popularity in the early 2000s, often attributed to the film Sideways, that Merlot was somehow an undesirable or unsophisticated wine. This cooperative of growers is essentially poking fun at wine snobbery by proving that when Merlot is grown and vinified with care, it is a versatile and completely delicious grape that deserves appreciation. This tongue-in-cheek approach is paired with a wine that immediately presents with a soft, yet concentrated aromatic profile dominated by rich red and dark fruit notes, primarily ripe cherry, plum, and blackberry. Due to the high-quality vineyard sites near the Rhône river, the resulting wine maintains a beautiful freshness and a remarkably supple structure. The palate is medium-bodied and round, delivering those generous fruit flavors alongside a subtle hint of spice and a pleasant, gentle tannic grip. It is an honest and expressive bottling that offers an immediate sense of drinkability, and is designed to make anyone who tastes it quickly forget their prejudices and perhaps even exclaim, "J'aime le Merlot."

Quaramy Latido Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) - The name Qaramy, which means "Poetry" in the ancient Quechua language, reflects the winery's philosophy of expressing the unique character, tradition, and loyalty of their high-altitude terroir. Their operations are centered in the Los Árboles region of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, where their single vineyard is situated at an altitude of over 1,100 meters (about 3,770 feet) above sea level at the foot of the Andes Mountains.It displays a deep violet color and offers an attractive aromatic profile dominated by concentrated black fruit, primarily ripe plum and blackberry, often interlaced with savory notes of violet and a subtle graphite minerality. The palate is medium to full-bodied, delivering those rich dark fruit flavors with a smooth, velvety texture and well-integrated, soft tannins. While it maintains a sense of richness, it avoids heaviness, retaining a lively acidity that ensures a clean and long-lasting finish.

Montebuena Rioja (Spain) - This wine is a pure expression of the Tempranillo grape, and while it is made in a youthful style, it receives a brief period of aging—typically four months in French oak—that imparts a pleasing layer of complexity without dominating the fruit. On the nose, it offers a harmonious blend of ripe red cherries, plums, and redcurrants, complemented by classic savory notes of vanilla, clove, and tobacco spice derived from the oak. The palate is medium-bodied and notably smooth, showcasing a lovely silky texture that carries the generous red fruit and spice through a clean, persistent finish. It is an excellent example of a modern, value-driven Rioja that provides both the immediate drinkability of a Joven (young wine) and the subtle structure of a Crianza (oak aged) style.

In Situ Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Chile) - This delicious Cab is crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from estate vineyards situated on the upper hillsides of Paidahuen Hill and along the Aconcagua River.  This wine gets a Reserva designation to signify the oak ageing regimen - 12 months in 225-liter oak barrels, utilizing a blend of 50% French and 50% American oak.  The resulting wine displays a deep, intense red color with purple highlights. The aromatic profile is concentrated and multi-layered, presenting intense notes of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and ripe plum, which are seamlessly integrated with savory secondary aromas of vanilla, tobacco, and cedar spice from the year of barrel aging. The palate is full-bodied, well-structured, and boasts firm, polished tannins and a balancing acidity that drives the flavors through a long, elegant finish with a distinct black pepper and mocha lift.

Las Bas Viñas Viejas Garnacha (Spain) - This wine is produced exclusively from Viñas Viejas (Old Vines), a designation indicating vineyards of significant age that naturally yield fewer, yet highly concentrated, grapes. These vines thrive in poor, stony soils at high altitudes, which ensures the Garnacha maintains excellent natural acidity to balance its inherent richness.  It exhibits a deep, brilliant ruby color. On the nose, the primary red fruit character of the younger wine has evolved into complex, alluring secondary and tertiary notes, specifically dried strawberry, leather, tobacco leaf, and subtle tones of savory garrigue (wild herbs). The palate is full-bodied and soft, with the initially firm tannins having softened into a velvety texture. The wine delivers concentrated flavors of mature red berries, dark cherry, and a whisper of cocoa and spice, all preserved by the grape's natural density and high alcohol content. This wine is drinking perfectly now, showcasing the powerful structure and depth that only old, high-altitude Garnacha vines can provide.