Great Value Reds Mixed Case - Fall 2025

Heartland "Spice Trader" Cabernet Sauvignon (Australia) - The Spice Trader Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted by winemaker Ben Glaetzer in Langhorne Creek, Australia, reveals a deep purple core fading to a red rim, with an aromatic intensity that layers dry herbs, mint, and dark spices over a foundation of black fruit. On the palate, dense blackcurrant dominates, while pepper and sweet spice notes carry through to a long, expressive finish. Aged in a mix of French and American oak, the wine’s structure and complexity make it a natural match for grilled meats like ribeye or lamb chops, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, and hearty stews. Its earthy and spicy character also pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, and aged cheeses such as Gouda or sharp cheddar.

Caves Velhas "Romieras" (Portugal) - Caves Velhas Romeira Reserva is a smooth and well-balanced red wine from the Lisboa region of Portugal, crafted from a blend of native varietals including Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and Aragonez. It pours a defined garnet color with intense violet reflections, hinting at its depth and richness. On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle spice, complemented by toasty oak and a touch of smoke. The palate is juicy and harmonious, with soft tannins and a rounded structure that make it approachable and ready to drink. Notes of dark chocolate and earthy undertones add dimension, leading to a satisfying, lingering finish.

Oak Ridge Wines "Blazon" Merlot (California) - A bold and fruit-forward wine that showcases the richness of Lodi’s terroir.  Composed of 90% Merlot, 6% Petite Sirah, and 4% Petit Verdot, aged for 10 months in a mix of 63% French and 37% American oak. It opens with aromas of rich black fruit, chocolate, and baking spice, and delivers concentrated flavors of dried cherry and raspberry on the palate. The mouthfeel is plush and velvety, with round tannins and a balanced structure. The Blazon label itself is designed to highlight the interplay between bold Lodi fruit and oak aging, resulting in wines that are aromatic, approachable, and expressive.

Barbanera Nero di Troia (Italy) - The Nero di Troia grape, also known as Uva di Troia, is a native variety from Puglia, the "heel" of Italy's boot. Unlike the more famous local grapes, Primitivo and Negroamaro, Nero di Troia often ripens later, developing intense color, firm structure, and high tannin, which are all ideal qualities for cooler weather drinking. Barbanera's expression highlights the grape’s strengths: it pours a deep, intense red, offering a complex nose of dark fruits like blackberry and blackcurrant, layered with distinctive non-fruit notes of violet, spice, and a subtle balsamic or earthy character. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured with complex, velvety tannins that are refined but still noticeable.

Noah River Pinot Noir (California) - Winemaker Jamie Whetstone sources grapes from California’s cooler coastal regions allowing the grapes to develop a complex profile featuring a core of dark cherry, red raspberry, and dark cherry cola, beautifully complemented by secondary notes of fig, Asian spice, and a whisper of baker’s chocolate from measured French oak aging. This wine’s medium body and bright acidity make it exceptionally food-friendly, capable of standing up to the richer flavors of the season without being overpowering. 

Domaine de Couron Cotes du Rhone (France) - Crafted by a family estate that has farmed the land in Saint Marcel d'Ardèche for nine generations, this is their base tier Côtes du Rhône that never fails to over deliver.  Unoaked to preserve the purity of the fruit and the terroir it has a deep color and a robust, medium-to-full body with concentrated flavors of black cherry and black currant, complemented by classic Rhône notes of pepper, spice, and a distinctive hint of lavender or garrigue (wild herbs).