September/October 2025 Mixed Case Sampler

Lots of fun new wines that we think you'll have a great time tasting and sharing as we get into some cooler weather for fall. 

Caligore Grazioso Torrontes (Oregon) - This fabulous example of Argentina's signature white wine varietal pours a pale yellow with greenish reflections, offering a clean and bright visual impression that hints at its freshness. On the nose, it’s distinctly floral—think jasmine and orange blossom—with a lift of citrus terpene and subtle tropical fruit. A gentle prickle from a touch of residual carbon dioxide adds vibrancy on the palate, enhancing its crisp texture and giving it a lightly sparkling feel. The wine is medium-bodied but agile, with flavors of lime zest, white peach, and a whisper of lychee. 

Cantina Trabucco di Danilo Trabucco "Paradosso" White Primitivo (Italy) - Trabucco Paradosso 2024 White Primitivo is a striking example of a blanc de noir (white wine from red grapes), crafted from Primitivo grapes that are gently pressed and swiftly separated from their skins to yield a white wine of remarkable character. It pours a pale straw yellow with greenish reflections, hinting at its freshness and youth. On the nose, it bursts with tropical aromas—passion fruit, papaya, and lychee—intertwined with a subtle vegetal note reminiscent of tomato leaf. The palate is medium-bodied and sapid, offering a generous mouthfeel balanced by vibrant acidity and a mineral backbone derived from the volcanic soils of Monte Massico in Campania.

Medusa Espumante Branco Bruto (Portugal) - Medusa Espumante Branco Bruto is a vibrant sparkling wine from Portugal’s Bairrada region, crafted primarily from Maria Gomes and Bical grape varieties. It opens with exuberant floral aromas and notes of white-fleshed fruits, offering a fresh and elegant bouquet. On the palate, it is fruity and harmonious, with a crisp acidity that enhances its lively character. The wine’s fine bubbles and balanced structure make it an ideal companion for light appetizers, seafood, or simply as a refreshing aperitif and if you're a fan of Prosecco, we think you'll really love this one.

Sfera Rosato (Italy) – A vibrant, small-batch Nebbiolo rosé from Cocconato in Monferrato, Piemonte, crafted by the Crotin family using certified organic farming and low-intervention methods. It pours a deeper rose hue, hinting at its aromatic intensity and structure. On the nose, it offers a lifted bouquet of cranberry, pomegranate, and hibiscus, with subtle herbal and saline undertones that speak to its marine sand and tufo soils.  On the palate, it’s juicy and refreshing, with a gentle grip from 6–8 hours of skin contact and a creamy texture from six months of lees aging. The fruit is vivid but not sweet—think tart cherry and pink grapefruit—balanced by a savory edge and a clean, dry finish. Perfect for fall and cooler weather cuisine.

La Gerla Poggio gli Angeli Sangiovese (Italy) – La Gerla was founded in 1976 by the late Sergio Rossi, who purchased the property from the historic Biondi Santi family. He was one of the first 35 bottlers of Brunello di Montalcino.  Rosso di Montalcino wines, often called "Baby Brunello," are typically fresher, drink younger wines produced by Brunello producers.  With the price of the top Rosso di Montalcino wines now eclipsing $30, La Gerla has released Poggio gli Angeli, their "Baby Rosso." Still coming from the estate's own vineyards but aged for just 4 months in large Slovenian oak foudre (not long enough for DOC or DOCG status), it has an intense ruby color and offers a fine, fragrant nose bursting with notes of bright red cherry and wild berries. On the palate, the wine is fresh and harmonious, with a medium body, balanced acidity, and a velvety texture that is rich in clean, red fruit flavors. It finishes with a delicate minerality and a persistent, clean character, making it a perfectly approachable and food-friendly wine. 

McPrice Myers "High on the Hog" Red Blend (Paso Robles) - A vibrant and expressive wine that captures the spirit of California’s Central Coast. Bursting with macerated cherries, strawberry reduction, and sweet spice, the nose is lifted by notes of spring flowers, plum tart, melted licorice, and fresh herbs. On the palate, it delivers a juicy, exuberant entry with ripe black raspberry and currant flavors, accented by roasted sage and savory white pepper. The texture is medium to full-bodied, with earthy dark fruits and a mineral-laced finish that lingers gracefully. Crafted from a dynamic blend including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and Viognier, this wine is both approachable and complex—a tribute to family gatherings and the joy of living “high on the hog”.

Piekenierskloof Grenache Noir (South Africa) – The Piekenierskloof is a mountainous plateau located about 50 kilometers north of South Africa's famous Swartland region.  The region is often called "Grenache HQ" in South Africa because it is home to some of the country's oldest Grenache vineyards, including ungrafted bush vines planted as early as the 1950s used to produced this fantastic Grenache.  A bright, translucent ruby-red, lighter in color than a typical Grenache from a warmer climate but this lighter color does not translate to lighter in flavor!  Aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry are complimented complex savory notes of aniseed, cumin, and a distinct herbal or floral lift.  The tannins are gentle but present, providing a lovely texture. The acidity is bright and refreshing, driving flavors of juicy red berries and a long, slightly saline, mineral-driven finish.

Hook & Ladder Tillerman Red (Sonoma) - The Tillerman is a classic Bordeaux-style blend, often with a twist.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The "twist" it that it includes a small amount of Sangiovese, adding a bright, acidic lift to the blend, though the primary focus is on the core Bordeaux varieties. This blend showcases the power and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, the soft, fruity flavors of Merlot, and the savory, herbal notes of Cabernet Franc. A rich nose of dark fruits like blackberry, black cherry, and plum, layered with notes of baking spices, cedar, and a hint of dusty cocoa.   Flavors of ripe black currant, raspberry, and dark cherry are framed by polished tannins and a refreshing acidity, its a full-bodied California Red with a soft, velvety texture that's easy drinking with or without food.

Violet Hill Santa Barbara Pinot Noir (California) – The Violet Hill 2023 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is a smooth and elegant wine that beautifully expresses the cool-climate character of the region. On the nose, it offers a vibrant blend of red and purple berries, with aromas of fresh cherry and raspberry leading the way. These lively fruit notes are complemented by a hint of savory herbs, a touch of spicy cedar, and a subtle earthiness. On the palate, the wine is supple and velvety, with a balanced body and a refreshing acidity that makes it very approachable. The flavors echo the nose, presenting juicy red fruit with a nuanced complexity that hints at herbal tea and a whisper of spice on a clean, silky finish.

Oenops "Apla" Red (Greece) - A captivating blend of Xinomavro, Limniona, and Mavroudi sourced from the Drama region of northern Greece. It opens with a vivid nose of cherry, fresh berries, and a subtle touch of tomato leaf, offering a distinctly Mediterranean aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is smooth and fruit-forward, with Xinomavro lending a bright acidity and vibrant structure that keeps the flavors fresh and lively. There’s a gentle earthiness and a whisper of spice that adds depth, while the finish is clean and energetic, making it a versatile companion to grilled meats, cold cuts, or aged cheeses.

Chevallier Delaude Languedoc Rouge (France) -  A powerful and concentrated wine, yet it remains elegant and very well-balanced. It pours an inky, dark maroon color. On the nose, it offers a rich and compelling blend of ripe blackberry, black plum, and mulberry, beautifully complemented by complex savory notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and a hint of licorice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and robust, with a dense core of dark fruit and a rich, juicy succulence. The tannins are well-structured and silky-smooth, providing a firm backbone without being aggressive. It finishes with a long, satisfying complexity that echoes the dark fruit and a subtle, earthy minerality. - 95pts Decanter Magazine