Imagine a sunny afternoon and a cold, crisp glass of wine in your hand.   It is Seattle so you may have to really use your imagination.  But any of these whites from Spain will bring the image into focus.  They all have lower alcohol and crisp acidity.  Block out a little time this weekend for a glass or two.

Naveran Cava Brut Reserva  $16
50% Xarello, 30% Macabeo, 20% Parellada
This grower Cava that spends 18 months on its lees adding greater body and complexity. It has aromas of yeast and a supple, tasty palate, with well-integrated bubbles, good acidity and freshness.  Organic
11.5% alcohol by volume

Alta Alella Mirgin Rosé Reserva Brut Nature  $19
100% Monastrell
Light and subtle pink color. Light and fresh on the palate, recalling the aromas of red fruit. Integrated bubbles and a delicate aftertaste.  Organic, Natural
12% alcohol by volume

Castillo Perelada Pescador Blanc  $11
60% Macabeo, 20% Xarello, 20% Parellada
Ever so slightly fizzy, this wine isn’t about complexity; it’s about chuggability. Both the nose and palate are dominated by bright, zippy lemon citrus and rocky minerality, like lemon water filtered through a rock garden and spritzed by salty sea breezes.
11.5% alcohol by volume

2020 Ot De Vins El Cep  $12
100% Estate Xarello
Still Cava!! Fresh pear and honeydew melon on the fragrant nose, along with a subtle floral nuance. Silky and open-knit, showing good depth and a touch of waxiness to the ripe orchard and citrus fruit flavors. The melon note comes back on a smooth, persistent finish that features a refreshing bitter orange zest flourish.  Vegan, Organic
12.5% alcohol by volume

2020 Pazo das Bruxas Albarino  $19
Seductive, with exquisitely fine floral (lime blossom) and fruit (lemon) notes against a backdrop reminiscent of quince jam. Intense and flavorful on the palate, with delicate, subtle fruit acidity.
13% alcohol by volume
2020 Adaras Lluvia Bianco  $11
60% Verdejo, 40% Sauvignon Blanc
An organic Spanish white wine from the Almansa region using grapes from the high altitude vineyards 850m above sea level. Clean and bright with a harmonious balance of the grapes, it shows aromas of tropical fruit and subtle notes of peach and apricot. The palate brings balanced complexity and an intense, long, fresh finish.  Organic
12.5% alcohol by volume

2020 Pago del Cielo Celeste  $16
100% Verdejo
Fresh, clean, and elegant Verdejo from the slopes of the Duero River. This wine possesses notes of lemon, peach, and mango with a soft herbaceousness from a dash of Sauvignon Blanc. Aging on the lees gives it a little extra body before the lengthy finish kicks in.  Vegan
13% alcohol by volume

2016 Molino Real Mountain Blanco  $17
Moscatel de Alejandría
A unique dry white.  This wine is made from 100% Moscatel de Alejandría sourced from two steep sites on slate slopes from 500m to 1,000m elevation. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and aged for 9 months. Yummy aromas of orange blossoms and citric overtones. The palate has substance yet is bone dry of good length.
13% alcohol by volume

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Memorial Day weekend kicks off the Summer.  And even though it seems like Spring really hasn’t arrived we are going to run with it and see if the weather will cooperate.  Even if the sun doesn’t break through the clouds, you still can enjoy these summery wines from Italy.

Two Lighter Reds

2020 Cala Civetta, Ciliegiolo  $14
Maremma
Ciliegiolo is a traditional Tuscan blending varietal here enjoying its own small spotlight in coastal Tuscany.  Fragrant and fresh with lots of energy and flavor, the woodsy potpourri aromas lead to a soft mouthfeel of plump cherry and red plum, generous flavors that linger on the stretchy taffy-textured finish.

2019 Casale del Giglio, Cesanese  $15
A tasty indigenous grape from Lazio.  Intense aromas of marasca cherry, followed by spicy notes of white pepper, black pepper and violet. The mouthfeel is soft, with persistent tannins and pronounced acidity.

Fresh Rosé

2020 Rivera Pungirosa, Bombinao Nero Rosato  $13
Boisterous aromas of red cherry, raspberry and pink grapefruit on the nose. The broad, juicy palate is an explosion of flavor, with a pleasing skin-tannin grip and zesty acidity countering it all.

Lively Whites

2019 Fattoria Svetoni, Opera  $12
100% Vermentino
Intense and persistent bouquet with notes of peach blossom, jasmine, and ripe white fruit. Well balanced and persistent that makes it fresh and pleasant

2020 Casale del Giglo, Satrico Bianco  $15
34% Chardonnay, 33% Sauvignon Blanc, 33% Trebbiano
From Lazio, this elegant blend reveals a fruity, lightly aromatic yet mineral nose, confirmed on the palate by a pleasing crispness and a lengthy finish.

You always need bubbles

Andreola, 26o Primo Prosecco DOCG  $19
Glera
Racy and elegant, this radiant sparkler offers aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and autumn orchard fruit. The dry, fruity palate is both smooth and crisp, featuring creamy white peach, ripe yellow pear and lemon zest alongside a polished perlage.

Wednesday-Sunday 12-6PM

Ever want the chance to see how a top level Châteauneuf ages without putting it in your cellar and waiting for 13 years?  Well today is your day.  Invite a few close friends and pop these two  side-by-side for a memorable evening.

2019 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau  $100
65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, Clairette, et al
If anyone tells you that Châteauneuf is just a big red that’s never elegant, then they need to taste this masterpiece of elegance. So many spicy and savory nuances on the very concentrated but almost perfectly proportioned palate. This is both joyful and serious at the very long, focused finish. Decades of aging potential! Drink or hold. — 97 pts James Suckling.

SOLD OUT –SORRY
2006 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau   $125
65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% Cinsault
The 2006 Châteauneuf du Pape La Crau from the Brunier brothers is a head-turner. Possessing the ever present seaweed/nori character that I almost always find in this cuvee, it has a beautiful core of currants, crushed rocks, tapenade and licorice-like aromas and flavors.  — 94 pts Wine Advocate –Only  2 bottles available.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Txakoli from Rexabal & Amestoi

Two of our favorite producers are back at the shop after a long absence. These fresh Basque, slightly sparkling, low alcohol wines are perfect for an afternoon treat or light fare meal.

2020 Rezabal Txakoli  $15
Hondarrabi Zuri
The Basque crisp white.  Fine bubbles with intense fresh fruit aromas of citrus and green apple and a salty finish. 11% alcohol by volume

2021 Rezabal Txakoli Rezabal Rosé  $15
Hondarrabi Belza
This vivacious rosé from the Basque region in northern Spain has lip-smacking acidity, wild strawberry, sea salt and fresh grapefruit impressions that make for a delicious thirst quencher. 10.5% alcohol by volume

2021 Amestoi Txakolina  $25
Hondarrabi Zuri
The subtle fruit, bright briny sea salt and vivacity found on the nose of Txacoli de Getaria makes way to a palate of sea-infused, mineral citrus notes followed by ginger, green apple and flowery aromas with the light fizz livening things up. The finish is fresh and as zesty as it gets.  Vegan. 11% alcohol by volume

2021 Amestoi Txakolina Rubentis     $25
Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Beltza
Charmingly light effervescence and electric acidity, the Rubentis brings forth zesty notes of blood orange, ruby red grapefruit, crushed green herbs, and white pepper, which mingle delicately with seaspray, salty citrus, and streaks of chalky minerality.  Vegan. 11% alcohol by volume

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

No beast in the center here.

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its legendary Labyrinth and the Minotaur who dwelt in the center of it. It is also know for making some superb local varietal wines that are soon to become legendary. We have amassed an array of wines from Lyrarakis and Alexakis wineries for you to wander through. They are amazing.

2018 Lyrarakis Legacy White $13
75% Muscat of Spina, 25% Vidiano
Bright and lively pale yellow color. Mature aromas of grapefruit and stone fruit with a presence of rose petals. Finely balanced with good acidity and plushy finish.

2018 Lyrarakis Vilana Pirovlikes $20
100% Vilana
The white grape variety Vilana is indisputably a classic of the vineyard of Crete. Citrus-fruit and flower aromas, full taste with a refreshing acidity are the characteristics of this wine, produced from vineyards at an altitude of 500m. Citrus and white-fleshed fruits with floral hints. Full body with good acidity.

2021 Lyrarakis Psardes $22
100% Dafni
The Dafní grape variety was saved from extinction by the Lyrarakis family, when it was planted in the “Psarades” family vineyard at 480m altitude in central Crete in the early ’90s. The wine has a distinctive aromatic Bay leaf & herbal character, refreshing mouthfeel and intense herbal aſtertaste, in a citrus fruit background.

2020 Lyrarakis Psarades Plyto $20
The Plytó grape variety was saved from extinction by the Lyrarakis family, when it was planted in the “Psarades” family vineyard at 480m altitude in central Crete in the early ’90s. An elegant wine, with clean fruity aromas of high intensity, a full and versatile mouthfeel, and a noble tannic style that balances its taste.

2020 Alexakis Assyrtiko $20
From the Alexakis winery this Assyrtiko’s bouquet displays aromas of passion fruit, mango and citrus. It has a balanced taste with crispy acidity and a characteristic minerality around the palate and a long and lasting finish.

2017 Lyrarakis Legacy Red $15
25% Kotsifali, 75% Syrah,
Delicate balance highlighted by blueberries, sweet spices and fresh herbs. Rich and soft with fruity flavors, elegant tannins and piquant aftertaste.

2016 Lyrarakis Karnari Kotsifali $25
100% Kotsifali, an indigenous variety that results in pale red wines with rich flavor. The Karnari estate vineyard is located in central Crête, at 250 meters above sea level. Its sweet fruit and spice notes are developed over long ageing in used barrels. The noble influence of oxygen, both in the aroma and flavor of the wine, is well integrated, providing complexity and stability to the wine.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

La Biòca

La Biòca is a small winery in the Langhe region.  “Biòca” comes from the Piedmont’s dialect and is used to describe a decisive person often with a “tough head”. The vineyards are situated in the villages of Monforte d’Alba and the winery is located in Fontanafredda subzone of Serralunga d’Alba. We recently picked up two of their Cru wines at attractive prices.

2016 La Biòca, Ronchi Barbaresco  $32
Nebbiolo
Cru Barbaresco.  Ruby colored with garnet tints, the nose has luxurious dark cherry and raspberry fruit mixed with herbal notes. The palate is intense, with savory fruit, earth notes and fine tannins.
Was $40 now $32

2015 La Biòca, Aculei Barolo  $35
Nebbiolo
Drinking well already for a Barolo this young.  Crushed roses, leaves and wild herbs with notes of maraschino cherries and fresh tobacco, leading to a palate that has a smooth and succulent array of ripe red-berry flavors and smooth, firm tannins.
Was $45 Now $35

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

2015 Gerard Bertrand, Art de Vivre Rouge  $15
Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre
Oddly packaged in a ceramic bottle.  The Vivre has some nice Balsamic notes that adds a touch of class to the black cherry, red plum and wild raspberry notes of this juicy red, with savory touches of mineral and herb on the clean finish.
Was $20 Now $15

Wednesday-Friday, 12-6PM

Warm the hearts of those Mothers in your life with a bouquet of cold, crisp pink.

2018 Miraval Studio Rosé  $12
40% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 20% Tibouren,
IGP Mediterranee
Notes of summer red fruits, some ripe peach and a little spice, before a really well-balanced palate with more red fruits and a mouth-watering finish.
Was $17 Now $12

2020 Les Quarte Tours Classique Rosé  $14
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aix en Provence
Ripe strawberry flavors contrast with the zesty acidity and lemon freshness. A blend of four grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is lightly textured, touched by pepper and ready to drink

2020 Château Terrebonne Côtes de Provence Rosé  $13
25% Cinsaut , 15 % Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Ugni Blanc, 10% Vermentino
A crisp Provence Rosé Intense nose of fresh strawberry, small red fruits and white peach. Round on the palate, this rose is well balanced thanks to its pleasant acidity.
Was $16, now $13

2020 Brertaini Bertarose  $18
50% Corvina, 30% Molinara, 10% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella
Fresh aromas of pomegranate and redcurrants with notes of white flowers. Decisive on the palate, good body and good balance between acidity and tanginess. Excellent length.

2020 Caringole La Croix Belle Rosé  $11
50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
Their Caringole Rose is a harmonious blend of Grenache and Syrah; it has intense aromas of fresh rose petals and ripe pears, with soft tannins and good acidity.

2021 DuBoeuf Beaujolais Rosé Nouveau  $10
Gamay
This 2021 Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé has aromas or red berries and freshly- squeezed citrus fruits, with a hint of candy. The palate is delicate, light and refreshing. This is a delicious expression of Georges Duboeuf’s fourth vintage of Nouveau Rosé.
Was $15 Now $10

2020 Christophe Avi Agenais Rosé  $13
80% Cab Sauvignon,  20% Cabernet Franc
A little known AOC from the Southwest of France. This Rosé is aged a bit in old casks, and is redolent of red currants, fresh cherry, tangy watermelon, orange blossom and lime leaf. It feels generous in the middle and finishes with dusty minerality and a nice sense of grip. It’s fun to drink, refreshingly dry,  Organic

2021 Gönc Cuvee Anna Rosé  $18
50% Žametna Črnina, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Grigio, 10% Blaufränkisch
Slovenia
An Unusual and delicious 4Rosé from Slovenia.  Aromas of wild berries, strawberries, melon, and peaches conspiring to take over the orchard.  The palate has a nice sting of a slap bracelet wrapped around your tongue with bright fruit and a refreshing mineral zap.  Hand Picked, Vegan

2021 Domaine de Châteaumar Perle de Rosé  $19
90% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
From a solid Châteauneuf producer.  A nose of macerated strawberries, raspberries, and peaches, with a faint earthy and peppery base, comes together with a fresh clay minerality on the soft, round, and slightly weighty palate. Well-integrated ripe cherry skin acidity is key in retaining this sturdy rosé’s balance and freshness.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

Hard to pass up.

2018 Château des Moulins, Médoc  $12
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Not a flash in the pan, Château des Moulins has been owned by the same family for 6 generations. It is located in the Village of Vertheuil next the Abbey.  This Bargain Bordeaux is a floral, polished, and spicy wine. Elegant, juicy, medium bodied and lusty on the palate, with plenty of dark red berries and thyme to go around.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM

A couple of deals from the two ends of Italy slipped in the door this week.  You might want to come grab some before they slip out.

2017 Terredora Di Paolo Aglianico  $12
Campagnia
A cleanly made Southern Italian wine.  Red cherries, fresh herbs, red licorice and walnuts come to the fore. Steely and vibrant with driven acidity and a sour-cherry finish.
Was $18 now $12

2015 Fugazza Romeo Gutturnio Reserva  $25
65% Barbera, 35% Croatina
From the border between Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna.   Intense bouquet of black fruitsand spices, and an earthy note. The palate shows a rich mouthfull of blackcherry and peppery flavors, together with a light oakiness.
Was $35 Now $25

Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6PM