| Producer | Highland Half Case |
| Country | Mixed |
| Region | Mixed |
| Varietal | Mixed |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 210000015969 |
| Size | 750ml |
FRÉDÉRIC ESMONIN,’LES MONTEVRIÈRES’, PINOT NOIR 2021, ARDÉCHE, FRANCE $15.99 (MIXED) This elegant young Pinot Noir is made by Frédéric Esmonin alongside his Grand Cru and Premier Cru Burgundies at his cellar in Gevrey-Chambertin. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Ardèche in the northern Rhône. Thus, while technically not a Burgundy, it delivers an exceptional amount of Burgundy-like style and flair at a great price. Deep ruby in color, it opens with an ethereal bouquet of subtle cherry and wild flowers, followed on the palate by boatloads of plummy, fresh, firmly structured black cherry, it’s richness and elegance evoke his higher end cuvées from Gevrey-Chambertin at an unbeatable price. While ready now, it has the structure for an additional one to two years of aging if desired.
LUBERRI ORLEGI, COSECHA 2021, RIOJA ALAVESA, SPAIN $14.99 Summer can be a tough time for red wine lovers, especially for those who love fuller bodied reds defines by maximum flavor and texture. Thankfully, a once ubiquitous style is becoming fashionable again: Rioja Joven. This category of un-oaked, young Riojas might just be the perfect full-bodied 'summer red'. Luberri is one of the premier producers of this style, coming from the Alavesa region, the smallest region of Rioja but the highest in elevation, this helps keep the wine fresh and bright. Yields are kept low to further concentrate the bright red fruit notes of cherry, raspberry.
ARNALDO CAPRAI, ‘ROSSO DI MONEFALCO’ 2019, UMBRIA, ITALY $22.99 (MIXED) Hailing from the landlocked, central region of Umbria, the village of Montefalco is home to one of the richest and most intense varietals known to man: Sagrantino. Like Cabernet Sauvignon on steroids, pure expressions are rare and need extensive aging prior to release; thankfully it is a happy blending partner with Sangiovese and Merlot, which help temper its harsh tannins making it more attainable and approachable. Aromas of blackberry, plum, dark cherry, bay leaf and chocolate. Full-bodied with firm, grainy tannins. Vibrant, with a chalky texture and a chewy finish with spicy chocolate undertones. Ideal companion to grilled sausages, steaks, cheeseburgers.
CHATEAU D’AUSSIÈRES, CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND SYRAH 2021, LANGUEDOC, FRANCE $15.99 With a wine producing history dating back to roman times, the wines of Languedoc have experienced a roller coaster ride over the years are riding high having been acquired in 1999 by the Rothschild family, who resurrected this small estate, replanting indigenous varietals and building a new winery in the cellar. A blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the palate is very pleasant, characterized by balance and harmony. Soft, elegant tannins coat the palate, accompanied by notes of smoked tea and cigar. Pair with flavors of Mediterranean cuisine: long peppers stuffed with tapenade, fig jam, etc.
ADARAS, ‘ALDEA TINTO’ 2021, CASTILLA-LA MANCHA, SPAIN $11.99 (MIXED) Bodegas Venta la Vega encompasses 225 ha of organically farmed vineyards in Almansa, where the high elevation (1200 m) and rocky limestone soils create distinct microclimates well suited for organic farming without needing to rely on chemical treatments. Winemaker José Ángel Martínez (of Envinate winery acclaim) works closely with legendary Bierzo oenologist Raúl Pérez to oversee every level of operations. ‘Adaras’ is the entry level offering from Venta la Vega, this delightful value does not disappoint! Garnacha tintorera is joined here by a touch of Syrah, yielding a mouthful of fresh red fruit, mineral undertones, and a touch of spice on a medium-bodied frame that finishes clean and vibrant, all with well-integrated tannins.
CANTINA ERMES ‘VENTO DI MARE’, NERO D’AVOLA 2021, SICILY, ITALY $13.99 Cantina Ermes is the largest grower of organic grapes in Sicily, their Vento di Mare label, meaning ‘sea breeze’, is a wine sourced from picturesque vineyards situated on the southern coast of Sicily, cooled by the frequent sea breezes. The grape Nero d’Avola is the most planted grape on the island and is best compared to Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of black cherry and strawberry but with a hint of smoke on the finish. This wine is bone-dry and has an easy finish making it a great ‘porch pounder’ and perfect with bbq chicken.
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