Apologies for being somewhat MIA of late, but this being mid-summer there hasn't been much to report. So I let things build up until there was something substantial to present to you. Here it is!
NEW WHITES:
Torres 2012 Vina Sol @ $10.99
From Catalunya, a fresh, fruity blend of Parellada and Garnacha Blanca
Damilano 2013 Arneis @ $14.99
Made by a top Piedmont producer, dry and fresh with delicate, elegant flavors and a slight aftertaste of almonds
Suavia 2013 Soave Classico @ $13.99
100% Garganega from the Veneto, fresh, fruity, and easy to drink
Castello di Luzzana 2013 Tasto di Seta @ $13.99
100% Malvasia di Candia from the rolling hills of the Colli Piacentini in Emilia Romagna, with an intense aromatic and floral nose, balanced and soft on the characteristically fragrant palate, with excellent length
Ginglinger 2012 Riesling @ $16.99
An Alsace Riesling that is peachy and rich yet earthy and dry, with tantalizing mineral flavors
(new vintage) Palliser Estate 2013 Sauvignon Blanc @ $17.99
classic Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, fresh, lively, and overflowing with flavor, citrus and gooseberry notes with bright, racy acidity
Vico 2013 Vermentino @ $19.99
A beauty from Corsica, rich and oily yet refreshing and bright, with notes of almonds, fresh herbs, and brine
Batasiolo 2012 Roero Arneis @ $19.99
Another version of this white grape from Piedmont, this one fresh, fruity, and herbal, with a slightly bitter aftertaste
St. Michael-Eppan 2013 Schulthauser Weissburgunder @ $20.99
A Pinot Bianco from one of the finest co-ops in the Alto Adige, with aromas of lemon, honeydew, and apricot laced with minerality and a core of acidity that provides lift to the elegant and clean finish
(new vintage) Xavier Flouret 2013 Sancerre @ $20.99
classic Sancerre, with lemon zest, honeysuckle and mineral notes that race along, with mouthwatering acidity driving the finish
Barbanau 2012 Cassis @ $20.99
From the heart of Provence, a blend of Marsanne, Clairette Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc that is citrusy, almost briny, with great character and flavor
(new vintage) Abbazia di Novacella 2013 Kerner @ $20.99
100% Kerner from the Sudtyrol region of Italy, highly aromatic, with notes of peaches and apples and a hint of mango on the nose, and quite full on the palate, its opulence cut by bright acidity
Meuliere 2012 Chablis @ $22.99
An appealing Chablis with elderflower and cooking apple fruit aromas perfectly blended with a classic and distinctive mineral edge
Rijckaert 2010 Chardonnay "En Paradis" @ $23.99
A single-vineyard Chardonnay from the Arbois, lightly oxidized, showing a great line of tangy, juicy green and white fruits overlaid by pineapple acidity and a refreshing lemon-zest aftertaste
(new vintage) Domaine Cheveau 2013 Pouilly-Fuisse @ $27.99
a pure expression of the appellation, offering honeyed, white peach characters, juicy fresh pineapple and a warm nuttiness that exudes charm and character
(new vintage) Occhipinti 2013 SP68 Bianco @ $29.99
a blend of two obscure Sicilian varietals, Albanello and Moscato di Alessandria, with a a floral, aromatic complexity from the Moscato while the Albanello adds structure
Kumeu River 2010 Chardonnay @ $39.99
Made by New Zealand's first Master of Wine, Michael Brajkovich, complex Chardonnay with many layers of flavor, all attractively woven together
NEW REDS:
Gonnet 2012 Ventoux @ $11.99
From the left bank of the Rhone, a Grenache/Syrah blend with A beautiful nose of concentrated, ripe strawberry fruit accompanied by a touch of spice with supple tannins and a peppery finish
Monsecco 2012 Croatina @ $18.99
100% Croatina (aka, Bonarda) from the Piedmont, light, bright and refreshing
Raats 2012 Cabernet Franc @ $18.99
Produced by South Africa's specialists in Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, an elegant version of the varietal that shows a nose of concentrated, ripe strawberry fruit accompanied by a touch of spice with supple tannins and a peppery finish
(new vintage) Talbott Kali Hart 2012 Pinot Noir @ $19.99
all estate-grown fruit from a top Monterey producer, racy and bright, with full red fruit flavors and a zingy finish
Sonoma-Loeb 2012 Pinot Noir @ $20.99
From a winery now owned by the Chappellet Winery, a vibrant and supple Pinot with stunningly pure aromas and flavors of cherries, raspberries, smoke, tea, and herbs
Conterno 2009 Langhe @ $26.99
Made by Piedmontese great Aldo Conterno (who died in 2012), mostly Freisa with some Cab and Merlot blended in, round and silky, balanced and long, with a kick of both acidity and tannins keeping the cherry, raspberry and earth flavors focused and pure.
(New vintage) Poseidon Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir @ $29.99
formerly packaged under the Molnar Family Vineyards label, a single-vineyards Pinot providing a classic expression of the varietal with floral notes of lavender and violets as well as hints of cherry cola and sandalwood
(new vintage) Occhipinti 2013 SP68 Rosso @ $29.99
a blend of two native Sicilian grapes, Frappato and Nero d'Avola, fresh, bright, and surprisingly complex, with aromatics of raspberries, cherries and wild herbs
SamSara 2012 Pinot Noir @ $32.99
From the Santa Rita Hills in the western reaches of Santa Barbara County, a Pinot with radiant red fruit, flowers, and sweet spices made in an immediately engaging style
NEW ROSES:
Morel 2013 Tavel @ $17.99
A six-grape blend with a nose of ripe fruit and a red fruit-dominated palate that is rich and complex
Bisson 2013 Ciliegiolo @ $18.99
From Liguria, made from a red grape that is only rarely seen, with flavors of red berries and wild cherries, only 400 cases imported to the U.S. annually