Riesling of a Certain Age
2010 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett (Dr. Fischer)
Sale Price $15.99 – $163.10 case of twelve
The Saar River region is known for its lively, light-as-a-feather Rieslings, but within this lightness surges a strength of flavor. Austere upon release, the good ones take a few years to achieve their full expression. That is why we like the Ockfener Bockstein wines from Dr. Fischer. This 2010 is a gorgeous, classic Riesling Kabinett with an interplay of ripe fruit and salty minerals, and a zesty finish. Also just arrived is the exquisite 2006 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese.

Piesporter’s Golden Slope
2012 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese (Bollig-Lehnert)
Sale Price $15.99 – $163.10 case of twelve
Goldtröfpchen is a great Mosel vineyard. With its southern exposure, this site gets ripe grapes in almost every vintage. The 2012 Spätlese from Bollig-Lehnert has dreamy, honey-dripping apple fruit and then a firm whack of crisp acidity to keep it in wonderful balance. This is an incredibly delicious wine to have with cheese, nuts, and fruits.

Gewürztraminer
2011 Bechtheimer Stein Gewürztraminer Spätlese (Machmer)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
The Machmer Gewürztraminer Spätlese has returned again to deliver its wonderful combination of spiciness and fruitiness. The 2011 has a smooth body and a long, lingering finish.

Silvaner
2012 Silvaner ‘Old Vines’ (Dr. Heyden)
Sale Price $9.99 – $101.90 case of twelve
We should further point out that not all German white wines are Riesling. This is a fresh, dry, mineral-laden Silvaner from the Rheinhessen. Try with all kinds of seafood and generous summer salads.

Rosé of Pinot Noir
2012 Rosé de Pinot Noir (Petit Bourgeois)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
The Sancerre producer Henri Bourgeois has a value line called Petit Bourgeois. The grapes are sourced from a single village outside Sancerre. The Petit Bourgeois Rosé of Pinot Noir is a lively, crisp, dry rosé with the barest hint of fruit. This will be lovely with a cold salmon dish with dill, fresh peas, and potato salad.

Rosado of Muga
2012 Rioja Rosado (Muga)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
Rosés from Spain’s Navarra and Rioja regions go farther back than the current fashion for pink wine. Muga’s 2012 is a gorgeous mix of the lightly pressed red Garnacha grape with a splash of white Viura to keep it lively. This is a fine match with a pork roast with lots of garlic and smoky paprika.

Rosé of Chidaine
2012 Touraine Rosé (Chidaine)
Sale Price $12.99 – $132.50 case of twelve
In 2012 Francois Chidaine’s version of a Loire Valley rosé involves more than just the Grolleau and Pinot Noir grapes listed on the label. Because of a dearth of grapes he blended in small amounts of Cot, Pineau d’Aunis, and Cabernet Franc. The result is a refreshing, earthy, dry rosé with a hint of clove spice and plum fruit.

In the Loup
2012 Vin de Pays du Val de Montferrand ‘Le Loup dans la Bergerie’ (Jean Orliac)
Sale Price $9.99 – $101.90 case of twelve
Like the Touraine Sauvignon above, this wine is an impeccable value. This southern French blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Merlot is fresh, fragrant, and fruity. And it will go with anything.

Rhone
2010 Côtes du Rhone (Château Cambis)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
2010 is a great Rhone vintage, so we were glad to grab this bold beauty. The 2010 Château Cambis is a fifty/fifty blend of Grenache and Syrah, which explains its rich fruit and its spicy kick. Try this with grilled lamb chops and a pepper puré.

Encore
2009 Puisseguin Saint-Emilion (Château Côtes de Saint Clair)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
We sold out of this a few months ago, but were able to get one final shipment. The 2009 vintage in Bordeaux is known for its ripeness, and the Côtes de Saint Clair is an exquisitely ripe Merlot-based Bordeaux with fine body and a rich, smooth finish.

The Champ of Saumur
2011 Saumur-Champigny ‘Les Poyeux’ (Cave de Saumur)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
The Loire Valley appellations of Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny form the triangle of Cabernet Franc. Nowhere else in the world is this grape variety produced in such quantity and quality. Plus the wines are surprisingly inexpensive. The Cave de Saumur has some constituent holdings in Les Poyeux, a fabulous lieux-dit in Saumur Champigny. The 2011 is an archetypal Cabernet Franc with firm gripping tannins, herb-tinged fruit and a wonderful food-friendly nature. This is a fine summer red for chicken wings off the grill á la Buffalo.

Hi Ho Rhone Ranger
2011 Central Coast Red ‘Maxtap Cuvée’ (Qupé)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
It was a pleasure to finally meet Bob Lundquist, one of California’s original Rhone Rangers, the legendary producers with a bug for the reds Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, plus an elevated interest in the whites Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier. He poured us his latest red, the Maxtap Cuvée, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Mourvèdre. We adored its refined balance plus its peppery, fruity wholesomeness. Try this with slow-cooked pork ribs and a spicy slaw.

Berliner Weisse
2013 Summer Berliner Weisse (White Birch Brewing)
Sale Price $3.99 per 22 oz. – $44.99 case of twelve
Summer starts now with this wonderfully fresh German-style sour wheat ale. White Birch Brewing in Hooksett, New Hampshire brews this Berliner Weisse with Lactobacillus for the refreshing sour taste. Traditionally Berliner Weisses are sweetened, just before drinking, with a dash of fruit liqueur. With this full-flavored ale that practice is not necessary, but try it if you like.