Spirited Saturday - Summer Reds

2021 Kiona Lemberger, Red Mountain, Washington State

On sale: $17 per bottle

An intrinsically drinkable cult classic over the last 40+ vintages, Kiona Estate Lemberger revels in its unorthodoxy. This compelling, medium-bodied, fruit-forward bottling pairs easily with food, offering a rewarding break from the mundane. An extremely gentle neutral oak èlevage for the 2021 version translates to minimal oak influence, allowing the fruit to shine.

2019 Marques de Caceres Crianza Rioja, Spain

On sale: $16 per bottle

A ruby red color of medium intensity. Complex aromas of black fruits, combined with balsamic notes and delicate, fine, well balanced oak. The nuances play a skilfully harmonious game. Gentle bouquet of fine leather with a touch of peppermint adding to the freshness in tasting.

2021 Domaine de la Bêche Morgan, Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, 

Cru Beaujolais, France

On sale: $16 per bottle

This comes from 27 acres of 70+year-old vines growing across Morgon’s six climats. All the grapes are de-stemmed and fermented with indigenous yeast. Most of the wine is raised in very large, old foudres of 5- and 6,000-liters for nine to ten months, while about 5% is aged in older 225-liter barrels. This is an especially dense, dark Morgon. No fining; light filtration at bottling.

2023 G. D. Vajra Clare J.C. Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy

On sale: $20 per bottle

Produced with grapes from younger vines of Nebbiolo, Claré JC is our take on the forgotten days of Nebbiolo, when it was vinified and enjoyed in its lighter and fresher garment. The winemaking protocol follows the 1606 writings of G.B. Croce.

2022 Paltrinieri ‘Solco’, Lambrusco dell’Emilia, Italy

On sale: $16 per bottle

 Lambrusco is making a comeback, at least when it's made by a serious artisan producer like Paltrinieri and is this good. This is an off-dry version made with the Salomino grape variety. A joyfully effervescent red, with a touch of sweetness balanced by lovely fresh acidity, it is a wonderful food wine. With pizza, there may be nothing better.