May 2024
WINE OF THE MONTH
Every month we give a little spotlight time to a hidden treasure, a wine we think you should meet (and hopefully fall in love with). To encourage the introduction, we offer the wine at 25% OFF the bottle price for the given month.
Domaine Chevallier 2021 Chablis
Burgundy, France // Reg $33.99 | 25% Off = $25.49
100% stainless-steel aged Chardonnay. Chalk, limestone on the nose followed by ripe golden apples, pears. Flavors of citrus, lime, more tree fruit. Complex. Great acidity. Long, fruity, limestone finish. Wonderful wine. Dinners featuring seafood or chicken or just pour a glass and go to heaven.
Pictured: Céline Chevallier, owner/winemaker, with her father.
JENS’ TOP PICKS.
Every month Portalis owner Jens Strecker picks 5-10 wines that he thinks are outstanding … for any reason he chooses. Here are his picks (not in a specific order) made with spring in mind.
Anselmi 2020 San Vincenzo
Veneto, Italy // Reg $19.99 | Mixed Case $15.99
Blend of 70% Garganaga, 30% Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc. "An expressive, creamy white offering flavors of blood orange granita, fresh tarragon and yellow peach. The ending is juicy." —winery notes. We agree completely with this description. Crazy-good wine!
Photo: Soave Castle pictured from Anselmi vineyards
Poliziano 2020 Lohsa Morellino di Scansano
Tuscany, Italy // Reg $18.99 | Mixed Case $15.19
Another wine from vineyards near the sea in southernmost Tuscany. Sangiovese/Cab blend. Nose is a spice garden in Tuscany. Cherries, black raspberries on the palate. Medium-bodied. Great, classic, Italian acidity. Made for food – from cioppino to grilled meats. "This is a great wine. This is Italy." –Jens
Hither & Yon 2020 Grenache/Mataro
McLaren Vale, Australia // Reg $28.99 | Mixed Case $23.19
Blueberries, blackberries, dark plums with a hint of eucalyptus on the nose. Medium-bodied. Add in raspberries on the palate. Smooth. Spicy mint on the finish. Fun. Ready. Drink and enjoy.
Photo: Hither & Yon 2023 harvest
Etienne Daulny 2022 Sancerre
Loire Valley, France // Reg $35.99 | Mixed Case $28.79
100% Sauvignon Blanc from the famous high-end region of Sancerre. White grapefruit, crunchy white peach, unripe pear. Fresh stones. Crisp, racy finish. Seafood. Goat cheese. Poultry.
Walla Walla Vintners 2023 Sangiovese Rosé
Walla Walla Valley, Washington // Reg $21.99 | Mixed Case $17.59
Cantaloupe & minerals on the nose. Flavors of raspberries, strawberries. Refreshing orange rind acidity. Good body with a nice, dry, crisp finish. Estate Sangiovese pictured.
Peju 2021 Chardonnay
Carneros, California // Reg $31.99 | Mixed Case $25.59
Nose = pineapple, pears, lime. Big nose. Flavors of pears, apples, stone fruit, earthy. Finishes with toffee, butter, rocky minerality. Acidity makes this wine! California's answer to Puligny.
Domaine Marion Pral 2022 Rosé
Beaujolais, France // Reg $21.99 | Mixed Case $17.59
100% Gamay. This rosé has settled beautifully, developing more depth of flavor than it had a year ago. It's still fresh and lusciously tart with flavors of crushed strawberries, currants.
Photo: Marion Pral & her husband Pascal Chatelus. Their family has been farming this land for several generations —importer’s notes.
Badenhorst 2022 Secateurs Chenin Blanc
Swartland, South Africa // Reg $21.99 | Mixed Case $17.59
Orange blossom, madarins, crushed rock. Very complex. Superb acidity. Flavors of citrus, unripe peach & mango. Wonderful, fresh, mouthwatering finish.
The Ned 2018 Pinot Noir
Marlborough, New Zealand // Reg $21.99 | Mixed Case $17.59
100% Pinot Noir from Marisco Vineyards in Waihopai Valley. “Fragrant aromas of raspberry, strawberry and red plum. This vibrant fruit core is underpinned by savory notes of green tea, spice and a delicious French oak toast.” —winery notes.
Brunely 2020 CDRV Massif d'Uchaux
Southern Rhône, France // Reg $19.99 | Mixed Case $15.99
AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d'Uchaux is a lesser-known wine growing region just to the north of the town of Orange.
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault - 50/30/15/5. Aromas of raspberries, dark cherries with some herbs. Taste of black plums, dark cherries, garrigue. Great acidity. Long finish. Fun wine.
Photo: Carichon family, 3 generations pictured.