Three Wines We're Loving: Rhone, Sicily, Champagne
While summer often brings fewer Northwest wine new releases, that means we get to step up our tastings of wines from the rest of the world. Today's trio is connected by the simplest of threads: we've been tasting -- okay, drinking and loving -- them and want to share the fun with you. From Rhone Syrah to Sicilian red to Champagne, all three are four thumbs up from us!
Beautiful northern Rhone Syrah:
Domaine Durand Cornas Premices 2016
Beautiful northern Rhone Syrah:

$34.15 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order
($37.95 regular)
94 points Wine Spectator: "Warm fig, blackberry and black currant fruit gives this a decidedly dark profile, while licorice root, dark olive and bay leaf notes score the finish. A tarry edge adds grip and length. Shows range and depth, and begs for cellaring. Best from 2021 through 2035."
Us: An outstanding Syrah, our only quibble with the note above is that we think this is drinking rather wonderfully right now.
$35.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order
($39.95 regular)
94 points Vinous: "Lively clean aromas and flavors of violet, chocolate and ripe red cherry and spicy dark plum. Rich dense and downright luscious on the long finish. This is fast becoming one of the best wine's in Gulfi's lineup; they rarely make a Cerasuolo di Vittoria that isn't at least outstanding."
Us: We love the intensity and darkness here, and the perfect partnership between rustic intrigue and pure polish. Gulfi is crushing it right now!

Champagne!
$53.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($59.95 regular)
My Champagne of choice, for special occasions large (birthdays, anniversaries) and small (Friday night, when you've earned an awesome bottle of Champagne). I've bought a case each year for the past four and I hoarded them, attempting to have only one bottle each month...it's hard with a Champagne this fabulous. Bright, racy and loaded with energetic brilliance. - Marcus
We're looking forward to helping you with an order. Thanks for your support!
Marcus and Andy