Nick’s Picks – June 2026

Value $104

Discount Price $89

Pierre Finon La Gardienne Syrah - $22

100% 25-Year-Old Vine Syrah from Northern Rhone, France.  Anyone who places Syrah in their Rolodex of Red Wine romances should have a gooey spot for Rhone, and this is fabulous plush and friendly iteration designed for many.  Blackberries, black raspberries, melted stone, and spontaneous crackles of black pepper show beautifully in this glass, on a palate of full fruit and a bit of molasses, all wrapped up tightly in a stream of acidity that thins out every sip to make it so drinkable it is borderline refreshing.  We like Syrah here, and you will too.

Coste di Brenta Cerasuolo Rose - $19

Dry Rose of Montepulciano from Abruzzo, Central Italy.  This bottle of tandem-running pleasure and complexity is even more pretty on the inside.  Maraschino cherry and underripe strawberry lead this whimsical charge with citrus zest and pretty herbal robes of tea and tarragon following, blooming onto a persistent yet refreshing subtle palate of creamy but spritely acidity.  This wine is as if a bottle of Provence had a romantic vespa-laden weekend in Italy.

Villa St Jean Picpoul de Pinet - $17

100% Picpoul Blanc from Languedoc-Roussillon, Southern France.  It is preposterous how much this wine gets overlooked this time of year, as it’s clear upon first it was divinely inspired for summer drinking.  Honey bruised pear and apple fruitiness gets instantly freshened up with lively white flowers and big generous lick of salt, flipped perfectly on a soft and thin palate with mouth gushing refreshing acidity to leave you tempted for gallons more.  We’ll oblige, just do it with friends in the sun.   

Encostas D' Alqueva Lisboa Red – $13

Touriga Nacional, Castelao, Alicante Bouschet from Lisbon, Southern Portugal.  The perfect essence of affordable Portugal: fresh, plush, cheap and cheerful, and as perfectly friendly as you’re going to get.  Black fruit and plum play with some caramel and vanilla notes from decent oak, with a dash or two or pepper spice and tanned earthy leather thrown in on top of a bright and vibrant easy palate and thin well-integrated tannins.  This might be your new summer fling for outside time.

Garibaldi Vero Brazil Brut Rose - $16

Charmat Method Dry Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Serra Gaucha, Brazil.  Quite the adorable little showstopper this Dry sparkler is, and from a fascinating part of the world for wine.  Tangerine and lemon citrus, crunchy and plump red berries, and a flirtatious kiss of strawberry candy all come through a zippy palate softened by round fuzzy frothy bubbles.  Prosecco, crémant, Provence rose, whatever you end up forgoing, it will be for this bottle.

Bayede Chenin Blanc B Royal - $17

100% Unoaked Chenin Blanc from Western Cape, South Africa.  Although good Chenin from South Africa has perfect utility for refreshing sunny weather porch pounder, this one takes it one delicious step further.  Pear, gala apple, and a burst of ripe tropical pineapple pour out of the glass.  And though the acidity is bright and refreshing, there is a lush roundness that almost lends to sweet ripe fruit and surprising complexity.