Nick’s Picks – July 2025

Value $101

Discount Price $86

Puerta de Toledo Cabernet Tempranillo - $17

50/50 Cab-Temp from Castilla, Spain.  A fabulous showing of both youth and time, this dry red is quite the find.  A scrappy tight little profile of black pepper, brambly blackberries, worn leather, with grippy tannins and spicy acidity, with only a few minutes in the glass opens into much more with and blue flavors, fresh red florals, organic earthiness, and a supple satisfying structure. 

Ruth Fernandez Rose - $28

78% Bobal and 22% Garnacha Oak-Aged Rose from Ribera del Jucar, Spain.  This is quite the serious transcendence from Provencal Summer drinking rose.  Bursts of raspberry and cherry set the stage here, but that’s only the beginning.  Lovely sparks of river stone minerality and touch of nutmeg spice sprinkle of top of lemon peel, all tumble onto a palate that is both crisp and refreshing but has this robust phenolic fullness that brings the seriousness into fruition.  Think if Whispering Angel was unique, a thinker, and absolutely delicious.

Chateau de Paraza Minervois Rouge - $17

40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre from Languedoc, France.  Want to equip a warm weather red but don’t want to give up French complexity?  This is the jam.  A wall of black cherry and raspberry stands tall next to one of dried Provencal herbs and black/red licorice, tied together with a bridge of forest floor earthiness.  There is present tannic structure to be sure but still makes for a super easy palate flowing with juiciness and easy silky structure.

Viejo Feo Chardonnay - $12

From Maule Valley, Chile.  This cute little thing tells a tale of juicy freshness more than anything.  Minimal oak allows more tropical fruits like pineapple and melon to emerge, with citrus, fresh corn, and a little river stone aromas bringing up the rear.  Round enough on the mouth to carry the fresh fruits home with acidity to balance everything refreshingly out perfectly in the mouth.  There is indeed a Chard for all seasons, and this one is certainly built for people who want warmer months.

Domaine de Nizas Les Clos Rose - $15

40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 30% Mourvedre.  Any Provence lover will be positively giddy for this one.  A body just full enough to hold all its flavors, with acidity so bright yet perfectly blended it feels like every atom of it was meant to be there, all lifting up a unique flavor combination of wild strawberry, lime zest, tangerine, and fresh rock salt minerality.

Vale dos Pombos - $12

Loureiro, Arinto, and Trajadura from Portugal.  Indeed, the perfect Summer Banger.  Juicy peaches and tropical fruit, fresh citrus, low alcohol, naturally effervescent, refreshing beyond belief and eternally drinkable.  Don’t call it a comeback; this baby never left.