Over the years, we've been lucky enough to form relationships with some pretty incredible wine folks. One of our dearest friends is Frederick Corriher, who for years hooked us up with some seriously delicious values from importer Robert Kacher. After learning from one of the greats, Frederick set off to form his own import company, Route des Vins, focusing on his old stomping grounds of the Rhone and its environs.

In short...Frederick is a "guy". As in, "I know a guy..." like when your friends ask if you know a place to get some delicious juice, you say, "I know a guy... go see the Wine Guys at Chapel Hill..." So when I mentioned to Michael that I was looking for some Chateauneuf du Pape on the sly, some delicious juice without the price tag, Michael said... I know a guy - Frederick! Sourced from prime vineyards in southern France, the lineup from Trois Amis is made only for Frederick by some friends of his in Chateauneuf du Pape, with a decided emphasis on making French juice that is accessible and fun.

Blown away, we ordered big. And Frederick hooked us up with the ole' buddy discount, which we are gladly passing on to you!

Two reds, two whites you can afford to load up on, yet still deliver authentic Southern French character, to start...and if you want to sample Frederick's Chateauneufs, you can sign up for Corks for Kids!

Chichery Sauvignon Blanc 2011 - reg. $13.99 - Cool, crisp, unoaked French Sauvignon, and without the price tag of a Sancerre, this is one to pour for parties! From organically-farmed vineyards in the Languedoc, this is super fresh and aromatic, tons of spicy jalepeno, fresh-cut grass, gooseberry, and tropical fruits jump from the glass. The palate is ripe and juicy, reflecting the region's ample sunshine, yet maintains fantastic, tongue-tingling acidity, thanks to higher elevation vineyards, and a limestone-rich soil imparts bright mineral notes. I'd take Frederick's advice and enjoy this zippy wine as an aperitif or with fresh seafood and salads.

Trois Amis Cotes du Ventoux 2010 - reg. $13.49 - With fruit sourced from 65-70 year-old vines from small families that don't bottle their own wine, this shows off how Ventoux can deliver some of the best value in the Rhone. Warm, rich, and spicy, I love how this shows the purity of Grenache, which makes up 90% of the blend. Ripe black raspberries and black cherries coat the mouth, and 10% Syrah adds a touch of rustic smoky and earthy flavors to balance the juicy fruits. Aged all in concrete tanks, this is pure yet potent bistro juice, home with barbeque, cassoulet, or an herb-crusted pork loin.

Trois Amis Chardonnay 2011 - reg. $12.99 - Our new best value French Chardonnay! Aged all in tank with no oak, this comes from the Costieres de Nimes region just southwest of the Rhone, and shows of the sunny Southern French climate with big juicy fruit, lots of golden apple, ripe pear, and approaching tropical pineapple. Aromas of white flowers and a balance of bright acidity give a nod to Burgundy, and I'd love to pair this with a nice roasted chicken squeezed with lemon.

Grand Planal Corbieres 2010 - reg. $14.99 - Whoa....the ripe, dark, juicy, and savory Corbieres we're been seeking for years. Deep purple color, explosive aromas of wild herbs and dark berries, this is potent stuff. The palate bursts with blackberry, black raspberry and black plum fruit, and with an unctuous earthiness to boot. Glass-coating, teeth-staining, grin-inducing juice, perfect on its own or with a braised meat or stew. 50% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 25% Carignan. Frederick said if he were tasting blind, he'd have thought it was twice the price, and I agree!  

The Deal- Normally a mixed case of 3 bottles each would set you back $166.38, but we're hitting him up for the best buddy price, and are knocking off 28% for this week only!

That makes it $119.97, or a shade under $10 per bottle for the brightest, juiciest, most fun and accessible new French wines on the market.

Want all-red, or all-white, or another custom mix? Sure thing, same 28% off!

We can do 10% off half-cases, or 18% off with our Club Bag, just let us know how you'd like it divided.

Click here to order. Or hit reply. Or call us!