Red Wine
Rodney Strong Wine Estates Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2005, Sonoma Country, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold medal with a score of 95 from the judging panel at the California State Fair Wine Competition 2007. An elegant, well-structured Zin, it features ripe blackberry fruit balanced by a seam of acidity and gentle tannins with spicy white
pepper and herb notes. My note: A concentrated red of brambleberry and blackberry. 363358 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. July 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Firesteed Pinot Noir 2006, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Near-perfect conditions in September and October made the 2006 vintage one for the record books in Oregon, and this well-priced Pinot is consistently one of the state's best values. Truly representational, the fruit is sourced from the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Walla Walla Valleys. This is a plush and juicy wine brimming with soft black cherry and raspberry fruit balanced by a bright seam of acidity and a hint of oak. My note: A consistently good producer of delicious medium-bodied pinots packed with ripe cherries. 387281 12.7% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Aresti Assamblage 2004, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Aresti's Winemakers' portfolio challenges their winemaking team, headed by Jon Usabiaga, to find the optimal blend of grapes based on the growing season each year. The sun-drenched 2004 vintage gave the team some flexibility; their final blend for the Assamblage was 45% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Carmenère. My note: A mouth-watering wine with delicious ripe red fruit and mocha. Assamblage food pairings: braised beef, barbecued chicken. 64113 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Echeverria Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005, Molina, Chile: A rich, warm full-bodied red with mouth-filling notes of dark red currants and smoke. 59378 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MontGras Carmenère Reserva 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A full-bodied red with black raspberries and mocha. 960542 XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Morandé Carmenere Reserva 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: A simple, delicious full-bodied red packed with cedar, cherries and black plums. 59436 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Rosa La Capitana Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Ripe and bountiful, this Cabernet Sauvignon is made for the rich flavors of grilled summer fare. The nose is filled with black cherry, raspberry and oak spice aromas. Dry and fruity, it is nicely balanced by a seam of acidity. My note: Full-bodied aromas of oak, mocha and ripe black fruit. 68429 14.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tapestry Merlot 2005, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Using grapes grown in a single vineyard in the heart of McLaren Vale, this is a deeply concentrated Merlot that delivers luscious plum and violet aromas. The wine spends 18 months in French oak, adding a touch of vanilla and a backbone of tannins. My note: Round, smooth, luxurious. Full-bodied with dark chocolate and black plum aromas. Closed with a screwcap. Merlot food pairings: strong cheese, spicy grilled meats. Drink: 2008 - 2013 64063 D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: A lovely, velvet-smooth Pinot with classic notes of ripe cherries. Closed with a screwcap. Pinot Noir food pairings: pork tenderloin, shepherds pie, grilled steak, pasta with tomato sauce. 590414 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: The proprietors of Simonsig, the Malan family, have a winemaking history in South Africa that dates back ten generations. Aged for 16 months in 77% French and 23% American oak, this attractive Cab has plenty of dark fruit, licorice, sweet herb and vanilla notes. It's dry, full-bodied, with a smooth and supple texture. My note: A solid, well-made wine that shows the hand of experience. Full-bodied. 744375 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Cauvard Beaune Monopole Pinot Noir 2005, Clos De La Maladiére, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Henri Cauvard's family firmly believe in natural farming methods that preserve both the health of the vineyard and the quality of the wines. For example, they eschew the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in favor of natural composts and other earth-friendly solutions. This fresh and lively tasting Pinot is from the incredible 2005 vintage. Bursting with bright red-fruit flavors. My note: A basket of red berries and field flowers. Medium-bodied. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled portobello mushrooms. 69872 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Cazes Ego De Cazes Syrah Grenache Mourvèdre 2006, Cotes Du Roussillon Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This cuvée is comprised of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. For the last ten years Domaine Cazes has been using bio-dynamic viticulture methods. This organic wine contains 9 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: A rustic, tasty wine with notes of plums and berries. 77701 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Laquirou Les Quatre Pins Syrah Blend 2005, La Clape, France: Vintages Wine Panel: La Clape is fast becoming one of the Midi's best regions without its own appellation. Still attached to the larger Coteaux du Languedoc AC, red wines from La Clape are stylish, displaying aromas of blackberry, garrigue, plum and cedar. This blend of regional superstars Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault is dry, fruity, full-bodied, and ready-to-drink tonight. My note: A lovely, full-bodied wine with notes of cedar and cherries. Syrah Blend food pairings: grilled lamb. 78832 D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mont Tauch Grenache Carignan 2006, A.C. Corbiéres, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Grenache and Carignan, this wine is rich with aromas and flavors of cherry, pepper, spice and vanilla. Dry and
flavorful. My note: A smooth merlot-like red with hints of pine needles and pomegranate. Grenache Carignan food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, sausages, barbecue. 78717 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Herencia Remondo La Montesa Crianza 2005, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Alvaro Palacios is the embodiment of the promise and spirit of new Spanish winemaking. He immediately injected new life into the Riojan property of Herencia Remondo by dramatically reducing yields in the vineyards. He concentrates on two wines for this property, the high-end Propiedad and this finely tuned Crianza, La Montesa. Filled with dark fruits, cloves, fresh herbs and smoky oak, this Crianza is well made and perfectly balanced. The snappy acids and ripe tannins support the fruit aromas and flavors with precision. My note: A rich, provocative red with vibrant red fruit notes. 674572 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mas Donis Old Vines Barrica 2005, Montsant, Spain: A smooth, full-bodied red with fruit and smoke aromas. 705863 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2007, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This robust, cherry-pink rosé is packed with ripe blackcurrant and berry aromas and flavors. Dry, medium-bodied and bursting with fruit, it's a bolder-styled rosé. My note: A simple, dry, delicious rosé with strawberry notes. Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé food pairings: barbecue. 59147 D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sables D'Azur Rosé 2007, Cotes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This fresh, floral-scented rosé hails from the foothills of Mount Sainte-Victoire, in the mediterranean climate of Provence. Fragrant and quite structured, it offers rose petal and berry notes, and a silky finish. My note: A bone-dry, mouth-watering rosé with light raspberry notes. Rosé food pairings: grilled vegetables. 33621 D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Favorite Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mas Des Bressades Tradition Rosé 2007, Costiéres De Nimes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: (Cyril Marès, Prop.-Récolt.)
Mas des Bressades uses the saignée method to make this lovely rosé. By 'bleeding' off a portion of the free-run juice during the winemaking process, the wine is endowed with more robust flavors than conventional versions. Enjoy this delicious blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. My note: Full-bodied rosé with ripe raspberries. Not a tannin in sight. Rosé food pairings: grilled prawns, steamed mussels. 950576 D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Artesa Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay 2006, Carneros, California, United States: An opulent, rich chardonnay with layers of peach and butter goodness. Chardonnay food pairings: chicken and broccoli in cream sauce. 217165 14.2% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 90/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Novas Chardonnay/ Marsanne/ Viognier 2006, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A rounded, flavorful white with oak, pear and vanilla notes. 63909 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bischöfliche Weingüter Riesling Kabinett 2005, Avelsbacher, Altenberg, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: The Germans have had an unprecedented run of highly rated vintages from 1993 until the present day. This Kabinett is a prime example of the quality of 2005. It displays aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, citrus and slate. Starting out medium in sweetness, it quickly evolves to medium dry from the fine seam of acidity. My note: A lovely, light white: the essence of summer sunshine. Pleasant melon and citrus notes. A great aperitif. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: pork, chicken, vegetarian fare with cream sauce. 71134 9.5% MD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Rev' the lawnmowers! Grassy goodness with herbal refreshment. Closed with a screwcap. 63354 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sandihurst Riesling 2006, Canterbury, New Zealand: A crisp riesling of lime notes. Riesling food pairings: salmon, pork, shellfish, vegetarian, chicken. 63958 12.5% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domdechant Werner Riesling Kabinett 2006, Hochheimer Holle, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Backed by lively acidity, this round, ripe and medium-in-sweetness Riesling is filled with aromas of peach, citrus, vanilla bean and freshly rolled pastry. My note: A flavorful white with lovely lime notes. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: spicy Thai noodles, lemongrass chicken. Drink: 2008 - 2015 722413 9% M 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sandalford Estate Vineyards Chardonnay 2005, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Margaret River, Western Australia, Estate Grown
Using 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from Sandalford's own Wilyabrup vineyard, this is considered the estate's premium
"Chardie". Rich peach and fig aromas mingle pleasantly with vanilla notes imparted by 12 months in French oak. Full-bodied and well balanced. My note: Gorgeous chardonnay! Rich, opulent, buy-me-diamonds wine. Ripe pears fill your glass. Closed with a screwcap. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, seafood. 75978 13.5% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 93/100. July 2008. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Casa Silva Quinta Generacion Viognier Sauvignon Gris Chardonnay 2004, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This proprietary blend is comprised of 40% Viognier, 40% Sauvignon Gris and 20% Chardonnay. Sauvignon Gris is a somewhat
rare mutated variant of Sauvignon Blanc that has a pink skin and produces a fuller-bodied wine than its famous relative. My note: A quirky, off-beat white. Viognier Sauvignon Gris Chardonnay food pairings: grilled prawns, cedar planked salmon, asian dishes. 59444 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Macrostie Chardonnay 2006, Carneros, United States: A round, toasty, oaky chardonnay. Notes of vanilla, ripe peaches and smoke. 663054 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. July 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart