Dessert Wine
Feist Vintage Port 1985, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: The 1985 vintage is considered one of the greats of the latter half of the 20th century. This sweet wonder is really beginning to hit its stride. My note: Rewards the palate with gorgeous layers of plum and caramel. Feist Vintage Port food pairings: mature cheeses, dried fruit, nuts. 70219 20% S 750 mL $65.95 Score: 94/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave de Monbazillac Château Septy Monbazillac 2003, Bordeaux, France: Made with a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, which have all been touched by noble rot, Château Septy’s Monbazillac offers aromas of rich peach, pear, honey and apricot. It is a worthy substitute for Sauternes, and a terrific value. My note: An amazing dessert wine. Bursting with apple pie and pear crumbler notes. Château Septy Monbazillac food pairings: fresh fruit cocktails, blue cheeses. 31625 13.2% S 375 mL $9.95 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Perrin & Fils Chateau De Beaucastel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, Rhone, France: A blend of grapes including syrah, grenache and mouvedre. Lovely layers of black plums and spice. 968750 14.5% XD 375 mL $46.95 Score: 93/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, United States: A towering wine of both power and elegance with aromas of black fruit and smoke. Celebrate your corporate takeover with this wine. 711663 14.5% D 750 mL $155.95 Score: 95/100. April 2008. Favorite Red Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Napa Valley, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: White Oak produces ageable wines that are renowned for their balance and finesse. This 2003 is no different, showing fine cassis, leather, cherry and earth tones. It is dry and beautifully balanced. My note: A big, oaky wine packed with dark fruit. White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rare roast beef. 684233 14.5% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 89/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Don Sebastiani & Sons Sebastiani Merlot 2004, Sonoma County, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Sebastiani added 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Petite Sirah, 3.5% Syrah, 1.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petite Verdot to the Merlot to add a few more layers of complexity. This combination produces a wine that is full of cherry, cassis, plum and blackberry aromas and flavors. My note: Happy aromas of chocolate and black fruit. Sebastiani Merlot food pairings: barbecued meats. 219162 13.5% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 89/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Serghesio Family Vineyards Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2006, Alexander Valley, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is sourced from truly old vines as this vineyard was planted 113 years ago. The yields are naturally very low, creating wines with aromas of blackberry, sour cherry, ripe plum and a plethora of spice tones. Ripe fruit surrounded by bright acidity and fine tannins lead to a remarkably elegant, yet full-bodied wine. My note: I have a special place in my heart (and liver) for this winery, having written about it in my book. This is a gorgeous wine: concentrated, delicious and packed with black fruit. Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel food pairings: braised ribs. 70391 15.5% D 750 mL $80.00 Score: 93/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Buena Vista Pinot Noir 2005, Carneros, United States: A full-bodied wine with notes of earth, spice and cherries. Delivers a pleasant bitter cherry finish. Buena Vista Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb chops, BBQ hamburgers with all the fixings. 67421 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dutch Bill Creek Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma Coast, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Dutch Bill Creek are specialists in two varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their Pinot Noir clone of choice is the ‘Joseph Swan’ which is highly regarded in California for producing wines with great structure, fine tannins and good density. My note: A silky, full-bodied number with juicy ripe cherry notes. Doesn't taste as alcoholic as it is. Dutch Bill Creek Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions in a red wine sauce. 67207 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Alexander Valley, United States: A well-made wine with black fruit and mocha notes. Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: spaghetti with meatballs and sausage. 61002 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Big House Winery Big House Red 2006, California, United States: A balanced and delicious wine. Big House Red food pairings: pasta in a hearty meat sauce. 178632 13% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Treasury Wine Estates Greg Norman California Estates Pinot Noir 2005, Santa Barbara County, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This warm-climate Pinot is brimming with
aromas and flavors of black cherry, smoked meat, spice, coffee and a hint of tar. It is round, ripe and ready to drink. My note: A solid and pleasant pinot noir with satisfying cherry notes. Full-bodied. Greg Norman California Estates Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled salmon, stuffed veal tenderloin. 687988 14.2% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Botalcura Reserve El Delirio Syrah/Malbec 2005, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Botalcura’s Reserve El Delirio shows that Chile is more than just Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Featuring Syrah and Malbec, generally not thought of in Chile but which work beautifully together, this fruity and balanced wine shows off the virtues of both grapes to perfection. The Syrah delivers the upfront fruit, while the Malbec provides a lovely earthy/cedary tone to the mix. My note: Simple, deep purple in color, juicy and delicious. Botalcura Reserve El Delirio Syrah/Malbec food pairings: meat-based pasta dishes. 18630 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. April 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Seresin Estates Ltd Seresin Leah Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A robust, full-bodied pinot noir with notes of black-berries, cranberries and oak. This wine would be terrific with various types of mushroom dishes. Seresin Leah Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon steaks, tuna. 655167 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Willi Opitz Cuvee Red 2005, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: Throughout the wine world there are wonderful eccentrics like Willi Opitz. Opitz created a wine called Mr. President and gave it all to then-President Bill Clinton. From his tiny 8 hectare site he crafts unique wines, such as this fruity and well-balanced Cuvée Red that is a blend of Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch and Cabernet Sauvignon. My note: A lovely, juicy wine packed with bright red fruit. Medium-bodied. 71266 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Sales 2004, A.C. Pomerol, France: A balanced wine with classic notes of cassis and blackberry. Drink: 2009 - 2016 671735 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Langoa Barton 2004, A.C. St. Julien, France: A wine of distinction and breeding. Drink up! Rewards with aromatic notes of cassis, blackberries and oak. Drink: 2009 - 2020 664128 13% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. April 2008. Favorite Red Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Le Doyenné 2005, A.C. Premières Côtes De Bordeaux, France: A tannic but good wine that will benefit from aging. Drink: 2010 - 2015 61739 13.9% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 88/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Reynon 2004, A.C. Premières Côtes De Blaye, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Depending on the vintage, Château Reynon’s prime wine usually contains 82% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Made by Bordeaux legend, Denis Dubourdieu, the 2004 displays aromas of blackcurrant, elderberry, raspberry and pipe tobacco. Dry, medium-bodied and well-balanced, this wine is just beginning to enter its fine drinking phase. My note: If you love oak, buy a case. But wait, there's more! Loaded with black fruit and a rich finish. 663807 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis Jadot Couvent Des Jacobins Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine Louis Jadot is a top négociant which searches out the best grapes for all of its wines. This wine is made with grapes acquired from various top vineyards throughout the Côte d’Or and Côte Chalonnaise. My note: A pleasant, light red with simple, carefree notes of strawberries. This wine would be terrific with various types of mushroom dishes. Louis Jadot Couvent Des Jacobins Bourgogne Pinot Noir food pairings: stuffed pork tenderloin, veal medallions in wine sauce.. 688853 12% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 87/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Frederic Mabileau Les Graviers 2006, A.C. St-Nicolas De Bourgueil, France: Bandaids and oak in the best way! This wine is rich and full-bodied. 70029 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Pesquie Château Pesquié Les Terrasses 2005, A.C. Côtes-Du-Ventoux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Think of this as a mid-weight Châteauneuf-du-Pape and you will have a sense of what this ripe, round, fruity and delicious wine is like. A blend of stainless steel-matured Grenache and oak-aged Syrah from the great 2005 vintage, this wine shows aromas and flavors of plum, garrigue, pepper and vanilla. My note: A delicious BBQ-perfect red: juicy, vibrant and delicious. Château Pesquié Les Terrasses food pairings: braised beef and spring vegetables, BBQ. 652313 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Diane de Puymorin, Prop.-Récolt. Château D’or Et De Gueules Les Cimels 2005, A.C. Costières De Nîmes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2005 Les Cimels won a Coup de Coeur, the highest rating from France’s Guide Hachette 2007. Owner/winemaker Diane de Puymorin is part of the new wave of young French winemakers who have broken onto the scene in the last decade. She produces rich, concentrated wines resulting from low yields and careful vineyard management. My note: Lovely balance with lip-smacking delicious notes of ripe plums and berries. 597104 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave de Rasteau Cave De Rasteau Rasteau Ortas Prestige 2006, A.C. Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The famous co-operative, Cave de Rasteau, has redesigned their whole line of wines under the new Ortas label. The labels may have changed but the wines remain some of the finest coming out of Rasteau. Their Prestige Rasteau, a blend of principally Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in a supporting role, is rich, ripe and very robust. My note: Robust and packed with flavor dominated by black fruit. Cave De Rasteau Rasteau Ortas Prestige food pairings: flavorful beef dishes, lamb. 985929 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Georges Vigouroux, Prop.-Récolt. Château De Haute-Serre 2004, A.C. Cahors, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château de Haute-Serre is located in one of the prime locations in Cahors, an area called the ‘Mountain of Cahors’. The wine, a blend of 80% Malbec, 10% Merlot and 10% Tannat, has aromas of red fruits, perfume and vanilla. It is dry and round, but with a very good tannin core for balance. My note: Juicy, full-bodied, deep and rich in flavor. Château De Haute-Serre food pairings: rare steak. 693952 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Alain Baccino, Vign. Domaine Des Peirecedes Rosé Le Fil D'ariane 2007, A.C. Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this dry, raspberry-scented rosé is an excellent companion for while you kickback on your patio after digging up the garden. My note: A lip-smacking wine that will make you wonder why you don't drink more rosé. Domaine Des Peirecedes Rosé Le Fil D'ariane food pairings: spring salads, seafoood. 950733 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado 2007, D.O. Navarra, Spain: Classic and dry, it keeps brining you back for more. Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado food pairings: pork, chicken, seafood. 256149 12% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Dom Perignon Champagne 2000, France: A long, luxurious champagne with gorgeous layers of ripe pear, white pepper, daisies and toasty notes. A full-bodied and robust champagne with a finish that could last until your next bottle. Although this wine is not part of the April 26 release, I thought it was better to include here than say with the good value wines. Dom Perignon Champagne food pairings: oysters, chicken, pork, caviar, mussels, clams, veal. Drink: 2008 - 2025 10001 12% D 750 mL $150.00 Score: 97/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Elena Walch Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio 2006, D.O.C. Alto Adige, Italy: Elena Walch, along with a handful of others, helped pave the way for other women who dreamed of making fine wines. Her single vineyard Castel Ringberg is legendary for producing superlative Pinot Grigios and the 2006 vintage is no exception. Displaying ripe fruit, herbs and floral aromas and flavors, this is a fresh and focused Pinot Grigio. My note: Refreshing, mouth-watering with notes of citrus. Elena Walch Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio food pairings: herb-roasted chicken. 937904 13% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 88/100. April 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cuvaison Estate Wines Cuvaison Chardonnay 2006, Carneros, Napa Valley, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker Steven Rogstad’s philosophy is based on “... expressing the unique character of our estate grapes and doing as little as possible to them.” This delicious and elegant wine consistently demonstrates why the cool-climate Carneros region is so respected for its Chardonnay. Look for aromas of wood-spice on the nose with flavors of lemon drops and tropical fruit combined with a long flinty finish. My note: A classic, buttery, oaky and fun-loving California chardonnay. Full-bodied with aromas of ripe pears. 988261 14.2% D 750 mL $64.00 Score: 90/100. April 2008. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart