Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Andre Lurton Bonnet Blanc 2007


In the glass Andre Lurton Bonnet Blanc 2007 is a greeny-gold. Aromas are intense, vivid, fresh with young floral notes; ripe grape, citrus, pineapple scents. This French white wine is smooth, despite crisp, lively overall character.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128



Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 is a showcase for warm-climate Australian Shiraz - ripe, robust and generously flavored. First made in 1962, Bin 128 is named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945 and from which the wine was originally sourced. Today, Bin 128 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Heitz Martha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004



People have come to expect lush opulence from Heitz Martha Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2004 vintage is no different, displaying lavish varietal aromas and a signature twist of mint, followed by an exquisite mouthful of rich black cherry. This is California Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest, produced with sun-ripened fruit from the legendary Martha’s Vineyard.  During the extended aging process, beautifully integrated French oak adds an appealing note of toasted vanilla. Heitz Martha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 is a skillfully balanced wine with elegant complexity of its noble heritage as it builds to a long, lovely finish --- impressive to drink now and certain to age gracefully.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Antinori Villa Toscana Rosso 2005



In the glass Antinori Villa Toscana Rosso 2005 shows an intense ruby red color. The nose of this pleasing Italian wine is of red berry fruit with a hint of oak. Once on the palate the wine is Complex and stylish with well-balanced, silky tannins and rich in extract.

Blend:
55% Sangiovese
25% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Merlot
5% Syrah

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Waterbrook Melange 2006



Aromas of cedar, spice and dark stone fruit are a warm welcome. Black cherry and plum notes marry with delicious flavors of dark chocolate and toasted oak. Balanced tannins and lingering fruit round out the finish.  In short, Waterbrook Melange 2006 is a tasty wine.  Happily, this Washington blend is available at an affordable price.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Yellowtail Reserve Chardonnay 2007



Yellowtail Reserve Chardonnay 2007 has fragrant aromas of peach, melon and tropical fruit, complemented by vanilla. French oak aging provides a creamy palate and buttery undertones with soft acidity and a long, smooth finish. This Australian chardonnay has become a classic wine, know for its value.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Hogue Genesis Merlot 2005



Washington is widely recognized as an exceptional Merlot-producing region, and this supple, silky wine is a one example of the quality of Merlot the region is capable of producing. Hogue Genesis Merlot 2005 shows heady aromas of plum, cherry, and black olive, with hints of gun smoke and leather. The wine shows flavors of ripe berry, oak and spice that are well balanced. Appealing notes of black cherry, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon round out the finish. This is a big Merlot that will pair well with grilled chops, ribs or steak, or a Margherita-style pizza.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Red Guitar Navarra Old Vine 2007



Red Guitar Navarra Old Vine 2007 is blend of 55% Tempranillo and 45% Garnacha from Navarra Spain. In the glass is wine shows a deep purple ruby translucent. Immediately aromas of cherry and grape, a bit candy-like, with dried fruit notes and hints of spicy vanilla. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and rustic with gravelly tannins. The fruit flavors are well extracted and jammy and the finish is warm and dry.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Graham Beck Brut NV



Graham Beck Brut NV is a benchmark sparkling wine from South Africa. The wine is characterized by a beautiful harmony between lengthy Chardonnay and fragrant Pinot Noir. The result is a bubbling wine with a fine mousse giving freshness and finesse, elegant ripe fruit and light yeast aromas, and a rich creamy complexity on the palate.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Adelshiem Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007


With its wide variety of origins and clones, Adelshiem Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007 displays both red and black fruit aromas (cherries and raspberries), on the nose and the palate. In addition, one finds a light touch of brown spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice) and even a little black pepper. True to the Adelshiem winemaking philosophy, it is elegantly textured with satiny, polished tannins showing in the finish. Pair the Oregon Pinot with salmon or ahi, veal or pork, poultry (think duck) or beef, or hearty vegetarian entrees.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Bookwalter Columbia Valley lot 22 Red Blend


Bookwalter Columbia Valley Red Blend has always been the story within the story of each vintage.  The wine represents their 22nd multi-vintage blend in 25 years. Each vintage in this blend is aged independently in small 100% French oak barrels. By blending across vineyards, varieties and vintages, we create a wine with structure, pronounced aromatics and rich flavors.

Blend:
31% Cabernet Sauvignon
22% Merlot
18% Malbec
14% Cabernet Franc
10% Syrah 
5% Petit Verdot

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Schmitt Sohne Riesling Blue Bottle 2007


Schmitt Sohne Riesling Blue Bottle 2007 is a medium bodied Riesling. Once in the glass, this golden white wine greets the nose with aromas of peach and russet apple. A firm, fruity palate with a crisp acidity that results in a well balanced, easy to drink wine. Schmitt Sohne Riesling 2007 is a perfect as an aperitif or to complement a wide array of foods from pork and ham to fish and poultry. Most of all it comes in a unique blue bottle.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay 2008

Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay 2008 seduces right off the bat with brilliantly fresh, complex aromas of lemon-lime, scented pear, ripe yellow apple, honeydew melon and mineral. On the sleek, vibrant palate, this wine displays rich, concentrated, ripe apple and pear flavors. Dominate, refreshing citrus and mineral tones emerge in the wine’s wonderfully long, crisp, finish. Deliciously fresh and delectable now, this youthful Napa Valley Chardonnay will blossom, gaining further richness and complexity with another 6-8 months in the bottle. Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay 2008 will drink beautifully for the next 3 to 5 years.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Pillar Box Red 2005


There are 70,000 cases of the Pillar Box Red 2005, which is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from young vines. However, this is no wimpy wine at 15% alcohol. An unbelievable value, it boasts a dense ruby purple color as well as an uplifted, projected nose of sweet red and black fruits, earth, and spice box. Supple-textured with a voluptuous mouthfeel and unbelievable richness, this Australian wine clearly over-delivers. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Andre Lurton Bonnet Blanc 2007


In the glass Andre Lurton Bonnet Blanc is a greeny-gold. The aromas of this French white wine are intense, vivid, fresh with young floral notes; ripe grape, citrus, pineapple scents. Also known as a white Bordeaux, this wine can be described as smooth, despite crisp, lively overall character.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2006


In the glass Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2006 show a deep purple red color, with bright hues. The nose reveals crushed cherries, raspberries, and dried violet petals, with hints of nutmeg. Powerful mouth feel, ample and structured and sustained with a long finish.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Mercer Estates Merlot 2007



Ripe mature blueberry and cherry aromas with a nice oak spice are followed by forest floor, cedar and anise. On the palette Mercer Estates Merlot 2007 displays flavors of cherry fruit with hints of cocoa, vanilla and cedar. This full-bodied Merlot is complemented with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc which bring complexity to the blend. A long mid-palate and supple tannins lend an elegant finish.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Happy Camper Cabernet Sauvignon 2007


Brimming with berry, underscored by earth and spice. Happy Camper Cabernet Sauvignon is your perfect companion to roasts, hearty grills or full- flavored cheeses. Taste the adventure and live large! Happy Camper Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Palacios Remondo Rioja "La Vendimia" 2006


La Vendimia, translated as "harvest" in Spanish, represents the quality potential of Spanish jovens, or young wines. Made by the famed Spanish winemaker, Alvaro Palacios, La Vendimia is a blend of two of Spain's original star varieties, Garnacha and Tempranillo. Full of bright red fruit with ripe undertones of blackberry jam, fresh plums and hints of Mediterranean country herbs, this wine is greaceful and harmonious. Meant to drink now throught the next four years, this wine can also be served slightly chilled and is the perfect accompaniment to any dish.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Michele Chiarlo Barolo 2005


Aromas of sweet, rich black cherry and currant fruit dominate this refined yet concentrated Italian wine. Notes of violets, pepper, lead pencil and tar are supported by a firm acidic core. Michele Chiarlo Barolo 2005 is built to age, offering elegant, complex, mixed red berry fruit supported by tightly-wound tannins and finishing with touches of vanilla, toast, mint and floral notes. The wine will appreciate time to come together. Drink from 2014 and over the next 10+ years.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Benton Lane Pinot Gris 2008


Benton Lane Pinot Gris 2008 is a great example of a crisp and bright style of pinot gris. This Oregon wine exhibites aromas of asian pear, honeydew and citrus blossom, it is overtly fruity yet still complex for this wine variety. The flavors of tangy lime, comice pear and starfruit linger on the exceptionally long finish. A great “warm weather” wine, it goes with simple appetizers and a wide assortment of seafood any time of the year.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc 2008


Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc embraces the best in old and new world winemaking. A wine of subtle power and complexity, a modern classic. Elderflower, gooseberry and cassis dominate the aromas touched by a faint whiff of gunflint from barrel fermentation. The wine's palate is full bodied and dry with great intensity of fruit balanced by refreshing acidity. This is a serious Sauvignon Blanc that is ideally suited to fresh seafood or with artisan cheeses such as chevre.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Sineann Old Vine Zinfandel 2008


Ka-Pow! Intense blackberry and raspberry jam gains liveliness from a fresh raspberry streak. This wine is a fruit bomb with structure.  Bramble and mint accents add to Sineann Old Vine Zinfandel 2008's massive nature.  Made from 100 year-old vines in the Columbia Valley, this Old Vine Zin drop kicks the competition.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Saviah Cellars: The 2006 Columbia Valley Jack


If you are looking for a great red wine at a value price…The Jack an excellent bet! This wine has appealing aromas of black cherries, raspberries, plum and spices with a touch of oak. The Jack is a friendly red wine blend offering a mouthful of juicy fruit flavors that are complemented by fine tannins.

composition:
88% Merlot – McClellan Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley Milbrandt Vineyard, Preston Vineyard, Columbia Valley
6% Cabernet Sauvignon – McClellan Estate, Walla Walla Valley
4% Cabernet Franc – McClellan Estate, Walla Walla Valley
2% Syrah – Lewis Vineyard, Yakima Valley