 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
 |
 |
Hugues Beauleau 2011 Picpoul de Pinet $9.99 I had never heard of the "Picpoul" grape of Southern France when this wine was first brought around for us to taste, but we liked it and decided to give it a try. I've never seen an unknown wine gather such a following so quickly. I describe the wine as a cross between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Grigio. A perfect summer sipper and outstanding with seafood. If You See Kay 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon $23.99 Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Italy’s Lazio region. Owned and made by Jayson Woodbridge and Hundred Acre. A little bit of Petit Verdot and Primitivo in the blends adds more aroma and sweet dark berry/cherry flavors. This is juicy, supple and very easy to like. Lightly framed by toasty sweet oak and a dash of acidity makes it a balanced, delicious Cabernet. Big and juicy, you'd think its from California if you didn't read the label. Littorai Vineyards 2010 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $44.99 2010 Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay $68.99 (94-96pts WA) "I (Antonio Galloni of Parker's WA) was totally blown away by the wines I tasted with proprietor Ted Lemon. These are some of the most refined, polished Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs being made in California today." Owner/Winemaker Ted Lemmon was the first American ever hired as head winemaker at a French Burgundian winery. Named the San Francisco Chronicle's 2010 "Winemaker of the Year." Named one of Wine Spectator's top 30 California Chardonnay producers in June 2012. |
Robert Craig 2009 Affinity $55.99 92pts Parker Robert Craig's 2009's are outstanding, even better than his usual high quality level. You'll be hard pressed to find any of his single vineyard offerings after the crazy-good press they've gotten and their minuscule production levels (we only received 2 bottles of each this year), but there is a little bit of his Affinity red available. Blended from his estate vineyards and done in a "drink now" style (the single vineyard offerings won't be at their best for another 5-10 years) it bursts from the glass with an exciting array of dark red berries, flowers, licorice and sweet spices. Small amounts of these collectibles also available: 2009 Gallica Cabernet Sauvignon $170 (95+pts WA) 2009 Maybach Materium $200 (96-98pts WA) 2008 Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $300 (97-99pts Parker) 2009 Dominus Estate $220 (97+pts WA) 2009 Dominus Napanook $68 (92pts WA) 2009 Leviathan Red $59 Very few of us ever get to taste a bottle of Screaming Eagle (most of us will never even see one), but at less than $60 here's your chance to taste a wine made by the same guy who crafts that icon of Napa Valley wine. Leviathan is winemaker Andy Erickson's pride and joy, his own label and vision. A blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, & Cabernet Franc, this huge beast of a wine lives up to its name. |
Beau Vigne 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $94.99 94+pts Parker There aren't too many Cabernets from the amazing 2007 vintage left, but this may have been one of Taylor's favorites all along. This amazing Stag's Leap Cabernet was crafted by Orin Swift's Dave Phinney at his winery. Only 700 cases produced. This Reserve has smooth pointed entry of black currant, black cherry, and creme de cassis, backed by tobacco leaf and cocoa notes. Offering a complex harmony of flavors and aromas. Nicely structures tannins lead to a full 60 second finish. Lopez de Heredia 2001 Vina Tondonia Rioja $40 Few of us have the patience or the cellar space to age our wines in order drink them at their "proper" age, and never get to taste the complex flavors that lie hidden underneath the youthful fruit. Lopez de Heredia has done it for us with their Vina Tondonia Reserve Rioja bottling, and somehow managed to keep the price reasonable. Still plenty of raspberry and blueberry fruit left, but a myriad of flavors ranging from cedar & tobacco to eucalyptus, charred barrel, dried Italian herbs and many more. |
