Ninety Plus Prosecco

This prosecco is delightful, and fresh. Fruit flavors of fresh peach and apricot, with a hint of citrus. Lightly sweet and lively in the glass, this is a great value for New years parties. $11 compare to $20.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV

The Ruinart, and it's long history in champagne, makes a great choice for your New Years toasting. The wine is rich with fresh fruit flavors, a touch of toastiness, and pie dough. Overall at $55 a bottle, it shames some of the higher priced bubblys on the market.

Furque 2007 Tres Cepas

A unique blend of Malbec, Syrah and Tempranillo, from Argentina. These three grape are crafted into a nicely rounded and balanced wine that is of a quality that surpasses it's price point. Flavors of ripe cherries, blackberries, anise, spice and slightly toasty oak, fill the palate. At $16 this a very nice value that can be enjoyed on it's own, or along side game and roasted meat dishes

Brewer-Clifton 2009 Gnesa Chardonnay

Yet another beautiful wine from Brewer-Clifton in Santa Rita Hills. The 2009 Gnesa (pronounced Knee - sa) is very complex with aromas of lime zest, mint, netarine, and mineral notes. On th palate we get apricot, crisp apple, and lemon curd flavors. This is not a big oaky and buttery style, fans of the more restrained California Chardonnays will love this one. 92 pts. Robert Parker, Jr.

Ninety Plus 2009 Cotes du Rhone

A classic bottle of Cotes du Rhone, with flavors and aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry. Notes of chocolate, pepper, anise and cedar round out the wine. This wine can be enjoyed on it's own, or alongside a hearty stew and roasted meat. Compare to $17.99, the ninety plus bottling is $10.99

Numanthia "Numanthia" 2008

A wine so good they named it twice. Numanthia the winery makes three from Toro Spain, all made from Tinto Toro (Tempranillo), this one is made from vines ranging from 50 years to 100 years in age. The wine is big, bold and lush, packed with dense berry flavors and hints of spice, vanilla, toasty oak, anise, coffee and tabacco. The tannins are well integrated, with long lush finish. This wine should be decanted for two hours before serving, and will cellar for ten or more. 93 pts. Robert Parker, Jr. Reg. 59.99 on sale $47.99 thru 12/31/2011

Samsara 2009 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

This elegant pinot from Chad Melville, is fresh, complex and smooth. Strawberries, floral notes and spice aromas leap from the glass. Raspberry, spice, tea leafs and orange peel flavors are vivid and velvety. A well made pinot of medium body, and very drinkable.

Tommaso Bussola 2006 Ca' del Laito Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

The Ca' del Laito is the entry level wine of one of the best Amrone producers in Valpolicella. Aromas of black fruits, nuts, raisin, vanilla and baked fruits, are pronounced and lively. On the palate, the blackberry, cherry, spice, roasted herbs and nut flavors are big and ripe. While this wine big, bold and forward, the finish is rich and somewhat smooth. A must try with roasted meats, stews and ripe cheeses. A lot of flavor for $22.

Greg Norman 2009 Chardonnay Santa Barbara

Aromas of pineapple and mango with hints of nuts and citrus. The fruit flavors are tropical tones, with melons and citrus edges, a touch of toasty notes and a little vanilla round out the wines. The wine has nice balance and medium bodied. A good value at $13.99

Selene 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Dead Fred'

Blackberry and blueberry flavors and aromas lead the way in this thick textured and intense cabernet. The bold fruit is married with an array of underlying notes of coffee, sweet spice, leather, dark chocolate and toasty oak. The tannins are firm and ripe, with a finish that lingers. A solid effort from Selene that drinks well now, but will get better with 3 to 7 years in the cellar. 91 pts. Robert Parker, Jr.

Andre Brunel 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape 'Les Cailloux'

I always like this producer, well made wines that are not overstated, and remain true to their orgins. The 2008 is dark ruby in color, and lavender and kirsch aromas. The currant, cherry and plum flavors are intermingled with cedar, spice and mineral notes and a silky smooth finish. While not as weighty as some of his other vintages, it is a very enjoyable younger Chateauneuf.

Kiralyudvar 2007 Tokaji Furmint Sec

OK, this wine is way cool, I am not the guy who sings the praises  of crazy little wine that no one outside of the winery has ever heard of, but, I will this time. Coming to us Hungary, this white wine offer notes of stone fruits, citrus, herbs, floral tones and minerals. Medium bodied, dry and with good acidity. This wine will be great with Thanksgiving dinner.

Viader 2007 Red

Tanzer describes the 2007 VIADER as: "Good deep red-ruby. Lovely violet lift to the dark cherry and licorice flavors. Suave, juicy and energetic, with terrific inner-mouth aromatic appeal to the sweet berry and floral flavors. Not an opulent style but plenty sweet for 2007. Finishes with lovely length, firm but fully ripe tannins and lingering minerality. Delia Viader told me she's really proud of this wine."
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2010 94 pts.

Miner Vineyards 2007 Oracle

I thought that Dave Miner did a wonderful job with the 2006 Oracle, well if that is true, his 2007 is outstanding! The 2007 is rich, round and complex, from the start, the wine draws you in. Aromas and flavors range from red and black fruits, to coffee, spice, earth, smoky oak and anise. Tannins are firm, but not hard and harsh. The Oracle is one of my favorite meritages without dropping $100.

Camino De Navaherreros 2010

This Spanish Grenacha is ripe and bold, just packed with jammy rich fruit. Blackberries, cherries, plums and raisin flavors abound. There is some spicy tones and a hint of earth, but this is mostly about ripe fruit. This wine would be perfect with a pork loin in a raspberry chipotle sauce. $14

Domaine Hauts de Sanziers 2009 Saumur Rouge

This red wine from the Loire Valley is 100% Cabernet Franc. The fruit flavors of currant, cherry and plum are ripe and forward. Aged in stainless steel tanks, there is very little of those dark earthy flavors, just pure fruit, with hints of spice and minerals. Not a heavy wine, but bolder flavors than say pinot noir or shiraz. $14

Tinto Negro 2010 Malbec

Tinto Negro's 2010 Malbec is rich, ripe and complex. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum are intertwined nicely with notes of spice, cedar, earthly tones. Well balanced, medium bodied, should be decanted for 30 minutes. Very good value at $10.

Domaine Saint Vincent Brut Rose'

What a completely wonderful sparkling rose', and it is less than $10. The wine is fresh and lively, strawberries bubbles leap out of the glass, and it is less than $10. Flavors and aromas are of strawberry, cherry, rose pedals, and it is less than $10. All and all this little jewel is fresh, clean, crisp and crowd pleasing, and did I say, it is less than $10. An outstanding value.

Iuvene 2009 Rioja

 This wine is made 100% from Tempranillo, and offers up lots fruit with very of the earthy tones that Rioja wines offen show. Cherry, blackberry, blueberry and plum flavors are very foward, fresh and ripe. With a little time in the glass, a nice spicy tone start to show itself. Somewhat soft tannins and medium bodied, overall a very good $12 bottle of red.

Orin Swift 2010 The Prisoner

Just released the 2010 here at the store, the rest of the market will get this wine sometime next week. The wine is very young, but showing structure at this early stage. Fruit flavors of ripe berries, plums and blueberries, hints of oak and spice come in on the back side, but bright forward fruitiness of this wine is the real star of the show. Wine should develope and become more complex with a little time. All and all, this is classic Orin Swift Prisoner! 

Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend 2009

This wine explodes with flavors and aromas of black cherry, blueberry, oak and spice. Vanilla and a trace of truffle oil round out this powerful Syrah blend. Always a favorite around this store, only 1,000 cases were made, and it will sellout quickly.

Ehrhart Cremant D'Alsace Chardonnay Cuvee Prestige Brut

A wonderful sparkling wine from Alsace, made 100% from Chardonnay. Much like a Blanc de Blanc Champagne, but softer, less of that toastiness, and more minerality. Flavors of apples, pears, citrus and pine nuts are fresh and lively. At less than half the price of the mass marketed Champagnes, this wine offers quality and value.

2008 Pingus Flor de Pingus

"The 2008 Flor de Pingus had been in bottle for 2 weeks when I tasted it. It offers up an enticing nose of smoke, Asian spices, incense, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it displays outstanding volume, intensity, and balance. Rich, dense, and succulent, it has enough structure to evolve for 4-5 years and will offer prime drinking from 2015 to 2028." 96 pts. Robert Parker, Jr.
In my opinion this one of the best values in a higher quality wine. JTF

Ninety Plus 2010 Shiraz McLaren Vale

Fleshy and flashy. This little gem shows off flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum, with under tones of vanilla, cedar, and coffee. Spicy notes come in on the finish rounding out this very drinkable Aussie red. A good drink on it's own, but would do well with a hearty stew. Compare to $20

Coquerel 2010 Verdelho

This is the first vintage for the Verdelho by Coquerel, and it is very pleasant and drinkable. Flavors of fresh white peaches, apricots and orange peel are balanced nicely with a pine nut notes and bright acidity on the finish. The lightness of this wine lends ifself to being enjoyed sitting on the patio, and fresh fruit and cheese.

Neyers 2010 Vista Luna Zinfandel Borden Ranch

The fifty plus year old vines, the clay soils, and a talented winemaker, equals a zinfandel that has depth, intensity, and character. Packed with black fruits, leather, plums and freshly cracked black pepper. A classy zinfandel, that is young right now, but will drink well for 4 to 5 years.

Andre Brunel 2008 Cotes du Rhone

Andre Brunel, the famed producer of Les Cailloux Chateauneuf du Pape, brings us this enjoyable Grenache based Rhone. The wine offers flavors of cherry, currant and spicy tones, with a smooth finish. A perfect match with grilled meats and game fowl. This wine is year in year out a very good value. SOLD OUT

Domaine Cantarelles 2009 Viognier

This delightful French white delivers flavors and aromas of white peaches, apricots, almond and minerals. The wine is almost oily, rich and medium bodied, with a hint of citrus on the finish. I enjoyed this one with shellfish.

Brewer - Clifton 2009 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

Layers of ripe fruit flavors and aromas attack your senses. The ripe apple, melon, lemon and tropical notes are lively and set against a back drop of spice and subtle oak. As with all Brewer - Clifton chardonnays, there underlying mineral tones and good acidity. 93 pts. Robert Parker, Jr.

Jordan 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

The 2007 may very well be the best Jordan that I have tasted since 1987. Blackberry, currant, anise and vanillia tones are abundant. The 2007 has 20% Merlot, so while the fruit flavors are big and rich, the finish still has that trademark, soft, round tannins. Really a stellar effort for Jordan. On Sale $39.99 until 12/31/11

Melville Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir Estate Santa Rita Hills

A wonderful effort from owner and winemaker Greg Brewer. The wine is very rich and somewhat dense in both flavors and mouthfeel. Flavors range from strawberry, cherry, currant and sweet floral notes. Spice, cedar and well intergrated oak follows. While it is a big pinot, the wine still has grace and finesse. 91 pts. Robert Parker, Jr.

Melville Vineyards 2010 Viognier Verna's

One of best Viogniers out of California that I have tasted. The wine shows flavors of pineapples, melon, and citrus, along with hints of nuts, ginger and mineral qualities. The rich mouthfeel is followed with a crisp, ripe finish.

Poizin 2009 Zinfandel Sonoma County

Deep blood red in color. This wine has a fun label for Halloween, but, the wine is solid. Lots of ripe cherry, plum and sweet oak flavors and aromas. Black peppercorn comes through on a finish that is robust and lenghty. Poizin is not, "the wine to die for", as the winery claims, but it is a bloody fine zin!!

Domaine Joblot Givry 1er Cru Clos Du Cellier Aux Moines 2009

Jean - Marc Joblot delivers a pinot that richness ans density not expected from this area. The wine shows blackberry and currant flavors, intergrated nicely with hints of earth and spice. Richer and bolder is better when it comes to this pinot noir.

Domaine Saint Vincent Brut Sparkling

A terrific value in sparkling wine from New Mexico. This wine show flavors and aromas of apples, white peaches, lime, and pie dough. Easy drinking, clean, and lively bubbles, perfect for all parties coming up later in the year. At $9 a bottles, this is one of the best values in the store.

Iron Horse Classic Brut

The Iron Horse sparkling wines are clearly among the best that California has to offer. The Classic Brut is rich and creamy, with a baked apple quality. The finish is rich, creamy and yeasty, somewhat full bodied and well balanced, over all a solid sparkler.

Cade 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Cuvee

Big, rich and bold, packed with aromsas of black fruits, blue berries and foral notes. In the mouth flavors are layered and forward, with notes of blackberry, currant, chocolate, mocha and spice. Full bodied with fairly intense tannis, that should mellow with cellaring. 92-94 Robert Parker,Jr.

Neyers 2010 Sage Canyon Red

This is first vintage for the Sage Canyon Red, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and mouvedre. Crafted to be a true Rhone style wine, with a freshness that is California. The fruit is ripe and rich, offering notes of raspberry, plum, and cherry. Hints of spice, coffee, cedar and dried fruits, give the wine roundness and balance. A very nice effort, that should be wonderful with roast pork loin.

Miner Vineyards 2007 AIA Napa Red

35% Cabernet franc, 35% Cabernet Suavignon, with the rest Malbec and Petite Verdot. The wine is rich with floral and plummy aromas. Flavors of black cherry, currants, plums and spice, with fairly soft tannins and a vanilla tone to round out the wine. One of my personal favorites for under $30

Three Everyday Wines from Sicilia

Feudo Arancia Stemmari

2009 Nero D'Avola Siclia

          The classic red wine from Sicily. Offers up flavors of cherries and cranberries, medium-bodied and soft tannins. Goes well with pasta and grilled meats.

2010 Chardonnay

          Flavors and aromas remind you of baked apples, pears and minerals. Light bodied, clean and fresh. Ideal with fish, cheeses and chicken.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

          A medium bodied cabernet with notes of currants, bing cherries and minerals. The soft tannins make the wine pleasant and easy drinking. Have this one with grilled red meats, and salami.

Ten Value Chardonnay for $20 or Less

Steele 2009 California Steele Cuvee

                  Rich and ripe, creamy and complex with good oak. $20

LaLande 2009 France

                  Ripe apples and tropical fruit, medium bodied, crowd pleaser. $12

Ninety Plus Cellars 2009 Russian River

                  Baked apples, rich and lightly creamy. $12

Talbott Kali Hart 2009 Monterey

                  Bold smokey oak, rich and creamy. $16

Annabella 2009 Napa

                  Green apples, pears and hint of citrus, great party wine. $11

Shooting Star 2009 Mendocino

                  Touch of oak, ripe apples, pears and lemon zest. $14

Manciat Macon Charnay 2009 France

                  Well balanced, great with food, clean finish. $15

Contrada 2009 Sonoma Coast

                  Middle wieght, citurs, pears and melon, light style. $11

Domaine Grournier 2009 France

                  Easy drinking with ripe fruit flavors and great balance. $12

Ferrari - Carano 2009 Sonoma

                  Apple, pears and melons, with light oak and cream. $18

Brewer-Clifton 2008 Mount Carmel Chardonnay

This is a truly enjoyable glass of California Chardonnay, but it is not the classic California style, it is not over oaked, fat and sweet. Flavors and aromas of apricots, peaches, nut and figs, are married nicely with mineral notes and good acidity. The finish goes on and on and on.

94 pts. Robert Parker, Jr.

Robert Craig 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity

The 2008 Affinity is a very charming blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, intertwine nicely with notes of coffee, cedar and herbs. Less tannic than the 2007, but it still has nice wieght and a smooth finish.

Lalande 2009 Chardonnay

This chardonnay from France offers both quality and value. The wine has a wonderful floral quality to the nose, flavors are of apples, pears, a kiss of citrus and a hint of nuts. At $12 a bottle, this chardonnay is fresh and ripe, with a balance reserved for higher prices French chards. A real crowd pleaser, and great with food.
SOLD OUT

Larkin 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

The 2007 Larkin Cabernet is deep ruby in color with a nose that explodes with aromas of cassis, anise, graphite and smoky tones. The fruit is big and forward, offering up black cherry, raspberry and plums. Full bodied, rich and layered with flavors, finishing with almost sweet tannins. Drinks well now and will cellar nicely for 15 years. 93 pts. Robert Parker, Jr.

Dare 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

The 2007 cab is dark ruby in color with very intense red fruit flavors of cherries, raspberries and currants. Underlying notes spice, toasty oak and clove are subtle and finely intergrated. Medium bodied with a long silky finish. Dare is a small production wine of 1000 cases, and the newest project from Viader.

Groom 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills Australia

The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc from Marshall Groom is fresh, ripe and clean. Notes of grapefruit, citrus and tropical fruits, are vibrant and lively. The wine has good acidity, but not that bracing acidity as in many New Zealand sauvignon blancs. A wonderful choice when having sushi or Asian dishes.

Bertrand Ambroise 2008 Aries Pinot Noir

Bertand makes a serious pinot noir for $25, that is uncommon for Burgundy, and uncommonly good. A blend of 50% from Bertrand's Bourgogne Rouge Viielles Vignes and 50% wines from Nuits-Saint-Georges, Morey- Saint-Denis, Pernand-Vergelesses, Volnay, Pommard. Ripe flavors of berries, plums and cedar, that are seemless on the palate. Not a heavywieght, but more body that you expect from a Burgogne.