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.

Shooting Star 2008 Chardonnay Mendocino County

Jed Steele crafts this wine to be a little lighter and softer than his Steele label. The flavors of stones fruits and citrus are married with mineral tones and bright acidity. A very nice value for everyday drinking.

Peter Michael Les Pavots 2008

Peter Michael’s Bordeaux program is built around their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, Les Pavots. The 2008 Les Pavots, a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, offers up notes of roasted coffee, cocoa, chocolate fudge, black currants, licorice and a hint of truffles. This full-bodied, beautifully rich red boasts an opulent texture, impressive purity and a long finish. Impressively made with impeccable attention to detail (it is sorted berry by berry rather than grape bunch by grape bunch), this 3,500-case cuvee should drink well for two decades or more. 

96 pts. Robert Parker 
98 pts. Wine Spectator

Domaine Hauts de Sanziers 2009 Saumur

Made in the Loire Valley from Chenin Blanc, that shows more richness and depth than chenin blanc from Vouvray. The peach, apricot and tangerine notes are fresh and ripe, with a lush mouth feel. The wine finishes dry and clean. Try this one with fruits, cheeses and Asian dishes.

Fantesca 2008 Chardonnay Russian River

This is the only chardonnay made by "The first lady of wine", Heidi Barrett. This is a big chardonnay, but not overly oaked. Mango, tropical fruits and ctirus tones are balanced nicely with a mild creaminess and bright acidity. If Meursault was located in California, this is what the wine would be. Over all this is a beautiful wine made by California's most sought after winemaker.

Robert Craig 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mtn.

The 2007 cabernets from Robert Craig are outstanding across the board, leading the group is the Howell Mountain Cab. Instense flavors of black cherry, currants, anise, and dried berries lead you to underlying notes of toast oak, spice and coffee. A massively powerful wine with a long finish and firm tannins. Built to last 20 plus years in the cellar, if you drink it now, decant for at least one hour.

96 pts. Robert Parker

92 pts. Wine Spectator

Auratus Alvarinho 2009

Most of us think of Spain when Albarino is mentioned, in Portugal it is Alvarinho. A bit richer than it's Spanish counterpart, the wine shows stone fruit qualities with a hint of citrus. Mineral notes abound and lively acidity comes in on the finish. Enjoy this wine with fish dishes and firm goat cheeses.

Chateau Caronne Ste. Gemme 2008

This was a nice little surprise when we tried it recently. Bordeaux for under $20 is simple, light and at best pleasant. This one is well made and stylish, black cherry, anise, spice and cedar flavors are balanced with round tannins. Excellent value!

Antidoto 2009 Ribera del Duero

The first vintage for this wine is a real gem. The wine is 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), classy and wonderfully well made. Intense ripe berry flavors, with hints of spice, cedar and earth. The finish is long with firm sweet tannins. This is a truely good bottle of wine at a fantisic price.

Selene 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Hyde Vineyard

Carneros might br better known for producing chardonnay and pinot noir, but, the 2009 Selene Sauv. Bl. from Carneros rocks! The wine shows aromas and flavors of apricots, figs, peach and honeysuckle. Somewhat wieghty for sauvignon, with a richness, and fuller body in the mouth. Finishing with crisp acidity and notes of minerals and meyer lemon.

Steele 2009 Chardonnay Steele Cuvee

Always a wine that outperforms it's price, surpirsingly rich, complex and well balanced. The 2009 delivers aromas and flavors of, mangos, pineapple, melons, baked apples, pie dough, creemy oak. Mineral and citrus notes come in on the finish, along with some nice acidity. Drinks as well as many chards costing $40 or more.

Lail Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint

Deep rich flavors of black cherry and currants, with hints of chocolate, cocca and oak. The finish is long with ripe sweet tannins. This well balanced, medium bodied cabernet is a real charmer that drinks well now and will cellar for another 7 to 10 years. Sold Out

Inacayal 2010 Pinot Grigio

This pinot grigio from Argentina is an exciting new project brought to us by Bobby Kacher. The wine offers up flavor of green apple, pear, and white peaches, along with floral and citrus tones. Great for summer parties with it's fresh and clean style.