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Wine Archive

A list of the wines we have featured in our past tastings. Please phone for availability.

August 21st, 2010

Camille Cayran Le Pas de la Beaume Côtes du Rhône Blanc '08
Planted on clay and limestone hillsides covered with small pebbles in the town of Cairanne, France. The slopes are gentle, well exposed to the sun and selected from the best of Camille Cayran's Cairanne plots where the climate is appropriate to achieve optimum ripeness, therefore producing elegant wines and reducing phytosanitary treatments. The wine is a blend of 65% Grenache blanc, 20% Clairette and 15% Marsanne; it has a very shiny color with green golden tints. It has good intensity with a lot of floral tints and white peach notes. Slightly sharp freshness.

Gryphus Sauvignon Blanc
The Gryphus has taken on a life of it's own here at Menotomy. We've never OFFICIALLY tasted it - it's never been mentioned in an e-mail (it was a bonus pour back when we first brought it in). When we looked at what we've sold this summer, it turned out to be the fourth best-selling wine of the season - with no fanfare! We thought we'd offer it this week to our Saturday-tasters and see what you think! It is bright and vigorous but with a fully ripe mouth feel. It is zippy and clean but with loads of fragrant pear aromas. In other words, the grapes can get ripe while still maintaining acid-a delicate balance sought by winemakers everywhere, but which can only be achieved naturally when microclimate and varietal are perfectly matched.

Gaba do Xil Godello '08
Godello is a relatively rare Spanish white grape. Though often overshadowed by the more well known Albariño, Godello arguably produces some of Spain's best white wines, which can be remarkably complex, yet crisp, refreshing and extremely versatile with food. This version is made by Telmo Rodriguez, one of spain's top modern producers. "Classic pears, freshly cut hay and a touch of guava and hot wax are all there. Very robust and tight for a white wine, kind of like white Burgundy in structure, but nothing like it in flavor. Crunchy minerals and an acid laden finish."

Fumanelli Valpolicella Classico '09
The Marchesi Fumanelli family have been cultivating grapes and producing prestigious wines since 1470 at the Squarano estate which is located in the heart of the most classical Valpolicella, on a gentle hilltop surrounded by vineyards, cherry and cypress trees. 40% Corvina Veronese, 40% Corvinone, and 20% Rondinella. Ruby red with hints of violet, bouquet of red fruits such as cherries and blackberries. Well balanced, optimum contrast between tannins, acidity and sweetness. A wine to be enjoyed on all occasions. Ideal as accompaniment to appetizers, soups and typical Mediterranean pasta dishes.

Calistoga Cellars Zinfandel '06
This one appeared briefly last Holiday Season, and you all LOVED it. Unfortunately, we were unable to get our hands on it for awhile, but now it's back. This Zinfandel has a deep ruby-black color, a raspberry nose, and an elegant palate with lots of plump black cherry. Many wine lovers think of Zinfandel as a wine that is jammy and has high alcohol. This one is quite different, with a medium body mouth feel and it drinks well right now. Try this wine with any kind of cuisine. Of course, nothing is better with a barbecue than a Zinfandel!

August 14th, 2010

Claar Cellars Riesling '08
Floral and citrusy, the nose is echoed in the mouth by a fresh sensation of exotic fruits, honeysuckle and stone fruits. The crispiness is balanced by a mild sweetness that adds an extra dimension and enhances the fruitiness that lingers on honey flavors. This is a superb wine to match with Asian food or to gather with friends. Serve it chilled.

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc '09
Neil is proud to say that HE brought this wine into Menotomy when we first opened. (And, that's waaaay back when he was just coming out of his "Bud Light" phase.) It's still in his Top Five. It has a wonderful grapefruit and figgy nose. The wine explodes with delicious flavors of fig, apple and grapefruit. It is as though one were biting into a big piece of yummy fruit. It also has a lovely textural mouth feel.

Domaine de Pellehaut Rosé '09
This is the one thing Neil missed while on vacation in Ireland last month. Seriously. It's the first thing he brought home upon his return. This vintage has a beautiful pinkish color, an intense, aromatic expression on the nose, with a bouquet of red fruits, strawberries and a floral touch. On the palate, it shows remarkable balance between the freshness and the aromatic splendor. Surely a rosé for pleasure, remarkably well vinified. Thanks to its freshness, this is the perfect wine for drinking as an aperitif. It will complement summer meals, barbecues, fruit salads and desserts.

Wyatt Cabernet Sauvignon '09
90% Cabernet Sauvignon (80% California appellation, 20% Lake County); 10% Merlot (Lake County). The wine was fermented and aged in 90% stainless steel tank, the remaining 10% in oak barrels. The wine has a breadth and richness without overpowering at all; the finish is smooth and lingers with notes of juicy red and black fruits.

Brancaia Tre 2007
We were lucky enough to get a couple of cases of this extra special Super Tuscan. Brancaia TRE is a wine full of character giving you drinking pleasure at the moment of release. The carefully selected grapes are from Brancaia's three estates: Brancaia, Poppi and the estate in the Maremma - Brancaia in Maremma. The blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 12 months in Tonneaux. "There's wonderful intensity of fruit in this wine, with crushed raspberry and blackberry and hints of coffee and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, soft-textured finish that shows loads of fruit. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010." - Wine Spectator, 93 Points

August 7th, 2010

Château Nicot Entre-Deux-Mers White Bordeaux '08
The grapes for the Château Nicot (40% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Muscadelle) are macerated for 12 hours on their skins, followed by a slow temperature-controlled fermentation. The wine was matured on its lees with regular stirring. It was then aged in stainless steel casks. In the glass it has a straw color with bright yellow and green highlights. On the nose, this wine is highly aromatic with the delicious characteristic fragrances of Sauvignon and Sémillon grapes. It is quite rich in style, but with clean and fresh fruit flavors. Entre-Deux-Mers wines, which are exclusively dry white wines, are produced throughout the area between Bordeaux's two great rivers, the Garonne and the Dordogne. Produced from vines planted in clay-limestone soils, these wines are distinguished by a thirst-quenching freshness, but also by good persistence of aromas with notes of citrus, yellow flowers and exotic fruit.

Falernia Pedro Ximenez '09
Located in Chile's Elqui Valley, near La Serena, Viña Falernia is at present Chile's northernmost wine estate. The soils in the vineyards are composed partly of rubble which has eroded from the Andes mountains and deposited by glaciers and wind, and partly of alluvial sand and silt deposited by the river. While stony, gravely soils are regarded as poor for most crops, their excellent drainage qualities make them perfect for wine growing. The grapes for the Pedro Ximenez are hand-picked into small bins and immediately pressed. The juice has been clarified by natural sediment and fermented in stainless steel tanks at 14-16º C with selected yeasts. At the end of the fermentation the wine is racked and aged in stainless steel tanks at low temperature. In the glass, it has a pale straw yellow color with a very attractive nose with floral and aromatic notes. On the palate, it has a nice medium body with balance of acidity, minerality and fruity character. It is dry, fresh and easy drinking, particularly as an aperitif. Recommended with seafood.

Domaine Massamier La Mignarde Cuvée des Oliviers Rosé '09
Situated between Narbonne, France and the ancient walled city of Carcassonne, Massamier La Mignarde has been in the Vènes family for more than 150 years. Frantz Vènes currently farms more than 180 acres in and around Minervois La Livinière, which many consider to be the best vineyard area in the region. Fresh strawberry and cactus flower aromas lead to a light, extremely lively palate with strawberry and red cherry flavors presented in a very dry, refreshing style. 80% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 10% Grenache. Enjoy this as an aperitif or with light dishes. Also excellent with Asian cuisine.

Château de Calce Côtes du Roussillon '07
A blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir and old Carignan. In the glass, it's ruby color has shining low purple reflections. This wine releases powerful flavors of mature fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant) and of licorice. Its mouth is generous and molten, the powerful tannins keeping a note of freshness. We suggest that you use a carafe when pouring this wine.

Grifalco Aglianico del Vulture '06
Brilliant ruby red; generous and elegant nose with all the charm of the Aglianico grape. Mineral. Stylish floral hints, fresh and bottled red berry fruit. Gutsy and determined on the palate, supported by sweet tannins. A good acidity lengthens the deep, well-defined finish. Ideal with roasted, barbecue and stewed and braised meats.

July 31st, 2010

New Age White Wine
Low in alcohol - 9.5% - this is the perfect accompaniment to a picnic or porch patrol! 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Malvasia, it's a light yellow/green color in the glass, with fruity and floral aromas of great intensity. Balanced acidity leads to soft, semi-sweet and slightly effervescent flavors and mouth feel. It is an extremely refreshing, vivacious and sensual wine. This wine should be served well-chilled as an aperitif or dessert. Try it on ice with a slice of lime! It was a huge hit at our June 23rd Teacher Tasting - come on in and give it a try.

Quinta de la Rosa White Port
We can't wait until you try this port "cocktail". You won't believe how fun it is. It's made in the style of a gin and tonic - a little bit of tonic, a lotta bit of Quinta la Rosa white port, a slice of lime (or, lemon if you wish)=FUN! On a serious note, this port is drier than your regular white port. They call it Secco (check out the "White Port" note above). Quinta de la Rosa has a small area in which to grow their white grapes, therefore their annual production is small. Most ports tend to be young (2 years-old) with a dry and light color. The Quinta de la Rosa white port is slightly different, having been stored for four years. It is allowed longer skin contact during fermentation, which results in a deeper color with more fruit aromas and a longer finish. You can enjoy this port alone (as an appertif) or as a digestif, whichever suits your needs!

Montinore Borealis
The inspiration for this wine grew out of the Montinore Estates' winemakers enjoyment of aromatic wines like Albariño from Spain and Torrontes from Argentina; wines with great fruit flavor but a dry finish. Knowing that Oregon's cool-climate whites provided them with a broad range of flavors and aromas, they have been able to create a unique wine bursting with exotic aromatics and ripe fruit flavors that reflect the character of Montinore's corner of the Willamette Valley. The blend of 45% Müller-Thurgau, 24% Gewürztraminer, 18% Pinot Gris and 13% Riesling provides aromas of fresh ripe fruit including citrus, honeydew and casaba melon, hints of orange blossom, yellow apple, and strawberries. On the palate it opens up to ripe yellow apple, mandarin orange, and fresh melon with hints of lemon zest finishing crisp and dry with lingering sweet ripe fruit character and floral notes.

Barbera da Vine '07
I think the label is fun, but you will have to look past it to get to the wine's true quality. The fruit is sourced from a number of growers with mature Barbera vineyards around the town of Nizza, in the heart of the Barbera d'Asti zone. That usually means the wine would be designated as a D.O.C.G. Barbera d'Asti. BUT, because this wine has a Stelvin closure (a.k.a. screwcap), it can't be designated D.O.C.G. It is, however, a designated D.O.C. Piedmont Barbera. A detailed selection of the best grapes is made at harvest. Following the alcoholic fermentation, a proportion (10%) of the fruit is matured in second and third year oak barriques for around 12 months while the remainder is aged in large Slovenian 'Botte'. The two components are blended to give complexity and depth.

Chateau Champ des Soeurs Fitou '08
Fitou is one of the oldest appellations of the Languedoc region of France, having been established in 1948. In Occitan (the native language of the Languedoc region) 'fita' means border or frontier, and Fitou once sat on the border between France and Catalonia. The principal grape varieties of the region are Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, with the legal addition of Cinsault and Lledoner Pelut. The Chateau Champ des Soeurs fits the bill perfectly: 50% Grenache, 40% Carignan, 10% Syrah. It is 100% Stainless Steel fermented.

July 24th, 2010

Picollo Ernesto Gavi '09
100% Cortese grape fermented in stainless steel. Straw colored in the glass. On the nose it is fragrant and fruity. On the palate, crisp and zingy - a perfect complement to fish and white meat dishes. The Ernesto Picollo is from the AREA of Gavi, therefore it is called a Gavi. There is also the village called Gavi; wines from the village are called Gavi di Gavi and are generally slightly more expensive.

The Other White '07
Estate grown grapes from the Peirano Family vineyards in the heart of Lodi, California go into The Other white blend. Once the fruit is received at the winery, the winemakers keep each varietal separate through the entire fermentation and aging process, so each grape can fully express its true character. They then make several blends and sample each one until they have found one that is greater than the sum of its parts. The 2007 blend consists of 65% Chardonnay, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, and 10% Viognier. One is immediately struck by the vibrant color of this wine. The aromas of apples, pears, tropical fruit, and a whiff of bubble gum are complemented by hints of coconut and vanilla. Lush flavors of fresh ripe pears, apples, tropical fruit and homemade lemon pie lead to a long, totally seductive, finish.

Westport Rivers Pinot Noir Rosé '08
Westport Rivers began in 1982 when Bob and Carol Russell bought an old dairy farm in Westport, Mass. Several years later, the vines arrived as did their oldest son Rob, to help out with the family business. Rob and his crew planted the first vines in 1986 and the vineyard has since grown into the largest vineyard in New England. Bill Russell, Bob and Carol's second son, joined the team in 1989 to begin making wine. This Rosé is an attractive bright rose color. On the nose, it has a complex bouquet with berries, rose petal and a touch of cotton candy. Round and soft yet brisk and firm with wonderfully balanced acidity and richness. The wine finishes with a lingering fruitiness. Pairs well with many dishes from vegetarian to beef and spicy, smoky flavors or exotic spices in Indian and Thai food.

Camille Cayran Le Pas de la Beaume Cotes du Rhone '08
76% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 8% Old Carignan, 8% Cinsault - A pleasant nose of red fruit , "garrigue" (Provence countryside) and spices. The mouth is fruitful and supple with a long lasting finish. The tannic structure reveals a good ageing potential. Serve with grilled & roasted meat, omelet, pizzas and every day meals. This cuvée and this great vintage have been awarded with 2 first class gold medals in the same year: Médaille d'Or of Concours Général Agricole de Paris & Médaille d'Or in Orange. Le Pas de la Beaume means "the grotto entrance" in the Provencal dialect. (If you have a second, click here to check out their website - it's really fun!)

Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz/Viognier '08
A wine partnership between a Chicago native and a French winemaker, born an ocean apart, separated by a generation. Yet from the moment Anthony J. Terlato and Michel Chapoutier met, it was clear they shared a kinship, a common vision so deeply ingrained it could almost be called instinctual. Love of wine, there was that, but more important was a passion for quality and authenticity. Chapoutier was a winemaker for his family's winery in France, but in 1998 he discovered an area in the Australian Pyrenees and called Tony exclaiming, "If we plant vineyards here we can make great wines in this soil. I would like you to be my partner." Then, from 1998 to 2000, 46 acres of predominately Shiraz were planted. You can try the "fruits" of their labor this Saturday! The 2008 Shiraz-Viognier blend is an intense ruby color in the glass. On the nose, there are scents of vibrant red berry and apricot. On the palate, round and full with finely integrated tannins.

July 17th, 2010

90+ Cellars Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc '09
This is the first of what 90+ Cellars calls an "Extended Lot" wine. With most of their wines, once a vintage is sold out, they begin looking for a new winery to do business with. However, with the Sauvignon Blanc, they found that the first vintage was so popular, and so ridiculously good for the price, that they have decided to continue with the same winery as long as the quality of the wine lives up to their standards. We hope you agree! "Exuberant aromas of citrus fruit, ripe melon and guava with some underlying herbal and classic gooseberry notes. Fresh fruit and crisp acidity creates a well-balanced and elegant wine with a smooth finish. This is classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc."

Next: Riesling '08
An interesting name for an interesting wine; it's golden yellow in the glass with scents of spicy orange, quince and clove on the nose. The flavors are what I really found interesting. There's peach and apricot; but there's also ginger that almost makes the wine spicy. This is a great crisp, fresh clean summer sipper at 13% alcohol, making it a nice addition to your dry Riesling choices. "Racy, sharply focused citrus flavors possess good concentration and finish with refreshing bite and lift. I'd serve this bracing wine with something rich." -88 Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar.

Crios Torrontes '09
Please welcome (or, welcome back) another member of the Crios family to Menotomy: the '09 Torrontes. We have a fascination with Torrontes here, selling no fewer than six at any given time. (See the sidebar above for more info on the grape.) We're excited about this one as well, come in and see how you feel about it! "The 2009 Torrontes remains one of Argentina's benchmarks for this variety. Sourced from 31-year-old vines in Cafayate (where the finest Torrontes grows), it displays a fragrant bouquet of spring flowers, honey, and tropical aromas. Medium-bodied and dry on the palate, it has ample fruit backed by vibrant acidity leading to a lengthy finish. Drink it over the next 2 years. " - Robert Parker, 90 Points.

90+ Cellars Lot 7 Malbec '09
Many of you will be happy to see this baby back on our shelves! The previous vintage of this beauty from Argentina has been our best selling Malbec since we brought it in in August of last year - and we did not have it in stock for four out of the last 11 months! Like the Sauvignon Blanc listed above, the new vintage of the Malbec is from the same winery as the last. From 90+ chief Kevin Mehra: "Due to customer demand...we will continue buying this wine through future vintages as long as the quality remains consistent." Notes of raspberry and chocolate balanced with lush flavors of red plum, caramel and black currant. Hits of coffee and sweet spice emerge on the palate along with supple, sticky tannins. In the end, all the flavors combine to produce a long, pleasing finish.

90+ Cellars Lot 20 Sonoma County Pinot Noir '08
Sometimes, if you're intrepid, you can figure out where 90+ is getting their wines. This one, however, is so top-secret that they aren't even releasing the ratings pedigree!! I'll let Kevin explain this one as well: "Lot 20 is brought to you from a prestigious winery in California with a solid reputation for producing top quality Pinot Noir. The fruit hails from vineyards located in the prime growing regions of the Sonoma County. Throughout harvesting and fermentation, these prized grapes are handled with extreme care, resulting in a wine with style and polish. Consider buying this one by the case!" Like I mentioned in the open, this one simply blew us away. We don't always agree on everything, but Neil, Beth and Mary all liked it, and with our varied tastes, it should fit most of our customers palates as well!

July 10th, 2010

Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc '08, $13.99 (South Africa)
The historical town of Stellenbosch boasts a winemaking tradition which stretches back to the end of the 17th-century. Stellenbosch is the educational and research center of the South African winelands. Stellenbosch University is the only one in South Africa with a viticultural and oenological department, and many of the country's most successful winemakers studied there. The Nietvoorbij Institute of Viticulture and Oenology is also in Stellenbosch and this organization has one of the most modern experimental wineries in the world and, at its experimental farms (situated in several wine growing districts), important research into new varietals, clones and rootstocks is undertaken. The mountainous terrain, good rainfall, deep well-drained soils and diversity of terroirs make this a sought-after viticultural area. The rapidly increasing number of wine estates includes some of the most famous names in Cape wine. The district, with its mix of historic estates and contemporary wineries, produces excellent examples of almost all the noble grape varieties.The nose hints at the wonderful elegance and vibrancy of this wine. White petals and citrus crispness integrated with light touches of cinnamon. Then the palate unfolds layers of fresh lime and gentle spices, underscored by an intensity of fruit which persists on the palate and finishes with a mineral resonance. In essence, it has immense personality and Stellenbosch-Helderberg driven personality. A complex, balanced combination of the finer attributes of good Chenin. A highly versatile wine, apt for an unusual variety of cuisines, certain to give much pleasure now - and for a good few years to come. Good Chenin ages extremely well!

Las Brisas '08, $12.99 (Spain)
This blend of Verdejo, Viura, and Sauvignon Blanc delivers a fine balance of fruit, minerality and acidity. The peachy, grapefruit nose follows through on the palate, with a nice herbaceous, citrus finish. A long-standing Menotomy favorite, we're always happy to revisit this gem.

St. Antoniuskellerei Kreuznacher Kronenberg Riesling Auslese (Nahe) '07, $13.99 (Germany)
Pale gold with a faint blush of green. A moderately open nose; the ripe apple/peach aroma is fresh and subtle, with a little floral note, and a hint of spice. Very nice. The palate shows more flavor; it is slightly plump and sweet, with a slightly sappy richness. Medium body, with some richness, slightly sweet, with good acidity. Since no grape is named on the label, this is likely a blend of Riesling with grapes such as Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, and - maybe - Muller-Thurgau. Even though it is only 9.5% alcohol, it has a good presence on the palate. An ideal little sipping wine, and one for lighter foods, picnics and such.

Radford Dale '05 Shiraz, $19.99 (South Africa)
This South African beauty is a classic, spicy, peppery Shiraz, with layers of firm, ripe tannins bound with abundant juicy, fruit. You'll find sweet, dark fruits on the nose with a sweet vanilla and coconut edge, together with some tarriness. "Smooth and round, this vivid wine delivers gorgeous blackberry and plum fruit that's shaded with perfumy floral notes and hints of cardamom and fennel seed, all of it supple and insinuating. Drink now through 2015." Score: 93. -Harvey Steiman, October 15, 2008 Wine Spectator.

Bodegas Carrau Tannat de Reserva '06, $13.99 (Uruguay)
First came Chilean Cabernet. Then Argentinian Malbec. The next hot wine to emerge from South America? Super sexy Tannat from Uruguay. Alright, so you've possibly never heard of the grape Tannat and most likely need to look at a map to find Uruguay. Rest assured: there are some truly remarkable wines we think you'll love. If you are a tried and true Menoto-fan you probably have already tried this yummy wine as it is a favorite of ours! Originally brought to the Southern Hemisphere, from France, by Basque settlers over a century ago, Uruguay has deemed Tannat their national grape. But, it took modern winemaking techniques to tame the firm tannins and intense fruit in this red beast. Tannats now coming out of Uruguay like the 2007 Bodegas Carrau Tannat Reserva are smooth, well balanced and full of delicious fruit.

July 3rd, 2010

A to Z Rose '09, $12.99
The A to Z Rosé is a beautiful, vibrant classic Rosé The attack is juicy with a profusion of red fruit flavors and refreshing acidity. Bright and rich, this wine lingers on and finishes crisp. Made entirely of Sangiovese grapes harvested from Del Rio Vineyard in Southern Oregon, this Rosé has an inviting nose full of fresh pure strawberries, raspberries, cherries, wildflowers with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.The A to Z Rosé is made with intention from grape to glass: single vineyard selection, specialized equipment and craft winemaking.This stunning wine is juicy and quaffable, not overly complex, but full of flavor and pleasure.

Schug Sonoma Coast Chardonnay '08, $24.99
Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug's reputation blossomed during his tenure as Founding Winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the 1970s, where he made California's first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend (Insignia) and legendary vineyard designated Cabernets (Backus and Eisele Vineyards). This Chardonnay was produced in a lively, crisp style that emphasizes varietal fruit character. The winemakers achieve this by combining modern cold fermentation with traditional French Burgundian aging techniques. It draws its structure and spice from Chardonnay grown on Schug's own Estate vineyards in the Carneros region of the Sonoma Valley. The cool Carneros microclimate contributes a spicy bouquet, citrus and tropical fruit flavors and good acidity for depth and balance. The blend is rounded out by elegant, buttery textures and ripe flavors of pear and peach which comes from Chardonnay grown in the warmer reaches of Sonoma Valley. Try it as an elegant aperitif paired with hors d'oeuvres, or lighter dishes such as soups, salads, seafood and pasta.

Raymond Sauvignon Blanc $13.99
In honor of one of our favorite employees, Wally Raymond, we present to you the Raymond Sauvignon Blanc. He has nothing to do with the wine, he just likes that his name is on the label...whatever makes you happy, Wally! This wine's opening aromas of Ruby Red grapefruit, lemon, lime and honeydew melon are followed by hints of Granny Smith apple and herbal notes. Upon entry, the mouth fills with flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, green apple, lemon and orange. A balanced, medium-bodied wine with crisp, lively acidity and a smooth finish touched with lemongrass and ripe melon. The grapes were sourced from four vineyards around Napa Valley, including Moskowite near Napa, Conn Valley, Robertson in St. Helena, and Big Ranch in Oak Knoll. What's also a plus, is that the wine was fermented in all stainless steel and not oak. There were nearly 12,000 cases produced. A wonderful wine to enjoy on its own or to accompany oysters on the half shell, grilled shrimp or scallops, poached halibut, sushi, lobster and smoked salmon. A versatile wine that pairs with a variety of ethnic cuisines from spicy Pad Thai and green or yellow curry to Vietnamese spring rolls with citrus dipping sauce or Tandoori chicken.

Shannon Ridge Zinfandel '08, $17.99
Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery was named the "hot" California winery and brand of 2009. We are not usually about "hot" or "it" wine labels here at Menotomy. We typically choose wines based on tasting and value but this wine definitely fits that bill AND it just happens to be "HOT"! The grapes used to produce the 2008 Shannon Ridge Lake County Zinfandel were harvested from several different blocks from their family's vineyards in High Valley appellation in Lake County, California. Deep color and flavors were achieved through a soft punch down extraction during a cool fermentation. Aged in French and American oak to help create a balanced soft mouthfeel the resulting wine has aromas of Boysenberry, creamy vanilla and spice and flavors of raspberry, strawberry and white pepper. The result is a balanced wine with a lingering finish. Perfect for your 4th of July Barbecue!

June 26th, 2010

Casa de Vila Verde Vinho Verde '08, $11.99
Casa de Vila Verde is one of Portugal's oldest estates. The same family has been producing wine on the estate since the middle of the 17th century. All grapes are grown at the winery, and the different grape varieties are harvested individually taking into consideration the climate, soil type and ripeness of each. Each year this special wine is produced from the best combination of the different varietals. The result is a Vinho Verde that is more complex and elegant than anything else in its category. Buzzing with energy, this Vinho Verde is fleshy and firm. It smells of rich fruit and floral aromas followed by crisp citrus flavors on the palate. Delightful grapefruit and lemon notes lead to a satisfying crisp finish. This is a great warm-weather aperitif and also a perfect match for fish and seafood. It can definitely stand up to some spice. Wine & Spirits gave this beauty 90 Points and labeled it an "Extreme Value".

Borgo Buon Natale Primogenito '02, $13.99
44% Tocai Friulano, 28% Pinot Blanc, and 28% Pinot Gris
The Primogenito is a wine that Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat has been making since 1998, the first year their estate Italian varieties produced normal yields. This combination of grapes creates a wine that is much more profound than the individual components. Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat (which means "a well-exposed vineyard") produces internationally-recognized Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc wine from grapes grown in California's Santa Barbara County. Jim Clendenen has made his name as one of the prime movers of an ambitious gang of winemakers who, over the past ten or fifteen years, have reshaped the picture of the Santa Barbara viticultural area. An Ohio native - who looks either a bit like a mad winemaking genius or one of the members of Spinal Tap, depending on your point of view - Clendenen got his start at Zaca Mesa in '78, following the up with stints at Hermitage Hunter Estate in Australia and Domaine Duc de Magenta in Chassagne-Montrachet (Burgundy) before going into business for himself in 1982.

Chateau du Donjon Minervois Rosé '09, $13.99
Situated in the Minervois, one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the Languedoc (southern France), Ch‰teau du Donjon has been in the Panis family for 500 years. Jean Panis took the reigns from his father, Guy, in 1996 and has taken the estate to new heights, with the historic 1998 vintage marking the beginning of a golden era that continues to this day. Pink to salmon in color, this blend of 44% Carignan, 36% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cinsault has refreshing aromas including ripe strawberries, red cherries and red plums. Less spicy and herbal but with very pure intense red fruit flavors, the Donjon has enough weight to match with chicken, sausage or ham, but it would also be excellent with fresh fruits or fruit desserts.

Kanonkop Kadette '08, $13.99
This tasty Cape blend from South Africa's premier Pinotage producer combines the estate's signature grape with the Bordeaux varietals: 50% Pinotage, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied and supple, it displays ripe, juicy flavors of dark berry, coffee, banana, and plum interlaced with pleasant herbal and spice notes. Its distinctive smoky, tarry character makes it a perfect match for grilled meats, barbecued ribs, chili and hearty pasta dishes. Wine Enthusiast raves: "This blend is full-bodied and complex, with layered aromas of cherry, banana and warming spices, and smooth elegant flavors of cedar, cherry, tobacco smoke and red berries. Velvety, soft tannins and a clean finish give it a classy touch." 91 Points

Tenuta Migliavacca Monferrato Freisa '09, $13.99
From the Piedmont, this producer was the first biodynamic one in the region. This is an excellent value wine, with delicious aromatics, great red fruits on the palate, and a satisfying finish. A very food friendly wine with good acidity, it also is smooth and enjoyable. Great every day wine with character. (Also, a great Sangria wine!)

June 19th, 2010

Cielo Pinot Grigio, $8.99/750ml; $14.99/1.5L
Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris in France literally means "gray Pinot." The name refers to [Edit Image] the range of color this variety of grape exhibits, from tawny pink to grayish blue. The significant color variation of the grapes of Pinot Grigio yields wines that can range from white to slightly pink. The grape famous for producing Pinot Grigio wines was originally discovered by monks in the Alsace region of France in the 14th century. According to history, its popularity quickly spread to Italy, where it flourishes today--primarily in the Friuli and Alto Adige regions. In recent years, cultivation of the Pinot Gris grape in California has also increased, particularly in the coastal areas of Monterey and Lodi. Light golden straw in color, this wine has dominant citrus aromas with distinct spicy, almost smoky notes. Light- to medium-bodied on the palate and a hint of spicy sweetness. Pinot Grigio wines are crisp, light and dry with aromas and flavors ranging from vibrant citrus and mineral to honeyed spices and flowers. It is frequently blended with other white varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, to enhance the fruitiness. The characteristic acidity and silky overtones of Pinot Gris makes it extremely versatile for food pairing. Pinot Grigio especially complements seafood, light pastas and cheese and cracker appetizers.

Red Newt Cellars Riesling, $12.99
Scents reminiscent of sweet pineapple, pear, honey, orange peel and dried fruit mingle on a fruit salad of a nose. Definitely in a sweeter style (3.2% RS) the broad, mouth-filling palate shows good balance because of zesty acidity. The flavors range from pineapple to pear to honey to peach -- with just a bit of candied citrus peel. The finish isn't long, but ends cleanly given the RS. "It is our vision to create broad recognition of the Finger Lakes as a world class wine and culinary region and establish Red Newt as the leader of the region by creating a synergy of food and wine. It is our mission to develop an unquestionable reputation for our ability to deliver exceptional quality in everything we do and to consistently meet and exceed expectations, produce exceptional wine and innovative regional cuisine presented with exemplary service in an intimate atmosphere that makes every customer feel unique and that results in long lasting relationships, increase the awareness of who we are by educating every customer and neighbor about our commitment to promoting the Finger Lakes through our creation and presentation of exceptional regional wine and food, and to contribute to the betterment of our extended community through providing rewarding work opportunities to our family of employees and enriching our community through involvement in local arts, charities, and community activities." Red Newt Wine Cellar

Stephen Vincent Chardonnay '08, $13.99
This California Chardonnay is a blend of 50% Monterey County Chardonnay and 50% Clarksburg Chardonnay. 20% barrel Fermented, 10% malolactic and 80% stainless steel fermented. The malolactic fermentation gives the wine a buttery flavor and stainless steel fermentation captures the essence of Chardonnay fruit. The wine is food friendly, with buttery overtones and melon fig and tropical flavors. Stylistically, it's a fruit driven Chardonnay that is rich and delicious to drink.

Elena Walch Pinot Bianco '07, $18.99
Winemaking is a second career for Elena Walch. In 1985 she married into one of the Alto Adige's most historically important winemaking families. Captivated by her new environment, Walch made the decision to abandon architecture and devote her energies to making the best possible wines from her estate's two "Grand Cru" equivalent sites. Elena Walch is blessed with vines in Kastelaz, a steep south-facing site high above the prominent wine town of Tramin. It is important to understand that while Alto Adige has been politically a part of Italy for over a century, culturally this northern corner of the country, separated by only a few kilometers of mountains from Austria, is a world away from Rome, or even southern neighbor Trentino, with which its wines are often (for no logical reason) lumped. Most of its inhabitants consider themselves Tyrolean first, and speak German. The cuisine shares more with that of neighbors to the north. The Pinot Bianco nose features citrus and stone fruits while in the mouth you experience a creamy character that complements the refreshing acidity - long and very nice.

Stephen Vincent Crimson $13.99
As its name implies, SV Crimson has a deep, dark red color. Crimson is produced from a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Central Coast growing regions of California. This very rich wine has beautiful ripe plum and blackberry flavor, accented with hints of cassis and toasty French and American oak. Deep dark crimson color, with lots of black fruit in the nose. Soft tannins round out rich flavors of licorice, blackberries and cinnamon.

Dad's Day Off Pinot Noir, $9.99
This wine shows dried black cherry aromas accented with spicy notes of clove and a hint of sweet tobacco. Quite fruity and surprisingly luscious on the palate with velvety smooth tannins and a slightly earthy finish. Southern Italy isn't the first place you might think to look for a tasty Pinot Noir, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised like we were! Even if you can't send your Dad to Italy for Father's Day, you can get him some wine from the region!

June 12th, 2010

Schug Sauvignon Blanc '08, $19.99
Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug's reputation blossomed during his tenure as Founding Winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the 1970s, where he made California's first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend (Insignia) and legendary vineyard designated Cabernets (Backus and Eisele Vineyards). This well-balanced Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of vineyards from very different micro-climates in Sonoma County. Grapes grown in the cooler Carneros district contribute spice and acidity for excellent food compatibility, while the warmer-grown Bennett Valley component contributes lush fruit flavors reminiscent of melon, honeysuckle and grapefruit. These flavors are enhanced by the creamy richness of fermentation and aging on the yeast ("sur lie"). This wine finishes with a clean, crisp acidity that makes it an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of soups, salads and shellfish dishes.

Shannon Ridge Chardonnay, $14.99
In 1861 Lake County was created from parts of Napa and Mendocino countiesshannonchardand has since been well known as a farming community. In the 1870s vineyards were planted and by the early 1900s the area was already earning its reputation for producing the "World's greatest wines". Prohibition forced an end to the Lake County wine production in 1920; some of the vineyards were removed and replaced with walnut and pear orchards. The comeback of the wine industry began in the 1960s when a few growers rediscovered the area's grape growing potential and once again began planting vineyards. Lake County now has close to 10,000 acres of planted vineyards, and is among the fastest growing regions in California. This area has also seen the recent establishment of several American Viticultural areas such as High Valley and Red Hills-Lake County. Lake County contains many vineyards that support the California Wine Institute's Code of Sustainable farming practices. The grapes used to produce the Shannon Ridge Lake County Chardonnay were picked from several different blocks to help create an elegant multi-layered wine with great complexity. The wine was barrel fermented in American oak and a portion was put through Malo-lactic fermentation to help create a creamy, buttery richness and soft vanilla flavors.

Westport Rivers Rkatsiteli (raht-sih-telli) '08, $17.99
Westport Rivers' popular Georgian (formerly of the Soviet Republic) varietal bursts with aromas of lemon, lime and ripe kiwi; this medium-bodied wine is bone dry. Ripe fruity mouth feel finishes with a citrusy zing. Very fun summer sipper! Rkatsiteli was popular in the Soviet Union prior to its fall and at one point was responsible for more the 18% of all Soviet wine production. There it was used to make everything from table wine to liqueurs to Sherry-like fortified wine. Up until the early 1980's, it was possibly the world's most widely planted white wine grape.

Château Virgile Costières de N”mes Rosé '09, $12.99
This gorgeous Rosé is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The family domaine is principally managed by two brothers, Serge and Thierry Baret,who, along with their father, cultivate 35 hectares of vineyards. The domaine, which is located 15 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, dates back to 1748. The vineyards are planted in virgile roseclay alluvium deposits from the Rh™ne River with a mixture of granite pebbles (known locally as gress). The vines enjoy the benefits of a Mediterranean climate on the sunny slopes above the Natural Parc de la Petite Carmargue. The park is a vast wetland famous for its pink flamingos, indigenous white ponies, black bulls, and its gourmet salt: fleur du sel. (Mary was in the Carmargue two weeks ago - maybe she'll have downloaded her camera by Saturday so you can see pictures of the area!). The Mediterranean climate in this region provides three characteristics that are beneficial to producing excellent quality grapes: 1) abundant sunshine; 2) rainfall within a limited number of days; and 3) favorable winds that keep the grapes free of moisture. The name Château Virgile refers to the noted Greek writer Virgil, which was also the name of the original owner of the domaine.

Schug Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir '07, $24.99
The cool growing season of the Sonoma Coast, which includes the western portion of Carneros, allows Pinot Noir to mature slowly while retaining its natural acidity, yielding a wine with ripe flavors and silky texture. By aging it primarily in large oak casks and "neutral" older barrels, the Schug winery emphasizes the varietal character of the fruit while minimizing the extraction of new oak flavors or tannins. It has flavors reminiscent of cherries, strawberries and spice, with a lively finish that is an ideal accompaniment to grilled fish and fowl or barbecued meats.

June 5th, 2010

Enanzo Tempranillo
Tempranillo is the premium red wine grape variety from the Rioja and Ribera del Duero region in Spain. Tempranillo's aromas and flavors often combine elements of berryish fruit, herbaceousness, and an earthy-leathery minerality. Being low in acidity and sugar content, it is commonly blended with Carignan (Mazuela), Grenache (Garnacha), Graciano, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This bodega was founded in 1958 to protect the interests of a group of growers who made their own wine and who still make it today. Currently, Bodegas Campos de Enanzo is the largest winery in Navarra, with an annual production of 7 million litres of wine. The grapes come from over 1,500 hectares of vineyards where young vines coexist with older ones aged up to 50 years. The vineyards are planted with various grape varieties that allow us to make different types of wines, specifically conceived to be sold either as young wines or as aged wines. All of this is always guided by the utmost respect for Nature. The harvests that are collected in our vineyards are exhaustively monitored and yields are never allowed to exceed 6,500 kg per hectare. With investments of over 8 million euros during the last few years, Bodegas Campos de Enanzo is a pioneer in the use of state-of-the-art technology. One of the best Tempranillos for under $15 It's clean, fresh, rich and very juicy. Hard to believe that, that much wine is packed into a bottle for this price. Serve with a slight chill!

Vila Tinto Fundacion '08
An old Castilian family, the Vilas have been growing grapes in Argentina since colonial times. Produced from the very best vineyard parcels in the Cruz de Piedra section of central Mendoza, near Maipu, the wines are judiciously seasoned with oak before release, and represent some of the best values. Rich and polished for the price, with plenty of ripe, red fruit aromas and just a touch of oak. This versatile red will pair well with a wide range of foods, especially hearty pizza, pasta and pork dishes.

Gavi Di Gavi La Caplana
The Gavi DOCG is located in the southeastern part of Italy's Piedmont region, directly north of Genoa, and encompasses the town of Gavi and twelve other picturesque villages. Only wines produced within the village of Gavi are permitted to bear the label "Gavi di Gavi". For over a century the Guido family has tended their vines in the highest of the steep-sloped hills in the area. This combined with clayey white soil and 30-year old vines result in a wine that is full-bodied and rich, with intense fruity, aromatic and mineral notes. This dry white wine, produced from the Cortese grape, is fermented and aged in stainless steel. It is straw yellow in color with typical apple and white flower fragrances. A lovely apéritif, it is an excellent accompaniment to all kinds of hors d'oeuvres and shellfish.

Masciarelli Trebiano D'Abruzzo '09
Azienda Agricola Masciarelli operates 13 estates across Abruzzo totaling about 300 hectares with lots of Trebbiano vines, plus other varietals such as Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cococciola and one hectare of Falaghina. They also have olive groves on many of their estates and are well known for their olive oil. The estate was founded by Gianni Masciarelli in 1981 and they've established quite a presence in Abruzzo in less than 30 years. With many wine producers in the area having vineyards that were passed down from one generation to the next, this is a relatively young producer.This wine is a value hit here at Menotomy. It has a pale yellowish straw color and a bountiful aroma of tropical fruit (in particular, pineapple) with contrasting spice notes. The fruit flavors are refreshing on the palate, clean and crisp, with just a hint of minerals. If you have not yet picked up a bottle here is your chance to check it out!

Gini Toscana Sangiovese Cantine Gini 08
Sangiovese's claim to fame is its role as the heart of Chianti, Brunello and many Super Tuscan wines though it is gaining ground as a varietal wine around the globe. When grown in a suitable location the grape's soft tannins, succulent acidity and moderately intense cherry and herb flavors make Sangiovese very easy to drink as well as supremely versatile at the dinner table.

May 29th, 2010

Annie Amie Pinot Gris $17.99
With just a hint of bright copper color, the 2008 Pinot Gris shows its provenance, as these Pinot Gris grapes were harvested with skins almost as purple as Pinot Noir. Brilliantly zesty and lively on the nose and palate, this Pinot Gris is laced with the flavors and aromas of fresh pears and fragrant mandarin oranges. Fruity and refreshing!

Casa Julia Sauvignon Blanc, $12.99
This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc from the Maule Valley in Chile is both intense and aromatic, offering lot of tropical fruits and citron blossoms. The mouth is herbaceous and tasty, acidic and fresh.

Jelu '08 Torrontes $12.99
The Santa Sylvia vineyard has been recognized as a potentially world-class site for wines. The Jelu project was created to promote the terroir of the Zonda Valley of Argentina, where both the weather and the terroir are extreme. Temperature variations of 50 degrees in one day are quite common during the summer months. The soil in this property is alluvial; it sits on an old riverbed, and the once-flowing water left minerals and other deposits such as gold. These factors combine to give the wines a unique character. On the nose, this wine blends distinct lemon zest with a heady floral scent and creamy lemon flavors. This is balanced with bright, citrus flavors on the palate, with a rich texture and sufficient balance.

Jelu '07 Malbec $13.99
We just can't resist this Malbec: It's a perfect example of how well this lovely red grape can do in Argentina. The grapes are put through cold maceration, followed by warm fermentation temperatures and prolonged skin contact with a judicious use of micro-oxygenation. The finishing touch is a 9-month ageing in French and American oak. Made on a Practicing Organic estate in the Mendoza region, this full-bodied wine shows dark berry fruit and a spicy edge on the finish. Known as "Côt" throughout much of France, Malbec is the dark-skinned variety that put Argentinian wine on the map - and likewise, Argentinian Malbec saved the grape from near obscurity... thank goodness!

Casa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.99
This exceptional Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon has a very nice aroma, with notes of leather and dried fruits. An appealing mouth feel, with a medium body and balanced tannins, culminates in a tasty finish reminiscent of dark red fruits and berries.

Vincenzo's Italian Wine & Calabrian Food Event Saturday May 22nd, 2010

Our Most Popular Wine Tasting Event is back!

Now you see why... Doesn't that spread look fantastic?!

Need I say more?

May 15th, 2010

Valle Reale Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 'Cerasuolo' Rosato '09, $12.99
The vineyards are situated on the boundaries of the Gran Sasso and Maiella national parks. There are two zones of production: at Popoli the infertile soils are rich in structure and fossils impart on the wines an intense minerality and elegance; at Capestrano 'Nel Forno d'Abruzzo' the hot conditions impart body and richness on the grapes. Described in Gambero Rosso (Italy's premier food, wine and travel magazine) as 'a series of truly remarkable wines' Valle Reale's excellent prices allow the drinker to sample some of Italy's best wines at affordable prices. The Cerasuolo is simply one of the best in this category in the region offering an intriguing blend of cassis and strawberry on the nose followed by smooth fruit and zesty acidity that contributes to an impressively structured and absolutely delicious palate! The color is vivid, intense pink reminiscent of pale rose. The aromatic nose is of pungent ripe strawberries and cream. The palate is pleasant and fresh with very crisp acidity and the 'Terroir' character which marks out Cerasuolo from other rose! A lovely drop of refreshing summer wine, ideal for outside on a warm evening with a bowl of olives. This dry Rosé is 100% Montepulciano.

Borgo Boschetto Pinot Bianco '08, $11.99
"Pinot Bianco", the Italian name for Pinot Blanc, should not be confused with Pinot Grigio! This light and lively varietal is yet another of the many derivatives of the Pinot Noir grape. Believed to have originated in France's Burgundy region, it is grown throughout the northern reaches of Italy, most notably in the Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy and the Veneto, it is known for producing fruity wines of medium acidity and a somewhat neutral nose. This Pinot Bianco is straw-yellow in color, crisp, dry, and medium-bodied. There is a fleeting aroma of green almonds, and on the palate, a light fruitiness and crisp acidity. A judicious use of oak adds vanilla and cream tones and imparts a Chardonnay-like texture and finish. Also knows as Pinot Blanc, the grape creates a lighter flavored white wine with citrus, melon, pear, apricot and perhaps smoky or mineral undertones combined with characteristic high acidity. This wine is best enjoyed while young, and please - not too cold!

Allegrini Soave '07, $14.99
Clear, fresh and silky with fields of local flower impressions on the nose. Soft, pleasant and easy to drink without sacrificing its refreshment value. This selection is a blend of 80% Garganega and 20% Chardonnay, and it's quite lovely. Allegrini uses the cold maceration technique to pursue fuller flavor extraction from the skins, giving the wine a rounder body and longer aging ability. It offers a fresh bouquet of herbs and flowers on the nose, and the crisp, citrus aroma lingers on the palate, framed by great acidity and minerality. Highly recommended with fish dishes, risotto, and poultry. Past vintages of this wine have received 97 points from Wine Spectator and 94 points from Robert Parker.

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre '06, $24.99
The Allegrini's take special pride in their single vineyard bottlings, one of which is becoming an American celebrity. The Palazzo Della Torre has been on American bestseller lists for years, and its appeal is easy to understand. (It's been on Menotomy's Best-Seller list since the start!) Sort of a "junior" Amarone, part of the grapes are dried and part are fermented immediately. Then the two groups are reintroduced and go through a second fermentation. The formula is a gem and this wine is consistently superb. Dense, chocolaty dried fruit emerges on a voluminous nose that beckons you in. Dark cherries on the palate with delicious, special flavor components and a smooth, rich end taste. Extra special within this price range. ense and deep ruby red in color, Palazzo della Torre is loaded with luscious aromas of currant, blackberry and licorice. Full-bodied and rich it is a classic accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats and barbecued ribs. "The 2006 Palazzo della Torre comes across as somewhat restrained for this wine. This is a very polished, elegant Palazzo della Torre with pretty layers of mocha, spices and new leather that add complexity to the fresh, vibrant fruit. Palazzo della Torre is 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese. The addition of 30% dried fruit (Amarone style) adds an extra dimension of complexity. The retro 1970's label is also quite attractive. Drink: 2010 - 2016." Robert Parker, August 2009

Giacomo Fenocchio Langhe Nebbiolo '05, $24.99
For more than five generations the Azienda Agricola Giacomo Fenocchio has been making and aging wines grown on is own vineyards in the heart of the Barolo zone. Today the winery is owned and run by Fenocchio's brothers, who are carrying on the long- standing skills handed down by their father, Giacomo, with a dedication tantamount to passion. The Fenocchio brothers have always taken personal care of their vineyards, following scrupulous traditional methods of cultivation without forgoing certain modern, environment-friendly techniques.

The annual production of the winery is of approximately 45,000 bottles subdivided between: Dolcetto d'Alba D.O.C., Barbera d'Alba D.O.C., Langhe Nebbiolo D.O.C., Langhe Rosso D.O.C. "Raccolta di San Martino" (late harvest grapes of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Freisa) and the big Barolo DOCG. This particular vintage is deep ruby-red in color with garnet highlights. It has a deep and very fruity bouquet (plum and cherry ) with the flavor of liquorice, roses and tar. It has a dry and full-bodied flavor, with balanced, harmonious tannins. Agreable and versatile, it is best served with white and red meats, pasta and cheeses.

May 8th, 2010

Moillard "Les Violettes" Rose '09, $14.99
The town records in Nuits-Saints-Georges confirm that the Moillard family has owned vineyards in the area since a time before the French Revolution, dating back to 1789. There, they produce some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir-based wines from the most famous appellations of Burgundy. In 1995 Moillard expanded its holdings outside of Burgundy and planted 200 acres in the Rhône Valley and in the Languedoc (southern France), where they produce exciting "Vins de Pays d'Oc." Today, the fifth generation of the Moillard family continues the tradition of delivering quality and excellence. Made from a traditional Rhône blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah, this delicious rosé has a round, juicy, creamy texture and pleasant rose, strawberry, cherries and mineral notes. And, it is organic, the perfect Summer sipper!

Bodegas Jesus Nazareno Mozafresca '08, $11.99
This particular Moza Fresca (a wine that is also known as Valenciana and Doña Blanca) is a blend of 50% Godello and 50% Doña Blanca. The wine has body, a beautiful floral nose, and a crisp apricot finish. The wine is lively on the palate and pairs well with seafoods, salads, and a variety of cheeses. A refreshing summer quaff!

Joseph Cattin Gewürztraminer '08, $17.99
Winner of the Gold medal at both the Mâcon and Colmar wine contests in 2009. This Alsacian Gewürztraminer has a lovely, sweet perfumed nose of honey, sweet lychees ,rose pedal and spice. The palate is viscous with sweet melon and lychee fruit with acidity and spice balancing the sweetness well. The most suitable variety pairs well with Asian food.

Tabali Carmenère Reserva '08, $16.99
Yet another dynamite Chilean Carmenère. The color is a completely saturated plasma-like ruby crimson. Rich, ripe, sweet-scented nose of blackberry syrup, incense, and sweet, smoky gravel. Soft, yet weighty, with concentrated flavors of ripe blackberry and graphite, with a long, long finish. Loads of very fine-grained tannin to provide some physical structure. Full-bodied, but with the alcohol seemingly in check. Very, very nice.

B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon '07, $22.99
The 2007 Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon reflects a blending of grapes grown from the B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Estate Vineyard and select North Coast vineyards. This combination offers full, rich flavors of berry, cassis and black cherry with hints of vanilla in the background. Aging with French oak adds complexity and depth, resulting in a high quality Cabernet Sauvignon with great value. In fact, it was ranked the #2 Top Value Cabernet by Wine Spectator : 88 Points - "Trim and focused, with spice, dill, cedar, black cherry and plum flavors. Full-bodied and elegant in weight, ending with delicate fruit and cedar notes. Drink now through 2016."

May 1st, 2010

Château Graville-Lacoste Graves '08, $18.99
Loaded with characteristics of limestone, redstone and grey silex, there are notes of lemon, fresh cut hay, thyme and traces of grapefruit and guava intermingling in a context of well-balanced acidity and vibrant, racy fruit appeal. It's certainly one of the best, if not the best value in white Bordeaux on the market today. There is more to the wine than pure fruit. The wine is stirred on its lees weekly in order to give body and richness, but on the finish it's crisp and dry. 60% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle. This wine is a Kermit Lynch selection and is made by a highly ambitious winegrower/winemaker/vigneron: Hervé Dubourdieu.

Château Nicot Entre Deux Mers '08
Based in Escoussans, in the heart of Haut Benauge, the Dubourg family owns the vineyard of Château Nicot. Situated a little less than 22 miles south of the city of Bordeaux, on the right bank of the River Garonne, this domaine has enjoyed an enviable reputation for over two hundred years. 40% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, and 20% Muscadelle. Grapes are macerated for 12 hours on their skins, followed by a slow temperature-controlled fermentation. The wine was matured on its lees with regular stirring. It was then aged in stainless steel casks. The result is a straw colored wine with bright yellow and green highlights. On the nose, this wine is highly aromatic with the delicious characteristic fragrances of Sauvignon and Sémillon grapes. It is quite rich in style, but with clean and fresh fruit flavors.

Château d'Argadens Bordeaux Superior '05, $19.99
Since it acquired Château d'Argadens in 2002, Maison Sichel (who also produce the Pellehaut wines) has put in place a vast renovation program with the aim of making the wine a benchmark within the Bordeaux category. After 12 months in oak barrels, d'Argadens red is a thoroughly modern Bordeaux with lots of concentrated fruit and an attractive, supple balance. Not surprisingly, it gets consistently high marks in tastings and competitions. Dark brooding red with excellent fruit on the nose. Good complex berry fruit structure and very easy drinking. Really well made, good value Bordeaux. Nicely mature and will continue drinking well for several years. 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Château Beausejour Fronsac '05, $24.99
The tiny regions of Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac lie on Bordeaux `right bank` between the Dordogne and the Isle rivers. Most estates within this commune are extremely small by Bordeaux standards, producing less than 1,000 cases annually. There are two hills (or Canons) that dominate the landscape. The soil is rich with clay, similar to the outcrop that appears to the east in Pomerol, the region that Fronsac most closely resembles. In both districts Merlot is the dominant grape variety as it prospers in clay soil. It is blended to different degrees with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. With this high prices and limited availability of Pomerol wines, Fronsac and Canon Fronsac are enjoying a wave of consumer interest and new investment. This wine has superb in-depth black dress and garnet on the surface. The powerful bouquet is delicate and fruity. The mouth is fruity, fresh and elegant. All is joined together to make a great bottle, made from 100% Merlot, a rarity in Bordeaux. The Beausejour results from the selection of the oldest and best exposed vineyard and is the object of specific care at all steps. Aged in French oak only from the Troncey forest.

Château Chantemerle Médoc '06, $26.99
Powerful but balanced nose, full of ripe red fruit scents. Generous, plummy yet with a good acidity on the mouth showing the sturdy tannic structure of a long aging wine. Won a Silver Medal in Paris. Made from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, this classic blend is from the Médoc region, the most northern area of Bordeaux. The Médoc is situated north of the city of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Gironde. Médoc is divided in two parts, the Haut-Médoc in the south, near the city and the north part traditionally called Médoc. Wines from Médoc are red. They are delicate, medium colored, they are fine and elegant; often tannic when young, harmonious and splendid when matured.

Château Gueydon Graves '06, $19.99
Deep ruby, almost black color. Clean hints of red and blackberry fruits, vanilla, spice and pepper on the nose. Remarkably well balanced on the palate with black currant and blackberry combined with rich, powerful and supple tannins. Splendid leather, smoky and licorice finish. This wine is a blend of 38% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon , 20% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec. The Graves region, although it is perhaps stating the obvious, is named for the gravelly terroir which lies underfoot; the depth of gravel varies, forming well defined outcrops. This well drained and impoverished soil is credited with much of the character and quality of the wines of Graves, although why this particular area of Bordeaux should be so blessed with this name, rather than any of the communes of the Médoc further north which are also characterized by gravel on which so many of the famous Grand Cru Classé properties are sited, is something of a mystery. The vineyards are also dotted with clay, chalk, sea shells and sand, the latter elements a testament to the nearby waterways, the courses of which have varied over the millennia. Here we are on the left bank of the Garonne, as it flows to its rendezvous with the Dordogne, at which point it becomes the Gironde.

April 24th, 2010

Cooper Mountain Pinot Gris '08, $18.99
A long-time favorite here at Menotomy, the Cooper Mountain Pinot Gris holds the distinction of being the only Biodynamic wine in this special week's lineup. More than Organic, Biodyanmic farmer's use the rhythm of the planet to their cooper grisgrowing advantage. From the Cooper Mountain website: "Biodynamic farming involves the use of forces. We all know that the moon plays an effect on the force of gravity. If the moon plays this role, it becomes logical that the solar system plays a role as well even if you cannot physically visualize the action. In addition, the Earth via Magnetism must be considered a force and therefore shall be included on the farming practice. In conclusion, Biodynamic practices involve: Astronomy: Position of the planet plays a role on the time of preparation, spray, pruning, harvest, etc. Homeopathy: Dilution of preparations; Use of Energy in basic substances Geology: Magnetism acknowledgement." If you're still confused (I know I am), check out this link for more on the actual practices used to make biodynamic wine.

Flora Springs Chardonnay '07, $16.99
The Flora Springs winery has been family owned and maintained for over 30 years. All of their vineyard sites are currently sustainable, and 20% were recently certified Organic. In fact, 90% of their red floraspringswines currently come from organically-grown vineyards. Part of Flora Springs' commitment to community and innovation is through green vineyard practices: "Sustainable practices include using manures from local chicken and turkey ranches, seasoned in the weather and then incorporated into the vineyards; planting cover crops that enrich the soil and provide habitat for beneficial bugs rather than spraying to eradicate troublesome bugs; and controlling water absorption by planting competing crops to absorb excess water in wetter soils."

Domaine Houchart Rosé '09, $12.99
Keeping up with our spring theme of a new Rosé every week, we re-introduce the Houchart Rosé with the new vintage of this perennial favorite. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals from Sustainably farmed vineyards just outside of Aix en Provence in Southern France. The Domaine has been in the Houchart/Quiot Family since the mid-1850's.

Our Daily Red Organic, No-Sulfite '08, $9.99
This is one over-achieving wine. Aside from being certified Organic and vegan-friendly, there are no sulfites detected in this red blend from California. In production since 1998, these guys areourdailyred experts on organic and no-sulfite designations, so I'll let owners and winemakers Tony Norskog and Donn Berdahl do the talking: "To carry the Organic Wine designation the wine must have no sulfites added and have less than 10 parts per million naturally occurring. Occasionally a wine made without sulfites has "none detectable" at the parts per million level and must carry the Sulfite Free wording, or make no mention at all. Sulfur is commonly used in the vineyard to inhibit mildew growth and some is also taken up by the roots and incorporated into the plant structure. When an actively fermenting wine is tested, one finds sulfur present, but after it falls clear or is filtered, there is a marked reduction in sulfur. It seems the sulfur is removed by the yeast which use the sulfur in cell wall building. In fact, as is the case with our wines, the sulfur can register 0 parts per million when done fermenting!" You can find more information on the Our Daily Red website.

Château Pesquié Terrasses Ventoux '08, $16.99
Paul Chaudière - the son-in-law of Château Pesquié's owners - is a pioneer. Prompted by a concern for sustainable development since he began cultivating vines in 1985, he immediately became pesquieinvolved in "enlightened" agriculture also known as "integrated farming". In 1993, Château Pesquié was the first independent winery to be selected by the Farre network (Forum for enlightened, environmentally-friendly agriculture). Ten years later, it was one of the first independent wineries to obtain final certification. To maintain balance in the soil, fertilization is carried out using only organic, humus-based fertilizers. Château Pesquié is determined to respect animal and plant life in the Rhone Valley and prefers mechanical weed-killing (even under the rows, using a hydraulic "intercep") over pesticides.

April 17th, 2010

Wine By Joe José's Rosé '09, $14.99
A light-bodied, lively wine with hints of strawberries and citrus dancing on the palate. Like an exhilarating Tango, this wine leaves you breathless, yet invigorated and refreshed. José's Rosé exhibits hues of a late summer sunset. This wine tickles the nose with aromas of strawberries, peach and citrus. The light-bodied mouth feel is fresh and fruity with flavors of cream, pink grapefruit and ginger and balanced by refreshingly crisp acidity. The clean finish lingers while putting a blissful smile on your face, enticing you back for more. The winemaking objectives of Wine by Joe are to produce wines true to their varietal character which are fruit forward, crisp yet rich white wines and juicy, soft red wines which are easy to drink, yet complex. These are great value, fun, but serious wines labeled and presented in a cheeky manner. The objective is to offer high quality ("Muy Bueno"or "Really Good"....see the label) wines at a great price for everyday drinking and affordability. They have chosen to focus on the "three Pinots" - Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc which grow so well in Oregon. José's Rosé is a product of all three of these varietals.

Fontezoppa Verdicchio di Matelica '09, $12.99
Year after year, Fontezoppa produces great value Verdicchio. This delicious dry white wine displays wonderful citrus notes, with hints of apricot and mango. Great lasting acidity is harnessed in a crisp, refreshing finish. These old vines, which grow between 500-600 meters above sea level very close to the Adriatic Sea, benefit from the cool sea breeze and adds wonderful subtle hints of saline making this wine a perfect complement to seafood of any kind - in particular sushi and shellfish - and even light pasta dishes.

Fontezoppa Marche Rosso '08, $12.99
If this fantastic wine weren't from the Marche region of Italy, it would be a Super Tuscan -- a great value Super Tuscan! This Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a striking resemblance to its Northern cousins and will delight the most critical Tuscan fans. Dark berry, full bodied and dusty, sweet tannins produce a delicious Italian red that is perfect with pasta, pizza, grilled meats and cheese. Enjoy!

90+ Cellars Lot 17 Merlot '07, $13.99
We love classic California red wine, especially when it hails from a winery with a track record of making award winning wine since the mid-1800s. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc is made from 100% Napa Valley fruit and aged for a year in French oak. It's a Merlot that's truly in a class by itself. Alluring aromas of ripe currant and black cherry unfold into a medley of dark chocolate, mocha and sweet spice on the palate. The wine is rich but also well balanced with supple tannins that linger pleasantly in the finish. Enjoy with roast or grilled meats in a savory mushroom sauce, or simply by itself.

90+ Cellars Lot 14 Zinfandel '06, $12.99
The grapes for this estate grown wine come from 30 year-old vines located at the northern foothills of Australia's McLaren Vale. The wine was fermented to dryness after which it macerated on skins for 8 weeks, then aged in 1 year-old French oak for 18 months. This 2006 vintage received a 90 from the Wine Advocate and has a rich history of accolades. Opulent aromas of dark berries/cherries and dried fruit combine with hints of spicy fruit cake and anise. The palate is full of rich, dark savory fruit leaving trails of dark chocolate, cherries and a sweet tannic finish.

April 10th, 2010

La Linda Rosé of Malbec '09, $12.99
Made from Malbec grapes, this wine has an appealing light pink color with violet hues. On the nose it displays red stone fruit and strawberry aromas. It is a dry and fresh wine with sweet sensations. The grapes used for this wine are grown in a dry climate with very cold winters, mild springs and cool summers. Large temperature fluctuations between day and night only add to the complexity of the grapes. The grapes are harvested at night. Once grapes have been selected, the de-stemming process is undertaken before placing the must in maceration tanks, where it is kept in contact with the skin and the seeds for 6 to 8 hours. Once the desired color is obtained and after de-vatting is complete, the wine is transferred to fermentation tanks with selected yeasts at a controlled temperature between 15 °C and 18 °C (59 °F - 64.4 °F). The wine is then stabilized, filtered and bottled.

Weingut Groiss Grüner Veltliner '07, $12.99
Weingut Groiss is located at the mid-size Wagram district of Austria, in the vineyards of the Danube River basin. One of the great secrets of the wholesomeness of Groiss's wines is their certified organic production method which they have been following since 1995. This means they use no synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides or genetic engineering in their winemaking. Their company mission statement is quite telling: "With every sip, enjoy a piece of unadulterated nature. With each sip you enjoy the power of the earth. With each sip, you can enjoy the energy of the sun." This lovely Grüner has apples on the nose with light herbaceous and earthy notes. On the palate, apple must and some citrus zest are present with very slightly bitter notes in the background. Integrated acidity gives the wine substance; while a hint of residual sugar supports the wine's slightly rustic style and attractive finish.

Monséran Garnacha '07, $11.99
From the Cariñena region of Spain, this 100% Garnacha (Grenache) offers all of the wonderfully lush and subtly spicy flavors typical of the Spanish examples of this fantastic varietal.Garnacha can be an excellent pairing with grilled meats, BBQ or other robust flavors, but is soft enough to drink alongside chicken or even a blackened halibut filet; it would be difficult to find a more versatile food wine in this price category.

Layer Cake Shiraz '09, $16.99
A big red, the power-in-your-face '09 Layer Cake Shiraz does not back away from anything; ripe fruit and oak conduct a battle royal between melding into one another. About the 2008 vintage: "Layer Cake is an ode to Jayson Woodbridge's grandfather who always told him that the 'soil where wine is grown is like a Layer Cake, layered with mocha, chocolate, hints of spice and rich, always rich.' He's brought to market a 'wine of value' with exceptional quality through hand crafting and cutting yields per acre by half if not more. Always the Maverick, it appears, once again, that Woodbridge has raised the bar by raising the standards for a wine priced under $20. To know the man means the price of the wine will never dictate his passion. Jayson was not pleased with the quality of the 2007 vintage, so made the decision not to tarnish the reputation of the brand and skipped making the wine in 2007. According to Jayson, the 2008 vintage is 'Unmistakably Shiraz; the nose is best described as pure, unobstructed by excessive oak. Dark, dense and creamy, aromas of anise, tobacco, and mocha emerge from the glass. An explosion of dark berry, black cherry, exotic spices and chocolate fill the mouth."~(Importer's Notes).

April 3rd, 2010

Santomé Prosecco, $13.99
Add another "spahkling" to the list of things we love here at Menotomy. Santomé is a pleasant, light, fresh and smooth prosecco with a distinct harmonious acidity. It is balanced, elegant and persistent with pleasant, fruity sensations in the nose that are replicated in the finish of the wine. While we recommend this as an aperitif, the softness and palatability can find a happy combination with batter-fried vegetables accompanied or raw fish.

Pacific Rim Gewürztraminer, $11.99
The Pacific Rim Gewürztraminer is crafted from Washington and Oregon grapes. The fruit from these two regions possesses different yet complimentary characteristics, producing a balanced, more expressive and complex wine. The winemakers often put the juice and the grape skins in contact to extract and unleash the exquisite Gewürztraminer aromas locked in the skin. The juice is then cold temperature fermented over 20 days. Wine Enthusiast raves: "A burst of lychee and pear, aromatic, perfumed with rose petals, lush and forward. The alcohol is 12%, the residual sugar is 1.7%; with plenty of acid under it. The mix of flower and fruit is perfect, substantial, and beautifully balanced." 91 Points

Domaine Pellehaut Rosé '09
Last year, we had a very limited supply of this beautiful blend of Tannat, Syrah and Merlot from the Gascogne area of Southwestern France - we had eight cases that flew out of here in three weeks! Why? Because the price is great and the flavor is huge. This year, we're in plentiful supply, and we hope that you enjoy this rosé with the beautiful pinkish color; intense, aromatic expression on the nose, with a bouquet of red fruits, strawberries and a floral touch. On the palate, it shows remarkable balance between the freshness and the aromatic splendor. We'll be tasting it with you for the first time on Saturday - and we CAN'T WAIT!! (okay, we might try it Friday when it comes in...)

Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages '08, $16.99
The Louis Jadot Mâcon Villages wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The Mâcon Villages area is located in the southern part of Burgundy, close to the Beaujolais area. This appellation is the largest of the Mâconnais area. Forty three villages have the right to produce Mâcon Blanc Villages. The limestone subsoil of the Monts du Mâconnais are ideal for growing the Chardonnay grapes. Some small areas produce exceptional wines. The Louis Jadot Mâcon Blanc Villages is made from grapes from these different areas.Dry and easy to drink, lively and charming, this is a fruity wine with a floral scent and a hint of lemon, the Mâcon Villages should be drunk chilled and rather young (though it can be aged for up to five years). This wine goes very well with a large range of foods including "hors d'oeuvres", fried or grilled fish, sea food, goat's milk cheese, poultry.

Calistoga Cellars Zinfandel '06, $18.99
Calistoga Cellars was founded in 1996 as a partnership of friends from around the U.S. who act as ambassadors for the winery in their respective communities. Our wines are made by Barry Gnekow, an award-winning winemaker with 30+ years experience making wine. Barry's Zinfandel has a very elegant mouth-feel that some tasters call Claret-style. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon to the blend adds complexity to the exuberantZinfandel fruit and adds structure to the palate. Deep ruby-black color, bold pepper, plum and raspberry nose. It finishes with creamy vanilla, and isready for enjoyment now. This is perfect with grilled meats.

Siduri Sapphire Hill Pinot Noir '04, $39.99
Winemakers Adam and Dianna Lee started Siduri Wines in 1994 after moving from their native Texas to California's Napa Valley. Since then, they've gotten married, had three kids, and become the darlings of the Pinot Noir world. A long-time favorite of the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker-he tried their first Pinot offering when they left a bottle of it for him with the concierge at the hotel he was staying at in Napa. They knew he liked it when they began getting phone orders for a wine they hadn't officially bottled yet! We had the honor and privilege of meeting Dianna three weeks ago when she came into the store to taste her range of wines. She's a lovely woman, and a fantastic winemaker. The 2004 Sapphire Hill (Russian River Valley) Pinot is a steal at this price, and highly acclaimed from a range of sources. The Pinot Report: 93 Points - "Medium-deep ruby color; ripe, red cherry and spicy aromas; rich and lush with bright red cherry flavors, spicy notes and sweet oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Earthy style of Pinot with some nice spice notes and silky texture."

Trentadue Chocolate Amoré Port, $27.99
Another Menotomy favorite - and a fantastic finish to any holiday meal. The first whiff of this port-style Merlot reminds one of a Hersey kiss. No fooling (it was very hard waiting until the end of the e-mail to put in the April Fool's reference). This delicious dessert beverage moved so fast over Thanksgiving that people were fighting over the last bottles of it. That's not a joke either! We're thrilled that we have it back in time for another set of holidays, but really, it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. From the Trentadue Winery: "Borrowing from the traditions of port making, we add neutral grape spirits to stop fermentation trapping a percentage of sugar in the wine. Once Chocolate Amore is finished aging and is ready for bottling, we infuse a tiny amount of natural chocolate extract to the final blend, creating the perfect marriage of food and wine. This Merlot-based, port-styled chocolate flavored dessert wine is great over vanilla ice cream or as a stand-alone dessert."

March 27th, 2010

Emeri Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, $13.99
The Spahhhkling! If you haven't tried this yet, where have you been?? This has become a go-to favorite for parties or just plain sitting on the back porch. One of only three sparkling Sauvignon Blanc made in the world, it's fresh and zingy with a light effervescence that makes it just plain fun.

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc, $12.99
This California favorite has soft grapefruit-like flavors reminiscent of the Pomelo fruit, the largest citrus fruit in the world, native to South East Asia. A perennial fave here at Menotomy - it sells all year, but will start to kick into high gear in the next few weeks.

Il Conte Villa Prandone Conte Rosso, $9.99
When we first tasted this $10-gem my thoughts were: "Oh, please let this be under $20 on the shelf". Wow, was I blown away when I found out we could offer this to you for 10-bucks. This is what we look for here: wines that are a bang for the buck. A blend of 50% Montepulciano and 50% Sangiovese, this is a pleasant, dry wine with blackberry and black cherry flavors. The Il Conte has taken on a life of its own.

Stephen Vincent Crimson, $13.99
A luscious and mouth-watering blend of 75 % Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon from California's Central Coast. This very rich wine has beautiful ripe plum and blackberry flavor, accented with hints of cassis and toasty French and American oak. Yummmm.....

Crios Syrah-Bonarda, $14.99
One of the sister wines of our best-selling Crios Malbec, this blend from Argentina is a favorite of Neil and Lucas. Great for a cold winter night - or a barbeque!! Robert Parker is as big a fan of Susana Balbo's wines as we are: " Dark ruby-colored, it sports an aromatic array of cedar, cinnamon, violets, blueberry, and plum. Medium-bodied, spicy, layered, and well-balanced, this flavorful effort will drink well over the next 4 years. " 90 Points.

March 20th, 2010

Domaine Renaud Mâcon-Villages '08, $14.99
Our only offering this week that comes from it's native land! 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy's Mâcon-Villages Appellation , the nose is classic Chardonnay, containing ripe fruit with mineral overtones. On the palate it is crisp and clean with a ripe, rich finish. Once in a great while, you find a wine from the Mâcon that is so good that tasting it blind you are forced to try to apply some much higher (and more expensive) appellation to it. This is that sort of Chardonnay. Domaine Renaud is a small Domaine, making Mâcon, Pouilly-Fuissé and St. Veran from 12 hectares of estate vineyards. Their cellar is modern, and they use upright ovals for many of the wines, and stainless for others. The 2005 Mâcon Charnay has a lovely floral nose, with a thread of sweet cream on the palate, and lots of charm and richness. This is opulent and balanced, and a ridiculously good deal for the quality of the wine in the glass. An excellent white Burgundy that will accompany almost any meal. Fresh, fruity, well-balanced with a pronounced mineral tang. This wine has similar characteristics to its neighboring brother, Pouilly-Fuisse. Recommended in Decanter magazine July 2008.

Deen de Bortoli Petit Verdot '06, $12.99
One of Bordeaux' five noble grapes, the Petit Verdot thrives in Australia's sunny climates. Each individual parcel of fruit was selected by the winemaker and viticulturist based on ripeness and flavor profile. There was minimal handling throughout the winemaking process which included cool maceration on skins and lengthy, warm fermentation for gentle flavor extraction. The wine was matured in new and used French and Hungarian barrels. From Josh Reynolds of the International Wine Cellar: "Vivid purple. Musky red and dark berry aromas are complemented by tobacco and espresso. Juicy redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors are pleasingly tangy, with no apparent tannins. Clean berry skin notes linger on a long, juicy, herb-accented finish. Very interesting wine that wouldn't be out of place in a Loire Valley red wine tasting. 88 Points."

Dehesa El Carrascal Cabernet Sauvignon '04, $14.99
This is an interesting light and smooth version of France's Cabernet Sauvignon from the Almansa region of Spain. It goes through malolactic fermentation in French oak and is then aged for 12 months in American oak. Intense red-violet-garnet color, with fruit aromas and a powerful finish. Unfiltered.

Enotria Dolcetto '06, $16.99
Dolcetto (meaning "little sweet one") is a grape native to northwestern Italy and grows primariy in the hills of the Piemonte region. In Mendocino County, California, where the Graziano Family of Wines are produced, these wines are jam-packed with the essence of fresh fruit. This wine is medium dark purple with inviting fruit flavors and aromas of blackberries, raspberries and dried cherries that mingles with undertones of sweet vanilla oak and earth. The finish is complex and long lasting. It is a wine that can be enjoyed young but has the depth to age for several years. It is excellent when paired with roasted meats and wild mushrooms.

March 13th, 2010

Murphy's Law Rosé '08, $9.99
The sunny, warmer days we've been enjoying of late have inspired us to offer up a Rosé this weekend. I am sure it will be raining by the time we drink it on Saturday, but hey, that Murphy's Law for you! Crisp, refreshing, dry - this vibrant pink rosé stops you in your tracks. Aromas of Mt. Rainier cherry juice, red delicious apple and ripe strawberry. Plums, spice & berries grip on the palate giving texture on the finish with the acidity as the ultimate balancing point for a hearty meal on a hot night or an aperitif on a warm afternoon.The quote from their website says it all: "Please don't jinx this fragrant and intense blend of "All-Star" grapes from primo vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. Balanced and delicious on its own, this fermented "Island of Misfit Toys" harmonizes wonderfully with food. Remember, one person's Velvet Elvis is another's Picasso. Hope you like it, fingers crossed!"

Burgáns Albariño Rias Baixas '08, $15.99
We chose the Burgáns Albariño for it's Celtic-look, though it's from the Rias Baixas area of Spain. A perennial favorite - the current vintage received 89 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Light, bright yellow. Lively lemon and lime aromas are complemented by melon, pear and salty minerals. Juicy and focused, offering brisk citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a late note of smoky herbs. Gains sweetness with air and finishes with an appealing note of fresh pineapple. I like this wine's blend of sweetness and cut." The previous vintage received 90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Burgáns is a custom cuvée made for importer Eric Solomon. While it's not the best Albarino on the market, in terms of bang for the buck, it has no challenger. The 2007 Burgáns Albariño is light gold-colored with a sprightly nose of mineral, spring flowers, and lemon peel. Ripe, balanced, and concentrated, this is an ideal match for flaky fish courses. Drink it over the next 1-2 years." This wine has a freshness that is unsurpassed. The mineral, stone quality mingling with the Meyer lemon simply screams for oysters on the half-shell!

M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage (Syrah) $24.99
This 100% Syrah wine is kept in vats for 10 months before bottling in the spring following harvest in order to preserve the natural fruit bouquet as much as possible. The resulting wine is a deep purple with a bouquet of red fruits, blackcurrant and raspberry. The taste is fresh and round with a finish of stewed fruits and a wonderful finesse. A red wine out of the northern Rhone Valley appellation of Crozes-Hermitage produced by the esteemed house of M. Chapoutier Wine Spectator states: "Polished, but not overly so, with a briary tug helping to define the blackberry, crushed plum, graphite and licorice notes. The long finish has a nice mix of fruit and iron. Drink now through 2011. 600 cases imported. And, the International Wine Cellar- "Bright ruby. Fresh cherry and cassis on the nose, with a dark chocolate quality adding depth. Bitter cherry and licorice flavors are youthfully firm, with dusty tannins accentuating the solid character." They say it so well!

Apaltagua Carmenère $12.99
This old favorite here at Menotomy deserves to be re-visited from time to time. This wine was once a tasting day blow-out, loved by all and taken home by most! Apaltagua Winery, located in the prestigious Apalta region in Chile's Colchagua Valley, specializes in one distinguished, but lesser known, grape varietal - Carmenère. Carmenère is considered the "lost Bordeaux" variety, as it was originally planted in Bordeaux, but was abandoned there because it was too late ripening for the Bordeaux climate. Thankfully, the Carmenère variety was imported to Chile where it not only survives (because of a longer growing season), but makes exceptionally good wines. Apaltagua, owned by the Edward Tutunjian family, has a missionary-like zeal in its dedication to the Carmenère grape. The winery produces three levels of Carmenère-based wines: Apaltagua Estate Carmenère, Apaltagua Envero, and Apaltagua Grial. The resulting wines exhibit a chocolately richness and a peppery edge, combining the best of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in one grape. All of Apaltagua's wines are made under the watchful eye of one of Chile's leading winemakers, Alvaro Espinoza. Made from 100% Carmenère grapes, this wine shows a spicy, plummy nose, and ripe, berryish fruit on the palate. Minimal intervention and gentle handling have been used to preserve the quality and character of the fruit. This wine is an impressive introduction to the Carmenère grape, and a very good value.

February 27th, 2010

Alexander Valley Gewürtraminer $12.99
Gewürtztraminer can be traced to Northern Italy's Traminer, although it is also grown successfully in Austria, Germany, Alsace and elsewhere. This wine is rich, full-bodied and powerful, reminiscent of lychee nuts with ripe pears and tropical fruits. At its best, Gewürtztraminer is perfumed with floral qualities, like roses, as well as potent spices - in fact, its root, "Gewürz," means "spicy". One of the lessons that the Alexander Valley Vineyards wine growers have learned over nearly a half century of grape growing is that certain varietals are perfect for the Alexander Valley - as well as others best left to other appellations. Gewürztraminer is one of these, growing best in cooler climates like Mendocino's Potter Valley, the source of this 2009 Gewürz. This latest release from Alexander Valley shows an expressive nose of pineapple, lychee and pear, with flavors of grapefruit, apple, and a big mineral component. Its creamy mouthfeel balances nicely with acidity. Lots of folks have a hard time pronoucing the name of this grape, so the brewery has made it easier for all of us, simply calling this wine "Gewurz."

Domaine Sainte-Eugénie Corbières $13.99
Quickly becoming an underground favorite here at Menotomy, we thought we would introduce our little Corbières to the Wine Tasting crowd! Domaine Sainte Eugénie is located along France's Mediterranean coast, in the foothills of the Pyrénées, where clay and chalk soils dominate. The dry weather, sun and warm climate combine to create an optimal growing environment. This wine is made entirely from free-run juice. It is a blend of about 40% old vine Carignan (65+ years old), Grenache, and Syrah vines (25-46 year old vines). It is vinified for 9 months in barrels, varietal by varietal, then blended and placed in small casks for up to 15 months before bottling. The result is a marvelously complex and clean wine rivaling anything else produced in the appellation. The red fruits burst from the glass with mild hints of toast and spice that continue through the impeccably balanced finish.

Emeri Sparkling Shiraz $13.99
This wine deliciously combines fresh berry flavors, soft silky tannins and a fine persistent bead with a dry finish. Emeri picks its Shiraz at optimum maturity to ensure maximum flavor and soft, balanced tannins. Fermentation is completed mostly in-tank, along with a small fermented in bottle to add complexity. It is aged in a mixture of American oak barrels and on tank staves for a period of time ranging from 3 weeks to 8 months. "Bright colour; vibrant juicy fruit, pure blackberry and spice; juicy and fun on the palate, with a fresh and slightly savoury finish." -James Halliday's Wine Companion 2010

Sin Zin $22.99
Varietally distinct, this Zinfandel captures the true essence of Alexander Valley, its fruit sourced from a number of vineyards with differing microclimates. These provide winemaker Kevin Hall with an array of unique parcels of fruit. Once they are vinified, these parcels are blended together and then allowed to mature in French and American oak for 10 months. The deep ruby color is reflected in bouquet, which is dominated by bing cherry, followed by aromas of crushed black pepper, boysenberry and wild strawberry. Eucalyptus, cedar and cola fill the palate, and the finish has subtle oak nuances and an integrated acid balance. This is a medium bodied wine with a cellar life of 5-8 years.

February 20th, 2010

La Fortuna Sauvignon Blanc '09, $11.99
This wine is a light yellow color with green shades. Its aromas are citric with a mineral touch, and a very good balance between fruit and acidity gives it the typical freshness of this variety, making it an ideal wine to be served as an aperitif or as a good complement to vegan food and seafood. It has a long, pleasant finish. In addition to being organic and vegan, it is also a fair trade product.

Vinas de Vila Tinto Fundación '08, $13.99
The Vila family has been growing grapes in Argentinavila since colonial times. Its vineyards cover well over 1,000 acres, but wines bearing the "Vila" label are produced from select parcels in the Cruz de Piedra section of central Mendoza, near Maipu. Grapes are hand-harvested, and the wines are gently matured to perfection using a combination of oak staves and barrels. The emphasis here is squarely on value. Tinto Fundación, Vila's flagship blend of 50% Bonarda, 25% Malbec and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, is without a doubt one of the best value wines the world has to offer.

Paulo Laureano Alentejo Singularis, $14.99
Chalk up another win for value wines from Portugal! The Singularis is carefully blended with 80% Trincadeira and 20% Aragones, then staged in French oak small barrels. With its gorgeous, intense ruby color, strong aromas of dark berried fruits and spice, and full rounded taste, this organic offering is sure to be a stand-out favorite amongst our Portuguese selections. Easy drinking at a great price!

Burgess Syrah '05 $19.99
We had the honor of meeting Steve Burgess of Burgess Cellars this past week. Steve came in to sample us on the family's three wines. (That's right, three: Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah. They also have a winery-exclusive Petit Sirah.) We already knew (and loved) the Cabernet Sauvignon - a VALUE at $35 from Napa- so, when he poured the Syrah, we had high hopes. And we were not disappointed! From the winemaker: "The ripeness of the grapes is wonderfully demonstrated in the richness of the fruit. The aromas of spice and varietal character are quite pronounced and complemented by oak tones. This style of wine is a great accompaniment to most foods as it exhibits the flavors of a Mediterranean-style wine, which over the years has been developed to go with modern cuisine." We couldn't agree more!

February 13th, 2010

Il Cuore Chardonnay '08, $13.99
"Il Cuore" (eel-quarry) means "The Heart" in Italian. The name is a tribute to the Italian immigrants who first planted the North Coast of California to vine in the late nineteenth century. Their wines are produced from choice grapes grown in Mendocino County, where the success of wine grapes has long been attributed to complex soils, warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. A hallmark of the Il Cuore style is a gentle use of oak to allow the natural fruit qualities of the grapes to become the focal point of the wines. Il Cuore Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown exclusively in the cool coastal region of Mendocino County. Vineyards in this region invoke Chardonnays that are fresh, with apple and pear flavors complemented by floral nuances in the bouquet. This vintage blend includes nine percent Viognier to enhance tropical fruit aromas and add complexity on the palate. The fresh, graceful style of Il Cuore Chardonnay results from cold fermentation in small stainless steel vessels and small components of barrel fermentation, in mostly neutral small oak cooperage. Il Cuore's style, with its gentle use of oak, offers versatility with a wide range of foods. Their main goal is to produce wines of quality and character at a price suitable for daily consumption, and their hope is that "Il Cuore wines will be consumed with good food as part of a healthy and passionate lifestyle."

Ménage à Trois White, $11.99
The 2008 Ménage à Trois white marries Chardonnay with Muscat in menage whitesmall stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and character and retain juicy fruit aromas. The Chardonnay is rich and firm; the Muscat is wild and exotic; the Chenin is soft and supportive. Together they make the perfect threesome. It's a trip to the islands without the worry of sunburn or bugs. Undeniably fruity and unabashedly easy, it's meant to be quaffed, not analyzed. The White blend brings together citrus and tropical fruit flavors with crisp acidity. Dare we say that it's refreshing? With food or without, alone or with two companions, this wine is one exhilarating experience!

Il Cuore Rosso '07, $13.99
This vintage, Rosso Classico, is a unique blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Carignane varieties. Il Cuore's Rosso Classico is a medium bodied yet expressive wine, produced with modest oak cooperage to emphasize supple tannins and rich fruit flavors - berries, plums, ripe cherries - on the palate. Zinfandel is the principle grape variety, and contributes effusive ripe cherry flavors and good acidity which cuts through spicy cuisine. Syrah offers bold fruit flavor and dark color, while the Carignane from this region provides a jammy complexity and spicy character. Petite Sirah from old plantings adds succulent plum nuances, pleasant spice and additional dark coloring. The fruity, spicy flavor will enhance a diverse range of cuisine - comfort foods like braised lamb shanks and roasted herbed chicken; classic Italian dishes; and especially Mediterranean style grilled meats. Rosso Classico is excellent served with oven-roasted salmon, grilled eggplant, and its fresh acidity makes for a perfect marriage with spicy foods, and dishes with a ton of garlic! (Probably not ideal cuisine for Valentine's Day though!)

PromisQous Red, $14.99
This food-friendly Santa Rosa wine - a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah - is a "daring dalliance," according to the winemakers. But the blend isn't so much the seducer as the name and label, which promotes a "wanton disregard for convention," and warns that drinking it "may result in an intense sensory experience." This wine is a popular choice with our customers - a long-time favorite here at Menotomy!

Trentadue Family of Wines
Old Patch Red, La Storia Meritage, Viognier Port
and customer favorite, Chocolate Amore Port
Back before Christmas, we blew through the Chocolate Amore Port quicker than you can say "Ho-Ho-Ho"! You loved it! This Saturday, we'll be pouring it again, along with its companion, Viognier Port. We have enough of the Amore in stock to fulfill all of your Valentine's wishes!! We'll also have samples of Trentadue's Old Patch Red Blend along with their La Storia Meritage, a Bordeaux-style blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec and 2% Petite Verdot. We can't wait for you to try these new wines - and hope you like them as much as the Chocolate Amore!

February 6th, 2010

Yalumba Viognier $13.99
Exotic, luscious, seductive, full-flavored; musk, spice, apricots, peaches, citrus blossoms, lychees... mysterious and alluring - these are some of the enticing descriptors that the rare Viognier wines attract. It was on a visit to Condrieu, the home of Viognier in France's Rhône Valley, that Yalumba's Peter Wall first encountered Viognier. Once grown extensively south of Lyon, Viognier is now virtually confined to the tiny Condrieu and Côte Rôtie regions, with the best wines form Château-Grillet, a tiny appellation of Condrieu. In 1980, Yalumba planted 1.2 hectares of Viognier in the Barossa - Australia's first commercial Viognier plantings. The Viognier grew quietly for 10 years, allowing the vines time to form regular cropping patterns and giving Yalumba a "breaking-in" period to experiment with the variety. Today, Yalumba has the largest mature Viognier resource and the oldest commercial vines in the Southern Hemisphere. And the winery now has access to around 29 ha of Viognier from a range of viticultural regions.

Yalumba Shiraz Viognier $13.99
The Yalumba Y Series of varietal wines express the lively personality and colorful 150-year history of the Hill Smith family of Yalumba, Australia's oldest family-owned winery. These are fresh, flavorsome, fruit-driven wines; the styles of quality and consistency highlight the true regional character of South Australia's most renowned viticultural area, and confirm Yalumba's reputation as Australia's finest independent winemaker. The grapes were fermented in static potters and rotary fermentors. Warm temperatures at the onset of fermentation and also 3-5 days post ferment maceration has helped extract soft, fleshy tannins, and build wine structure. Vibrant crimson with purple hues, the Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier has a nose that is very expressive of its grape origins, showcasing aromas of violets, blueberries and Turkish delight, with hints of ground spices. Medium bodied with lots of red berry fruits, the supple tannins and generous fruit flavours are typical of this contemporary red wine blend. The illustration of a dog on the Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier label symbolises the mateship and partnership that exists between many vignerons and their loyal growers and staff. The winery dog is a long-standing tradition - most wineries have one; books have been written about them; wines have even been named after them. They are a true representation of the many partnerships that exist in Australian wineries today.

Chateau Larroque '05 Bordeaux, $16.99
This wine has been selling quickly, so don't miss it before we move on to the '06 - the '05 Bordeaux have been called the vintage of the century. This wine is drinking very nicely now after 1 year in barrel and 4 years in the bottle. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Larroque Bordeaux has flavors of red berries and cinnamon, and well balanced tannins. It needs a bit of time to breathe but this wine is affordable, perfect for a dinner party!

NEW Coto De Hayas '08, $9.99
It was a very sad day here at Menotomy when Don Mitchell, a distributor rep, came in to tell us that our favorite and best-selling wine would be no more. It seems that our beloved Coto had gone through a change - both visually and structurally. The label is different and so is the blend. Neil's favorite used to be made up of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha and Syrah. Now, it is simply 70% Garnacha and 30% Syrah. This is a very different wine than the old Coto, but that doesn't mean it's not good- just different. The wine is very clean and bright, with cherry red coloration and violet hues. It has a pleasant, complex nose, indicative of its quality, with intense aromas of subtle fruit and balsam. The palate is full, well-structured, with rich nuances and good length. As we always say here at 80 Broadway, "the wine dictates." In memory of our favorite $10 bottle, we'll happily give its new incarnation a go!

January 30th, 2010

Château Pellehaut Blanc
The wine is a blend of Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Gros Manseng, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Folle Blanche, with the proportions varying according to the vintage. It has a powerful aromatic nose with fresh acidity and intense flavors on the palate. A very pale straw color, it is bright, with an attractive floral nose (acacia) showing ripe tropical fruit flavors with herbaceous undertone. On the palate, the tropical fruit flavors are balanced by a fresh acidity which runs through to the finish. It is an off-dry, medium bodied style with a fresh, lively balance. The Cuvée Harmonie is Pellehaut's most popular wine and must be considered as one of the best values on the market. The wine is made with a cool fermentation and aging sur lie. It exhibits qualities of more expensive wines from the Loire valley while retaining the crisp, floral snap that Côtes de Gascogne wines are known for. The vines at Pellehaut are planted on the slopes of the rolling hills, with the lower land being reserved for the other crops as well as grazing ground for their blonde d'Aquitaine breed of cattle. The cows eat the grass and the property's hay during the winter, and their manure is used to nourish the vineyard, enabling the Bérauts to replenish the earth without synthetic fertilizers.

Château Pellehaut Rouge
This is a subtle blend, with the fruit and roundness of the Merlot and the structure and character of the Tannat. It shows good depth of color: young, with purple tints. It has rich, ripe tannins, and a very expressive nose of black fruits- blackberry jam associated with toasted and spicy notes. On the palate, the attack is unctuous and fleshy, leading through to a smooth and remarkably well balanced wine. The finish displays notes of butter and toast with an outstanding freshness. This is undoubtedly a wine of pleasure, elaborated with grapes picked at optimum maturity. The red wines of Château Pellehaut retain the supple fruitiness of the Merlot, with the structured richness of the Tannat. Cuvée Harmonie is made in tank, and is a wonderful, everyday drink for a wide variety of settings.

Evodia Altovinum '08 Old Vines Garnacha $12.99
We just know that this *MB&W Value Award Winner* will especially please our customers! It has incredible depth and complexity for this price point. Usually, of course, that is our mission- and this one hits the nail on the head!

"Bright ruby. Fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas are deepened by notes of licorice, black tea and pungent herbs. Supple in texture, offering sweet red fruit flavors and showing no rough edges. A smoky note comes up with air, adding complexity to a nicely persistent, red berry-dominated finish. Extremely easy to drink, and offering excellent depth and clarity for the money." 89 Points - Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar

Castano '08 Monastrell $12.99
A dark purple in color, this wine shows luscious blackberry and blueberry aromas that are at once expansive and precise, with sexy floral and spice qualities adding to its complexity. Juicy dark fruit flavors deliver a sexy wallop of sweetness, with no rough edges, no animal, earth or herbal characters. This is a very fresh wine, and it finishes with impressive cling and length. And the price is unreal. "This cuvée from Castaño is made from 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre). Sixty percent of this wine is fermented traditionally, while the other forty percent goes through carbonic maceration. It is released young and is meant to be an easy drinking, everyday wine.

"The resulting wine has a bright, fresh raspberry bouquet with dense, textured, cherry flavors on the palate. It is well structured with supple, integrated tannins. This wine is a great match to simple, bistro-style fare but has enough body to hold up to hearty dishes including beef, game, and strong cheeses." 88 Points - Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar

January 23rd, 2010

Leo Guelfus Falerio Vendemmia $14.99
A traditional white Piceno, Ascoli Falerio Colli is made from Trebbiano, Passerina and Pecorino. Vinified and aged in steel, Leo Guelfus shows a beautiful yellow color and green reflections. The nose is elegant, with scents of ripe apple, almond, lime and herbs, which are consistently confirmed on the broad, harmonious palate.

Tamás Double Decker Red $12.99
This Central Coast California Red blend is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Barbera. To retain aromatics and fruit flavors, the grapes were fermented in upright, stainless steel tanks at a cold temperature. Each component of this blend was aged separately in a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel tank. "At Tamás Estates we've made it our passion to fashion California wines in a style honoring their varietal heritage. With Double Decker Red we've taken it a step further by crafting an exciting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera to create an adventurously robust yet smooth red wine with mouth-filling flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum, and a smooth, spicy finish. Hop on the Double Decker Red bus for a multinational wine tour experience and stamp your passport for world taste." -Tamás Estates

90+ Carneros, California, Pinot Noir $16.99
The producer of this wine has been making Pinot Noir for almost 30 years, and is known as a California pioneer. The wine is sourced from over a dozen vineyards throughout Carneros (primarily in Napa Valley), and has been aged for 10 months in new French oak. It delivers the distinctive Pinot Noir character by coupling spice with rich - but not overblown - black cherry fruit flavors. An especially vibrant wine, it is also elegant and wonderfully balanced. As usual for 90+ Cellars wines, you're paying half the price of the original label - this wine normally sells in the mid-$30 range.

Sierra Cantabria '05 Rioja $19.99
This wine is from the Rioja region of Spain and is made with 100% tempranillo. Here at Menotomy Beer & Wine, we usually do not look toward critics to select our wines, but we think that this quote days it all: "Saturated ruby. More powerful than the '04 on the nose, offering deep cherry preserve and plum scents. Displays zestier red fruits on the palate, which is firmed by fine-grained tannins. A suave mineral quality arrives with air, adding energy to the dark fruit qualities. The nicely focused finish is spicy and long." - 91 Points, S.T. International Wine Cellar

January 16th, 2010

La Colombera Bricco Bartolomeo '07, $14.99
Cortese is responsible for some of the most famous white wines of Italy, but rarely produces particularly complex wines. The La Colombera Bricco is a bit of an exception. It's a light, fresh style of white with a bright acidity that supports citrus flavors with aromatic grassy and nutty notes that add tremendous complexity. This wine is made in the small village of Vho, 7 miles away from Tortona, Italy, by a family that began wine making in 1937.

90+ Cellars Barossa Chardonnay Lot 6, $12.99
From the man who calls himself the Robin Hood of wines, this wine is sourced from a winery with a renowned pedigree of consistently producing one of the world's best un-oaked Chardonnay. The winemaker has been making this unique style of Chardonnay for over twenty years. Kevin Mehra of 90+ was very lucky to get the last of this exceptional vintage: the wine will go fast, so pick up a few bottles. It has a complex style displaying rich ripe fruit reminiscent of peach and lychee, and there is an underlying richness provided by the time spent on lees combined with the subtle complexity that malolactic fermentation can add. With a hint of fruit sweetness balanced with an approachable acid level, the finish is long, savory, flavorsome and soft.

G.D. Vajra Nebbiolo '07, $24.99
This wine is widely enjoyed and has always received exceptional reviews. The Nebbiolo is a lighter version of Vajra's Barolo, yet has a strong personality all its own. Ruby red in color, the wine has delicate scents of violets, roses and raspberries. On the palate, it is soft and accessible, with spicy ripe tannins and wonderful balance. Nebbiolo is a fickle grape, famed as much for its pale appearance as for its tannic character, and produces some of the most perfumed and richly flavored wines. Though generally only medium-bodied, the wines possess rose- and anise-scented aromatics, with deep flavors of cherry, orange peel and subtle green herb tones. This wine was grown and vinified in the Lahnge DOC in the Piedmont area of Italy.

Malma Merlot '05, $12.99
Grown and vinified in the Patagonia region of Argentina, this Merlot is characterized on the palate by marmalade with a touch of cedar and smoky notes due to its aging in oak. It is also very creamy, with vanillin, a strawberry lusciousness and a bit of firm tannic weight kicking in to make it rich on the palate. It is a beautifully concentrated wine, and consistent with the Merlot varietal. There is plush fruit quality and a bit of jamminess. It is an intense, burgundy red in color, with aromas of ripe red berries like raspberry and quince; a drying wine, with quite a nice style in the end.

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec '08, $13.99
Malbec is the main grape grown at the Altos Las Hormigas Estate in Mendoza Argentina. Their Malbec is derived from grapes harvested at the end of March. The de-stemmed and softly pressed grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats. During the 15-day fermentation-maceration process, the must is pumped and punched down for optimal extraction. 50% of the wine stays in first-use American oak, and 10% in second-use French oak. The wine is bottled without any form of stabilization or filtration in order to not to alter quality, and is sold after aging in the bottle for three months. This is a great introduction to Malbec, with its rich flavors of black berry fruit, mulberry and black cherry, along with a bit of licorice and spice. The winery's symbol is the ant because the hormiga (ant) is one of the few creatures that can survive in the vineyard's hard-to-work soils.

January 9th, 2010

Schreckbichl Chardonnay, $17.99
Despite the fact that it was established in 1960, the history of Produttori Colterenzio - Schreckbichl has its roots in the time of the ancient Romans. In fact, the vineyards of Colterenzio are among the oldest in Europe, and the Cornelianum estate - which belonged to Cornelius, first Roman settler and viticulturist of the region - represents the starting point of the enological culture. It developed over the course of centuries and culminated in the Middle Age.

Produttori Colterenzio's vineyards are located in diverse areas of Alto Adige. They are cultivated at many different altitudes, and in different soils and microclimates. From the area of Cornaiano and Appiano Monte (400-600 meters/1300-2000 feet) come white-berried grapes such as Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The Settequerce region - near Terlan - and Gries, in the neighboring of Bozen, produce red-berried grapes used for full-bodied wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Lagrein. The sunny hills of Cornaiano host the vineyards of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Schiava and Gewürztraminer. The vineyards spread from Salorno and Settequerce to the valley of Santa Maddalena, near Bozen; these diverse areas allow the winery to use grapes cultivated in different microclimates and with different times of ripeness, thereby increasing the wines' variety and personality. This Chardonnay is ripe and fresh, with minimal oaking and a lingering finish you are sure to enjoy!

Terre Rouge '04 Viognier, $14.99
From Bill Easton of the Terra Rouge Winery: "Our Shenandoah Valley and Fiddletown Viognier grapes are planted in loamy decomposed granite soil and cropped carefully. This wine has great body, richness, and mouth feel. There are also attractive apricot and peach flavors with a delicious texture and a slight stoniness in the finish. The pit (stone) fruit varieties thrive in our Rhône-like climate. We pick the fruit by flavor and physiological maturity. The grapes begin to get a brown speckled look when they approach maturity. Whole-cluster pressed, barrel fermented in slightly used French oak barrels, extended lees aging, no racking, and full malolactic fermentation. Our Viognier is a favorite of some of France's top boutique Condrieu producers. Very small production with 200-400 cases annually." Though this is an '04, winery owner Bill Easton says it's great drinking right now, so come on in and give it a try!

La Colombera Elisa Barbera, $16.99
Father and daughter, Piercarlo and Elisa Semino, produce their Colombera wines in the hills of Tortona. The history of the vineyards goes back to the 1930's, when Elisa's grandfather began planting vines. The Elisa Barbera is an intense and complex wine, cherry flavors with blackberry and plum jam, are detectable and nicely balanced with spicy aromas. A light scent of vanilla, together with sweet spices, leaves a pleasant memory. Nicely balanced on the palate, this wine is supported by good acidity and fine tannin thickness. Warm and soft, it is a well balanced and good structured wine. Young, lively and personal wine, we suggest tasting it after a few years. Enjoy alone or with roasts or other elaborate meat dishes.

Chateau Gigognan Côtes du Rhône '04, $16.99
To get to the drive for the vineyards of Chateau Gigognan, one must pass through the Z.I. (industrial zone), and the difference between the two areas could not be more striking. Through broken auto yards and factories, past a facility whose sole purpose can only be described as "making rocks," you venture over a hill, down a tree-lined lane, and are finally presented with a truly bucolic setting. Chateau Gigognan is set in the corner of a verdant field, framed by rows and rows of vines. The Chateau once belonged to the Jesuit community, and is built atop the foundation of their centuries-old monastery. Since, it has received an entirely modern face-lift that any architect could appreciate. Some of the vineyards are over one hundred years old, yet the vines are given every modern convenience that a hands-on, organic and biodynamic approach can offer. The cellars are carved from old stone, but the grapes are carried there via gravity under strict temperature control both before and after fermentation. An amalgamation of new world and old, they combine the best of both. Each grape variety hails from its own vineyard. The fruit is picked and sorted by hand before being vinified separately. Blended with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault, the brilliant red "Vigne du Prieuré" Côtes du Rhône has generous aromas of red berries, brambles, and spicy notes. It is supple and rich, yet at the same time, very sharp. Enjoy with either red or white meat, cooked pork meats or cheese.

90+ Cellars Lot 8 Garnacha, $12.99
As usual, we can't wait for you to try our newest offering from Kevin Mehra's 90+ Cellars! Garnacha is a grape native to Spain, although it's gained notoriety as "Granache" in France. This wine is from a region of Spain with a winemaking tradition dating back to the Roman Empire. The grapes are estate grown and have been aged for 6 months in French oak, allowing it the Crianza designation. Kevin says: "This lot is one of the best deals we have found and a personal favorite we are happy to share! A complete wine, with aromas of forest fruit shrouded in chocolate, vanilla, milk, coffee, nuts and wood spice. The wine has a broad palate of earthy blue fruits and integrated oak; well put together, ripe and nicely open with a lingering spicy finish."

December 19th, 2009

Hendry Barrel Fermented '05 Chardonnay, $29.99
My husband and I were fortunate enough to visit George Hendry at his stunning Vineyard this past October. Meeting George and seeing the passion he has for growing grapes and making wines was the highlight of my year. George is extremely engaging as he both educates and enthralls you with his winemaking knowledge and abilities. The Hendry Vineyard is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa. The vines grow on thin, stony Boomer series soils, between 200 and 300 feet above sea level. Morning fog and afternoon breezes from the San Pablo Bay moderate the climate. This wine is a blend from the winery's Block 9, Block 19, Block 20, and Block 21. The Blocks have real meaning, some indicating growth at a higher elevation (and therefore less moisture), and others, growth lower in the valley. In 2005, median budbreak in the chardonnay blocks was March 10th, median bloom May 18th, and a harvest between August 31st and September 4th. It was whole-cluster crushed, barrel fermented sur lie and aged in 50% new French oak barrels for approximately 11 months. It was not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation, which some think is very important for retaining its food-friendly malic acidity. Complex aromas of stone and tropical fruits, oak and spice complement the mouthfeel, which is full despite the lack of malolactic. The palate is multidimensional, creamy, nutty, with mango and custard, biscuit and mineral. The finish is long with a cleansing acidity. While this wine might be at its best when enjoyed with George, sitting at a long, heavy oak table and looking over the vineyard, it is fantastic any time.

Cooper Mountain Pinot Gris, $18.99
Cooper Mountain Vineyards rests on the slopes of an ancient volcano. Over thousands of years, erosion helped create the terrain, soils and characteristics that make their wines unique. The vineyards sit on land once farmed by Oregon pioneers who took to the unique location despite its challenges and lack of water. Cooper Mountain has a rich heritage. The winery got its start in 1978 when Dr. Robert Gross and his wife, Corrine, planted the first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in the unique soils of Cooper Mountain. Their careful nurturing of the vines allowed them to mature gracefully, and eventually produce true Oregon Pinots. At first, the Cooper Mountain sold its fruit to some of Oregon's finest winemakers, but in 1987, the winery opened to offer its first vintage to the public, with a commitment to affordable Oregon wines. This was the start of a quest that has enlarged the vineyards to more than 100 acres, production of four varietals, an expanded tasting room for visitors. As one of the first vineyards and wineries to produce Pinot Gris, Cooper Mountain Vineyards has helped set the standard and expectation for this wonderful varietal. Utilizing classic methods to produce Gris, you will find all of their offerings to have been made in stainless steel to provide clean, crisp flavors that respect and accurately portray the varietal. In 1995 Cooper Mountain became the second winery in Oregon to be certified organically grown by Oregon Tilth.

Camp Galhan Amanlie Viognier Chardonnay, $19.99
Camp Galhan is a family domaine that has been making wine since the early 1900s. The winery gets its name from "Galhan," a Roman camp that was located next to the present winery on the high slopes above the Gardon River. Until recently, the family sold all of its grapes to a cooperative. When Lionel took the vineyards over from his father, he set out to show what his vineyards are capable of producing. His plan to manipulate the grapes as little as possible, and to extract only the best flavors from the grape, has led to some of the best wine in the entire region. Amanlie, named after the winemaker's daughters, Amandine and Emilie, has a nose dominated by the Viognier, which gives aromas of apricot, peach, and white flowers. On the palate, Amanlie has more tropical fruit flavors, including mango and pineapple, and a bright mineral finish. With its lush, exotic-fruit flavors, this wine is an ideal match for scallops, crab, and lobster.

Palazzo Della Torre '06 Veronese, $24.99
This blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese is a smooth, full-bodied cru made in an innovative ripasso style. Ripasso is an Italian red wine from Valpolicello made by fermenting young wine with the unpressed but drained skins and lees left over from making Amarone. Today, ripasso is made by a number of producers, often using their own variations of this basic method. After the harvest, the grapes from the Palazzo della Torre vineyard follow two different paths: 70% are vinified immediately after the harvest, with 30% dried until the end of December. At this point, the wine ferments again with the dried grapes. This wine will age easily for 8-10 years. Deep ruby red in color, it has a delicious red berry perfume, with hints of raisins, plums, and pretty layers of mocha, spices and new leather that add complexity to the fresh, vibrant fruit. Neil has dubbed this wine "heaven in a bottle!"

Turnbull '06 Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.99
The 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted to highlight the best qualities of Turnbull's five Estate Vineyards. Dark, rich, and extracted, this wine has aromas of cassis, black cherry and currants. Balanced oak nuances add both a sweetness and roundness to this aromatic and powerful wine. The soil type in each of the vineyards contributes its individual character to the final estate blend. Each soil type and microclimate demands unique farming techniques to obtain the most character from each site, and different levels of crop thinning, leaf removal, irrigation, and trellis system are applied depending on the conditions. Individual lots from each vineyard are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks before being pressed to French oak. The result is a dark wine with a full body and rich texture.

Fitch Mountain Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon '06, $19.99
Fitch Mountain is the second label of Optima Cellars. In 1984, Optima produced just 400 cases; today, the winery is continuing their tradition of producing premium, world class wines. Optima specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel Port, and Chardonnay. The Fitch Cabernet is the perfect balance of vanilla oak and deep dark fruits. Owners Mike and Nicole Duffy are responsible for this gem, loaded with tons of black currant and black cherry fruit flavors. These blend into a fine veil of rich - yet soft - tannins. There's a little green pepper up front, but the midpalate comes around with solid blackberry and currant. It finishes with a memorable length and spiciness. This is a superb value for the price! Drink now or set aside for 3-5 years.

Nine Stones Shiraz, $14.99
A dry winter and spring caused lower than average crops to set. The weather was hot and dry at vintage, with fruit showing high sugar levels. This Shiraz is a hand-crafted wine made from selected parcels of low cropping fruit. Following fermentation, it spent time in a mix of new and seasoned oak hogsheads before bottling. The style is full-bodied and powerful, with the nose shows fruitcake and mocha with ripe blackberry and smoky barrel overtones. The palate has a sweet core of multi-layered fruit flavors, together with soft and supple tannins. These suggest an early drinking style, but this wine will improve for many years in the bottle. It is sealed with screwcaps to ensure freshness and consistency.

Trentadue Viognier Dessert Wine, $27.99
A decadent and sweet treat! This dessert wine is made from the white Viognier grape - and is the companion wine to the Trentadue Chocolate Amore, which you loved and bought us out of over the last two weeks!

December 12th, 2009

Joseph Cattin Alsace Pinot Gris $16.99
Jacques and Jean Marie Cattin's vineyard is located in the south of Colmar. The vineyards are located on 7 different communes, a diversity of terrain that allows Cattin to produce wines - including Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscatel, Tokay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris - from almost any type of soil found in Alsace. They pick with a manual grape harvest in September and October, press with pneumatic presses, then decant for 24 to 48 hours. Fermentation is controlled in a new stainless steel tanking room, after which the wine is racked. Setting and aging take place in bottles starting in April. Cattin is a family of vintners dedicated to producing great wines, whether the year itself is great, or not! The Cattin Pinot Gris is gold in color with a slightly smoky, fruity, apricot taste. This is not your typical Pinot Grigio, or even Pinot Gris - it's in a category all by itself.

Joseph Drouhin LaForet Chardonnay $13.99
Laforêt Bourgogne Chardonnay from Maison Joseph Drouhin is made from 100 % Chardonnay grapes, picked by hand, and sourced from all over Burgundy. It derives its bouquet and taste from a variety of terroirs: its general character from Mâcon, its crispy structure from Chablis, its body from Rully, Chassagne and Puligny-Montrachet (depending on vintage), and its overall complexity from the young vines of Joseph Drouhin`s own Crus. The Laforêt Burgundy white is an aromatic wine, with robust flavors and fruit, recalling fresh grapes and almonds. While Burgundy is renowned as the home of Pinot Noir, it is also the source of the ubiquitous Chardonnay grape. In these gently rolling hills, Chardonnay achieves some of its most profound expressions: appellations such as Meursault, Montrachet, and Corton Charlemagne proudly take their place among the most sought-after in all the world of wine. With a richness and complexity few wines can match, Burgundy Chardonnay combines classic hints of flinty and chalky soil with nuanced tones of nuts, cinnamon, honey and butter, adding them to the rich, ripe orchard fruits that the grapes are capable of providing. White Burgundy can improve in the bottle for decades and is arguably the most age-worthy dry white wine in the world.

Torrent Bay Pinot Noir '08 $14.99
This wine has a deep color, a perfumed bouquet of cherries, plums, spices, and a hint of cherry oak. Subtle oak tannins and an abundance of rich fruit flavors combine to give the palate a silky, generous mouth-feel with a creamy finish. The fine-grained tannins and acid balance lend the wine structure, while the fruit concentration gives it depth.

90+ Lot 7 Malbec $12.99
Just when we thought that this particular lot and vintage was gone for good, we were told that more would be made available. We got excited... only to wait for several weeks as the cases were held up in customs in Brazil. After a long journey, it is finally here! This outstanding Malbec is made from premium grapes grown in the higher elevations of the foothills of the Andes. The wine was hand crafted, and aged in French and American oak for seven months. It has great body, with roundness and elegance. Aromas of red currant and vanilla with notes of raspberry and chocolate are balanced with lush flavors of red plum, caramel and black currant with notes of spices and coffee. The flavors complement the sweet tannins and produce an exceptional wine with fruit notes and a long finish. 85% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot.

Merriam Vineyards Merlot '04 $29.99
Windacre Vineyard is a single vineyard on the east edge of the Russian River Valley that experiences cool morning fog giving way to hot days and dropping temperatures in the evening. Windacre is a great Merlot grape growing vineyard, very similar in temperature and soil types to the Pomerol region of France where the most famous Merlots are made. Windacre merlot vines have been reduced by 1¾ acres. This part of the vineyard has been replanted with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This leaves 9 ½ acres remaining of these 24-year-old vines.
"Crop thinning continues to occur to ensure the best possible fruit at harvest. 1¾ - 2 tons per acre were produced from Windacre Vineyard.This wine has a deep, dark ruby color, bouquet of dark ripe berries, raspberry, reduced cherry tones, with a touch of mint. Cola, cassis, and cherry drop tone give way to long earthtone finish with medium tannin." - 2004 Windacre Merlot 93 points, Wine News 09

December 5th, 2009

Sass Pinot Blanc '07, $14.99
Sass Winery is tucked into the folds of Oregon's fertile Willamette Valley, where small vineyards flourish on land once thought unsuitable for anything but grasses or Christmas trees. Each year, the struggling vines produce tight clusters of grapes that gradually ripen during the long, dry summer. The hazy, warm days and cool nights of autumn help the fruit develop intense, complex layers of flavor and aroma that produce wonderfully rich, elegant and forward wines. The 2007 Pinot Blanc offers vibrant, rich aromas and flavors of melon, stone fruit and pears, with a tropical fruit burst on the front and midpalate. A racy acidity makes it linger in the mouth and stand up to rich food. Only 173 cases of the Pinot Blanc were made from Brigadoon Vineyard and Yamhill Valley Vineyard.

Quattro Mani [toh-kai] '08, $12.99
Quattro Mani, or "four hands," showcases four celebrated Italian winemakers who each craft wines expressing the character and strength of grape varieties indigenous to Italy. They are selected for their ability to let the vineyard to "speak" through their wines, while adding their personal interpretation of the grape variety during vinification. The varieties selected demonstrate the diversity of the regions of Italy. The Quattro Mani Montepulciano d'Abruzzo has been a long-time favorite here at Menotomy, and now we're happy to introduce a Tocai (pronounced toh-kai) produced by the skilled hands of Ales Kristancic. The wine is made at the Movia winery in Slovenia in accordance with biodynamic principles, and with the care and attention that distinguish Movia wines. Produced from "young vines" (which at Movia means 20+ years), Quattro Mani is a fresh, fruit forward, quality wine. "The vine is still young and sometimes does not understand our objective but it is able to show its youth and its freshness. For that reason, it has a short time of maturation so all the character of the wine is based on its primary characteristics," says Kristancic.

G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso '07, $14.99
One of the things we love to do here is bring in wines from small producers. A (small) problem with this, though, is that small producers have small quantities of wine. So, when a vintage is gone, we usually have to wait quite a while before a new one is bottled and ready to drink. G.D. Vajra is a perfect example of this. This blend of Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, Freisa and Merlot is the third Langhe Rosso vintage that we will be welcoming into the store, and we don't have a lot of it. Neither do its importers, Jeannie and Eileen from Adonna Imports, so get it while you can!

Il Conte Villa Prandone Rosso Piceno '08, $9.99
We don't want to jump the gun - really, we don't - but we could have a new Menotomy favorite here! Of course, we'll let you decide, but here are the details: the name is "Il Conte," and it's a blend of 50% Montepulciano and 50% Sangiovese from the Marches region of Italy. Its dark, plum-like color is echoed in cherry and dark fruit on the nose. The palate, with flavors of cherry, plum and sweet berry, shows medium body, smooth structure, good acidity, and a clean finish. This is a dry table wine, surprisingly pleasant, and, like a lot of wines here at Menotomy, especially amazing considering the price!

Shannon Ridge Petite Sirah '07, $17.99
This one was a no-brainer. We love Petite Sirah - Huntington, Concannon and Bogle are all perennial best-sellers here - and we've had great success with other Shannon Ridge products. The Shannon Ridge growers used to sell all of their grapes to bigger wineries, but now bottle most of their juices themselves. All are certified sustainable, and come from vineyards in the Lake County region of Northern California. The Petite Sirah came from several of these blocks to create a complex, multi-layered blend. The fruit was picked at the peak of ripeness, then fermented in stainless steel and barrel aged in French and American oak to add balance and a nice richness.

November 28th, 2009

Lamezia Greco '07 White $12.99
Greco is one of a family of grapes with ancient origins in the Southern Italian region referred to by the Greeks as Enotria: the land of the vines. And in fact, the grape may actually have Greek origins (hence the name), though it is most closely associated with Campania's Greco di Tufo wine, a highly acidic white with a strong mineral tone and notes of almond, pear, green apple and acacia.

Lamezia '03 Riserva $19.99
This cantina is a true family affair: Salvatore and Giovana Lento take care of the viticultural side of things; lovely daughters Danila and Manuela are in charge of sales and marketing; and Giovana's brother, Antonio Zaffina, makes the wines. One of the striking features of this winery is their production of traditional, hearty, Southern-styled wines that nonetheless keep the alcohol in check through carefully controlled fermentation. The whites run 11-11.5%, and even the big reds are only 13%. This wine is palatable and balanced, with very persistent notes of vanilla, roasted coffee and cocoa. The twelve months it spends in French oak barriques enhance its body, the balance and pleasantness. It is a wine with excellent structure and a strong regional regional identity.

Federico II '03 Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
Wow! WOW!! (And did we say, "WOW!!!!"?) One of the best old school Cabs in Italy: pure terroir on a stick. Forget about those highly extracted, overly-oaked Cabernets that seem to dominate the lower price point market. This wine has none of those "qualities"!

Loggia Del Giglio '07 Chianti $14.99
Ah, Chianti. In the "old days," Chianti was the basket-bottle wine, served on a red checked tablecloth alongside a romantic candle. In its modern reworking - seeking a more elegant image - Chianti usually arrives in a standard glass bottle. If you're a traditionalist, however, some brands still use the basket. Chianti comes from the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. (Only wines from this region can properly be called Chianti, although some other areas are using the name on their labels.) Chianti was first identified as a type in the 13th century. Its primary red grapes are Sangiovese and Canaiolo, while the main whites are Trebbiano and Malvasia. Hannibal - of Silence of the Lambs fame, of course - had his with fava beans. The movie version showed him drinking the more pedestrian chianti wine type.

Cchia '03 Amarone Della Valpolicella $59.99
Amarone della Valpolicella - or "Amarone," for short - is created in Italy's Venetian region. Originally, there was only one legal region, or DOC, for the Valpolicella name. These wines are made with the Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. Two sub-groups emerged, though: recioto, which is a sweet dessert wine, and amarone, which is a dry red wine with great body. Both recioto and amarone are made with grapes that have been dried on racks to bring out their flavors. In 1991, these two were granted their own DOCs. The land area encompassed by these three DOCs is the same, but the types of wine are quite different. Amarone is the fourth biggest seller in Italy, behind Chianti, Asti, and Soave. This fine wine has flavors of licorice, tobacco and fig, and goes well with game and ripe cheese. While some styles of Amarone can be very bitter (that's where the name comes from), new styles are fruitier.

November 21st, 2009

Gruet Blanc De Noirs- New Mexico $11.99

Hendry '07 Pinot Gris- Napa, CA $23.99

Hook & Ladder Gewuertraminer- Sonama, CA $19.99

Westport Rivers '07 Chardonnay- Westport, MA $14.99

Five Rivers Pinot Noir- Mendocino, CA $14.99

Saint Gregory '06 Pinot Noir- Mendocino, CA $22.99

Hendry '06 Pinot Noir- Napa, CA $37.99

Ste. Chappelle '06 Riesling Ice Wine- Idaho $23.99

November 14th, 2009

Borgo Boschetto Pinot Bianco '08 $11.99
"Pinot Bianco", the Italian name for Pinot Blanc, should not be confused with Pinot Grigio! This light and lively varietal is yet another of the many derivatives of the Pinot Noir grape. Grown throughout the northern reaches of Italy, most notably in the Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy and the Veneto, it is known for producing fruity wines of medium acidity and a somewhat neutral nose. Believed to have originated in France's Burgundy region, the grape has found an important place in northeastern Italy, especially in the Alto-Adige, Veneto and Friuli provinces. This Pinot Bianco is straw-yellow in color, crisp, dry, and medium-bodied. There is a fleeting aroma of green almonds, and on the palate, a light fruitiness and crisp acidity. A judicious use of oak adds vanilla and cream tones and imparts a Chardonnay-like texture and finish. Also knows as Pinot Blanc, the grape creates a lighter flavored white wine with citrus, melon, pear, apricot and perhaps smoky or mineral undertones combined with characteristic high acidity. This wine is best enjoyed while young, and please - not too cold!

Branco '07 Pinot Grigio $19.99
For the third vintage running, Igor's 2007 Pinot Grigio has garnered the prestigious 'tre bicchieri' award. Wine Spectator gives it 91 points, and it is now considered to be one of the ultimate expressions of the varietal. This medium- to full-bodied wine reveals subtle cooked apple, fresh pineapple and minerals on the palate with clean acidity and a flavorful finish. Many other stores have this wine on their shelves for $31.99 - but here at MB&W, it's a steal at $19.99!

Shephards Ridge '07 Sauvignon Blanc $16.99
Rarangi, in the northeastern corner of the Wairau Valley where the Shepherds Ridge vineyard is located, captures sun's rays from early morning through late afternoon. Its spot under the Richmond Range, adjacent to the Pacific coast, gives it a unique climate - sunny, dry, and sheltered. The winery says, "The desire to preserve the purity of ripe fruit flavours, using time-honoured winemaking methods, guides our hands. The essence of Marlborough is captured in the harmony of clean gooseberry and citrus characters, combined with the vibrant herbaceous notes of our Sauvignon Blanc." This classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc possesses delightful herbaceous flavors, with gooseberry and citrus notes. The texture is enhanced with a portion of the fruit undergoing extended yeast lees contact. Another wine that would be worth the purchase even at a higher price point!

Borgo Boshcetto '08 Merlot $11.99
This well-made, delicious Merlot is from the Friuli region in Italy's northeastern corner. The area is very mountainous and soils are thin, so the grapes have to struggle for maturity. These basic conditions, combined with a low harvest, hand-picking, and the removal of all grapes, makes wines from this area some of the best in Italy. The Merlot grape came to Friuli in 1880, at the initiative of the famous Count Savorgnang. This exceptionally balanced wine is produced by the vineyard SCOLARISE Vini, and as always, it has put quality at the forefront. Wonderful aromas of cloves, red currant and strawberry jam complement a round, full taste of licorice and blackberry with a certain sweetness in the end.

Shepards Ridge '07 Pinot Noir $19.99
This is a true Marlborough Pinot Noir, characterized by purity and elegance. Bright, fresh aromatics of rose petal, cherry and raspberry are a delight, as are the beautiful red berry characters that combine with a slight savoriness and subtle oak to give great structure and soft, silky tannins. Less expensive pinot can often be less than cheerful, but there are some decent choices available in the $16.99 and up price range, such as Poppy and Wine by Joe. Aside from a few gems that we have located in the $12.99 range, most of our favorites (Dobbes, Willamette Valley, Benton Lane) are up around the $25 level. At a mere $19.99, this Shepherd's Ridge pinot offers incredible value for money.

Pretty Sally '03 Cabernet Sauvignon $17.99
Pretty Sally Estate was established in 1996 with a single mission: to produce world-class wines that over-deliver. Their commitment to excellence begins in the vineyard; only exceptional grapes can produce great wines. Detailed vineyard management is coupled with expert winemaking to produce their single-vineyard wines from their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The winery describes the process that created their '03 Cabernet: "2003 was another great year at the Pretty Sally vineyard. The sun was warm and abundant during the day with our daily afternoon cool breeze from Port Phillip. We continue to experience lower than normal rain levels but our reservoir provided all the needed water with minimal back up from our well. We dropped fruit to low yields of around 2.3 tons/acre, resulting in grapes with extraordinary concentration. This year, harvest was completed right on schedule as the grapes had reached very good sugar levels while maintaining good acidity. Picking was done in a single session with on-the-spot selection. The fruit was fermented in temperature- controlled stainless steel tanks. After maceration, wine was barreled in all new French oak for 19 months. Following our winemaking philosophy of minimal intervention, the process was allowed to follow its natural course, yet always under meticulous scrutiny to avoid any flaws. The wine shows the natural evolution of the vines and the terroir. Dark red. Rich, spicy cherry on the nose, along with dark chocolate, vanilla and oak accents. Firm on the palate, with minty dark berry flavors and strongly oak-spicy notes of pepper and clove." We love that Pretty Sally does not release until they feel that a wine is at its best. Hard to find an '03 Cabernet at this price!

November 7th, 2009

Allegrini Soave '07, $14.99
We've presented a couple of Soaves to you over the last few months, and they've been very well received. This selection is a blend of 80% Garganega and 20% Chardonnay, and it's quite lovely. Allegrini uses the cold maceration technique to pursue fuller flavor extraction from the skins, giving the wine a rounder body and longer aging ability. It offers a fresh bouquet of herbs and flowers on the nose, and the crisp, citrus aroma lingers on the palate, framed by great acidity and minerality. Highly recommended with fish dishes, risotto, and poultry.

Domaine Camp Galhan Amanlie '07, $19.99
Camp Galhan is a family domaine that has been making wine since the beginning of the 1900s. The winery gets its name from Galhan, a Roman camp that was located next to the present winery on the high slopes above the Gardon River north of Nîmes in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. Amanlie - named after the winemaker's daughters Amandine and Emilie - is a blend of 80% Viognier and 20% Chardonnay. The nose is dominated by the Viognier, which gives aromas of apricot, peach, and white flowers. On the palate, Amanlie has more tropical fruit flavors, including mango and pineapple, and a bright mineral finish. With its lush, exotic-fruit flavors, this wine is an ideal match for scallops, crab, and lobster.

Hill & Dale Pinotage '07, $11.99
South Africa's signature grape, Pinotage, is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, which is also known as Hermitage in South Africa. Just like the grapes, the names are blended to form Pinotage. Pinotage is one of those grapes that most people either love or hate. Many of the latter are turned off from these wines by the presence of unpleasant aromas and flavors that have variously (and understandably) been described as having burnt rubber, vegetable, or ash-like qualities. We think this one is different. It is a medium to full-bodied wine, with a good concentration of raspberry fruitiness. Soft, ripe tannins add to a very pleasant, lingering finish. This versatile wine will complement game casseroles, red and white meat, spicy fish dishes - even dark chocolate.

Luna Benegas Cabernet Sauvignon '06, $13.99
The current owners of Bodega Benegas are descended from one of the pioneers of Argentinian wine. Tiburcio Benegas brought the first French grapevines to Argentina, along with the most advanced technology available in the 1880's. More than a century later, the Benegas name continues. The '06 Cabernet Sauvignon is very pleasant, with mineral and floral notes on the nose. Red fruits appear in the refreshing mouth, along with sweet tannins, and the finish is medium-long. This wine combines beautifully with cheeses such as Gouda and cheddar, and is perfect with beef.

Fontezoppa Marche Rosso '07, $12.99
Fontezoppa is located between the towns of Serrapetrona and San Severino, occupying a spot widely considered to be one of the best for grape-growing in Italy's Marche region. If this fantastic wine weren't from Marche, Italy, it would be a Super Tuscan - a great value Super Tuscan! This Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend has a striking resemblance to its Northern cousins and will delight the most critical Tuscan fans. Dark berries and dusty sweet tannins combine to produce a delicious, full-bodied Italian red wine that is a delicious accompaniment to antipasti, ripe cheeses, pasta sauces, and white and red meats.

October 31st, 2009

Bogle Phantom '06, $19.99
Bogle \bō'gəl\ n. [Scots, perhaps from Welsh] A goblin; a specter; a phantom; a bogy, boggart or bugbear.
It has reappeared.
Three distinctive varietals convene and merge, forming one incandescent apparition: a rich, ruby-red concoction of lush berry and fierce spice, ignited by succulent blackberry flavors. Wisps of black pepper enfold aromas of anise and sweet fig; subtle notes of cloves and vanilla emerge from the darkest depths to complement the concentrated fruit characters. Captured in one- two- and three-year-old American oak barrels, this unearthly amalgam showcases the best of each varietal. It is a remarkably good wine now, and aging in the bottle will only integrate the varietals further. Welcome the winery ghost into your home again with this latest vintage, a frighteningly good blend of Petite Sirah: 49%; Zinfandel: 49% and Mourvèdre, 2%. Be sure to enjoy with full-flavored and hearty meals before it vanishes... again.

Lost Angel Mischief Blend '06, $13.99
In honor of All Saints/All Souls day, we present the story of the Lost Angel (sort of goes with the theme, no?). "Legend has it, an angel came down from the sky to explore the garden of earthly delights and lost her way home. Tired of searching - she created her own paradise in the region now known as Paso Robles." This blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Petite Sirah, and 18% Sangiovese is possessed by the aromatic characters of lilac preceded by the hearty characters of booberry (sorry, couldn't resist), cassis, raspberry and black cherry. Floral properties embrace the brighter fruit of raspberry and cherry, while the dark fruit of blackberry and boysenberry linger into the finish. The finish lingers with the distinctive Paso Robles dry, dusty earth and spices of cedar, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Quinta de Cabriz Dao Red '07, $9.99
How, you may ask, does this Portuguese red fit into our holiday theme? Quite simply, this wine is just plain SCARY - scary in how good this blend is for the price! It's also flying up the cabriz daoMenotomy sales list like the speediest witch you've ever seen. Deep ruby red with purple notes and a pronounced nose of ripe blackberry fruits, spice and some oak. The wine is dry with good acidity. It is smooth, fresh and balanced and is a lovely example of modern day Portuguese wine that is round and supple with a dark berry fruit finish. While it's an excellent sipper on it's own, be sure to give it a try with beef, burgers, hearty dishes, lamb, steak, and spicy meat dishes.

Flora Springs Napa Chardonnay '07, $18.99
Although this lovely Napa Chardonnay isn't quite as white as a ghost, the goddess on the label picking grapes fits right into the harvest aspect of the current season. The Flora Springs Napa Valley Chardonnay combines the enticing characteristics of three highly-regarded growing regions in the Napa Valley: Oakville, Carneros and St. Helena. This blend of fruit from the warmer appellations on the valley floor as well as the cool rolling hills of Carneros creates a Chardonnay with great intensity and restraint. The 2007 vintage offers rich flavors of peach and pear with a hint of pineapple on the palate. Due to the considerable richness inherent in the fruit, this wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation. The winemakers choose to highlight the bright acidity available in the grapes to create a delicious wine that can pair beautifully with food or simply be enjoyed alone.

October 24th, 2009

Fattoria Laila Verdicchio Dei Castelli De Jesi, $11.99
The vines of the extremely ancient Verdicchio variety originated in the Marches region of Italy but are now also grown in Friuli, the Veneto, Tuscany and Campania, covering the hills that flank the river Esino. Verdicchio has elements of peach, apricot and pear on the nose, a medium to light body with a silky texture and tastes of almonds and minerals. This wine is light straw in color, sometimes slightly greenish. It is smooth and balanced, with a dry but - not astringent - fruit flavor and a slight bitter finish. Verdicchio is one of our absolute favorite white varietals, although it is commonly passed up for its more famous Italian sister, Pinot Grigio. This wine goes well with pungent Italian cheese like Pecorino, and nuts, olives and seafood dishes.

Bourgogne '07 Aligoté, $17.99
Aligoté has been planted in Burgundy for hundreds of years, although the total vineyard shrinks yearly as vignerons replace it with the more marketable Chardonnay. In the days before wine laws banned such activities, White Burgundy was often a blend of the white varieties available, including Aligoté, Chardonnay and the local pair, Pinots Blanc and Beurot (aka Pinot Gris).

Castello Monaci Maru '06 Negroamaro, $14.99
The name comes from negro (black) and amaro (bitter), which describe characteristics of the grapes. The wine itself is very dark and does have a hint of bitterness to it, but in a good way. "The 2006 Negroamaro Maru reveals an exotic expression of dried figs, plums, cherries, spices, herbs and tobacco. It is an absolutely delicious wine to drink now and over the next few years. Castello Monaci makes a range of beautiful wines that highlight the unique qualities of Apulia's indigenous varieties."--Antonio Galloni of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Corvo Rosso - Nero d'Avola '07, $11.99
While the nero d'Avola grape is not new to Menotomy customers, the Corvo Rosso is. It's made from a blend of red, indigenous Sicilian grapes, mostly nero d'Avola combined with smaller amounts of pignatello and nerello mascalese. Literally translated as "the black grape of Avola", the grape appears to have been selected by growers near Avola (a small town in south east Sicily) several hundred years ago. Initially, it was confined to the southern tip of the island but more recently has spread throughout the island; however, its best samples are still produced in this part of Sicily due to excellent climate and soils. Nero d'Avola is treated like Syrah, making mostly big, red wines with aging potential. It also gets made into a lighter style for younger drinking which might be compared to some of the New World Shiraz rosés. In the past, it was exported to quietly "beef up" wines from more northern climes but is now enjoying success as a proudly Sicilian variety.

October 17th, 2009

Olivier Morin Bourgogne Chitry '07, $18.99
Chitry Blanc is 100% Chardonnay. It is produced in the appellation of Chitry, located just over the hills to the west of Chablis, where it shares the same kimmeridgian chalk soil. This wine is very "Chablisien," indeed! Soils are worked manually, so that the roots plunge deeply, giving the wines a true expression of "terroir" and minerality. No chemicals are used in the vineyard. The grapes are hand harvested, then gently pressed before in-tank fermentation and ageing on their lees. Finally, the wines are bottled with little or no filtration. The domaine has received numerous citations in the French press - including a mention in the Revue des Vins de France - as part of the "nouvelle generation" of winemakers in Burgundy, as well as the top note for "wines of the region" in Le Point's special wine issue in 2002. The winemaker - Olivier Morin - also extends the lees contact to lend a silkier texture to the wine. Perfumey, creamy, fresh - and 100% delish! This wine is ready to rock and roll!

Naia Verdejo '08, $14.99
Over the past few years, Spain's value-priced wines have enjoyed huge popularity with American wine buyers. Wines from France, Germany and Italy have risen in cost with each vintage - a sharp (and expensive) contrast. PJ Wine specializes in offering the best wines of Spain, including the popular Naia. Viña Sila, the 40-hectare Bodegas Naia winery, is situated along the southernnaia bank of the Duero River in Rueda, one of the top regions in Spain for white wine. Most of the vineyards that produce fruit for Naia are twenty-six year old vines. A small percentage of fruit with a low yield comes from eight small plots in five hectares of choice parcels. All contain un-grafted, pre-Phylloxera Verdejo vines in sandy soils. Many are over 100 years old; the average age is 90. The vines produce fruit with unparalleled depth and concentration. Rueda has an "extreme continental" climate: very dry, with a low average rainfall of 300-500 mm/year, long, cold winters and short, hot summers. A dramatic difference between day and night temperatures is a vital factor in the production of grapes with proper phenolic ripeness levels, and skins with aromatic depth and flavor complexity. The vineyard's soils are alluvial sediments of the ancient Duero riverbed, and have a top layer of gravel two meters deep sitting on top of clay. Winemaker Eulogio Calleja used 100% Verdejo grapes that are aged sur lie (on the lees) for four months to accentuate the varietal characteristics of the Verdejo grape. The result is bright and aromatic, minerally, and fruity, with a steely acidity. Aromas include ripe peach, fresh apricot and honeysuckle, with traces of lime and orange zest. A zingy acidity on the palate begins with tart white peaches, developing into rounder, sweeter flavors of honeydew and melon. It is superbly refreshing - a real palate cleanser - and pairs well with shellfish (oysters, clams, and mussels), fish steaks (tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi mahi, and Chilean sea bass), with lime or ginger marinades, and chicken prepared with wild, fresh herbs.

Westport Rivers Rosé '08, $13.99
The Westport Rivers estate is family owned, and includes a winery and vineyard - New England's largest. They are best known for their sparkling wines that rival any from around the globe. As Madeleine Kamman (Chef, Educator and Award-Winning Cookbook author) has noted, "They can't do this in California; many in France are not this good." In addition, Westport Rivers makes a variety of exciting table wines. Their chardonnay is particularly stylish, with wonderful acidity and lots of fruit. This will be a MB&W Thanksgiving recommendation, and you'll be hearing more about it in the weeks to come. The New York Times notes that their chardonnay is "virtually flawless,", and the Rosé is highly acclaimed as well. It is an attractive, bright rose color, with a complex bouquet of berries, rose petals, and a touch of cotton candy. Round and soft, yet brisk and firm with wonderfully balanced acidity and richness, it finishes with a lingering fruitiness. It complements a variety of dishes: vegetarian, beef, and spicy, smoky flavors or exotic spices in Indian and Thai food.

La Fortuna Malbec '07, $11.99
Here's a Chilean twist on the French grape Malbec. It has aromas of red fruit, leather and dark chocolate in a juicy, balanced style with soft tannins and a medium to full body. It serves as a perfect reminder of why South American Malbecs are so popular! Medium-weight, with gutsy blackberry and black cherry fruit lain over briary tannins, it finishes with a hint of cocoa. This organic, vegan, sustainable, free-trade wine certainly gets an MB&W Green Label!

Chateau Du Trignon '07 Côtes du Rhône, $13.99
The Roux family acquired the Château du Trignon in 1896. It was a traditional provençal farm, with mixed and livestock farming. For more than a century, five generations of the Roux re-focused on the vine, and expanded the estate across a number of neighboring appellations: Gigondas, Rasteau, Sablet, and Côtes du Rhône. A qualitative approach is also underway with the construction of a gravity winery, the adaptation of the planting of grape varieties to the land the air-conditioning of the cellar. In 2007, the Quiot family succeeded the Roux as owners. Charmed by the Dentelles de Montmirail, and the character of the previous owners' products, they are intent on preserving Château du Trignon while adding 10 hectares of Vacqueyras. "Respectful of achievement but rich in our wine-maker knowledge, we wish to adopt this land, with fruit that will complete our wine range, in the same line of tradition, quality and adaptation." The exact blend is 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre. Grapes are harvested by hand. A traditional vinification, with a short maceration (between 8 to 12 days), enhances the fruit and produces fine, gentle tannins. This exceptional vintage has aromas of red currant and pepper, with hints of wild mint. On the palate, the wine is soft and fruit driven, an ideal match for foods with thyme and pepper. A lamb stew would be perfect!

October 10th, 2009

Esporão Verdelho $11.99
Esporão is a huge estate in the Alentejo, with 600 hectares of vines and two wineries; one entirely dedicated to reds, the other, to whites. An impressive 9,000 tons of grapes are crushed here each vintage, and visitors really get a sense of the immensity of the estate as they travel through seemingly endless vineyards on their way to the winery. In 1989, the first wine was released under the Esporão label, and, with its high profile on export markets, has been a sterling ambassador for the wines of Alentejo ever since. It comes as no surprise that a winery headed up by Aussie winemaker David Baverstock produces wines in a new world style, rather than old. They are largely labeled by variety, and display forward fruit as their dominant feature. In many cases, this is accompanied by a helping of new American oak. This Verdelho is clear, with hints of green sprinkled in the golden core. The nose is lime and peach, with touches of honey and cream. In the mouth, this wine is soft and creamy, with supporting acidity remaining a background element. Melon and honey notes are mimicked from the nose. Very tasty - and a great new wine.

Carlos Basso Chardonnay '08, $14.99
Originally from Genoa, Italy, the Basso Family has been producing wine since 1922; Carlos and his son Adolfo currently run day-to-day operations. The "Carlos Basso" project was born in 1997. The two-vineyard winery is 100% estate, located in Mendoza's Uco Valley. With so much homogenous Chardonnay out there on the market, seldom do we taste one that really catches our attention. This is a definite head turner. Rich and heady, yet elegant, its refined aromas of apple and guava perfectly complement layers of tropical fruit flavors on the palate. Its balanced creaminess on the palate derives from a 50% malolactic fermentation.

Monte Da Cal '06, $11.99
The Herdade Monte da Cal is a 100-hectare property in the Fornteira district in northern Alentejo. The "Monte da Cal" wines are produced here, where the summers are hot and the soils are dominated by a mixture of clay and shale. These wines are characterized by an intense color concentration and fruity aroma with great exuberance, the result of joining Trincadeira, Syrah, Alicante Bouchet, and Alfrocheiro grapes. This dark, ruby wine is not a typical combination of grapes for a wine from Portugal. The result is a terrific combination that I really enjoyed. The wine opens with a spicy, light, licorice-like bouquet. On the palate, it is round, tasty, mouthwatering and shows spicy, plum-like flavors. The lingering finish is very, very dry. This is a perfect beef stew wine.

David Hook "The Gorge" Shiraz '07, $19.99
With its charming sandstone cellar door open daily for wine tastings & sales, this is one of the district's most outstanding boutique wineries. Winemaker David Hook specializes in unique grape varieties such as Viognier, Barbera and Merlot, as well as the traditional Hunter varieties of Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz - to name just a few. He established the original vineyard at Belford over 20 years ago, and numerous awards are testimony to his excellence as a winemaker. "Hunter shiraz are medium bodied wines showing red berries, spicy fruit and soft mild tannins. The wines have the ability to age more than their constitution often suggests. This wine is deep red in colour with purple tinges. The aroma is dominated by sweet berry and spice. The palate is medium bodied, showing fruit richness with peppery undertones. The finish is long soft and supported by the wines soft fruit tannins" - DavidHookWines.com.au

Evil Cabernet Sauvignon $14.99
Dan Phillips of the importer, The Grateful Palate, and Evil Cab winemaker, Chris Ringland, are fond of saying that all really great wines are "evil" because you can't put down the bottle! This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Langhorne Creek, Riverland and Barossa Valley, 25% aged in French oak for twelve months. A dark, rich red, with bright crimson hues, it has a fresh yet classic varietal nose, consisting of black olive, fresh blackberries and raspberries. The soft palate displays complexity of fruit and oak, with black currant and spicy clove characters, balanced with a fine tannin finish.

Cline Cashmere '07, $19.99
Cashmere is one of the most precious gifts of nature. A labor of love to produce, it evokes quality and luxury. Cline's Cashmere is a silky and wonderful blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah. Just as with the processing of cashmere, the production and blending of these meticulously farmed grapes takes extraordinary time and skill, resulting in a wine to be enjoyed with foods and friends of distinction. Cline Cellars is a proud sponsor of Breast Cancer Network of Strength's Ride to Empower.

September 26th, 2009

Domaine De Saint Pierre '07 Sancerre, $19.99
Sancerre is a medieval hilltop town (ville), commune and canton in the Cher department of central France overlooking the Loire River. Known principally for the production of red wine from the Pinot Noir grape until the 20th century, the Sancerre area was devastated by phylloxera in the late 19th century. The vineyards were replanted with Sauvignon Blanc, and in 1936, Sancerre white was given AOC status. The area now produces white, red and rosé wine, and is also noted for its goat cheese. The nearby village of Chavignol, which gave its name - Crottin de Chavignol - to the cheese is located in the territory of the commune. This Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing, clean and bright, a delicious example of some of the best Sancerre. The 2007 shows plenty of grapefruit, lime and peach with a little bit of ripeness on the mid-palate. While this wine sings summer tunes in the glass, it will also serve well on a cool Autumn evening!

Dominio De Heredia '06 Rioja, $13.99
When Oscar Martinez started making wine at Bodegas Altanza in 1998, he was hardly new to the process. Oscar is the third generation of a well-respected family of winemakers in Rioja. Altanza, in the center of Rioja Altaa around Fuenmayor, encompasses 120 Has. Tempranillo is the only varietal planted in the Estate, and yields are kept low - well below the 6,500 kg/Ha limit in Rioja. All grapes are handpicked in small cases and quickly taken to the winery. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 82F for at least 15 days, then a minimum of 15 days for maceration. Only native yeasts are used. Malolactic is done in large Allier oak vats that are also used to store the wine prior to bottling. This lively, fresh, delicious red is only slightly filtered before being bottled. It is made from 100% Tempranillo that sees 5 months in a combination of 70% French and 30% American oak. It sports plenty of bright cherry fruit with notes of spice, cedar and earth, has a fine balance, and a lift to the finish. This is a classically styled Rioja that expresses both the distinctive Rioja terroir and the vivid flavors of Tempranillo. For those unfamiliar with Rioja, this wine is in the weight range of a Pinot Noir, but its texure is a bit dustier. The wine is made from 25+ year-old vines all from all 120 hectares.

Domaine La Berangeraie '05 Cahors, $19.99
These are powerful, rustic wines, and compared to Argentine Malbec, are a very different expression of the grape. Though they used to be called "black wines," because of the intensely dark color that own-rooted Malbec provided them, they rarely attain that level of darkness since they are mostly grafted onto other rootstocks to prevent phylloxera. That said, the combination of fig, black plum and cassis, almost buried in a mix of earthy, herby, prickly other aromas, quickly allays any fears one might have about these being shy or delicate wines. This wine is typical of good Cahors, in that it sings with rustic intensity. Firm tannins and great acidity frame the fruit and earth into a manageable - if somewhat unruly - package, and one really gets a sense that it is produced from a single, specific region! Try it with a steak, roast duck, or an earthy dish of roasted root vegetables with plenty of herbs and fat.

Huntington '07 Petite Sirah, $14.99
This Menotomy Beer & Wine favorite is also known as Mary's boyfriend; she sits on the couch with it, watches a show - truly enjoying spending time with Huntington! Well, our favorite wine has changed vintages, and unless you are drinking YellowTail, this most likely means that the flavor profile has changed. But we think it's just as good! The California grape variety known as Petite Sirah is the same French grape variety known as 'Durif,' a descendant of the true Syrah of the famed Rhône Valley. Its resulting deep-colored, robust and age-worthy wines draws plenty of fans. Additionally, Petite Sirah is prized for its intense tannins and flavor profiles that include blueberry, pepper, blackberry and black cherry. Dry conditions in Lodi were dominant during a late winter, which was followed by sufficient rain and an early spring. A combination of extreme cold and heat in the spring, followed by an early frost prior to harvest in October, resulted in a lower-than-average yield in Paso Robles. The exceptional grapes from these vineyards were enhanced by a short period of a cool climate. Central Coast fruit intensifies both tannins and aromas. It's easy to see why this one is a favorite among Petite Sirah fans; the Huntington 2007 vintage boasts classic characteristics and tantalizing scents. Cherry and plum are immediately identifiable and lead straight to a decadent fullness in the mouth. This full-bodied wine has excellent aging power, and in addition to rich, dense fruit, its flavors include zinging notes of orange peel, cinnamon and blackberry. Together, they provide pure luxury from sip to sip. Pick up a bottle tonight and spend some quality time!

September 19th, 2009

Beyond '08 Sauvignon Blanc $12.99
This South African white wine has a very nice, overall zippy character. It's packed with zesty flavors, a combination of grapefruit and citrus, plus gooseberry, green pepper, and lime, all backed by pronounced herbal notes and a minerally tang. A refreshing mineral quality and bright acidity lift the finish. Displaying an elegance typical of a cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, this racy, livewire bottling offers tremendous bang for the buck, consistently earning "Best Buy" and "Best Value" accolades - and it's delicious with most fish preparations, pasta dishes with fresh vegetables (especially asparagus), or salads.

Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé '09, $12.99
Just because the weather has started to turn a bit toward fall, don't think that rosé season is over! Did you know that in France, rosés have overtaken white wines in sales? Yes, it's true! If you've missed out on the rosé bandwagon, it's not too late to jump on board with this South African version. Vinified from Cabernet Sauvignon, this rosé is a lovely, lively, bright and clear pomegranate color and has complex layers of strawberry, cherry, roses and fresh peaches on the nose. The wine has a nice, spicy and slightly peppery taste on the palate and is well balanced with a fresh long aftertaste, and is wonderful paired with Thai food, crab cakes, fruit-glazed pork chops, and fresh fruit.

Peter Lehmann Clancy's Red '06, $17.99
Lehmann's Clancy's blend has become a firm favorite with lovers of red wine around the world. They follow the pioneering Australian tradition of blending Shiraz with Cabernet Sauvignon, but give it their own touch, incorporating Merlot to give a soft, approachable and richly enjoyable red wine. Successive vintages of this wine have gained major recognition around the world for being an exceptional wine at a very fair price. America's leading wine magazine, Wine Spectator, has selected Clancy's in its prestigious Top 100 Wines of the Year listing on no fewer than four occasions since 1997, and selected the 2004 vintage to appear in its inaugural list of the world's Top 100 Wine Values. And - this wine is Vegan!

Peirano Cabernet Sauvignon '07, $13.99
Peirano Estates are known for making affordable, drinkable wine. (The Other White and Red are their big claim to fame). This Cabernet is no exception. The Peirano Estate is located in Lodi California, outside of the big-ticket property price points of Napa and Sonoma, and happens to be the home of the Mondavi Vineyards. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from 29-year-old vines on the estate. From the Peirano website: "The rich, dark color of this wine catches you from the first pour. It exhibits a rich deep burgundy hue with perfect clarity. The aromas are a compendium of dark fruit - blackberry, black raspberry, and currant - with elements of toasty oak, chocolate, dark roasted coffee bean, sage and spices. A sip fills the mouth with blackberry pie, with hints of rich, ripe black cherries, sweet oak and white pepper, while maintaining absolute dryness and firm, yet supple, tannins. This delicious Cabernet is ready to drink now and will continue to age gracefully for the next 6 to 8 years."

Bell Winery Tasting Event with Sandra Bell
Thursday, September 17th 5-8 PM

Sauvignon Blanc '08
Bell's Sauvignon blanc is grown in Lake County, located to the north of Napa Valley and away from the fog and moisture that characterize the coastal counties. The moderate elevations found in the area contribute to the favorable growing conditions. The unique variety of soils make for a geologically rich region, heavy in volcanic and mineral content, and ideal for growing grapes. The county experiences a 50-degree differential between its daytime and nighttime temperatures, producing very warm days and cool, clear nights. The area is known for producing world-class Sauvignon blanc - with lively crisp and bright fruit flavors, which are more melony than grassy and herbal. Their Sauvignon blanc is cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain beautiful, crisp fruit flavors.

Chardonnay '06
Bell's Chardonnay grapes are grown on the winery's estate vineyard located within the Yountville appellation. Yountville enjoys the early morning fog and cool growing conditions of the maritime influenced southern Napa Valley. The early receding fog gives us slightly longer sunlight and warmer daytime temperatures than the Carneros region directly to our south resulting in richly flavored Chardonnay grapes. This 100% Chardonnay is partially barrel fermented, undergoes partial malo-lactic fermentation, is aged 'sur lies' without stirring for up to nine months, and given an additional 6 - 9 months bottle age before release.

Merlot '05
Bell's Merlot grapes are grown primarily in the Yountville appellation. Yountville enjoys the early morning fog and cool growing conditions of the maritime influenced southern Napa Valley - resulting in luscious fruit flavors and great natural acidity. Cabernet sauvignon from Rutherford is blended to add structure to the wine. Syrah from the Canterbury Vineyard heightens fruit perception on the palate and adds depth and length to the finish. Definitely a Cabernet drinkers' Merlot!

Claret '06
Named by the English centuries ago, Claret was originally a red wine blend of the lighter Bordeaux and darker red wines from elsewhere in France . Our Napa Valley Claret is blended from select barrel lots of our Napa Cabernet. Deep ruby in color, with rich fruit aromas - including licorice, plum, and violets - on the nose. In the mouth it is lively and bright, with toasty oak flavors, supported by supple, elegant tannins. This wine is approachable now, while still having a tannin structure that allows the wine to develop for several years.

Syrah '06
Canterbury Vineyard is situated at the 2,000-foot elevation in Calaveras County in the Sierra Foothills. Uniquely situated on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the large New Mellones Dam, this 4-acre vineyard enjoys a microclimate with warm sunny days, no fog, and moderated by cool afternoon breezes off the dam. Well-drained soils with a shallow layer of schist restrict root growth, resulting in vines yielding intensely flavored fruit. This 100% Syrah is aged in barrel for eighteen months, and given an additional 3 - 6 months bottle age before release.

September 12th, 2009

Ducato di S. Zeno Pinot Grigio and Soave, $11.99
Two brand-new Italian selections, and two classic styles of Italian wine! Both of these wines come from the Veneto area of Italy, in the Northeast of the country. While Pinot Grigio has become the most popular white wine exported from Italy, not many know about Soave (pronounced SWAH-vay). Soave is made with the Garganega grape, which is grown primarily in the Veneto and can comprise anywhere from 70 to 100% of the blend, with Trebbiano and Chardonnay being its usual blending partners. In the Classico zone of Soave, where yields are most often kept in check, the grape can produce a delicate wine with lemon, almond and spicy notes.

Shannon Ridge Viognier '07, $14.99
The grapes used to produce the 2007 Lake County Viognier have a wonderful aromatic intensity with tropical notes of guava, star fruit and peaches. This wine was barrel-fermented, giving it a nice, crisp, well-balanced silky richness on the palate. A small amount of Gewurztraminer was blended in to help bring out the tropical fruit aromas.

Shannon Ridge Zinfandel '07, $14.99
The grapes used to produce the 2007 Lake County Zinfandel were harvested from the Shannon family's vineyards in the High Valley appellation in Lake County, California. They were not crushed, only de-stemmed; the wine's deep color and flavors were achieved through a soft punch down extraction during the 6-day cool fermentation and 100% malolactic fermentation.

Shannon Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon '07, $17.99
This wine meets the eye with deep purple and garnet tones, while the nose is filled with scents of Bing cherry, blackberry and rich vanilla oak. The texture is supple, full, rich and well balanced, and fills the mouth with berry and cherry flavors, along with creamy vanilla oak. The grapes for the 2007 vintage were picked at the peak of ripeness at 26 Brix, then put through an early press with a slow extraction of color and tannins from the skins, and 100% malolactic fermentation in French oak.

September 5th, 2009

Callia '08 Torrontes, $11.99
Bodegas Callia is situated in the Tulum Valley in Argentina's province of San Juan, which is nestled between the Pie de Palo hills to the north and the Cerro Chico Del Zonsa to the south. Two finca estates encompass 300 hectares of land: Finca Pie de Palo and Finca 9 De Julio. At 630 meters above sea level, the area is blessed by a temperate climate, low rainfall and rich sandy alluvial and clay loam soil. The resulting wines are intense and fruity, reflecting the rich terroir of the region. Born from passion and legend, Bodegas Callia is named for a young woman who arrived in the land of San Juan many years ago. She wrote to her family, describing San Juan as a paradise endowed with abundant fruits despite the desert landscape. For the people of Argentina, "Callia" is synonymous with hope, endurance and success. The grapes for this wine are cultivated from vineyards located in Caucete, at 650 meters (2,133 feet) above sea level, in sandy-textured soil. The vines are drip irrigated with snowmelt runoff from the Andes, providing the optimum amount of water to each plant. The resulting wine is bright yellow with greenish tints and a delicate aroma; with its floral notes of roses and orange trees, it is superbly refreshing refreshing.

La Fortuna Sauvignon Blanc '09, $11.99
You may remember from previous newsletters that wines are often fined with animal products. This crisp, mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc happens to be certified vegan, fair trade and organic! That certainly deserves a "green label" from Menotomy! We think you'll love this wine, whether you are a die-hard vegan or not! It has refreshing tropical and citrus fruit flavors and a clean, well-balanced finish - delicious when served as an aperitif or with creamy pasta or grilled fish. La Fortuna vineyards are planted with vines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Carmenere, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. All the fields are managed under a strict organic protocol and the grapes are certified as such by IMO form Switzerland, a world-recognized organic surveyor. La Fortuna's 200 hectares of vines are planted within areas specifically chosen to obtain the best of each grape variety variety.

90+ Shiraz Viognier '07, $14.99
Yet another fantastic wine from 90+. In fact, this was our initial favorite of the bunch, but it was sold out when Mary initially placed the order. We are very excited to introduce it to you! The nose is all spice and savory dark and red berries. The palate is full and textured with a wonderful explosion of spicy dark fruits, dried citrus zest and integrated oak, all combining beautifully with an abundance of soft, sweet tannins. The Viognier produces lively lifted aromatics of light citrus conserve with great mid palate texture.The Viognier and Shiraz were co-fermented and aged for 14 months in new French oak. The wine maker truly mastered this blend in which the Viognier component plays a significant rather than subsidiary role.

Volpe Pasini '05 Refosco, $18.99
We are pleased to introduce you (many of you for the very first time), to the Refosco grape. A truly great red wine of Friuli, whose original vine originated in Friuli, Italy, this structured full wine is rich in character, yet also gentle and velvety. With purplish red garnet color and aromas of blackberry and wild dark earthy fruits, its combination of flavors and sensations place it among the very best Italian red wines.

Kitchen Sink Blends Red Blend, $12.99
Like a great chef who is able to create a culinary tour de force from whatever mix of flavors and spices the cupboard provides, the winemakers at Kitchen Sink embrace the same "kitchen sink" approach to crafting deeply flavored and harmonious artisan blends from their cellar's diverse selection of vineyard and varietal lots. The wine is a combo of small lots of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah to create a wine with complex structure, ripe tannins, and rich red berry flavors and a hit of cassis. Good with steak and pasta dishes.

Vaya Con Vino Spanish Wine Tasting, August 29th, 2009

Spanish Quarter White Blend, $12.99
An interesting Chardonnay-Albarino, and a perfect blend for hot weather! This wine is a lively straw-green color with a fragrant floral nose of exotic fruits and hints of fresh citrus. The rich, luscious palate has highlights of ripe peach and tropical fruit, with a long, clean citrus finish. The 2007 Spanish Quarter White is a blend of chardonnay and albarino, creating not only a nice sipping wine for a pre-feast gathering, but also a wine that complements a wide variety of foods, including breast of turkey, oyster dressing and green bean casserole. The chardonnay brings tropical fruit and citrus flavors as well as a rounded mouth feel, while the albarino contributes intense floral aromas and peach flavors. Blended together, they prove to be a terrific match! The resulting flavors are of tropical fruit, peach, and pear plus bright citrus and a bit of spice. Some pleasant pungency surfaces on mid palate and, as the two varietals coalesce, the fruit becomes more apricot-y and nectarine-like, with just a hint of flint.

Spanish Quarter Red Blend, $12.99
Cab tempranillo
The Spanish Quarter Red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo, yielding an easy-on-the-palate wine that pairs well with drumsticks, sweet potato casserole and corn bread dressing with sage. It's a deep, purple-red in color with a nose of dark cherry, blackberry, and hints of exotic spice and chocolate. The full, silky palate reveals layers of juicy ripe berry fruit, dark chocolate, and a touch of sweet oak on the finish.

Fuente Milano, $11.99
The 2008 Fuente Milano lives up to its billing as a crisp white perfect for the season. It comes from Rueda in north central Spain and is a 50/50 blend of verdejo, the distinctive blue-green grape made famous in Rueda, and the light-skinned viura grape, most frequently used for making Cava, Spain's sparkling wine made in the same manner as French Champagne. The wine offers aromas of lemon-lime and fresh-cut grass, and has nice lime and grapefruit flavors with some minerality in the finish.

Legaris Ribero Del Duero, $19.99
The Legaris Ribera del Duero Crianza is a lovely, supple red wine, medium-bodied, with fresh flavors of cherry and vanilla. Made from the Tinta Fina grape varietal, it offers soft tannins and a well-balanced acidity. At the end of 1998, the Codorníu Group established a presence in the Ribera del Duero Denomination of Origin by purchasing 90 hectares of land in the municipality of Curiel de Duero (Valladolid) and San Martín de Rubiales (Burgos). A few months later, in the spring of 1999, the first vineyards were planted, and in April 2000, construction began on the new Legaris winery. Legaris' first wines from selected vineyards are a crianza and a reserva that were launched for the first time at the beginning of 2003. This is a great red to try if you are looking for a good value from Spain.

Segura Viudas Aria Cava, $13.99
Aria Estate Brut is a dry, lively refreshment appropriate for any occasion. Its flavor is dominated by fresh pineapple, almonds, honey and straw, with hints of pears and fresh bread. "Unexpectedly complex, this first hints at smoke, cocoa and dry spices, and that layering rolls into the taste as well. Forward, ripe apple fruitiness rises above a dry hint of apple skin, wrapping up in a citrus and mineral grip. Stylistically it's graceful and austere, perfect for simple grilled shellfish of any kind." - Wine & Spirits, 92 Points

August 22nd. 2009

90+Point Lot 2 Marlborough New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc $12.99
Marlborough, New Zealand has emerged as the premiere and most internationally recognized wine region for quality Sauvignon Blanc. The opportunity to buy from this region, recognized for its long history of producing highly rated Sauvignon Blancs, could not be passed up. This lot is an exceptional value and will go fast! The nose is exuberant with citrus fruits, ripe melon and guava, with some underlying herbal and classic gooseberry notes. Fresh, sweet fruit and crisp acid gives balance, an elegant structure, and a smooth finish - a classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Peter Lehmann '08 Layers Adelaide $19.99
This is the first release of this wine that is a blend of Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Chardonnay. Cold fermented in stainless steel tanks, this Australian wine, with grapes from Adelaide and Barossa, has a terrific white meritage that hits a home run on all levels: great aromatics, mouthfeel, flavors, acidity and balance. Excellent varietal choices really round out this wine, with each grape contributing and showing through. The alcohol is also low at 12%, whereas a lot of white blends tend to inch up past 14%. This wine is a winner!

90+Point Mendoza Argentina Lot 7 Malbec
Kevin says, "This lot is one of the best value wines we have been able to offer. This outstanding Malbec is made from premium grapes grown in the higher elevations of the foothills of the Andes. The wine was hand crafted and aged with French and American oak for seven months." Take advantage of this lot by the case, as it will go fast! It has great body, with roundness and elegance. This wine is composed of 85% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Merlot. Aromas of red currant and vanilla with notes of raspberry and chocolate are balanced with lush flavors of red plum, caramel and black currant, with notes of spices and coffee. The flavors complement the sweet tannins and produce an exceptional wine with fruit notes and a long finish.

Urano '06 Syrah $15.99
Bravo winery is considered one of the most promising new wineries in Argentina today. Eral Bravo is a new project from Matias Sanchez Nieto, formerly the owner of Nieto Senetiner, one of the oldest and largest wineries in Argentina. After selling Nieto Senetiner, Matias started Eral Bravo, a winery dedicated to making small quantities of truly great wine. Though the winery is young, its wines are already getting a lot of attention. The family's vineyards are located in the most select regions of Mendoza: Agrelo in Lujan de Cuyo & Eugenio Bustos in the Uco Valley. The name "Eral Bravo" is inspired by the family tradition of breeding the Iberic bull, the "toro bravo," in Spain's Salamanca region. This wine is 100% Syrah, from high altitude vineyards. One quarter of the wine is aged for 12 months in 2 years old barrels - mostly French, with some American. The other 75% stays in stainless steel. Urano, god of the skies in Greek mythology, makes reference to the clean and magnificent skies of Mendoza, which, framed by the Andes, create special conditions for vine cultivation. Urano wines are a modern concept, combining careful work in the vineyards and winery. Each step seeks to boost the aim of this range in which the fruit always plays the lead, in combination with intense colors, vivid nuances, elegant aromas and a good structure, enhanced by that subtle use of American and French oak barrels.

August 15th, 2009

Dragone Bianco, $11.99
This wine is a pale straw yellow in color, and rich with flowers and fruits perfumes. In the mouth, it is elegant, harmonic, and soft, with a good structure and a taste that keeps the bouquet's promises. The grapes - a blend of Greco, Malvasia, and Trebbiano - are gathered when perfectly ripe, then cleaned of their stalks and slightly pressed. The must is made clear thanks to a cold and static decantation, then treated with selected leaven and fermented at 14¡C for about 40 days in stainless steel tanks.

Contessa Emburga Sauvignon Blanc, $12.99
Its color is bright straw yellow, with golden tonalities introducing the thick, intense scents. A tidy and dense nose anticipate a palate in which acidity and softness join harmonically. It has an intense bouquet of exotic fruit, and a balanced taste with a pleasant final note of dried apricot.

Amato Chardonnay '08, $13.99
Amato Estate is Lento's biggest landed property, and its charming 70 hectares are decked with vineyards, olive-groves and oak-groves. It is a heaven for local grape varieties, like Greco, Magliocco, Nerello, as well as international grape varieties such as Cabernet, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. The soil is clayey and sandy with a good level of limestone and potassium. The estate's southeast exposure allows an even exposure of sunshine and an optimum thermal range. The vineyards are located at altitudes ranging from 500-700 meters above sea level. Visitors can enjoy a delightful panorama: a unique landscape, and simultaneous views of the Tirrhenian and Ionian seas. A wonderful Villa dating back to the nineteenth century rises from the middle of the estate, dominating the yard and vineyards.

Lento Riserva '00, $19.99
Bright ruby red with an intense nose and light spicy notes, this wine is palatable and balanced, with an excellent structure and very persistent notes of vanilla, roasted coffee and cocoa. Twelve months spent in French oak barriques enhance the body, the balance and the pleasantness of this wine - and its strong regional identity.

August 8th, 2009

Apaltagua Reserva Chardonnay '08 $12.99
This is the new vintage of a Menotomy FAVORITE! An un-oaked Chardonnay from Chile, this wine delivers the fullness you would expect from Chardonnay, but also has spring in it. The lively acid level is a refreshing touch. Honey and pineapple notes make it an easy drinker, as well as a great match with with food.

Langhorne Crossing White Blend '06 $12.99
This blend of Verdelho (76%), Riesling (17%), and Chardonnay (7%), is a crisp, fresh, dry white wine displaying attractive fruit salad aromas and tropical fruit flavors. It is best drunk while young, when the lively citrus and tropical fruit characters prevail; it will develop more complex flavor with bottle maturation. A lovely accompaniment to Chicken Salad, Waldorf Salad, and fish, chicken and pasta dishes.

Langhorne Crossing Bleasdale Red Blend '06 $12.99
You know how we love our blends here at Menotomy. Unfortunately, we lost one of our favorites recently when we were no longer able to bring in the Promised Land Shiraz/Cab blend from Australia. But never fear! This new Bordeaux-style is lovely, and will soon fill that empty place in your heart! Everyone who tried it last week loved it, and were all very bummed that they couldn't purchase it. So, we thought we'd pour it again this week, when we have plenty in stock! A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec, 15% Shiraz and 6% Petit Verdot, this wine has an expressive bouquet of red and dark berries, along with subtle floral and mineral nuances. Sappy, smooth, and fruit-driven, with palate-coating raspberry and blackberry flavors, this blend has no obvious tannins, and finishes with good clarity and length. If you missed out last week, be sure to come in to try out this delicious Bordeaux-style blend from Australia.

Donna Laura "Ali" Sangiovese di Toscana '07 $11.99
Donna Laura, based in the Castelnuovo Berardenga area of Chianti Classico, crafts this versatile Sangiovese. It's aged in stainless steel tanks for a year before bottling, giving the wine a dark-toned fruit flavor. Pure, true terroir-based Sangiovese delivered at an affordable price is the calling card of this terrific new Tuscan producer. Donna Laura produces three cuvées of exceptional flavor and intensity. Owner Lia Tolaini-Banville utilizes two distinct Sangiovese clones to achieve both earthy, peppery depth and a lively fruit aspect. This cuvées, Ali (named for Lia's daughter), boasts dark-toned fruit, evenly moderated in the mouth by a slight spice and nice acidity.

August 1st, 2009

Dogajolo Bianco '08, $14.99
One of Menotomy's favorite reds now has a white companion! Carpineto's Dogajolo Bianco is a "super-Tuscan" produced from estate grown, un-irrigated vineyards on the hillsides within the Chianciano and Montepulciano (Siena) property. Hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes fermented under controlled conditions have been blended with Grechetto and Sauvignon Blanc to produce a delicious, dry-ish white with citrus and stonefruit flavors and a crisp, clean, user-friendly finish. A delightful little wine with a great label - sure to make for some interesting dining conversation!

Thanisch Sofia's Riesling '07, $16.99
Sofia Thanisch, the delightfully charming owner of the historic Mosel wine estate Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch-Erben Thanisch, is never at a loss for producing wines that are truly representative of the pedigree that has made this winery so justifiably famous. Anyone who has the pleasure of tasting the 2007's from Thanisch will easily recognize the majesty of this estate's wines, which have led to its ranking, once again, as a leading producer from this beautiful wine region. With its polished elegance and graceful balance, this wine is just what you would expect from this fabled estate. Wonderfully rich and viscous for a Mosel wine, its texture coats the palate with velvet-smooth layers of silky, juicy flavors. And what you taste is what you smell: loads of bright slatey, minerally notes with hints of lemon drop candy, all enhanced by the wine's brisk and enticing acidity. The Thanisch estate has hit another home run with this wine! It is beautifully made, and, truthfully, should be twice the price.

Esporao Defesa Rosé '08, $13.99
This Portuguese Rosé was a huge hit here at Menotomy last summer. A lively pink color, it presents an intense fragrance of mulberries and cherries. In the mouth, it is fruited and balanced, persistent and fresh. It accompanies lightly seasoned plates such as shrimp salads beautifully, and is also a wonderful aperitif.

Bleasdale Langhorne Crossing Red '06, $12.99
You know how we love our blends here at Menotomy. Unfortunately, we lost one of our favorites recently when we were no longer able to bring in the Promised Land Shiraz/Cab blend from Australia. Never fear! This lovely Bordeaux-sbleasdale redtyle red will soon fill that empty place in your heart! This bright red is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec (a surprise from Australia!), 15% Shiraz and 6% Petit Verdot. It has an expressive bouquet of red and dark berries, along with subtle floral and mineral nuances. Sappy, smooth and fruit-driven, with palate-coating raspberry and blackberry flavors, it has no obvious tannins, and finishes with good clarity and length.

July 25th, 2009

Domaine Houchart Côtes de Provence '08 Rosé $12.99
A deep ruby color with aromas of cassis and red currant, this Rosé is a great combination with food. It has a good length and good structure in the mouth with fruity and floral notes, including plum. A perfect blend of 35% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Mourvedre, plus 5% other grape varietals, this Rosé is fresh and dry, with good acidity and excellent persistence. It's an overall pleaser, an ideal wine for Spring and Summer. The Domaine Houchart Winery, located in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (my favorite wine growing region!), is owned by the Quiot family. Their 200-acre estate lies at the foot of Mont Sainte Victoire near Aix-en-Provence. Nab a bottle of this it while it lasts - especially those of you who may have missed out last year.

JJ Vincent '06 Bourgogne Blanc $15.99
The firm of Marcel Vincent & Fils, producer of Château Fuissé, was founded in 1864. Current winemaker Jean-Jacques Vincent, great-grandson of the founder, is as alert to modern innovations as he is loyal to proven traditional methods. Serena Sutcliffe, MW (Master of Wine) has described him as "one of the most brilliant makers of white Burgundy". The artisanal "Selections" that bear his name are made with fruit (never juice) purchased from a small number of growers with whom he has long-term relationships. The wine is vinified in much the same way as his own estate wines. The Bourgogne Blanc J.J. Vincent is a distinctive wine from the Southern part of Burgundy near Mâcon. The Mâconnais area offers naturally rich soils with lots of clay. Many of you are fans of the Mâcon-Lugny Chardonnay, and you'll find that this wine has similar flavors and style. Burgundy's Summer temperatures are generally higher than average, affording the wines rich, ripe fruit character and a soft acidity. The full maturity of the skins adds ripe, exotic character and hints of brioche, giving extra dimension to the grapes. The Bourgogne Blanc J.J Vincent expresses the natural richness and full maturity of the Chardonnay grape. In order to preserve the freshness of the fruit, two thirds of the parcels are vinified in stainless tanks, and one-third in oak barrels. The final blend is a clean yellow color with green reflections. It's dense, rich and full-bodied - while also fresh and subtle - fruity, ripe and round, with a touch of oak and discrete vanilla and brioche flavors, a good length and a nice minerality.

Flonheimer Bingerberg Riesling Spätlese $12.99
Our sole German selection this week is a delicious, off-dry Riesling, sure to tickle your tongue and delight your senses. With distinctive aromas of green apple, papaya and ripe melon to beguile the nose, it's uncommonly long on the palate with an impressive finale. For the last several years, it's been featured in Legal Seafoods' wine list - try it for yourself!

Henri Bourgeois '07 Cabernet Franc $16.99
Starting in 1950, Henri Bourgeois and his sons have worked to develop a vineyard ideally situated on the best slopes of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé in the Loire Valley. The Bourgeois family is dedicated to quality, and has passed down traditions emphasizing respect for the various soils, vinification, and the local culture. With vine-block selection, new facilities using gravity at each stage of the vinification process, and endless care from the maturation on the lees through the bottling, it's no surprise that Bourgeois wines are highly acclaimed and a fixture in many Michelin-starred restaurants. Incredibly versatile, they can be enjoyed by themselves; accompany delicate dishes, grilled meats and veggies; even complement strong cheeses like Chavignol's famed goat cheese. This Cabernet Franc is an aromatic wine, with soft tannins and good structure. Fruity flavors on the palate are balanced with oak, leading to a long finish. The Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc has quickly become one of our best-selling wines of the summer - this red is sure to please!

July 18th, 2009

*New* Domaine de Pellehaut Harmonie de Gascogne Rosé '08 $12.99
With 180 hectares (445 acres) planted, the Béraut family has some of the largest vineyard holdings in the Côtes de Gascogne region of Southwestern France. Located at 180 meters above sea leve, and overlooking the quaint village of Montréal-du-Gers, the vines are planted in several different types of soil, including mixtures of clay and limestone along with sand interspersed with small limestone pieces. Bled from Pellehaut's red Les Marcottes cuvée, this Rosé is a blend of Tannat, Syrah and Merlot. A lovely raspberry pink in color, it has an intense, aromatic expression on the nose, with a bouquet of red fruits, strawberries and a floral touch. Enjoyable, satisfying... characters of raspberry, strawberry, watermelon and mineral... good weight, good cut, good length... In short, really, really yummy!

Bouchaine Carneros Chardonnay '06 $24.99
This Chardonnay has inspired a number of rave reviews from individuals in the wine world who LOVE this sustainably farmed wine. "Five stars: exceptional. Very highly recommended! A complex, refined, full bodied Chardonnay with excellent flavor and balance. It is fragrant, crisp, lightly oaked, and very long on the finish, tasting of pear, lemon peel, roasted nut, vanilla, peach, and toast." Restaurant Wine Magazine, Harvest 2008. "91 POINTS! Wonderful Chardonnay from Carneros...one of the best tasted lately...a compelling Chardonnay...terrific combination of freshness and richness...aromas and flavors of toast, honey and caramel, along with fruity ripe citrus and apple character and hint of floral notes...great wines are born great, [but] this wine also makes a strong argument for intelligent, sensitive winemaking as a means of expressing the natural gifts of great terroirs..." - Wine Review, November 2008.

Domaine du Tariquet Ugni-Blanc $11.99
This 2007 Domaine Du Tariquet is made from ugni blanc and colombard grapes. Superbly intense for a dry, fruity white, its bouquet reveals floral and citrus aromas with nice touches of tropical fruit. Despite the tropical theme, it is crisp, focused, light, yet also quite flavorful. This well-balanced white is a thirst-quenching pleasure, full of fruit, and refreshing on its own and with food. It is easy to see why Robert Parker named creator Yves Grassa "one of the most talented winemakers" of southern France.

*New* Noceto Michelotti Barbera d'Asti $17.99
Noceto's Barbera D'Asti has been created from the very best hand harvested and selected Barbera grapes from Noceto's western vineyards. They have been washed and dried with the winery's unique grape washing and drying machine, fermented in small temperature controlled stainless steel vats at a maximum temperature of 24°C, then aged in small oak French barrels for a minimum of 7 months. It has an intense ruby red color tending towards deep violet, and a fresh, fruity bouquet with hints of cherries, wild raspberries and strawberries. On the palate it is beautifully balanced and smooth, with appropriate acidity and a comprehensive sensation of elegance. The after taste is persistent yet pleasing and it has a long elegant finish. A beautiful example of Barbera!

July 11th, 2009

Muga Rioja Blanco '07 $19.99
This wine was rated a 90 by Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. "Pale chartreuse color. Smoky orange and white peach aromas are brightened by dusty minerals and baking spices. Fleshy and focused, offering moderately deep citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a late boost of tangy minerals. Gained weight with air while maintaining vibrancy, finishing long and silky, with notes of ripe pear and orange." Robert Parker gave this wine 89 points.

Saint-Peyre Rose de Syrah '08 $11.99
This Vin de Pays d'Oc has scents and flavors of red delicious apple, and a nice crispness. The grapes for this wine were grown on the Mediterranean coast of France. This wine is far more full-bodied than the typical Rosé - just how we love them here at MB&W! A perfect accompaniment to salads, cold meats and other light fare, as well as hot summer nights, sipped on its own.

Si Soave '08 $9.99
*MB&W Value Award Winner*
Soave is the top selling still white wine in Italy. Yes, more popular than Pinot Grigio! Soave is created in the Venice area from the Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grapes. Soave is an extremely popular export, with around 50 million liters a year being produced. It's known to be delicate and light, perhaps a hint of almonds. Think perfumes and gentle flowers. Gentle acidity. The only "grade" of Soave is Superiore, which requires 8 months aging and a minimum alcohol level of 11.5%. Legend has it that Dante, the famous Italian poet of the 13th century, gave soave its name (meaning "smooth"), because of its mildness. This wine certainly earns the MB&W Value Award!

Bianco Aldo Dolcetto d'Alba '07 $15.99
Dolcetto is a black wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The name means "little sweet one," although it is nearly always a dry wine. Dolcetto wines - including the Bianco Aldo - can be tannic and fruit driven with moderate levels of acidity, and this particular Dolcetto ends with lovely cherry notes on the finish.

July 4th, 2009

Taft Street '07 Russian River Valley Chardonnay $19.99
The Taft Street story began in the 1970s, when John Tierney & friend Mike Martini began making wine in Mike Tierney's garage on Taft Street. The reputation of the "garagistes" wines (referring to small lots of cult wines produced by Bordeaux winemakers in garages) spread, and family and friends bonded Taft Street Winery on April Fool's Day, 1982, in the Russian River Valley town of Forestville. Today, Taft Street focuses their winemaking in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations, as well as nearby vineyards in Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. Their goals have not changed - make the highest quality wines; sell them at a fair price; and most of all, have fun in the process. This vintage of Russian River Valley Chardonnay was largely (75%) barrel fermented, and 50% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. A full 80% of the chardonnay was oak aged for 10 months, with the remainder kept in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks to enhance the fruit and acidity. This complex chardonnay seamlessly combines tropical fruit and subtle oak tones. The result is an impeccably balanced and vibrant wine, with a great mouth feel and a persistent finish. Perfectly yummy!

Promisquous White Blend $14.99
From the winemakers lips to the MB&W newsletter, I don't think I could say it better myself! "May we present a casual dalliance with more than one partner, a sensual blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and other white varietals. No barrel aging in this vintage to safeguard our purity. (Note: Aging is for old folks.) Aromas of Melon. Pear, Tangerine, Rose Petal, Lychee, Lemon Rind. Yummy. You smell good. Can I get your iPhone number? Flavors of - See above. 90% of what we taste is what we smell. And that's a fact. Food Pairing Suggestions - Oysters. Caviar. Grilled cheese sandwiches. Omelets the morning after. Chicken Casserole. Fish tacos. Salads. Seafood. When you're in a lighthearted mood and want to drink lighthearted wine. Practice safe sipping..."

Turtle Creek Zinfandel $16.99
Recently, Andy from Turtle Creek stopped in and re-introduced us to their Zinfandel. We were reminded of the quality of the wine they produce, as well as the unique characters that make this Zinfandel so different from others that we sell here at MB&W. With medium body, elegant fruit and minimal oaking, this wine is far more approachable and fitting for summer than most California Zinfandels. Turtle Creek is a small winery located in the shadow of Boston. They presently produce about nine hundred cases per year, but expect to grow to one thousand cases per year with additional vineyard space leased from the Town of Lincoln. Their plantings include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. They also purchase fruit from California. This is an idiosyncratic Zin. Half of the grapes were left on skins, after fermentation, for two months. The result shows some loss of color, and is less fruit forward, but there is a discernable increase in earthiness and complexity. Very elegant!

Monte Volpe Rosso '06 $13.99
Gregory Graziano's grandfather, Vincenzo Graziano, and his wife Angela, first planted vineyards in Mendocino County in 1918, where they grew and sold grapes. To support his family during the late 1920's, Vincenzo had to depend on selling grapes to home winemakers on the east coast - and bootlegging wine. In the 1940's, after Prohibition and the Depression, Vincenzo, along with other local grape growers, formed the Mendocino Vineyards Winery, which eventually was sold and merged into the historically significant Cresta Blanca Winery in the town of Ukiah. The Graziano's winemaking tradition continued through Vencenzo's son, Joseph, who later handed it down to his son, Gregory Graziano. Italian grape varieties that were once an integral part of Mendocino viticulture are again drawing the attention of wineries here as well as those in other regions in the United States. The wines they have made at Monte Volpe (which means Fox Mountain) since their first releases in 1991 are rich in color, fragrance, flavor and offer a great deal of finesse. Their structures are reminiscent of their Italian ancestry, but they display a vibrancy that is the hallmark of wines produced from fully ripened grapes. This brand focuses on the classic red varieties of Tuscany and the supple white cultivars of Friuli. Wine Business Monthly just listed Graziano Winery as the "Hottest Small Label Winery" of 2008 - and for good reason. This is a fascinating blend of grapes: Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Negroamaro, Carignan, and Nebbiolo. It shows lots of jammy fruit on the nose and offers quite a juicy mouthful.

June 27th 2009

Apaltagua Reserve Chardonnay '07 $12.99
A Menotomy favorite!! The Apaltagua Chardonnay will knock your socks off - even if you think you don't like Chardonnay! With aromas of grapefruit and peach, and delicate pineapple notes, this unoaked Chardonnay is fresh, crisp, and juicy with a long and pleasant finish. The grapes come from personally selected vineyards in Chile's cool Casablanca Valley.

New Vintage! Saint André de Figuière Provence Rosé $14.99
A light and appealing blend of 30% Syrah, 30% Cabernet, 25% Grenache and 15% Cinsault, this rosé has a flattering bouquet of citrus and red fruits; fresh and smooth on the palate, it evokes the juiciness of apricots and grapefruit.

New! Muga Rioja Rosado (Rosé) $13.99
This is a luscious, full-flavored rosé from Spain's Rioja region. Its salmon-colored pink hues complement the lively acidity that results in a fresh, crisp wine. But there is also a good deal of body; this is definitely a mouth-filling wine! It's dry, showing excellent fruit notes of ripe red apples, tropical fruits and fresh citrus. 60% Granache, 30% Viura and 10% Tempranillo - perfect with traditional Spanish tapas.

New! Tilia Bonarda $9.99
A great barbeque wine! The nose shows ripe red fruits with hints of violets and anis. The mouthfeel is sweet and juicy: raspberry and cherry fruit flavors, with spicy black pepper notes. The finish is soft and sweet, with round, velvety tannins.

New! Château Virgil Costières de Nîmes Rouge '07 $13.99
Costières de Nîmes proves quite different from any other appellation, primarily because the soil in the Camargue region is made up of round pebbles - quite unique. Costières de Nîmes predominantly produces red and rosé wine from Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and other typical Languedoc grape varieties. Costières de Nîmes wines are usually fruity; reds are rich, closer to Rhône wines than Languedoc.

June 20th, 2009

Mi Amore Albana di Romagna '07 $12.99
*MB&W Value Award Winner*
Made from Albana grapes, this wine is the color of light straw - yellow, with greenish hues. It is intensely fruity on the nose, like fresh fruit salad. These hints and a pleasant sweetness on the palate make this Italian wine a delicious match with cheese, pastry or dessert. The Albana grape is an ancient varietal that dates back to 435 AD. "Out with the Old and in The New" is not a rule to live by!

Quinta da Romeira Arinto Bucelas '08 $11.99
Another new addition to Menotomy's Portuguese corner! This highly aromatic wine has a tropical nose with sweet notes. On the palate, tastes of Granny smith apple peel and citrus fruits are underscored with notes of Mango and lychee. Together with a nice, sharp, lip-smacking acidity and a slight bit of residual fizz, they make for a very drinkable and food-friendly wine.

Monte Oton Garnacha '08 $9.99
*MB&W Value Award Winner*
The vineyards of MONTE OTON are situated high on the windswept slopes of the Moncayo, an extinct volcano in Spain. The sun-drenched, arid location is ideal for harvesting perfectly matured, fully ripened Garnacha grapes. Previous vintages of this Jorge Ordonez Selection have won rave reviews for both price and performance! "The 2007 Monte Oton is 100% Garnacha. Dark ruby-colored, the nose delivers aromas of mineral, cherry, and earth notes. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with excellent depth, ripeness and a lengthy finish. It's a mighty serious effort for its tiny price." Score: 88. -Wine Advocate's Jay Miller, August 2008

Tortoise Creek Cabernet Sauvignon '06 $14.99
Mel and Janie Master, owners of Tortoise Creek, are negotiants who purchase grapes from California and the Languedoc Region of France. They work closely with growers in both regions to hand craft every selection. This particular Cabernet is from California's Central Coast, and follows the company's philosophy of working more with individual growers and less with large cooperatives; they understand that a low yield is the key to any good wine, whether it is from the Languedoc, California or any other wine region.

June 13, 2009 - Tasting with Kurt Gunkel

Rose d' Abruzzo $9.99
*MB&W Value Award Winner*
This rose is intended to be enjoyed while young. To ensure optimal freshness, it's aged in stainless steel, resulting in a dark pink wine with bright glints and a beautiful clarity. On the palate, the wine displays delicious hints of red cherries and rose petals. Compared to some of the roses that we've shown you lately, this is very light, and a fantastic sipper on its own - no food needed to fully enjoy this lovely rose. And, you can't beat it for the price!

Trebbiano d' Abruzzo $9.99
*MB&W Value Award Winner*
Over the past ten years, the Masciarelli Wine Estate has developed a well-deserved reputation as the cutting-edge winery in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Azienda Agricola Masciarelli is the largest organically farmed Estate in Italy, with a vineyard located on 1000 prime acres spreading from the cool, mountain Villa Gemma and Marina Cvetic vineyards at San Martino, to the warm, low lying Valori and Iskra vineyards in Teramo and in Italy's newest DOCG, Contraguerra. It's famous as Italy's 2004 Winery of the Year, an honor bestowed just on the heels of Gianni Masciarelli's Winemaker of the Year award in 2003. The winery offers a genuine piece of Italian vinous art - a nice marriage of old and new world styles. Static decanting of the must, soft pressing, controlled temperature fermentation and ageing in stainless steel results in a delicious experience, with hints of apple, apricot, and iris; a perfect complement to seafood salads and light fish dishes. Another fantastic value here! (I "tested" it out at home on my husband and girlfriends but kept mum on the price point. Everyone loved it and was shocked to learn that something so delicious could be so affordable!

Prinz Von Hessen '05 Riesling
The Estate of Prinz Von Hessen lies in Johannisberg in the Rheingau, or "Rhine District," right in the heart of German viticulture. It is one of Germany's leading Riesling producers, and provides vital support for increasing the quality and prestige of German wines. This Riesling is alive with a pale-yellow color and easily greenish reflexes, which exhibits a very elegant smell. The flavors bring to mind mature apple, a breath of apricots, and lemon grass, with fine fruit flavors in the background. On the palate there is a fresh acidity and a fine-linked taste, and the wine has a pleasant length. Simply delicious!

Chono '05 Cabernet Sauvignon
The Chono vineyard is established in alluvial soils, with a texture of sandy loam and a profile of gravel and stones that ensure excellent conditions for drainage. Fertility is low, and yields are properly controlled to obtain a good concentration on the fruits. Combinations of high and low temperatures during summer, which range between 15° and 32° Celsius, permit perfect ripening conditions for the fruits. The Maipo valley gave the wine strong tannins and a good structure, which harmonizes nicely with ripe fruit aromas of berries and cassis. The grapes were picked by hand according to their ripeness during the two last weeks of April. A cold maceration for four to five days, as well as malolactic fermentation, was done naturally in barrels and stainless steel tanks. For up to ten months, 60% of this blend (85% Cabernet sauvignon, 15% Syrah) was racked in French and American barrels, then bottled unfiltered and stored for an additional three months before it was released. The result is well worth the wait. Its dark ruby coloring is set off by reddish-purple glints. There are characteristic Cabernet aromas, blackcurrant and fresh herbs with a back note of dark chocolate. Medium-bodied but intense, typical varietal flavors follow the nose, built on a solid structure of acidity and soft tannins.

Chono '06 Carménère
The grapes for this wine - Carménère, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, and Syrah - were hand picked in the second week of May. Carménère grapes account for 85% of the whole, with the latter three each contributing 5%. Each parcel of the vineyard was harvested according to the ripening of the fruits, followed by two days of cold maceration in stainless steel tanks. The fermentation was temperature-controlled at a range of 27° to 30° Celsius for over three weeks, and a natural malolactic fermentation took place in barrels as well as in stainless steel tanks. For ten months, 60% of the wine was kept in new French and American barrels, with the remaining 40% kept in tanks to enhance its fruitiness. The wine was bottled unfiltered and stored for three months before its release. There are wild flowers and violets at the nose, and boysenberry is the dominant fruit, gaining complexity with layers of spice and licorice on the palate. The fruity sensations evolve lush and ripe on the palate, and are packed in sweet tannins that speak of the extraordinarily sunny climate on the foothills of the Andes.

Montepulciano D' Abruzzo $9.99
*MB&W Value Award Winner*
Harvest starts at the end of September and lasts until early October; fermentation and aging takes place in stainless steel. This wine has a few characteristics that make it a bit dirty and interesting in an old world way, but has enough fruit to appeal to fans of new world wines. A slightly smoky, dusty nose is underscored with dark berries and leather, and there is very good concentration in the palate: cherries, blackberries and chocolate all have a strong presence. There is an abundance of fruit, but it is a touch young tasting, keeping this wine very dry. It has a medium length finish with smooth tannins and a hint of chocolate. An excellent accompaniment to a relaxing night of pizza, pasta or burgers with good friends.

June 6, 2009 - All Organic Wine Tasting

Valle Realle Cerasuolo Rosato
Produced from the Montepulciano grape in the mountains of the Abruzzo, in Italy, this wine exudes ripe, rich red berry aromas and a visibly darker rose color. It presents loads of strawberry, raspberry and apple on the palate with vibrant acidity and lengthy finish. A versatile wine that is perfect for the summer.The Abruzzo region on the Adriatic coast has long been associated with the Montepulciano grape, an indigenous variety capable of producing a wide range of styles. The Valle Reale winery and farm is located in the center of Abruzzo - smack in the middle of one of Italy's most beautiful national parks! This area was carved by glaciers. It has crystal clear springs, springs that are public hence the 100% organic nature of this vineyard. The '07 recieved 89 points from Parker and the '08 has not yet been rated.

Valle Reale Montepulciano D'abruzzo Trebbiano
This wine is delightfully fragrant and rich, expressing wonderful aromas of citrus, orange rind, white pepper and fresh flowers. Zesty and crisp on the palate, its full, round body is supported by a pleasant acidity. Well-balanced, supple and ready to be enjoyed, this Trebbiano is great by the glass and incredibly food-friendly. Try it with grilled white meat, sushi, shellfish and omelettes.

Cooper Mountain Pinot Gris
As one of the first vineyards and wineries to produce Pinot Gris, Cooper Mountain Vineyards has helped set the standard and expectation for this wonderful varietal. Made entirely from biodynamically grown estate pinot gris (with a splash-just two percent- of estate chardonnay) this wine reflects light like liquid gold. Its intense perfume includes notes of passion fruit, mango, pear, key lime, kiwi and melon. Upon entry the wine is tart with flavors of grapefruit and citrus giving way to sweeter tropical fruit. A slightly creamy palate, the wine has beautiful acidity on the finish.Utilizing classic methods to produce their Gris, all of their offerings have been made in stainless steel to provide clean, crisp flavors that respect and accurately portray the varietal. From the winery: "This Gris represents what a truly fine Pinot Gris should be. Made from our oldest fines (planted in 1978), this Gris portrays our terroir beautifully with complex flavors and well balanced body." In 2002 Cooper Mountain Vineyards became the first U.S. winery to gain label approval for a no-sulfite-added wine under the new National Organic Program standards.

Snoqualmie Naked Chardonnay
This Chardonnay offers fresh pure aromas of Chardonnay fruit characters with nuances of citrus and pear followed by natural juicy fruit flavors on the palate and a balanced clean finish."This Chardonnay offers fresh pure aromas of Chardonnay fruit characters with nuances of citrus and pear followed by natural juicy fruit flavors on the palate and a balanced clean finish." -Joy Andersen, Winemaker Wine Spectator -Light and bright, with grapefruit, pear and spice flavors that echo nicely on the lively finish. Drink now. Score: 87. -Harvey Steiman, March 31, 2009. As part of the Snoqualmie's commitment to maintaining and advancing the natural quality of the Northwest, winemaker Joy Andersen and her team take an active interest in the local community and environment, and are continually improving Snoqualmie's sustainable and organic practices to ensure the quality of this special land for future generations.

Chateau Pesquie Terrasses
Dark red color, nose blossoming into jammy berry aromas set off by a touch of spice. This medium to full-bodied wine with a powerful mouth feel with elegant and onctuous tannins, is enhanced by very round cherry and black current notes finishing with spicy flavors."The unfined/unfiltered 2006 Les Terrasses Rouge, a custom cuvee made for American importer Eric Solomon, is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a lovely bouquet of black currants, black cherries, licorice, smoke, roasted herbs, and melted licorice. Deep and full-bodied with velvety tannins, good acidity, and a long finish, this is a heck-of-a wine to drink over the next 4-5 years." 90 PT Wine Advocate

May 30, 2009

Yalumba '07 Viognier $13.99
It was on a visit to Condrieu, the home of Viognier in France's Rhône Valley, that Yalumba's Peter Wall first encountered Viognier. Once grown extensively south of Lyon, Viognier is now virtually confined to the tiny Condrieu and Côte Rôtie regions, with the best wines form Château-Grillet, a tiny appellation of Condrieu. In 1980, Yalumba planted 1.2 hectares of Viognier in the Barossa - Australia's first commercial Viognier plantings. The Viognier grew quietly for 10 years, allowing the vines time to form regular "cropping patterns and giving Yalumba a "breaking-in" period to experiment with the variety. Today, Yalumba has the largest mature Viognier resource and the oldest commercial vines in the Southern Hemisphere. And the winery now has access to around 29 ha of Viognier from a range of viticultural regions. At Yalumba, environmentally-friendly, sustainable activities are recognized as an intrinsic aspect of wine quality. In order to substantiate this aspect of quality, Yalumba has implemented a brand stewardship program that reflects authenticity, due diligence, product safety and credible environmental management. By addressing those activities that have a significant environmental impact, Yalumba ensures its employees and other stakeholders a healthy and productive life in an environment that is safe, aesthetically pleasing and ecologically functional. This wine is bright straw with green tinges, and has aromas that typify this exotic variety, namely jasmine, white peach and honeysuckle. These aromas are mirrored in the palate that displays richness and texture from wild fermentation and lees aging. A clean, persistent finish is complemented by some exotic spices.

Monjardin '07 Chardonnay $14.99
Castillo Monjardin is a beautiful, innovative bodega located in San Esteban, a zone of Tierra Estella in the DO Navarra. The winery is most famous for its cask-fermented Chardonnays and Merlots. Castillo Monjardin has a vast 120 Hectare spread of single vineyards positioned on slopes to make the best of the climate. Their unique microclimate lies at an altitude of 600 meters, which gives their wines powerful fragrance and depth. Located on the vineyard is a 4000 sq meter gorgeous wine cellar. It is sectioned off within the slope to allow correct temperature conditioning for each level of the process. Grapes are picked with great care through mechanical harvesting. Chardonnay grapes are specifically picked at night because of its cooler temperatures. The estate's Chardonnay grapes are grown in the limestone and clay soils of the El Cerezo - The Cherry Tree - vineyard. Here, they undergo a long, slow growing season. The grapes are then put through 8 hours of active skin contact in a cold environment to maximize varietal character. Fermentation and aging occur in temperature-controlled stainless steel. There is no malolactic fermentation. The wine is bright yellow with green tinges in color; it's intense, crisp and aromatic, with a remarkably broad flavor profile and an intense, fresh, fruity aroma, with hints of citrus and green apples that are accentuated on the palate. Full in the mouth, long in the palate - a good way to enjoy the vibrancy of youth.

Garnacha De Fuego '07 $11.99
For the the uninitiated, Garnacha is the same grape that's known as "Grenache" in France, California, and many other areas of the world. In fact, Grenache / Garnacha is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world, though it's most commonly associated with the hot, arid regions in the south of France, the southern Rhone Valley and much of Spain. If you're unfamiliar with the Garnacha of Spain, it may be helpful to know that Grenache is usually one of the base grapes of Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. "Bright red. Smoky cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented by candied licorice, dark chocolate and zesty minerality. At once silky and lively, with impressively complex cherry and dark berry flavors joined by an exotic floral pastille quality on the finish. This boasts remarkable focus and persistence for the price." Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 89 Points. - Wine Spectator 89 Points

Jelu '07 Malbec $13.99
We just can't resist this Malbec: It's a perfect example of how well this lovely red grape can do in Argentina. The grapes are put through cold maceration, followed by warm fermentation temperatures and prolonged skin contact with a judicious use of micro-oxygenation. The finishing touch is a 9-month ageing in French and American oak. Made on a Practicing Organic estate in the Mendoza region, this full-bodied wine shows dark berry fruit and a spicy edge on the finish. Known as "Côt" throughout much of France, Malbec is the dark-skinned variety that put Argentinian wine on the map - and likewise, Argentinian Malbec saved the grape from near obscurity... thank goodness!

May 23rd, 2009

Emeri Pink Muscato $12.99
If you're looking for an easy drinking wine to enjoy during warm weather, Bortoli's new Emeri Pink is a great choice. Its pale, translucent pink color sets the tone, continued by aromas of strawberry and musk. Sweet fruit flavors are carried on the back of a heap of soft, pinkish bubbles, and the palate comes up with tropical characters: pineapple and guava, cherry and melon, and a healthy amount of ripe currant. Its fresh finish is just what you'd hope for in this very "Summery" wine!

Emeri Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc $12.99
De Bortoli has wineries in diverse winegrowing regions, each with its own regional style. The best grapes are brought together and vinified into a perfect sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. And it's important to note that De Bortoli doesn't just make wine; they take a leading role in sustainability, water recycling, waste control, greenhouse gas emissions and other key environmental issues. Selected parcels of fruit from the best vineyards were harvested in excellent condition and gently pressed to retain varietal character and freshness. Vinification includes fermentation with solids as well as cool and warm fermentation. These techniques improve texture and softness without sacrificing varietal expression.
"Quintessential summery wine, but this time with a spot on palate and the kind of effervescence to lead it astray. The varietal nature is intact, all lychee and gooseberry with some luxurious slatey, mineral elements!" -Wine Mag.com.au, "The most tasteful sipping fizz on the market, classy, food friendly and goes over a treat at lively parties, giving it a big thumbs up!" -Wineweekly.com.au

Salz '06 Gruner Veltlinger $12.99
The "Salzl - Seewinkelhof" estate is located in the commune of Illmitz in the Neusiedlersee wine-growing region in Burgenland in Austria. The Salzl family has a long tradition of wine production, having been involved in viticulture since 1840. Since then, it's been run as a family estate, and is headed today by Josef Salzl. Grüner Veltliner accounts for 36.0% of all vineyards in Austria. The vast majority is grown in the northeast of the country. Along the Danube to the west of Vienna, in Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal, it grows with Riesling in terraces reminiscent of the Rhine, on slopes so steep they can barely retain any soil. The result is a very pure, minerally wine capable of long ageing - wine that stands comparison with some of the great wines of the world. In recent blind tastings organised by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, Grüner Veltliners beat world-class Chardonnays from the likes of Mondavi and Maison Louis Latour. The Salzl Gruner Veltliner is a light-to-medium bodied wine, pale, crisp, and slightly spicy,. There are notes of green veggies, white pepper, rhubarb and strawberry, as well as a big floral bouquet - but not of the perfumed variety. This dry white wine matches well with almost any kind of food, and can also be sipped alone.

Four Vines '07 Naked Chardonnay $13.99
Directly from the Four Vines Website: "Step away from the barrel! This Chardonnay was fermented in 100% stainless steel and has not seen any oak, nor does it want to. This is crisp, concentrated Chardonnay with all its natural acid. Naked exhibits apple, white peach, and pear, finishing long with hints of citrus and mineral. Eat oysters and drink "Naked" often!! Share with a friend..." From Wine Spectator: "Clean and refreshing, with a citrus, grapefruit edge to the green apple and pear flavors, ending with a flinty, pebbly edge. Drink now." (Nov. 30, 2008) Winemakers like to do it naked! Who says chardonnay needs to be cloaked in all that malo and oak? This "naked" style is NOT put through malolactic fermentation, and again, sees nary a splinter of oak. The result? A crisp chardonnay that's like drinking a mountain orchard: apple, peach and pear fruit and just a hint of stony minerality. Stephen Muse of the Boston Globe recently raved about this wine in his article "Praise for the Naked Chardonnays", April, 29th 2009.

Kanonkop Kadette
Kanonkop is a member of the elite Cape (South African) Independent Winemakers Guild. Frederick Wildman and Sons is the first importer to bring this award-winning property to discerning American consumers, who have discovered that Kanonkop is an exceptional red wine estate. It's a small Stellenbosch "farm", as vineyard properties are called in the Cape. Owned by the Krige family, it now specializes entirely in red wines, which are eagerly snapped up by South African collectors as well as American wine consumers. Kanonkop's second label, Kadette is a blend of 50% plus Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and mature in French oak barrels for up to 16 months. This wine is full-bodied, with flavors of ripe, sweet banana and berry, and shows remarkable complexity with soft grape tannins and a long dry finish. Classic in style, it's a perfect complement to grilled meats and spicy dishes.

Vina Zaco Rioja
Spanish wines are hot right now. They're fantastic and they also offer considerable value. Rioja is a classic red from Spain, and is oak aged for far less time than Crianzas, Reservas and Gran Reservas, respectively. Riojas tend to be fruit forward, and this wine is no exception, delivering an intensely modern style, very drinkable; a fruity red clearly geared to a younger crowd. Vina Zaco went so far as to include the grape name on the label. Touting itself as "rebellious, authentic, and delicious," its website states, "It gives us great pleasure to introduce a new generation of La Rioja." This is a heavy, powerful, fruity, tannic wine, with a tinge of the Old World earthiness that marks its origin even as it seeks to defy it.

Terrazas '07 Malbec $13.99
This value-priced version of a rich Malbec comes from a winery located in the cool foothills of the Andes. A brilliant deep reddish purple color invites the eye, and the full nose with an intense fruit bouquet continues the journey. Its outstanding fruity mouthful and good acidity make for a very friendly wine - round, soft, and fresh. The edgy taste offers both stone fruit - plums, cherries - and raisins, making this an excellent accompaniment to barbecued marinated meats in the Argentine tradition, as well as pastas and rich sauces. Another Globe "plonk" wine!

May 16th, 2009

Fuzelo Vinho Verde $8.99
This year's Vinho Verde from Fuzelo is even better than the last. The 2008 is an equal-parts blend of Trajadura and Alvarinho. Made in Moncao, Portugal, it's crisp, dry, and spritzy, with only 11% alcohol. This bright, fruit-forward white is a fun pairing for fish and white meat. A slight fizz and subtle mineral notes keep ripe melon and grapefruit notes interesting.

Quinta de Cabriz Dao $9.99
Quinta de Cabriz, an estate near Carregal do Sal, has a magnificent, 17th century house and chapel. Nowadays, it's one of the main promoters of regional development with the conversion of old vines and new plantings with modern viticultural techniques. This light and charming white is a blend of Malvasia Fina, Cerceal, and the local Bical and Encruzado, half of which was fermented in the classic way in inox (stainless steel), and half in French oak barrels. The winery employed considerable batonnage, a process that mixes up the lees (dead yeast cells from fermentation) in the barrel with the wine to release the mannoproteins, improving the flavor, mouthfeel, and stability of the wine. A delicious partner to seafood salads, this is thirst-quenching yet far from simple. Although quite small, Portugal produces a great variety of wines ranging from light and fizzy Vinho Verde to hearty and tannic Port. It is Europe's fourth-largest wine-producing region, and has been exporting its wine since the 14th century.

Layer Cake Primitivo $16.99
Layer Cake Primitivo is a rich, ripe wine, new world in style but with touches of leather, spice and tar. Primitivo is made from the same grape as Zinfandel. Layer Cake Wines use grapes sourced from several regions throughout the wine world - think Ku De Ta, another negotiant that MB&W customers know well. The winery's projects include Malbec from Argentina, Shiraz from Australia, Primitivo / Zinfandel from Southern Italy, and a Côtes du Rhône. All wines are made in winemaker Phillipe Melka's signature style—bold and intensely flavored—and are fantastic everyday wines with great values!

Marquis Philips Baby Roogle Shiraz 2007 $13.99
Baby Roogle Shiraz is exactly what the name indicates: a baby version of the flagship Marquis Philips Shiraz. It features a stunning label design and the same explosive, creamy, dark and concentrated fruit that has been the hallmark Marquis Philips style, but it's an even greater value. Upfront aromas of rich raspberry, cherry and strawberry mingle with hints of menthol, cedar and cinnamon spice, with a mouth-filling palate of cocoa and Black Forest cake.

May 9th, 2009

Layers Peter Lehmann '08 White Blend, $19.99
The Layers is a blend of 5 varieties picked from different vineyards throughout the Adelaide GI in Australia. Layers of fruit complexity complement the diverse textures and elements of modern fusion cuisine. The Layers is composed of a most unusual blend of grapes: Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Cheerful floral aromas from the Gewurz and Muscat lead to a clean, fruity wine with a fine acid back bone and 1% residual sugar, which balances the acidity very nicely. Perfect with spicy or peppery dishes, this eclectic blend from Peter Lehman comes with a seriously high yum factor!

Joel Gott '08 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.99
The careful selection of grapes from vineyards in Monterey, Napa and Lake Counties comes to fruition in Joel Gott's 2008 California Sauvignon Blanc. The cool, coastal vineyards of Monterey allow the grapes to mature slowly and develop intense citrus flavors with crisp minerality. Combined with richer, more complex grapes from the sun-drenched Napa Valley, the blend evolves into a structured, balanced wine. Grapes from Lake County enhance its acidity and heighten the tropical flavors. Together, these locales produce a wine with aromas of guava, watermelon and Meyer lemon, with a long, juicy finish. Aging this well-balanced Sauvignon Blanc in stainless steel preserves the intense fruit aromas and flavors without the cloaking presence of malolactic fermentation. The screw cap enclosure and the UV safe green glass package ensure that the wine maintains freshness throughout its life, and stays bright and crisp year round.

Montinore Borealis White Wine, $13.99
From the Montinore makers: "We've been wanting to make a wine like this for some time. After experimenting the last few years, we've put together a blend we really like. This wine was born of a desire to capture the incredible aromatics and flavors of our cool climate white varieties in one expressive white wine." It pours a pale gold, and grapefruit, pineapple and fresh flower aromas leap from the glass. On the palate, a crisp, fresh entry is balanced by succulent ripe fruit flavors of peach, grapefruit and quince, culminating in a fresh, lingering finish. This delightful white wine is delicious with a variety of lighter dishes and cheeses, as well as for sipping by starlight. Its blend of 60% Müller-Thurgau, 23% Gewuerztraminer, and 17% Pinot Gris is grown completely organically!

Our Daily Red, $9.99
Our Daily Red is Sulfite Free and fully Organic. As they say, practice makes perfect, and after ten years in production, Our Daily Red definitely approaches perfection! In order to put "Sulfite Free" and "Organic" on a wine label, the BATF must approve both the art and wording, and requires confirmation from a certified laboratory that Sulfites are "none detectable" at the parts per million level. The wine is an extremely hot seller, so much so that the winemakers must keep increasing production each year to meet the skyrocketing demand! Ongoing vintages have added a healthy percentage (30%) of Mendocino grapes, which bring the leaner mouth feel and more focused flavors of the region to the mix. A blend of Fresno Syrah and Carignan and Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine should age well for a few years... if it lasts that long.

Veedha Douro Red Blend, $11.99
"Veedha" means "life" in Portuguese. This is a fruity, jammy red from the Douro region, with a little nuance of cocoa, soft tannins and an elegant finish. Three of the five main grapes found in sweet Port are used for this wine: Tinta Roriz, which provides some nice red fruit and tannins; Touriga Franca, which adds sexy floral notes and a velvety texture; and finally, Touriga Nacional, which contributes to its rich color. This makes for a wine with finesse, elegance and loads of complexity - and a Menotomy Value Award!

Taste of Calabria Wine Tasting Event, May 2nd, 2009

Lento Greco '07, $12.99
The greco grape's color is a delicate straw yellow, and the grape itself is thought to be of Greek origin. Greco has a balanced nose, with notes of ripe apricots, a hint of citrus and apple, and an equally harmonious taste, with a fresh note of acidity followed by a whisper of a fruity taste. With its distinct personality and strong character, Greco is a great complement to seafood risotto and white fish.

Dragone Bianco, $11.99
A blend of Greco, Malvasia and Trebbiano, the Bianco is a pale straw-yellow in color, and is rich of flowers and fruits perfumes. In the mouth it is elegant, harmonic and soft, with a good structure and a taste that fulfills the bouquet's promises.

Dragone Rossodragone
A blend of Magliocco, Nerello and Greco Nero, the Rosso is an intense ruby red. A wide and enveloping nose, rich in red fruit notes, mingles with a clear structure and persistent, final notes and balanced tannin content. These characteristics produce a round, velvety wine - very pleasant, and a great accompaniment to roasted lamb, ribeye or meatloaf and a perfect companion to eggplant parmigiana and red sauces.

Lamezia Riserva '00, $19.99
Bright ruby red, with an intense nose and light spicy notes, Lamezia Riserva is palatable, balanced with an excellent structure, and very persistent notes of vanilla, roasted coffee and cocoa. The grapes are gathered when perfectly ripe and their stalks put away. The winery then starts a fermentation process, and an intense maceration, for about 18 days. When the wine is two years old, it is put in oak French barriques for 12 months, enhancing the body, the balance, and adding to the pleasantness of this wine with its strong regional identity.

April 25th, 2009

Adriano White 2005, $11.99
We love our Portuguese wines here at Menotomy! With great value pricing, and great flavors, how can you not love them?! We have another new selection here for you this week from the famous port house of Ramos Pinto. Their Adriano White has an intense and clean nose,with fresh and exotic hints of spice, which transform into ripe fruit aromas such as apricots, peaches and pineapple. On the palate, it has a fresh and aromatic start. The wine then becomes rich, structured and full with tastes of ripe fruit and a long, delicious aftertaste. It is ideal for shellfish and other seafood plates. We also recommend it as an aperitif, paired with fresh salad and vegetable starters and with rice or pasta-based dishes.

Gaba do Xil Godello '07 $17.99
Telmo Rodriguez is one of Spain's pioneer winemakers, advocating native grape varietals tied to the climates and conditions of their sites. Perhaps most impressive, while Telmo Rodriguez makes rare and limited wines of astonishing character and quality, his everyday wines have been equally praised, and widely recognized for the tremendous value they offer. Godello is a rich, aromatic Spanish white grape. It also has an attractive mineral frame. Lemon-melon-pear are the main flavors in this Rodriguez offering, particularly canned pear. The texture is slinky-creamy with mineral and a nip of fresh acid in the finish.

Peter Lehmann Layers '08
While Australia's Barossa Valley is generally known for it's Shiraz, thanks to it's strong German heritage it also produces fine white wines. Peter Lehmann's Layers was created to "illustrate our belief that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts." Five grapes are pictured on the label, and five grape varietals go into this fantastic white wine: "Pinot Gris provides nuttiness and texture, the Muscat delivers aromatics, Gewürztraminer adds spice and mouthfeel, Chardonnay brings a touch of white peach and the Semillon provides a backbone around which all these components are wound." Layers of fruit complexity compliment the diverse textures and elements of modern fusion cuisine.

La Linda Rosé of Malbec, $11.99
Made from 100% Malbec grapes, this wine has an appealing light pink color with violet hues. On the nose it displays red stone fruit and strawberry aromas. It is a dry and fresh wine with sweet sensations. Picture yourself in the backyard on Sunday, swilling this delight from Argentina!

Saladini Pilastri Consenso Rosato, $12.99
Without even realizing it, we're are tasting summer wines from around the world! This offering comes from the Marche area of Italy. 100% Sangiovese, it's very fruity, with nice structure. We'll let you be the judge, but we feel that it actually smells and tastes like a red delicious apple!

Petit Bourgeois Cabernet Franc '07, $16.99
This red wine develops the harmonious notes of red fruits so representative of the Loire vineyards. Aromas of strawberries, red currants, and cherries "sweeten" the hints of spice. This presents very pure, fresh and herbaceous Cabernet Franc, supported by a well-integrated structure and refreshing minerality. Light, discreet, and elegant, this charming fruity wine asks for cuisine of the same sort. Fowl or other white meats are perfect as are a wide range of prepared cold meats. This is a really bright, vibrant red for early drinking - particularly attractive served chilled!

April 18th, 2009

Chateau Graville-Lacoste Bordeaux $17.99
This wine was recently recommended by the Wall Street Journal in their Food and Drink section. They described the wine in one word - "mouthwatering" - and gave it a "best of tasting" award for value priced White Bordeaux. The article went on to note "Lime, mango, grapefruit and sunny acidity, with a nice, round weightiness to it and a tiny hint of honey. Long, fruity finish. Complete."... sounds great to me! If you'd like to view the full article, click here. And for more information on white Bordeaux, visit our Education Corner in the left-hand sidebar.

Domaine Du Rin Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, $13.99
The newest addition to our Loire wine section - the Domaine du Rin comes from the area of Touraine, which is west of Vouvray and south of Blois in Loir et Cher. The Touraine is produced by Jousselin et Fils, whose white wines are known for their lightness, finesse and aromatic richness. This Sauvignon Blanc has a beautiful nose of blackcurrant and elder tree. On the palate, it has hints of grapefruit with a clean finish. A great compliment to seafood, fish and goat cheese (yum!).

Domaine De La Maurelle Gigondas $21.99
Gigondas has a reputation for being a sort of "country cousin" to the more sophisticated Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, speculative wine lovers can find wines of fascinating complexity and great value at Gigondas. In this rustic, traditional Rhone, hints of tobacco and dried herbs mingle with briary blackberry and plum fruits. It's an intense, dark-red color with a nose dominated by ripe red fruit and a hint of savory spices. Domaine De La Maurelle is a satisfying red designed to complement almost any cuisine. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, it's at its best with red meat. Grenache dominates the blend, and the 15-month aging process in used oak provides a spicy counterpoint to the ripe fruit. This is a Menotomy favorite and the first wine that Neil fell in love with.

Cuvee Richette Côtes du Rhône, $13.99
This Patrick Lesec selection is well priced, easy drinking yet complex, and absolutely delicious with summer BBQ. Its lovely bright and fruity selection has a ruby, purplish hue, and offers complex aromas of earth, tobacco, black fruits, and pepper. Its wealth of fruit is a pleasant attack of bright cherry flavors, with low acidity and a slightly tannic finish. A perfect summer guzzler to enjoy with a wide range of foods, especially pork barbeque ribs or pulled pork. Drunk alone or paired with grilled tomato and other veggies, it's also a great sipper!

Spring Wine Tasting Event, Saturday April 11th

A sampling of the wines we will have open for the tasting:

Thanisch Sofia's '07 Riesling, $16.99
Wonderfully rich and viscous for a Mosel wine, the texture of this Riesling coats the palate with divinely smooth layers of silky, juicy flavors. And the nose echoes the taste, with lots of bright, slatey, minerally notes, hints of lemon drop candy - all enhanced by the wine's brisk and enticing acidity. The Thanisch estate has hit a home run with this wine. It is beautifully made, and truthfully, should be twice the price!

Pares Balta '07 Blanc de Pacs, $11.99
This wine is made from the traditional Penedes varieties used to make Cava; 33% Xarel.lo, 42% Parellada, and 25% Macabeu. These varieties are blended to create a white wine that shows intense aromas with fresh fruits and flowery notes. The Xarel.lo imparts the body; the Macabeu, the fruit; and the Parellada, the delicate freshness and floral notes from the high altitude vineyards. This wine has a very intense aroma, dominated by ripe fruits (pear and apple) covering a light floral background.

Casa Julia Sauvignon Blanc, $12.99
This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc from the Maule Valley in Chile is both intense and aromatic, offering lot of tropical fruits and citron blossoms. The mouth is herbaceous and tasty, acidic and fresh.

iClivi Galea Tocai Friulano, $18.99
This is a somewhat earthy wine, with delicious tropical fruit, spice and honey flavors. Full-bodied, fat in the mouth - a perfect food wine.

Los Cardos Malbec, $11.99
This wine displays expressive fruits aromas of red and black berries with some spice notes and a fresh, balanced mouth. Another great Malbec to love!

Cellar El Masroig Castell de Pinyeres Montsant, $16.99
The nose shows some spicy wooden notes, intense minerals, forest floor and a very pleasant chocolate aroma with some red fruits in the back. In the mouth, it's lively, silky, and beautifully balanced, with strong ripe, red ripe fruits and a refreshing aftertaste. This is an elegant wine, with fine and soft tannins.

Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.99
Underscoring nuances of toasted oak and roasted coffee are ripe, black fruit flavors, with aromatics of blackberry, dark plum, cherry, and cassis, and amazing notes of spice and Anise (black licorice). Rich, ripe tannins in the mouth give this wine a powerful finish.

Casa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.99
This exceptional Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon has a very nice aroma, with notes of leather and dried fruits. An appealing mouth feel, with a medium body and balanced tannins, culminates in a tasty finish reminiscent of dark red fruits and berries.

Four Vines Maverick Zinfandel, $24.99
"Devious mischief abounds from these dry-farmed, head pruned, old vine vineyards in the Shenendoah Valley. This Sierra Foothill Valley is renowned for its old vine Zin vineyards which produce a wine that is chewy and spicy, rich with blackberry fruit and a hint of velvet vanilla oak. Blended with a touch of Syrah from the Bailey Vineyard. Maverick...The Jam Bomb...mischievous fun!" Four Vines, Christian Tietje.

April 4th, 4-7 PM

Jelu '08 Torrontes $12.99
The Santa Sylvia vineyard has been recognized as a potentially world-class site for wines. The Jelu project was created to promote the terroir of the Zonda Valley of Argentina, where both the weather and the terroir are extreme. Temperature variations of 50 degrees in one day are quite common during the summer months. The soil in this property is alluvial; it sits on an old riverbed, and the once-flowing water left minerals and other deposits such as gold. These factors combine to give the wines a unique character. On the nose, this wine blends distinct lemon zest with a heady floral scent and creamy lemon flavors. This is balanced with bright, citrus flavors on the palate, with a rich texture and sufficient balance.

Domaine Du Tariquet Ugni Blanc $11.99
Since 1912, Château du Tariquet has been home to the Grassa family. They first gained notoriety for Hélène and Pierre Grassa's Armagnac, which is still produced today. Then, in the 1980's, their children Maïté and Yves broke all the rules by producing their first still wines: blends of Ugni Blanc and Colombard. A few years later, they heavily planted, creating untraditional blends such as Sauvignon-Chardonnay and Chenin-Chardonnay. Word of mouth combined with Tariquet taste - and fashion was born! The first of many awards received by Yves and his family include a Gold Medal in Montpellier and "Winemaker of the Year" by the International Wine Challenge in London. Wine production - from viticulture to bottling - is strictly controlled within the Domaine, and vineyards are required to adhere to sustainable agriculture practices. To prevent oxidation, the grapes are taken directly from the vines to vats in isothermal tanks. The estate features a water treatment facility, and they recycle and reuse all materials. The innovative "bottling to order" at Domaine du Tariquet guarantees consistent quality and freshness. The result of this meticulous process is a delicious, light and refreshing wine. With floral aromas, it displays citrus flavors with a touch of exotic fruit. This very easy-drinking wine wins a Menotomy Value Award!

A by Acacia '07 Red Blend $14.99
From Diageo Chateau & Estate comes a Syrah-based, Rhône-style blend. It is well-balanced, layered with aromas of rich dark cherry, plum and raspberry, with deep fruit flavors of cherry and plums. This California wine is already showing a refined Rhône aroma, and its Syrah-dominated flavors are overlaid with appealing new oak.

Legaris '04 Ribera Del Duero $19.99
This Tinta Fina (Tempranillo) is an intense, cherry-red color with youthful violet highlights. Red fruit character stands out among vibrant aromas, combined with hints of vanilla and coconut that originate from 12 months in oak barrels. Legaris Crianza is typified by lively flavor, firm structure and good length. Ribera del Duero is the Denominación de Origen of Spain's most reputed wine, Vega Sicilia. The wines from Ribera del Duero can be elegant, expressive, full of aromas, rich and extremely pleasant on the palate. This is the result of an extreme continental climate combined with high altitude. Legaris combines state-of-the-art technology with traditional artisan winemaking to champion the unique qualities of one of Spain's most prestigious and challenging growing regions. The result is wine of identifiable character and outstanding quality.

March 28, 2009

Sauvion Vouvray '07, $14.99
Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region. It produces a splendid array of wines, from the dry and austere, to the richest of dessert wines, to excellent sparkling wines. Vouvray is made exclusively from Chenin Blanc, which has been grown in the region since the 4th century. On average, 60% of each vintage is made into still wine, and 40% made into sparkling. The cool climate ensures good acidity, which is balanced by the distinctly fruity character of the Chenin Blanc and the mineral qualities imparted by the soil. The Vouvray vineyards are subject, in good years, to botrytis cynera, the mold responsible for most of the world's great sweet white wines. In these years, harvest is delayed until well into November (the latest harvest in France) and there may be several pickings in order to harvest the grapes at their moment of optimum ripeness. In other years, only dryer (sec and demi-sec) wines are made. Together with Muscadet, Vouvray is the most popular Loire wine in the USA. It is grown in Touraine amongst the hundreds of romantic châteaux, and is the perfect introduction to Loire wines: easy to drink, fresh, soft, velvety.

J Vidal-Fleury Côtes-du-Rhône '06, $13.99
The Côtes du Rhône appellation is very large, with about 10,000 vine growers for 250 million bottles and more. Vineyards are mostly in the southern part of the Rhône Valley. Although 95% of the production is red, wines from the Côtes du Rhône region are very diverse. They can be tannic and robust, or fruity and light. Made of a blend of Syrah and Grenache, this charming little red is a great combination of value and taste! A brilliant garnet in color, Côtes-du-Rhône, with its red fruits and spices, is nearly as sanguine on the nose. The mouth reveals rounded tannins, produced during the ageing process in oak barrels. This is a warm, full-bodied wine, with an uncommon and lasting aromatic intensity; exquisite proof that Côtes-du-Rhône can be a serious and elegant wine.

Maquis Lien '05, $18.99
The distinctive 2005 Maquis Lien is made from a finely tuned blend of 38% Syrah, 32% Carménère, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec. It is a generous red wine that reflects the character of the Hurtado family's special plot of land. To make this fruity and concentrated blend, winemakers Ricardo Rivadeneira Hurtado and Alejandro Jofré have developed vines that bear no more than 12 bunches of grapes per vine. Only the ripest are selected for hand-sorting at the winery. The Lien is barrel aged for 12 months in French oak. Fewer than 2,000 cases of the 2003 Lien - the winery's inaugural release - were produced. In Chile's native Mapuche language, lien means "silver metal," a reference to colonial Spanish coins that were once melted to make fine jewelry, like the lizard on the Maquis label.

Crios Malbec '08, $14.99
Let's revisit a new vintage of an old favorite! Consistently among our top selling reds here at Menotomy, the Crios Malbec from Susana de Balbo's Dominio del Plato winery in Mendoza, Argentina, is a favorite amongst the staff as well. The past three vintages have been rated 90 points or higher by, among others, Robert Parker and Wine & Spirits magazine. If you're thinking that the 2008 vintage might be too young, remember that the Earth's southern half is a full season - and vintage - ahead of us here in the Northeast. And the vintners have expressed their approval of "early" drinking as well! Crios means "offspring," and is meant to express that these are wines that have not quite "grown up" yet, that they should be enjoyed while still young and vibrant. And you'll be among the first to try the '08 vintage! There are obvious flavors of cherries and spice, a jammy fruit quality that stays strong throughout, and delightful hints of spice piping up in the background.

March 21, 2009

Zaca Mesa '07 Viognier $19.99
Zaca Mesa is located just 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean, in Santa Barbara County's northernmost portion of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. The winery participates in sustainable winegrowing, meaning "Winegrowing and winemaking practices that are sensitive to the environment, responsive to the needs and interests of society-at-large, and economically feasible to implement and maintain". To create a healthier estate, they use organic products, conserve energy, and efficiently use materials to reduce waste. They farm only one-third of their total acreage, which leaves plenty of open space for wildlife, provides a buffer for their neighbors, and preserves the natural ground water. The goal is to achieve balance in the vineyard by working with nature, and viewing the estate as one living, breathing system. All of Zaca Mesa's wines are estate grown and bottled. The Viognier has aromas of honeysuckle and white peach that hint at sweetness. However, this wine is dry on the palate with notes of ripe apricot, lemon-lime, melon and red fruit. A lingering finish has a touch of minerality, a signature characteristic of their vineyard. "Light at first, neither sweet nor oily, this viognier brightens to fresh, lasting lemon and peach flavors as it develops with air. Decant it to serve with seared scallops." 92 Points, Wine & Spirits Magazine, August 2007.

Zaca Mesa '05 Z Cuvee $19.99
This unique blend is inspired by Châteauneuf-de-Pape, a town and commune in the Vaucluse département in southern France which has been creating extraordinary blends for centuries - blends that are far greater than the sum of their parts. After hand harvesting, grapes are gently de-stemmed, fermented and barrel aged separately for seven months, and then combined and aged for an additional nine months in French oak barrels. Each grape adds its own nuance: Grenache contributes rich raspberry flavors; Mourvèdre brings notes of blueberry; Syrah, flavors of blackberry and ripe tannins and a touch of Cinsaut's dusty berry notes. These layers of flavor enable this wine to pair with a wide variety of foods, from mushroom pizza to rosemary crusted leg of lamb. You can enjoy this wine now or cellar it for the next five to seven years. "Over the years this Rhône blend, based on Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah, has been an excellent value, and the '05 is one of the best yet. Rich and soft, it's packed with opulent cherry and blackberry pie filling, cassis, red currant, licorice, pepper and smoke flavors, with a creamy, chocolaty taste throughout. Yet the wine is totally dry and balanced." 91 points, Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast, October 2008.

pro*mis*Q*ous California White, $14.99
From the winemakers lips to the MB&W newsletter, I don't think I could say it better myself! "May we present a casual dalliance with more than one partner, a sensual blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and other white varietals. No barrel aging in this vintage to safeguard our purity. (Note: Aging is for old folks.) Aromas of Melon. Pear, Tangerine, Rose Petal, Lychee, Lemon Rind. Yummy. You smell good. Can I get your iPhone number? Flavors of -See above. 90% of what we taste is what we smell. And that's a fact. Food Pairing, Suggestions- Oysters. Caviar. Grilled cheese sandwiches. Omelets the morning after. Chicken Casserole. Fish tacos. Salads. Seafood. When you're in a light-hearted mood and want to drink lighthearted wine. Practice safe sipping."

pro*mis*Q*ous California Red, $14.99
"Sweetish, fresh and fruity wine seeking relationship with meaty dish." This food-friendly Santa Rosa wine is a "daring dalliance" (according to the makers) of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. But the blend's seduction takes a back seat to that implied by the name and label. The latter promotes a "wanton disregard for convention," and warns that drinking the wine "may result in an intense sensory experience." Despite the overly gimmicky label and shtick, this is a good, solid wine that is a bit lighter than the varietals would suggest.

Joel Gott '07 Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
The fruit for this exceptional Cabernet is sourced from Napa Valley, the Mendocino coast, Paso Robles and Lake County. Together, these appellations create a balanced, structured wine with supple tannins and bright acidity. Aromas of currants, cedar and black tea intensify spicy red fruit and rich black fruit flavors. The 815 Cabernet is named for the August 15th birth of owners Joel and Sarah Gott's daughter Lucy during the 2003 harvest. Come on in and taste the new vintage of this MB&W favorite!

March 14th, 2009

La Colombera Bricco Cortese '07, $14.99
From the town of Tortona in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, this white offers abundant pear fruit with just a hint of minerality. It's made from the Cortese grape, an Italian grape revered in the northern parts of the country but seldom seen elsewhere. The best examples come from the DOCG of Gavi, in the region of Piemonte. Cortese di Gavis are light, crisp and have pleasant aromas of almonds, citrus fruits and freshly mown grass. It is also grown in the hills around Monferrato as well as in Lombardy, where it's part of the blend Oltrepo Pavese.

Esegesi Rosi Trentino Rosso '01, $14.99
An interesting Italian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the sultry Trentino Rosso was created from grapes grown in the Trentino region of Italy. The color is a lovely garnet, splendidly dark. The nose is alive with sweet notes elegantly unwinding amidst an attractive red harmony of fruits and spices. The taste is round and juicy, with lingering tannins on the finish.

Castel Noarna '04 Lagrein, $13.99
The actual castle of the Castel Noarna estate dates back to the 6th century, when it was built as a fortress to protect the local lands. This family-run estate now utilizes the most ancient parts of the castle to make their wines. The thick stone walls control the inside temperature, and keep a constant level of humidity believed by the producer to be perfect for making wine. The Castel Noarna winemaking philosophy has always been one of "no compromise". This small winery manages to grow enough fruit on its steeply terraced grounds to produce only 35,000 bottles each year. The estate grows many grape varieties, including autochthonous (indigenous) grapes such as Lagrein and Nosiola, both local to Nogaredo. Castel Noarna strikes the perfect balance between upholding the past, protecting the cultural identity within which these wines are produced, while integrating contemporary improvements and the best of modern-day technology.

Barbi Pojo Del Ruspo, $14.99
Claudio and Marina Barbi run the Barbi (founded in 1932) and Decugnano wineries with different but complementary roles. They form a lively, dynamic team; for them, wine means ongoing research, experimentation, cooperation with nature and technique, with the goal of achieving truly surprising results. Qualified experts constantly assess the phases of vinification and refinement in French oak barrels, known as barriques, or in steel containers (depending on the type of wine being produced). The end result is a wide range of top quality Umbrian wines - Orvieto Classico DOC, Sangiovese Umbria IGT, and Lago di Corbara DOC. Accredited specialist press has awarded important recognition, including, among others, the Gambero Rosso Quality/Price Oscar, the Gambero Rosso Three Glasses, and the Seal of Approval from the London Int. Wine Challenge. This 100% Sangiovese wine originates in the hilly areas outside Orvieto, Todi and Baschi. It's a classic, deep ruby in color and a complex nose of spicy cherries, underbrush and new leather. Medium-bodied, this fruit-filled, spicy red fruited wine is a natural with any pasta dish. It's great with pizza, and won't overwhelm roasted fowl or grilled pork dishes. This accessible, delicious, budget-friendly wine definitely earns its MB&W Great Value award!

March 7, 2009

Chateau Virgile Costieres de Nimes Blanc '06, $13.99
The domaine, which is located 15 km from the Mediterranean Sea, dates back to 1748. The vineyards are planted in clay alluvium deposits from the Rhône River with a mixture of granite pebbles (known locally as gress), where the vines enjoy a Mediterranean climate on the sunny slopes above the Natural Parc de la Petite Carmargue. The climate in this region provides three characteristics that are beneficial to producing excellent quality grapes: 1) abundant sunshine; 2) rainfall within a limited number of days; and 3) favorable winds that keep the grapes free of moisture. Additionally, the grapes are harvested at night to preserve their freshness. This wine is a blend of 45% Marsanne, 45% Roussanne, and 10% Viognier, creating a nose rich with apricot fruit and peach blossom. The peach and apricot fruit flavors carry through to the palate and are balanced by the wine's bright minerality. Finally, a hint of refreshing lemon-zest comes through on the finish. This is a bright, crisp, refreshing wine, and a perfect accompaniment to your favorite soft cheese, including our MouCo Blue and Lambic washed Camembert.

One Hope Chardonnay '06, $16.99
One Hope Chardonnay displays textbook varietal characteristics, with golden straw color, apple and citrus flavors, medium body, and a crisp yet smooth finish. With its light acidity and even texture, the wine is an excellent choice for before dinner and pairs magnificently with a wide array of appetizers. It moves into a meal with ease, matching well with grilled or broiled fish and seafood as well as poultry dishes. Grapes for the '06 Chardonnay were chosen from across California's best coastal growing regions, known for producing Chardonnay with excellent acidity and balanced flavors, including select Central Coast appellations, Mendocino County and Sonoma County. While Chardonnay pairs well with seafood and poultry, it pairs even better with breast cancer awareness. Statistics show women buy two bottles of Chardonnay for every one bottle of all other varietals combined. Because women are the most active supporters in the breast cancer community, it makes sense to match the pink ribbon with the most popular varietal for women.

One Hope Merlot '06, $16.99
The One Hope Merlot is a rich garnet color, with flavors of black cherries, plums and figs and a soft, smooth finish. With its crisp acidity and ripe fruit flavors, this wine is an easy match with a wide range of main courses, including meats, pasta and vegetarian dishes. Grapes for the 2006 Merlot were selected from some of the best coastal growing regions in California - mainly from Lodi and Paso Robles, as well as the North Coast. In these areas, warm, sunny days provide optimum grape ripening, while Pacific Ocean fog creates cool nights and maintains the acidity in the grapes. The result is a balanced Merlot full of flavor. The folks at One Hope thought the Merlot paired well with the fight against HIV/AIDS because HIV/AIDS has been such a consistent threat to millions of people over the years, and Merlot has consistently been one of marquee varietals for numerous decades.

One Hope Cabernet Sauvignon '06, $16.99
This great-value wine is sourced from several vineyards in California; you'll find it to be very typical of a Napa Valley Cabernet. Full-bodied and complex, the dark fruit flavors and toasty oak and vanilla accents are nicely balanced by silky tannins and a lingering finish. Surveys show that Cabernet is the favorite varietal of men, which is why One Hope is promoting this wine in the name of Austim. Autism affects 1 in every 150 children, and males account for four out of every five cases. So, do a good deed today and help to support a wonderful organization whilst satisfying your California Cabernet craving!

Trapiche Oak Cask '07 Pinot Noir, $12.99
It's difficult to find a good Pinot Noir at a value price - many of the best ones are over $15. Some of our favorite Pinot Noirs here at MB&W come from Oregon and California, but when we set out to find a great Pinot Noir at a value price, we found success in the Mendoza region of Argentina! Trapiche Oak Cask Pinot Noir flavors are of up-front fruit with slightly spicy finishes. This incredible value could very well become your new everyday drinking wine!

February 28, 2009

Weingut Unckrich '06 Kallstadter Steinacher Grauer Burgunder, $14.99
Yes, the label on this wine is a bit crowded! No need to be put off by the wealth of overseas terms - they're actually pretty easy to decipher. (Plus, they offer a great opportunity to impress grauburgunderdinner guests!!) "Grauer Burgunder," for instance, means "Pinot Grigio." The original grapes for this wine come from grauburgunder Burgundy, a region famous for its Pinot varieties. "Weingut Unckrich" is the winery, and the grapes come from the Steinacher vineyard in the town of Kallstadt. (Kallstadt is in the Pfalz region, which is Germany's second largest in acreage, but often produces the largest crop of all.) This Pinot Grigio will be a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and a combination of its delightful, fruity palate and the nice acidity makes it a winner with food.

Cline '07 Cashmere $19.99
Cashmere is one of the most precious gifts of nature. The name evokes a sense of quality, luxury, and something that is a labor of love to produce. The Cline Cashmere is perfectly named: a silky and wonderful blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Just as with the processing of cashmere, the production of these meticulously farmed grapes and the blending of the components that result in this wine is something achieved only with extraordinary time and skill. This vintage of Cashmere blend consists of 39% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 23% Mourvèdre. The lion's share of Grenache for this luscious blend is harvested from Massoni Vineyard in Oakley, California, where cluster-thinning and leaf-pulling is a common practice, resulting in increased fruit concentration. The ancient vines of the Oakley Big Break vineyard are planted in phylloxera-resistant sandy soil, contributing to the Grenache piece of the blend. This vineyard also produces the Mourvèdre. Syrah is sourced primarily from Paso Robles, where warm days and cool nights enhance the intensity of flavors. You won't want to miss this distinctive twist on a Rhone blend.

MAN Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon '07, $9.99
This "MAN thing" began with three friends and an idea: make a wine that they themselves would love to buy. Good quality, excellent value, cool packaging. Not exactly an epiphany, but a good idea - and it motivated them to action. Showing an early aptitude for the art of marketing, they named the winery after their wives, using the initials of their first names. (At least, that's how they explained to Marie, Anette, and Nicky that they were going to be "busy" most weekends.) It would have been easy to slap on yet another cute and furry label, but one of the that would have violated Founding Tenet #3 - cool packaging. The world does not need any more MAN's Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, reflects the extreme terroir. Tenet #1 is followed to the letter - gutsy, bold and juicy, this red wine has red-berry fruit aromas and a touch of oak spice, classic Cabernet cassis and red-currant fruit flavors with silky tannins, and a long finish. It complements a wide range of foods, particularly red meats and pasta. And, finally, it fulfills Tenet #2 - a fantastic value!

Carlos Basso Reserve '07 Cabernet Sauvignon, $18.99
Mendoza Province is one of the driest places on earth. The mammoth Andes mountain range catches any cloud blowing in from the pacific, meaning there is very little rain. Yet Mendoza produces 70% of Argentine wine and Argentina is the fifth biggest producer in the world. Mendoza's capital is a garden city of tree-lined streets and sculpted parks. Every leafy town in the province is surrounded by hundreds of vineyards and farms producing everything from olives to peaches. How? Those same mountains that stop the rainfall catch the snow. The snow melts on the peaks (including Mt. Aconcagua, the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas) and is carried through a complex system of rivers, dykes and dams. This miracle of water supports people and industry. Mendoza city has grown into a green oasis of calm amidst a hot and sweltering desert. This area is the perfect climate for growing some really fantastic wines and this Cabernet is no exception. Full bodied, intensely scarlet colored wine with fresh and fruity aromas accompanied with black pepper and currants.

February 21, 2009

Saint André de Figuiere Cuvée Magali Rosé '07 $18.99
"Des Vins entre Terre et Paradis: Wines Between Heaven and Earth" is this winery's mission statement - isn't that lovely! Last week, Mary and I had the pleasure of meeting the woman for whom this wine was named. Magali herself was standing at our tasting table introducing her family's selections of wines and educating us on the practices of the winery. She is a lovely person in every way, and her wines reflect that. This Rosé has exceptional body and weight despite the nearly clear color, with a flattering bouquet of citrus fruits and red fruit shining through. Fresh and smooth on on the palate, evoking the juiciness of apricots and grapefruit, this is a truly exceptional selection from Provence made from Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet and Grenache.

Saint André de Figuière Cuvée Francois Rouge '05 $14.99
Saint André de Figuière is ideally situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif of the Maures, between Toulon and Saint-Tropez, near to The Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas and opposite The Isles of Porquerolles. The property covers 70 hectares (173 acres) in the village of La Londe les Maures, 45 hectares (118 acres) of which are planted with vines and surrounded by pine trees, cork oaks, strawberry trees and eucalyptus. This red blend, or Vin Rouge, is a blend of Cabernet, Syrah, Cinsault, and Grenache. With the color of a garnet red robe and an expressive bouquet with aromas of cherries, prunes and spice, the deep, dark earthy fruits are what sets this wine apart from many other blends from the region of Provence, which often tend to be lighter and brighter. This, named after our new friend Magali's sister Francois, is fresh and silky on the palate, with smooth and subtle tannins leading to a pleasantly spicy finish.

Hayman & Hill Cabernet Sauvignon '06 $15.99
Crafted to express the diversity of Napa's soils and microclimates, this blend (mainly Cabernet, with 12% Syrah and 2% Merlot) offers the distinctive varietal character for which the appellation has become famous. Big and rich, this is a truly expressive Napa Cabernet. Each sip reveals rich chocolate with blueberry and raspberry notes, subtle hints of tobacco and leather and the classic dust and berry that you find on the nose of most Napa Cabernets. The Hayman & Hill winemaking philosophy is simply to seek out the finest quality grapes where they grow best. A fantastic value for Napa Cabernet!

Yard Dog Red (Finally!) $12.99
We've been waiting over a month for this one - that should tell you that it's good as well as hard to get! Fresh, with a silky texture and no rough edges to the sweet red berry flavors, Yard Dog finishes with notes of spicy cherry and sweet mocha. Vibrant on the nose with raspberry, red currant, rhubarb, and a hint of bitter chocolate, it's very fresh on the palate. Excitable aromas of currants lifted violet and notes of cherry and leather heel the exuberant berry aromas. Finishing with notes of spicy cherry and sweet mocha, this blend - 55% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvingnon, 15% Merlot - has won numerous accolades and a huge amount of press. Come on by and check it out for yourself! (And don't miss the cute label!)

February 14, 2009

Il Cuore '07 Chardonnay $13.99
Il Cuore (eel quarry) translates to "The Heart" from Italian, the language of romance. The name is also the title of the original watercolor by Dan Rizzie featured on the beautiful label. Il Cuore is a fitting tribute to the Italian immigrants who first planted the North Coast of California to vines in the nineteenth century. Il Cuore Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown exclusively in the cool coastal region of Mendocino County. Vineyards in this area invoke Chardonnays that are fresh with apple and pear flavors, complemented by floral nuances in the bouquet. This is Il Cuore's eleventh vintage, and has a five percent component of Viognier to enhance aromas and add complexity on the palate. The fresh, graceful style of Il Cuore Chardonnay results from cold fermentation in small stainless steel vessels and small components of barrel fermentation in mostly neutral small oak cooperage. The gentle use of oak in their wine making offers versatility with a wide range of foods. I love to promote this wine around Valentine's Day. The label is fitting, but, more importantly, the wine is of excellent quality!

Il Cuore '07 Rosso $13.99
This vintage is Il Cuore's ninth release of Rosso Classico, a unique blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Carignane, and Sangiovese varieties. The Rosso Classico is a medium bodied yet expressive wine, produced with modest oak cooperage to emphasize supple tannins and rich fruit flavors on the palate. Rosso Classico creates a rich and exuberant expression of berries, plums and ripe cherries. Syrah is the principle grape variety for this vintage, and contributes effusive ripe cherry flavors and good acidity to cut through spicy cuisine. Zinfandel offers bold fruit flavor and black pepper with dark color, while Carignane from this region provides jammy complexity and spicy character. Sangiovese from old plantings adds succulent plum nuances, pleasant spice and great color. Rosso Classico's fruity, spicy flavor will enhance a range of cuisine: classic Italian dishes, braised lamb, roasted salmon, grilled eggplant, herbed chicken... it pairs beautifully with dishes involving lots of garlic, but you might want to save those recipes till after Valentine's Day!

Castillo de Monseran '06 Garnacha Carineña $11.99
Castillo de Monseran is the largest producer of old-vine grenache in North Central Spain (the birthplace of Goya). This region is known for producing fantastic wines from old vines of Grenache, or as the Spanish say, "Garnacha." This fruit-forward grenache has the wonderful black cherry flavors typically found in great Garnacha. This is one of the best value reds in the store, with plenty of fruit and spice and a satisfying dry finish. Great everyday red!

Domaine Sainte-Eugénie Corbières $12.99
Domaine Sainte-Eugénie is positioned within the district of Fontfroide, the sweet spot of Corbières, with an 800-year history of viticulture. The estate is located within the foothills of the Pyrénées along the Mediterranean coast. Clay and chalk soils dominate here. The dry weather, sunny and warm climate combine to create an optimal growing environment. This wine is made entirely from free-run juice. It is a blend of about 60% old vine Carignan (65+ years old) with the rest being a blend of Grenache and Syrah (25-46 year old vines). The winery places about 40% of the wine in small cask for up to 1 year for aging. The result is a marvelously complex and clean wine that rivals anything produced in the appellation. The red fruits burst from the glass with mild hints of toast and spice that continue through the impeccably balanced finish. This wine is a Robert Kacher selection. Robert's dedication and passion for the wine business has resulted in numerous awards and accolades: Recently, Robert Parker named him "one of the 20 most influential wine personalities of the past 20 years."

February 7, 2009

Domaine Nigri Jurançon Sec $14.99
Domaine Nigri was founded in 1685, in Monein, near the city of Pau. It has belonged to the Lacoste family for four generations and has been run by Jean-Louis Lacoste since 1993. Trained as an oenologist, he restructured and modernized the estate applying the methods he learnt from his experience in Bordeaux as well as in foreign countries. He bought several plots in the area close to his estate. There were several hectares planted with Gros Manseng, which he replaced with Petit Manseng in order to increase his production of sweet wines of high quality. The 17th century buildings were restored, and the cellar was modernized to improve winemaking standards. Grapes for their sweet Jurançon wine are hand picked one by one and shriveled. Fresh and well balanced, they reveal exotic and candied fruits aromas with notes of wood, spices and honey. This particular Jurançon is a dry wine comprised of 80% Gros Manseng, 10% Camaralet and 10% Lauzet, a blend that creates the perfect balance of acidity, abundance of fruit specifically apple and peach as well as overwhelming florals, particularly green flowers and honeysuckle flavors.

Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Pale yellow in color, with green hues and brilliant clarity, the vibrant bouquet of citrus and tropical fruits is embellished with hints of cut grass and capsicum. A wine of charm, elegance and style, the palate has excellent weight and mouthfeel. Concentrated tropical fruit flavors of grapefruit, lemon and pineapple are augmented with layers of muted herbal characters. The crisp, balanced freshness of the palate extends into a lingering, refreshing finish. This wine has been a virtual phenomenon on the American market. In fact, it is Whole Food's number one selling wine. (The cute little monkey on the label may have something to do with this!) Ironically, monkeys are not indigenous to New Zealand. The name instead refers to an actual Marlborough coastal bay named by a visiting Englishman. Legend says the Brit promptly named the bay after mistaking a common local kiwi bird for a a chimp.

Paul Autard '07 Côtes Du Rhône, $13.99
Autard carries on the tradition established by Paul Autard when he founded the domaine in the village of Courthézon in the 1970's. Autard's vineyard practice aims to achieve a perfect balance between the soil and the vine. No pesticides, or chemical anti-rot products or fertilizers are used. He is guided by the method known as "lutte raisonnée"; the health of the vineyard is ensured by meticulous work by hand, such as the removal in May and June of unessential shoots and leaves that would block the proper aeration of the vines. When moisture cannot remain on the grapes and leaves, the possibility of problems such as rot and mildew is eliminated. Autard has 26 hectares of vines, of which 12 are in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 14 in Côtes Du Rhône (located at the border of the Chateauneuf appellation in Courthézon.) The aging cellar is a massive, vaulted cave cut into sandstone rock, housing the domaine's barriques. The Autards feel privileged to have inherited a domaine in which the plantations of different cépages are perfectly adapted to the soil types - ranging from gallets roulets, pebble and clay, and sandy-clay in their various parcels. They maximize the potential of each variety by vinifying separately and then blending judiciously. The grapes are destalked; fermentation takes place in stainless steel cuves. After the malolactic fermentation, the wines are transferred to barriques - approximately 30% of which are new. The Autards have attained international acclaim for their high quality wines and were selected for inclusion by Eric Mancio, sommelier at Restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris, in his book on the finest domaines of the Rhone valley. The Côtes du Rhône is an excitingly fruity wine, made from Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Muscardin. "Fresh, with sweet dark cherry and bramble flavors followed by notes of mocha and toast on the finish. Drink now." Score: 88. es -James Molesworth, March 31, 2008

Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet, $14.99
This Cabernet is deep red with a vibrant purple hue and complex aromas of plums, black berries, cassis, licorice and assorted spice. Underlying glimpses of smoky bacon, vanilla and tobacco are also evident. Flavors of spice, plums and vanilla carry over from the bouquet. A great acid balance, well-integrated oak, and silky smooth tannins combine to form a generous, well-structured wine with a soft but persistent finish. This is a new vintage of an old favorite with differing percentages. This vintage is comprised of 73% Shiraz and 27% Cabernet, which leaves it far brighter and lighter than the '05 vintage.

January 31, 2009

Stone Vineyards Obsession '07, $9.99
This one is a late addition to our Saturday Tasting! We tasted this one yesterday, and found it so interesting, that we scooped up a few cases in time for this weekend. Made from 100% Symphony grape, which is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris created over 60 years ago and planted in the Lodi and Sierra Foothills AVA's of California. Fruity on the tongue, but with a nice acidity on the finish, the Obsession goes with all kinds of spicy foods, but especially Thai dishes. Give this one a try, we think it's going to be a crowd pleaser! (You may even become obsessed with it!)

Heartland Stickleback White '07, $13.99
Flashes of lime green highlight the vibrant straw color of this white blend. Flavors of lemon zest and pear are echoed with masses of citrus zest on the nose; the gooseberry, peach and passion fruit hints are balanced by refreshing, crisp acid and a long, bright, aromatic finish. Both the Wine Advocate and The International Wine Cellar found this blend of 60% Verdelho, 20% Semillon, and 20% Chardonnay highly drinkable with an excellent balance of citrusy fruit and crisp, dry flavors.

Heartland Stickleback Red '07 (and '06!), $13.99
We find ourselves in a bit of an unusual situation here! We brought in the Stickleback red a little over a month ago, with the intention of tasting it after the holidays. When we followed up our distributor to order the tasting cases, we found that the vintage had changed on us! So, we have three cases of the newer '07 vintage, and about 8 remaining bottles of the '06 - and a great opportunity to taste them side-by-side! The 2006 Stickleback red got all kinds of "Best Bargain" accolades, and we really liked the yummy taste of the 2007, which adds a touch of the Italian grape Dolcetto into the 52% Cabernet, 33% Shiraz and small percentage of Grenache mix. From the Heartland Winery: "We have been planning to use our plantings of Dolcetto in Stickleback Red for several years. Only now are the vines mature enough for it to enhance the blend. The wine is fragrant, spicy and juicy. The Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz give the wine a rich, savoury character. The Dolcetto has firmer tannin than the Grenache and gives this multi-layered wine an appealing strawberry lift."

Chateau Bellevue Medoc '05, $15.99
Our newest offering from the Bordeaux region of France, a 2005 from the Medoc appellation, combines 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet-Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet franc. The winemakers age the wine in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, then bottle it under excellent conditions at exactly the right moment. You can enjoy the wine immediately, or wait as it continues to develop gracefully in bottle for many years. The wine is a lovely, ruby-red color, with good, full-bodied flavor and well-integrated tannins - making it an ideal accompaniment to red meats, game, poultry, and cheese.

Wine Offerings

Please phone for availability.

Label	Type
2 Brothers '04	Big Tattoo White
a Adami Garbel	Prosecco Spumante
A. Mano '03	Zinfandel
Alasia '06	Moscato d'Asti
Alexander Valley '05	Cabernet Sauvignon
Almaden	Chablis
Almaden	Burgundy
Altamura '03	Cabernet Sauvignon
Altamura '03	Sangiovese
Ang Clare Valley '05	Riesling
Ang McLaren Vale '05	Shiraz
Angiolino Maule '05	Rosso Masieri
Antinori Peppoli '04	Chianti Classico
Argyle Nuthouse '04	Pinot Noir
Arrogant Frog '05	Pinot Noir
Atteca '05	Garnacha Old Vines
Banfi '05	Chianti Classico
Barbaresco '03	Bianco Aldo
Barbera d'Abla '02	Flavio Roddolo
Barnett Vine '05	Pinot Noir
Barnett Vine '05	Merlot
Beni di Batasiolo '06	Moscato d'Asti
Benziger '05	Chardonnay
Bergstrom Wine '05	Pinot Noir
Beringer '06	Zinfandel
Bernardus '05	Sauvignon Blanc
Bird '06	Gewurztraminer
Black Box	Cabernet Sauvignon
Black Box	Chardonnay
Bogle Vineyards '05	Old Vine Zinfandel
Bogle Vineyards '05	Petit Sirah
Bogle Vineyards '05	Pinot Noir
Bonnes Bouches '05	Sancerre
Bucci '05	Verdicchio
Burgans Albarino '06	Rias Baixs
Cambria Julia's Vineyard '06	Pinot Noir
Can Blau '05	Monsant
Casa Julia Reserve '03	Cabernet Sauvignon
Castello di Farnetella '04	Chianti
Caymus Vineyards '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Ceretto Barolo	Zoncherro
Ch Beauvillage '05	Medoc
Ch de Fontenille '04	Bordeaux
Ch Montelena '02	Cabernet Sauvignon
Ch Montelena '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Ch Roulerie '06	Rose d'Anjou
Ch St. Martin Gar.	Bronzinelle
Ch Ste. Michelle '03	Merlot
Chalone Vineyard '05	Pinot Blanc
Chateau Bel Air '03	St-Croix-du-Mont
Chateau Pesquie '04	Terrasses
Chateau Ste. Michelle '05	Dry Riesling
Chateau Ste. Michelle '06	Dry Rose
Chinon '05	Les Galuches
Cline '05	Anc Vines Zinfandel
Cline '05	Zinfandel
clivi Galea '02	Bianco
Clos de la Roil '05	Beaujolais
Clos de los Siete '05	Argentina
Clos du Bois '05	Chardonnay
Clos la Fleur Fig '03	Bordeaux
Cockburn's	Ruby Port
Cockburn's	Tawny Port
Columbia Crest '03	Merlot-Cab, 1.5L
Columbia Crest '03	Cabernet Sauv
Columbia Crest '03	Cab Sauv, 1.5L
Columbia Crest '04	Chardonnay, 1.5L
Columbia Crest '04	Chardonnay
Concannon '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Concannon '04	Merlot
Concannon '04	Petit Sirah
Cono Sur '06	Pinot Noir
Constant Diamond Mountain '02	Cabernet Sauvignon
Conundrum '05	White Table Wine
Cooper Mountain '04	Pinot Gris
Coppola Dia Col '04	Cab Sauv, 1/2 bottle
Coppola Dia Col '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Coppola Dia Col '05	Char, 1/2 bottle
Coppola Dia Col '06	Pinot Noir
Corbett Canyon	Chardonnay
Corbett Canyon	Zinfandel
Corbett Canyon	Merlot
Corbett Canyon	Pinot Grigio
Coto de Hayas '04	Campo do Borja
Craftsman '06	Harslevelu
Craftsman '06	Pinot Noir Rose
Craftsman '06	Zold Veltelini
Crios de Balbo '05	Malbec
Crios de Balbo '05	Syrah/Bonarda
Crucillion Tinto '05	Campo do Borja
Curious Beagle '05	Cabernet Sauvignon
Cuvee Gravel '05	Bourgogne
David Bruce '05	Petit Sirah
DeLoach '05	White Zinfandel
Dolcetto d'Alba '05	Bianco Aldo
Dom de la Pepiere '05	Muscadet
Dom Mas du Bouq '05	Vacqueyras
Dom Roger Perrin '04	Chneuf-du-Pape
Domaine de Courteillac '03	Bordeaux Superieur
Domaine de la Maurelle '04	Gigondas
Domaine la Tour Vieille '04	Banyuls
Domaine Pichot '06	Vouvray
Domaine Zind Hum. '05	Gewurztraminer
Domaine Zind Hum. '05	Pinot Gris
Dr. Loosen '06	Riesling
Dry Creek Vine '05	Heritage Zinfandel
E. Guigal '04	Cotes du Rhone
Emilio Moro '04	Ribera del Duero
Eroica '06	Riesling
Fairview '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Fifth Leg '04	Vin Blanc
Fifth Leg '05	Vin Rouge
Finca la Estacada '04	Cosecha Propia
Flaio Primitivo '05	Salento
Four Vines '05	Naked Chardonnay
Four Vines '05	Old Vine Zinfandel
Four Vines Heretic '05	Petite Sirah
Four Vines Maverick '05	Zinfandel
Frei Brothers '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Freixenet	Cordon Negro Brut
Frog's Leap '06	Sauvignon Blanc
G.D. Vajra '01	Barolo
Georges DuBoeuf '04	Beaujolais-Villages, 1/2 bottle
Georges DuBoeuf '06	Beaujolais-Villages
Goats do Roam '04	South Africa
Graves '06	Ch Granville-Lacoste
Hamilton Russell '05	Chardonnay
Hardy's '05	Riesling, 1.5L
Hardy's '06	Chardonnay, 1.5L
Hardy's '06	Shiraz 1.5L
Hermann J. Wiemer '05	Reserve Riesling
Hermann J. Wiemer '05	Reserve Riesling
Hermann J. Wiemer '06	Riesling
Hermann J. Wiemer '06	Riesling
Hermann J. Wiemer '06	Riesling
Hess Select '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Hogue '05	Fume Blanc
Hogue '05	Dry Riesling
J.M. Boillot '05	Cote d'Or Meursault
Jasci, Montepul '05	d'Abruzzo
Joel Gott '05	Cabernet Sauvignon
Joel Gott '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Joh. Jos. Prum '03	Riesling
Jorge Ordonez '04	Moscatel
Kamen '03	Cabernet Sauvignon
Kas Kahrnagel '05	Riesling
Ken Forrest Stellenbosch '06	Petit Chenin
Kendall-Jackson '03	Cabernet Sauvignon
Kendall-Jackson '03	Meritage
Kendall-Jackson '05	Chardonnay
Kendall-Jackson '05	Pinot Noir
Kim Crawford '05	Unoaked Chardonnay
Kim Crawford '06	Pinot Noir
Kuentz Bas '05	Riesling
L.M. Martini '03	Cabernet Sauvignon
la maggiorina '04	Piane
La Remejeanne '05	Cotes du Rhone
La Spinetta '05	Pin
La Spinetta Sezzana '03	Sangiovese
La Spinetta Vig Bianco '06	Moscato d'Asti
La Vielle Ferme '05	Red Wine
Lagaria '05	Pinot Grigio
L'Ancien Jean-Paul Brun '05	Beaujolais
Las Brisas '06	White Wine
Liberty School '04	Central Coast Syrah
Lingenfelder '04	Gewurztraminer
Livingston Cellars	Blush Chablis, 1.5L
Livingston Cellars	Chablis, 1.5L
Livingston Cellars	Merlot, 1.5L
Lo Tengo '05	Torrentes
Lockwood '05	Sauvignon Blanc
Lois '06	Gruner Veltling
Los Vascos '05	Cabernet Sauvignon
Lost Block '06	Pinot Noir
Louis Michel & Fils '05	Chablis
Luna di Luna Blue '06	Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio
Luna di Luna Red '05	Merlot/Cabernet
Lurton '06	Torrontes
Lurton Valle de Uco '06	Pinot Gris
MacMurray Ranch '05	Pinot Noir
Macon-Lugny '05	Chardonnay
Maison L Latour '05	Pinot Noir
Mano Mano '05	Tempranillo
Margaux Cru Bourgeois '03	Ch Deyrem Val
Mark West '05	Pinot Noir
Marques de Cac '03	Rioja
Marques de Gelida '02	Cava
Mas Sainte Berthe '06	Passe-Rose
Match Book '04	Blockhouse
Match Book '05	Chardonnay
Menage a Trois '05	Red Wine
Menage a Trois '06	White Wine
Merriam Vine '02	Merlot
Mezzacorona '05	Pinot Noir
Mezzacorona '06	Pinot Grigio
Moet & Chandon	Champagne
Moillard '05	Pinot Noir
Moillard Les Violettes '05	Cotes du Rhone
Molson Golden	6-pack, bottles
Morey Saint-Denis '04	Domaine Dujac
Muga '06	Rioja
Nahe '04	Riesling Spatlese
Norton '06	Cabernet Sauvignon
Norton '06	Malbec
Norton Reserve '05	Malbec
Oxford Landing '05	GSM
Oxford Landing '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Oxford Landing '06	Viognier
Oxford Landing '06	Chardonnay
Oyster Bay '06	Chardonnay
Oyster Bay '06	Pinot Noir
Oyster Bay '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Palliser Estate '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Peachy Canyon '05	Zinfandel
Pen Koon Hill '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Penascal '05	Tempranillo
Penascal '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Peter Lehmann '04	Barossa Shiraz
Peter Lehmann Clancy's '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Pieropan '05	Soave Classico
Pink Truck '06	Rose Wine
Pomelo '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Quattro Mani '05	Montepulciano
Rancho Zabaco '04	Zinfandel
Rawson's Retreat '05	Semillon Chardonnay
Rawson's Retreat '06	Shiraz/Cabernet
Razor's Edge '05	Shiraz
Red Truck '05	Red Wine
Red Truck '06	Pinot Noir
Ridge '04	Geyserville
Ring Bolt '05	Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruffino '05	Chianti, 1.5L
Ruffino '05	Chianti
Saint-Joseph '04	Domaine Courbis
Salvalai '06	Pinot Grigio, 1.5L
Salvalai '06	Pinot Grigio
Sancerre Ph Raim '05	Vigneron
Sangre de Toro '05	Catalunya
Sauvignon Rep. Cellars '05	Sauvignon Blanc
Savigny-le-Beaune '02	Les Marconnets Premier Cru
Sebastiani '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Sebastiani '05	Barbera
Sileni Cellar Sel '06	Pinot Noir
Sileni Cellar Sel '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Simi '05	Chardonnay
St. Michael-Eppan '05	Pinot Grigio
St. Supery '05	Moscato
Stsbury Carneros '05	Unfiltered Chardonnay
Stsbury Carneros '05	Pinot Noir
Sutter Home	Cab Sauv, 4-pack
Sutter Home	Chardonnay
Sutter Home	Chardonnay, 4-pack
Sutter Home	Merlot, 4-pack
Sutter Home	Merlot
Sutter Home	Pinot Grigio, 4-pack
Sutter Home	Sauv Blanc, 4-pack
Sutter Home	White Zinfandel
Sutter Home	White Zin, 4-pack
Terrabianca '03	Campaccio
Terrazas de los Andes '06	Malbec
The Wine Bible	Karen MacNeil
Tiganello '03	Tuscan
Toad Hollow	Erik's the Red
Toasted Head '05	Chardonnay
Tohu Mugwi '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Trapiche '06	Torrontes
Trapiche '06	Malbec
Trinity Oaks '06	Pinot Noir
Turnbull '04	Cabernet Sauvignon
Vega Sindoa '05	Cab Sauv/Tempr
Veuve Clicquot	Brut Champagne
Victory Hop Devil	6-pack, bottles
Victory Prima Pils	6-pack, bottles
Vieux Telegraphe '03	Chneuf-du-Pape
Villa Antinori '03	Toscano
Villa Maria '06	Marl Riesling
Villa Maria '06	Sauvignon Blanc
Vincent Girardin '05	Chardonnay
Warre's 1995	LBV Port
Warre's Otima 10 Year	Tawny Port
Weingut Gebrud '05	Riesling
Westport Rivers '02	Brut Cuvee
White Truck '05	White Wine
Willamette Val '06	Pinot Noir
Wine by Joe '05	Pinot Noir
Wishing Tree '05	Shiraz
Wishing Tree '06	Unoaked Chardonnay
Woop Woop '06	Chardonnay
Woop Woop '06	Shiraz
Woop Woop '06	Verdelho
Wrongo Dongo '05	Jumilla
Yellow Tail '06	Chardonnay, 1.5L
Yellow Tail '06	Chardonnay
Yellow Tail '06	Merlot 1.5L
Yellow Tail '06	Merlot
Yellow Tail '06	Pinot Gris
Yellow Tail '06	Shiraz 1.5L
Yellow Tail '06	Shiraz

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