Goyette Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

The winemaker from Stephen Vincent, Robert Goyette and formerly of La Crema. This nearly opaque red. Nice blackberry and cassis or currant. Not as powerful in the palate as it is to the nose. Perdominant flavors are: cherry, plum jam and cigar box at the end. Slightly juicy and has a lingering mouthwatering finish.

Clockspring 2006 Zinfandel Amador County

Organic. Nice, ripe berry aromas with a hint of vanilla and cassis. Bright and acidic on the finish but has a fairly rich body with flavors of cherry, raisin, and a hint of mint. Very nice for such a reasonable price!

Stephen Vincent Pinot Noir 2008

70% Clarksburg, 30% Central Coast California. Translucent garnet color with violet undertones. Fully berried in the scent: blueberry. Nice acidity and medium bodied with red cherry and a spiced finish.

Backhouse Cabernet Sauvigon 2008

Deep plum colored with blackberry jam scent and full flavor with vanilla and raspbery finish. Decent.

Backhouse Chardonnay 2007

Light colored with a straw hue. Unoaked. Tart with decent acidity. Nutty with white peach and light body; a fine chardonnay for only $9

Clos Pegase 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Very dark and opaque in the glass with garnet edges. Big pipe tobacco, ripe black cherry with a top note of cherry and spice. Silky but not rich in the mouth with flavors of black licorice, black cherry and bark. A hint of coffee and dark chocolate on the finish round out the wine and keeps it from feeling too dense. Very nice.

Tamas Estates 2007 Double Decker Red

Owned by Wente, from Monterey. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah and barbera. Black-cherry flesh color with lighter edges. Smells warm like red raspberry pie with a floral note like narcissus. A soft, medium bodied wine with a good deal of sweetness. It feels overripe to me- without enough body or tannins to hold it all together. Nah.

Strong Arms Shiraz 2007

Deep black cherry color. Medium bodied, with mint, black cherry, tobacco and pepper. A good ‘table wine’ that is very affordable.

Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2007

Pale, clear ruby color. Cassis, acorn and cherry on the nose a hint of cola and slight mint. A light-handed California pinot that is reminiscent of French wine without the terroir.

Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2007

Northernmost part of Sonoma, hillside vineyards. Traditional Burgundian style with fine silky texture and forward fruit that smells of cantelope, honeydew and ash. Very good.

William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis 2007

100% Chardonnay 100% stainless steel. Pale golden color. Nose is pineapple, pear and lemon peel. Acidic and crisp with a clean mineral style. Good, but I prefer the Defaix Petit Chablis for the price.

Caparone Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon French Camp Vineyard 2004

Single vineyard- "French Camp" in Paso Robles. The wines are picked very ripe, fairly late into the season. Unfined or unfiltered. Black and green olive profile- Smells wild, brambly with a slight hint of barnyard (like an aged Rioja). Very exciting style! Black cherry front with a very light touch silky flavors of anise-seed, red licorice, cedar, vanilla on the finish- yet the wine remains very light and finishes cleanly at the end like a pinot noir. A pretty wine that anyone who likes to experiment with wine will appreciate!

Domaine Haut Perron Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Sustainably grown from Touraine, Val de Loire. Really great nose with tropical fruit- very unusual for French SB's. Very nice easy drinking witht the right amount of acidity and fruit, very nice creamy finish! SO delicious; my new house wine!

Biodynamic.

Weekend Wine Tasting- Charles River Wines

Outstanding Italian Wines, A Wine Event

Last month, we hosted a fabulous wine and food pairing event in our humble tasting room. Our special guests Francois Dufort and Guido Serio shared their wine, experience and much more. A special thanks goes to Elena Lucero, of Oz Wine Company, who helped coordinate the event.

Pena do Lobo Riberia Sacra

100% Mencia. D. Ventura is the producer with 3 vineyard sites along the Sil River. Galicia is in the southeast corner of Spain. Very steep terraces. Plum jam on the nose with a hint of black pepper and is non-certified organic. It's 'quenching' and bright, but still has a full finish with plum, pomegranate syrup. Good.

Anciano Tempranillo Reserva 2003

Old world style label and wine from Valdepenas. Very rustic colored, comes in a little golden cage! The scent is of cassis, earth, a cask aroma. With a toasty, light-cedary flavor with cherry and vanilla on the finish. A classic.

Mojo Mojo Temperanillo 2008

Unoaked tempranillo from La Mancha. South of Madrid. Bright, plums and cherries with a hint of spice. Very smooth and light to medium bodied. Really table-winey! Would do well in a wine bar with food, but, I think is good. Only $8.

Luna Benegas Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

From the oldest winemaking family in Argentina. Wine maker Federico Benegas Lynch makes an earthy style cab- aged in French Oak. Smells of fresh thyme and cinnamon with plum and has a very tannic finish. A little drying.

Waterstone Napa Valley Merlot 2006

Owned by Anders vineyard. Garnet colored merlot, sourced from Napa's finest vineyards. Good fruit without the name brand price. Oak-scented has a toasty character above the plum jam. Black currant raisin and prune with a dry finish. Good.

Antillo Podere Guado al Melo Toscana 2007

70% Sangiovese, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot. Aged 8 months in oak. Rife with anise, leather, cedar and bright cherry. Medium-bodied with a delicious fruity body, well-balanced by a tobacco-drenched acidity. Arik affectionately calls this 'stink', because of the raw aromas backed by fruit. I love it too!

Ransom Pinot Gris 2008

Zesty grapefruit and persimmons. Creamy lemon curd with a medium-body and nice minerally finish. The flavor lasts and has a sweet-tangerine essence.

Bellenda San Fermo Prosecco Brut

Form the Valdobbiadene region of Veneto. Prosecco, rich and creamy with green apples and a hint of pineapple. The finish is lime leaf and biscuits. Good.

Ca' del Solo Sangiovese 2006

San Benito County, owned by Bonny Doon. This wine is deep-colored with black/ruby edges. Fresh with ripe black cherry and anise on the nose. Medium to full bodied the flavor is mellow cherry and light acidity. Likeable, but may be a tough sell in Haley's.

Côté Jardin Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2007

Grenache 55%, Syrah 30%, Mouvedre 15%. Perfectly opaque with a thick black appearance. Smells of black cherry, spice, tobacco. The flavor is decent with medium body cherry-cassis and a leathery finish. Not as elegant as some wines that are only a few $ more.

Angelini Pinot Noir 2007

100% pinot noir from Veneto. Black cherry scent from this garnet hued wine. Also smells of lavender and cassis. Light style and what Paul would call 'thin'. I wonder if they should stick to the white wines??

Côté Jardin Côtes du Rhône 2007

Blend of Grenache Blanc 60%, Roussanne 20%, Marsanne 20%. Smells of white peach and gala apple. Full body and tart grapefuity finish. A bit too acidic. I want to like this wine, but misses the mark for me.

Angelini Pinot Grigio 2008

Very pale with honey hue, tart with grassy minerals and light. I think this is decent, but I've had better for the price.

Masi Modello Bianco delle Venezie 2007

Vernacchio- blend. Fruity nose with gravel. Smells like cantaloupe, has a light lemony flavor with plenty of acidity. Finishes with melon, and papaya. Nice everyday sipping wine.

Querceto Chianti 2007

DOCG Old-world rustic style. Bright cherry and light-bodied with a leathery finish that has nice acidity. 100% Sangiovese. The scent has a hint of aniseed and Swedish fish. Good.

Masi Campofiorin 2005

Nice tobacco and cherry nose that is tart and medium-bodied. A hint of fresh thyme and ripe cherry.

From Masi's website:
A red wine made from local Veronese grapes vinified fresh from the
harvest and then re-fermented with a small percentage of semi-dried grapes of the
same varieties. The wine splendidly encompasses the qualities of the Verona area:
the excellence of the zone, the highly individual style of the indigenous Veronese
grape varieties, and the originality of the techniques of "appassimento" (semi-drying)
and Masi double fermentation. It combines simplicity and grace with power and
majesty. Rich, full-bodied, round and velvety, with an ageing potential of 10 to 15
years.

Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio Verduzzo 2007

Golden hues with a citrus-honey scent with softness and a clean finish that is very nice.

winemaker's notes: 75% Pinot Grigio, 25% Verduzzo
Interesting color nuances with notable golden reflections. Attractive flower-fresh and ripe-fruit nose. The Verduzzo grapes ensure complexity and the Pinot Grigio grapes give their usual freshness on the palate. Marked hints of dried fruit and an aftertaste with hints of pineapple.

Bodegas Montecillo Verdemar Albarino 2008

Rias Baixas. Made by Maria Martinez. Bright, fresh with a hint of lychee, mineral and a hint of lemon. Very nice.

Rocca Della Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2005

Dark rustic color that is garnet. Black cherry and tobacco on the nose with a medium-bodied richness in the mouth. The flavor is richer than expected- for a short-priced chianti as this. It finishes with a bright, tart puckery finish that (though sounds negative) I do not mean it that way- it's just young, and I'd recommend decanting.

Kumeu River Matés River Chardonnay 2004

Golden-hued with very full-bodied scent that is ripe with apricots, almond and mineral. Long finish that has smooth acidity, but lively. Very good.

Kumeu River Matés Vineyard Chardonnay 2006

About 30% new oak, single-vineyard. The color is lemony-green and the wine has a buttery scent that is very fruited. This vineyard produces 'the best grapes' meaning, it has the oldest vines, and most mature fruit. This is evident in the glass as it has many layers of scent: apricot, dried fruit, hazelnut, fried sage. It remains fresh, though and it is very enticing, French style, terrior-dependent and very good.

Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2006

Full-bodied nose that really gives off a floral -citrus character that I find to be really terroir-driven in New Zealand. Still very fresh with violets and green apple, it still maintains a richness that Chardonnay demands. Aged in 24% new oak which gives the wine an aromatic, rich and strong finish. Very good.

Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2006

Single vineyard "Coddington". Gold color with a greenish tinge. Really fruited with peachy ripeness on the nose. A slight buttery / hazelnut / oakiness that meld together to make a complete, complex wine. Aged in heavily toasted smoking barrels. Michael, the winemaker, says they do this because the fruit is so 'full' that the oak becomes balanced. The effect is a much more forward Chardonnay that can really stand up to bold food flavors.

Kumeu River Chardonnay Estate 2005

Made by Brajkovich Family Proprietors. Presented to me by Michael Brajkovich, these wines are of the highest quality, and compete with similar wines from Burgundy. In other words: they are remarkable quality for the price. The 2005 is a more golden color than the 2006 and the scent is still fresh but has a depth to the nose. Flavors of pears, mineral and a light buttery essence that remains cool-tempered with a hint of almonds and cream. Also very good.

Kuemu River Estate Chardonnay 2006

Blend of six vineyards, the best-seller fromKumeu with 100% malolactic fermentation. Also has a grassy scent but is still very frech the color is pale like Chablis. A fruity nose but with definite golden (honey?, raisin?) flavors but has a nice acidity that is very alluring. This is not creamy or buttery, but has a definite unctuousness that leaves a rich finish. Very good.

Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2007

2/3 fermented in stainless and 1/3 in old oak barrels in the style of Chablis and Macon. The scent is a little grassy (Think cut wheat the has been in the sun, drying) with a gala apple, buttery maybe tarte-tatin nose. Very cool-climate grown, you can tell by the fresh taste and good acidity. 100% malolactic fermentation, but spends 2-3 months on lees.

Graham Beck Chenin Blanc Gamekeeper's Reserve 2008

Upfront tropical fruit, ripe pineapple, melon, peaches and honey flavors on the nose. Full and juicy palate with layers of ripe tropical fruit complemented by a long clean and crisp aftertaste.

This winemaker is committed to caring for its workers and neighbors, by providing education and housing.

Graham Beck Cabernet Sauvignon Gamekeeper's Reserve 2007

Great complexity of black berry fruit and cassis on the nose, which is well supported by spicy mineral and cigar box flavors. This wine has a rich, juicy and intense palate with a long lingering finish.

This winemaker is committed to caring for its workers and neighbors, by providing education and housing.

Clos Saron Heart of Stone 2004

If you're looking for a 'cult' wine, you have found it, in Clos Saron. In the Sierra Nevada foothills, winemaker Gideon Beinstock, imparts a European sensibility to his wines. Named by their style, not their grape varietal, the blends change with each vintage. All the wines are biodynamic and are aged in old oak. His vines are old (pre-pyhlloxera) unharmed rootstock. They are very complex wines. The Heart of Stone is 96% Syrah and 4% viognier. The nose comes off like port with tarragon and violets and has a HUGE presence. Cherry, raisin and creme brulee -an odd mix- unfold to form a match that is super-delicious. It's opulent and velvety rich. Big, but restrained at the end and very compelling. Unfined, unfiltered, it should have sediment and a slightly cloudy appearance (the one we tasted did). Only 2064 bottles made.

This vineyard is free of: herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers.

Domaine des Pothiers Fou de Chéne 2007

100% Chardonnay Vine de Pays d’Urfé full bodied yet really nice like a pouilly-fuisse. This wine is from the Côte Roannaise in the Loire Valley. Lemon curd and bright honeysuckle flavors open up to a little gravel and the slightest hint of lychee. This wine is new to the US and is non-certified organic. It is versatile and would be served well for all types of seafoods and fowl.

Image is from the blog: http://domainedespothiers.blogspot.com/
of the vineyards at Domaine des Pothiers. Check it out!

Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Clean scent with fresh minerally flavor that has a light touch. Tropical fruit on the nose with aromas of pears and lychee. The palate is crisp, ripe passion fruit and lime fruit wrapped up in a mouth-watering finish. More earthy and silkier than a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. This wine is a sure bet for turkey season.

Graham Beck is a giant of the South African wine scene and has led the country's thundering success since the end of Apartheid in 1994, a year that saw Nelson Mandela toast his inauguration as President with a flute of Beck's Brut NV. This winemaker is committed to caring for its workers and neighbors, by providing education and housing.

Cirque du Vin by Peachy Canyon 2006

Paso Robles. Tasting Notes from Peachy Canyon: Aromas of Black Currants, Sage, Leather, Cherries and spice fill the glass. Hints of lightly toasted oak with hints of vanilla follow the fruits and spices. The color of this wine is deep purple. The palate is fresh and layered.

We tasted this at the Boston Wine Expo earlier in 2009. It was a unanimous 'yes!' for it's smooth mouth-filling texture and balanced fruitedness.

Composition: 25% Petite Sirah, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: Brave Oak, Torgesson, Twin Oaks, Steinbeck, Kathryn's

Flora Springs Trilogy Meritage 2005

Bright black cherry nose with a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Decent with a nice balance of fruit and tannin. A hint of pepper and a round warmth provided by the oak make this smooth and toasty.

Wine Advocate: The vintage is exemplified beautifully by the 2005 Trilogy. This is a superb example of this proprietary red. Beautiful deep red, blue, and black fruits all intermingle with some crushed rock, lavender, and spice box in a very scented bouquet. In the mouth, it is layered, medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin, gorgeous purity, and length. This is a stunning wine that should drink nicely for 15 or more years. Score: 93. —Robert Parker, December 2007.

Flora Springs Soliloquy Vineyard 2007

Oakvile, California. Bright and crisp green apples in the front and a hint of minerals . With the complexity of the 2006 but is a little greener- with straw notes. Has a little grapefruit and honeydew and a nice full finish. This wine would be great with sharp cheeses and pork or poultry with fruit sauces.

From the Winery: Following fermentation, the wine is sur less aged for eight months in 1600 gallon, sixty-year old, neutral oak, upright ovals. The combination of bright acidity unique to this vineyard site, and the wonderful complexity that comes with the sur lees aging, creates a long, smooth finish of clean fruit flavors of melon and fig that linger on the palate. The result is a Soliloquy in perfect harmony.

Villa San Juliette Petite Sirah 2007

Has a high-alcohol scent that I’m not too interested in. It’s 15% alc. hmmm. Very black and inky in color with a slight floral scent that is nice. Full bodied with decent flavor. Pass.

Villa San Juliette Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

With former winemaker from Hahn. Paso Robles. Dark berry colored with an intersting nose with a little clove and thyme. Has an elegant finish that is remarkable.

Line Shack Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Lots of fruit in the nose, black cherry black berry and blueberry. Non-descript in the center with a finish that is not memorable. Nah.

Line Shack Roussanne 2008

San Antonio Valley, Monterey. Husband and wife team that focus on Rhone and Bordeaux varietals. A freshly mango and peach scented wine. Straw-colored with a full body reminiscent of chardonnay and has a certain creaminess that would be good with garlicky food.

Crios 2007 Syrah-Bonarda

Looks black, like octopus ink. Bonarda, used mainly as a blending grape in Italy, flourishes well in Argentina. This blend has been highly regarded by the Wine Spectator. Smells of cassis and black cherry with garnet edges. Very lively and has ripe red plum and black raspberry flavors with a slightly spicy character and a long, juicy finish. Nice fruitiness and finishes with good structure.

Chateau LaRose-Trintaudon 2004

Haut-Medoc Deep brick and ruby colored with a deeply scented nose. The finish falls flat to me, as it did in a previos tasting. Maybe its because its just over-produced?

'Josh' Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Joseph Carr a California negociant. Predominately Lake County fruit. Very fruity with black berry and a toasted finish that can be very good with salty/grilled food.

Chateau Greysac 2004 Medoc

Bordeaux. Northern Medoc 45% merlot and cabernet sauvignon with a bit of cabernet franc. Garnet colored with a nicely fruited body with fresh raspberry and a leathery finish. The body has good structure and is drinking very well.

Corte alla Flora Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005

Deep ruby with rich tobacco and blackberry scent. Medium bodied with a nice fruited finish. There is good acidity and has a light touch.

Acrobat Oregon Pinot Gris 2008

Made by King Estate in Eugene. Very fresh nose with grapefruit and citrus. Clean to the point with a full center and a very light finish. On the shelf for $12.99, sustainably grown.

Chateau L’Ermitage Blanc 2008

Rhône Valley Costieres de nïmes, easternmost Languedoc town of St. Gilles. Primarily roussane, with 20% grenache blanc and viognier. Very gravelly nose dry and acidic. Hints of grapefruit white peach. Would be a lovely compliment to cheese and pate appetizers.

Domaine Richou, Chauvigné 2007

Right across the river from Savennieres in Anjou ‘noir’, this area is know for its black slate soil that imparts a minerality that is absolutely fruity, while maintaining a bone-dry acidity. 100% chenin blanc. Fermented almost entirely in stainless steel, but spends some time in old oak. This gives an intense finish that is just incredible.

Chateau L’Ermitage Rouge 2007

50% syrah 30% mouvedre, 20% grenache. Toasty fruited nose from rocky soils and sees about 4 months in used oaks casks. Comes off light and dry has a rich black cherry finish. Very nice.

Domaine Richou, Les 4 Chemins 2008

Cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon blend. Deep garnet red. Harvested from some younger vines. Domaine managed by Didier and Damien Richou. Not certified, but this is farmed organically and hand-harvested. Nice cherry flavor with a dry mineral finish a hint of violet and licorice on the remarkable finish. Richou wines flaunt their purity and depth of fruit. Richou wines are beautifully transparent vis-à-vis their terroir: these are wines of Anjou; even more specifically, wines of Anjou’s schist soil.

Hillinger Zweigelt 2006

Austria's most widely planted red grape, zweigelt- a hybrid or blaufrankisch and saint laurent grapes, developed in 1922. Black cherry color; a little fennel in the scent with black berries and wood. Medium bodied with nice a fruity - maybe mapled finish. A contender!

A Diehl Dornfelder 2007

A new (1944) hybrid grape - all native German grapes, that we can think of as a 'pinot noir' or 'gamay' style. Liter bottle. Bright red cherry with a hint of ripe black berry that is very appealing. (I'm very interested in these German reds, mainly because I have no knowledge of them...). Very quaffable, but little residual sugar. Smells like firewood. I think it may be an acquired taste. But I like it.

St Ludwin Niersteiner Kabinett 2008

Germany white - that has roses and poached pears on the nose. Straw colored. This is neirsteiner the grape, that finishes clean and creamy with tight mineral and a little lime. Reinhessen.

A Diehl Gewürtztraminer 2007

Passionfruit and lychee sweet in the mouth. A little too loose for me.

A Diehl Riesling 2007

From Pfalz, Germany. This wine Arik calles a "porch pounder". Mineral and citrus-scented this wine is only 11% alcohol. Creamy with lychee and finishes with a nice light honeyed citrus flavor.

Felsner Grüner Veltliner 2008

Hand-harvested, Austrian grape. Musk melon nose with fruity body that comes off clean at the end. Wine guy, Arik says that the Austrians drink this in cafes with mineral water mixed in - a classic white wine spritzer, but is good enough on its own. It has a bottle cap, in lieu of a cork or screw-cap; I guess you have to drink it all in one sitting!

Weingut Groiss Grüner Veltliner 2007

Austria. I carry this wine and have not posted the notes: here it goes!
Screw-cap with a wheaty character that finishes fresh with citrus (blood orange) and lime. Its a bit gravelly at the end and very enjoyable. Liter-bottle retails for $12.99

Wine Dinner at Haley's Thursday October 8, 2009

Wines from Match Imports, meet winemaker Guido Serio and taste his delicious Tuscan wines: San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico, Cellole Chianti Classico Riserva and more!

Food by Chef Paul Baker of Foodie's Feast. More details to follow.

Don't miss it!

Illahe Wilamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon 2007

A new vineyard with first plantings in 2001. Lowell Ford, winemaker son Brad, and Michael Lundeen have a winner on their hands. You may recognize the Ford name as they have supplied grapes to Evesham Wood, Cristom, Penner-Ash, and others. They are a 'green' operation with solar panels and a gravity-based harvesting system. A very light-colored cherry red wine with a deep, dark blueberry flavor that is surprising for a wine so light in color. There is a deep vanilla essence on the finish - oaked for nine months. A very stylish wine that wins with its versatility.

Doudet Naudin Marsannay 2007

In the Côtes de Nuits, most northern section of Burgundy. 100% pinot noir. The color is a clear, ruby red with a light, simple flavor. The nose is fresh, tart cherry and raspberry. Nice, but I think I will be hard-pressed to sell amongst other fuller French pinots that I currently have in stock.

Domaine de Bachellery Pinot Noir 2007

Languedoc outside of Beziers, on the Mediterranean. The Domaine has been producing wine for centuries. Under the current ownership for over 100 years. They also make olive oil and varietally labelled wines . Very clear cherry color and are aged in used oak casks. Marina + Bernard Julien - winemakers. Interesting medium bodied with ripe plum nose and pleasing dry, warm-spiced mouth. Decent.

Ramiat Tempranillo 2004

Black in color and blackberry jam colored when swirled. Nose is spiced with thyme, black cherry, tannins are very forward and there is little sugar, which reminds me of (get this:) Spanish wine. What's missing? The earth, the oak, the love. Not very exciting...

Forest Ville Cabernet Sauvignon California 2007

Inky color and rust-colored rim, the fruit is harsh and tannic. The nose is gravelly and reminds me of rotting peaches. Not interested.

Forest Ville Pinot Noir California 2008

Dusty plum color and sweet, ripe black cherry the flavor is gamey and has a hint of bacon fat. The finish is flat and I'm not impressed.

Codorniu Cava Brut

The largest producer of cava, in the world (even more than Frexinet!); made from 100% pinot noir. Very dry with a cherry backbone that is reminiscent of a cremant de loire. It is very light bodied like the tickle of a feather - some people will like that, some may not. I was hoping for more complexity, though it's not pricy, the bottle and package styling look the part.

Ramiat Albarino Vina 24 2007

Spanish wine, this is one of the early vintages. From a new area: Costars de Segre, near Penedes (cava region). These wines are 'line-priced' and retail for about $10. Bright and tart with a nice mineral scent. Not complex and I wouldn't carry this because I have much better albarinos (though a little pricier) that are more palatable. A bit flat.

Forestville Chardonnay 2007

Smells like tutti frutti sfruit stripe gum. Minimal aged american oak 3 months. Nah.

Forestville Chardonnay 2007

Smells like tutti frutti sfruit stripe gum. Minimal aged american oak 3 months. Light and medium dry. Perhaps just the thing value-minded folks are looking for in chardonnay. Marshmallow on the finish, not long.

Gordon Bothers 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Valley. Winemaker is Jeff Gordon. I now remember why I carry this wine. Just smelling it alone is reason enough to love it. It’s a lesson in paradox: bright and deep, rich and spiced, I haven’t yet put it in my mouth and it’s given me so much already... A very round and delicious cabernet sauvignon, that is velvety and has a tremendous finish. A steal at $ 23.99.

L’ecole no. 41 2005 Columbia Valley Merlot

Aged in French Oak 18 months. Made by one of the premier winemakers in Washington Marty Chubb. (Note to self, I hate the label). Dark cherry and tobacco, leather up front. The finish is rich and full. There is a nice maple syrup flavor and deep satisfying undercurrents of smoked meat. A really nice merlot that beats the pants off of others twice the price. $39.99

Gordon Brothers 2007 Merlot

Inkier in color than most merlots, it has brick red edges and a spicy blueberry scent. A drier, leaner French-styled merlot that any wine lover would want. Aged in French oak and has a warm, earthen toastiness that yearns to be in front of a fire. Gordon Brothers is 1 of 28 wineries in Washington State that grows and produces its own single vineyard fruit. This is more special than you think! Wine by Jeff Gordon.

Murphy's Law 2006 Washington State

Columbia Valley. 65% merlot, 19% cabernet franc, 9% malbec, 7% sangiovese. Made by David O'Reilley from O'Reilley Pinot Noir (Oregon). Purchasing fruit and hiring winemakers to 'freelance to make the wines, Local Wine Company also produces Jigsaw and SNAFU (both of which I have carried in the past). Deep brick red with bright cherry and tobacco the body is sweet and almost syrupy. It's not pricey and had a tart spicy finish that is Spanish in style to me. I can see people who love rich wines with maple and cassis loving this.

Homegrown Family Harvest Red 2007

Petite Sirah, syrah and barbera blend (equal parts), deep dark color and galoshes on the label make for a trendy- restaurant table wine. Taste: starts off drier and then has a big, juicy finish that says: CHUG ME! I think I can sell buckets of this wine, as it is a palate-friendly pizza and lasagna loving wine that would also be just as good on the couch on a cool autumnal Sunday afternoon. It will be in store on 9/5, come-n-get-it!

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2008

Piedmont. Clean light syle with a deep inky color. The edges look violet and there is a pleasant dried currant flavor and is a great buy! Will have to get this in for the fall!

Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Dark brick-red and ruby with medium bodied slightly oaked and fennel-scented. Also fully-fruited with a good deal of sweetness that would be a good compliment to salty foods.

Wente Sandstone Merlot 2006

Arroyo Seco Monterey. Clear rose ruby color with a balanced full-fruitedness that is what I like about merlots. Dry back-end structure, that would be good with food.

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2008

Livermore Valley, as well. Cool chardonnay scent with a definite oak grounding (on staves?). Crisp with medium body that is very appealing.

Wente Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc 2008

5 generations in Californaia. Livermore Valley, southwest of San Francisco Bay. Very pale green-straw color with fresh and zippy nose. A little dull on firste taste, then brighter green apple and a hint of mineral and celery stalk.

Luigi Bosca Malbec 2006 DOC

Single Vineyard Lujan de Cuyo region. Rich and delightful will come back to this laters...

Luigi Bosca Syrah 2006

Hot oaky scent with big fruit, jammy with a tannic backbone that can stand up to the fruit. Plums, currants, long delicious finish.

Luigi Bosca Sauvignon Blanc 2008

100% stainless, sits on fine lees 6 mos. Nice fresh citrus scent, likeable.

Luigi Bosca Chardonnay 2008

Argentina: 1/3, 1/3, 1/3: malo/oaked/stainless. An approach that is unlike California. God balance with a tart finish unlike chardonnays I've had recently.

La Linda Malbec 2007

Luigi Bosca. Deep color with black cherry and leathery scent. 3 months oak and not very memorable mouth. I'm thinking that it could be better with more 'open' time. Seems like the fruit is too restrained. Will have to re-taste.

La Linda Bonarda 2007

Most widely planted grape in Argentina (even more than Malbec!). This grape was originally used in Italy as a blending component. This is aged 6 months in American oak. Very warm, woodsy nose with dark black color and inky. Much lighter in the mouth with cedary fruit and nice finish. A maybe...

La Linda Viognier 2008

Definite apricot and honey on the nose and a tart, clean mouth. 100% stainless though seems creamy in the finish, is it the soil? The wine is soft and approachable. I could sell this wine all day if people weren't so afraid of trying a new grape. Good.

La Linda Torrontes 2008

Region: Cafayate Salta. This line is the 'everyday drink', orange blosson, warm peach cobbler scent with a clean citrus finish. Dry in the mouth with a bitter lime flavor that is a burst of freshness. Organic and sustainable. Oh and think: beautiful white peaches.

August Cellars 2007 Riesling

Yakima Valley Washington. Very likeable dry-style with lychee fruit and cream front and drier mineral back. Reminds me of a chenin blanc. Another different stylistic approach, which is definitely a nice alternative to pricier German rieslings.