Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Thomas Halby Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Napa Valley. Eucalyptus and bright black cherry show well in this open, elegant wine.

Laetitia Estate Chardonnay 2007


Arroyo Grande Valley, Eric Hickey Wine maker. Oaked and full-bodied style. This represents the old style, and wildly popular style California chardonnays are known for. $15.99

Laetitia Estate Pinot Noir 2007


Earthy, full-bodies fruit with fine oak (barrel aged 11 mos.) balance and a cedary finish. Eric hickey, Wine maker. $22.99

Monday, May 18, 2009

Huber Grüner Veltliner Obere Steigen 2008


Straw-colored and I detect a bit of pear and strawberry on the nose. Nice acidity and bright fruit in the mouth. Very lean, mineral finish. From 25-year old grüner veltliner vines. Huber Family. $16.99

Arona Barker's Marque Sauvignon Blanc 2008


Plush, rich starfruit scent leads to green apples and hints of cantaloupe with a dry mineral finish. A wonderfully affordable example of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. $10.99

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Bright and yeasty with bold chardonnay fruit. I always love wine with bubbles. This is the real deal!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Graffigna Malbec 2006


From San Juan Argentina. Full-mouth red fruits and a nice, dry, tannic backbone to hold it up. Great for the price $12.99.

Cimicky Trumps Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007

Well-balanced and delicious fruit : blackberry and blueberry nose. Silky, mellow texture with soft edges.

I did not opt to carry this wine in my store because I have others (similar in price and style) like Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz and Winner's Tank. The 2007 Trumps did get this glowing review from Wine Spectator:

Offers terrific presence. Supple in texture, this vibrates with black cherry, raspberry, red plum and subtle spice flavors, hinting at white pepper as the finish sails on and on. Drink now through 2017. 3,000 cases made. –HS

Let me know if you want me to bring it in!

Vavasour Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2007

Deep cherry nose with spicy front. Finish is even and rich with raisin and spice on the long finish. Impressive.

Dashwood Pinot Noir 2007

Awateri and Wairu blend of grapes. Bright cherry nose with a little leather. A bit fizzy and the finish is harshly textured.

Goldwater Wairu Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Marlborough gravel and grapefruit. Very balanced, with limestone and chalk -tinged finish. Subtle.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Dashwood Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008


Good fruity-melony style with passionfruit, lime and a crisp, acidic finish. At only $10.99, a great summer sipper! From Awatere Valley. Produced by Vavasour Wines.