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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

August Cellars 2005 Pinot Noir

Very small winery - they make 2,500 cases across all their varietals- pinot noir being the most (about 900 cases). Willamette Valley Oregon. Very minimal intervention, though not organic, they use very little sulfite and do not filter the wines. Black currant, anise and toasted oak nose. Deep raisiny-color with clear edges. Big brambly flavor and earthy with clean sweet finish that is refined, and very unusual compared to California pinots. Very nice especially as Elena brought the bottle in with a slight chill and the cellared coolness works really well.

Bleasesdale Shiraz 2005

Bremerview, Langhorne Creek. Potts Family. Rena Hirsch, winemaker. Nice dark inky color and purple ripe fruit abound! Smooth and earthy with chocolate and a hint of leather on the finish. New to Haley's; it's a 'big' shiraz at a reasonable $22.00!

Chateau les Rosiers Bordeaux 2005

From Patrick Jolivet. In the far western part of Entre deux Meres. Merlot/cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon blend. Black cherry and rich raisin on the nose. Deep red color and garnet edges. Really tight but ripe. Needs more time in the bottle / decanting could help. Will let you know later!

WAY OUT: Trimbach Pinot Gris 2005 Reserve

Rich and sweet with nice acidity. Apples and golden raisins show up at the finish. Brings pinot gris to a new level. I brought this in because I was lacking a French pinot gris in the store, and because it's way out of my comfort zone. This wine would be great with Indian food or a couscous.

Thomas Halby Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

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

Avondale Syrah 2005

Rustic color, rich and velvety chocolatey finish. Dark berry and oak flavors meld well into smoothness. Biodynamic. Organic.