Cline 2008 Cashmere

Mouvedre 47%, Grenache and Syrah blend. Nicely toned nose with a good balance with fruit and acid- leaning toward acidity. Aged in used oak- imparts a slight woody character. I think this wine would be great with fatty roasts, egg noodles and carbonara.

Andre Brunel Côtes du Rhône 2007

75% grenache 15% cinsault 10% syrah: fresh cinnamon buns and cherry tobacco on the nose. Medium-bodied with jammy mouth feel and a silky finish. Very good.

Domaine Andre Brunel 2008 Grenache

Medium bodied color and has a warm baked raspberry nose. Bright acidity and cherry notes lead to a not very complex wine that would be good with fatty meats and creamy cheeses.

Domaine la Guintrandy Côtes du Rhône 2008

Try this delicious Côtes du Rhône by Marie-Claire and Olivier Cuilleras. It's made from 70 % Grenache, 20 % old vine Carignan and 10 % Syrah in the commune of Tulette. From sandy marl and cobalt, stony soil. This wine has a medium-ruby color and is non-fined or filtered. The grapes are hand-harvested and are non-certified organic. Flavors are of rich cherry and cola- a hint of licorice and has a nice, dry cedar-kissed red-raspberry finish. Drink this with pork or veal stews, grilled lamb or braised beef.

Comes in a 3-liter box ($29.99) or a 750 ml bottle.

Le Nain Violet 2005

Domaine de la Pertuisane. Grenache noir 50%, Syrah, 40% Carignan 10%. 30-50 year-old-vines. Aged 18 mos in French Oak. Very dark rich color. 15% alcohol makes a grippy finish. Full bodied with an apricot-black berry scent. The flavor is rich, but not particluarly smooth.

Delivery Today!

Most of our deliveries come in on Wednesdays and Thursdays. What makes today any different? I just liked the graphics on these cases of wine. Most consumers don't get to see the designs on these. They range from plain cardboard boxes with a wine label pasted to the side (see box under Oyster Bay) to four-color super glossy works of art, like red truck and white truck. The pink box with black heart and dagger, on the upper right, is a wine called Bitch. A memorable name for a juicy 100% grenache from Australia. Only $12.99.

Price isn't everything

I have a customer who came in today to thank me for selling her the Amador Foothills Katie's Cote Syrah/Grenache. She brought it over to a friend's home who she described as "people who regularly spend up to $100 on a bottle of wine". They all 'loved' this little gem. Priced at a very reasonable $17.99, this customer commented how great it is to drink a delicious wine under $20. She also "doesn't understand why her friends spend so much money on a bottle of wine, when there are so many great wines being made". I couldn't agree more!

My notes: wonderful rhone-like balance: 51% syrah and 49% grenache. This wine, from Shenandoah Valley California, has lush red raspberry flavors and an even tannin structure. Great with anything from eggplant parmigan to grilled meats to cheese platters.

ONLY 206 cases made. Get it NOW!