New Year's Wine Ideas

It's New Year's - great time to drink an outstanding bottle with family and friends!

Sparkling

Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Brut Rosé (France) Reg. $49.99, Sale $44.99 - Outstanding champagne! Possibly OUR FAVORITE! It’s hard to pick which is a favorite Champagne – this is up there! This is a GREAT bottle of wine! WOW! Intense and big aromas & flavors – raspberry, strawberry & red currants along with fresh bread. Aromas of cinnamon and cloves. Dry. Intense flavors. Complex. Well-balanced. Silky texture. Long, tasty finish! Food pairing - Drink well-chilled as an aperitif. A GREAT FOOD WINE! Try it with smoked salmon or seared tuna! Perfect with fruit tarts to finish a great meal. Blend of Pinot Noir (60%), Pinot Meunier (30%) and Chardonnay (10%). Aged a minimum of 3 years. Wine Spectator, 92 points

Ferrari Brut (Italy) $21.99 – This is a “Metodo Classico” sparkling wine. That means it is made in the same way Champagne is made. The bubbles come from a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Hot dogs and “Champagne” are a great pairing! From Trentino in the far north, Ferrari was first made in 1902 when Giulio Ferrari started this winery. He had studied winemaking in France and was convinced that the northeastern part of Italy could produce world-class Champagne-method sparkling wines. The wine is produced following strict Champagne-like methods. The vines are about 30 years old. The Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested. This winery has consistently won awards since 1906 and it is a perennial winner of “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) – the highest Italian wine award. The wine has great bubbles and aromas of lemons, fresh bread and herbs. Flavors of crisp apples, pears, toast and lemons.

Veuve de Vernay Brut Rosé (France) $10.99 – This really stands out against other moderately-priced sparkling wines! It is made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – 2 of the grapes, Chardonnay is the othter, that may be used to make Champagne. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are both red-skinned grapes and often used to make rosé sparking wines. This has wonderful strawberry, raspberry and cranberry aromas and flavors. Plus a nice earthiness. It has great length for a moderately-priced sparkling wine. This is tart, clean and dry. Food pairing – excellent for a cocktail wine. This would go well with a fruit tart or a dark chocolate dessert.

Juvé y Camps Brut Reserva de la Familia Cava 2005 (Penedes, Spain) $15.99 - Pale gold in color, this Cava has aromas of pears, apples, white stone fruits (nectarines and peaches) and toasted bread with hints of citrus in the background. The bubbles, aromas and flavors are longlasting and pleasing. Blended from the traditional Cava grapes - Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada grapes, which are harvested on the estate's properties at Espiells, Can Massana and La Cuscona. The Juvé Family founded this winery in 1796 and it has been family-owned and operated ever since. Food pairing - Pair with paté, seafood, rice, and all kinds of fish, white meat and smoked. Wine Enthusiast, "Top 100 Best Buys"

Avinyo Cava Brut NV (Spain) $19.99 - Extended aging on the lees makes this reserve cava crisper, fuller, and creamier. It also has hints of toasted nuts under the aromas of citrus and pear. This is a complex intriguing sparkler that could pass as Champagne if you closed your eyes. The flavors are perfect to pair with Turkey and the effervescence will remove the fat and grease of gravy from your mouth. Aromas of green apples, citrus, fresh bread and minerals. Fresh and dry flavors of apples, fresh bread, pears and peaches. It’s been aged on its “lees” for 18-22 months, adding a yeasty quality to the wine similar to many Champagnes. Minerally-driven dry finish. This shows as much complexity as many Champagnes at a fraction of the cost! Blend of Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada. Aged on lees for 18-22 months. Non-vintage. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points; Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 88 points

California

The Whites:

Hess Su’skol Chardonnay 2008 (Chardonnay) $19.99 – This is a delicious, well-balanced California Chardonnay! This has wonderful aromas and flavors of figs, honeysuckle, flowers, minerals, clementines and baking spices. Sustainable agriculture. It’ll age well through 2018. Aged 9 months in 20% new French oak. This picks up some of the vanilla toastiness and baking spices that new oak adds to wine without being over-oaked. Food pairing – shrimp or scallops with a spicy sauce, broiled or grilled seafood. Lobster. Roasted chicken. Wine Spectator, 91 points, “Ten Great California Values”

The Reds:

Shafer Relentless Syrah 2006 (California) $69.99 - Excellent, beautiful, big, smooth Syrah! This is big and chewy! Aromas and flavors of minerals, graphite, plums, smoked meat, black pepper and dark berries. Long, long finish and a lot of depth and structure! 84% Syrah and 16% Petite Sirah. Aged 30 months in 100% new French oak. This will age well through 2016. Food pairing - dishes such as Syrah-braised short ribs, smoked lamb with Relentless reduction, roast duck, as well as beef and game. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92-94 points; Wine Spectator, 90 points

Shafer “1.5” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) $69.99 – One Point Five takes its name from the term “a generation-and-a-half,” coined by John and Doug Shafer to describe their long father-and-son partnership. For 27 years this family team has worked side by side to manage a winery that they’ve made world-class. The wine: 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. Stags Leap District vineyards. Aged 20 months in 75% new oak barrels (70% French and 30% American). 25% of the barrels are barrels that have been used once. Aromas of dried herbs, chocolate, black fruit and cedar. Flavors of dark chocolate, blackberries, black cherries and red currants. Tannins are soft and smooth.

Herman Story “Nuts & Bolts” Syrah 2008 (California) $44.99 - This is one big, bold, in-your-face wine! Full-bodied is a bit of an understatement. This is super-concentrated, multi-layered….lots of complexity. Rich, rich wine. Aromas of dark berries, flowers, graphite, tar and more. Flavors of stewed plums, black currants, smoke and pepper. While this is a powerful wine, it is still elegant. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 95 points

PreVail “West Face” 2005 (California) Reg. $49.99, Sale $39.99 – This is one huge, mouthful of wine…..it’s a monster! It’s a deep, dark wine. Big flavors, big aromas and a long, long finish. Flavors and aromas of dark chocolate, licorice, dark cherries and more. This is a newer project for Dan Carano, who wanted to make special wines from mountain-grown grapes. The Cabernet and Syrah are grown on Look Out Mountain in Alexander Valley on a western-facing slope. Volcanic soils. The location and soil contribute to these grapes ripening slowly – this really intensifies the flavors and aromas! 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Syrah. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 91 points

Orin Swift "The Prisoner" 2008 (California) $35.99 - This is a BIG, bodacious, smooth, rich, powerful, BIG red wine! This is a MOUTHFUL of wine! From one of the best "cult"wineries, Orin Swift, in California! Black, red, blue fruits......lots of pepper and spice.....a little earth and herbs. Soft tannins. This is a heady wine and at 15.2% alcohol, it packs a punch, but you don't notice the alcohol heat. Blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest is Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache. Food pairing - Big meals. Steak. Lamb. Wine Spectator, 92 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Hess Collection Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California) Reg. $48.99, Sale $39.99 – This is a big, flavorful Cab! Aromas and flavors of mocha, dark chocolate, brown sugar and blackberries. Fine-grained, soft tannins. Great length on the finish. 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Aged 21 months in 55% new French oak. Food pairing – grilled and roasted meats. Robust meals such as stews. Decanter Magazine, 3 stars

Oregon

The Whites:

A to Z Wineworks Pinot Gris 2009 (Oregon) $13.99 - This is one tasty white wine! Rich, ripe fruit and lots of aromas! Aromas of pears, lychee, honeysuckle, citrus, flowers and stone fruits. Well-balanced acidity. This is juicy and ripe. Flavors that are rich and soft and mirror the aromas. Long, long finish. Stainless steel fermentation. A touch goes through malolactic fermentation. Food pairing – seafood, smoked salmon, poultry, pork tenderloin, etc. Also, try this with Thai food, spicy Mexican food, any spicy food! Drinks well without food! Wine Spectator, 88 points, “Smart Buy!”

The Reds:

Elk Cove Pinot Noir La Boheme Vineyard 2008 (Oregon) $49.99 – This is a fabulous Pinot from a great producer from Oregon’s greatest vintage ever! Aromas of blackberries, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, wood smoke and earth. Flavors of dark berries, baking spices and minerals. Soft, well-integrated tannins. Great finish with excellent length. Single-vineyard that was planted in 1985 with Pommard clone cuttings from Elk Cove’s original estate vineyard. This will age well through 2020. If you can, cellar this through about 2013. Food pairing – grilled salmon, veal and beef. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 91 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points, Wine Spectator, 91 points

Washington

The Reds:

Renegade Wine Co. Red 2008 (Washington) $12.99 - This is a delicious, medium-bodied red blend. Long finish. Lots of black and red berries in the aromas and flavors. Notes of earth and licorice in the wine as well as Provencal herbs. Fine, dusty tannins and nice minerals at the finish. It's a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 13% Grenache and 9% Syrah. The grapes are from the Horse Heaven Hill AVA; specifically, they come from the Canoe Ridge Vineyard, one of Washington's best vineyards. The wine sees about a year in oak barrels (20% are new). This is a "second" label for Sleight of Hand (Tier 2 wines). Food pairing - grilled steak, grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin, baby back ribs.

Waterbrook Merlot Columbia Valley Reserve (Washington) $24.99 - I find that Washington Merlots are just great wines when done right…..and this one is DONE RIGHT! Aromas and flavors of blueberries, raspberries, plums, red pepper, baking spices and more. 100% Merlot. Drink now through 2017. Wine Spectator, 92 points, #46 on the Wine Spectator Top 100

Australia

The Reds:

Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2005 (Australia) Reg. $49.99, Sale $32.99 - A full-flavored, rich, ripe & impressive wine. Gorgeous aromas of black & blue berries, licorice & toasted bread. Inky purple color. Full-bodied. Wonderful, mouth-filling texture. Flavors of blackberries, mocha, earthy spices. Long, rich finish. This is drinking well now & will age well for another 5-6 years. Aged 18 months in new French oak (705) & old American oak (30%). From Mitolo's McLaren Vale vineyard, which has morning & late afternoon shade moderating temperatures, so the grapes ripen more slowly. Harvested just as the fruit begins to dimple. The soil is well-drained, minerally loam & sandstone. Named for their children (Gemma, Alexander and Marco). Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 95 points

Charles Cimicky “The Autograph Shiraz” 2005 (Australia) Reg. $39.99, Sale $24.99 – Delicious! This is a big, bold Shiraz! Dark purple color that is glass-coating! Aromas of cherries, blueberries, cocoa, cola, mocha, smoked meat and more. Flavors of dark berries, blueberries, raspberries, black currants, dark chocolate and more. Long, lingering finish. Soft tannins! This sees 17 months in American oak (60% new). You can age this at least another 10 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 93 points; Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 92 points

France

The Whites:

La Chaume Prima Donna Chardonnay – Pinot Noir 2009 (Vendee Valley, France) Reg. $31.99, Sale $24.99 – Christian Chabriand planted this vineyard in 1997. It sits on a hill in the Vendee Valley that used to be an island in the sea. From this hill you can see Mont Saint Michel on the horizon in the Atlantic Ocean. This is a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir grapes see skin contact, so this is a white wine….much like Blanc de Noir Champagne is a white wine made from red-skinned grapes. Grapes had never been grown on this site before Chabriand planted his vineyard.

Xavier Monnot Meursault Le Limozin Meursault 2007 (France) $49.99 – This has beautiful aromas of baked pears, pineapple, minerals, baking spices and a hint of smoke. Flavors of baked pears, baking spices, minerals and more. This has a great rich texture and weight in the mouth. “Le Limozin” comes from a single hectare (2.58 acres) vineyard that is adjacent to “Les Charmes” and “Les Poruzots.” Only 12 bottles came into Maine and I have them. Food pairing – roasted chicken, duck, fish.

The Reds:

Domaine Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py Cru Beaujolais 2009 (France) $21.99 - Beautiful wine! Wonderful stone fruit, blackberry, dark cherry, kirsch and anise aromas and flavors. Intense. Good spice in the mouth. Medium-bodied. Well-integrated tannins. Wonderful, lengthy, rich finish. This shows you why good Cru Beaujolais are often compared to good Burgundy. Single vineyard wine from Burgaud’s best site. Will age well for 5-10 years. Barrel aged. Food pairing – poultry, steak, lamb, aged cheese, mushroom dishes. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92-93 points

Georges DuBœuf Morgon Jean Descombes Cru Beaujolais 2009 (France) $15.99 - This is an EXCELLENT wine from the greatest vintage ever in Beaujolais! Great dark berry fruit aromas and flavors. Black currants & black raspberries in the flavors and aromas. Juicy. Rich. Long, smooth finish. This will age well over through at least 2013-14 and probably be just peaking in 2013. Food pairing - Great wine for turkey dinner! A special night. Drinks with friends….just a great wine! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Italy

The Whites:

Terre Margaritelli Pietramala IGT 2009 (Umbria, Italy) Reg. $22.99, Sale $19.99 - This is a delicious, crisp white from Central Italy. It has aromas of freshy mown grass, Tuscan herbs and lemons. Clean flavors of lemons and limes with a little spice. Blend of 85% Trebbiano and 15% Grechetto. This winery is in Torgiano, a small hill town in the heart of Umbria, which is to the south of Tuscany. Food pairing - poultry, soups, lighter pastas, creamy pasta dishes.

Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco 2009 (Italy) Reg. $17.99, Sale $15.99 - Outstanding white from NE Italy! Aromas of honey, green apples & peaches. Flavors of tart green apples, white grapefruit, and crisp pears. Dry, crisp and great minerals in the flavors. Medium-bodied & mouth-filling. Refreshing. Nice length on the finish. Zippy, tangy acidity. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees (the residue in the vat from the fermentation) for 3 months – this adds richness & complexity to the wines. This is drinking beautifully right now and will aged well for 2-4 years. Biodynamic & Organic Farming. Food pairing – salads, asparagus, seafood of all kinds, pasta dishes.

The Reds:

De Tarczal Cabernet Franc DOC 2007 (Trentino, Italy) Reg. $22.99, Sale $19.99 - Robust, full-flavored wine with a deep, dark color. Lots of flavor and depth while still having some subtly and elegance. Aromas and flavors of freshly cut hay, red and dark berries, vanilla and pepper. Pepperiness is a classic aroma and flavor of Cabernet Franc. Aged over 2 years in huge, older oak casks before it is bottled. 40 acre farm near Vallagarina that the family has owned for over 100 years. The Pragiara and Carpene vineyards face south-east overlooking the Adige River. Food pairing - roasted meats, game.

Palamà "Arcangelo" Primitivo IGT 2009 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. $17.99, Sale $15.99 - Named for the winemaker's father, Arcangelo. The grape is Primitivo. In the USA, we know the grape as Zinfandel. Primitivo and Zinfandel are NOT the same grape. This estate is on a tiny speck of land in Puglia. The winery's goal is to make great everyday wines.....bright, fresh fruit.....power....fun....taste! They are succeeding! Food pairing - crostini with olive tepenade, steak, venison.

Perazzeta "Erio" IGT 2008 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. $21.99, Sale $19.99 - This "Super Tuscan" packs a lot of flavor into the bottle! It's delicious! This is a bold, powerful red with flavors and aromas of ripe cherries, plums, cooked prunes and a heartier fruit (figs, maybe?). Long, long finish with lots going on! Blend of 50% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Erio is named for the father of the winery's founder. Aged 8 months in oak barriques and 6 months in the bottle. 150 cases made. The winery is located in the Maremma part of Tuscany (SW, near the sea). This winery consists of Alessandro and Rita Bocci and their daughter, Sara. Alessandro says they discard twice as many grapes as they use each year. Food pairing - red meats, game, mushroom dishes.

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre Verona IGT 2007 (Italy) Reg. $23.99, Sale $21.99 - What a rich, soft, elegant, great-tasting wine! A SPECIAL wine! For Amarone lovers, w/o the Amarone price tag! Velvet in a glass. Rich, complex nose – ripe fruit and spicy oak. Mouth-filling wine, but soft feel. Smooth tannins balance the dark berry and cherry flavors. Powerful. Long finish. Single vineyard blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella & 5% Sangiovese. 30% of the grapes are dried for 3-4 months before crushing. Food pairing - Great food wine! Rich meals – game, mushroom risotto, lamb & more. For a special treat – try with GOOD bittersweet chocolate! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Lionello Marchesi “ColdiSole” Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2003 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. $64.99, Sale $54.99 - The day I tasted this, the wine was magnificent. It had been open most of the day and was well decanted and aerated. This is a big, rich, almost “fat” Brunello – definitely made in a more “New World” style. The aromas and flavors are loaded with dark fruit, dark chocolate, vanilla, spices, rich earth and toasted oak. 100% Sangiovese Grosso. Aged 36 months in French oak barriques (33% are new, 33% 1-year and 33% are 2-year). It will benefit from at least another year of aging. This will age well through 2018. Food pairing – roasted, grilled and braised meat. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Wine & Cheese Tasting, Friday, Dec. 17th

Wine & Cheese Tasting

Friday, 3:30 – 7:30pm

Dec. 17^th, 2010

How much do you love your family and friends? A progressive tasting of sorts!

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

Dueling Distributors AGAIN!

2 tables – you find the wines you like the most!

We’ll have Art Gonyea from National and Doug Watts and Cat Oster from South Portland Wine Company here for the tasting. Plus, we’ll have the unique cheeses of Echo Ridge Organic Cheese and its cheesemaker and founder, Barb Skapa…..Barb grew up in France and makes soft-ripening cheeses that she remembers from her childhood….rich, intense and, at times, stinky soft cheeses such as Camembert, Brie, Chaource, Coulommier, Ste. Maure, Taleggio and a unique Maine cheese, Moody Blue! From Echo Ridge Farm in Mount Vernon!

The Sparkling:

Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Brut Rosé (France) $44.99 - Outstanding champagne! Possibly OUR FAVORITE! It’s hard to pick which is a favorite Champagne – this is up there! This is a GREAT bottle of wine! WOW! Intense and big aromas & flavors – raspberry, strawberry & red currants along with fresh bread. Aromas of cinnamon and cloves. Dry. Intense flavors. Complex. Well-balanced. Silky texture. Long, tasty finish! Food pairing - Drink well-chilled as an aperitif. A GREAT FOOD WINE! Try it with smoked salmon or seared tuna! Perfect with fruit tarts to finish a great meal. Blend of Pinot Noir (60%), Pinot Meunier (30%) and Chardonnay (10%). Aged a minimum of 3 years. Wine Spectator, 92 points

The Whites:

Doug and Cat’s Table:

Eola Hills Pinot Gris 2009 (Oregon) $12.99 - An American CLASSIC – perfect for Thanksgiving Dinner! This is a wonderful Oregon Pinot Gris! Crisp. Dry. Lovely Granny Smith apple, pear, peach and pineapple fruit aromas and flavors. A little white pepper and lemon/lime citrus on the finish! 100% estate grown fruit (unusual at this price). Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing – Dinners such as Thanksgiving – poultry and lots of sides! Ham. Great with salmon, Winterpoint Oysters, or grilled or roasted poultry. Proscuitto. Scallops. Both together!

Clos Uroulat Cuvée Marie Jurançon Sec 2008 (France) $26.99 – One of my favorite wines! This a unique AND fabulous wine! LOTS, & LOTS, & LOTS of aromas & flavors! Cycle back to it over an evening & your experience will change! Just what wine should add to your evening! Savor this! Don't rush through this! Aromas & flavors of baking spices, apples, marzipan, roasted almonds & vanilla. Rich & lush! Great acidity! 90% Gros Manseng. The grapes partially dried on the vine. Hand-harvested. Aged in French oak barrels (almost none are new). A whopping 112 cases brought into the USA (that’s 1,344 bottles). Food pairing - smoked fish, freshwater fish, seafood, ham, spicy Asian fare, paté & foie gras. Whatever you want with this!

Art’s Table:

Angeline Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (California) $12.99 – This is a delicious, easy-to-drink, crisp Sauvignon Blanc! Very aromatic – hot peppers, gooseberries, tropical fruit and a pleasing grassiness. Flavors of melons, limes and tropical fruit. Refreshing finish. 8,500 cases made. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Food pairing – seafood. Lighter dishes with tropical fruit sauces.

Bearboat Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2008 (CA) $17.99 - This is a tasty, robust, complex AND easy-and-fun-to drink Chardonnay! Aromas of apples, stone fruits and tropical fruits. Butterscotch, lemon and green apple flavors. Just a hint of toasted oak (it’s there, but it is subtle). Well-balanced. The fruit and acidity in this wine show through as in many Burgundies. A hint of oak (vanilla and toast) at the finish. 100% hand-harvested grapes. 35% aged in stainless steel and 65% aged in new French oak. 60% goes through malolactic fermentation to soften and enrich the wine and add a buttery/creamy side to it. Food pairing - Truly a wine you will sip on and want more! Lobster, creamy dishes, smoked fish, risotto and polenta dishes. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points.

The Reds:

Art’s Table:

Bearboat Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 (CA) $19.99 - This is a rich and lush California Pinot Noir with tons of ripe fruit and lots to balance out that fruit! Great aromas and flavors of strawberries and cherries, vanilla and baking spices. Soft, integrated tannins. SMOOTH! 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Gamay. Hand-harvested grapes. De-stemmed grapes. Aged 9 months in French oak (25% new, 25% 2nd use, 25% 3rd use and 25% 4th use). Oak barrels lose 80% of their “oakiness” the first time they are use. At the same time, wine ferments and ages differently in oak barrels than in stainless steel vats (oak is porous). Food pairing – salmon, duck, pork tenderloin, dishes marinated in soy sauce.

Valle Reale “Vigne Nuove” Montelpulciano d’Abruzzo 2008 (Italy) $14.99 - Juicy, soft, loaded with fruit and easy to drink! Just explodes with red berries, sour cherries, wild blackberries & ripe strawberries. The tannins are there and help balance the fruit....as does the acidity. Medium-bodied. Loads of flavor. Easy-going wine - a pleasure to drink! Versatile, authentic Italian red! "Vigne Nuove" = these are first grapes harvested in the “Gorges of Popoli.” 100% Montepulciano fermented in stainless steel to preserve the fresh fruit aromas & flavors. Hand-harvested. Food pairing - eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, meat-based pasta dishes, etc.

Chateau la Rose de Palenne Bordeaux 2009 (France) $18.99 – 2009 is a GREAT, GREAT vintage! The prices on the “lesser-known Bordeaux are a tremendous reason to look again at this wonderful wine area. This is a “Right Bank” Bordeaux so it is Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This has a nice weight to it and softness at the same time. The tannins are good and integrated. It’s organic. Very aromatic – floral. This is fuller at the front of the mouth and lighter at the finish. Lots of nice darkl fruit! We really liked this when we tasted it on the 8^th!

Amancaya Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Argentina) $19.99 – This is a BIG, robust wine. It’s juicy, well-structured and ready-to-drink! Hearty wine! Aromas and flavors of dark fruit, dark chocolate, vanilla and pepper. Amancaya is a flower in the Andes. This wine is a joint venture of Barons de Lafite Rothschild and Nicolas Catena. 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 12 months in oak (20% new).

PreVail “West Face” 2005 (California) Reg. $49.99, Sale $39.99 – This is one huge, mouthful of wine…..it’s a monster! It’s a deep, dark wine. Big flavors, big aromas and a long, long finish. Flavors and aromas of dark chocolate, licorice, dark cherries and more. This is a newer project for Dan Carano, who wanted to make special wines from mountain-grown grapes. The Cabernet and Syrah are grown on Look Out Mountain in Alexander Valley on a western-facing slope. Volcanic soils. The location and soil contribute to these grapes ripening slowly – this really intensifies the flavors and aromas! 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Syrah. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 91 points.

Doug and Cat’s Table:

Alberti 154 Malbec 2009 (Argentina) $12.99 –

Perrone Barbera d’Asti “Tasmorcan” 2009 (Italy) $18.99 –

Bodega Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2001 (Italy) $26.99 –

Two Hands Angel’s Share Shiraz 2008 (Australia) $39.99 - A big, rich, impressive wine! Aromas of chocolate, dark berries, coffee, cassis, black licorice, smoky bacon & spice. Full bodied. Great mouth-feel – full, well-balanced flavors of dark fruit & mocha, rich, big. Medieval winemakers thought the angels were drinking the missing wine in the barrels, so they called it the “Angels’ Share.” Food pairing – Drinks best on its own with friends. Big meals – a steak, lamb, beef stew. Will age well for 5-6. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 90 points

Shafer Relentless Syrah 2006 (California) $59.99 –

The Desserts:

Art’s Table

Torres Floralis Aqua D’Or (Spain) $23.99 – This is delicious. 100% Moscato. This has wonderful aromas and flavors of oranges, nuts and more. It’s sweet, but it finishes crisp and clean.

Doug and Cat’s Table:

Rare Historic Series Madeira New York Malmsey (Portugal) $44.99 – Wine Enthusiast, 93 points.

Wine Tasting, Dec. 11th, 12-7:00pm

Wine Tasting

Saturday, 12 – 7:00pm

Dec. 11th, 2010

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

We’ll have Phil McCormack from Mariner Beverages here for the tasting! These are a bunch of great wines for the holidays…..for presents, parties or yourself!

The Sparkling:

Santome Prosecco (Italy) $14.99 - This Prosecco is drier than most. It has nice minerality, fruit and a great price! Aromas and flavors of lemons, green apples, a hint of fresh bread and minerals. Food pairings - Great with smoked fish, a fruit tart and more!

The Whites:

Marchetti Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2009 (Marche, Italy) $13.99 - This is one of the best Mediterranean whites under $15 I've ever tasted! Wonderful citrus & mineral flavors & aromas. This also has notes of green apples & tropical fruits. Vibrant acidity and loads of minerality throughout the wine. Has a little nuttiness (almonds?) on the finish. Long, crisp finish! Maurizio Marchetti, the winemaker, only uses the best grapes (most years he gets no more than 1/2 a bottle from a single vine). 900 cases made. Organic Farming. Food pairing - seafood, shellfish, swordfish, etc. Great with poultry.

Barrel 27 “High on the Hog” White 2009 (California) $17.99 – This is a weightier, more robust white than most…..Aromas and flavors of honey, smoke, tropical fruits, melon, bacon, almonds, minerals and more. Crisp acidity to balance the fruit and weight. Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne blend from Paso Robles. Russell From of Herman Story is one of the winemakers for this wine. Food pairing – poultry, salmon, duck, pork tenderloin.

The Reds:

Fattoria Capannacce Rosso della Maremma Toscana Super Tuscan 2006 (Italy) Reg. $21.99, Sale $14.99 – New vintage of an old favorite! Fabulous, big & bold Super Tuscan! Aromas and flavors of cherries, blackberries, cedar, toasted baking spices, mocha and licorice. This is rich and lush. Long finish. This area of Tuscany is considered its "Wild West." It is rugged, arid, lightly populated and its people have an independent spirit. 80% Sangiovese, 10% Syrah, 5% Canaiolo & 5% Grenache. The entire estate only makes 4,000 cases. Food pairing - grilled meats of any kind, roasted lamb or beef, rich mushroom dishes. I like this by itself, but I like really big wines without food!

Folk Machine Pinot Noir 2009 (California) $21.99 – This is a balanced Pinot that I like a lot. It has great red fruit (strawberries and cherries) and a nice earthiness. It sees time in oak, but the oak adds interest and touches without burying the fruit in a pile of lumber. Central Coast Pinot Noir from the same winemaker as “The Hobo Wine Co.” Zinfandel. 95% of the fruit is from 3 Monterey County vineyards and 5% from the Vecino Vineyard in Potter Valley. 80% of the grapes are the Pommard Clone. Food pairing – roasted chicken, roast duck, mushroom dishes, grilled salmon.

Castillo Rocio Reserva 2004 (Spain) $13.99 – This is a tasty, rich wine from a lesser-known part of Spain and that helps hold the price down! This has red berry fruit (raspberries, red currants, red cherries) and a touch of vanilla to it. It’s pretty rich. The finish is tangy with touches of red fruit that linger nicely. 50% Tempranillo and 50% Bobal. Aged 12 months in American oak and bottled unfiltered. Aged another 2 years in the bottle before release. The wine is wrapped in metal mesh. This practice dates back hundreds of years and was a means of making sure the bottles were not opened during shipping. This area is the Utiel-Requena and it is in Valencia in eastern Spain. Bobal is the dominant grape in this area. Bobal is the 3rd most planted grape in Spain Food pairing – roasted or grilled meats, grilled veggies, aged cheeses such as Manchego.

Novy Family Wines Syrah 2008 (California) $21.99 - This is a BIG, dark, powerful Syrah! Aromas and flavors of black currants, blueberries, blackberries and a pleasing earthiness. Full-bodied and flamboyant. 100% Syrah. Food pairing – steak, lamb, roasted or grilled meats. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

The Hobo Wine Company Zinfandel “Treborce Vineyard” Dry Creek Valley 2008 (California) $32.99 – This is a big, dark, powerful Zin. Loads of dark fruit, licorice and black pepper. Long, long finish. A mouthful of wine! 100% Zinfandel from a single vineyard, Treborce. This is a picture-perfect vineyard on the upper East Bench of the Dry Creek Valley. This area is above the fog line and soil is rockier than most. The Littells own this vineyard and they put their heart-and-soul into it. The result is a wine that has that rich Dry Creek fruit and a structure that is more complex than most Zins! If you are familiar with Zinfandels from the Rockpile Vineyard, you’ll see some similarities! The grapes are destemmed except for 10% are crush as whole clusters/ Aged in 40% new French oak.

2 Great Australian Wines at GREAT prices!

One of the distributors needed to reduce some inventory and I bought what they had!

These are limited in terms of quantity and drinking great right now!

Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2005 (Australia) Reg. $49.99, Sale $32.99 - A full-flavored, rich, ripe & impressive wine. Gorgeous aromas of black & blue berries, licorice & toasted bread. Inky purple color. Full-bodied. Wonderful, mouth-filling texture. Flavors of blackberries, mocha, earthy spices. Long, rich finish. This is drinking well now & will age well for another 5-6 years. Aged 18 months in new French oak (705) & old American oak (30%). From Mitolo's McLaren Vale vineyard, which has morning & late afternoon shade moderating temperatures, so the grapes ripen more slowly. Harvested just as the fruit begins to dimple. The soil is well-drained, minerally loam & sandstone. Named for their children (Gemma, Alexander and Marco). Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 95 points

Charles Cimicky “The Autograph Shiraz” 2005 (Australia) Reg. $44.99, Sale $24.99 – Delicious! This is a big, bold Shiraz! Dark purple color that is glass-coating! Aromas of cherries, blueberries, cocoa, cola, mocha, smoked meat and more. Flavors of dark berries, blueberries, raspberries, black currants, dark chocolate and more. Long, lingering finish. Soft tannins! This sees 17 months in American oak (60% new). You can age this at least another 10 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 93 points; Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 92 points

Cru Beaujolais 2009

2009 - an EPIC vintage!

Not all Beaujolais is equal.

The descriptions for the wines below will be here in a little bit (by 7:00pm Wed.).

I LOVE "Cru Beaujolais." It's one of the truly undervalued areas in the world. People hear "Beaujolais" and immediately think, "Beaujolais Nouveau." Cru Beaujolais shouldn't be compared to Beaujolais Nouveau. This is much more like a Burgundy than it is the candied fruit of Nouveau.

"Cru Beaujolais" designates the 10 villages in Northern Beaujolais that comprise the best growing areas - Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, Saint-Amour, Chenas, Morgon, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Moulin-a-Vent, Julienas and the "new kid on the block," Regnie. These areas are hillier than the rest of Beaujolais and have much rockier soils.

Many factors influence the quality of grapes:

1. Weather - this changes each year
2. Location - southern-facing hillsides get more sunshine than flat ones
3. Yields per acre - the smaller the yield, the better the grapes
4. Soil composition

Think of Beaujolais as a rectangle. The bottom third of the rectangle is where Beaujolais Nouveau is produced and its grapes grown. A great harvest in the Nouveau area is A LOT of grapes (the highest yields are in this area). The land in this part is quite flat. The middle third is where Beaujolais Villages is produced. The land is becoming rockier and more hilly. The northern third is where Cru Beaujolais is produced. The hillsides are steeper. The soil is rockier. Despite being the northernmost part of this wine-making region, the grapes here ripen earlier than elsewhere in Beaujolais because of the sunny hillsides.

Beaujolais is the southernmost part of Burgundy. It's unlike Burgundy in that the red grape is Gamay and white wine only makes up about 1% of wine production. It's similar to Burgundy in that the weather year year DETERMINES the quality of the grapes in many ways. Another similarity is that location of the vineyards determines the quality of the grapes.

Onto the Crus!

Georges DuBœuf "La Trinquée" Juliénas 2009 (Beajuolais) $14.99 - one of the CLASSic CRU's.....this is CRU BEAUJOLAIS.....lots of red fruit, black fruit, balance.....mocha, dark chocolate.....not tannic.....smooth and rich!

Domaine de la Tour du Bief Moulin-a-Vent 2009 (Beaujolais) $16.99 - This is our favorite of the CRUS and the richest and boldest! Dark fruit and vanilla and coconut dominate this wine.....GREAT with poultry!

Georges DuBœuf Morgon Jean Descombes 2009 (Beajuolais) $15.99 - It's a Morgon and that means dark richness....this has a wonderful ripe, dark berry character to the wine and this cool salinity.....Robert Parker, 91 points

Wine & Cheese Tasting, Thursday, Dec. 2nd

Cheese & Wine Tasting

Thursday, 4:30 – 7:00pm

December 2nd, 2010

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

The Cheeses:

We’ll have Greg from Sid Wainer & Sons here along with their cheesemonger to sample us on some delicious cheeses!

Kilchurn Cheddar (England) $15.99/piece and $8.99/half-piece – this is rich and creamy, sweet and sharp and the cheese has crystals forming in it that give it a nice crunchy characteristic. It comes in a 17 pounce block. We will cut this in half. Cow’s milk.

Petite Brie de Chevre (Massachusetts) $7.99 each – this is a delightful, soft-ripening goat brie. It’s smooth and tangy and delicious. Perfect for a cheese tray for a party! Goat’s milk.

Jansal Valley Smoked Gruyere (New Hampshire) $14.99/pound – Naturally smoked with apple wood. This is a creamy, rich cheese with a beautiful smokiness to it! This melts beautifully and would help make a great scalloped potato dish or fondue! Cow’s milk.

The Whites:

Eola Hills Pinot Gris 2009 (Oregon) $11.99 - An American CLASSIC – perfect for Thanksgiving Dinner! This is a wonderful Oregon Pinot Gris! Crisp. Dry. Lovely Granny Smith apple, pear, peach and pineapple fruit aromas and flavors. A little white pepper and lemon/lime citrus on the finish! 100% estate grown fruit (unusual at this price). Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing – Thanksgiving Dinner! Great with salmon, Winterpoint Oysters, or grilled or roasted poultry. Proscuitto. Scallops. Both together!

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Parallèle 45 Blanc Côtes du Rhône 2008 (France) $13.99 - This is DELICIOUS! This is a fresh, zippy, tangy white! It has aromas and flavors of lemons, apricots, apples, yellow plums, honeysuckle and minerals that carry through from the start to the finish. Clean. Nice weight to it. Not oaky. Blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Marsanne, 20% Viognier and 10% Bourboulenc. 50% aged in French oak for 2-3 months. Food pairing – poultry, lighter pork dishes, seafood. Drinks well on its own, too! Decanter Magazine, December ’09 “Wine of the Month”

Ranga Ranga Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (New Zealand) $11.99 - Delicious Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc that I just last month! This has aromas and flavors of minerals, freshly mown grass, tropical fruit, lemons and limes. It’s dry, crisp and refreshing. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Stainless steel fermentation. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - matches well to spicy food - Thai, Japanese, Indian, but works equally well with seafood and fat cheeses.

The Reds:

Elicio Grenache & Merlot 2009 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 - Just what we all need! A fabulous red from Southern France for less than $10! Aromas and flavors of strawberries, cherries, raspberries, black pepper and baking spices. Soft and round with a lot of smooth fruit throughout each taste. Clean and refreshing! 50% Grenache and 50% Merlot. Aged 8 months in concrete tanks to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Sustainable Agriculture. Food pairing - Great wine with grilled or roasted meats, hearty stews, etc. Decant to open up more rapidly.

Petraio Nero d’Avola 2008 (Sicily, Italy) Reg. $10.99, Sale $9.99 - Great tasting wine at a song of a price! The Primitivo and Sangiovese from this winery have been huge hits since we first started carrying them! Great values in this price range. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, black licorice and blueberries. This has soft tannins. Nero d’Avola is the dominant red grape from Sicily. Stainless steel fermentation (sees no oak aging). Food pairing - pasta with red sauce or pizza. Game. Spicy dishes.

Château de Costis Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2009 (Bordeaux, France) Reg. $14.99, Sale $11.99 – Delicious, moderate-priced wine from a lesser known part of Bordeaux and from a great vintage. This is smooth and rich! Blend of 40% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. From the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers part of Bordeaux. Laurent Mazeau took over this estate from his father in 1985 and has steadily improved the quality of its wines. In 2006, the winery achieved the “Certificate of Reasoned Agriculture (Sustainable Agriculture).”

Chateau de Villeneuve Saumur Champigny Cabernet Franc 2008 (Loire Valley, France) Reg. $19.99, Sale $15.99 – Chateau de Villeneuve is one of the best producers in this wine-making area in the Loire Valley. This property certainly isn’t as well-known as Clos Rougeard, which is run by the esteemed Frères Foucault, but the wines aren’t as expensive, either! I love Cabernet Franc and I really love this wine! This has great aromas of red berries, pepper and a gamey hint. The texture is smooth, with softness to it. This has ripe, concentrated fruit flavors. The tannins are well-balanced. Food pairing – game, red meat, ham, pork, pasta dishes with tomato-sauce. A plate of blue cheese, walnuts and ripe pears.

El Coto Rioja Crianza 2006 (Spain) $14.99 - This is the best red under $20 I’ve tasted in the last 2 months! The flavors and aromas are well-balanced in this! It’s soft with tannins that give the wine structure, but they also don’t dominate the flavors and feel. Aromas and flavors of red fruit that is typical of Tempranillo with nice notes of licorice and vanilla from the oak aging. 100% Tempranillo that is aged 12 months in American oak barrels and at least 6 months in the bottle. Food pairing – grilled meats, pasta, pizza. Drinks well without food! Wine Enthusiast, “Best Buy”

Wine Tasting, Saturday, Nov. 27th

Wine Tasting

Saturday, 11am-7pm

November 27th, 2010

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

The Whites:

Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco 2008 (Alto Adige, Italy) Reg. $17.99, Sale $15.99 - Outstanding white from NE Italy! Aromas of honey, green apples & peaches. Flavors of tart green apples, white grapefruit, and crisp pears. Dry, crisp and great minerals in the flavors. Medium-bodied & mouth-filling. Refreshing. Nice length on the finish. Zippy, tangy acidity. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees (the residue in the vat from the fermentation) for 3 months – this adds richness & complexity to the wines. This is drinking beautifully right now and will aged well for 2-4 years. Biodynamic & organic farming. Solar-powered winery. Food pairing – salads, asparagus, seafood of all kinds, pasta dishes.

R. Stuart & Co. Big Fire Pinot Gris 2009 (Oregon) $13.99 - This is a fabulous Pinot Gris! Delicious! Fresh and vibrant! Aromas of flowers, vanilla, apples and pears. Wonderful fruit and acidity in the flavors - apples, pears and vanilla. Crisp, vibrant finish! Rob Stuart was here in January and we were able to taste this with him (along with all his wines!). Great guy and great winemaker! 100% stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - shellfish, creamy pasta dishes, light appetizers, spicier foods & sipping on its own. Great with spicy Thai dishes.

Montinore Borealis 2009 (Willamette Valley, Oregon) $11.99 – This is a delicious, fragrant Alsatian-style wine that reminds me also of Torrontes from Argentina. This has a lot of fruit and great acidity to balance that out. Aromas and flavors of melons, apples, pears and more. Blend of 45% Muller Thurgau, 24% Gewurztraminer, 18% Pinot Gris and 13% Riesling. Stainless-steel fermentation. Organic and biodynamic farming. Food pairing – smoked fish, seafood, lighter sausage meals, poultry.

The Reds:

A to Z Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon) $19.99 - Wonderful Pinot! This is a great vintage from Oregon! Clear and vibrant with a beautiful dark color. Aromas of mixed berries, earth, smoke, violets, Asian spices and minerals. Flavors that mirror the aromas with a lush texture and good acidity. Long finish that shows this wine’s beautifully balance between richness & power, the wine possesses amazing depth and purity. Restrained use of oak – this wine sees about 9-10 months of aging before bottling. Food pairing - Great on its own. Try it with lobster, grilled chicken & pork, chicken salad, smoked salmon, grilled shrimp, sushi, gazpacho and more!

Mas de la Dame Les Baux de Provence Cuvée La Gourmande 2007 (France) $18.99 - This is a tasty wine! It tastes like Provence! Big, full-bodied, spicy, with notes of herbs. Deep, dark color. Big fruit in the nose & flavors. I tasted this 24 hours after it was first opened & it was great. When it was first opened it was tight with BIG tannins for the 1st hour. Certified organic & Biodynamic. Blend of 50% Grenache & 50% Syrah. Most importantly, it’s excellent wine! Food pairing - Great with grilled meats, roasts, mushroom dishes and just drinking! Decant this!

Falesco Vitiano Rosso 2008 (Umbria, Italy) $12.99 - This is, plainly put, a TASTY wine! An absolutely GREAT value!!! Deep ruby red color. Rich, fresh fruit aromas and flavors. Spicy, peppery finish. Well-balanced fruit and acidity. Medium-bodied. Just a classic Italian! Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend (equal parts). Aged 3 months in Nevers (French) oak. Food pairing – grilled meats, mushroom dishes, lasagna, spaghetti, roasts & flavorful aged cheese. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points, “…it’s almost too good to believe at this price”

J. Lohr “Wildflower” Vadiguié 2009 (California) $10.99 – This is a delicious wine from a little-known grape, Valdiguie. It’s bursting with berry fruit – boysenberries, cherries, cranberries and more. Soft, soft tannins. This drinks well on its own and with meals such as poultry, Asian food, ham and more!

Michel Torino “Cuma” Malbec 2009 (Argentina) $12.99 – This is a smooth, easy-drinking Malbec with soft tannins. No bite to this! Organically-grown grapes. Food pairing – steak, beef stew, lamb, robust meals. Drinks well without food as well.

Wine Tasting, Friday, Nov. 19th

Wine Tasting

Friday
Nov. 19th
3:30-7:30pm

The Sparkling (Ned’s table):

Avinyo Cava Brut NV (Spain) $19.99 - Extended aging on the lees makes this reserve cava crisper, fuller, and creamier. It also has hints of toasted nuts under the aromas of citrus and pear. This is a complex intriguing sparkler that could pass as Champagne if you closed your eyes. The flavors are perfect to pair with Turkey and the effervescence will remove the fat and grease of gravy from your mouth. Aromas of green apples, citrus, fresh bread and minerals. Fresh and dry flavors of apples, fresh bread, pears and peaches. It’s been aged on its “lees” for 18-22 months, adding a yeasty quality to the wine similar to many Champagnes. Minerally-driven dry finish. This shows as much complexity as many Champagnes at a fraction of the cost! Blend of Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada. Aged on lees for 18-22 months. Non-vintage. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points; Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 88 points

The Whites:

Ned’s Table:

Jelu Torrontés 2010 (Argentina) $12.99 - An earlier vintage was a Huge HIT at a tasting and we just tasted this and wanted to bring it back! Torrontés is the grape and it is the dominant white grape in Argentina! This is really floral, kind of Muscat or Viognier like aroma. Lots of orange, apricot and some pineapple. That fruit is the first thing you taste, but then you get a hint of spice midway à la Gewürztraminer and then the finish is very clean and dry. Totally not what you expect from that first smell. Really cool wine! Food pairing – shellfish, seafood, lighter pasta dishes, grilled chicken or pork. Drinks well with or without food!

Sybille Kuntz Trocken Riesling 2008 (Germany) $22.99 - This is an excellent DRY Riesling from one of Germany’s best new winemakers! Aromas & flavors of pineapples, apricots, minerals and a hint smoke. This is just fabulous! Finishes clean and crisp! Husband-and-wife team. Sybille Kuntz is a rarity in Germany – a woman winemaker. 40-80 year-old vines. Organic & Biodynamic Farming. Food pairing - Goes smoked fish, freshwater fish, seafood & ham, spicy Asian fare, such as Thai food. Great choice for a pork roast.

Tabitha’s Table:

Napa Station Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - The Sauvignon Blanc is lively, crisp, clean and bursting with citrus notes along with honeydew and nectarines. Sustainable farming. 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon. 2,010 cases made. Stainless steel fermentation on the lees (not stirred). Food pairing - perfect as an aperitif, served with grilled seafood, Thanksgiving Dinner, chicken or light pasta, as well as spicy Asian and Latin dishes.

Viña Vistamar Chardonnay 2009 (Chile) $11.99 – This is a soft, smooth, easy-drinking Chard from Chile’s Central Valley. This sees a little oak during fermentation, but it sees no oak during aging, so this isn’t at all oaky. It’s clean and crisp. Aromas and flavors of apples, pears, melons, huts and more.

The Rosé (Ned’s table):

Trésors d’Antan Val de Loire Pineau d’Aunis Rosé 2009 (France) $13.99 – This is an unusual grape from the Coteaux de Vendomis in the Loire Valley. This rosé is unusual because it is made entirely from the rare Pineau d’Aunis grape. This grape is unique to the Loire Valley – even in the Loire it is rare as it has been pulled up for decades in favor of better-known grapes, such as Cabernet Franc. Pineau d’Aunis was born in the Middle Ages at the Priory of Aunis in Dampierre-sur-Loire. It’s also known as Chenin Noir and is one of the oldest grape varietals in the Loire. This has peppery aromas, which is typical of this grape. The flavors definitely include grapefruit, as well as strawberries and raspberries. This also has an interesting and pleasing note of pomegranates. Food pairing – great as a cocktail wine or with most any fish, poultry, softer cheese and desserts with red fruits.

The Reds:

Ned’s Table:

Domaine de Grisy Bourgogne Côtes d’Auxerre 2008 (France) $18.99 - Perhaps you'd like something brighter, lively, and not too heavy? A red that keeps drawing you back for another sip, but doesn't tire your palate out? Look no further than the Domaine de Grisy. This is bright racy Pinot Noir at it's best.

Mas de Flauzieres Gigondas 2008 (France) - This Gigondas is a Grenache-based Rhône blend that's bigger and sees some oak aging. It's more powerful than the Burgundy and has more pepper, earth, and a touch of sweet vanilla from the oak on the finish. This is right about $20 and is a good choice for hams, pork roasts, and turkey if you simply prefer something bigger than Pinot Noir.

Château Haut-Bayard Montagne Saint-Émilion 2008 (France) $14.99 - Beautiful Bordeaux at a great price! This is rich and chewy. Wonderful aromas of black plums, black currants, leather and wet stones. Flavors of black plums, black cherries, mocha and leather. Long finish. Blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in neutral oak barrels for 6-8 months. Light filtration and fining. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing – beef stews, coq au vin, duck confit, lamb. Even cheddar cheese.

Lockhart Cabernet 2009 (California) $12.99 – This is a great drinking, soft, smooth Cabernet! Rich, lots of fruit….hints of vanilla.

Tabitha’s Table:

Vistamar Pinot Noir Reserva 2009 (Chilean) $12.99 – This is a lush, smooth Pinot that is a great combination of fruit with a touch of brambliness. Aromas of wild berry fruits and flowers. Light and refreshing flavors with lots of berry flavours like cherries and redcurrants. The finish is smooth and has nice toasty notes.

Cave Saint Desirat Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2007 (France) $12.99 – This is a really nice wine from a great vintage in the south of France! Full-bodied. Aromas of dark fruits, baking spices and pepper. Blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre. Hand-picked grapes. Grapes are 100% destemmed. Sustainable farming. Bottled unfiltered and unfined. Food pairing – roasted meats, game, Thanksgiving Dinner.

Atrea Old Soul Red 2006 (California) $24.99 – Called by many a close relative of “The Prisoner” from Orin Swift. California’s famed David Ramey is a consulting winemaker for this wine. Aromas and flavors of red berries, baking spices, white pepper, mocha and more. This has ripe, full flavors that are loaded with fruit. The tannins are soft and the wine is lush! This drinks well right now and can age. Blend of 39% Zinfandel, 36% Syrah, 15% Petite Sirah and 10% Malbec. 1,891 cases made. From vineyards that are organic and/or sustainably farmed in Mendocino County. Grapes are destemmed. Aged in Burgundian and Hungarian oak (25% new) for 17 months. Bottled unfiltered. 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer

Mooiplaas “The Bean” Pinotage 2009 (South Africa) $13.99 - Unusual, delicious wine! This is a deep, dark color. The aromas and flavors definitely show mocha and roasted coffee as well as dark berry fruit. Aged in French oak barrels whose toasting was done in a way to accent the coffee/mocha flavors. 100% Pinotage. This has good tannins that have softened in the oak. Food pairing - Drinks well on its own. Grilled or roasted meats.

The Dessert:

Neirano “Pitula” Moscato d’Asti 2010 (Italy) $12.99