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$16.95
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United States
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Pinot Noir
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Oregon
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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Producer notes: "[$20 list] Vivid fruit and full tannins define the 2011 A to Z Pinot Noir. The wine is pure, displaying pedigree and presence with a beautiful, clear, vibrant red color. Fresh aromas of lush forest berries and cherries lead, followed by more savory aromatics of tobacco, smoke, game, clean earth and flint. In the mouth, a focused attack of concentrated red and blue fruits grows in complexity on the mid-palate with ripe, dense tannins perfectly supported by the weight of the fruit. The wine completely harmonizes with a long finish of complex red fruit and mineral flavors. Alcohol 13.0%."
Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 89 points by Wine Spectator: "Light and refreshing, open-textured and inviting, offering raspberry, tea leaf and spice flavors that linger delicately. Drink now."
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$18.95
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IWC 90
Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
3
available
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90 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Pale, bright yellow. Lively aromas of green apple, thyme and white pepper are enlivened by a delicate minty quality. Very good Muller-Thurgau, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic character and flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes bright and clean; a little more fruit density and it would have merited an even higher score. Still, this is a very attractive wine; try it with something unusual, like buffalo mozzarella or pasta with mussels (sans tomato). (Sep/Oct 2011)"
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$19.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
7
available
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If you want proof that Dolcetto is not 'the Beaujolais of Italy,' pour yourself a glass of Anna Maria Abbona's Maioli, which is 100% Dolcetto. The wine is violet-tinged deep purple, a very inviting color; it smells of violets, Assam tealeaves, and blueberries; and it is a mouth-filling, deep, substantial wine to drink. 'Una bomba,' as they say in Italy, and an excellent food wine; it goes with many red meat dishes, grilled sausages, cheese... The fruit comes from very old vines planted in the '30s by Anna Maria's uncle. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel.
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$19.95
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WS 92
Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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92 points Wine Spectator: "[$25 list] Very pure, with a beam of raspberry coulis, blackberry and cherry pulp notes that pump out layers of spice, flint and wildflowers. Juicy yet structured, with a mineral edge to the long, savory finish. Drink now through 2015. (8/31/12)"
17/20 points Decanter: "This producer's Malbecs are often held up as representing the apex of the grape in Argentina. This is the most humble offering of its range but still has a fine complex nose of plum, red berries and smoked meat, through to a fresh, savoury palate of red berries with fine tannins. Alcohol 14.5%. (Apr 2013)"
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$14.95
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Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Previous vintage named 'Wine of the Week' by the Los Angeles Times: "Looking for something different in terms of red wine? Try this lovely 100% Mencia aged in French oak from the tiny, highly regarded Algueira winery in Galicia. It tastes of blueberries and blackberries, cool forest and earth. Rich and intense, the Adega Algueira 'Algueira' is reminiscent of a northern Rhône and has the acidity to hold its own against big, bold flavors. (3/31/12)"
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$14.95
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Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Importer notes: "Dark purple color with a nose of cherries and grenadine. Aged in stainless steel tanks, this full-bodied red is loaded with crisp mineral notes mingled with ripe tannins. Super food friendly, this is an addictive wine."
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$16.95
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IWC 91
PG 89
Spain
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White
In stock, 12+ available
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List $23.00
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91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$23 list] Pale gold. High-pitched aromas and flavors of orange, green apple and fresh fig, with a gingery topnote. Lithe and precise, with excellent finishing clarity and lingering floral notes. This suave, seamless wine would work with light as well as with richer foods, or all by itself. (Sep 2012)"
89 points Peñín Guide: "(100% godello). Colour: bright straw. Nose: fresh, fresh fruit, white flowers, fragrant herbs. Palate: flavourful, fruity, good acidity, balanced. (2013)"
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$15.95
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United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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Unique blend of 9 different varietals. Loaded with handsome fruit and delivers big-time flavor. 26% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Mourvedre, 9% Grenache, 7% Zinfandel, 5% Touriga Nacional, 5% Pinot Noir, 5% Cinsault, and 4% Roussanne.
WHWC Staff Notes: "This is a favorite winery I have been following for the past 13 years. Located in the far west side of Paso Robles, I first became aware of Adelaida when the winemaker at Justin tipped me off to them. That was just prior to him making the famed Justin Isosceles that was ranked as Wine Spectator's #5 wine of the year. As fate would have it, he left Justin that year to take over winemaking at Adelaida. The School House brand is Adelaida's second label. This is a perfect example of what a multi-varietal blend with some bottle age should taste like. It consists of Syrah 26%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Mourvedre 19%, Grenache 9%, Zinfandel 7%, and equal parts Touriga Nacional, Pinot Noir, Cinsault, and Roussanne. It's just the right amount of jamminess with the alcohol checking in at 14.9%. The wine is full-bodied and all of the nine varietals mesh well together. This bottle would go well with pizza, pasta with a red meat sauce or even a burger. It's drinking really well right now and is in a style that well represents the west side of Paso Robles." - Mark Menchyk
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$23.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "35% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 15% Malbec. Rich in color with beautiful floral aromas on the nose and supple, plummy fruit on the palate. With well-integrated tannins and impressive smoothness on the finish, this red blend is meticulously crafted using fruit sourced from our favorite low-yielding vineyards in Napa Valley."
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$21.95
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RP 91
WS 91
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Robert Parker: "The outstanding 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne La Brunote (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan from white clay soils) was aged 12 months in larger wood demi-muids before being bottled unfiltered. Revealing slightly more concentrated blue, red and black fruits, lavender, incense and white chocolate notes, it offers an opaque ruby/purple color along with full body and a long finish. There is not a hard edge to be found in this voluminous, multilayered red. It should drink nicely for 5-7 years. (Aug 2011)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe but very fresh, with mouthwatering acidity driving the linzer torte, blackberry and black currant fruit. Lovely spice cake and black licorice notes flash through the finish, with a dusting of cocoa powder. Drink now through 2013. 50 cases imported. (10/15/11)"
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$21.95
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RP 92
RR 91
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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92 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Cotes du Rhone la Brunote (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan aged 12 months in demi-muids) is another outstanding effort. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by lots of creme de cassis, kirsch, lavender, spice box and licorice notes. The wine is full-bodied, textured and long. It should drink well for a decade. (Oct 2012)"
91+ points Rhone Report: "The most dense and rich of the lineup, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Brunote is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre (there.s a small amount of carignan as well) that is aged all in old foudre. Meaty, dense, and loaded with notions of smoked meats, black fruits, licorice, and crushed rock-like minerality, this classic Cairanne is full-bodied, pure, and tannic on the finish. It will reward 2-3 years of bottle age, and have upwards of a decade or more of prime drinking. (Sep 2012)"
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$18.95
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France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 91 points by Wine Spectator: "This offers a lovely creamy feel, as enticing Cavaillon melon, pear and fig flavors are offset by hints of tangerine and bitter almond on the richly layered finish. Drink now through 2013. 50 cases imported."
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$17.95
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RR 92
RP 91
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $22.00
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92+ points Rhone Report: "More tight, backwards, and mineral-driven than the La Font d'Estévenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is a blend of Grenache and Mourvedre that is aged all in neutral wood. It is a gorgeous, classy effort that delivers clean aromas of black cherry, spiced raspberries, licorice, crushed stone, pepper, and subtle roasted herbs. This elegant, yet concentrated Cairanne has a lively, energetic texture, great acidity, and fantastic persistence and focus on the finish. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar, and then enjoy over the following decade. (Sep 2012)"
91 points Robert Parker: "[$22 list] The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is composed of 2/3 Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah with a tiny amount of old vine Carignan. It also is aged in tank and bottled unfiltered. A superb sleeper of the vintage, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of black currants, black cherries, earth, pepper, spice box and a hint of mountain laurel. This full-throttle 2010 possesses sweet tannin as well as an intriguing texture. It should drink nicely for 4-6 years. (Oct 2012)"
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$10.95
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France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock,
3
available
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List $15.00
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Denis Alary, according to La Revue du Vin de France's "Le Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France," "produces serious and solid wines...possessing an undeniable charm." The La Gerbaude, from an eponymous parcel within the Cairanne AOC, is a ripe, round, plummy affair made from 75% Grenache, 15% Carignan and 15% Syrah. This is one of those terrific Southern Rhônes you can quaff all day long, with or without food, while wallowing in its seductive, lavender-inflected perfume and lush, opulent texture.
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$14.95
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RP 90
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 La Grange Daniel Blanc Vin de Pays d'Orange is a tank-aged 100% Roussanne that sells for a remarkable $15 a bottle. It is a challenge to make good Roussanne as the skin has considerable tannin and any skin contact can result in an astringently flavored wine. However, that's not a problem with this Roussanne fruit bomb. Notes of waxy orange marmalade and honeysuckle jump from the glass of this light gold-colored 2010. Alary's oenologist, Olivier Roustang, is also the oenologist for the Chave family in Hermitage, which may help explain the brilliance of this white wine. Drink it over the next 12 months. (Aug 2011)"
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$17.95
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IWC 88
WA 87
France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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88 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(14% alcohol, 24 g/l r.s. and 4.4 acidity) Pale, green-tinged yellow. Varietally expressive aromas of lichee, smoked meat, brown spices and rose petal. Silky-smooth and sweet, with spice and meat flavors similar to the aromas. An easygoing and open-knit wine of good but not outstanding clarity and intensity, finishing with a light dusting of tannins and alcohol under control. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
87 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$24 list] Overtly sweet even at 14% alcohol, the Mann 2009 Gewurztraminer incorporates much of this year’s crop from the Altenbourg. Celery seed, litchi, rose petal, and saline, marine breeze in the nose lead to a full, subtly creamy, palpably low-acid, but fortunately persistently juicy palate, finishing somewhat simple and obviously sweet. Jacky Barthelme insists 'this is too good for a generic,' and I sympathize in terms of his willingness to declassify cru material, but in terms of the wine’s performance, it seems to me to have been classed correctly. Drink it over the next several years. (May 2011)"
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$13.95
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WS 88
IWC 87
WA 87
France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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88 points Wine Spectator: "This displays fine balance between earth and salt notes and lemon curd, white peach and white pepper flavors. It's subtly juicy, with good layers of flavor set in a light-bodied frame. Drink now through 2012. 900 cases imported. (4/30/11)"
87 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Straw-yellow. Musky soft citrus fruits, hazelnut and spring flowers on the nose. Fat, supple and slightly sweet, but with good shape to its creamy stone fruit and spice flavors. A persistent, easygoing midweight with modest complexity. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
87 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$18 list] A roughly 70-30 Auxerrois-true Pinot blend as usual, the Mann 2009 Pinot Blanc is juicily laden with honeydew and musk melon, soft in feel, and attractively tinged with herbs and orange zest. Enjoy it over the next 12-18 months. (May 2011)"
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$17.95
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WS 90
IWC 88
WA 88
France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$24 list] A pretty, aromatic white, this finds a fine fit for its delicate flavors of honeydew melon, peach, orange zest and spice. Dry and tangy, with lovely purity of flavor and balance. Drink now through 2016. 150 cases imported. (2/28/11)"
88 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$24 list] Bright light-medium yellow. Aromas of yellow peach, ginger and smoke, with a spicy component building with air. Moderately sweet (9 g/l r.s.) but with a sound, nicely buffered spine of acidity lending support. Shows the fruity side of the variety and finishes off-dry, with good dusty persistence. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
88 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "Lemon, orange and basil scent the Mann 2009 Riesling Cuvee Albert in a Muscat-like manner -- a resemblance that persists on a pungent, yet generously juicy palate. There is a melon-rind bitterness that -- along with a hint of cinnamon basil -- add to the stimulation of the finish, and a good balance has been struck between 9 grams of residual sugar scarcely noticeable as such and a moderate 13.2% alcohol. (May 2011)"
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$19.95
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WE 87
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$24 list] Soft, juicy and uncomplicated, this Cab Franc immediately offers likeable cherry and sweet oak flavors. The tannins beg for steak. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "'We like to produce a 100% Cabernet Franc to give people a chance to see what Cab Franc actually tastes like,' says Winemaker Kevin Hall. It tends to have a softer tannin profile than our Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2010 has flavors of plum, black cherry, vanilla, blueberry and cassis. This is not a heavy wine, but it does have broad mouthfeel and a long, juicy finish. Alcohol 14.0%. 1,520 cases produced."
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$16.95
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WE 87
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
9
available
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List $20.00
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87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$20 list] A little brusque in texture, with some tartness, but there’s a lot of richness. Shows complex flavors of blackberries, cherries, black currants, cola, dark bitter chocolate, cedar and spices, with a pleasant minerality, and the finish is bone dry. Brisk tannins make it an ideal companion to roasted meats and hard cheeses. (12/31/10)"
Producer notes: "The 2008 shows an enticing nose of black cherry and cassis and hints of eucalpytus and cocoa. In the glass, this wine delivers much more than what one might expect for a Cab so modestly priced, revealing rich flavors of cherry, chocolate and plum enveloped by soft tannins."
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$14.95
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WA 87
United States
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Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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87 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$18 list] The 2011 Chardonnay Estate is a relatively rich, buttery wine for the year and appellation, but it nevertheless shows good balance and depth, especially within its price range. Orange blossoms, nectarines and sweet spices are some of the aromas and flavors that wrap around the juicy finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "There are aromas of apple, pear, butterscotch, toasted oak and a little minerality in the glass. This is a Chardonnay with a lush, rich, creamy mouthfeel, tropical notes and flavors of apple, pear and citrus, with just a touch of acidity on the finish. To retain the natural acidity we harvested 70% of our Chardonnay at night when the grapes are coolest, then cold ferment those lots in stainless steel, without malolactic fermentation or barrel aging to highlight the citrus and green apple flavors. To add balance to the wine, we whole cluster press 30% of the best fruit and barrel ferment that portion in French Oak barrels. The barrel fermented lots undergo malolactic fermentation and age on the lees for 8 months to develop roundness and body. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$16.95
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WS 88
WE 88
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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88 points Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] This solid, well-focused Merlot shows good complexity, with dried cherry and herb aromas and appealing red currant and spice flavors. Drink now through 2016. (11/15/12)"
88 points Wine & Spirits: "[$20 list] A simple, juicy merlot, this wine lasts on clean strawberry flavors. Its fine tannins give it a creamy feel. For roast beef. (Dec 2011)"
Producer notes: "The 2009 has aromas of black cherry, blackberry, oak, vanilla, plum and the slight eucalyptus typical of Alexander Valley. In the glass there are flavors of plum, vanilla, more cassis and red fruit, a touch of spice and mint. Overall the 2009 is elegant with good balance and a long aftertaste. Barrel aged 18 months in French and American oak, 30% new. 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc."
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$17.95
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W&S 90
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $22.00
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90 points and 'Year's Best Zinfandel,' Wine & Spirits: "[$22 list] A blend of small-berried fruit from a hillside vineyard with grapes from the valley floor, this is floral, intensely earthy and powerfully constricted. The blend creates full-bodied richness, bringing in some raisined character that adds complexity to the tighter fruit. A black wine with bountiful tannins to carry it in the cellar. (Feb 2013)"
Producer notes: " We harvested from two individual vineyards on the eastern side of the Dry Creek Valley from early September to early October. One vineyard is hillside with red rocky soil producing smaller berries with flavors of blackberry and blueberry. While the 2nd vineyard has gravelly loam soil located on the valley floor and produces fruit with pronounced flavors of cherry, plum and black pepper. Overall 2009 was a cooler vintage with fewer heat spikes than in past years, so the acidity of this vintage is slightly higher than prior releases. The growing season allowed for uniform ripening in the which led to wines with good structure, balance and complexity. In the glass there are aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, black pepper and vanilla. There is mouth filling texture with spicy flavors of blueberry, black pepper, dark fruits and a long finish. Winemaker Kevin Hall notes that 'this is a big wine'."
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$16.95
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WA 88
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$20 list] The 2010 Sin Zin is about as good a bottle of California wine as readers will find for the money. Juicy, rich and varietally expressive, the 2010 impresses for its balance, especially at this price point. Juicy red cherries, tobacco, flowers and mint linger on the expressive, layered finish. This is a terrific effort for a vintage that was very, very hard for Zinfandel. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "The 2010 includes a small amount of Petite Sirah to broaden the mouthfeel on the wine and add a little more dark fruit to the palate. There are aromas of raspberry, plum, black cherry, and citrus. In the glass there are flavors of plum, cranberry, black cherry, and classic spicy black pepper. The 2010 is a restrained vintage and will reward those with the patience to cellar a few bottles. 98.5% Zinfandel, 1.5% Petite Sirah. Alcohol 14.7%."
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$17.95
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WS 90
WA 89
Italy
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Veneto
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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90 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2011 (#60),' Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] This sleek, polished red offers juicy blackberry and black fruit flavors, backed by refined tannins and well-integrated acidity. Hard to stop sipping. Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2020. (10/31/11)"
89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$20 list] The 2008 Palazzo Della Torre is striking in this vintage. It shows remarkable harmony in a tense, mineral-infused expression of fruit. Hints of licorice, tobacco, mocha and spices develop in the glass, adding further complexity and nuance. All of the elements flow gracefully to a finish layered with the essence of crushed rocks and flowers. This is an absolutely delicious wine from Allegrini. Palazzo della Torre is made with a partial ripasso technique in which 30% of the fruit is dried Amarone-style, while the other 70% is picked and vinified conventionally. Once again, Palazzo della Torre is one of the very finest values in Italian wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. (Feb 2012)"
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