2006 Yellow Tail The Reserve 88 points

 

Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia, $11

The nose of this Cab is ripe black fruit and vanilla; With a concentrated palate of blackberry, black cherry raspberry and new french oak. For $11 bucks you get a great value with velvety tannins and cassis and spicy oak coming through on a long smooth finish.

2007 De Bortoli Shiraz 88 points

 

2007 Shiraz South Eastern Australia dB Selection $9

Nice Shiraz for a great price; With a spicy palate of blackberry, black raspberry, plum and spicy. Easy drinking and smooth that’s uncomplicated and bright. The finish is light but lingering.

2007 Sterling Made with Organic Grapes 92 points

 

Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino, $13

Another fabulous Sauv Blanc with a beautiful nose of mouth-watering tropical fruit; The palate explodes with pink grapefruit, lime, lemon and fresh cut grass. With a bone dry palate and crisp acids that dance from start to finish. Clean and refreshing with a tart finish that last long and is smooth.

2006 Villa Pillo 93 points

 

Toscana Borgoforte 2006 $12

A beautiful red blend with heady aromatics; The palate is lush blend of black cherry, currant, blackberry and anise. Full-bodied with restrained tannins and a silky mouth-feel. With a long and beautiful finish with hints of leather and vanilla.

2007 Indaba Shiraz 89 points

 

Shiraz, Western Cape, $8

With a juicy and spicy nose that’s well rounded; The lush palate of blueberry, plum, black cherry and spicy oak is broad and complex. On balance a nice Shiraz at a great price. This red is lush and ripe with a finish that denotes caramel and cedar.

2007 Bonterra Viognier 91 points

 

Viognier, Mendocino-Lake, $18

With a beautiful nose of exotic fruits leads to a spicy, fruit forward palate of guava, pineapple, apricot and spicy honey. Clean, crisp and refreshing that’s expertly balanced. Wildflowers and vanilla bean come out on a smooth, ripe finish.

2007 Chehalem Reserve Dry 92 points

 

Riesling, Willamette Valley, $21

I love this Riesling; With a zippy palate of melon, pink grapefruit, lime and green apple. This white is bone dry and a yummy lip-smacker that packs a concentrated core of tropical fruit. The finish is intense and long lasting.

2007 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 88 points

 

Kendall-Jackson 2007 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay Jackson Estate $16

With the aromas of a tropical summer night leading to a palate of guava, pineapple, nectarine and creamy vanilla bean. Full bodied and crisp acidity with a fruit forward profile. This Chard has a nice balance of flavors with a spicy edge coming through on a long finish.

2004 Bernardus Marinus 92 points

 

Bernardus 2004 Marinus Bordeaux Blend; Carmel Valley $16

This red blend will get better with age; The palate is full of blackberry, currant, cocoa powder and cigar box flavors. It’s a broad and defined flavor profile with a tannic edge that will benefit from a couple of years in the cellar. The finish is dense with hints of toasty oak and blueberry pie, drink in 2011.

2007 Arcane Cellars Estate Pinot Gris 91 points

 

Arcane Cellars 2007 Estate Pinot Gris $16

Clean, crisp and a clearly defined Pinot Gris; The palate explodes with pear, melon, orange blossom and passion fruit. With sharp acids and beautiful citrus flavors layered perfectly. Clean, ripe and refreshing for a late winter white. The finish is bright and long lasting with crisp grapefruit and lime, drink now.