2006 Shiraz-Grenache McLaren Vale $13
This beautifully built red is a blockbuster. A refined nose of earth, vanilla, and, cassis opens up on the palate with black plum, blackberry, vanilla, and cinnamon. Silky, caressing texture with supple tannins and a long, long finish. Drink this killer red now thru 2015 and buy it by the case.
Posted in $15 or less, 92 points, best buy, grenache, shiraz, top 20 | Tags: 92 point wine, best buy red wine, grenache, shiraz
2007 Newsome-Harlow Sauvignon Blanc (Calaveras County); $16
This powerful, super-rich Sauvignon Blanc blasts out of the glass with huge tropical fruit. I loved this wine, so lush with pink grapefruit, zesty lime, honeydew and light spice on the palate. A bone dry lip smacker, with crisp acidity to finish off this beautiful white wine. Drink this best buy now.
Posted in $20 or less, 91 points, best buy, sauvignon blanc, top 100 | Tags: sauvignon blanc, 91 points, best buy sauvignon blanc
Gewurztraminer; France $18
This wine is a perfect compliment for spicy food. Tasty, with a distinct floral nose of rose petals and spice. Broad and mouth-filling palate with notes of pears, peach and Asian spices. The acids are restrained with a note of orange peel on a long finish.
Posted in $20 or less, 91 points, gewurztraminer | Tags: 91 point white wine, gewurztraminer, white wine
Casa de Santar 2004 Red Wine (Portugal); $17
This red wine needs time to open up, give it a couple of hours. This ripe, modern-style wine has clean black cherry, and chocolate aromas. Medium-bodied with more black cherry, licorice and spice on the palate. The finish is smooth and well balanced with hints of vanilla and leather. Drink now thru 2010.
Posted in $20 or less, 90 points, best buy, red blend, red wine | Tags: red wine, 90 point red wine
2006 Mourvedre; Yecla, Spain $12
Beautiful garnet color, with a perfumed nose. The grape used is Monastrall, aka Mourverde. On the palate it’s bold and packed with blackberry, pepper, spices and blueberry jam. The finish is long and deep, drink now thru 2011
Posted in $15 or less, 91 points, monastrell, mouverdre | Tags: 91 point red wine, red wine from spain
Chardonnay, California, $10
The virgin means no oak and I like the simplicity of that. The creamy mouth-feel and tropical fruit meld together well with undertones of mango, green apples, and, pineapples. Balanced acids with a zippy finish at a great price, drink now.
Posted in $10 or less, 86 point, chardonnay | Tags: $10 or less chardonnay, chardonnay, white wine
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 Rosé Blend, Overberg, $12
This rosé blend is a lip smacker with a bright pink color and very interesting blend; a bright and fresh nose of strawberry and spice. On the palate it opens with complex layers of cherry, fresh strawberry, and light spice. The finish is crisp and bone dry with no residual sugar, drink now. |
Posted in $15 or less, 91 points, rose | Tags: 91 point rose, rose, rose blend
Zinfandel, Amador County, $15
Starts with a beautiful aroma that’s dramatically chocolaty and dark fruit. On the palate you find layers of black cherries, black raspberries, and oak. Lush, creamy, and dry mouth feel finish off this spicy Zin, Great Job! Drink now thru 2010.
Posted in $15 or less, 91 points, top 100, zinfandel | Tags: red wine, zinfandel, best buy red wine, top 100 red wine, 91 point zinfandel
Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne Colombelle White 2007 $8
Light, bright, and easy to drink. This crisp white opens with granny smith apples, pears, and white peach. This fresh white has a mineral undertone to finish it off, drink now.
Posted in $10 or less, 86 point, white wine | Tags: 86 point white wine, white wine
This easy drinking Cab has a big fruit nose, but light on the palate. A nose of pepper, dark fruit, and coffee grounds and a less fruity palate makes this a likable but less complex red wine at a great price. Drink now
Posted in $10 or less, 86 point, Cabernet Sauvignon | Tags: 86 point red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon
