2007 Bodegas Ateca 90 points

 

Garnacha Calatayud de Fuego Old Vines 2007 $8

With a spicy and fruit forward nose that’s lush and ripe; The palate is broad with strawberry, raspberry, anise and new oak. The creamy texture adds structure and balance. Lively flavors of vanilla bean and licorice come through on a long smooth finish.

2007 Handley Cellars Gewurztraminer 91 points

 

Handley 2007 Gewurztraminer $16

With a nose of Jasmin and zesty orange that’s pure and refined; The palate explodes with flavors of lime, white peach, melon and narcissus. Balanced acids and refined flavor profile that creates a beautiful white wine. The finish is long with spicy citrus fruit to the end.

2006 Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 94 points

 

Cambria 2006 Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir $20

This Pinot is absolutely gorgeous with a nose of sweet fruit and light spice; With a silky palate of cherry, strawberry, pomegranate and cinnamon. The profile is dry and silky with amazing complexity and balance. Each glass this Pinot gets better and better. The finish makes this red even more impressive with notes of vanilla, smokey oak and earthy spice, drink now thru 2011.

2006 Wente Reliz Creek Pinot Noir 91 points

 

Wente 2006 Reliz Creek Pinot Noir (Arroyo Seco); $19

With sweet aromas of Bing cherries and vanilla bean leading to a lovely palate of red currant, black cherry, cola and light spice. Light-bodied and a silky mouth-feel that is well balanced and polished. The finish is light but still jam packed full of fruit and toasty vanilla

2006 Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay 93 points

 

Cambria 2006 Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay $20

This is a fabulous Chardonnay with a tropical, smokey nose; With a beautiful palate of grapefruit, orange blossom, pineapple and vanilla custard. This Chard has a big, fat, creamy mouth-feel that is layered perfectly and expertly balanced. The crisp finish is full of spice oak and creamy caramel that’s long and smooth.

2007 Eola Hills Pinot Gris 88 points

Pinot Gris Oregon 2007 $10 A lovely textured white that’s clean and refreshing; With a bright palate of melon, pear, orange peel and light spice. This lip-smacker is tropical fruit from start to finish and easy drinking.

2006 Castle Rock Merlot 89 points

 

Merlot, Columbia Valley (WA), $10

Excellent value for a pure, centered Merlot; With a ripe palate of red currant, cherry, plum and spicy vanilla. Well balanced flavors are the core of this concentrated red. A smooth, long finish with notes of mocha and toasty oak that lasts and lasts.

2006 Rusack Syrah 91 points

 

Syrah, Santa Barbara County, $20

A lush nose of dark fruit and pepper brings about a fine Syrah; With a silky palate of black cherry, currant, vanilla and black pepper. The tannins are firm and well structured with ripe fruit from start to finish. With an elegant, long finish that has notes of vanilla, pepper and cedar.

2007 Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc 91 points

 

2007 Fumé Blanc Sonoma County $13

With a beautifully expressive nose of fresh citrus and smoke; The palate pops with white peach, guava, apricot and burnished wood. The body is full with a refreshingly citrus profile throughout. With a finish that’s clean and crisp with undertones of smokey, toasty wood, bravo!