*Malbec, Budini, 2010 (Mendoza, Argentina) $26.
Red and darker berries, licorice and smoked meat on the nose. Supple and juicy, with a smoky aspect and full body. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and good length. Sustainably grown in the hills of Mendoza; the winery donates a portion of sales to the Dominio del Plata Scholarship Foundation which was established to help fulfill the dream of a college education to winery worker families throughout Argentina
Shiraz, Bulletin Place, 2009 (Southeastern Australia) $26.
This dark Australian red has soft spicy aromas with dark chocolate, cherry and plum flavors. It is soft on the palate, with a smooth finish.
Grenache, Boots, Trevor Jones, 2007 (Barossa Valley, Australia) $30.
Classic old bush-vine Grenache with a little added Merlot & Cab Franc gives depth &power to this wine. Ripe black cherry fruit overlaid with dark chocolate and violet flower perfume with just a little French oak for complexity.
Barossa Red, Clancy’s, Peter Lehman, 2008 (Barossa Valley, Australia) $36.
An oak-aged blend of Shiraz, Cab. Sauvignon, Merlot, & a hint of Cab. Franc. A bouquet of ripe plums & berries overlayed by velvety tannins & a hint of spice.
*Pinot Noir, Mud House, 2008, (Central Otago, New Zealand) $34
Medium bodied pinot, showing A Dry & fresh, medium-bodied Pinot Noir, showing flavors of Maraschino cherries, plums and crushed herbs, subtle oak & fine tannins lead to a long finish.
Pinot Noir,”Prelude,” Andrew Rich, 2009 (Willamette Valley, Oregon) $52.
From a “Berkshire born” wine-maker in Oregon, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with flavors of crushed raspberries and strawberries with a hint of spice.
Pinot Noir, Mueller, “Emily’s Cuvée,” 2006 (Russian River Valley, Ca) $85.
This Pinot Noir comes from a single vineyard one mile away from the cooling Russian River. A beautiful wine, fragrant & elegant with rich flavorsbalanced by lively acidity.
Pinot Noir, Sequana , Sarmento Vineyard, 2009 (Santa Lucia, California) $40.
Medium ruby color; deep cinnamon, spiced plum and cherry aromas; deep, complex, focused plum and cherry flaavors with cardamom and sandalwood notes; some fine tannins; sweet oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Deep and complex with terrific, many layered flavors.
Zinfandel, Abundance Vineyards, Old Vines, 2009 (Clarksburg, Ca) $32.
60 to 100-year old vines in an artisanal vineyard produce a rich, silky, & fruity wine; concentrated juicy berry flavors, balanced oak tannins & a long finish.
Zinfandel, Elyse, Korte Ranch Vineyard, 2007 (Napa Valley, Ca) $65.
The rich texture & dark color of this wine marries well with its full body, creating an exciting & complex wine. Aromas of wild berries, roasted nuts, & crème de cassis; on the palate blackberries, plum & a hint of pepper from a winemaker known for his ability to showcase great fruits from distinct & specific locations.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Caparone, “French Camp,” 2005 (Paso Robles, CA ) $34.
From a 30 year old winery run by a father and his son, this wine is a classic Cabernet: rich, dense and well balanced with great structure, fruit and varietal character. Long and strong finish with fine tannins
*Cabernet Sauvignon, Volker-Eisele, 2006 (Napa Valley, California) $75.
A “Bordeaux-style” Cab coming from an organic family estate; 14% Merlot is blended in to create a soft, complex wine, full of character, elegance, & balance.
Merlot, Monkey Business, 2007 (North Coast, California) $26.
A beautiful American Merlot, with complex layers of ripe berries, notes of black pepper and spices, a great, strong and long finish.
*“Mountain Cuvée” Gundlach Bundschu, 2006 (Sonoma Valley, California) $40.
California’s oldest family-run winery uses sustainable organic practices to produce this lush, fruit-forward Meritage blend, with aromas of anise & coriander, dense flavors of raspberry, red cherry & ultra dark chocolate. The quality and European-style finesse of this wine yields a long, rich finish
*“CMS” Columbia Valley Red, Hedges, 2009 (Columbia Valley, Washington) $28.
Toasted oak, vanilla, cloves & a hint of licorice combine with black raspberry and cassis aromas in this sophisticated, yet easy-drinking red wine. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
“Phantom,” Bogle Vineyards, 2008 (Klarksburg, CA) $ 40.
A toasty, warm, & spicy blend of old vine Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, & Mourvedre. Aged in American Oak for 2 years before release, this wine has full, deep, rich fruit & a remarkable & well-deserved reputation as a stand out.
Rust en Vrede Estate, 2004 (Stellenbosch, South Africa) $75.
From the first S. African estate to specialize in reds, this full-bodied, complex wine beautifully reflects the unique Stellenbosch terroir. Cabernet-dominated with 30% Shiraz, & 10% Merlot. Flavors of black currant, chocolate, & espresso are pronounced in this powerful, elegant, & well-structured wine.
*Sustainable, organic, or biodynamic production
