2010

June 8th -
Juan Gil
Jumilla Monastrell 2007 . . . . . 13.79
90/100 - Our score.
90/100 - Wine Advocate. "The 2007 Juan Gil is also 100% Monastrell from 45-year-old vines aged for 12 months in French and American oak. Purple-colored with an enticing bouquet of underbrush, cedar, plum, and blueberry, on the palate it is dense, sweetly-fruited, and concentrated. Drink this nicely balanced effort over the next 4-5 years." (Spain)

May 25th -
Matsu
"El Picaro" Toro 2009 . . . . . 15.99
90/100 - Our score.
Aged for only three months in barrel, this 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) showcases the red and black flavors of the varietal. Flavors of blackberry and cranberry dominate with mineral undertones. Fresh and complex with a lively acidity on the finish that keep the tannins in line. This biodynamically produced wine is the introductory offering from Matsu, and it's a very strong introduction to this estate. (Spain)

May 18th -
Tabali
"Reserva Especial"
Limari Valley Chardonnay 2008 . . . . . 12.99
90/100 - Our score.
91/100 - Wine Advocate. "Tabali is producing high quality wines from the newly developing cool-climate region of Limari. The 2008 Chardonnay Reserva Especial shows off the potential for Chardonnay in Limari. It delivers Cote de Beaune like aromatics of mineral, toast, white fruits, and hazel nut. Elegant, intense, with lively natural acidity, this lengthy effort may well evolve for 1-2 years and can be enjoyed through 2014." (Chile)

Tabali
"Reserva Especial"
Limari Valley Pinot Noir 2008 . . . . . 14.99
89/100 - Our score.
Vina Tabali is fairly new to the wine scene in Chile, having been founded in 2003. Located in the Limari Valley, Chile’s northernmost wine region, they are already getting critical acclaim; with their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet receiving big scores from the Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator. The 2008 Pinot Noir is going to turn some heads as well. This is serious Pinot Noir that receives 10 months in French oak, enough to give the wine some toasty hints and roundness. Black cherry and strawberry flavors dominate on the nose and in the mouth. Finishes with some very soft tannins. (Chile)

Tabali
"Reserva Especial"
Limari Valley Carmenere 2008 . . . . . 11.99
88/100 - Our score.
This offering from Tabali is a wonderful introduction to Carmenere. Luscious black cherry and mineral flavors are complemented by a simple herbal character. This is rich and tasty with tangy acids in the finish. (Chile)

May 11th -
DeLille Cellars
"D2"
Columbia Valley Red Blend 2007 . . . . . 32.99
91/100 - Our score.
A blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the DeLille D2 boasts a combination of concentration and complexity that made it the highlight of one of our recent tastings. The nose starts out with berry aromas of raspberry and black currant, followed by sweet oak, pencil graphite and finally a bit of mocha and cocoa. Red and black fruits smother the palate before the flavors return to mocha and cocoa on the finish. One of the best American Bordeaux-style blends we have tasted in quite a while. (Washington)

May 4th -
Mastroberardino
"Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio"
Rosso 2008 . . . . . 16.99
90/100 - Our score.
90/100 - Wine Advocate. "The 2008 Lachryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso (Piedirosso) bursts from the glass with an intoxicating, heady array of bacon fat, smoke, tar, ash and dark red cherries. Despite its deceptive, mid-weight style, this dark brooding wine offers tons of complexity and personality. Though quite beautiful texturally, the strong aromas and flavors might not be for everyone, but paired with the right foods – such as grilled meats – the wine should drink beautifully. This is a gem from Mastroberardino. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019." (Italy)

April 27th -
Castello di Bossi
Chianti Classico 2006 . . . . . 15.99
Mouth-coating and slightly fruit-forward. An absolutely terrific Chianti.
90/100 - Our score.
90/100 - Wine Advocate. "The 2006 Chianti Classico (100% Sangiovese) is truly beautiful as it opens up in the glass, revealing tons of fruit in the powerful, ripe style that is typical of Castelnuovo. The wine possesses tons of stuffing and richness yet maintains notable clarity. Not only is this Chianti Classico a superb value, it can also challenge wines costing twice as much. Needless to say, it is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016." (Italy)

April 13th -
Bodegas La Cartuja
Priorat 2008 . . . . . 13.99
90+/100 - Our score.
The previous vintage of this wine scored 90-Points in the Wine Advocate and we sold out of it in just two weeks. This vintage, also selling for $13.99, has earned a 90+ rating from our staff and looks to be another huge winner. It's a delicious blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Carinena and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah - and it is just as good (and maybe a little better) than the 2007. In the glass and in your gullet you'll find powerful flavors of spicy red fruits, dusty chocolate and notes of sweet, smoky meat. The Cartuja is full bodied and might be the ultimate value steak-on-the-grill, early spring/summer red. Wow your friends with this killer value from Spain's heralded Priorat region. (Spain)

April 6th -
Clos du Mont-Olivet
"Font de Blanche"
Côtes du Rhône 2007 . . . . . 11.99
89/100 - Our score.
Better known for their highly regarded Chateuneuf du Pape, Clos du Mont Olivet delivers a great value with this reasonably priced 2007. A blend of 60% Grenache, 38% Syrah, and 2% Cinsault, it shows an abundance of red berry fruit intertwined with herbs and black pepper - everything you want in a proper Cotes du Rhone! Smooth tannins and a crisp, lifted structure give this wine great freshness for enjoying on its own or with a variety of light spring fare. (France)

March 30th -
Obsidian Ridge
Red Hills
Lake County
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 . . . . . 25.79
90+/100 - Our score.
This is one of the best $25 Cabs that you’ll find on the market. It comes from a vineyard in the Red Hills Lake County AVA situated at an elevation of 2,500 feet on the backside of the Mayacamas Range near the intersection of Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties. Showing the greatness of the 2007 vintage, the Obsidian Ridge offers an intense and voluptuous array of black cherry, black berry and blueberry flavors along with a bit of spice. The black and blue flavors coat the palate until the balanced acidity cuts through the jamminess and allows the velvet-like tannins to reveal themselves. If this wine was grown about three miles south in Napa it would probably have a $100+ price tag. This wine is very good now and will only get better with each month in the bottle. (California)

March 23rd
Craggy Range
"Kidnappers Vineyard"
Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2008 . . . . . 15.99
Chardonnay lovers, make sure to check this one out – a big-scoring Chardonnay at a crazy low price!
92/100 - Wine Spectator. "An elegant style, deftly balanced, with refined pear and lime on a satiny frame. Lingers effortlessly. Drink now through 2014. 2,200 cases imported." (New Zealand)

Barnard Griffin
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 . . . . . 13.99
90/100 - Our score.
Leads off with bright aromas of chocolate covered cherries and sweet oak. This is as soft as Cabernet can be. Black cherry, blackberry, licorice, chocolate and sweet oaky flavors. Drinks very soft and pretty with good acidity and elegance. (Washington)

March 16th -
Zaca Mesa
Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 2005 . . . . . 15.99
92/100, "Smart Buy" - Wine Spectator. "Tight and beefy, with focused blueberry and wild berry flavors that are spicy and complex. Full-bodied, with a hint of stewed plum and wild berry peaking through on the finish. Drink now through 2015." (California)

March 9th -
Ridge Crest
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 . . . . . 10.99
89/100 - Our score.
With just one whiff, you'll know that you have something special here. Remember your first wine class when the instructor described classic Cabernet Sauvignon... black fruits, some herbaceousness, oak nuances and a touch of influence from the soil it was grown in? Well, your instructor must have been talking about the 2006 Ridge Crest, because that's what this wine is all about. Has a super long finish that is smooth and clean. We could go on, but it’s best for you to have a try for yourself. You won't find one better for $10. (Washington)

Bodegas Atteca
"Garnacha de Fuego" 2008 . . . . . 6.99
89/100 - Wine Advocate. "The grapes for this new project were sourced from 60- to 80-year-old vines whose already low yields were reduced an additional 70% by the weather conditions of the vintage. A glass-coating opaque purple, remarkably deep for a wine of this price made from Garnacha, the wine offers a nose of brooding black cherry and blueberry. Concentrated, ripe, and balanced on the palate, this flavorful, lengthy effort will drink well over the next four years. It is an outstanding value." (Spain)

March 2nd -
Layer Cake
Mendoza Malbec 2008 . . . . . 13.99
91/100 - Wine Advocate. "Dense purple-colored with notes of blackberry, earth, roasted meats, and a hint of barbecue spice, this wine exhibits great fruit, delicious, full-bodied texture, silky tannins, and a long finish. It does taste more like a $30-50 bottle of Malbec than one that can be purchased for $15. It should drink nicely for at least 2-3 years." (Argentina)

Layer Cake
South Australia Shiraz 2008 . . . . . 12.99
90/100 - Wine Advocate. "This was not an easy vintage in Australia, but you would never know it from this wine. As one expects from any South Australian Shiraz, it has oodles of fruit, a big, thick, juicy mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and lots of crème de cassis, blackberry, peppery, and tar-like notes in a deep, full-bodied, lush style that should drink nicely for 3-4 years as well." (Australia)

February 23rd -
Capucine
Blanc Vin de Pays d'Oc 2009 . . . . . 7.59
88/100 - Our score.
The new vintage of this incredibly popular blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne and Rousanne has arrived! From the Corbieres region of Southern France, it offers aromas and flavors of banana, pear and almond cookies. This tasty, medium-bodied juice is fresh and fat. An awesome deal, again!

Capucine
Rouge Vin de Pays d'Oc 2009 . . . . . 7.59
89/100 - Our score.
We're pretty confident that after you taste it, you'll be buying this one by the case! A delicious blend of Grenache, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Carignan, this wine delivers way, way beyond its price point. In the glass you'll find simple yet pleasure giving aromas of chocolate, cassis, black raspberries, coffee and flowers. In the mouth you'll enjoy soft textures, medium body and a balanced, round, finish. An absolutely awesome bargain!

February 16th -
Bodegas Borsao
"Tres Picos"
Garnacha Campo de Borja 2008 . . . . . 14.99
91/100 - International Wine Cellar. "($17) Opaque purple. Exotically perfumed bouquet of dark berry preserves, smoky minerals, potpourri and Indian spices, with a strong note of cracked pepper; smells like a high-end northern Rhone wine. Very spicy and tightly focused, offering juicy red and dark berry flavors and sexy notes of candied flowers and cocoa powder. Finishes with a wallop of sweet red berries and lingering, seductive spiciness; as ridiculous a value as one can find these days. The yield for this wine was reportedly under two tons per acre."

January 12th -
Domaine Duseigneur
"Antares" Lirac 2007 . . . . . 19.99
Can a wine be both chewy and elegant? Heck yes! This wine was the hands down value-of-the-day at a recent staff tasting... 91-92/100 - Our score.
91/100 - Wine Advocate. "This biodynamically-farmed vineyard, which has Philippe Cambie as its consultant, is a sleeper selection for value and high quality. A bigger, richer offering, the 2007 Lirac Antares is a blend of 60% Grenache and equal parts Mourvedre and Syrah. The Grenache is aged in tank, and the other two varietals are kept in barrel. In keeping with the style of this vintage, it possesses plenty of freshness and ripeness in addition to deep black raspberry and black cherry fruit, licorice, smoke, and garrigue notes. This dense, medium to full-bodied, elegant as well as substantial Lirac should drink well for 5-6 years." (France)

January 5th -
Santa Rita
"Medalla Real"
Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 . . . . . 15.99
88/100 - International Wine Cellar.
90/100 - Our score.
Santa Rita has added plenty of punch to their middleweight contender, the "Medalla Real". A glass-staining  purple black color, this cuvee is not shy. On the nose it is immediately noticeable as Chilean Cabernet. Black fruits, bell pepper, cocoa, coffee, toast - it's all there. The question we always ask is how do they get so much concentration and oomph into a $16 wine? The answer - who cares, just enjoy it! (Chile)

2009

December 29th -
Segura Viudas
“Aria” Brut Cava NV . . . . . 8.99

Roederer Estate
Anderson Valley Brut NV . . . . . 15.99
91/100 - Wine Spectator, 11/15/09. "This rich version is loaded with spicy cinnamon notes. Offers bold apple aromas, with a whiff of yeast, and complex, layered pear, crème brûlée and baked apple flavors that linger. Drink now." (California)

Marc Hebrart
"Cuvée de Reserve"
Brut Champagne NV . . . . . 36.99
92+/100 - Our score.
We like how importer Terry Thiese describes the wines of Hebrart, a grower that he added to his portfolio only recently... "These Champagnes will wiggle the knob on your yum-o-meter." Agreed! From Mareuil-sur-ay in the Vallée de la Marne, this lovely wine is a blend of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Chardonnay, with the base wine going through 100% Malolactic fermentation. This cuvee was disgorged in April of 2009 and it is very attractive, showing zest and lift to go with the almost red fruited notes and just-ripe green pear flavors. Great length and very pleasurable. (France)

December 22nd -
Bodegas Borsao
Campo de Borja 2008 . . . . . 6.79
89/100 - Wine Spectator.
88/100 - Wine Advocate.
89/100 - International Wine Cellar. "($8; 80% garnacha and 20% tempranillo) Vivid purple color. Intensely floral scents of violet, rose, raspberry, blackberry and Asian spices. A step up in complexity from the Vina Borgia and Monte Oton, with an extra aromatic dimension and impressive, sweet berry character. The finish is bright, focused and way, way more persistent than a $9 wine should be." (Spain)

Domaine des Hauts Châssis
"Esquisse"
Crozes-Hermitage 2007 . . . . . 19.99
91/100 - Our score.
90/100 - Wine Spectator. "Racy and pure, with a bright mineral streak holding the juicy plum and black cherry fruit together, backed by modest toast. Very fresh. Drink now. 800 cases made." (France)

December 15th -
Trenza
San Luis Obispo Tinto 2007 . . . . . 21.99
90-91/100 - Our score.
94/100 - Wine Enthusiast. "Unusual, distinctive, and a wonderful first release from this new brand, a member of the Niven (Baileyana) family of wines. A blend of Tempranillo, Mourvèdre and Grenache, it’s utterly dry, richly tannic and well-structured, with earthy flavors of cherries, blueberries, herbs, unsweetened cocoa, black pepper and other dusty spices. A brilliant and provocative wine from winemaker Christian Roguenant. Editors’ Choice." (California)

December 8th -
Montes
"Alpha" Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 . . . . . 15.99
91/100 - Wine Advocate. "Aurelio Montes remains one of Chile's great innovators and quality leaders. His latest releases are first class from entry level to the top of the portfolio. The 2007 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon raises the bar considerably. A glass-coating opaque purple, it has an excellent bouquet of toasty oak, tobacco, espresso, and blackcurrant. With good richness, excellent depth, and a firm structure, it will evolve for several years and drink well through 2019." (Chile)

December 1st -
Villa des Anges
Languedoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 . . . . . 8.99
89/100 - Wine Advocate. "Villa des Anges 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is as remarkable and improbable a wine value as I have tasted in years. Jacqueline Menard de Ginestous (whose estate is officially named Espitalet des Anges) and oenologist Jeff Carrel have done the seemingly impossible – even forgetting the price – by crafting a full-bodied, subtly oily-textured, palpably dense, lip-smacking, not vegetal, yet not sweet Cabernet in the Languedoc. What’s more, there are 15,000 cases of it! Juniper, huckleberry, mint, rosemary, black walnut, dark chocolate, and green olive are prominent in the nose and on the palate, leading to a considerable finish. One-third went through malo-lactic transformation in older barrels, and the rest (including 15% Merlot) was left in tank. The lovely, distinctive label with its maroon angel’s head might remind some wine lovers of 18th century tombstones, but the message in the bottle is anything but macabre. Even if you think a $9 wine is beneath you, you’ll want some of this just to stump other wine snobs in blind tastings. I won’t try to predict how it will age, but certainly you can plan on at least 12-18 months of enjoyment, and who knows, perhaps the 2009 will be even better." (France)

November 17th -
Domaine Lafage
"Cote d’Est"
Languedoc Roussillon 2008 . . . . . 9.99
90/100 - Wine Advocate. "Lafage’s 2008 Cote Est comes from Chardonnay, Marsanne, and old Grenache Blanc vines on cobbled soils near the coast, blended with the fruit of centenarian Grenache Gris vines on Pyrenean schist. The wine is aged in tank on its fine lees and the result is not only irresistibly delicious but truly complex. Orange and lime zest, white pepper, narcissus, fennel, and mint in the nose lead to a juicy, bright palate with musky floral perfume and a shimmering interchange of citrus with wet stone, salt, iodine, and other ineffable mineral elements. This will fascinate and refresh in equal measure as well as fiendishly insinuate itself into your culinary regimen over the next 9-12 months, and could also be held a bit longer without fear." (France)

Domaine de Beaurenard
Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau 2007 . . . . . 14.99
90/100 - Wine Spectator. "Gorgeous blueberry, blackberry and cherry aromas and flavors ripple through this dense but silky offering. Fruit echoes through the long spice- and graphite-filled finish. Drink now through 2010. 3,750 cases made." (France)

November 10th -
Marquis Philips
"Sarah’s Blend"
McLaren Vale 2008 . . . . . 12.99
91+/100 - Our score.
This could be the finest vintage yet of this cult favorite. Big and brooding, the wine nonetheless is remarkably well-balanced. A blend of 60% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2008 Sarah’s Blend is rich and ripe with flavors of creamy black berry and chocolate. It finishes smooth with great balance of oak, fruit, and tannin. The 2001 Sarah’s Blend earned a 93-Point score from Robert Parker. We think that the 2008 vintage is even better. This one is a blockbuster. (Australia)

November 3rd -
Hinman
Oregon Pinot Noir 2008 . . . . . 13.99
89+/100 - Our score.
Mother nature was kind to Oregon in 2008. An Indian summer made for a great harvest season and produced wines that are very concentrated in flavor yet moderate in alcohol level. This brand new release from Hinman is our first experience with this noteworthy vintage and all we can say is “wow”. It is clean and pleasant with a light-to-medium body and concentrated flavors of cherry and raspberry that keep going and going and going. Lovers of pure Pinot Noir will be in for a special treat. This gets a huge recommendation for the Thanksgiving Day table as it has the depth and backbone to hold up to the diverse aromas and flavors of the typical feast. An absolute champion wine and a killer value. (Oregon)

October 27th -
Falesco
“Vitiano” Rosso Umbria 2007 . . . . . 7.99
91/100 - International Wine Cellar. “Ridiculously dark black-ruby color. Pretty aromas of cassis, black plum and earth, with a pronounced vanilla presence that does not overpower the fruit… This is a lot of wine for the money, and the best Vitiano in years..." (Italy)

October 20th -
Bodegas Volver
Tempranillo La Mancha 2007 . . . . . 13.79
90/100 - International Wine Cellar.
89/100 - Our score
90/100 - Wine Advocate. “The 2007 Volver is sourced from a single 72 acre vineyard that was planted in 1967 with head pruned Tempranillo. The wine was barrel-fermented and aged for 14 months in new French oak. Purple-colored, it offers up an alluring aromatic array of pain grille, smoke, violets, black cherry, and blackberry that jumps from the glass. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied with gobs of ripe fruit, succulent flavors, soft tannins, and excellent balance. This lengthy effort over-delivers big-time and is a superb value.” (Spain)