2006 Cabernet, Mendocino - Orsianna $14.95
Beautiful aromatics consisting of oak, cedar, rich red berries and hints of rose petals.  It’s a richly layered, medium- to full-bodied wine boasting supple tannins, rich brambly fruit and medium sweet tobacco overtones. It is beautifully balanced and elegant, and should age nicely for 7-10 years. A distinctive Mendocino Cab at a wine glut price.

2004 Costers del Gravet  - Capcanes  $10.95
Monsant, Spain 91 Points Parker # 169 Feb 2007
“The 2004 Costers del Gravet is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Carinena. The Garnacha and Carinena vines range in age from 30-60 years while the Cabernet is 15-20 years. The wine was aged for 12 months in used French oak. Purple colored and more touched by the oak, the wine exhibits an attractive perfume of pain grille, minerals, scorched earth, spice box, black currant, and black cherry. This is followed by a layered, full-bodied wine with gobs of sweet black fruits, a plush texture, and a pure, lengthy finish. Drink this hedonistically-styled wine now and over the next 8-10 years.”

2005 Cuvee Constance - Calvet-Thunevin $8.95
Vins de Pays des Cotes Catalanes, Languedoc Roussillon, France 90 Points Parker  # 173 Oct 2007 “The 2005 Constance ( a “Cotes Catalanes” Vin de Pays) – consisting of Grenache with 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan –represents the only cuvee among the Calvet-Thunevin line-up not to be aged for 18 months in new barriques, but rather roughly half as long and exclusively in cement. Sweet and alluring aromas of creme de cassis and black raspberry jam lead to a palate of liqueur-like richness along with deep bitter chocolate and coffee as well as wet stone and lead pencil shadings. This excellent value offers an almost unprecedented amount of pure ripe fruit and resonance of finish for its price,  and while it is successfully designed for impulsive (possibly even compulsive) consumption, it might well display more  nuance with another year or two in bottle.”

2005 Late Harvest Riesling – Arrowood $18.95
Alexander Valley, Sonoma 91 Points Parker #168 Dec 2006  (1/2 btl)
“No one in America produces more decadently rich Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese-styled late harvest Rieslings than Dick Arrowood, who began making these wines when he was the winemaker at Chateau St. Jean during the decade of the seventies.

These brilliant sweet wines can age exceptionally well as evidenced by some bottles in my cellar from the late seventies. While their colors now resemble molasses, they remain fresh and lively. Arrowood has hit home runs with all three cuvees in 2005. The 2005 Late Harvest Riesling (301 cases) is an Auslese-like white offering gorgeous tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and peach-scented aromas as well as great acidity. It was bottled with 7.2 grams of residual sugar, and is low in alcohol.”

2007 Merlot, Alexander Valley – Laurier  $7.95
This Merlot delivers complexity and pleasure on many levels. The aroma of black cherries and chocolate is very prevalent and the taste continues with a refreshing hint of chocolate mint. The finish is sturdy with rich, pleasing tannins and a spicy, vanilla note. Nice value AV Merlot.

2008 Coussergues Chardonnay/Viognier $8.95
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
90 Points Parker # 183 Jun 2009 Drink: 2009 - 2010
"My favorite from this winery is the medium-bodied, dry, fresh, lively 2008 Chardonnay/Viognier (a 50-50 blend). Exotic tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and floral undertones offer a lovely aromatic display." Wonderful Value… 

2007 Hayman & Hill Napa Cabernet $8.95
Wow, a truly expressive Napa Cab under $10! Rich chocolate with blueberry and raspberry notes, subtle hints of tobacco and leather and the classic dust & berry you find on the nose of most Napa Cabernets. The palate has fine grain tannins, with a soft mid-palate and a lingering finish. A Chronicle super value Napa Cab.

2007 Valpolicella Classico Ripasso-Montresor  $13.95
Verona, Italy
A medium to full bodied red in a deep ruby red color with deeply inviting aromas of rich fruit, almond and cinnamon and a smooth velvety palate, rich with flavors of cherry, musk, spices and vanilla. Finishing with warming fruit and soft tannins. Made by the Ripasso method, which involves adding the unpressed skins from the dried grapes which were used to make an Amarone to a young Valpolicella wine. This helps to add extra flavor to the wine and gradually the luscious flavors of Amarone are imparted to the wine. The wine is agedfor 16 months in French and American oak. Made from Corvina Veronese (40-70%), Rondinella (20-40%) and Molinara (5-20%).

2007 Garnacha, Puntazo G - Sin-Ley  $12.95
Navarra, Spain 90 Points Parker # 178 Aug 2008 Drink: 2008 - 2012
“The 2007 Puntazo is sourced from 75 year old garnacha vines in Navarra. Purple-colored, its aromatics of black cherry and raspberry leap from the glass. On the palate, the wine has excellent breadth and concentration, light tannin, and a lengthy, pure finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. The reader is referred to Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Issue 175, pp72-73, for a more in depth explanation behind the Vinos Sin-Ley concept. In a nutshell, its purpose is to focus on individual grape varieties and their expressions in a range of terroirs. To help accomplish this goal,the wines are all unoaked so that the purity of the fruit is front and center.”

2002 Lignum - Albet I Noya $5.95
Penedés, Spain The 2007 Lignum, a Garnacha, Carignan & Cabernet blend, sells for $14.95 in New York. Here is a chance to see how this blend ages. The wine has nice weight with the fruit element surprisingly in evidence. The blend has fused together and developed another super value Spanish red, ideal for your summer meals.

2007 Mataro (Mourvedre), Old Vine - Trinitas $14.95
Contra Costa County.  From a professional Blog. “My next taste came from some of Contra Costa’s (Oakley) oldest vines, a rarely found Mataro (a.k.a. “Mourvedre”). I had never heard of the term “Mataro” before. This was where the day’s wine adventure took an exciting turn. This is a deep full bodied wine with a mouth full of raspberry, blackberry and plum fruit with a little black pepper, chocolate and spices. It sells for $25.”

2006 Petite Sirah Old Vine – Trinitas $14.95
Lodi. These grapes come from the Hwy 88 Ranch on the southeast side of Lodi from 50 year old vines. Judicious use of oak and a very light winemaking hand allows this wine to express everything a Petite Sirah should: huckleberries, slight white pepper, dusty cocoa, rich chocolate - all coming together in a rich, full mouth feel and with balanced tannins.

2008 Chardonnay, Reserve-Rusack $29.95
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Bien Nacido (79%), Sierra Madre (21%) -338 cases. 90 Points Tanzer Nov/Dec 09   Higher score rumored from Parker.

“Musky, highly complex aromas of Meyer lemon, lime, iodine and hazelnut. Sweet on entry, then impressively tensile in the middle, showing sweet but lively citrus and pit fruit flavors and a strong mineral underpinning. Tactile, penetrating and balanced chardonnay, with mineral and smoke notes lingering on the very persistent finish.”

2008 Pinot Noir, Logan – Robert Talbott $21.95
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey
This is one of our favorite Pinots. On the nose, this wine shows inviting blueberry, ripe cherry and floral accents, with smoke notes and a touch of minerality. Segueing to flavors of blueberry and cherry-cola on the palate, it displays a seamless blend of richness, depth and silky texture.

Named for Robb Talbott’s son, Robert Logan Talbott, the original 1994 vintage of Logan Pinot Noir was introduced in 1997. Since then, this estate-grown wine, produced exclusively using grapes from their acclaimed Sleepy Hollow Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, has emerged as a great value Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot. 

2007 Ilaria Traveling Roo Proprietary Red $3?.95
Napa, North Coast 90 points Parker #186 Dec 2009  Drink: 2009 - 2016 “The 2007 The Traveling Roo, an innovative blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot, offers peppery, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of violets, incense, and graphite. Enjoy this soft, round red over the next 5-7 years.”

2008 Shiraz ,Terra Barossa -Thorn-Clarke $ 11.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
89 Points Parker #186  Dec 209 Drink: 2009 – 2016
Note 1 Liter Btl cost of reg Btl would be $ 8.97
“The 2008 Terra Barossa Shiraz is opaque purple-colored. Aromas of pencil lead, pepper, violets, blackberry, and blueberry lead to a medium to full-bodied  Shiraz with excellent depth and concentration, layered flavors, and a pure finish. It is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 5-7 years.”

2008 Ludovicus -Vinos Pinol  $10.95
Terra Alta, Spain 90 Points Parker
“The 2008 Ludovicus is a blend of 35% Garnacha, 30%Tempranillo, 25% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for three months in French and American oak. It has a glass-coating deep crimson hue with an expressive nose of cherry, blueberry, and blackberry. Mouth-filling, succulent, and flavorful, this tasty effort is a sensational value for drinking over the next 1-2 years.”

2009 Rosé, Sables d’Azur - Gassier  $9.95
Cotes de Provence , France.   Major newspaper May 7, 2010
“This week's featured wine is the 2009 vintage of Baron Gassier's Sables d'Azur. This beautiful Rosé is a distinct salmon-pink colored wine featuring roses, peaches and plum aromas. A medley of fresh berries and light citrus ride in a soft stream of plum and strawberry accented with a hint of vanilla. This wonderful wine hails from the Rosé capital of the world — Provence, France — and is composed from three traditional grapes used to create Rosé, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault.”

2007 Ch.neuf-du-Pape, Des Papes-Clos de L’Oratoire $35.95
Chateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone, France
90 Points Parker Oct 2009     91 Points Wine Spectator Nov 15, 2009
“The 2007 traditional Chateauneuf du Pape is a beauty – deep ruby/purple in color with a classic nose of jammy black cherries and black currants intermixed with lavender, spice box, fruit cake, and pepper. It is a medium to full-bodied wine with silky tannins, an alluring texture, and terrific purity and length. Drink it over the next decade. The is one of the oldest estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. It was sold at the turn of the century to the large negociant Ogier, and contrary to the idea that bigger is not better, Ogier has actually taken the wines back to their former glory of 30 to 40 years ago. 

2007 Gigondas, La Gille-Perrin $ 27.95
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone, France
92 Points Parker # 185 Oct 2009 Drink: 2009 – 2024
“The 2007 Gigondas Le Gille is performing even better than it was last year. A 2,500-case blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah grown in sandy soils, it exhibits sweet tannins, beautifully rich black raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with unmistakable minerality, and full body. It was obviously harvested at full phenolic maturity, and should age nicely for 10-15+ years.”

2008 Cabernet, Three Doves – Page $17.95
Napa.  Nice value Napa Cabernet thanks to the wine glut. This medium bodied Cabernet shows lots of bright, ripe aromas with hints of black cherries, cola, vanilla and spice. The finish is supple and smooth.

2007 Ilaria The Traveling Roo Proprietary Red $39.95
Napa. 90 points Parker #186 Dec 2009
Dec 2009 Robert Parker 90 Drink: 2009 - 2016 $40 (40)

“The 2007 The Traveling Roo, an innovative blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot, offers peppery, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of violets, incense, and graphite. Enjoy this soft, round red over the next 5-7 years.” 

2007 Côtes Du Rhône, Les Dentelles, Cheron $9.95
Rhône, France. Crafted by Burgundian Yves Cheron, Les Dentelles has an undemanding elegance. Vinified of Grenache and Syrah, this wine is unfined with a portion of Syrah aged in neutral oak to add complexity. This light wine skips on your palate with notes of fresh thyme and rosemary and Mediterranean aromas of black olive and sun baked tomatoes.

2006 Gigondas, La Gille-Perrin $ 23.95
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone, France 90 Points Parker Mar 2010
“Medium garnet. Slightly reduced, tarry / rubbery nose to begin with underlying aromas of warm strawberry and raspberry, mushrooms and smoky bacon. Medium+ acid and a medium-firm level of velvety tannins. Full body with good concentration and balance. Long finish.” 

2005 Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas $7.95
Spain 91 Points Parker 90 Points Tanzer
“Saturated purple. Smoky raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a sexy mocha quality adding complexity. Fleshy, round dark fruit liqueur flavors caress rather than pummel the palate. Gentle tannins arrive late to add structure but this is all about silky, juicy fruit.” (65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tintorera) 

2005 Priorat – La Cartuja $13.95
Priorat, Spain 90 Points Parker # 188 Apr 2010  Drink: 2010 - 2016
“Bodegas La Cartuja’s 2008 La Cartuja is a blend of 50% Garnacha, 30% Carinena with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from organically farmed estate fruit aged in French oak for 8 months. It offers up a reticent nose of graphite, spice box, underbrush, lavender, black cherry, and plum. This leads to a plush, sweetly-fruited, concentrated, mouth-filling wine for drinking over the next 5-6 years. It is an amazing value and a great introduction to Priorat.” 

2008 Shiraz, Shotfire Ridge – Thorn Clarke $16.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
90 Parker # 186 Dec 2009  Drink: 2009 - 2017
“The 2008 Shotfire Shiraz was aged for 14-16 months in 40% new French and American oak hogsheads. Purple-colored, it offers up a nose of toasty oak, Asian spices, incense, blueberry, and blackberry. On the palate it has excellent flavors in a plush, nearly opulent style. The wine is balanced, rich, fleshy, and ripe. Drink this full-flavored effort over the next 6-8 years.” 

2009 Albarino, Nessa - Gran Vinum $12.95
Rias Baixas , Spain 12.5% Parker scored the 2008 88 Points. This smooth white delivers pear, lime and juniper flavors, with citrusy acidity and a mineral finish. Focused and harmonious. Great summer sipper. Low alcohol at 12.5%Galicia's Rias Baixas region is where Albarino reaches its highest expression.

2007 Big Guy Red - Bell $13.95
Big Guy, named for their Wheaten Terrier pictured on the label, is a blend of the Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Petit Verdot (Napa appellations) and Syrah ( Sierra Foothills). This medium bodied red has lively fruit aromas, rich, ripe fruit flavors on the palate and soft, supple tannins on the finish.  Bell Cellars (Yountville) have created a wine as friendly as their dog “Ty”, aka Big Guy. A BBQ winner! 

2008 Pinotage – Fairview $10.95
Coastal Region, South Africa.  This Pinotage (hybrid of Pinot Noir & Cinsault) is deep inky in color, with  aromas of mocha and caramel, followed by ripe plums and blackberries on the nose. On the palate, it is medium to full bodied, with lovely richness and sweet fruit on the finish. Tannins give good structure and oak is subtle, so it does not to dominate the fruit. Low alcohol at 12.5%

2008 Deep Sea Red – Conway $17.95
Central Coast. Syrah, Petite Sirah, Lagrein, Merlot and Mourvedre. are expertly blended by Andrew Adam, former winemaker for Alban wines. It’s deep and it’s red, lush, with some good backbone from the Mourvedre and layers of glossy fruit from the family’s expertly tended Rancho Arroyo Grande vineyards.  The beautiful dark garnet color invites you to draw in the aromas and flavors of dark fruits, blackberry and plum with a toasty meaty complexity topped off with spice and floral qualities. The balance of tannins, acidity and fruit is delightful as it leads to a lingering finish.

2009 Rosé ,Terrasses – Ch. Pesquie  $12.95
Rhone Valley, France Cinsault 50% Grenache 40%  Syrah 10%
A fresh and bright rose from the Rhone. Light strawberry fruit on the palate is backed by a crisp finish. The perfect match for our warm, sunny afternoons. Parker scored the 2008 89 points and we expect a higher score as 2009 was a far better vintage. Eric Solomon. 

2009 Rosé - Saint Roch  $10.95
Cotes De Provence , France.  This succulent, refreshing blend of  Cinsault and  Grenache has a nice core of watermelon and berry fruit with touches of orange. It has a hint of sweetness, with a nice cut of acidity. Hard to beat the French in the Rosé game!

2009 Rosé - Domaine De La Janasse  $9.95
Principaute d’Orange. France
Well known for  Chateauneuf du Pape they also produce a wonderful Rosé from equal parts of their Syrah, Grenache & Mourvèdre. Lovely rosé with a complex fruity presentation and just the right level of acidity. Classis French Rosé. Another Eric Solomon wine with 12.5% alcohol.

2009 Rosé - Goats Do Roam $7.95
Coastal region, South Africa
“A cheerful nose of raspberry, strawberry and lemon starts this rose blend, and like flavors follow in layers that offer substance beyond the typical rose. The wine has a touch of sweetness and a more unctuous mouthfeel than the nose might suggest, giving it the weight to pair with more complex dishes. Overall, an affordable, elegant choice.--Wine Enthusiast”

2007 Tres Ojos Garnacha Old Vines $7.95
Spain 88 Points Parker # 181 May 2009  Drink: 2009 - 2012
“The 2007 Old Vines Garnacha, sourced from 40-50 year old vines, was aged for 12 months in stainless steel. Purple-colored, the nose exhibits spice box, violets, and black cherry. On the palate it has plenty of supple-textured, succulent fruit and a finish with no hard edges. Drink it over the next three years.”

2005 Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas $9.95
Spain 91 Points Parker 90 Points Tanzer
“Saturated purple. Smoky raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a sexy mocha quality adding complexity. Fleshy, round dark fruit liqueur flavors caress rather than pummel the palate. Gentle tannins arrive late to add structure but this is all about silky, juicy fruit. ( 65% monastrell, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 15% tintorera)”