Overall Rating: Value:
The limestone soils from Monferrato show in this fun take on Barbera. A bit of Friesa is added for raw brightness. Easy drinking yet with gobs of Italian character. Nice plum and pepper show through nicely. No oaking.
My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time.
(Holding the #1 spot)
From Castilla-La Mancha in Central Spain, a unique blend made with the Garnacha Tintorera grape. Not only is the skin red, but so is the flesh. This provides a sturdy structure and noticeable tannins. Aged only 4 months in oak, this wine has luscious red and black fruits with hints of spice. Definitely one you should try, especially at this price! (behind by 7 bottles)
From the land of Amarone comes a delicious Merlot based blend. To perfectly ripe Merlot (60%) is added juice from dried Corvina grapes ala Amarone. Rich, deep and smooth, this is a remarkable Merlot that may just change your Merlot worldview! (behind by 9 bottles)
Lovely soft green pepper nose with mineral and an herbal touch blended with tobacco and flowers. Black fruits and dried figs on the nose combine with soft and juicy tannins and concentrated fresh fruit flavors. Fire up the BBQ and grill some steaks or Portobello mushrooms to eat alongside a glass. It would be great with Mexican food as well with its subtle spice notes. (behind by 2 bottles)
From vineyards with a view of the bay comes this well balanced, lively and delicious Pinot Noir. A easy drinking, medium-bodied wine showing off some rare and black pepper spiced Hungarian oak to balance the raspberry aromas and flavors.
A wonderful classic CA Cab with solid structure from the altitude and Hungarian oak. Reserved and dark on the nose with aromas of blackberries, hints of black licorice and coff ee. Really nice and elegant. Touch on the masculine side with no jammy, jelly jar junk here. Wonderfully different.
A rose of lovely character, with fleshy red fruit and floral aromas. Its intense fruit and tannic backbone will make it the perfect match for spicy Mexican or Thai food.
Founded in 1643, Augier is the oldest producer of cognac in the world! This cognac in particular uses 100% Folle Blanche, providing unique characteristics. Aromatic, fruity notes with subtle nuances of caramel from oaking. Ridiculously smooth and delicious. It's no mystery why Augier have been in business for so long!
