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CALIFORNIA
Arroyo
Grande Valley
Bianchi
Signature
Selection 2005 Pinot Grigio; $19
13/20
— Exotic floral, kiwi and litchi aromas. Harvested
ripe and gently whole-cluster pressed, which brings out
the wine's tropical essences.
Atlas
Peak
Atlas
Peak
2003
Claret; $86
14.5/20
— Concentrated fruit flavors of ripe cherry and
luxuriant blueberry. The Cabernet is inky, dark and concentrated
exhibiting a lush, rich and bold tannin structure.
Central
Coast
Concannon Vineyard
2004
Cabernet Sauvignon Selected Vineyard; $10
12.5/20
— Well-structured and full-bodied, with dark berry,
black cherry and vanilla oak flavors. Hints of earth, cedar
and fine tannins provide for a soft, smooth, lingering finish.
Concannon Vineyard
2004
Limited Release Assemblage Red Wine; $14
13/20
— This blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with
touches of Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot has flavors
of dark berry, cherry and chocolate, with silky tannins.
Concannon Vineyard
2004
Limited Release Stampmakers White Wine; $13
13.5/20
— Primary aromas of stone fruits—peaches
and apricots. A creamy vanilla character complements the
fruit flavors on the palate of this mostly Viognier blend.
Concannon Vineyard
2004
Merlot Selected Vineyard; $10
13/20
— Medium-bodied Merlot has cherry and deep blackberry
flavors with a soft, clean finish. Pairs with beef dishes
as well as spinach- or prosciutto-wrapped shrimp.
Dry
Creek Valley
Rancho
Zabaco
2004
Stefani Vineyard Zinfandel; $28
14.5/20
— Intense aromas and flavors of jammy blackberry
and black cherry are supported by rich, chewy tannins
that linger on the palate.
Rancho
Zabaco
2003
Reserve Zinfandel; $24
13.5/20
— Deep, violet color with intense aromas of black
spice, clove and earth. Concentrated flavors of black
jammy fruit and ripe plums marry well with the bold, lingering
tannins.
Edna
Valley
Edna
Valley Vineyard
2005
Chardonnay Paragon Vineyard; $12
13.5/20
— Smoky aromas of vanilla oak and sweet spice
balance white peach, pineapple and citrus aromas. Similar
flavors join with a finish enhanced by fullness on the
palate.
Edna
Valley Vineyard
2005
Pinot Noir Paragon Vineyard; $15
13.5/20
— Shows rich black cherry and strawberry fruit,
backed by caramel and vanilla notes. It has a full, luscious
palate, soft tannins and a lingering, smoky finish.
Edna
Valley Vineyard
2005
Sauvignon Blanc Paragon Vineyard; $15
13/20
— Fruit flavors include zesty lemon, white grapefruit,
juicy pear and melon, which balance traditional grassy
notes. A bit of Pinot Gris was added for weight and body.
Howell
Mountain
Atlas
Peak
2003
Cabernet Sauvignon; $86
14.5/20
— Powerful fruit flavors create a long, lingering
finish of rich blueberry on the palate leaving the mouthfeel
of firm velvet and generous, but not harsh tannins.
Monterey
Bianchi
Signature
Collection 2005 Pinot Grigio; $19
No Rating
— Intense, exotic floral, kiwi and litchi aromas
with a good balance. Crisp, yet smooth, this wine is versatile
when pairing and can be enjoyed with a variety of cuisines.
Bianchi
Signature
Selection 2005 Sauvignon Blanc; $14
13/20 — Ripe,
tropical fruit flavors, with crisp grapefruit, gooseberry
and herbal qualities. Pairs well with tomato-based Italian
foods like Bruschetta and shell-fish dishes like paella.
Chalone
Vineyard
2005
Chardonnay; $10
14/20
— Citrus-pineapple tropical fruit aromas, combined
with luscious pear flavors, crisp acidity and bright floral
aromas. Impressive up front, the wine shows a very long,
elegant finish.
Chalone
Vineyard
2004
Merlot; $14
13/20
— Fresh, spicy aromas of berry and clove are
followed by luscious flavors of dark cherry, accentuated
by the soft vanilla character of the oak.
Chalone
Vineyard
2005
Pinot Noir; $14
13.5/20
— Rich aromas of tart black cherries with hints
of clove and nutmeg. Ripe flavors of raspberries and cola
follow, while a small amount of Petite Sirah adds richness.
Irony
2005
Pinot Noir; $14
13/20
— Offers sweet cherry, fresh raspberries, cola
and nuts for a medium-bodied wine with a smooth finish.
Mount
Veeder
Atlas
Peak
2003
Cabernet Sauvignon; $86
15/20
— Good structure, shows rich purple color and
has briary, brambly flavors of wild blackberries, as well
as hints of spice, pepper and herbs like lavender, anise
and sage.
Napa
Valley
CE2V
by Mitch Cosentino
2005
Chardonnay; $40
No Rating
— Lime and other citrus, floral and limestone
aromas are similar to Chablis. There are very intense flavors
and superior balance, with crisp, clean, citrus notes.
CE2V
by Mitch Cosentino
2003
Meritage; $100
15/20
— Rich and exotic mineral notes that intermingle
with black fruit flavors and currants of warm oak. Concentrated
and intense, this full-bodied blend has ripe tannins and
a long finish.
Edge
2004
Cabernet Sauvignon; $20
13.5/20
— The deeply fruited nose opens to black currant
and vanilla. The medium full-bodied palate continues with
these flavors of ripe cassis, vanilla and hints of blackberry.
Hall
2003
Cabernet Sauvignon; $35
13/20
— Hints of spicy oak and vanilla complement aromas
of blackberry jam, chocolate and cassis. Flavors are full-bodied
and intense, yet maintain balance and an elegant finish.
Hall
2003
Merlot; $28
15/20
— Aromas of black cherry and blackberry compote
with notes of vanilla, nutmeg and clove. Flavors show
a combination of fruit and oak that create a lingering
palate.
Hall
2005
Sauvignon Blanc; $20
14/20
— Aromas of grapefruit, lime and melon, with
subtle floral notes. Deep textural characters on the palate
lead to a long, refreshing finish.
Russian
River Valley
Dutton-Goldfield
2004
Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah; $35
15/20
— Aromas of blueberry, black cherry and nutmeg
are followed by plush tannins that carry dark flavors
of black cherry, boysenberry and toffee with a lingering
sweet finish.
Dutton-Goldfield
2005
Dutton Ranch Chardonnay; $35
14/20
— In the nose, lemon cream pie jumps out, with
overtones of caraway seed, ginger and a touch of tangerine.
A core of citrus and bright acid in the mouth with ginger
spice.
Foppiano
Vineyards
2003
Petite Sirah; $23
14/20
— Complex aromas of spices and black pepper,
with concentrated flavors of ripe berries and chocolate
from the inviting nose to a rich silky finish.
Rancho
Zabaco
2005
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc; $18
14/20
— Aromas of boxwood, fresh-cut grass, lime peel
and lemongrass. Shows crisp flavors of citrus and passion
fruit with a balanced acidity that leads to a long, mineral
finish.
San
Lucas
Lockwood
Vineyard
2005
Block 7 Estate Pinot Noir; $20
13.5/20
— Aromas of rose petals with an essence of mulled
spice. With generous layers of fruit, all flavors show
bing cherry with a brisk hint of blueberry.
Sonoma
County
Gloria
Ferrer Vineyards
2004
Carneros Chardonnay; $18
13/20
— The bouquet is filled with aromas of fresh
pineapple and citrus blossom, interwoven with an appealing
graham cracker element. Sweet lemon and butterscotch flavors.
Gloria
Ferrer Vineyards
2003
Carneros Merlot; $19
13.5/20
— Palate is filled with black currant and roasted
cocoa bean flavors that become focused within the wine's
elegant, lengthy finish. Aromas of black plum, blackberry
and mint.
Gloria
Ferrer Vineyards
2002
Carneros Syrah; $19
14/20
— Complex aromas and flavors of blueberry, violets,
black currant, clove and roasted oak. Palate texture is
lush up front, with a fruit richness held in check by
polished tannins.
Legends
from Larry Bird and Mitch Cosentino
2004
Cabernet Sauvignon; $28
14.5/20
— Aromas of spice and mineral elements. It will
become more defined after leaving open for 30 minutes.
Flavors of blue and black fruits, with notes of pepper,
anise and mint.
Rancho
Zabaco
2003
Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel; $18
13.5/20
— Aromas of dark plum, black cherry and spice
matched with warming coconut and vanilla. The mouthfeel
is soft, with deep flavors of berry pie, jam and spice.
Sonoma
Valley
Rancho
Zabaco
2004
Toreador Zinfandel; $50
15.5/20
— Aromas of bright raspberry and ripe plum followed
by peppery, clove spice flavors. Hints of chocolate and
nuances of vanillas, linger in a long and lasting finish.
Spring
Mountain District
Atlas
Peak
2003
Cabernet Sauvignon; $86
No Rating
— Wines from Spring Mountain often display more
moderate fruit definition, and a suppler mouthfeel. Shows
lots of soft tannins, wrapped in intensely rich red stone
fruit.
St.
Helena
Cosentino
Winery
2003
Reserve Cabernet Franc; $45
15/20
— Some of the fruit was punch cap fermented in
one ton bins for between seven and eleven days. Each lot
was barrel aged separately in French oak for 34 months,
then rack and blended one before bottling.
California
(grapes from more than one AVA)
Chateau
Diana
1221
Cabernet Cuvée; $20
13.5/20
— Fruit dominant on the nose, ripe and brambly.
The taste profiles include bold, vibrant, fleshy Cabernet
Sauvignon characteristics. Rich in texture, layered and
full-bodied.
Crystal
Valley Cellars
Syrah
2003 California; $18
13.5/20
— Mineral, black fruits, red meat and spice in
the nose. Big, ripe, deep fruit notes on entry, focused
and intense with elements of currant, rhubarb and other
black fruits.
Crystal
Valley Cellars
The
Chard 2003 Chardonnay; $16
13/20
— Chardonnay from vineyards in the Carneros,
Yountville and Solano County. Mostly cold fermented and
aged in stainless steel with a small portion in French
oak barrels.
Happy
Camper
2004
Cabernet Sauvignon; $8
13.5/20
— Delivers aromas of wild black fruit, plum and
spice. This segues into more expressive berry flavors
and finishes with silky, soft tannins that linger with
black fruit.
Happy
Camper
2005
Chardonnay; $9
12.5/20
— Crisp apple and pear with fresh fruit aromas
combine after a desert rainstorm. Thirst-quenching cool
climate apple and pear flavors with a refreshingly lively
mouthfeel.
Happy
Camper
2004
Merlot; $9
13/20
— Blackberry, plum and spice on the nose. Similar
flavors along with currant, that give way to luscious
fruit that becomes supple, smooth tannins on the finish.
Huntington
Wine Cellars
2003
Cabernet Sauvignon; $14
13/20
— Aromas of sweet black plum and candied cherry,
pretty French oak, spice, cedar and coffee. It has rich,
layered fruit flavors and shows off a refined elegance.
Huntington
Wine Cellars
2002
Merlot; $14
13.5/20
— The nose opens with a wealth of bright plum
and cherry flavors balanced by a nice streak of supportive
acidity softly blanketed by subtle tannins.
Huntington
Wine Cellars
2005
Petite Sirah; $14
13.5/20
— Aromas of black fruit, chocolate, currant,
blackberry and black cherry. The palate is rich and full,
blanketed with soft tannins.
Oak
Grove Vineyards
2004
Reserve Petite Sirah; $7
13/20
— Concentrated nose of lush cherries, black pepper
and spice. Delicious fruit flavors of blueberry and raspberry
explode on the palate followed by a long, spicy finish.
Oak
Grove Vineyards
2005
Reserve Pinot Grigio; $8
13.5/20
— Lighter bodied yet full of flavor, try as a
first course with chilled prawns or serve along side antipasti
in a festive setting.
Oak
Grove Vineyards
2005
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc; $8
13.5/20
— Fresh, crisp flavors of apples and grapefruit
that lead into a delicate fruity finish. It goes well
with a variety foods including veal, pasta and seafood.
Oak
Grove Vineyards
2004
Reserve Shiraz; $8
13/20
— Intense and full bodied, it delivers peppery
notes of black cherry and blackberry. Pairs with robust,
full-flavored dishes.
Oak
Grove Vineyards
2004
Reserve Viognier; $7
13/20
— Sometimes compared to Chardonnay, Viognier
has a more perfumed and floral character. It is rich and
full-bodied.
Oak
Grove Vineyards
2005
Reserve Zinfandel; $7
13.5/20
— Aromas and flavors of wild raspberry and plum
accented by a hint of black pepper.
Riverside
by Foppiano
2004
Cabernet Sauvignon; $6
13/20 — Flavors
of sun-drenched cherries, soft hints of clove and a spicy
berry finish on the palate. Great for enjoying with pepper
crusted steak, pad Thai or barbecue oysters.
Riverside
by Foppiano
2005
Chardonnay; $8
12.5/20
— Adorned in a bright, tropical bottle, this
Chardonnay has flavors of equally tropical melon and vanilla,
with a subtle citrusy finish on the palate.
Riverside
by Foppiano
2005
White Zinfandel; $8
12/20
— This is juicy strawberry flavors, subtle hints
of cranberries and a delicate sweet rose finish on the
palate. Try pairing it with veggie polenta, fish tacos
or seared ahi.
Twisted
2005
California New Vine Chardonnay; $14 for 1.5L bottle
13.5/20
— Floral aromas accented with lemon-lime and
freshly crushed ginger. Bold and bright entry, with rich
citrus and spice flavors that lead into ripe peaches and
nectarines on the palate.
Twisted
2005
California Old Vine Zinfandel; $14 for 1.5L bottle
13.5/20
— Deep rich colors and peppery aromas of blackberry
and cherry. On the palate, it is thick and bursting with
berry flavors followed by hints of chocolate and toasty
oak nuances.
NEW
YORK
Finger
Lakes
Chateau
Frank
1999
Blanc de Blancs; $30
13/20
— Crisp acidity accompanied by citrus, floral
and hazelnut aromas. Extended lees aging gives it noticeable
yeast autolysis character with notes of toast and beeswax.
Chateau
Frank
2000
Blanc de Noirs; $35
12.5/20
— Start spreadin' the news. This New York bubbly
is made with Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier. It displays
a green apple aroma with a clean, smooth finish.
Chateau
Frank
2000
Brut; $25
13/20
— A great balance is achieved between the fruity
contributions of Pinot Noir and the acidic backbone of
the Chardonnay resulting in a long clean finish.
Chateau
Frank
NV
Célèbre; $20
13.5/20
— Made from Riesling grapes, this Cremant-style
sparkler has apple, honey and spicy aromas with a solid
acidic backbone that gives the wine balance and a fruity
forwardness.
Chateau
Frank
NV
Célèbre Rosé; $21
13/20
— Made in tradition French Rosé style and
from 100 percent Pinot Meunier grapes, this pink sparkler
offers fruity raspberry and strawberry aromas with luscious
cherry flavors.
OREGON
Willamette
Valley
Willamette
Valley Vineyards
2005
Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir; $40
14.5/20
— Aromas of red fruits, violets, clove and tea
leaf. Flavors mirror aromas with juicy bing cherry, lavender,
earth and mineral followed by an elegant, lingering finish.
Willamette
Valley Vineyards
2005
Pinot Noir; $25
13.5/20
— Aromas of black and red fruit, earth and spice.
Flavors of black cherry, currant and dried plum, with a
round, warm mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish.
WASHINGTON
Columbia
Valley
Domaine
Ste. Michelle
Frizzante;
$8
12.5/20
— A creamy sparkling wine, with notes of apple,
pear and candied apples, it is balanced and refreshing.
Maipo
Valley
Cousiño-Macul
Lota
2004 Red Wine; $50
15.5/20
— Aromatics of fully ripened blackberries. Velvety
and subtle texture with multi-layered flavors packed with
black currants, cola and touches of cedar, espresso and
pecans.
Alsace
Lucien
Albrecht
Brut
Blancs de Blancs; $30
13.5/20
— Combines fruit, power, balance and the expression
of Champagne terroir in one blend of 20 percent Chardonnay,
40 percent Pinor Noir and 40 percent Pinot Meunier.
Lucien
Albrecht
Brut
Rosé; $13
13.5/20
— Made from the strictest methode traditionnelle,
this 100 percent Pinot Noir has a fresh palate with small
red berry flavors and is delicious on its own.
Chouilly
Épernay
Nicolas
Feuillatte
Brut
Blue Label; $30
13/20
— Combines fruit, power, balance and the expression
of Champagne terroir in one blend of 20 percent Chardonnay,
40 percent Pinor Noir and 40 percent Pinot Meunier.
Nicolas
Feuillatte
Brut
Rosé; $40
14/20
— Flavors of blackberries, raspberries, red currants
and strawberries, that delicately linger. On the palate
it is fruity and well balanced.
Nicolas
Feuillatte
Palmes
d'Or 1997; $120
17/20
— Prestige Champagne made from Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir grapes. The dance of aromas, between the Chardonnay's
hints of citrus, and the Pinot's suggestion of a Vienna
two-step, presages a supple, round and buttery mouth.
Nicolas
Feuillatte
Vintage
Cuvée Spéciale; $65
No Rating
— Biscuit, spice and mineral aromas and flavors.
Full-bodied and well-integrated, serve with roasted fowl,
fish in cream sauce, shell fish and fine aged cheeses.
Reims
Charles
Heidsieck
"Blanc
des Millénaires" Brut Vintage 1995; $95
16.5/20
— Elegant notes of fresh bark lead to spices and
macerated fruits. Charming, smooth and serene on the palate,
with a dry, slightly candied finish with notes of marrons
glacés.
Charles
Heidsieck
Brut
Réserve NV; $40
No Rating
— Notes of fully ripe fruit, such as nectarines
and cherry plums. Full and intense with notes of warm bread
blending with discreet notes of ginger and coriander.
Charles
Heidsieck
Brut
Rosé Vintage 1999; $80
No Rating
— Aromas of strawberries that become more intense
with hints of mild pepper, vanilla pods and sandalwood.
The texture has the silky-rich smoothness of pomegranate.
Piper-Heidsieck
Cuvée
Brut NV; $30
14/20
— Aromas of spring blossom lead into more fruity
notes such as apple and pear. On the palate it is lively
and fresh, while the finish resonates with toast and citrus
notes.
Piper-Heidsieck
Rosé
Sauvage; $45
No Rating
— Aroma notes of citrus fruits, mandarin and blood
orange with a hint of cinnamon. It expresses the slight
acidity of red fruit, then mellows and lingers with hints
of strawberry, blood orange, plum and a welcome sensation
of warmth.
Piper-Heidsieck
Cuvée
Sublime $37
No Rating
— Generous notes of dried fruit, caramelized pear,
licorice, cinnamon and vanilla. There is a finish around
mild spices, vanilla and cinnamon.
Tours-sur-Marne
Laurent-Perrier
Brut
Millésimé 1997; $60
15.5/20
— Stylish aromas of grapefruit, peaches and oranges.
The palate shows preserved orange peel and a vanilla-like
finish. The texture is silky and very fine, with lingering
crispness.
Laurent-Perrier
Cuvée
Rosé Brut; $80
15/20
— Bright, fresh and intense nose, with notes of
raspberries, strawberries and black cherries. There is fresh
fruit on the palate, followed by a full-bodied, yet elegant
mouthfeel.
Laurent-Perrier
Grand
Siècle La Cuvée; $110
No Rating
— Honeyed, nutty aromas with hints of almonds
and freshly baked brioche. Round and rich taste, with an
amazing dichotomy of complex elegance and power.
CHIANTI
CLASSICO
Badia
a Coltibuono
1998 Vin
Santo Del Chianti Classico; $25
15.5/20
— Made from the native white Tuscan grapes Trebbiano
and Malvasia. After harvest, grapes are hung up and left
to dry for at least three months before being pressed.
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