Tridente Mencia 2010

Made from 100% Mencia, this dark Spanish red sees four months in barrels to round out its edges and lend a lot of depth. Dense aromas of black cherries and tea leaves combine with a nuanced aroma that reminds me of that evocative scent of freshly tilled earth. Dried cherries and fresh leather combine to great effect on an assertive palate whose chewy tannins, tangy acids, and pumice like texture make for a great glass of red —like that serious friend whose wry sense of humor peeks through in charming ways that make for the best sort of charm. This embodies so many contrasts with a weight that makes for an outstanding wine for sipping or else standing up to richer fare like ribs or venison.

It can accompany grilled meats and grilled carpaccio, pasta, pates, cheeses, rice, and sausages.

Tasting Date:  March 2012
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Tasting Date Price: $16.99

Chateau Grand Renom Bordeaux 2009

Twenty hectares of vineyards are located in eastern Bordeaux (southwest
France) along the Dordogne riverbanks where the soil consists of limestone
plateaus over deep-lying clay and silt. The vines are planted at 6000 vines/
hectare using the guyot training method and enjoy southern exposures at
altitudes of 8o meters above sea level.

Following a mechanical harvest in September, the grapes were destemmed and
selected via use of a sorting table. The grapes underwent cold skin contact at
10-12°C for 2-3 days in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation took place in
stainless steel tanks as well over 10^-12 days at 25-28°C with periodic pump-
overs, aerations and delestages. The wine was left in contact with the skins for
an additional 10^-12 days. Malolactic fermentation occurred. One-third of the
wine was aged in a combination of new and previously-used French oak
barriques for 12 months, then blended with the wine that rested in stainless
steel tanks before being filtered, fined and bottled.
A pleasant bouquet of fresh red fruits on the nose. Well-balanced with smooth
and silky tannins.

Pairs well with a wide variety of red and white meats.

Tasting Date:  March 2012
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Tasting Date Price: $13.99

Dinastino Vivanco Crianza 2007

Various vineyards located throughout Rioja Alta are dedicated to the production of
this wine. At altitudes of more than 500 meters above sea level, the soils are mostly
ferrous clay and marl. Trained using the bush and wire methods, the vineyards
have a planting density of 3000-3600 vines/hectare.

A manual harvest was carried out in October using small crates which were then
stored in cooling chambers for a minimum of 30 hours. Alcoholic fermentation
followed in small French oak vats at 26-28°C for 13 days and maceration lasted 6
days. Each vineyard location was fermented separately. Malolactic fermentation
occurred in large French oak vats. Aging took place in French and American oak
barriques that range in age from 2-5 years for 16 months, plus an additional 6
months in bottle.

The bouquet consists of mature red berries, with hints of smoke, vanilla, and spice.
Well-structured in the mouth, this Crianza is expressive and meaty and possesses a good balance of red fruit and toasted flavors. The tannins are mature and lead to an elegant, long finish. While this wine can be enjoyed now, it will also keep for 5-10
years.

Ideal and versatile pairing for a wide variety of Mediterranean cuisine.

Wine Advocate

Score: 87
The 2007 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo aged in barrel for 16 months. Medium purple in color, it offers up notes of spice box, cedar, cinnamon, fresh herbs, and black cherry. Savory on the palate with some elegance, it can be enjoyed over the next 6 years.

Tasting Date:  March 2012
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Tasting Date Price: $17.99

Villa Mt. Eden Pinot Noir Sonoma 2009

In keeping with the Villa Mt. Eden philosophy that wine grapes should be harvested at the ideal moment, the grapes were hand-picked at night, when grapes are cool to the touch and at their freshest. Fruit was cold-soaked for three days, then fermented in 6-ton open-top fermenters. The must was inoculated with different yeast strains, followed by a regime of twice-daily punch-downs.

At dryness, the wine was racked and pressed. It was put into French oak barrels (30% new) to highlight and maintain the natural elegance of the wine. The wine was kept in separated lots and aged for 12 months. When aging was complete, each lot was tasted and selections were made to create the optimal blend.

Our 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is sourced from four highly regarded vineyards
representing specific locations within the appellation: Diamond Creek and Domaine
Chandon in the southern area of Cameros; Champlin Creek, located mid-appellation at Petaluma Gap; and the northern Russian River Hearth vineyard of Cutrer Vine Hills.  Specific clones were selected from each vineyard site to capture the best attributes of the soils and vineyard terroir. The 2009 growing season was most notable for its mild summer. The weather warmed up significantly in September. This combination helped maintain the natural acidity of the grapes, resulting in well-balanced wines with vibrant aromas.

“Aromas of cherries, strawberries and cola lead to rich and complex flavors of red fruit with an earthy accent note. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir exhibits refined acidity and soft, well-structured tannins. A complex and elegant wine, with a lingering, seductive finish.”
— Armando De Santiago, Winemaker

Tasting Date:  March 2012
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Tasting Date Price: $19.99

De Martino Chardonnay 2010

The Legado line of wines from De Martino showcase a specific varietal and their
cultivation in the best terroirs of Chile resulting in wines that express the true character of each region.

Manually harvested in late March, the bunches were further sorted and selected upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation took place over a span of 7-9 days at 18-21°C. Only partial (10%) malolactic fermentation occurred. The wine was aged in new French oak barriques of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd use for 11 months, followed by an additional 4-6 months in bottle after it was filtered, fined, and refrigerated.  An elegant, fruity bouquet expresses notes of grapefuit and banana. Plesant mineral
aromas are present as well On the palate, it is full-flavored and fresh with excellent
minerality and acidity. A creamy component coats the palate through the lingering finish.

Perfectly suited to accompany shellfish, such as lobster and crabs, as well as meaty seafood dishes, such as trout and salmon. It also pairs well with pastas topped with creamy sauces.

Wine Spectator

Score: 90
Ripe and fleshy, but pure and focused, with gorgeous Jonagold apple, quince, chamomile and
sweetened butter notes that stay lively on the full-bodied finish. A fresh apple note lingers nicely.
Drink now.

Tasting Date:  March 2012
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Tasting Date Price: $12.99

Donnafugato Anthilia 2010

The label displays the face of a woman, mysterious and fleeting, like the Elymian civilization. Anthilia is the name, given in the Roman period, to the city of Entella on the crest of the Rocca. Anthilia is also the name of a wine that is identified with the ancient territory where it originates. It is the first wine to have been conceived at Donnafugata and it remains today a special favorite of many admirers. Anthilia is a blend of Catarratto, Ansonica, and other grapes according to the vintage. The grapes are soft pressed. The must is fermented at controlled temperatures and the wine ages in the bottle for at least two months before release on the market.

The wine shows a precise personality of fruity and floral sensations, round and elegant. Notes of yellow peaches, plums and scents of the Mediterranean vegetation. On the palate, tastiness and softness unite. Perfect if combined with lightly smoked fish, crustaceans, anchovies and introductory dishes. Excellent with tuna salad, eggplant rolls and stuffed mussels.

Tasting Date:  March 2012
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Tasting Date Price: $13.99

Avalon Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Welcome to the first vintage of Avalon Sauvignon Blanc. Rounding out our red
wines including Avalon California Cabernet, Avalon Napa Valley Cabernet and our
Avalon Napa Valley Merlot, we’re now introducing our first white wine.   Winemaker Alex Cose has once again tapped into his winemaking history and talents to produce this exceptional white wine. Bordeaux has long been home to Sauvignon Blanc; wines noted for their
concentrated bouquet and naturally crisp acidity. Alex sourced his fruit primarily
from California’s Central Coast with the same results of rich aromas and food
friendly acidity.

Sauvignon Blanc vineyards from the Central Coast primarily in the San Lucas area
of Monterey and Santa Barbara County makes up 85 percent of this wine. These
areas typically provide grapes with good acidity, fresh fruit flavors and aromas.
The remaining 15 percent was from Lake County noted for its consistency of style
and citrus fruit flavors entwined with distinct mineral notes.

On the nose the wine shows aromatics of a slightly grassy note with plenty of
citrus and tropical notes and a hint of minerality. The wine shows bright, pure
flavors and good balance. The wine tastes of fresh pineapple and crisp grapefruit
with a clean, crisp finish. The addition of the Gevviirztraminer contributes a subtle
orange note to the wine on the back of the palate. A clean wine perfect for pairing
with seafood dishes, grilled chicken or oysters.

Tasting Date:  March 2012
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Country: California/United States
Tasting Date Price: $11.99

Monte Faliesi Greco di Tufo 2010

The oldest variety of the Avellino area, Greco was imported from the Greek region of Thessaly by the Pelasgians. Produced only in the province of Avellino, as the microclimate is considered ideal for growing this particular varietal. Tufa is a type of limestone abundantly present in the soil.

Located in Avellino on a parcel of 4 hectares, the soil is composed primarily of
calcareous rock called tufa, chalk and clay. Planted using the s purred cordon
training system, the vines are at a density of 4000 vines/hectare. The vineyards are at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level with a southern exposure.
A manual harvest was carried out in early September. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks over a span of 20 days at 12-15°C. The wine was left to age for 3 months, during which time it underwent partial malolactic fermentation. Prior to bottling, the wine was micro-filtered and refrigerated to stabilize the tartaric acid, then aged an additional 2 months.

Pleasant notes of peaches and almonds come through on the nose. It is dry and clean to the taste with a pronounced but balanced flavor.

The perfect accompaniment to delicate foods, such as fish with butter or white sauces. Enjoy with appetizers and vegetable-based pasta dishes as well.

Tasting Date:  March 2012
Varietal: Greco Bianco
Country: Italy
Tasting Date Price: $16.99

Ixia Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2010

Theuniskraal, one of the town of Tulbagh’s best-known wine farms and South Africa’s very first white-wine estate, has a history as interesting, and as old, as the village itself. Situated some 120 km from Cape Town, Tulbagh is the centre of one of South Africa’s oldest agricultural regions.

The rare Ixia is one of the most striking and unusual indigenous flowers found in the Tulbagh District, particulary on the farm Theuniskraal which has been in the Jordaan Family for almost a century.

The wine made by Andries Jordaan, reflects the noble, yet unfettered, lifestyle of this beautiful and historic corner of South Africa. This wine is crisp and fresh with asparagus and a hint of grassiness. It is brilliant in color with green hues and golden specks.

Sauvignon Blanc is a very food-friendly wine and terrific for appetizers such as artichoke dip, veggie dishes or dips, garlic or Italian seasonings in creamy sauces, fragrant salads – like Greek, Caesar or Garden, Thai food, fish (sushi), poultry and the list goes on.

Vintage 2008

Type:  White
Producer: Theuniskraal
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Designation: Ixia”>Ixia
Country: South Africa
Tasting Date: February 2012
Retail Price on Tasting Date: : $11.99

Villa Fassini Trebbiano-Chardonnay 2010

From the famous region of Tuscany, this delicious everyday white is dry, crisp and clean with citrus, yellow apple, mineral and sweet herb notes. The blend is made of 85% Trebbiano and 15% Chardonnay, and that little dose of Chardonnay gives a hint of honey on the finish. You will see the wine is pale straw in color, with an abundant apple, citrus, and mineral aromas, accented by a faint nutty, almond skin taste in the mouth and refreshing acidity. You will appreciate the herbal notes of lavender, honey, and stone fruit that add up to an easy-to-enjoy wine.This is the perfect aperitif wine or for serving with green salads and/or seafood antipasto. It also makes a great switch from Pinot Grigio!

Vintage       2010
Type          White
Producer      Conti Fassini
Variety       Trebbiano
Designation   Villa Fassini Toscana Trebbiano-Chardonnay
Country       Italy
Region        Tuscany
Appellation   Toscana IGT
UPC Code      023035318049
Tasting Date: February 2012
Retail Price on Tasting Date: $8.99