Lucien Albrecht Riesling Reserve'04, Alsace, France

A classic Riesling from Alsace, France.

Technical Data: 100% Riesling. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. This finely crafted wine is made from old-vine vineyards from a careful selection at the time of the harvest. Unoaked.

Description: Pale golden color. Beautiful aroma suggesting white flowers and peach., On the palate, dry, racy with delicate fruit flavors such as citrus fruits, with mineral undertone and fresh honeysuckle notes. Creamy style Riesling with long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Will be a very good pairing with all Thai and Asian dishes in general. Also Ideal with lighter seafood dishes, particularly fresh water fish and those served in light sauces. Serve chilled.

Score: 8/10

Suggested Retail Price: $12.00 in DC

Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Reserve'04, Alsace, France

A generous and delicious Gewurztraminer from Alsace, France.

Technical Data:100% Gewurztraminer. Until 1947, this varietal was called Traminer, then a new varietal selection was developed and named Gewurztraminer. In Alsace dialect, Gewurztraminer means literally spicy. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. This finely crafted wine is made from old-vine vineyards from a careful selection at the time of the harvest. Unoaked.

Description:Bright Golden Color. Fresh fruity nose laced with floral notes. Full-bodied wine, lychees flavors dominate the palate along with honeysuckle, honey and passion fruit, very spicy mid-palate, luscious wine with a creamy texture. Long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Will be a very good pairing with all Thai and Asian dishes in general. Also with Roasted sea bass with tomato and fennel sauce, swordfish with orange, honey and soy or pork chops with spicy citrus marinade. Serve chilled.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$11.00 in DC

Lucien Albrecht Pinot Blanc Cuvee Balthazar'04, Alsace, France

Quite a fresh Pinot Blanc Special Cuvee from Alsace,

Technical Data:100% Pinot Blanc. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. Named after Balthazar Albrecht, who settled the Lucien Albrecht Estate in Orschwihr in 1698, the Family-Estate is still located at the same place since that time. This finely crafted wine is made from old-vine vineyards from a careful selection at the time of the harvest. Unoaked.

Description:Bright pale golden color. Fresh bouquet expressing a slight minerality and fruity aromas. Light-bodied, dry yet very soft wine, quite refreshing loaded with ripe fruits such as apple, melon, peach and mango with subtle mineral notes. Clean long finish.

Food Pairing & Service:It is the wine to drink at home as an aperitif or with casual family meals. Drink now. Serve chilled.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$12.00 in DC

Lucien Albrecht Pinot Gris Cuvee Romanus'04, Alsace, France

Technical Data:100% Pinot Gris. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. Named after Romanus Albrecht, the first wingrower of the Albrecht wine family in 1425. This finely crafted wine is made from old-vine vineyards from a careful selection at the time of the harvest. Unoaked.

Description:Bright pale golden color. This Pinot Gris is a rich, powerful wine with aromas of grapefruit, peach and some lovely mineral notes. On the palate the wine is rich yet dry focused on mineral flavors, citrus fruits and spice. Creamy and velvety wine with a soft finish showing up elegance and balance for such a rich white wine.

Food Pairing & Service:Will be a very good pairing with all Thai and Asian dishes in general. Also great with seafood and fish. Serve chilled.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$19.00 in DC

Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Cuvee Marie'01, Alsace, France

A luscious and elegant Gewurztraminer Special Cuvee from Alsace in France, crafted by Lucien Albrecht Estate, established and crafting wine since 18 generations.

Technical Data:100% Gewurztraminer. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. Named after Marie Albrecht, one of the two daughters of the current owner. This finely crafted wine is made from old-vine vineyards from a careful selection at the time of the harvest. Unoaked.

Description:Bright straw-yellow color. A seductive nose with aromas of quince, pear, honey and spices. Sweet full-bodied wine expressing ripe luscious fruit flavors with tropical fruits and quince, hint of honey laced with white pepper and some nutmeg too. Creamy and luscious texture with a litchi’s aftertaste and a long lasting clean finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Will be deliscious with all creamy dishes or any Asian food. For Christmas Season pair it with Foie Gras, personally that will be my favourite choice on that kind of wine! Serve chilled.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$27.99 in DC

Lucien Albrecht Pinot Gris Cuvee Cecile'01, Alsace, France

A wonderful and classic Pinot Gris Special Cuvee from Alsace, France. Dry wine.

Technical Data:100% Pinot Gris. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. Named after Cecile Albrecht, one of the two daughters of the current owner. This finely crafted wine is made from old-vine vineyards from a careful selection at the time of the harvest. Unoaked.

Description:Bright golden color. This Cuvee is dense and concentrated on both its nose and its palate. Ripe tropical fruits and citrus-like aromas on the nose. This full-bodied wine is rich and complex with ripe fruit flavors such as apricot, citrus fruits, pear and peach laced with spiciness and a slight minerality with a hint of Flintstone flavors, this Cuvee has also a lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Will be a very good pairing with all Thai and Asian dishes in general. Also great with seafood and fish. Serve chilled.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$27.99 in DC

Ferrari Carrano Siena'02, Sonoma Valley, CA, USA

A Dry yet smooth Sangiovese Blend, kind of "Super TuscanBlend" but from Sonoma Valley.

Technical Data: Crafted from 84% Sangiovese and small amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 16 months in 100% old French oak barrels to help to accentuate the fruits of the Sangiovese.

Description:Dark ruby-red color. On the nose, Sienna has unique aromas of strawberry and raspberry. Its palate is echoing its nose, exploding with ripe red fruits flavors mainly from Sangiovese. We noticed additional flavors such as spice and woods. Medium-bodied wine, dry yet smooth with a velvety texture, matured tannins and a silky aftertaste.

Food Pairing & Service:This wine goes well with hearty chicken dishes, duck, lamb, and braised pork, could also be paired with turkey or light beef dishes. It also pairs well with root vegetables, such as carrots, onions, or celery.


Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$21.99 in MD

Annie's Lane Riesling'04, Mc Clare Valley, South-Eastern Australia

Dry and smooth Riesling from Australia. Quite nice to pair with a wide range of food.

Technical Data:: 100% Riesling from South-eastern Australia. Unoaked.

Description:Bright pale golden color, with vibrant green hues. Its nose is expressing classic aromas from Clare Valley, lots of citrus and lime enticed with apricot, a hint of apple blossom and some minerality. On the palate, generous, dry and smooth, this elegant medium-bodied wine shows limey citrus flavors, pineapple and cream, fine and zesty lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Easy drinking wine, enjoy as an aperitif or as the perfect accompaniment to Thai food, Asian fusion, chicken salad, seafood pasta or a dozen oysters.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$15.98 in MD

Château Sigognac'00, Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Soft Medoc from an exceptionnal vintage!

Technical Data:This wine is a Medoc that mean it is located on the northern part of the left bank in Bordeaux Region. It's a Cru Bourgeois from the classification of the early 1855 still recognize now. The blend is crafted from 34% Merlot and from 33% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Merlot grape is always the main grape in Medoc's blend. This particular wine is from the exceptional 2000 vintage and was aged 20 months in oak barrel. The 2000 vintage is considered in Bordeaux Region as an exceptional one, one of the very best vintages over 30 years.

Description:Bright purple color. This Cru Bourgeois shows spice, strawberry and chocolate aromas on the nose. Fine and elegant medium-bodied wine, its palate is echoing its nose. Some additional flavors such as ripe red fuits, oak and coffee bean are also present. We distinguish herbaceous undertones on the aftertaste laced with very supple tannins. A velvety texture and a voluptuous long lasting finish complete the description.

Food Pairing & Service:Might be a good idea to pair with bistro-food, pasta-tomato dishes and light meat like veal. This wine has a very good ageing potential, some says from the very best years it could age about 20 years without problem...I never age a Bordeaux for so long, usually I'm drinking it after at least 5 years of ageing so I can't say if this one will age that 20 years long.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$17.99

Col Des Vents'03, Corbieres, Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Remember this one and most important don't forget to taste it, a very luscious and jammy blend from the Corbieres region (Languedoc-Roussilon, Southwest of France).

Technical Data:The "Col des Vents" refers to the hills of the Corbières region which are swept by night winds coming off the sea and cooling the vineyards. Typical wine from Corbières region it is made from 40% each Grenache & Carignan and 20% Syrah. This wine comes from a grower's cooperative located in Castelmaure The grapes themselves come from Durban-Corbières and Embre-et-Castelmaure. Unoaked.

Description:Dark garnet color. Powerful nose focused on ripe black fruits and spice. In the palate, a delicious and jammy medium-bodied wine expressing ripe black and blueberry flavors enticed with Garrigue's herbs and packed with black pepper. Excellent texture, overall balance and depth. Some minerality and earthiness on the after-taste. Impressive long lasting finish considering its price range.

Food Pairing & Service:It's vinified to be consumed relatively young. Best at room temp. Personally, because of its spice I will pair it with red meats. Not too far from the Corbières area, Carcassonne city is famous for its Cassoulet, meal wich might be also a good pairing with this type of wine.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$7.99 Great Value!

Caymus Conundrum White Wine Table'03, CA, USA

A sweet White Wine Table from all around California.

Technical Data:White Wine Table made from 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Chardonnay, the 10% remaining are divided between Semillon, Muscat and Viognier.

Description:Pale golden color. On the nose, fruity aromas infused with floral one. On the palate sweet fruits such as pineapple, apricot and pear are prevailing at the entrance but quickly the palate evolves and shows lemon zest flavors melted with white blossom like acacia and honey. This wine combines sweet flavors with fresh and crisp ones; good acidity and nice balance finishes its description.

Food Pairing & Service:Asian food, spicy dishes. Serve lightly chilled.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$25.99

Rosemount GSM'01, McLaren Valle, Southern Autralia

Premium wine from the Epicurean Collection of the famous Rosemount Estate from McLaren Vale, Australia. Rich, dense and spicy yet smooth and not weighty!

Technical Data:Named GSM after the composition of its blend, Grenache ( 50%), Syrah (40%) and Mourvedre(10%). Aged for 18 months in American oak barrels.

Description:Bright inky-red color. Concentrated and powerful nose expressing dark ripe fruits laced with spice. Generous fruity flavors such as plum, blackberry and raspberry infused with spice, woody notes and earthiness. This wine is full-bodied yet not weighty at all, rich, concentrated, focused and almost chewy. Dusty long finish enticed with soft tannins. This wine is all about balance, generous fruits from its Syrah part, spice "kicks" from its Grenache softened by the Mourvedre which add some structure and balance to the blend .

Food Pairing & Service:Try it with beef, lamb, venison and game, grilled sausages, mushroom dishes or matured cheeses. Up to 10 years cellaring potential.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$26.99

Brochelle Paso Robles Zinfandel'03, CA, USA

jammy and juicy blended Zinfandel from Paso Robles region.

Technical Data:98.5% Zinfandel, 1.5% Petite Syrah aged 17 months in 80% French oak barrels and 20% American oak, unfined and unfiltered. Estate located in Paso Robles.

Description:: Intense bright ruby red color. Spice and red fruits aromas prevails on the nose. On the palate, full-bodied yet smooth. Jammy raspberry flavors and juicy ripe cherries melted with some spice and woody notes. A rich and velvety texture, a long clean finish and smooth tannins complements its description. Clearly a wine focused on fruity flavors all the way long, quite tasty!

Food Pairing & Service:Because of its spice my choice will be to have red meat with that kind of wine, tenderloin beef steak or even Angus will be perfect. Don't hesitate also to pair it with less conventional meal like a spicy Thai beef dish.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$29.98

Brochelle Napa Cabernet Sauvignon'02, Napa Valley, CA, USA

An elegant and fine Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa.

Technical Data:100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 30 months in French oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. Estate located in Paso Robles.

Description:Bright cherry color. Wonderful nose, very complex showing red fruits and oaky aromas. In the mouth, full-bodied wine, very rich with a silky texture. Smooth strawberry, ripe cherries, violets and roses flavors prevails on the palate, melted with chocolate powder flavors. Woody long lasting finish laced with silky tannins. Very elegant and fine wine.

Food Pairing & Service:Personally I will go on elegant food with this one, something sophisticated nice and mild. A red meat finely cooked will be the must, or even better try it with a chocolate mousse!

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$46.99

Fattoria di Lucignano, Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG'03, Tuscany, Italy

A smooth and fine Chianti not from the original area of production. This one is from one of the 7 other sub-areas allowed to produce Chianti, that's why it's not a called a Classico but a Colli Fiorentini from the name of its sub-area of production. Chianti Colli Fiorentini's area of production was first established in 1932.

Technical Data:Fattoria ( that mean Estate) di Lucignano's vineyard is surrounding the medieval town of Lucignano, located only a mile outside the western border of the Chianti Classico zone. The Chianti Colli Fiorentini from Lucignano Estate is considered one of the best if not the best of this Appellation! Made from 80% Sangiovese with addition of 10% Canaiolo Nero and 10% of other local varietals depending of the vintage. Traditional maceration on the skins for 12-18 days in cement vats, maturing in glazed cement vats for 12-18 months.

Description:Dark red color, distinctive Sangiovese characters on the nose with lots of red fruits aromas. Ripe cherries and berry flavors prevails on a velvety mouth with a touch of violets appearing on the mid-palate. Dry wine yet a very smooth finish showing soft tannins laced with woody notes in a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Will go well with a wide range of food, my favourites will be mild cheeses and hearty pasta dishes.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$13.98

Chianti's different area of production?

Historically, the production of chianti was limited to the surrounding of San Gimignano city, but was after decades of production extended to a wider area of production.

In order to differenciate each sub-areas from the original area, they have been called differently, each after the exact name of the location where the new production take place, they are: Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti colli Senesi, Chianti Coline Pisane, Chianti Montalbano, Chianti Montespertoli and Chianti Rufina.

All these sub-areas are located not so far away from the original one, so the borderline is sometimes hard to undestand.

Something interesting to mention, to ease the regnonition of Chianti Classico from the others type of Chianti, they have had on the neck of Chianti Classico's bottle a Black Rooster.

Chehalem Pinot Gris'04, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Off-dry floral Pinot Gris from Oregon.

Technical Data:100% Pinot Gris aged in stainless steel only.

Description:Bright light golden color. Fresh and sweet distinctive Pinot Gris nose loaded with floral aromas such as acacia, lime-tree and honey with a touch of peach and melon too. Crisp off-dry wine with a good acidity and balance. The palate echoing its nose with white blossom flavors and a touch of pear. A nice minerality in the mid-palate and a fresh clean finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Will accompany perfectly a wide range of dishes from vegetarian food, to shellfish, sausages and meat like pork. Serve chilled.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$17.98

Cantina del Taburno Greco di Tufo DOC'03, Campania, Italy

A nice refreshing wine from Italy to enjoy with "wine-killers" like asparagus and artichokes.

Technical Data:100% Greco Bianco, aged in stainless steel tanks only, no oak. The vines are growing up nearby Naples on volcanic soil, more particularly on the slopes of the Vesuvio.

Description:Bright pale golden yellow color. Quite a nose! Typical nose of Greco wine concentrated on floral aromas with just a hint of apricot. Medium-bodied palate expressing candied apricot and citrus fruits flavors melted with acacia, honey and some fresh almond. Creamy style wine with a refreshing dry entrance, some sweetness on the mid-palate and a really earthy dry finish reminiscent from the place where the vine was growing up.

Food Pairing & Service:Will pair wonderfully with “wine-killers” like asparagus or artichokes! A nice accompaniment to "creme-brule" too. Serve chilled.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$17.98

Solera System, Spain

Basically a solera is a collection of barrels of the same wine of differing ages, the older ones (called Solera) being nourished by the new wines each year. The wines are aged together in oak for other years to marry the flavors and add complexity, then fortified.

So the first level of barrel, the ones holding the older wine is called Solera, the level on the top of the Solera is called 1rst Criadera (Criadera= harvest), the level on the top of the 1rst Criadera is the second Criadera and so on...This system of production is proper to Spain and is called the Solera System.

Lustau East India Solera Sherry NV, Andalucia, Spain

A "must-have" Fortified Wine, specially for the coming holidays, a great sweet one to share with friend and family, from the very best producer of that type of wine!

Technical Data:From the South of Spain ( Andalucia), produced between Sevilla and Cadix. Like Jerez and Madeira wines it’s a white fortified wine made mainly from Palomino Fino ( 85%) sweetened by Pedro Jimenez( 15%). A blend of Soleras averaging 15 to 50 years of age.

Description:Bright amber color. Rich and concentrated nose focused on toffee and nutty aromas. Sweet, luscious almost weighty wine yet very balanced. The palate is complex, extremely voluptuous and enjoyable showing up flavors such as roasted nuts and toasted almond enticed with caramel and candied apricot peel. Clean lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Perfect accompaniment to light desserts, chocolate cake, can also be served with cheeses like blue cheese or as a sweet digestif. Personally I prefer it at room temperature but most people like it chilled.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$24.99 ( considering the time this wine spent in ageing prior bottling it's trully a great value)

Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc'04, Sonoma County, CA, USA

Lively and refreshing blended Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County.

Technical Data:Blended Sauvignon Blanc. 76% Sauvignon Blanc, 23 % Sauvignon Musque ("sibling" of Sauvignon Blanc) and 1% Sémillon. 10% of the wine was fermented in French oak Barrel.

Description:Bright pale yellow color. Full-bodied nose and palate. Very flowery nose. Sweet entrance then dry finish. The crisp and lively palate appears very flowery at first with some honeysuckle flavors and a touch of honey then it develops tropical fruits flavors with melon and citrus fruits laced with some grassiness and some fig flavors on the mid palate.

Food Pairing & Service:Fresh and lively enough to be drunk as an Aperitif but could also accompany very well light fresh fish or calamari. Serve chilled.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$22.99

Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay'03, Northern CA, USA

Creamy buttery full-bodied Chardonnay from Northern Santa Barbara County.

Technical Data:100% Chardonnay aged 8 months in 87% French oak from Santa Maria Valley, Northern Santa Barbara County.

Description:Bright golden color. Nose focused on citrus fruits and buttery aromas. Dry, well balance and crisp wine with a very fruity palate showing up tropical fruits with mainly pineapple and tangerine flavors. Some minerality on the mid-palate, a bit floral on the finish. Buttery/oaky long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Will go well with a wide range of food, particularly good with creamy Alfredo pasta accompanied by shrimp. Good pairing with scallops and lobster too. Serve Chilled.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$16.98

Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir'04, Southern CA, USA

Full bodied Pinot Noir from Northern Santa Barbara County, CA. Lots of character!

Technical Data:From the Santa Maria bench in Northern Santa Barbara County. 100% Pinot Noir aged 6 1/2 months in 100% French oak.

Description:Dark red color. Intense nose with ripe red and dark fruits aromas. Full bodied wine, palate expressing ripe raspberry and plumy flavors laced with black pepper and cinnamon, old leather, woody notes and violets. Velvety textured and matured tannins complete the description.

Food Pairing & Service:Will match well with beef and spicy dishes, also a good accompaniment with matured cheeses and Deli.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$25.99

La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir'04, Sonoma Valley, USA

Very Smooth and delicious Pinot Noir from Sonoma Valley!

Technical Data:100% Pinot Noir, aged 8 months in oak barrel. 100% new French oak.

Description:Nice ruby – red color. Very soft Pinot Noir from Northern CA. Lots of red fruits for the nose such as strawberry and sweet black cherries laced with soft woody aromas. The palate is echoing the nose, showing up in addition roses flavors and earthiness. Some spice are present too well integrated to the smooth tannins. A nice long lasting finish with a silky texture.

Food Pairing & Service:Will accompany well hearty pasta dishes and light game meat. Could also be enjoyed on its own. Perfect match for thanksgiving Turkey!

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$17.98

Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon'02, Columbia Valley, WA, USA

Warm, inviting and complex Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Technical Data:82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 2% Syrah. Aged 16 months in oak 50% French, 50% American.

Description:Inky garnet color. Inviting nose showing up aromas of blackberries, dried currants and wood. Warm palate echoing the nose with some blueberry flavors and liquorice spice added to the rest. Dry yet very smooth finish with supple enlacing tannins.

Food Pairing & Service:Will pair very well with beef and matured cheeses.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$15.99

Dr Loosen St M Riesling'04, Pfalz, Germany

off-dry to medium-sweet Riesling from Germany. Imported in the USA by Chateau Ste Michelle.

Technical Data:100% Riesling. Unoaked.

Description:Bright pale golden yellow color. Aromas of tropical fruits and sweet pear. Off-dry to medium-sweet style wine, fruit-driven on the palate , presenting a low alcohol content and a crisp acidity. Quite tangy and fresh at the entrance, it is showing up candied apricot flavors enticed with peach, tropical fruits and white pepper on the mid-palate, with a long lasting minerality mingle with apricot on the finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Will pair well with a wide range of dishes as well as desserts. Best serve chilled.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$9.99

Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay'02, Columbia Valley, WA, USA

As always, a good creamy Chardonnay a little oaky from Chateau Ste Michelle Estate.

Technical Data:100% Chardonnay. Aged 6 months sur Lie in new and one-year-old French oak barrel.

Description:Golden yellow color. Pear, oak, hazelnut and spicy flavors for the nose. Creamy style Chardonnay showing rich flavors of pear and baked apple laced with butterscotch and spice. Very soft and long lasting finish

Food Pairing & Service:Will pair well with a wide range of dishes from rich seafood and fish like crab, salmon and scallops to lemony poultry , or spicy vegetables dishes. Serve Chilled.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$11.99

Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer'04, Columbia Valley, WA, USA

A flavorful and sweet Gewurztraminer to enjoy with food or desserts.

Technical Data:Blended Gewurztraminer from Columbia Valley region. 83% Gewurzt., 11% Riesling, 6% Muscat. Unoaked.

Description:A classic style Gewurzt. from the famous Chateau Ste Michelle Estate. Pale golden color. Aromas of tropical fruits and spice. On the palate, an unctuous entrance showing rich flavors of tropical fruits and acacia enticed with clove spice. Long lasting sweet finish with hint of spice kicking your palate a little bit. Quite nice!

Food Pairing & Service:Will pair well with all Asian dishes, also a good accompaniment with spicy dishes or even desserts. Serve chilled.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$8.99

Pascal Jolivet Sancerre'03, Loire Valley, France

A full-bodied crisp Sancerre, deliciously citrussy.

Technical Data:100% Sauvignon Blanc.

Description:Clear, light straw-color. This wine shows classic Sauvignon Blanc nose with grassy and citrus-like aromas. On the palate, crisp notes of citrus, fresh lime, enticed with chives, flint and gooseberry flavors. Clean long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service:A good accompaniment for a simple summer salad of tasty tomato grape, creamy cheeses like mozzarella with some olive oil and herbs over the top. For a more traditional pairing, will be nice with textured seafood such as a dozen oysters or hearty fish. Serve chilled

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$16.99

Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbes'01, Alsace, France

A fine example of what could be a Classic Alsatian Riesling.

Technical Data:100% Riesling. The terroir of the slopes enables it to express itself in a most beautiful manner. An excellent gourmet wine ! Its strong points : its structure, its freshness, its length on the palate, its lemony notes. At Domaine Schlumberger, it is sold after being matured for several years in the cellar where it has gained balance and finesse.

Description:Pale straw yellow color. On the nose, lemon and mineral aromas. Dry and fruity palate displaying refreshing grapefruity and lemon-like flavors laced with discreet mineral notes ( flint stone) . An Alsace's classic wine with a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Will be nice with seafood and fish but also a quite interesting choice to accompany Asian dishes. Serve chilled. Drink now up to 5 years.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$15.99

Duboeuf Macon-Villages'03, Burgundy, France

A lush Chardonnay from the South of Burgundy. No oaky flavors.

Technical Data:100% Chardonnay.

Description:Pale Straw Yellow color. Lemony nose with a touch of white flowers aromas. Medium-bodied wine, clean and refreshing loaded with pear and green apple flavors at the entrance and verbena and lime-tree at the end of the palate. Rich texture. Well-balanced wine

Food Pairing & Service:Fish and seafood, pasta, poultry.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$9.99

George Duboeuf Cotes du Rhone Villages'03, Cotes du Rhone, France

A very supple Cotes du Rhone from the well-know George Duboeuf. Quite affordable one.

Technical Data:Mainly made from Grenache.

Description:Garnet color with pinkish hues. Delighted bouquet of fresh fruits. Medium-bodied wine with a soft entrance displaying concentrated plum and raspberry flavors with a nice touch of rose petal. Low tannins contents, quite easy to drink!

Food Pairing & Service:Pleasant to drink on its own, perfect as a summer wine. Pair it with a wide range of foods such as pasta, chicken, turkey, BBQ or roasted meats. A perfect medium bodied wine for summer to enjoy with a picnic.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$6.99

George Duboeuf Puilly-Fuisse'02, Burgundy, France

A creamy and fruit forward Chardonnay from South Burgundy.

Technical Data:100% Chardonnay.

Description:Straw yellow color with greenish hues. Clean, restrained style. A bouquet of roasted almonds, lime-tree and verbena with a hint of vanilla laced with baked apple aromas. The palate displays baked apple and stone fruit flavors . Quite concentrated and long. A full-bodied wine yet supple one, creamy style chardonnay, with good acid balance and fruit forward flavors.

Food Pairing & Service:Fish and seafood, pasta, poultry. Serve chilled. Good ageing potential, drink up to 5 years.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$14.99

George Duboeuf Julienas'03, Beaujolais, France

A very peppery Julienas AOC from Beaujolais region in France. Like it a lot!

Technical Data:100% Gamay. The wine itself is made via a process called carbonic maceration (whole berry fermentation).

Description:Deep dark garnet color. The clayey soil is favorable for the production of rich, powerful and robust wines with a peony/berry nose and peach and raspberry flavor laced with spices . Quite peppery with firm tannins.

Food Pairing & Service:Best chilled during hot weather and delicious with salmon as well as chicken, pork or charcuterie. A nice one to pair with Turkey for Thanksgiving celebration! They age well (5 to 7 years).

Juliénas proverb: "Beware of those who drink their glass of Juliénas in one gulp".

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$11.99

George Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages'03, Beaujolais, France

Light and fruity red wine from Beaujolais region.

Technical Data:100% Gamay. The wine itself is made via a process called carbonic maceration (whole berry fermentation). They can be drunk either as "Primeur" or within 3 to 4 years.

Description:Almost pink in color, but still that's a red wine! Medium-bodied wine with a good structure, a lush personality, and a sweet, flavorful finish. Pleasant, tender, light, very fruity. The blueberry, blackberry and plum fruit elements are in balance and are complex with a touch of spice and low tannins contents. A good compromise for white and red's wine lovers.

Food Pairing & Service:This is a delicious, inexpensive wine that pairs magically with many foods from cheeses, sausages, to roasted chicken and beef. Serve chilled. Also a good treat for summer time.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$9.99

J. Garcia Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon'01

Winery’s comments:”J.Garcia celebrates the marriage of wine and art. Every product features a highly acclaimed work from Jerry Garcia and a special bottling of wine from Sonoma County’s Clos du Bois winery. With each wine featuring the unique art of Jerry Garcia on the label, these are distinctive, high quality, limited release wines that deserve the attention of every serious wine and art collector. ”

Technical Data:88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot aged 16 months in French oak (29% new).

Description:This Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich and concentrated wine with black cherry, mocha and vanilla aromas. Tannins are sweet and supple, with good length. Flavors are intense with black fruits, vanilla, earthy-dusty characters and spice.

Food Pairing & Service:Steak.

Score:6/10 Not my favourite...

Suggested Retail Price:$15.49

J. Garcia Sonoma County Merlot'01, Sonoma County, CA, USA

A dark and soft Merlot blend.

Winery’s comments:”J.Garcia celebrates the marriage of wine and art. Every product features a highly acclaimed work from Jerry Garcia and a special bottling of wine from Sonoma County’s Clos du Bois winery. With each wine featuring the unique art of Jerry Garcia on the label, these are distinctive, high quality, limited release wines that deserve the attention of every serious wine and art collector. ”

Technical Data:89% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petite Verdot aged 15 months in French and American oak (16% new).

Description:Deep garnet color. Aromas of red cherry and loganberry, vanilla cream and spice. The wine offers a soft and supple mouthfeel encompassing flavors of blueberry and cherry, toasted oak and spice.

Food Pairing & Service:Pasta dishes tomato sauce based.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$14.99

J. Garcia Sonoma County Chardonnay'03, Sonoma County, CA, USA

Winery's comments:"J.Garcia celebrates the marriage of wine and art. Every product features a highly acclaimed work from Jerry Garcia and a special bottling of wine from Sonoma County’s Clos du Bois winery. With each wine featuring the unique art of Jerry Garcia on the label, these are distinctive, high quality, limited release wines that deserve the attention of every serious wine and art collector. "

Technical Data:100% Chardonnay aged 6 months in 85% French oak (25% new).

Description:Straw yellow color. Aromas of apple blossom, pear and honey laced with subtle spice and buttery nuances. The rich flavors echoes the aromas , red apple and bright pear enticed with toasty oak flavors, a silky texture and a long, luscious finish.

Food Pairing & Servcie:Fish, seafood or creamy dishes.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$12.99

J. Garcia Sonoma County Zinfandel'01, Sonoma County, CA, USA

Winery's comments:"J.Garcia celebrates the marriage of wine and art. Every product features a highly acclaimed work from Jerry Garcia and a special bottling of wine from Sonoma County’s Clos du Bois winery. With each wine featuring the unique art of Jerry Garcia on the label, these are distinctive, high quality, limited release wines that deserve the attention of every serious wine and art collector. "

Technical Data:The blend is composed from 93% Zinfandel, 5% Primativo, 2% Carignane aged 22 months in French and American oak (20% new).

Description:Deep dark color almost inky. Aromas of white pepper, spice, oak, black cherry, walnut and vanilla. Flavors are focused on cherry, blueberry with silky tannins and some spice.

Food Pairing & Service:Steak or spicy dishes. Could easily lay down for a while!

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$15.49

Kenwood Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc'03, Sonoma County, CA, USA

A terrific Sauvignon blanc blend, perfect to sip on the patio during summer time.

Technical Data:97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Chardonnay aged one third for 3 months in French oak. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, a small portion of the juice was aged in French oak to create richness and smoothness of character. The majority of the blend was aged in stainless steel to retain the natural fruity flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. The winemaker held the fruit from each vineyard lot separate throughout fermentation and aging, blending just prior to bottling for optimum flavors.

Descritpion:Pale straw yellow color.Grass and tropical fruits on the nose.Vibrant varietal flavors of grass, melon and tropical fruit on the palate. Fresh and crisp, with lively body and a long finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Best served chilled, this Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent aperitif and will complement higher-acid dishes including salads and vegetables. Excellent with light sauced poultry, shellfish and seafood dishes.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:

J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon'02, CA, USA

Unusual taste for a Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Technical Data:Composition of the blend 78.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Syrah, 4.1% Merlot, 2.6% Petite Verdot, 2.5% Syrah, 1.7% Zinfandel, 1.4% Alicante Bouchet and 1.9% other red varietals. Aged 14 to 16 months in combination of American and French oak.

Description:Ruby red color. Fragant dark cherry on the nose with hints of raspberry laced with cocoa characters and vanilla. Full-bodied wine with a rich structure, plenty of dark fruits flavors, some spice and oak and a lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Suitable with all game and red meat, as well as tomato-based dishes.

Score:6/10 Not my favourite from this famous winery.

Suggested Retail Price:$14.99

J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay'03, CA, USA

Creamy style chardonnay!

Technical Data:100% chardonnay aged 11 month in oak barrel.

Description:Straw yellow color. Fruity aromas of baked apple, peach and apricots, complemented by buttery notes and hint of grilled hazelnut from the barrel aging. Also fruity on the palate, this wine is focused on nectarine flavor, pear and grapefruit, with buttery creamy finish and a real toastiness. This is definitely a luscious chardonnay well balanced between its fruits flavors and acidity.

Food Pairing & Service:Richly-textured fish and shellfish or cream-sauced pasta dishes.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$12.49

Franciscan Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon'01, Napa Valley, CA, USA

A luscious full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Technical Data:The blend is composed from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Aged 18 months, French and American oak, 31% new.

Description:deep dark garnet color. Aromas of rich chocolate, coffee, cassis, mixed dark fruit and hints of raspberry. Rich mouth filling with dark fruits flavors alike cassis, and also coffee and toasted oak flavors. Very supple tannins. Long lasting smooth finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Great with steak.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$19.99

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah'01, Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A luscious and characterful Syrah blend from Washington State.

Technical Data:The blend is composed from 84% Syrah and 16% Grenache barrel-aged for 11 months. French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels.

Description:Deep garnet red color. This Rhone-style wine features violets, fresh rose, ripe strawberry and white pepper aromas. On the palate, terrific balance between fruits, violets and cocoa flavors. Soft and lush wine with very smooth tannins, toastiness and a lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Leg of lamb, beef stew, hearty dishes, spicy dishes.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$8.99

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot'01, Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A soft and smoky Merlot blend.

Technical Data:The blend is composed from 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon barrel-aged for 14 months in one-to three-years-old French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels.

Description:Deep dark purple color. Blackberry and hints of raspberry and cocoa aromas continue onto the palate. Velvety soft in the mouth, this Merlot offers a complex, seductive balance of fruit and toasty oak on the lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Lamb chops, rosemary grilled chicken.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$8.99

Columbia Crest Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon'01, Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A spicy cabernet displaying smooth tannins.

Technical Data:100% Cabernet Sauvignon barrel-aged for 14 months in American oak only.

Description:Inky red color. Red fruits aromas such as cherry and strawberry laced with cocoa introduce a complex palate of caramel, chocolate and ripe fruit. This wine is plush and seductive in the mouth, and the fruit and oak are perfectly harmonious throughout the lingering finish. Lots of spice counter-balancedby its smooth tannins !

Food Pairing & Service:Steak, pasta with red sauce, vegetable stew.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$8.99

Columbia Crest Grand Estate Chardonnay'02, Collumbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A creamy style Chardonnay full of flavors and quite affordable.

Technical Data:100% chardonnay aged 11 months sur lie for added complexity and a rich, silky mouthfeel.

Description:Straw yellow color. A fragant bouquet for this creamy style chardonnay. This wine displays aromas and flavors of apple, pear and caramel. Also touch of sweet oak characters by the end of the palate. Supple and well balanced wine with a lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Lemon pepper chicken, New England clam chowder, chef salad. Serve chilled

Score:8/10

Suggested Reatil Price:$8.99

Terrazze della Luna Pinot Grigio'03, DOC Trentino Pinot Grigio, Trentino Alto Adige, Italy

A refreshing Pinot grigio from Northern Italy.

Technical Data:100% Pinot Grigio aged in stainless steel tanks only.

Description:Straw yellow color. Clean Pinot Grigio showing equally fruity and floral nose with peachy and nutty aromas followed by acacia, honey and straw. Nice white fruity flavors exploding in the mouth with ripe pear, peach, nectarine, also a hint of honey and a lovely buttery character just at the end of the palate. The wine shows a silky and rich texture with a fresh acidity and a lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service:This is a delightful wine to sip on its own, perfect for summer time to sip on the patio or pair with a wide range of food such as mild Asian dishes, fish, salads and shellfish. Serve chilled.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$10.99

Toasted Head Cabernet Sauvignon'02, CA, USA

A nice Blended Cabernet Sauvignon from CA.

Technical Data:83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Verdot, 5% Merlot. The wine was aged 18 months in 225-liter US oak barrels. The wine is produce under California label but the wine is primarily North Coast. Toasted Head refers to barrel making process. these wines are site selected, and fermented in small lots.

Description:Deep dark red color. This wine shows a rich and vibrant fruit bouquet. The palate is complex with black fruits laced with spiciness and toasty herbs flavors such as anise, sage and tobacco.

Food Pairing & Service:This wine like red meat and hearty pasta dishes, it is ready to drink now, but it could gain in roundness lay down for a while and its rich tannins create excellent aging potential too.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$14.49

Kim Crawford Marlborough Pinot Noir'04, Marlborough, New Zealand

Characterful and smooth Pinot Noir from New Zealand, really well crafted!

Technical Data:100% Pinot Noir. A portion of the wine was racked to older barriques for malolactic fermentation and ageing for 5 months. The wine has been sealed with a screw cap, this ensures cork taint is eliminated and oxidation is minimized.

Description:Garnet red color. Medium bodied style Pinot Noir with a berry nose focused on raspberry and strawberry with a hints of rhubarb and herbs. Elegant well balanced palate showing ripe sweet fruits laced with soft tannins, dusty- earhty characters, a touch of oak and a lingering clean finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Great with pasta, lighter red meat and fish such as salmon or tuna. Ready to drink as young but up to 3 years with careful cellaring.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$18.99

Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc'04, Marlborough, New Zealand

A very grapefruity Sauvignon Blanc from the most famous region of New Zealand, Marlborough.

Technical Data:100% Sauvignon Blanc, aged in stainless steel tanks only. The wine has been sealed with a screw cap, this ensures cork taint is eliminated and oxidation is minimized. Within the differents wine-region in New Zealand, Marlborough is the 1rst one for its production of crisp and grassy Sauvignon Blanc.

Description:Straw yellow color. Classic Sauvignon Blanc characters for this full bodied wine which displays lots of ripe fruits such as grapefruit, gooseberry, figs and a touch of herbaceousness on both nose and palate. The palate is rich, well balanced with a nice crisp acidity. Citrus and grapefruity flavors are coming back again at the end with a slight bitter aftertaste .

Food Pairing & Service:Quite refreshing and light this wine could be drink as an aperitif or ideally suited to asparagus, oysters and summer salads. A wine to enjoy chilled now up to 5 years.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$16.99

Poliziano Asinone'00, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

Excellent Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from a Selected Vineyard in Tuscany produced only from the very best vintage, that mean not every year. Too bad than we can't find it yet on the shelf. If you cross this one on a wine list in a restaurant, you have to try it!

Technical Data:100% Sangiovese aged 16 – 18 months in new French oak-barrels with additional months of bottle fining prior release. Produce only from the very best vintage, that mean not every year.

Description:Dark ruby red color. Captivating aromas of berries laced with vanilla and cinnamon spice.. Full-bodied and elegant Sangiovese offering concentrated flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, chocolate and woody spice. Complex wine with excellent balance and a lot of depth. Rich texture, silky mouthfilling and supple tannins.

Food Pairing & Service:Will accompany well hearty pasta dishes, red meat and roasts. A wonderful one with chocolate. Open at least an hour before, this wine really need to breath a little bit before the consumption.

Ageing Potential:Ready to drink although could easily lay down 15 years.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$32.00 - $41.50