Roney Strong Reserve Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, USA

A medium to full-bodied refined, supple and elegant Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley in California.

Technical Data: 100% Pinot Noir, 10 months in 100% French oak.

Description: Bright ruby red in color. Elegant nose of red berries well integrated to rose petal and violet aromas as well as oak and spice. On the palate, the wine is lush and elegant with smooth tannins, concentrated ripe cherries backed up by rose petal flavors, plum, cedar and a touch of liquorice. Quite a wonderful program all at once!

Food Pairing & Service: Will pair with a wide range of food. Try it with a Californian Cheddar from the brand Fiscalini called San Joaquin Gold which is a semi hard cheese with a natural rind and a mild buttery taste.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 3 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $25.99

Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay2008, Sonoma County, USA

A full-bodied creamy style Chardonnay from Sonoma County.

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, 60% of the wine was aged 4 months only in French oak to add some creaminess to it.

Description: Bright gold color. Clean nose with aromas of baked apple, lemon, pear and soft oak. On the mouth, full-bodied creamy style Chardonnay expressing flavors of pear, baked apple, a pinch of pineapple entwined with some spicy notes and a touch of toasty oak. Very long lasting finish with a well balanced acidity.

Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and refreshing wine which will pair well with a creamy style cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the “Cheese Fromagerie” Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Burgundy in France and is called Délice de Bourgogne, this pairing will delights you! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, if like me, you like a flavorful and full bodied Chard. You could also paired this wine with creamy dishes, strong fish and shellfish. Serve chilled.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: This wine should be drunk now or over the next couple of years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $17.79

Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Sonoma County, USA

A medium-bodied crisp and fruit forwards Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County.

Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% of the wine was aged a few months only in oak. twist off cap, no cork.

Description: Light gold color. Intense nose of tropical and green fruits aromas. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and shows some minerality and herbaceousness along with fruity flavors such as pear, citrus and pineapple. Crisp and refreshing with a nice acidity.

Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and refreshing wine which will pair well with a Goat cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the “Cheese Fromagerie” Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Vermont and is called Coupole, this pairing will knocks you socks off I guarantee it! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, or paired with salad and mild fish. Serve chilled.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: This wine should be drunk in its youth.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.29

Tempra Tantrum Tempranillo/Shiraz 2006, Tierra de Castilla, Spain

A medium-bodied Tempranillo blend from the famous Rioja region in Spain.

Technical Data: 60% Tempranillo blended with 40% of Shiraz. No oak.

Description: Garnet color with purple hues. Intense nose of plum, leather and cedar aromas. Lush and fruit forwards Tempranillo blend expressing morello cherries flavors entwined with ripe blackberry and plum, peppery spiciness, coffee roast oak, smooth as a glove tannins, cedar and toast. Long lasting leathery finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Will pair well with all types of meat, game and wild mushrooms, as well as with flavorful cheese. I loved this one with Braised short ribs and BBQ meats in general.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.69

Campo Viejo Reserva 2005, Rioja, Spain

A full-bodied Tempranillo blend from the famous Rioja region in Spain.

Technical Data: Mostly Tempranillo grape blended with a small pourcentage of Graciano grape and Malbec. On the Spanish wine labels, the term "Reserva" always mean 18 months in Oak followed by 18 months in bottle prior to the wine's release.

Description: Dark ruby red in color. Intense ripe plum aromas mingled with toasty oak and blackcurrant notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet round with very velvety tannins and expressing flavors of juicy blackberry and ripe plum entwined with blackcurrant, black pepper, leather and toasty oak.

Food Pairing & Service: Will pair well with all types of meat, game and wild mushrooms, as well as with flavorful cheese.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 3 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99

Martin Codax Ergo 2007, Rioja, Spain

A medium-bodied Tempranillo from the famous Rioja region in Spain.

Technical Data: 100% Tempranillo grape. Most of the wine is aged about 8 months in oak.

Description: Vibrant garnet red in color. Intense ripe dark fruits aromas well mingled with woody aromas and spices. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and dry, displaying dark ripe fruits, cedar, some spices, leather and plum flavors combined with velvety smooth tannins. Long lasting finish with some toasty roasted coffee notes.

Food Pairing & Service: A red meat lover. Will also pair well with cheese.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 2 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99

Martin Codax Albariño 2008, Rias Baixas, Spain

A full-bodied Albariño from the Northwestern part of Spain, not far from the border with Portugal.

Technical Data: 100% Albariño grape. Stainless steel only.

Description: Light greenish yellow in color. Fragrant nose displaying aromas of citrus, pear, apple and apricot. Crisp and refreshing, elegant wine showing off flavors of apricot, green apples, pear, white peach, honeysuckle and grass.

Food Pairing & Service: Sip by itself or pair with fish and shellfish. Serve chilled. Quite a delightful wine.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $18.99

Jacob's Creek Reserves Shiraz 2006, South Australia

A full-bodied shiraz with lots of personality from South Australia Region.

Technical Data: 100% Shiraz. Aged 20 months in old and new French and US oak. the grapes for this wine comes from 6 different sub-regions in South Australia, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and Coonawarra.

Description: Deep garnet color. Blackberry aromas and cloves entwined with spices and oak. A Full-bodied Shiraz expressing flavors of ripe blackberry and plum, black pepper, some spices and hint of chocolate backed up by very soft and supple tannins as well as oaky flavors.

Food Pairing & Service: Will accompany really well a cheese called Époisse Berthaut from Burgundy in France, that suggestion of pairing was made by my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Can be definitely drunk now, but can also be stored in cellar without a doubt for up to 10 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $17.99

Jacob's Creek Reserves Pinot Noir 2007, South Australia

A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with lots of personality and texture from South Australia Region. Predominantly from Adelaide Hills sub-region.

Technical Data: 100% Pinot Noir. Aged in second and third use French oak for a few months. Twist off cap.

Description: Ruby red in color with garnet hues. Surprising nose expressing aromas of sweet cherries well mingled with chocolate, liquorice, toast and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, jammy, chewy and textured with soft refined tannins. The flavors this wine displays are an echo to its nose. Quite delightful long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Will accompany really well an Extra Mature Aged Cheddar Cheese, the one I tried it on with, was from the brand Fiscalini from California, that suggestion of pairing was made by my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in. I love this wine by itself, what can I do, truth be told, I am a Pinot Noir Lover, but I must confess, this is the first time, Australia impressed me so much, with one of their Pinot Noir! The wine will pair well with roast duck and Turkey as well. Remember that tip when Thanksgiving will come!

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Can be definitely drunk now, but can also be stored in cellar without a doubt for up to 5-6 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $18.39

Jacob's Creek Reserves Riesling 2009, South Australia

A dry Riesling with lots of personality from South Australia Region.

Technical Data: 100% Riesling. Stainless steel only.

Description: Bright pale gold color with greenish hues. The nose shows aromas of pear, lime, citrus and lemon backed up by minerality. Crisp and refreshing Riesling, intricate palate displaying minerality as well as fruity/flowery flavors. The wine exudes of jasmine, lime, pear and grapefruits flavors laced with minerality and a nicely balanced acidity. Long lasting finish which make you cry for more.

Food Pairing & Service: Will accompany really well the French cheese called Morbier as suggested by my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in. I love this wine by itself, and of course, it could do wonders with some spicy Asian/Indian dishes or even oysters and shellfish. Serve chilled.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Can be definitely drunk now, but can also be stored in cellar without a doubt for up to 5-6 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $17.99

Franciscan Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, USA

A silky smooth Merlot Blend from Napa Valley (Yountville South). Just so you know, this wine is quite a charmer!

Technical Data: 99% Merlot and 1 tiny % of Cabernet Sauvignon, just to say there some in there:-). 16 months in 60% French and 40% US Oak barrels, 25% of were new.

Description: Ruby red in color with purple hues. Intense cherry and plum aromas backed up by light oak. Elegant and full-bodied palate showing off very soft tannins and refine characters of cherry and plum, with some tobacco, a hint of black pepper and some earthiness on top of oaky flavors. The wine is textured and jammy as well as well balanced and long lasting.

Food Pairing & Service: Will accompany really well the French cheese called Chaumes as suggested by my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in. Also due to the richness of this wine it will go wonderfully with some hearty dishes or even a steak.

Score: 9/10. I have to say, I am not usually a Merlot Lover but this one got definitely into me!

Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $26.99

Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Napa Valley, USA

Light to medium-bodied Napa Sauvignon Blanc from the Famous Franciscan Winery. Quite a surprising Sauvignon Blanc, reminiscent of one from New Zealand for the flavors it displays.

Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. A very small portion of the fruit was fermented in neutral French oak barrels on the lees for a very short time to lend more texture to the wine.

Description: Pale straw yellow in color. Intricate nose exuding grapefruits and lemon zest aromas. Crisp and delicate palate for this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc showing off grapefruits flavors well mingled with lemon zest, grass, lime and limestone. A bit of minerality, a nice acidity, some texture and a good balanced round up this wine.

Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and zingy Sauvignon Blanc to pair with a goat cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Poitou region in France and is called Chabichou du Poitou, I could never have enough of that pairing! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, or paired with light spicy food, creamy linguine and the usual shellfish and mild fish. Serve chilled.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $22.49

Franciscan Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, USA

Full bodied Napa Chardonnay from the Famous Franciscan Winery. This wine has long been one of their Flagship.

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay. 8 months on the lees, French and US Oak. The grapes for this wine are originated from Carneros and South Napa Valley.

Description: Bright pale yellow in color. Fragrant nose for an appealing wine, baked apple and pear with a touch of sweet aromas mingled together with a slight touch of oak from its light barrel ageing on the lees. Very focused palate, lots of honey flavors at first, followed by pear and baked apple, a touch of white pepper, some buttery flavors and a hint of oak, for a long lasting, creamy style, mouth watering Chardonnay. The wine has intense flavors but is still very round and soft.

Food Pairing & Service: A delightful Chardonnay wine which will pair well with a creamy/buttery type of cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Burgundy in France and is called Délice de Bourgogne, I could never have enough of that pairing! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well if you are like me and love a full of characters Chard. by itself, or paired with creamy linguine and shrimp/shellfish or even better, my favorite would be with salmon on the plank nicely rub with herbs. Serve chilled.

Score: 9/10. Great find, stack it up.

Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $25.99

Alamos Chardonnay 2009, Mendoza, Argentina

Full bodied and generous in character wine coming from Mendoza, Argentina.

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay. 5 months in 100% French Oak . The grapes for this wine, comes from three different vineyards which are all sub-region from Mendoza, 60% from Tupungato, 20% from Tunuyán and 20% from Agrelo.

Description: Pale and bright yellow in color with greenish hues. Quite a nose for this enticing wine, pear and honeysuckle aromas mingled together with a slight touch of oak from its light barrel ageing. The palate exudes rich flavors and is balanced thru and thru, showing off pear and citrus flavors, backed up by oak and light caramel flavors. Some nice texture to this full bodied wine with a good acidity.

Food Pairing & Service: A full bodied and charming wine which will pair well with a creamy/buttery cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Burgundy in France and is called Délice de Bourgogne, you'll love that pairing! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, or paired with creamy linguine and shrimp/shellfish or even salmon with herbs. Serve chilled.

Score: 7/10. Great find, stack it up.

Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $13.39

Alamos Torrontés 2009, Salta, Argentina

This crisp and delightful wine is coming to us from Cafayate, which is a sub-region of Salta, located in Northwestern Argentina.

Technical Data: 100% Torrontés Riojano also known as Torrontés in Argentina. Stainless steel only. This wine is has twist-off cap.

Description: Light gold in color with greenish hues. Fruity and flowery aromas interwoven together in this clean and crisp wine. Generous wine showing off flavors of apricot, white peach and muscat well laced with honey and jasmine with a back drop of fresh herbs. Although the flavors seems to be on the sweet side, make no mistake, this is a crisp and dry wine with a clean long lasting finish and a nicely balanced acidity. A nice touch of sweetness by the end of the palate.

Food Pairing & Service: A crisp but quite charming wine which will pair well with a Goat cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Vermont and is called Coupole, this pairing will knocks you socks off I guarantee it! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well or paired with salad and mild fish. Serve chilled.

Score: 8/10. Great find, stack it up.

Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $13.99

Rosemount Estate, Diamond Label Shiraz'08, Australia

A rich dry wine from South-Eastern Australia. This wine is kind of reminiscent to me of an "old loved gloved" you put on your hand...Something dear you are glad to go back to once in a while, you'll understand what I mean exactly, when you'll try it, try it out and you'll adopt it!

Technical Data: 100% Shiraz, parcels of this wine were matured for 14 months in seasoned oak..

Description: Deep garnet red color with purple hues. The nose expresses aromas of black fruits and plum laced with bitter chocolate, black pepper and just a tiny hint of oak. A very rich fruits forward and soft palate for this full-bodied Shiraz loaded with blackberry and blackcurrant flavors backed up by cedary notes, black pepper, leather and oak. A bit herbal at the very end. Silky smooth tannins.

Food Pairing & Service: Personally I would match this wine with "hearty" dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: up to 5-7 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $12.99

Rosemount Estate, Diamond Label Shiraz Cabernet'09, Australia

An affordable and quite surprising blend, uniting two full of characters and bold grapes for a full bodied and dry wine from South-Eastern Australia.

Technical Data: 60% Shiraz blended with 40% of Cabernet Sauvignon, small parcels of this wine were matured with oak for 9 months total.

Description: Deep ruby red color with purple hues. An intense nose with black fruits aromas and ripe plum intertwined with roasted coffee and spices. Quite a supple mouth. Full bodied wine, rich in flavors, ripe plum, black cherries, some spices and cedary notes, a slight touch of dark chocolate and a hint of roasted coffee. Smooth velvety tannins for a extremely smooth palate. good length on the finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Personally I would match this wine with "hearty" dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: This wine should be drunk in its youth.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $12.99

Rosemount Estate, Diamond Label Chardonnay'08, Australia

An affordable nice everyday Chardonnay from South-Eastern Australia.

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, small parcels of this wine were matured with oak for 10 months total.

Description: Light bright gold color. Fruit forward nose, for this nice and simple Chardonnay, with aromas of white peach and key lime followed by a hint of grapefruit and orange blossom. The palate is crisp and refreshing, for a medium-bodied wine expressing flinty flavors, as well as, a load of both green and stone fruits, with also reminiscent flavors of pineapple and lime zest at the very end of the palate and a nice medium acidity thru and thru.

Food Pairing & Service: This wine will come true to you with seafood and shellfish, mild fishes and pasta in white sauce. Also a delectable one to sip with your summer salad or picnic or to enjoy by a hot summer day on the patio.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: This wine should be drunk in its youth.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $12.99

My notation on the wines I taste...

Some of my followers have asked me, lately, to shade some lights on my process to give a notation on a scale of ten, for each wine I taste and what exactly motivate that number, rather than another one?

Well that's a big challenge, to explain how I make up a number... Let me try to explain, here is more or less my process, I try to compare wines:

. first of all, from same price range ( a basic varietal wine won't ever compare with a wonderful Romanée Conti, anybody knows that!).
. then from the same region or sub-region.
. then grapes used to make it.
. then, if I have already tasted that particular "Terroir" and if I know anything about it, I try to compare and see if the wine I am tasting is somewhat expressing what it should.
.then at the very end and only then, I add to all these considerations whether I like or not how the wine is expressing itself.

PS: It is very subjective to give a notation to a wine, has every body has a different palate and experience in the matter, I try to do my best to explain, what I like and why, but at the end, it is my particular taste and not necessarily everybody will agree with it.

If while reading me, you notice that on the non-subjective info given (i.e.:Technical Data and Geographic location) I am somehow mistaken, Please, don't hesitate to contact me, I will correct the error, after further investigations.

For those who read "My Wine Tastings Notes", a big thanks!

Simi, Alexander Valley Cabernet Savignon'06, CA, USA

A dry but smooth and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Alexander Valley re-known for being "The" best place to produce "Cabs" in California.

Technical Data: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in 38% new French oak and 25% new American oak.

Description: Dark garnet color with ruby hues. Charming plumy nose exuding also candied black fruits aromas enticed with black pepper and cedary notes. On the palate, lush, fresh berries flavors and ripe plum are dominant, backed up by a hint of roasted tobacco, a touch of cedar and very ripe smooth tannins for a velvety long finish.

Food Pairing & Service: I can imagine sipping this wine while enjoying red meat or tomato based hearty dishes.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Easily up to 8 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $30.99

Simi, Sonoma County Merlot'06, CA, USA

A spicy and elegant Merlot blend from Sonoma County in CA.

Technical Data: 93% Merlot blended with 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 13 months on oak.

Description: Ruby red color. At first, aromas of spicy cloves are dominant then,the rich fruity aromas are coming forward and the wine shows an intricate nose of cassis, plum and ripe black cherries all laced together for creating a very pleasuring bouquet. Elegance is what comes to mind when sipping this wine, again a lot of complexity here, the palate is rich and exudes ripe black fruits in general and more particularly black cherries and black berries, you will find as well smooth tannins thru and thru, some cedary notes, a hint of leather and a great balance for a velvety finish.

Food Pairing & Service: I can imagine sipping this wine while enjoying red meat "in sauce" or with a square of dark fine rich chocolate.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Easily up to 6 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $22.99

Simi, Sonoma County Chardonnay'08, CA, USA

A medium-crisp and complex full-bodied buttery Chardonnay from Sonoma County in CA.

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay aged 6 months in 25% new oak.

Description: Bright straw yellow color. On the nose, lemon and orange blossom aromas are entwined with a hint of honey and a touch of buttery oak. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and expressing a nice complexity showing off luscious tangerine mingled with green apple and ripe pear backed up by slightly butterscotch flavors and a buttery cream long lasting finish. Extremely well balanced, nice acidity with a touch of zing just by the end of the palate.

Food Pairing & Service: This is a gorgeous wine to enjoy by itself or with food. I would particularly recommend seafood or Asian spicy dishes with this wine, I would also definitely pair it with clam soup or Alfredo linguine with shrimps.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Easily up to 6-8 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99

What does O.P.A.P. means in the Greek "Wine Jargon"?

O.P.A.P. is, very simply, the acronym for “Onomasia Proelefsis Anoteras Poiotitas” that you could translate in English by “Appellation of Origin of Higher Quality”.

Greek wine law is kind of based on the French legislation regarding wines. Legally, it means that the designation O.P.A.P. that you could find on the Label of Greek wines would be an equivalent to the French quality wine category known as VQPRD (in French: ”Vin de Qualité Produit dans une Région Déterminée”).

Greece counts 20 O.P.A.P. Appellations only, because of stricter conditions applied to this designation, meaning that wine with this distinctive designation will most likely be of a higher hand, and will show off more of a "Terroir" taste.

Gentilini Robola'09, Cephalonia VQPRD, Greece

A crisp and original wine from Cephalonia in Greece, made of an indigenous grape which would gain to be known. Spread the word about Robola grape, this one has a lot of potential!

Technical Data: 100% Robola grape, indigenous to the Ionian Islands, aged in stainless steel tanks only to preserve freshness and crispness of the wine. The wine is cold stabilized and filtered just once prior to bottling.

Description: Bright gold color. Fragrant nose showing off the characteristic aromas of this grape with lots of citrus and minerality. Powerful yet very subtle wine, citrussy flavors intertwined with white peach, ripe apricot and minerality. A slight hint of white pepper at the very end of the palate. Long lasting mineral finish.

Food Pairing & Service: This is a gorgeous wine to enjoy by itself or with food. This wine will accompany perfectly seafood, shellfish, strong flavored fish, lemon sauce chicken, any kind of metzes or tapas, sushi as well as spicy fusion cuisine.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $15.99

Robola Grape

Although Robola Grape is grown throughout Greece, it is indigenous to Cephalonia in the Ionian Islands , a region also known as Corfou. It is the star grape of the Cephalonia Appellation. This is a high altitude white grape, which produces powerful wines that has distinct citrus/lemony and mineral notes. Typical yields for Robola are between 3,500 and 6,000 kg/ha . The Robola grape is early ripening with high acidity levels and can sustain wet winters and hot, dry summers without any problems. It can be made into a single variety wine or used in a blend.

Vassiliou Nemea Red'07, Nemea, Greece

A medium to full-bodied dry red wine from the region of Nemea in Greece.

Technical Data: 100% Agiorgitiko grape, indigenous to Greece, aged 12 months in oak + 6 months in bottle prior its release.

Description: Deep plum color. On the nose, the wine exudes cherry and herbs aromas. Medium to full-bodied "bone-dry" red wine. On the palate, ripe cherries flavors and herbal notes entangled with plum and very ripe tannins.

Food Pairing & Service: This wine will accompany perfectly medium to high intensity dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $21.99

Château Mercouri, Regional dry Red Wine from Letrinon'06, Peloponnese, Greece

A medium-bodied and spicy easy-drinking red wine from Peloponnese in Greece.

Technical Data: This is a blend of Mavrodaphne and Refosco grapes, both indigenous to Greece. It is likely that this wine was aged in oak barrels but I could not find any "sure" info about that matter.

Description: Ruby red color. The nose is loaded with red and black fruits aromas nicely laced with cedar and leather. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, dry and spicy and exults of plum and ripe black cherries. Cedar and leather notes are present at the very end. Smooth velvety tannins.

Food Pairing & Service: This wine will accompany perfectly medium to high intensity dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: It could easily lay down from 5 to 10 more years, but it is already amazingly good that it probably won't make it that long into your cellar!

Price as seen on DC shelf: $20.99

Columbia Crest Two Vines Riesling'07, Collumbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A wonderful sweet Riesling wine for an unbeatable price!

Technical Data:100% Riesling grape aged in stainless steel tanks to preserves the freshness and fruitiness of this wine.

Description: Bright gold color with greenish hues. An intense nose with aromas of green apples and peach and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and on the sweet side of the spectrum, showing flavors of peach, pear, white flowers, as well as some stony flavors. Sweet but not overly sweet, very well balanced wine thru and thru.

Food Pairing & Service: Will do wonders with any Asian spicy dishes or fusion cuisine or with any shellfish. Will pair perfectly also Indian spicy food. Could also be served as a dessert wine.

Score:9/10, great find, stack it up!

Price as seen on DC shelf:$8.99

Columbia Crest Two Vines Gewurztraminer'07, Collumbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A wonderful Gewurztraminer wine for an unbeatable price!

Technical Data:100% Gewurztraminer grape aged in stainless steel tanks to preserves the freshness and fruitiness of this wine.

Description: Bright light gold color. A distinctive nose with aromas of spice, rose petals and tangerine. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and complex, showing flavors white peach, orange blossom, grapefruit, rose petals and spice. Sweet but not too sweet, very well balanced wine.

Food Pairing & Service: Will do wonders with any Asian spicy dishes or fusion cuisine. Will pair perfectly also Indian spicy food. Could also be served as a dessert wine.

Score:9/10, great find, stack it up!

Price as seen on DC shelf:$8.99

Columbia Crest Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon'07, Collumbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Washington State.

Technical Data:95% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 5% remaining are divided between Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Aged 16 months in 1/3 new oak barrels.

Description:Dark garnet color. Fragrant ripe cherries aromas enticed with cedar and spices. Fulled-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon blend with silky smooth tannins.This wine displays flavors of ripe cherries, plum, cedar, cloves and spices. Long lasting finish with a hint of toast and chocolate.

Food Pairing & Service: Would be a good choice to accompany any red meat, tomato based "heavy" dishes and hearty pasta dishes.

Score:8/10

Price as seen on DC shelf:$11.99

Columbia Crest Grand Estate Merlot'07, Collumbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A classic Merlot blend from Washington State.

Technical Data:85% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14 to 16 months aged in new French and American oak barrels.

Description:Dark ruby red color. This wine displays aromas and flavors of blackberries, plum and spices. Also a touch of roasted coffee flavors by the end of the palate. Velvety tannins with a lingering finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Would be a good choice to accompany any red meat and hearty pasta dishes.

Score:8/10

Price as seen on DC shelf:$11.99

Columbia Crest Grand Estate Chardonnay'08, Collumbia Valley, Washington State, USA

A creamy style full-bodied Chardonnay full of flavors and affordable.

Technical Data:100% chardonnay aged 9 months sur lie for added complexity and a rich, silky mouthfeel. 30% of the blend was stainless steel fermented to increase varietal aromas and enhance the wine’s overall bouquet.

Description:Bright straw yellow color. A fragrant bouquet for this creamy style chardonnay. Supple aromas of baked apple and pear followed by caramel. On the palate, this full-bodied but nonetheless supple Chardonnay wine express flavors of apple, pear and caramel backed up by creamy/buttery oaky flavors for a long lasting and well balanced finish.

Food Pairing & Service:White meat in general, heavy fish like salmon, seafood, shellfish, chef salad as well as baked pear pie. Serve chilled.

Score:9/10

Price as seen on DC shelf:$11.99

Gaia Notios Red'06, Nemea, Greece

A dry easy-drinking red wine from southern Greece made from the indigenous Agiogitiko grape. "Notios" means "the southerner".

Technical Data: 100% Agiorgitiko grape, indigenous to Greece.

Description: Bright tawny color. Quite an intense nose with aromas of red and black fruits followed up by spiciness and wood notes. A soft and velvety dry red wine loaded with, upfront, plum and blackberry flavors and backed up by leather, black pepper, oak and smokiness. Silky smooth tannins for a well balanced wine with a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: This wine will accompany perfectly medium to high intensity dishes.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99

Agiorgitiko Grape

Agiorgitiko, is an indigenous grape from Greece, also known as Mavro Nemeas or St. George. The wines produced with Agiorgitiko grape tend to be somewhat low in acid with balanced tannins and a fruity, dark cherry tone.

The wines produced with this grape can range from Rosés to oak aged reds.

Nowadays, you can find Agiorgitiko grape blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to produce international styled reds from Greece.