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

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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

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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

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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

Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon’07, CA, USA

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A rich and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Sonoma County. This wine is the Flagship of Alexander Valley Vineyard.

Technical Data: A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Aged for 14 months in French and American oak, 25% new.

Description: Deep red color with ruby hues . Fruits forward nose concentrated on plum and cassis mingled with clover, pepper and cedar aromas. In the mouth, the wine is full bodied, with velvety tannins and spices. Lingering taste of plum, black berry and black cherries associated with cedar, liquorice and some chocolaty flavors. Long lasting.

Food Pairing & Service: This wine is a steak-lover!

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 15 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $24.99

Alexander Valley Estate Chardonnay’08, CA, USA

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A flavorful and rich Chardonnay blend from Sonoma County.

Technical Data: A blend of 98% Chardonnay with 2% Viognier. Although most of the wine sees no oak, 30% is aged for eight months in an equal combination of new, one and two-year- old French oak barrels.

Description: Bright gold color. First aromas coming to mind is of tropical and green fruits. A medium bodied chardonnay with lush flavors of citrus, peach and mango followed quite quickly by green apple, pear, some spice, oak and toastiness. This is a creamy style Chardonnay but in the good way, its creaminess is not overpowering thus adding to the nice panel of flavors. A very long lasting well balanced wine. The addition of 2% Viognier grape in the wine add to its spectrum of flavors nicely as well.

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine, although it will accommodate a wild range of dishes, it would best accompany shellfish (sautéed scallops) and grilled fish like salmon. Consider also pairing it with lemon and herb roasted chicken as well as vegetable stews. The medium body of this Estate Chardonnay means it can also handle richer dishes like Fettuccini Alfredo. As well as any dish served with saffron rice. Asian spicy fusion food would also be a good accompaniment to this flavorful wine. Serve chilled.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.59

Alexander Valley Sin Zin’07, Sonoma County, CA, USA

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This is probably the most famous wine from Alexander Valley Vineyards in Sonoma County. Elegant but bold wine at the same time, a delightful one to try out.

Technical Data: 100% Zinfandel. Aged in 75% American oak and 25% French oak for 10 months.

Description: Bright ruby red in color. Tons of cherries and raspberries aromas backed by spice and cedar on the nose. On the palate red and black fruits flavors are laced together, giving to this full bodied wine a nice complexity. Plum, morello cherries and chocolaty flavors are on board here with blueberries, spices and oak. I detect a touch of earthiness, “dry earth” flavors and some herbs. Velvety tannins and a good balance for a smooth long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: A food -friendly wine. It would be a perfect match with casual Italian food like pizza or lasagna. I would also definitely pair it with red meat off the grill, from barbecued steak to ribs.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $24.99

Martin & Weyrich Moscato Allegro ’04, California, USA

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Martin Weyrich Moscato

Luscious white wine slightly fizzy made from Moscato grape from Passo Robles.

Technical Data: 100% Moscato, aged about 6 months in stainless steel tanks.

Description: Bright golden color. The nose strongly recall orange blossom’s aromas mingled with spices. On the palate, smooth entrance displaying honeyed apricots flavors laced with spice and luscious and juicy tropical fruits. Full-bodied sweet but still crisp wine with enought acidity to balanced it well. The fact that this wine is extremely low in alcohol, only 7%, make it even more interesting.

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to chocolate, mousse and truffle as well as fresh-cut fruits, try it over a bowl of cantaloupe or tropical fruits. Could definitely also be enjoyed by itself or with Foie Gras.

Score: 9/10

Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Strongly recommended for the coming Holiday’s Season

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV, Sonoma Valley, USA

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Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut

An elegant Sparkling Brut NV from Sonoma Valley, a very good value!

Technical Data: 87% Pinot Noir, 13% Chardonnay. Hand harvested. The cuvee is a blend of 20 different base wines fermented in stainless steel tanks. Made from the Methode Champenoise.

Description: Pale straw hue with lively bubbles. On the nose green apple mingled with herbaceous notes. Full bodied and elegant on the mouth, this crisp and refreshing Sparkling is focused on citrusy flavors laced with green apple and toast. Creamy long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: As a full bodied Brut this sparkling will pair with a wide range of food from Aperitif to an entire meal. Serve chilled but not icy!

Score: 8/10

Suggested Retail Price: $18.99

Domaine Ste Michelle Luxe 1999, WA, USA

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Domaine Ste Michelle Luxe 1999

A Vintage Sparkler called Luxe from WA made from the Methode Champenoise.

Technical Data:100% Chardonnay vintage 1999 made from the Methode Champenoise.

Description:Pale yellow color with tiny bubbles. Crisp Sparkler showing grapefruit aromas and flavors followed in the palate by fruits like lemon, pear and a hint of tropical fruits with some pineapple and melon. A touch of spice and a soft creamy finish complete its description.

Food Pairing & Service:Will pair well with a wide range of dishes, nice with a trout, or same kind of fish. Also an ideal accompaniment to chocolate and blue cheeses. Serve chilled.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$17.99

Domaine Ste Michelle Blanc de Noirs NV, WA, USA

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Domaine Ste Michelle Blanc de Noirs

An excellent Rose Sparkling Wine NV from WA made from the Methode Champenoise.

Technical Data:90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay, the opposite of a Blanc de Blanc. Made from the Methode Champenoise. Non-Vintage.

Description:Light salmon-pink color with small bubbles. Dry and medium-bodied Sparkler. Strawberry and Raspberry aromas and flavors, with light spice undertones. Dry at the entrance this Sparkler as a soft and fruity long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Because of its soft finish, it will be a good accompaniment with soft cheeses, dessert and specially chocolate or berry. Also nice to be drunk on its own. Serve chilled.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$9.99

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