Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand, Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC, Burgundy, France 2008

Dry red wine from the Beaune region in Burgundy, France.

Technical Data: 100% Pinot Noir. Underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. On the lees for several months. 30 Years old vines.

Description: Nice light red color. On the nose the wine is very fruity showing off fresh cherries and raspberries with a good earthy note. On the palate, medium to full bodied wine. Beautiful expression of a Burgundy Pinot Noir AOC with red and black fresh fruits laced with forest and earthy flavors. A hint of smoke as well as a touch of spice complete the scene. This wine is supple, almost silky with very smooth tannins.

Food Pairing & Service: Enjoy in general with paté & deli. During summertime, serve slightly chilled with spicy BBQ or grilled fish.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential:

Price as seen on DC shelf: usually around $18.00

Importer/Distributor: Comete Wines from Silver Spring MD

Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand, Hautes Côtes de Beaune AOC, Burgundy, France 2005

Dry white wine from the Beaune region in Burgundy, France.

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, vintage 2005, aged for 6 months in French oak barrels.

Description: Beautiful bright honey-gold color. This wine is exceptionally well balanced. Showcasing a floral bouquet with honey, almond flowers and honeysuckle layered with apricot and candied fruits. The palate is reminiscent of its nose with the addition of mineral notes laced with some smokiness and vanilla/oak hints. Full bodied Chardonnay. The finish is expressing a slight spiciness. Very supple wine, all in finesse and quite harmonious which has a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: To be enjoyed now chilled with a nice piece of salmon or paired with shellfish such as scallops.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Ready to drink now

Price as seen on DC shelf: usually around $25-$28

Importer/Distributor: Comete Wines from Silver Spring MD

Clotilde Davenne, Les Temps Perdus, AOC Saint-Bris, Burgundy, France 2010

Dry white wine from the Chablis Region in Burgundy, France

Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Hand harvested. Underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. On the lees for several months. Very elegant wine, from the only AOC (Saint-Bris) from Burgundy allowed to produce a Sauvignon Blanc wine. No oak to preserve the freshness and "terroir-like" characteristic of this wine.

Description: Bright light gold color. On the nose, the wine exudes tropical fruits and stone fruits mingled with mineral aromas. Quite complex. The palate is an “explosion” of flavors with to name only a few, peach, citrus zest, flint-stone and white flowers followed by only a hint of spice. Very long lasting.

Food Pairing & Service: Enjoy chilled with seafood, fish as well as goat cheese.

Score: 9/10. One of the best Saint-Bris I ever tasted. This particular wine & vintage has received a tones of accolades since its release. Clotilde Davenne has been voted the best Winemaker of the year 2005 in Stockholm! Look for her wines, they are all beautifully crafted. Also very important, because the area of production of this small AOC in Burgundy, there is only a handful of producers whom can indeed make Saint-Bris wines, if memory serves me right, right now, there should be only about 10 to 12 producers of Saint-Bris AOC.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth to preserve its delightful freshness. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: usually around $15-$18

Importer/Distributor: Comete Wines from Silver Spring MD

Château Mukhrani, Saperavi/Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Dry and full body red wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Saperavi is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia.

Technical Data: 60% Saperavi and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand harvested. Aged a minimum of 7 months and up to 10 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. French / American / Caucasian Oak barrels are used. 12.5% vol.

Description: Inky color. Its nose exudes ripe dark cherries and oak with a nice enticing touch of spice. Dry and round this wine is full bodied. On the palate, ripe cherries flavors dominates. Velvety smooth tannins and a touch of oak for a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine which goes well with a wide assortments of foods from roasted red meats and strong cheeses to rich & creamy dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Saperavi 2007, Kartli, Georgia (Rep.of)

Dry and bold full body red wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Saperavi is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia. This wine has received two awards already. The Vinalies Internationales 2009, Paris, France and it has been Commended at the World Wines Award 2010 by the Decanter, UK.

Technical Data: 100% Saperavi variety. Hand harvested. Aged a minimum of 7 months and up to 10 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. French / American / Caucasian Oak barrels are used. 12.5% vol.

Description: Bright dark ruby color with crimson hues. Ripe plum and morello cherries aromas at first followed by oaky, smoky aromas and spice. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and dry yet somehow soft. It expresses opulent plum flavors laced with cherry and spice. Very well balanced wine showing off smooth, velvety tannins backed up by liquorice on the long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine which will go well with a wide assortments of foods from juicy red meats and strong cheeses to rich & creamy dishes. Need to breath at least 20 min before consumption.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few more years. Saperavi grape has a huge ageing potential.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Tavkveri Rosé 2010, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Dry medium bodied rosé wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Tavkveri grape variety is endemic to Kartli and is only growing in this region of Georgia.

Technical Data: 100% Tavkveri variety. Tavkveri grape is a red variety which can be used to produce both red and rosé wines. Hand harvested. No skin maceration. Aged a minimum of 4 months and up to 7 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12.5% vol. No oak.

Description: Bright light coral color. Its nose exhales of cherry and fresh strawberry aromas. On the palate, medium bodied crisp wine with a good structure and balance thru and thru. First flavors coming to the mind are a repeat of its nose then it evolves, and raspberry flavors opens up, as well as a distinctive and quite enjoyable black pepper taste. Great last impression with a rose petal long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Best paired with pork chops, Asian cuisine or zesty salads. Could also be consumed by itself. Serve fresh (around 8 C).

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Shavkapito 2009, Kartli, Georgia (Rep.of)

Dry medium bodied red wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Shavkapito grape variety is endemic to Kartli and is only growing in this region in Georgia.

Technical Data: 100% Shavkapito. Hand harvested. Aged a minimum of 7 months and up to 10 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12% vol. No oak.

Description: Bright ruby red color with brick hues. Very rich & expressive nose showing off blackberry aromas as well as spices and leather. The wine is medium bodied and well balanced with well integrated ripe tannins and a long lasting finish. On the palate, lots of jammy plums and fresh mixed berries. Enticing black pepper and cedary notes, as well as a bountiful of leathery flavors and a pinch of chocolate complete its description. 12% vol.

Food Pairing & Service: Will best accompany white meats and tomato based dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Goruli Mtsvane 2009, Kartli, Georgia (Rep.of)

Dry white wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Mtsvane grape is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia. There are 4 different Mtsvane variety in Georgia, each coming from a different region and with their own characteristic. This amazing wine has been awarded a Bronze Medal at the Hong Kong Wine and Spirit International Competition in late October 2011.

Technical Data: 85% Goruli Mtsvane, which is endemic to the region of Kartli and 15% Chinuri (a white grape with red freckles) which is another Georgian endemic variety. Hand harvested. On the lies. Aged a minimum of 4 months and up to 7 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12% vol.

Description: Bright light gold with greenish hues. Its nose shows, at first, fresh white plum enticed with citrussy aromas and stone fruits, then follows peppery notes and flowery aromas. The palate expresses a generous plummy taste backed up by peach and honeysuckle with a pinch of black pepper. The wine is crisp and full body but somehow still manage to be round with a nice intensity & acidity for a good lengthy finish.

Food Pairing & Service: I personally enjoy this wine with fish, shellfish or a big salad. It also pairs quite well with a salad with pear and walnut. Could be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif as well. Best enjoyed chilled.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Rkatsiteli, Kartli region 2009, Georgia (Rep. of )

Dry white wine from the Kartli Region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Rkatsiteli variety is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia.

Technical Data: 100% Rkatsiteli. Hand harvested. On the lies. Aged a minimum of 4 months and up to 7 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12% vol.

Description: Bright light gold color. Its nose expresses at first pear and gooseberry/mulberry aromas followed by light tropical fruits. The palate is echoing its nose with a lot of pear flavors mingled with fresh citrus and light tropical fruits. The wine is crisp and medium bodied, well balanced with a nice acidity and a medium length finish.

Food Pairing & Service: To be paired with light fares as well as roasted chicken, salad and Fiscalini cheese. Could also be consumed by itself.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

St Francis, Red Wine Sonoma 2006, USA

An everyday red wine blend from the re-known St Francis Winery in California.

Technical Data: 48% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 3% Zinfandel and 6% "Mixed Blacks" . Mixed Blacks are a group of very inky grapes added usually to a blend to give a little more color and structure, in that case, the grapes added in a very low percentage are Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Alicante and Malbec. This wine was aged only a few months in oak barrels.

Description: Dark red color. Intense liquorice aromas on the nose mingled with black fruits and woody notes. On the palate, the wine is very dry and concentrated on black current and plumy flavors seconded by liquorice and black pepper with a roasted coffee finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Paired by Angela with a soft-ripened cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk From Normandie Region in France and called Pont L'Evêque (AO)

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 1 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99

Domaine du Tariquet White 2008, VDP Côtes de Gascogne, France

A white Vin de Pays "Country Wine" also called VDP from the SouthWest region in France.

Technical Data: 75% Chenin Blanc and 25% Chardonnay. This wine was aged a few months only in French oak barrel. Imported by Bobby Kacher Selections in DC Area.

Description: Pale gold color. Medium intensity nose showing off minerality, herbal notes and tropical fruits aromas backed up by oak and spice. Crisp palate with a nice acidity and medium-body. The wine exudes mango fruits as well as citrussy ones entwined with a nice minerality, and a hint of both green bell pepper and oak. Creamy clean finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Paired by Angela with an Ash-Ripened (poplar wood ash) Goat Cheese called Bonne-Bouche “Good Mouthful” made in the heart of Vermont. vermontcreamery.com

Score: 7/10. Good everyday wine value, Stack it up to enjoy year around!

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 1 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $12.29

Domaine de la Petite Cassagne Red'07, Costiéres de Nîmes AOC, France

A red Costiéres de Nîmes AOC from the Côtes du Rhône region in France. This Domaine produces as well a white and rose both under the same name as their red wine.

Technical Data: 47% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 20% Carignane . This wine was aged a few months only in French oak barrel. Imported by Bobby Kacher Selections in DC Area.

Description: Garnet robe with purple hues. The nose is concentrated on aromas of plum and ripe cherries with oak and a hint of spice. Very rich and earthy palate expressing also flavors of black ripe cherries and raspberries entwined with black pepper and subtle oak, medium tannins and a roasted coffee long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Paired by Angela with a French cheese from the Pyrenees region called Petit Basque from the brand Istara. Personally, I would also paired this wine with Turkey, after all, Thanksgiving is around the corner.

Score: 9/10. Extremely great value, Stack it up to enjoy year around!

Ageing Potential: Drink now or cellar up to 2012.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $9.99

La Font du Vent, Notre Passion'07, Signargues, Côtes du Rhône, France

A red Rhone table wine from the Côtes du Rhône region in France.

Technical Data: 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. This wine was aged 12 months in French oak barrel. Unfiltered. Imported by Bobby Kacher Selections in DC Area.

Description: Ruby red robe. Fruit forwards nose loaded with red and black fruits as well as spices and a hint of oak. The palate shows lots of character, the wine is textured and a bit jammy and expresses flavors of plum, black berries and morello cherries backed up by velvety smooth tannins, roasted coffee flavors and oak. Full-bodied and long lasting.

Food Pairing & Service: Will accompany well game, red meats and cheeses. Paired by Angela with a soft-ripened cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk From Normandie Region in France and called Petit Pont L'Evêque.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now or cellar up to 2011.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99

Domaine Joël Delaunay, Le Bois Martin 2009, Touraine AOC, Loire Valley, France

A crisp and delightful Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine AOC from the Loire Valley in France.

Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This wine was aged on the lees 3 months in French oak barrel.

Description: Pale greenish robe with yellow hues. Distinctive nose of "cat's pee" aromas and freshly cut grass. On the palate, the wine is crisp and full-bodied with fruits flavors first with apricot and grapefruit then followed by grassy flavors as well as the typical "cat's pee" you usually found in Loire Valley's Sauvignon Blanc. The finish is long lasting, extremely well balanced with tropical fruits and spices.

Food Pairing & Service: Paired by Angela with an Ash-Ripened (poplar wood ash) Goat Cheese called Bonne-Bouche "Good Mouthful" made in the heart of Vermont. vermontcreamery.com

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: cellar up to 2 years

Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99

Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec'07, Mendoza, Argentina

A bold and spicy big Malbec from the sub-districts of Lujan de Cuyo and Lulunta in the Mendoza region in Argentina.

Technical Data: 100% Malbec. This wine underwent both cold maceration and full malolactic fermentation. Aged 12 months in 1st and 2nd use French oak barrel followed by 10 months in bottle prior release.

Description: Intense dark garnet color with purple hues, almost inky. The nose is loaded with ripe dark fruits and some spices. Dry, full-bodied wine with a lot of texture. This wine is jammy and juicy as much as can be and expresses flavors of black currant plum and cassis entwined with tobacco, earthiness and violet. The wine is long lasting with silky smooth tannins and a dusty dark chocolate finish.

Food Pairing & Service: As a good entertainer this Malbec love the company of food...Let me tell you what was my personal choice... I picked to complement this bottle, after a hard day of work (tasting), a Steak Diane to go, from the Cheesecake Factory, from memory, the dish is made of medallions Angus beef steak covered with black peppercorns and a quite rich wine sauce and usually goes by with mashed potatoes. I had the feeling that it would go marvelously and indeed it did, Yumm. You can also most definitely pair it with cheese, as a matter of fact, Treva and Angela paired it with a Mahón cheese (cow's milk) aged over 60 days called Queama Menorca. This cheese is coming from the outermost of the three Balearic Islands, Minorca.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: cellar up to 8 years

Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99

Bodega Norton Malbec '09, Mendoza, Argentina

An affordable fruit forward Malbec from the sub-district of Lujan de Cuyo in the Mendoza region in Argentina.

Technical Data: 100% Malbec. Stainless steel only. Underwent full malolactic fermentation.

Description: Bright garnet color. Fruit forward nose with a load of plum and liquorice. Dry, medium bodied clean wine showing off flavors of plum and black currant entwined with liquorice, a pinch of black pepper and very soft tannins. Smooth long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Can be sip by itself of course but Malbec usually love the company of food and this one is no exception. Treva and Angela paired it with a Mahón cheese (cow's milk) aged over 60 days called Queama Menorca. This cheese is coming from the outermost of the three Balearic Islands, Minorca. This wine could also definitely well pair any beef and pork fare.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: This wine is intended to be drunk in its youth, drink now and for 2 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99

Bodega Norton Cabernet Sauvignon'09, Mendoza, Argentina

An affordable and very soft style Cabernet Sauvignon from the sub-district of Lujan de Cuyo in the Mendoza region in Argentina.

Technical Data: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Stainless steel only. Underwent full malolactic fermentation.

Description: Bright ruby red color. Fruit forward nose with lots of plum first, then some cherries and raspberries as well. Refreshing and medium bodied wine expressing flavors of plum and ripe blackberries with velvety smooth tannins. This wine is almost silky on the tongue.

Food Pairing & Service: Can be sip by itself or paired with food, specially with medium intensity red meat and hearty pasta dishes. Angela and Treva paired it with the Point Reyes Original Blue from California ( www.pointreyescheese.com ) it was a delish!

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $13.99

St Francis Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, CA, USA

A luscious and jammy Cabernet Sauvignon "Sonoma Style".

Technical Data: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 23 months in a combination of New French and American oak followed by 4 to 8 months in bottle prior release depending of the vintage.

Description: Deep ruby red color. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas entwined with cedar and smoke. On the palate, the wine is very rich and textured, packed with flavors such as juicy cherry, jammy plum, refined tannins, dry herbs, black pepper and liquorice. Chewy, very dry palate with a coffee long lasting very smooth finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with a wide range of food, specially with red meat and hearty pasta dishes. Angela and Treva paired it with the French cheese called Petit Livarot de la Perelle( AOC Pays D'Auge, Calvados, France).

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $30.49

St Francis Sonoma Chardonnay 2008, CA, USA

Creamy style Chardonnay from CA

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, aged 6 months in a combination of French and American oak. This wine underwent full malolactic fermentation.

Description: Bright gold color. Creamy aromas mingled with pear and baked apple followed by grapefruit notes, oak and spices. Crisp and creamy palate for a buttery full-bodied Chardonnay expressing, as an echo of its nose, baked apple and pear flavors backed up by pepper, smokiness, oak and a toffee/caramel like finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with a wide range of food. Angela and Treva paired it with the French cheese called Petit Basque Istara, which is a 100% sheep's milk cheese.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $20.49

Clos du Bois North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, CA, USA

A luscious Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from the North Coast in CA.

Technical Data: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% other "Bordeaux Style Varietals". Aged 14 months in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak, 30% new.

Description: Deep garnet color. Intense ripe plum aromas enticed with clove's spices and oak. Bone-dry palate showing off lush blackberry and ripe plum backed up by spices and cedar with velvety smooth tannins. Textured wine with a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with steak, burgers, roast and rich pasta with tomato an meat sauce.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99