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

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

Jaboulet Paralléle 45 Red' 07, Côtes du Rhône, France

An elegant and quite famous by now Jaboulet red wine from the Côtes du Rhône region in France. This Côtes du Rhône takes its name from the 45th North parallel which runs two kilometres from the cellars of Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné.

Technical Data: This is a blend of 60% Grenache Grape and 40% Syrah from 25 years old vines . The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of its fruits.

Description: Bright ruby red in color. Aromatic wine loaded with red fruits and spices. On the palate, rounded tannins for a full bodied wine, redcurrant and plumy flavors are in charge here up until the Syrah characteristic spiciness kicks in. Some cedary note and pepper are also present. This wine, has a nice bite in the end, but it is not overwhelming, on the contrary, the fruity flavors and the spiciness are well integrated together to construct a delightfully complex wine with a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: I strongly recommend to pair this wine with food such as Grilled/roasted meats or Cheeses.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: This Côtes du Rhône should be drunk young, within 1 to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $15.99

Jadot Beaujolais-Villages'07, Burgundy, France

A very fruity medium bodied Beaujolais-Villages from the Negociant Louis Jadot located in Burgundy France.

Technical Data: 100% Gamay .

Description: Bright purple in color. Quite enticing nose with a load of fresh red fruits aromas and a hint of spice. On the palate, the entrance is firm, but nice and refreshing, with smooth tannins, good balance and a long lasting finish. Plumy and raspberries flavors followed by dark cherries are dominating here. The wine shows off as well a pinch of white pepper, a smudge of cedar and Rose flavors. A complex wine at a not so complex price!

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine. Can be drunk by itself or accompany food such as Grilled red meat, white fish and cheeses. It will also do wonders with your summer's light dishes!

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: This Beaujolais-Villages is supposed to be drunk young although it can be kept easily up to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.59.

Jadot Mâcon Blanc Villages'08, Burgundy, France

A quite refreshing medium bodied White wine from the Negociant Louis Jadot in Burgundy France.

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay . Vinified in stainless steel tanks in order to extract the maximum floral and fruity aromas and freshness.

Description: Bright gold color. A very appealing fragrant nose full of tropical and stone fruits and floral scent. A quite refreshing medium bodied dry wine showing off a nice acidity and good balance thru and thru. On the palate, lots of fruits flavors such as peach and pineapple laced with elderflower flavors. A hint of white pepper and limestone are present as well. All these flavors mingled together contribute to make this wine a great one to enjoy chilled and rather young to benefits of its freshness.

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine. This wine can stand alone without being ashamed of itself or pair sublimely a wild range of dishes, it would best accompany seafood in general and shellfish. My personal favorite would be with a grilled fish like "Salmon on a cedar plank". Consider also pairing it with lemon and herb roast chicken as well as grilled vegetable . Any dish served with saffron rice will do too, as will any Asian Fusion Food as well. Serve chilled. Perfect during Summer Time as well!

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: This wine will be at its best within 5 years of its vintage, if kept in good conditions of temperature and humidity.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $18.99, considering this is a Burgundy it is an excellent Price for it, stack it up.

Red Bicyclette Syrah'03, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Southern France

Table wine made from Syrah from the Minervois and Cabardes region in Southern France produced by the well-known Gallo from California.

Technical Data: 100% Syrah, portions of the wine aged in stainless steel tanks and in new American and French oak. Upon completion of aging, the final wine was blended, filtered, and fined.

Description: Deep purple-to-black color with violet accents.Aromas of blackberry and cassis with spicy overtones and subtle floral hints. For the palate, jammy core of blackberry with back notes of vibrant red fruit.

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to Lamb, Pasta, Cassoulet and Roasted Duck.

Score: 6/10

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Red Bicyclette Merlot'03, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Southern France

Table wine made from Merlot from Limoux, Minervois and Cabardes Region in Southern France produced by the well-known Gallo from California.

Technical Data: 100% Merlot, portions of the wine aged in stainless steel tanks and in new American and French oak. Upon completion of aging, the final wine was blended, filtered, and fined.

Description: Ruby red color with purple accents. Aromas of black currant and cherry with hints of spice and vanilla. Dark red berry characters on the palate with subtle tones of vanilla, jam, and spice.

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to Meatloaf, Beef Stew, Grilled Lamb Chops, Risotto, Quail.

Score: 6/10

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Red Bicyclette Chardonnay'03, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Southern France

Table wine made from Chardonnay from Limooux Region in Southern France produced by the well-known Gallo from California.

Technical Data: 100% chardonnay. 20% of the wine was fermented in older oak barrels for a fuller, softer mouthfeel with the balance of the cuvee fermenting in stainless steel tanks. A portion of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. Prior to bottling, components were selected, blended, then fined and filtered.

Description: Brilliant, pale yellow color. Aromas of tropical fruit and vanilla with hints of flowers and toasted oak. Crisp and vibrant entrance on the palate, medium bodied wine with apple and citrus flavors and creamy oak finish

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to grilled fish, shellfish, Roast veal and Rotisserie chicken. Serve chilled.

Score: 7/10

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Remy Pannier Muscadet Sevres et Maine'03, Loire Valley, France

Casual everyday wine from the Loire Valley.

Technical Data: 100% Melon de Bourgogne also called Muscadet. Low temperature fermentation under inert atmosphere.

Description: Pale straw yellow color. Delicate nose with floral notes. Crisp entrance, lean, subtle and dry medium-bodied wine focused on floral flavors.

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to oysters, seafood and poultry. Serve chilled.

Score: 7/10

Suggested Retail Price: $7.49

Remy Pannier Vouvray'03, Loire Valley, France

Casual everyday wine from the Loire Valley.

Technical Data: 100% Chenin Blanc.

Description: Bright gold color. Richly fragrant with hints of honey, ripe pears and brioche. On the palate, sweet entrance for a well balanced medium-bodied wine showing flavors of honey mingled with pears and apple. Sweet wine but not overly sweet.

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to nuts, foie gras, pates, fish dishes and desserts. Serve chilled.

Score: 7/10

Suggested Retail Price: $7.49

Remy Pannier Rose d'Anjou'04, Loire Valley, France

A delightful dry Rose from the Loire Valley

Technical Data: 100% Cabernet Franc. From vineyards between Nantes and the Touraine region of the Loire Valley. The soil is a mixture of tuffeau (chalk) and sand.

Description: Delicate salmon pink color. Aromas of strawberries and cherries. A dry wine with full, tempting flavors and balanced acidity. Supple in the palate, loads with fruits and elegance

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to seafood, shellfish and goat’s milk cheeses. Serve chilled.

Score: 8/10

Suggested Retail Price: $7.49

Marquis de la Tour Sparkling Brut NV, Loire Valley, France

Dry NV Sparkling Wine of extraordinary quality at a very attractive price from France.

Technical Data: 50% Chenin Blanc, 25 % Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Chardonnay. This sparkling wine is made from 100% Loire grapes. Because of its northern location, the grapes maintain an excellent balance of high acidity. Consistency and quality are carefully monitored to create very fine bubbles. The dosage has been perfected to make a clean, fruity but, dry sparkling wine

Description: Pale gold color. Delicate floral aromas. Medium-bodied wine. Crisp and clean with fine bubbles and ripe melon flavors. Good acidity and good balance.

Food Pairing & Service: Served chilled. This sparkling wine can accompany an entire meal or be served as an aperitif.

Score: 8/10

Suggested Retail Price: $8.99

Laboure-Roi Pouilly-Fuisse Vallon D'Or '03, Burgundy, France

An elegant Pouilly-Fuisse from Burgundy.

Technical Data:100% Chardonnay. Following the malolactic fermentation, the wine spends 8 to 10 months in tank before bottling.

Description:Golden color. Floral and fruity aromas on the nose with hints of honey and hazelnuts. On the palate, medium-bodied wine yet rich and dry. This Chardonnay shows lots of white fruits flavors but also a nice minerality and some lively floral undertones all together in a very well balanced exemple of what could be a Pouilly-Fuisse when well crafted. Long lasting creamy and rounded finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Serve chilled but not iced, at 55 Fahrenheit. Drink with all smoked fish, fish grilled or in a sauce, poultry and white meats, including turkey and pork, creamy cheeses.

Score:9/10

$16.99

Jean Luc Colombo Cotes du Rhone "Les Abeilles" '03, Cotes du Rhone, France

Classic South Cotes du Rhone Red.

Technical Data:50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre from 25 year-old vines. The wine is aged 20% in new oak for nine months before bottling.

Description:Deep garnet color. Aromas of black berries, a hint of old leather and some spices too. A full-bodied and complex red wine focused on ripe black berry laced with liquorice spiciness well balanced by silky tannins. This red wine is a classic expression of the Cotes du Rhone appellation.

Food Pairing & Service:A food friendly wine which will be an ideal accompaniment to hearty dishes and Mediterranean Cuisine in general. Will also pair well lamb, pork, roasted beef and assorted cheeses. Serve at room temperature.

Score:8/10

Suggested Retail Price:$9.99

Ey Grenache'03 "Vigne Las Collas", Languedoc-Roussillon, France

A full-bodied and flavorful Grenache blend from the foothills of the Pyrenees in southern France’s Roussillon district.

Technical Data:90% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre from a single vineyard of 60 years old on the side of Pyrenean Mountain. Aged few month in Oak-barrels.

Description:Deep dark color almost black. Slightly smoky in the nose with reminiscent aromas of dried cherries & spices. Supple flavors of ripe fruits nicely balanced by an underlying acidity.

Food Pairing & Service:This is a versatile wine that will accompany well assorted tapas, grilled meats, sausages & hard cheeses. Best enjoyed at room temperature.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$11.99