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

Château Mukhrani Wines

News: The wines of Château Mukhrani, Georgia (Eastern Europe), are now available in the DC Metro Area and MD. For a complete list of the retailers and restaurants carrying these great and unique wines, you can contact Virginie, Mukhrani's Brand Ambassador in the United States at v.ajot@mukhrani.com.

Château Mukhrani, Khvanchkara Naturally Semi-Sweet Red Wine (AOC) 2008, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Naturally Semi Sweet red wine from the Racha region in Georgia. Khvanchkara is one of the 18 AOC existing in Georgia.

Technical Data: Alexandrouli grape variety is used. 11% vol.

Description: Bright ruby red color with brick hues. Bountiful of ripe cherry on the nose with a touch of strawberry. On the palate, medium bodied wine. Intense & exuberant wild strawberry flavors mingled with sweet cherry and a soft black pepper hint. Well integrated tannins for a velvety long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Although it is a naturally semi-sweet red wine, it is very versatile and will accompany a wide range of food, from fresh fruits and salad to poultry and grilled red meat. Enjoy at 11-12 degree.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Enjoy now or in the next 2 years.

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

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, 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, Rkatsiteli, Kartli region 2007, Georgia (Rep. of )

Dry white wine from the Kartli Region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia.

Technical Data: 100% Rkatsiteli grapes.12% vol.

Description: Bright light gold color. Its nose express 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: /10.

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

Price as seen on DC shelf:

Back to business

After a long 9 months of absence (due to a difficult pregnancy) I am glad to report that I will be back in business and ready to taste again beginning in September!

Also, I am pleased to announced the launch of my very own company, Destination Wine LLC. I will be offering Wine Services in DC, VA and MD. A sister Website to my wineblog will turn up soon, keep an eye here as I will advertise it!

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 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

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

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

Murphy Goode California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, CA, USA

A medium to full-bodied elegant Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from California.

Technical Data: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Merlot, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Nine months in French and American oak, 17% new.

Description: Bright garnet red in color with purple hues. Intense red and black fruits nose laced with oak and old leather. Rich mouth-feel expressing flavors of ripe cherries, plum and black berries interwoven with oak, spice and leather. Elegant supple tannins with a chocolaty long lasting finish and a hint of dried herbs. This wine has some texture to it.

Food Pairing & Service: Will pair with a wide range of food. Best with BBQ-ed meats and roasted veggies.

Score: 8/10.

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

Price as seen on DC shelf: $24.99

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

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