Blends
 

Archetype Cabernet+Shiraz Barossa Valley, Australia 2004
Viscous and full-bodied, this fruit-driven Cabernet/Shiraz blend exhibits flavors of plum, spice and blackberries and anise. WE Rating 91

Langhorne Crossing, Australia 2005
Langhorne Crossing Red, is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. With dark ruby-colors, it offers up a fragrant red and blue fruit nose followed by a ripe, supple-textured wine with surprising depth. The wine offers some complexity as well as very good concentration and length.

Tormaresca Neprica Puglia, Italy 2006
A class wine from Southern Italy, the frisky '06 Tormaresca Neprica, is a blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Cabernet Sauvignon; one of the prettier reds from Puglia. WE Rating 86

Herding Cats Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz South Africa 2007
A deep ruby red hue, this Pinot Noir unfolds with the scent of rose petals, plums, maraschino cherries and warm cinnamon rolls. The palate bears flavors of raspberries, cardamom, cloves, orange peel, and huckleberries with a subtle finish of cedar and cassis. WE Rating 83

Black Pearl 2005 Paarl South Africa
An exciting and explosive wine, this packs a punch with syrupy flavors of cassis, dark berries, chocolate and eucalyptus, and the palate has juicy cranberry and pomegranate flavors as well as licorice and herbs. With an ultra smooth and lingering finish. WE Rating 92

Valckenburg Dornfelder 2007 Germany
This fine wine is medium bodied and fruity, with a pleasant cherry aroma accompanied by lightly sweet flavors of blackberry, black currant and vanilla.

Domaine Manoir Du Carra, France 2004
Beautiful purple-rimmed, dark cherry juice color this wine accompanies an explosive nose of intense Gamay fruit, a rich flavorful taste and a clean finish.

Les Hauts de la Brune Blend, France 2005
It is a purple garnet colored wine with a strawberry like bouquet. It's filled with chocolate layers, dark plum, fig and a little bit of caramel.

Paroles de Femme 2006 France
This wine annouces itself with a clarion call of deft delicacy and beautiful black cherry color. It has nose of black fruits, wild berries, spices, musk. The mouth is lively, silky, with a beautiful aromatic persistence of fruits.

Les Clapas 2006 France
This wine has a dark garnet color showing concentration, ose of cassis and raspberries, and is medium bodied with instant fruit sensations. Supple with a little more acidity than other Côtes du Rhône. Ideal for aging with a long finish of fruit. WE Rating 84

Cote de Brouilly 2006 France
Zesty red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by minerals and fresh rose in this wine. Sharply focused strawberry and bitter cherry flavors are light, crisp and refreshing, with good mineral bite. The finish is clean, tangy and persistent.

Corbières Castelmaure "Grande Cuvée" France 2005
A blend of Syrah and Grenache, this wine has luscious but not overripe berry and plum flavors, nicely accented with a peppery spice. Castelmaure is bold and fruity, yet finishes quite dry. Aromas of vanilla, dark berries and black cherries waft from the glass. Sweet toffee and wild fruit flavors roll across the palate. WE Rating 88

Charles Krug Generations Napa Valley, Ca. 2004
This wine that shows balance over power, very dark and intense with cassis, blackberry, mint white chocolate, and plum aromas. The flavors are extravagantly fruity, very forward and ripe, but dry and framed in soft intricate tannis. WE Rating 92

Duckhorn Paraduxx Blend 2005 Napa Valley, Ca. 375 ml
A boldly elegant Napa Valley Red Wine, containing a blend of 60% Zin., 32% Cabernet, 6% Merlot, 2% Cab. Franc. Medium-bodied, robust yet approachable tannins, and a firm, lengthy finish, ripe flavors of raspberry, red cherry, and boysenberry are balanced by complex notes of dark chocolate, espresso bean, and black licorice. WE Rating 89

Snosrap Blend Southern Ca.
Only 155 cases of this wine were produced. A Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc containing raspberry, cherry, red currant, very nice finish with spice and earthiness dovetailing beautifully with the tannins. WE Rating 83

Columbia Crest Two Vines WA
This unique style of wine is a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, nad Carbet highlighted by aromas of strawberry and spice, with ripe plum and blackberry. WE Rating 83

Barbera

Vinchio-Vaglio Kroara Serra 2007, Italy
Attractive and bright ruby red, with a fresh and fruity nose. Lots of fruit up front, with a lively palate and a fresh, clean finish.

Beaujolais

Chateauneuf du Pape, Domaine De La Charbonnière S. France 2005
A seamless red Rhone blend, with a torrent of raspberry and boysenberry fruit racing along lip-smacking licorice, mulled spice and graphite notes. Nice floral, cherry, tea leaf, mint, lavender and earth. Dense, rich and concentrated with low acidity and lots of black cherry.

Morgon, Cote du Py, France 2004
What is becoming known as a ‘natural wine’ this wine is unfiltered and, more significantly, has no added sulfur dioxide (the almost universally used wine preservative.) With a dark red/black colour, this wine shows a wonderful sweet, pure fruit character (cherries and blackberries) with a haunting complexity. Initially the fruit is supplemented by spice and some earthy notes; later hints of dark chocolate and herbs.

Brachetto
 

Vinchio Vaglio Serra“Nivasco” Brachetto, France 2006
In much the same style as Moscato, this light and slightly sweet wine is a dessert lover’s dream. Brachetto is a red grape, with intense aromas of raspberries and strawberries.

Cabernet Sauvignon
 

Robert Skalli Cabernet Sauvignon South of France 2004
This fine Cabernet Sauvignon is partially oaked to develop its concentration, complexity and elegance. A full and fruity wine with soft tannins and forceful aromas of black current, blueberry and vanilla.

Forth Histoire Cabernet Sauvignon, France 2006
The word 'histoire' is borrowed from the French language where it means 'story', as in a novel or biography. This wine is a great addition to a meal when spending time with people.

Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Napa Valley Ca.
This wine has a deep rich ruby color that is clear and bright. Aromas of concentrated black cherry, toasty oak, caramel and cassis. The small addition of Cabernet Franc and Merlot lends additional plum, cherry tobacco, and blueberry nuances to the wine. WE Rating 85

Bin 36 Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast California 2005
Dark berries and currants are skillfully integrated with aromatic dark chocolate on a backdrop of subtle oak and spice.

Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, Ca. 2003
Aromas of cassis, black cherry and roasted coffee open to flavors of dark cherries, cocoa and black licorice. Robust and full bodied, this wine has chewy tannins and a long, intense finish.
WE Rating 93

Concannon Cabernet Sauvignon Selected Vineyards Central Coast, Ca.
A full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon brimming with black cherry and vanilla-oak flavors and a rich, smooth finish. WE Rating 84

Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Sonoma Ca.
Deep garnet with crimson hues. Effusive black cherry, Dutch chocolate and currant complement the spicy, peppery notes and hints of toasted sweet oak. Opulent dark fruit, soft velvety tannins, followed with a long, rich finish. WE Rating 86

McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Ca.
Coupled with a deep ruby-purple color, the aroma for the 2006 has a very distinctive blackberry component that is layered with hints of blueberries and oak. With lots of dark berry fruit, the palate has a richness and density that is supported by mouth coating soft tannins and a milk chocolate oak finish.
WE Rating 84

The Crusher Cabernet Sauvignon Clarksburg 2007
This wine is a medium brick red hue with a tint of violet. It unfolds with rich aromas of blue fruit – like boysenberry, with an undercurrent of ripe cassis and cedar notes. The palate is sappy and ripe with French oak vanilla and cherry fruit flavors. The tannins are soft on the mid-palate and firm on the finish, providing an opportunity for short term aging.

Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Ca. 2003
Dark fruit, cedary oak, pepper, nutmeg, and even cocoa, propel this nicely tart claret as the finish lingers. WE Rating 90

St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Sonoma Ca.
A full-bodied Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon with rich mouthfeel, moderate tannins and deep color accentuating the taste of black currant, plum, blueberry and spicy oak. WE Rating 85

Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez, Ca. 2005
Aromas of blackberry laced with the notes of sage brush and chaparral that have become the hallmark of Star Lane vineyard precede tiers of currant, wild blackberry and savory herbs. The wine shows a sophistication of structure that emphasizes both lushness and grip that will reward both the hedonist and the collector alike. WE Rating 92

I’M Deep Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley Ca.
This rare Deep Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon is made in the Saigneé style from premium grapes grown in our family’s prized Atlas Peak and Pope Valley vineyards. These vineyards produce an extraordinary deep rosé, rich in color and flavor—the result is a rosé with incredible concentration, structure and acidity from fully mature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. WE Rating 84

Chianti
 

Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva. Nipozzano Tuscany, Italy 2004
Fairly dark ruby. Subdued but pure nose hints at spicy plum, ink, coffee and sweet underbrush. A saline quality and a peppery nuance add to this wine's overall flavor interest. Boasts a rather seamless texture and suave tannins and finishes moderately long if not yet particularly complex.

Frescobaldi Chianti Castiglioni, Italy 2006
Racy and quick, with modest tannins and deep black fruit and berry flavors. Traditional Chianti is defined by wines like this. It has a solid and necessary tannic structure but enough richness to offset any hardness that may stem from the tannins. The finish is plush and easy, with a full batch of chocolate and coffee. WE Rating 90

Dolcetto

Tenuta Montebello Dolcetto d’Ovada Superiore, Italy 2004
Made from grapes from the oldest vines on our outheat facing hils in Rocca Grimalda. After fermentation on the skins, the wine completes ageing in wood barrels and barriques.

Malbec

Enrique Foster IQUE Malbec, Argentina 2007
Concentrated bouquet is just bursting with tempting smoky ripe blackberry aromas. On the palate this wine is full-bodied and dense; packed with intense plummy flavors and irresistibly smooth rich tannins. This wine shows off the best that Malbec has to offer, with uncommon complexity and balance.

Chakana Malbec Reserve Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina 2004
From the Lujan district in the heart of Mendoza, this is a rich, still youthful Malbec with pure berry fruit flavors and crafted oak for balance and complexity. WE Rating 87

Dona Paula Malbec Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina 2005
Fleshy purple red in color; there's a cool sophistication on the nose with notes of spiced plum, cedar, pencil shavings and an inkling of vanilla and spice from barrel aging. Velvety palate feel with new world richness and ripeness of fruit; finely resolved tannins and just the gentlest astringency on the finish.
WE Rating 89

Árido Malbec, Argentina 2005
This wine has very nice cherry and raspberry aromatics on the nose, with good fruit, and a little earthiness coming in on the finish. It is clean and bright, with a little grip. WE Rating 87

Colomé Malbec, Argentina 2006
A very inviting wine, with crushed plum and boysenberry aromas followed by a very lush textured palate of warm figs and currant paste backed by mouthwatering hints of mesquite, mineral and Turkish coffee. WE Rating 91

Merlot

Ridgeline Merlot 2002 Sonoma Ca.
A luscious, velvety wine with aromas of dark fruits, and bits of vanilla and spice. On the palate, cherry and berry flavors go on and on. A merlot for Cabernet drinkers. WE Rating 86

Neyers Merlot 2004 Napa Valley Ca.
This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of red currants, cranberries, mocha, and herbs in its medium-bodied, zesty, French-like profile. WE Rating 90

Petite Sirah

Concannon Petite Sirah Limited Edition Central Coast, Ca. 2003
The nose is filled with cherry, berry and aged woodnotes. Tannins are firm but rounded. You’ll enjoy berry fruit, chocolate and vanilla,finishing with tart cherry nuances. WE Rating 86

The Crusher Petite Sirah 2008 Clarksburg
The nose of this inky purple colored wine is rich and complex with aromas of blueberry and cassis with a hint of spearmint. The palate is supple and tannic with lip-smacking caramel and French vanilla sappiness followed by a ripe cassis finish.
 

Pinot Noir

Angelin Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Ca. 2005
A lighter style, with fresh, snappy black cherry and blackberry fruit that's vibrant and refreshing.
WE Rating 85

Lynmar Pinot Noir 2005 Sonoma Ca.
There is an exciting array of fruit and spice notes with rosehips, pomegranate, and hibiscus complementing the more classic pie cherry and floral characters. Flavors shift slightly from the aromas with earthy, mineral notes layered into the fruit and spice, and a subtle orange rind component in the long, lingering finish. WE Rating 88

Paraiso Pinot Noir Monterey, Ca. 2005
Paraiso's flagship varietal. Wonderful Burgundy character: rich cherry and plum flavors with hints of spice, smoke, and toasty oak. All wrapped by structured tannins and acidity. WE Rating 87

Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir Chile 2008
This wine has a nice combination of roses and raspberries on the nose. It has a nice crisp acidity with raspberry and cherry fruit and a touch of earthiness. This finish has a lingering peppery / clove flavor
 

Rioja

La Vendimia Spain 2006
While giving off the smell of flowers this wine is sweet at the start, but ends at a balance. Overall, this wine is light and flavorful.

Sangiovese

Vitanza Brunello Di Montalcino Sangiovese Italy 2001
Purple, sweet, chewy. Loads of character and entirely friendly. Notes of plum, chocolate, and pepper.
 

Shiraz

2 up Shiraz South Australia 2006
This vibrant shiraz displays rich, dark, berry fruit, plum, dark cherry and integrated oak aromas. Flavors on the palate are of blackberries with spicy, stewed plums and dark cherries. It has a long, lingering finish that reflects dark berry fruit and fine tannins.

Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2006 Barossa Valley, Australia
Deep red in colour. The lifted nose has ripe rasberries and anise, with choc mint oak characters. The palate is full bodied with fantastic berry fruit, plums, liquorice and complexing oak. There is a great depth of fruit with savoury oak and mouth coating tannins.

Oliverhill Shiraz 2006, Australia
Aromas are rich and perfumed, featuring purple and black pepper at the fore. The purple fruit and wheat flour flavors are showing beautifully. WE Rating 92

Cascabel Shiraz 2005, Australia
Opaque purple-colored, this Shiraz has an impressive bouquet of pain grille, tar, licorice, smoke, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, this packed effort delivers intense, complex black fruit flavors, well-concealed tannins, and great length. WE Rating 84

Little Ox Shiraz 2006, Australia
Ruby-red in color, this wine has spicy red berry aromas and are brightened by subtle white pepper and floral qualities. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with red berry element gaining richness with air and taking a turn to cherry is one of its exquisite characteristics. The spiciness builds through the long, energetic finish of this well-balanced shiraz. WE Rating 90

Lights Out Shiraz 2005, Australia
This wine offers toasty oak and plum fruit on both nose and palate as it finishes with herb and a calcium-mineral note.

Syrah

Ronna Syrah Sicilia IGT 2005 Italy
This wine exhibits deep aromas of berry and red fruits. Similar notes on the pallet; a wonderful example of Syrah. Sicily's hot and dry climate creates big, fruity wines.

Columbia Winery Syrah Columbia Valley, Wa. 2004
Bright red plums, dark berries and earth fill the nose. The palate is filled with dark ripe fruits, smoke and black pepper followed by a rich and lengthy finish. WE Rating 90

Novelty Hill Syrah Columbia Valley, Wa. 2004
This wine is dense and fruit-forward. Ripe black fruit and warm, spicy aromas give way to a mouthful of dark cherries and plums. Balanced and well-structured, with a rich finish. WE Rating 83

Bridlewood Winery Syrah Santa Ynez, Ca. 2002
This is a big wine, with blackberry, plum, and spicy cedar aromas. In your mouth, you got a smooth, extracted taste of blackberry jam. WE Rating 90

Star Lane Syrah Santa Ynez, Ca. 2004
Notes of black plum, blackberry and blueberry then lead to palate pleasing tastes of spice, leather and earth. This is a full-bodied Syrah, full of character and depth. WE Rating 91
 

Tempranillo

Bodegas Martin Codax Ergo Tempranillo Rioja, Spain 2006
This is a modern-style Rioja, exhibiting dark, robust, plush fruit and agreeable tannins. The 2006 Ergo Tempranillo has lots of body and structure, as well as multiple layers of fruit.

Tapena Tempranillo Spain 2005
This deep purple wine has flavors of juicy red berries, black cherries and a hint of chocolate that rise from the glass. The smooth finish is rounded with silky tannins.

Marques de Riscal Tempranillo Spain 2001 375 mL
Fresh and clean, this red shows dark flavors of black cherry, chocolate and smoke, with a food-friendly balance of light tannin and crisp acidity.

Ebano Tempranillo Spain 2004
Dense and rustic red in color with strong earthy, licorice, but also with berry fruit flavors. This wine is quite firm and has good acidity. This is more of a dry wine.
 

Valpolicella

La Casetta di Ettore Righetti Valpolicella Classico Superiore Italy 2000
Deep colored. Rich, herby, liquoricey, spicy edge to the fruit on the nose. The palate is savoury with a good concentration of rich, slightly sweet-edged herby fruit and firm acidity.
Zinfandel

Charles Krug Zinfandel Napa Valley, Ca. 2005
Only perfect clusters were selected for intense color and richness, and then gently fermented in small lots. Vanilla bean, black pepper spice and purple plum flavors combine with soft tannins and a mature texture that finishes with lingering raspberries and spice notes WE Rating 89

Chateau Potelle Zinfandel Napa, Ca. 2003
A wild Zin with delicious mountain-grown berry intensity. And yet it's elegant, with long, earthy flavors of cherries and anise. WE Rating 92

Frog's Leap Zinfandel Napa, Ca. 2004
With aromas of cardamom and clove mixing with the classic Zinfandel qualities of wild berry and brambly fruits. Across the palate the wine continues to reveal layers of fruit and earth that range from cherry and plum to cigar box and leather. WE Rating 85

Klinker Brick Lodi Zinfandel Lodi, Ca. 2003
This delicious wine comes from old vine zinfandel vineyards that average 65 years in age. The vintage exhibits bright fruit aromas of raspberries and cherries with hints of allspice, clove, white pepper and tobacco on the nose. With broad flavors of currants and berries on palate, this wine demonstrates a solid structure with a long, lingering finish. WE Rating 89

Klinker Brick “Old Ghost” Zinfandel Lodi, Ca. 2003
As a selection of the winery's best fruit, the grapes come from a 90-year old vineyard that is still running strong. It shows cola spice, raspberry, white pepper flavors and has an indestructible frame of bright, lip-smacking acid and pliable tannin. WE Rating 89

Norman Zinfandel "The Monster" Paso Robles, Ca. 2003
This wine does have the jammy fruit you expect in a Zinfandel, but it also has an intriguing nose of oak and vanilla and a level of acidity that gives it a nice complexity. WE Rating 85

Peter Franus Zinfandel Napa, Ca. 2002
This deep, dark, ruby wine consists of creamy cinnamon, white pepper notes, rose petal and sweet vanilla overtones that lead you in to an extravaganza of cassis, boysenberry, and blueberry jam. Raspberries and allspice fill out the mouth in a wine that is serious and playful at the same time.

St. Francis “Old Vines” Zinfandel Sonoma, Ca. 2005
Marked by exotic dark berry jam aromas, with blackberry, boysenberry and huckleberry flavors that are intense and pure, though unmistakably pushing to jamminess. Intense and concentrated, it pushes the envelope on ripeness.

Rodney Strong Zinfandel 2003 Healdsburg Ca.
Balanced and elegant, yet with all the briary, wild character of Zin, this wine, a blend of Russian River and Alexander Valley, captures the spirit of Sonoma. It’s nice and dry and balanced, with polished blackberry, blueberry, mocha, and spice flavors. WE Rating 87