Tasting Notes
Posted: November 22, 2006
Best Buys
Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Mendoza 2005
Rich and robust, this wine offers intense black fruit—plum and blackberry—along with red raspberry flavors that follow through on the palate. Secondary notes of mocha, spice, and vanilla round out the opulent aromatics. Fine, ripe tannins accompany the creamy mouthfeel, sustaining the wine through a long finish. 25,000 cases imported.
Score: 88 Cost: $92 per case
Château Camplazens Syrah Coteaux du Languedoc Serendipity 2000
An exceptional value from the South of France, this red shows good varietal character with a fruity foundation of ripe red plum, blackberry, and raspberry stacked high with aromas of smoked meat, white pepper, and summer flowers. It shows some nice bottle age as well in its soft and supple texture. 4,000 cases made.
Score: 88 Cost: $100 per case
Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2005
This large-production characterful rendition of Pinot Grigio makes a good workhorse wine. Hailing from northern Italy, it offers crisp apple aromas tinged with tropical fruit and pineapple. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied with nice mineral character and ample acidity, making it a great by-the-glass starter. 1,000,000 cases made.
Score: 86 Cost: $91 per case
Highly Recommended
Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2003
This Washington Cab is generous with its red and black fruit aromas, marrying black cherry, plum, and black currants with cedar and spice. On the palate the wine is broad and full-bodied, with nicely polished tannins that linger on the finish. Small additions of Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc add to the plush texture. 2,150 cases made.
Score: 91 Cost: $176 per case
Benton-Lane Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2004
A great value in a cool-climate Pinot, this wine includes seven different varietal clones. On the nose the aromas begin with raspberry and cherry, then travel the grape's spectrum toward cola, earth, and mushroom. The palate offers similar complexity with a silky and supple texture, fine tannins, and a long, lilting finish. 12,054 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $193 per case
Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2005
Nicely subdued notes of grass and fresh herb play well off tropical and citrus fruit, with passion fruit, lime, and piquant gooseberry coming in on the juicy palate. Bright acidity and clean flavors lead to an invigorating finish. 1,200 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $150 per case
Specials
Krug Brut Champagne 1995
A sparkling wine list crown jewel, this vintage bubbly from Krug has freshness and vitality that will carry it for several years. The candied citrus and figgy fruit aromas coil with ginger, honey, and bread. Nicely structured, with a creamy mouthfeel, it expresses intensity on the palate without compromising finesse. 1,700 cases imported.
Score: 98 Cost: $1,920 per case
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 2001
This Tuscan red exudes elegance with its pretty aromas of violets and black fruit, including blackberry and cherry. The wine is full-bodied but achieves great balance with layers of supple tannins and nice accents of licorice and vanilla on the finish. 1,500 cases made.
Score: 96 Cost: $900 per case
Shafer Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Red Shoulder Ranch 2004
Aromas of ripe fruit, honey, spicy clove, and toast announce this full-bodied, ripe, and rich Chard. A full array of fruit, including pear, stone fruit, tropical pineapple, and exotic citrus cascade across the palate of this well-structured wine, which shows bright acidity and fresh flavors through the long finish. 6,000 cases made.
Score: 94 Cost: $516 per case
