MORRELL WINE BAR & CAFÉ
WINES BY THE GLASS LIST
RED WINES
America
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Blends
$8.00325 Avalon, California, 2007
Alex Cose, former winemaker for Peter Michael, certainly knows how to make collectible wines and those same skills are on display here. This Cab blend includes Monterey Merlot for a juicy, rich fruit middle and a touch of Syrah with luscious blueberry notes. Cabernet fruit provides plenty of plum, cherry, and boysenberry aromas. French oak adds a touch of caramel and cedar.
$8.00303 III Somms, Amitie, Napa Valley, 2007
III Somms is a project spearheaded by Bernie Sun, wine director for the Jean-Georges Restaurant Group. Sun, along with Janet Pouchot (Restaurant Daniel) and Julius Chai (Ciao Vito) wanted to craft wines they could use in the restaurants in which they worked. The belnd is Merlot 55%, Cabernet Franc 30%, and Cabernet 15%. The result is blackberry, cassis and warm spice with velvety tannins.
$12.00310 William Hill Estate, Napa Valley, 2005
Winemaker Ralf Holdenried showcases cherry, blackberry, and clove aromas and flavors with intricate notes of cedar and tobacco box, along with integrated tannins. The grapes were hand harvested and extractive fermentation methods were used to maximize ripe tannins. The wines were racked to primarily French oak (25% new) barrels for maturation.
$14.00345 Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, 2006
Nearly half the grapes for this wine were harvested from the famed To Kalon Vineyard, located on the well-draining alluvial bench of the Oakville appellation surrounding the winery. About one-quarter of the blend was sourced from the Stags Leap District. The balance came from several Napa Valley regions. The wine opens with a perfume of ripe, wild blackberry jam with a hint of black olive. Fruit flavors of blackberry and cassis mingle with dark chocolate and well-integrated oak.
$17.00372 Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley, 2004
"The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding value in Napa Cabernet… Deep ruby purple in color with loads of licorice, black currant, cedar, and spice, this wine has beautiful texture, medium to full body, and a heady finish. The velvety texture and opulence of the wine speak to drinking it over the next 10-15 years... a reference point for spectacular Napa Cabernet. These are the finest wines made in well over 25 years." 90 pts. -- Robert Parker. This wine is California "old school" with plenty of acid, black currant, olive, graphite and a slight hint of caramel.
$18.00441 Mount Veeder Winery, Napa, 2006
A glass of wine you know you’re going to love just by the aroma. Pain grille, licorice, black cassis and berry on the nose, concluding on the palate with black currant, white pepper, plums, and a concentrated, rich and chewy finish.
$24.00399 Rodney Strong, Rockaway, Alexander Valley, 2005
"The dense purple-colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of damp earth, blue and blackberries, and hints of graphite and underbrush. The wine is nuanced and harmonious with admirably integrated acidity, sweet tannin, and wood. It should drink nicely for 10-15 years." 91 pts. Wine Advocate.
Merlot
$8.00552 Hacienda, Clair de Lune, California, 2008
Hacienda Wine Cellars was founded in 1973, in Sonoma Valley, by Frank H. Bartholomew, former President of United Press International and occupied the land where European grape varieties were first commercially planted in America. In 1992, the Franzia family (Bronco Wine Company) purchased the Hacienda label. Clair de Lune is one of Debussey’s most remembered musical compositions. This wine is a great value showing aromas of black fruit, cassis and green herbs with spicy, plumy flavors and velvety tannins.
$10.00334 Pellegrini Vineyards, North Fork, 2002
Bottled unfiltered, this Merlot is dark and dense in the glass with a nose of dark fruits -- think ripe blackberries, blueberries and plums -- with notes of vanilla and anise. It displays delicious but not jammy blackberry and black cherry flavors, hints of vanilla, licorice, eucalyptus and black pepper. Australian-born winemaker Russell Hearn is known for making flavorful wines that tend to be good values in a local industry that is sometimes plagued by over-priced, under-delivering wines.
$13.00306 Sundance, Soos Creek, Columbia Valley, 2006
Boeing’s wine club has turned out a number of fine winemakers including Ron Yabut of Austin Robaire, Ben Smith of Cadence and Tim Narby of Nota Bene Cellars. Modeling his winery after Quilceda Creek, Dave Larsen started out with one wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon. It was his only wine from 1989 to 1997. In 1997, he blended some leftover Cabernet and Merlot and calls it Sundance.
$19.00333 Pride, Merlot, Sonoma County, Napa County, 2006
From the vineyard atop Spring Mountain, the 2006 vintage produced wines of generous richness and expressive aromatics. Red cherry, raspberry, cocoa and tar notes frame a broad wine, and sweet tannins extend into a long finish. The blend is made up of 81% Clone 181 Merlot, contributing classic red fruit and bright acidity, 7% Clone 3 Merlot, adding heady floral and black fruit notes, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon from the terraced Canyon Ranch vineyard block, bringing structure and focus to the final cuvée. This is a Merlot for Cabernet lovers.
Pinot Noir
$10.00434 Mark West, California, 2008
For six years, Alex Cose worked at Peter Michael Winery in Calistoga. He was part of the very small winemaking team responsible for producing one of California’s premier Cabernet Sauvignons — Les Pavots, world-class Chardonnay, and the first vintages of Pinot at the winery. It is our collective good fortune that he has turned his winemaking skills from hundred dollar bottles of collectible wine to our humble, yet luscious and classic Pinot.
$14.00406 Laetitia, Estate, Arroyo Grande Valley, 2007
Pinot Noir yields were down in 2007 by 20%. As with many low-yielding vintages, the grapes were healthy and the flavors very good. Due to cool weather, this 2007 Pinot Noir has slightly higher acidity. The wine was aged for 11 months in a combination of Francois Freres and Rousseau; with 30% being new oak. Layered components of earth, violets and black fruits complete this Pinot.
$15.00463 Patz & Hall, Sonoma Coast, 2006
This blend of pinot noir fruit comes from Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Green Valley family vineyards like Dutton Brothers, Martinelli family, Charlie Chenoweth and Steve Hill. Bright strawberry and cherry flavors echo cool-climate roots, with a complex palate of mulled red berries and baking spices. Silky tannins and mouth-watering acidity make this a wonderful blend.
$16.00454 Maysara, Jamsheed, Momtazi Estate, McMinnville, Oregon, 2007
"Impressively rich and dense, this is Pinot Noir with exceptional finesse, with a deft amount of oak allied to unusually pure and beautifully delineated flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and strawberry... This is a standout Pinot Noir from a newer Oregon winery that merits close attention." Matt Kramer, Wine Spectator columnist.
$17.00559 Clos du Val, Carneros, 2006
In 1986, the1972 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon took first place in the rematch of the renowned 1976 Paris Tasting, which tests the ageability of the very same American and French wines and vintages tasted 10 years previously. In 2003 Clos Du Val was named a Wine & Spirits Magazine "Winery of the Year" for the fourth time in five years.
$20.00481 Foxen, Santa Maria Valley, 2007
The 2007 was made from Bien Nacido and Julia's vineyard fruit with an assortment of Pommard (50%), Dijon (35%), and Wadenswil 2A(15%) clones. Yields ranged from 2 to 3 tons per acre. Whole berries were destemmed into small, open-topped fermenters and cold macerated for 2-5 days. Free run juice was moved by gravity from fermenters to barrels (100% Francois Freres), where it was aged for seven months. The 2007 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir displays beetroot, cola and Asian spice aromas with ripe cherry pie and rhubarb fruit balanced by juicy acidity and a hint of black pepper.
Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Rhone Varieties
$10.00522 Sy, Substance, Syrah, Walla Walla, 2007
Just a year ago, winemakers Jamie Brown (Waters) and Greg Harrington (Gramercy Cellars) opened their spiffy new winery in the Pepper Bridge/Beresan/Va Piano cluster south of town. As soon as the main wines were safely in vat and barrel, they launched this clever project, dubbed Wines of Substance. The grapes were sourced from two premier Walla Walla vineyards, Les Collines and Old Stone, and aged primarily in neutral French oak. It's a full bodied wine that offers blackberry, black raspberry, anise, prune, chocolate, oak, soy, and violets.
$12.00436 Qupe, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Syrah, Santa Maria Valley, 2006
Aromas of black currants, olives, sweet cherries, and forest floor. This medium-bodied Syrah possesses less weight and more austerity than previous efforts. Yet, it has a classic balance of tannin and acidity with a refreshing succulence.
$13.00300 Esca, Syrah, Napa Valley, 2006
Anna and Mario Monticelli met while in enology school at UC Davis in California. Mario went on to Antinori in Italy, while Anna went to Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux. Anna now works for Bryant and Mario works with the former owner of Stags’ Leap at Quixote Winery (if that wasn’t enough, Mario’s father is head winemaker for Gallo). Anna and Mario started Esca in 2002 with the goal of producing rich, extracted wines at an affordable price. This Syrah is a monster with tooth coating black fruit, a blast of dark roasted espresso and dusty cocoa powder tannins.
$14.00362 Burford & Brown, Shiraz, Amador County, 2005
Peter Burford held top winemaking positions around the world from Australia's D'Arenberg Winery to Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg and one of Asia's largest wineries, the Chateau de Loei in North Eastern Thailand. This inky Shiraz displays spicy black pepper and heady vanilla from French oak, revolving around a core of black fruit. The vineyard is planted to a Shiraz clone with small berries producing concentrated color, flavor, and tannin.
Zinfandel
$8.00315 Pepperwood Grove, Old Vine, California, 2005
This medium bodied Zinfandel is packed with layers
of jammy fruit. The ripe black cherry and raspberry flavors
are backed by black pepper and cinnamon spices which finish
with rich French oak and vanilla.
$12.00450 The Zin, Cosentino, California, 2005
Cosentino was recognized for its role in the development of California’s "Meritage" style wine when its 1989 release of The Poet was America’s first designated and licensed Meritage wine. Their excellence, however, goes beyond Cabernet. This blend of 99% Zinfandel (over 80% Old Vine) and 1% Sangiovese, aged for 8 months primarily in American, oak shows exotic fruit and spice aromas. Pomegranate, rhubarb, red cherries, and cream flavors intermingle in a rich style with spicy notes.
$16.00380 Ridge, Lytton Springs, Dry Creek, 2006
Paul Draper, winemaker and proprietor of Ridge Winery is one of the original zin masters. Ridge Zinfandels tend to be restrained and complex in style resulting from a blend of multiple grapes – often field blends. "Bright spice drives through the complex dark fruit of this old-vine blend, which includes petite sirah (16 percent) and carignane (4). There’s some funk to it that reads like Brett, but it hasn’t taken over the wine. The zesty acidity makes it more versatile than most zins..." 91 pts. Wine & Spirits
Other American Reds
$18.00555 The Prisoner, Orin Swift Cellars, Napa Valley, 2007
Dave Phinney produces a measly 1,400 cases at the Orin Swift winery. He is also the winemaker for Gaudeamus Vineyards and farms several other small vineyards in St. Helena. This is an intriguing blend of 53% Zinfandel, 15% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Charbono and 7% Petite Sirah. Zinfandel and blueberry aromas float over layers of dark black raspberry fruit, savory red cherry,
and plums with a hint of spice from the Charbono.
Argentina
$9.00451 Broquel, Trapiche, Malbec, Mendoza, 2006
With 120 years of history, Trapiche is reinforcing its leadership position as one of the greatest Malbec values from Argentina. Three years ago the company began an intensive transformation, both in the vineyards and in the winery, to improve quality. One key element of its success was to concentrate the responsibility of the vineyards and the winemaking in one Chief Winemaker. The renowned Daniel Pi got the job and has been producing award winning wines ever since.
$10.00455 Terrazas de los Andes, Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, 2005
Terrazas Reserva wines are hand-harvested from the top districts of Mendoza: Tupungato, Vistalba, Perdriel and Cruz de Piedra, and only released during excellent vintages. Notes of fresh currant and ground cocoa evolve into loam, tobacco and cedar. A plush red that overflows with dense, spicy Cabernet fruit and floral hints. Layers of earth tinged plums and chocolate showcase a texture of supple tannins with a strong grip.
$10.00357 Hacienda dl Plata, Zagal, Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo, 2007
Loaded with cherry aromas, it has rich blackberry, vanilla, and licorice flavors. Balanced with minerals and ample acidity. Aged for 12 months in French and American oak Barrels.
$10.00468 Chalten, Gran Reserva, Malbec, Neuquén Patagonia, 2006
The 3,405m high Mount Chaltén, which defines the border between Argentina and Chile, is one of the world’s most difficult mountains to climb. The peak is usually ringed by clouds, which inspired the ancients to consider this "smoking mountain" sacred. Neuquén’s climate includes extreme daily temperature variations, which encourage aromatic development and the production of highly concentrated grapes. The nearly constant Patagonian winds also promote healthy vines and play an essential role in eliminating the need for agrochemicals.
$11.00569 Tierra Divina, Old Vine, Malbec, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2006
Winemaker Patrick Campbell, from Laurel Glen Vineyards, built his reputation on powerful Cabernet Sauvignons from his original vineyard on Sonoma Mountain in California. After starting Laurel Glen in 1977, he became impressively adept at crafting traditional, non-interventionist wines with great cellaring potential and eventually recognized the potential of Malbec in Argentina. After making five trips a year to Argentina for half a decade, he has acquired a fondness for the remote, far southern reaches of the Valle de Uco, the source for this fruit.
$12.00488 Ben Marco (Susana Balbo), Malbec / Bonarda, Mendoza, 2008
Pedro Marchevsky grows the grapes for this wine and his wife, and world renowned winemaker, Susana Balbo makes the wine, so you can be sure that it gets all the attention of a favorite child.
It is an unusual blend of 90% Malbec and 10% Bonarda that sees new American and French oak.
This youthful wine has lively red and black raspberry fruit, hints of black pepper and soft tannins.
Australia
$8.00554 McWilliam’s, Hanwood Estate, Shiraz, South Eastern Australia, 2006
McWilliam’s Wines, one of Australia’s most highly respected family-owned wine companies, has been at the forefront of Australian winemaking since 1877. Hanwood Estate wines originate principally from vineyards in the Riverina, Hilltops and Hunter Valley regions of New South Wales. The Hilltops region with its continental climate and high altitude produces Shiraz fruit with great complexity.
$10.00439 Jacob's Creek, Reserve, Shiraz, South Australia, 2005
Lifted aromas of mulberry and blackberry with underlying hints of cloves and anise, balanced by spicy oak notes. Rich fruit flavors of dark berries and plums and velvety tannins. Great acid balance and integration of fruit with a lingering finish of spice, chocolate and mocha.
$11.00546 Pillar Box Red, Henry’s Drive, Padthaway, 2007
"The 2007 Pillar Box Red, a blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. Purple-colored, it exhibits an expressive nose of spice box, earth notes, blueberry, and black currant. Ripe, sweet, and layered, this nicely rendered red has exceptional balance and length for its humble price." 90 pts. Wine Advocate.
$12.00459 Raconteur, Vinaceous, Cabernet, Padthaway, 2007
The winemakers behind these wines are Michael Kerrigan and Gavin Berry. Twelve years as the winemaker of Howard Park and Madfish Wines has put Michael Kerrigan in the company of the most respected winemakers in the country. Gavin Berry joined the team at West Cape Howe as Managing Director in early 2004 following a successful career at Plantagenet Wines. The Raconteur is sourced from the South Australian region Padthaway. Classic mint, cassis and oak aromas with warm, ripe berry fruits and hints of damp forest floor.
$12.00352 Layer Cake, Pure Love Wine Company, Shiraz, South Australia, 2008
Layer Cake was unveiled in 2005 with great success, selling out instantly. With only three vintages on the history books, this wine has already amassed a legion of adoring fans. Layer Cake was created by Jason Woodbridge of Hundred Acre fame. The Shiraz is sourced from vineyards all over McLaren Vale; from the full-clustered, sandy soiled blocks on the sea coast of Gulf St. Vincent, to the Terra Rosa based, tiny-berried wind- blown hills across the Vale. Dark, dense and creamy, complex aromas of black plum, Bing cherry, blackberry and pepper merge with licorice, tobacco, mocha and dark chocolate.
Chile
$10.00448 Carmenere, Terra Noble, Gran Reserva, Maule Valley, 2007
Carmenere is Chile’s "lost" grape. Once mistaken for Merlot, this grape now stands on its own in single varietal bottlings as well as proprietary blends. Carmenere is rich with dark fruit, chewy tannins and black pepper spice. In the background is Chile’s signature hint of bell pepper. Great value!
$11.00498 Syrah, Demartino, Legado Reserva, Choapa Valley, 2006
The De Martino family has been producing wine in Chile’s famous Maipo Valley for almost 70 years. The winery has received a flurry of recognition from Chile’s most prestigious wine guide, the 2004 Guia de Vinos de Chile, which singled out De Martino winemaker Marcelo Retamal as "Winemaker of the Year". The wines reflect the terroir, resulting in big, rich, extracted flavor.
France
$8.00466 Côtes du Rhône, Domaine des Garances, 2003
This is a small 5 hectare estate run by the Cortellinis and jointly owned with the French comedy film actor Jean Louis Trintignant. They own a total of 28ha spread across various vineyards in the communes of Castillon du Gard and Saint-Hilaire d’Ozilhan. Garances comes from mainly old vine Carignan with the addition of Grenache and Syrah. Red fruits, licorice, balsamic notes and spice.
$9.00311 Vaucluse, Le Pigeoulet, Henri Brunier, 2007
Domaine de la Roquette was acquired by the Brunier family, best associated with Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. The domain also produces this Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Le Pigeoulet, sourced from 3 hectares alongside the Rhône. The vines, which have about twenty years behind them, give a blend dominated by Grenache, accounting for 80%, with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah and 5% Cinsaut. The wine is fresh, fruity, and rich with dominant aromas of liquorice, black fruit and garrigue.
$9.00469 Chinon, Jean-Maurice Raffault, Loire, 2007
This light and refreshing wine has lively red fruit and a hint of earth and herbs to remind you of its Old
World origins.
$15.00573 Saint Emilion, Château Rocheyron, Grand Cru, 2002
Château Rocheyron is situated on two of the highest hilltops in Saint Emilion in the village of Saint-Christophe-de-Bardes, an area well known for its Grand Cru Classé vineyards. Typical for the region, the blend is primarily Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon added for backbone. The grapes were hand harvested and kept in French oak for 12 to 18 months. After barrel ageing, the wine was fined traditionally using egg whites. Complex aromas of leather, shoe polish and spice support this wines age with dark black fruits, espresso and juicy acidity on the finish.
$16.00398 Saint Estephe, La Chapelle de Calon, 2005
La Chapelle de Calon is a second wine of Calon-Segur. The wine is blended with substantially more Merlot (40% - 50%) than Calon-Segur or Marques de Calon (25% Merlot). Ageing is 18 months in one and two-year barrique. Subtle, but dark aromas of black currant and chocolate stem from the glass. The wine is medium bodied with good berry fruit and firm, but fine grained tannins.
$18.00549 Saint Aubin, Hubert Lamy, Le Paradis, 2006
There are records of Lamys growing vines in Saint-Aubin since 1640. Today the domaine is run by Olivier Lamy who recently took over from his father. The Domaine is unpretentious and simple, yet they have a new cuverie on the edge of the village of Saint-Aubin. The domain’s vines are spread around the Côte de Beaune villages of Saint-Aubin, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet and Santenay. The output is high quality, their Saint-Aubins in particular are often superior to wines from more fashionable villages, wines that often sell for twice the price, or more...
$21.00384 Margaux, Ségla de de Château Rauzan Segla, 2004
Ségla is the second wine of second growth property Rauzan Ségla. Rauzan Ségla was part of a larger vineyard, from which Rauzan Ségla and Rauzan-Gassies, were parsed. In 1994, the Wertheimer family of Chanel, purchased the property and brought in David Orr from Chateau Latour. Chanel is credited with continuing to push the quality ever higher.
Israel
$11.00308 Merlot, Tzora, Judean Hills, 2006
Tzora was founded by Ronnie James, a visionary viticulturist who was dedicated to the influence of terroir on his wines. James, who earned a high level of respect throughout the local wine industry, passed away in 2008, but not before bringing aboard winemaker Eran Pick who had experience in California, Bordeaux and Australia. Pick has maintained the winery’s devotion to terroir and earned 92 pts. from the Wine Advocate for the first dessert wine he produced at Tzora. Judean Hills is a simple and satisfying wine made from two vineyards and a blend of Merlot (65%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) grown at 650 meters above sea level.
Italy
$9.00491 Chianti, Vadossi, 2007
This easy going Chianti exhibits red cherry and strawberry fruit with hints of herbs and a refreshingly crisp finish.
$10.00353 Merlot, Zenato, Venezie, 2005
The Zenato 2005 Merlot is manually harvested around the Lake Garda area of the Veneto Region in Italy. Following harvest, the grapes are hand sorted and the best clusters are dried for 30 days, allowing for richer flavor concentration and greater density. "Merlot from Veneto is not always convincing, but Zenato has a winner on its hands with the 2005 Merlot. This plump, round wine is packed with ripe fruit intermingled with scents of French oak. This delicious soft-textured red is best enjoyed over the next year or two." Wine Advocate.
$10.00395 Valpolicella Ripasso, Solane, Santi, Classico Superiore, Veneto 2006
Ripasso is a technique used to enrich the structure of the wine through refermentation on the residual pomace of the dried grapes used to make Amarone. Thick translucent drops of ruby glycerin drape the glass, while the unmistakable aromas of Italian terroir burst forth with earth and savory herbs. Bittersweet dark red fruits and warm spices coat the tongue. Outstanding value!
$11.00307 Chianti Classico, Rocca delle Macìe, Tuscany, 2007
This modern Chianti is lush and pleasing with 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot for softness, and 5% Canailo. It’s aged in French and Slavonian oak for 10 months giving it the ability to last for another 5-6 years, but you’ll want to drink it now! Aromas of black and green olive, along with eucalyptus and sage meet warm, soft strawberry fruit in the glass.
$11.00464 Nebbiolo, Guidobono, Langhe, 2007
Dreaming of one day being able to produce Barolo, the Faccenda family purchased this winery in 2003. The vineyards lie just outside of Monforte d'Alba. The vines are 30 to 40 years old for the oldest, planted on limestone soil. Guidobono’s wines are textbook interpretations of the indigenous grapes of the Langhe and the Nebbiolo is structured and traditional. Overall, Guidobono produces fruitier, more modern style of Barbera and Nebbiolo; however, they still have one foot into the traditional style of Langhe.
$12.00461 Nero d'Avola, Lamùri, Tasca D'Almerita, Sicilia, 2005
"Immediately appealing with its bright ruby color, frutti di bosco flavors and fresh pine forest aromas, this wine packs plenty of stuffing onto its lithe frame. It feels simultaneously modern and ancient, a rich savor that's firmly Mediterranean..." Wine & Spirits 90 pts.
$14.00465 Chianti Classico, Fonterutoli, Mazzei, Toscana, 2006
For six centuries the Mazzei family has made wine in Tuscany, today located at Castello di Fonterutoli. This Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese from the Fonterutoli and Belvedere vineyards, aged in French barriques for up to twelve months.
$15.00575 Aglianico del Vulture, Re Manfredi, Basilicata, 2004
Aglianico is a Roman corruption of the Greek name of the grape, Ellenico. This wine is grown in the Monte Vulture zone of Basilicata on the slopes of an extinct volcano. Experience deep, dark, chewy spicy black cherry fruit, with hints of green herbs and the warm volcanic soils it grew in.
$17.00486 Super Tuscan, Le Cupole, Tenuta di Trinoro, Toscana, 2006
"The 2006 Le Cupole di Trinoro is a surprisingly mid-weight, almost ethereal version of this wine. Sweet spices and licorice add complexity to the dark fruit as the wine opens up in the glass... In 2006 Le Cupole is 47 % Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot and 9.5% Petit Verdot."
90 Pts. - The Wine Advocate.
New Zealand
$10.00427 Wild Rock, Cupids Arrow, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2007
At ten dollars a glass, there’s no denying that this is a great value from New Zealand. Vibrant aromas of strawberries, spice and sweet oak float from the glass. In the glass, juicy red fruit with tangy strawberries and hints of licorice are met by velvety tannins.
$11.00471 Russian Jack, Martinborough, Pinot Noir, 2008
Martinborough was covered in scrub, but thanks to the hard back-breaking work of men like Russian Jack who were known as “swaggers” the land was cleared. This bargain from the partners of the esteemed Martinborough Vineyard comes from the southern end of the North Island, in the Wairarapa region near the capital of Wellington, where mountains shelter the vineyards from rain. An exceptional value, with youthful violet, blackberry seed, candied red cherry, cinnamon and ground coriander seed aromas, and ample raspberry, plum and hazelnut flavors.
Portugal
$8.00424 Quinta dos Grilos, Dão, 2006
This wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Tinto Roriz, all indigenous red varieties. Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz are best known as grapes used in Port. Alfrocheiro is less well known, but is an important grape in the Dão region where this wine is made. Enjoy a great value with intriguing aromas of moist loam and black fruit followed by juicy black raspberry and a touch of black pepper.
Spain
$8.00340 El Coto, Crianza, Rioja, 2005
El Coto's first release was 1975 and it has become the top selling wine in Spain and one of the top sellers in Europe. El Coto's vineyards are in Rioja Alta, next to the east bank of the river Najerilla. The remainder of the grapes come from selected vineyard owners from the Rioja Alavesa. El Coto does not produce young, or unwooded red Rioja (Joven), believing that pure Tempranillo is greatly enhanced by oak maturation. This wine spent one year in new American oak barrels.
$10.00445 Cuatro Pasos, Martin Codax, Mencía, Bierzo, 2007
Jancis Robinson has referred to the Mencía grape as an up and coming variety – "just the job for a modern red". It is grown in the north-west of Spain principally in the DOs of Bierzo and Valdeorras. It produces red wines that are fruity and delicate, and a refreshing change to other Spanish red wines. According to recent studies, Mencía is very similar to Cabernet Franc.
$12.00416 PQ, Palacio Quemado, Alvear, Syrah, Ribera del Guadiana, 2005
Selected from Palacio Quemado’s oldest Syrah vineyards, PQ 2005 is the result of careful winemaking and six months of ageing in new French oak. This is the true identity of Syrah with smoky, balsamic, tarry aromas matched by black pepper spice, dark black fruit and chocolatey tannins. A good value!
DESSERT ACCOMPANIMENTS
Please See the Dessert List for Digestifs, Port, Sherry, Brandy, Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados and Grappa.
$9.00626 R. L. Buller & Son, Fine Muscat, Victoria, Australia, NV
Amber in color with luscious butterscotch and toffee aromas melting into nutty caramel and vanilla followed by a long, sweet iced tea finish.
$10.00624 Pellegrino, Passito di Pantelleria, Italy, 2006
This wine figures in an ancient legend, according to which the goddess Tanit, wanted to attract Apollo’s attention. She asked Venus how she could do so and the patroness of lovers advised Tanit to scale Olympus and pretend to be a cupbearer. Tanit followed the advice but, instead of serving Apollo ambrosia, she poured the fermented must of the vines of Pantelleria. The trick worked and Apollo not only took notice of Tanit but also fell in love with her.
$12.00637 Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, Paul Jaboulet Aine, 2007
Muscat is best-known for its fragrantly perfumed, grapey quality. When fortified, it takes on the aromas and flavors of candied fruits with some exotic spices, and suggestions of roses, raisins, crystallized oranges and pineapples.
$22.00645 Zind Humbrecht, Turckheim, Riesling, Alsace, 2005
"From young vines in the Brand together with a tiny parcel under the Clos Jebsal, Zind-Humbrecht’s 2005 Riesling Turckheim offers a ripe, effusive nose of licorice, honeysuckle, and acacia that could almost be from Viognier. Lush and juicy as well as slightly sweet (although I would not have guessed it has 24 grams of residual sugar), this offers alkaline mineral finishing suggestions as well as lingering floral perfume..." Wine Advocate, Feb 2008.
ROSE
262 Tenute Rubino, Saturnino, Salento, Puglia, 2008
Glass: $8.00 / Bottle: 30.00
Tenuta Rubino receives Gambero Rosso mention for their red wines on a regular basis. Within a few vintages the winery has managed to become one of the most representative wines of Puglia with the aid of super consultant Riccardo Cotarella. This warm, spicy and fruity red derives its character form the Negroamaro grape.
