A release for fans of tempranillo and Pinot Noir. I'm not a big fan of either, so I'll try a few things but continue to hold off for the next 2 releases.
South America
ALAMOS MALBEC 2007Wine Spectator deemed this Malbec a "Best Value" in November 2008. Excellent price for the quality especially with BBQ season coming on. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO CARMENÈRE 2005 Concha y Toro is always super, Terrunyo category of wines is usually excellent, I expect this to be excellent too but not cheap – think cabby Zin or Zinny Cab to my pallet!. Score - 93. (Jay Miller,) $29.95
OZ
SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK CAB SAUV 2005 Always big and generous – this might be an Elderton in disguise, Doug. Score - 93. (James Halliday, too high ) $21.95
South Africa
THE WOLFTRAP 2007 A 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier blend. Great price for the blend. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
France
PETIT MARS 2006 – this one reads like a beaut. Put it in the basement for 6 months or so to let it round out a bit.. Score - 91. (Kim Marcus) $23.95
CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE SAINT-MAURICE 2007- another Cotes du Rhone at a good price, from a great vintage, should be a good choice $14.95
Italy
SPORTOLETTI ASSISI ROSSO 2006 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni) $21.95
spain
LUNA BEBERIDE MENCÍA 2006 A Wine Enthusiast Best Buy. The second Mencia in a few months. Should be tasty and well priced! Score - 90. $17.95
The Tempranillo Focus
PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA 2007 – Can’t go wrong with the price $15.95
EL CURATO OLD VINES 2006 Ready to drink methinks Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds,) $19.95
LEALTANZA CRIANZA 2004 Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It is an excellent value in traditionally-styled Rioja. That means less oak and ripe fruit. Score - 90. (Jay Miller,)$19.95
Marqués de Cáceres ‘Gran Reserva’ 2001 Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano. Should be long and ageworthy but not cheap! $39.95
Yikes…some whites!
KIM CRAWFORD SP SPIT FIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006 Might not be worth 5 bucks more than the Vintages Essential, but give it a try with some seafood to see. $24.95
ALAMOS TORRONTÉS 2007 a great value example of modern Torrontés ... should be very tasty as the weather warms up$13.95
And now the big $$$ ones
RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2006 Dry Creek Valley TASTING NOTE: (80% zinfandel, 16% petite sirah and 4% carignane) Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, $58.95
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Alexander Valley Sebastiani’s $20 offering is always very very nice so I expect even more from this one! $39.95
CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 Dark and winey, with currant paste, fig sauce, mocha, licorice and fruitcake notes carried by taut but fresh tannins. Long, solid finish. Drink now through 2023. Score - 91. (James Molesworth) $37.95
MARCARINI BAROLO LA SERRA 2004 Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni $64.95
LUCE DELLA VITE LA VITE LUCENTE 2006 IGT Toscana Rich and dense, yet balanced and refined. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $39.95
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003DOCG Always an amazing wine from a terrific producer – the kind that make me question my wine price ceiling! But put it away for a few years! - 90. (James Suckling,) $54.95
TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2006 IGT Toscana Should be a smoking Super Tuscan Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni,) $64.95
Pintia 2005 If you must open now, open for 3 to 4 hours, otherwise, basement for years! See there's the diff between me and wine fanatics. Mine are in the basement, theirs are in the Wine Cellar.$64.95
