White
By the glass and sparkling splits
Borgo Magredo, Prosecco, Veneto, Italy $10 (187ml split)
Creamy and balanced with a delicate combination of acidity and fruit.
Pleasant and lively on the palate with hints of green apples and wisteria flowers Light straw-yellow color with refreshing effervesce
Chandon, Brut, California $10 (187ml split)
Brut Classic consistently expresses the signature flavor profile of apple, pear and citrus flavors and aromas with a hint of spice that leads to a soft, dry finish.
Mionetto, Gran Rosé, Extra Dry, Italy $10 (187ml split)
Aromas of Pink grapefruit, pomegranate and black currant with a hint of wild rose. Well-balanced acidity with notes of red raspberry, strawberry and a fine persistent Perlage.
Sables d’Azur, Grenache-Syrah Rosé, Côtes de Provence, 2015 $10 glass/$36 btl
This is a dry, fresh and clean rosé wine with crisp acidity – a wonderful souvenir of Provence!
Barone Fini, Pinot Grigio, Valdadige, Italy, 2015 $9 glass/$34 btl
Aromas of subtle floral notes and lemon mist. Round fruit fills the mouth with ripe, juicy flavors of honeydew melon and ripe apples. Bright acidity balanced with warm minerality create a lingering, crisp finish.
Davis Bynum, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2013 $12 glass/$45 btl
Opening with aromas of baked apple and lemon meringue, followed by notes of toast and baking spices. Add a hint of white flowers and a bit of pastry crust with a smoky note on the lush balanced finish of acid and creamy richness.
Charles Smith Wines, “Kung Fu Girl”, Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA, 2015 $8 glass/$30 btl
White stone fruit, white peach, apricot, cool and delicious. Think Fuji apple, shiro plum, lime leaves. Focused and a very long, minerally finish.
Le Grand Ballon, Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Valley, France, 2015 $11 glass/$41 btl
Fresh Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley that’s zesty with notes of grass, herbs, lemon and lime. Delightful on its own, this wine is also great with seafood starters.
Red
By the glass
Clos du Val, Merlot, Napa Valley, 2012 $13 glass/$49 btl
Refined and plum in color, it offers complex yet vibrant aromas of black currant, dark chocolate, nutmeg and toffee. The mouth-feel is silky and evolved, with flavors of black cherry and blueberry complimented by a silky, lingering finish.
Benziger Family Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, 2013 $12 glass/$45 btl
This vintage has a juicy entry and berry cobbler, cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Mocha and wood spices form a rich finish with seamless tannins.
Recuerdo, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2013 $11 glass/$41 btl
A rich violet hue, this Malbec opens with an alluring nose of lush red fruit, ripe plums, earth, and blackberries. The palate offers spicy, savory notes, robust tannins, and an intense mouthfeel that seamlessly rounds out the finish.
Toad Hollow, Goldie’s Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 2013 $13 glass/$49 btl
Aromas of red fruit lead to bright, cherry flavors. Hints of cranberry and raspberry on the palate. Finishes with a touch of vanilla and sweet oak notes.
Brotte, Esprit Barville, Grenache-Syrah-Mouvedre, Côtes du Rhône, France, 2013 $11 glass/$41 btl
Dark ruby in color with light edges. Medium intensity with aromas of small stone fruits and delicately spicy hints of pepper and thyme. Smooth, warming and elegant. Its aromas recall wild red fruits, dark cherries, forest floor and licorice. The tannins are soft yet precise.
Cune, Crianza, Tempranillo-Garnacha-Mazuelo, Rioja, Spain, 2012 $11 glass/$41 btl
Bright cherry color with some violet nuances. In the nose, red berries aromas remain over the oaky and balsamic notes from its ageing in wood. It shows an elegance in the mouth, yet very lively, with some spice back notes and a very balanced acidity.
Paitin, “Starda”, Nebbiolo, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy, 2014 $12 glass/$45 btl
Garnet ruby color, with intense aromas of black cherry, currant, with a nice acidity with a feminine and round structure. Good finesse and balance.
Piazza del Castello, Sangiovese-Cab-Merlot, Rosso Toscano, Italy, 2014 $11 glass/$41 btl
An intense red color with a fragrant bouquet of floral and violet notes. The beautiful aromas convey sensations of fullness and complexity with a note of ripe berries that gives way to chocolate and nuances of dark earthy tones. It is harmoniously rich in structure but bold in the finish.
The Hogue Cellars, “Genesis”, Merlot-Cab Sauv-Malbec-Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, WA, 2012 $11 glass/$41 btl
Merlot brings black cherry fruit and a supple quality to the wine, while Malbec adds full-bodied complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine its structure, and Petit Verdot contributes dense, dark fruit. Flavors are of rich black cherry, spicy oak, and a touch of orange zest, with vanilla spice on the finish. Tannins are moderate. Serve with braised short ribs, rosemary-herbed lamb chops, or grilled T-bone steak.
Sparkling
Artelatino, Cava Brut, Spain $20 btl
Pale gold in color with a fresh lemon and lime zest aroma. The taste is pleasant and fresh, with medium intensity of bubbles, light flavor with hints of citruses and spices
Taittinger, Brut, à Reims, Champagne, France $78 btl
This wine has a subtle, pale gold color with fine, persistent bubbles. It is delicate, with aromas of peach, white flowers, vanilla pod, and brioche on the nose and flavors of fresh fruit and honey on the palate.
Ruffino, Prosecco, Veneto, Italy $32 btl
Fruity and fragrant with clean notes of citrus, pears and apples along with slight hints of hawthorn, wisteria and elder. Fine bubbles caress the palate, while intense flavors of apples and peaches give the wine a pleasing finish.
Rosé
Michel Chaupotier, Bila Haut Rosé, Pays d’Oc, France, 2015 $31 btl
By meticulously hand-harvesting the best grapes from the best vineyards of the Roussillon, a well-known Rhone producer has transformed his magic to the Languedoc and created a wine with finesse. This wine is fresh and well-balanced with citrus aromas.
Patton Valley Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2015 $45 btl
The color is a gorgeous light salmon. Watermelon, pear, jasmine, white flowers, lemon bar, and marzipan explode out of the glass, but never overwhelm.
St. Supéry, Napa Valley, 2012 $29 btl
Brilliant and rich colors of reds and pink combine with a spear of blue hue in this estate grown Rosé. Sweet aromas of raspberry, red cherry, rose petal and watermelon. Flavors of strawberry, cranberry, and pomegranate complete an opulent profile with a vibrant crisp feel. This is a light, elegant and enticingly fun wine.
Riesling
Aughust Kesseler, Kabinett Trocken, Rheingau, Germany, 2011 $52 btl
Our everyday sipping wine is fruity, mineraly and well balanced. Typical flavors of ripe fruits, aromatic apples and peaches. Well-structured and delightful as in the mouth, the interaction of mouthwatering fruits and minerals are positively shimmering. Very delicate and refreshing on the palate.
Georg Albrecht Schneider, Niersteriner Paterberg Kabinett, Germany,2013 $36 btl
At 10.5% alcohol and with balanced though obvious sweetness, it offers tart-edged, high energy refreshment and squeaky-clean expression of pineapple and fresh lime with pungent accents of ginger and candied lime peel.
Pierre Sparr, Alsace, France, 2014 $31 btl
The 2013 Riesling opens with aromas of lemon peel and green apple, followed by a light touch of yellow banana and delicate green passion fruit. Upon aeration, notes of sweet cherry blossoms are framed by minerally firestone aromas. On the palate, it is smooth, with soft acid. A well-balanced, light body and a soft spicy finish. This wine gives the initial impression of gentle and lightweight, but will win over every Burgundy lover.
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
Estancia, California, 2015 $30 btl
Pale straw gold in color, with a slightly green tint. Passion fruit, sandalwood, and grapefruit on the nose with flavors of lively green apple, Asian pear, and lime.
Jermann, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2013 $49 btl
An intense straw-yellow color with a light nuance of antique rose. Its aroma is intense, full and fruity, with excellent persistence. The flavor is dry, velvety, and particularly well-orchestrated for its full body.
The Eyrie Vineyards, Dundee Hills, Oregon, 2014 $46 btl
Stylish and detailed, this exemplary effort showcases a subtle and elegant approach to the grape. Rather than fleshy fruit flavors, it offers focused notes of pear skin, citrus rind and an overriding minerality.
Chardonnay
Bouchard Pére et Fils, Chateau de Beaune, Bourgogne, 2014 $49 btl
Reserve Bourgogne Chardonnay is a pale golden color. The nose shows hints of white flesh fruits, including peach and pear. A refreshing and smooth Chardonnay, balanced, with a touch of oak.
Domaine Gilles Noblet, Pouilly-Fuissé, Bourgogne, France, 2014 $68 btl
The Pouilly-Fuisse from Noblet emerges from the glass with crisp green apples, pears and white flowers, possessing marvelous energy, delineation and balance.
Mer Soleil Reserve, Santa Barbara County, CA, 2013 $46 btl
The scent of fresh melon and apricot, layered with hints of brown spice and cloves. On the palate, the wine is round and creamy, its mineral character enveloped in buttery richness and the taste of stone fruit. The finish is a wisp of acidity, providing balance and brightness.
Olivier Leflaive, Bourgogne Les Sétilles, 2014 $52 btl
A charming wine, of Meursault style in its smoothness and pastry aromas, completed by an energic tone and a beautiful sharpness, always appreciated for its length on the palate.
Ridge Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, CA, 2012 $57 ½btl
Translucent gold. Green apple, pear, pineapple, honeysuckle, lively acid, elegant texture; lingering crushed-rock mineral finish.
William Fevre, Champs Royaux, Chablis, 2014 $48 btl
Fresh bouquet with notes of citrus and white fleshed fruit, with a very slightly oaky finish. Fresh and supple, the wine is marked by mineral notes that are typical of the appellation.
Sauvignon Blanc
Château L’Orangerie, Bourdeaux, France, 2014 $30 btl
Attractive herbal fruits and lively acidity make a wine that is refreshing and crisp. Apple and apricot flavors are lifted by the strong citrus streak that cuts right through.
Ferrari-Carano, Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County, 2015 $35 btl
Aromas and flavors of yellow peach, pear, quince, Meyer lemon, mango and fruit cocktail. Bright acidity and crisp freshness from the cool, stainless steel tank fermentation, and subtle oak character from barrel aging adds body, complexity and depth.
Nobilo Icon, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2014 $49 btl
A rich, complex, full bodied wine with a striking bouquet of passionfruit, gooseberries and nettles. Opulent tropical fruit flavours, complemented by herbal and mineral characters lead to a persistent finish. Sophisticated and delicious.
Other Whites and Blends
Conundrum Wines by Charles F. Wagner, “Conundrum”, California, CA, 2014 $37 btl
Sourced from California’s premier wine growing regions, this wine is both exotic and bright. A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscat Canelli, and Viognier.
Cune Monopole, Viura (White Blend), Rioja, 2014 $36 btl
Slight yellow greenish color. Seductive scent of spring, white flowers and fresh tropical fruit. A nice and long mouth feel, leaving a slight acidity that gives a feeling of freshness that results in an increased potential retro-nasal aroma. Ideal companion for appetizers, snacks, fish and seafood.
Murrieta’s Well, “The Whip”, Semillion-Chardonnay-Sauv Blanc-Orange Muscat-Muscat Canelli-Viogner,Livermore Valley, CA, 2014 $42 btl
Elegant and balanced, fruit driven with a hint of toasty oak. While this is a Chardonnay and Semillon led style, each grape varietal has a purpose in the blend to add elements like structure, texture, floral notes, and acidity. This unique wine showcases juicy fruit flavors of white peach, pear and melon with bright acidity and a touch of sweetness that creates a smooth and creamy finish.
Pine Ridge, Chenin Blanc-Viognier, (lightly effervescent), CA, 2014 $27 btl
The newest release of our intriguing blend delights the nose with a charming bouquet of enticing aromas of fresh Meyer lemon, fuzzy peach, ripe honeydew melon and yellow plum, mingled with touches of citrus blossom and white tea. The clean, vibrant palate enters with juicy pomelo, sweet lychee and honeyed tangerine fruits, balanced by vibrant acidity and hints of yellow apple and key lime pie that last through the crisp and refreshing finish.
Zaca Mesa, Viognier, Santa Ynez Valley, CA, 2014 $37 btl
Aromas of honeysuckle and ripe peaches, with notes of ripe apricot, melon, lychee and a lingering touch of minerality on the palate.
Merlot
Rutherford Hill, Napa Valley, 2013 $45 btl
Garnet in color with flavors and aromas of cherry, strawberry and clove. Smooth, round tannins with a mocha finish.
Sebastiani, Sonoma County, 2013 $41 btl
A richer, more full-bodied style Merlot with delicious fruit forward blackberry and black cherry fruit followed by lingering black tea and damp earth. Good acidity and more tannic structure balancing out the riper fruit.
Silverado Vineyards, Mt. Geroge Vineyard, Napa, CA 2012 $79 btl
The rocky slopes of Mt. George are in a climate sweet spot: close enough to the cool San Pablo Bay to give the wine aromas of rosemary and mint, warm enough to bring out flavors of blackberry and spice. The wine is finished in oak to add a hint of cocoa and a velvety texture.
Stags’ Leap, Napa Valley, 2013 $65 btl
Generous aromas of dark plum and bright red fruit, with enticing hints of clove and cinnamon throughout. Juicy red fruit flavors are effortlessly integrated with notes of caramel and savory spice that contribute depth to the polished palate. Smooth, velvety tannins and a refined texture give this Merlot a distinct level of sophistication while still being very approachable in its early years.
Swanson Vineyards, Oakville, Napa Valley, CA, 2009 $36 ½btl
The 2009 Swanson Oakville Merlot is the perfect reminder of why so many serious red wine drinkers like Merlot. Visually, aromatically, and on the palate, the wine is plush and generous. The color is dark garnet with a purple edge. The nose is captivating, with aromas of fresh, ripe black cherry, plum, raspberry, and well-integrated toasted oak. In the mouth, very ripe black and red fruits surround a core of velvety tannin. The finish is enticing, silky-smooth, long and harmonious. This Merlot will continue to improve in the bottle.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Forth Vineyards, “All Boys”, Sonoma County, 2013 $60 btl
Ripe and flawless fruit created a wine with mouth-filling notes of black cherry and cassis, punctuated with fragrant cedar, kitchen herbs, and that unique Dry Creek dust we all love.
Jordan, Alexander Valley, CA, 2012 $105 btl
Jordan produces Cabernet Sauvignon, blended in the tradition of Bordeaux. Rich in texture with opulent flavors, a restrained use of oak and a lingering finish of subtle earth and smoke
Ladera, Napa Valley, CA, 2013 $45 ½btl
The 2013 Ladera Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon displays intense aromas of black cherry, vanilla and red licorice with savory notes of olive and dried herbs. The concentrated palate reveals brambly black fruits, toasty oak and polished tannins that push through to a long, lingering finish.
Pine Ridge, Napa Valley, CA, 2013 $114 btl
Swirling with layered aromas of fresh red raspberry, blackberry pie and ripe cassis, this deep ruby wine enraptures the senses with fragrant dried violet, gingersnap, dark cocoa and sweet basil impressions. Plush and exuberant, the palate opens with red cherry, juicy boysenberry and red plum fruits that intermingle with hints of cinnamon stick and graham cracker pie crust. The complex array of flavors lasts through the lingering finish, framed by velvety tannins and echoes of cherry cordial and roasted espresso bean.
Sequoia Grove, Napa Valley, CA, 2013 $75 btl
Dark black in color, with an immediate aroma of dark, smoky chocolate, leading into ripe blackberries and sweet cherries with notes of clove, vanilla and cocoa powder. The palate is smooth and rich with ripe, developed tannins giving the wine a full arc in the mouth and giving flavors of blackberry and a hint of smoky, sweet oak.
Malbec
Antigal, “Uno”, Mendoza, Argentina, 2013 $32 btl
Intense red color with violet tones. Aromas of wild berry and dark plum with a hint of coffee. Berry and plum continue to the palate with smoke and vanilla joining through the persistent finish. Pairs well with red meat entrees, Beef Wellington, roasted leg of lamb, grilled vegetables, and semi-firm cheeses.
Bodega Noemía, “A Lisa”, Patagonia, 2014 $54 btl
Dense violet and plum in color offering aromas of dark berries, cherry, cocoa and spice on the nose. The medium bodied, balanced palate offers persistent tannins with notes of dark fruit, cassis, smoked meat and white pepper.
Zinfandel
De Loach Vineyards, California, 2014 $26 btl
Bright fruit aromatics that are complemented by hints of warm spice and cocoa. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry, currant, tobacco and milk chocolate envelop the palate and lead to an opulent, smooth finish.
Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley, CA, 2014 $59 btl
It’s sophisticated in the depth of its aroma profile and fun at the same time. The flavors are a big surprise as well—no jammy sweetness. Instead, the wine is taut, refined and reminiscent of a very fine Tuscan Chianti and absolutely the right counterpoint to the aromas.
Hartford, Old Vine, Russian River Valley, CA, 2013 $65 btl
The 2013 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is an attractive, boisterous wine to drink now and over the next few years. Dark red cherry, raspberry, spice, and mint inform the juicy finish. The 2013 is gracious, inviting and pretty much impossible to resist.
La Chertosa, Reserve, Amador County, CA, 2013 $45 btl
This is a well-balanced wine. Peppery and earthy aromas lead to cherry and raspberry flavors, a smooth texture and medium body.
Pinot Noir
Benjamin Leroux, Savigny-Les-Beaune, Burgundy, France, 2014 $85 btl
Plenty of ripe, juicy cherry and musky/earthy notes in the glass. The palate is loaded with perfumed, crystallized red berry fruit with hints of forest floor. The tannins are powder-fine and the finish delightfully long and racy.
Benovia, La Pommeraie, Russian River Valley, CA, 2011 $99 btl
Deep ruby in color, the vibrant raspberry and cola aromas almost leap from the glass. On the palate, the wine’s juicy mouthfeel is supported by ample acidity building with wild berry fruit through the mid-palate to the fine grain tannins on the finish. An intriguing blend of power and restraint this Pinot Noir is both savory and delicately sweet.
Buena Vista, Carneros, CA, 2012 $62 btl
Showing an enticing red burgundy color and offering beautiful bright red fruit aromas of Queen Anne cherry and cranberry with notes of white pepper, cardamom and molasses. This is a smooth wine with elegant flavors of bright raspberry and strawberry that culminate in a long, lingering finish.
Cakebread, Anderson Valley, CA, 2013 $108 btl
The wine boasts fragrant red and black cherry, red raspberry, strawberry and rose petal aromas. It has a smooth, mouth-coating texture, velvety tannins and delightfully silky red raspberry, cherry and strawberry flavors that take on a spicy tone in the long, juicy finish.
Domaine Denis Berthaut, “Fixin”, Bourgogne, 2013 $87 btl
Good and pure, rather dark fruit, presented with a nice earthy minerality. A vibrant dancing red, this wine has lovely fresh red fruit and spices to the nose, with hazelnuts and raspberries dominating the palate. More savory than silky in style, but still quite juicy and with excellent persistence.
Meiomi, Monterey Co, Santa Barbara Co, Sonoma Co, CA, 2015 $48 btl
Ruby-hued with lifted aromas; bright strawberry and jammy fruit mingle with vanilla, mocha and toasty oak. Expressive boysenberry, blackberry and dark cherry are revealed. Supple tannins, silky texture, and exquisite balance. A distinctive California Pinot Noir with a world-class taste.
The Calling, Russian River Valley, 2014 $74 btl
Aromas of black cherry, vanilla and a dusting of white pepper and black tea. Medium-bodied with black cherry, mocha and oak-notes of caramel and cooking spices.
Van Duzer, Willamette Valley, OR, 2013 $58 btl
The wine emanates dark cherries, blueberries and wild strawberries. Rose petal scents are laced around spicy notes of licorice, ground pepper and eucalyptus, leading to a bright mid-palate where silky tannins are wrapped around a creamy, velvety structure.
Other Reds & Blends
Arcanum “Il Fauno”, Merlot-Cab-Cab Franc-Petit Verdot, Toscana, Italy, 2012 $53 btl
One of the more complex and elegant in many vintages, the 2012 il fauno presents floral aromas of fresh cut roses, and beautifully ripe strawberries. On the palate soft, velvety, structured tannins make way for rich plum and candied cherries with nutmeg and black licorice undertones. A vibrant acidity prolongs the finish with lingering notes of sweet cedar and tobacco.
Beni di Batasiolo, Barolo, Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy, 2011 $89 btl
The color is deep garnet red with orange reflections. The intense and persistent aromas of dried fruit, jam, red fruits, flowers, and spices. The palate is full-bodied, tannic and pleasantly balanced by the acidity that perfectly balances the alcohol.
Bocelli, Sangiovese, Tuscany, 2014 $33 btl
Made from Tuscany’s noble varietal, the Bocelli family’s passion and expertise are on full display in this bright, lush, and appealing Sangiovese. With grapes hand-harvested in Morellino, the fruit is deliciously ripe and smoky, with dark chocolate, Morello cherry, and herbal notes. Medium bodied with a pleasant touch of roundness on the palate.
Cà Viola, Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy, 2013 $49 btl
This wine is not large in the mouth, rather it has a pleasantly fresh drinkability. This is a juicy, inviting and agile Barbera.
Canyon Winds, “IV”, Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, Merlot, Palasade, CO, 2012 $125 btl
Aromas of raspberry jam, pepper, tobacco, bay leaf, kirsch, plum, and oak lead to an exceptionally well-integrated wine with soft, silky tannins, broad mouthfeel and flavors of violet, red currant, cigar tobacco, leather, quinine, and cocoa.
Cascina Ballarin, “Cino”, Barbera-Dolcetto-Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy, 2014 $30 btl
Bright ruby red color, intense and assorted scents of fresh fruit and flowers, very winey and fresh. Rich, savory and velvety palate, medium-bodied. An excellent everyday wine.
Consentino Winery “The Franc”, Cabernet Franc, Lodi, CA, 2014 $32 btl
Deep crimson in color with sweet and spicy notes of fresh herbs and cloves on the nose. On the palate, intense flavors of fruit with hints of black pepper on the palate. Ends with great structure and long finish.
E. Guigal, Grenache-Syrah-Mouvedre-Counois, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, 2010 $107 btl
Deep dark red with spices and mature red fruits. Round tannins with powerful complexity. A rich unctuous wine with notes of mature plums, hazelnuts and red fruits.
Estancia, Reserve Meritage, Cab-Merlot-Petit Verdot, Paso Robles, 2013 $52 btl
Deep crimson in color with mocha, black currant, plum, cocoa, and baking spices on the nose. Dark fruit, chocolate, caramel, cedar, and French vanilla tantalize the palate.
Gérard Bertrand, Syrah-Grenache, Languedoc, France, 2011 $30 btl
A deep red color with flashes of violet. The nose reveals complex aromas of small red and black fruit. On the palate, this blend blossoms into complex aromas of ripe red fruit, backed by notes of licorice, gingerbread and scrubland. A full-bodied wine with lots of finesse enhanced by mellow tannins. The finish of this powerful wine is particularly lively, enhancing its excellent length on the palate, ending with touches of roasted coffee and peppery spices.
J. Lohr, Tower Road, Petit Sirah, Paso Robles, CA, 2014 $48 btl
Tower Road Petit Sirah is a deeply colored wine that lays nearly opaque in the glass, with just a youthful ring of magenta to brighten its edges. The French oak bouquet of browned butter and toasted hazelnut frames the ripe blackberry aromas indicative of Petite Sirah varietal character. A rich and voluminous attack leaves black fruit and a touch of fine talc on the palate.
Justin Vineyards, “Justification”, Cabernet Franc-Merlot, Paso Robles, CA, 2013 $99 btl
Bright color with a beautiful dark purple ruby core and medium concentrated rim. Aromas of red and black cherry, black currant, and ripe strawberry fruit with cola, coffee, dark licorice and vanilla spice accents. The wine is ful- bodied with currant, cherry, and strawberry, along with dark black currant on the entry. Sweet tobacco, mineral, and herbal notes on the mid-palate with licorice and vanilla spice. Finish is long and complex with red and black fruit candy notes, nicely framed by medium firm tannins.
l’Etendard de Chateau Valade, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France, 2011 $66 btl
It is a bright ruby color with a nose that reveals aromas of candied black fruits, exotic spices, notes of cedar and touches of toasted bread. This big, powerful, full-bodied wine from a great year is dense and lively with elegant tannins and excellent length.
Le Poiane, Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy, 2012 $39 btl
Deep ruby color with a bouquet of black pepper and spice. Well balanced palate, with black-cherry flavors. Ideal with steaks, chops, stews and rich pastas.
Marchese Guadagni, “Arielle”, Sangiovese-Canalolo-Colorino, Super Tuscan, Italy, 2012 $30 btl
Fruit-forward and ripe on the nose. Smoky qualities with notes of chocolate, black cherry, raspberry, and hints of clove. This wine has a medium length, slight earthiness, and is very well balanced.
Mazzoni, Barbera, Piemonte, Italy, 2010 $42 btl
Beginning with pleasant aromas of black cherry and other dark berries, earth, a little oaky spice and a hint of smoke. Tasting reveals flavors of sour black cherry and other tart dark fruits, a wonderful smoky spice and a bit of licorice. Smooth with soft tannins, good acidity and great balance this medium-bodied wine is absolutely wonderful with pizza or pasta. It ends long and dry with more sour black cherry, spice and an excellent earthy streak.
Michele Chiarlo, Barolo, Tortoniano, Italy, 2010 $99 btl
The wine shows layered aromas and flavors of mint, red fruit and spices. There palate shows bright acidity and silky tannins before a long finish
Pago Calzadilla “Opta”, Tempranillo-Garnacha-Syrah, Spain, 2010 $51 btl
It offers plenty of brambly black fruit laced with cedar on the fresh, vibrant nose. The palate is well-balanced with a sappy, black cedar-infused fruit that is curiously akin to a Cabernet Sauvignon! It is harmonious and controlled toward the well-defined finish.
Ruffino, “Aziano”, Chianti Classico, Italy, 2014 $32 btl
This Chianti Classico bursts with ripe fruit flavors followed by notes of plum and Morello cherries. The tannins are well integrated, and the long finish reveals hints of rosemary and tobacco.
Tom Gore, “Field Blend”, Petit Verdot-Cab Sauv-Merlot-Malbec-Tempranillo-Carignane, Alexander Valley, CA, 2012 $79 btl
Inky black color with a ruby red edge. The aromas are complex, with blackberry, tobacco, and oak toast. The wine has superb concentration with a sweet fruit entry, full body, and long finish. The tannins are firm but ripe and fine in texture, contributing to the length and richness of the finish.
