Rick's Picks ~ Wine Values
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Its easy to find a
great wine at $50, or a really good one at $25. Find one for
under $15! Now that's hot.
Rick's Picks - What's hot right now that I recommend buying for
now or later . |
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Criteria for Rick's Pick Wine Values: |
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Available now - just released and/or in sufficient quantity to be
obtainable
Wine you'll enjoy drinking time and again.
Great value for the money - you can afford drinking without
waiting for a special occasion. |
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January 2011 |
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Flinders Run |
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Southern Flinders Ranges |
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Baroota, Australia |
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Shiraz
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2006 |
We love this wine - perhaps
one of our favorites in our cellar. The 2005 vintage
was fabulous. We first found and tried it for $33 in
Central Illinois. We then bought a case on-line for
$29. Binny's then had it for $27 and we bought all
we could get. We recently found the 2006 vintage for
under $20 and while not as good as the '05 its a
great value. Below are notes on the '05.
RM 93; RP 95; WS 91; IWC 92 - RM - Dark inky colour.
Medium to full bodied, elegant rich symphony of
flavors of sweet currant, pepper, vanilla, spice,
red raspberry, blueberry and a lingering essence of
creme brulee' and cedar on the soft finish. RP
review - "...aged for 18 months in French and
American oak hogsheads with 50% new staves.
Purple/black in color, the wine exhibits a big,
brooding bouquet of pain grille, pepper, Asian
spices, blueberry, blackberry, and licorice. This
leads to a full bodied (15.2% alcohol), super rich
plush wine with layers of spicy black fruit flavors,
excellent balance, and a long pure finish. For a
wine this size, it is remarkably light on its feet.
Give it 2-3 years to more fully evolve and drink
through 2020. This is quite a debut for Flinders
Run."
WS - "Dense and peppery. A lively mouthful of
dark-hued fruit and spice, lingering on the clear,
focused, juicy finish. Fine tannins frame this
nicely. Best from 2009 through 2015. 2,000 cases
made." (WS)
International Wine Cellar - "($32) Glass-staining
ruby. Explosively perfumed nose offers a surreal
array of dark fruits, oak spices, flowers and
minerals. Fat but focused, with intense, spicy
blackberry, cassis and floral pastille flavors.
Gentle tannins add structure but can't contain the
wine's expansive, sweet personality. Gains strength
on the long, sappy finish. This has enormous
immediate appeal." (IWC)
Winery Notes Attractive deep purple, red with
rich complexities of spicy berry fruits with subtle
vannillan oak. A full flavored wine with berry and
licorice characters to the fore, soft tannins giving
it a nice lingering taste. A robust wine for hearty
food. � Mike Farmillo � Leading Winemaker Boars
Rock. Exhibiting rich ripe berry fruit characters,
the colour of black cherries completed by toasty
American and French Oak flavours achieved from
lengthy barrel maturation. The palate is rich, round
with spicy flavours and balanced tannins.
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Cambria Vineyard |
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Santa Maria Valley |
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Pinot Noir |
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2008 |
January 23, 2011 - RM 90 -
Medium bodied,
delicate, white pepper predominates, soft cherry
flavors, spicy oak, hint of cocoa with finely
integrated tannins. Great value pinot noir - hard to
find a pinot of this allure at this price.
$17-23 |
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Sept 2010 |
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Joseph Carr |
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Napa Valley |
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Cabernet Sauvignon |
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2007 |
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September 7,
2010 - Joseph Carr Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 2007 - RM91 - Dark color,
medium-full bodied - Forward black fruits accented
by a layers of coffee, cigar box and hints of spice,
eucalyptus and mocha. What a nice surprise to
discover this quality wine from Napa Carneros at the
Red Carpet Club at Dulles Airport!
Too bad I was rushed to catch a cross country
flight. Can't wait to try it again. What an ever
nicer surprise to find it available at under $20. I
bought a case! |
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July 2010 |
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Chateau Larmande |
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Bordeaux |
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St Emilion |
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2005 |
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Merlot 65%, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet
Sauvignon |
July 24, 2010
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Chateau Larmande
Grand
Cru Classe
St Emilion 2005:
RM 91- My best of tasting pick from an
earlier Bordeaux flight tasting. Medium
bodied, floral perfume, flavorful red berry,
plum fruits, subtle spice, cherry-cranberry,
nice texture and an appealing moderately
firm grip of tannin in the finish. A great
'05 Bordeaux for drinking in the near-term; a great
value for such an elegant wine.
The 2005 Bordeaux vintage was so good that even
'lesser' labels were outstanding - if you call
a Grand Cru Classe a lesser label.
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92 points Wine Spectator: "Aromas of ripe fruit,
coffee bean and sweet tobacco follow through to a
full body, with velvety tannins and a long, balanced
finish. Rich and layered. Best after 2013." (03/08) |
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http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=351693 |
This wine retails for as high as $40 but can be
found for as low as $26. Its as good as many wines
selling for 2-3X that price.
NOTE - The 2009 vintage is rated WS 92-95 and is
selling at futures for $27. |
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May 2010 |
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Turn Four |
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Napa Valley |
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Cabernet Sauvignon |
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2007 |
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May 17, 2010 -
Turn Four Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
- RM91- Deep dark purple color. Medium bodied. Not
highly complex but wow - tasty! Rich forward black
and blue fruits - spicy clove, hint of cinnamon and
vanilla and a touch of black pepper on the long
flavorful finish. I bought this bottle while
traveling in Colorado Springs. Good value at $18.
Buy it if you can find it.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=767489 |
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March 2010 |
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Conn Creek Limited Release |
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Napa Valley |
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Cabernet Sauvignon |
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2005 |
March 24, 2010 - Conn Creek Napa Valley
Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 -
RM 87 - Great value in this easy
drinking cab. Bright ripe dark cherry and
blackberry, mocha, spice and subtle coffee on the
dried fruit moderate finish.
Blend:
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5%
Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot.
$16-23 |
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February 2010 |
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Belle Glos |
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Sonoma Coast |
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Pinot Noir |
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2007 |
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March 1, 2010 - Very aromatic and flavorful - black
berries, raspberries, spice, herbs, subtle white pepper and black olive
with a smooth polished velvety texture and long lingering tannin finish.
Great value blend from several vineyards with different
sub-climates in the true Sonoma Coast - pronounced May-OH-mee� which
means �coast� in the language of the native Wappo tribe. From the
Wagners of Caymus fame. Tasted at Flemings in Beavercreek. |
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$24 |
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December 2009 |
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Cambria |
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Julia's Vineyard |
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Pinot Noir |
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2007 |
Rated 93WE #1 WINE OF THE YEAR
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Complex flavors of cherries, Mandarin orange, cola, pomegranates, licorice
and cinnamon spice, made even richer by smoky oak. |
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$20 |
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November 2009 |
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Chalone Vineyards |
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Monterey County |
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Pinot Noir |
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2006 |
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December 19, 2009 - Chalone
Vineyards County Pinot Noir 2005 - RM 87 - Aromas and flavors
of tart black cherries, black raspberry and cola with hints of spicy
clove and nutmeg. A hard to find great value in a presentable pinot
noir. |
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$15 |
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October 2009 |
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Hahn |
| Meritage |
| Central Coast |
| 2007 |
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Once again, Hahn Meritage
rates a Rick's Pick as a tremendous value. Symphonic balance of well
crafted berry fruit flavors result in a sophisticated style yet easy
drinking wine that belays its under $20 price point. Hahn
Monterey County Meritage Red Wine 2007 - RM 87 - Black cherry,
black berry, spice and cedar. Remarkably sophisticated and complex yet
nicely polished for this price point. Another great value respectable
presentable red wine under $18. |
| $14 |
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September 2009 |
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Cliff Lede Vineyards |
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Napa Valley - Stags Leap District |
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Sauvignon Blanc |
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2007 |
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October 31, 2009
- Cliff Lede Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - RM 90 -
Nicely balanced acidity, subtle oak,
citrus and remarkable peach fruit flavor that turns to mango and hint of
passion fruit and tangerine on the finish. Fabulous complement to
lobster with a dash of lemon butter. starter. First tasted at the winery
- got some at home - a staple white for the cellar. |
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$21 |
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June 2009 |
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Ch�teau
Pesqui� |
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C�tes du
Ventoux |
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Southern
Rhone |
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Terrasses
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2006
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June 17, 2009 - RM 88 -
Ripe black fruit
black raspberry, plum, with a hint of earthiness. Soft, medium-full
body, and a long finish. Great value easy drinking every day wine.
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$13 |
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May 2009 |
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Hartford Family Winery |
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Sonoma Coast |
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Pinot Noir |
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2004 |
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May 6, 2009 - - RM 91 -
$26 - Medium to light bodied, soft, silky, spicy red raspberry, red
berry, clove, hints of white pepper and oak on the lingering finish.
Nice complement to L's chicken picata. Good value in this mid $20's
pinot - half the price of comparable pinots.
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$25 |
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April 2009 |
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Susana Balbo |
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Crios |
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Mendoza Argentina |
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Malbec |
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2008 |
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April 18, 2009 -
Nice full flavor of spicy black cherry and black berry fruits with a hint
of ripe plum and toasty vanilla on the finish.
Declassified fruits that don't find their way into the expensive lots
can be found here. Consistently respectably rated, approachable,
enjoyable easy drinking wine that is a tremendous value. Try it.
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$14 |
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Palmina |
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Santa Barbara |
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Barbera |
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2006 |
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April 15, 2009 - Intense color dark, big full black fruit flavors
- blackberry, black cherry and black currant with a hint of nutmeg with
a earthy mineral finish. Good value wine for drinking now - not
for the feint of heart. Try it.
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$14 |
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February 2009 |
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Snoqualmie Vineyards |
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Wahluke Slope Columbia Valley |
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Syrah |
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2006 |
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April 7, 2009 -
Snoqualmie Vineyards Wahluke Slope Columbia Valley Syrah 2006 -
RM 88 - Rich black fruit aromas of blackberry and blueberry with an
undertone of spicy mocha, herb and smoke tones with a luscious soft
tannin finish. Great value wine at under $14. Try it.
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$13
Seghesio 2007 Sonoma Zinfandel
#10 on the Wine Spectator
Top 100 Wines of the World
We did it again! Seghesio�s Sonoma
Zinfandel
has been honored again with an incredible #10 placement on the Wine
Spectator�s annual Top 100 Wines of the World listing. This is
remarkable when you consider the company it shares on this list is
generally associated with very low production and extremely high
prices. Our Sonoma Zinfandel is an outstanding value and
consistently well-made wine.
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Seghesio |
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Sonoma County |
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Zinfandel |
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2007 |
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$20 |
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April 27, 2009 |
RM 89; WS 93 points - WS #10 of Top 100
The Seghesio family has been making wine for a century in northern
Sonoma County and farms more than 400 acres of Zinfandel in Alexander
and Dry Creek valleys. They make a range of vineyard-designated
Zinfandels, such as Home Ranch and Cortina, and a bottling from the
oldest vines. But for this Sonoma County 2007, winemaker Ted Seghesio
tapped his diverse grape sources for a more widely available,
well-priced wine. Aged 11 months in 75 percent American oak, it's
complex, with a supple texture and a spicy finish.
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June 2008 |
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McManis Family Vineyards |
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River Junction Appellation - Lodi, California |
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Merlot |
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2006 |
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June 20-22, 2008 - McManis Family Vineyards River Junction Merlot
2006 - RM 87 - Great value wine at less than $10. From the
junction of the San Joaquin and Stanislaus Rivers, just south of Lodi,
California. Spicy oak flavors predominate with black cherry, black berry
fruit, toasted oak and a subtle strawberry vanilla on the finish. |
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$9 |
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December 2007 |
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Hahn |
| Meritage |
| Central Coast |
| 2006 |
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For the second time, Hahn Meritage rates a Rick's Pick as a tremendous
value. Symphonic balance of well crafted berry fruit flavors result in a
sophisticated style yet easy drinking wine that belays its under $20
price point. |
| $14 |
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November 2007 |
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Estancia |
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Keyes Canyon Ranch, Paso Robles |
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Zinfandel |
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2005 |
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RM 89 - Medium bodied, easy drinking wine with
aromas and flavors of red berry, black cherry, a hint of mocha and
spice. Great value - a lot of flavor for under $14.
December 5,
2007 |
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$11-14 |
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October |
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Klinker Brick Winery |
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Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel |
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2005 |
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RM 91 - Dark, full bodied, floral fruit - black and
red berry, spice, cassis, a hint of red raspberry, black cherry fruit on
the full round tannin finish. Great value - a lot of flavor for $16.
Third generation producers harvesting vines planted by their
grandparents. The winery is named for 'klink sound these heavy bricks
found in their home and around historic town of Lodi make when 'klinked'
together.
October 31, 2007 |
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$16 |
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September 2007 |
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Mollydooker |
| Two Left Feet |
| McLaren Vale,
Australia |
| Shiraz Blend -
Shiraz
(68%) � Merlot (17%) � Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) |
| 2006 |
RM 90
January 27, 2008
- They
did it again. Winemaker notes - This wine has superb intensity with
aromas reminiscent of butterscotch, plum, white chocolate, cherries and
raspberry fruit. Its spicy, big, unctuous texture and incredible density
of fruit gives you a wonderfully rounded mouth-feel and a silky smooth
finish. "Smooth,
vibrant and distinctive for its tarry blackberry and charred meat
flavors, riding high on a sleek frame. Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon." -Rated 90, Wine Spectator
"The 2006 Shiraz (68%) � Merlot (17%) � Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) �Two
Left Feet� is a glass-coating opaque purple color. The brooding nose
reveals plummy dark fruits, blueberry, licorice, and a hint of
chocolate. On the palate it is thick, layered, and voluptuous. The
structure is well-concealed and the wine is seamless and very long. It
will reward a few years of cellaring but delaying gratification will be
difficult. It is a great value. - Rated 93, Robert Parker's Wine
Advocate
Mollydooker (the Australian equivalent of �Southpaw�� both Sparky
and Sarah Marquis are left-handed) is the label of the renowned
winemaking team of Sparky and Sarah Marquis. This is their second
vintage following the schism with The Grateful Palate and the end of
their involvement in the hugely successful Marquis Philips project.
Total case production is 72,000, down from the 120,000 cases produced
under the Marquis Philips label. They have also set up their own
importing company in the United States. Mollydooker has been divided
into four tiers beginning with �The Lefty Series�. These five wines are
line-priced at $20. Next up the ladder is �The Party Series� priced at
$50 a bottle, followed by two wines comprising �The Love Series� priced
at $80. At the top of the pyramid is one wine, �The Velvet Glove� Shiraz
priced at $175. " |
| $19.00 |
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August 2007 |
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Pure Love Wines |
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"Layer Cake" |
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Barossa Valley |
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Shiraz |
| 2005 |
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RM 88 - $16 - Great value in this
medium-full bodied, thick rich, dark fruit forward shiraz. Black fruits
are offset by an undercurrent of slight mineral.
Good value at $16. |
| $16.00 |
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July 2007 |
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Columbia
Crest |
| Columbia Valley |
| Merlot |
| 2003 & 2004 |
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RM 90 WS 90 Tasty,
easy drinking, ripe black cherry, plum, currant and a hint of cocoa and
spice with a long chewy velvety tannin finish. Designated a Best Value
by WS. .
Great value at $12. |
| $12.00 |
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June 2007 |
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Hardy Wines, |
| McLaren Vale,
Australia |
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Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2005 |
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RM 88 Dark, medium
full bodied, black fruit, black cherry, a hint of smoke from one of
Australia's oldest wineries.
Good value at $15. |
| $15.00 |
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February 2007 |
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Girard
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| Napa Valley |
| Petit Syrah |
| 2004 |
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RM 91 WS 90 WE 92 Big thick chewy
extracted forward fruit of blackberry, ripe plum and black cherry. Very
firm, sophisticated but silky and finely integrated tannins. Not for the
feint of heart.
This is a blend of 90% Petite Sirah, 8% Zinfandel and 2% Carignane.
Great value at $20. |
| $20.00 |
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January 2007 |
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Barone Ricasoli |
| Campo Ceni |
| Toscana |
| Sangiovese |
| 2002 |
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RM 88 WS 86 Firm smooth
nicely integrated tannins, dark medium bodied, modest fruit of
blackberry, black cherry, a hint of mineral and tobacco. Great value
wine and good complement to hearty Italian cuisine. |
| $16.00 |
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| January 2007 |
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C. G. Di Arie Vineyard & Winery |
| Amador County |
| Syrah |
| 2003 |
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RM 91 - Deep garnet purple colour,
mouthfull of forward fruit of black raspberry,
cherry and dark plum with firm finely integrated
tannins on a long smooth finish of coffee and
tobacco. |
| $21.00 |
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| December 2006 |
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Chappellet |
| Napa Valley |
| Chenin Blanc |
| 2003 |
| RM 89 - Light,
bright easy drinking - zesty and spicy with flavors
of tropical fruits and citrus, crisp acidity - rich
but subtle flavors of orange, pineapple and a hint
of anise and eucalyptus on the soft finish. |
| $15.00 |
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November 2006 |
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Mollydooker |
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McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and
Padthaway |
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Shiraz |
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2005 |
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Price: $20 |
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Latest creation and new label from Sparky
and Sarah Marquis, formerly of Marquis Phillips. Mollydooker is
'Australian for left-handed. Tremendous values in these two new
offerings. Deep purple - full rich plum, currant, and mocha. RP says it
best in his review - Parker 95 - "The 2005 The Boxer Shiraz
(primarily from McLaren Vale, followed by Langhorne Creek and Padthaway)
exhibits a black/blue/purple color, an incredible density of fruit along
with that tell-tale purity, blackberries, white flowers, melted
chocolate, sweet licorice, and subtle wood. Full-bodied, beautifully
textured and layered with an awesome finish, it should drink well for
4-6+ years. Two more expensive Mollydooker cuvees will be reviewed in my
full Australian report in the October issue. Sarah and Sparky Marquis,
who live by the motto, �We make wines that make people go wow - through
attention to detail and commitment to excellence,� have hit pay dirt
with these brilliantly packaged, screw cap-finished wines with labels
that resemble Broadway vaudeville acts from the mid-thirties. Even more
innovative, their back labels have a small postage stamp with all the
relevant information so restaurant consumers can remember the wine by
pulling off the stamp and taking it home. " |
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October 2006 |
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Mollydooker |
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McLaren Vale, Padthaway, and Langhorne
Creek |
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65% Shiraz, 19% Merlot, and 16% Cabernet
Sauvignon |
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2005 |
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Price: $20 |
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November 26, 2006
- Latest creation from Sparky
and Sarah Marquis, formerly of Marquis Phillips. Remember Sarah's Blend
from the old label? This is another incredible value in this new release
from Sparky and Sara Marquis. Again, Parker says it best..."It boasts an
inky/purple color, superb intensity, a big, sweet, full-bodied nose of
creme de cassis, graphite, white chocolate, black olives, blackberry
liqueur, and spice, and a spectacular, voluptuous, even unctuous
texture. This is a big, powerful, classic southern Australian red made
with no compromises." |
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Aug 2006 |
Cline Cellars |
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Contra Costa County |
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Ancient Vines Zinfandel |
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2005 |
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Price: $15-18 |
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Oct 1, 2006 -
Cline Cellars Contra Costa
County Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2005 -
RM 88 - Winemaker notes - "Shows wonderful
dusty raspberry, blackberry, white pepper and spice, with coffee and
chocolate characters. Aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a
subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit
notes. Enjoy now or cellar for 5 to 7 years. Rick notes - Great value
wine that is easy drinking, deep purple colour, mouthful of raspberry
and smoky plum fruit and spice. Tasted at Mamo's gala Chip engagement
party. |
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May 2006 |
Rosemount |
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GSM
(Grenache Syrah Mouvedre) |
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McLaren Vale |
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2002 |
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Price: $10-15 |
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June 9, 2006 - RM 87 -
Huge bouquet. Flavors of intense
blackberry, mineral, spice and a touch of blueberry on the finish. This
wine is a decent value at $15. Its a great value at $10 where it is
currently available at Trader Joe's. |
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April
2006 |
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Thorn-Clarke |
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"Shotfire Ridge" Shiraz |
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Region/Appellation:
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Vintage -
2004 |
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Rating -
RM89 RP90 |
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Price - $16 |
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April 15, 2006 |
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92 points Robert
Parker: "The outstanding 2004 Shiraz
Shotfire Ridge is an excellent
value. A full-throttle, dense,
full-bodied Shiraz, it boasts a
purple color as well as big, sweet,
flamboyant aromatics of white
chocolate, blackberries, cassis,
smoke, and licorice. This deep,
opulent effort is a total hedonistic
turn-on. Drink it over the next 3-4
years." (10/05) This wine is another
outstanding Barossa Shiraz. The
bouquet has lifted fruit aromas,
while the palate displays typical
Barossa varietal Shiraz characters
of chocolate and plum fruit. Expert
use of oak has resulted in subtle
vanillin flavors. |
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March 2006 |
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Region/Appellation:
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Vintage -
2004 |
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Rating -
RM89 RP90 |
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Price
- $15 |
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Blend - Carignan,
Syrah, and Grenache |
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April 15, 2006
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90 Points - Robert
Parker (Wine Advocate)
"A fabulous value
from the other side of the famed
Priorat appellation (the frugal
person's Priorat?), this dense
ruby/purple-colored 2004
exhibits wonderful minerality
along with beautiful raspberry
and blueberry fruit notes
interwoven with liquid
slate/rock-like characteristics.
Medium-bodied with gorgeously
pure fruit, this blend of
Carignan, Syrah, and Grenache is
ideal for drinking now and over
the next 5-6 years. There is
even more good news as 6,500
cases are exported to the USA."
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February
2006 |
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Region/Appellation:
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Vintage -
2003 |
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Rating -
RM91 |
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Price
- $18 |
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March 14, 2006 |
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Panther Creek, Willamette Valley
Winemakers Cuvee, Oregon 2003 -
RM 91 $64 - crushed cranberries,
cedar, sweet mocha on the long
finish, - supple, polished, complex-
reflecting only blend of Willamette
& Umpqua valleys. Tasted at
Flemmings in Tysons Corner and w/
Carla M at Vidalia in WDC. |
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November 2005 |
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Region/Appellation:
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Vintage -
2003 and 2004 |
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Rating -
RM91 WS90 |
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Price
- $13-18 |
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Sept 2005
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Region/Appellation:
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Vintage -
2000 |
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Rating -
RM90 WS90 |
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Price
- $18 |
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Great
value at $18. Tasted from magnum -
Oaky plum, hints of currant, red
raspberry and a finish of soft
mocha. |
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Aug
2005 |
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Glen Eldon Wines
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Dry Bore Shiraz |
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Barossa |
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2002 |
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91-94
points, The Wine Advocate |
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Price - $24-35 |
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"Tasted
from tank prior to bottling, the
2002 Dry Boar Shiraz appears to be a
winner. This 100% Shiraz from both
the Eden and Barossa Valleys was
aged 24 months in small French and
American foudres. A dense purple
color is followed by gorgeous aromas
of creme de cassis, and full-bodied,
full-throttle, well-balanced
blackberry and currant flavors
intermixed with licorice, tar, and
pepper. Consume it during its first
7-8 years of life."
91-94 points, The Wine Advocate,
October 2004 |
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July
2005 |
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CSM 2000 |
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CSM |
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Barossa |
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2000 |
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89
points - REM |
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Price - $16- 26 |
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Winemakers notes - Colour: Deep
crimson with a black heart. Nose:
Ripe blackberry with lifted violet
and a hint of vanillin oak. Palate:
Immense, yet elegant, complex, rich
and flavourful with tiers of
chocolate, wild berries and plums.
Finishes with supple tannins and
pretty oak shadings. CSM stands for
60% Cabernet / 30% Shiraz / 10%
Merlot. |
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June 2005 |
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Bocca di Lupo |
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Castel del Monte |
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Tormaresca |
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2002 |
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93
points Stephen Tanzer |
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Price
- $22-28 |
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"Deep,
almost opaque ruby-red. Refined
aromas of blueberry and blackberry
jam, with hints of dark tobacco,
coffee and spicy, balsamic oak.
Offers good grip on entry, then real
power in a velvety package. Coats
the palate with lush, sweet fruit
flavors. Finishes clean, complex and
long, with sweet but assertive
tannins and remarkable freshness.
Probably the best aglianico made
outside of Basilicata and Campania."
($28)
93 points Stephen Tanzer's
International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug
05 |
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May 2005 |
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| Producer - |
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Querceta |
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Wine -
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Chianti Classico Reserva |
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Region/Appellation:
|
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Chianti
Toscana |
| Vintage -
2000 |
| Rating - WS 91
- RM 90 |
| Price
- $15-18 |
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#64
Wine Spectator Top 100 2003 -
Tasty fruit filled blackberry,
chocolate, mineral and a long
medium-bodied tannin finish.
Good value at $15-18. |
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March 2005 |
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| Producer - |
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Rosenblum |
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Region/Appellation:
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San
Francisco Bay, Contra Costa County |
| Vintage -
2003 |
| Rating -
RM91 |
| Price
- $18 |
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"Heritage Clones," Petit
Syrah 2003 .
RM 91 Great value at $19. Intense
black inky color exhibiting lots of
distinct flavors. This wine abounds
with ripe blackberry, plum, pepper
and spice. |
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November 2004 |
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| Producer - |
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Covey Run |
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Region/Appellation:
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Columbia Valley,
Washington |
| Vintage -
2002 |
| Rating -
RM88 WS 88 |
| Price
- $9 |
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WS Review - Great value at
$9.
Crisp in texture, dense
in flavor, with layers of ripe
blackberry, currant and peppery spice
flavors that have more up front than on
the spicy, fresh cedar finish. Drink now
through 2008. 45,000 cases made.
(HS)
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October 2004 |
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Producer - |
Tremendous value at $13 - Intense full
forward black berry, what Robt Parker calls
"scorched earth and coffee" giving way to
intense black pepper with a long lingering
pronounced fruit of vanilla and plum or
blueberry on the long oaky and tannic
finish.
40% Monastrell, 40% Tempranillo,
20% Syrah |
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Bodegas de Murcia Dominio de la Peseta Crianza |
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Region/Appellation:
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Alicante Valencia, Spain |
| Vintage -
2001 |
| Rating -
RM88 RP 88 |
| Price
- $13 |
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September 2004 |
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Producer:
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Firm forward spicy plum, black
cherry and raspberry flavor that's rich, ripe
and deep. This is always very popular and
enjoyable wine for parties and everyday
drinking. Very good with bar-b-que, pasta,
cheeses, and hor d 'ovres. I recommend this
often for parties and its always a popular
choice.
|
| Domaine Raspail-Ay |
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Region/Appellation:
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Rhone - Gigondas |
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Vintage:
2003 |
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Rating:
N/R |
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Price:
$18 |
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August 2004 |
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Producer:
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MARQUIS PHILIPS SHIRAZ |
Robert Parker said of the 2002
vintage "The exciting, saturated inky
purple-colored 2002 Shiraz reveals a gorgeous
perfume of blackberry liqueur, white flowers,
vanilla, and a hint of figs. Opulent, voluptous,
and sexy, it is both flamboyant and immensely
satisfying. This big, silky, flesh bomb should
drink well for 3-4 years. For the price it
offers unbelievable value. 93 Points." This one
isn't as good as the 2002 but still as good
value none-the-less. |
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Wine:
Southeast Australia Shiraz |
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Region/Appellation:
Australia |
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Vintage:
2003 |
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Rating:
N/R |
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Price:
$15 |
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Where to find it:
At select wineshops. |
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June - July 2004 |
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Producer:
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Ravenswood |
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Wine:
Southeast Australia Shiraz |
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Region/Appellation:
Australia |
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Vintage:2002 |
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Rating:
RM 88 |
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Price:
$12 |
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Where to find it:
Widely available |
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Comments:
Full forward
rich fruit of ripe berry and peppery cherry with a
cedar finish. First tasted
Mar 8
at distributor
release tour where this was a standout from this
California house known for its single vineyard
Zinfandels. Its now available and a terrific value at
$12 for everyday drinking. Consistent notes with
June 1
tasting. |
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March - April 2004 |
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Producer:
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Rosemount |
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Wine:
Syrah |
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Region/Appellation:
McLarenVale |
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Vintage:2000 |
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Rating:
WS RM 93 |
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Price:
$26 |
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Where to find it:
Binny's |
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| Comments: |
| This is a wine that I bought
on sale in recent years for $33 when it was listed for
$39. The release price has crept up to $53 yet Binny's
throughout Chicagoland has a boatload of it for sale at $26
and for while it was $23!
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