Fabulously delicious. Medium-bodied and flirtatious. Fragrant blackberry that explodes in your mouth then kisses you with smoky oak, rich vanilla, ripe plum and black cherry. Finish is forever. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15
... Read More »Chill with Friends
Wines for hanging out with friends.
Shooting Star Black Bubbles Syrah Lake County
Blackberry, cherry, bittersweet chocolate, and a slight warming tinge of vanilla, washed down with a tannin structure worthy of a cabernet. This California take on sparkling shiraz is refreshing, and even tasty when warm.4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15
... Read More »Château du Tertre de Launay 2007 Blanc Entre Deux Mers
This French shy blend features crisp yet soft green apple and herby chamomile. Bone dry and austere, it needs food to make it sing but it’s still personable alone. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $13
... Read More »High Note 2007 Malbec Uco Valley Mendoza
Malbec is the new merlot — a rising star in the drinking ranks. And Argentina’s Mendoza region has a lock on the supply. High Note is fruity, with raspberry, bright red cherry, sweet vanilla spice and a swath of earthy coffee down the tongue. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=3
... Read More »La Freynelle 2007 White Bordeaux Entre Deux Mers
Entre Deux Mers is a little-known wine region in France’s Bordeaux, so scrumptious wines like this one come cheap. Light, dry and citrusy with bracing acidity, earthy chamomile tea, green grass, wet stones and an almost nutty character. Delicious and quenching. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=1 out ... Read More »
Helfrich 2007 Riesling Alsace (France)
This semi-dry riesling smells like Estee Lauder perfume then eases into honeyed tangerine, lemon and luscious honeysuckle. Finishes with crisp acidity and wet stone minerality. Complex and deliciously affordable. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $12
... Read More »Bonny Doon 2008 Vin Gris de Cigare California
From Randall Grahm’s infamous Bonny Doon winery comes a grenache-based rosé that smells like a fresh spring day. Zesty citrus, steely raspberry and orange blossom flavors with a clean, refreshing, red apple finish. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15
... Read More »Yangarra Estate 2007 Rosé
Not your everyday pink, this strapping, bright, fruit-driven wine has bright cherry, enough velvety tannins to satisfy a red drinker, and a delicious raspberry finish. High in bracing acidity too. Almost perfect. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $13
... Read More »Kangarilla Road 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale
Winemaker Kevin O’Brien calls his wines “built for drinking,” and he ain’t lying. Soft, fruity and sexy with round, easy, vanilla tannins. Ripe raspberry and blueberry jump out of the glass. Slightly sweet on the palate but finishes dry, oaky and graceful.4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out ... Read More »
d’Arenberg 2004 Lovegrass Shiraz McLaren Vale
Cutesy name aside, Lovegrass is serious wine: Bright, delicious black cherry and plum; tender, leather vanilla-tinged tannins; white pepper, cloves, cedar spice and eucalyptus. Dangerously delicious and soft. The 2004 is fantastic, but any vintage of Lovegrass will do. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 ... Read More »
Paringa 2007 Shiraz South Australia
Like an Australian fruit salad: blueberry and blackberry followed up by a smidge of eucalyptus and a wash of soft leather. Dry and medium bodied with good acidity.3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $10
... Read More »Tres Ojos 2007 Garnacha Calatayud
One of the best vintages in years in Spain
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