Wine Lists... Click here for the index to our wine lists on this site.

Current Newsletter (pdf)

Archived Newsletters

Archived Wines of the Month

Sample Cases April / May 2008

Wines of the Month April / May 2006

This is an archived list . For the current list, please go here.

White Wines

	Alta Vista Torrontes 2003 Alta Vista is a family owned winery in the sprawling province of Mendoza, Argentina's largest and most important viticultural area. There in Mendoza, in the foothills of the towering Andes at an elevation in excess of 3500 feet, the D'Aulan family cultivates the finest and most traditional of Argentinean grapes: Torrontes and Malbec. Like all of the best hillside vineyards in the Mendoza, Alta Vista uses only the pure melting snows of the Andes to water its vineyards. At Alta Vista, which means high view, the grapes ripen slowly but completely due to the high elevation and the sunniest weather of any viticultural area on earth. Their Torrontes offers a lovely bouquet of rose petals, lichee and delicate spice, followed by a mouth full of ripe fruit and an exuberant finish that reminds you that this wine is indeed dry, but not astringent. It is a fun summertime wine that craves food. We recommend it with Vietnamese and Thai offerings, especially those dishes that have been prepared with lemongrass. $6.99
	Brander Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Being one of the winemaking pioneers of Santa Barbara County, the Brander Vineyard is a Sauvignon Blanc specialist producing a range of distinctive and flavorful Sauvignon cuvees since 1977. In making this cuvee Brander blended their best estate fruit with the best Sauvignon Blanc grown in other vineyards in the Los Olivos area. Crisp and dry with floral aromas and the true varietal expression, it combines cold tank fermentation with a small portion of barrel fermentation. Pungent aromas of lime and grapefruit pith, quinine and ginger. Juicy, pure and very dry, with moderately intense flavors of quinine, mint and ginger ale. Very crisp and fresh. Perfect with seafood and grilled chicken. $14.99
	Domäne Wachau 2004 Gruner Veltliner The largest cooperative in the Wachau valley, Freie Weingartner consists of 750 members. The showplace of the winery is the Durnstein abbey which is depicted on the label. Freie Weingartner's pride and joy are Domane Wachau wines. Their purpose is to emphasize the powerful terroir characteristics of the valley. Only 15% of the cooperative's entire production goes into Domane Wachau. Fresh straw yellow in color, a bouquet of gooseberries is accented with hints of green apple and white pepper. It is medium bodied with a mix of citrus, apple and peach fruit flavors. A light mineral character lingers on the finish and vibrant acidity makes the palate hum. “Terrassen” signifies that this wine is sourced from multiple terraced vineyards, while the term "Federspiel" is a quality designation (specific to the Wachau from lowest to highest: Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd). $13.99

Red Wines

	Louis Latour Pinot Noir 2003 The family-run company of Maison Louis Latour, passed down from father to son for over 10 generations, is one of the most highly-respected négociants in Burgundy. Renowned throughout the world for the quality of both its red and white wines, the company has built a reputation for tradition and innovation. Bourgogne Pinot Noir is the regional appellation and the fruit can come from any part of Burgundy. At Maison Louis Latour they select only the best grapes from the best vineyard plots to make this 'cuvée' which represents top quality and value for money. From the wonderfully warm vintage of 2003, it exhibits characteristics of much more expensive Burgundies. Noble and full, it has a resplendent color combining grace with vigor and associating strength with finesse. On the palate fresh raspberries are in evidence. $11.99
	The Wolftrap 2004 Founded in 1776, Boekenhoutskloof is one of the oldest farms situated up the "Valley" in the Franschhoek foothills. Marc Kent is the winemaker, cellarmaster, and part owner of this homestead and wine farm. Until now, all of Marc's wines have been in the $25 + range. And, they were worth it! We liked The Wolftrap when we first tasted it. When we later discovered that it was from Boekenhoutskloof., we were even more impressed. Ripe and spicy fruit flavors dominate this wild, aromatic red blend. It is rich, juicy and full with a generous texture. French oaking detail is obvious on the nose and palate and extends to the lengthy, elegant finish of this wine. A blend of 47% Merlot, 14% Grenache, 14% Malbec, 12% Syrah, 8% Ruby Cabernet, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cinsault. $10.99
	Trentadue 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Few other wine producers have more hands-on experience in their own vineyards than the Trentadue family. A father and son team, Leo and Victor Trentadue have more than 60 years of combined experience in every aspect of viticulture on their 208 acre Geyserville estate. The old adage, experience is the best teacher, is borne out by the rich fruit they nuture in their vineyards. From two warm regions, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, the 2003 Cabernet is well-ripened with classic flavors of sweet blackcurrants, cassis, cherry pie and dark chocolate. The tannins are worthy of mention for their velvety texture. There is a lot of enjoyment here, at a relatively inexpensive price. $14.99