Naia Las Brisas Verdejo 2005

Rueda is an old winemaking area that has recently found a second lease of life, evolving rapidly since winning DO status in 1980. The terroir, which lies on the high northern meseta, spreads out spaciously on gently rolling land between towns that played an important part in Spain's medieval history.

The Las Brisas 2005 Verdejo displays a brilliant golden color with great clarity. The nose is unique with a slightly earthy tone from the gravel soil and a rich, almost orange citrus hint to the underlying mineral tone. The mouth feel is light to medium with balanced acidity upfront.
As you swirl the wine in your mouth, the flavors of rich, ripe lemon comes across and almost cuts the acidity in the wine. Refreshing on the finish it should pair well with and fish or chicken dishes.

$8.99 per bottle

Chateau Haut Rian Bordeaux Blanc 2005

What, you may ask, is an Alsatian doing in charge of a Bordeaux chateau? Making extraordinary white wines is the obvious answer. Michel Dietrich left the family estate in Kaysersberg to seek his fate, and as luck and love had it, he found success as the owner of Château Haut Rian. A large estate of 80 hectares, Haut Rian sweeps up the bluffs from the appellation Premières Côtes de Bordeaux inland to Entre-Deux Mers, even touching into Cadillac.

The chateau's production of dry white wine is labeled simply Bordeaux Blanc Sec, and is made from 35% Sauvignon Blanc and 65% Semillon. Planted in predominantly calcaire limestone soils, the grapes are harvested in the cool early-morning air and fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks. Château Haut Rian is a lively, clean, crisp, and delightfully fruity blend, with lovely citrus notes and a lush, lingering finish.

$11.99 per bottle

Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Over the past decade, it only seems as if David Hickinbotham has single-handedly buil up one of the most dynamic vineyard operations in all of South Australia. However, close examination reveals that his grape growing vision has been over a century in the making and his accomplishments are the natural extension of the Hickinbotham family history.

David followed in the family legacy and planted vineyards, but due to capital restraints could only dry farm. This produced grapes of intense flavor that captured the distinctive character of McLaren Vale fruit. Over the years the quality of the grapes enabled David to sell to high profile producers in the fine wine world such as Clarendon Hills. Penfolds also used the Clarendon fruit in several vintages of their flagship wine, Grange.

The color is dark purple and the bouquet is attractive, subtle oak with ripe, juicy berry fruits, and hints of mint. The palate is mouth-filling with ripe blue berry fruit flavors with balanced soft tannins and a generous lasting finish. Delicious drinking now, it will age well for several years if desired.

$8.99 per bottle

Henry Lagarde Malbec 2005

Capitan Pereyra and his brother founded the Lagarde winery in 1897, but with no descendants he sold to the Pescarmona family in 1977. They continue to preserve the tradition of creating high quality wines from Lagarde winery's own vineyards.

This wine shows an intense deep color with ruby red highlights. On the nose, it is fresh and clean with complex and abundant blackberry, cassis and vanilla aromas. Soft with pleasant tannins and a velvety berry flavor supported by a medium body. Overall this elegant Malbec is in perfect harmonic balance and ideal to enjoy with steaks, chicken, rabbit and all kind of pasta dishes.

$14.99 per bottle