October Rave Picks
Kotare Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, ,,
New Zealand
A light bodied, dry, crisp wine with powerful gooseberry and underlying currant and nettle tones on the palate. Firm mouth-watering acidity is balanced by a full yet elegant palate with a mineral finish and flavors that linger.
$15.50
White Cottage Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa Valley, California,
USA
This wine begins with a rich and inviting nose, filled with pineapple, citrus blossom, tropical fruits and green apple. Loads of big and balanced fruit hit the mid-palate, leading with rich lemon meringue, kiwi, crisp pear and tangerine. The finish is quite long with acid that is solid yet soft. Delicious champagne-like toasty yeast, along with ripe mango flavors, last for minutes and leaves you wanting more!
$17.50
Coca I Fito Jaspi 2007
40% Grenache 30% Cabernet 20% Carignan 10% Tempranillo
Montsant, ,,
Spain
“A blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carignan, and 10% Tempranillo aged four months in French and American oak. Excellent aromas of mineral, black raspberry, and black cherry lead to an intense, ripe, spicy, full-bodied wine with layers of savory fruit. Drink this pleasure-bent effort over the next six years.” Wine Advocate
$18.00
Creta Roble 2006
Tempranillo
Ribera del Duero, ,,
Spain
“Sourced from a single vineyard at 850 meters of elevation, the highest vineyard in Ribera del Duero. The wine was aged for 4 to 5 months in French and American oak. Purple/black in color, the nose reveals cedar, mineral, damp earth, and assorted black fruits. Powerful on the palate, this tannic, structured effort has superb depth and grip and should evolve for 3-4 years. Drink it from 2011 to 2020.” Wine Advocate
$15.50
Villalta Valpolicella Ripasso 2007
Multiple indigenous varieties
Valpolicella, ,,
Italy
Made using the Ripasso technique of passing the wine over semi-dried grapes used to make Amarone, creating a secondary fermentation. Made from traditional, indigenous varieties, the wine is ripe and concentrated. Aromas of dark chocolate and roasted nuts. Stew anyone?
$15.00
Bilbainas Vina Zaco 2006
Tempranillo
Rioja, ,,
Spain
“Black cherry and blackberry flavors are framed by smoky chocolate oak in this modern red, which is taut and focused, with firm tannins and bright acidity. Drink now through 2012. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.” Wine Spectator
$16.50
Vin du Lac Pinot Gris 2007
Pinot Gris
Columbia Valley, Washington,
USA
“Grisant means Exhilarating! Heady! Which this wine is: ripe, rich and full bodied, with mingling aromas of grapefruit, pear and melon, yet with a crisp, dry finish. It is great with seafood or to share with friends after a Grisant! day.” The Winery
$15.50
Matrot Bourgogne Chardonnay 2007
Chardonnay
Cote d'Or, Burgundy,
France
Pears on the nose, and of course, apples; malic (cream). Pretty round despite its acidity, quite refreshing and easy, already balanced. A little touch of white licorice on the finish.
$20.00
Le Miccine Chianti Classico 2005
85% Sangiovese 10% Malvasia Nera 5% Italian Merlot
Chianti Classico, Tuscany,
Italy
A small production of just 470 cases provide the winemaker the ability to hand-craft this Chianti from traditional grapes - Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Italian Merlot. Aged for 30 months (12 of which are in French Oak) the wine is wonderfully mellow yet full of deep flavors. Pasta with meat sauce, pizza or steak Italiano anyone?
$19.50