November Rave Picks
Martin Schaetzel Pinot Gris 2005
Pinot Gris
Alsace, ,,
France
Liquid gold! A touch of Botrytis (the “Noble Rot”) adds a hint of sweetness and length to the already crazy-long finish. Chock full of apricot and vanilla but well-balanced acidity keeps it from being syrupy. Yes it’s an 05. Yes it’s drinking very well. And if that’s not enough, Topolobampo just selected it for one of their tasting menus!
$20.00
Boxhead Shiraz 2008
Shiraz (Syrah)
South Australia, ,,
Australia
Bright and jammy, offering a nice mouthful of black cherry and citrusy spice flavors that linger nicely on the easygoing finish.
$12.50
Lioco Chardonnay 2008
Chardonnay
Sonoma County, California,
USA
Record frosts, drought, and fires made 2008 one of the more challenging harvests in California’s history. That said, quality was superb. There was a very small crop of highly concentrated, beautifully balanced Chardonnay. An orgy of orchard fruits—more specifically stone-fruit pits—meet with rock dust and dried lemon peels. Mouth watering.
$20.00
Fireblock Old Vine Grenache 2004
Grenache
Clare Valley, ,,
Australia
“Lithe, supple and appealing for its dark, meaty flavors, offering cherry and pepper notes that linger on the velvety finish.” Wine Spectator
$18.50
Alta Vista Malbec 2008
Malbec
Mendoza, ,,
Argentina
This is big, forward Malbec. Full bodied and juicy this wine is brimming with ripe, dark fruits with a touch of earth on the finish. Not overly toasted as many of the new Malbecs are. Very drinkable.
$14.50
Brandborg Gewurztraminer 2007
Gewurztraminer
Umpqua Valley, Oregon,
USA
“Brandborg really knocks it out of the park with this Gewürztraminer, the strongest in a very solid lineup of white wines. It perfectly captures the oily, floral essence of the grape, in a dense, focused wine loaded with citrus oil, Key lime, and tropical fruits. Great length and balance.” Wine Enthusiast
$17.00
Delas Freres Cotes du Rhone 2007
75% Syrah 25% Grenache
Rhone, ,,
France
“The amazing 2007 Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit (75% Syrah and 25% Grenache) reveals a northern Rhone orientation, but it is loaded with spice and black fruits, and displays a beautiful opulent texture as well as a gorgeous finish with impressive purity. Chateauneuf du Pape has also benefitted from the new attention to detail and upgraded quality. The good news is that there are about 1,500 cases of this cuvee.” Wine Advocate
$15.00
Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais L'Ancien 2007
Gamay
Beaujolais, Burgundy,
France
“Vivid aromas and flavors of tart fresh cherry are allied to flowers and distilled berries in the nose and a positively chewy sense of fruit skin on the palate. Salty, chalky notes add complexity to the most invigorating and indelible finish you are apt to encounter in any under-$20 red wine.” Wine Advocate
$18.00
St Urbans-Hof Riesling QBA 2008
Rieslin
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, ,,
Germany
Incorporating fruit from the upper reaches of the towering Laurentiuslay as well as from Leiwener Klostergarten and Wiltinger Schlangengraben – smells pungently of orange zest, sage, and under-ripe apricot. A honeyed cast on the palate – supported by well-judged residual sugar – offers an attractive foil to the wine’s pungency and lively acidity. Citrus oil, apricot skin tartness, and wet stone mark the considerable finish of this excellent value, best suited for enjoyment over the next couple of years.
$16.00
Bodegas La Guarda Syrah/Malbec 2008
Syrah, Malbec
Tulum Valley, ,,
Argentina
The vineyards of Bodegas La Guarda are located 40 miles from the capital of San Juan, in the district of Sarmiento, in the Tulum Valley area. 2460 ft above sea level with the Andes Mountain range in the background. The altitude and dry weather is perfect for producing quality grapes. This blend is wonderful! Typical black cherry fruit, earth and a lingering finish - it’s a STEAL!
$12.00