December Rave Picks
Robert Karl Claret 2006
40% Cabernet 20% Merlot 20% Cabernet Franc 15% Petit Verdot 5% Malbec
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington,
USA
“One of the finest bargains of my Washington tastings is the 2006 Claret, a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec. It spent 23 months in 60% new French oak. Purple-colored, it offers an alluring bouquet of wood smoke, spice box, violets, cassis, and blackberry. Elegant on the palate, it has layers of tasty fruit, excellent balance, a bit of structure, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.” Wine Advocate
$20.00
Chateau Moulin de la Roquille 2006
70% Merlot 25% Cabernet 5% Cabernet Franc
,, ,,
France
One of the small gems of this little-known appellation, it is produced mainly from Merlot with a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon that is quite high for the region as well as a touch of Cabernet Franc with its peppery character. A nice value in the under $20 category. Great with steaks, beef rib roast and fondue.
$19.50
Gonzalo Pastor Tempranillo 2007
Tempranillo
Rioja, ,,
Spain
Excellent new arrival to the Illinois market! Aged 6 months in American and French oak barrels. Intense aromas of red and black berries with hints of licorice, with a lovely base of clean oak and vanilla. Fresh and tasty on the palate, rounded and balanced, with good acidity and a red fruit and vanilla finish with nice length.
$16.00