Best Wines
California
Petroni Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma $24*****
Star bright yellow straw color. Ripe citrus fruit with flavors of grapefruit and white peaches. Hints of slight oak and aged oak. A complex, fruit driven wine that has depth and roundness. An intense and lingering finish make this wine stand out from all others. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on a volcanic hillside estate in the Mayacamas Mountains. Aged in old French oak barrels for 8 months. BEST VAREITAL, BEST WINE!
Petroni Vineyards 2005 Brunello di Sonoma $60 *****
Made from grapes that were grown on the proprietors 30 year old vineyards, planted with Sangiovese cuttings from Montalcino and UC Davis. Twenty months in new and used puncheons and French Oak Barrels. A concentrated earth driven wine with flavors of sweet tobacco, tea, tart cherries, crab apple and red apples. Complex and rich, this is the best Sangiovese we have tasted from California!
BEST VAREITAL, BEST WINE!
Artezin 2009 Artezin Zinfandel, Mendocino, $18****
Bright ruby color with nice clarity. A soft and feminine style Zin, that is not overdone. Aromas of black pepper, cinnamon and all spice. Lush mouthfeel with smooth tannins.91% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, 1% Carignan. Elegant and well crafted wine. www.hesscollection.com/
BEST WINE
Hess Select 2008 Hess Collection SU'SKOL, Napa Valley, $22 ****
Excellent color. Creamy, juicy with great well integrated oak finish. 20% aged in New French Oak. Honeysuckle & Asian pear aromas. Not your typical Chardonnay. This wine has an old style quality with minerality. Pair with chicken, roast cauliflower or raw oysters! www.hesscollection.com/
STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD!
Merry Edwards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, $30 ****
A vineyard blend, with more than 42% of the grapes coming from vineyards that over 30 years of age. Nice lemon color, great intensity on the nose, gooseberry, herbaceous with grapefruit! Barrel fermented in French Oak Barrels.
http://www.merryedwards.com/
BEST VARIETAL, BEST SPLURGE WORTHY WINE!
Merry Edwards 2008 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $60 ****
Wonderful deep ruby color. Intriguing nose with exotic, spicy and earthy flavors. Layers of complexity with dark cherry, orange rind and cured meat. Hold for 5 years! Great with duck confit, pate or roasted chestnuts.
http://www.merryedwards.com/
BEST SPLURGE WORTHY WINE!
Lander-Jenkins 2009 Chardonnay, California,$15 ***1/2
Classic bright lemon color. Nice intensity with great citrus and peach flavors. Creamy mouthfeel with a long finish. Made from a blend of grapes from Lodi, Trinity and Napa Valley. Blend: 95% Chardonnay, 5% Muscat Canelli
www.rutherfordwine.com
EXCELLENT VALUE!
Lander-Jenkins 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, California,$15 ****
The second vintage for Lander-Jenkins cab contains a blend of grapes sourced from Paso Robles, Napa Valley and Other California regions. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Zinfandel, 2% Barbera. Light ruby color. Floral flavors, roses, red currant, cheery and mint flavors. Full-bodied with strong tannins and lingering finish.
www.rutherfordwine.com
BEST BUY!
William Hill Estate Winery 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay,$25 ****
Nice deep color with a sophisticated nose. Hints of hazelnuts, toast and biscuit. Butter and brown spice with elegant acidity. Very intense and worth the price.
BEST VARIETAL
Scott Family Estate 2008 Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, $39****
Ruby red garnet color. Nice Pinot Noir nose with with hints of roses, mushrooms and forest floor. Great aromatics and acidity. A true Burgundian classic that shows its = terroir. Pair with game, beef or veal tenderloin. This is a very food friendly wine.
Honorable Mention
NEW YORK
2009 Castello di Borghese Estate Riesling, North Fork Long Island,$25 ****
Great pale lemon color. Excellent minerality on the nose, slight petrol scents, with a distinctive aroma of fresh baked bread and Granny Smith apple. Barrel aged. High acidity with a nice dry finish. Pair with pork roast & sauerkraut.
www.castellodiborghese.com
BEST VARIETAL, BEST SURPRISE WINE!
WASHINGTON
Seven Hills Winery 2008 Merlot, Columbia Valley,$28****
Great deep ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, black cherries, plums and spice cake. Excellent structure and tannins. Soft feminine, lingering finish. Pair with most weeknight fare.
VERY DRINKABLE-A CROWD PLEASER!
ARGENTINA
Alamos 2008 Alamos Sellecion Malbec, Mendoza $20****
Dark ruby almost opaque color. Bold aromas of raspberry, boysenberry and
coffee. Rich mouthfeel with a lingering finish. This is a "Big Red" total
capable of pairing well with juicy steaks or pork chops.
www.alamoswines.com/
BEST VARIETAL!
ITALY
Banfi Toscana 2009 Banfi Le Rime Pinot Grigio,$9****
Nice green hue. Medium bodied, nice on the nose. A classic example of finely made Pinot Grigio.
www.banfivintners.com
Bella Sera- IGT Veneto 2009 Pinot Grigio, $11***
Pale straw color, taste of bruised apple, neutral, low acidity. Light fruitiness. Excellent summer sipper!