Up to $7.00

 

Mount Pleasant 2005 Pink Catawba, Missouri

This wine of Midwestern grape essence is perfect for the consumer who wants grape wine that tastes like grapes! Though plenty sweet, the combination of 8% residual sugar with ample alcohol provides a balance just about the same as fresh table grapes. Though most would find it too sweet to serve as a table wine, it is a refreshing quaff on a warm summer day.

 

$7.01 to $10.00

 

Firelands Isle St. George 2005 Pinot Grigio, Ohio

Bright, pure, racy, cool, northern-grown take on Pinot Grigio. Light notes of apple, melon, hazelnut, and candle wax. Nicely polished presentation. Dry, crisp, and mouthwatering, Granny Smith apple flavor. Attractive fruit smoothness, countered by refreshing apple-peel astringency at the finale. A Wine of Place to match with a Food of Place: Lake Erie walleye.

 

Lynfred Montmorency Cherry, Illinois

Deep-running Montmorency aromas of maraschino and almond. Intense and rich profile. Sweet, nicely polished fruit. Fine acidity creates a cool composure. Very fine-textured fruit extract aiding in the overall balance of the wine. Incredibly long and thorough aftertaste goes on for half a minute and more. A dessert treat all by itself.

 

Fenn Valley Blueberry Harvest, Michigan

The best expression of blueberry we've ever enjoyed in a blueberry wine. You get the whole fruit impression, including the dusky peels. Deep, dark, and refreshing

sweet-tart aspect to the aroma. Lots of peel-extract concentration contributing texture and even tannin to balance the wine's sweetness. Epic fruit saturation, definition, complexity. A near-perfect wine. Reduce a cup, ladle over sautéed chicken breasts, and serve with this special wine, lightly chilled.

 

Lynfred Plum, Illinois

Deep, musky purple-plum and peel aroma that's so rich and concentrated it's like a syrup. Not sticky at all though. In fact, a lovely sense of levity to it. Very pure and intense plum flavor, with an intriguing green-olive note. Good acidity and fruit-peel extracts complete the picture. Try with stir-fried pork in plum sauce.

 

St. James Friendship School, Semi-Dry White, Missouri

Named for a school building on the winery grounds that used to educate early Italian immigrants. Made from French-hybrid grape varieties. Delicate, uplifting scents of pear, stone fruits, flowers, and powder-puff. Very flavorful; the fruit and flower aromas echo loudly. Mildly sweet, with adequate acidity for balance. Soft and mellow finale. Serve with a fruit salad.

 

Rosemount 2005 Traminer-Riesling, Southeastern Australia

Traminer contributes a pungent, zesty, candied-ginger scent that couples nicely with the tropical fruit and flowers Australian Riesling profile. Very zesty, ginger nip on the tongue, with a soft balm of fruit sweetness to frost and to sooth it. Very savory aftertaste of rose, ginger, and tropicals. Nice with sweet-and-sour Asian cuisine.

 

$10.01 to $14.00

 

Chateau Grand Traverse Old Mission Peninsula 2004 Edelzwicker, Michigan

This ‘noble blend' of Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer is an Alsace tradition that Chateau Grand Traverse has skillfully adopted. The zesty aromas of Gewürztraminer sure make their mark: dry and fine fragrances of rose, ginger and orange peel. Muscat shows dried apricot, Riesling offers nectarine and flowers, and the Pinots melon, nut, and paraffin. Complex, complementary fruit mélange of flavors. Near dry and tender in texture, with welcome dash of cleansing astringency to accompany its long, complex aftertaste. Suitable for a wide range of Thai and Indian dishes.

 

Forestville 2000 Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Precisely what a good North Coast Cabernet should be at $10-$14; the berry and ripe, Italian plum-like fruit dominate the nose and continue on to coat the tongue through the very lush, juicy, soft finish. This versatile wine is at home with steaks off the grill, roast chicken or even salmon.

 

Henry Estate Umpqua Valley 2005 Muller-Thurgau, Oregon

Does Henry Estate produce the consummate American Muller-Thurgau, or what?! And this 2005 is one of its best ever! The classic apple-blossom aroma of this varietal, as bright and beautiful as a spring day in the orchard. Plus an amazing range of spicy extras not often seen in Muller-Thurgau. Dry, cool, tingly, penetrating apple and spices scents. Zesty, spicy tingle in the mouth too. Mild, Kabinett-level sweetness and the usual mild acidity of the varietal. It's the zestiness that counters the sweetness to form a welcome balance. Enjoy with fresh-water fish in a light cream sauce.

 

Luna Rossa Miabres Valley 2005 Symphony, New Mexico

Seldom-seen hybrid grape variety with Semillon and Traminer parentage. How's that for wine esoteria! Very cool fragrance of rose and cold cream. Finely burnished texture etches the nostrils. Ventilating, precise Symphony characteristics. Big, floral flourish bursts out on the palate, filling every corner of the mouth. Mild sweetness seems to elevate the flavors and saturate the senses. Fine astringency modulates it. Very fresh, very long, lingering finish. Serve with the confectionary, Turkish Delight.

 

Ecco Domani 2004 Chianti, Italy

Lovely, limpid ruby color characteristic of the ‘04 Tuscan reds (Chiantis are usually garnet). Focused and precise dried-cherry aroma. Lots of anise extras give an enticing springerle impression. Great purity overall. Cherry and anise flavors reverberate. Tender fruit sweetness meets racy fruit acidity. The whole flows gently and cooly through a delicious finish. Enjoy with free-range chicken roasted in a wood-fired oven.

 

Kiona 2003 Lemberger, Washington

Fresh, soft, and succulent aroma of blue grapes and blueberries.Sweet-scented, ripe and fulfilled. Nice, spicy nip of cracked pepper and clove adds vigor to the smooth fruit texture. Soft acidity–just right in this case–and light tannin. While we've enjoyed several past vintages of Kiona's Lemberger, this 2003 impresses as the most accomplished ever. Serve with lightly pan-fried beef liver.

 

Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs Columbia Valley Brut, Washington

The pronounced flinty, yeasty nose with delicate fruit and a soft off-dry palate are juicy and soft enough to enjoy throughout a meal, even dessert!

 

Wolf Blass 2003 ”Yellow Label“ Shiraz, S. Australia

The aroma is still just a bit closed, but the really extraordinary peppery complexity cannot be ignored. In the middle of the soft, juicy palate impression, an exotic surprise burst of dried violets and rich seasoned oak surface and then trail off through the fine soft finish. This is a wine to buy by the case. One will never tire or it. It is certainly not too heavy and will pair nicely with just about any savory dish.

 

Tabor Home NV Marachal Foch Nouveau, Iowa

It has a pretty, bright red color. The nose is full of blueberries and hints of wild grapes. The soft, easy balance of semi-sweet grape flavors and fresh acidity make it a good choice with BBQ ribs or spicy Mexican foods.

 

Calamity Jane Prairie Berry American Red Table Wine, S. Dakota

Clean as a whistle, pure fruit essence of Native American grapes dominate every aspect of this wine. It is juicy and very grapey without foxy, wet wool character that often detracts from wine made from American grape species. The finish offers an impression of strawberries, almond and maraschino cherries. This is a grape wine intended for ”sipping“ as the sweet flavor might not work well with most foods.

 

Simon Creek Vineyards ”Untouchable Red“ Ruby Cabernet, Wisconsin

Beautiful Bordeaux-like smell of pure Cabernet fruit with earth subtleties in the nose combines with bright, herbal nuances to add complexity to the cherry/berry-like palate impression. The rather fanciful label does not do justice to the serious red wine in the bottle that would be a natural partner to steaks, chops and road kill (just kidding).

 

Forestville 2000 Sonoma Reserve Merlot, California

A very distinguished nose of fine red fruit and earth continues into the lush, classy palate impression finishing with a long, perfectly balanced finish. Serve it with pepper crusted pork loin or try eggplant parmiginana.

 

Cask & Cream Superior Caramel Temptation Cream Liquor, California

The strong smell of toasty caramel, sweet cream and hazelnut are both intriguing and inviting. The mouth feel is both creamy and volatile finishing with a warming sensation of homemade condensed milk custard. Serve it as a dessert for a non-filling, sweet finish to any meal.

 

$14.01 to $18.00

 

Brotherhood Winery 2004 Finger Lakes Pinot Noir, New York

Fine, pure Pinot fruit, delicate, but persistent, violets and exotic spice essence linger through the soft, velvety finish; a lovely wine with roast poultry such as rosemary seasoned roast chicken or Thanksgiving turkey.

 

Guenoc Lake County 2002 Petite Sirah, California

An elegant approach to this often dark and frank varietal. Innate loganberry nuance and very attractive oak seasonings elevate it to a higher plane. Fine, forthcoming flavors of oak and fruit. Very smooth feel to it; not a bit rough and tannic. Guenoc continues its string of successes with Petite Sirah. Serve with your best cut of venison.

 

Bianchi Signature Selection Central Coast 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, California

Full, rich-textured, deep and attractive aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit and pear, nicely mellowed after a year in bottle. Well-textured and full-bodied. Some Sauvignon Blancs begin to tire at this age. This one's still on the ascent, gaining in aromatic and textural interest. Good, racy fruit acidity and welcome astringency. Perfect for aged goat cheese.

 

Truro Vineyards Cape Cod Lighthouse Cranberry, Massachusetts

Characteristic sweet-tart cranberry fruit identity, pure, concentrated and well balanced in its presentation. Lovely fruit purity of definition. None of the bitterness that accompanies many other cranberry wines (this is not an easy fruit wine to make!). Thanks to good acidity it doesn't come across overly sweet despite its 6% residual sugar. Bring this on with Thanksgiving turkey. In fact, use some for basting too.

 

Falkner Winery 2002 Temecula Valley Merlot, California

Strawberry, green herbs and terra cotta smells embrace well-focused red fruit and rich mouth coating tannin that lingers. This is a wine to serve with grilled Delmonicos slathered with herb butter.

 

M. Cosentino 2003 Lodi Dolcetto, California

The big, potent nose full of fruit is greeted by a palate of vivid, red fruit, berry-like bitterness and soft tannins. The finish also possesses a distinct bitter component that would pair nicely with chicken cacciatore or veal scaloppini.

 

Magnotta Niagara Peninsula 2004 Vidal Ice Wine, Ontario, Canada

Deep, rich golden color prepares one for the avalanche of honey, dried apricots, raisins, cream and almond that fills the nose and cascades across the palate. The almost hot sweetness stays on the palate for several seconds compelling another sip before it vanishes. It is potent enough to enjoy with cigars and glazed pecans.

 

J. Lohr Paso Robles ”Los Osos“ 2003 Merlot, California

Earth, pine and spicy red fruit greet the nose while an inner core of black fruit emerges on the palate. That ripe, black fruit balances very ample tannin, too. This is positively a Merlot with a presence and a future. Enjoy it now with a succulent pork roast or in a few years with leg of lamb.

 

LaVelle 2004 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon

Classic cherry/mushroom Pinot character in the nose is followed by soft lush strawberry-like taste in the middle. The finish is long and soft. It will be a hit with turkey breast or veal escalope.

 

Henry Estate Umpqua Valley 2004 Pinot Noir, Oregon

Fine, delicate Pinot nose of black cherry with subtle earth and truffle nuances emerges on entry and is followed by a very soft finish. It would make a nice mate for fettuccini Alfredo, flavorful cheese or Beef Stroganoff.

 

$18.01 to $22.00

 

Quail Ridge Napa Valley 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Very pretty raspberry and red currant snappiness. Fine oak veneer, polished satin-smooth. Aromas run deep. The finely polished texture confirmed. Attractive herbal highlights. Fine-grained tannins. Juicy, berry-flavored finish. Shows real Napa Valley cabernet finesse. Serve with–what else?–roast quail!

 

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey 2004 Merlot, Colorado

Rich black fruit and elderberries mingle with earth and spice. Rich tannin structure gives way to an explosion of more elderberry right up front and throughout the long, velvety, fruit finish. This is an ideal wine with steaks and chops.

 

Norman 2003 ”Conquest“ Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Fine, clear, fruit purity in the nose is complimented by rich, soft red berry and black currant-like nuances. The huge tannins at the finish are richer and firmer than they are harsh. The lushness and juiciness in the middle would make rare-cooked venison or rack of lamb a good choice.

 

Luna 2002 Rossa Mimbres Valley Zinfandel, New Mexico

Deep, dark chocolate/cherry-like smells combine with the soft, juicy, lush palate makes it easy to enjoy. The mild tannin structure would make it a great mate for veal, Cornish hen or turkey.

 

Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs Brut, California

The pretty, pale salmon color and the powerful smell of clean limestone and yeast make it immediately appealing. The yeastiness is not toasty, but rather clean and creamy. On the palate, crisp, classy, persistent fruit texture. It’s amazingly fresh without feeling acidic or ”sizzling“ on the tongue. Serve it as you would any Grand Marque.

 

$22.01 to $27.00

 

Husch 2004 Special Reserve Chardonnay, California

Very spicy, floral bouquet, somewhat Viognier-like, with rich, full yellow fruit concentration that stimulates the palate. Like the previous wine, the oak gives the wine a rich feel without any distinct oak flavor getting in the way of the fruit. This wine is also a perfect match for complex seafood or poultry preparations.

 

Gundlach Bundschu 2003 ”Rhein Farm Vyd“ Chardonnay, California

Fine, creamy custard-like citrus and stone fruit smells with rich mouth-coating feel carry through with a refreshing acid tang at the very end. Though certainly oak aged, that characteristic is well in the background. Serve this well-balanced gem with any dish that incorporates a butter or cream sauce such as scallops, halibut or chicken.

 

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey 2004 Merlot Reserve, Colorado

The reserve has a much bigger sense of its terroir than the ”regular“ though it does possess the same intense black fruit / elderberry component which will probably dominate the character once the tannin and red clay-like nuances begin to soften and take a back seat. Enjoy it now with simply prepared grilled meat or lay it down for a few years and serve it with complex-flavored, roasted meat like rosemary and lemon-crusted leg of lamb.

 

Navarro Anderson Valley 2004 Pinot Noir, California

The definition of cool-climate, Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. The fruit is bright and alert, tart and tangy. The oak embellishments are subtle, complex and lovely, adding aromatic nuances such as toast, smoke and warm spices. Very bright, cherry-and-tea pinot flavors. Cool and racy texture. Well-measured acidity and tannin make for a completely lovely experience. Try it with broiled flounder.

 

Orfila Old Vines 2004 Zinfandel, California

Bright and clear, apple-raspberry aroma, often associated with top Dry Creek Valley zins, though the character is not exclusive to those. The more it airs, the more its beautiful aroma billows forth. Yes, there's that apple-raspberry beauty in the palate, and the cracked black pepper spiciness native to fine zinfandel too. Pure, polished and lovely. You don't need to get fancy here. Hamburgers off the grill will do fine.

 

$27.01 to $32.00

 

Bridlewood Santa Ynez Valley 2002 Syrah, California

Deep and lovely aromas. Ripe, rich and loaded with dense, chocolate-laden fruit and lovely oak embellishments. Cherry, blackberry and tobacco flavors alongside oak toasty-spicy characteristics. Very generous, as well as showing aristocratic poise and bearing. Standing rib roast will draw forth its many virtues.

 

East Valley Vineyard 2003 Fusionnay, California

Of Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lovely, toasty, subtle French aromas supply the introduction, followed by deep-seated fruit essences of the myriad varietals (black raspberry, blackberry, black cherry, and dried cherry), which play together in harmony. Rich, ripe, variegated flavor set. The complex fruit mélange and wonderful oak extras are all seamlessly joined. Fine tannin and vivacious fruit acidity complete a whole that well surpasses the sum of its parts. Fusion indeed! We’d serve it with something simple like roast chicken and let the wine supply the complexity.

 

Earthquake Lodi 2004 Petite Sirah, California

Extra ripe, smoky, raisiny. All Petite Sirah, all the time. And nothing petite about this baby. Baby Huey, maybe! Ink-like density and opaqueness. Sweet, soft, powerful, all enveloping. Like a warm loganberry pie in your face! And with its oak and power, almost brandy-like. One intense Lodi Petite Sirah. Bring on a mess o' ribs.

 

Earthquake Lodi 2004 Zinfandel, California

Lodi zin to the max. Warm, but not Central Valley hot. Powerful assault of both fresh and raisined fruit aromas. And candied fruits too. East meets West at Lodi. You get both Coast coolness and Valley warmth.Very bright, definitive Zinfandel flavors of red raspberry and peppercorn, with a licorice nip to boot. Pretty heady stuff at 15.9%, but the alcohol has a cooling rather than burning effect and adds lift to the flavors. Serve with Texas-style BBQ beef brisket.

 

Earthquake Lodi 2004 Syrah, California

Deep, rich, ripe, regal. Wrapped in velvet of Tyrean purple. Fine vanilla and brown-spice oak extras. Shows all the class of fine California syrah. Generous flavors of black raspberry, oak spices and licorice. Cool, racy relief elevates it. Smooth, melted tannins. Serve with raspberries dipped in dark chocolate.

 

Black Coyote 2003 Montes Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Exotic elderberry-like nose with intense spice combine on the palate with raw raspberry and rich, if somewhat medicinal, fruit. The huge tannins from mid palate onward would be very food friendly to rare steaks presently and as the tannins tame down, in a few years, it would make a fine partner for chateaubriand.

 

Rosenblum 2004 Pickett Road Vineyard Petite Sirah, California

Black-red color with huge blackberry fruit tinged with coffee and toasted oak fill the nose while blackberry flavors abound throughout the long, dry finish. It is so lush and full of blackberry fruit that it would pair nicely with game or even spicy meats such as seasoned flank steak.

 

$32.01 to $40.00

 

Amity Vineyards 2003 ”Schouten Vyd“ Pinot Noir, Oregon

Intense, ripe Pinot fruit abounds. It is remarkable not only for its ripe, sweet smell, but also for the lush mouth feel and long velvety tannins that coat the tongue. This wine will continue to develop for the next five years, but is so well-balanced right now that it will be a big hit with well-seasoned rack of lamb or prime rib.

 

Osprey’s Domaine 2002 N. Fork Long Island Merlot Reserve, New York

It has a huge, warm nose with soft, lush, red fruit and forest smells. On the palate, rich red fruit provides an ideal foil for duck or venison. Yet, the texture is soft enough to enjoy with traditional Thanksgiving turkey.

 

Rosenblum Monte Rosso Vineyard 2004 Zinfandel Reserve, California

Deep scents of vanilla-coated black raspberries accompanied by the zesty, peppery, briary aromas of raspberry seeds. Fine set of oak spices adds further complexity. Great focus and precision to the red raspberry flavors. Sweet, soft puree of raspberries, vanilla, and baking spices. Old-vines concentration and vigor. Beautifully crafted and composed. Enjoy with chicken in a sweet, not-too-spicy barbecue sauce.

 

Jost 2005 Ortega Ice Wine, Nova Scotia, Canada

Intensely focused dried fruit and honey greets the nose. Powerful fruit/honey resin grips the palate and coats the mouth staying for several seconds. Though one naturally assumes that dessert wine goes with dessert, ice wine’s fresh acidity which keeps it in balance may work better as an after dinner drink by itself or with coffee than with sweet confections or custards.

 

$40.00+

 

Mission Hill ”SLC“ Okanogan Valley 2004 Riesling Ice Wine, British Columbia, Canada

The crystal clear floral Riesling fruit purity is hard to believe at this level of ripeness. Potent caramel, Cherry Jubilee and honey surround every sip. This a profound wine to simply sip and enjoy.

 

Conn Creek 2002 Anthology, California

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 3% Petit

Verdot–anthology indeed! On entry, deep, cool, minty, discreet and as noble as Tyrean purple. With airing, the fruit becomes large and powerful. Here the wine's refined oak statement comes forth, showing nuances of vanilla, smoke and warm spices. Very silky textured, with juicy fruit acidity and ample but polished tannins. Everything's well integrated, but there remains some youthfulness. Cellar another year or two and bring out to serve with ribeye steaks.

 

V. Sattui Morisoli Vineyard 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Fine, high-toned fruit of sour cherry and cranberry greet the nose while long, rich, soft tannin and juicy fruit essences make this civilized wine good company with flat iron steak or lamb chops.

 

St. Supery Elu Napa Valley 2001 Red, California

Warm, ripe, savory, and powerfully built in the 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet style. Nearly liqueur-like concentration of fabulous fruit essences (blackberry, black currant) coupled with oak and oak char notes that give brandied-fruit extras. Very pure fruit expression of blackberry and black currant embellished with rich oak savor. Full, fine-grained tannins coat the palate. Great cellar potential, though it could be served now with a big, brawny beef dish.

 

Hartwell Stags Leap District 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Totally romantic, gracefully alluring perfume. A whole bouquet of flowers. Lovely blackberry fruit clarity. Fine French-oak subtleties. Shows claret-like Stags Leap District coolness, race, grace, and finesse. Good acidity and fruit extracts. The finest of fine tannins. Great fulfillment and length. An aristocrat through and through. Only Chateaubriand will do.

 

Raymond Generations Napa Valley 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Ripe and powerful on the approach, with ample, forthcoming 2002 fruit richness. A big Napa Valley cabernet replete with vanilla, toast, and wood-spice barrel augmentations. Ventilating licorice highlight. Full, sweet cabernet fruit of 2002. Great scope and power. Plenty juicy too. These elements of freshness and finesse are innate to Raymond wines. Crown of lamb, please.

 

CE2V M. Cosentino 2002 Meritage, California

Black fruit and black dust merge at the instant this wine touches the tongue. A great mouth filling burst of passion fruit and soft, velvety tannin stay right to the end. It is a great wine now and for a decade or more to serve with simple or complex hearty dishes.

 

 

© 2007 Tasters Guild Orlando