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Click on the Month you’d like to review. Please note prices may have changed from the month they were included in the Case of the Month, so check with us for current pricing and availability.
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| 2003 Jan/Feb | 2003 March | 2003 April | 2003 May |
| 2003 June | 2003 July | 2003 August | 2003 September |
| 2003 October | 2003 November | 2003 December | |
January/February
2003
Di Majo Norante Sangiovese
- It’s organic, it got 89 points from Parker, it’sdelicious and it’s an outrageous deal. Eternally popular here, this new vintage is even better, with pure supple fruit in a loaded but medium bodied package. $6.99
Domaine des Rieux Cotes de Gascogne Blanc - This wine always sells out so quickly that it has appeared here in print several times only to disappear in a few weeks, so let’s try again. Refreshing and vibrant with a medium-weight pear and melon juiciness. $6.99
Viano Zinfandel -
With its tell-tale brambly spice and ripe berry fruit, this says ZIN as well as several higher-priced versions. Dense with mocha, red fruits, and vanilla, this is a hearty winter warmer. $6.99
Domaine Sainte Paule Corbieres -
From a leading producer in SW France, this blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan is more mellow and classy than some of its more rambunctious counterparts. Medium-bodied with dried cherry and mild earthy notes, the flavors linger on the long finish. $7.99
Hugues de Beauvignac Chardonnay -
Low oak French version that is tropical and ripe yet retains a lively core of pear-tinged acidity to balance it out. $7.99
Grand Cru Cabernet Sauvignon -
A little-known Californian that shows cinnamon and cedar spice and rich berry fruit.Surprisingly good inside despite its outside. $7.99
Condesa de Leganza (Tempranillo) -
Full-throttle juicy dark fruit that is sappy and voluptuous and finishes with a nice dose of American oak. Modern and almost brash in style but it works well here. $9.50
Castruccio I Campetti -
A slightly more rustic and earthy style of Sangiovese compared to Di Majo Norante, but very good as well. Darker and meatier with more forest floor aromatics, this pairs well with traditional Italian fare. $7.99
Vignalta Sirio -
This blend of Muscat is described by Gambero Rosso as “one of the best aromatic wines of Italy”. Floral and perfumed, the juicy texture ends in a long dry finish. $7.50
Camelot Syrah -
Another excellent value from the overflowing vineyards of California, this used to sell for close to $9 when Syrah was scarce. Medium body and spicy red fruits are straightforward and appealing, especially at this price. $5.99
Dry Creek Vineyards Fumé Blanc -
Deliciously crisp and focused white with pear and melon flavors that are intense and lively without seeming shrill. One of the best Fumé Blanc bets out of California. $9.99
Vitigliano Chianti -
From the heart of Chianti comes this screaming deal. Bottled by the eminent Vignamaggio, this is dark and robust, full of dark fruit, licorice, woodsy notes, and substantial tannins. $7.50
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March
2003
Domaine Courbis Syrah
-
Courbis is a highly rated and well respected Northern Rhone producer of Cornas and St. Joseph. This, their vin de pays, is classic Rhone syrah: weight and structure balanced by some muted raspberry sappiness, anise & cracked pepper spice, with a firm yet supple texture. $9.99
Chateau de l’Hyverniere Muscadet -
Is it Muscadet weather yet? It sure seems like it lately. What better to start Spring rolling than a crisp clean lively white that begs for outdoor warm weather consumption. Still, good mid-palate richness and a long finish make this a winner indoors or out. $8.99
McDowell Viognier -
A surprise two-time winner in recent classes, this has the characteristic aromatics of perfumed and peachy fruit, leading into medium bodied and somewhat delicate fruit. Juicy and delicious, yet restrained and classy. $9.50
Painter’s Bridge Zinfandel-Shiraz -
I’ve been wondering when someone was going to blend these two fruit-bomb grapes together. J. Lohr now has with expected results: big, rich, ripe berry fruit shot through with a zippy spiciness. Immediate mouth-filling pleasure leaves time to ponder more important issues. $7.50
Morro Bay Chardonnay -
Mellow & elegant Monterey chard that is soft and full of butt’ry richness while retaining some character and class. $8.50
Dubini Bianco -
A solid performing Italian whose dry crisp minerally notes are nicely offset by hints of tropical fruit. $6.99
Marques de Daroca Tinto -
Spain is churning out some unbelievable bargains; this wine could easily be twice the price and still be popular. Mostly grenache with syrah and tempranillo, this is amazingly polished, supple, and flavorful for the price. Black fruit low notes balanced by red fruit highs, spiked with mild licorice and gentle tannins. $5.99
Hyatt Cabernet Sauvignon -
Columbia Valley Cab that is surprisingly big & brawny for the price. Characteristic berry notes are offset by cinnamon spice, chewy tannins and a hearty dose of oak. $8.99
De Martino Merlot Prima -
This is some primo juice who’s regular price is $10 or more, but the local distributor bought a zillion cases to get this price. Bold full flavors of black cherry and mocha mingle with tasty vanilla notes. An excellent buy on solid merlot. $5.99
Te Deum Laudamus -
Dust off your Latin textbooks and settle in for a cozy winter’s night read. Hearty and fleshy, this southern Italian is replete with black cherry and dark plum flavors, a perfect accompaniment to winter fare. $9.50
L.A. Cetto Petit Sirah -
A Mexican, yes Mexican, red that is round and polished with loads of ripe blackberry fruit. From Baja, right over the border from San Diego. $8.99
Mosen Cleto Tinto -
Another Spanish bargain that is medium-bodied with good grip and focus. Bright cherry notes highlight the earthier bass notes. $5.99
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April
2003
Amano Primitivo
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Universally acclaimed for its bright berry jammy fruit punctuated by hits of brambly spice. Richly fruity, yet not overblown. This showed surprising well in a recent blind tasting. $8.50
Dr. Loosen Riesling -
2002 vintage just arrived and boy is it good. It is so fresh there is a slight spritz that makes it a joy to drink. Add a floral bouquet of apple blossom with a twist of citrus and you’re there. $9.99
Terroso de 2000 Douro -
Traditional port grapes made in a dry unfortified style. Densely textured with boysenberry-like fruit and mild earthiness with gently nudging tannins on the finish. $9.99
Renwood Barbera -
This Italian-American is unmistakably American with its juicy upfront blast of big dark fruit, but does show memories of Italy with hints of licorice and spice. $8.99
Los Boldos Cabernet Sauvignon -
New vintage from an old standby, this definitely tastes like Cab, its dark fruit tinged with tobacco and leather notes finishing with a hearty dose of tannins. Awfully substantial for the money. $5.99
Oxford Landing Chardonnay -
Another winner from the Yalumba family of wines, this is filled withtropical fruit and vanilla oak notes that are lively and juicy. $6.99
Rosemount Cab-Merlot -
This familiar face was the 1st place winner in the recent Oregonian “Two-Buck Chuck” tasting. Ripe berry fruit that is lush and juicy, easy drinking and easy on the purse. $6.99
Coltibuono Cancelli Sangiovese -
A spicy and smoky style of Sangiovese whose red cherry fruit is tamed by the Tuscan terroir. Consistent quality makes this a continual best-seller. $8.50
Henri Bourgeois Cheverny -
From one of our favorite Loire Valley producers comes this crisp steely sauvignon blanc. Focused and bone-dry, with white fruit flavors to flesh out the vibrant acidity. $9.50
Stonehaven Shiraz -
We gotta love those Aussies for sending us all this great inexpensive juice. Another winning shiraz with its telltale berry juiciness and velvety texture. $5.99
Rachel’s Cellars Pinot Gris -
An Oregon white loaded with tropical fruit flavors, pear, pineapple, and tangerine. It might even have Vitamin C in there! Despite all that tropical business, it remains relatively dry. $8.99
San Giorgio Sangiovese -
Very pleasant medium-bodied style that is fruity, bright and nicely textured. A fine choice as we head into warmer weather. $5.99
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May
2003
Encostas do Lima Vinho Verde –
A Portuguese white that is zippy and bright,
and ever-so-slightly spritzy,
the citrus peach tang
makes one come back again;
Low alcohol will not make you dizzy. $7.50
Villa Wolf Pinot Gris - The superb 2001 vintage in Germany helped more than just Riesling. Richly textured, this is decidedly dry yet brimming with ripe peach and melon fruit. White spice and stony notes add complexity and depth. $8.99
Chateau la Vernede Languedoc - Captivating yet difficult-to-explain “barnyard” aromas lead to pretty strawberry fruit finishing on a sappy blackberry note. Medium bodied with gentle tannins nudging their way in. $6.99
Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvigon – Consistently a top-notch Cab for the money, the new vintage is right on again. Solid blackberry and cassis fruit mingles with tea and oak notes. $8.99
Oktana – From the Peleponnese region of Greece comes the grape Agiorghitiko; If you can’t pronounce that, you can use its alias, the much easier St. George. Muted red fruit and smoky tobacco-y spice aromas are intriguing, and although they suggest heartiness, the wine is actually pleasantly light to medium-bodied. $9.99
Lithios Chardonnay – From the oft-mentioned ocean of California wine, this medium-bodied wine is dry and clean with pear and citrus notes. Twice as good as Two-Buck Chuck? You decide. $5.99
Casa Gualda Cencibel – A sensibly straightforward no-oak terroir driven Tempranillo from La Mancha, Spain. Medium-bodied and round on the palate with flavors veering toward boysen/blueberry syrup. $7.50
Xplorador Malbec – Teeth-staining purplish black in color with floral aromatics of violets. The smooth polished texture balances nicely the dense fruit/humus brooding beneath the surface. $6.99
Lindeman’s Reserve Shiraz – This enormous winery kicks out some amazingly good wines considering its size and their price. This is what you want in a Shiraz: big juicy blackberry fruit, mouth-filling and satisfying. $8.50
Trapiche Chardonnay – Creamy, round and polished with just a hint of oak; medium-bodied and Balanced; Dry, classy, and well-made. $7.99
Vetrice Chianti – From the Rufina district and its hearty pedigree shows. Black cherry, tarry notes, and evident tannins says pair this with something robust. $8.50
Rutherford Ranch Merlot – A distributor close-out cut the price of this Napa Valley wine in half! Intense and well-structured for Merlot, with black plum and toasty oak notes dominating. A real steal at $8.99.
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June 2003
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc - This New Zealand white is so loaded with grapefruit flavors you’d swear they add some in. Excellent summer wine that is crisp, lively, but has rich flavors to boot. $9.99.
Cotes du Marmandais - It’s unclear who the actual producer of this wine really is (everyone just calls it “marmandais”), but for years it has been a solid value in French country-style reds. This region is just outside of Bordeaux, and maybe you’ve heard that 2000 was a good vintage there… Mostly merlot that is relatively full-bodied with licorice spice and mild tannins. $6.50
Pepperwood Grove Viognier - It’s difficult to make viognier this good at this low of a price but Pepperwood pulls it off. Medium-bodied but full of flavor, with peach and apricot notes, it finishes clean and fresh. $6.99
Durius Tempranillo - Full-bodied, ripe, and awfully supple (someone said it tasted like Spanish shiraz), the red/black fruits hang on a firm frame shot through with notes of peppery spice and oak. $8.99
Mezzogiorno Nero d’Avola - This pleasant surprise in a recent tasting is a traditional Sicilian grape, whose flavors are of bright red berry fruits with hints of earthy spice. Medium bodied and substantial but far from rustic or heavy. $8.50
Two Brothers Big Tattoo Red - An homage to their late mother who suffered from cancer, for every bottle sold 50¢ will be donated to Breast Cancer Foundation...and delicious as well. 50% Cab, 40% Syrah, & 10% Merlot add up to a richly flavored mouthful of juicy ripe berry fruit. $8.50
Bodegas Lezaun Rosé - It’s that time of year when incredibly well-made yet inexpensive Spanish rosés come to town for lazy backyard cheap chugging. This is made of 100% Garnacha and has quite a bit of stuffing and red fruit flavors but is still refreshing. Good for the Cabernet lover who’s tentatively testing the (rosé) waters. $6.99
Lion Valley Chardonnay - This Oregon winery was sold last year and the new inhabitants are selling this great juice at rock-bottom prices. The previous winemaker trained in Burgundy and this is surprisingly similar to white Burgundy that has seen a couple of years of bottle age. Supple and slightly yeasty with good structure, it’s not fat and ripe, not sharp and thin, it’s juuuuust right. $7.99
Lyricus Rosso - New to town, this blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano is medium bodied with plum and cherry fruit and subtle spice. Very Italian but in a lighter vein; good warm weather drinking. $8.50
Montsierra Macabeo - This white hails from the little-known Somontano region in Spain. Bright and aromatic with flavors of white fruits and flowers, the lively tang is balanced by good body. $8.99
Cartlidge and Browne Syrah - This California producer turns out some great value wines that offer big bang for the buck. The Syrah is open-knit, forward and easily drinkable without sacrificing flavor intensity. Bit o’ red fruit, bit o’ spice, all around very nice. $9.99
Buckley’s Cabernet-Merlot - Yet another excellent close-out deal (we’re working for you here!) regular price is $10. Definitely juicy and tasty but still with surprising complexity and interest. Cinnamon notes, mild tannins and a deft touch of oak. $6.99
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July
2003
Thorn-Clarke Milton Park Shiraz - If you can’t wait for their Shotfire Shiraz, here is a worthy substitute at two-thirds the price. Called an outrageous value by Parker, this is fruit bomb all the way, big, juicy, and loaded with peppery blackberry goodness. $9.50
Starr Pinot Noir - This close-out deal brings you a solid 1999 Oregon Pinot Noir for less than a car wash. With surprising structure and depth, the dark fruit is shot through with peppery spice and earthy undercurrents. This will even age well. We’re talking deal here. $7.99
Parducci Petite Sirah - This usually heavyweight varietal kicks it down a notch for summer drinking without losing its telltale flavors. Medium bodied and smoothly supple, the muted berry notes and slight funk will wash down most things thrown on the BBQ. $8.50
Santa Julia Torrontes - Torrontes is a white Spanish varietal that has shown up in Argentina. Floral and pretty with citrus and white fruit flavors, it’s medium bodied and slightly juicy while maintaining a crisp liveliness. $5.99
AROA Tempranillo - Bright and fruity, this lighter bodied Spaniard is an excellent choice for summer drinking, full of pretty strawberry/cherry fruit and mild tannins. Certified organic, you almost feel healthier after a glass or two. $7.50
Bob’s African Red Pinotage - Pinotage is an almost uniquely South African hybrid grape that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (a Rhone varietal). The result here is a lighter Pinot profile filled in with the heavier spicier and more tannin Cinsault. $6.99
Chateau D’Oupia Rosé - Rosé sales have been alarmingly good, as they should be with fantastic wines like this one. Drier and lighter-hued than last month’s Lezaun (from Spain), this backs off the red fruit flavors and offers up just hints of berry to complement its otherwise clean and refreshing charms. Washes the workday cares away. $8.99
Mas de Lairole Languedoc - From a region often given to brawny powerful reds, this is a delightful summer surprise. Classy and elegant, the flavors are still there, just in a more medium bodied format. Black fruits mingle with spicy herb aromatics in an open-knit style. $7.99
Terlano Pinot Bianco - This is a fabulous close-out deal cutting the price of this wine almost in half. Terlano is a terrific producer in northern Italy whose wines go way beyond most Italian whites. Richly textured and creamy, the green apple fruit has weight, depth, and complexity. Dry with a hint of austerity, this is pretty serious stuff for the price. $10.99
Tinto Lena - Look at that phat bottle. A Spanish blend with Cotes du Rhone notes, it warming presence has toned-down berry fruit and peppery spice. Medium bodied and cueball smooth, the one liter bottle give you MoRe for your money. $8.99
Chateau de la Cantrie Muscadet - Muscadet is shellfish wine. Shellfish call for good acidity, a clean brightening wine with light citrus and melon notes. No oak, no heaviness, not too much of anything. Just pure grapey refreshment. $6.99
Torre di Viscone Pinot Grigio - This favorite summer white is clean and fresh but has remarkable weight and texture to it for being so light on its feet. Everything you want from Italian pinot grigio and then some. $8.50
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August
2003
Cherrywood Rosé - In June there was the full-flavored Spaniard. In July the French kicked it down a notch. In August this Oregonian gets even lighter and more subtle. Made from Pinot Noir, it’s dry and clean, with hints of cherry (imagine!) and a surprisingly medium-bodied texture given the pale salmon color. $8.99
Arca Nova Vinho Verde
- Another light Portuguese white bursting with green apple freshness. Lower alcohol and the touch of spritz make it a perfect warm weather thirst quencher. $7.50
Jewel
Viognier - A rich and intensely flavored Californian that keeps its balance and doesn’t let the ripe fruit weigh it down. Apricot, honeysuckle, and marmalade make for quite the summertime fruit basket. $9.99
Egiarte (Tempranillo/Garnacha)
- A drink-me-now Spanish blend whose youthful charms are augmented by the clean vibrant fruit, unmarred by oak, and the ease of which it goes down. $6.99
Domaine des Cassagnoles Blanc - Another wonderful Ugni Blanc from the Cotes de Gascogne in SW France. Juicy forward with a peach/citrus tang, it’s hard to match the vibrancy and refreshing quality at this price. $5.99
Domaine St. Jean de L’Arbousier Cabernet Sauvignon
- Extremely popular in the past, this new vintage is just as solid. Lush and richly textured with characteristic Cab fruit of plum and berry in a juicy forward style. $8.50
Hugues de Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet
- With a name that used to mean “lip-stinger” you can bet that this white is crisp, bright, and zippy. It has its fans year-round but August is when it really shines. $8.99
Domaine de Saint-Ser
- At the base of Cezanne’s beloved Mont. Sainte Victoire in Provence is a micro-climate that bakes slightly less than its neighbors during the hot summer months. The result is power and richness without being over-ripe. This Grenache/Syrah/Cab blend has surprising complexity for the price. $9.50
Botromagno Primitivo
- A full-throttle Italian Zinfandel (Primitivo) that is brimming with spicy berry fruit, mouth-filling richness and just enough earth and tannins to remind you that it’s Italian. A knockout BBQ deal at $5.99.
Heretiques Rouge
- Wine Spectator gave a hefty 89 point rating to this inexpensive southern French red calling it “distinctive for its rich, meaty aromas and flavors. This is a lithe, muscular red, with plenty of dark plum, exotic, spicy flavors and silky tannins.” $6.99
Finca Antigua Tempranillo
- Oaky smoky red and black fruits dominate in this crowd-friendly Spanish wine, providing lots of complexity and flavor for not a lot of cash. Excellent when paired with grilled meats or roasted vegtables. $8.50
Cline Vin Rouge
- Cline has been one of our favorite zin producers lately and this Rhone style blend is a great summer red. Medium-bodied with an airy feel to it, the red berry fruit is bright and jazzy, with no harsh edges. $7.50
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Argyle Chardonnay 2001 - Such a perennial favorite that it can be overlooked, Argyle’s chard is one of the best in Oregon for the money. Medium-bodied, the bright green apple notes balance nicely with the oaky spice. $9.99
Fattoria Le Pupille Micante 2001 - This young vine Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese blend is bursting with ripe red berry fruit wrapped in a velvety texture. This tasty internationally-styled Tuscan red gets great reviews as one of Italy’s best red values. $9.99
Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 - Medium-bodied and softly structured, the black cherry and cassis fruit mingles with mild tobacco and mint notes. $7.99
Chaume Arnaud VDP PDM 2002 - This Rhone blend hails from the poetically titled “Doors of the Mediterranean”, the grapes being grown just outside the legal boundary of Cotes du Rhone. A light to medium-bodied early autumn sipper with characteristic bright red fruits and a slightly rough-hewn spiciness. For the waning days of al fresco dining. $8.50
Fess Parker Frontier Red NV - A lusty juice-fest “kitchen sink” blend from California with a handful of Rhone varietals, dominated by syrah. Such variety offers up notes of black fruits, coffee, licorice, and herbal spice in a full fruit-forward package. $9.99
Los Cardos Malbec 2002 - A new Argentine red that is plush and thickly textured with blackberry fruit and muted black tea notes. Substantial tannin and body cry out for grilled meats. $8.50
A to Z Pinot Gris 2002 - The new “favorite” Oregon pinot gris and what’s not to like, especially for the price. An intensely ripe and decidedly fruit-forward style that nevertheless stays crisp and focused throughout. A wine of verve and panache. $9.99
Domaine Massamier la Mignarde 2001 - This solid French country red is 100% Carignan from near the Spanish border. Its firm medium body displays a bounty of rustic charm: simple perfumed aromatics, red fruit flavors, and a vague dusty somewhere-ness. $6.99
Buckley’s Semillon-Chardonnay 2000 - This Australian blend is round and full-flavored with characteristic ripe tropical fruit and whiffs of light oak. The semillon adds a nice counterpoint to the more familiar chardonnay flavors. $8.99
Jackaroo Big Red 2002 - Get jacked up on this Cab-dominated Aussie blend. Initially firmer in structure than most Shiraz-heavy blends, the plum and berry fruit are softened by the merlot and shiraz on the juice expansive finish. $6.99
Oligitum Merlot - Spicy sandalwood and high-toned red berry aromatics jump from the glass. Although smooth and supple overall, there is some chewiness on the finish to give the illusion of heft. Impressive merlot for the price. $8.99
Colombelle Gascogne Blanc 2002 - This Ugni blanc-based white arrives on the heels of last month’s wildly popular Domaine des Cassagnoles from the same region. Same grapes, same snappy style: vibrant and juicy with a peach/citrus tang. The bonus is the screw-cap: it proves handy when you need to open that wine“immediately, if not
sooner.” $6.99
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October
2003
Villa Wolf Riesling Kabinett 1998 - We’ve talked about this wine before, and amazingly it’s still available. Harvested at Spatlese levels of ripeness but bottled asKabinett, it is rich with gooseberry, apple, and peach fruit, edged with mineral nuances. $8.99
Carmenet Merlot 2000 - Everything that’s good about California Merlot without the high price. Soft supple red fruit flavors that don’t make you think too hard. A new lower-priced offering from a respected producer. $8.50
Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2002 - An end of summer quaffer which recently received some good press from the
Wine Spectator: “Bright and tangy, a juicy Sauvignon Blanc that vibrates with lemon, grapefruit, green apple and herb flavors, which echo on the crisp finish.” $6.99
Shale Ridge Syrah 2002 - Similar to the 2001, this is knock-your-socks-off palate-coating blackberry jam. Although a tad short on finesse, it sure packs a wallop of flavor for the money. $7.50
Foris Chardonnay 2001 - Dry and restrained (in a good way), this barrel-fermented southern Oregonian has toasty oak and hazelnut notes riding on the creamy medium-bodied fresh fruit frame. $8.99
Laurel Glen Reds 2000 - This favorite standby is a hearty blend of old-vine zinfandel, syrah, petite sirah, grenache, and barbera. The fleshy berry fruit has gentle tannins which is balanced with bright acidity and mild spice. $8.99
Goats do Roam Blanc 2002 - Another winner from the jovial winemaker Charles Back, this is, as you might suspect from the name, modeled on a white Cotes du Rhone. Floral and rather juicy, there are hints of mineral and spice to round out the medium-bodied fruit. $8.99
Bear Crossing Shiraz 2002 - The label is a copy of a sign posted in parts of Australia intended to protect Koalas from reckless humans, and 10% of proceeds goes to the Australia Koala Foundation. How does it taste? Like you’d expect a $6 shiraz to taste and there’s nothing wrong with that. Soft, plush, and thickly-textured with bright berry fruit. $5.99
Crucillon Garnacha 2002 - Another excellent Spanish bargain; Medium-bodied and easy-going, the red fruit flavors are joined by enough earthy spice and tannin to keep it awfully interesting at this price. $5.99
Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - One of the top-selling South African wines in the U.S., this bowls you over with intensely ripe fruit flavors of cassis and black cherry. Some oak notes dance in the background but it’s really about the fruit here. Big Cab flavors for little Cab price. $8.99
La Coudraie Bordeaux Blanc 2001 - Bright and crisp yet medium-bodied; the white fruit intensity is rounded out with grassy notes and a slight citrus edge. $7.50
Santa Barbara Salice Salentino 1998 - No, this isn’t a new wacky California idea, it’s true Salice from southern Italy: hearty and full of red/black fruits and an undercurrent of licorice that hang on a well-structured frame. $7.99
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November 2003
Zoot Allures Pinot Gris 2002 - A perennial favorite that is released just in time for the holidays, this vintage just received kind words from Kramer in the Oregonian: “a lovely wine with a succulent texture and the crisp ripe-melon scent that distinguishes good pinot gris.” $9.99
Chateau La Baronne Corbieres 2000 - Dense, hearty, and meaty red from southwestern France that delivers a brooding spicy punch for those cold (maybe yet?) winter nights. Certified organic. $9.99
Saldini Pilastri Bianco 2001 - This is a throwback to August and may have been inspired by this spell of very warm October weather. Light and refreshing, with white fruit flavors and a touch of hazelnuts, it’s summer in a bottle. $7.99
Monterra Syrah 2002 - Another fruit-driven palate-pleaser from Monterey. The fact that it is grafted from Australian shiraz vines gives one an idea what they are going for here: spicy and loaded with black fruit flavors, soft tannins, and vanilla-tinged oak. $8.99
Castillo del Baron Monastrell 2001 - 100% mourvedre usually means dark dark fruit with gripping tannins, but 25% of this goes through carbonic maceration (as in Beaujolais) which adds a lighter grapier note and more supple mouth-feel. $7.99
I Monili Primitivo 2001 - We’ve worked with this Italian zinfandel before and liked it for its hearty spicy style. Happily, this new vintage still has the heft but there is a new elegance and polish which only adds to its appeal. $8.50
Joseph Drouhin St. Veran 2002 - If this is an accurate harbinger of what white Burgundy will taste like in 2002, get ready for some great wines. Everything you would want in a good St. Veran, clean pure chardonnay fruit, but with a richness and intensity not usually found at this price. $10.50
Casa Gualda Crianza 2000 - Barrel-aged tempranillo from La Mancha that regularly receives high praise in the Spanish press. Black fruits, a dusty earthiness, and oaky spice in a supple medium-bodied package. $7.99
Snoqualmie Sauvignon Blanc 2002 - What an outrageous deal for this Washington white! Clean, bright, vivacious, floral, and fruity, it’s a real crowd pleaser at a crowd price. $5.99
Secco-Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso 2000 - With lovely aromatics of crushed berries, violets, and plums, this medium-bodied autumnal drinker is slightly smoky and velvety smooth with a hint of tannic grip on the finish. Surprising quality for the price. $9.99
Canaletto Nero d’Avola/Merlot 2001 - The blending of the traditional Sicilian grape with the ubiquitous Merlot works well here with the soft plummy merlot balanced by the rougher more structured nero d’avola. As the Wine Spectator notes, “A wine full of character for the buck.” $8.50
Papio Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - Juicy, forward, soft and highly fruity, this is an easy-going inexpensive-Aussie copycat that manages to pull it off. Perfect for parties when you need to keep many people happy. $5.99
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December 2003
Annabella Chardonnay 2000
-
The Napa cabernet sold under this label has been wildly popular and is now gone, only to be replaced with this new great deal. Rumor is the winery where this juice came from sold this for $20 a bottle! A creamy lanolin-like mouth-feel that is rich but not heavy with butterscotch and moderate oak. $8.99
Covey Run Syrah 2001 -
Crimson-hued and opaque with lavender aromatics and a sappy velvety texture. The grapey fruit gives way to a boysenberry tanginess on the finish. Crowd pleasing and substantial for a mere pittance. $7.50
Sinafarosa Zinfandel 1999 - Although this comes from the Puglia region of Italy (and therefore should be called Primitivo), it tastes more like California with clean ripe berry fruit, bramble spice, and softer texture than most Italians (wines, that is). $6.99
Quinta de Bon-Ventos 2001 -
Made from traditional Port grapes, this has characteristically ripe red fruit flavors, raisin notes, and a tangy finish. Firm yet plush and thickly textured, it's not sweet, but one comment was
"it’s so not dry, it’s wet." Hmm. $8.50
Hahn Cabernet Franc 2001 -
Cab franc is often blended with cab sauv or merlot adding notes of green olive, spice, and what is best described as leather. This California version is ripe and juicy with pronounced oak and spice, raisin notes and a dose of tannins on the finish. $9.99
Juvé y Camps Reserva Brut 1999 -
(See Featured Sparkling Wines)
Latour Ardèche Chardonnay ’01 -
One of Kramer's favorite inexpensive whites, this mimics higher-priced white Burgundy remarkably well. Classy, focused, and lithe, with hints of oak playing off the pure medium-bodied fruit. $7.99
Finca el Portillo Tempranillo 2002 -
This hails from high elevation Argentina and it shows: high-toned berry fruit that is juicier and sappier than Spain, the firm structure encased in soft fruit. $8.50
Jean Luc Colombo Viognier 2002 -
Although full-bodied and round, the white fruit flavors are subtle, serving mostly as an opulent bed for the more dominant floral and honey nut components. An excellent winter white. $9.99
Col des Vents Corbieres 2001 -
Robust and dark red from the south of France that is chock-full-of black fruit flavors, mocha and smoky spice notes as well as gripping tannins on the finish. $8.50
Marques de Daroca Old Vines Grenache 2002 -
Medium-bodied, supple, and varietally correct with high-toned red fruits, licorice, roasted notes, and even aromatics of grapefruit. Another amazingly great deal from Spain. $6.50
Oxford Landing Merlot 2001 -
The Oxford Landing wines from Australia are across the board
excellent values, well-made, and easy to like. This merlot is no exception showing typical merlot plummy fruit, medium body, and an overall juiciness that goes down easy. Awfully solid for $6.50.
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