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2001 Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza (new pick!) $14.99
Rioja is Spain's native grape, so you hope that they'd do a good job with
it. But while I can't speak for every Rioja-making winery in Spain (if
only I could!), I can say that Sierra Cantabria certainly gets it right. With
colors of plumb, the nose immediately shows loads of ripe fruit with just a
touch of oak. The fruit continues on the palette, with plenty of berry flavors.
One can taste a hint of alcohol, but it compliments the Tempranillo's spicy, dry
finish. The medium tannins suggest some age-worthiness, though the bottle is
most certainly enjoyable now. Drink with spiced chicken, lamb, or tomato-based
pasta dishes. Return to Top
Avalon
2002 California
Cabernet Sauvignon
$9.99
I love California Cabernets, and this selection from the Cabernet specialists at Avalon Winery is no exception. It has a very pleasant ripe berry nose with hints of chocolate. There’s lots of fruit on the palate as well, with a rather subtle but pleasant hint of spice. The finish is smoky but smooth. It isn’t too complex, but has enough structure to continue to drink well for the next year or so. If you’re new to wine and looking to explore the world of California Cabernets, this is a good place to start. Return to Top
Wrongo
Dongo Jumilla Red Wine 2003
$8.99
This southeastern Spanish red features a ripe, fruity nose which gives way immediately to black pepper and spice. Despite its rich, dark color, the Wrongo Dongo 2003 is light- to medium-bodied with moderate tannins. This combination makes it perfect for this time of year: it’s light enough to be enjoyed on a hot summer evening, and its mineral and spice characteristics perfectly compliment typical summer grilling fare. Return to Top
Ca’
del
Solo Big House White 2003
$10.99
We can say two things about Bonny Doon Vineyards, the people who make this wine. First, they’re really, really weird people (you should see the promotional stuff they send us!). And second, they know how to make a pretty good bottle of wine. Their Big House White 2003 is a blend of several different grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier, among others. It boasts a nice grapefruit and citrus nose with hints of pineapple and honeysuckle. The wine itself is crisp, with flavors of citrus, pear, and a smooth, pleasant, oaky finish. It’s light enough to help beat the summer heat, but still shows enough complexity to be enjoyed on a crisp fall afternoon. Return to Top
Rock
Rabbit Central Coast Syrah 2003
$12.99
Rock Rabbit’s only venture into the business of red wine is
their Central Coast Syrah, a grape that is quietly making inroads on the
more traditional
2000
Château d’Arvigny Haut-Médoc
$14.99
People who know about such things will tell you that for Bordeaux, 2000 was the greatest vintage in a generation. So when you have a chance to pick up a quality bottle for under fifteen bucks, you should do it. Let this wine-- Château Beaumont’s second label--open up (“breath”) for a few hours and you’ll detect a bouquet rich in dark fruits. The cherry and raspberry comes through on the palate, though the rich, powerful tannins are a bit overpowering. Buy now and hold for several years to find an elegant wine worthy of the talk about the 2000 vintage. Return to Top
1999
Morando Barolo
$19.99
The late nineties were great for Italy’s
2003 Fattoria Paradiso Sangiovese “Maestri di Vigna” $16.99
Most
associate the Sangiovese grape with
Who’s
Lance? Lance is a graduate student at
Don’t ask.
He’s
an assistant manager at Roland Park Wines and Liquors, where he’s been
employed since March of 2003.