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Wine Scores
Below is a listing of the wine review scores we frequently reference in our notes. While these sources remain an excellent source of information, we always recommend that you trust your own palate. Scores in these publications often represent the personal taste of an individual critic, which may not always coincide with your own. We have a huge team of excellent wine professionals that can match wines you've had in the past with new arrivals that meet your flavor profile.
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Staff Favorites - Jim Barr
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Reviews
Marguet Pere et Fils "Cuvee Reserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 11-17-2009
One of the richest, more powerful multi-vintage (40% 2005 with the balance coming from the 2004 and 2003 vintages) Champagnes that I can recall tasting in a wee bit of time is the Marguet Pere et Fils, “Cuveé Reserve,” Brut, with its brilliant structure, strength and muscle coming from pinot noir (65% with the balance being chardonnay) and showing a fairly intense yeasty/doughy to toasty to almond-like set of flavors. Produced from all Grand Cru vineyard fruit, it is remarkable Champagne for the price. Anderson has informed me that this will be our house sparkler for as long as it is available (which will not be long), and our Spanish/Chilean/Argentine wine buyer, Joe Manekin, informed me, “Such hyperbole from you; all you have to say is that the Marguet is a great Champagne.” [Jim Barr]
Price: $36.99
2001 Abadal Reserva Pla de Bages
Review Date: 11-4-2009
One of the more inconceivable reds, that has some bottle age on it, that I have ever tasted is the Abadal 2001 Pla de Bages, Reserva, a recent discovery by our Spanish wine buyer, Joe Manekin,. The great wine god of the world gave this Gem 90 points with a remarkable review, which I think is a case of temporary insanity on his part (it should be a near perfect score), this blend of merlot (60%), cabernet (30%), syrah (10%) and incredibleness (100%) is deep ruby in color, explodes from the glass with lush, developed currants and blackberries, with cedary undertones, that leads to a fleshy, broad, complex, deep mouthfeel and a round, silky finish. Amazing stuff, and Anderson wants this Gem under our Christmas tree. 13.5% abv [Jim Barr]
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $19.99
2007 Domaine de Mayran Côtes du Rhône-Villages
Review Date: 11-4-2009
I have told Mulan Chan, our Rhone Valley/Regional French wine buyer, that virtually every 2007 Rhone Valley wine, whether it is a regional CDR, village wine, or single vineyard village wine, that I have tasted reminds me of the wines that first came from the Rhone Valley from the great 1978 vintage. And, she keeps telling me that she has no frame of reference to that since she wasn’t born at that time. Trust me, they are. There are some amazing values to be had, and the Domaine de Mayran 2007 Cotes du Rhone Villages is one of them. This is grenache driven and provides tons of bright cherry-like to spicy licorice-like fruit both in the nose and in its lively, flashy palate impression. Anderson has informed that this will be one of our house reds for the holidays. Enjoy it now and do not age it – it’s ready; drink it. [Jim Barr]
Drink from
2009
to
2012
Price: $10.99
2007 Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti
Review Date: 11-4-2009
The other vintage that astounds me with its quality, is the 2007 Tuscan wines, and when you try the Frescobaldi 2007 Chianti, “Castiglioni,” you will have a spiritual experience and come to a full understanding. Deep ruby in color, the nose is opulent and frontward, with black cherry, cranberry to plumy aromas that carry over to its complex, intense, sweet-cored fruited tones in the mouth with hints of minerality and integrated tannins, and an amazingly long finish. How much is this? Anderson says this will be our other house holiday cheer for December. 13% abv [Jim Barr]
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $10.99
2008 Kalinda Pinot Gris Marlborough New Zealand
Review Date: 11-4-2009
You have to try our new Kalinda 2008 Pinot Gris, Marlborough, New Zealand ($11.99), not because it is our first with this varietal under our private label, but because it is really good stuff. From New Zealand’s south island, this wine offers pretty perfumed smells, a bright, yet viscous mouthfeel that makes it the perfect white wine for your holiday parties. Eby says that this will be our holiday party white for the month. 13% abv [Jim Barr]
Price: $11.99
Tarlant Brut Reserve Champagne
Review Date: 11-4-2009
I cannot think of any better way to start the holiday season off than with a glass of Champagne, and one of my favorites that Gary Westby, our notorious Champagne wine buyer, discovered several years ago and has directly been importing it in since, is the Tarlant Brut Reserve. This multi-vintage (2003, 2004, and 2005) sparkler is equal proportions of pinot noir, meunier, and chardonnay provides a very fine mousse that leads to a lovely nose of bread dough, almonds, and toast, which carries over to its bright, refreshing set of flavors with a lovely mouthwatering length. According to the guys, this will be our house sparkler until it is gone. 12% abv [Jim Barr]
Price: $34.99
2008 Benaza Mencía Monterrei
Review Date: 10-22-2009
Our Spanish wine buyer, Joe Manekin, came to me and asked me to taste the 2008 Benaza Mencía Monterrei ($12.99) and wanted to know what I thought. My response after the first couple of sips was, “How much is it? Buy all the importer has!” This wine has all the wonderful attributes of a cross between a really good Côtes du Rhône and a bright de-classified,
everyday drinking Bourgogne. Medium-deep ruby in color, the nose is bright and flashy with notes of anise, red fruits and blueberries. Medium full, with soft, subtle tannins, the liveliness of this Gem will dance across the palate to a long, refreshing finish. An incredible value for near-term consumption and, according to Anderson, our other house red for the holidays. 12.5% abv. (Jim Barr)
Drink from
2009
to
2012
Price: $12.99
De Meric Grande Reserve Sous Bois Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-20-2009
Our Champagne wine buyer, Gary Westby, has made some wonderful discoveries and purchases over the last few years of very small, estate producing Champagne houses, and, in many of the instances, it has taken him a couple years just to get his foot in the door to do so. One such discovery was the Champagnes being produced by De Meric located in the village of Ay. This house is making some of my favorite sparkling wines, of which the Grande Reserve Sous Bois Brut is definitely the one for me from this house. Produced mostly from pinot noir, with the balance being chardonnay (15%) and pinot meunier (5%), this brut is a rich, lush textured style with a lovely almond nutty, toasty bouquet and set of flavors, yet with remarkable balance, elegance and complexity. Anderson has decided that this finely mousse Gem will be our house sparkler for however long it is around. (Jim Barr)
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $34.99
2005 Olema Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 10-20-2009
A new label from winemaker/owner, Jeff Hansen (Amici Cellars) at a friendly price. The fruit comes from the southern parcel of Amici's Saint Helena vineyard, while the Merlot (about 10% of this blend) comes from an adjacent vineyard. Aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak barrels, the wine is a saturated ruby-garnet hue with aromas of spice and blackberries, and flavors of currants and red cherries on the palate. The finish is long, rich, and distinctive. This Cabernet was produced by Mr. Hansen to drink near-term and will go great with grilled red meats.(Jim Barr)
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $15.99
2006 Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
Review Date: 10-20-2009
In my book, the best producers of zinfandel in California are Ridge, Seghesio, and Storybook Mountain wineries. Both Ridge and Storybook Mountain consistently produced some of the most balanced, elegant and complex zinfandels to be had by anyone in this industry. If, however, it is muscle, power, and concentration without being over-the-top that you want, look no further than the single vineyard productions of Seghesio Vineyards. A classic Dry Creek Valley zinfandel, the 2006 Seghesio “Cortina” is deep ruby, almost inky in color with the nose exploding from the glass with tons of curranty, blackberry, and blueberry aromas with just a hint of white pepper spiciness, all of which carries over to its expansive, incredibly full and concentrated flavors. Mid-palate viscousity leads to a deep, rich, and profoundly long finish. This is a great zin that you shouldn’t miss! (Jim Barr)
Drink from
2009
to
2012
Price: $29.99
2006 St. Clement Napa Valley Chardonnay
Review Date: 10-16-2009
Remember the good ol’ days when chardonnays of this quality use to cost us between $25.00 and $30.00. With this 2006 Saint Clement Napa Valley Chardonnay, you will be treated to a fairly rich style without being overdone or sweet. Loaded with Arkansas Black apple and white peach aromas that are permeated by creamy/vanillan tones, this Gem is rich and lush on the palate, yet nicely balanced and showing excellent acid structure. The finish is long and satisfying. This chardonnay will be our house chardonnay for the next several months, according to Anderson. (Jim Barr)
Top Value!
Price: $9.99
2007 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Côtes du Rhône
Review Date: 10-13-2009
We have been directly importing the outstanding Rhone Valley wines of Chateau de Montfaucon since 1995 and, although many of you know our story of this property, I think that it is still appropriate to repeat. This 85+ acre estate lies across the Rhone River from the village of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape and its red and white wine grape make-up are similar to what goes into making CDPs. The problem, however, is that the river is the appellation line and Montfaucon, therefore, cannot be called CDP, and is relegated to a general Cotes-Du-Rhone classification. My attitude is that if it smells and tastes like CDP, than treat it like CDP. With that out of the way, I can tell you that the 2007 Cotes-Du-Rhones from Montfaucon are the best that I have tasted from this estate since we have been importing them. Produced from their older sections of the vineyard (60 to 90 year old vines), the Cuveé Baron Louis 2007 Cotes-Du-Rhone from Montfaucon (which is 40% grenache, 15% syrah, 15% cinsault, and 10% each of carignan, mourvedre, and counoise) would be a great and classic CDP if wasn’t for that #*&^ river. With its deep, richly appearing hue, the opulent, perfumed nose of blackberry, purple plum, white pepper spiciness, and hints of smoked meats and forest floor explodes from the glass. Concentrated, lush, and broad fruit in the mouth that is complex, yet soft and round with silky tannins, leads to a long, warm, on-going finish. I plan to lay this Gem down for a few years to give it additional development, but it is an amazingly wonderful wine now, particularly with decanting and airing. (Jim Barr)
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $17.99
2007 Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône
Review Date: 10-13-2009
We have been directly importing the outstanding Rhone Valley wines of Chateau de Montfaucon since 1995 and, although many of you know our story of this property, I think that it is still appropriate to repeat. This 85+ acre estate lies across the Rhone River from the village of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape and its red and white wine grape make-up are similar to what goes into making CDPs. The problem, however, is that the river is the appellation line and Montfaucon, therefore, cannot be called CDP, and is relegated to a general Cotes-Du-Rhone classification. My attitude is that if it smells and tastes like CDP, than treat it like CDP. With that out of the way, I can tell you that the 2007 Cotes-Du-Rhones from Montfaucon are the best that I have tasted from this estate since we have been importing them. This regular Cotes-Du-Rhone Rouge, which is a make-up of 50% grenache, 20% syrah, 15% cinsault, and 15% carignan, is medium-deep ruby in color, the nose surges with aromas of blueberry, black cherry, and anise, with just a hint of game and limestone minerality. In the mouth, this Gem is impeccably balanced and fruit focused, with well integrated tannins, superb structure and depth, and a long, distinctive finish. This is one of those wines that demand that you have another glass, and another… Anderson has informed me that this beautifully drinking Rhone will be one of our house reds for however long it is around. (Jim Barr)
Drink from
2009
to
2012
Price: $10.99
2008 Domaine Begude Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays d'Oc
Review Date: 10-13-2009
Our French Regional wine-buyer, Mulan Chan, continues to amaze me with the outstanding quality of some her new discoveries, particularly with such wines as the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Domaine Begude. Produced from organically grown estate fruit located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, one sip of this dry, crisp sauvignon will make you re-look at the bottle; you will think that you are really consuming a single vineyard Sancerre, it’s that good. Aromatics and flavors of lime zest and grapefruit, with an undertone of wet stone minerality, this bright, flashy sauvignon possesses lively acidity in the mid-range, and has a mouthwatering finish. I can’t wait until crab season opens; this will be the perfect wine to serve with crab.(Jim Barr)
Top Value!
Price: $12.99
Chardonnay, Plaisir des Princes
Review Date: 9-2-2009
We haven’t had Plaisir des Princes Chardonnay ($8.99) from the Macon area of Burgundy in stock for at least a year, mainly due to Keith’s (our Burgundy wine buyer) rather low standards of wanting really good wine for that label. This is 2008 Macon that has been declassified as such, and, as usual, without a vintage by Alain Corcia and is a Gem-of-a-wine. It is clean, crisp, and very appealing on the nose and in the mouth, with pippin-apple-like characteristics and a subtle lushness that carries into its lovely finish. The last time we had this in stock, we flew through the several hundred cases that were available in several weeks. Sooo, don’t linger. It will disappear. This will be our house white for October, according to The Beaner and Eby. 12.5% abv
Drink from
2009
to
2010
Price: $8.99
2007 Frédéric Mabileau "Racines" Bourgueil
Review Date: 9-2-2009
One of my favorite red wines is cabernet franc (all the state’s merlot should be grafted over to this varietal – it would make for much more interesting consumption). Some of the best is being created in the Loire Valley, and some the best in the Loire Valley is coming from Frederic Mabileau with his 2007 Bourgueil, “Racines” ($19.99). I generally do not venture into recommending wines in this price range, but this is an incredible Gem. This organically cultivated, single vineyard (Racines) cab franc is from 60 year old vines and has resulted in a wine that is the pure essence of what this varietal can show. Deep ruby in color, the nose explodes with cassis and black currant fruits, while in the mouth you will be treated to a complex, finely focused set of flavors that leads to a broad, on-going finish. This is an amazing wine that Anderson says you must not ignore and need to stock up on – we plan to, as it will be one our house reds for the month or for however long it lasts….12.5% abv (Jim Barr)
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $19.99
2008 Hecht & Bannier Syrah Vin de Pays du Côtes de Thau Rosé (was $9.99)
Review Date: 9-2-2009
Mulan keeps finding some unique and thoroughly enjoyable regional wines from France, such as the Hecht & Bannier 2008 Syrah Rosé, Vin de Pays du Cotes de Thau ($9.99). I know that the season for Rosé is virtually finished, but this is a serious one that must be considered. This little Gem is loaded with fruit (strawberries and pomegranates) in the bouquet and the mouth. It is dry, clean and crisp on the finish, would be perfect with grilled salmon or tuna. All three of the “guys” have announced to me that this is our house rosé for the month 12% abv. (Jim Barr)
Drink from
2009
to
2010
Price: $7.99
2007 Alain Corcia "Patricia" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 8-19-2009
For the last 35 years, my wine tasting group, The Wednesday Night Fatally-Flawed Palates, have done a blind tasting the first Wednesday of every month, and this month’s (August 2009) featured the 2007s from the Southern region of the Rhône Valley, with the primary focus on Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Seven wines were tasted and compared, six of which were from CdP(Paul Autard, Alain Corcia Cuveé Julie, Alain Corcia Cuveé Patricia, Alain Corcia Cuveé Herve, Pierre Usseglio Cuveé Tradition, and Château Fortia Cuveé Baron) and one from Rasteau (Cave de Rasteau "Dame Victoria" Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau). The '07 Rhône Valley vintage is a great one and, because of that, this tasting was an incredibly difficult one to judge in that the overall quality was outstanding to extraordinary. In fact, the total point separation was only 22 points based on each individual’s ranking (among 16 tasters) between the first and last place ranked wines, which is unheard of with this group. I cannot remember seeing such close scores. Every single wine in the tasting, for that matter, had at least two firsts. The biggest complaint with the members of the group seemed to be, "How do you rate these incredible wines?"
The sixth place wine behind the Fortia Cuveé Baron with 66 total points was the Alain Corcia 2007 CdP, Cuveé Patricia. This was an absolutely amazing, seductive CdP that I thought the tasting group as a whole missed the boat on. Of the three fabulous cuvees from Alain Corcia, I feel that this particular one is his best, which is really hard for me to say because I am enamored with the Herve. Deep ruby in color, the bouquet explodes with rich, lush, opulent smells of blackberry cassis, anise, purple plums, and meaty notes, all of which is interwoven with a wet stone minerality. There is an enormous palate presence in this gem, with deep, rich, powerful fruit characteristics of superb complexity, structure, and intensity of flavors. Finely focused, the tannins are well-integrated, and the finish is long and feels almost creamy. (My score: 19 1/2 points – I use the UC Davis 20 Point scoring system, still – and a first place personal ranking with an aging potential of 8 to 15+ years...)
Drink from
2015
to
2025
Price: $29.99
2007 Cave de Rasteau "Dame Victoria" Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau
Review Date: 8-19-2009
For the last 35 years, my wine tasting group, The Wednesday Night Fatally-Flawed Palates, have done a blind tasting the first Wednesday of every month, and this month’s (August 2009) featured the 2007s from the Southern region of the Rhône Valley, with the primary focus on Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Seven wines were tasted and compared, six of which were from CdP(Paul Autard, Alain Corcia Cuveé Julie, Alain Corcia Cuveé Patricia, Alain Corcia Cuveé Herve, Pierre Usseglio Cuveé Tradition, and Château Fortia Cuveé Baron) and one from Rasteau (Cave de Rasteau "Dame Victoria" Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau). The '07 Rhône Valley vintage is a great one and, because of that, this tasting was an incredibly difficult one to judge in that the overall quality was outstanding to extraordinary. In fact, the total point separation was only 22 points based on each individual’s ranking (among 16 tasters) between the first and last place ranked wines, which is unheard of with this group. I cannot remember seeing such close scores. Every single wine in the tasting, for that matter, had at least two firsts. The biggest complaint with the members of the group seemed to be, "How do you rate these incredible wines?"
The seventh place wine, behind the Alain Corcia Cuveé Patricia, with a total of 72 points was the Cave de Rasteau 2007 "Dame Victoria" Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau. As with the Cuveé Patricia, I believe the majority of the tasting group was off base with judging this wine (that's why they are called Fatally Flawed Palates). The '07 Cave de Rasteau is the essence of Grenache in its purist form and I think some of the tasting group thought it was too different from all the characteristics of the '07 CdPs in the tasting. Medium-deep ruby in color, its opulent bouquet provides tons of juicy red-fruited Grenache aromas with backnotes of dried rose petals and white pepper spiciness. Fleshy, rich, and full, this gem has superb balance and complexity, is bright and lively, supported by soft, silky tannins, and has a concentrated, long finish. Great value!!! (My score: 19 points – I use the UC Davis 20 Point scoring system, still – and a third place personal ranking with an aging potential of 3 to 6+ years...)
Drink from
2012
to
2015
Price: $13.99
2007 Château Fortia "Cuvée Baron" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 8-19-2009
For the last thirty-five years, my wine tasting group, The Wednesday Night Fatally-Flawed Palates, do a blind tasting the first Wednesday of every month, and this month’s (August, 2009) featured tasting were the 2007’s from the Southern region of the Rhone Valley, with the primary focus on Chateauneuf-Du-Pape. Seven wines were tasted and compared, of which six were from C-D-P (Paul Autard, Alain Corcia Cuveé Julie, Alain Corcia Cuveé Patricia, Alain Corcia Cuveé Herve, Pierre Usseglio Cuveé Tradition, and Chateau Fortia Cuveé Baron) and one from Rasteau (Cave de Rasteau "Dame Victoria" Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau). The `07 Rhone Valley vintage is a great one and, because of that, this tasting was an incredibly difficult one to judge in that the overall quality was outstanding to extraordinary. In fact, the total point separation was only twenty-two points based on each individual’s ranking (among sixteen tasters) between the first and last place ranked wines, which is unheard of with this group and to which I cannot remember seeing such close scores. Every single wine in the tasting, for that matter, had at least two firsts. The biggest complaint with the members of the group seemed to be, “How do you rate these incredible wines?”
The fifth place wine behind the Alain Corcia 2007 Cuvee Herve with 63 points was the Chateau Fortia 2007 C-D-P, Cuveé Baron. Medium-deep ruby in color, the Cuveé Baron has an opulent, pretty nose of violets, white pepper spiciness, with mild gamey nuances. Good lushness and fullness in the mouth with its ever-expanding, concentrated blackberry fruit characteristics are being supported by excellent acid structure and fine tannins. This stylish C-D-P’s finish is of excellent length. (My score: 18- points – I use the UC Davis 20 Point scoring system, still – and a seventh place personal ranking with an aging potential of 2 to 5 years…. Jim Barr)
Drink from
2010
to
2014
Price: $34.99
2008 Domaine de Guillemarine Picpoul de Pinet
Review Date: 8-5-2009
At the opposite end of the taste spectrum (to the 2008 Kalinda Napa Valley Chardonnay) is the Domaine De Guillemarine 2008 Picpoul De Pinet, a wine at the lower end of many wine critics’ wine chain, but, in the right winemaker’s hands, a delightful, refreshing wine. Such is the case with this Gem from Guillemarine. Fresh, clean, and crisp on the palate, it offers up an almost jasmine character that is underscored by a hint of limestone minerality. Eby says try it with shellfish and that it will be our other house white for the month. 13.5%?
Price: $8.99
2008 Kalinda Napa Valley Chardonnay
Review Date: 8-5-2009
This year's harvest has to be smaller than normal, with a once-again cold spring and most of the summer (last time I wrote that, we experienced a prolonged heat wave). I have no feel for this harvest, as I did last year, which brings me to the fact that I may have made a judgment error regarding last year's harvest quality. And I do not know why, since I do not make mistakes about such aspects of this nature, and that alone has caught me off guard. The samples that I have tasted from wineries primarily in the North Coast from last year and from what I have in barrel and have bottled thus far have totally amazed me. Most of the wines are totally complete, with Cabernet and Pinot Noir showing incredible structure depth and superb balance. So, why? "Hang time" has been written off as pure nonsense and essentially mythical, but it would seem this concept, which I firmly believe in, might be true. The 2008 California wines are showing intense characteristics and richness. The 2008 vintage in Bordeaux that was written off as a loser because of all the weird weather during spring and summer (read Clyde's '08 Bordeaux report), is suddenly showing up as a stunning vintage, with immense proportions of character and depth, with self-anointed "Mr. Wine God" going ballistic over it. Hang Time! That is what this vintage is all about in California and Bordeaux, and you cannot explain this kind of natural concentration and intensity of flavor by writing off "hang-time" as being mythical.
If you want evidence of the above assertion, you must try our newly-released Kalinda 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay, made for us by the same "cult" winery that produced our 2007, which sold out within six weeks of its release after some of you discovered who it was. This is a full-blown Chardonnay that provides a real tropical, white peach and spicy cinnamon apple set of varietal smells and flavors enclosed in a creamy/vanillin tone that provides richness, viscosity, and lushness. There's good acidity here to not make it flabby and the finish is long and intense. Sort of like a Rombauer, but unlike "R," it is dry and offers structure, and it's half the price. This Gem will be one of our house whites for September according to The Beaner. 15.4% abv.
2006 Kalinda Napa Valley Zinfandel
Review Date: 7-21-2009
I have always felt that the only varietal that deserves to be made with a high alcohol content was Zinfandel. As a winemaker, I always demanded that the Xin being harvested for my productions come in at 24° Brix or even a bit more (translation: Brix X .565 = potential alcohol, roughly). Any Brix delivered below that sugar level will result in one wimpy, uninteresting little Zinfandel. Zin needs to be big, rich and intense, and not passed off as "claret" in style with balance and low alcohol. You just cannot have both in one bottle. Have I ever mentioned that I might have been "wrong" once, maybe, in my 35-plus year career in the wine industry? Well, it had to happen, definitively, once! The Kalinda 2006 Napa Valley Zin combines broad, rich, and intense fruit with balance and claret-like character, even though it is sitting at 15.3% abv. This is a lovely Zin with opulent aromas of blackberries, raspberries, and peppery spiciness. Richly flavored and "balanced," the fruit is well-focused and rounded by silky, very fine tannins. The finish is long and satisfying, and shows absolutely no "heat!" Anderson has informed me that this will be our house Zin until it is gone. Aging recommendations: drink it, we don't age Zins, here!
Price: $16.99
2006 Kalinda Reserve Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 7-16-2009
Produced for us from a well-known Spring Mountain estate vineyard (Smith-Madrone), which is near the top of that appellation, this 2006 "Reserve" Kalinda is a classic mountainside cabernet with incredible natural concentration and focus. Deep ruby, almost inky in color, the nose explodes with definitive aromas of cassis, blackberry currants, and anise. There are undertones of espresso, chocolate, and cedar that carries over into a flashy, expansive, complex, layered palate impression with a huge middle, and all supported by round, silky, integrated tannins. The finish on this broad wine refuses to quit and, with airing, can be consumed near-term. Anderson has informed me that this Gem will age nicely for 10-plus years, which we plan to do. It will be our house Cabernet for at least that period of time.
Drink from
2010
to
2020
2008 Rocca di Montegrossi Rosato
Review Date: 7-14-2009
This is a stunning rosé, perhaps the best one in our inventory. Made from Sangiovese (Rosato Salosso), the color is a brilliant pinkish red, while in the nose you will be treated to a flashy, vibrant wine showing tons of cherry to strawberry fruit characteristics, with a hint of minerality. Lush, and actually fairly full in the mouth, this rosé has a lovely richness and texture, yet is dry and crisp on its mouthwatering finish. The Wine Advocate wrote that the "Rocca di Montegrossi's 2008 Rosato is "simply beautiful." I couldn't say it any better than that. This is my house rosé for the summer.
Price: $14.99
2007 Kalinda Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 7-9-2009
Our new 2007 Kalinda Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has arrived and it is totally reflective of this great harvest. Deep ruby in color, the nose explodes with cassis, currants and Rutherford dust which carries over into its hugely complex, broad, viscous, structured, focused mouth presentation. There is a core of sweet varietal fruit here that is supported by cedary oak and really fine, silky tannins. The finish lingers for at least 2 minutes and 37 seconds. It will age easily another 7 to 10 years. Get some air to it if you plan to drink it near term. Anderson plans on drinking it now.
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $16.99
2008 Elsa Malbec Mendoza
Review Date: 7-8-2009
This is an amazing wine, particularly if you take price into consideration. Medium-deep ruby in color, the nose is bright and flashy with distinctive plum and white pepper spiciness. In the mouth, you will be treated to a Malbec that is nicely balanced, offers excellent viscousity and structure, and has well-integrated tanins with a long, satisfying finish.
Price: $7.99
2007 Alain Corcia "Hervé" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 7-4-2009
As many of you know, the wines from the 2007 Rhône Valley harvest may be one of the finest of our generation. I am 60 and quickly approaching 61 and haven't seen the quality of wines from this area (maybe 1978) as I am seeing with the early arrivals from the Southern part of this valley. They are
amazing wines! The two 2007 Collection Alain Corcia wines that Mulan has directly imported are stunning and I am featuring both, because they're both must-haves for your collection. The 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvée Julie" and "Cuvée Hervé" are both absolutely great wines, each somewhat different. The Cuvée Julie has this incredible lushness and silkiness to its spicy, plummy tones. It is opulent on the nose, silky on the palate, and round and broad on the finish. The Cuvée Hervé has incredible strength and structure, excellent depth, though it seems a bit more masculine than the Julie, and it shows a long, silky, intense finish. Both should be put down and aged. Both are collector's items and shouldn’t be ignored. Both are wines that Anderson has informed me will be our house reds some time in the future (5 to 10 years+) and will go into Jim's Gems Hall of Wine Fame. 14% abv on both.
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $34.99
2004 Amici Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 7-4-2009
After giving the 2004 Amici Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon an additional year and half of bottle age, winemaker Jeff Hansen finally decided to release this exceptional wine in October, 2008. And, the additional time really helped, allowing this rich puppy to evolve and open up to show its true depth of character. Deeply colored, the nose is loaded with cassis, currants, blackberries and espresso notes, which is underscored by mild toasty tones. In the mouth, you will be treated to an expansive, hugely complex, multi-dimensional cabernet, with well-integrated, silky tannins, tons of structure and a finish that refuses to quit. Although, with airing, you will be able to enjoy this Gem near-term, it will easily age 7- to 12-plus years. This is probably the best valued cabernet on the market.
Drink from
2009
to
2020
2006 Ruggeri Corsini Barbera d'Alba "Armujan"
Review Date: 7-4-2009
This is amazing stufff, and perhaps the finest Barbera that I have ever tasted. Deep ruby in color, the nose explodes with spiciness (anise and white pepper) and blueberry fruit, which carries over across its broad, intense, layered, and complex flavors. There is a stunning core of sweet, intense fruit, with silky, integrated tannins, and finish that absolutely refuses to quick. It will be very difficult to keep your hands off this wine once you try it, but it really should be put down for a few more years... it will only get better, which is hard to believe.
Drink from
2009
to
2015
Price: $22.99
2007 Domaine des Escaravailles "Les Sablieres" Côtes du Rhône
Review Date: 6-18-2009
Mulan has brought in two mind-boggling 2007 Côtes du Rhônes: the Domaine Des Escaravailles “Les Sablieres” ($12.99) 14% ABV and Domaine Roger Perrin (Beaucastel) ($14.99) 14.5% ABV, and a southern regional wine: The 2007 Domaine Gardies, Côtes du Roussillon, “Mas Las Cabes” ($13.99) 13.5% ABV. All three are intensely rich and viscous, loaded with spice and plum and blueberry fruit, with lovely minerality that are, simply, great examples of this phenomenal harvest. Anderson has informed me that all the accolades being heaped on the wines from this vintage are for real, and all three of these Gems will be our house reds until they are gone, which will be soon.
Price: $12.99
2006 Picard, St-Estèphe
Review Date: 6-18-2009
Clyde keeps discovering high quality, small estate Bordeaux productions at very reasonable prices to import and offer us at ultra-low prices from the 2006 vintage. That’s how we got our hands on the 2006 Château Picard, Saint-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois ($16.99). Cabernet-driven (85%), with the balance Merlot, the nose has a blackberry to blueberry profile with cedary undertones that carry across its wonderfully lush, silky, deep flavors and long, warm finish. This lead Anderson to ask me, “Why is this only a Cru Bourgeois?” It drinks incredibly well, but will cellar another 3 to 6 years with no problems. In spite of that, it will also be one of our house reds for the month, along with the lovely three ’07 Rhône/Provençal wines above, according to Anderson.
Price: $16.99
2005 Domaine Des Girasols "Vieilles Vignes" Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau ($18.99)
Review Date: 8-19-2008
Deep ruby in color, the nose explodes with white pepper spiciness and plums, with a hint of game. The palate is expansive, focused, broad and deep. This is a yummy wine, according to Anderson, that will improve even more with age; but it will be really difficult not to consume it near-term. It’s that good!
Price: $12.99
