Review Date: 3-2-2012

From 100% Oakville estate Merlot fruit (with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in), this moderately aged, somewhat evolved varietal provides blueberry to truffle notes with hints of anise, framed by a mild toasty oak influence. Surprisingly still vibrant and dark in color with no signs of age on its rim, the flavors are broad and moderately complex, with good structure (helped by the addition of Cabernet, I’m sure), shows soft, fine tannins, yet corpulent and ready to drink. The finish on this Gem is long and round. I have been told by Rusty that this will be one of the few Merlots that will be allowed to be one of our house reds for the month. 14.1% ABV

Review Date: 1-18-2012

Greg St.Clair has turned us on to so many incredibly different, great wines from Italy over the years, and this Gem ranks as one of the greatest highs. Produced mostly from Cannonau (Grenache according to Greg), this puppy explodes from the glass with opulent aromas of wild plum and blueberries, anise spice, wet river stone minerality and mocha tones. It is incredibly complex, broad and fleshy in the mouth with integrated, silky tannins, superb structure and a deep, long, rich finish. An amazing Gem that Andeson would have gone crazy over, and Rizzo says will be one of our house red wines forever. 14% ABV (Jim Barr)

Review Date: 6-30-2011

It is remarkable to me, and to much of our wine staff, some of the unique, profoundly produced Champagnes from the small producers that Gary Westby, our Champagne Wine Buyer, has discovered over the last decade. Virtually all of these producers, including the Aristons, are making sparkling wine strictly from estate fruit from Grand Cru recognized vineyard sites, and in small lots. As with any small producer, these wines are “hands-on” creations that are given extensive individual attention and long term aging before being disgorged. The Ariston “Carte Blanche’s” exquisite, superb quality is at a mind boggling low price vis-à-vis its style and complexity. Rich and authoritative both on its nutty, doughy yeasty nose and in the mouth, the very fine mousse leads to an amazingly rich, full style brut, with a long, intense finish. Some of you will probably not enjoy this Gem, due to the fact that you have gotten use to flavorless, bulk productions from the international, well-known, simply made name “brands,” but for those of you that seek complexity and profoundness in your Champagne, you will not find one even close in quality to this Gem at this price. The Guys (Anderson, Eby, The Beaner, and Rizzo) have forcefully made this our house sparkling wine forever. Don't be afraind to age this wonderful Champagne; it will only keep getting better. ABV 12%

Review Date: 4-6-2011

"Produced from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers up an opulent nose of bosenberry and Asian spice, underscored by cedary, smoky oak notes and a roasted coffee bean tone. Lush, broad, integrated flavors lead to a fairly complex, deep, layered wine that makes it an incredible buy and a steal for the vintage. Anderson has also informed me that this will be one of our house reds for the month, easily. 13.5% ABV." (Jim Barr)

Review Date: 3-4-2009

As our Alsatian wine buyer, Eric Story, pointed out to me, recently: “Most people outside of the region don’t think about Alsace for sparkling wine, but wait until you try this puppy!” He was right both times. Most people don’t know, and I couldn’t wait to have another glass after I tasted the first. This is an impeccably delightful, refreshing Brut rosé, produced entirely from Pinot Noir and bottle-aged on yeast for two years before disgorgement. The resulting wine is a sparkler that shows a lovely pinkish hue, very fine bead, and bright yeasty, strawberry and spicy fruit characteristics on the nose that carries well to the dry, clean, yet abundantly fruity palate. Try it with a grilled salmon dinner or seriously consider it for your next party. Anderson and the girls have informed me that this will be our house sparkler for spring and into summer, if it lasts that long. 12% abv