Review Date: 8-3-2009

I'm always excited to taste Bordeaux, and when I saw that the 2003 La Lagune was opened I was very excited to get to see how this wine was progressing. If this wine is any indication of what the 2003 Bordeaux vintage has to offer down the road, then we are all in for a treat. The 2003 La Lagune was excellent! A sumptuous ruby red in the glass followed by aromas of red berries, volcanic rock and slight nuances of mocha-laced oak. On the palate, the wine displayed amazing balance and complexity with rich, satisfying red fruit nicely balanced by fine tannins. This wine has a front, mid and back palate presence with surprising depth of fruit, complexity and power. This wine far exceeded my expectations and will definitely be included in my next purchase.

Review Date: 7-9-2009

This Chateau has gone through an amazing transformation since it was purchased by a wealthy American banker. Haut-Bailly is now fully able to take advantage of their great terroir and produce remarkable, reference-point wines from Pessac-Leognan. There is so much going on here that words are difficult, the wine displays a laserbeam of bright red fruit coupled with a minerality and rich loamy oak flavor that it has everything you want from a bold red wine. There is considerable stuffing and fleshiness that suggest this wine will only improve with age and can easily spend the next 10 years in your cellar (if you're able to show that much restraint).

Review Date: 7-8-2009

One of the most famed and consistent producers of Central Coast Chardonnay, Chalone has once again fashioned an outstanding and affordable Chardonnay. Chalone was one of the first wineries to realize the vast potential of the Central Coast to grow both world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The first vintage to be produced under the Chalone label was in 1966 and from that humble beginning the name Chalone has become synonymous with Central Coast Chardonnay. The 2007 Chalone Chardonnay is a great example of what heights this region is capable of reaching with a wine that has vibrant nose of honey, acacia flowers and racy tropical fruit aromas. On the palate this wine displays admirable balance and weight with gorgeous fruit, racy minerality and a honeyed richness that makes this wine irresistible. If you're looking for a knock-out Chardonnay for under $20 then this is the wine for you.

Review Date: 7-8-2009

An up-and-coming winery, Hall vineyards is quickly gaining a reputation for making excellent Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. Under the guidance of winemaker Steve Leveque and consulting winemaker David Ramey Hall winery has made an outstanding 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2005 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark purple hue in the glass with notes of creosote, graphite, dark chocolate and creme de cassis. On the palate the wine is dark and brooding with rich flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cocoa and mocha which all are balanced nicely against firm tannins and good acidity. The finish is long and lush and this wine was so enjoyable the last time had this at lunch I couldn't resist a second glass. If you're searching for that next great affordable California Cabernet Sauvignon then look no further.