Following up the 2007 vintage which was a Gold Medal Winner at the 2011 SF Chronicle Wine Competition, the 2008 Donati Family Paicines Claret is another winner in the under $20 category. Inspired by the style of the Left-Bank in Bordeaux, this wine is a blend based on Merlot, with small amounts of Cab, Cab Franc and Syrah blended in, all grown in the Paicines appellation in the center of coastal California. Located inland from Monterey, about seventeen miles north of Pinnacles National Monument and Park, this open, treeless area is exposed to oceanic winds but is protected from heavier evening fogs. Add to that a combination of high-draining, alluvial soils and you've got a zone well-suited to Bordeaux varieties! Barrel aged in a combination of French and American oak, the 2009 Claret offers a medley of supple red and black fruit aromas and flavors with hints of anise, leather, and baking spices. Medium-bodied, with smooth tannins and subtle earthy accents, this is tasty on its own or paired with a variety of foods. Cheers!
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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2011 Urbanite Cellars "Amplio" Cabernet Sauvignon $10.99
2007 Smith-Madrone Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon $39.99
2010 Priest Ranch "Somerston Vineyards" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $39.99
2010 Columbia Crest "H3" Horse Heaven Hills Washington Cabernet Sauvignon $10.99
2010 Von Strasser Winery "Rudy" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
