Washington Street Purveyors - Fine Wines and Gourmet Snacks

(Trading exchanges for Euro/USDollar (left) and Australian dollar/USDollar (right) for the last two years.)

Better days ahead for Rosé this weekend!! My car's thermometer read 84F today, and we had frost this morning!? I love Spring. My tulips do not, however.

New Arrivals:

More Mordorée Rhône:

The Vineyard: The vineyard consists of 55 hectares (135 acres), on 38 different parcels, which provide with a rich, wide range of soils and climates. The soil is a mix of clay, chalk and sand with pebble stones. The improvements at the Domaine have been incredible: new pneumatic presses, new stainless steel vats, new destemmer, new vinification and aging plant, aging in oak barrels for the top wines. All the grapes are raised by "culture raisonnée" which is very close to organic viticulture (intervention in the vineyard only when necessary). The yield is reduced in the vineyard by ébourgeonnage (de budding in spring) and "vendanges vertes" in summer (green harvesting). No expense is spared at this Domaine to achieve quality.

Domaine Mordorée 2007 Côtes du Rhône Rouge "La Dame Rousse" ($14.99) - This one of the best Rhône deals this Spring. Still under the $15 mark, this 2007 is fantastic right now. Unlike the Janasse and Garrigue "Cuvée Romaine" that need some time to settle in, the Mordorée is consistently hits stride right out of the gate. Full of sap and depth. "50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cinsault. 20 year-old vines. Deep red color. Blackcurrant and violet aromas. Melted and fine tannins, good finish. Food pairing: cold meats and delicatessen, grilled meats, semi-mature cheeses." - Fran Kysela.

Domaine Mordorée 2006 Lirac Rouge "La Dame Rousse" ($19.99) - Older vines, lower yields, longer skin contact leads to bigger wines. Still a little tight, this Lirac has the structure for longer-term aging - Fantastic after four-hour decant. "Age of the vines is 40 years old. 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah. Raspberry, black-currant and violet aromas. Full bodied, rich and ample on the palate. Nice concentration and a long finish. Pairs well with red meats, grilled meats, game and cheeses." - Fran Kysela.

Henry's Drive 2005 Shiraz Padthaway "Dead Letter Office" ($32.99) - "The 2005 Dead Letter Office is composed of 98% Shiraz and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was barrel-fermented and aged in 95% American and 5% French oak, 15% new. Purple-colored, it exhibits a smoky nose with notes of scorched earth, pencil lead, game, and blueberry. Full-bodied, ripe, and sweet, the wine has well-concealed tannins that will support 2-3 years of further bottle age. Drink this solid value through 2015. Henry's Drive is owned by Kim and Mark Longbottom with Kim Jackson as winemaker. This task was previously handled by Sparky and Sarah Marquis but in this, the second vintage after their departure, Henry's Drive has not missed a beat. 90 points." - Wine Advocate

"Ruby-red. Seductive aromas of vanilla-accented blackberry and blueberry are complicated by rose oil and dried lavender. Sweet, plush dark berry flavors are gently supported by harmonious tannins and take a liqueur-like turn with air. The blackberry quality carries through the long, juicy finish. Impressively balanced for a wine with this much fruit impact, and easy to drink, especially if fruit bombs are your bag. 90 points." - International Wine Cellar

IMPORTANT NOTES: For those of us in the "enough of the HFCS" camp, and just in time for summer highballs of Gin&Tonic (or Vodka, depending on how you roll, or Rum) comes Q-TONIC! "Q- TONIC is dedicated to making the world's best tonic water - a clean, crisp, completely ungeneric beverage that enhances the finest spirits or stands proudly on its own. We've used the best ingredients we could find. We went to the slopes of the Peruvian Andes for hand-picked quinine and to the Mexican countryside for organic agave, a sweetener better than honey with a gently rounded sweetness. We meticulously refined our recipe with both food scientists and mixologists. Then we worked with one of New York City's best design shops to develop a bottle as beautiful as the liquid it holds. We think we've come up with a superior tonic water. One that's good enough for the gin, vodka, or rum you'd choose to mix it with. And good enough to change the way you think about tonic water." $2.49/187ml bottle, $9.99 a six. It ain't cheap, but the best never is. All natural. Unlike other tonic waters, Q Tonic is made with:

Hand-picked quinine from the Peruvian Andes
Organic agave as the sweetener
60% fewer calories than regular tonic water
All natural ingredients
No high fructose corn syrup
85% lower glycemic rating than other tonic waters

Q TONIC tastes clean and crisp, as tonic water was intended, with a quick sharpness and a gently rounded sweetness. The bottle is perfectly proportioned for one proper drink.

And there's a reason it's called tonic. Q Tonic's natural quinine is believed to improve circulation and accelerate digestion. For centuries natural Peruvian quinine has been used by naturalists and herbalists to improve health, increase energy, and stimulate blood flow. More important information here, including cocktail recipes, quinine history, and company information: http://qtonic.com/.

New Arrivals:

Rosé!! Again, not the sweet pink stuff. This is the light, dry, ethereal wine that is on every café table in Europe during the summer months while the reds get a little more maturation in bottle. Most are made by the saignée (French for 'bleed') method. After the red grape must goes into tank for fermentation, some juice is 'bled' off to boost solids percentage in the remainder for color and structure. This runoff has a slight pink color due to the brief skin contact in the tank. Rosés are fabulous for summer enjoyment - they pair very well with nearly every light summer dinner meal - salads, poultry, fish, cold soups, etc. Or just on the deck or porch for aperitif.

From Wine Spectator on the 2007 vintage from the Southern Rhône: Châteauneuf-du-Pape's vignerons are once again crowing about the quality of their harvest-the Southern Rhône once again looks strong. In 2007, the southern Rhône was spared the viticultural difficulties spawned by poor weather in other French wine regions, including the northern Rhône and instead enjoyed a warm, dry growing season that mirrored other recent vintages, including 2003 and 2005. After a wet spring, with nearly four inches of rain during May, the season turned dry and warm-drier and warmer than 2004 through 2006.

Domaine Mordorée 2007 Côtes du Rhône Rosé "La Dame Rousse" ($13.99) - "40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre from 20 year-old vines. Pink, slightly orange color (mordorée color). Aromas of crystallized oranges and cherries, slightly aniseed. Very round palate, fresh and a long finish. Food pairing: cold meats and delicatessen, fowl, white meats, grilled lamb with Provence herbs, fish soup, fried fish, pastas, pizzas and all Asian dishes." - Fran Kysela

Domaine Mordorée 2007 Tavel Rosé "La Dame Rousse" ($21.99) - 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 10% Clairette. Steady brilliant pink color. Very complex nose with flowers, red and white fruit aromas. Round, full bodied with a long lasting aniseed and fruity finish." - Fran Kysela

Château de Ségriès 2006 Tavel Rosé ($12.99) - Ever wonder about the staying power of Rosé? Here's a holdover from last summer. "Lovely, light and flavorful, with cherries, raspberries and a touch of orange zest. Clean and fresh, with good balancing acidity. A complete wine. Excellent with food. VERY GOOD - BEST OF TASTING." - Wall Street Journal

Inbound!!

Domaine Mordorée 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape "Reine des Bois"

"Since 1996, their Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois has been one of the stars of the vintage. The blue/purple-hued 2006 exhibits aromas of charcoal, creme de cassis, roasted herbs, meat juices, licorice, and camphor. Full-bodied, dense, and concentrated with sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and a stunningly long finish (40+ seconds), this beauty is one of the vintage’s most complete and concentrated wines. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2023. (92-95) points." - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Price: $119.99

End of vintage!!

Capçanes 2006 Mas Donis Montsant "Barrica"

Celler de Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica Montsant

"The 2005 Mas Donis Barrica is 85 % Garnacha and 15% Syrah aged for 8 months in French and American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It offers up an expressive nose of slate, mineral, licorice, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered, long, and complex, this spicy, hedonistic effort has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now without guilt. It is a great value. 91 points." - Wine Advocate

Price: $16.99

Inbound!!

Domaine Mordorée 2007 Côtes du Rhône Rouge "La Dame Rousse"

ORGANIC!! For some reason, this seems to fall short in the reviews, but shines in the store tastings. Very consistent and a great value.

Price: $14.99

New Arrivals:

Back from Spring Break. What a ride.

What's with the weather on Thursday's anyhow?

Con Class 2006 Rueda ($11.99) - "This broad-shouldered white has a muscular structure, but remains graceful thanks to vibrant acidity. The flavors are less expressive, offering pear, grapefruit, mineral and herb, but this should bloom. Drink now through 2009. 89 points - Best Value." - Wine Spectator. The wines are produced from organically farmed fruit planted on pure chalk at high altitude.

Varner 2007 Chardonnay "Foxglove" Edna Valley ($15.99) - Just off the truck and into the rack. The previous two vintages of this Chardonnay rated 90 points from Robert Parker. "Pale gold in color with a brilliant clear rim, the nose is clean with aromas of green pineapple and apple. On the palate flavors of pineapple, mineral, apple, and lime zest are very clear. This chardonnay is very clean and sharp. For the third vintage of this wine I think it has come closer to the taste of Chablis terroir than ever before. The wine is nervy and tense for a young Chardonnay. This is not something often found from California." - Mark Ricca

Resonata 2006 Nero d'Avola Sicilia ($6.99) - The grapes are soft pressed and the juice is placed in stainless steel along with the skins for a maceration of 8 to 10 days with daily pumping over of the juice to extract more color and sweet tannins. The must is then racked and lightly filtered. Fermentation then takes place with selected yeast under controlled temperatures. The finished wine is placed in stainless steel holding tanks and bottled on order. Lush and ripe bouquet full of mulberries, blackberries and spice. Harmonious and well balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background. Food pairing: Excellent with lamb, grilled and barbecued meats, dishes with olives or capers and seasoned cheeses. - Fran Kysela, Importer

Thorn-Clarke 2006 Shiraz South Australia "Milton Park" ($9.99) - I don't recall if we've opened the 2006 or not, but I just bought a bunch more to get a premium wine out of supplier jail. This is likely the last load at ten bones due to increasing pressure for "The 2006 Shiraz contains 6% Nebbiolo. Crimson-colored, it has an attractive nose of spice box, blueberry, and blackberry. Medium-bodied, it has more than ample ripe fruit, good depth, and solid length. It is a Best Buy in savory Shiraz. The Milton Park label is produced by Thorn-Clarke. The wines have been Best Buys year after year and the current releases continue the pattern. 89 points." - Wine Advocate

NOTES: There is about a one-week supply left of the Hahn Chardonnay before they switch distributors. Future supply unknown. Plan B: Runaway Chardonnay. Same juice, different label. Supplier just waiting for label approval from the Feds. Everybody wins!!

Back in Stock!!

Marietta OLD VINE RED
Lot #46

This is the Zinfandel blend we tried a few weeks ago. Back on board.

Price: $13.99

Back in Stock!!

R Wines 2006 Cabernet "EVIL"

California Pinot Noir for under $10? Perhaps not as silky as the Mark West, but still hard to beat at $9.99

Price: $9.99

Wine Advocate - 91 Points!

Domaine de la Garrigue 2005
Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Romaine

"Readers looking for an absolutely fabulous value should check out the 2005 Domaine La Garrigue Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine...This is all that a Cotes du Rhone should be, and it is essentially declassified Vacqueyras, but better than many of the wines of Vacqueyras. Full-bodied, rich, with explosive levels of kirsch liqueur, licorice, and Provencal herbs, this wine is luscious, heady."

Price: $15.99

Spain and Wine Advocate #175

We're in the middle of changing households, and chaos is reigning currently. So for this update, we are doing just a simple cut and paste. Have a great day.

"Spanish wines continue to be en fuego in a highly competitive wine market. There are literally hundreds of great values priced at $20 or less." - Dr. Jay Miller

Bodegas Alto Moncayo 2005 Alto Moncayo "Veraton" Campo de Borja ($32.99) - "The 2005 Alto Moncayo Veraton is 100% Garnacha aged in new French and American oak for 17 months. Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits an alluring nose of toasty new oak, mineral, spice box, black cherry, and black raspberry. This leads to a wine bordering on opulence, with layers of fruit, some structure, and a long, pure finish. Drink it over the next 8-10 years. 93 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate

Bodegas Alto Moncayo 2005 Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja ($44.99) - "The 2005 Alto Moncayo is a selection of older Garnacha vineyards. Purple colored, it is more expressive aromatically with enticing aromas of pain grille, spice box, floral notes, black cherry and black raspberry. Richer, more layered, and intense, this superb effort has a 60+ second finish. Give it 2-3 years to unfurl and drink it through 2020. 95 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate

Bodegas Alto Moncayo 2005 "Aquilon" Campo de Borja ($159.99) - "The 2005 Aquilon has a splendid perfume of slate, violets, and cherry compote. There is beautiful integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, a smooth texture, layers of flavor, and exceptional length. There is enough structure to support 6-8 years of cellaring and it will provide pleasure through 2030. 97 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate. LIMITED

Borsao 2006 Garnacha "Tres Picos" Campo de Borja ($15.99) - "Bodegas Borsao consistently delivers great bang for the buck. Several of their value-priced wines are listed on the Best Buy chart at the end of this report. If I had to select just one Spanish wine that consistently over-delivers year after year, it would be Tres Picos. The 2006 Tres Picos Garnacha has an enticing bouquet of wild cherry, spice box, and floral notes that leaps from the glass. Remarkably rich, balanced, and intensely flavored, this wine can be best described as cherry pie in a glass. It is for hedonists only. As always, it is an awesome value. 91 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate.

Celler Can Blau 2006 Can Blau Montsant ($16.99)- "The 2006 Can Blau is one of the finest values in the marketplace. Composed of 40% Carinena, 40% Syrah, and 20% Garnacha, this purple-colored wine has great aromatics for the price point. It offers up smoke, pain grille, pencil lead, scorched earth, blueberry, black cherry, and blackberry. Balanced, round, and ripe on the palate, the wine already reveals some complexity and enough structure to blossom for another 2-3 years. Drink this lengthy effort over the next 6-8 years. 92 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate.

Celler de Capçanes 2005 Mas Donis "Barrica" Montsant ($16.99)- "Mas Donis Barrica is a custom cuvee made for importer Eric Solomon using old-vine Garnacha (80+ years) and Syrah (30+ years). The 2005 Mas Donis Barrica is 85 % Garnacha and 15% Syrah aged for 8 months in French and American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It offers up an expressive nose of slate, mineral, licorice, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered, long, and complex, this spicy, hedonistic effort has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now without guilt. It is a great value. 91 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate.

Descendientes de Jose Palacios 2006 Bierzo "Petalos" ($24.99) - "The 2006 Petalos del Bierzo is purple-colored with a fragrant nose of violets, lavender, mulberry, and blueberry. Ripe, supple, and sweetly fruited, it will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2015. This estate was started in 1998 by Alvaro Palacios. It has steep hillside vineyards and 60- to 100-year-old vines planted in 100% Mencia, a varietal indigenous to Bierzo, a cool-climate D.O. 91 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate.

Alonso del Yerro 2005 Ribera del Duero ($37.99)- "Purple/black-colored, the 2005 Alonso del Yerro has a brooding nose of earth, mineral, blackberry, and blueberry compote. This is followed by a smooth-textured, opulent wine with tons of flavor. It has a long, pure finish and several years of aging potential. It is an excellent value for a Ribera del Duero of this quality. Vinedos Alonso del Yerro was purchased in 2002 and Stephane Derenoncourt was hired on as consultant. Malolactic fermentation was in new French oak followed by aging sur-lie for 12 months with batonnage. 94 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate.

Finca Luzon 2005 Altos de Luzon Jumilla ($16.99)- "The 2005 Altos de Luzon is 50% old-vine Monastrell, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Tempranillo (not commonly seen in Jumilla). It was barrel fermented in new French and American oak where it remained for 12 months. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up an enticing perfume of mineral, garrigue, blueberry, and blackberry. Layered and ripe with enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, this pleasing effort can be enjoyed now and over the next 8-10 years. 89 points ."- Dr. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate.

ORDERS HERE

Valentine's Specials:

Amrhein 2003 Late Harvest Vidal Blanc (SPECIAL!! $15.99 reg. $25.99) - Just in the door from a supplier end-of-lot: 32 bottles remaining. "Intensely sweet tropical fruit. A touch of Traminette brings floral aromas and a hint of spice to this luscious dessert wine." The 2001 vintage won the 2003 Governor's Cup. The 2003 fared well also: Double Gold Tasters Guild; Gold Governor's Cup; Gold Indy International. If you or your like them sweet, then you'll LOVE this. And there's enough acidity to keep it from being cloying. Stop by for a taste - it's open right now. Sneaky good.

O'Brien Estate 2005 Napa Valley "Seduction" (SPECIAL!! $29.99 reg. $39.99) - "Seduction is a proprietary red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley appellation. [David Yorgensen, our winemaker, worked with renowned winemaking consultant Philippe Melka at Seavey Vineyard.] Deep, dense purple throughout, this wine displays wonderful aromas of sweet black cherry, warm licorice, cedar, oak and toasted espresso bean. Intense currant, berry and créme de cassis flavors on the palate are framed by fine grained tannins in this full bodied, supple, well concentrated blend. This wine will age well for 10 years or more."

Mumm NV Cramant Grand Cru "Blanc de Blanc (SPECIAL!! $44.99 reg. $54.99) - "Mumm's "Mumm de Cramant" non-vintage...to quote the charismatic Pierre-Antoine Rovani..."just rocks my world"...and can still be purchased for $65 or so bucks at discount stores...100% chardonnay...100% grand cru...and 100% delicious..." - Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate.

A special Oregon Pinot Noir from Jerry Sass. This is a blend of fruit from Wind Winds, Brigadoon, and Crow Valley vineyards, each contributing different characteristics to the final blend. This special blend has been designated "Cristi's Cuvée," in honor of Christi Crutchfield, who was the office manager for Roanoke Valley Wine Company and one of their first employees, and an annual attendee to the Nouveau dinners at Michel's. She died unexpectedly last fall. Jerry Sass is donated part of the proceeds to Christi's daughter's college fund. $29.99

Finca el Reposo 2007 Saint Jeannet Mendoza ($9.99) - Saint Jeannet? Huh? It's actually a long lost Italian variety planted in Argentina over 90 years ago (!) and the only varietal wine of its type available in the USA. (I read that this is the only planting of Saint Jeannet left on the planet, so we're almost tasting a fossil. "Campo Negro is the producer of this fine wine. A small, 93 year-old vine vineyard of only 2 acres, planted in 1912, it is located in Cruz de Piedra, Mendoza, Argentina. This region is becoming renowned for its distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon, but it is an area where this old Italian variety grows well too. The small, state of the art winery is located in the midst of these vineyards. The character of the wines are impacted by a stony, very poor soil, located just east of Lujan de Cuyo and at an altitude of 3214 feet above sea level. This wine was fermented in

stainless steel and has 100% malolactic fermentation. Being old-vine, the vineyards yield very little fruit - tonnage was only 2.7 per acre. Tasting: Vibrant yellow with greenish highlights. Soft, fine fruit aromas of pineapple, mango, citrus, pear and honey. In the mouth, it is lingering and tasty." A super alternate to Sauvignon Blanc.

Anderson's Conn Valley 2005 Napa Valley "Right Bank" ($49.99net) - "Their Napa Valley Cheval Blanc look-alike is called Right Bank, usually a blend of two-thirds Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, although it can change somewhat depending on the vintage. This is a thrilling wine that comes as close as just about any wine in Napa to mimicking a great Right Bank Bordeaux. The 2005 Right Bank (70% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Franc) is sensational as well. Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple color and notes of blueberry, blackberry, smoked game, cedar, licorice, and some camphor and leather, the wine is complex, fleshy, full-bodied, and a total hedonistic turn-on. Drink it over the next 15 or more years. 95 points." -Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate

This another of Chris Ringland's projects - including Bitch (also back in stock), First Class, Boarding Pass, 3 Rings, and Deisen. We will open these Evil wines on Friday, but if you can't wait, we're open until 7. For re-review:

R Wines 2005 Chardonnay Southeast Australia "Pure Evil" (SPECIAL!! $9.99 - reg. $11.99) - The 2005 Pure Evil Chardonnay spent some time in French oak. It is light gold-colored with an attractive perfume of butterscotch, spice box, baked apple, and poached pear, more like the nose of a wine three times the price. Medium-bodied, it delivers intense, ripe, spicy flavors buttressed by good acidity and a long finish. This is an awesome value in Chardonnay. 90 points." - Jay Miller, Wine Advocate.

R Wines 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Southeast Australia "Evil" (SPECIAL!! $9.99 - reg. $11.99) - The 2006 Evil Cabernet Sauvignon saw 25% of the wine aged in French oak. It reveals a fragrant bouquet of cedar and black currants. Fruit-driven, full-bodied, with tons of flavor, this Cabernet is an exceptional value. It will provide pleasure over the next 6-8 years. 90 points." - Jay Miller, Wine Advocate.

Still playing "catch up" with the site and finishing inventory. Frustrating that it's been six weeks since anything new. Stay tuned for more new and exciting arrivals!

SALE!! Barrel 27 2005 Syrah Central COast ($14.99 was $19.99) – Mac's and Russell's considerable winemaking talents combined with one of the best growing seasons ever on the Central Coast, have resulted in the best B27 Syrah yet. Yeah, yeah, we say that every year, but the wines just keep getting better and better! The 2005 exhibits a deep garnet-purple color, with seductive aromas of raspberry jam and crème de cassis, sweet cherry, black plum and blood orange fruit, with rose petal, anise/black licorice, vanilla and Asian spices adding layers of complexity. The mouth is round and dense, with a full mid-palate lifted by excellent acidity. The long finish begins with rich, red fruit and ends on a trailing spicy note that goes on and on. The best structured of Barrel 27's Syrahs yet, it will add weight and even more complexity over the next 2-3+ years and hold well after that.

Hogue Cellars 2005 Pinot Grigio Columbia Valley Washington ($12.99) – THE WINE: “Pinot Grigio continues to gain popularity throughout the U.S. Known as Pinot Gris in France, the grapes are named for their characteristic grayish color, but they actually take on a pink and even purple hue as they ripen. Pinot Grigio is a refreshing white with plenty of fruit character. The 2005 vintage has up front aromas of pear and white peach, with hints of almonds, vanilla and cherries.

Flavors are similar: rich and soft, with pear and peach. Serve this wine with light pasta dishes, shrimp, chicken fettuccini Alfredo, or anything you would pair with Chardonnay.” – Winemaker Notes

Cantina Nalles 2005 Pinot Grigio Trentin0-Alto Adige ($12.99) – Zesty and dangerously drinkable.

Domaine de la Janasse 2005 Côtes du Rhône ($15.99) – It never fails. Just when the current vintage comes into form it sells out. (The current vintage, 2006, we’ll open next week.) James Molesworth from Wine Spectator writes, “Compared with 2004, which produced outstanding wines with fresh, racy profiles and open-knit textures, 2005 is what vignerons call a "vin de garde" vintage, meaning the wines should cruise through two decades of cellaring. I rate the vintage at 97 points overall, on par with 1998 (though the two years are different in style) and better than 1990, not least because there are far more domaines producing great wines now than there were then.” The Janasse Côtes du Rhône was not rated, but the Domaine has an excellent history. And the Janasse is included in our December Six-Pack.

"The 2005 Cotes du Rhone has excellent color, low pH (which is characteristic of the vintage), sweet strawberry and black cherry fruit, good, crisp acidity, hints of minerals and spice, and a moderately long finish. Over the last decade Domaine de la Janasse has become one of the half dozen or so finest estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. However, they also produce an impressive range of Cotes du Rhones. 87 points." – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Infinitus 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($8.99) – New vintage from a very popular Spanish label. From La Mancha. The great plains of Central Spain (yes this is where the rain in Spain falls mainly…) is actually the largest wine growing region in the world. Larger in fact, than Australia and Chile combined! More importantly, it is here that we have ideal conditions for producing grapes from limitless varietals…Cabernet, Chardonnay, Viura, Merlot, Viognier, Tempranillo, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo and more.

Mollydooker 2006 McLaren Vale “Carnival of Love” [97 points - Wine Advocate]

A few goodies: We found a few remaining Château Beaucastel 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We're working on additional 2003 as well. Also detailed below is one of the more-reasonably priced and Wine Advocate highly-rated Tuscans - Isole e Olena Cepparello. And a few hot Ozzies.

Château Beaucastel 2004 Châteauneuf du Pape ($89.99) - "One of the great successes of the vintage and certainly better than their 2003 is Beaucastel's 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape. Deep ruby/purple in color with loads of licorice, smoked game, black cherry and blackberry fruit, along with incense and truffle, the wine has fabulous richness, high tannin, medium to full body, and beautiful length, richness, and purity. This is a beauty and one of the vintage's finest wines. Give it 4-6 years of bottle age and drink it over the next 25+ years. It has the potential to be one of the longest-lived Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage. 93 points." - RobertParker, Jr., Wine Advocate

"Thoroughly primal, with a torrent of raspberry and boysenberry fruit rushing forth. Only shows hints of its full range, with licorice, incense, graphite and mocha flavors fluttering in the background. Has an iron-clad structure, with a long finish that shows great cut and grip. Best from 2009 through 2025. 96 points - Collectible." - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Paul Autard 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvée La Côte Ronde" ($52.99/$109.99 magnum) - "94 points. The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvée La Côte Ronde" is undeniably the best wine Autard has made since the 1998 rendition of this cuvee. This got a big "Wow!" when I smelled it. A stunning nose of black truffles, melted licorice, blackberries, and sweet cherries is followed by a multi-dimensional, multi-layered, full-bodied wine with tremendous power, richness, and a hint of barrique. One could say this is modern, but the Provencal personality jumps from the glass of this meaty, dense wine. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15+ years. At times proprietor Paul Autard has clearly moved into the modern school of Chateauneuf-du-Pape with the use of barriques, still very much a minority school, but like so many who have experimented with new oak for the Syrah or Mourvèdre components, there seems to be a gradual shifting back from the percentage of new oak to larger barrel formats such as demi-muids, etc. I felt this was Paul Autard's strongest lineup of wines since his 1998s." -Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate

Isole e Olena 2004 IGT Toscana "Cepparello" ($59.99) - "95 points. The estate's 2004 Cepparello (100% Sangiovese aged in French oak, 1/3 new) was made from minuscule yields of just 600 grams per plant and is even better than the 2003. It exhibits a livelier color, fresher aromatics and a nuanced personality, all the products of a more balanced growing season. It boasts layers of vibrant fruit intermingled with subtle mineral and licorice notes, showing outstanding length on the palate and fine, noble tannins. A wine of extraordinary elegance, it has been stunning on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. That said, readers who want to experience this wine's full array of tertiary notes will have to give this wine time to mature in the bottle. It is highly recommended." - Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

Henry's Drive 2006 Padthaway "Pillar Box Red" ($11.99) - "91 points. The 2006 Pillar Box Red is 50% Shiraz, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Merlot aged in a mix of used French and American oak. Purple-colored, it offers an enticing, fruity nose including aromas of cassis, black cherry, black raspberry, and blueberry. Full-bodied, ripe, and layered with flavor, this wine totally over-delivers on my hedonist's meter. Drink this awesome value over the next 2-3 years. Pillar Box has a powerful pedigree; fruit sourced from Henry's Drive and winemaking consultation from the renowned Chris Ringland." - Jay Miller, Wine Advocate

R Wines is a new company founded by importer and marketing genius, Dan Philips, along with co-owner, renowned winemaker, Chris Ringland. Winemakers for R Wines are Chris Ringland, Bitch Barossa Grenache 2005

Lisa Wetherell, Andrew Hercock, and John Hughes. It encompasses four familiar labels, Marquis Philips, 3 Rings, Roogle, and Bitch, along with 13 others created especially for R Wines. Needless to say, the packaging of these wines is amazingly creative but, more importantly, what is in the bottle consistently over-delivers from low-end to high-end.

R Winery 2006 Grenache Barossa "The Bitch" ($11.99) - "90 points. Bitch Grenache is sourced from 40- to 60-year-old vines from the Ebenezer sub-region of the Barossa. With the price of Cotes du Rhone soaring due to the weak dollar, I am hard pressed to think of a better value in full-flavored Grenache. The 2006 Bitch Grenache received no oak treatment. Medium ruby-colored, it presents an alluring bouquet of earth, smoke, rhubarb, cherry, and strawberry. Supple, sweet, and tasty, this wine totally over-delivers for its humble price and is an exceptional value." - Jay Miller, Wine Advocate

RED	WHITE
Capcanes 2006 Mas Donis Montsant "Barrica"	R Wines 2005 Chardonnay "PURE EVIL"
Green Lion 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley	Sitios de Bodega 2006 Reuda "ConClass"
Mordoree 2007 Cotes du Rhone	Jean Manciat 2005 Macon-Charnay "Franclieu"
Resonata 2006 Nero d'Avola Sicilia	Hahn 2006 Chardonnay Monterey California
R Wines 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon "EVIL"	Araldica 2007 Gavi "La Luciana"

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