Under $10
Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth, Italy
Call for your favorite Canadian Whiskey or premium Bourbon for the ultimate Manhattan made with sweet vermouth from the world’s preeminent vermouth maker, Martini & Rossi. Or for a change of pace, M&R Rosso on the rocks with a twist of lemon.
Post Familie NV White Muscadine, Arkansas
Semi-Sweet without being overpowering. The South’s oldest wine grape is doing itself proud with this fragrant, fruity and flavorful wine. Enjoy by itself, served chilled on the veranda.
$10.00 to $15.00
Prince Michel 2004 Cabernet Franc, Virginia
The newest grape sensation rising in popularity around the country. Slightly lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, but with wonderful raspberry and vanilla flavors plus a long tasty finish. Easy drinking now and for the next five years with hearty meat dishes.
$15.01 to $20.00
V. Sattui 2005 Dry Johannisberg Riesling, California
Classic floral bouquet and flavors of the famous Riesling grape. Nothing better than a clean, crisp, fruity Riesling wine when made this well. Thank goodness, most of the country is coming to its senses and we can have this wine shipped from the winery, because that’s the only place it’s available. This wine shines at a picnic with sausage, fried chicken, cold ham and chef’s salad.
Chateau Aux Arc NV American Zinfandel, Arkansas
A blending gem of 99.68% Zinfandel, .12% Petite Sirah, .11% Carignane, .05 Syrah, .03% Alicante Bouschet, .01% Grenache. Concentration and dedication to blending by this young, lady winemaker. Her technique pays off in a wonderfully balanced wine with unique flavor components. Outdoor barbecue of beef with friends and neighbors.
Gloria Ferrer NV Sonoma Brut, California
Classic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, methode champagnoise brut from the caves of one of California’s top sparkling wine producers. Clean and crisp with delicate bubbles that delight the palate with its structure and balance. It would be a shame to save this wine for celebration only. Hors d’oeuvres of shellfish and pâté.
Falkner Winery 2005 Hernandez Vineyard Chardonnay, California
Hints of apple and licorice flavors blended with a subtle touch of oak. Light and crisp with a pleasant, lingering finish that won’t overpower food. Most any chicken dish or pork roast would be content with this dinner companion.
Lynfred Winery 2004 American Syrah, Illinois
Finely crafted with flavors of blackberries and an elegant touch of leather. Pleasing to the nose and satisfying to all the senses. Serve with any beef off the grill.
Rodney Strong 2003 Knotty Vines Zinfandel, California
Prominent black berry fruit with a little peppery kick and classic Zinfandel spice. Made to order for Zinfandel fans, and ready to drink with a cassoulet or pasta in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
von Stiehl NV American Cabernet Sauvignon, Wisconsin
Medium body with well-balanced fruit aromas and gentle tannins. Nicely crafted, ready to drink with a variety of backyard grilled meats from beef to lamb.
Casa Rondeña 2004 Mertiage, New Mexico
Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Merlot 50% and Cabernet Franc 30% exemplifies the blending expertise of the winemaker. Lovely flavors of cassis and berries. An elegant mouth feel and a real pleasure to drink with an old favorite, Steak Diane, prepared tableside.
Cosentino 2002 Viognier “Vin Doux Kay,” California
A fitting tribute to Nanna (Grandmother) Kay in this flavorful, sweet dessert wine. Perfectly balanced with fruit, sugar and acid. Lovely just by itself, slightly chilled with a side of walnuts.
$20.01 to $27.00
Stevenot 2004 Estate Barbera, California
High intensity of black fruit flavor. Powerful tannins and at the high edge of alcohol content. Wow! A forceful wine that is exceptionally concentrated and closed. After a couple of years of cellaring, this would be a marvelous wine with pasta and a hearty meat sauce. Enjoy with extreme pleasure for at least the next decade.
Chateau St. Croix NV American Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Wisconsin
First appearance of dark ruby cabernet is a promise of what is to come. Full-bodied with dark fruit aromas of cassis and spice that follow through in the flavor of this big wine accented with vanilla oak. Serve with hearty steaks of beef or venison off the grill.
Silver Coast 2004 Viognier, Georgia
Crisp, mineral flavors with hints of melon and tropical fruits. A wonderfully refreshing Viognier that would work well with a number of poultry, freshwater fish and seafood pasta dishes.
Quady Winery’s 2000 Elysium, California
From this country’s preeminent port and dessert winemaker comes a perennial award-winner. Black Muscat may not be well known, but this wine from Quady is always exceptional. From the lychee aromas to the sweet, satisfying flavors that will accent cheesecake, crème brûlée or just a selection of cheeses – this wine is definitely double gold.
$27.01 to $35.00
V. Sattui 2004 Napa Valley Chardonnay, California
A distinguished, balanced wine with a delicate taste of French oak. Ripe texture, full body with subtle flavors of pear and apple, but it’s the toasty oak that leads the flavor. A beautiful match for planked salmon or lemon chicken stuffed with prosciutto.
Suncé 2004 Mazzera Ranch Cabernet Franc, California
Intense black berry fruit flavors with an extremely smooth finish. A real testament to Cabernet Franc at its best. No longer just another blending grape. Suncé gives all the credit for this extraordinary wine to its grower, Stephen Mazzera. Slow-smoked ribs.
Chateau Thomas 2003 Pomona Series Pinot Noir, Indiana
The wine is from Napa, but the winery is in Indiana. Regardless, this Pinot Noir is exceptional. Big, intense and elegant with cherry-chocolate and oak overtones that fill the mouth with lasting flavor. Pot roast with classic brown sauce.
Byington 2003 Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Deep, dark, ruby color makes the initial, favorable impression. Not overly tannic and ready to enjoy now and well into the future. Classic styling for Cabernet lovers.
Prime rib with a peppercorn crust.
Pindar 2003 North Fork of Long Island Johannisberg Riesling Ice Wine, New York
Ice Wine is a popular sensation in the U.S. and the best come from the Great Lakes and North Eastern regions. A wonderful sweetness without being cloying. Indeed, a rather refreshing after-dinner dessert all by itself.
V. Sattui 2004 Ramazzotti Vineyard Zinfandel, California
Zinfandel is a standard bearer for V. Sattui and this wine holds up that reputation. All the classic earmarks of premium Zinfandel bright blackberry fruits, spice and pepper. Smooth, fruity and ready to enjoy with this fall’s game birds fresh from the hunt.
Suncé 2005 Old Vines Zinfandel, California
A spicy, sassy Zinfandel with a clean, pepperish finish. A wonderful, enjoyable wine to experience with saucy, barbecued ribs and a side of bourbon baked beans.
$35.01 to $40.00
Texas Hill Country 2003 Meritus, Texas
Latin for “honor” this Texan blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot deserves the recognition as a premium example of Texas wine. Distinctive flavors of black fruit with plenty of life in the bottle. Serve with Texas barbecued beef.
J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California
There’s something special about “single vineyard” wines and this cab from J. Lohr is the perfect example. Wonderful flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and black currant topped with toasty vanilla overtones. An exceptional wine ready to drink now with any type of game.
$40.01 to $50.00
V. Sattui 2003 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Another “single vineyard” gem from V. Sattui. A deep ruby color meets the eye and is followed by a wonderful cornucopia of black fruits. Spice, vanilla and even a hint of tobacco make their presence known. Enjoy this full-bodied wine for some years to come with rack of lamb.
Suncé 2003 Russian River Cabernet Sauvignon, California
The third “Double Gold” entry by Suncé and a tribute to the winemaker’s diversity of craftsmanship. Full-bodied and full-flavored with prominent blackberry fruit. Ample tannins for more years of pleasure. Give it another year or two then serve with roast duck.
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