Staff Recommendations
Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, 2005
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From one of California's iconic producers, Jim Clenenden, comes this truly delicious Chardonnay. One could spend any amount on a California Chardonnay and never taste an example as fine as this.
Newton Claret, Napa Valley, 2005
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Peter Newton has been crafting excellent red and white wines in Napa Valley for a quarter century. His unflitered Cabernet Sauvignon is a California benchmark. We recently received a few bottles of his very fine and well-priced Claret. Our staff was wowed by this new arrival!
Fiddlehead Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir Rose"Pink Fiddle"
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For its great color and distinctive labeling, Pink Fiddle is certainly a fun wine to serve to friends and makes a great gift. The winemaker has made no comprises in terms of quality, however, and the proof is in the sipping. Made from Pinot Noir grapes, using the same limited fermentation on the skins as the Castano Rose (above), the resulting wine has attractive notes of wild strawberries and a refreshing acidity. This Rose is a fine reminder that Summer is just around the corner. Enjoy as an aperitif or as a great accompaniment to your meal.
Syncline 2006 "Subduction Red"
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This Washington State blend of Syrah and other traditional Rhone varietals is a super value. Silky notes of blackberries, blueberries, black olives, and spice explode from the glass. This is a wine with enough stuffing to pair with a grilled steak, but is equally enjoyable on its own. Don’t miss this truly delicious wine while it’s in stock.
Collectables
Clos Mimi 2003 "Hommage a Henri Bonneau"
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A tribute to one of the Southern Rhone’s living legends, this red wine is so rich and exotic as to defy the imagination. Made from 100% California Grenache grapes, this is among the rarest wines on the market today in terms of bottles produced. Unlike many wines at its quality level, it will more approachable when young, but promises to improve for at least a decade.
J. L. Chave 2005 Hermitage
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The 2005 vintage was superb throughout the Rhone Valley in Southern France. From one of the region’s most consistent and influential winemakers comes this blockbuster Syrah. Buy it while you can, but this is a truly great wine that will require patience. Amazing stuff.