Light and fruity ranging from sweet to off dry with little or no tannins.
Riverboat Red, "Missouri", Les Bourgeois
Known for its spectacular bluff top view of the Missouri River Valley, Les Bourgeois Winery and Vineyards is one of Mid-Missouri's premier cultural and recreational attractions. A family owned and operated winery; Les Bourgeois offers visitors a taste of some of the Show-Me State's finest award-winning wines, exquisite bistro cuisine and beautiful scenery. In contrast to their West Coast counterparts that have won worldwide attention with pure varietal wines, Les Bourgeois uses the traditional European winemaking technique of blending - combining various types of grapes to achieve the desired balance of sugar, acidity and texture. Blending frees their winemaker to creatively maximize the potential of each year's fruits, adding dimension and complexity to the wines produced. Many utilize grapes that thrive in Missouri's climate and soil. These distinctive French hybrid and native American grapes give the wines a character that is uniquely Missourian. A tantalizing blend with aromas of raspberry and cherry, this chilled sweet red wine dazzles the palate with layers of ripe fruit.
Case $158.00,
Bottle $16.00
Shiraz, "Southeastern Australia", Bulletin Place
This Australian wine has a dark, rich fruit aromas and flavors, while flashes of cedar and licorice hide behind the opulent fruit notes. Its soft tannins make for a pleasant, full-bodied mouthful, and an up-front, easy drinking wine for current consumption. The dense color leads to a nose of pleasant oak characters and ripe plum fruits, with a touch of chocolate and coconut. The palate is rich and ripe, with fine tannins and a powerful finish.
Case $158.00,
Bottle $16.00
Pinot Noir, "Central Coast", Echelon
Echelon wines are made using the latest technology at a custom facility in San Miguel, in the heart of California's Central Coast. Their close relationships with their growers and this facility give them total control of the wine, from the vineyard to the bottle. The Pinot Noir grapes are primarily from the Santa Lucia Highlands, the bench running along the northern end of the Salinas Valley. The area is above the fog line and sheltered from the wind, so the vines receive more sunlight and warmth than in other areas within Monterey County. This Pinot Noir delivers deep color, concentrated fruit aromas and rich textures on the palate.
Case $300.00,
Bottle $30.00
Pinot Noir, "Garnet-Carneros". Saintsbury (Seasonal)
Saintsbury was founded in 1981 by winemakers Richard Ward And David Graves. The objective of their new winery was pretty straightforward. Dick and Dave were going to disprove the notion that Pinot Noir from California was "only marginally different from jug reds." In 1983, Saintsbury adopted the proprietary name "Garnet" to distinguish this perfumed and fresh style of Pinot Noir from their more full-bodied wine that is labeled simply "Carneros Pinot Noir." Garnet is produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the Carneros district. This wine, aged in French oak barrels, has bright, refreshing fruit, while the raspberry/cherry/strawberry fruit is complimented by typical Carneros nutmeg and clove spice. It has an enhanced richness, superior concentration, and is fuller and more complex than Garnets past. This affordable Pinot Noir is a perennial favorite and complements a wide variety of dishes.
Case $410.00,
Bottle $35.00
Pinot Noir, "Sonoma Coast", MacMurray
The original homestead on MacMurray Ranch was settled over 150 years ago in Sonoma County. Actor Fred MacMurray purchased the ranch in the 1940's and made it his home for over 50 years. This Pinot Noir was blended from grapes grown in gently tolling hillsides near the north shore of San Pablo Bay, in the southern reach of the Sonoma Coast growing region. While the harvest came at the end of a long, cool growing season, warm days just before harvest brought sugar levels up t match the full maturity of the grapes, and the result was an intensification of the varietal character and a winemaker's dream of balanced acids and sugars. Aged predominantly in French oak barrels for an average of five months before bottling, this wine shows a soft oak influence with gentle tannins and slightly smoky overtones. Rich, ripe Pinot Noir flavors of red and black cherries, roses and strawberries are complemented by herb, spice, and subtle vanilla flavors.
Case $266.00,
Bottle $25.00
Pinot Noir, "Napa Valley", Sterling
Pinot Noir is a cool climate grape, and the vineyards for this wine showcase the cooler regions of the Napa Valley. A portion of the blend comes from the Carneros vineyards, which offer great elegance and soft texture, while the rest of the grapes are from the southern reaches of the Napa Valley, offering nice cherry fruit notes and a bit more structure. This wine shows fresh aromas of ripe red cherry and raspberry with rose petal overtones. A lingering finish and elegant balance define the style of this Pinot Noir. Oak barrel aging gives the wine toasty nuances and overall textural complexity. This exciting wine compliments a wide range of foods from salmon to lamb, veal and cheeses.
Case $337.00,
Bottle $36.00
Pinot Noir, "Sonoma Coast ", La Crema
Since 1979 La Crème has been a pioneer in producing Burgandian varietals from the Sonoma Coast. They continue to handcraft wine, one barrel at a time at their family owned estate winery located in the Russian River. Their goal is to offer balance, elegance and great fruit intensity in every glass La Crema wine. The grapes are hand picked, sorted by hand and fermented in 100% French oak for 10 months. The La Crema Pinot Noir has fresh aromas of raspberry, red cherry, nutmeg and cola. The bright cherry/raspberry flavors and lively acidity carry the mouthfeel with accents of plum and subtle mineral nuances. Toasty oak with sandalwood spice lingers through the finish.
Case $475.00,
Bottle $44.00
Rhône style blend, "South Africa", Goats do Roam
This is the #1 selling South African wine in the U.S. It is a deep, vibrant purple wine, round and ripe, with plum and berry flavors, and sweet smoke on the finish. It is rich and fruity with considerable concentration and flavors of licorice, sweet spices and ripe plums.
Case $210.00,
Bottle $20.00
Ripe fruity ranging from sweet to off dry with little of no tannins.
Valpolicella, "DOC", Allegrini
Fumane di Valpolicella is a small but important zone for Valpolicella wines. The Allegrini family has been working here in vineyards and cellars for generations. Their wines are now considered among the finest produced in Italy. Valpolicella or "Valley of many cellars", as derived by numerous academic studies of Greek and Latin, has always produced wine. The area is crossed from North to South by a series of hills forming a succession of parallel valleys. These valleys are crossed by steep sided, narrow river bends, which remain dry except during spring thaws, or autumn rains. Allegrini Valpolicella Classico Veneto is characterized by fresh, cherry-like perfumes, moderate alcohol levels and fairly high acidity. This is a wine that is meant to be enjoyed while it is still young and exhibits its most fragrant and intense fruit. Recommended with antipasti and lighter pasta dishes. Also compliments seafood and lightly grilled white meats.
Case $330.00,
Bottle $30.00
Chianti Classico, "Aziano", Ruffino
Passionate efforts by Ruffino to expand viticulture and enological thresholds have allowed for the perfection of more traditional Chianti Classicos like Aziano. This wine is produced from Sangiovese grapes grown in select vineyards located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Aziano is aged for approximately six months in large oak casks prior to bottling. This 100% Sangiovese has a ruby red color with a bouquet of black cherries, chocolate and tobacco. It is well-balanced, yet complex, displaying black cherry fruit with a velvety finish. Vigorous and harmonious, Aziano is ideal to drink now and has a potential to develop for an additional two to for years.
Case $294.00,
Bottle $27.00
Petite Sirah, "California", Bogle Vineyards
Bogle Winery is tucked into the Sacramento Delta among 1,000 acres of vineyard land and sits along side of Elk Slough in Clarksburg, California. Amazingly inky, deep purple wine emerges from the bottle as you pour a glass of Bogle's flagship varietal. On the nose, powerful boysenberry and blackberry scents are reminiscent of last summer's offering. Trademark jammy note fill the mouth with ripe fruit and berries. The voluptuous finish lingers with toasty, vanilla oak and lush fruit. The firm tannins make this a wine that can develop for years to come, but you won't want to wait that long to enjoy it! Try this unique wine with rich meat dishes of lamb, pork or game and their hearty sauces.
Case $250.00,
Bottle $23.00
Sangiovese/Merlot, "Santa Cristina", Antinori
Twenty-six generations of the Marchesi Antinori family - one of less than a handful of families to produce and market wine uninterruptedly for six centuries - have produced remarkable wines since 1385. The families unique amalgam of centuries' old Tuscan and Umbrian tradition with modern innovation has made Antinori the premier wine-producing family of Italy for over 600 years. If one could sum up Antiori's philosophy in a sentence it would be, according to Marchese Piero Antinori, president of Antinori, "Age-old roots play an important role in our philosophy, but they have not served to inhibit our innovative spirit." This wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. On the nose it has an intense bouquet of mature fruits, while on the palate it is well structured, harmonious, soft and very pleasing.
Case $250.00,
Bottle $23.00
Shiraz, "Clare Valley-Australia", Annie's Lane
In the early days of winemaking in the Clare Valley in Australia the local community would often help each other during busy times in the season. After delivering lunches to workers pruning vines in the middle of winter once a year, Annie Wayman's horse-drawn cart struck difficulty in negotiating the muddy track back to her cottage. From that day on, the track has been affectionately know as Annie's Lane, and today boarders one of the major vineyards in the Clare Valley. Annie's Lane Shiraz displays intense aromas of lifted blackberry and spice integrated with subtle smoky oak. The palate is rich, soft and full bodied with sweet black cherry flavors. Fine supple tannins contribute to a balanced mouth feel and excellent length.
Case $315.00,
Bottle $29.00
Zinfandel, "California", Cline Cellars
In the latter part of the 1800's and the early 1900's, Oakley, California was a picturesque farming community. At the turn of the 20th century, Oakley was home to a number of Portuguese and Italian immigrants who found many similarities to the Mediterranean climate they had left behind. They planted thousands of acres of orchards and vineyards. Today, a century later, due to the devastation of phylloxera and the encroachment of commercial and residential development, only 600 acres of vineyards remain in this evolving community. Cline owns and controls 300 of those acres including some of the oldest surviving vines in California. As always the California Zinfandel is a challenging and rewarding wine to produce. Severe selection criteria and master blending show in the final product, which showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Additionally, spice notes and lasting finish of vanilla from oak aging and firm, supple tannins add complexity to this wine.
Case $225.00,
Bottle $21.00
Zinfandel, "Heritage Vine", Rancho Zabaco
Rancho Zabaco is named for one of the original Mexican land grants in Northern Sonoma, which crosses over portions of the Russian River Valley, The area from which there grapes are drawn. The wines are inspired by the bold spirit and rich heritage of the Spanish and Mexican pioneers who settled this rugged land. The grapes for this wine were destemmed, but not crushed resulting in 20-30% whole berry fermentation. This fermentation from inside the berry itself "seals" in a true fruit character and minimizes the possibility of extracting more harsh, bitter tannins from the grape skins. All of the juice underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the acids. After settling, the wine was racked into predominately American oak barrel for an average of four months aging, which provided mellowness and depth. The wine was filtered but not fined.
Case $330.00,
Bottle $29.00
Shiraz, "Thomas Hyland", Penfold's
The story of Penfolds is a fascinating microcosm of the story of European settlement in Australia and the country's two hundred year development to its position today in the world community. Australia's wine industry now stands proud I the forum of international wine as one of the greatest quality and value producers in the world, and Penfolds is renowned as Australia's Most Famous Wine. From the adventurous beginnings of Christopher Rawson Penfold leaving England to settle in a far-off land, the Penfolds story journeys to the present day, leaving a 150 year legacy of excellence and outstanding achievement that has defined the company and, indeed, the entire story of Australian wine. Penfold's philosophy of matching their considerable vineyard resources to an array of wine styles and having the patience to then allow those wines appropriate cellar and bottle maturation prior to release, has secured the company's reputation as Australia's leading exponent of the utmost quality across a comprehensive portfolio of wines to suit every taste and occasion.
Case $337.00,
Bottle $31.00
Amarone, "DOC", Bolla
When Abele Bolla opened up Al Gambero Inn in the northern Italian town of Soave over 100 years ago, no one could have guessed that the favorite pastime of winemaking would continue for four generations. Today, the spirit of the Bolla family lives on in the carefully crafted wines they bring to your table. Created from the very finest Valpolicella grapes, painstakingly aged in the ancient manner and bottled in exceedingly small vintages, Amarone stand as one of the word's treasured red wines. Bolla is the first Italian producer to market Amarone in Italy and, in 1957, introduced the 1950 vintage Amarone to the United States. The grapes are specially selected from the upper parts of the grape cluster because they receive the most direct sunshine and therefore are the ripest. Once picked, the grapes are left to dry on wicker trays for up to six months, and then pressed for their rich, concentrated juice. Rich, with big spice tones, deeply resinous, they show good concentration and structure.
Case $520.00,
Bottle $72.00
Medium to full bodied wines that are wood aged and well structured with some tannins.
Merlot, "South Australia", Wolf Blass
Wolf Blass Wines International was born in 1973 when Wolf started his own business, purchasing a 2.5-acre land holding with an old army shed outside Nuriootpa, at the northern end of the Barossa Valley. John Glaetzer joined the company and from 1974-1976 Wolf Blass Wines won three consecutive Jimmy Watson Trophies, the Black Label generated substantial publicity and hype. From this time onwards growth was imp0tessive with Wolf Blass Yellow Label and Riesling becoming Australia's top selling red and white wine. Exports first started in the mid-1970 to New Zealand, Fiji, Hong Kong and Singapore and in 1984 Wolf Blass Wines became a publicly listed company. The fruit for this wine was sourced from three premium regions in South Australia, namely McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Langhorne Creek. The 2000 vintage in South Australia produced very good quality fruit. Merlot yields were again below average in volume but quality was very good. As they have for almost 30 years, Wolf Blass wines continue to delight wine lovers all over the world. This wine is a deep garnet in color with light, purple hues. A soft palate with exceptional depth of fruit and supporting oak in a soft, lingering finish.
Case $247.00,
Bottle $25.00
Merlot, "Diamond Series", Francis Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola has been making movies for more than 30 years, and wines at his Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery in the Napa Valley for almost 20. In February 1995, he purchased the remaining part of the original estate-the massive stone Inglenook Chateau and its adjacent vineyards. The Francis Coppola Diamond Series of wines are made from grapes grown in the cool valleys along California's rugged coast. Rich and ripe, these wines represent the individual flavors of the varietals accentuated by twelve months of barrel aging. As with all of the Diamond Series wines, the goal is to produce wines that have concentrated varietal character with wonderful flavor and texture. Merlot has traditionally been used to blend softness and richness into Cabernet blends but now has become one of the most popular red wines of California. Though predominantly Merlot, a small amount of Syrah has been added to increase its personality and to lift the aromatics. The resulting blend is extremely inviting with great richness and interest, demonstrating why the Merlot varietal has become so popular and appreciated. Supple red plum and black cherry flavors highlight the palate, with subtle notes of light milk chocolate and vanilla bean evident on the long finish.
Case $360.00,
Bottle $35.00
Merlot, "Indian Wells-Yakima Valley" Chateau St. Michelle
This bottling features Merlot grapes from vineyards on Washington State's Wahluke Slope, including the Indian Wells Vineyard. The most northern growing area, the Wahulke Slope is bordered on both the west and south by the Columbia River. The Indian Wells Vineyard is a very warm site with high heat accumulation and a long growing season. The site's loamy, sandy wee draining soils allow vine growth to be meticulously controlled through drip irrigation and canopy management. The wine is aged in one and two-year-old French oak for 18 months to soften tannins and integrate wood and fruit. This Merlot showcases bright red currant and cherry fruit aromas with hints of blueberry, anis and toast. On the palate, the wine delivers flavors of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, and spice with soft tannins and a round impression.
Case $378.00,
Bottle $34.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "North Coast", Guenoc
Nearly 1,000 feet above sea level Guenoc Estate sits with its rocky, alluvial soil, as well as its clear warm days and cool nights that favor several distinctive wine grape varietals. From 1888 to 1906 the Guenoc Estate was owned by internationally famous actress and vintner Lillie Langtry, who vowed to make "claret of the finest kind known in the country" in her California valley and placed her portrait on her estate bottles of wine. The Magoon family acquired the Guenoc Estate in 1963 and proceeded to develop state-of the-art vineyards and winery. After extensively researching the great vineyards of France, Winegrower Orville Magoon became the first in California to plant the five traditional Bordeaux varietals in Guenoc Valley and later to add St. Macaire as well as gros verdot and, in 1993, carmenére to the family estate. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a bright bouquet of roses and cherries leading to rich, ripe black cherry and cedar flavors and a long, silky finish. An embrace of oak enhances the spicy, complex fruit tones.
Case $360.00,
Bottle $33.00
Zinfandel Blend, "Coastal Range", Ridge Vineyards
Ridge has had a pioneering role in California single-vineyard winemaking, and a continuing commitment to that practice. The first step was to identify vineyards that consistently produce wines of high quality and distinct individual character. To ensure that each wine reflects the soils, climate, and topography of its site, the site is divided into a number of parcels that are harvested separately and kept separate throughout fermentation. This enables them, when the final wine is assembled, to choose the "best" lots - not only those that are most intense, but those most typical of the site. A highly desirable side effect of this selection often occurs: Small lots of excellent wine remain. Rich Zinfandel fruit predominates this wine, beautifully complemented by the elegance, spice and contrasting fruit of the Carignane, Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Mataro (Mourvedre). This is a lively, delightful quaffing wine.
Case $350.00,
Bottle $31.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "Sonoma Country", Estancia
Grapes from Estancia's new Paso Robles vineyards and renowned Alexander Valley vineyards are supplemented with fruit from northern California's best growing regions to blend a complex and delicious Cabernet at an affordable price. This vintage reflects the growing conditions in Paso Robles. The extreme temperature swings are greater there than in any other California appellation, resulting in concentrated wines of intense varietal character. The aroma is of dark cherry, plum, and nutmeg with a hint of leather, while the flavor is generous, ripe, rich, dark fruit, toasty oak and vanilla. It finishes with well-integrated tannins.
Case $346.00,
Bottle $31.00
Full bodied and robust with wood aging and structured tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon, "Tall Trees-Napa Valley", Villa Mt. Eden
Villa Mt. Eden winery is located in the heart of the Napa Valley on the Silverado Trail and has built its reputation for outstanding quality and critical acclaim by sourcing grapes that exemplify the best of type from California's diverse growing regions. In recent years, the winery has invested heavily in its operations, with renovated winery in Napa and new vineyard plants. Tall Trees, Villa's 235-acre Napa Valley vineyard in Yuontville, is planted primarily to classic red varietals. In addition to Villa Mt. Eden's own vineyards, grapes are sourced from Sonoma, Mendocina, Santa Maria and Santa Ynez. The Tall Trees Cabernet Sauvignon is characterized by a deep ruby hue and inviting aromas of plum and cherry accented by notes of spicy nutmeg, vanilla, cocoa and toasty oak. This is a full-bodied rich wine with blackberry, cinnamon flavors and velvet tannins that linger on the palate.
Case $270.00,
Bottle $27.00
Mountain Cuvée, "Rhinefarm", Gundlach Bundschu
Gundlach-Bundschu Winery is a family-owned, sixth-generation producer of distinctive estate-grown and bottled Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet-family varietals. No day at Gundlach-Bundschu is dull. At Rhinefarm estate, they utilize natural resources to produce wines that are reflective of the vintage and of their 140-year old vineyards with four classic varietals at the core of production: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The terroir is unique in its ability to produce this range of varieties with equal grace, and a synthesis of Old World winemaking methods and California ingenuity results in wines that are expressive and authentic. When you open a bottle of Gundlach-Bundschu, you uncork not only the earth's unique ability to produce poetry but also a rich, personal relationship between their family and the land on which they live. Blended from young-vine fruit and portions of wine lots the Mountain Cuvée is an exceptional value. Delightfully fragrant, with aromas of red currant, cedar, vanilla and spicy oak, this inviting red marries Cabernet Sauvignon's structured cassis fruit with the warm cherry tones of Merlot, and the complex spice of Cabernet Franc. The culmination is a firmly structured blend that finishes long and smooth.
Case $345.00,
Bottle $31.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "North Coast", Dynamite Vineyard
With its name inspired by the method that workers used to create the original vineyard site on the rocky slopes of the Sonoma Valley, Dynamite Vineyards captured the public's imagination when its 1991 vintage was released. More importantly, with their full-flavored character, approachable style and unbeatable value, Dynamite Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were soon winning awards and fans. As consumer demand grew for these impressive wines, Dynamite Vineyards gradually expanded its vineyard sources to include grapes grown throughout the North Coast (Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties), primarily in mountain vineyards. The colorful Dynamite Vineyard labels change with each vintage while the wine maintains consistent quality and superb value. This Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits deep aromas of blackberry and currant, with touches of bittersweet chocolate, toffee and spicy toast. The flavors are complex and concentrated with berries, currants, plum and cedar. Ample ripe, soft tannins round out the finish and the sweet fruit lingers on and on.
Case $420.00,
Bottle $38.00
Norton, "Missouri", St. James
Aged to perfection, these award-winning dry wines are bursting with flavor. Perfect by themselves or with a meal. This Missouri Norton displays opulent fruit on the nose and has flavors of blackberry and cherry, touched with a hint of spice and coconut. It has earned an unprecedented 13 gold medals and sweepstakes award in the International Eastern Wine Competition.
Case $324.00,
Bottle $32.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "Wetzel Estate", Alexander Valley Vineyards
Sonoma County's Alexander Valley was mostly prune orchards and pastures when, in 1962, Maggie and Harry Wetzel purchased a large portion of a homestead built by Cyrus Alexander, the valley's nineteenth century namesake. Here, in a rural community of family farms and ranches, the Wetzel family settled. They raised livestock, cultivated bountiful gardens and restored Alexander's original home, making it the center of family life. With an eye to their neighbors in nearby Napa Valley, the Wetzel's boldly planted premium grape varieties, among the first in the area. Then the family built a small winery. Hank Wetzel, oldest son of Maggie and Harry, produced Alexander Valley Vineyard's first wine in 1975. AVV quickly established a reputation for estate grown wines with distinctive varietal character. Alexander Valley Vineyards brought recognition to the appellation and became a leading winery in Sonoma County. The color of this Cabernet is dark ruby red, while aromas of black cherries, cassis, plum and cedar dominate the nose, along with a hint of anise. The use of selected Bordeaux yeast strains; high fermentation temperatures and frequent (twice daily) pump-overs make highly extracted wines with intense Bordeaux aromas and flavors yet soft well integrated tannins.
Case $450.00,
Bottle $40.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "Napa", Merryvale
The first winery built in the Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition; Merryvale is located in the heart of America's premier wine region. Graced with a European foundation and formal grounds, the historic winery is ideally located just ¼ mile south of downtown St. Helena, Napa Valley-adjacent to renowned Tra Vigne restaurant and within easy walking distance of may other restaurants and shops. Capturing the essence of the region's noble vineyards in rich, complex, supple wines rivaling the vest in the world, their three wine levels offer a choice for every occasion with a distinguished common thread-quality without compromise. This wine was made from lots of Napa Valley fruit selected for their complexity of flavors and supple tannins. The blend includes Merlot to help tame tannins and Cabernet Franc for additional aromatic complexity. The wine was lightly fined with fresh egg whites to sculpt the tannins, then carefully racked off the egg whites and bottled unfiltered. Round and harmonious in its youth, it will reward a few years of cellaring with nuances of aroma that only time in the bottle provides.
Case $563.00,
Bottle $47.00
Merlot, "Napa Valley", Stags' Leap Winery
Stags' Leap Winery is in a dramatically beautiful valley setting off the Silverado Trail, flanked by oak-studded hills to the north and west, and rocky palisades to the east. The property has a rich history, with its 19th Century stone winery and Victorian Manor House, and its connection through the years to the artistic and literary world. The vineyard is the secret of Stags' Leaps success. This piece of land has been planted to grapes for more than a century, and over the last 12 years has been replanted and renovated to ensure a continued supply of the highest-quality fruit. With these grapes, Stags' Leap produces sophisticated wines with firm backbone and subtle grace that express the unique and enduring character of their historic estate. When it comes to Merlot, winemaker Robert Brittan defies conventional wisdom. He adds the grape to Cabernet Sauvignon not to soften the wine but to give it structure. Similarly, he loves Merlot as a stand-alone grape that has a richness and structure all its own that deserves to be exploited. The Stags' Leap District-with its gravelly, sandy soils and warm climate-is an exceptional growing area for Merlot that can really hold its own. Estate grapes, picked at their peak of "almost overripe" perfection, deliver a signature structure to the wine as well as a distinctive brambly character.
Case $675.00,
Bottle $59.00
Norton, "Reserve", Hermanhof
This dark ruby red Missouri wine is full bodied, with moderate oak and acidity. Concentrated full flavors of berries, brown spice and black fruits. Notes of earth and smoky vanilla oak complement the long, full finish.
Case $410.00,
Bottle $37.00
Cain Cuvée, "Napa Valley", Cain Cellars
The Cain Vineyard site is truly spectacular, cradled in a bowl overlooking St. Helena from the top of the Spring Mountain District. Dramatic terraces have been cut into the steep hillsides facing north, south, east, and west. Mountain vineyards are unique. The soils are thinner, and the vines yield less fruit. Spring comes later, and the afternoons are cooler. The sun shines longer and with greater intensity. All of these factors combine to produce a concentrated wine of great character. Cain Cuvée (cue-vay means "blend") is a new style of Cabernet blend. In Cain Cuvée, they look for bright aromas to combine with a mouthwateringly fresh palate and a silky finish-just the thing to complement today's lighter and spicier dishes. Cain Cuvée is a smooth, immediately approachable, versatile style: a bistro wine.
Case $485.00,
Bottle $43.00
Sparkling wines are crisp and clean.
Brut, "Columbia Valley", Domaine Ste. Michelle
This sparkler is produced from premium grape varieties growing in Washington State's acclaimed Columbia Valley. Featuring a rich golden color with abundant bubbles, this wine is very elegant on the palate, and bursts with flavors of pear, guava and kiwi. The delicate flavors linger and make this a great pairing for seafood.
Case $260.00,
Bottle $23.00
Extra-Dry, "White Star", Moët Chandon
Golden yellow, with shades of amber, this champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. It has the aroma and flavors of hazelnuts and biscuits. This palate is soft with a fruity finish, evoking peach.
Case $764.00,
Bottle $72.00
Blanc de Noirs, "Carneros", Domaine Chandon
Chandon Estates Sparkling Wines is the leading producer of world-class premium and ultra-premium sparkling wines in the United States. Winemaker Wayne Donaldson continues the unique philosophy of French winemaking methods with California fruit, and a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship to create award-winning cuvees from the world-renowned Napa Valley. Chandon Blanc de Noirs is fruit-driven and full flavored, featuring Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. The fruit for this Blanc de Noirs comes from the Carneros appellation at the southern end of Napa and Sonoma Counties.
Case $400.00,
Bottle $34.00
Brut, "Anderson Valley", Roederer Estate
As the California outpost of Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate builds upon a centuries-old tradition of fine winemaking. Carrying on the tradition of Louis Roederer Champagne in France, special oak-aged reserve wines are added to each blend. This crisply elegant multi-vintage wine dazzles with complex pear, spice and hazelnut flavors. Fresh and lightly fruity, with great finesse and depth of flavor.
Case $456.00,
Bottle $40.00
Grand Brut, Perrier Jouët
Perrier-Jouët is one of the most sought after select champagnes in the world. All of the Perrier- Jouët blends are distinguished by the dominant presence of white Chardonnay grapes form the magnificent Cramant vineyards, and all are classified Grand Crus. It has lovely aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, spice and yeast. The fine, persistent mousse accents the exceptionally fresh aromas and luminous golden yellow color. This elegant, complex, crisp and balanced Champagne features lingering flavors of fresh apples and lemons.
Case $814.00,
Bottle $77.00
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