Check out this link to the article published on the Houston Chronicle webiste,
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Press from Wine Spectator for Winebow
In the January 31st – February 28th Issue of the Wine Spectator:
A World Wide Search for Values: Editor’s Pick
"Another area I am focusing on for value in Italian wine is Alto Adige. I think that this mountainous region on the Italian border with Austria is making some of the most idverse, interesting and squeaky –clean whites in Europe. They represent a range of grape types, from Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to blends of all the above and more. Look to names such as […] Tramin, Tiefenbrunnner…. All of these wineries, many of which are cooperatives, produce entry level white wines that start at less than $20 a bottle." – James Suckling
Buying Guide
Argentina
Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Malbec Cadus – 91 points
"An opulent, exotic style, with loads of fig, spice cake, Turkish coffee and boysenberry comfiture notes supported by hints bittersweet cocoa and graphite. The long, dark finish has solid grip."
Italy
Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2005 – 89 points
"Shows pretty aromas of raisin and cola. Full-bodied, round and full of juicy dried fruit and spice flavors, with fine tannins and a long, tasty finish."
Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa 2006 – 88 points
"Currant and plum, colored by a cappuccino note, follow through to a medium – to full-bodied palate, where the thick, fruity texture blends with lightly firm tannins to give a long, tasty finish."
Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2006 – 86 points
"Delivers superclean aromas and flavors of blackberry, with a hint of licorice. Medium-bodied, with a tight, crisp palate and a fresh, fruity finish."
Allegrini Verona La Poja 2004 – 88 points
"Offers currant and fresh mushroom on the nose. Full-bodied, with concentrated fruit coating the fine tannins and giving a medium finish. This has a solid core of ripe fruit…."
Allegrini Verona Palazzo della Torre 2005 – 88 points
"Aromas of currant and forest fruits blend with chocolaty notes, which follow through to a full-bodied palate, with ripe, chocolate-coated tannins, giving a long, tasty finish."
Allegrini Valpolicella 2007 – 86 points
"This silky young red offers clean cherry and berry character, with lovely, pure fruit and texture."
Maculan Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Veneto Brentino 2006 – 86 points
"Currant, mineral and aromatic bark on the nose turns to cocoa on the medium palate, with lightly firm tannins and a clean finish…."
Top Values 2008
Italy
Argiolas Nuragus di Cagliari S’elegas 2006 – 88 points
Argiolas Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino 2007 – 89 points
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2006 – 90 points
Mastroberardino Campania Mastro White 2007 – 90 points – Special Order
Mastroberardino Falanghina Irpinia 2007 – 88 points
Morgante Nero d’Avola Sicilia 2006 – 90 points
Poggio San Polo Toscana Rubio 2006- 88 points
Tasca d’Almerita Sicilia Leone 2006 – 88 points
Tiefenbrunner Chardonnay Alto Adige 2007 – 88 points
Tiefenbrunner Chardonnay Vigneti delle Dolomiti Castel Turmhof 2007 – 90 points – Special Order
Tiefenbrunner Pinot Bianco Alto Adige 2007 – 90 points
Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2007 – 88 points
Spain
Emilio Hidalgo Pedro Xim̩nez Jerez NV Р92 points
Emilio Hidalgo Cream Jerez Morenita NV – 89 points
Castillo Labastida Reserva 2001 – 90 points
Collecting: Piedmont’s 1998 Reds Exceed Expectations: Barolos and Barbarescos offer top quality at reasonable prices, by James Suckling, recommends:
Top-Scoring Wines from 1998 Piedmont Retrospective
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Brunate – 96 points
"Soft flavors of dried fruits and toasty oak turn to coffee and chocolate."
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Sarmassa di Barolo – 96 points
"Shows great purity of fruit, with blackberry, mineral and cedar character."
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio – 96 points
"Full-bodied, with soft, polished tannins and a core of ripe fruit."
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Vecchie Vite dei Capalot e delle Brunate Riserva- 96 points
"Aromas of ripe fresh blackberry and plum lead to a full boddy, with silky tannins."
Roberto Voerzio Barolo La Serra – 94 points
"Fresh and young, with dried fruits, flowers and oak. Full-bodied, big and chewy."
Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto – 95 points
"More porcini than truffle, with plum and blackberry character. Full-bodied."
A World Wide Search for Values: Editor’s Pick
"Another area I am focusing on for value in Italian wine is Alto Adige. I think that this mountainous region on the Italian border with Austria is making some of the most idverse, interesting and squeaky –clean whites in Europe. They represent a range of grape types, from Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to blends of all the above and more. Look to names such as […] Tramin, Tiefenbrunnner…. All of these wineries, many of which are cooperatives, produce entry level white wines that start at less than $20 a bottle." – James Suckling
Buying Guide
Argentina
Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Malbec Cadus – 91 points
"An opulent, exotic style, with loads of fig, spice cake, Turkish coffee and boysenberry comfiture notes supported by hints bittersweet cocoa and graphite. The long, dark finish has solid grip."
Italy
Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2005 – 89 points
"Shows pretty aromas of raisin and cola. Full-bodied, round and full of juicy dried fruit and spice flavors, with fine tannins and a long, tasty finish."
Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa 2006 – 88 points
"Currant and plum, colored by a cappuccino note, follow through to a medium – to full-bodied palate, where the thick, fruity texture blends with lightly firm tannins to give a long, tasty finish."
Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2006 – 86 points
"Delivers superclean aromas and flavors of blackberry, with a hint of licorice. Medium-bodied, with a tight, crisp palate and a fresh, fruity finish."
Allegrini Verona La Poja 2004 – 88 points
"Offers currant and fresh mushroom on the nose. Full-bodied, with concentrated fruit coating the fine tannins and giving a medium finish. This has a solid core of ripe fruit…."
Allegrini Verona Palazzo della Torre 2005 – 88 points
"Aromas of currant and forest fruits blend with chocolaty notes, which follow through to a full-bodied palate, with ripe, chocolate-coated tannins, giving a long, tasty finish."
Allegrini Valpolicella 2007 – 86 points
"This silky young red offers clean cherry and berry character, with lovely, pure fruit and texture."
Maculan Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Veneto Brentino 2006 – 86 points
"Currant, mineral and aromatic bark on the nose turns to cocoa on the medium palate, with lightly firm tannins and a clean finish…."
Top Values 2008
Italy
Argiolas Nuragus di Cagliari S’elegas 2006 – 88 points
Argiolas Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino 2007 – 89 points
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2006 – 90 points
Mastroberardino Campania Mastro White 2007 – 90 points – Special Order
Mastroberardino Falanghina Irpinia 2007 – 88 points
Morgante Nero d’Avola Sicilia 2006 – 90 points
Poggio San Polo Toscana Rubio 2006- 88 points
Tasca d’Almerita Sicilia Leone 2006 – 88 points
Tiefenbrunner Chardonnay Alto Adige 2007 – 88 points
Tiefenbrunner Chardonnay Vigneti delle Dolomiti Castel Turmhof 2007 – 90 points – Special Order
Tiefenbrunner Pinot Bianco Alto Adige 2007 – 90 points
Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2007 – 88 points
Spain
Emilio Hidalgo Pedro Xim̩nez Jerez NV Р92 points
Emilio Hidalgo Cream Jerez Morenita NV – 89 points
Castillo Labastida Reserva 2001 – 90 points
Collecting: Piedmont’s 1998 Reds Exceed Expectations: Barolos and Barbarescos offer top quality at reasonable prices, by James Suckling, recommends:
Top-Scoring Wines from 1998 Piedmont Retrospective
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Brunate – 96 points
"Soft flavors of dried fruits and toasty oak turn to coffee and chocolate."
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Sarmassa di Barolo – 96 points
"Shows great purity of fruit, with blackberry, mineral and cedar character."
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio – 96 points
"Full-bodied, with soft, polished tannins and a core of ripe fruit."
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Vecchie Vite dei Capalot e delle Brunate Riserva- 96 points
"Aromas of ripe fresh blackberry and plum lead to a full boddy, with silky tannins."
Roberto Voerzio Barolo La Serra – 94 points
"Fresh and young, with dried fruits, flowers and oak. Full-bodied, big and chewy."
Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto – 95 points
"More porcini than truffle, with plum and blackberry character. Full-bodied."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Spec's # 6 Wine on Wednesday, Bay Area and El Camino
Spec's #6 at Bay Area Blvd and El Camino Dr. in Clear Lake is having Wine on Wednesday this week (Feb 4th). It is just like downtown's Tasting Tuesday where the customer buy's a glass and gets to taste numerous wines around the store. Please go and support Dominique Moran, with MM&D, who will be there tasting Roederer Brut Premier and Ramos Pinot Collector's Port.
It is from 6pm to 8pm.
Thanks to Chris Galmiche for the info!
It is from 6pm to 8pm.
Thanks to Chris Galmiche for the info!
February Presell Packets Available!!!
February Presell Packets just released.
If you haven't received one already, please ask your rep for a copy of the packet.
Included are the following:
Panther Creek, Willamette Valley, Oregon
German Wines from Billington Imports
Schumann Nagler
Johann Haart
Karl Erbes
DeLille Cellars, Washington
Ghost Block, Oakville, Napa Valley
Laetitia Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley, California
Ridge, California
Talbott Vineyards, Monterey County, California
Barnett Vineyards, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley
If you haven't received one already, please ask your rep for a copy of the packet.
Included are the following:
Panther Creek, Willamette Valley, Oregon
German Wines from Billington Imports
Schumann Nagler
Johann Haart
Karl Erbes
DeLille Cellars, Washington
Ghost Block, Oakville, Napa Valley
Laetitia Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley, California
Ridge, California
Talbott Vineyards, Monterey County, California
Barnett Vineyards, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Fantesca in Stock
750ML FANTESCA CAB SAUV 2004 $528.00/case (pk 12) 6 cases in stock
Located at 2920 Spring Mountain Road, in St. Helena, California, 1200-case Fantesca Estate & Winery was founded in 2004 by Proprietors Susan and Duane Hoff. The Minneapolis natives and Best Buy execs had dreamed of owning vineyards and making their own wine in the Napa Valley, with the goal of creating a legacy for their children and grandchildren.
Fantesca’s third vintage; an 800 case 100% estate grown 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon displays the
finesse and opulent style that are the hallmarks of Spring Mountain District. Crafted by father-son duo Nils and Kirk Venge, with grapes grown and tended by some of Napa’s top viticulturalists (Tom Prentice, Lupe and Hugo Maldonado). The winery’s second wine, a 2006 Chardonnay from Los Carneros is the third vintage of chardonnay for Fantesca. Release date of April 2008; limited production.
As Fantesca Estate & Winery does not have a tasting room and with highly limited production, fans of this new “best buy” wine are encouraged to shop online at www.fantesca.com, call the winery directly at (707) 968-0890 to purchase the wine or join the mailing list. For more information, please visit www.fantesca.com.
Located at 2920 Spring Mountain Road, in St. Helena, California, 1200-case Fantesca Estate & Winery was founded in 2004 by Proprietors Susan and Duane Hoff. The Minneapolis natives and Best Buy execs had dreamed of owning vineyards and making their own wine in the Napa Valley, with the goal of creating a legacy for their children and grandchildren.
Fantesca’s third vintage; an 800 case 100% estate grown 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon displays the
finesse and opulent style that are the hallmarks of Spring Mountain District. Crafted by father-son duo Nils and Kirk Venge, with grapes grown and tended by some of Napa’s top viticulturalists (Tom Prentice, Lupe and Hugo Maldonado). The winery’s second wine, a 2006 Chardonnay from Los Carneros is the third vintage of chardonnay for Fantesca. Release date of April 2008; limited production.
As Fantesca Estate & Winery does not have a tasting room and with highly limited production, fans of this new “best buy” wine are encouraged to shop online at www.fantesca.com, call the winery directly at (707) 968-0890 to purchase the wine or join the mailing list. For more information, please visit www.fantesca.com.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Parker Rates 2005 Dominus (95+) and 2005 Napanook (91)
2005 Dominus Proprietary Red Wine
Dominus A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Napa, North Coast, California, USA
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 180Dec 2008
Robert Parker
95+
Drink: 2008 - 2028
$109-$224 (129)
The 2005 Dominus continues to strut its stuff, tasting like a Napa hybrid blend of a St.-Emilion and Pomerol. Its dark ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by notions of cedarwood, spice box, roasted herbs, sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, licorice, and truffles. Full-bodied with excellent fruit intensity, complex aromatics, supple tannins, and a long finish, this 7,000-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot should drink well for two decades or more. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.
2005 Dominus Napanook Proprietary Red Wine
Dominus A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Napa, North Coast, California, USA
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 180Dec 2008
Robert Parker
91
Drink: 2008 - 2020
$33-$55 (75)
The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Napanook (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot) reveals a big, spicy, tobacco, black currant, sweet cherry, new saddle leather, and loamy soil-scented bouquet. With attractive fruit, a soft, round, full-bodied mouthfeel, and beautiful complexity as well as balance, it is one of the most Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines made in Napa. This 2005 should drink easily for 10-12 years. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.
Dominus A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Napa, North Coast, California, USA
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 180Dec 2008
Robert Parker
95+
Drink: 2008 - 2028
$109-$224 (129)
The 2005 Dominus continues to strut its stuff, tasting like a Napa hybrid blend of a St.-Emilion and Pomerol. Its dark ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by notions of cedarwood, spice box, roasted herbs, sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, licorice, and truffles. Full-bodied with excellent fruit intensity, complex aromatics, supple tannins, and a long finish, this 7,000-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot should drink well for two decades or more. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.
2005 Dominus Napanook Proprietary Red Wine
Dominus A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Napa, North Coast, California, USA
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 180Dec 2008
Robert Parker
91
Drink: 2008 - 2020
$33-$55 (75)
The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Napanook (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot) reveals a big, spicy, tobacco, black currant, sweet cherry, new saddle leather, and loamy soil-scented bouquet. With attractive fruit, a soft, round, full-bodied mouthfeel, and beautiful complexity as well as balance, it is one of the most Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines made in Napa. This 2005 should drink easily for 10-12 years. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.
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