Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

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Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard
Fanciful Name: Mitsuko’s Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard pinot noir, from the one of the coolest regions in Napa Valley, shows great color, with a spicy combination of red and black fruit. Plenty of structure and a balanced finish display its pedigree.
Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
Chappellet Signature
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: Complex and satisfying, with plush fruits of black cherry and nuances of espresso and bittersweet chocolate. A great match with short ribs, veal dishes and hard cheeses.
Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013

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Cakebread Cellars
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Elegant and noteworthy. This wine shines with hints of nectarine and stone. Well balanced, pleasing long finish. A must with food.
Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013

B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
B.R. Cohn
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $42

Tasting Notes: A blend of 67% Napa County, 33% Sonoma County. Rich, lush, generous cabernet showing nuances of both Napa and Sonoma. Classic currant notes, dark fruits, mocha, plum and well-integrated acidity and tannins for a full-bodied, smooth finish.
B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Mapema Malbec 2011

91
Mapema
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: The “Ma” comes from Mariano di Paola, the “pe” comes from the people at the winery, and the “ma” is the magic they create as a team. A 100% high-altitude malbec, aged 12 months in oak. Cherry notes balanced with a hint of peppery spice. Perfect for grilled meats.
Mapema Malbec 2011

Lunta Malbec 2011

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Lunta
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Lujan de Cuyo
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Vines with an average age of 80-plus years lend great complexity to this wine. Very youthful on the nose, with intense aromas of currants, plums, raisins, and a hint of licorice. An elevation of 3,300 feet helps produce wines perfect for beef or lamb dishes.
Lunta Malbec 2011

Lariviere Yturbe Malbec 2010

87
Lariviere Yturbe
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Lujan de Cuyo
Retail Price: $29

Tasting Notes: This Franco-Argentinean collaboration is a family affair. Miguel Lariviere and his daughter Leticia run the project. Beautiful spice and fruit notes dominate the nose. Good mouthfeel, supple tannins, with hints of coffee and vanilla on the finish.
Lariviere Yturbe Malbec 2010

Fabre Montmayou Malbec 2012

91
Fabre Montmayou
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Lujan de Cuyo
Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: All estate-grown fruit from 50-year-old vines in the Cuyo regions produces complex, full-bodied flavors. Light oak aging lets the rich, chewy, fruit shine through.
Fabre Montmayou Malbec 2012

Colome Malbec 2011

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Colome
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Salta
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Sourced from some of the highest vineyards in the world, showcasing notes of spicy pepper and purple flowers on a medium bodied frame.
Colome Malbec 2011

Cafetin ‘tos Malbec 2008

89
Cafetin ‘tos
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: This is a nod to the classic coffee bars of Buenos Aires, and the spirit of creativity and independence that typifies their winemaking art. Young vines, aged 12 months in oak yield a softer, easy drinking malbec. Beautiful color, black fruit aromas, and a subtle sense of spice, lead to a smooth finish. Great easy-drinking wine for every day.
Cafetin ‘tos Malbec 2008

Ben Marco “Expressivo” Malbec Blend 2011

88
Ben Marco
Fanciful Name: Expressivo
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Aromas of sweet vanilla, cherry liqueur, cedar and toast; mouth-filling flavors mirroring nose, full and round with dusty, woodsy tannins.
Ben Marco “Expressivo” Malbec Blend 2011

Achaval Ferrer Malbec

91
Achaval Ferrer
Varietal: Malbec
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Big, bold and flavorful—the kind of wine that made Argentine malbec so popular.
Achaval Ferrer Malbec