Bodegas Ondarre Reserva 2010

93
Bodegas Ondarre
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: An abundance of nice tart cherry and spice are prevalent on the nose. The palate is greeted by a pleasant plum and balanced oak taste. There are notes of vanilla and earth around mid-palate. The finish is long and tannic with subtle spice.
Bodegas Ondarre Reserva 2010

Vertice Cuvee 2010

93
Vertice
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Douro
Retail Price: $19

Tasting Notes: Who would have thought it? From the Douro Valley, where port reigns supreme, an elegant, supple sparkling wine. Produced from a blend of native varieties, the wine is aged for 18 months, providing texture and complexity. For a stunning change of pace from what your customers may expect, this is an educational and outstandingly delicious wine.
Vertice Cuvee 2010

Chateau Fontbernard Montagne Merlot 2010

95
Chateau Fontbernard Montagne
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2010
Appellation: Saint-Emilion
Retail Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: A truly classic Right Bank Rouge, 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvuignon. Soft, bright aromas and flavors of cherry, red currant and plum meld with hints of spice, sweet tobacco and finish with supple tannins. There are some lovely earth/mineral notes surrounding the whole that define the appellation. The 2010 is very approachable now, but will cellar nicely for three-to-five years.
Chateau Fontbernard Montagne Merlot 2010

Malma Universo Malbec 2010

89
Malma
Fanciful Name: Malma Universo Malbec 2010
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Neuquen
Retail Price: $31.49

Tasting Notes: This a great Malbec for those who are looking to explore the wines of Patagonia. This is densely packed with dark plums, blackberries and cinnamon. A welcomed floral lift echos on the finish.
Malma Universo Malbec 2010

Chateau Lyonnat Merlot 2010

90
Chateau Lyonnat
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Saint-Emilion
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: This beautifully produced Bordeaux is just bursting with deep rich flavors. Big dark berry and licorice are the most prevalent. Tannins in this have mellowed with age. Wood and smoke mingle nicely on the finish. Drinking at its best now.
Chateau Lyonnat Merlot 2010

Chateau Fontbernard Merlot 2010

95
Chateau Fontbernard
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Saint-Emilion
Retail Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: A truly classic Right Bank Rouge, 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvuignon. Soft, bright aromas and flavors of cherry, red currant and plum meld with hints of spice, sweet tobacco and finish with supple tannins. There are some lovely earth/mineral notes surrounding the whole that define the appellation. The 2010 is very approachable now, but will cellar nicely for three-to-five years.
Chateau Fontbernard Merlot 2010

Domaine La Berangeraie Cuvee Maurin Malbec 2010

89
Domaine La Berangeraie
Fanciful Name: Cuvee Maurin
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cahors
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Cahors is the traditional home to the malbec grape in southwest France. Two generations of the Berenger family produce this wine on their 12-hectare organic estate. All hand pruned, harvested and sorted. Good tannins, tightly wound. Leave it a little time to open up. Velvet in a glass!
Domaine La Berangeraie Cuvee Maurin Malbec 2010

Trinitas El Dorado Zinfandel 2010

94
Trinitas El Dorado
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: El Dorado
Retail Price: $23.95

Tasting Notes: Very complex, with black tea, tobacco, vanilla, dark plum, and cherries. Velvety tannins. Simply a great Zin!
Trinitas El Dorado Zinfandel 2010

Rocca Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

95
Rocca Family Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Collinetta Vineyard
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $95

Tasting Notes: From a vineyard located in the Coombsville AVA, just east of the city of Napa, this lovely example of a Napa Valley cabernet is sure to please the most discerning of palates. Intensely dark in the glass, the nose is filled with black fruit, and hints of toast. Exceptionally well balanced, with a long finish.
Rocca Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Miner Family Winery Red 2010

95
Miner Family Winery
Fanciful Name: The Oracle
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $100

Tasting Notes: While the cuvee’ is reminiscent of a superb Left Bank Bordeaux, The Oracle is all Napa Valley. Lush aromas and flavors of lilac, violet, blackberry and cassis abound with nuances of charred oak and allspice. The mouthfeel is rich. The finish is long with a hint of terroir and a perfect balance of tannin and sweet/tart acidity. This fabulous wine calls for a medium rare Filet Mignon. The 2010 is surprisingly approachable, but we suggest cellaring a bottle or two for 3-5 years.
Miner Family Winery Red 2010

Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Malbec 2010

95
Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cahors
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Ninety percent malbec and 10% merlot aged 14 months in oak barrels. Blue/black in color and viscous in the glass. A bouquet of lilacs and berries leads to lovely flavors of blueberry and spice with a touch of sweet and toasty oak. Tannins are supple with a touch of earthiness on the finish. Very French, very good!
Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Malbec 2010

Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

96
Gallo Estate
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Northern Sonoma
Retail Price: $95

Tasting Notes: A dense ruby purple, the nose is dominated by lovely black berry and plum fruit, with just a hint of toasted oak. Solid on the palate, balanced by its acidity. A brilliant example of restraint and power in the bottle. Wonderful now, but capable of aging.
Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010