Blackbird Paramor Red 2007

94
Blackbird
Fanciful Name: Paramor
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2007
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $90

Tasting Notes: A wonderful red blend with nuance of spice, red pepper, cassis and oak on the nose. The palate showcases the rich plums, blackberries and graphite with a finish of beautiful, dense, yet smooth tannins, with slight basil and dried fruit lingering minutes later.
Blackbird Paramor Red 2007

La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Rioja Reserva 2009

92
La Rioja Alta Vina
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Rioja
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Rich, powerful and full bodied. Loaded with inviting black truffle and blueberry. Well balanced. Drinking great right now but will continue to develop for a few years.
La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Rioja Reserva 2009

Jean Michel Fichet Blanc de Meunier Brut 2008

95
Jean Michel Fichet
Fanciful Name: Blanc de Meunier
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $52.99

Tasting Notes: Overlooking the Taittinger estate, Olivier Michel and his wife produce stellar Champagne, none more unique than this 100% pinot meunier expression. More fruity aromas than you ever expect from Champagne and equally complex on the palate, the grip, length and character of this Champagne will shock you for the price.
Jean Michel Fichet Blanc de Meunier Brut 2008

The Weekender Experience Merlot 2009

95
The Weekender Experience
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: A venture of Donny Sebastian and the Lamonica Family, who own prime vineyards just outside of the Stag’s Leap AVA. They produce five stunning wines, displaying gorgeous varietal characteristics along with subtle terroir hints. The Merlot is beautiful and elegant with a lush floral bouquet that leads to flavors of blueberry, black currant and a slight toasty nuance. The velvety texture finishes with supple tannins that balance the whole. Even die-hard Cabernet Sauvignon aficionados will love this Merlot!
The Weekender Experience Merlot 2009

Saint Helena Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

95
Saint Helena Winery
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $75

Tasting Notes: Blend of 98% cabernet sauvignon, 2% petit verdot, estate grown. Native yeast fermentation and 22 months in three types of French oak, 70% new, add to the complexities of this fabulous wine. The bouquet is lush with hints of lilac, blueberry and black cherry. The mouthfeel is rich with ripe, black fruit flavors mingling with nuances of mocha, coffee and sweet spices and a hint of “cigar box” on the end. Tannins are firm, in balance, and assure several years of development.
Saint Helena Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2008

99
Dolce Late Harvest
Fanciful Name: Late Harvest
Varietal: Dessert
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $54.99

Tasting Notes: When people in Napa Valley put their minds to something, they normally make it world class. This is no different. A Sauternes-style dessert wine made in Napa Valley, Dolce is considered to be one of the best dessert wines in the world and the 2008 is no different. Silky smooth, with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine is one of the best wine experiences you will ever have.
Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2008

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

Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve Malbec 2008

98
Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Retail Price: $52

Tasting Notes: This is one serious malbec. High-altitude fruit from the Uco valley. Old-vine designation utilizing plantings from 1947. An exotic blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc aged 24 months in French oak. Intense purple color, soft aromas of apricot, plum, and bright cherries. Elegant, supple mouthfeel, and a long, smooth finish.
Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve Malbec 2008

Altamira de los Andes, Reserve Malbec 2009

93
Altamira de los Andes, Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: High-altitude malbec sourced from three of the best growing areas in the Uco valley. Aged 18 months in oak, this wine has beautiful violet color in the glass, with intense aromas of cherry and vanilla and just a hint of dark chocolate. A formidable, classic malbec.
Altamira de los Andes, Reserve Malbec 2009