CASTLE ROCK CHARDONNAY 2006, CALIFORNIA
"This elegant Chardonnay offers a rich, ripe and fruity character with a delicious blending of vanilla, pear, citrus and melon flavors, subtle oak undertones and a long, balanced finish. In any season this Castle Rock Chardonnay will complement most cuisines and is an especially pleasing accompaniment to fish, poultry and lightly sauced entrees."-Winery notes $ 11.99
Truly a bang!
CANNONBALL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005, CALIFORNIA
This is one of the values of the year! 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, this big, bold red wine explodes with black cherry and berry fruit, with a long, chocolate-y finish. Though it's full and rich, this Cab is well-balanced and easy to enjoy with or without food. This is a great wine for outdoor grillin' or for any party. As the winery says, "Share a splash with good friends!" $ 12.99
One of my ultimate favorites...
CASTLE ROCK PINOT NOIR WILLAMETTE 2007, OREGON
"This elegant medium-bodied wine offers aromas of cherry and spice. On the palate the wine gives flavors of berries, cinnamon, black cherry, sweet vanilla oak and floral notes, with a long, velvety finish. This versatile wine pairs well with lamb, chicken, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes."--Winery Notes $ 13.98
Great for those who aren't 100% Sauvignon Blanc lovers!
HONIG SAUVIGNON BLANC NAPA VALLEY 2007, CALIFORNIA
Complex scents of pear and apple cider. Juicy flavors of apple and white peach. Lingering peach impressions in the juicy close. $ 15.99
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sommelier Selected Summer Sips
Great for BBQ...
EDUCATED GUESS NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005, CALIFORNIA
Distinct ripeness may be the dominant theme here, but this fairly full and slightly viscous wine musters a modicum of ripe-cherry fruit as a counterpoint to its ongoing themes of chocolate and caramelly oak. It avoids the coarseness and heat that is almost a given in very ripe wines, and its richness makes it a good choice for pairing up with pot roasts and heartier stews. $ 19.99
A true favorite...
BOTTER PROSECCO SPAGO N/V, ITALY
This sparkling wine is crisp and offers a wonderful almond blossom undertone in the bouquet. This fruity but dry sparkling wine is great by itself or as a base for bellinis (a blend of Prosecco and either peach or apricot juice). $ 12.99
Versatility...
HAYMAN AND HILL INTERCHANGE 2006, CALIFORNIA
A blend of 47% Chardonnay, 34% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Muscat, 5% Semillion and 3% Gewurtztraminer. Bright citrus and mineral acidity give the wine a fresh, clean backbone. Complemented by a rich and smooth palate to round out the tropical fruit characteristics. Food Suggestion: Calls for some robust fish such as poached Atlantic Salmon or more delicate meat dishes like grilled pork chops. A great wine to start any occasion in style. $ 12.98
Consistency...
HILLINGER PINOT GRIGIO 2007, AUSTRIA
This is one of the best Pinot Grigios outside of Italy. Dry, crisp and clean with plump orchard fruit flavors laced with almond and a bright fresh finish. Enjoy well chilled with scampi, grilled vegetables, sauteed chicken or pasta with white sauce. $ 10.98
EDUCATED GUESS NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005, CALIFORNIA
Distinct ripeness may be the dominant theme here, but this fairly full and slightly viscous wine musters a modicum of ripe-cherry fruit as a counterpoint to its ongoing themes of chocolate and caramelly oak. It avoids the coarseness and heat that is almost a given in very ripe wines, and its richness makes it a good choice for pairing up with pot roasts and heartier stews. $ 19.99
A true favorite...
BOTTER PROSECCO SPAGO N/V, ITALY
This sparkling wine is crisp and offers a wonderful almond blossom undertone in the bouquet. This fruity but dry sparkling wine is great by itself or as a base for bellinis (a blend of Prosecco and either peach or apricot juice). $ 12.99
Versatility...
HAYMAN AND HILL INTERCHANGE 2006, CALIFORNIA
A blend of 47% Chardonnay, 34% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Muscat, 5% Semillion and 3% Gewurtztraminer. Bright citrus and mineral acidity give the wine a fresh, clean backbone. Complemented by a rich and smooth palate to round out the tropical fruit characteristics. Food Suggestion: Calls for some robust fish such as poached Atlantic Salmon or more delicate meat dishes like grilled pork chops. A great wine to start any occasion in style. $ 12.98
Consistency...
HILLINGER PINOT GRIGIO 2007, AUSTRIA
This is one of the best Pinot Grigios outside of Italy. Dry, crisp and clean with plump orchard fruit flavors laced with almond and a bright fresh finish. Enjoy well chilled with scampi, grilled vegetables, sauteed chicken or pasta with white sauce. $ 10.98
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Delicious Favorite Sommelier Summer Sips under $15

"A delicious mouthful of bubbly. Smooth, rich and creamy, with layers of black cherry, vanilla, ginger and a hint of lemon drop. Finishes with a long, refreshing aftertaste with mineral and fruit. Drink now." Wine Spectator 90 Pts
"Wonderful, delicious, elegant, smooth!" The Sipping Sommelier (Rated 10) $ 12.99
MILTON PARK SHIRAZ SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA 2006, AUSTRALIA Ruby-red. Jammy blackberry and mulberry on the nose; reminds me of a zinfandel. Fresh, juicy dark berry flavors display a nice combination of poise and sweetness, with mocha and candied licorice notes adding complexity. Soft, silky and sweet on the concentrated, persistent finish. There are no apparent tannins to get in the way of the vibrant fruit. This is one serious bargain. -IWC 88 PtsThe 2006
Shiraz contains 6% Nebbiolo. Crimson-colored, it has an attractive nose of spice box, blueberry, and blackberry. Medium-bodied, it has more than ample ripe fruit, good depth, and solid length. It is a Best Buy in savory Shiraz. The Milton Park label is produced by Thorn-Clarke. The wines have been Best Buys year after year and the current releases continue the pattern. - Wine Advocate 89 Pts
"A good food or cheese and appetizer wine if you don't want to eat a full dinner this summer." The Sipping Sommelier (Rated 10) $ 9.98
YARRAMAN BARN BUSTER SEMILLON/VERDELHO 2005, AUSTRALIA Bright straw in colour with vibrant green hues, there is an abundance of aroma with distinct tropical notes of pineapple and banana from the Verdelho component. The palate has excellent fruit depth, mid-palate weight and mouth feel, with the fresh citrus acid of Semillon providing a zesty finish. IWC 87 Pts
"Great for seafoods and salads." The Sipping Sommelier (Rated 9) $ 10.99
MILTON PARK SHIRAZ SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA 2006, AUSTRALIA Ruby-red. Jammy blackberry and mulberry on the nose; reminds me of a zinfandel. Fresh, juicy dark berry flavors display a nice combination of poise and sweetness, with mocha and candied licorice notes adding complexity. Soft, silky and sweet on the concentrated, persistent finish. There are no apparent tannins to get in the way of the vibrant fruit. This is one serious bargain. -IWC 88 PtsThe 2006
Shiraz contains 6% Nebbiolo. Crimson-colored, it has an attractive nose of spice box, blueberry, and blackberry. Medium-bodied, it has more than ample ripe fruit, good depth, and solid length. It is a Best Buy in savory Shiraz. The Milton Park label is produced by Thorn-Clarke. The wines have been Best Buys year after year and the current releases continue the pattern. - Wine Advocate 89 Pts
"A good food or cheese and appetizer wine if you don't want to eat a full dinner this summer." The Sipping Sommelier (Rated 10) $ 9.98
YARRAMAN BARN BUSTER SEMILLON/VERDELHO 2005, AUSTRALIA Bright straw in colour with vibrant green hues, there is an abundance of aroma with distinct tropical notes of pineapple and banana from the Verdelho component. The palate has excellent fruit depth, mid-palate weight and mouth feel, with the fresh citrus acid of Semillon providing a zesty finish. IWC 87 Pts
"Great for seafoods and salads." The Sipping Sommelier (Rated 9) $ 10.99
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