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Biography |
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Home > People
> Kenneth Winch |
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Kenneth Winch
Contributor, WineSquire.com
Ken has a great talent for listening to
consumers and supplying them with the wines that they are seeking.
Ken started in the Seattle wine industry in 1987 with G. Raden
& Sons. In 1991, Ken worked on the opening team for Northwest Wine
Company as an Account Manger and has been involved in its
phenomenal growth. Ken’s current responsibilities have him
consulting the finest wine stores in the Greater Seattle area. His
current title, with Northwest Wine Company, is Fine Wine Account
Executive.
In the last 10 years, Ken has devoted a large amount of time
expanding his knowledge of wine: taking wine classes,
orchestrating wine tastings, and traveling to many wine regions on
the west coast. Ken makes visits twice a year to the world famous
wine appellations in California, and last year he traveled in
Italy where he visited major producers in Tuscany, Trentino and
Piedmont.
Ken was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, and received
his degree in Business Administration in 1987 from Seattle
University in Marketing with a minor in Finance.
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Personal
Picks |
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Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2003 (New Zealand) $17
Light straw, with lemon-lime tones, Vibrant currant-leaf and
gooseberry aromas, some pungent herbaceous nuances, and a hint of
ripe citrus. A full flavored medium bodied wine, with an abundance
of currant and gooseberry flavors, and a clean, lingering finish.
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Gordon Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Washington) $21
This deep violet Cabernet Sauvignon begins with hints of rose
petal and blackberry mingled with toasted oak. Waves of berries
flood the palate and lead to smooth mouth-filling flavors of
leather and chocolate. Hints of cassis, blackberry and cedar
linger on the palate. Match this wine with your best steaks and
chops for memorable meals.
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Rancho Zabaco Sauvignon Blanc Russian River 2003 (California)
$15
Aromas fresh cut grass, lime peel, and sweet pea are matched with
big bold flavors of grapefruit and passion fruit. The mouthfeel is
crisp and refreshing, with a touch of herbal mineral and a clean
finish. The wine is elegant and expressive, showing the many great
varietal characters of a cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc.
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Whitehaven Pinot Noir Marlborough 2002 (New Zealand) $30
Rich plum and cherry fruit flavours, a big hint of spice, with
cherry oak and consisting of a gamey complexity. Deep ruby tone. A
full-bodied wine with a soft, velvet texture, supporting dark
fruit flavors and a firm, lingering finish.
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Frei Brothers Chardonnay Russian River 2003 (California) $17
To ensure the natural fruit character, the grapes were gently
squeezed and 100% of Frei Brothers Chardonnay fruit was gravity
fed through a whole cluster press pad to eliminate bitterness.
This is a medium-bodied Chardonnay with bright aromas and complex
varietal characters of bright pear, peach and citrus fruit, and
displays hints of vanilla and spice.
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Frei Brothers Merlot Dry Creek Valley 2002 (California) $17
The grapes were destemmed, but not crushed, to retain a
significant portion of whole berries for fermentation. Frei
Brothers Winery used 67% upright and 23% horizontal rotary
fermenters to gently mix the juice and skins, to prevent tannic
bitterness.
This Merlot is a medium-bodied wine that exhibits luscious and
enticing aromas and flavors of blackberry and strawberry, with
hints of vanilla and spices from oak barrel aging.
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Argyle Pinot Noir “Nuthouse” 2002 (Oregon) $30
This wine was aged for 14 months in small French oak barrels
before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. This 2002 Nuthouse
Pinot Noir has aromas of dark, wild berries and spices of licorice
and cedar. Only time and patience will unleash the concentration
of this wine. The mouth feel of this wine is big and juicy. Layer
upon layer of a silky mouth-feel. The finish seems to sail on and
on in one’s memory.
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MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2003 (California) $16
Rich Aromas of Plum, strawberry, and black cherry with layers of
subtle floral, sage, and earthy notes adding complexity. Flavors
of black and red fruits match with sweet vanilla and spice,
resulting in a wine with a lot of Pinot Noir Character.
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MacMurray Ranch Pinot Gris 2003 (California) $16
Rich aromas of white peach, honeydew melon, and fig are the stars
of this whine, melded together in a rich core with notes of honey,
citrus and spice adding both weight and interest. The result is a
mouthful that is rich and broad without being heavy. It Is a Pinot
Gris that exquisitely captures the terrior of the Russian River
Valley.
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Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (California) $16
Capturing all the elegance of Napa Valley Cabernet, This wine has
intriguing flavors and aromas of blackberry, mulberry and cherry
complemented by spicy characters of sage and vanilla. Integrated
tannins provide structure and balance resulting in a pleasant,
memorable finish.
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Napa Valley Chardonnay 2002 (California) $13
This Wine displays bright aromas and layered flavors of pear,
peach and melon, complemented by balanced acidity. Medium bodied
with elegant structure and a clean, crisp finish, witch captures
all the magnificence of premium Napa Valley Chardonnay.
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Silver Lake Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Washington) $11
The blending of fruit from some of the Columbia Valley's most
respected vineyards has created a wine that is robust and bursting
with fruit flavors. Aged 13 months in small oak barrels adds
additional depth and complexity to a well-structured wine with
cherry and blackberry flavors, with the vanilla accents.
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Silver Lake Merlot 2002 (Washington) $11
The Columbia Valley has gained an international reputation for
producing some of the world's finest Merlot. This luscious wine is
an outstanding example of the high quality fruit on the Roza Hill
Vineyard. Bursting with blackberry and black cherry aromas, this
wine is characteristically rich and supple on the palate with a
long lingering finish.
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Argyle Pinot Noir “Nuthouse” 2001 (Oregon) $38
The aromas of this 2001 Nuthouse Pinot Noir are multitudinous and
seem to rise and fall and rise again even after hours in the
glass! The first essences resemble aged red cedar and dark,
'meaty' ripe cherry. Then the aroma intensifies with vanilla bean
spice, dried on the vine blackberries, and fruit ripe huckleberry.
The background aroma is all about the spirit of the earth with
truffle and black licorice. Over time in glass, these aromas swirl
in and out of predominance.
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Van Duzer Pinot Noir Estate 2002 (Oregon) $28
The 2002 Estate Pinot Noir sets a new benchmark for the Van Duzer
style with its berry and black cherry aromatics set against a
background of spices, violets and smokiness. The flavors of
blackberry, currant and spice last through the long, rich finish.
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Argyle Brut 1999 (Oregon) $19
Ripe and vibrant, creamy in texture, with a sweet vanilla edge to
the pear and citrus flavors, rather like delicately carbonated
still wine, finishing long.
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Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2001
(California) $21
This is a full-bodied wine, with ripe and complex flavors of plum,
black cherry, cocoa, and mocha, complemented by a touch of sweet
vanilla and toasty oak. Nice long, soft juicy finish.
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Quinta do Noval LB “Finest Reserve” (Portugal) $18
This classic vintage character Port is aged for between four and
five years in wood before bottling and blended from a number of
different vintages. Sweet, ripe, plum, coffee, chocolate and peel
aromas. Good ripe easy fruit. Lovely long length and good spicy
style.
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Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2001
(California) $14
The wine has a round, seductive mouth feel, filled with red
cherry, fresh crushed berries, and a slight accent of vanilla. The
grapes were cold soaked prior to fermentation to enhance the depth
and complexity of this Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Six Prong Columbia Valley Red 2002 (Washington) $13
This wine has intriguing floral aromas of berries. The flavors of
spice, currant, and raspberries are integrated with a tone of
sweet oak. The finish is well rounded with a soft lingering
complexity. Blend: 56% Cabernet, 20% Malbec, 10% Grenache, 7%
Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot. 2% Syrah.
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Da Vinci Chianti D.O.C.G. 2003 (Italy) $11
85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah. The wine displays rich,
concentrated characters of ripe, dark fruit supported by soft,
supple tannins.
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Parducci Petite Sirah 2000 (California) $9
Ripe and concentrated, a deep rustic wine with prune, blackberry,
blueberry and chocolate notes, finishing with a firm wall of
tannins and a great finish.
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DaVinci Chianti 2002 (Italy) $10
Rich, ripe flavors of red fruit, pepper and spice immediately fill
the palate. The initial ripeness is supported by perfectly
balanced acidity and alcohol with firm, velvety tannins that
culminate in a long elegant finish.
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Argyle Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2002 (Oregon) $16
This 2002 Pinot Noir is one of the darkest, most purple Pinots
Argyle has ever made. Its fruit aroma is a HUGE mélange of bright,
concentrated raspberry with a hint of citrus and creamy vanilla
bean spice. The flavor is SUPER SWEET blackberry/raspberry
fruitiness with a crème brulee texture. The sweet middle segues
into a long dark fruit centered finish.
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Argyle Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2001 (Oregon) $10
The aromas of this silky Chardonnay are the classic essences of
cool climate, late ripened, small cluster Dijon Chardonnay. Look
for pears and melon fruit salad with a clear line of 'rocky'
minerality running through the middle. The flavors of pear cream,
vanillin roasted oak, and sweet centered hazelnut are seamless
from beginning to end. The finish is fresh fruit which lingers.
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MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir Sonoma 2002 (California) $15
The vineyard was once owned by Fred MacMurray, the Movie star.
This 2002 Pinot Noir is pure and delicious. Unbeatable Pinot Noir
for the price. Tasting of blackberries and raspberries fresh off
the vine, the flavors are luscious yet architectural, with dark
spices adding structure. And in the end, spice and fruit doesn’t
stop.
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Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc “Charlotte’s Home” 2002
(California) $12
A perennial favorite among those seeking Sauvignons with zip,
Charlotte's Home never wanders off course from one year to the
next, a bold wine, with aromas of melons, mangoes, lemongrass and
orange blossom. Crisp, with a long finish.
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JM Da Fonseca Periquita 1999 (Portugal) $9
Now and then wine lovers who have made serious explorations of
Portugal and Spain will cite some delightful encounters with wines
worth remembering, or, better yet, worth drinking again. This
wine...is made from red castelao grapes grown on the Setubal
Peninsula across the Tagus River from Lisbon. With its hearty,
leathery aroma and beguiling strawberry flavor, the wine is well
matched with grilled beef (including hamburgers), roast pork and
poultry and vegetable stews.
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Arbor Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Vallery 2000
(Washington) $16
This complex and full-bodied 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon is an
exquisite blend from five unique vineyard sites in the Columbia
Valley. The multiple layers of chocolate, red-currant, and plum
explode on the palate, finishing with hints of spices and herbs
from the French oak. Barrel-aged for twenty months, this wine
displays intense dark berry fruit and a full-bodied character that
Cabernet lovers cherish.
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Arbor Crest Merlot Columbia Valley 2000 (Washingotn) $15
This 2000 Columbia Valley Merlot is an excellent example of a
full-bodied Washington Merlot. Ripe and concentrated, this wine
strings layers of intense raspberry, complex currant and blueberry
notes framed by spicy, vanilla-scented oak. Barrel aged in French
oak for eighteen months, this elegant wine finishes boldly with
intense cherry, blackberry and plum flavors lingering nicely on
the palate. This wine embodies a tradition of red wine excellence,
ensuring a memorable tasting experience.
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Six Prong Red Alder Ridge 2001 (Washington) $12
This wine has intriguing floral aromas of berries. The flavors of
spice, currant, and raspberries are integrated with a tone of
sweet oak. The finish is well rounded with a soft lingering
complexity. This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 10%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 5% Sangiovese, 5% Cinsault.
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Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel Sonoma 2001 (California) $10
A zesty wine. The wine is immediately approachable with lively
raspberry and deep black cherry fruit. Dancing Bull Zinfandel has
hints of black pepper and soft supple tannins, with toasty notes.
All these charters create a great wine, with a long finish.
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Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2001
(California) $14
Sonoma nights are not as cool as Napa, and the vines stay up late,
shaping distinctive character in the Cabernet as it matures. This
wine is a showcase for round, ripe flavors of black cherry,
currant, and spice accentuated by light vanilla oak.
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Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Alexander Valley
2000 (California) $29
This reserve Cabernet Sauvignon embodies Martini's dedication for
producing award winning wines. The grapes were selected from the
Alexander Valley, one of the most prestigious growing regions for
Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking style is classic Cabernet:
layers of fruit and oak overtones with long lasting finish that
will please the most sophisticated palate.
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Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2001 (Italy) $19
This Santa Margherita is the benchmark by witch all other Pinot
Grigio is judged. The wine’s spicy bouquet, crisp character and
firm structure is delightful to enjoy its own or with salads,
light pastas and seafood.
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Indigo Hills Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast 2000 (California)
$9
Classic cabernet aromas and flavors of cherry, plum and cassis
balanced with subtle oak character and hints of vanilla and spice.
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Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (New Zealand) $10
This wine has a brilliant, light gold color with aromas of fresh
herbs, flowers and melon. The flavors consist of lemon, pineapple,
bell pepper, and subdued grassiness. Nobilo has always been a
great summer wine based on the wines’ refreshing clean, crisp, and
spicy finish.
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Periquita 1999 (Portugal) $9
Periquita is made from Castelae and Trincadeira grapes, this
Portuguese selection tastes like a cross between Pinot Noir and
Beaujolais, and the earthy flavors that I adore about Burgundies.
The Nose and palate also show ripe strawberries and raspberries,
plus molasses and oak; the finish offers mushroom and salt-cured
beef. An easy and inexpensive choice.
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Aderbrook Zinfandel 1999 (California) $19
Alderbrook Zinfandel, from Sonoma County, consist of 92% Zinfandel
and 8% syrah. This wine has characteristics of deep blackberry,
blueberry, pepper and clove aroma and flavors and a rich,
succulent mouth with a juicy finish.
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Leasingham Shiraz Bin 61 1999 (Australia) $21
This is a deep ruby red with crimson hues and brilliant clarity. A
rich wine, consisting of full plum fruit sweetness with white
pepper and coffee mocha. The wine is integrated with ripe silky
tannin and persistent texture.
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McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Chardonnay 2001 (Australia) $10
The Bouquet consists of fresh fruit aromas highlighting melon and
peach. This chardonnay has fresh peach and melon flavors, which
are accented by light oak with complex vanilla overtones and a
long, crisp finish.
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Cavit Pinot Grigio 2002 (Italy) $11 (1.5L)
This Pinot Grigio has a rich, pear-like nose, which is followed by
crisp acidity, a medium body, and a delicious mouthfeel. The
finish is long and reminiscent of pears, apples and citrus.
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Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio 2001 (Italy) $15
This wine is clean and fresh at the start but has a creamy,
buttery texture that gives it the perfect body, with a crisp
finish with lots of zing! Bottega Vinaia is the best Pinot Grigio
I have tasted in a long time. This Pinot Grigio would pair well
with light pasta dishes, grilled white meats and for sipping while
enjoying finger foods at your next get-together.
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Blackstone Merlot 2000 (California) $10
The 2000 Blackstone Merlot is deep garnet in color. Delightful
aromas reflect ripe plums, fresh raspberries, and hints of rose
tea. The generous aromas are echoed in the palate, which is supple
and well structured with great length of flavors. Blackstone
Merlot is surrounded by elegant creaminess, supple oak flavors and
firm tannins.
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Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (California) $20
This Cab overflows with flavors of plum and cherries, with a hint
of toasty oak.
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Indigo Hills North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (California)
$9
Here is a quality Cabernet at a Great Price. Not a fleshy style,
but there is a good focus to the flavors of violet and blackberry,
which firm up a lingering finish. A Best Buy!
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Chateau Pitray Bordeaux 2000 (France) $10
This bottle consist of 68% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and comes
from 26 year old vines. The 2000 is beautifully colored with
purple gleams. It is well balanced with lots of red fruit on the
nose. This is a ripe, mature wine. A great value!
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Ranch Zabaco Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Stefani Vineyard 1999
(California) $23
This wine explodes with focused, intense berry fruit, beautifully
accented with oak that lends coffee, chocolate and hints of tar.
Accents ring through the harmonious finish, with tobacco, cedar
and coconut among them. A great Wine!
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Indigo Hills Merlot Livermore Valley San Francisco Bay 1999
(California) $9
A big grapey wine, with good intensity. Great raspberry and herbal
flavors. Firm tannins linger through the finish. A smart Buy!
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Indigo Hills Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast 1997 (California)
$9
Here is a quality Cabernet at a Great Price. Not a fleshy style,
but there is a good focus to the flavors of violet and blackberry,
which firm up a lingering finish. A Best Buy!
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Anapumu Syrah 1999 (California) $13
Anapamu Syrah is a rich crimson color, with enticing aromas of
ripe black cherries, violets and sun ripened plums that follow
through on the palate. Robust notes of tobacco and white pepper
accent the rich fruit. The wine is full bodied, with lush fruit
flavors balanced by soft, supple tannins.
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Marcelina Napa Valley Merlot 1999 (California) $28
This wine exhibits forward classical Napa Valley Merlot aromas and
flavors of ripe blackberries with notes of smoky bacon, framed by
soft tannins. The wine will be luscious and ready to drink upon
its release, but will age with grace and elegance for at least 1-6
years.
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Frei Brothers Russian River Pinot Noir 1999 (California) $20
Smooth and medium to full-bodied, with classic aromas and flavors
of raspberry and cherry balance by notes of toasty oak.
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Candido Salice Salentino 1997 (Italy) $7
A blend of 85% Negromaro and 15% Malvasia Nera grapes, Candido
Salice Salentino has a distinct ruby red color with notes of garnet.
The nose is a layered and complex with aromas of dry fruit and
toasted coffee. This is an intense and full- flavored wine with a
long, warm finish.
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Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Zinfandel 1999 (California) $15
The Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is big and chewy with concentrated,
explosive blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors framed with spicy
oak. The addition of Petite Sirah and Barbera contributes black
pepper spice and the impressive structure that carries our wine to a
full finish. This Zin tames seasoned and grilled meats. Beef, lamb
and heartier pork dishes provide the perfect match.
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Rancho Zabaco Heritage Zinfandel 1999 (California) $12
The wine is immediately approachable, with jammy raspberry fruit and
hints of pepper, soft and well-integrated tannins and dry finish. An
extremely versatile wine, at home with dishes ranging from BBQ beef
to grilled chicken or roast game. With its crisp acidity, forward
fruit and soft tannins, it pairs well with hard to match spicy,
highly seasoned foods and sauces.
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Cavit Collection Pinot Grigio 2000 (Italy) $7
Lean and sleek, with pear, lemon and melon notes on the nose and
palate. Hints of almonds and herbs arrive later, showing commendable
finesse foe an inexpensive wine. Good crisp finish.
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Louis Domaines Bernard Cotes du Rhone-Villages (France) 1998 $11
The Cotes du Rhone-Villages represents the level between the
regional appellation and the village appellation. Comprising
seventy-two communities, this region became an appellation in
1967.Medium-bodied. The varietals consist of Grenache, Syrah,
Mourvedre, and Cinsault. The nose is of spices and strawberry jam
with a harmonious, elegant taste.
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Arbor Crest Sauvignon Blanc (Washington) 1999 $9
Arbor Crest 1999 Sauvignon Blanc from the Bacchus Vineyard in the
Columbia Valley is a wine that holds true to the tradition of the
past sauvignon Blanc’s from Arbor Crest. This wine is layered with
Citrus, honey and melon. It was blended with Semillon to give added
complexity in the finish.
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Frei Brothers Russian River Valley Chardonnay (California) 1999
$15
100% Russian River Valley Chardonnay using only "free run" and light
press juice. This is a medium-bodied, well-balanced wine with
complex Varietal character. Silky mouthfeel with concentrated apple
and citrus flavors and aromas and a subtle overlay of oak. Aged “Sur
Lie” – adds silky mouth feel and polish.
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Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano (Italy) 2000 $14
The Rosso di Montepulciano has only been DOC since 1989 and is
produced in the vineyards appearing in the Vino Noble Wine Register.
Poliziano selected vineyards with features suitable for the
production of this type of wine, and used production techniques
aimed at obtaining a wine that is young, fruity and well bodied,
with no sharp edges. Young, Fruity, with good body without any rough
edges or harness. Good balance between complexity and charm. |
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