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Biography |
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Home > People
> Rowena Saturay |
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Rowena "Ro" Saturay
After graduating from the University of
Washington, Ro's enjoyment of fine wines was sparked:
"I thought I was really sophisticated when I graduated from
Wine Coolers and began drinking $20 Cabernets from
California!" Ro traveled all over the world as a Travel Agent
before settling down and applying her degree in Chemistry as an
Environmental Chemist. Boredom set in, however, so she began a
career in Wine with Unique
Wine Company in 1993.
Two weeks into her Sales job, Ro toured the California wine
country, as part of Unique's yearly educational trip - this was
definitely a different experience from her previous touristy
visits. Eighteen months later, her trip to Chile with CB
International's Frank Corey cannot be forgotten. Other highlights:
A week in Spain with Frontier Imports, a day with Neil Rosenthal
in Macon, Strasbourg with Andrew Virginia when a bomb was deployed
while waiting for a train for Reims, and a ride in a Hummer
driven by Fess Parker through his newly purchased vineyard.
Now, Ro is a Key Accounts Rep with Unique Wine Company,
providing a prestigious portfolio of wines to the Seattle market.
When not visiting wine merchants, Ro is also a Web Site Developer
(www.uniquewine.com),
Hospitality Coordinator, Pricing Coordinator, and Assistant Sales
and Marketing Manager.
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Personal
Picks |
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Claibornie and Churchill Dry Gewurztraminer 2005 (California)
$21
The label says "Alsatian Style" and it is. Dry. Enticing aromas
of rose petals, papayas and lychee. The flavors are spicy,
fruity and easy to enjoy. Claiborne & Churchill is a small,
family owned and operated winery, founded in 1983 and located in
the heart of California's Edna Valley.
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Milbrandt Vineyards Merlot “Traditions” 2005 (Washington) $15
Since 1997, Butch and Jerry Milbrandt farm 750 acres in
Washington's great new Wahluke Slope appellation. The brothers
hired Gordon Hill as their winemaker and this beautiful 2005
Merlot is one of their first releases. I believe that some of
the best Merlot in the country is from Washington State, and
this wonderful bottling is a smart buy with its rich dark fruit
flavors, velvety mouthfeel and lovely hints of cocoa on the
finish.
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Rocca di Frassinello “Le Sughere” Toscana Maremma 2004 (Italy)
$45
Rocca di Frassinello is the result of a partnership between
Paolo Paneral (Castellare di Castellina in Chianti Classico) and
Baron Eric de Rothschild (Domaine Barons de Rothschild-Lafite).
The 2004 Le Sughere is the middle tier of their inaugural
release. With 12 months in barrique, from DBR-Lafite cooperage,
this beautiful blend of 50% Sangioveto, 25% Merlot and 25%
Cabernet Sauvignon expresses classic DBR aromas. The flavors of
lovely red and black fruits along with elegant spicy notes are
balanced by enticing minerality. The beautiful mouthfeel lead to
velvety tannins and a round finish.
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Maso Poli Pinot Grigio 2004 (Italy) $28
A classic, fruit-driven, unmanipulated white wine: a wonderful
expression of Pinot Grigio. Fruit notes of pear, melon, orange
rind, and lemon butter are balanced in a medium-bodied, clean,
pure format. An excellent complement to Seared Ahi Tuna or
grilled Halibut.
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Patit Creek Cellars Walla Walla Valley Merlot 2002 (Washington)
$37
With fruit from Pepperbridge and Seven Hills Vineyards, this
Merlot is a powerful compliment to the winery's Cabernet
Sauvignon. Patit Creek Cellars makes only two wines, and their
dedication to each varietal is evident. The nose on the 2002
Merlot invites you with its dark chocolate nuances. Rich flavors
of black cherry, mocha, and spice with a soft, velvety mouthfeel.
It was a perfect extension of my entree last night: a New York
Striploin.
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Domaine Gerovassiliou Malagousia 2005 (Greece) $23
If you have not tried a Greek wine lately, you are missing out on
some exciting wines! Serious investments in modernization have
resurrected ancient grape varieties. This 2005 white from the
region of Macedonia is a beautiful example. Domaine Gerovassiliou
is considered the father of Malagousia (mah-lah-goo-shah), a very
old indigenous Greek grape that was almost extinct. Reminiscent of
viognier in the nose, its exotic flower and fruit aromas are
balanced by flavors of white peaches, and tropical fruits, with a
hint of minerality. The finish is vivid and long.
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Lafazanis Roditis 2005 (Greece) $12
Spyro Lafazanis comes from a traditional family of farmers and
growers in Nemea. He uses 100% stainless steel to produces this
refreshing white wine. The wine is mostly from the Roditis grape,
with a little bit of Moschoudi (muscat). Inviting aromas of
flowers with tropical fruit flavors and a bright, delicious
finish.
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Yuki No Bosha Limited Release Junmai Ginjo (Japan) $29
Yuki No Bosha is the 4th most awarded brewery in Japan. Junmai
Ginjo is the level of sake, and it refers to rice being refined to
at least 50% prior to brewing and fermentation. My first
impression was mirrored by others: where did the fruit aromas come
from? The nose was balanced by elegant peach and tropical fruit
flavors with hints of licorice. The bottle I tasted was dated 11
05 (November 2005), it should be drank chilled for 1-2 years.
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Swanson Merlot “Oakville” 2002 (California) $34
Always a standout in Napa Valley Merlots, this 2002 estate
bottling is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and
Syrah. It is an amazing suite of mocha, black fruit, and smoke.
This fleshy Merlot, which will drink well for a few years, is
full-bodied, with delicious density, focus, and texture. The
finish is sensational.
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Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose Cremant d'Alsace Non-Vintage (France)
$17
100% Pinot Noir, via saignee, made by the Champagne method. Light
salmon in color, with fine bubbles. Floral aromas and soft fruit
flavors with an elegant mouthfeel. This is a delicious everyday
sparkler!
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Leth Gruner Veltliner “Steinagrund, Lagenreserve” 2003
(Austria) $19
The Leth (pronounced "let") winery is one of the leading
examples of terroir and expression in Donauland. They are located
in the Wagram, which lies about 50 miles west of Vienna on the
Danube River. This single vineyard (Steinagrund) bottling is
"textbook Gruner." The almost Sauvignon Blanc fruit has lots of
mineral and white pepper in the nose. Melon and pink grapefruit
notes are nicely balanced with refreshing acidity. This is
medium-bodied with a good mouthfeel and lingering finish.
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Saviah Cellars “Une Vallee” 2003 (Washington) $32
Une Vallee (one valley) is a blend from three vineyards in Walla
Walla Valley: 61% Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Seven
Hills Merlot, and 10% Waliser Vineyard Cabernet Franc. Forward
black fruits and wild berry aromas are balanced by a supple,
elegant yet generous mouthfeel. Enticing oak and well-integrated
tannins lead to a broad finish.
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Sawtooth Syrah 2001 (Idaho) $13
An exciting northwest find! Very generous with its black fruit
aromas and flavors. Hints of smoke and a delicious touch of pepper
contribute to this wine's wonderful mouthfeel. If you have never
had a wine from Idaho, this is a great start.
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Cliff Lede Merlot 2001 (California) $40
Cliff Lede (pronounched lay-dee), a commercial property developer
from Vancouver BC, purchased the S. Anderson winery and vineyards
in 2002. He has been a long time wine collector and grew up making
"basement wine" with his mother. This Merlot is one of the
inaugural estate wines under the Cliff Lede brand. Forward black
fruit flavors with alluring cocoa and nutmeg aromas are followed
by a rich, lush, velvety mouthfeel. The balance and finish are
alluring.
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Block 13 Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (California) $21
A tremendous value from one of Monterey's best vineyards. Block 13
is made by Gundlach Bundschu's winemaking team, lead by Linda
Trotta since 1990. If you are looking for a great deck wine,
that's also delicious with crab cakes and other shellfish, this is
the perfect choice. Aromas of gooseberry and tropical fruits leap
from the glass. Refreshing melon, granny smith apples and lime
fruit flavors are balanced with mouth-watering acidity.
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Mountain Dome Brut Non-Vintage (Washington) $19
From Mount Spokane, the Manz family continues to release amazing
sparkling wines from their geodesic dome shaped winery. The
whimsical label on this non-vintage brut does not deter sparkling
wine fanatics. With 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay from the
Columbia River Valley and Columbia Gorge area, and with 3 years en
tirage, this fantastic value is a cuvee of reserve wines from 6
different vintages. Generous fruit flavors with plenty of style.
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Poggio Bertaio Stucchio Sangiovese 2001 (Italy) $20
With winemaker Fabrizio Ciufoli, Poggio Bertaio is destined to be
one of Umbria's bright stars. Stucchio is 100% Sangiovese in a
modern style.
Forward fruit flavors of black cherry, berry, and plum are
balanced by silky spice notes. A lovely wine to pair with duck or
pasta in a creamy sauce.
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Domaine Chaume-Arnaud Cotes du Rhone Vinosobres 2001 (France)
$18
So exciting! This is my choice for wine find of the year! From the
southern Rhone village of Vinsobres, this was ONE unexpected
pleasure. From a superb vintage, rich dark red fruit flavors are
intense, yet elegant. Well balanced, it is beautifully structured
with enticing spice notes. I expected a higher price and was
delighted when it was less. Don’t miss out on this lovely wine.
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Patit Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Washington) $40
The 3 couples who own the Patit Creek have been friends for over
30 years. The winery is located by a creek named Patit in the town
of Dayton, WA. With fruit from Pepperbridge and Seven Hills
Vineyard, this wine has exceeded all expectations. My first
thought as I put the wine to my nose was "ahhhh....Cabernet
Sauvignon." It explodes with dark cherry and black currant fruit.
The mouth is full-bodied with black cherry fruit flavors, a creamy
texture hints of mocha and smokey oak. Very polished with a long
delicious finish.
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Leonards Crossing Shiraz 2003 (Australia) $7
The delicious warm, peppery and spicy characters of the Shiraz
grape is enhanced with careful oak maturation. This Shiraz is rich
with dark fruit flavors and enticing spice notes. It is well
balanced and easy to like. A wonderful value.
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Franco Espanolas "Diamante" Rioja 2002 (Spain) $10
A new-wave Rioja! Combines the best of the old and the new: this
delicious white is a blend of Viura and Malvasma, about 50/50. It
is a perfect summer white with aromas of peaches and citrus
blossoms. The palate combines creamy-vanilla character with superb
freshness, like biting into a piece of Lemon Meringue Pie.
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Drylands Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2003 (New Zealand) $15
Drylands Estate is a vineyard planted on Marlborough's alluvial
soils. Allowing the expression of the vineyard to follow through
to the wine is an important factor in its development. The fruit
concentration from these 22-plus year-old vines creates unique
complexity and depth to this wine. Winemaker Darryl Woolley says
that the three months the wine spent on yeast lees has added
complexity and increased palate weight. He is right! It has
delicious peach and grapefruit aromas. The fresh, spicy, zesty
palate is balanced by sweet ripe passionfruit flavors. The finish
is intense and dry.
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Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Premier Cru NV (France) $27
With 500 hectares of exclusive Champagne vineyards, Nicolas
Feuilatte unites fruit, power and balance in one delicious cuvée.
Enticing aromas of hazelnuts and choux pastry with rich golden
delicious apple and Anjou pear fruit flavors. So exciting:
well-balanced, dry, effervescence and elegant If you are waiting
for special occasions to drink Champagne, maybe its time to make
them happen.
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Marques de Monistrol Rose Cava Reserva NV (Spain) $10
100% Monastrel (Mourvedre) grapes made in traditional Méthode
Champenoise. Cool salmon-pink color, generous, fruity and dry.
Delicious.
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Steele-Stymie Merlot Founder’s Reserve 2000 (California) $47
The Steele-Stymie label is reserved for rare, small production
wines of the highest quality. The grapes are from low yielding
vineyards in the Highland Springs area located on the north side
of Clear Lake in Lake County. Aromas of black cherries, chocolate
and exotic spices are balanced by a rich, silky smooth texture.
The fruit lingers almost indefinitely on the palate while oak
nuances add charm and complexity. 550 6-packs were made to enjoy
now with savory dishes or to cellar for many more years.
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Domaine le Mas des Collines Gigondas 1999 (France) $21
Concentrated. Beautiful layers of fruit and garrigue spices.
Fleshy, with excellent balance and structure. It possesses low
acidity. 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Fined but not filtered.
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Domaine de L’Espigouette Cotes du Rhone 2001 (France) $14
This Grenache-dominated wine is jammy with black cherry, berry
fruit flavors. Medium- bodied with enticing notes of black pepper
along with classic Rhone character, this is a versatile red that
can go with burgers, pizza, or even roast lamb.
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Steele Pinot Noir Carneros 2001 (California) $21
2001 will probably be the first of the really good vintages of the
new century. And from the cool Sonoma side of the Carneros, this
wine is a blend made from the Durell and Sangiacomo Vineyards.
Wild berry and black cherry fruit are layered with alluring spice
notes. Classic Pinot Noir weight and body so that you can enjoy
this now or lay it down for a few years.
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Chateau Moulin de Tricot Margaux 2000 (France) $38
Chateau Moulin de Tricot is a tiny property in the heart of the
Margaux appellation. The Rey family owns a mere 2 hectares of
vineyards on a gravelly "croupe" (outcropping) in the commune of
Arsac. Cabernet accounts for 70% of the vineyards, Merlot the
remaining 30%. The vines average 20 years of age and are farmed
without use of chemical herbicides. The wine has a velvety texture
and it is rich with red and black currants. Enticing notes of
anise lead to firm tannins and a lengthy finish.
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San Felice Chianti Classico 2000 (Italy) $14
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo Nero. A wonderful representation
of Chianti Classico with lovely balance and depth, in a very
drinkable price range. Plenty of red fruit flavors with elegant
spice notes. The perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork
loin and the classic Spaghetti Bolognesi.
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Parsons Flat Shiraz/Cabernet 2002 (Australia) $40
Parsons Flat is a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon that is
produced by Sarah and Aprky Marquis from the Longbottom’s family
vineyards. It is a blend of the selected barrels from Henry's
Drive Shiraz and Cabernet production. The nose is rich and complex
with blackcurrant and spicy aromas. The palate has lovely hints of
toasty oak, complimented with huge fruit flavors coming from
Sarah's inspired blend of the Cabernet and the Shiraz. It is lush,
velvety and layered, with a refined complex structure, and a long,
supple, lingering finish.
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Bodegas Salentein Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Argentina) $18
Salentein is new to the U.S. market, 2001 is their first exported
vintage. Wine enologist Michel Rolland consults with winemaker
Laureano Gómez (who has worked in the Yakima Valley, California,
and at Trapiche). The Cabernet Sauvignon was aged twelve months in
new French oak. It is a richly flavored, full bodied wine with
wonderful depth and balance.
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Bodegas CARO Red 2000 (Argentina) $41
CARO is a partnership between Argentinia's Catena family and
Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). It is also a blend of
Cabernet Sauvignon (Rothschild's specialty) and Malbec (Catena's
native varietal). 2000, the first release, is a powerful and
refined wine, displaying ripe red and black fruit flavors with
enticing vanilla, spice and oak notes. Full bodied with a lovely
finish.
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Domaine Baron Rothschild (Lafite) Rouge Reserve 2000 (France)
$11
Vintage 2000 is a blend of 50% Cab Sauv and 50% Merlot. The nose
captivates, with its smoky, cherry and red berry fruit aromas. The
purity of fruit is evident in the medium-bodied palate. Soft
tannins hold the wine well, and the finish is lovely.
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Castello di Meleto Fiore 1998 (Italy) $39
90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. Vittorio Fiore is the winemaker for
this proprietary blend. And, actually the word Fiore is "flower"
in Italian. The wine is beautiful with its marasca cherry and plum
fruit aromas, there is also a hint of lavender. Medium- to
full-bodied with enticing notes of cocoa and toasted almonds. The
black cherry fruit finish is prominent.
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Planeta "Cometa" Fiano 2001 (Italy) $43
100% Barrel fermented and aged for five months in French oak
barrels. Aromatic notes of tropical fruit, and limes, with hints
of white peach and pink grapefruits. Tasty with abundant fruit and
elegant mineral characters, buttery mouthfeel with well integrated
acidity
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Morro Bay Chardonnay, Central Coast 2000 (California) $10
Morro Bay Chardonnay comes from a small group of the Central
Coast's most noted growers, with vineyards located in Monterey,
San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties. The technical team
responsible for Morro Bay's quality and styling are headed by both
David McHenry, formerly of Meridian, and Stacy Gibbs, formerly of
Edna Valley Vineyards. Subtle oak and vanilla characteristics lead
to tropical fruit flavors and a rouund medium-bodied texture.
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Los Vascos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Chile) $18
This réserve is the result of a careful selection of the best vats
from prime vineyard locations. It is aged in Lafite cooperage
(including a portion of new barrels). This is 100 percent cabernet
sauvignon, pure and precise. It shows varietal plum and cassis
fruit flavors, and it has very Bordeaux-like structure, with fine
toasted oak accents.
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Henry's Drive Reserve Shiraz, Padthaway 2001 (Australia) $45
The wine is made by Sparky and Sarah Marquis, and it is a
selection of the finest barrels aged in 100% new American oak. For
those who missed out on the Marquis Philips 9 and for those who
can't wait for the Integrity, try this opaque blue-purple colored,
opulent, fabulously concentrated, and pure pleasure bottling.
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Duval-Leroy Non-Vintage Brut "Cuvée Paris" (France) $30
Since 1859, DUVAL-LEROY continues its tradition of exceptional
Champagnes with a new silk-screened bottle, this time signed by
its favorite artist, the American painter LeRoy Neiman. He evokes
Paris, the city of lights, a symbol of "art de vivre" and luxury.
60% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay, this is well-balanced,
full-flavored and fresh, with a rich, elegant and silky long
finish.
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Apoyo Chardonnay Sonoma County 2000 (California) $17
New! Forward fruit flavors of apple, pear, and peach.
Well-balanced by vanilla and toasty oak notes, this is a crowd
pleaser.
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Terre Rouge Tete-a-Tete 2000 (California) $14
Blend of Grenache/Mourvedre/Syrah. With better concentration and
complexity than a regular Cotes-du-Rhone, this Sierra Foothills
Red has good color and lots of stuffing in a lovely,
smooth-textured, soft-tannin style.
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Steele Chardonnay Durell Vineyard 1999 (California) $41
Durell Vineyard is in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains
which surround it. This protection makes this vineyard less windy,
which helps ripening. Burgundian in style with its vibrant, spicy
introduction. Well-structured and penetrating. Drink this now with
Copper River Salmon, or cellar 5-7 years.
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Fess Parker Viognier Santa Barbara County 2000 (California) $20
Vibrant and flavorful, aromas of melon, white peaches, apricots,
pears, honey and ripe grapefruit. are enhanced by light spice,
mineral and floral notes. The wine displays excellent balance and
a pleasant lingering finish.
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Dashe Cellars Zinfandel Todd Brothers Ranch Alexander Valley
1999 (California) $27
From Michael Dashe, former Assistant Winemaker at Ridge, this
dark, black zinfandel is amazing. Jammy, thick, black raspberries,
and cherries with penetrating black pepper spices.
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White Heron Syrah Mariposa Vineyard 2000 (Washington) $13
First located by the concert site on the Columbia Gorge, the
Tasting Room was a favorite stop in GEORGE, Washington. Now
located in Quincy, the Winery overlooks the Crescent Bar Resort,
this Syrah is estate grown and bottled. Delicious black fruit
aromas with a touch of smoke. Very fruity, elegant, with hints of
black pepper.
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Shooting Star Chardonnay 2000 (California) $12
Jed Steele's second label (his middle name is "Tecumseh,” which is
native-American for Shooting Star). Barrel lots that do not seem
to have what it takes to be a Steele bottling but are still nice
wines, find a home in a Shooting Star bottling. The wine was
fermented in French oak barrels, and most lots have completed malo-lactic
fermentation. It is round and full with flavors of apples and
peaches.
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Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose NV (France) $70
Buy It!
Distinctively vibrant, intensely fruit forward and aromatic,
Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose is the world's best selling rose
Champagne. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from 100% Grand-Cru
Vineyards. Use of the "saignee" method in which the skins of
the grapes remain in contact with the juice for 2-3 days, result
in a tremendous concentration of raspberry and blackcurrant
flavors.
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Paringa Shiraz 2000 (Australia) $12 Buy It!
Plenty of black fruits emerge from the black-ruby color of this
full-bodied, dense, chewy, spicy wine. With undeniable character,
this attractive Australian fruit bomb is a delicious value.
Perfect BBQ wine!
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Image du Sud NV (France) $27
A joint effort of well-known Chateauneuf du Pape producers Andre
Brunel (Les Cailloux) and Laurence Feraud (Pegau), this Vin de
Table is primarily a blend of Syrah and Grenache with small
quantities of Carignan and Tannat, all from the 1998 vintage - due
to French regulations, the wine is officially non-vintage, but
"1998" does appear on the cork! An exuberant nose of smoke,
minerals, scorched earth, black pepper, and juicy, plum and black
cherry fruit. This full-bodied, rustic but chewy, corpulent wine
will saturate the palate and fill the mouth. There is considerable
intensity, extract, and personality in this boldly-styled,
exuberant, southern French red.
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Cune Vina Real Reserva Rioja (Spain) 1994 $29
Smoky, red cherry and berry aromas. Elegant, silky, mouth-watering
mouthfeel with plum fruit flavors and smoky tannins. This
tempranillo can easily be mistaken for Burgundy at half the price!
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Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River Valley 1999 (California)
$40
Rich, honeysuckle, peach, and exotic spice aromas. Luxurious honey
and vanilla nuances enhance the vibrant flavors of topical fruit.
A powerful concentrated Chardonnay with a generous, lingering
finish.
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Stevenot Merlot Sierra Foothills 1998 (California) $14
This is a Merlot that shows off all of the fine components that
make this wine so popular. This wine has loads of juicy black
cherry fruit and soft tannins, along with light toasty vanilla
accents from being aged in American oak for one year. This wine is
an easy choice for many different food pairings or simply sharing
with friends.
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Tasman Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2000 (New Zealand) $15
New to our market, this delicious wine has already received
various awards and trophies in New Zealand. Established in 1990,
Tasman Bay has released a buoyant, flavorful wine made from a
blend of Nelson and Marlborough grapes. Ripe sweet-fruit
characters, subtle wood influence and a crisp finish.
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San Felice "Il Grigio" Chianti Classico Reserve 1997
(Italy) $22
The familiar portrait of The Man with the Gray beard, "Il
Grigio," on the label portrays the distinguished character of
this wine. Classic aromas of red cherry and spice are balanced by
remarkable fruit clarity, velvety mouthfeel and appealing finish.
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Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer 1999 Rhinefarm Vineyard
(California) $15
During the 1999 harvest, the winery celebrated its 141st year in
winemaking. The perfect Holiday (Turkey) Wine: enticing aromas of
honeysuckle and rose petals are defined by nutty, spicy fruit
flavors. Dry and crisp, it also compliments ethnic dishes -Thai,
Cajun, Mexican.
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Pirramimma McLaren Vale Shiraz (Australia) $22
With all the hype surrounding the 1998s, and especially after the
great reviews Pirramimma's '97 received, this was a much
anticipated release. Dark, dense and brilliant, juicy and
youthful, an explosion of plum, blackberry and pepper flavors that
remains lively through the bold finish.
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Ravenswood Zinfandel Old Vines Sonoma County 1998 (California)
$19
This great bottle is a step-up from the deliciously valued
Vintners Blend. Fruit for this wine is harvested from mature
vineyards - primarily 60-80 years of age - that range from
Cloverdale to Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek. Classic Zinfandel
flavors of black cherry, raspberry jam, dark plum, and pepper, as
well as zesty fruit acidity with fine-grained integrated tannins,
are noteworthy. One of Ravenswood's flagship products, this is a
rich red with fine balance offering attractive drinking at an
early age in addition to the substance and structure for aging.
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Louis M. Martini Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard "Gnarly
Vines" 1997 (California) $34
This one took me by surprise! It was also a success at the recent
Zinfest Tasting at Pete's in Bellevue. From Martini's oldest (115
years old) and most famous vineyard, Monte Rosso is a 250-acre
ranch in the mountains of Sonoma Valley. The wine is jammy: aromas
of black cherry and elderberry with lots of vanillin, a bit of
white pepper and oak are intermingled. The mouth is big in
alcohol, sweet with a gigantic middle palate and tannins that coat
your mouth like milk chocolate.
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Chateau Lancyre Pic Saint-Loup 1998 "Vielles Vignes"
$17
An incredible vintage in Languedoc, with Pic Saint Loup (peak of
Saint Wolf) now being acknowledged as probably the best district
in all of the area. Vineyards 1000+ feet above sea level have
blazingly hot days, but cool nights. With 65% Syrah and 35%
Grenache from 50+ year old vines, the wine is fleshy and rich,
with an opulent texture. Complex flavors of black fruits and
cassis intermingle with hints of truffle and subtle Provencal
herbs.
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