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Wine Review

Gregory Graham 2006 Crimson Hill Vineyard Grenache

Producer: 
Gregory Graham
Item name: 
Crimson Hill vineyard Grenache
Vintage: 
2006
Wine type: 
Red
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 25.00

An attractive red indeed! The nose delivers a bouquet of fragrant berries, subtle herb and vanilla. The palate is dry; light bodied, well balanced, and is moderately tannic. Terrific flavors of raspberry, black pepper and licorice guarantee a wonderfully long finish. Drink now or hold for additional bottle aging.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

Louis Pierre et fils Les Enseigneres 2007 (A.O.C. Puligny Montrachet)

Producer: 
Louis Pierre et fils
Item name: 
Les Enseigneres (A.O.C. Puligny Montrachet)
Vintage: 
2007
Wine type: 
White
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 39.00

This is a beautiful, white, vin de Bourgogne. The nose of this Chardonnay presents a bouquet of citrus and herbs. The palate is dry; medium bodied, well balanced, and delivers pleasant finish. Flavors of lemon, herbs and minerality are to be expected. Drink now or hold for additional bottle aging.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

Grgich Hills Estates 2007 (Napa Valley) Chardonnay

Producer: 
Grgich Hills Estates
Item name: 
Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
Vintage: 
2007
Wine type: 
White
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 42.00

A bouquet of tropical citrus and lemon greets your nose. The palate is dry; medium bodied, and features a fresh, delicious acidity, as this Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Flavors of lemon and tropical fruit entice your palate and deliver a wonderfully, long finish. Drink now or hold for additional bottle aging.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

Grgich Hills Estates 2006 (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon

Producer: 
Grgich Hills Estates
Item name: 
Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Vintage: 
2006
Wine type: 
Red
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 60.00

Aromas of black currant, cocoa and herbs comprise the nose of this attractive red. The palate is dry, medium bodied, and well balanced. The grapes used in this Cab are biodynamically grown and feature a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Flavors of black cherry, licorice and herbs satisfy your palate and deliver a long finish. Drink now or hold for additional bottle aging.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

D. H. Lescombes 2008 Syrah (New Mexico)

Producer: 
D. H. Lescombes
Item name: 
Syrah (New Mexico)
Vintage: 
2008
Wine type: 
Red
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 38.00

The nose of this aromatic, Southwest red offers up a bouquet of cherry and tobacco notes. The palate is dry, slightly hot with moderate tannins in delivering a long, savory finish. The wine is still young and tight, with plenty of structure to provide for terrific bottle aging. Flavors of cassis, spice herbs and umami create a very attractive flavor profile. Decant for an hour before drinking or hold for additional bottle aging.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

D. H. Lescombes 2008 Cabernet Franc Limited Release (New Mexico)

Producer: 
D. H. Lescombes
Item name: 
Cabernet Franc Limited Release (New Mexico)
Vintage: 
2008
Wine type: 
Red
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 80.00

Wine from New Mexico? Move over Gruet, D.H. Lescombes is hot on your heels! Enticing aromas of cassis, vanilla and herbs make up the nose of this beautiful red. Dry, fruit forward, flavors of black cherry, licorice and spice are to be anticipated. Balanced structure and elegant tannins assist in creating a memorable finish. The D.H. Lescombes Cabernet Franc won the Best of Class in the 2009 San Francisco Wine Competition.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

D. H. Lescombes 2007 Mourvedre Limited Release (New Mexico)

Producer: 
D. H. Lescombes
Item name: 
Mourvedre Limited Release (New Mexico)
Vintage: 
2007
Wine type: 
Red
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 32.00

D.H. Lescombes does it again, creating another phenomenal New Mexico red wine. A fragrant bouquet of black cherry, plum, spice and vanilla comprise this wine’s nose. Dry, unctuous, flavors of black cherry, umami, and licorice make up the palate. Elegant tannins and incredible balance create a very long finish. The D.H. Lescombes Mourvedre won a Gold Medal in the 2009 San Francisco Wine Competition.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

D. H. Lescombes 2005 Merlot Limited Release (New Mexico)

Producer: 
D. H. Lescombes
Item name: 
Merlot Limited Release (New Mexico)
Vintage: 
2005
Wine type: 
Red
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 21.00

D.H. Lescombes is a phenomenal New Mexico winemaker! This Merlot offers a bouquet of blackberry and licorice. Dry, fruit forward, flavors of cassis, plum and umami are prominent. The palate of this particular red is still young and offers moderate tannins and a slightly higher alcohol level. Expect a long finish. Drink now or hold for more bottle aging.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

D. H. Lescombes 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release (New Mexico)

Producer: 
D. H. Lescombes
Item name: 
Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release (New Mexico)
Vintage: 
2005
Wine type: 
Red
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 38.00

Cassis, mint and toasted oak make up the nose of this enticing Cab. The palate is dry, mature, and balanced with elegant tannins in its delivery of a long finish. Dry, fruit forward, flavors of black cherry, cocoa and licorice are ever present. Drink now.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

D. H. Lescombes 2008 Petit Verdot Limited Release (New Mexico)

Producer: 
D. H. Lescombes
Item name: 
Petit Verdot Limited Release (New Mexico)
Vintage: 
2008
Wine type: 
Red
Reviewer: 
Tom DiNardo
Retail price: 
$ 38.00

The nose of this beautiful red is comprised of blackberry, licorice and herbal notes. The palate is dry, with soft tannins and it delivers an incredibly long finish. Fruit forward flavors of black cherry, umami and herbs are to be anticipated and enjoyed. Enjoy now or hold.

Review Type: 
Personal Pick

Cellar Picks

Seven Hills Syrah Walla Walla 2008
The Magnificent Wine Company, The Originals Syrah, 2007 (Walla Walla WA.) $22
Apex, Merlot, 2006 (Sunnyside, WA.) $35
Castello di Gabbiano, Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG, 2006 (Tuscany, Italy) $22
Penfolds, Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 (Australia) $33
King Estate, Domaine Pinot Gris, 2008 (Eugene, Oregon) $25
Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Healdsburg, CA.) $25.
Graham’s 20 Year Tawny Port, NV (Portugal) $29
King Estate Pinot Noir 2008 (Eugene, Oregon)
Pommery, Springtime NV Brut Rose’ Champagne, NV (France) $65
Don Miguel Gascon Reserva Malbec
Château Trimoulet St. Emilion Grand Cru 2005 (France) $35
Waterbrook Merlot Reserve 2006 (Washington) $23
Rosa Regale Red 2008 (Italy) $24

Value Picks

Maryhill Winemaker's Red
StoneCap Syrah 2009
Murphy Goode Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 (CA.) $11
Cupcake Vineyards, Pinot Noir, 2008 (Central Coast, CA.) $14
Ravenswood, Vintners Blend Zinfandel, 2008 (CA.) $10
Waterbrook, Sangiovese Rose’, 2009 (Walla Walla WA.) $15
Rodney Strong Vineyards, Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2008 (Healdsburg, CA.) $20
Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2007
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Marlborough, Australia) $15
Hogue Cellars Genesis Chardonnay 2008 (Prosser, WA.) $15
The Magnificent Wine Company Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Walla Walla) $13
Maryhill Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Dry Creek Merlot 2006, Dry Creek Valley (Healdsburg, CA.)
Waterbrook Melange Blanc 2008
Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone
Paul Jaboulet Cotes du Rhone 2007 "Parallel 45"
Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes du Rhone "Les Abeilles"
Gordon Brothers Chardonnay 2008 (Washington)
Melini Chianti “Borghi d’Elsa” 2007 (Italy)