Squire Value Picks for May 2008

1. Marquis-Phillips Roogle Shiraz 2006 (Australia) $10
   All of you will remember that several years ago, this market was introduced to an upstart Australian brand known as Marquis-Phillips. Shortly afterward, the wines got huge press, and the brand became the little darling of the Aussie wine world in the U.S. Fast forward a few years… Sarah and Sparky have moved on to a new venture, the price has gone up, and now a third winemaker has taken over the reins, Sarah and Sparky’s former assistant. To fit into the price where the old wines were, a new line was introduced called, appropriately enough, ‘Roogle’ (the mythical half kangaroo/half eagle that adorns the label). The 2006 Roogle Shiraz is lush and fat, with cassis, pepper, clove and cinnamon in the nose, and blackberry syrup and Bing cherries in the finish. All at the silly price of $10. -Doug Charles
2. Dry Creek Vineyards Fumé Blanc 2006 (California) $15
   This 100% sauvignon blanc has a light straw color. The fresh grass, lemon and grapefruit aromas are followed by citrus, lime and crushed stone flavors. It has a medium body and crisp acidity on the finish. Very food friendly. -Nick Tomassi
3. Cline Ancient Vines Mourvèdre 2005 (California) $15
   Cline Ancient Vines Mourvèdre has always been a great value wine from California. This 2005 vintage has a mild purple-red color, high alcohol content and 0.23% residual sugar. The grapes are sourced from the oldest Mourvèdre vineyards available and yields are restricted to 2 to 3 tons per acre. This juicy Rhone-style wine is full-bodied and delightful. The bouquet is intense and persistent with strong notes of red flowers and ripe red fruit. On the palate the wine shows plenty of plums and cherries, soft tannins and a full mouth-feel. This 2005 Mourvèdre has good acidity and mild minerality. A distinct aroma of chocolate can be perceived throughout the tasting process. The wine was aged for 10 months in heavy toast American oak (25% new). The finish is very persistent and slightly spicy. I would pair this wine with pork dishes, lamb, sausages and even Pizza. -Marco D'Ambrosio
4. Rosenblum Petite Sirah “Heritage Clones” 2006 (California) $19
   One of my favorite varietals when I “got the wine bug”, I have not had a petite sirah this good in a long while! Petite Sirah, or Petite Syrah (same thing!) can be a huge tannic wine, but also has almost Italian rustic characteristics as well. This has both! It has up front blue raspberry notes, but also has a lean, leatherlike note in the mid-palate, finishing with notes of blueberry pie. Yum! –Andrew Campbell
5. Jean D’Aosque Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (France) $8
   With all of the gloom and doom regarding the Euro and how the rising fuel costs are impacting transportation costs for all goods, we are harder pressed to find exceptional wine values, especially from France. Just when all seems lost, along comes a simply delicious summer white from of all places, France. The Jean D’Aosque Sauvignon Blanc 2006 is brimming with lemon, lime, grapefruit and a dash of crisp tangerine. Absolutely delicious and thirst quenching, with mouth watering acidity and a tangy finish. Imagine ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day and you get the picture. -Doug Charles
6. Donnafugata Anthilia 2006 (Italy) $14
   DonnaFugata is one of the best Sicilian producers and Anthilia is their blend of 50% Cataratto and 50% Ansonica (also called Inzolia). The name Donnafugata, literally “woman in flight,” refers to the history of the Habsburg queen Maria Carolina who was the consort of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon. In the initial years of the 19th century, she fled Naples and found refuge a few miles from the estate’s vineyards. The history inspired the effigy of the head of a woman with her hair tossed by the wind that dominates the label of every bottle of Donnafugata. Anthilia is the name given during the Roman period to the city of Entella. This wine has a distinct personality. It is a perfect combination of Sicilian flavors: it is dry and robust and yet complex and rich. On the nose the wine shows notes of plums, apricots, citrus and yellow flowers. On the palate this 2006 Anthilia is spicy, salty, round and very mineral. The finish is very intense and persistent. I would pair this Cataratto / Ansonica blend with savory fish dishes, shellfish and roasted vegetables. Anthilia is very Sicilian and it pairs well with food that matches its rich and austere personality. Excellent value. -Marco D'Ambrosio
7. Solaire Chardonnay “Santa Lucia Highlands” 2006 (California) $14
   A steal from the Santa Lucia Highlands, where Chardonnays average more than twice this price! Piercing pear and apple flavors, with great body, little oak and a smooth toasty finish make this a real winner. –Andrew Campbell
8. J. M. da Fonesca “Twin Vines” Vinho Verde NV (Portugal) $9
   This is a slightly spritzy blend of 42% Loureiro, 39% Trajadura and 19% Pedema grapes. A pale straw color with a green hue. It has fresh lemon, melon and green apple aromas and flavors, a light body and citrus fruit on the finish. Food Pairing: salad, chicken, and rice dishes, seafood and vegetable pasta dishes, shellfish and seafood. -Nick Tomassi
9. New Harbor Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (New Zealand) $14
   Newcomer from New Zealand has hit the mark with its zippy and crisp white from Marlborogh. This has zinging lemon and peach notes, great notes of grass and jalapeño pepper and a crisp, puckering finish. This is a great New Zealand style of sauvignon blanc! –Andrew Campbell
10. Castello Monaci Primitivo 2006 (Italy) $14
    Primitivo, a relative of California’s Zinfandel, has the great qualities of its cousin. With great up-front fruit of dark berry and chocolate, you can tell the relation, but with its Italian characteristics of focus, leanness and great acidity, you can have with food. A wonderful wine! –Andrew Campbell

Squire Value Picks
Squire Cellar Picks
Question of the Month
Product of the Month
Home