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Squire
Value Picks |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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