5000 wines 234 x 60

July 2009

Home

Squire Value Picks

Squire Cellar Picks

Retailer Directory

Industry Resources

Highlights
How we choose wine
It's really quite simple
Wine Industry Employment
Opportunities abound
Local Events Calendars
A great resource
Wine Tasting Terms
Words to describe a wine
Wine Vintage Charts
Useful guides for fine wine
People on the Move
Keep up to date
Storage Options
Protect your wine investment
Past Articles
Catch up here, or Search the complete site.
WineSquire Mail
 
Sign Up Today!





Mobile Channels
Have a Palm or Windows CE device? Find out about our FREE AvantGo channel.
Highlights
Feedback
Questions? Comments?
  Email us

Print-friendly version

Squire Value Picks
1. Chalone Monterey Chardonnay 2007 (California) $12
There are good fruit flavor with a touch of oakiness and finishing dry. -Joel Dhanapal
2. Marchesi di Barolo Barbera d’Alba “Ruvei” 2006 (Italy) $18
Marchesi di Barolo is one of the most important names of Piedmontese winemaking tradition and one of the biggest land owners of the area. Their origins date back to the 12th century. They established a reputation of being a classic producer of excellent wines year in year out. The 2006 Barbera d'Alba single vineyard "Ruvei" is a textbook expression of Barbera. To me Barbera is something that Piedmontese people drink every day, it is not a trade-off for Barbaresco or Barolo. Therefore, when I am looking for a Barbera, the wine has to be well made and affordable at the same time. Ruvei is 100% estate fruit. The nose is floral, fruity and mineral. Aromas of raspberries, cherries, plums and red flowers are mixed with an elegant minerality. On the palate this wine has a great structure and it is extremely well balanced. The long finish has firm tannins. There is not one minor flaw in this wine. It progresses and evolves smoothly from attack to finish. I believe that the 2006 vintage is superior to the 2005. This wine is elegant and firm without being too extracted. Excellent value. -Marco D'Ambrosio
3. Michael David Phillips Chardonnay 2007 (California) $17
100% Lodi Chardonnay; Style: dry white; light straw color; aromas: tropical fruit with hints of banana and pineapple; flavors: light lime with a hint of butter; medium-full body; balanced finish with nicely integrated acidity. -Nick Tomassi
4. A by Acacia Red Blend 2007 (California) $11
This is Acacia’s first offering of anything other than fine Pinot Noir and excellent Chardonnay, and they have hit the mark! Comprised of mostly Syrah, with a smidge of Grenache and Mourvedre, this has excellent bright strawberry and cherry flavors, some smoky oak and a spicy finish. Think smooth, complex French wine, then add bold California fruit and this is it! -Andrew Campbell
5. Domaine de Nages Costieres de Nimes 2007 (France) $12
This relatively unknown wine features Grenache, Syrah, etc and is full of spice and fruit and sells for only $12. -Joel Dhanapal
6. Cline Cellars Mourvedre “Ancient Vines” 2007 (California) $16
Style: dry red; dark red color; aromas: dark dusty berry fruit; flavors: deep plum; full body; soft tannins on the finish. Food Pairing: Anything grilled. -Nick Tomassi
7. Chatter Creek Rose 2008 (Washington) $11
The 2008 Rose’ from Chatter Creek Winery of Woodinville is here just in time for Valentine’s Day. Made by Gordy Rawson this wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, a classic Rhone blend. The wine is bright, vibrant yet elegant with a lovely delicate pink color. The thing I like about Rose’ is the wine’s versatility when it comes to food. From grilled meats and barbeque to shellfish and poultry, it works. Enjoy! –Peter Bos
8. Sterling Meritage Vintner’s Collection 2007 (California) $11
Made from 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Malbec with the rest Petit Verdot from some fine Central Valley fruit from a great California vintage. It has raspberry and chocolate notes with a nice vanilla oak finish. Enjoy with a big juicy steak! -Andrew Campbell
9. Pommery “Pink POP” Champagne Non-Vintage (France) $13 (187ml)
A varietal blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir; Style: Champagne; rose' color; aromas and flavors: red fruit from currant to pomegranate on a base of Viennese pastry; medium body; balanced, fruity finish. Food Pairing: adaptable to most any type of cuisine. -Nick Tomassi
10. Campo Viejo Rioja Crianza 2005 (Spain) $11
This 100% Tempranillo is dark garnet in color, with a bouquet of strawberry, rhubarb and cedar. It is spicy and rich, with flavors of cherry and chocolate, and has a medium-full body with a viscous mouth-feel. Excellent texture leads to a well integrated, balanced finish. This would be perfect with BBQ chicken! -Andrew Campbell
 
Ask the Squire

Questions and 
answers
about wine.

 

Local Wine Personalities
Tom Allan
Eric Awes
Peter Bos
Andrew Campbell
Stephen Carroll
Doug Charles
Marco D'Ambrosio
Tom DiNardo
Mark Elwell
Jameson Fink
Amy Grape
Kathy Kongelbak
Jake Kosseff
David LeClaire
Dawn Marti
Scott Miller
Ken O'Hara
Rowena Saturay
John Schultz
Lars Sorensen
Jens Strecker
Olé Thompson
Nick Tomassi
Kenneth Winch

If you would like to contribute, please contact us.

WineSquire Links
Check out the sites that have received the WineSquire 'Seal of Approval.'

Home | Squire Value Picks | Squire Cellar Picks | Retailer Directory | Industry Resources | Search
Articles | People | Products | Books | Links
About Us | Sponsors
  

Privacy Policy
Copyright 1999-2009  WineSquire.com.  All Rights Reserved.