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Squire
Value Picks |
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| 1. |
Chalone Monterey Chardonnay 2007 (California) $12
There are good fruit flavor with a touch of oakiness and
finishing dry. -Joel Dhanapal |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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