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DID YOU KNOW?........... Here at the LOS ANGELES WINE COMPANY that EVERY Wine in Our Stock is Expertly Selected for BEST Cost to Quality Ratio and ALWAYS Sale Priced. What this means is you are getting the best and brightest day in day out at the lowest possible price, HAND PICKED, NO GAMES, N0 GIMMICKS!
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2009 WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100: #24
2005
Penfolds
Shiraz
St. Henri
Barossa Valley, Langhorne Creek, Adelaide Hills
"Aromatic, complex and silky, slipping in its gorgeous blackberry, currant and plum fruit against a seething background of toast, spice, mineral and loamy earth. The texture is seamless, and the flavors just take off, sailing through the long, expressive finish. Best from 2011 through 2020. 1,000 cases imported. " (WS)
Wine Spectator: 95 pts.
"The 2005 St. Henri Shiraz is matured for 16 months in large, seasoned oak vats and includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It exhibits a floral-accented perfume along with nutmeg, cinnamon, licorice, and blueberry. Medium-bodied and impeccably balanced, it displays a complex array of fruit and spice flavors leading to a lengthy, pure finish. Drink this stylish effort over the next 10-12 years." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 90 pts.
"($65) Deep ruby-red. Sexy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, incense, dried flowers, cola and vanilla. Lush, creamy and sweet, offering deep dark berry compote flavors, velvety texture and mounting spiciness. The sweet dark berry notes echo through a strikingly long, juicy and focused finish. Bet on this to improve for at least another decade but there's plenty of appeal right now." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 92 pts.
"Very fine, supple, elegant and seamless, this old-fashioned expression of the Australian Ôburgundy' style, is full to medium in weight, with earthy, leathery and chocolatey complexity beneath its briary expression of bright red and black fruits. Supported by fine, cherry kernel-like tannins, it's silky-smooth, slightly minty and meaty, finishing long and savoury with nuances of licorice, raisins and menthol.(18.6/95, YTD 2017-2025)" (JO)
Australian Wine with Jeremy Oliver: 95 pts.
Penfolds St Henri is a highly successful and alternative expression of Shiraz and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual among high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. It was created in the early 1950s (first commercial vintage 1957) and gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality and distinctive style became better understood. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1460-litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz. "Drinking well upon release, yet this will cellar - as per its template. Over half a century on - the St Henri stylistic stamp remains indelible." -Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker
(Winery Notes)
only $49.95 |
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WHAT VALUE IN THIS DAY AND AGE...CASES A MUST!!
2008
Snoqualmie
Riesling
Winemaker’s Select
Columbia Valley, Washington
"Soft and light, this is sweet enough to make the melon and citrus flavors feel rich, but the tang on the finish keeps it in balance. Drink now." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 87 pts.
Winemaker Comments
“This Winemaker’s Select Riesling is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with aromas of spicy pear and dried apricots. The richly textured palate is characterized by spice and fruit as well as lingering notes of honey.” -Joy Andersen, Winemaker
Food Pairings
Fruit desserts, pasta with grilled chicken, scallops with cream reduction sauce
(Winery Notes)
only $5.99 |
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2005
Bodegas Muga
Reserva
Rioja
"This red is focused and graceful, with black cherry and tart plum flavors framed by leafy, smoky and minerally notes. Shows a good balance of light tannins and lively acidity. Drink now through 2015. 4,000 cases imported." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 90 pts.
"The purple-colored 2005 Muga Reserva, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and the balance Mazuelo and Graciano. It was aged for six months in wood vats followed by two years in new French and American oak. It delivers an alluring nose of cedar, tobacco, earth notes, mineral, and black cherry. This is followed by an elegant wine with good depth and enough ripe tannin to evolve for several years. Nicely balanced and long in the finish, it will be at its best from 2012 to 2020 if not longer." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 90 pts.
"($30; 70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha and the rest mazuelo and graciano) Bright ruby. Vibrant, seductive perfume of black raspberry, powdered rose, anise and minerals. Weighty but lively cherry and dark berry flavors are brightened by zesty minerals, picking up a candied licorice quality with aeration. The finish repeats the deep dark berry note and leaves exotic flowers and minerals behind. Very elegant wine that suavely blends richness and finesse." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 92 pts.
Powerful, intense and very lively, anxious to please from the start. Almost perfect mingling of red-berry fruit and toasted oak aromas on the nose, with the fruit coming to the fore in the mouth and rounding off a supple, balanced overall effect.
(Winery Notes)
only $23.95 |
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2006
Ramey
Claret
Napa Valley
"Offers aromas of ripe plum and berry, with spice and sage. Though firm and full-bodied, this reveals a sense of elegance and finesse, ending with integrated tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2010 through 2016. 5,800 cases made." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 91 pts.
"The 2006 Claret has turned out to be less impressive than I initially believed. Made in an up-front, fruity style, it possesses a dark ruby/purple color, notes of licorice, spice box, roasted herbs, and red as well as black currants. This soft red is good to excellent, but not as stunning as I had hoped. David Ramey’s Healdsburg operation is becoming bigger and bigger, as evidenced by his 60,000-case production in both 2006 and 2007. However, quality continues to be exciting, offering a broad array of Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, and more recently, a handful of Syrahs. The entry level Chardonnays include three generic appellations, Carneros, Russian River, and Sonoma Coast. All three need to be consumed sooner rather than later. The three single vineyard Chardonnays are all from top sites, the Hudson and Hyde vineyards in Carneros, and the Russian River’s Ritchie Vineyard. Production is much smaller for these cuvees, from just under 1,400 cases for the Hudson to over 2,500 cases for the Hyde." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 88 pts.
"Inky ruby. Strongly floral aromas of fresh cherry and blackcurrant complemented by underbrush and dried lavender. Zesty red- and blackcurrant flavors offer very good depth and clarity. Gains a tangy minerality on the long, spicy finish."
(IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 91 pts.
"80% Cabernet Sauvignon; 9% Malbec; 4% Merlot; 3% Syrah; 2% Cabernet Franc; 2% Petit Verdot. Ripeness and blatant oak are the two legs upon which this obvious and outgoing wine is balanced, and there is little in the way of refinement or polish to be found. That said, it makes up in richness for what it may lack in finesse, and it will drink nicely with rustic meat dishes after a few years of rest." (CG)
Connoisseurs' Guide: 87 pts.
only $24.95 |
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YOU CAN'T BEAT THIS!
2002
Louis Roederer
Cristal
Champagne
"A suave customer, with hints of citrus, berry and coffee. Harmonious and
refined, with freshness and a bright structure. The finish shows a lot of
potential, with a mouthwatering aftertaste. Better than previously reviewed.
Drink now through 2030." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 92 pts.
"Roederer’s 2002 Cristal is still in its infant, fresh stage. Subtle
notes of pears, flowers, spices, mint, minerals and oak are woven into a
cashmere-like frame of extraordinary grace and elegance. This beautifully-sculpted
Champagne possesses notable clarity but with the additional depth of fruit
that is characteristic of this vintage. It is a gorgeous, seductive Cristal
of the highest level. In 2002, Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay
with 10 grams of dosage. 20% of the wine was fermented in oak. This is Lot
: L030351A107809. This bottle was disgorged in June 28th, 2007. Anticipated
maturity: 2010-2032." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 96+ pts.
"($289) Light, bright gold with a steady bead. Orange, ripe pear, red
berries and white flowers on the nose, with complementary notes of lemon,
honey, sweet butter and smoky minerals. Ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors
are braced by gentle minerality, picking up subtle baking spice and buttered
toast notes with air. Surprisingly generous at this stage, with smoky mineral
and floral qualities on the finish. This is more open-knit than the comparatively
elegant 2000 and appears ready to drink." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 91 pts.
"55% Pinot Noir; 45% Chardonnay. Its Pinot Noir portion notwithstanding,
this wine has a crisp, chalky, lightly citrusy, lightly toasty aroma that
is more than a little bit suggestive of an elegant Blanc de Blancs. And
perhaps that is its secret. It is an incredibly refined yet deep wine whose
suggestions of roasted soy and caramel are kept as complex nuances within
a well-filled, refreshing, crisp set of flavors and a graceful, lengthy
aftertaste. It occupies a comfortable middle ground between the quiet refinement
of Dom Perignon and the bold approaches of the top Bollinger and Krug wines."
(CG)
Connoisseurs' Guide: 96 pts.
"This is an exceptional wine, as is the vintage. The fruits—grapefruit,
crisp red apple—balance with a fine yeasty character. There is a great depth
of flavor, the fruits going in a pure line of freshness. The one problem
is that it is much too young, the result of the demand from the market for
the next vintage. Age this wine for at least four years." (WE)
Wine Enthusiast: 98 pts.
"If a wine could ever make you want to pull the top down on your '68
Ferrari convertible, rip off the rearview mirror and take off, this is it.
It has a different kind of energy than the '02 Cristal Rosé, which is more
ethereal, like strawberries at the right hand of some ancient Gallic god.
This is more insolent, brash, earth bound. All the scents and flavors seem
to emanate from limestone, as does the acidity, which hits at the front
of the mouth and powers through the wine with the kind of solar energy that
lifts mist off the white chalk on a cool morning in Cramant. The wine goes
on for miles. It's already irresistible, and will only improve with ten,
20, 30 and 40 years of age." (W&S)
Wine & Spirits: 100 pts.
only
$179.95 |
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IT'S
BACK! BUTTER JUICE LIKE ROMBAUER FOR HALF THE PRICE!
THE BUTTERY OF BUTTERY THE OAKY OF OAKY...BUT FANTASTIC DRINKING!
2009
Trinitas
Chardonnay
Carneros
The Wine
Our famous Trinitas "Butterscotch Bomb" is a perfect marriage of high-quality fruit and American wood barrels: The toast on the barrels is prominent, giving a "crème Brule" character to the nose. Underneath the toast, you get the intense tropical fruit – pear, peach, lemon zest and citrus. The rich mid-palate, explodes with cinnamon toast, cream and butterscotch – which is a contribution to the length of time spent in the Oak Barrels. In its own way, it's as bold and expressive as a Cabernet. It's got so much presence it can easily pass as an aperitif or carefully matched with food just as rich – perhaps pounded veal cutlets, an Italian risotto, or plump-cooked chicken breasts in a cream sauce
The Winemaking
This wine is a blend of Carneros vineyards. It is cold barrel fermented at 46-48°F which helps capture and enhance the tropical fruit aromas and aged in 100% New American Oak for 9 months. Our distinctive Chardonnay completes 100% malo-lactic fermentation furthering its balance of ripeness, forward fruit and crisp acidity allowing the wine great aging potential.
The Vineyard
Chardonnay from the Carneros region ranks among the finest in California. Due to its ideal location along the San Pablo Bay, the Carneros appellation is recognized for producing grapes of great intensity, balance and natural acidity. Cool, foggy mornings and moderately warm days provide the perfect growing conditions.
only
$19.95 |
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2009 WINE SPECTATOR
TOP 100: #5
2006
Barone Ricasoli
Chianti Classico
Castello di Brolio
Tuscany
"Shows amazing aromas of blackberry, with hints of vanilla and flowers, along with black licorice and crushed berries. Full-bodied, with wonderfully caressing, ultrafine tannins. Very balanced and long. Best after 2011. 6,170 cases made." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 96 pts.
Barone Ricasoli is the oldest winery in the world, producing wine at the estate since 1141. The current owner, Barone Francesco Ricasoli, is the 32nd generation Baron of the family. Geremia and Ridolfo were the original Ricasolis, but it was in the year 1000 that the Ricasoli family was granted the highest degree of power over their feudal land, the title of “Baron” decreed directly from the King. This title signified full autonomy over their lands and those who inhabited them. After centuries of defending their land and people, the Ricasoli family was the first to utilize their farmland and vineyards, producing and selling their best wine production. It has been documented from as early as the 16th century that Brolio had exported wine to Amsterdam and England and from the beginning of the 20th century, Brolio wine had become renowned and exported all over the world. With this harvest, it was finally possible for the Sangiovese to express its maximum potential. Of an intense ruby colour with garnet tinges, it has a good aromatic complex bouquet. Chocolate/coffee and spices palate, it possesses an elegant tannin content and a lingering finish.
(Winery Notes)
only $49.95
1.5L....only $109.95 |
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WE HAVE A ROCK STAR PRICE ON THIS SHIPMENT!!
2007
Etude
Pinot Noir
Estate
Carneros
"Etude’s outstanding trio of Pinot Noirs begins with the dark ruby/plum-hued 2007 Pinot Noir Estate, which offers plenty of sweet cherry, pomegranate, wood spice, and forest floor characteristics in its round, gracious, expansive personality. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. " (WA)
Wine Advocate: 90 pts.
"Medium red. Restrained, musky aromas of strawberry, spices and underbrush. Supple and lush, with moderate depth and fruit intensity. Became a bit more juicy with aeration but could use a bit more lift. Finishes slightly dry, without the tang normally shown by this bottling." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 88 pts.
"A deft touch of wood sets off pretty dark cherry and spiced plum notes that display a slight hint of menthol that slides into nicely rich, round and solidly detailed middle weight flavors that lose just a bit of definition as the wood rounds off the otherwise lingering finish. Good if not truly special." (BH)
Burghound: 88 pts.
"A beautiful Pinot Noir, deeply flavored and complex. It shows a silky, elegant mouthfeel, with powerful flavors of cherry and raspberry purée, mocha, Dr. Pepper and smoky sandalwood. Feels solid and impressive in texture, an important wine, and will drink well though 2014." (WE)
Wine Enthusiast: 92 pts.
Our goal is to produce a distinctly styled Pinot Noir of the highest quality, a wine that can satisfy any “Burgundian” urge and yet be proud of its California roots. The 2006 Estate bottling offers inviting cool climate aromatics of raspberry, pomegranate and sandalwood with a touch of turned earth. Classically structured, the palate bursts with flavors of sweet frambois strawberries, red cherries and mocha. The lush fruit combined with the baking spice notes from aging in French oak creates a defined Pinot Noir with elegance and length.
(Winery Notes)
only
$29.95 |
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2008
Domaine William Fevre
Chablis
Les Clos
Grand Cru
"Clean and focused, with apple, lemon, yellow plum and mineral notes riding a firm structure. This is balanced, with a chalklike texture and a savory element on the finish. There's fine clarity and loads of power in reserve. Best from 2013 through 2025. 200 cases imported." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 94 pts.
"(Pale yellow-green. Great precision on the nose: crushed oyster shell, steely minerality, lemon, lime and nutmeg. Even denser than the Cote Bouguerots but not as large, with captivating, soil-driven toast and nut oil notes adding another element of complexity to the vibrant citrus and mineral flavors. An utterly edge-free, spherical wine of great energy and clarity that also conveys a captivating sweetness. Leaves the mouth vibrating, with the empty glass exuding a lingering perfume of minerals and powdered chalk." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 94 pts.
"Here too the elegance of the nose is simply stunning with a layered and perfumed aromatic profile that oozes Chablis character and in particular, a fine minerality that continues onto the impressively concentrated and palate staining flavors that possess striking precision on the explosively long finish. This is a great Les Clos that will make old bones." (BH)
Burghound: 94-97 pts.
only $79.95
1.5L....only $169.95 |
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NEW ARRIVAL!
100% Garnacha!!
2009
Bodegas Borsao
Rose
Campo de Borja
"Watermelon and raspberry flavors are accented by herbal and orange peel notes in this full, firm rosé. Expressive, with enough structure for food. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported."
(WS)
Wine Spectator: 87 pts.
"The 2009 Borsao Rose is medium salmon pink with aromas of strawberry and rhubarb. Dry and tasty with a refreshing finish, it is meant for drinking over the next 12-18 months. Bodegas Borsao has long been known for high quality value-priced wines and the current releases are no exception." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 85 pts.
The vineyards are divided between the chalky soil of alluvial terraces of the Ebro River at 1,200 ft. in elevation and the more complex soils of the hillside vineyards on the Moncayo mountain range 1,950 ft. in elevation. The wine is stainless-steel fermented.
(Winery Notes)
only $6.99 |
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2009
Villa Maria
Sauvignon Blanc
Cellar Selection
Marlborough
"Refreshing and vibrant, offering tangerine and lime-tinged nectarine and green apple flavors that keep sailing through the long, generous and lively finish. Drink now. 500 cases imported." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 93 pts.
VINEYARD DESCRIPTION
The fruit for this wine comes from both the Awatere and Wairau Valleys of Marlborough. Timely canopy management activities such as shoot thinning and leaf plucking along with an attention to vine health optimised the opportunity for the ideal vineyard flavours and clean, ripe fruit at harvest. The fruit was harvested in the cool of the night to ensure it arrived at the winery in pristine condition.
WINEMAKING
Each vineyard was harvested at optimum ripeness and processed separately to provide the greatest number of blending options. A proportion of the vineyard parcels received skin contact in the winery to maximise the intensity of flavours, before the fruit was gently pressed, cold settled and racked for fermentation. Cool fermentation techniques were employed to retain flavour and aromatics. After fermentation the wines remained on yeast lees for several weeks to build mouth-feel. The wines were then racked to be blended, gently fined, filtered and immediately bottled, capturing flavour freshness and richness.
WINEMAKER'S COMMENT
A beautifully intense and lively wine, overflowing with aromas of ripe gooseberry, melon and passionfruit with hints of grapefruit, lime and nettles. The wine is mouth-filling and juicy with vibrant fruit and fantastic mid palate richness and weight, finishing rich and racy with excellent length and crispness.
SERVING SUGGESTION
Salmon, tomato, green bean and potato salad.
(Winery Notes)
only $14.95 |
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2008
Two Hands
Shiraz
Bella's Garden
Barossa Valley
"Dark and dense, but emerges with vivid color and bright flavors of raspberry, black cherry and a hint of peach, beautifully tinged with cocoa, licorice and mineral notes as the finish sails on impressively. Drink now through 2018." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 94 pts.
"($55) Deep, bright ruby. Seductive aromas of dark berries, violet, incense and dusty cocoa powder. Concentrated and tactile, with superb depth and noteworthy definition and cut to the flavors of cherry compote, dark berry liqueur and candied violet. Wonderfully broad on the long, expansive finish. The tannins are smooth and harmonious, fading quickly into the fruit. Great fruit and florality here."
(IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 92 pts.
Deep and impenetrable, red to black. Lifted aromas of deep red fruits, plums, cinnamon, licorice and earthy spice. Underlying subtle notes of chocolate, tar and moss complete the bouquet. Robust and rich with a balance that exemplifies the hallmarks of the finest Barossa vineyards. Red fruits and plums dominate a tight palate with earthy char and chocolate that finishes long with fine tannins and bright acidity.
(Winery Notes)
only $49.95 |
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2007
J. J. Prum
Wehlener Sonnenuhr
Riesling Spatlese
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
"Floral, peach, lime and herb aromas and flavors really sing in this elegant, silky Riesling. Beautifully integrated with the bright structure, showing intensity and length in a seamless, effortless manner. Mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2035." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 93 pts.
"The Prum 2007 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese is intriguingly- as well as gorgeously-scented with peony, narcissus, heliotrope, mint, and fresh apple. Creamy and buoyant on the palate, it caresses and seduces with suggestions of lemon chiffon and vanilla flan, but then leaves a surprisingly adamant, stony, subtly zesty finish as if to put the taster on notice that there is a lot more here than meets the palate at such a youthful juncture. The characteristics of great Riesling from the Prum estate coincide with one of the most striking virtues of 2007 Mosel Rieslings in general, namely the ability to combine intensity of aroma and flavor with delicacy, and caressing richness with vivacity. In a sense, the best wines in this year’s collection are like Prum-squared in their distinctiveness and expressivity. Manfred Prum acknowledges good reasons for the widespread comparison of 2007 with 2004, and thinks the present vintage also shares the richness of 2005. Notoriously little attention is paid at this address to dry-tasting wines, and I was unfortunately not able to taste either a Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spatlese trocken or a Bernkasteler Badstube Spatlese feinherb. Nobly sweet wines which I have not yet tasted include Wehlener Sonnenuhr auction Spatlese, gold capsule Auslese, and Beerenauslese; a Graacher Himmelreich long gold capsule Auslese, and a Bernkasteler Badstube Eiswein." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 93 pts.
"($56) Elegant aromas of Bing cherry, apple blossom and roasted pine nuts. Sweet, delicate and nonetheless creamy on the palate, with sweet herbs and a touch of vanilla. Lemon curd and slate animate this serious spatlese's compelling finish." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 92 pts.
"Last of the Spätlesen, of course, is the Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese, a great Spätlese by any measure. Mineral, deep, and nervy in the nose, the wine is electric, deep and very mineral with lime and Sonnenuhr vanilla flavors and great depth." (FWR)
Fine Wine Review: 95 pts.
only $36.95 |
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DO WE STILL HAVE THE LOWEST PRICE OR WHAT??
PACKED SIX TO A CASE!!
NV
Piper-Heidsieck
Brut
Champagne
"A fresh, medium-bodied style, this shows finesse, with notes of apple, peach, ruby grapefruit, vanilla and toast. The refined texture and vibrant structure keep this focused and lingering, with fine length. Drink now through 2012. 50,000 cases imported." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 91 pts.
"Ripe pears, crisp green apples and flowers emerge from Piper-Hiediesck’s NV Brut Cuvee. This medium-bodied non-vintage Champagne offers excellent persistence and a long, clean finish. It is a very solid effort at this level. The Brut Cuvee is 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Piper-Heidsieck is another of Champagne’s best-known brands. The house traces its history back to the original Heidsieck and Co., which was founded in 1785" (WA)
Wine Advocate: 88 pts.
"Bright gold. Spicy apple and citrus zest aromas complicated by a hint of white pepper. Tightly wound and a bit rigid, offering dry lemon and orchard fruit flavors and a late note of brown butter. Finishes on a tart citrus note, with firm grip." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 87 pts.
"Toasty aromas leap from the glass in this deliciously mature wine. It is soft but still very dry, with acidity tamed by both fine, mature fruit and a creamy texture that sits well in the mouth. This is a very fine, tasty wine." (WE)
Wine Enthusiast: 92 pts.
only $27.95 |
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2008
Daniel Chotard
Sancerre
Loire Valley
"Crisp, with tangy chive and lime flavors backed by a mouthwatering, flint-tinged finish. Drink now through 2011." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 87 pts.
"Daniel Chotard’s 2008 Sancerre follows the vintage trend toward ultra-bright, relatively light-weight, and rapier Loire Sauvignon Blancs. Aromas of fresh lime, gooseberry, and nettle lead into a saline, citric, firmly chalky yet satisfyingly juicy palate. The finish here seems almost sharp enough to draw blood, but what it does draw uncontrollably is saliva. Faintly bitter notes of cherry pit and lemon pip as well as palate staining lime, grapefruit, salt, and crushed stone remind one of handsomely lean Chablis. This will be too spare and aggressive for some tasters, so be forewarned! I was impressed playing around with it for a couple of evenings in my kitchen and would anticipate its being worth following for at least a couple of years." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 89 pts.
"Pale yellow. Complex, mineral-laced aromas of lemon gelato, melon and flowers. Deep and smooth in texture but slightly imploded, with a touch of spice enlivening the sweet honeydew and orange flavors. The lively finish features sweet citrus and floral qualities." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 89 pts.
only $19.95 |
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BEAT THIS! STILL A SMOKING PRICE!!
2009
Santa Margherita
Pinot Grigio
Valdadige
The world's most popular non-Chardonnay white is Santa Margherita and we've
got the hottest price around. Fresh flavors, light to medium body and a
bright clean finish, it's no wonder this is the best selling Pinot Grigio
in the world!
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is the benchmark by which all other Pinot
Grigios are judged. Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio was named the leading
Italian wine and continues to be requested by name. Its crisp, elegant character
makes it versatile for a wide array of cuisines. The Valdadige Pinot Grigio
was harvested during the first two weeks of September 2008. After the early
harvests of 2006 and 2007, optimal weather conditions brought the 2008 harvest
back to the standard time. Above average winter temperatures and heavy rains
in the spring led to excellent conditions during the entire growing season,
producing grapes with perfect ripeness. The Santa Margherita 2008 Pinot
Grigio presents a slightly higher level of malic acid, resulting in a fresher
and crispier wine.
(Winery Notes)
only $16.95 |
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2009 Orange County
Fair & Wine Competition:
Gold Medal Winner, Four Star Best of Show, and More! Read on!!
NV
Mumm
Brut Prestige
Napa Valley
"Vibrant and crisp, with citrus and raspberry aromas and appealing apple, cinnamon and spice flavors. Drink now. 120,000 cases made."
(WS)
Wine Spectator: 87 pts.
"51% Pinot Noir; 46% Chardonnay; 2% Pinot Muenier; 1% Pinot Gris. Very fresh, lightly yeasty and a bit sparing insofar as expressive autolysis is concerned, this straightforward and lightly lemony effort is very clean and shows proper Brut dryness, but its bubbles are somewhat on the large side, and they fade away a little too soon. " (CG)
Connoisseurs' Guide: 86 pts.
"This is Mumm Napa’s workhorse brut. It’s a beautiful sparkling wine that satisfies the basics of elegance and lusciousness. Shows raspberry, lime, brioche and smoky flavors, with a slightly sweet dosage and a refined mousse." (WE)
Wine Enthusiast: 90 pts.
IT’S STILL THE GREAT VALUE - IN COST & QUALITY - AMONG CALIFORNIA SPARKLING
MUMM’S NAPA BRUT PRESTIGE
For years, in fact decades I’ve felt that Mumm’s Napa Brut is about as good
as it gets when it comes to California Sparkling wine and that’s in the
face of other similar California “bubbles” selling for double to even triple
the price. I even remember a while ago when it was better then most of Mumm’s
French Champagne—as there was a time when the quality of the Napa product
stayed high and the French Mumm’s became mediocre. Luckily, with change
of ownership the French product is now back producing fine Champagne. The
Napa wine has many of the charms that the French Mumm’s Champagne has but
there is an added touch of fruitiness in the California product due to the
slightly warmer growing climate and the more intense angle of the Sun in
California. Though not the wording I would use, I think a good description
of this wine is from Wine News magazine when their writer says, “Mature
aromas of yeast and flint with fruit notes in the background. Beautifully
aged flavors of baked apple and flint are seamlessly integrated and deftly
delivered. Long, dry, yeasty close.”
TERRIFIC BARGAIN PRICE: Normal price for this wine is $25 (that is what
the winery charges) and you can see it “discounted” on the internet on “special”
for $18 or $19. Well, L.A. Wine Company has it on special for under $14.
As far as I can tell the best price in the country.
RATING:91
PRICE:$13.95 **** bargain
WHERE: Los Angeles Wine Co.
(Martins Guide to Wine Bargains)
A charming pale salmon color introduces this wine, and follows with
a bouquet of ripe Pinot Noir fruit. Part of the wine is initially fermented
in the press, producing a soft fruity character that gives Blanc de Noirs
its directness, while a small percentage of Chardonnay gives the wine power
and structure.
(Winery Notes)
only $13.95 |
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Stunning German
Riesling selling well below market prices!
2008
Donnhoff
Oberhauser Brucke
Riesling Spatlese
Nahe
"Cool and refreshing, like a gust of fresh air on a hot day. Passion fruit, pear, quince and grapefruit notes are interspersed with the vibrant structure. There's a fine aftertaste of fresh orchard fruit and mineral. Drink now through 2021." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 92 pts.
"Fresh red raspberry, green tea, and thyme in the rather restrained nose of Donnhoff-s 2008 Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese lead into a creamily-textured yet at the same time both palpably dense and vivaciously citric and tart berry palate, setting up a dynamic interplay with herbal, bitter-sweet citrus oil, and somehow crystalline as well as stony and alkaline mineral skeins. You could easily get lost in this wine. But I would advise returning to it repeatedly over the next 20 or more years." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 93 pts.
only $39.95 |
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2008
Rancho Zabaco
Zinfandel
Heritage Vines
Sonoma County
"Slightly richer, the 2008 Zinfandel Heritage Vines may be even better than the 2007. Aromas of black cherries, raspberries, currants, incense, earth, pepper, and spice emerge from this wine." (WA)
Wine Advocate: 88 pts.
Rancho Zabaco is a name virtually synonymous with Zinfandel, but not just any Zinfandel. Our grapes are hand-selected from some of the finest vineyards in Sonoma County. Which means that Rancho Zabaco Zinfandels are exuberantly robust and full of spice. The kind of taste that makes Zin lovers smile, politely, and say ‘Wow!’ And what we’ve done for Zinfandel, we’ve also done for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Syrah.
(Winery Notes)
only
$10.95 |
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THIS IS A SLEEPER BUY!
2008
Brokenwood
Semillon
Hunter Valley
"Light, tangy and refreshing for its deft balance of citrus, pear and apple flavors, persisting impressively on the delicate finish. Needs time to develop. Best after 2013. 300 cases imported." (WS)
Wine Spectator: 89 pts.
"At a refreshing and infinitely drinkable 10% alcohol, their classic 2008 Hunter Valley Semillon is a solid example of this distinctive style that can be approached in its relative youth, though it ages wonderfully. It begins a little mute with subtle aromas of pure lime juice, fresh herbs and white pepper. With a light body, and crisp, lemony palate, it gives a long citrusy finish. In late 2009 it was going through a bit of a closed stage with nervy fruit flavors looking to manifest themselves. By the time I tasted it again in January, 2010, it was emerging nicely from this slumber. Drink 2010-2016. Founded in 1970, Brokenwood, by virtue of its illustrious founders (3 lawyers from Sydney) and a proven track-record for producing superlative wines, is today amongst the Hunter Valley’s icons. Production is now at around 100,000 cases with about 50% of this being accounted for by the Cricket Pitch Red and White. Hunter Valley fruit constitutes around 25% of production and it’s their wines from this region that really make Brokenwood outstanding. Brokenwood’s famous Graveyard Vineyard was planted in 1968 using Shiraz cuttings from the vineyards of a couple of the Hunter’s oldest examples: Tyrrell’s and McWilliams. The soils at Graveyard are relatively infertile, slowing the ripening process and giving small vines." (WA)
Wine Adocate: 88 pts.
"($20; 10% alcohol) Bright straw. Pungent, spicy herbal, mineral and citrus aromas, plus a hint of anise. Limeade and pink grapefruit on the palate, with white pepper and bitter quinine notes adding vivacity. Firm, sharply focused and pure on the finish, with the lime note repeating. This uncompromising style will be too severe for some, but fans of truly dry wines will love it." (IWC)
International Wine Cellar: 90 pts.
only $14.95 |
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