Whites

Chardonnay, Four Vines 2008 Santa Barbara  $32

The folks at Four Vines winery call this Chard “Naked” because it does not see any oak, just the clean expression of the fruit.  Crisp apple and lush pear with a hint of citrus and mineral.

Riesling, Bollig-Lehert 2007 Mosel, Germany $34

I’m a sucker for a well made Riesling.  When I sat down & tasted with the wine maker I knew that this wine would be just as lovely with food as it is on it’s own.  A little more full bodied with a rich, spicy character. From the Dhroner Hofberger vineyard.  8.5% alcohol

Viognier, Cline  2008 California  $32

A grape indigenous to the Rhone in France, this wine is full bodied with lush flavors of peach and apricot.  A nice alternative to Chardonnay.

Sauvignon Blanc, Douthe 2008 Bordeaux $32

There will be no doubt that this is a Sauvignon Blanc as soon as you taste this French white.  Bracing acidity that mellows with food, minerally nose, absolutely a dry and crisp finish.

Poacher’s Blend, St Hallet 2007 Australia $28

This blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling from Barossa is a not as sweet as a riesling, not as dry as a sauvignon blanc and not as round as a semillon, but it is an easy drinking mix.

Pinot Grigio, Santa di Terrossa 2008 Italy  $32

We’ve carried this Pinot Grigio for years for the main reason that I have yet to taste a Pinot Grigio better for the money. Light, crisp with good acidity

Torrontes “Elsa”, Bianchi 2008 Argentina  $24

I’ve resisted putting a Torrontes on the list for awhile; with most there is not much there. I thought that this one had clean, fresh aromas with hints of spice, fruit and honey on the palate.

Rosé of Tempranillo, Matchbook 2008 California  $28

Love Love Love rosés! The refreshment of a white the weight of a red; perfect.

Reds

Cabernet Sauvignon, Martin Ray 2006 Napa  $42

Aged 20 months in French oak, this Napa Valley gem boasts lush vanilla notes atop a mouthful of dark fruit.

Zinfandel, ”The Maverick” Four Vines Paso Robles  $38

“The Biker” Zin that we had ran out so I tried another from the quirky folks at Four Vines and found it to be more than acceptable.  The Sierra Foothill Valley is renowned for its old vine Zinfandel vineyards which produce a wine that is chewy and spicy, rich blackberry fruit with a hint of velvet vanilla oak.

Monastrell, Juan Gil 2006 Spain  $34

100% Monastrell (Mourvedre) from 45 year old vines. This wine displays a great deal of
black berry fruit up front with notes of smoke & black pepper. A lush layered structure with a nice tannic presence.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Castle Rock 2007 Napa $32.00

Found a Napa Cab that was affordable yet with the fruit chracteristics that I look for.  Deep, full fruit, nice tannic structure softened with the addition of 10% Merlot.  Hint of cedar on the finish.

Zinfandel, Pedroncelli 2008 California  $32

This Dry Creek Valley vineyard has been planted to Zin vines since 1904.  Jammy fruit with black pepper spice.

Pinot Noir, Angeline 2008 California  $32.00

Pinot Noir blended with grapes from Santa Barbara, Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Elegant and refined, the acidity on the finish makes it a perfect food wine.

Nero D’Avola, Villa Pozzi 2007 Italy  $28

The Nero D’Avola grape from Sicily sometimes be quite a harsh bruiser, I have to say emphatically that this one is not. Earthy dried cherry flavors that are showcased in a voluptuous body with a finish that lingers.

Monastrell, Wrongo Dongo 2008  Spain  $28

The baby brother of the Juan Gil that we have by the bottle on the list.  Hearty with big fruity flavors.

A Nice Basic Bottle of Wine

Vinho Verde, Gazela NV Portugal  $20

A crisp, refreshing white that is lightly frizzante.

Tempranillo, Protocolo 2007 Spain  $20

A touch of fruit that has a dry finish.

Bubbly

Prosecco, Lunetta NV Italy  $32

Absolutely lovely, lighter color, lighter body, with extra fine pinpoint bubbles. Perfect with everything on the menu.