Whites

Chardonnay, Four Vines 2008 Santa Barbara  $8.00

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

Viognier, Cline  2008 California  $8.00

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 $8.00

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 $7.00

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  $8.00

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  $6.00

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  $7.00

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

Reds

Cabernet Sauvignon, Castle Rock 2007 Napa $8

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

Zinfandel, Pedroncelli 2007 California  $8.00

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

Pinot Noir, Angeline 2008 California  $8.00

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  $7.00

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  $7.00

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

Offley Ruby Porto 3 ounces $7.00 a glass

According to my wine salesman Woody; who has been to Offley’s production facility, Offley is the best selling brand of port in Portugal. More fruit forward with 19+% alcohol.

A Nice Basic Glass of Wine

Vinho Verde, Gazela NV Portugal  $5.00 glass

A crisp, refreshing white that is lightly frizzante.

Tempranillo, Protocolo 2007 Spain  $5.00 glass

A touch of fruit that has a dry finish.

Bubbly

Prosecco, Lunetta NV Italy  $8.00 glass

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