Thanks to all of you who joined us last night for our harvest dinner with Wolfert Estate at Saul; a most enjoyable evening. And be sure to check the calendar on our web site for a listing of in-store tastings coming up. Plenty new to report this week, including a few new items in the spirit section at the end, so here we go!
NEW WHITES:
KWV 2010 Steen @ $6.99
Chenin Blanc from South Africa's preeminent coop, with aromas of crisp green apples and a tart acidic finish
Botromagno 2008 Gravina @ $9.99
a blend of Greco and Malvasia from Puglia, dry and delicate with aromas of peach and wild flowers
Domaine de Valensac 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
from a property in the Languedoc owned by Burgundy's Lafon family for more than a century, an aromatic white of great finesse
Cline 2008 Pinot Gris @ $10.99
made from estate-grown Sonoma Coast grapes, a Pinot Gris with flavors of peach and pear and bright acidity
Fontvive 2009 VdP de Vaucluse @ $11.99
a tasty blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Clairette from a winery in the Vaucluse owned by Domaine Boissan
Apex 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $13.99
from one of Washington's most respected wineries, a Sauvignon Blanc of great brightness and direction of flavor
(new vintage) Pra 2009 Soave @ $15.99
a spectacular Soave from one of the region's true stars, always dependable year in and year out
(new vintage) Hopler 2009 Gruner Veltliner @ $15.99
a fine example of Gruner with a lovely fresh nose, a spicy palate, and good density
Kuentz-Bas 2008 Riesling @ $16.99
Minerally and vigorous, a great example of a dry Riesling from an Alsace producer that rather specializes in that grape
KWV 2010 Steen @ $6.99
Chenin Blanc from South Africa's preeminent coop, with aromas of crisp green apples and a tart acidic finish
Botromagno 2008 Gravina @ $9.99
a blend of Greco and Malvasia from Puglia, dry and delicate with aromas of peach and wild flowers
Domaine de Valensac 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
from a property in the Languedoc owned by Burgundy's Lafon family for more than a century, an aromatic white of great finesse
Cline 2008 Pinot Gris @ $10.99
made from estate-grown Sonoma Coast grapes, a Pinot Gris with flavors of peach and pear and bright acidity
Fontvive 2009 VdP de Vaucluse @ $11.99
a tasty blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Clairette from a winery in the Vaucluse owned by Domaine Boissan
Apex 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $13.99
from one of Washington's most respected wineries, a Sauvignon Blanc of great brightness and direction of flavor
(new vintage) Pra 2009 Soave @ $15.99
a spectacular Soave from one of the region's true stars, always dependable year in and year out
(new vintage) Hopler 2009 Gruner Veltliner @ $15.99
a fine example of Gruner with a lovely fresh nose, a spicy palate, and good density
Kuentz-Bas 2008 Riesling @ $16.99
Minerally and vigorous, a great example of a dry Riesling from an Alsace producer that rather specializes in that grape
NEW REDS:
Meeker 2004 Cabernet Franc @ $9.99
from Sonoma's Alexander Valley, a full-bodied, rich Cab Franc that delivers a lot of bang for the buck
Marco Real 2005 Garnacha @ $10.99
a fiery, spicy little Grenache from one of the largest producers in the Navarre
Marco Real 2005 Tempranillo @ $10.99
the same producer's entry-level Tempranillo, rustic and savory with firm texture and a heady finish
(new vintage) Darby and Joan 2008 Cabernet @ $10.99
from Australia's Riverland and Langhorne Creek regions, an easy-going Cab loaded with Cassis-like fruit
(new vintage) Marquis Philips 2008 Grenache @ $10.99
sourced from 30-60-year-old low-yielding vines, a South Australian Grenache that is concentrated and ripe, smooth and seamless on the palate
Cataregia 2001 Gran Reserva @ $11.99
may be our great discovery of the year, a Tempranillo-Cab blend from the under-valued Spanish region of Terra Alta aged to absolute perfection
Capezzana 2007 Barco Reale di Carmagnano @ $11.99
the young version of the producer's Carmignano, made with the same grapes (Sangiovese and Cabernet, with the addition of Canaiolo), intensely fruity yet elegant, with just a hint of oak
Post Stones 2009 Shiraz @ $12.99
from South Africa's Western Cape region, a Shiraz with pure black currant and black cherry fruit and a good dose of spice
Pellegrini Family 2005 Sonoma Red @ $12.99
the first in a series of "house blends" from the winery, designed to offer eminently drinkable wines at exceptional value, in this version a harmonious marriage of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Carignane
Boissan Cuvee des Princes d'Orange 2008 Cotes du Rhone @ $13.99
90% Syrah, aged in light-toast new oak, a wine with a unique, robust style with rich spicy overtones
(new vintage) Serrapetrona 2008 Collequanto @ $14.99
from the Marche region of Italy, a rare wine made from a rare grape (Vernaccia Nera), all tart red fruit laced with black pepper
(back) Casnati 2006 Malbec @ $14.99
a medium-bodied Malbec with aromas and flavors of berries and plums, lush tannins, and a lively finish
Geografico 2008 Chianti Classico @ $14.99
from the small pioneering venture of 17 grape growers organized in 1961, a Chianti with layers of bright fruit and a slightly earthy, spicy quality
Dante Rivetti 2008 Barbera d'Alba @ $14.99
from a fourth-generation Piedmont producer, a medium-bodied Barbera with berry aromas and crisp acidity
(new vintage) Terredora di Paolo 2008 Aglianico @ $14.99
an unoaked Aglianico, a gem of a wine with aromas and flavors of cherries, berries, spices and licorice
(new vintage) Cline 2009 Cashmere @ $15.99
a rich, silky blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, and Syrah, very flavorful and smooth, with big cherry, raspberry and chocolate notes with hints of cracked black pepper and plum
Walden 2007 Cotes du Rousillon @ $15.99
a blend of Carignane, Grenache, and Syrah, bright and zesty with a core of vibrant fruit
Villamedoro 2006 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo @ $15.99
awarded the coveted "tre bicchieri" by Italy's influential Gambero Rosso, a stunning red with intense varietal fruit and an assertive palate skillfully forged by rich, powerful raw material
Mahe 2008 Anjou Cabernet @ $15.99
from an organic producer in the Loire, and one of the region's rising stars, a lush, ripe Cabernet Franc
(new vintage) Mas des Flauzieres 2008 Gigondas @ $16.99
a blend of Grenache and Syrah with a touch of Mourvedre, a clean, bright, eminently approachable Gigondas
Fidelity 2007 Merlot @ $16.99
a blend of Merlot and Cab Franc from Sonoma's Alexander Valley, full-bodied, soft, and ready to drink now
Prazo de Roriz 2007 Douro @ $16.99
from esteemed Port producer Quinta do Roriz, a typical Douro blend heavy on Touriga Nacional, with resounding fresh fruit flavors and delicious spice undertones
La Maialina 2008 Chianti Classico @ $17.99
dark red berries, flowers, and minerals, with notes of complexity on an impressive finish
Torelli 2007 Dolcetto @ $17.99
from a fourth-generation Piedmont producer (and now fully organic), a light and intriguingly balanced wine with spicy, fruity qualities
Six Prong 2007 Red @ $18.99
from Washington, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, with ripe berry flavors, spice, and fresh acidity
Castello di Meleto 2006 Chianti Classico @ $18.99
100% Sangiovese with resinous aromas of ripe cherries and a subtle suggestion of minerality, chased by aspects of cola, cherries and berries on the palate
Station 2009 Pinot Noir @ $18.99
sourced from some of the best vineyards in the Los Carneros district, a cool-climate Pinot with ripe berry flavors
Torbreck 2009 Cuvee Juveniles @ $19.99
named for the cult Parisian wine bar this wine was originally created for, a stainless-steel blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre with great fragrance, intensity and energy
Hesketh 2008 Shiraz "The Protagonist" @ $19.99
from a small family-owned winery in Australia, a Barossa Shiraz with opulent black fruits, ripe tannins and oak all in perfect balance, an unexpected twist of spice on the aftertaste a bonus
Montegiachi 2007 Chianti Classico @ $21.99
from the Geografico coop, a top single-vineyard Chianti Classico, rounded and well structured
Setriolo 2007 Chianti Classico @ $23.99
well balanced and silky, sustained by good acidity and soft tannins
(new vintage) Terenzi 2008 Bramaluce @ $23.99
from the Maremma region of Tuscany, a unique blend of Sangiovese, Shiraz, Alicante, and Montepulciano, medium-bodied and highly approachable
L'Arco 2003 Valpolicella @ $23.99
an awesome Valpolicella made by Luca Fedrigo, Giuseppi Quintarelli's vineyard foreman and winemaking protege
Domaine Raspail-Ay 2007 Gigondas @ $29.99
mostly Grenache with a bit of Syrah and Mourvedre, ripe, generous, and rich on the palate
Produttori del Barbaresco 2006 Barbaresco @ $33.99
from the region's top coop and from a very good vintage, a full-bodied wine with intense color and good acidity
Korbin Kameron 2004 Cabernet @ $33.99
from Moonridge Cellars Vineyards on Mt. Veeder, a limited-production estate-grown Sonoma Cab, with rich fruit and a nice balance of toast and spice
Domaine Giuliani 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $34.99
from third-generation growers bottling their own wine only with the 2006 vintage, deeply textured, smooth, and lingering on the palate
Valdicava 2008 Rosso di Montalcino @ $37.99
truly a baby Brunello, a big, powerful wine with intense fruit flavors and great depth and complexity
L'Arco 2004 Rosso Pario @ $44.99
produced from classic Valpolicella grapes that have been air-dried for a short period to intensify their characteristics, made by Giuseppe Quintarelli's protege Luca Fedrigo
Paloma 2008 Merlot @ $61.99
from the very top of Napa's Spring Mountain, a plush, ripe and elegant Merlot wrapped around a dense, complex core
Pride 2008 Merlot @ $61.99
packed with great varietal character, supple and viscous, with elegant tannins that are not overbearing
Pisoni 2008 Estate Pinot Noir @ $79.99
aromatic, full-bodied, with extraordinary concentration, a sensational wine that should drink well for up to a decade (and, if you care, 98 pts. from Mr. Parker)
Meeker 2004 Cabernet Franc @ $9.99
from Sonoma's Alexander Valley, a full-bodied, rich Cab Franc that delivers a lot of bang for the buck
Marco Real 2005 Garnacha @ $10.99
a fiery, spicy little Grenache from one of the largest producers in the Navarre
Marco Real 2005 Tempranillo @ $10.99
the same producer's entry-level Tempranillo, rustic and savory with firm texture and a heady finish
(new vintage) Darby and Joan 2008 Cabernet @ $10.99
from Australia's Riverland and Langhorne Creek regions, an easy-going Cab loaded with Cassis-like fruit
(new vintage) Marquis Philips 2008 Grenache @ $10.99
sourced from 30-60-year-old low-yielding vines, a South Australian Grenache that is concentrated and ripe, smooth and seamless on the palate
Cataregia 2001 Gran Reserva @ $11.99
may be our great discovery of the year, a Tempranillo-Cab blend from the under-valued Spanish region of Terra Alta aged to absolute perfection
Capezzana 2007 Barco Reale di Carmagnano @ $11.99
the young version of the producer's Carmignano, made with the same grapes (Sangiovese and Cabernet, with the addition of Canaiolo), intensely fruity yet elegant, with just a hint of oak
Post Stones 2009 Shiraz @ $12.99
from South Africa's Western Cape region, a Shiraz with pure black currant and black cherry fruit and a good dose of spice
Pellegrini Family 2005 Sonoma Red @ $12.99
the first in a series of "house blends" from the winery, designed to offer eminently drinkable wines at exceptional value, in this version a harmonious marriage of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Carignane
Boissan Cuvee des Princes d'Orange 2008 Cotes du Rhone @ $13.99
90% Syrah, aged in light-toast new oak, a wine with a unique, robust style with rich spicy overtones
(new vintage) Serrapetrona 2008 Collequanto @ $14.99
from the Marche region of Italy, a rare wine made from a rare grape (Vernaccia Nera), all tart red fruit laced with black pepper
(back) Casnati 2006 Malbec @ $14.99
a medium-bodied Malbec with aromas and flavors of berries and plums, lush tannins, and a lively finish
Geografico 2008 Chianti Classico @ $14.99
from the small pioneering venture of 17 grape growers organized in 1961, a Chianti with layers of bright fruit and a slightly earthy, spicy quality
Dante Rivetti 2008 Barbera d'Alba @ $14.99
from a fourth-generation Piedmont producer, a medium-bodied Barbera with berry aromas and crisp acidity
(new vintage) Terredora di Paolo 2008 Aglianico @ $14.99
an unoaked Aglianico, a gem of a wine with aromas and flavors of cherries, berries, spices and licorice
(new vintage) Cline 2009 Cashmere @ $15.99
a rich, silky blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, and Syrah, very flavorful and smooth, with big cherry, raspberry and chocolate notes with hints of cracked black pepper and plum
Walden 2007 Cotes du Rousillon @ $15.99
a blend of Carignane, Grenache, and Syrah, bright and zesty with a core of vibrant fruit
Villamedoro 2006 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo @ $15.99
awarded the coveted "tre bicchieri" by Italy's influential Gambero Rosso, a stunning red with intense varietal fruit and an assertive palate skillfully forged by rich, powerful raw material
Mahe 2008 Anjou Cabernet @ $15.99
from an organic producer in the Loire, and one of the region's rising stars, a lush, ripe Cabernet Franc
(new vintage) Mas des Flauzieres 2008 Gigondas @ $16.99
a blend of Grenache and Syrah with a touch of Mourvedre, a clean, bright, eminently approachable Gigondas
Fidelity 2007 Merlot @ $16.99
a blend of Merlot and Cab Franc from Sonoma's Alexander Valley, full-bodied, soft, and ready to drink now
Prazo de Roriz 2007 Douro @ $16.99
from esteemed Port producer Quinta do Roriz, a typical Douro blend heavy on Touriga Nacional, with resounding fresh fruit flavors and delicious spice undertones
La Maialina 2008 Chianti Classico @ $17.99
dark red berries, flowers, and minerals, with notes of complexity on an impressive finish
Torelli 2007 Dolcetto @ $17.99
from a fourth-generation Piedmont producer (and now fully organic), a light and intriguingly balanced wine with spicy, fruity qualities
Six Prong 2007 Red @ $18.99
from Washington, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, with ripe berry flavors, spice, and fresh acidity
Castello di Meleto 2006 Chianti Classico @ $18.99
100% Sangiovese with resinous aromas of ripe cherries and a subtle suggestion of minerality, chased by aspects of cola, cherries and berries on the palate
Station 2009 Pinot Noir @ $18.99
sourced from some of the best vineyards in the Los Carneros district, a cool-climate Pinot with ripe berry flavors
Torbreck 2009 Cuvee Juveniles @ $19.99
named for the cult Parisian wine bar this wine was originally created for, a stainless-steel blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre with great fragrance, intensity and energy
Hesketh 2008 Shiraz "The Protagonist" @ $19.99
from a small family-owned winery in Australia, a Barossa Shiraz with opulent black fruits, ripe tannins and oak all in perfect balance, an unexpected twist of spice on the aftertaste a bonus
Montegiachi 2007 Chianti Classico @ $21.99
from the Geografico coop, a top single-vineyard Chianti Classico, rounded and well structured
Setriolo 2007 Chianti Classico @ $23.99
well balanced and silky, sustained by good acidity and soft tannins
(new vintage) Terenzi 2008 Bramaluce @ $23.99
from the Maremma region of Tuscany, a unique blend of Sangiovese, Shiraz, Alicante, and Montepulciano, medium-bodied and highly approachable
L'Arco 2003 Valpolicella @ $23.99
an awesome Valpolicella made by Luca Fedrigo, Giuseppi Quintarelli's vineyard foreman and winemaking protege
Domaine Raspail-Ay 2007 Gigondas @ $29.99
mostly Grenache with a bit of Syrah and Mourvedre, ripe, generous, and rich on the palate
Produttori del Barbaresco 2006 Barbaresco @ $33.99
from the region's top coop and from a very good vintage, a full-bodied wine with intense color and good acidity
Korbin Kameron 2004 Cabernet @ $33.99
from Moonridge Cellars Vineyards on Mt. Veeder, a limited-production estate-grown Sonoma Cab, with rich fruit and a nice balance of toast and spice
Domaine Giuliani 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $34.99
from third-generation growers bottling their own wine only with the 2006 vintage, deeply textured, smooth, and lingering on the palate
Valdicava 2008 Rosso di Montalcino @ $37.99
truly a baby Brunello, a big, powerful wine with intense fruit flavors and great depth and complexity
L'Arco 2004 Rosso Pario @ $44.99
produced from classic Valpolicella grapes that have been air-dried for a short period to intensify their characteristics, made by Giuseppe Quintarelli's protege Luca Fedrigo
Paloma 2008 Merlot @ $61.99
from the very top of Napa's Spring Mountain, a plush, ripe and elegant Merlot wrapped around a dense, complex core
Pride 2008 Merlot @ $61.99
packed with great varietal character, supple and viscous, with elegant tannins that are not overbearing
Pisoni 2008 Estate Pinot Noir @ $79.99
aromatic, full-bodied, with extraordinary concentration, a sensational wine that should drink well for up to a decade (and, if you care, 98 pts. from Mr. Parker)
As Far as I Can Tell . . . New Spirits
Benriach Single Peated Malt 10 Yr @ $49.99
Russian Standar Vodka @ $29.99
Krogstad Aquavit @ $26.99
High West Rendezvous Rye @ $49.99
Villa de Varda Vodka @ $25.99