wines from March 2008

solid wine for $11. Very good quality cotes du rhone.

Made from a blend of 80% Garganega, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Trebbiano harvested from the San Vincenzo and Capitel vineyards at a yield of 2.7 tons per acre. The must is fermented for 20 days in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks and remains on the lees for 6 months. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out. The fruit is well expressed in the bouquet. On the palate the wine is fresh with a lingering persistence and balanced. Pale yellow in color. The fruit is well expressed in the bouquet. On the palate the wine is fresh with a lingering persistence. Per the Italian wine writer, Luigi Veronelli, this is a wine that is enjoyable in its youth when the fruit is freshest but also capable of aging for 2 - 3 years. Recommended with seafood and lighter white meat dishes.

2005 Burgundy is MEGA

Good pinot for the price. Definitely has some personality. Lighter is style. $12. From Chile.

This white burg has a sunny disposition. I told Cyril Audoin, the winemaker, it was a "panty dropper" Expect to see that description on the back label next year.

Really awesome value from the Gascony region in the southwest of FRance. I think this is mostly a grape called Gros Manseng. Organic viticulture. Only about $10. Killer

From KLwines

"A vineyard-designated wine for under $10? It's possible with Valentin Bianchi's Doña Elsa Estate in Rama Caíida, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina. Situated at around 760 meters above sea level, Rama Caíidas's sandy calcareous and alluvial soils contribute to the wine's richness. Fresh and fruit forward, the Elsa has aromas of the ripe plum and violets continue through to the palate. "

Always solid

Very pleasant verdejo. Screaming for some fresh, simply prepared fish or shellfish.

Great malbec for $10.

"Bright red. Spicy, mineral-accented raspberry on the nose. Fresh, lucid red berry flavors are complicated by floral pastille and anise, and finish with good acid cut and lift. Seems devoid of tannins."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
88 Points

$15

Awesome wine from my new fav wine shop biondivino. Great everyday wine here for $12.

"The San Lazzaro Estate is located near the village of Borgo Miriam (Offida) on the Eastern/Central coast of Italy, at an elevation of 900 feet above the Adriatic Sea, with southeastern exposure to the sun. In the back of the estate, one can admire the Apennine Mountains with peaks of over 10,000 feet. This area has a historical predilection to red grape varietals and the San Lazzaro vineyards are, in fact, rich with such native varietals as Sangiovese and Montepulciano. The new experimental varietals in their vineyards are grapes such as Sangiovese Grosso and Pecorino which have shown exciting results and soon will be available in beautiful finished wines. Paolo Capriotti, vineyard tender and winemaker is one of the youngest emerging winemakers in the fast evolving Italian wine scene. At 37 years of age, Paolo already has 10 years of experience behind him, working with his father, Lorenzo, shaping their vineyards into the finest and most innovative Estates in the Marche region." -Importer

Interesting nose, great sour cherry flavors. A little on the short side though for me.

U Baccan means 'the boss man" Only 180 cases produced. Made from the pigato grape(close relative of vermentino) in the Liguria region of Italy. Near Cinque Terre I believe.

One of the most distinctive whites I've had in a long while. A fierce personality. Very serious. Almost some petrol, smoky notes.

I'd love to taste this again in 5 years.