Wines and Beyond

Red Wine by Twomey from Napa Valley, California. Our 2004 Twomey Merlot is an elegant, concentrated wine that balances delicacy and expression of fruit. It has a dark ruby color and a complex nose of black cherry, raspberry, violets and dark chocolate, with hints of lightly toasted bread. It offers multiple layers of cherry liqueur, toffee, chocolate and amaretto flavors, culminating in a long fruity finish. Given proper cellaring, this full-bodied Merlot will continue to give drinking pleasure until 2016. Twomey Cellars originates in a single Napa Valley vineyard, the Soda Canyon Ranch, where Merlot grows with such extraordinary complexity that it calls for a wine of its own. To showcase the brilliance and balance of these grapes, winemaker Daniel Baron and the owners of the vineyard, Ray Duncan and his family, incorporate the Old World, labor-intensive approach used by classified growths in Bordeaux. Daniel Baron, who learned to make wine this way while working with some of the greatest winemakers and cellarworkers of Pomerol and St. Emilion, demonstrates that the meticulous care involved provides a pure reflection of the Duncan's vineyard.

Red Wine by Jean-Luc Colombo from Cornas, France - Rhone. Grape veriety: 100% Syrah from 70+-year-old vines. Bouquet: Powerful, rich and complex, with aromas of black fruit and hints of chocolate and licorice. Taste: Harmonious and elegant, La Louvee exhibits outstanding concentration and a long, lingering finish. Enjoyable in youth, it has the potential to mature and evolve for another two decades or more. Serving suggestions: This Cornas pairs perfectly with beef, game, truffles and mushroom-based dishes. Strongly ferrous and minerally, with blackberry and blueberry fruit. There's no evidence of the fragility of some 2004 northern Rhones. This is rich, concentrated and meaty, yet creamy, with supple tannins. Very flattering, with a long finish. This should age well. -Wine Enthusiast

Red Wine by Alain Voge from Cornas, France - Rhone. Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2007! Really zesty, with lots of red currant and bramble notes bouncing ahead of dark olive and sage flavors. The structure is briary on the finish, with an encore of red fruit and mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2017. Wine Spectator 93 Points

Red Wine by Eric Texier from Cote Rotie, France - Rhone. 100% Syrah from vines that are 40-70 years old. Cote Rotie has a long and illustrious history with numerous enthusiasts worldwide. In the eighteenth century, Thomas Jefferson visited Cote Rotie while he was America's ambassador to France and described the wine region as a string of broken hills extending a league on the river from the village of Ampuis to the town of Condrieu. Jefferson had become an expert on wine after traveling to all of the major wine regions within France, Italy and Germany to taste, discuss and buy wine. And his personal pleasure in wine was clear: Good wine is a daily necessity for me, he wrote. During his visit Jefferson purchased Cote Rotie, having it bottled and put in wooden cases for shipment to his home in Paris. And in 1787 he wrote about his Cote Rotie wines: There is a quality which keeps well, bears transportation and that cannot be drunk under four years. Eric's Cote Rotie is a rich and velvety wine reminiscent of the elegance found in Burgundian Pinot Noir. A perfumed and intense nose of cassis and smoky bacon fat with hints of violet combined with the crisp acidity and fine tannins build a complex and perfectly balanced palate for this sensational wine. You can easily expect Eric's Cote Rotie to age gracefully from 10 to 20 years.

Red Wine by Ch. Lascombes from Margaux, France - Bordeaux. In less than five years this property has emerged as one of the appellation's up and coming stars thanks to the infusion of money from the American conglomerate, Colony Capital, as well as the braintrust that now oversees the winemaking, Yves Vatelot (of Reignac fame) and the internationally renowned oenologist, Michel Rolland. The dark plum/ruby-hued, open-knit 2003 offers a big, sweet nose of barbecue smoke, plum liqueur, creme de cassis, flowers, new saddle leather, and damp earth. Loads of black fruits, a full-bodied palate impression, low acidity, and a savory, expansive mouthfeel suggest it can be drunk in 2-3 years, or cellared for 15+. -Wine Advocate

Red Wine by Cakebread from Napa Valley, California. Cakebread Cellars sources the fruit for its Napa Valley Merlot from owned vineyards and those of other growers in the Rutherford and Oak Knoll areas of the Valley and from selected microclimates in the Carneros appellation. Their objective with this wine is to create a harmonious balance between red fruit characteristics, or flavors and aromas of raspberries, red cherries and plums; and black fruit characteristics, suggestive of cassis, dark chocolate and black cherries. Blending fruit from these three areas is key to achieving this result. Up to 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure to the blend and enhances the black fruit component of the wine. Cakebread Cellars Merlot is dark garnet in color, reflecting its rich fruit character. Subtle aromas of blackberries, black tea leaves, dried herbs and vanillin are followed on the palate by fresh plum and cherry flavors offset by notes of black pepper and cassis, carrying into a touch of French oak on the finish.

Red Wine by Andrew Will from Columbia Valley, Washington. Blend: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot At this point, it is a wine of bearing with pure fruit flavors and good structure, as well as a sense of self-possession and charm. This wine will undoubtedly need some time to show its promise.

Red Wine by Andrew Will from Yakima Valley, Washington. Blend: 48% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot The nose is a lovely blend of earth and fruit and is quite forward for such a young wine. The wine is medium bodied offset by depth and a sense of promise. This is a stalwart wine with well defined delicate shading. The fruit profile is red fruit with floral aromas mixed with a kind of earthy spiciness.

Red Wine by d'Arenberg from McLaren Vale, Australia. In its youth, d'Arenberg's The Ironstone Pressings has a deep, dark plum-purple color matched by just as intense black cherry, spice, plum, strawberry, a little liquorice and brooding blackcurrant aromas. Mulberry, ripe plum and fresh pepper dominate the rich full-bodied palate before a long, intense, rolling, dark cherry spice and gritty tannin finish. Eventually, the Grenache and Shiraz blossom as rich, sweet, violet-like scents, with spicy based aroma, before malty, sweet, dark chocolate flavors and crunchy, chewy textured black olive, spicy ginger and long fleshy textures. The Mourvedre adds dried herbs and iodine characters, which are very persistent, matched with slightly chalky tannins. The hallmark of vigorous, fine piquant tannin and acidity continue to reside with The Ironstone Pressings after some considerable time, as have previous vintages since the late 1950's.

Red Wine by Felipe Rutini from Argentina, South America. Made only in exceptional vintage years, the grapes for Apartado, meaning that which is set apart, go through a rigorous selection of the Rutini's best vineyards sites. The Cabernet is sourced from the Agrelo district, Malbec from La Consulta, Merlot from Tupungato and Syrah from Lujan de Cayo. The result from blending grapes from different microclimates and terroirs within Mendoza's high-altitude wine-growing region produces complex, rich and elegant wines. Aging takes place for 21 months in new French oak. 100% malolactic fermentation. A blend of 30% Merlot, 30% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, this well-structured wine has a complex nose of red fruits, plums and cherries. Notes of tobacco and chocolate show through as well. On the palate there are fruit flavors of blackberries, blue berries and cherries along with hints of spice. Soft sweet tannins are present on the lingering silky finish.

Red Wine by Ch?teau Gruaud Larose from St-Julien, France - Bordeaux. This has the plump richness typical of Gruaud, its potent extract fragrant with blueberry and tobacco in a standoff between the green and black. The tannins are hidden behind all that fruit, not at all obvious, softed to chocolate scents. This shoud be at its best around 10 years from the vintage. -Wines & Spirits Plummy aromas, with leaf and tobacco undertones. Medium-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a medium finish. Balanced and delightful already... -Wine Spectator

Red Wine by Craggy Range Winery from Martinborough, New Zealand. Craggy Range Te Muna Road Pinot Noir is highly colored with bright ruby red in colour. Savoury spice notes are accented by perfumed aromas of violets, red cherry, blackberry and ruby grapefruit on the nose. Complex flavours of cherry, root spice, smoke and florals predominate the textural and creamy palate. The finish is long with redfruit and spice drawn out by the fine, silky tannin structure. Delicious with poultry, game and lamb dishes. Drink now through 2011.

Red Wine by Winemaker's Collection from Medoc, France - Bordeaux. This special project of the Bordeaux negociant, Bordeaux Millesimes (called Once Upon a Wine), and its proprietor, Dominique Renard, was originally labeled The Winemakers' Collection, Episode 1, but the name had to be changed. As I wrote last year, in each vintage, one of the world's greatest winemakers (Michel Rolland in 2005 and Denis Dubordieu in 2006) is chosen to focus on a single parcel of a given terroir, in this case, Chateau d'Arsac. Five-thousand cases will be produced in 2005, and everything, including viticulture, fermentation, upbringing, and bottling, is being controlled by the chosen winemaker who has full control over the winemaking team, the yields, the choice of fermenters, the style and type of barrels, the time in oak, and the manner in which the wine is bottled. Michel Rolland was fortunate to be chosen in 2005 as this is an exceptional vintage. It boasts classic richness, deep, smoky, black currant and sweet cherry fruit, a gorgeously opulent texture, decent acidity, high but sweet tannin, and a seamless, full-throttle mouthfeel. This stunning effort competes with some of Bordeaux's finest wines. It should age effortlessly for 15 or more years. -Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 92-94

Red Wine by Ch?teau Magdelaine from St-Emilion, France - Bordeaux. The world of wine is first nature to Edouard Moueix who grew up with many Bordeaux harvests. He has immersed himself in the family business over the last several years and is now the proprietor of Chateau Magdelaine. Chateau Magdelaine is an important vineyard both for Saint-Emilion and my family says Edouard, My goal is to let the great team of the Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix produce this very stylish and elegant wine, while communicating the uniqueness of this Estate. Blackberry, vanilla and cherry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a fresh finish. Very pretty indeed. Love the length to this. Still tightly wound but should open nicely with bottle age. Elegant and refined. Fine winemaking. Best after 2007. -Wine Spectator

Red Wine by Groth from Napa Valley, California. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is big and lush with huge gobs of fruit in the aroma and flavor. The texture of the wine is soft and supple, typical of Cabernet Sauvignons grown in Groth's area of the Oakville AVA. Patience during bottle aging will reward the steward with an outstanding bottle over the next 10 to 15 years. I enjoy a glass of Oakville Cabernet with a grass-fed, roasted New York steak and a potato-butternut squash gratin. - Kimball Jones, Culinary Director

Red Wine by Grgich Hills from Napa Valley, California. Our Yountville vineyard, which we began farming biodynamically in 2003, supplies the main body of our Napa Valley blend. Nicely balanced between fruit and tannin, this elegant wine is rich with aromas of black cherry, crushed rose petals and cocoa powder. This full bodied wine goes well with roasted meats, grilled Portobello mushrooms or a firm cow's milk cheese such as Edam or Gouda. An early spring and a warm summer created perfect growing conditions for one of the earliest harvests we've had in 10 years. This produced a small crop of fully-ripe grapes with wonderful concentration and deep flavors. The Cabernet from our Yountville vineyard is the Inglenook clone on St. George rootstock. These dry farmed vines have pushed their roots deep into the rocky soil, which creates intensely flavored grapes. Our organically grown Rutherford and Calistoga vineyards also contribute to the blend to create a true Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Red Wine by Prunotto from Piedmont, Italy. Ruby red with orange reflections. Full on the nose with hints of raspberry, cedar, cassis, mint, dry roses and violets. With age, truffle and tar notes will enrich the bouquet. Prunotto's Barolo is dry, full bodied and elegant with an ideal balance of fruit, body, acidity and tannins. A delicious, versatile Barolo that can be served with a wide array of foods, from rich meat-based pasta or polenta to omelettes, casseroles, stews, grilled meat and cheeses.

1 cent shipping through June 15th. Details at wine.comRed Wine by St. Cosme from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France - Rhone. Barruol is a sharp guy who realizes that even though he was born, raised, and has his home vineyard in Gigondas, the greatest appellation of the southern Rhone is Chateauneuf du Pape... - Wine Advocate 90-92 Points

Red Wine by Henry's Drive from South Australia, Australia. The Reserve Shiraz, from an exceptional single vineyard block in Padthaway, immediately impresses with its elegant and powerful aromas of eucalyptus; redolent of towering red gum, fresh violets and roses in bloom. The palate has a rich layer of sweet, concentrated berry fruit and dark chocolate, intermingled with mocha, coffee and spicy cedar oak. Silky and luxurious tannins are superbly balanced to create a lingering finish that remains in the mouth for some time.

Red Wine by Two Hands from Barossa Valley, Australia. Deep dark chocolate in color. A powerful bouquet of tobacco leaf, charcoal, aniseed and cassis. Initially dense and fleshy the licorice, loganberry and dark currant flavours roll across the palate. This is beautifully balanced and finishes with soft and expressive tannins that remain juicy and concentrated throughout. Very drinkable now but will evolve over the years.

Red Wine by Ch?teau Duhart-Milon from Bordeaux, France - Bordeaux. The Rothschild family acquired Chateau Duhart-Milon, a 4e Cru in the 1855 classification, from the Castejas of Pauillac, in 1962. The property was named after the Sieur of Duhart, gun-runner to Louis XIV, who originally owned the property, and from the name of the little hamlet of Milon which separates the Duhart-Milon vineyard from that of Chateau Lafite. The vineyard covers 50 hectares and is planted with the classical cepages of Medoc: Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Cabernet Franc (20%), Merlot (21%) and a small amount of Petit Verdot. This cepage has always been traditionally planted at Duhart-Milon and a certain excess of it in the pre-war vintages might explain their slightly flinty hardiness. Full bodied, with firm tannins. The early tastings show signs of a wine with fine spicy and very ripe black fruit aromas. The mouth is structured with elegant tannins and great length. Good core of fruit, with silky tannins and a medium to long finish of licorice, smoke and berry. Very good red. Best after 2007.- Wine Spectator Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot

Red Wine by Conn Creek from Napa Valley, California. The pinnacle wine of Conn Creek, Anthology is an expressive, complex blend of Napa Valley's finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The 2004 Anthology offers red and black fruit aromas and spicy flavors with nuanced expressions of creamy oak and berry cobbler. A robust wine balanced with silky tannins. - Jeff McBride, Winemaker

Red Wine by Hess from Napa Valley, California. Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot The wines of Hess Mount Veeder reflect Donald Hess' vision of mountain wines with winemaking and grape growing working hand in hand to extract the best expressions of mountain fruit. These wines display balance and elegance with ample strength and structure to age. Mount Veeder is the coolest, southernmost mountain district in Napa and has both a volcanic and geologically unique soil that only occurs in this mountain AVA. The unique attributes of the soils, exposures and altitude create wines that reveal the mountain's distinct personality. The aroma expresses cassis, molasses, milk chocolate, black berry, and black cherry followed by briary notes of sweet loganberry and oak-cedar. On the palate the wine is layered with the same fruit characters and dark chocolate with chewy tannins and a medium bodied mid palate that build through the finish. Great age worthy potential.

Red Wine by Pio Cesare from Piedmont, Italy. The Nebbiolo grapes used to produce this Barolo come from Pio Cesare's family vineyards around the village of Serralunga d'Alba. Their own grapes account for about 70% of their production, and they also source grapes from the most favorable areas in Castiglione Falletto and Monforte, using the same sources they have been using for the last hundred years. These are growers with whom Pio Cesare has been dealing for generations. Their Barolo has always been produced through careful blending of grapes from different vineyards. The grapes from Serralunga give a full body, the ones from Castiglione Falletto offer an ethereal and tempting nose, and those from Monforte provide class and a refined nature. The color is an intense glossy garnet, with orange reflections. The bouquet is ethereal, with hints of violets, blackberry jam, licorice and cloves. The palate is dry and austere, with a lingering hint of almonds.

Red Wine by Benton Lane from Willamette Valley, Oregon. This deep ruby colored wine exhibits classic aromas of cherry and blackberries, with complex underlying scents of plum, truffle, anise, cedar, and forest floor. Very ripe, fine tannins and balanced acidity create a rich, velvety texture that leads into an extremely long finish. The exquisite balance in this wine makes it a very versatile food wine.

Red Wine by Genium Cellar from Priorat, Spain. The 2004 Genium Costers comes from particularly steep slopes and old vines. It is a blend of 50% Carinena, 25% Garnacha, 15% Merlot, and 10% Syrah aged 14 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it has a slightly muted nose of pain grille, Asian spices, mineral, earth, leather, and black cherry. Full-bodied and firmly structured, this intensely flavored, superbly balanced wine can be cellared for several years and should drink well through 2017. -Wine Advocate

Red Wine by Three Rings from Barossa Valley, Australia. Vintage Comments: Classic Barossa vintage conditions. An average wet Spring followed by extreme heat in early February. Occasional rainfall events kept the vines in good balance up to harvest in late March 2004. Very good quality coupled with good average yields. More than 30 months in wood followed by six months tank maturation of the blend prior to bottling, July 2007. Tasting Notes: Rich, ripe complex Barossa floor Shiraz. Aromas of chocolate and Christmas cake intermingled with ulta-ripe red berry fruit, Blackberries and smoky notes from the oak maturation.