WineSpectator Insider
August 26th, 2009
2006 Hundred Acre Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Kayli Morgan Vineyard: 95 Pts starting at $275.00
Shows wonderful complexity, purity of flavor, depth and concentration, with layers of mocha-laced currant, kirsch liqueur, blackberry and wild berry fruit that’s supple, graceful, harmonious and polished, ending with great depth, persistence and length. Offers hints of cedar and tobacco."2007 Chateau St. Prefert Chateauneuf-du-Pape Collection Charles Giraud: 98 Pts starting at $59.94
"Dark roasted Kenya AA coffee, braised fig, charred mesquite, mulled currant and blackberry fruit all work together in this huge and muscular but seamless and velvety offering. Graphite, brown bread, mineral and espresso notes weave through the finish, which has loads of pepper- and loam-tinged grip in reserve. Grenache and Mourvèdre."
2006 Roumier Bonnes Mares: 95 Pts starting at $209.99
"A touch of a vegetal element to the sweet cherry and woodsy spice flavors and a sinewy texture mark this red. It seems closed down now, with the structure dominating, but there’s a smoldering intensity and energy that powers the long aftertaste. Offers both elegance and depth. Be patient."
2006 Lucie and Auguste Lignier Clos de la Roche: 95 Pts starting at $137.17
"Compelling aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, iron and spice combine with a dense structure in this ripe, powerful red. There’s still some oak to be absorbed, but this ends with an aftertaste of sweet fruit and spice."
Robert Parker - Wine of the Day
August 12th, 2009
2006 Chalk Hill Chardonnay Estate: 90 Pts starting at $24.44
" A strong success in a challenging vintage, the 2006 Chardonnay reveals notes of spicy oak interwoven with tropical fruits, citrus butter, and orange oil. Full-bodied, layered, fresh, and lively, it can be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years"
SF Chronicle - Recommends: Chianti Classico improves with new grape blends
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 by Lynne Char Bennett
2006 Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico starting at $17.59
"Piero Antinori's Tignanello was part of the original Super-Tuscan trend in 1971. Layered aromas with cherry highlights; lively palate of tart red cherry, smooth, well-behaved tannins and long finish. Includes 10 percent Merlot and Syrah."
2006 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico starting at $21.24
"This historic estate has been owned by the Mazzei family since 1435. Dusky raw coconut, cherry, darker fruit and toasted pecan aromas with herbal hints; plum, tart cherry acidity and gentle tannins that escalate on the finish. Includes 5 percent Merlot, 3 percent Malvasia Nera and 2 percent Colorino."
LA Times - Wine of the Week
2008 Cantina del Taburno Falanghina starting at $10.64
"Served well-chilled, it's refreshing with notes of citrus rind and white pepper. Incidentally, Falanghina is the name of the grape. It's terrific with spaghetti alle vongole, which goes together really quickly. Enjoy it with grilled fish or shrimp too, for easy summer drinking."