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These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

WineSpectator Insider

April 18th, 2009

2006 Ramonet Batard Montrachet: 96 Pts starting at $199.99

"Tightly packed, yet also expressive this white features hazelnut, lime, white flowers, peach, spice and mineral aromas and flavors. It’s well put together, intense and very long on the finish."

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2006 Domaine Jean Grivot Richemourg: 95 Pts starting at $400.00

"Excellent purity and depth highlight the aromas and flavors in this reserved, aristocratic red. Concentrated flavors of cherry, currant, mineral and spice play out on the dense texture, and the fine, ripe tannins and long finish reveal its potential for aging."

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2006 Bachelet Monnot Batard Montrachet: 94 Pts starting at $136.96

"Stealthy in its attack, with pineapple, grapefruit, vanilla and stone flavors unfolding to a long, vibrant conclusion. It has intensity and a firm underlying structure matched to a straight profile. Excellent length."

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2006 Louis Jadot Corton Greves: 94 Pts starting at $61.99

"Pure and expressive, offering raspberry, red currant and wild berry aromas and flavors, mingled with mineral and spice. It’s elegant and well toned, with intensity and drive. The tannins add support
and length to the berry and spice aftertaste."

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Wall Street Journal

Grenache Enters the Spotlight

Long considered just for blending, the grape is getting new life in bold wines by American vintners

April 18th, 2009

By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher

2004 Alder Grenache starting at $19.84

"Marvelous, intense nose of strawberries and raspberries. Tight and streamlined, without much weight, and a real brightness about it. Pure and intense."

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2007 Tensley Wine Grenache starting at $29.99

"More approachable than many, with great fruit, some herbs in a round, easy-to-drink package.

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SF Chronicle - The Chronicle Recommends: Red Languedoc

Sunday, April 19th, 2009 by Lynne Char Bennett

2006 Chateau d' Aussieres Corbieres Rouge starting at $10.97

"This chateau - a collaboration between Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Domaines Listel since 1999 - is considered by some to have been one of the great Roman-era estates. Its vineyards are now planted to Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Carignane. Elegant with well-fruited aromas of red cherry-berry and subtle oak; bolder, moderately full-bodied palate and smooth tannins."

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2005 Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Corbieres Rouge starting at $10.99

"This domaine's wine region - the Fontfroide district - has an 800-year history of viticulture. This wine is made from free-run juice, which is vinified by varietal, blended, then aged for up to 15 months in small oak casks. Initial red raspberry and loam aromas open up to include red cherry and touch of leather; bright palate follows nose; soft tannins. Forty percent old-vine Carignane with 30 percent each Grenache and Syrah."

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2006 Domaine de l'Hortus Bergerie Classique de l'Hortus Pic Saint-Loup starting at $9.99

"This bottling contains fruit from a vineyard surrounded by wild herbs and pine trees and located at the foot of Hortus mountain, which inspired the name. With the estate's purchase in 1970, producer Jean Orliac began the replanting his 50 acres. Light red fruit and clean, sweet black cherry nose with a tart palate that will take on a medium-rare burger. 60 percent Syrah, 30 Grenache and 10 Mourvedre."

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Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap!

These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

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2006 Penfolds Merlot Rawsons Retreat Merlot - $3.99 (reg.price $8.99)


Alex Lallos, JJ Buckley: "Opaque ruby core, lighter rim. Fresh cherry and raspberry fruit up front complimented by subtle aromas of licorice and freshly picked plums. Some woody aromas round out the nose nicely. Soft upon entry then fleshes out into something promising. Lots of fruit throughout with low but round and integrated tannin. A note of espresso presents itself on the moderate finish. Nicely made wine!"

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WineSpectator Insider

April 8th, 2009

2005 Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon: 91 Pts starting at $35.98

"Starts ripe and supple, with pure, ripe cherry, plum and blackberry fruit, then firms up, revealing chewy tannins. Full-bodied and well-balanced, with a complex finish."

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2004 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso: 92 Pts starting at $48.99

"Very fruity aromas of raspberry, plum and fresh flowers lead to a full-bodied palate, with round, soft tannins and lots of juicy, delicious fruit. Very attractive. Hard not to drink it now."

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WineSpectator Advance

A sneak preview for the May 31st Issue, 2009: Here are some highlights.

2007 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc: 96 Pts starting at $28.99

"A rocket beam of vibrancy, with effusive honeysuckle notes and ripe honeydew melon, citrus, pear and apricot
flavors that have amazing structure, depth and body. Ripe flavors end with a mouthwatering finish, where the
mineral and spice details echo on and on."

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2006 Andrew Will Sorella: 95pts starting at $60.99

"Tight, focused and distinctive, this sharp-edged Washington red shows ripe currant, spice, tobacco and coffee
flavors that sneak up on you. They start slow, but swirl through the mildly grippy tannins into the expressive finish,
making for a beautifully compact and complex wine."

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2005 Chateau Pibarnon Bandol: 95pts starting at $43.99

"An intense, focused red, with concentrated mineral, plum and dark cherry flavors flanked by tobacco box notes.
Lithe yet powerful, with an elegant, finely chiseled finish of slate and white pepper."

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2006 Carlisle Syrah: 93pts starting at $30.75

"Very rich and concentrated, this is dark, potent and full-bodied, offering layers of blackberry, wild berry, currant and hints of cassis, ending with a blast of pepper, mineral and cedary oak."

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Wall Street Journal

White Bordeaux, Well Worth Seeking Out

The crisp, lively French wine rewards those who find it with mouthwatering tastes at good values

April 4th, 2009

By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher

2007 Chateau Graville-Lacoste starting at $12.99

"Best of tasting. Mouthwatering. Lime, mango, grapefruit and sunny acidity, with a nice, round weightiness to it and a tiny hint of honey. Long, fruity finish. Complete."

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2008 Chateau Lamothe de Haux starting at $10.99

"Good/Very Good. Boing! Young, fresh, grassy and lively -- great for summer. It's so young and aggressive at this point that Dottie said she'd decant it. John said, "Sure, dear

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New Wine Reviews March 25th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap!

These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

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2005 La Vieille Cure Bordeaux Blend - $27.99 (reg.price $35.99)


Robert Parker, 93 Points: "La Vieille Cure’s amazing 2005 is even better than their terrific 2003 and 2000. The 2005 boasts an inky/ruby color as well as a gorgeously sweet perfume of charcoal, black cherries, black currants, and spring flowers as well as an underlying mineral component. Superb concentration, full-bodied power, wonderful symmetry, purity, and texture, and a multidimensional mouthfeel are all found in this fabulous sleeper of the vintage."

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WineSpectator Insider

March 25th, 2009

2006 Louis Jadot Volnay Clos De La Barre: 92 Pts starting at $47.95

"A suave, silky red, exuding black cherry, mineral and floral aromas and flavors. Everything is well-proportioned, in a stylish way, with hints of cassis and violet on the long aftertaste."

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2006 Bouchard Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvée Carnot: 92 Pts starting at $55.99

"Pure and focused, with raspberry, floral and mineral flavors buoyed by a vibrant structure. Elegant and graceful, with intensity and excellent length."

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2006 Roumier Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras: 92 Pts starting at $109.99

"A softness around the edges in this cherry- and berry-infused red offsets the firm structure that emerges later. Floral and spice notes add interest, and this lingers nicely."

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Robert Parker

March 25th, 2009

2007 Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay: 92 Pts starting at $24.99

"Excellent nutty, honeyed, buttery notes of orange marmalade, brioche, and spice. Full-bodied, rich, and pure, it reminds me of a Burgundian premier cru from Chassagne-Montrachet or Meursault"

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SF Chronicle - The Chronicle Recommends: 2006 Rosso di Montalcino

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 by Lynne Char Bennett

2006 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Rosso di Montalcino starting at $24.99

"Dried cherry and plum are lightly wrapped in sweet oak. A wisp of tar and dark roast coffee provide depth; good structure with an acidic edge on the long finish."

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2006 Pinino Rosso di Montalcino starting at $11.99

"Sweet cherry, juicy and fresh in an atypical, very modern, New World style. Light, simple and quaffable, this wine is more like a light Barbera and will complement pork and lighter dishes."

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2006 Talenti Rosso di Montalcino starting at $24.99

"Riccardo Talenti's wine has partially dried cherry, herb, dusty spice and a bit of black pepper aromas and flavors. A nicely ripened, structured and well-behaved Sangiovese with just enough fruit to balance its acidity and tannic grip."

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2006 Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino starting at $17.57

"This estate, owned by the Franceschi family, is one of Montalcino's historic wineries. Winemaker Fabrizio Bindocci's Rosso bottling is a good combination of bright fruit moderated by cedar and faint molasses. The lighter-weight palate shows more dusty dried tart cherry; moderate grip on the finish. Balanced, with good acidity; needs a bit of air to open up."

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LA Times - Wine of the Week

By Jay L. Clendenin

2006 Bibi Graetz Grilli del Testamatta starting at $26.99

"Bib Graetz's big bomber is Testamatta, a superb pure Sangiovese wine. Grilli del Testamatta is its little brother, made with the grapes that didn't make it into Testamatta, which means mostly those from younger vines. A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 10% each Canaiolo and Colorino, the 2006 Grilli is a lovely, juicy wine, bursting with soft, ripe cherry flavors, velvety and flat-out delicious."

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Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap! These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself. Advertisement- sponsored by JJ Buckley Fine Wines 2003 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Merlot / Cabernet Proprietary Blend - $3.99 (reg.price $9.99) John Perry, JJ Buckley: "Dark maroon core out to slightly lighter rim. Aromatic and sweet nose of blackberry, raspberry and black cherry and a subtle bit of spice and mint. Soft and supple, this medium-bodied red features ripe, dark fruit flavors that are enhanced by coffee and chocolate notes. Fine tannins and texture lead to a pleasant finish. Enjoy with a variety of dishes including beef, duck, hamburgers, lamb, or veal." WineSpectator Insider March 11th, 2009 2006 Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon T6 Cabernet Sauvignon: 99 Pts starting at $230.00 "A masterpiece. Capturing currant and blackberry fruit at the zenith of ripeness, this is smooth, plush and layered, with a mix of mocha, black cherry, currant and wild berry all flowing together in a steady stream. Firms up nicely on the finish, yet the flavors keep rushing through." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Pride Cabernet Sauvignon: 90 Pts starting at $64.95 "Smooth and fleshy, with rich currant, earth, anise and plum notes. Full-bodied, deep and persistent, with ripe, supple tannins." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Coho Headwaters Blend: 95 Pts starting at $29.99 "Ultrarich, complex and concentrated, with ripe currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit that’s notably elegant and polished for a wine this size. Ends with ripe, mouthcoating tannins. Long on finesse. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot." Find this wine on WineZap 2001 Giacomo Conterno Monfortino Barolo Riserva: 95 Pts starting at $359.95 "Sweet plum and sultana aromas, with hints of citrus fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft and sweet tannins. Cedar, cappuccino and sweet fruit. Long and gorgeous. Sexy and pretty. Hard not to drink now." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Continuum Proprietary Blend: 95 Pts starting at $139.99 "Rich dark chocolate, mocha and espresso here, along with a wealth of ripe, currant-laced Cabernet fruit. Focused, tight, elegant and stylish, with a persistent finish that keeps unfolding to reveal hidden nuances. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot." Find this wine on WineZap SF Chronicle - California Viognier Sunday, March 8th, 2009 by Lynne Char Bennett 2007 Bridlewood Estate Winery Reserve Central Coast Viognier starting at $14.39 "Located in Santa Barbara County, Bridlewood specializes in Rhone grape varieties. Winemaker David Hopkins' Viognier has sweet melon, ripe pear, stone fruit and Orangesicle with wet gravel notes. The moderately rich, citrusy palate shows a bit of rusticity and alcoholic heat that would do well with creamy pasta with chicken. Includes 3 percent Roussanne, 3 percent Chardonnay and 1 percent Marsanne." Find this wine on WineZap 2007 McManis Family Vineyards California Viognier starting at $9.95 "McManis founded their winery in 1990 just south of Lodi in the River Junction appellation, which is the cooler juncture of the San Joaquin and Stanislaus rivers. Winemakers Jeff Runquist and Mike Robustelli make this unblended Viognier, which has aromas of peach and orange blossom and almost a candied note. The palate has a nice acid bump on entry then segues to sweet pear and peach. Clean, quaffable and a good value." Find this wine on WineZap 2007 Miner Family Vineyards Simpson Vineyard California Viognier starting at $14.99 "Winemaker Gary Brookman used fruit from John Simpson's vineyard in Madera, located in the Central Valley near Fresno, for this wine. In its 10th vintage, it has always has been 100 percent Viognier. Rich pear, citrus and floral aromas with hints of Galia melon lead to a full-flavored palate and slight oily mouthfeel, as befits Viognier." Find this wine on WineZap 2007 Rosenblum Cellars Kathy's Cuvee California Viognier starting at $12.99 "Rosenblum's winery was purchased by Diageo last year, it still specializes in Zinfandel and Rhone varietals. A lightly spiced nose of tangelo, Orange Julius, soft peach and floral body powder lead to bright, refreshing flavors; crisp pear, vanilla and white peach with a clean finish." Find this wine on WineZap LA Times - Wine of the Week By Richard Derk 2006 Spicerack Syrah 'Punchdown' starting at $17.99 "What a little beauty of a Syrah from Jonathan and Susan Pey of Spicerack Vineyards. Their "Punchdown" Syrah comes from two cool-climate sites on the Sonoma Coast. Rich and spicy with scents of cassis, black pepper and wild herbs, this is an elegant, moderately priced Syrah, a great buy for the price and a California Syrah that plays well with food." Find this wine on WineZap

Wine Reviews for Feb. 25th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap!

These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

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2003 Quinault l'Enclos Bordeaux Blend, WA89 - $24.99 (reg.price $34.99 - 25% Off!)


Wine Advocate, Aor. 2006, 89 points: "This 48+-acre vineyard is owned by Dr. Alain Raynaud, who has been one of the spiritual and qualitative leaders of the quality revolution that has taken place in Pomerol and St.-Emilion. Situated within the Libourne city limits, this vineyard possesses some of the oldest vines (50 years) of St.-Emilion. Made from a blend of 87% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the light-styled 2003 is soft and forward, yet possesses this property's hallmark elegance. Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple hue along with a sweet nose of blueberries, licorice, and flowers, it is all about finesse, balance, and purity. While it does not display the concentration of the finest vintages to date, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2004, it is ideal for drinking now and over the next 12-14 years."

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WineSpectator Insider

February 18th, 2009

2005 Château de Pibarnon Bandol: 95 Pts starting at $44.99

"An intense and focused red, with concentrated mineral, plum and dark cherry that are flanked by tobacco box notes. Lithe yet powerful, with a long, elegant and finely chiseled finish of slate and white pepper. Drink now through 2015."

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2006 domaine TempierR Bandol Cabassaou: 95 Pts starting at $99.95

"Intense raspberry, red plum and kirschlike flavors are pure and powerfully structured, with loads of rich beef accents and a long finish of smoke, spice and hints of cream. Elegant despite the obvious power. Tempting now."

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NV Chambers
Muscat Rutherglen Rosewood Vineyards Rare: 95 Pts starting at $13.29

"Sweet, viscous and deliciously balanced to let its coffee, almond, walnut and spice rack overtones wrap easily around a silky core of cherry, prune and tobacco. This has depth and intensity and actually finishes with a reasonable balance. Drink now."

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WineSpectator Advance

A sneak preview for the March 31st Issue, 2009: Here are some highlights.

2006 Landmark Syrah Sonoma Valley Steel Plow: 94 Pts starting at $23.95

"Shows loads of pepper, beef, dark berry, teriyaki, mineral and spice. Intense, distinctive, full-bodied and focused, this is so complex and well-proportioned that all the flavors work together seamlessly."

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2006 Leoville Barton: 94pts starting at $61.99

"There’s a great dark color to this, with intense aromas of cedar, wood, new leather and crushed blackberry. Fullbodied, with loads of fruit and a firm, powerful palate. Long and mouthpuckering. A muscular baby."

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2007 Stuhlmuller Chardonnay Alexander Valley: 91pts starting at $21.95

"Tangy lime and citrus notes join riper green apple and honeydew melon in this supple, full-bodied, complex and
elegant offering. The finish is long and clean."

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2007 Souverain Chardonnay Alexander Valley: 90pts starting at $10.79

"There’s a great dark color to this, with intense aromas of cedar, wood, new leather and crushed blackberry. Fullbodied, with loads of fruit and a firm, powerful palate. Long and mouthpuckering. A muscular baby."

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SF Chronicle - What's in our Glass

Sunday, February 15th, 2009

2007 Francois Chidaine Touraine Val de Loire Sauvignon starting at $9.99

"Touraine is a Loire Valley wine region surrounding the city of Tours. Its white wines include those from the appellation of Vouvray as well as the lesser-known Montlouis. That's the base of Francois Chidaine, who made this balanced and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Tart with green apple and citrus but still well rounded, it has plenty of the mineral qualities expected of Loire whites. Plus, much of the fruit comes from Chidaine's own biodynamically farmed vineyards."

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LA Times - Wine of the Week

By Bob Chamberlin

2007 Domaine des Escaravailles Cotes du Rhone 'Les Sablieres' starting at $11.99

"Dark ruby with glints of violet, the 2007 is pure fruit, tasting of raspberries and earth. It's delightful drinking, not too complex, with the weight of a Beaujolais. A wine to break out for any occasion, great with a burger, a hearty soup, something braised or grilled, a platter of roasted root vegetables. In warm weather, serve it ever so slightly chilled."

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Hot New Wine Reviews, Feb. 18th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap! These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself. Advertisement- sponsored by JJ Buckley Fine Wines 2005 Aalto Tempranillo, WA95 - $38.99 (reg.price $48.99) Wine Advocate, Feb 2007, 95 points: "The 2005 Aalto, made from 100% Tinto Fino, is a deep purple color with an enticing nose of wood smoke, bacon, floral notes, spice box, and blackberry. This leads to a powerful, layered, intense wine already beginning to show complex flavors. Structured for 5-7 years of further evolution, this strong effort will be at its best from 2015 to 2030." WineSpectator Insider February 11th, 2009 2007 Merry Edwards Russian river Sauvignon Blanc: 96 Pts starting at $28.99 "A rocket beam of vibrancy, with effusive honeysuckle notes, ripe honeydew melon, citrus, pear and apricot flavors that have amazing structure, depth and body. Ripe flavors end with a mouthwatering finish, where the mineral and spice details echo on and on. Drink now through 2012." Find this wine on WineZap 2005 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon: 93 Pts starting at $64.95 "A ripe, juicy mix of black cherry, wild berry, plum and currant, this firms up midpalate and holds its focus, revealing greater depth and complexity and ending with a nice tight, tannic backbone. Drink now through 2016." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Dumol Chardonnay Russian River Valley: 91 Pts starting at $62.99 "Smoky caramel aromas join ripe fig and melon fruit in this full-bodied, well-oaked wine, made in a style for those who enjoy a strong oak presence. Drink now through 2012." Find this wine on WineZap 2005 Guigal d'Ampuis Cote Rotie: 94 Pts starting at $94.99 "Rock-solid, with a great core of dark plum and fig fruit woven with incense, Turkish coffee, melted licorice and mineral notes. The long finish lets the mouthwatering acidity carry it all nicely. There’s impressive drive and density." Find this wine on WineZap Wall Street Journal A Burst of Spring From Every Bottle It's easy to fast forward through winter with the clean, true taste of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc February 14th, 2009 By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher 2008 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc starting at $12.95 "Very Good/Delicious. Best of tasting. Remarkable balance of cleanliness and intensity. Makes you smile with its mouth-popping vibrancy and sunshine-like, exuberant, lime-kiwi tastes, but it also has minerals underneath and some weight, a white-peach fleshiness that gives it presence. Classy and well-made. Repeat best-of-tasting." Find this wine on WineZap 2007 Drylands Estate Sauvignon Blanc starting at $12.95 "Very Good/Delicious. Best value. Rounder and fuller than most, with some extra stature. A dash of pepper. Soulful. Reminded us of white Bordeaux in its classiness -- amazing at the price. Find this wine on WineZap 2007 Isabel Sauvignon Blanc starting at $15.99 "Very Good/Delicious. Ripe, juicy grapefruit with a touch of something deeper. Warming, friendly, happy and very satisfying." Find this wine on WineZap SF Chronicle - Hearty reds $15 and less Sunday, February 15th, 2009 2005 St. Francis Winery Red Sonoma County Red Wine starting at $9.99 "Director of winemaking Tom Mackey has been with St. Francis for more than 25 years. Mackey has made this fun, inexpensive, Merlot-based blend since 2002. This year's bottling includes Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives the Merlot a boost. A nice melange of red and black fruit, cinnamon and toast with oak spice; big on entry then tapers a bit." Find this wine on WineZap 2007 Tormaresca Puglia Neprica starting at $7.99 "In 1998, Piero Antinori expanded his empire to include Southern Italy, starting this project and focusing on local varietals. Tormaresca - which means tower by the sea - is named for the many towers along the Adriatic Sea. The proprietary name reflects the blend's grape varieties: Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon - 40/30/30 percent respectively. The wine is aromatic and full-flavored with black cherry cola, juicy boysenberry; spice and a hint of black licorice; nicely textured with a lengthy finish." Find this wine on WineZap

New Wine Reviews Feb. 4th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap! These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself. WineSpectator Insider February 4th, 2009 2006 Merlot Napa Valley Blueline Vineyard: 93 Pts starting at $74.95 "Beautifully focused and elegant yet complex, showing vivid black cherry and toasty vanilla aromas, with richly layered currant, herb and spice flavors that finish with ripe but firm tannins." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Plumpjack Merlot: 91 Pts starting at $44.99 "Rich and opulent, offering lush black cherry and toasty mocha aromas, with complex, layered red currant, spice and minty espresso flavors that finish with burly but ripe tannins." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Château Angelus: 93 Pts starting at $150.50 "This has a gorgeous nose of black licorice, black cherry and sage. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a very long finish. There’s beautiful texture for the vintage. Enjoy the fruit and richness." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Cheval Blanc: 95 Pts starting at $599.99 "Displays lots of milk chocolate, cedar, berry and cappuccino aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins, this is structured and layered for the vintage. Mouthpuckering. Needs time." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Ausone: 93pts starting at $210.89 "Cedar, new wood and crushed blackberry and raspberry aromas follow through to a palate of vanilla, berry and blackberry character. Balanced and modern, with lots of fruit. Lively, with bright acidity." Find this wine on WineZap Advertisement- sponsored by JJ Buckley Fine Wines 2005 Dominio de Tares Baltos Mencia - $9.99 Every now and then (OK, maybe quite often), we find these little treasures that make drinking wine really fun. The 2005 Dominio de Tares 'Baltos' is one such delicious little gem that really over delivers for the modest price of just 10 bucks. Wine Advocate, Feb 2007, 90 points: "The 2005 Baltos Mencia comes from a less steep terroir and is aged in oak for 6 months. This purple-colored effort exhibits an attractive bouquet of minerals, earth, black cherry and raspberry. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with concentrated, ripe fruit, excellent depth, and a pure finish. Because of the old-vine, labor-intensive vineyards with low yields, wines from Bierzo can be pricey so this well-made wine is an excellent value." SF Chronicle - Australia and New Zealand Riesling Friday, February 2md, 2009 2005 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay starting at $19.99 "Founders Arturo and Deborah Keller established Petaluma Valley's first winery, now directed by daughter Ana Keller. This wine benefits from cooling maritime influences: the San Pablo Bay to the south and fog from the northwest. Winemaker Michael McNeill has made a rich California-style wine, which has very ripe apple, sweet pear and caramel with a bit of stoniness. Integrated and nicely balanced." Find this wine on WineZap

Wine Reviews for Jan. 28th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap!

These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

WineSpectator Insider

January 228th, 2009

2007 Mitolo Shiraz McLaren Vale Savitar: 91 Pts starting at $58.98

"Velvety in texture and sharply focused to aim its tobacco and spice-accented plum and blackberry flavors true as they sail through the long, generous finish."

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2007 Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley Gnarly Dudes: 90 Pts starting at $23.99

"Dense and ripe, this is a bit alcoholic, but it’s distinctive and bright with currant and persimmon flavors, finishing with allspice and cinnamon notes."

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2006 Nine Stones Shiraz Hilltops: 90 Pts starting at $812.60

"Taut, balanced and nicely focused to show its blueberry and blackberry flavors at the tightly wound core, balanced against lively acidity and fine tannins. Aromatic with fresh earth and expressive with dark spices."

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2005 Carneros Creek Carneros Grail Pinot Noir: 93 Pts starting at $34.99

"Refreshing ripe, vibrant, complex and fruit driven, with full bodied black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit that’s rich and focused, ending with a long, layered finish."

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Wall Street Journal

Malbec Beckons -- Heed the Call

Argentina's signature red deserves its wild popularity, offering zing and boldness for modest prices

January 24th, 2009

By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher

2007 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec starting at $7.99

"Very Good/Delicious. Best of tasting and best value (tie). Serious pepper and spice, with some crispness and plenty of blackberries and plums. Quite dry, yet bursting with fruit. We also liked the Altos "Reserva" 2006"

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2006 Trapiche 'Oak Cask' Malbec starting at $8.99

"Very Good. Best value (tie). Memorable black-tar nose, with some charred wood. Rich, black wine with good minerals. Fresh and lively despite its weight, with big, bright fruit."

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2007 Achaval Ferrer Winery Malbec starting at $17.95

"Very Good. Just plain pleasing. Ripe, tasty and easy to like, with a soulful earthiness and a dash of lemon. Comfort wine, easy to sip and easy to like."

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2006 Bodega Lurton 'Reserva' Malbec starting at $9.45

"Good/Very Good. Tastes true and nicely crisp, but more relaxed than many, like everything was taken down a notch, so it's especially good with food."

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LA Times - Wine of the Week

By Bob Chamberlin

2005 Puligny-Montrachet 'Clos du Chateau' starting at $25.99

"A warm gold in color, the 2005 "Clos du Chateau" is crisp and cool, with accents of citrus, flowers and white pepper, and a gorgeous buttery texture. Since Etienne de Montille took over as wine director, Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet is finally living up to its potential. The vineyards are now organic and most of them are biodynamic.

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