RED WINE BLENDS AND UNIQUE VARIETALS B Cellars, Blend 25, Napa Valley - 2004
You will enjoy the aromas and flavors of chocolate dipped
cherries, light espresso, vanilla powder and cinnamon and
cloves. $105
Bennett Lane, Maximus Napa Valley - 2004
Recently receiving a 90-point score from The Wine
Spectator this "red feasting wine" is loaded with bright,
vibrant fruit and exotic. $65
Cain Concept, Napa Valley - 2003
Special Selection offers terrific fruit intensity and purity,
a more laid-back style, a meaty, chewy texture, and impressive
opulence as well as length. $100
Cain Five, Napa Valley - 2003
This is a firmly structured wine—the nose is discretely subtle, a very pure cassis is hiding in the background (which bodes well)—it sings a quiet, clear note all the way through to the end. $198
Cain Five, Napa Valley 1.5 L - 2003
Although the first notes are of mocha and vanilla, a very
pure cassis is hiding in the background (which bodes well),
and the full, sweet entry fills out to a satisfying mid-palate,
leading to a long, smooth finish. $450
Cain Five, Napa Valley 3 L - 2003
Although the first notes are of mocha and vanilla, a very
pure cassis is hiding in the background (which bodes well),
and the full, sweet entry fills out to a satisfying mid-palate,
leading to a long, smooth finish. $900
Cardinale, Napa Valley - 2004
The sweetness of the Stag's Leap and the weight of Oakville
fit in gracefully with the strength, minerality and black
fruit characters from Veeder and Howell, and together they
all play off of one another. $360
Cosentino, The Poet, Napa Valley - 2004
Deep ruby in color, youthful with tart cherry and currants
up front, polished in the middle with pomegranate that
evolves into a long spicy finish. A bright balanced wine
with structure and richness. $90
Crocker & Starr,
Cabernet Franc - 2005
Exotic spices like cardamom and candy
spice, purple violets with outrageous
blueberry raspberry compote. $85
Deerfield Ranch Winery, 'DRX', North Coast - 1999
The diversity of Appellation and terroir
added great depth and perfect balance
to this wine. Three years of barrel aging
smoothed the edges and added complexity.
$198
Deerfield Ranch Winery, T-Rex, North Coast - 2002
Deep and dark with great blackberry fruit.
Mellow tannins and a wonderful soft and
lingering cedar finish. $198
Duckhorn, Decoy, Napa Valley - 2004
The wine is layered with bright acidity
and forward fruit balanced by well-integrated
tannins. The aroma is distinct with raspberry,
plum, black pepper, tobacco and black
olive. $80
Eberle, Barbera, Paso Robles - 2004
Ruby red in color and lively with bright
fruit flavors, the soft tannins make
this an easy everyday red. $50 Farella, Alta, Napa Valley - 2001
This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon
and 30% Merlot sports ripe strawberry,
blueberry and cassis fruit, with a touch
of cherry intertwined with dark chocolate,
black olive and smoke. Its smooth, intense
character is remarkable. Bottled unfined
and unfiltered, a scant 300 cases were
produced. $105
Farella, Alta, Napa Valley - 2002
Characterized by ripe strawberry, blueberry
and cassis fruit, and a touch of cherry
intertwined with dark chocolate, black
olive and smoke. The flavors are full,
round and smooth with complex layers,
succulent fruit and intense, dark chocolate/black
olive backbone to the fine-textures tannins.
$120
Flowers, Perennial, Sonoma Coast - 2005
Fruit aromas such as red currant, cherry,
raspberry, and plum are at the core of
this wine. Hints of clove, mineral and
perfume contribute to the most seamless
Perennial to date. Mouth filling flavors
of earth and plum, a smooth texture,
followed by a well-balanced tannin and
acidity profile. $71
Francis Coppola, Rubicon, Napa - 2002
Made exclusively from organically grown
grapes. A sweet raspberry note and a
dark chocolate finish with impressive
tannins. $245
Gemstone, Facets, Yountville, Napa Valley - 2004
Full ruby-red. Brooding aromas of cassis and smoke. Sweet and
quite rich; sappy flavors of cassis and mint. Finishes with
late notes of cassis and supple, firm tannins reaching the
front teeth. $250
Gemstone, Yountville, Napa Valley - 2003
A distinctive estate grown selection of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot. Elegant nose of dark
fruit with toasted oak and layers of flavors including blackberries,
currants, brambles and earth tones. $225
Gemstone, Facets, Yountville, Napa Valley - 2004
Tightly wound, with excellent structure, this is dense and
concentrated, showing a mix of currant, anise, mineral, pencil
lead and cedary oak, all sharply focused and well-proportioned.
Reveals extra dimensions of flavor and depth as this unfolds,
with a long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. $350
Girard, Napa Valley - 2004
Luxuriously bright deep cherry color with aromas offer blackberry,
kirsch, rose, tobacco and winter spices. The pallet is elegant
with a silky texture. $90
Insignia, By Joseph Phelps, St. Helena - 2004
The color is a healthy deep ruby purple. While restrained aromatically,
the nose exhibits good spice, ripe black fruits, and hints
of new oak and licorice. $350
Jarvis Estate, Lake William, Napa Valley - 2002
The nose offers up aromas of cassis, cocoa, and anise. The
bright flavors of the 2000 Lake William linger on the palate
reminiscent of ripe cherries and chocolate. $104
Jarvis, Petit Verdot Half Bottle - 2003 This is a very attractive mix of sweet
earth, leathery cassis, toasty oak and spice. $85
Jayson, Napa Valley - 2004
60% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc,
1% Petite Verdot. This is the "little brother" to the Pahlmeyer.
It is Bordeaux-like, with a beautiful fragrance and great
depth. The nose offers up aromas of cassis, cocoa, and
anise. $104
Jonata, Santa Yenez Valley - 2004
Beautiful, expressive nose of blackberry, boysenberry, cured meats and game. It is smooth, sensual and refined at even this young stage. Tannins are finely resolved and integrated, which adds length and structure without distracting from the wine. For such a young wine, this is extremely impressive. $215
Justin, Justification, California Meritage - 2005
The entry is soft and lush, rich with black fruit and spice. A fleshy mid palate follows, and characterizes the ripe, powerful vintage. $125
Justin, Isosceles, Napa Valley - 2004
Aromas of blueberry, black cherry and cassis fill the glass. Layers of complexity evolve into a finish that combines flavors of coffee, dark fruit and hints of vanilla and caramel. $170
Justin, Isosceles, Napa Valley, Magnum - 2004
Aromas of blueberry, black cherry and cassis fill the glass. Layers of complexity evolve into a finish that combines flavors of coffee, dark fruit and hints of vanilla and caramel. $295
Justin Savant, Paso Robles - 2005
50% Syrah, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. As ripe and as weighty as the winery’s Syrah, this powerful, positively mouth-filling wine is far more concentrated with richness, ripeness and lavish oak than it is with discrete fruit or nuance. Its smells and flavors of caramel, vanilla and chocolate are laced with peppery spice and hints of smoked meat. $90
Leal, Carnival Mertage, San Benito, N. Coast - 2005
Deep and rich in color with subtle chocolate & coffee aromas.
Reveals succulent ripe blackberry and plum flavors. $150
Legacy, Alexander Valley - 2003
Classic, acid and tannin structure with a full dense core. Red currants, cherries, earthy dust and a dense cocoa, dark chocolate, ripe plums, blackberries, bright and pure. Balanced, full and elegant. $150
Luna Vineyards, Sangiovese, Napa Valley - 2004
The mouthful is structured and crisp, with flavors of dusty plums, wild herbs, leather and roasted game. $65
Luddite Vineyards, Rick's Block, Medicino - 2004
Quite concentrated with great focus. Aromas are slowly developing at this point. $60
Merryvale, Profile, Napa Valley - 2000
Profile is a blend of Maryvales best lots of Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, chosen for their concentration, depth of flavor and fine tannin structure. $220
Merryvale, Profile, Napa Valley - 2001
This wine was aging in mostly new French oak chateau ferre barrels and bottled unrefined and unfiltered. It is opulently structured and very dark. $220
Merryvale, Profile, Napa Valley - 2002
Forward aromas of stewed plum and maraschino cherry with a pungent, mushroom-like note. Crisp, racy red fruit, cedar and clove flavors. $220
Mi Sueno, El Llano Napa Valley - 2003
Currants, chocolate, licorice, with an unmistakable earthiness that is reminiscent of wines from Bordeaux. With big, ripe, chewy tannins this wine is delightful now. $75
Nebbiolo, Sanford & Benedict, Santa
Barbara - 2001
Made for Saddle Peak Lodge by our friend Paul Sunderland. Only 240 bottles made. Huge explosion on the palate. $70
Opus One, Napa Valley - 2003
Aromas of blackberry, plum, hazelnut, graphite, olive oil, cocoa and dried cherries. The wine presents a soft entry with rich, flannel-like tannins supporting a sweetness and purity of balance. $325
Opus One, Napa Valley - 2004
Good full ruby. Roasted black raspberry, blackberry, spicecake, licorice, minerals and nutty oak on the nose. There's lovely sweetness to the black fruit and licorice flavors. Finishes with big but sweet tannins and a lingering minerality. $340
Outpost, Grenache, Howell Mountain - 2004
The concentration of sweet red fruit fills out the mid-palate with the stem inclusion providing complexity on the nose and middle, and length to the finish. $90
Pahlmeyer, Napa Valley - 2004
Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a big, smoky, fragrant nose
of creme de cassis, smoked meats, plum, and licorice, it boasts
great intensity, rich, full-bodied, powerful flavors. Received
a 94 Parker rating. $235
Pahlmeyer, Half Bottle, Napa Valley - 2004
Mint, cedar and a bit of tomato leaf accent lovely cassis fruit.
Full-bodied, with a slightly dusty mouthfeel, like finely ground
cinnamon or cocoa, and picking up hints of those flavors as
well. Finishes clean and crisp, with soft tannins. $120
Palazzo, Napa Valley - 2003
A sweet, rich perfume of espresso roast/coffee beans, white chocolate, blackberries, and cherries, medium to full body, noticeable but sweet tannin, and beautiful texture. $70
Paraduxx, by Duckhorn, Napa Valley - 2005
Bold flavors fill the mouth with black currant, tobacco, dried
herbs and hints of spice. The finish lingers with elements
of toasty oak and black pepper. $85
PreVail, Back 40, Alexander Valley - 2003
Rich aromas of opulent dark fruit and roasted coffee with deftly
applied toasty oak. $150
PreVail, West Face, Alexander Valley - 2003
Displaying deep aromatics of ripe blackberry and red cherry,
Back Forty has a rich mouthfeel that is beautifully concentrated.
$105
Pesant, by Four Vines, Paso Robles - 2003
A potent, fun wine that opens up quickly and lingers for a
long time. $53
Quintessa, Half Bottle, Napa Valley - 2004
Powerful and graceful at the same time. The wine begins with
enticing classic cabernet aromas–cassis, tobacco, and cedar
box, then opens on the palate with a rich rush of sensation.
$125
Quintessa, Rutherford, Napa Valley - 2003
Powerful and graceful at the same time. The wine begins with
enticing classic cabernet aromas–cassis, tobacco, and cedar
box; then opens on the palate with a rich rush of sensation.
$250
Quintessa, Rutherford, Napa Valley - 2004
A dramatic young wine, fleshy and dazzling now for its lush
fruit and oak, although the tannins have a crunchy hardness.
$300
Ramin, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley - 2003
Intense flavors of chocolate and coffee start early, followed
by nice earthy mocha components - finishes subtle and light.
$145
Rodney Strong, Symmetry, Alexander Valley - 2004
The wine opens generously on the palate with layers of blackberry,
cassis and plum framed with accents of dark chocolate and spice.
The finish is persistent and smooth. $105
Rubicon by Coppola, Rutherford Valley - 2003
Rubicon is a powerful wine and will satisfy the most discriminating palate. Year after year one of the best wines. $275
Showket, Asante Sana by Heidi Barrett, Napa - 2004
This “Super Tuscan” style blend has a big fruity, earthy, spicy nose. The Flavors follow with layers of black raspberry and hints of red cherries, cinnamon, peppermint, cola, and honey. $120
Showkett Sangiovese, by Heidi Barrett, Napa - 2003
A Chianti colored brick red wine with wonderful aromas of ripe plum and cranberry ,sweet toasty oak notes add to the aroma. $75
Silverado, 'Sangiovese', Napa Valley - 2005
Deep pomegranate color with cranberry-cherry, violet and pomander in the nose. Flavors of red currant fruit and clove with typical varietal acidity and medium-full body and persistent finish. $35
St Supry, Elu, Napa Valley - 2001
On the palate juicy blackberry, red currant and black cherry notes are well balanced and rich without being overpowering. $120
Stella Maris, Northstar, Columbia Valley - 2002
Just lovely- huge nose of roasting espresso bean and mocha, smooth, rich flavors of black cherry, red currant, big oaky but well integrated tannins. $62
Summerland, Trio - 2005
This wine delivers complex flavors with a pleasing medium bodied finish showcasing red fruits and cedar. A lovely blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. $75
The Scrapper by Vinum, Cabernet Franc - 2005
Deep ruby velvet color with candied bing cherry, mocha and crushed raspberry and Belgian chocolate aromas. The palate leads with concentrated pomegranate nectar. $60
Tofanelli, Napa Valley Charbono - 2003
Cran-raspberry juice, black cherry, black currant, blueberry compote, creamy butterscotch, pie spice, cardamom, white pepper, sandalwood, cedar, violets and tar, cigar tobacco, leather, pencil lead and wet stones and this wine is already showing integrated tannins. $75
Verite, Le Desir, Sonoma County - 2001
Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. A deep claret color is followed by a sweet, black fruit nose. Le Désir’s complex character continues with ripe blackberry flavors that are surprisingly soft given the intensity of the fruit. This wine embodies a truly remarkable integration of wood, acidity, alcohol and tannin. $275
Verite, Le Desir, Sonoma County - 2002
A deep claret color is followed by a spicy floral fragrance, with vanilla and oak notes in the background, characteristic of Cabernet Franc. The balance between the power of the fruit and the subtle complexity of the flavors is captured when bright red cherry notes veer towards darker plum and fig tones, with spice and cinnamon on a very long finish. $330
Verite, La Joie, Sonoma County - 2002
Comprised of 64.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and .3% Malbec, La Joie's deep ruby/purple color is followed by gorgeous aromas of black truffles, scorched earth, tobacco leaves, blackberry and cassis liqueur, and notions of minerals as well as acacia flowers. Robert Parker gave it 98 points. $420
Verite, La Muse, Sonoma County - 1998
Notes of blueberry pie, blackberry, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, broccolli and some 'earthiness' on the nose. Flavours are dark cherry, black plum and just a tiny bid of 'raisin'. Acidity is well balanced, tannins are supple and silky and the oak and alcohol are very well integrated. $395
White Rock, Claret, Napa Valley - 2001
Aromas of very dark fruit with a floral character of rose petal and violet on the nose. Dense blueberry and black cherry in mid-palate balanced by cedary oak. $90
