SPARKLING
Codorniu
Pinot Noir Rosé Brut Cava
When Codorniu introduced this Cava in 2001, it was the first Spanish sparkling wine made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes. The result is a wine showing dominant red fruit notes, with a bouquet of raspberries and blackberries. Woodland fruit characters and a crisp citrus finish give this sparkler a notable personality, and its bubbles lend a creamy profile. The rose pairs well with lightly spiced meats as well as honey and balsamic-based sauces. Great with ribs drenched in a sweet barbecue sauce.
Rating: 13.5/20
Price: $15
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WHITE
Bennett Lane Winery
2009 Maximus White Feasting Wine
This Napa Valley white wine is a blend of 87 percent Sauvignon Blanc, 11 percent Chardonnay, and two percent Muscat. Offering aromas of white peach, papaya and orange blossom, this wine displays flavors of mandarin oranges, mango and nectarine. A crisp and elegant body complements layers of fruit and a clean refreshing finish.
Rating: 14/20
Price: $28
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WHITE
Iron Horse Vineyard
2008 Native Yeast Chardonnay
Hailing from the Green Valley region of the Russian River Valley in California's Sonoma County, this Chardonnay is comprised of 38 percent Old Wente, 31 percent Stony Hill and 31 percent Rued clones. This wine is mouthwatering as a result of the use of distinct yeast strains from the winery's Corral Vineyard. This zero-malolactic bottling leads with a nose of honeydew, banana and yeast lees. In the mouth, flavors of tropical fruit are revealed along with creamy texture and balanced acidity. It's a surprising match for foods cooked in butter.
Rating: 15/20
Price: $46
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WHITE
Mirassou Winery
2008 California Riesling
The 2008 Mirassou Riesling was blended with a small amount of Gewürztraminer, giving the wine floral notes on the nose. Crisp fruit aromas are also displayed in this soft and approachable white wine that offers flavors of peach and apple. Naturally firm acid levels make this wine crisp and delicately structured, perfect for pairing with richly sauced poultry or seafood. Its inherent sweetness also makes it a great match for most desserts.
Rating: 13/20
Price: $12
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ROSÉ
RiverAerie
2008 Rosé, Columbia Valley
RiverAerie's practice of saignée, or bleeding, on its Syrahs provides a collateral benefit of producing a small amount of beautifully-colored juice for its Rosé wine. This Columbia Valley, Washington wine is light and fragrant with aromas of berries and cassis. On the palate, flavors of fresh red fruits mingle with hints of cinnamon and anise.
Rating: 12/20
Price: $12
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RED
Bianchi Winery
2006 Signature Selection Petite Sirah, Plummer Vineyard
This Paso Robles offering is a deep, dark Petite Sirah with earthy-coffee and blackberry jam characteristics. Bold and big, the wine is made using a high portion of aggressive American oak barrels for aromas along with some French oak coopered especially for Petite Sirah and Syrah. The 2008 blend includes about five percent of Bianchi's Estate Syrah, adding even more tannic backbone. Try this in-your-face red with some perfectly grilled tri-tip.
Rating: 13.5/20
Price: $22
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RED
Cupcake Vineyards
2007 Petite Sirah
This affordable red wine comes from California's Central Coast, whose cooler climate allows for the Petite Sirah berries to develop soft fruit without the harsh tannins that sometimes accompany the little berries. The 2007 Petite Sirah starts with aromas of pomegranate, boysenberry and blueberries that evolve into soft spice accented by dark chocolate on the palate. With a creamy, rich body, the wine finishes in a long and soft manner. Pair with juicy pork tenderloin.
Rating: 13/20
Price: $12
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RED
Ravenswood
2007 Teldeschi Zinfandel
The Sonoma County Teldeschi Zinfandel is comprised of 76 percent Zinfandel; 22 percent Petite Sirah; and two percent Carignane. Native yeast fermentation, small open-top fermenters, and small French oak cooperage are some of the things that give this Dry Creek Valley wine its power and big flavors. Richly perfumed with scents of black raspberry, apricot, and aromatic spices, this wine exhibits subtle tobacco flavors coexisting with dominant red and dark berry flavors along with sweet plum and vanilla.
Rating: 14/20
Price: $35
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RED
Seven Hills
2006 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley
The Spanish varietal Tempranillo is relatively new in Washington's wine grape growing regions. The grapes in this wine are sourced from two distinct sites: one on a south-facing gravelly slope near Mattawa and the other a terrace of silt loam in the Walla Walla Valley. Both are among the oldest plantings in the Northwest. The fruit was hand-picked under ideal weather conditions. The resulting Tempranillo exhibits a medium-bodied, ripe, accessible style. It shows cherry fruit, with exotic hints of rhubarb, smoke, savory herb and rose petal notes. Vanillin and subtle spice add complexity on the palate of sweet, bright fruit with a clean finish and mild, dry tannins.
Rating: 13.5/20
Price: $20
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DESSERT
Moët & Chandon
Nectar Impèrial NV
Approximately 200 individual crus make up this cuvée, which is a special assemblage of the three grape varieties built around the structure of Pinot Noir. The traditional proportions for Nectar Impèrial are: 50-60% Pinot Noir; 20-30% Pinot Meunier; 10% Chardonnay; and 10-20% vins de reserve. The resulting Champagne offers rich expression of ripe exotic fruits with hints of honey, and exhibits strong fruitiness with a smooth finish. Its subtle sweetness makes this sparkler a perfect pairing for grilled peaches at a BBQ.
Rating: 14.5/20
Price: $40
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