Featured Wines - Sept 2007

A glint of sun with flecks of yellow and gold, a taste of the sea, and a draught of mountain air, so clean and refreshing, all come center stage in the 2006 Costantini Massarosa. Light, fresh, and utterly satisfying, this Frascati provides the perfect summertime wine. It offers a very pleasant aroma and the savor of summer fruit, a subtle minerality, and a citrus twist, all of which conjure images of the glorious sun-drenched Alban Hills from whe...

The 2006 Lake Sonoma Russian River Chardonnay reminds us of why the Russian River appellation is the most consistent producer of premium Chardonnay in California. This viticultural region turns out a plethora of Chardonnay wines that are just ripe for the picking, and the 2006 Lake Sonoma is one of the fairest pickings of all. The 2006 Lake Sonoma Chardonnay sports a sunshine yellow robe, followed by the scent of tropical fruit and a hint of spic...

The 2004 Can Feixes Chardonnay is a serious candidate for the finest still white wine of Penedès. However, patience is required on the part of the taster to fully appreciate just how great the 2004 Can Feixes Chardonnay is and will be, given additional time in the bottle. However, even in its youth there can be little doubt as to the overall quality of this classy, age worthy Chardonnay that drinks well already, straight out of the bottle and wit...

A soft, delicious rendition of Piedmont's classic variety, the 2006 Villa Giada Surì Barbera d'Asti expresses the hedonistic side of Barbera and highlights the tender qualities of this classic red wine from Asti. The 2006 Surì is scented and savory, like the Barbera wines of yesteryear. And unlike its varietal counterparts from nearby Alba, the 2006 Villa Giada Surì Barbera d'Asti does not try to mimic Barolo – Barbera's big, brooding brother tha...

A lush, hedonistic style of Cabernet, the 2005 Chateau St. Jean California Cabernet Sauvignon contains more than its fair share of sensory pleasure. Plenty of ripe blackberry and cassis fruit, a broad creamy mid palate, a touch of cedar, and a healthy dollop of new oak all come together seamlessly in this wine and add up to one good drinking California Cabernet. Remarkably consistent and utterly pleasing from year to year, the 2005 Chateau St. Je...

Mario Geise enjoys an international reputation as the "King of Carmenère," but he is equally adept with Cabernet Sauvignon and other French varietals, which he demonstrates unequivocally in the 2004 Quinta Generacíon, a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Carmenère, 15 % Syrah, and 5% Petit Verdot. The 2004 Quinta Generacíon from Casa Silva is simply knockout stuff. From the wine's deep purple robe to its long, illustrious finish, the 2004 Quint...

The Cape Mentelle Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon is the progeny of the estate's oldest vineyard and the flagship wine from this outstanding producer. Furthermore, the 2001 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon is simply one of Australia's most balanced and complex renditions of the world's most sought after red varietal. While balance has always been a hallmark of the wines of this splendid Margaret River winery, Cape Mentelle makes full-bodied win...