Featured Wines - August 2008

As one would expect, the 2005 Vistalba Corte C wears a rich, regal robe. Deep purple in color, opaque, and nearly black in its impenetrable center, it would be easy to surmise, at least at first glance, that Vistalba's Corte C was just another forceful, teeth staining Malbec. That is, until one takes the first sniff. Sensual aromas of red and black berries, cedar, cassis, and eucalyptus rise from the glass to cheerfully greet the nose. And upon f...

Authentic Bardolino is the perfect embodiment of all that is good and magical in the wines of Lake Garda and the surrounding Veneto. Cherry colored, light but round, and ohhh so sensual, the 2006 Cavalchina Bardolino offers the taster one of the Veneto's ultimate pleasures. As delicate as Venetian lace and as lusty as a Titian masterpiece, Cavalchina's 2006 Bardolino will have you reaching for a second bottle in no time. Simply stated, the 2006 C...

Jeff Runquist has once again fashioned the quintessential California Petite Sirah in the 2006 R Petite Sirah from the Enver Salman Vineyard. An intensely purple robe the color of a perfectly ripe plum, a knockout nose, and oodles of flavor make it easy to see why Runquist's Petite Sirah from the Enver Salman Vineyard is quite possibly the finest Petite Sirah we have ever tasted. Likewise, it takes no great acumen to comprehend why each of the las...

Pale in color but not in character, the 2008 Cape Rock Sauvignon Blanc displays an amplifying nose of herb, mineral, citrus, and freshly cut grass. Bright and refreshing from the first sip, this Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc offers a lot to like. It fills the mouth with clear vibrant flavor, including hints of tropical fruit and a gentle herbal twist that made the tasting panel beg for more. Ripe, juicy, and sporting a mélange of crisp acidity, ...

Produced from 60-year-old Shiraz vines from the McLaren Vale of South Australia, the 2003 Dog Ridge Vineyard DV7 epitomizes the region's aromatic, full-bodied, hedonistic style of Shiraz and adds further credence to the McLaren Vale's reputation as one of the two leading appellations in Australia (Barossa is the other) for sensational Shiraz. Deep but not impenetrable in color, it may at first glance be mistakenly expected for a lighter, more sub...

The 2005 Turner & Cole Riesling is an excellent example of Eden Valley's success with Riesling and testimony to Henschke's acumen with one of the planet's most complex grape varieties. Furthermore, the winery has stated that "2005 is sure to be ranked as one of the best Riesling vintages on record," and we agree. The 2005 Turner & Cole is a rich, full-throttle Riesling that combines sweet floral aromas, lush fruit, great minerality, and crisp aci...

Grown on hillside vineyards in Frazione San Paolo in Tufo, the 2006 Benito Ferrara Greco di Tufo is an authentic descendant of the original Greco vines brought to southern Italy by the Greeks. Golden in color like the morning sun that kisses the vines, Ferrara's wine is both bright and bold. In its bouquet one smells the scent of lemon oil, the crisp, salty freshness of the sea, a waft of spring flowers, and a distinct minerality — all of which c...