Our April Wine List is out
Aroma Thyme Bistro
WHITE WINE HALF BOTTLES
CHARDONNAY, Macon Blanc, Laboure Roi 2003 $16
Burgundy, France
CHARDONNAY, Chablis, Drouhin 2005 $18
Chablis, France
CHARDONNAY, Puligny-Montrachet, Giradin Vieilles Vignes 2005 $38
Burgundy, France
CHARDONNAY, Evans & Tate 2004 $22
Margaret River, Australia
CHARDONNAY, Pine Ridge Dijon Clones 2003 $25
Carneros, Napa, California
CHARDONNAY, Grgich Hills 2004 $40
Napa Valley, California
VIOGNIER, Fess Parker 2004 $22
Santa Barbara County, California
SAUVIGNON BLANC, Crossings 2005 $16
Marlborough, New Zealand
ZIND, Zind Humbrecht 2004 $32
Alsace, France
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut (NV) $40
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec (NV) $40
Reims, France
MOSCATO di Asti, Michele Chiarlo, Nivole (NV) $19
Asti, Italy
MOSCATO, Mionetto il (NV) $18
Veneto, Italy
PINOT GRIGIO, Vigna Baldo 2005 $16
Umbria, Italy
Sparkling SHIRAZ, Peter Rumball (NV) $24
Coonawarra, Australia
RED HALF BOTTLES
MERLOT, Pine Ridge Crimson Creek 2001 $23
Napa Valley, California
MERLOT, MacRostie 1999 $23
Carneros, Napa Valley, California
PINOT NOIR, Au Bon Climat, 2006 $36
Santa Maria, California.
PINOT NOIR, Rex Hill, 2005 $36
Willamette Valley, Oregon
PINOT NOIR Calera Mills Vineyard, Mt. Harlan 2002 $39
Napa Valley, California
PINOT NOIR, Sinesky Los Carneros 2005 $39
Napa Valley, California
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Dry Creek 2003 $22
Napa Valley, California
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Grgich Hills 2001 $49
Napa Valley, California
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Turnbull 2003 $38
Oakville, Napa Valley, California
126 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Stag’s Leap Artemis 2004 $49
Napa Valley, California
164 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MERLOT & PETIT VERDOT 2002 $49
Ridge Home Ranch, Santa Cruz, California
SYRAH, Clos LaChance 2003 $21
Central Coast, California
ZINFANDEL, Grgich Hills 2002 $31
Napa Valley, California
ZINFANDEL, Cline Ancient Vine 2005 $22
Contra Costa County, California
GRAVES, Chateau Puy Boyrein 2004 $22
Bordeaux, France
CHIANTI, Castello di Bossi, Classico 2001 $22
Chianti, Tuscany
MERLOT, Lazio, Falesco Montiano 2001 $37
Lazio, Italy
116 AMARONE, Allegrini 2000 $65
Valpolicella, Italy
150 SHIRAZ, d’Arenberg, The Dead Arm 2004 $61
McLaren Vale, Italy
SPARKLING
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Brand Brut NV ½ Bottle $40
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec NV ½ Bottle $40
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Heidsieck & Co Monopole Rose NV $69
Epernay, France
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label Brut NV $80
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Jacquart, La Cuvee Nomaine 1988 $130
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot, La Grande Dame 1996 $180
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne 1998 $195
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Krug, Brut 1995 $295
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Roederer, Cristal Brut 2000 $295
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Roederer, Cristal Rose 1995 $675
Reims, France
MOSCATO, Michele Chiarlo Nivole NV ½ Bottle $19
Asti, Italy
MOSCATO, Mionetto il NV ½ Bottle $18
Veneto, Italy
PROSECCO, Zardetto NV ¼ Bottle $9
Valdobbiadene, Italy
PROSECCO, Rustico NV $29
Valdobbiadene, Italy
PROSECCO, Mionetto Brut NV $29
Valdobbiadene, Italy
PROSECCO, Sergio MO NV $36
Valdobbiadene, Italy
PROSECCO, Perlage Riva Moretta Frizzante NV $29
Valdobbiadene, Italy
PROSECCO, Bellussi NV $32
Valdobbiadene, Italy
PROSECCO, Coli di Manza (the worlds only biodynamic Prosecco) NV $39
Valdobbiadene, Italy
SAUMUR , Bouvet (Chenin Blanc) NV $32
Loire Valley, France
SPARKLING SHIRAZ, Peter Rumball NV ½ Bottle $24
Coonawarra, Australia
WHITE WINES, Chardonnay, Godello & Chenin Blanc
Chardonnay - Chardonnay is a white wine which can range from clean and crisp with a hint of varietal flavor to rich and complex oak-aged wines. Chardonnay typically balances fruit, acidity and texture. This varietal goes well with everything from fish and poultry to cheeses, spicy foods and nut sauces.
H CHARDONNAY, Macon Blanc-Villages, St. Armand 2002 ½ Bottle $16
Burgundy, France
H CHARDONNAY, Chablis Drouhin 2005 ½ Bottle $23
Burgundy, France
180 CHARDONNAY, Meursault, Joseph Matrot Les Chevaliers 2002 $60
Burgundy, France
H CHARDONNAY, Evans and Tate, Margaret River 2003 ½ Bottle $16
Western Australia
182 CHARDONNAY, Fess Parker, Ashley’s Vineyard 2005 $55
Santa Barbara, California
194 CHARDONNAY, Chateau Potelle, Mt. Veeder 2005 $59
Napa Valley, California
196 CHARDONNAY, Foxen Tinaquaic Vineyard 2006 $59
Santa Maria Valley, California
H CHARDONNAY, Grgich Hills 2004 ½ Bottle $40
Napa Valley, California
175 CHARDONNAY, Kistler, Les Noisetiers 2004 $96
Sonoma County, California
191 CHARDONNAY, Chalk Hill Estate 2004 $72
Sonoma County, California
184 CHARDONNAY, MOUNT EDEN VINEYARDS, 2004 $90
Santa Cruz Mountains, California
500 CHARDONNAY, Colli du Poianis, 2006 $38
Colli Orientali Del Friuli, Italy
500 CHARDONNAY & GRECO BIANCO 2006 $45
Calabria, Italy
The Chenin Blanc grape is best known for its use in the Loire Valley of France. There, it is used to make Vouvray. It is also planted in the Central Valley area of California. Chenin Blanc is a white grape that produces crisp, balanced wine that ages well.
Chenin Blanc tends to taste of apples, pears, tropical fruits. It tends to be dry to semi-dry, and goes well with chicken, seafood, and fish. It can age for 2-5 years.
500 CHENIN BLANC, Origine Selections 2005 $29
Loire Valley, France
Godello is a Spanish varietal, known for grapefruit flavors and a certain degree of spiciness. This example comes from the Bierzo region. Has no added sulfites!
500 GODELLO, Abad Dom Bueno 2007 $31
Bierzo, Spain
WHITE WINES, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Riesling & Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) - The low acidity of this white varietal helps produce rich, lightly perfumed wines that are often more colorful than other whites. The best ones have pear and spice-cake flavors.
WBG PINOT GRIGIO, DeCanal 2006 $24
Veneto, Italy
H PINOT GRIGIO, Vigna Baldo 2005 ½ Bottle $16
Umbria, Italy
800 PINOT GRIGIO, Brancott 2007 $32
North Island, New Zealand
800 PINOT GRIGIO, Jacob’s Creek 2007 $32
Australia
500 PINOT GRIGIO, Colli di Poianis 2005 $39
Colli Orientali di Friuli
Viognier was a rare type of grape brought to Condrieu, on the northern Rhône, over 2,000 years ago by the Greeks or Romans. It was only planted in California a mere 20 years ago. It is now predominantly found in the Rhône valley and California. Viognier is extremely difficult to grow and therefore is only used by few vineyards. Viognier is becoming a favored white wine, as its depth of character and complexity is greater than the current white favorite, Chardonnay. Viognier is noted for spice, floral, citrus, apricot, apple and peach flavors. It typically produces medium bodied wines with relatively high acids and fruit.
500 VIOGNIER, Punta Pays 2006 $28
Maipo Valley, Argentina
800 VIOGNIER, Fess Parker 2005 $40
Santa Barbara County, California
H VIOGNIER, Fess Parker 2004 ½ Bottle $22
Santa Barbara County, California
Riesling - Rieslings are white wines known for their floral perfume. Depending on where they're made, they can be crisp and bone-dry, full-bodied and spicy or luscious and sweet. The flavor is often of peaches, apricots, honey, and apples and pairs well with duck, pork, and roast vegetables.
500 RIESLING, Louis Sipp 2003 $34
Alsace, France
500 RIESLING, Zind Humbrecht Turckheim 2004 $56
Alsace, Franc
500 RIESLING, Royal Rheingau, RRR 2004 $29
Rheingau, Germany
600 RIESLING, Dr. Konstantin Frank Semi-Dry 2006 $34
Finger Lakes, NY
600 RIESLING, Soho Cellars NV $25
New York State
Gewurztraminer - Gewurztraminer is a white grape that produces distinctive wines rich in spicy aromas and full flavors, ranging from dry to sweet. Smells and flavors of litchi nuts, gingerbread, vanilla, grapefruit, and honeysuckle come out of this varietal. It is often a popular choice for Asian cuisines and pork-based sausages.
WBG GEWURZTRAMINER, Robertson Winery 2006 $26
Robertson Valley, S Africa
WHITE WINES, Sake & Sauvignon Blanc
Sake is, at its simplest, a concoction of rice, water, and mold. Because of this, the type of rice used, the purity of the water, and other basic quality standards make a huge difference in the type of sake created. The rice is often polished down, removing the surface imperfections. This polishing also removes fatty acids - some companies claim the more fatty acids removed, the less of a hangover the drinker gets.
WBG SAKE, NIGORI (unfiltered) Momokawa, Pearl NV 750ml $29
Oregon
700 SAKE, NIGORI Snow Beauty NV 300ml $19
Japan
700 SAKE, NIGORI Murai Family, Genshu NV 720ml $43
Japan
700 SAKE, JUNMAI Hakushika, Fresh & Light NV 300ml $19
Japan
WBG SAKE, JUNMAI GINJO Momokawa, Diamond NV 750ml $29
Oregon
700 SAKE, JUNMAI GINJO Murai Family, Tanrei NV 720ml $45
Japan
700 SAKE, JUNMAI DAIGINJO Hakushika NV 300ml $37
Japan
Sauvignon Blanc has been used for centuries in France, and came to California in 1878. In the US it is sometimes called "Fumé Blanc", a name first coined by Robert Mondavi to play up its smoky flavors. The sales of the wine under this new name now exceed sales under the original name. New Zealand is now known as one of the top producers of sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc has pronounced flavors of a herbal variety, with grassy and apple flavors, plus olive and a soft, smoky flavor. They can be anything from sweet to dry, but are typically very light. Sauvignon Blancs tend to be crisp and acidic, helping the wine cut through heavy food flavors. It pairs well with seafood and chicken. It will stand up to thick sauces and stews. And is great cocktail wine.
800 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Brancott Festival Block 2007 $44
Marlborough, New Zealand
800 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Discovery 2006 $32
Marlborough, New Zealand
800 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Babich 2006 $32
Marlborough, New Zealand
800 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Selaks 2006 $32
Marlborough, New Zealand
800 SAUVIGNON BLANC, White Haven 2006 $36
Marlborough, New Zealand
800 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Highfield 2006 $39
Marlborough, New Zealand
193 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Rudd Oakville 2005 $59
Napa Valley, California
190 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Cakebread 2006 $59
Napa Valley, California
500 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Blanco Nieva 2006 $30
Rueda, Spain.
500 SAUVIGNON BLANC, SEMILLON & MUSCADELLE
Chateau Haut-Pasquet 2005 $29
Bordeaux, France
WHITE WINES, Vermentino, Torrontes, Muscadet, Albarino, Alsace & Brachetto
Vermentino is a late-ripening white grape originating in Spain or Madeira, or perhaps Portugal, and now widely planted in Corsica, Sardinia, and the coastal arc running from Tuscany through Liguria and into southern France, around Nice (where it is known as Rolle). It is thought to be related to the Malvasia variety and to have been have been brought to Italy in the fifteenth century during the period of Spanish domination.
800 VERMENTINO, Argiolas Costamolino 2005 $31
Sardinia, Italy
Torrontes is the characteristic white wine grape of Argentina, producing fresh, aromatic white wines.
TORRONTES, Santa Julia 2005 $29
Mendoza, Argentina
Muscadet is a type of dry French white wine. It is made at the western end of the Loire Valley, near the city of Nantes in the Pays de la Loire region neighboring the Brittany Region. More Muscadet is produced than any other Loire wine.
In terms of tastes Muscadet tends toward bright citrus (lemon, lime) and mineral notes.
500 MUSCADET, Domaine Saupin, de Sevre et Maine 2006 $29
Loire Valley, France
The Albarino grape is noted for its distinctive aroma, suggesting crisp apricot and peach. The wine produced is unusually light, and generally high in acidity.
500 ALBARINO, Rias Baixas, Salneval 2005 $24
Valle Del Salnes, Spain
Alsatian wine has a long history. The wine producing region of Alsace in France primarily produces white wines. Its wines, which have a strong Germanic influence. Both dry and sweet white wines are produced, and are often made from aromatic grapes varieties.
H AUXERROIS, CHARDONNAY & PINOT GRIS
Zind, Zind Humbrecht 2004 ½ Bottle $32
Alsace, France
Brachetto is a grape variety found in Piedmont, Italy which is used to make both red and rosé wines.
The most notable wine here is the red Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG which is made in both still and spumante (fully sparkling) versions.
BRACHETTO D’ ACQUI, Banfi, Rosa Regale (sparking rose) 2005 ¼ Bottle $9
Acqui, Italy
WHITE WINES, Greenache, Mead, Rose & Roschetto
Grenache Blanc is a variety of white wine grape that is related to the red grape Grenache. It is mostly found in Rhône wine blends. Its wines are characterized by high alcohol and bright acidity, with citrus and or herbaceous notes.
500 GRENACHE BLANC, MARSANNE & ROUSSANE
L’Archet Cuvee Occitane 2005 $44
Languedoc, France
Mead is a fermented alcoholic beverage made of honey, water, and yeast. Meadhing is the practice of brewing honey. Mead is also colloquially known as "honey wine".
600 HONEY MEAD, Honeyrun Elderberry NV $25
California
"Sweet and Delicate on the palate with candied ginger, burnt sugar, and candied dried fruit of pineapple and orange, sweet fruit. On its own, chilled or over ice," Sante Magazine May 2004.
600 LITCHI WINE, VinLiz NV $27
China
700 ROSE, Whitecliff Vineyards (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) NV $25
New York State
500 ROSCHETTO, Falesco Ferantano 2005 $49
Umbria, Italy
10,000 Years Ago ...
Ice Age glaciers sculpted a beautiful land where earth meets water to soften the air, creating ideal conditions for growing grapes.
400 Years Ago ...
Dutch settlers planted vines on a small island in this new world, followed by Englishmen on a different island to the east, and French immigrants in a river valley to the north.
175 Years Ago ...
A winery was established in that valley, followed by others further west in a region of spectacular lakes.
30 Years Ago ...
The land carved by glaciers had 19 wineries. Today there are over 200.
Welcome to the new world of world-class wines ...
Welcome to New York!
CHARDONNAY, Whitecliff Reserve 2005 $39
New York State
CHARDONNAY, Rivendell Soho 2004 $36
New York State
VIDAL BLANC, Whitecliff 2006 $32
New York State
RIESLING Dry, Rivendell 2006 $32
Finger Lakes, New York
CAYUGA WHITE, Adair Vineyards 2007 $29
Hudson Valley River Region
SEYVAL & VIDAL BLANC
Awosting White, Whitecliff NV $32
Hudson Valley River Region
SEYVAL & CHARDONNAY, Chateau Lafayette Reneau NV $29
Finger Lakes New York
SEYVAL, VIDAL AND VIGNOLES
Adair Vineyards, Dutch Barn White 2006 $29
Hudson Valley River Region
REGIONAL FRENCH RED WINES
The region of Bordeaux, France is the largest region of quality wine growing in the world. Bordeaux is made up of five main districts - Medoc, St. Emilion, Pomerol, Graves, and Sauternes. While Medoc and the entire region are best known for their reds ("Clarets"), white wines also have their place. Graves creates dry whites, and Sauternes is known for its sweet whites.
When people just say "Bordeaux wine", they typically mean the classic red blend. The red Bordeaux are created with Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The color tends to be a garnet/ruby shade. The flavor is typically intense varying between powerful to light and racy, with blackberry, black currant, oak derived vanilla, and other notes.
H GRAVES, Chateau Puy Boyrein 2004 $22
Bordeaux, France
39 PERISSAC, Chateau La Rose Tour Blanche 2005 $30
Bordeaux, France
130 LISTRAC-MEDOC, Chateau Clarke 2003 $55
Bordeaux, France
42 ST-EMILION, Domaine de Jacques Blanc 2000 $38
Bordeaux, France
182 ST-JULIEN, Chateau Lalande 2000 $60
Bordeaux, France
Burgundy is known as Bourgogne in France, and has a long history in winemaking. Each sub-region of Burgundy is so different from each other that it is hard to address the region as a whole, and to make any sweeping generalities. The flinty, classic Chablis flavor is made solely with Chardonnay grapes, while the freshness of Beaujolais Nouveau comes from the fruity Gamay. From the Cote D’Or (golden slope) comes the worlds most famous and expensive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
153 CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY Vincent Giradin, Vieilles Vignes 2003 $87
Burgundy, France
38 GEVREY CHAMBERTIN, Bouchard Aine & Fils 1999 $42
Burgundy, France
152 SAVIGNY LES BEAUNE, Bruno Clair Premier Cru 2002 $108
Burgundy, France
33 GEVRY CHAMBERTIN, Laboure-Roi 2005 $49
Burgundy, France
44 VOLNAY, Bouchard Aine & Fils 1999 $42
Burgundy, France
151 VOLNAY-SANTENOTS, Thierry et Pascale Matrot 2003 $67
Burgundy, France
201 POMMARD, Domaine de la Vougeraie 2005 $90
Burgundy, France
200 GEVREY CHAMBERTIN Dupont Tisserandot Les Cazetiers 2005 $150
Burgundy, France
110 MAZIS-CHAMBERTIN, Maison Champy 2004 $210
Burgundy, France
7 MOULIN-a-VENT, Beaujolais Deboeuf 2005 $36
Burgundy, France
REGIONAL FRENCH RED WINES
The Rhone Valley is well known for its spicy, fiery red wines, although it does make a very small amount of white and rose wine as well. The Rhone is in the southeast of France, from Vienne to the north to little Riez in the south. Perhaps best known of all Rhone wines is the Hermitage wine, created in the northern section of the Rhone valley.
20 COTES DU RHONE, La Cabotte 2005 $32
Rhone, France
Châteauneuf du Pape: The Châteauneuf du Pape is the most famous Côtes du Rhône wine. The "Coteaux" (slope) of Châteauneuf du Pape is lie between the towns of Orange and Avignon , in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence. The Popes used to have their summer residence in Châteauneuf du Pape. The wine is made from Syrah, Grenache and up to 11 other varietals. Mostly Red wines, they tend to be powerful and richly colored.
173 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Chateau De Beaucastel 2003 $155 Rhone, France 112 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Chateau De Beaucastel 2004 $155 Rhone, France
145 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Chateau De Beaucastel 2005 $165
Rhone, France
213 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Louis Bernard 2000 $58
Rhone, France
214 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Domaine Paul Autard 2003 $62 Rhone, France
The Rhone Rangers are a group of winemakers who promote the use of grape varieties from the Rhône Valley in the south of France. They are mostly based in the Central Coast of California and are now organized into a not-for-profit organization for the promotion of wines containing at least 75% of the 22 Rhône grape varieties.
14 SYRAH, GRENACHE & MOURVEDRE
LE CIGARE VOLANT, Bonny Doon 2001 $50
California
115 SYRAH, GRENACHE & MOURVEDRE
LE CIGARE VOLANT, Bonny Doon 1993 $95
California
132 Boekenhoutkloof, The Chocolate Block 2004 $90
Western Cape, South Africa
REGIONAL FRENCH RED WINES
29 SYRAH, GRENACHE & CINSAULT
Chemin Moscow 2004 $45
Vin de Pays D’ oc, France
25 GRENACHE, SYRAH, CARIGNAN, MOURVEDRE & CINSAULT
L’Archet 2005 $39
Vin de Pays D’ oc, France
Minervois is an AOC in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. The wines of the Minervois appellation are red and are produced from Carignan (which can account for no more than 40% of the blend), Grenache, Lladoner Pelut, Mourvedre, and Syrah grapes.
36 MINERVOIS, Chateau Oupia, Les Heretiques 2004 $26
Provence, France
ITALIAN RED WINES, Barolo, Brunello & Sagrantino
Barolo is a section of Piedmont, Italy, southwest of Alba. While wine in Italy is timeless, Barolo came about in the 1800s when the Marchesa Giulietta Colbert Falletti started making wine out of Nebbiolo grapes. Nowadays, there are 3,000 acres of Nebbiolo producers in the towns of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Cherasco, Diano d'Alba, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Novello, Roddi, and Serralunga d'Alba.
140 BAROLO, Marchesi di Barolo 1970 $350
Piedmont, Italy
141 BAROLO, Marchesi di Barolo 1982 $295
Piedmont, Italy
142 BAROLO, Marchesi di Barolo 1988 $275
Piedmont, Italy
211 BAROLO, Michele Chiarlo 1998 $71
Piedmont, Italy
135 BAROLO, Michele Chiarlo 1999 $71
Piedmont, Italy
Brunello is a wine that is made with the Brunello clone of the sangiovese grape, a classic grape of Italy. Brunello wines are aged in oak and often need to age for a while to soften those tannins. There are three types of Brunello wines: Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino & Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
124 BRUNELLO, Belpoggio 2001 $89
Montaleino, Italy
154 BRUNELLO, La Magia Reserva 1997 $106
Montaleino, Italy
136 BRUNELLO, La Magia Reserva 1999 $96
Montaleino, Italy
143 BRUNELLO, Castello Banfi 1999 $139
Montaleino, Italy
113 BRUNELLO, Castello Banfi Summus 2003 $139
Montaleino, Italy
Sagrantino is an Italian grape varietal that is indigenous to the region of Umbria in Central Italy, and makes some of that region's most distinctive wines.
Once made in highly tannic style, today these wines are much lighter and more approachable when young. The bouquet is one of dark, brooding red fruits with hints of plum, cinnamon, and earth.
17 SANGRANTINO & SANGIOVESE
Montefalco Rosso, Brogal 2003 $35
Umbria, Italy
22 SAGRANTINO, Vignabalbo 2002 $48
Montefalco, Italy
ITALIAN RED WINES, Chianti, Amarone & Montepulciano
Chianti comes from the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. Only wines from this region can properly be called Chianti, although some other areas are using the name on their labels. Chianti was first identified as a wine in the 13th century. Its primary red grapes are Sangiovese and Canaiolo.
H CHIANTI (Sangiovese), Castello di Bossi Classico 2001 ½ bottle $22
Tuscany, Italy
125 CHIANTI (Sangiovese), Lucius Reserva 1999 $49
Tuscany, Italy
16 CHIANTI (Sangiovese), Villa Caffagio Chianti Classico 2004 $44
Tuscany, Italy
24 CHIANTI (Sangiovese), Malenchini Ristretto di Ligliano 2005 $29
Chianti, Italy
Amarone della Valpolicella, or Amarone for short, is created in the Venetian region of Italy. Originally there was only one legal region, or DOC, for the Valpolicella name. These wines are made with the Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. Two sub-groups emerged, though - recioto, which is a sweet dessert wine, and Amarone, which is a dry red wine with great body.
Both recioto and Amarone are made with grapes that have been dried on racks, bringing out their flavors. In 1991 these two were granted their own DOCs. The land area encompassed by these three DOCs is the same, but the types of wine are quite different.
116 AMARONE, Allegrini 2000 ½ Bottle $65
Valpolicella, Italy
Montepulciano is the name of a red grape that is planted in central Italy. It is grown in Tuscany, but it is most widely known for its use in Abruzzi.
163 MONTEPULCIANO, Zaccagnini San Clemente 2001 $68
Abruzzo, Italy
Wines produced from Aglianico tend to be full bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, making this a wine that has aging potential. The rich flavors of the wine make it appropriate for matching with rich meats such as lamb.
43 AGLIANICO, Rivera Castel, Cappellaccio, Riserva 2001 $37
Del Monte, Italy
ITALIAN RED WINES, Super Tuscan, Southern
Super Tuscans
The term "Super Tuscan" describes any Tuscan red wine that does not adhere to traditional blending laws for the region. For example, Chianti Classico wines are made from a blend of grapes with Sangiovese as the dominant varietal in the blend. Super Tuscans often use other grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, making them ineligible for DOC(G) classification under the traditional rules.
In the 1970s Piero Antinori, whose family had been making wine for more than 600 years, decided to make a richer wine by eliminating the white grapes from the Chianti blend, and instead adding Bordeaux varietals (namely, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). He was inspired by a little-known (at the time) Cabernet Sauvignon made by relatives called Sassicaia, which openly flouted the rules set down for traditional wines in Tuscany. The result was the first Super Tuscan, which he named Tignanello, after the vineyard where the grapes were grown. Other winemakers started experimenting with Super Tuscan blends of their own shortly thereafter.
Because these wines did not conform to strict DOC(G) classifications, they were initially labeled as vino da tavola, meaning "table wine," a term ordinarily reserved for lower quality wines. The creation of the Indicazione Geografica Tipica category (technically indicating a level of quality between vino da tavola and DOCG) helped bring Super Tuscans "back into the fold" from a regulatory standpoint.
215 SUPER TUSCAN, Malenchini Bruzzico 2003 $49
Tuscany, Italy
114 SUPER TUSCAN, Casa Di Cornia, L’Amaronto 2000 $49
Tuscany, Italy
144 SUPER TUSCAN, Sette Ponti, Oreno 2003 $225
Tuscany, Italy
165 SUPER TUSCAN, Sette Ponti, Oreno 2004 $250
Tuscany, Italy
Southern Italian blend
Another example of the use of the Indicazione Geografica Tipica classification is the Tormaresca Estate’s Neprica, blending southern varietals Primitivo and Negroamaro with Cabernet.
28 PRIMITIVO, NEGROAMARO & CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Tormaresca, Neprica. 2006 $29
Apulia, Italy
RED WINES, Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the name of both the grape and the wine it produces. Cabernet is known as one of the world's finest red wines, with its depth of complexity and richness of flavour. Other names for this grape and wine are Petit Cabernet, Petit Vidure and Vidure, and in Italy, Uva Francese.
Cabernet is grown all over the world - South America; Australia; Lebanon; Long Island, NY; Northern California; and of course France. The grape is very durable and adapts to various climates well. The two areas of Bordeaux, France that use this grape - Médoc and Graves - have only grown it since the 18th century.
176 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Axios 2001 $195
Napa Valley California
35 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Robertson, Bon Cap 2005 $32
South Africa
55 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Bonterra 1997 3 Liter $140
North Coast, California
13 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Charles Krug, Yountville 2004 $48
Napa Valley, California
H CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Dry Creek 2003 ½ Bottle $22
Dry Creek Valley, California
146 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Grgich Hills 2001 ½ Bottle $49
Napa Valley, California
166 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Joseph Phelps 2004 $72
Napa Valley, California
H CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Merryvale Starmont 2002 ½ Bottle $24
Napa Valley, California
111 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Pine Ridge Oakville 2002 $125
Napa Valley, California
156 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Silver Oak, Alexander Valley 2003 $89
Alexander Valley, California
126 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Stag’s Leap, Artemis 2004 ½ Bottle $48
Napa Valley, California
54 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Stone Hedge 1997 5 Liter $450
Napa Valley, California
H CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Turnbull 2003 ½ Bottle $38
Oakville, Napa Valley, California
174 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Worthy Sophia’s Cuvee 2003 $59
Napa Valley, California
123 CABERNET SAUVIGNON & MERLOT Franco Todini Nero Della Cervara 2003 $65
Umbria, Italy
164 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MERLOT & PETIT VERDOT 2002 $49
Ridge Home Ranch
Santa Cruz, California
27 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MERLOT & PETIT VERDOT
Rosemount Traditional 2002 $39
South Australia, Australia
2 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MERLOT & SHIRAZ
Punters Corner Triple Crown 2002 $36
Coonawarra, Australia
RED WINES, Malbec & Merlot
Malbec is a red grape that is popular in Argentina and Chile. While it was once grown in Bordeaux, it use has declined in recent times. This black grape creates a rustic, mid-bodied wine, but is most often used in blending with other wines. In Argentina it is almost the most-planted red grape, and is the third most planted in Chile.
Malbec goes well with pizza, pasta, roast and grilled meats such as chicken, beef or turkey. Malbec can be aged for up to 5 years typically
9 MALBEC, Nieto Senetiner 2005 $29
Mendoza, Argentina
Cabernet Franc is one of the major varieties of red wine grape in Bordeaux. It is mostly grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but is also vinified alone, particularly in Chinon in the Loire.
Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon (of which it is a parent), contributing finesse and a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes. Depending on growing region and the style of wine, additional aromas can include tobacco, raspberry, and cassis, sometimes even violets.
31 CABERNET FRANC, Hazlitt Vineyards 2005 $36
Finger Lakes, New York
47 CABERNET FRANC, Anthony Road 2006 $36
Finger Lakes, New York
53 CABERNET FRANC, Colli di Poianis 2006 $45
Colli Orientali Del Friuli, Italy
Merlot is the name of a red grape which traces its ancestry to the biturica variety. This was brought to France in the first century. The "Merlot" grape was not named as a distinct variety until the 1800s. It is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal.
Not quite as harsh as other reds, merlot has less tannin than a Cabernet and can therefore be drunk earlier. It is mellow but still complex, a bit chewy. Merlot is known for the flavors of plums, black cherry, violets, and orange. It is a perfect match for beef and other medium-heavy dishes. Try some with a rich, red pasta dish, or even a heavy chicken dish. Merlot is also an excellent compliment to chocolate.
H MERLOT, Pine Ridge Crimson Creek 2001 ½ Bottle $23
Napa Valley, California
H MERLOT, MacRostie 1999 ½ Bottle $20
Napa Valley, California
1 MERLOT, Cline Cellars Jacuzzi Vineyards 2004 $39
Sonoma, California
131 MERLOT, Providence 2001 $45
Carneros, California
204 MERLOT, Stag’s Leap 2004 $67 Napa Valley, California
206 MERLOT, Duckhorn 2004 $79
Napa Valley, California
133 MERLOT, Jade Mountain, Paris Vineyard 2000 $63
Mt. Veeder, California
H MERLOT, Falesco, Montiano 2001 ½ Bottle $37
Lazio, Italy
RED WINES, Petite Sirah
The Petite Sirah grape creates a rich red wine. The Petite Sirah grape is separate from the Sirah / Shiraz grape even though the names are similar. The Petite Sirah grape is descended from the Duriff Rhone grape of France. For most of its history, Petite Sirah was only used to blend into other wines. The grape gained a lot of attention in the 1970s because of the general red wine push, and because of its full, tannic taste.
Petite Sirah is predominantly planted in California, where it does well. Petites are anything but petite - they tend to be big, strong, muscular, and, well, purple.
Typical flavors include plum, raspberry, blackberries, and black pepper. The wine tends to go well with stronger meats - game, beef, lamb, and spicy sauces. Petite Sirah can be drunk fresh from the bottle or aged for a more mellow flavor - its high tannin content makes long aging worthwhile.
7 PETITE SIRAH, Frey Vineyards 2003 $32
Redwood Valley, Mendocino, California
19 PETITE SIRAH, David Bruce 2004 $39
Central Coast, California
6 PETITE SIRAH, Epiphany, Rodney’s Vineyard 2003 $39
Santa Barbara, California
It was only recently, in the early 1990s, that Pinot Noir began to be grown in quantity in California, Oregon, Australia and New Zealand. Pinot Noir grows best in cool climates. It is known as an extremely difficult grape to grow and to make into wine.
A Pinot Noir's color can be any of a range of colors - from cherry red to purple-red and even brown as the wine ages. Typical flavors include earth, leather, vanilla (from the oak), and jam ... the fruity flavors of the jam often taste like raspberry, strawberry, and plum.
Pinot is the great alternative red because it is both light in body and full flavored. Pinot Noir can go well with almost anything, salmon, pasta, beef & game. While some pinot noirs are meant to be drunk immediately, a fine Pinot Noir can easily age for 10 years or more.
H PINOT NOIR, Calera Mills Vineyard, Mt. Harlan 2002 ½ Bottle $41
Napa Valley, California
30 PINOT NOIR, Dr. Konstantin Frank NV $38
Finger Lakes New York
104 PINOT NOIR, Calera Mills Vineyard, Mt Harlan 2002 $80
Napa Valley, California
H PINOT NOIR, Domaine Drouhin 2004 ½ Bottle $36
Willamette Valley, Oregon
H PINOT NOIR, Sinesky Los Carneros 2005 ½ Bottle $39
Napa Valley, California
120 PINOT NOIR, David Bruce 2004 $82
Santa Maria Valley, California
162 PINOT NOIR, Sinesky Los Carneros Four Vineyards 2004 $82
Napa Valley, California
210 PINOT NOIR, Melville Santa Rita Hills 2005 $57
Santa Rita, California
102 PINOT NOIR, Melville, Carrie’s Vineyard 2005 $81
Santa Rita, California
RED WINES, Tempranillo, Bobal, Priorat, Menciu,Tinta de Toro
Tempranillo is a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape". Its name is the diminutive of the Spanish temprano, a reference to the fact that it ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes.
Tempranillo wines can be consumed young, but the most expensive ones are aged for several years in oak barrels. The wines are ruby red in color, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb.
23 TEMPRANILLO, Santa Julia, Organica 2006 $31
Mendoza, Australia
40 TEMPRANILLO, Ardales Noble 2004 $34
Castilla, Spain
121 TEMPRANILLO, Vina Mayor Reserva 1996 $76
Rivera Del Duero, Spain
21 TEMPRANILLO, Cosme Palacio y Hermanos 2001 $36
Rioja, Spain
Priorat is county in Catalonia, Spain. "Priorat històric," produces the famous and prestigious wine of the Denominación de Origen Calificada Priorat. Wines from elsewhere in the county are denominated as Montsant.
171 GENACHE, CARIGNAN, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SYRAH & MERLOT
PRIORAT, Rotllan Torra, Tirant 2003 $180
Priorat, Spain
Bobal is native to the Utiel-Requena region in Valencia, Spain. The name derives from the Latin bovale, in reference to the shape of a bull’s head. It is grown predominantly in the Utiel-Requena DO where it represents about 90% of all vines grown.
160 BOBAL, Mustiguillo Quincha Corral 2004 $112
Utiel-Requena, Spain
Mencia from Leon, Abad Dom Bueno makes this sulfite free wine, aged in French and American oak, and exhibits blackberry and vanilla flavors with a long finish.
57 MENCIA, Abad dom Bueno 2005 $36
Bierzo, Spain
58 TINTA DE TORO, Piedra Estancia 2000 $46
Douro, Spain
Carinena is another ancient wine growing region with roots in Roman times. Garnacha (Grenache) is the most common grape grown, but modern minded winemakers are blending Cabernet and other varietals in search of explosive wines with the power and cut that have become the desired international style.
59 CABERNET BLEND, Gran Viu Seleccion, 2001 $62
Carinena, Spain
RED WINES, Shiraz & Syrah
Shiraz and Syrah are both names for the same red wine grape. This grape is most definitely NOT the same as Petit Sirah, a different red wine grape grown mostly in California.
The Shiraz / Syrah grape is called Syrah in the US, France and many countries. In Australia it is called Shiraz, where it is considered the finest red wine grown there. Shiraz is certainly the most widely planted red grape in Australia. Now that Shiraz has become well known and popular, some wineries in the US who are making an "Australian style wine" with this grape are calling their wines Shiraz as well.
Shiraz goes very well with beef and other hearty foods. It also goes well with Indian, Mexican, and other spicy foods.
H SYRAH, Clos LaChance 2003 ½ Bottle $21
Central Coast, California
41 SYRAH, Benziger 2002 $36
California
5 SYRAH, Turnbull, Oakville Estate 2003 $59
Napa Valley, California
155 SYRAH, A Donkey and Goat, Vidmar Vineyard 2004 $63
Yorkville Highlands, California
161 SYRAH, Jade Mountain, Paras Vineyard 1999 $68
Mt. Veeder, California
101 SYRAH, Pax, Adler’s Spring 2004 $180
Mendocino, California
8 SYRAH, Foxen, Williamson-Dore Vineyard 2004 $72
Santa Inez Valley, California
4 SHIRAZ, Jacob’s Creek, Reserve 2003 $45
South Australia, Australia
34 SHIRAZ, Pirramimma 2003 $45
McLaren Vale, Australia
12 SHIRAZ, Torbreck, Woodcutters 2004 $42
Barossa Valley, Australia
150 SHIRAZ, d’Arenberg, The Dead Arm 2004 ½ Bottle $61
McLauren Vale, Australia
18 SHIRAZ, Cimicky, Trumps 2004 $39
Barossa Valley, Australia
216 SHIRAZ, Hently Farm, The Beauty 2005 $120
Barossa, Australia
103 SHIRAZ, Clos Otto 2005 $180
Barossa Valley, Australia
11 SYRAH, Mas Des Avelans 2005 $34
Vin de Pays du Gard, France
RED WINES, Syrah Blends & Zinfandel
26 SYRAH & CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Kuyen, Alvaro Espinoza Duran 2004 $40
Maipo Valley, Chile
3 SHIRAZ, CABERNET SAUVIGNON & MERLOT
Robin Vale 2002 $36
North West Victoria, Australia
Red Zinfandel is an "American Classic" wine. It was even originally thought to be made of native Californian grapes. Research has now shown that the zinfandel grape originated in Italy, but this wine is now primarily grown in California. Zinfandel grows its best in cool, coastal locations.
The color of a zinfandel wine is deep red, bordering on black. Zinfandel is a spicy, peppery wine, with a hint of fruity flavor - berries or dark cherries are often the taste range. Zinfandel goes well with "typical American" food - pizza, burgers, etc. It's hearty enough to match up with thick red sauces.
H ZINFANDEL, Ggrich Hills 2003 ½ Bottle $31
Napa Valley, California
10 ZINFADEL, Coates 2003 $36
Humbolt County, California
37 ZINFANDEL, Rancho Zabacho Sonoma Heritage Vines 2005 $39
Sonoma, California
212 ZINFANDEL, Chateau Potelle, VGS 2004 $68
Mt. Veeder, Napa, California
RED WINES, Carmenere & Grenache
The Carménère grape is a wine grape variety originally planted in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, where it was used to produce deep red wines and occasionally used for blending purposes in the same manner as Petit Verdot.
Now rarely found in France, the world's largest area planted with this variety is in Chile in South America, with more than 4,000 Hectares (2006) cultivated in the Central Valley. As such, Chile produces the vast majority of Carménère wines available today and as the Chilean wine industry grows, more experimentation is being carried out on Carménère's potential as a blending grape, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Carménère wine has a deep red color and aromas found in red fruits, spices and berries. The tannins are gentler and softer than hose in Cabernet Sauvignon and it is a medium body wine.
WBG CARMENERE, Morande Limited Edicion 2002 $32
Maipo Valley, Chile
122 CARMENERE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON & SYRAH
Antiyal, Alvaro Espinoza Duran 2003 $73
Maipo Valley, Chile
Grenache is probably the most widely planted variety of red wine grape in the world. It ripens late, so needs hot, dry conditions such as those found in Spain and in the south of France. It is generally spicy, berry-flavored and soft on the palate with a relatively high alcohol content, but it needs careful control of yields for best results. It tends to lack acid, tannin and color, and is usually blended with other varieties such as Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault.
Grenache is the dominant variety in most Southern Rhône wines, especially in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where it is typically over 80% of the blend. In Australia it is typically blended in "GSM" blends with Syrah and Mourvèdre.
32 GRANACHA (Grenache), Menguante Old Vines 2005 $31
Carinena, Spain
FUN STATISTICS
1 grape cluster = 1 glass
75 grapes = 1 cluster
4 clusters = 1 bottle
40 clusters = 1 vine
1 vine = 10 bottles
1200 clusters = 1 barrel
1 barrel = 60 gallons
60 gallons = 25 cases
30 vines = 1 barrel
400 vines = 1 acre
1 acre = 5 tons
5 tons = 332 cases
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