~~ Learn More About the Aficionado Monthly Wine Tasting Winners. Serving Northwest Ohio: Bowling Green, Holland, Maumee, Sylvania and Toledo ~~

2010 Elk Cove Pinot Gris $19.99
90 Pts. Best Buy. "One of Oregon's 50 Best Wines. With scents of sweet pear and almonds, fresh acidity, and flavors of baking spice and ripe peaches that linger on the palate, Elk Cove's 2010 estate pinot gris is a definite crowd pleaser.

Kopke 10 Years Old Port $37.99
From one of the Doruo's top tawny specialists, this 10 year is surprisingly dry and deliciously intense, with a smooth, soft and elegant set of flavors that extend an amazingly long time.

2006 Rodano Chianti Classico $19.99
90% Sangiovese 5% Colorino 5% Canaiolo - A traditional Chianti Classico with earthy, red cherries and hints of tobacco. Medium-bodied with ample fruit on the palate and excellent structure.

2009 Pascual Toso Reserve Malbec $21.99
Silky cinnamon, allspice, violets and black cherry, this Malbec offers savory flavors and promises complexity with age. The 2008 was a Wine Specator Top 100 wine, and the 2009 is even a better vintage!

2010 Orin Swift "Abstract" $29.99
Abstract is a blend of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah primarily from hillside vineyards. The aromas are laced with crushed black fruits and bing cherry. A mouth coating entry leads nicely into a mid palate with excellent structure and balanced acidity. Ripe cherry and strawberry dominate the finish which is clean and long.

2009 Valckenberg Riesling $12.99
Due to its relatively low residual sugar level this Riesling is a refreshing alternative to any other summer wine. Its delicate fruitiness in combination with a crisp tingling acidity makes this wine a delightful partner for any lighter style dishes like seafood, poultry, etc.

2009 Corvidae "Rook" Red Blend $14.99
Corvidae Wine Company's "Rook" blended red wine is a crowd-pleaser. With a robust nose of rich black cherry, mocha, and a whiff of Syrah smoke, this is definitely not a shy wine. Lots of ripe fruit flavors are here, with cassis and plums dominating. It's all kept in balance by ample acidity and chewy tannins.

2009 Domaine Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone $17.99
This Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsaut blend offers lots of aromatic spice, mulled raspberry and melted licorice notes, laced with black tea and sweet spice hints. Features lingering dark fruit on the finish.

2007 Rombauer Carneros Merlot $29.99
Elegant aromas of boysenberry and black cherry join with nuances of vanilla and plum. These aromas lead to a soft and supple mouth-feel, rich with blackberry and toffee flavors. Hints of spice and cranberry are supported by moderate tannins for a smooth finish.

2008 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma Chardonnay $19.99
The 2008 vintage of Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay is now labeled with a Sonoma County appellation, as they've added superior lots of wine from our vineyards in Russian River Valley and Carneros, combined with Alexander Valley fruit. With upfront apple, pear, honey, butter cream, and honeysuckle floral notes, this wine is perfectly balanced with fruit and creamy caramel, marshmallow and a lingering, toasted oak finish.

2009 Gerard Bertrand Corbieres GSM $10.99
Deep, dark core with bright purple edge. Intense nose of red and black fruit with herbacious and floral notes. Deep, layered flavours with intense raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Good, firm tannins lead into long finish.

2007 BV Napa Valley Cabernet $17.99
Smooth and velvety, the 2007 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon brims with dark cherry, blackberry and plum character. Hints of rose, chocolate and toasty oak weave through the enticing aromas and mouth filling flavors, finishing with warmth and spice.

2008 Alias Cabernet Sauvignon $9.99
The 2008 Alias California Cabernet Sauvignon presents darker berries on the nose, but the flavors are surprisingly bright with blueberries, ripe strawberries, and subtle spice on the palate, The toasted oak character sits in the background allowing the spotlight to be on the fruit. Tannins are soft but structured, and there is a nice acidity.

2009 Odfjell "Orzada" Carmenere $19.99
Dark garnet in the glass, this Carmenere smells of wet dirt, pencil shavings, and dried cherries. In the mouth the wine is relatively smooth, with light leathery tannins and cherry. Notes of green fresh herbs appear on the back palate and remain with the tea-like tannins in the finish.

2010 Longshadows "Poet's Leap" Riesling $24.99
Inspired by the greatest wines of Germany and crafted by one of Germany's most highly acclaimed Riesling producers, Armin Diel, proprietor of the renowned Schlossgut Diel. Fresh and pure, this off dry Riesling is loaded with expressive aromatics and flavors of ripe pear, white nectarine, apricot and wet stone minerality. A welcoming richness and vibrant mouth feel, led by the wine's lemon-lime acidity, delivers a clean and lengthy finish. 2009 VINTAGE RANKED #7 IN WINE ENTHUSIAST'S "TOP 100 WINES OF THE YEAR" - 95 PTS

2009 Ch. Les Terrasses De Bouey $9.99
The 2009 Chateau Les Terrasses de Bouey Bordeaux falls under that very hard to find category of good wines for under $15. Not only is under $15, but it's a veritable steal at $9.99 per bottle. This wine features a lovely purple color, somewhere between a medium and full body, nice plum fruit and earthiness with a long, dry finish.

2009 Tangent Sauvignon Blanc $13.99
This vintage is bright and racy, with flavors of passion fruit, pear, lemon and grapefruit. Minerality notes, lively acidity, and green grassy elements balance the wine nicely. It finishes long with a touch of zesty lime. My favorite wine with oysters, it pairs well with most all seafood.

2004 Kiona Reserve Sangiovese $19.99
This complex Sangiovese has layers of flavor: bright cherry aromas with just a hint of leather and earth marries with rich red fruit flavors and zingy acid on the finish.

2007 Mercer Merlot $19.99
Pronounced aromas of cherry and cassis are completed with hints of cocoa and vanilla. In the mouth, spiced berry fruit plays a dominate role in a full-bodied, broad and structured style, finishing with moderate tannins and ripe savory overtones.

2009 Amalaya Red Blend $15.99
A blend of Argentina's flagship red grape variety Malbec, with Cabernet, Syrah and Tannat, this generous, full-bodied red offers sweet fruity aromas, resembling cherries and raspberries, laced with vanilla spice. Velvety smooth, the palate revels in the flavors of redcurrants and plum, and is long and persistent with a strong savory finish.

2009 Margan Family "See Saw" White $11.99
Here we have a serious matching of three white grapes - Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho - which compliment each other in the most excellent way. Chardonnay gives the wine depth and volume, Semillon tangy acidity and a crisp, fresh feel, while Verdelho brightens the wine with tropical fruits. The wine is vibrant, clean and yet just juicy enough to make it a food friendly style.

2009 Louis Changarnier French Pinot Noir $13.99
Louis Changarnier was a vintner for the famous Hospices de Beaune in Burgundy at the end of the 19th Century until he started his own small wine business in Beaune. The winery has expanded beyond Burgundy. This Pinot noir picks up earthy stucture from the Languedoc Roussillon region.

2010 Montaribaldi Moscato d'Asti $12.99
Golden-yellow with pale green tints. Fragance: Rich and intense with scents of sage, rosemary, honey and orange blossoms. Taste: Sweet and fragrant with well balanced acidity and CO2 intensifying the afternose sensations which remind of the grapes flavor. This beautiful, slightly spritzy and off dry selection from Piedmont, is an ideal Summer Aperitif Wine. Enjoy with fresh fruit, shellfish or a range of cheeses.

Huber Sweet Marcella $9.99
This concord wine is named in honor of our grandmother "Marcella Huber". This American and versatile grape is sweet like grape jelly. However, the extended maceration time gives this wine a balanced acidity.

For its humble price this over delivers with fragrant black cherry aromas, ripe, round, savory fruit on the palate, and excellent depth and length. The 2009 Venta Morales is 100% Tempranillo raised in stainless steel. Deep crimson-colored, it emits aromas of spice box and fragrant black cherry. On the palate licorice and other black fruits emerge leading to a finish with no hard edges.

100% all estate grown Chardonnay. Fabulous everyday wine, refreshing, lively, medium bodied, with a hint of sweetness. Fruit forward with lush flavors of tangerine and honeydew melon with a pleasing crisp finish. 90% Stainless aged along with 10% French Oak

This multifaceted, raffish Cabernet, though not all from the estate vineyard, has Red Mountain's signature structure, nicely balanced by aromas and flavors of cassis, violets, plum, and smoke.

The wine is Antinori's idea of a value-oriented super Tuscan, blending Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. It blends Old World acidity and earthiness with New World texture and richness. I wasn*t disappointed. It was supple and slightly jammy but had excellent structure and fine tannins, with lots of smoky plum and fresh licorice notes.

The name, "Twisted Spur", is an hilarious play on words: "spur" both refers to spurs on boots--Bootjack Ranch, but also to "wine geek alert" the spurs on grape vines, which are the little knobs on the vine arms resulting from winter pruning and from which the yearly shoots grow. The "twist" is the non-traditional blend: primarily the Right bank of Bordeaux staples Merlot (59%) and Cabernet Franc (27%), but with a dose of Syrah and Petite Sirah added to mix things up. The resulting wine is a rich, heady red loaded with plum and cassis aromas. On the palate, the wine picks up hints of baking spices, oak and tobacco.

This Chenin Blanc is gown in clay and limestone. The harvest is carried out at the cold temperature of the morning, and the grapes are directly pressed on arrival at the winery. Fermentation is carried out in stainless-steel tanks in our cellar. The wine is matured at cold temperature on its lees for eleven months before bottling.

The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc bursts with tropical notes of mango, lemon, lime, citrus, lychee, pineapple, and guava. The wine has good minerality and balanced acidity and ends with a long finish.

This Valckenberg Dornfelder is a silky, sweet red with flavors of cherries and vanilla. Low tannins with a very smooth finish.

This Ribera Del Duero has a red cherry color. The nose offers floral notes with aromas of ripe wood berries with hints of vanilla and liquorice. The finish has a rounded structure and is persistent in the mouth.

This classic, versatile single vineyard Zinfandel is sourced from an older, well established vineyard in Windsor where the fruit is exposed to a bit of morning fog. Consistent with previous vintages, the 2008 displays a deep color, lush raspberry fruit highlighted by hints of vanilla, and a long seductive finish.

Due to its relatively low residual sugar level this Riesling is a refreshing alternative to any other summer wine. Its delicate fruitiness in combination with a crisp tingling acidity makes this wine a delightful partner for any lighter style dishes like seafood, poultry, etc.

This smooth Chenin Blanc has pineapple, melon and peach fruit, delicate structure and good minerality. The racy acidity makes it great with your Easter ham!

The Tupungato Valley is a cool area within the Mendoza Valley of Argentina. The winery is located at a bit more than 3,000 feet of elevation. The cooler climate of the Tupungato allows for more aromatic and elegant wines, this wine offers excellent value. Full, rich wine with layers of berries, jams and a creamy, supple finish.

This wine shows ripe blackcurrant and bramble fruits alongside notes of chocolate, vanilla and spice from the 18 months spent in barrels.

Intense ruby red color, this well structured wine presents aromas of red berries, blueberries and blackberries, with notes of vanilla. The palate is complex and stylish with soft tannins and a long lasting red berry finish.

The 2005 Coyam is composed of 45% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 11% Carmenere, and 3% Petit Verdot. Black fruit such as berries, cassis, and forest fruits, delicately blended with oak and soft mineral notes. Well-balanced volume, soft, round tannins, and a long finish.

In Alsace, there are two different grape varities to produce Pinot Blanc. Auxerrois is very juicy and always ripe. It brings fruitiness and volume to the wine. Pinot Blanc, drier and more acidic, brings freshness and backbone to the blend.

Inky dark red with a rich ruby rim, this wine shows floral notes of violets and fruit aromas including blackberry, cherry, and blueberries. The bouquet presents hints of sage and spice. Bold on the mid-palate, the front fruit flavors highlight blueberries, currants, and blackberries with some floral notes, including rose petals. The long and supple finish is rich with fine-grained tannins and a dynamic acidity.

Seduction is a proprietary red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley appellation. Polished and layered, with complex wild berry, black cherry, plum and spice that offer richness and depth to the espresso laced toasty-oak. Dense fruit, plush, round tannin and balanced acid develop dimension that is persistent and compelling.

This ruby-red wine showcases the hallmarks of Monterey County Pinot Noir. The nose exhibits distinctive aromas of black cherry, cola and sweet oak. Flavors of rich, ripe berries, vanilla and spice wrap around the tongue, carried well into the finish by a core of zesty acidity and smooth, silky tannins.

The color of this wine is a vibrant rich red It has a nose of ripe cherries, rich spices and licorice with some vanillin undertones, derived from the extended maturation in new and old American oak. On the palate the flavors explode in a fusion of complex oak and well integrated tannins with a backbone of ripe black plums.

A dark opaque ruby red, in France Malbec is known as "the black wine" and the Urban Uco Malbec lives up to that name. The nose is not fruit based, it's spicy and rich exotic spices, a flowering Magnolia tree, with the scent of a newly mowed lawn. Medium bodied, dark red fruit, at first, then blueberry followed by a touch of spice.

Tawny port imported from southern Australia. Matured in small oak barrels at the Penfolds Kalimna Tawny Cellar, located in the Barossa Valley. Amber-brown color with dark red rim. Aromas of dried fruit, vanilla and caramel. Flavors of ripe spicy fruit, toffee and walnuts.

2008 Albert Bichot Pommard $56.99

This deep ruby red wine is delicate with intense aromas of blackberry, strawberry, violet and rose. It has good body and peppery tannins. Food: This wine will accompany red meats, poultry and mild cheeses. Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

The Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the best Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hill and Yakima Valley appellations. Aromatically the wine shows plum, blueberry, red and black currants along with violets, cedar, graphite, subtle dried herbs and a touch of sandalwood and spices. The wine enters the palate with round, spicy sweet fruit, carries good weight on the mid palate and shows a fruit flavor spectrum of red currants to the blue and black fruits with tertiary flavors of truffles, anise, cola, tobacco and bit fresh and dried herbs. The wine has a long finish that is layered with lush, fine grained tannins followed by a graceful acidity.

2009 Molly Dooker "Two Left Feet" $27.99
The 2009 Two Left Feet is 14% Merlot, 18% Cabernet, and 68% Shiraz.
Supple and generous, a full-on burst of dark berry, black cherry, licorice and tar aromas and flavors that power through a long and focused finish.

2007 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot $49.99
A product of the exceptional 2007 growing season, this wine's hearty tannins and balanced acidity provide a textural framework for an enticing array of aromas and flavors that begin with notes of bright red cherry, plum, tobacco, vanilla and anise. On the palate, layers of fig, red currant, almond, cedar and sweet spice are revealed, along with a subtle doughiness that lends to an appealing mouthfeel. The final wine has been blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Petit Verdot to add nuance and depth.

2006 Provenance Cabernet Sauvignon $40.99
With lively aromatics and rich, complex flavors, the 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon captures the famous attributes of Napa Valley's famous Rutherford region. The wine's aromas open with lush black cherry and blackberry character, infused with subtle hints of mocha, flinty minerality and black tea. Its expansive fruit flavors are packed with ripe berry, currant and plum with dark chocolate and toffee nuances that persist on the palate. Balanced acidity and ripe, muscular tannins frame the midpalate flavors.

NV Mumm "Cuvee M" Sparkling Wine $19.99
This is a delicious sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. It's very rich in strawberry, raspberry and lime flavors, with vanilla and toast complexities, and the finish is honey-sweet and spicy. Great price for a bubbly this elegant.

2008 Hahn Meritage $14.99Cherry, chocolate and cedar on the nose; with blackberry and raspberry flavors up front that expand and develop into notes of plum and spice.

2009 Orin-Swift "Abstract" $24.99Abstract is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah primarily from hillside vineyards in Sonoma County. The aromas are all berry and black fruits, with neatly integrated caramelized oak. A huge entry coats the mouth. The wine has tons of weight on the mid-palate and is dense with layers of ripe cherry and strawberries. The finish is laced with long soft tannins that go on and on.2008 Apothic Red Winemaker's Blend $11.99This Syrah, Zinfandel and Merlot blend reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of blackberry and dark cherry layered with hints of mocha, chocolate and brown spice. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.

This vintage opens with rich cherry notes, punctuated by sweet tobacco and orange peel tones. With the first sip, a mouth-watering jammy quality is immediately evident, with fresh cherry flavors joined by orange peel and tea leaves. A lovely balanced acidity and sturdy tannins round out the mouth.

2008 Pascual Toso Reserve Malbec $21.99
This Malbec's complexity in aromas and flavors denotes plums, cherries, and a touch of violet and vanilla. It is an elegant wine with a great round long finish. It is without a doubt a wine to enjoy. Delicious!

Opaque purple-colored with legs that ooze down the glass, it displays a reticent bouquet that with coaxing reveals wood smoke, violets, black currant and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with a glossy texture, succulent fruit, and excellent concentration.

2006 Poggio Amorelli Chianti Classico $14.99
This Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese and has an intense deep ruby red color. It is fresh and persistent with notes of violets and vanilla. The palate is full with notes of blackberry and raspberry and has a good balance between softness, acidity and tannins.

The 2007 Merlot Reserve is a glass-coating opaque purple. The nose offers up coffee, mocha, and cherry leading to a wine with no hard edges and plenty of character. If all Merlots offered this much pleasure, On the nose, the Santa Ema is effusive: sweet mocha, ripe red and dark fruits, fig compote all compete to grab your attention, and just when you think you*ve assimilated the array of aromas, a trace of nutmeg reveals itself with a deeper whiff.

2008 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
Aromas of dried blueberries and choke cherries, cocoa, spiced nuts, and clay follow though on a bright, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with great depth, smoothness and balance. Long, creamy chocolate and tropical citrus finish. A great, hedonistic, and seamlessly balanced zin for every occasion.

2006 Delectus "Argentum" Red Blend $25.99Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Syrah. This wine opens with warm spices, nutmeg and clove, and folds into black cherry with some dustiness and crushed rock elements. The palate is round with nice layers of earthiness, lemon rind and ripe plums. The wine is deeply concentrated, coats the mouth and finishes beautifully.

2009 Fat Barrel Sauvignon Blanc $12.99Bright bracing acidity frames traditional fresh green citrus flavors. A very direct wine, its mineral core speaks directly to the stony vineyards from which it comes. Not overly herbaceous or grassy, its soft balanced acids support a clean palate of grapefruit and fresh gooseberries.

2007 Chateau Du Pavillon Bordeaux Rouge $14.99This Bordeaux combines quality of the product and finesse of the barrels. A nose of vanilla and mature red fruits. In the mouth there is a beautiful harmonious and equilibrated structure, for a round wine with a seductive finish.

2007 Covington Cellars Columbia Valley Cabernet $34.99A deep, concentrated wine with fresh blackberry, dark cherry and black currant. Expressive and balanced, with dark fruit flavors persisting across a long, generous finish.

Produced 100% from the Harvey Vineyard, America's oldest Zinfandel Vineyard documented as existing in 1869. "Vineyard 1869" was planted in the days when horses were used for cultivation. This ancient vineyard is non-irrigated, stand alone head pruned vines that fully express the Amador Zinfandel terror.

The 2008 Can Blau is a blend of Carinena, Syrah, and Garnacha from Montsant, where value can still be found. Inky purple in color with sexy aromas of blueberry and boysenberry compote are complemented by cinnamon and a subtle smoky undertone. Gains weight and richness with air, picking up notes of mocha and candied flowers.

This wine is a special project made by McNab Ridge for Tramonte & Sons. This sweet red is not cloying or sticky, and finishes in a refreshingly vibrant way that would make for an ideal chilled summer red. Slightly sweet with a long raspberry finish.

Released November 2009. Pommard clone. Light apricot color in the glass. Interesting aromatic nuances of papaya, peach, coconut and paraffin. Seductive and understated on the palate with pleasing flavors of white peaches, honey, cookie dough, almonds and lychee. Very creamy with bright acidity and polished tannins.

2007 Las Rocas Garnacha $16.99Dark ruby in color, this wine delivers alluring aromas of spice box, mineral, cherry, and black raspberry. Layered on the palate, it has superb depth, succulent flavors, and a pure, lengthy finish. It will provide pleasure over the next three years.

2008 Ascheri Gavi di Gavi $16.99100% Cortese grapes. This wine has assertive notes of smoky quartz, lime, and hints of floral tones. This Piedmont white has a silky texture accentuated by a ripe fruity nose. The fruit is a bit earthy and the flavor is simple yet intense with a long finish. Excellent as an aperitif, pairs well with shell fish hors d'oeuvres, fish and clear soups.

2009 Francis Coppola Sofia $14.99A blend of Grenache and Syrah, the fruit for our rose is grown in the cool vineyards of Monterey County, where the growing seasons are typically long and the soils impart upon the grapes bright red fruit flavors and nuances of violets. In 2009, the weather was decidedly mild throughout the season, which allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and fully without damage from rain or frost. This year's Sofia Rose demonstrates bright fruit flavors and pronounced aromatics.

2007 Baron de Luze Bordeaux $10.99This Bordeaux is a soft, smooth claret showing crisp victoria plum and blackcurrant fruit with an herbal note behind. Subtle oak spice and a delicious savoury finish round out the wine.

2008 Travis Chardonnay $15.99This non-malolactic, non-oaked, stainless steel-aged Chardonnay represented by importer Dan Kravitz is a consistent value pick. The medium-bodied 2008 exhibits loads of pear, orange blossom, and lemon custard-like notes along with a hint of minerality, good acids, plenty of flavor, and surprising body as well as length.

This red blend is led by blackberry and toasty notes, Zachary's Ladder shows a great balance of fruit, oak and integrated tannin. Albeit a "Big" wine at 15% alcohol, its rich and creamy texture makes it a very hedonistic and very drinkable wine.

A blend of 70% Grenache and 20% Syrah with some Carignan & Cinsault, this wine offers an amazing value for an old-vine Southern Rhone wine at a very affordable price! The name comes from the town of Le Barroux (in Provencal said "Lou Bar Rou"), Where the grapes for this wine are grown.

The 2008 Cabernet is crafted from carefully selected grapes to yield an intense, deeply colored wine of concentrated aromas and flavors. Bright black cherries lead the charge, followed by dusty cocoa and roasting coffee beans. Dense texture and a fine sense of balance enhance the pleasing aromatics of blackberry, currants, vanilla bean and dark chocolate.

This delicious light pink colored sparkler displays fine bubbles loaded with aromas and flavors of sweet cherries and fresh picked strawberrries. It is light to medium bodied, lively, fresh and explosively fruity! Great for your next pool party!

2008 Cline "Cashmere" Red Blend $15.99
Cline Cashmere is a silky and wonderful blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, and Syrah. Cashmere is a very flavorful, smooth wine offering big cherry, raspberry and chocolate notes with hints of cracked black pepper and plum. Enjoy with foods and friends of distinction. Cline Cellars is a proud sponsor of Breast Cancer Network of Strength's Ride to Empower.

2007 MacRostie Carneros Chardonnay $17.99
Beautiful pale straw gold in color, the aromas are reminiscent of lime oil and creme brulee. In the mouth there is lush baked apple and ripe mango, with a hint of cinnamon toast. It finishes with a good deal of weight, but still light on its feet.

2008 Robert Hall Orange Muscat $16.99
A vivid yellow-gold in color, this wine entertains the senses with fresh citrus and orange blossom aromas with a touch of sweet ginger spice echoed by bright, sweet tropical fruit flavors. Medium-bodied, the Orange Muscat features a balancing crisp acidity that brightens the finish. Pair with spicy cuisine, as an accompaniment to dessert or as an aperitif.

2008 Brazin OV Lodi Zinfandel $14.99
Once your eyes glimpse Brazin's deep and inky color, they'll alert your other senses to fasten their seat belts. Big, bold aromas of spice and mocha fill your nose, while intense flavors of plum and chocolate, rich tannins and vanilla mocha notes rock your palate. Brazin is not a wine to be rushed. Don't be afraid to savor its long, lingering finish.

2008 J.K. Carriere "Glass" White Pinot Noir $24.99
A lazy summer evening patio is the perfect place for the aptly named J.K. Carriere "Glass" Willamette Valley White Pinot Noir. Yes, white Pinot noir, or rather, an unpretentious, utterly dry and serious rose. It's fashioned in the manner of a turn-of-the-century rose Champagne, with no bubbles, a slight spritz and a luscious ripe sip-of-summer taste.

2008 Firelands Riesling $10.99
Firelands Vineyards are located on North Bass Island, also called the Isle St. George. This wine is slightly sweet tasting and crisp with banana and apple aromas and flavors that keep singing to the finish.

2007 Les Trois Couronnes Vacqueyras $14.99
70% Grenache 20% Syrah 10% Mourvedre - The Vacqueyras appellation is just south of the Rhone Valley. This wine has soft fruit aromas with a hint of liquorice. It has soft tannins and is full bodied with a spicy, ripe fruit finish.

2008 Provenance Sauvignon Blanc $19.99
#56 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2009
The 2008 Provenance Vineyards Estate Sauvignon Blanc shows off layered aromas of white peach, cantaloupe, caramel, vanilla and nutmeg. Its crisp, dry flavors of tropical fruit and lemon meringue pie are richly textured from sur lie aging. This beautifully balanced wine combines creaminess with fresh acidity that adds vibrancy to the fruit-intense finish.

2007 X Winery "Red X" North Coast $12.99
60% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Zinfandel
Dark ruby color with a nose full of wild cherry, cinnamon toast, cashew, cranberry, and a hint of blueberry. This bold blend weaves together an array of harmonious flavors and aromas with finesse achieved through years of experience. The finish features soft and supple tannins with good astringency.

Garnet with rosemary and cherry aromas. This wine is intense yet, extremely refined with persistent spicy cherry fruit and an underlying herbaceous tone. Medium tannins provide a silk smooth finish.

Wine Spectator Top 100 Wine! Appearance: Golden straw with brilliant luminosity. Aroma: Fresh pear, peach blossom, lime, grapefruit, and floral notes. Flavor: Lively citrus, peach, tropical fruit, mineral, and honey. Mouthfeel: Crisp entry, nice texture, long finish.

The 2007 Can Blau is purple-colored with a nose of cedar, mineral, baking spices, blueberry, and black cherry. This leads to a full-bodied wine with layers of flavor, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a pure, fruit-filled finish. It will be at its peak from 2010 to 2018.

No. 62 on Wine Spectator's 2009 Top 100 List! This wine is sleek and tangy, showing apricot, lime and mango flavors matched to a lively structure. There's nice harmony and persistence through the finish.

2007 Taft Street Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $19.99
Pure Pinot Noir flavors are at the forefront of this offering. Distinctive mushroom and sage are evident, and a lively acidity brings the wine into harmony. This sleek Pinot has a firmness which stays attractive in its lengthy finish.

Ripe, rich fruit from the Napa Valley and the North Coast of California's wine growing region, blended in a proprietary formula guaranteed to put a smile on your face and bring back the joy of discovering a hidden gem at the dinner table.

This wine is a favorite for people who like to balance the sweet with a spicy finish. A lovely, light white wine with a refreshing tropical zest on the palate. This wine is ideal for drinking at any occasion!

This Washington State wine show's a forward bright red fruit with well developed structure, a long finish and velvety mouthfeel that gives away the aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, nutmeg sweet oak and spices. The finish show's intricate flavors of raspberries, ripe cherries and unsweetened chocolate.

2006 Tierra Secreta Malbec $14.99
Deep purple in color, Tierra Secreta Malbec is concentrated and complex. Aromas of ripe red fruit and violet lead to full-bodied flavors of cherries, blackberries and black plum, rounded out with tobacco and spice. Velvety in texture, this wine is smooth and easy to drink. The finish is long and lively, with a hint of cedar and vanilla from aging in French and American oak.

2007 Larochette Macon Morizottes $14.99
This is how Chardonnay should taste. The wine is delicate in the best sense of the word. It has a certain creaminess that comes from the fruit rather than from oak but as with all the best Maconnais, it is light, refreshing and delicious. When you compare this wine to other Chardonnays available in the same price range, it blows them away.

2005 Markham Merlot $22.99
Cola, vanilla and cherry jam aromas are most prominent, but layers of toffee, toast and rasberry fruit really create excitement. Fleshy plum flavors are rounded out with velvety tannins and a wonderful creamy texture.

2006 Allegrini Valpolicella $17.99
60% Corvina Veronese, 35% Rondinella and 5% Molinara This fruity Valpolicella offers luscious aromas of cherry, herbs, chocolate and mocha, with a medium body and balanced acidity. Lively and easy to drink, with moderate tannins and a bright, vivacious color, this wine is best enjoyed young to appreciate the exuberant and intense fruitiness.

Penfolds "Grandfather" Tawny $69.99
In 1915, an oak cask containing a blend of the finest tawnies the Penfolds company possessed was set aside for the exclusive use of the Penfold family. This became known as 'the Grandfather' due to the great age of the oldest tawnies in the blend. Penfolds Grandfather Liqueur Tawny, a blend of the finest old tawnies and aged in small oak casks, honours this proud tradition and is Australia's leading example of this style. The rich yet delicate fruit character harmonises perfectly with pronounced aged rancio complexity to produce a truly remarkable aged liqueur tawny.

This wine is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. The wine introduces itself dressed in beautiful claret color. It carries on its conversation with notes of cherries infused with caramel and hints of boysenberry. With its silky smooth finish, this congenial companion will comfortably blend in with any occasion. Like its past vintages this award winning wine continues to be a crowd pleaser.

2007 Marquis Philips Shiraz $14.99
Scarlet red with a purple rim. Rich blueberries, blackforest cake and vanilla sugar on nose. Intense dark berry fruit, tar, chocolate and coffee on palate with hints of licorice smoky caramel, raspberry and cherry.

2005 Steltzner Cabernet Franc $39.99
Nice bright red fruit flavors dominate up front giving way to darker notes of blueberries enhanced with vanilla and baking spices.

Louis Roederer has been synonymous with the world's great Champagnes since 1776. Brut Premier is the House's flagship multi-vintage Champagne and its most popular and best-selling wine. It's the Champagne that sets the house style for this esteemed producer. A bouquet of fresh baguette and toasted barrel with a hint of chalkiness. Very citrusy on the palate with lemon and lime flavors laced with youthful acidity. Zesty, dry finish has a steely edge.

Bordeaux blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet in color with enticing aromas of dark cherry and black plum with a dark chocolate background and notes of sage and black tea. Appealing and complex. Elegant, well-structured mouthfeel, with cherries, rich chocolate, black pepper and vibrant plum flavors filling the palate.

2007 Darting Spatlese Riesling $23.99
This is almost sultry; lots of deep peach and orange fruit astride a malty spice.

2006 Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer $22.99
Light straw color. Rich aroma, lots of the litchee fruit character that's a standard descriptor for Gewurz, with a heady floral backdrop of roses. Unctuous, good acidity; communicates itself to me as rather sweet, but the illusion seems to come from richness, not sugar: Sparr says it contains only 1.3 percent residual sugar.

2007 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino $32.99
The Uccelliera Rosso is highly limited in production, featuring an unusually powerful nose. This med-red colored wine is filled with aromas of crunchy dark cherries and black currants, compounded by smoky and tobacco notes. Pure and unctuous in the mouth with loads of fruit and glycerin.

Still made in the traditional way and at the original strength - one of the few examples left of what cream sherry should taste like. Deep amber in color with the taste of sweet raisins, dates and figs. Rich sweet ripe fruit that lingers smoothly and seductively. A powerful balance of sweetness, richness and maturity. Serve at cool room temperature and drink As a dessert wine or as a digestive at the end of a meal.

The wine is brimming with fruit aromas and flavors biased to the black fruit end of the cabernet spectrum: plums, blackberry, black currant. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, this cabernet drinks well on release but will soften and develop with additional age.

This Muscat is made from Brown Muscat grapes, harvested at peak ripeness and fortified to give an aromatic spirit lift. Carefully matured in the Cellars at Seppeltsfield, this wine is fragrantly spiced with floral and rose petal aromas. The taste is rich and luscious. Try it with your favorite cigar while eating a little apple crisp with vanilla ice cream!

This wine is made from 50 year old vines of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. The town of Visan has hilltop vineyards comprised of clay, stone and lime. The wine is aged without filtration. The apperance is dark ruby with violet highlights. The nose is fruity with some spice. The wine is structured with red fruits on the palate. This wine is made for the cellar. The tannins will soften over the next 5 years bringing the wine into total balance.

Notes of sweet plums and pepper dominate the nose, while flavors of blueberry, raspberry, cinnamon, and black pepper pack the palate from start to finish. The silky-smooth tannins hold the wine together and deliver a soft, fruit driven experience.

Concannon Limited Release Petite Sirah is an intense wine with vibrant berry fruits and a rich, full palate. The wine starts with attractive aromas of ripe berries, creamy oak and a touch of spice. This Petite Sirah is full bodied, yet it has a firm and balanced structure with hints of toasty oak and vanilla on the palate. There's plenty to sink your teeth into now as the finish is quite lasting and memorable. Break out the steaks with this delightful wine!

The key words for this wine are balance and grace. There is a sensuality to this wine that really brings unique excitement to one's highest calling for the grape, Pinot Noir. Look for rose petal powered red fruit like cherry and raspberry fruit aromas. This is the "feminine" power that only Pinot Noir can capture in a wine glass. The mouth-feel is seductive and creamy textured with red fruit, spice, and violet floral perfumed flavors. Rich, long, and enticing this Pinot Noir keeps on giving. The wine begs one to enjoy another glass leaving you feeling light and joyful.

This wine Washington State wine has cherry, cedar and herbal flavors with a nice acidity. The finish is complex with a bit of tannin structure which makes it age worthy up to 8 years in the cellar. Enjoy with your favorite pizza or pasta dish.

Regal aromas of cherry, berry and cassis, and classical varietal notes of cedar and tobacco leaf are augmented by black pepper and mint. Full-bodied with superb structure, it has intense fruit and cocoa flavors, and a lingering, silky finish.

August 2009 Wine Tasting Winners

One of the top Chilean Cabernets, aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Intense ruby in color with red fruits evocations of blackcurrant, chocolate and cigar box, in balance with well-integrated oak (French Alliers fine grained oak). Of great complexity in the mouth, in mid palate is full bodied and balanced with a lasting persistence and a remarkable finish. Although a superb wine as it is, it may also be considered as a great wine for cellaring.

A lightly sparkling, Japanese junmai sake infused with all-natural Asian flavors. Ginger-Mango - sensual fruit with a clean finish. A refreshing alternative to beer, wine and cocktails.

This wonderful crisp, intensively expressive wine offers nuances from start to finish with layers of green apple, citrus, and ripe melons with hints of grassy floral notes. Stainless Steel fermented this perfectly balanced wine provides a clean, crisp finish.

This Pinot Noir comes from the Santa Maria Valley. Cooling ocean breezes give Garey Vineyards wines finesse, balance and wonderful berry flavors. This brightly colored lightly scented red wine opens with a very inviting strawberry like bouquet. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is smooth as silk, well balanced, with complex and delicious lush cherry flavors along with some plum and integrated vanilla on the back palate. The finish is dry and has gentle tannins that run on like a marathon.

July 2009 Wine Tasting Winners

2007 Peirano "The Other Red" $12.99
Aromas of blackberries and plums are complemented by spice, toasty oak and cedar notes. Upon washing this liquid across the palate, a wave of sweet black cherries and boysenberries, with a hint of smoky, dark oak lead to a long, totally seductive, finish. A great expression of this variety, this wine will gently knock your socks off. "The Other" is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of cuisine.

Scagliola Petali di rose Brachetto $22.99
Brothers Maggiorino and Mario Scagliola produce this lightly sweet, frizzante red wine from the unusual Brachetto grape. It unleashes intense flavors of wild berries on the palate, and gorgeous aromas of rose petals on the nose, hence the name Petali di Rose.

2006 North by Northwest Cabernet Sauvignon $27.99
This wine has aromas of blackberry, currant, black pepper, and tobacco leaf. The palate is full of blackberry, caramel, black pepper, currant, anise, and roasted coffee. Enjoy!

2007 Domaine Coussergues Viognier $12.99
Clear yellow color. Intense and fruity bouquet of apricot and pear, white flowers, licorice nuances. Supple and well-balanced, fruit flavors. Excellent with seafood, lobsters and Asian food.

2008 Heidi Schrock Furmint $29.99
The 2008 Furmint from Heidi Schrock in Rust, Austria was one of the most fascinating wines among a sea of Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings. Blooming with acacia flowers and honeysuckle in the effusive nose, then citrus with grapey feline notes and beeswax on the palate sprinkled with gingerbread spices, delivering both savory and fruity in the same gulp, clean acid balance, carrying long and sleek, steely ending with a crisp and dry finish.