Wine Tasting Notes

Note: This is a list of wines that we typically carry, but stock may vary depending on availability. Also, we frequently have new wines that may not yet have made it onto this list.
Don't see your favorite wine? Just ask us. We'll be happy to try and locate it for you and order it in with a 3-bottle minimum order.

Sections:

Reds
Whites

REDS


3 Girls
2005 Cabernet
Three Lodi California vineyards came together to develop this wine of ripe, dark berry fruit with smoke and vanilla notes. Fullbodied, sweet fruit and cream textured.

14 Hands
2006 Cabernet
This Washington State Cabernet features aromas of cherries and currants with subtle hints of spice and dried herbs. Fresh flavors of red fruit are complemented by a touch of cocoa and accentuated by fine, round tannins.

A By Acacia
2006 Pinot Noir
This wine offers aromas of violets, spice and black cherry with hints of vanilla. The medium-bodied palate includes rich flavors of dark fruits - plum, black cherry. The mid-palate presents dark fruit flavors and fine tannins leading to a finish of dark fruit and spice with a hint of oak.

Biagio
2003 Chianti Riserva
Reflects the tradition of Tuscan winemaking. Aged in oak, full-bodied and dry with a complex final touch of cherries and pepper. Excellent with roasts, game and duck.

Bivio
2006 Chianti
Richly textured with blackberry and raspberry flavors, notes of violet and toasted almond leading to a lush, satisfying finish.

Bivio
2006 Tuscan Red
Crafted with hand-picked grapes from Italy's most prestigious wine regions, Bivio Italia reveals Italy's renowned winemaking tradition in its own refreshingly modern style. Bright ruby red, soft and velvety, medium bodied, with a very smooth, very pleasant taste.

Bridlewood
2005 Central Coast Syrah
The wine opens with aromas of smoke, cedar, and chocolate leading to bright cherry fruit framed with spicy oak. On the palate, this wine shows rich flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and sweet brown spice with a hint of mocha.

Castle Rock
2006 Central Coast Pinot Noir
Elegant and medium-bodied, offering aromas of cherry, tea and herbal spice. On the palate, the wine gives flavors of black cherry, plum and spice. It is smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins.

Cecchi Bonizio
2007 Sangiovese
Intense red with violet reflections. Intense and complex, with lots of cherry and earthy aromas. Soft, round palate with flavors of fresh berries and some spices.

Chateau Bianca
2007 Pinot Noir
Delicious juicy flavor with dark fruit flavors such as blackberry,fig, and dates. The aroma contains hints of cinnamon and very pleasant flavors of cocoa, coffee, and spice round out the finish. Very stylish and elegant with abundant fruit, soft tannins, and the allure of chocolate before the finish.

C.G. di Arie
2007 Barbera
This wine has very distinctive cherry, plum and blackberry aromas with flavors of cranberry and pomegranate and well balanced acidity. The wine shows good structure and complexity.

Concannon
2006 Merlot
Medium-bodied with a lovely bright red/magenta hue. Dark cherry, cassis, and raspberry fruit flavors combine with spicy, smoky, toasty oak on the nose and follow through on the palate. 86 Pts. (WE)

Devil's Corner Tasmania
2007 Pinot Noir
It's only been around 10 years in north eastern Tasmania, but Tamar Ridge is already renowned and winning many awards. A classic strawberry and raspberry fruited Pinot with surprising complexity for the price.

Diseno
2007 Malbec
Deep purple color with crimson luster. The bouquet of lilac and cherry blossom unfolds to a hint of tobacco. The explosive flavors of earthy blueberry and rich chocolate are fleshy yet robust with well balanced acidity.

Domaine Napa
2005 Cabernet
Flavors are reminiscent of berries cherries, cedar and anise. As the wine lingers on the palate, nuances of cherries and toasted oak fuse with rich and velvety tannins, providing a long and pleasing finish.

Dry Creek
2006 Heritage Zinfandel
Aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, and cedar provide an exciting preview for flavors of blackberry, currant, allspice, and bright cherry fruit. The finish is rich and satisfying with lingering flavors along with excellent acidity and balance.

Earthquake
2006 Zinfandel
Juicer plum, spicier clove and fuller in body than ever before! Your taste buds will be in upheaval over the suede-like tannins churning together with vanilla and toasted raspberry cobbler. The loooong, smooth finish will leave you in a state of aftershock!

Educated Guess
2006 Napa Cabernet
An excellent wine that offers rich, spicy, pure Napa Cabernet flavors. Rich, ripe and focused with juicy blackberry and boysenberry fruit, all tied together with a creamy smooth french vanilla middle and a lingering finish. 93 Points (RP)

El Vilosell
2005 Red
A blend of Tempranillo, Cab, Merlot, Garnacha and Syrah . Purple-colored, it reveals a fragrant array of scents including pepper, spice box, blackberry, black currant, and blueberry pie. Full-bodied, with layers of spicy fruit and well-concealed tannins.91 Pts. (WA)

Evodia
2007 Old Vine Grancha
Inky purple. Very fresh, straightforward aromas of raspberry and blackberry, plus a hint of cracked pepper. Juicy and tannin-free, with spicy red and dark berry flavors and gentle mineral lift. Easy to drink and a superb value, with good finishing bite."

Fess Parker
Frontier Red
A complex blend of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, exhibiting blackberry, boysenberry and black cherry fruit flavors along with blueberry, smoke, vanilla, nutmeg and anise on the nose. A perfect barbecue wine.

friends.red
2005 Blend
A blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, friends.red is smooth and tasty and for just $12 a bottle… the perfect pairing for great food and wonderful conversation.

Heavyweight
2005 Cabernet
There's a good reason this wine is called "Heavyweight." The taster's nose is attacked by aromas of blackberries, licorice and currants. With the addition 14% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel, the taste is a similar experience. A wine that will serve you well with some of today's distinctive and full-flavored foods.

Incognito
2005 Red Blend
A blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Cinsault, Carignane, Tannat, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Grenache, this Rhone blend bursts with fresh blueberry and dried cranberry notes, finishing with a smooth myriad of tannins and spice.

Kunde
2005 Zinfandel
Bold boysenberry aromas and rich berry flavors with a hint of chocolate, cardamom and pepper. A blend of 89% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Syrah, 3% Syrah, and 4% mixed red varietals gives a greater depth of flavors while showcasing the Zinfandel grape's inherent zestiness.

Layer Cake
2006 Primitivo
The wine is opaque and purple-colored with a nose of jammy black cherry and blackberry fruit, truffles, tar, and spice. Warm and rich in the mouth; the ripe fruit is well supported by the depth of the structure.

Layer Cake
2008 Shiraz
Dark, dense and creamy, complex aromas of black plum, Bing cherry blackberry and pepper merge with licorice, tobacco, mocha and dark chocolate this is one inky Shiraz; an explosion of dark super ripe wild blackberry, touch of cigar box finishing with a mélange of exotic spices.

Lodi Incognito
2006 Viognier
Flambéed pear and honeysuckle aromas open up into flavors of passion fruit, green apple and a lingering dried apricot finish with this wine. Powerful and intense fruit with a sultry body that characterizes this wine, making it unlike any other Viognier.

Lyeth
2005 Meritage
Consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the inviting prelude leads to fully-developed flavors that linger on the palate in a long, silky finish. Scents of spice and vanilla.

MASI
2006 Valpolicella
Bright ruby red with violet tinges on the edges. Young and vibrant on the nose with typical cherry aromas to the fore and a distinct hint of cloves. Good structure on the palate; ripe cherry is still the dominant flavor with cooked plums and touches of sweet cinnamon spice.

Michael David
2006 Petite Petit
Bombastic flavors and aromas — from blueberry and leather to caramel and blackberry. The tannins are smooth, which may be about the only subtle thing in this fun, full-bodied California wine. "Best of Class," California State Fair.

Napa Cellars
2006 Zinfandel
This Zin is the perfect middle ground between the spicy Zinfandels of the Sierra Foothills and the fruity jammy Zinfandels of Sonoma. You can expect a swirl of the glass to reveal intense, sweet ripe berries, cinnamon and black pepper spice with elements of sun-baked earth.

Omrah
2004 Shiraz
Exhibits aromas of spice box, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a structured wine with excellent depth of flavor and a long, pure finish. It can be enjoyed now but will evolve for several years. 90 Pts. (RP)

Penfolds
2007 Koonunga Hills Shiraz/Cabernet
Deep red in color. Notes of sweet dark plum fruits, red berries and white fruit cake aromatics. Complex spice and pepper aromas arise almost instantly upon the initial pour. 88 Pts. (WA)

Peterson
2006 Zero Manipulation Easy to drink with clean, vibrant fruit aromas and flavors and just enough structure to make it interesting without a year or two of cellaring. A great compliment to BBQ ribs, steaks, but also stands well on its own.

Qupe
2006 Central Coast Syrah
Flavors of pepper, red berries and dried herbs lead to a long and layered finish. Named "Best Syrah Under $20" by Food and Wine Magazine four years in a row.

Red Rock
2006 Reserve Merlot
Lush concentrations of black cherry, plum and boysenberry are complemented by soft, rounded tannins. Body and flavor are perfectly matched and exquisitely balanced, achieving a delicate harmony found in only the finest wines.

Ridge
2005 Three Valleys
Proprietary blend of 68% Zinfandel, 11% Carignane, 10% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Grenache. A pretty, elegant wine with lush raspberry and black cherry fruit, a seductive texture and medium body. 89Pts (WA)

Rosenblum
2007 Petite Sirah
This wine exhibits great color with a bouquet and flavors of ripe blackberries, plums, chocolate, black pepper, violets and spice. Amazing both in aromatics and flavors, not to mention the color, which is jet black. 90 Pts. (WS)

Salvatore Principe
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
A wine that is rich in color showcasing dark plum and cherry flavors accented by layers of chocolate. Twelve months of oak aging adds character and tantalizing tannins.

Sebastiani
2005 Cabernet
This dark garnet-colored wine has black tea and black cherry aromas with hints of cigar box and mocha from barrel aging. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a hint of juicy blackberry. Well balanced with flavors of cedar, raspberry and cocoa.

Senorio del Aguila
2000 Carinena Reserva
A blend of Grenache, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon this wine shows a great mix of fruits – mulberry, blackberry, raspberry and plum – touched by some licorice and herb notes. Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins and good length.

Seven Sinners
2005 "The Ransom" Syrah
Hailing predominantly from vineyards in Napa's Oakville District, this syrah is full of blackberry, anise, white pepper and cigar notes on the nose, followed by layered flavors of black raspberry and sweet oak on the palate. A splash of Petite Syrah adds density and richness.

Shingleback
2003 Cabernet
Firm, with lovely sweet purple plum and currant fruit at the center, layered with herb and spice flavors with lots of style and persistence. Drink now through 2012.

Shoofly
2005 Shiraz
Big, bold and beautiful! The wine expresses oodles of spicy dark berry fruits, plums and earthy mint. On the palate, it's a succulent thunderbolt of pure Shiraz, right down to the last gulp. 89 Pts. (RP)

Silver Palm
2006 Cabernet
Seductive scents of ripe blackberry, roasted coffee, dark chocolate and cinnamon. Lavish dark fruit flavors are enriched by savory coffee, chocolate and vanilla tones. A smooth, luxurious finish makes it an ideal companion to grilled and broiled meats. San Francisco Chronicle Gold Medal.

Slingshot
2005 Napa Valley Cabernet
Vibrant and precise, full of black fruit and pencil lead on the nose, followed by hints of purple sage. On the palate, black berries fresh roasted coffee and caramel mingle with savory herbs and hints of vanilla. Soft, round tannins and a burst of acidity.

Stacked Stone
2005 The Gem
A gorgeous ruby red hue invites you to experience aromas of violet, cherry, and pepper. This Rhone style blend of Syrah and Mourvedre is filled with concentrated flavors and subtle tannins.

Tolosa
2005 Central Coast Pinot Noir
The color is dark ruby red without being inky or overly dense. A jammy red berry tone announces the aroma and is then backed up by many layers of complex undertones: cinnamon and tea lef with elements of vanilla and cola as well.

Trapiche
2006 Broquel Malbec
Intense, deep red-violet color, and ruby hues, showing the concentration of the grapes. Aromas of black fruit jam and liqueur, with notes of vanilla, chocolate and smoke. On the palate, it is ample and rich, with a long finish and soft tannins.

Valley of the Moon
2005 Sangiovese
This Cal-Ital wine shows the dryness and acidity of a nice Chianti with the sunshiney fruitfulness of California. Cherries, red and black mingle with vanilla, anise and pepper to make for a savory complicated young wine. 90 Pts. (WE)

Veramonte Merlot
2007 Merlot Reserva
Dark ruby red. Rich blackberry and cherry aromas with black pepper and tobacco. Aromas with hints of chocolate, pepper and toasted oak. Rich and full of generous berry flavors accompanied by velvety smooth tannins.

Vina Zaco Rioja
2006 Tempranillo
Wine Spectator gave this 90 Pts. and listed it as a "Smart Buy." Black cherry and blackberry flavors are framed by smoky chocolate oak in this modern red, which is taut and focused, with firm tannins and bright acidity. Drink now through 2012.

Wingnut
2007 Zinfandel
This dark and rich Zinfandel is a bit over the top, yet brilliantly balanced, with a spicy middle palate and modest tannins that flow into a juicy, nearly sweet finish. This wine attracts the more daring of customers, appealing to the fun-loving yet passionate side of life.


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WHITES


14 Hands
2007 Riesling
This Riesling features aromas of apple blossom and tangerine with a hint of wet stone. Flavors of fresh peaches and Granny Smith apples fill the mouth with racy acidity and a juicy finish.

Adelsheim
2006 Pinot Gris
Beautifully delineated Bosc pear, white peach and Winesap apple with a touch of spice. Provides gentle creaminess that lends a mouth-filling texture and long finish. Try with spicy foods and rich fish entrees. New York Times "Best Value."

Bartenura
2006 Moscato D'Asti
This slightly sparkling wine is on the sweet side, with fruit flavors kept alive by the decent acidity. The palate bubbles and tingles and maintains its balance. It is best served with fish, salads, cheeses, chicken and desserts.

Blue Fish
2006 Sweet Riesling
Seductive perfume of fresh apricot, peaches, and ripe pineapple with flavors of fruity sweetness with a full-bodied structure and refreshing acidity.

Bouchaine
2005 Chardonnay
This delicious Chardonnay was made from 30 lots of slightly different Chardonnay. The balance and structure of this wine is excellent, with layered flavors of cooking apples, hints of spice, all supported by crisp acidity. 90 Pts. (WE)

Chateau Moncontour
2006 Vouvray Demi Sec
Vouvray is made from the Chenin Blanc grape, the noble grape of the Loire Valley, and Moncontour is one of the best wineries in Vouvray. This wine shows lovely quince, white peach, fig and spice flavors that carry through to the long, lacy finish which shows a hint of lime. 89 Pts. (WE)

Chateau St. Michelle
2006 Indian Wells Riesling
Exhibits fruit-driven aromas of ripe, juicy pineapple, peach and mango and is rich and unctuous, while maintaining a crisp, well-balanced style that is typical of Washington state Riesling. 90 Pts. (WE)

The Crusher
2007 Viognier
This pale straw colored wine bears a slight glint of steely blue. Intense aromas of jasmine and clove unfold with hints of apricot and peach. The palate has a luscious, nectar like texture, abundant with apricot grit and sweet white peach flavors, and a finish of star anise, vanilla and juicy Bartlett pear.

Dr. Frank
2006 Semi-Dry Riesling
The bouquet is dominated by ripe fruity aromas of melon, pear and pineapple. The mouthfeel is very pleasant with a good balance between the residual sugar and the acidic backbone typical of Riesling with a long finish.

Evolution
2008 White Blend
Every new bottling of Evolution has its own subtle and fresh personality; this edition is slightly less sweet than the last. The nine grapes tie together perfectly, creating a smooth, layered white wine that can hold its own or stand up to just about any food pairing you dare to serve it with.

Ferrari Carano
2007 Fume Blanc
Zesty flavors and aromas of grapefruit, citrus and honeydew mingle with a subtle grassy note that is complemented by a lingering finish of mango and guava. Aging partially in stainless steel and older French Oak gives this wine a crisp freshness and a subtle oak character that adds great complexity and depth.

Ferrari-Carano
2006 Chardonnay
A delicious wine with floral and fruit aromas of pear, Fuji apple, citrus and honey graham cracker with a hint of rich caramel and toasted coconut marshmallow. Creamy vanilla undertones balance layers of toast and spice on the finish, while the tropical flavors linger to the end.

Folie a Deux
2007 Chardonnay
Beyond the pure, nutty, spicy bouquet and round, creamy texture, this Chardonnay delivers great balance and authority with aromas of juicy red apple, a dash of pineapple and banana.

Fuedi di San Gregorio
2005 Fiano de Avelino
Just in time for spring comes a wonderful and refreshing white wine from Campania, Italy's premier winemaking estate. This wine shows a lovely bouquet of floral and fruity notes. Medium-bodied, dry and elegant with excellent length and lovely harmony.

Geyser Peak
2006 Sauvignon Blanc
Classic aromas of grapefruit, citrus, lemon zest and lemongrass jump out of the glass. A generous fruit forward palate shows juicy citrus flavors of grapefruit and tangerine, balanced by bright, crisp acidity. 86 Pts. (WS)

Helfrich
2007 Gewurztraminer
Highly fragrant aromas and gobs of pear and tropical fruit flavors. Gewurztraminer is a perfect match to spicy foods, but it also does well with fowl.

Kendall Jackson
2006 Vinter's Reserve Chardonnay
Robert Parker says it is "certainly one of the best Chardonnays for the money…. crisp orange marmalade and lemon oil notes as well as some tropical fruits. Gorgeously lush fruit, and zesty acidity in a fresh, lively style." 90 Pts. (RP)

L'Ecole No. 41
2006 Columbia Valley Semillon
Remarkably brillant with rich fruit and balanced acidity, this wine shows fragrant citrus and lemon meringue aromas, with melon, pear, lychee nut, and key-lime flavors on a honeysuckle mineral-rich finish. 90 Points (WS)

Luna
2006 Pinot Grigio
Star bright, light straw color with a wonderfully expressive nose of pear, peach and apricot. A delicious wine with a forward surge of lemon zest, pine nut flavors, flavors of citrus, fig, pear, pineapple and a faint underlying hint of oak. 86 Pts. (WE)

Luna
2006 Freakout White
A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Ribolla Musky aromas of flowers, orange peel and marmalade. Quite dry, exotic and youthfully bitter-edged, with musky floral and spice flavors. A very distinctive white blend.

Man
2008 Chenin Blanc
Lively aromas of tropical fruits and melon, with crisp, bold citrus and tropical fruit flavors.

Martin Codax
2007 Abarino
Full-bodied, with flavors of ripe apples, peach, apricot, melon, grapefruit and lemon zest melded perfectly together with a bright minerality. Balance of acidity, body and aromas allows the wine to adapt to the palate. 90 Pts (WE)

New Age
2007 "Tincho"
Want something that's perfect for summer? Try the hottest new wine in Argentina (and the Quad Cities).. Served over ice with a twist of lime, Tincho is an effervescent blend of Sauvignon Blanc and fruity Malvasia. Also try it with cranberry juice and lime, or as a "Newmosa" when combined with orange juice.

Napa Cellars
2006 Sauvignon Blanc
Expect to find aromas of melon, grapefruit and lime layered with the fragrance of orange blossom, and ripe flavors on the follow through. The palate is pure and clean with a slight hint of oak.

Nobilo
2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Supple, intense and streamlined, with a suave array of grapefruit, mineral, herb and guava tones. Spice tones add complexity, with generous fruit and minerals fleshing out the finish. Drink now. Wine Spectator: 90 Pts. and "Best Buy."

Picket Fence
2006 Russian River Chardonnay
Richly textured with both backbone and balance. Beautiful Meyer lemon notes and crisp fruit with hints of bright apple mingle with the toasted oak components of caramelized brown spices, resulting in a rich, sensuous wine that coats the mouth with a long, silky finish.

Raymond
2006 Reserve Chardonnay
Nose is full of ripe pear and sweet melon; while on the palate with balanced, ripe, juicy fruit, and a nice wash of acidity. It's fairly light and crisp and very food friendly, particularly with citrus-based salads.

Raymond
2007 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Intense opening aromas of grapefruit give way to floral honeysuckle, lemongrass and citrus notes followed by zesty grapefruit, orange, pear and lemongrass flavors with a smooth finish touched with honey and vanilla.

Santa Margherita
Pinot Grigio (2006)
The most popular imported wine in the United States. A pale straw yellow. Clean and intense. It is medium bodied with a fresh crisp character and firm structure, as well as a pleasant golden apple aftertaste.

Sequoia Grove
2006 Carneros Chardonnay
Pale straw yellow in color, the aroma on this wine is tropical, with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon in the back ground. On the palate, there are citrus and lemon zest flavors and the creamy length is refreshing yet rich.

Starling Castle
2007 Gewurztraminer
The beauty of this wine is deeper than just the unique and beautiful bottle it comes in. The wine has a soft, golden hue and the nose is fresh with a touch of rose petals and apricots. It is semi-sweet with hints of pear, sweet oranges, and cinnamon.

Stefano Farina
2006 Moscato D'Asti
A slight sparkle, as is traditional with Moscato D'Asti. It lifts the peach fruit indicative of the moscato grapes and guarantees a wine that is light and refreshing.

Sycamore Lane
2006 Pinot Grigio
Sweet aromas of pears, melon, and tropical fruits are accented with a pleasant floral note. Light to medium bodied, and round in texture. A versatile pairing with salads, seafoods, and cheeses.

Tamari
2007 Torrontes Reserva
This wine has color of intense yellow with greenish hues. The aroma is intense and perfumed with jasmine, rose and apricots. A flavorsome wine, fruity and floral with great balance and a pleasant finish.

Toad Hollow
2007 Unoaked Chardonnay
This beautifully balanced Chardonnay has hints of mango, melon, mineral and incredible acidity. The nose is delicately perfumed with citrus and green apple. A treat for your senses with a mouth feel that is rich and creamy.

Trevor Jones
2007 Virgin Chardonnay
A complex style displaying rich ripe Chardonnay fruit with some fruit characters reminiscent of peach and lychee. The finish is soft with a hint of fruit sweetness balanced with an approachable acid level to leave a long , savory, flavorsome finish. 90 Pts. (WA)

Valckenberg
2006 Gewurztraminer
This is a full-bodied, medium-dry white with a lovely aroma of roses, accompanied by flavors of ripe peach and litchi. Fruity on the front, this Gewurztraminer finishes a bit drier with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove.

Veramonte
2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
A white wine with hauntingly, fine flavors, the grapefruit peel scented '07 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc is pure from start to finish; vibrant and lasting with superb citrus flavors.

Yalumba
2006 Unwooded Chardonnay
Light golden straw in color with a green hue. It has spicy and tropical aromas of melon, fig, and pineapple. Lingering melon and peach flavors are complemented by a rich creamy texture – finishing with a refreshing lemon tang.


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