2008 Finca Sophenia Reserve Chardonnay (Argentina) – Chardonnay grape
“The 2008 Reserve Chardonnay was 50% barrel-fermented and part of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. The nose offers up baking spices, toast notes, white peach, and poached pear. With good acidity, the wine is reminiscent of a mid-level Chablis. The flavors are savory and the wine has solid length. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.” Rated 88 The Wine Advocate
2009 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Cellar Selection Marlborough (New Zealand) – Sauvignon Blanc grape
Refreshing and vibrant, offering tangerine and lime-tinged nectarine and green apple flavors that keep sailing through the long, generous and lively finish. Rated 93 Wine Spectator
2007 Emmolo Merlot Napa Valley (California) – Merlot grape
Appealing for its currant and spice aromas, with sleek, modestly complex notes of plum, mocha and herb. Rated 87 Wine Spectator
2006 Marimar Estate Pinot Noir La Masia Don Miguel Vineyard Russian River Valley (California) – Pinot Noir grape
“This vineyard, in the cool Green Valley part of the valley, continues to produce outstanding, ageworthy Pinot Noirs of distinction. The ’06 is a large, powerful wine, distinctly Californian, packed with cherry, cranberry, cola and spice flavors that are immature in their fresh jamminess. But with a dramatic tannin-acid structure, and a just-right touch of new French oak, it will improve in the cellar. Best after 2010.” Rated 93 Wine Enthusiast
2008 St Hallett Shiraz Gamekeepers Barossa Valley (Australia) – Shiraz/Syrah grape
“You don’t fine much better than this for the asking price. It’s sweet, soft, fresh and juicy. Damn delicious too. Blackberried and raspberried and give-me-gobfuls please. No great sign of oak, though it hardly needs it – it’s soft enough. St Hallett has jumped out of the box with the 2008 vintage.” 91 Points – Big Red Wine Book 2010/2011
2009 Crios by Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina) – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
“Susana Balbo is very high on Mendoza’s 2009 vintage, calling it a “fantastic year”. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon spent 5 months in seasoned French and American oak. It is purple-colored with a classy nose of cigar box, cassis, black currant, and violets. Medium-to full bodied, it has excellent depth, savory flavors, ripe tannin for balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It will evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now and over the next 4-5 years” Rated 90 The Wine Advocate