2008 Az Agr Gini Soave Classico la Frosca (Italy) – Garganega grape
Gini’s 2008 Soave Classico La Frosca is a gorgeous example of first-class Soave. Apricots, peaches, flowers, seashells and light honey meld together in a fabric of inimitable class. The 2008 is a relatively soft, understated La Frosca that impresses for its overall balance and sense of harmony. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2008 Clos St. Thomas Les Gourmets Blanc Bekaa (Lebanon) – blend of Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc grapes
This wine blends aromas of the vines with those of the ageing process Fresh and lively with a golden yellow colour, this white wine reflects the Generosity of an exceptional soil. This wine has a fruity & floral character. closstthomas.com
2009 Falesco Merlot Umbria (Italy) – Merlot grape
The 2009 Merlot is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from Falesco. It is a decidedly firm, vibrant Merlot that stands in stark contrast to the super-ripe, obvious Vitiano Rosso. Here the fruit is wonderfully precise and elegant. Jammy blueberries, blackberries, cinnamon, leather and crushed rocks are woven into a beautiful fabric. The French oak is layered very nicely, adding depth and flavor, but never overpowering the wine. This is impressive juice from proprietor Riccardo Cotarella. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2008 Chateau Masur Hochar Bekaa Valley (Lebanon) – blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan & Cinsault grapes
This single vineyard red wine from the village of Aana in the Bekaa Valley is produced from very low yielding (25 to 30 hectolitres per hectare) old vines resulting in a richly concentrated, intense red wine. A fine wine of great structure and ageing potential. This vineyard area is specifically chosen because of its character – the vines here are from deeper soils over limestone and the age of the vines, on average between 35 and 50 years old. chateaumasur.com
2009 Cusumano Benuara Nero d’Avola – Syrah (Sicily, Italy) – blend of 70% Nero d’Avola and 30% Syrah grapes
“A polished Nero, with good cut to the plum skin and black currant character. Hints of iron and espresso frame the solid finish, with fine tannins.” The Wine Spectator
2008 Chateau Masur Jeune Rouge Bekaa Valley (Lebanon) – blend of 60% Cinsault, 20% Syrah & 20% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
The vineyards of Château Musar are located at an altitude of over 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) in the Bekaa Valley where the vines are sheltered by the surrounding mountains running parallel to the Mediterranean coast. They cover 180 hectares and produce a limited yield of about 35 hl/ha. The Musar Jeune (formally known as Cuvee Rouge) is the second wine of Château Musar – A blend of different grape varieties, mainly: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan which are grown on a gravely soil with a limestone base. The wine comes from the same blending as the Château, with a higher percentage of cinsault, and without aging in oak vats. It makes for lovely drinking at release, and it adapts perfectly to the Mediterranean cuisine. “Fresh cherry and berry flavors mark this medium-bodied red. Spice and red licorice fill the bright finish. Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.” The Wine Spectator