2008 Polliano Primitivo (Italy) – Primitivo grape (aka Zinfandel grape)
A balance of elegance and power; inky black fruit, spice and white pepper, jammy black cherries, plums, blackberry fruit, truffles, tar, and espresso. Warm and rich in the mouth with a creamy texture; ripe fruit. vino100mtprospect.com
2009 Goldschmidt Vineyards Crazy Creek Estate Fidelity Alexander Valley (California) – blend of 73% Merlot 27% Cabernet Franc
Nick Goldschmidt’s (now fourth) vintage of this inexpensive yet classy Bordeaux-styled wine from the Crazy Creek Estate in Alexander Valley. The blend for 2009 is 73% Merlot and 27% Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied, soft, and ready to drink now. The Cabernet Franc brings structure and depth to make this Meritage a noteworthy contender in the Alexander Valley red wine pantheon. vinoshipper.com
2007 Quinta dos Aciprestes Douro (Portugal) – blend of Tinta Barroca Tinta Roriz Touriga Francesa grapes
From the steep hillsides of the Douro River valley, where the great fortified Ports are born, comes this lush, silky, dry red wine. Made up of a blend of deeply colored Port grapes, its rich plum flavors and black pepper notes are ideal with beef or lamb. Astorwines.com
2007 Masi Campofiorin (Italy) – blend of Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella grapes
The 2007 Brolo di Campofiorin is an intense wine packed with dark jammy fruit, mocha, chocolate, spices and leather. This especially dense, entry-level bottling shows excellent length and a round, suave finish with no hard edges. Rated 88+ The Wine Advocate
2007 UpperCut Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (California) – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
“Uppercut Cabernet Sauvignon boasts aromas of dark fruit, espresso, violet and spice. Smooth blackberry, black cherry and cocoa flavors expand across the palate, revealing nuances of caramel and toffee from new oak barrels. This broad-shouldered Cabernet Sauvignon draws you in with its expressive nose. The deep flavors-structured with firm, approachable tannins and lively midpalate acidity- stand up to the bold flavors of grilled rib-eye steaks and braised short ribs. Its multilayered personality is unmistakably Napa Valley Cab. Perfect with a sizzling steak.” Emprirewines.com
2008 Red Rock Reserve Malbec (California) – Malbec grape
Red Rock Winery’s Reserve Malbec reveals ripe berry and floral aromas with fresh flavors of boysenberry, currants, and cherries. The rounded tannins offer a silky mouth feel, ending in a smooth, fruit-focused finish. In order to ensure an exceptionally balanced wine, our winemakers blended a few different varietals into our Malbec to soften the tannins and add spice and richness. We take care to balance body with flavor, achieving a delicate harmony found in only the finest wines. This Malbec is an excellent match for a variety of foods including barbecued or roasted chicken, pasta or ravioli in a red meat sauce, and cheeses such as Asiago, Romano, Fontina and Gouda. redrockwinery.com