2009 Loring Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands (California) – Pinot Noir grape
“Displays a wonderful purity of flavors built around ripe plum, wild berry, blackberry, raspberry, and spice, as well as floral and wilted rose hints. This is full-bodied, plush and jammy on the long, persistent finish.” Rated 93 The Wine Advocate
2008 Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz Winemaker’s Selection (Australia) – Shiraz/Syrah grape
“The 2008 Terra Barossa was aged in French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it is ripe, rich, yet light on its feet. Flavorful, layered, and well balanced, it will evolve for 2-3 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2011 to 2020. It is an outstanding value.” Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
2008 Tikal Patriota Mendoza (Argentina) – blend of 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec grapes
“The 2008 Tikal Patriota is composed of 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec aged in French (40% new) and American (seasoned) oak. Purple/black in color, it has splendid bouquet of cigar box, Asian spices, lavender, black cherry, and plum. Full-bodied, dense, rich, and powerful, this loaded effort has gobs of flavor, succulence, and great length. Only hedonists need a”pply. Drink it over the next six years while it retains its fleshy character.” Rated 93 The Wine Advocate
2005 La Corte Negroamaro Vigne Vecchie Puglia (Italy) – Negroamaro grape
“Rich with an opaque red color and a scarlet purple rim. Exhibits aromas of dark berry fruit with rich, sweet, and spicy backnotes. On the palate the wine is big with mouthfilling structure. Sweet and seductive red berry fruit flavors followed by a dense finish. Hand-picked and aged in French oak for 12 months. This is serious juice for the money.” adamyan.net
2008 Luna Beberide Finca Cuesta (Spain) – Mencia grape
“The 2008 Finca la Cuesta is a single vineyard Mencia sourced from 60-year old vines. It was fermented with native yeasts and aged for 12 months in French and American oak. It exhibits a splendid, nearly kinky bouquet of roasted black fruits, smoke, and herbs. Smooth-textured, already complex, and seriously pleasure bent, this lengthy effort will evolve for at least another 2 years and drink well through 2018. It is a terrific value.” Rated 91 The Wine Advocate
2006 Mas Belles Eaux Coteaux de Languedoc (France) – blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvédre grapes
“This elegant, refined red from the south of France is filled with vibrant flavors of red berry, plum, sweet cherry, and spice. Well-structured, with lots of bright raspberry and light cream notes on the finish. Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvédre.” Rated 91 Wine Spectator