Since December 2005, and each year following, TexaCali Wine Co. has published an annual "List" during the December holiday season. This year is quite special, marking our 5th Anniversary of "The List". It's a big one...I've assembled 50 wines that are currently in-stock in Texas, along with some personal favorites and producers that have created wonderful TexaCali Wine Co. memories over the past 5 years.
Thank you all for supporting these outstanding producers from many corners of the world, with your strong buying-power and ongoing enthusiasm in Texas we all look forward to a bright and exciting future here in the Lone Star State! Please feel free to forward "The List" to your wine-loving friends and keep it handy when shopping at your favorite Texas wine retailer. Happy Holidays and Cheers to a wonderful 2010! - Ali
Buy the Case
2005 Cellars Capcanes Mas Donis - Spain, $14
91 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Mas Donis Barrica is a custom cuvee made for importer Eric Solomon using old-vine Garnacha (80+ years) and Syrah (30+ years). The 2005 Mas Donis Barrica is 85 % Garnacha and 15% Syrah aged for 8 months in French and American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It offers up an expressive nose of slate, mineral, licorice, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered, long, and complex, this spicy, hedonistic effort has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now without guilt. It is a great value."
2008 Dominio del Plata Crios de Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon - Argentina, $15
'Value Brand of the Year", Wine & Spirits Magazine (again!). Next time you reach for the Crios Malbec be sure to pick up this supple cabernet too. The richly textured plum and currant flavors are joined by accents of dark chocolate and some vanilla-scented oak. The ripe, vibrant tannins give the wine beautiful structure and an amazingly long finish. This is a big wine for just a little money. A perfect "house" cabernet sauvignon and party case.
2007 Evodia - Spain, $10
New to the Eric Solomon Selections portfolio this year in the Denominacion de Origen Calatayud, hailed as one of Spain’s most progressive and promising wine growing regions. Tanzer gave it 88pts. and describes Evodia..."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.
2005 Gramona Gran Cuvee - Spain, $22
Gramona is, unfortunately, one of the last remaining family-owned cava houses of the Penedes. Here, elderly ladies from the village carefully wrap each bottle before being packed for transport and the entire operation is carried out by people who love the family and the estate. The Gran Cuvee is aged for 24 months (longest aging of a Dry type in the world of CAVA), and is a beautiful blend of equal parts Xarel.lo, Macabeo and Chardonnay. Incredibly rich with tiny tiny bubbles "Krug, the expensive alternative to Gramona" and I'm not kidding here. Gramona is a must for any celebration or relaxation.
2007 Handley Cellars Sauvignon Blanc - Anderson Valley California, $17
Yes, this was a great poolside sipper all summer long, but now we're hooked anytime fish is on the menu! Multiple layers of minerality, citrus and acidity sing together in this great bottle of white wine. Handley Cellars Sauv Blanc has seen a record year in Texas in 2009, a guaranteed party-please for those who love crisp, refreshing white wine. Bonus: visit www.handleycellars.com for a great recipe for Cold Avocado Soup.
2007 La Posta Bonarda Armando Vyd - Argentina, $18
This little beauty from "the tavern of the grape-growers" in the heart of Mendoza is the official TexaCali "pizza wine". Bonarda is originally from Italy and now the 2nd most planted red grape variety in Argentina, Bonarda crafts interesting and characterful wine. La Posta Bonarda is a perfectly fine example of well-made Argentine Bonarda. La Posta is packed with blackberries and dark plum flavors with layers of peppery spice.
2007 LIOCO Indica - Mendocino County, $18
Ohh the hipsters favorite wine of 2009! SNAP! Much sexier than the 2006 production and deeply loved in Texas. A nice blend of old-vine Carignan (78%), petite sirah (10%), mourvedre (9%), and grenache (3%), this wine is an exceptionally tasty value for the table - a true "bistro wine". Indica is made with the same standard of care and quality one expects from the Lioco team, the 2007 is punchy, smelling of ripe berry fruit flavors and a hint of smoke and baking spice. From a cool-climate, northerly site (actually Redwood Valley is the northernmost planting of Carignan in California), the acidity and freshness is preserved and balance of flavor and texture maintained. Swirl! 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright red. Flamboyant aromas of raspberry, cherry preserves and incense. Lively but supple red berry flavors are given depth by anise and cherry pit qualities.
2008 LIOCO Rose of Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast, $16
A winter PINK wine!! Nice and full-bodied fruit from the edge of the Petaluma Gap. The wine is a saignee, or bleed off of LIOCO's soon-to-be released 08 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. It was fermented in stainless steel using a native yeast. Darker in hue than the 2007 Rose, and intensely varietal--this wine really smells and tasted like Pinot Noir. Aromas of sour red cherries, watermelon rind, and quince spin out of the glass. Tastes like rhubarb, wild strawberries, and blood oranges. So good you should buy 2 cases. Promise, you'll thank me later.
2007 Pellegrini Unoaked Russian River Chardonnay - Sonoma County California, $20
One of the first "unoaked Chards" on the scene. A note from the Winemaker: The full, rich, barrel-fermented style of California Chardonnay has become so well accepted that most people assume Chardonnay tastes that way naturally. It is actually quite the chameleon, and takes on the character given to it by the winemaker. Colonal selection, rootstock, vine age and, of course, vineyard location certainly determine the character of the raw material and the potential of the ultimate wine. In this case, our 32 year old Olivet Lane Vineyard gives us fruit with naturally chrisp, elegant structure, which, when picked a little eariler than for barrel fermented wine, makes a deliciously refreshing tank fermented,
2007 Storrs Gewurztraminer - Monterey, California $16
The Storrs version of the Gwerztraminer is more of a “dry” style, not Jolly-Rancher sweet. But don’t count it out of a wine to try. Rose petals and spice dominate the nose and is a perfect partner for Thai take-out or the start of any meal. The palate shows lychee nut, honeysuckle and a touch of oak with a soft creaminess, contrasted yet complemented by a firm acidity. Gold Medal winning winery from their first release.
Favorites to Uncork Now
2006 Davis Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel - Russian River Region, Sonoma County California, $30
What I'm sipping on while writing 'The List" tonight. I love this Zinfandel because it's very "un-zin-like". Guy Davis brought these 100+ year old Zin vines back to life about 5 years ago on his hillside vineyard. The age of the vines is not the best part. They have the wonderful brambly, old vine character but the very best part is the balance of this wine - perfect character - bright, juicy red raspberry mixed with a smoky plum and that great old vine spice, ripe but never over ripe. Lively and fresh a Zinfandel that delights and enhances the meal and is itself highlighted by the food. Full-bodied but not heavy, lush and simply delicious! (his 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is the new Grand Champion Best of Show award winner of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo International Wine Competition this year!)
2009 Dominio del Plata Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes, - Argentina, $15
"Queen of Torrontes". 90 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, 2009. "The 2009 Torrontes remains one of Argentina's benchmarks for this variety. Sourced from 31-year-old vines in Cafayate (where the finest Torrontes grows), it displays a fragrant bouquet of spring flowers, honey, and tropical aromas. Medium-bodied and dry on the palate, it has ample fruit backed by vibrant acidity leading to a lengthy finish." A #1 white wine seller for TexaCali Wine Co. 5 years running now!
2007 Handley Cellars Anderson Valley Estate Chardonnay - Anderson Valley California, $20
A perfect California Chardonnay - seriously folks but down the big-brand-name bottles of sappy chard and reach for Handley Cellars. You'll never go back. This Chardonnay has become a staple on popular wine lists all over Texas. Each component of this Estate Chardonnay adds another layer of flavor. It offers aromas of fresh pear and apple compote with a hint of nutmeg. Clean and bright flavors of ripe apple are nuanced by lemon cream and vanilla. This wine is nicely balanced with a graceful texture and lasting finish. My pick each time I roast a chicken.
2006 Janasse Terre d' Argile Cote Du Rhone - Rhone Valley France, $25
91 points Robert Parker: "The opaque purple-hued 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d’Argile (a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Mourvedre) reveals a big, sweet perfume of creosote, licorice, blackberries, and kirsch. Full-bodied with layers of fruit and a remarkably long finish, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 4-6 years." (10/09) 90 points Wine Spectator: "Very inviting, with lush blueberry, fig sauce and blackberry fruit aromas and flavors, backed by alluring spice and black tea notes. The long, round, juicy finish is stylish as well. Drink now through 2010."
2008 Lange Estate Pinot Gris - Oregon, $17
Lange Estate Winery was the fourth producer of Pinot Gris in the United States and has built a reputation for producing some of the state’s best examples of this popular Oregon grape. The Willamette Valley Pinot Gris is entirely stainless-steel fermented in the classic “Pinot Grigio” style resulting in a light, crisp, approachable wine true to varietal character with beautifully balanced acidity. This 2008 vintage shows orange blossom, nectarine, and Meyer lemon on the nose, while rich-but-racy palate displays mandarin, mango, ripe nectarine, lime zest, and a hint of honey.
2007 LIOCO "Charles Heintz" Chardonnay - Sonoma County California, $45
Unoaked. BIG, Positive and Many reviews on LIOCO wines this year. Everyone is talking LIOCO Single Vineyard Designate wines liek the Charles Heintz Chard! 94 points Wine & Spirits: "...Among a new breed of exceptional Chardonnays grown close to the coast and presented unadorned, its structure shaped by minerality, a saline line of acidity that freshens and tightens the round, pearlike fruit. The wild ferment contributes to the nutty richness of the wine, a textural complexity that will meld into the richness of roast sturgeon." (06/09) 92 points Stephen Tanzer's IWC: "Light yellow-gold. A complex bouquet displays pineapple, passion fruit, sweet butter and floral honey. Broad and very rich, with powerful tropical and pit fruit flavors given focus by sneaky minerality. Offers an interesting blend of opulence and energy, with excellent finishing thrust and lingering minerality. I'd serve this with a rich, creamy fish or shellfish dish, or maybe with strong cheeses. None of these chardonnays ever see any oak." (May/June '09) Charlie Heintz's Sonoma County vineyard has one of the most prestigious addresses in the region, set perfectly amid the Green Valley, Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations. At 1,000 feet in elevation, boasting Goldridge soils and snug like a bug in a rug of Pacific fog, the fruit here ripens slowly and evenly with great intensity. Lemon curd, wet sand and citrus blossom aromas and pure lemon and jasmine flavors. A slight chalky note and rich leesines add texture. Balanced and lovely, this is a gorgeous expression of the vineyard perfect for langoustines or heady cheeses. Only 250 cases produced.
2007 Mapema Malbec - Argentina, $20
Soo many Malbec soo many decisions! Here's a malbec you'll fall in love with quickly. Mapema has intense purple colors with shades of violet. Heady aromas of kirsch, cocoa, mint and exotic woods make you want to keep your nose in the glass for minutes at time. Red & black cherry flavors coat the palate, and the oak tannins frame the intense fruit flavors, keeping them from taking over. This Malbec is as good on the second day as it is on the first—if you can avoid finishing the bottle. Mapema is a great example of “cool weather” Malbec—it has all the spicy/fruity character of the grape, but it also has a deeper, more serious side.
2006 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Pinot Noir - Russian River AVA Sonoma California, $38
WOW, each year I love this Pinot more and more. Here's the store of Olivet Lane...enjoy. The Pellegrini Family traces its heritage in winemaking to the early 1900s when brothers Nello and Gino Pellegrini arrived in New York City from their native Tuscany. They soon made their way to the West Coast and in 1925 became Sonoma County grape merchants, shipping grapes throughout the U.S. for home winemaking. Today, the Pellegrini family holds over 100 acres of prime grape growing real - estate in Sonoma County. Among those holdings is the Olivet Lane Vineyards situated on 65 acres of sloping bench land in the Russian River Valley. The 2006 Pinot Noir displays terrific ruby and brick color. The aromas are soft and subtle with notes of dried berries, fresh herbs, black tea leaf, lavender and spice box. The palate is ultra sexy with beautiful silky texture. Medium weight on the palate, the wine performs a tango of subtle fruit and acidity. It wraps the palate with delicious fruit leading to a finish that is soft and unassuming with subdued fruit and spice.
2005 Storrs Petite Sirah - Santa Cruz Mountains, $22
It's hard to buy a single bottle, I've used this wine for many parties and people-pleasing celebrations. The color is very deep purple-black and the nose of the wine is jam packed with ripe black raspberry and cherry fruit, with accents of pepper, spice and moderate oak. The flavors are deep and fullbodied, with a lush texture and generous flavors of black cherry, ollallieberry and notes of vanilla. Supple tannins under the fruit promise a long life ahead. This is one to pour alongside a beef tenderloin and with your best friends.
2006 Teira Dry Creek Merlot - Sonoma County, $15
Teira's Merlot takes its cues from Right Bank Bordeaux, with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc added to the blend. Their judicious use of new oak gives the wine a more Old World style, too. Nonetheless, you won't forget that this wine comes from California, with its beautifully ripe nose of plums, blackberries and cocoa powder. On the palate, the wine balances the same blackberry and plum fruit with vanilla and cedar box notes and smoothly integrated tannins, and a long, lingering finish. Perfect company while skeet shooting anywhere in Texas1
For the Cellar
2006 & 2007 Lange State Freedom Hill Pinot Noir - Oregon, $60
The Lange Estate wines age well, Jesse Lange told me they 20+ year old Pinots in their cellars are drinking like gems now. The Freedom Hill Pinot Noir sits in nifty 6-pack boxes that are ideal for stocking the cellar. Freedom Hill is one of Lange's "Terroir Series" wines, this single-vineyard Pinot noir is sourced entirely from the renowned Freedom Hill Vineyard just south of Dallas, Oregon. Lange's fullest-bodied Pinot noir, with black pepper, toast, dark cherry, and blackberry. It's become a staple on steakhouse wine lists around here. Just a few hundred cases made in each vintage.
2005 Lewelling Vineyards - St. Helena AVA, Napa, California $50
92 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dense purple color along with a lovely perfume of burning charcoal embers and exceptionally pure creme de cassis fruit. Full-bodied with sweet tannin, stunning purity, a layered mouthfeel, and a long finish, it is an excellent Cabernet available at a bargain basement price by Napa Valley standards. Moreover, it should drink well for 15+ years. A super winery, Lewelling merits considerable attention for their Cabernet Sauvignons that are reminiscent of top-class Bordeaux Pauillacs possessing the extravagantly rich fruit of Napa."
2007 LIOCO "Michaud" Pinot Noir - Chalone AVA, Monterery County, $45
Winemaker extraordinaire Kevin Kelley notes "...what it is about pinot noir from this windswept, elevated swath of dirt, full of limestone deposits that makes for superior cellaring?" Matt Licklider and Kevin O'Conner add ""The limestone speaks," we often cry when tasting this wine. This 07 Pinot Noir "Michaud Vineyard" may our wine of the vintage. It's been likened to Ambroise Le Corton (one of Burgundy's greatest Pinot Noirs). Stephen Tanzer adds, "potent, exotic, mineral." Need I say more?
2006 Mendel "Unus" - Argentina, $45
93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Unus, a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, was sourced from the same 78-year-old estate vineyard and aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a complex bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, violets, black cherry, and black currant. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it reveals an elegant personality with layered fruit, succulent flavors, silky tannins, and a lengthy finish. Give it 2-3 years in the cellar to unwind and drink it from 2010 to 2018."
2005 Pellegrini "Milestone" - Sonoma County, California, $45
Only a few hundred cases produced. I first tasted this in barrel after Milestone was conceived by selecting special lots of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc to form a mosaic that would be defined by its depth of color, richness, complexity, and supple texture. This wine is meticulously barrel selected to make what they think is their best wine ever - homerun! Flavors of milk chocolate, vanilla bean, black cherry, oolong tea and cigar smoke overtake your senses. The Milestone wine commemorates the 75th anniversary of Pellegrini Family Vineyards.
2004 St. Jean Du Barroux L'Oligoncene - Provence, France, $26
90pts Wine Advocate. This is a wine for those of you who want to cellar an emerging wine that will be fabulous in a few years time but with the potential to last for 15 or 20 years. Philippe Gimel is regarded as one of the emerging stars of the French wine scene and has achieved cult status in the United States. He is an engaging, enthusiastic and passionate advocate of his winemaking philosophy. His vineyard is completely organic and he uses no enzymes or commercial yeasts in the production of the wines.The wine is made from Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault which come from vines that are harvested at extremely low yields (20 hectolitres per hectare). The wines see little wood in their maturation - Philippe prefers to use concrete and enamel instead. Only 5% of the wine is treated with wood and those barrels are ten years old!
2006 Tikal "Jublio" - Argentina, $49
The first bottle of Argentine wine TexaCali Ali drank back in 2002! 93 Points Wine Advocate, “It delivers a fragrant nose of black cherry, black currant, wood smoke, leather, and chocolate. This leads to a full-bodied wine with layers of succulent fruit, plenty of spice, a firm structure, excellent concentration, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Give it 2-3 years and drink it from 2010 to 2018.” 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Malbec
2005 Chateau Puligny-Montrachet Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru - Burgundy, France, $ (please inquire - very limited)
93-95pts Allen Meadows "A sophisticated, elegant and pure nose is framed by a very discreet hint of wood that serves as a backdrop for the floral, peach and green apple aromas to really take center stage and the parade continues with precise, pure and notably powerful medium full flavors that culminate in a linear and chiseled indeed crystalline, finish that is breathtakingly long. The complete package and this should age very well. Don’t Miss.
2006 Mas Alta La Basseta Priorat - Spain, $75
"The 2006 La Basseta is 45% Carinena, 40% Garnacha, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 15 months in 50% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple, it has a sensational aromatic array of liquid minerals, wood smoke, underbrush, lavender, incense, black cherry, and blueberry that leapfrogs from the glass. Surprisingly elegant, it has that extra dimensionality that only old vines can produce. Complex, hedonistic, and exceptionally lengthy, this brilliant effort will evolve for several years and offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2026." 96 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #183 (JUN 2009).
2006 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes - France, $100
"The Chaupin is slightly eclipsed by the profound quality of the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. Inky/blue/purple, with massive aromatics, an unctuous texture, and superb length on the palate, it is enormously endowed for a 2006. Very pure for a 2006, with sweet tannins as well as amazing length, it will benefit from several years of cellaring, and drink well for 20-25 years." 96pts -Wine Advocate
Unique & Rare
2005 Bodegas Mustiguillo Quincha Corral - Spain, $90
90pts Wine Advocate The 2005 Quincha Corral is 96% Bobal and 4% Syrah with the Bobal sourced from over 90-year-old vines. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak. It is a glass-coating opaque purple but the aromatics are reticent. Notes of chocolate and cherry can be discerned along with barrel aromas. This leads to a forward, plush wine with good intensity but it comes off as slightly monochromatic...time in the cellar will add complexity.
2005 Cellars Capcanes "Cabrida" - Spain, $80
92pts Tanzer. 6-pack wooden case. Bright, deepy colour, violet; full ruby; vibrant aromas of cherry and blueberry; offers pure essence of old Garnacha vines; full-bodied; Dense flavors of dark berry fruit in taste; elegant oaky, toasty flavours; fresh, vibrant acidity; elegant Glycerin sweetness; serious, ripe tannin background; very good length.
2008 Conreria d’Scala Dei Les Brugueres - Spain, $30
On of the most memorable stops while in Spain with the Solomon team last June. A lovely WHITE wine from the Priorat?! 100% Grenache Blanc: One of the region's premier white wines, Les Brugueres is produced from 100% Garnacha Blanca from a single vineyard with 100+-year-old vines planted in Priorat’s famous llicorella soil. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and is left on its fine lees to impart a creamy texture and complexity.
2007 Davis Family Vineyards Riesling - St. Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, California, $22
Only 20 cases landed in Texas of the inaugural Davis Family Vineyards Riesling and it's going fast. 90pts and Editors Choice from the Wine Enthusiast. "A beautiful wine that shows Riesling’s classic aroma of petrol. Dry and crisp in acidity, it has a sleek mouthfeel, offering flavors of wildflowers, apples, peaches, honey and minerals. How can a wine taste like honey and be dry? That’s the magic of Riesling."
2005 Deux Montille Meursault "Bouchères" Villages Blanc - Burgundy, France, $70
92pts. Allen Meadows “As Bouchères often is, this is slightly riper than the Poruzots with lovely orchard fruit aromas that are borderline exotic yet highly complex where this depth extends to the big, rich and nicely focused flavors that are succulent yet detailed and this is blessed with terrific dry extract levels and outstanding balance. Sweet Spot Outstanding!”
2005 Domaine De Montille, Beaune "Les Perrières" Premier Cru Rouge - Burgundy, France, $70
92pts. Allen Meadows “This too has a hint of bitter cherry but less of it with raspberry and red pinot fruit aromas that introduce distinctly mineral suffused medium full flavors that possess excellent dry extract, detail and precision on the intense, pure, dusty and transparent finish. This is really a lovely effort with a fine sense of underlying harmony and it is the best of these Beaune 1ers. Outstanding."
2003 Domaine Jo Pithon Coteaux du Layon Saint-Lambert Clos des Bonnes Blanches - Loire, France $50
90pts Wine Advocate, 93 Wine Spectator. A ripe, rich, showy style, with a burnished texture and notes of date, dried tropical fruit and maple- glazed walnut. Almost shows a rancid note, but gets tugged back with mouthwatering acidity and a long finish filled with smoke and green tea. 125 cases produced.
2004 Domaine Jo Pithon Quartz de Chaume 'Varennes' - Loire, France, $90
“Jo Pithon - Among the 10 greatest wine producers, best-value producers and greatest-quality wines of the Loire Valley.” This sweet nectar from the Chenin Blanc grape is a treat! Rated 94 pts. by the Wine Spectator. A very special sweet treat. 90pts. Wine Spectator "Quite mature in feel, with a burnished edge to the maple candy, orange peel, clove and dried persimmon flavors. The long, rich finish shows lingering date and spice cake notes."
2006 Gramona Bru de Pinot Noir - Spain, $50
One of the most unique bottles from the Eric Solomon Selections portfolio this year. The winemaker for Gramona studied in Burgundy and became very focused on growing quality Pinot Noir near Gramona. This is a candidate for best Pinot Noir from Spain. The vineyard is located in Más Escorpí at 400m above sea level and is planted with 20 years old vines in stone and limestone soil. It shows classic Pinot Noir character, including tinges of violet blossom, ripe blackcurrant and raspberry, spices and balsamic notes on the nose. The palate is ample and refined with a good weight of fruit balanced by acidity. It is framed by firm, yet integrated tannins due to one year of aging in new French oak barrels.
2004 Luca "Nico" - Argentina, $125
95 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2004 Nico by Luca Malbec (100% Malbec) raises the bar. It offers a heady perfume of pain grille, scorched earth, mineral, black cherry, and black raspberry preserve. Loaded on the palate, the wine has great depth and incipient complexity. This superb Malbec will evolve for 8-10 years and drink well through 2035 in the manner of a top classified growth Bordeaux. Luca is the personal project of Laura Catena, daughter of Nicolas Catena. Luca takes its name from Laura’s oldest son."
Incredibly Rare Large Formats (special orders through your favorite wine shop only)
2005 Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet Puligny Montrachet Les Folatieres 1.5 liter, Burgundy France, $ (please inquire)
Refined and elegant white flower and spiced pear nose that marries into the mineral-driven, focused and energetic flavors that are taut and sleekly muscled on the penetrating finish. I very much like the style of this and it should age well over the medium term. 91-93 points - Allen Meadows
2005 Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet Meursault Les Poruzots Blanc 1.5 liter, Burgundy France, $ (please inquire)
93pts (Burghund)“A beautifully complex and broad nose that mixes a touch of wood spice, pear and exotic fruit aromas including hints of mango that merge into rich, sweet and powerful full-bodied flavors that deliver real punch and muscle on the long finish without any trace of heaviness or undue fat. A big but focused effort.Outstanding.” Allen Meadows.
2006 Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 1.5 liter, France, $150
92pts Parker. "The stunning, deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits black fruits, licorice, incense, and hints of grilled meats and garrigue. While not as explosively aromatic or full as the 2007, the full-bodied, velvety textured, big, substantial 2006 is a top success for the vintage. Drink it over the next 15 years.
2007 Luca Malbec, 1.5 liter, Argentina $80
93 points and #82 on the "Top 100 Wines of 2008" from Wine Spectator: "Really goes for the gusto, with dark fig sauce, melted purple licorice, mocha, fruitcake and crushed boysenberry and blueberry fruit, all gliding along rich, velvety tannins. Long, mouthfilling finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,700 cases made." (11/08) According to Wine Enthusiast: "Jimi Hendrix would like this wine. It's pure purple haze and muscular. Earthy, leathery aromas vie with coffee, tar and mocha on the nose. The palate is healthy and less jammy than previous vintages, with textured but agile plum, berry and natural herb flavors. While it shows most of its 14.5% weight, it doesn't come across overly heavy. Really nice for a marginal vintage like 2007."
2004 Medlock Ames Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 3.0 liter, Sonoma County California $240
2004 Medlock Ames Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 6.0 liter, Sonoma County California $500
Texas was lucky to receive these very rare large formats this year, only seen in Auctions before. From Ames the winemaker...The 2004 Cab is a dark fruit-laden wine with black cherry and cassis aromas, licorice, mocha and that wonderful spice quality we find in our vineyards. There is a rich, intense dark fruit core to this wine and a comforting unctuous texture that is highly satisfying. Bright acidity and ripe, supple tannins complete this wine.
2004 Medlock Ames Alexander Valley Merlot 3.0 liter, Sonoma County California $240
2004 Medlock Ames Alexander Valley Merlot 6.0 liter, Sonoma Country $500
Winemaker's notes: The 2004 Merlot has an unmistakable richness or decadence. There is a luxurious texture to this wine balances the dark brooding fruits and intense spice. Dark chocolate, black cherry and licorice are all present with acidity to match. A concentrated, balanced and richly textured wine that reflects the site, the vintage and the kind of wine we like to enjoy.
2006 Susana Balbo "Nosotros" 1.5 liter, Argentina, $260
2006 Susana Balbo "Nosotros" 3.0 liter, Argentina, $520
94 Points: Wine Spectator "Pulls no punches, with a torrent of crushed plum, raspberry and boysenberry fruit that pumps from start to finish, pushed by lush licorice, mulled spice, milk chocolate and mint notes. The long, pure finish is almost refreshing, despite its obvious weight. Malbec. Drink now through 2014.
Wines Distributed in Texas by Avante Beverages and Pioneer Wine Company, $ Retail Prices May Very.
