SOME OF OUR FAVORITE WINES

One of the good things about our job is that we get to taste a lot of wine. But we also have favorites, wines that we return to time and time again. As wine professionals, we make recommendations based upon our understanding of what the Customer is looking for. On this page, we'll list what pleases us. Enjoy!

(*note: prices do not include State taxes)

Deliciously complex, with layers of spicy oak, wild berry, black cherry, grilled meat and peppery scents, turning smooth on the finish, where the texture is supple and polished. Drink now through 2009.

Wine Spectator: 92 points

Wine Enthusiast: 90 points

$19.99*

Ken

This is the twenty-fifth rendition of this stunning wine value that is better than many full-throttle Zinfandels that sell for twice the price. The non-vintage Zinfandel Vintner’s Cuvee XXV exhibits a deep ruby color in addition to a beautifully sweet nose of black cherries, raspberries, pepper, earth, and spice. Rich and medium-bodied, with soft tannin and well-integrated acidity, this beauty will drink well for 2-3 years. Frugal minded consumers are likely to make case purchases.

Wine Advocate: 89 points

$11.99*

Ken

A bold, fat and fleshy syrah with dry tannins and a subtle musky, barnyard character, Cline has captured the essence of Rhône Syrah in California. Blended with small quantities of Mourvèdre, Carignane, Grenache and Cinsault for increased fruit expression and elegance of structure. 2001 Vintage.

Recommended Wine & Food Magazine
 

$11.99*

Ken

Easy drinking and fruit-forward, the Vintners Blend Zinfandel is Ravenswood’s answer to excellently crafted varietal table wines. The wine is delightfully spicy with jammy black fruit flavors of black cherry, raspberry and blueberry with a rich, smooth, slightly spicy, lingering finish. The 2001 Vintage is especially dense and juicy, with forward fruit and Zinfandel’s signature spice

$13.99*

Ken

This very dark garnet wine shows why they named it "Violetta" with a fresh, floral and springlike waft of fresh violets, backed by pleasant scents of dried cherries. Ripe and full in flavor, juicy cherrylike fruit seems almost sweet at first, but lemon-squirt acidity and soft, almost imperceptible tannins bring it into balance. Although it's from the other end of Italy, it reminds one of an exceptional Valpolicella in its overall style: Fruity, fresh and appealing, with an underlying structure and complexity that add substantially to its interest. Exceptional wine.

$16.99*

Ken

Very pale straw color with a greenish tinge. Fresh and pleasant fruit aromas blend melon, grapefruit and a hint of peach with light grace notes of herbs and wildflowers, unusually complex for a modest white. Clean and refreshing flavor, with a slight prickliness on the tongue. Off-dry, but its fresh-fruit sweetness is well balanced by cleansing acidity and a distinct, pleasant bitter-almond quality in the finish. Excellent spring or summer aperitif, though, at a very attractive price.

$8.99*

Ken

A whiff of volatile acidity at first blows off quickly to reveal ripe, plummy fruit and fragrant pepper in this inky dark-ruby wine. An everything-but-the-kitchen-sink blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Barbera, Zinfandel, Malbec and Mourvedre grape varieties, it's warm and almost pruney on the palate, with just a touch of sweetness well-balanced by lemon-squirt acidity to give it structure. Quite "Mediterranean" in style.

$11.99*