Thanks to holiday travel, these notes have been on the vine a couple extra weeks now. But, like a fine Riesling, they should be all the sweeter for the wait.
1. Beringer Sbragia Limited-Release Chardonnay 2002 ($29.99/bottle)
Deep yellow luminescent color, like gold tinsel, with inviting aromas of butter, earth, mango, and oak. Rich and buttery on the palate, with flavors of apple pie and a hint of smoke. The high alcohol content (over 15%) gives this opulent wine a viscous, full body and a light but pleasant touch of sweetness. Ridiculously long finish, with some alcohol lingering. Pair with lobster or just enjoy.
2. Aramis Shiraz 2003 ($23.99/bottle)
With aromas of blueberries, vanilla, violets, and a faint earthiness, this plush, full-bodied shiraz offers flavors of juicy dark berries and oak. Finishes long with fresh ripe blueberries and fine-grained tannins. Very pleasant.
3. Chappellet Mountain Cuvee 2005 ($28.99/bottle)
Aromas of purple grape, plum, and roasted meat give way to flavors of black cherry and plum fruit, aromatic herbs, and stewed meat. This rustic but nice Bordeaux-style blend reminds me a bit of an Argentinian carmenère, which is never a bad thing.
4. Caldwell Rocket Science 2005 ($44.99/bottle)
Much as I hate it when winemakers label their wines "proprietary blend" instead of listing the constituent grapes and their ratios, I have to admit that such wines are often very good. This red blend is no exception, with an intriguing nose of cherry, charcoal, and cinnamon and flavors of cherry, leather, spice, and toasty oak--all followed by a long, vanilla-laced finish. Soft tannins support a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
5. Pahlmeyer Jayson 2004 ($55.99/bottle)
This tasty and vibrant red offers aromas of blackberry, currant, toast, and a slight but not unpleasant greenness. On the palate, it shows flavors of ripe black plum, pepper, and leather, finishing with bitter herb. Very lively and kinetic in the mouth, with enough acid to make it a versatile choice with food.
6. Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($47.99/bottle)
This cab offers intriguing aromas of black currant, leaf lettuce, and caramelized meat juices; flavors of very ripe, rich cherry and sweet rhubarb; and a decadent mouthfeel that can only be described as gooey. The long, luxurious finish turns to vanilla as it lingers. With well-integrated but firm tannins, it could stay in the bottle another 5-10 years. Perfect by itself or alongside a fillet with demi-glace.
7. Chambers Muscadelle NV ($16.99/bottle)
This non-vintage dessert wine smells like honey, pineapple upside down cake, and musk. Very thick in the mouth, it offers pronounced flavors of honey and ultra-caramelized brown sugar laced with cigarette tobacco. Very long finish with honeysuckle predominating.
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