BIO-WEINGUT H. u. M. HOFER GRUNER VELTLINER FRIEBERG - 2005

12.5% alcohol Gruner from Austria

TASTING NOTES:

Pale champagne color, lots of frizzante, with wild tongue-stinging acidity that has a mouth-tickling Pop Rocks effect. Loads of pear and minerality and hints of citrus. There's ample honey and caramel on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89 PTS

This wine packs a phenomenal sensory experience and I'm not talking about taste or smell. I'm talking about the way this wine feels. Yes, that sounds crazy, but this white has an amazing zip that you'll want to experience. I love this wine and it retails for around $13.

CLONE 5 CABERNET SAUVIGNON - 2006

13.5% alcohol, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend.

TASTING NOTES:

Deep cherry-red color with a bonfire-esque nose of smoke and BBQ oak. Medium to full-bodied with licorice, vanilla and black fruit on the mid-palate and black cherry candy on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87+PTS

Nowhere near as good as the 2005, but decent for $20 California Cabernet. Lacks the complexity and nuances I had hoped for.

CHALONE VINEYARD SYRAH - 2002

Central Coast Syrah with 14.2% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark purple-red color with aromas and flavors of stewed prunes, raisins, black cherries, and currants. Silky smooth with nice acidity.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89 PTS

This wine feels like it is past its prime and on the decline. The fruit is no longer vibrant although it still has a pleasant profile. Drink up if you still have this one in your cellar.

CHATEAU HENYE TOKAJI ASZU 3 PUTTONYOS - 2000

14% alcohol and 500 ML bottle.

TASTING NOTES:

Light vibrant gold color with aromas and flavors of honey, apricots, petrol, charred oak, golden raisins and Toblerone caramel. Mid-level sweetness and acidity. Decent structure and finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

90 PTS

Light and clean without being overly sweet. Not as rich or enjoyable as the 5 or 6 Puttonyos but a solid offering for $20 a bottle.

ROBERT FOLEY VINEYARDS CHARBONO - 2005

Bob Foley is a legend in Napa making wine there since 1977. Charbono is one of my favorite varietals. It is distinctively grapey with deep colors and flavors. This wine has 13.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Purple-black color. Aromas of green pepper, asparagus, oak, vanilla, dark ripe cherries and sweet tobacco leaf. As the wine begins to breathe aromas and flavors emerge of blue and black fruit, cherry cola, mint, pine, and hints of dusty dark chocolate. The finish is austere with high acidity, green pepper and tart cherries. Complex and complicated.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

93 PTS

As the wine opens up it really gains momentum and balance. I adore this varietal and Bob Foley is a master producing it. Retails for around $35 a bottle so it doesn't come cheap, but there is great artistry in the glass.

CHATEAU BOURGNEUF POMEROL - 2001

Red Bordeaux with 13% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Deep red color with seductive smokey, toasty oak and blackberry on the nose. Gobs of blackcurrant, licorice and smoked meat. Full-bodied, rich and alluring with hints of dark red fruits underneath.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

92 PTS

Delicious! This is what I love about Bordeaux and what has me more excited about the Right Bank. Where else can you get those sexy smokey aromas? Purchased for around $25 - $30 and worth every penny.

TAMAYA CARMENERE RESERVE - 2006

From Limari Valley, Chile with 13% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark purple-red color with aromas of black currant, blackberry and charred oak. Flavors of blackberry, black currant, gobs of black licorice, BBQ-oak, and hints of cherry kirsch underneath.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

If you love that smokey charred oak that is the signature of red wines from Chile, then you'll appreciate this wine. A full red that is smooth on the mid-palate but shows a bit of tartness and tannin on the back end. Retails for around $13.