CHATEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU - 1998

From Saint-Julien, this Bordeaux has 13% alcohol. Second Classed Growth.

TASTING NOTES:

Cherry red color with a heady, piercing nose of black truffle mushrooms, accompanied by earth and dark chocolate. On the palate, cherry, dark chocolate, round fruits, spice, and oak. Understated and soft with fine tannins.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

Never quite came alive in the glass, but some really interesting characteristics were slowing unfurling. A bit of a dusty/chalky finish. For a wine that now retails around $75, this isn't worth your time. If you already own this one, I'd question whether this wine has already seen its better days or if it is just continuing to evolve. Only time will tell.

CHATEAU MUSAR HOCHAR PERE ET FILS - 2000

From the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon with 13.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Transparent red color with a burnt and smoky bonfire nose. Some funky earth, flavors of charred oak, ripe red fruit, cherry, black currant, and a cranberry finish. Very Pomerol-esque.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

91+PTS

It is incredibly difficult to dislike the wines from Hochar. They are so well-crafted and original in their approach that they stand apart from anything and everything being made in the world. For description alone they tend to emulate Bordeaux, but find these wines and partake in the heritage, legacy and artistry that they deliver. Delicious! Retails for about $23.

QUINTA DO PORTAL COLHEITA DOURO- 2002

Produced from Tinta Roriz (45%), Touriga Franca (25%), and Touriga National (15%) grape varieties and aged for 9 months in oak barrels. 12.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Ruby color with creamy oak and red fruits on the nose. Overly simplistic and very smooth with black currant and blackberry notes. Lighter bodied than expected.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

82 PTS

You almost can't go wrong with Douros from Portugal, but this one comes up short. Too simplistic and not all that enjoyable. For around $10 a bottle this is a very affordable wine but it is not one I'd recommend.

CASALI DI BIBBIANO ARGANTE - 2004

Red Tuscan wine with 13.5% alcohol. Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark red color with Sweet Tarts, leather, barnyard and a hint of asphalt on the nose. Tar and cherry-cough syrup on the mid-palate with meaty oak on the finish. Underneath there are layers of black currant, tobacco, licorice and herbs that emerge as the wine opens up. Very tannic.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89 PTS

A very dynamic Tuscan effort that retails for around $30. A very powerful food wine. Can stand up to spice, acid, a big flavors and hold its own. Very enjoyable with a lot of classic Italian signature flavors.

LADERA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - 2002

From Napa Valley with 14.9% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Transparent but deep garnet color. Black cherry soda and a little oak on the nose. Cleanly defined plum, black currant and cherry on the palate with a cranberry finish. Some minerality also shines through in this well-balanced effort.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

90 PTS

Delicate tannins, smooth and subtle. A very solid effort but perhaps missing some complexity. At $50 a bottle, I'm not sure the value is there. Tough to recommend with so many better ways to spend $50 on wine.

TOMASELLO WINERY SPARKLING BLUEBERRY WINE

Made from 100% blueberries with 11% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Medium to light purple-blue color with concentrated blueberry aromas and flavors. Mid-level sweetness with a crisp mouthfeel, good acidity and a tart finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87 PTS

A wonderful light sparkler that makes a great pairing with desserts or as a starter before a meal. Very refreshing and a great quality wine. I first had this at the Lauber Grand Annual Tasting back in March and was thrilled to see it finally hit stores. A real crowd pleaser and a great alternative to Champagne for New Year's Eve celebrations. Retails around $17 for a 750ML.

QUINTA DO VALE MEAO MEANDRO DOURO - 2006

40% Touriga National, 30% Tinta Roriz, 20% Tinta Barroca, 57% Tinta Amarela. 14.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark, rich, red color with grapey-blueberry-blackberry nose. Gargantuan blueberry and black currant/cassis flavors. Red fruits blend with a meaty mid-palate, light oak and loads of acidity. Black pepper underneath and wonderful minerality. A big wine that is not overly tannic.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

93 PTS
This is a special and TREMENDOUS wine. Retails for around $21 but I've seen it as low as $13. The intensity of fruit, richness of character, and purity of flavor is exceptional. This very well might be my wine find of the year. In terms of value, I can't think of anything better I've had in 2008. If I had a third thumb, I'd give it 3 thumbs up.

MATCH VINEYARDS BUTTERDRAGON HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON - 2002

14.6% alcohol. This is the first year this wine was made.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark ruby color with chocolate, cocoa, and raspberry on the nose. Black cherry, berries, creamy vanilla, and charred oak upfront with currant, plum and blackberries on the mid-palate. The finish is rich with well-defined flavors of chocolate covered raisins. Smooth tannin and well-balanced.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

92 PTS

Wonderfully put together wine especially for a first vintage. Drinking very well right now although will definitely last a few years in the cellar. Nice integration of oak and alcohol. This wine is more subtle and polished for a California Cabernet. If you are looking for a big over-the-top Cab with power, this isn't the bottle for you. It is more graceful and understated effort. Retails for around $60 a bottle.