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Squire
Cellar
Picks |
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| 1. |
MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir “Sonoma Coast” 2007 (California) $27
Fred MacMurray, from “My Three Sons” sold his winery to the
Gallo family, who maintains the grounds exactly as the late
movie star had. It recently was inserted into a blind tasting of
over 20 wine industry professionals from Portland and Seattle
and came out a unaminous first place (among some great Oregon
and California Pinot Noirs!). It is a thoroughly modern winery,
right in the middle of the Russian River appelation in
California, and has spicy cherry and earth flavors that will
improve with air. A fantastic value for the cellar! -Andrew
Campbell |
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| 2. |
Chateau Coutet 2004 (France) $54
Chateau Coutet is one of Bordeaux oldest wine estates dating
back to 1643. The wine was classified as First Growth in 1855.
The blend used in Chateau Coutet is consistent with the
Sauternes-Barsac area: 75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2%
Muscadelle. Chateau Coutet has reddish-coloured clay soil.
Certain vineyards have fine gravel deposited by the Garonne
river, other plots contain Acolian sands. Both cover limestone
subsoil. The wine ages 16 to 18 months in oak barrels of which
80% are new. This 2004 vintage is exceptionally fresh and
focused. The extremely complex bouquet offers notes of tropical
fruit, minerals, yellow flowers and lemon zest. On the palate
this wine is balanced, fresh and sweet with intense aromas of
apricots, meyer lemon, caramel, honey and a touch of oak spice.
The finish is extremely long and persistent. This is a very
classic wine, a must try for any wine lover. Exceptional. -Marco
D'Ambrosio |
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| 3. |
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) $70
Caymus has always deservedly had a good reputation. This is a
good candidate for a few years of cellaring but has enough oak
to be able to drink young to enjoy the excellent fruit. -Joel
Dhanapal |
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| 4. |
King Estate Domaine Oregon Pinot Gris 2007 (Oregon) $25
100% Organic Pinot Gris; Style: dry white; Pale straw color;
aromas: tangerine, pineapple, grapefruit, melon and spice;
flavors: citrus, apple and peach; medium body; crisp, balanced,
spicy mineral finish. -Nick Tomassi
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| 5. |
Planeta Burdese 2004 (Italy) $39
"Burdese" in local Sicilian dialect means "from Bordeaux". The
name of this wine pays tribute to the traditional Bordeaux
blend. In this case, the 2004 Planeta Burdese IGT is a blend of
70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in
new french oak Allier barrels. The fruit comes from Menfi, the
operational heart of Planeta. One thing that strikes me every
time I taste a Planeta wine is the absolute perfection in
capturing the varietal characteristics of the grapes. Most wines
in their "Cru" line are in fact single varietal. Burdese is ruby
red in color, austere and elegant on the nose with prominent
aromas of ripe red fruit and dark fruit as well. On the palate
this wine is dry, opulent and complex with notes of black
cherry, cacao and impressive acidity. Balance is absolutely
perfect and the finish is very intense and persistent. This is
one of the greatest Bordeaux blends in Italy. Excellent and
highly recommended. -Marco
D'Ambrosio |
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| 6. |
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) $21
A varietal blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc
and 1% Malbec; Style: dry red; dark black-red color; aromas and
flavors: black cherry, blackberry and cassis; full body; cedar
and vanilla notes linger on the finish. -Nick
Tomassi |
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| 7. |
Matthews Claret 2005 (Washington) $31
Made of Bordeaux grapes, this is harmonious with enough oak to
be appreciated right now and sells for $31. -Joel
Dhanapal |
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| 8. |
Warre's Otima 20 Year Old Tawny Port (Portugal) $45
A varietal blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta
Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cao; Style: Port wine;
translucent copper color; soft nutty aromas and flavors; medium
body; tannins and acidity assure a balanced finish and perfect
length. Food Pairing: ready to drink when bottled and does not
need decanting. serve on its own or with light desserts like
crème brulee. -Nick Tomassi |
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| 9. |
Bodegas Lan Reserva 2004 (Spain) $22
Made from Tempranillo, this is medium-full bodied and has good
fruit. -Joel Dhanapal |
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| 10. |
Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 (California)
$24
Dark and rich, this is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with 4% Petite
Sirah added to the mix. It is dark and brooding, with plum and
dark berry notes, finishing with smooth, velvety and chocolatey
tannins. Known for their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis
Martini has been overdelivering Napa Cabs since 1933! -Andrew
Campbell |
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