Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon, Mockingbird Hill, Napa, California regular $19.99
special $15.99 net
Who isn't looking for a wine that delivers quality well above its price? We sure are! We were stunned at the value of this wine, but it all makes sense. When a well-known vineyard has more wine than it can sell under its premium label at a premium price, it doesn't lower prices and harm the brand image--it sells the wine to be marketed under a different name. Here's a premium Napa wine, rebranded at a $20.00 price. We've gone one better, buying enough at a good price to be able to offer it to you for $15.99. Ripe blackberry and notes of coffee with muscular body.
Meritage, Clos LaChance, Central Coast, California $17.99
We've enjoyed Clos LaChance Cabernet, so were not surprised that the Meritage is also a winner. Here's a blend of all five Bordeaux varietals--Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot--in classic harmony. Where's my steak?
Bourgogne Chardonnay, Domaine Brintet, Burgundy, France $11.99
Don't avoid Chardonnay just because you're looking for new flavors. Drier and leaner than its New World cousins, this has a flavor and finish hinting at almond and nuts, clean and fresh. Its a wine that remains interesting to the last glass.
Chardonnay "Su'Skol Vineyard," Hess Vineyards, Napa, California $19.99
Single vineyard bottling. Lush and complex, with creamy oak and fruit tones of melon, mango, and citrus that pop in and out of perception. We were impressed that a wine with such a showy, full-blown style keeps it all in check with a zesty balance. At our Saturday tasting, we kept going back for more.
Cotes du Ventoux "Les Boudalles," Domaine Brusset, France $9.99 net A belly-warmer red from southern France. Brusset is known for his powerhouse Gigondas, rich, tannic and long-lived. The Ventoux is medium bodied and ready to drink, but shows some gumption behind the bright fruit. A must try.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo "Vigne Nuove," Valle Reale, Abruzzo, Italy $13.99
We're excited to add this wine to our small but dynamic Montepulciano shelf. Like our other offerings from $8 to $18, this wine delivers much more than expected at its price. Warm aromas a dark fruit with a hint of earth. It is an authentic wine that you can enjoy time and again without becoming bored.
Nero d'Avola, Zabu, Sicily $11.99
This is the time, this is the place for Nero d'Avola. Bright red fruit flavors, similar to a medium bodied Zin. Already Sicily's signature grape, we forsee it as the "next big thing."