(N0705-101) 07 ANDREW WILL CHAMPOUX VINEYARD HORSE HEAVEN HILLS RED $57.95 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine & Spirits 96: ‘Cabernet franc leads the charge in this extraordinary wine from the Horse Heaven Hills' most storied vineyard. It has franc's savory aromas and flavors, like a dusting of cinnamon on fresh-picked cherries. It also has that variety's suppleness of texture and finely wrought tannins, augmented by cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot. The texture is simply a marvel, the tannins providing plenty of gravitas without getting in the way, persistent yet gentle. $68.'
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(N0705-102) 07 SNAP DRAGON CALIFORNIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $8.49 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine & Spirits - EXTREME VALUE: ‘Sweet berries and light tannin.'
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(N0705-103) 07 75 NORTH COAST CABERNET SAUVIGNON $21.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 From Tuck Beckstoffer, whose father Andy started in the North Coast winegrowing business in 1975. Very dark, black, blackberry concentrate. Peppery, brambly. Sweet core of concentration and power. Wood adds some zestiness./ Pretty showy stuff. And unique. Maybe some Mendocino fruit forms its backbone. It has Mendocino cab qualities. I'm impressed. 92/100.
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(N0705-104) 07 RODNEY STRONG SONOMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $15.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 2010 California Wine Competitions - SECOND-LEADING CABERNET MEDAL WINNER, with 2 Gold and 6 Silver Medals through the first nine competitions.
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(N0705-105) 07 RODNEY STRONG ESTATE ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $19.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 2010 California Wine Competitions - LEADING CABERNET MEDAL WINNER, with 2 Double Gold, 4 Gold, and 2 Silver Medals through the first nine competitions.
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(N0705-106) 07 MAURITSON ESTATE DRY CREEK VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $25.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Very nice, dark, ripe, blackberry cabernet fruit. No DCV heat. Intriguing form of DCV cabernet./ Sweet black and red berries, hint of wood char, cedar, bitter chocolate. Lovely fruit quality of 07 with Napa-like class. Good price. 91+/100.
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(N0705-107) 07 CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $119.95 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine Spectator 96 - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: ‘This firm, ripe, muscular wine is tight, deep, structured, intense and concentrated, serving up a mix of ripe currant, cassis, plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit that's clean, pure, complex and layered, with touches of anise, cedar and black licorice. Ends with chewy tannins. 2011-2019.'
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(N0705-108) 07 GIRARD ARTISTRY NAPA VALLEY RED $39.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine Spectator 92: ‘Sharply focused, right and richly flavored, yet trim and balanced, offering a beam of currants, black cherry, herb and olive. Gains depth and nuance on the long, integrated finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot. Now-2017.'
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(N0705-109) 06 JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA NAPA VALLEY RED $159.95 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Quarterly Review of Wines 5 Stars - EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER AND QUALITY: ‘Big, rich, plump, juicy, round, cassis and nutty oak flavors that go on forever.'
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(N0705-110) 06 BEAULIEU VINEYARD RUTHERFORD CABERNET SAUVIGNON $27.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine & Spirits 91 - BEST BUY: ‘Consistently one of the best values in Napa Valley cabernet. This ‘06 release has both classic structure to its fruit and more contemporary, chocolatey tannin from the new oak. It's refined, but the structure holds its shape and muscularity, with scents of cherries, cherry leaf and eucalyptus. A clean and generous cabernet to decant for roast game birds or roast beef.'
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(N0705-111) 07 BONTERRA MENDOCINO MERLOT $14.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 2010 California Wine Competitions - LEADING MERLOT MEDAL WINNER, with 1 Double Gold, 2 Gold, and 3 Silver Medals through the first nine competitions.
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(N0705-112) 07 C & T CELLARS NAPA VALLEY MERLOT $15.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Great 07 fruit quality. Dark and deep. Cherry, blackberry, pitch, and potpourri./ Made for a meal. Not an easy, sweet merlot. Light oak toast. Plenty of structure for merlot. Ambitious, and fairly priced. 91/100.
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(N0705-113) 07 PAHLMEYER NAPA VALLEY MERLOT $74.95 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine Spectator 94: ‘A dense, powerful core is wrapped inside a plush and velvety exterior, with currant and espresso aromas. Delivers layered flavors of plum, grilled rosemary and cedar, finishing with firm but ripe tannins. 2011-2015.'
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(N0705-114) 07 PEJU NAPA VALLEY MERLOT $38.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Quarterly Review of Wines 5 Stars - EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER AND QUALITY: ‘Ripe, black cherry, mocha, well-knit, rich and toasty.'
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(N0705-115) 06 BEL LAGO LEELANAU PENINSULA PINOT NOIR $18.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 BRONZE MEDAL - MICHIGAN WINE COMPETITION: Good fruit sweetness. A nice surprise in a cool vintage. Developing admirably. True pinot with a northern demeanor. Northern brightness, crispness, acidity. Tart cherry and tea./ Rather crisp, as I would expect. Tea like. Rich enough though; there's some glycerol. The northern, cool climate style brings to mind a pinot of the Auxerre region of Burgundy. Good effort for origin and year. 91/100.
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(N0705-116) 08 BOGLE CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIR $11.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 California Grapevine - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: ‘Muted cranberry and cherry fruit aromas with a note of dill; cedary, red berry fruit flavors with oak overtones; medium to medium-full tannin, lingering aftertaste.'
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(N0705-117) 08 BELLE GLOS TAYLOR LANE VINEYARD SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR $42.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Quarterly Review of Wines 5 Stars - EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER AND QUALITY: ‘Big, rich, powerful, utterly riveting, black cherry, coffee and earth flavors.'
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(N0705-118) 09 MONTOYA MONTEREY PINOT NOIR $12.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Bright, crisp, tea like, cool Monterey pinot style. Up to snuff./ Cherry juice and tea. Very juicy and fine. Some wood toast too, and vanilla, cream, cookie dough. Makes for good complexity. The right acidity. Commendable once again in 09. More like the 07 than the 08 in style. Popular with the group. 91/100.
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(N0705-119) BAREFOOT CALIFORNIA SHIRAZ $6.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 2010 California Wine Competitions - LEADING SYRAH MEDAL WINNER, with 2 Double Gold, 2 Gold, and 2 Silver Medals through the first nine competitions.
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(N0705-120) 06 SHAFER RELENTLESS NAPA VALLEY SYRAH $67.95 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Quarterly Review of Wines 5 Stars - EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER AND QUALITY: ‘Deep, rich, earthy, well-concentrated, blackberry, mocha and nutty oak flavors.'
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(N0705-121) 06 ZACA MESA SANTA YNEZ VALLEY SYRAH $21.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine Spectator 93 - SMART BUY: ‘Offering wonderful floral, grapey plum and wild berry aromas, this is rich, smooth and supple on the palate, with tiers of dark berry, mocha, mineral and spice flavors that glide along. Now-2015.'
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(N0705-122) 07 RODNEY STRONG KNOTTY VINES SONOMA ZINFANDEL $17.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 2010 California Wine Competitions - LEADING ZINFANDEL MEDAL WINNER, with 1 Double Gold, 2 Gold, and 4 Silver Medals through the first nine competitions.
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(N0705-123) 08 SEGHESIO HOME RANCH ALEXANDER VALLEY ZINFANDEL $35.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 California Grapevine 91 - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: ‘Attractive, forward, intense, peppery, plummy, blackberry jam aromas with briary notes and a hint of cranberry; full body; big, tight, textured, concentrated, cedary, briary, multi-layered, ripe blackberry fruit flavors with notes of dark chocolate and licorice; full tannin; lingering aftertaste.'
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(N0705-124) 07 FRANK FAMILY NAPA VALLEY ZINFANDEL $34.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine & Spirits 91: ‘This wine's succulent blueberry and bright black cherry flavors turn savory as they meld into the tannin. Its firm structure and zinny-floral character make it a clean rather than heavy zin, suited to several years of age. $37.' 2010 California Wine Competitions - SECOND-LEADING ZINFANDEL MEDAL WINNER, with 2 Double Gold, 1 Gold, and 3 Silver Medals through the first nine competitions.
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(N0705-125) 08 MONTOYA OLD VINE LODI ZINFANDEL $12.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Sweet Lodi fruit with legit old vines concentration. An OK level of jelly and jam, without getting into the jug thing. Red fruits, vanilla, toffee./ Sweet raspberry jam flavor. Good warmth and power. Very attractive. Real Lodi zin. And really great acidity! Lots of flavor and length. Well above the average Lodi zin. 90/100.
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(N0705-126) 08 EASTON AMADOR ZINFANDEL $14.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 08 surly. Deep, dark, powerful, forceful. Liqueur like ripeness and concentration./ Oh, boy! Raspberry candy, raspberry liqueur. Very concentrated. Succulent. Some attractive oak seasonings. Give the nose time to rise. 91+/100.
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(N0705-127) 09 SIMI SONOMA SAUVIGNON BLANC $9.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 annarbor.com: ‘I could sense the warm Sonoma climate from first smell of tropical fruit on the nose right through the fullness on the palate.'
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(N0705-128) 09 TEIRA WOODS ESTATE DRY CREEK VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC $11.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine & Spirits 90 - BEST BUY: ‘Classic Sancerre-like aromas of minerals, lemon zest, and citrus on the nose. Light and crisp on the attack, the mid-palate shows strong tropical fruit notes of kiwi, grapefruit and tangerine. Crisp and dry, this wine finishes extremely clean with bright acidity that begs for another sip.'
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(N0705-129) 09 MORGAN MONTEREY SAUVIGNON BLANC $14.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 California Grapevine - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: ‘Attractive, floral, gooseberry and melon aroma with hints of kiwi, ginger, and apricot; slightly viscous, herbal, grassy, citrus and melon flavors with tropical notes and a touch of oak; crisp finish; lingering aftertaste.'
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(N0705-130) 07 20 GAUGE CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY $13.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 A pleasant, soft citrus nose, essentially devoid of oak. Coastal demeanor, crispness./ Ripe, juicy, succulent. Pear and ripe apple, with creamy, nutty aspects. A fine example of California chardonnay, fairly priced. 90/100.
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(N0705-131) 08 BOGLE CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY $9.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 2010 California Wine Competitions - SECOND-LEADING CHARDONNAY MEDAL WINNER, with 1 Double Gold, 3 Gold, and 1 Silver Medal through the first nine competitions.
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(N0705-132) 07 ANABA SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY $22.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine Spectator 91: ‘Intense aromas of exotic flowers, limestone minerals and toasted brioche emanate from this wine. The full-bodied palate is dense with notes of citrus peel and lemon pound cake. Also boasts an intriguing mineral quality. A crisp, clean character perfectly balances the richness of the fruit, proving a seamless wine of depth.'
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(N0705-133) 07 HIRSCH SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY $54.95 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Tanzer 92: ‘Powerful, seductively perfumed aromas of Meyer lemon, orange pith and pear, with an undercurrent of smoke and iodine. Chewy, penetrating orchard fruit and bitter citrus flavors gain flesh with air while maintaining impressive vivacity and focus, with a hint of star anise on the back. Pure and focused on the finish, with the iodine and orange pith notes repeating. Lots going on here: shows Burgundian texture and minerality but the fruit is all California.'
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(N0705-134) 07 PAHLMEYER SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY $69.95 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine Enthusiast 94; California Grapevine 94 - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: ‘Attractive, forward, citrussy, spiced pear and ripe peach and pineapple aroma with mineral notes and traces of cinnamon and butterscotch; full body; rich, ripe stone fruit flavors with good depth and a creamy mouthfeel; well balanced and firmly structured; crisp finish; lingering aftertaste. Oak is harmoniously balanced with the intense fruit and the wine shows potential to develop further with several more years of bottle aging.'
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(N0705-135) 08 PATZ & HALL DUTTON RANCH RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY $42.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Tanzer 91: ‘Pure aromas and flavors of apple, peach and pineapple, with enticing floral lift. A step up in intensity from the Sonoma Coast bottling, showing a supple texture and attractive sweetness. Broader and longer on the back end, finishing classically dry but with good subtle fruit flavors.'
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(N0705-136) 07 TERLATO RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY $21.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Thriving with bottle age. Some attractive wood, vanilla, caramel character and nice apple-citrus RRV chardonnay combo./ Cool and composed. Good fruit expressions of apple and ripe quince. The oak aspects are well integrated. In the rich, ripe California style. Well done. 91/100.
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(N0705-137) 08 PAHLMEYER NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY $59.95 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 California Grapevine 94 - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: ‘Very attractive, forward, intense, buttery, lemony, pear and hazelnut, and minerality; full body; forward, rich, intense, creamy, buttery, baked apple flavors with a creamy mouthfeel and harmonious integration of fruit and oak; lingering aftertaste. This big, well proportioned Chardonnay should continue to develop with several more years of bottle aging. $70.'
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(N0705-138) 07 MER SOLEIL SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS CHARDONNAY $28.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 California Grapevine 91 - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: ‘Attractive, refined, floral, honeyed, poached pear and tropical fruit aroma with hints of jasmine and botrytis; full body; big, forward, rich, plus, ripe tropical fruit flavors with a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste. Very enjoyable to drink now. $35.'
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(N0705-139) BAREFOOT CALIFORNIA PINOT GRIGIO $6.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 2010 California Wine Competitions - LEADING PINOT GRIS MEDAL WINNER, with 3 Gold and 6 Silver Medals through the first nine competitions.
How many:
(N0705-140) 08 MONTPELLIER CALIFORNIA VIOGNIER $7.49 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Tasters Guild Double Gold Medal winner (45 out of 1650 entries). I can see why. Honeysuckle and laurel. Tea, mate. Special./ Yes, the sweet fruit and light glycerol set against the astringent botanicals like laurel. It's full, completely dry. Long lasting, cleansing finish. This is much more serious than the price would suggest. The botanicals mark it unique. 91/100.
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(N0705-141) 08 DR. KONSTANTIN FRANK SEMI DRY FINGER LAKES RIESLING $16.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine & Spirits 91 - BEST BUY: ‘This opens with a rich scent of peaches and lemon curd. The flavors are generous, with a firm finish and the freshness for herb-crusted pork loin.'
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(N0705-142) 09 CHARLES SMITH KUNG FU GIRL EVERGREEN VINEYARD COLUMBIA VALLEY RIESLING $12.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Wine & Spirits 90 - BEST BUY: ‘This riesling's fruit scents are almost applesauce ripe, with notes of lees and nutmeg providing some complexity. For all that, the texture is firm and mineral, with the freshness to stand up to the warmest August day.'
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(N0705-143) 08 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE - DR. LOOSEN EROICA COLUMBIA VALLEY RIESLING $24.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Parker 91; Tanzer 91; Wine News 93; Wine Enthusiast 93; Wine & Spirits 94: ‘‘It seems as if Eroica gets more precise with each vintage. A 2008 that's simply brilliant, its scents of Thai pineapple and passionfruit lead to limelike flavors hurried along by rippling acidity. There's tension between the brisk and creamy textures, a contrast of generosity and mineral edges. Pair it with wienerschnitzel.'
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(N0705-144) 07 BALLETTO ESTATE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY GEWURZTRAMINER $16.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Ginger nip. Some botanicals and rose. Viscosity. Good varietal presentation./ Yes, rose petal, citrus, lychee, talc. Some apricot too. Ample, expressive, round, ripe. 91/100.
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(N0705-145) 08 CA' DEL SOLO MONTEREY ALBARINO $17.99 U.S. Newly Available 07/05 Well, this talks the albarino talk! Very flattering. Honeysuckle and other flowers, lemon custard, white peach. The real deal./ Pretty, up front fruit. Varietal glycerol and good acid edge to balance. Competitively priced, and better than many of the 08s of Galicia. 91/100.
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(N0705-146) 08 FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA MENDOZA MALBEC $12.99 ARGENTINA Newly Available 07/05 Sweet 08 fruit with good wood and reserva time in wood to temper the fruit richness and to add complexity. Perfect 08 reserva./ Yes, warm spices, vanillin, bountiful 08 fruit. Good power and dryness. Yes! At least as good as past vintages. 92+/100.
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(N0705-147) 08 TIERRA NOBLE MENDOZA MALBEC $10.99 ARGENTINA Newly Available 07/05 Oh, boy! Super ripe and fruity 08 style, with plenty of spice and vigor too. Dark berries, Latakia tobacco, and tar-licorice. Big-time malbec./ Rich and fruity, with good oak flavor and oak extract feel. Full bodied, full textured. Welcome trace of bitterness at the finale. This delivers. 91/100.
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(N0705-148) 08 BODEGA COLOME CALCHAQUI VALLEY MALBEC $25.99 ARGENTINA Newly Available 07/05 Wine Spectator 91 - SMART BUY: ‘Lush and rich, but not overbearing. Fig paste, crushed plum and dark blueberry fruit mingles with extra licorice snap and dark chocolate notes, with nicely embedded acidity carrying the finish. Now-2011.'
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(N0705-149) 08 LUCA LABORDE DOUBLE SELECT UCO VALLEY SYRAH $24.99 ARGENTINA Newly Available 07/05 Tanzer 90: ‘Blackberry, violet, licorice and bitter chocolate on the nose, with hints of fresh herbs. Sweet, suave and more pliant than the maiden 2007 offering, but with plenty of energy to the dark fruit and peppery spice flavors. Very good vinosity here-and a lot of syrah for the price.'
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(N0705-150) 09 BODEGA SILVESTRE HINOJOSA & HIJOS 2 COPAS MENDOZA RED $5.99 ARGENTINA Newly Available 07/05 Wine Spectator 85 - BEST VALUE: ‘Shows cherry, vanilla and sandalwood notes, with a dash of cocoa powder on the nicely taut finish.'
(N0705-101) 07 ANDREW WILL CHAMPOUX VINEYARD HORSE HEAVEN HILLS RED $57.95
