• Koyle Royale Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Chile – Colchagua Valley
• 255760
• $19.95
• Ripe and chewy with a soft nose it delivers surprising depth on the mouth feel. Good value wine.
• Elderton Ode To Lorraine Cabernet Sauvigno Shiraz Merlot 2008
• Australia – Barossa Valley
• 976423
• $39.95
• Ripe subtle and screaming Barossa muscle. Complex leather and mint full and sexy mouth filling with a long finish.
• Cathedral Cellar Merlot 2008
• South Africa – Coastal Regoin
• 522219
• $14.95
• For a very reasonable price this Merlot was a complete surprise. Round and full bodied yet just interesting enough to hold up next to wines twice its price. Great Value

Interesting Red

• Two hands sophie’s Garden Shiraz
• Australia  – Padthaway
• 62380
• $46.00
• Jam BoBomb full of mint herbs and comic book like exclamation marks. Super soft and yet massively fat in the cheeks. Dry finish. This winery just keeps delivering BIG wines worthy of the premium price.

 Top Picks Red

• Sebastiani Pinot Noir 2008
• USA –California
• 14233
• $19.95
• Ripe round berry with full fruits juicy and easy in the mouth. A great sit and sip or with a simple meal. Good Tuesday wine.
• Porcupine Ridge Collection Syrah Viognier 2010
• South Africa – Coastal region
• 79442
• $16.95
• Elegant and spicy with a nice balance of aromatics due to the Viognier in the blend. A great accompaniment to a Saturday night or just to kick in with Pizza.
• Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva 2001
• Spain – Rioja
• 114454
• $23.95
• Round and rich fruits on the nose lead into dusty tannins and elegant vanilla notes in the mouth.

Interesting Red

• Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir 2008
• Spain – Penedes
• 673483
• $29.95
• Made in the same district as Spanish sparkling wines the Mas Borras is probably the most interesting Pinot you will find in Spain. Or the only one.  Smoke with ripe fruits cherry and an easy supple and sexy finish. Great Pinot.

Top Picks White

• Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2009
• France – Alscace
• 747600
• $17.95
• Floral tropical and soft with a sweet edge on the nose. Tropical and sexy on the palate. A perfect sit and sip.
• Andre and Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly fume 2010
• France – Loire
• 196659
• $21.95
• Clean light and herbal on the nose with a tight green expression.
• Acacia Chardonnay 2009
• Claifornia – Carneros
• 80558
• $27.95
• Round and butter ball easy this chard makes for a pleasant diversion. It is more complex than many a wood wrapped wine and still has some fruit on the finish.

Interesting White

• Moet Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rose Champagne 2002
• France – Champagne
• 69831
• $87.95
• It is rare that I find a Champagne that I think is worth the price that terrior has grown to represent. This is the exception to the rule that always helps a beautiful expressive rose sparkling with life and red fruits.

Top Picks White

• Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2009
• New Zealand  – Marlborough
• 680983
• $19.95
• Ripe apple mineral with a round mouth feel and a bit of zestyness on the finish.
• Marc Bredif vouvray 2009
• France – Loire
• 685362
• $20.95
• Light and zesty with a nose of fresh fruit and clean lively mouth feel just a touch off dry on the finish.
• Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2010
• Germany – mosel
• 599274
• $19.95
• Great Value. Just off dry with a classic finish of Mosel Minerality this easy style of Riesling screams welcome wine.

Interesting White

• Stone ridge Kaspar Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009
• Canada – VQA Niagara Peninsula
• 513705
• $16.95
• Clean and mild nose of herbs and a simple fresh acidity make for a good dinner wine.

Top Picks Red

• A by Acacia Pinot Noir 2008
• USA  - California
• 118927
• $16.95
• Nice ripe and easy new world style pinot. Great value with a mild round fruit with just enough acidity to go with dinner.
• Sister’s Run Gomersol Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Australia – Barossa Valley
• 222026
• $15.95
• Ripe fruits great berry and soft spice with a juicy full fruit in the mouth. A touch hot on the finish but well contained by the fruit.
• Chateau Fayan 2008
• France – Bordeaux
• 243295
• $18.95
• Supple and nice spices on the nose light blossom. Easy and elegant fruit with nice balance.

Interesting Red

• Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz 2008
• Australia – Barossa Valley
• 636407
• $63.95
• Big jammy berry with syrup on top. Two handfuls of juice and a structured exit with spice and loads of aging potential.

 Top Picks Red

• Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
• USA – Napa Valley
• 246900
• $46.95
• Fat and chunky cabernet too bold and spicy to be ordinary and nice chewiness that promises improvement over time.
• Lamadrid Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Argentina – Mendoza
• 234518
• $13.95
• Ripe round fruits nice nose with good dense berry. Full and juicy in the mouth with a round dry exit.
• Zolo Classic Malbec 2010
• Argentina -Mendoza
• 183905
• $12.95
• Round and funky with nice wood and herbs on the nose. Ripe berry carry into the mouth with a tight finish perfect for food.

 Interesting Red

• Hickinbotham Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Australia – Clarendon South Australia
• 159632
• $15.95
• Earthy complex fruit nose with herbal notes. Full soft berry and a good food presence and a touch of terrior in the mouth make for a good value.

Top Picks White

• Schloss Schonborn Klaus Riesling Kabinett 2009
• Germany – Rheingau
• 239905
• $18.95
• Very clean and balanced with enough fruit to make it sip able nicely ripe in the mouth and a clean minerality on the exit.
• Terras D’Alter Reserva White 2010
• Portugal – Alentejo
• 219212
• $13.95
• Nice fresh and pretty. The nose has both floral and herbal components and the medium body is well balanced.
• Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro
• Spain
• 642173
• $16.95
• Ripe and rich peach and apricot flow from the nose. This is one of the few wines that works well with milk chocolate as it carries a nice orangey note on the finish.

Interesting White

• Rudolf Rabl Reserve Vinum Optimum Gruner Veltliner 2009
• Austria – Kamptal
• 216473
• $19.95
• This style of wine is perfect for a simple meal it delivers clean and slightly herbaceous palate and is not so heavey that does not dominate the pairing.

Top Picks White

• Elk Cove Pinot Gris 2009
• USA – Oregon
• 955906
• $23.95
• Balanced and slightly fruit forward a good sit and sip with lime zest on the finish.
• D’Arenberg the Money Spider Roussanne 2009
• Australia – McLaren Vale
• 656710
• $19.95
• Diesel mineral and soft fruits lean into a moderate bodied wine. It boasts a nice clean finish suitable for salads and chicken dishes.
• Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Grist 2008
• New Zealand – Hawkes Bay
• 727255
• $13.95
• Great value Kiwi wine nice ripe fruits and a well balanced palate make for and clean sit and sip or wine and cheese.

 Interesting White

• Fleur Du Cap Noble Late Harbest 2008
• South Africa – Costal Region
• 173781
• $20.95
• This wine is as well made and attractive as a good sauternes made in much the same fashion it displays sexy sweet honey notes and a warm round mouth feel.

Top Picks Red

• Peachy Canyon Petite Sirah 2007
• USA  - California
• 239483
• $19.95
• Ripe dark Fruits with Cassis and soft juicy fruits. Full body and supple tannins give good support to the fruit.
• Pascual Toso Barranacas Vinetards Reserve Malbec 2009
• Argentina – Mendoza Valley
• 183897
• $18.95
• Ripe toasty oaks and nice jams on the nose with big jammy fruit in the mouth sexy full body with a nice hit of structure to pull the wine together.
• Grant Burdge The holy trinity GSM 2007
• Australia – Barossa Valley
• 236257
• $33.95
• Ripe berry an easy nose with a fruit forward profile belies the complex earthy and mints one encounter in the mouth. An extraordinary wine with a very long elegant finish.

Interesting Red

• Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Australia – McLaren Vale
• 730374
• $24.95
• Meaty and smokey with a complex herbs and mints over a berry syrop in the mouth with a little mint on the finish.  An interesting wine from a great winery.

Top Picks Red

• Salfdo Zinfandel 2009
• USA –California
• 235903
• $39.95
• Ripe round berry with full fruits juicy and massive body and long finish make it a wine to contemplate.
• Gotham Shiraz 2009
• Australia – Langhorne Creek
• 240048
• $18.95
• Earthy dark and mysterious possible fights crime but who knows for sure, maybe if they stay home to enjoy a bottle.  Definitely not a tortured soul but a delight with BBQ.
• Coopers Creek Pinot Noir 2009
• New Zealand -Marlborough
• 57802
• $19.95
• Light and ripe fresh and easy are quick descriptors that make this wine a great patio wine for the summer.

Interesting Red

• Corte Majoli Amerone Della Valpolicella 2007
• Italy – Veneto
•  81943
• $33.95
• With hints of dried raisins and prunes over a ripe court of red berry and herbs this wine gives a great display of character driven Amarone.  It is massively weighted and suitable for a really nice evening with friends.

Top Picks White

• Gold Ring Organic Chardonnay 2009
• USA – Mendocino California
• 239442
• $16.95
• Ripe apple and nice balanced oaks make for a great soft chardonnay serve lightly chilled with smoke salmon.
• Rene Mure Signature Gewurztraminer 2009
• France – Alsace
• 61218
• $17.95
• Sexy well put together tropical notes with just enough edge to finish slightly off dry with style.
• JeanJean Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet 2010
• Argentina – Midi
• 525287
• $12.95
• Fresh easy with a not too severe acidity an excellent wine a cheese pairing product.

Interesting White

• Tawse Quarry road Gewurztraminer 2010
• Canada – VQA Vinemount Ridge
• 243717
• $28.95
• This product delivered almost everything one wants from a good aromatic wine.

Top Picks White

• Springfield Estate Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2006
• South Africa – WO Robertson
• 694646
• $24.95
• Light and floral easy dust notes across the palate with a soft and supple mineral exit. This wine shows a distinct terroir.
• Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2007
• California – Napa Valley
•  45906
• $44.95
• With a full bodied style and ripe apple notes this wines heavy oak influence compliments a distinct hint of terroir and a traditional California style.
• Scholoss Schonbord Riesling Kabinett 2009
• Germany – Rheingau
•  70946
• $19.95
• Ripe and balanced with just a nice hit of Zesty fresh but could age for a few more years if you wanted to see it evolve.

Interesting White

• Domaine Des Bernardins Mustcat De Beaumes-de-venise 2009
• France – Rhone
• 129999
• $16.95
• A very full bodied dessert wine packed with ripe apricot and peach notes this is a treat with ice cream.

This update we are covering the July 23rd and August 6th in Italics  there was plenty of good wines to choose from but as always my favorites follow here.

The Winegeek.

Top Picks Red

• Alta Vista Premium Malbec 2008
• Argentina – Mendoza
• 677443
• $13.95
• Great Value Malbec. Nice fruit and ripe berry Easy on the nose and food friendly.
• St. Hallett GST Grenache Shiraz Touriga 2008
• Australia – Barossa Valley
• 660910
• $23.95
• Funky big berry nose with wood and wild vegetal highlights. On the mouth it is big and jammy with deep dark cherry and raspberry.  It has a very long finish with round fruit profile.
• Thatched Hut Pinot Noir 2009
• New Zealand – Central Otago
• 242933
• $17.95
• Round dry and easy nose with just a hint of barnyards and earth. Loads of barrel highlights and a friendly dry style perfect for a sit and sip or a meal.

Interesting Red

• Henry Fessy Moulin-A- Vent 2009
• France – Beaujolais
• 233924
• $21.95
• This is a wine perfect for the summer patio. Served lightly chilled if one desires it is simply beautiful supple and easy. The nose is lightly floral and berry centered and as far from the watery mass-produced products often drunk from this region.

Top Picks Red

• Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel 2008
• USA – Sonoma County
• 56879
• $39.95
• Juice fiend of a Zinn big on syrup and spice notes. Fat and easy on the mouth with a dry and spicy exit.
• Kaiken Corte Malbec Bonarda Petit Verdot 2008
• Argentina – Mendoza
• 236463
• $16.95
• Tobacco leaf and smoke highlight the ripe red berry notes on the nose of this wine. The Bonarda lends a unique taste in the mouth and this satisfies the need of any juice fiends out there.
• Peter Lehmann Layers Red 2008
• Australia – Barossa
• 138883
• $17.95
• Great Value wine which delivers round and juicy style with loads of complexity. Minty and funky deep fruit fill the mouth and give great food pairing possibilities.

Interesting Red

• Inniskillin Winemaker’s series Two Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2008
• Canada – VQA Niagara Peninsula
• 241539
• $22.95
• This wine was full of unexpected things. While 2008 was not a bad year I was expecting much more of a vegetal profile from this grape. On the nose it delivered a nice fruit forward profile and while it still had some pencil and other Cab Franc nuances it was very elegant and dry on the finish..

Top Picks White

• 13^th Street White Palette 2010
• Canada – VQA Niagara Peninsula
• 207340
• $14.95
• Round and floral fruits with a sweetish style yet finishing dry.  The blend is not stated but I would guess the new style of Riesling Gewürztraminer Chardonnay is a distinct possibility.
• Alamose Torrontes 2010
• Argentina – Salta
• 81539
• $13.95
• Great little value sit and sip. Floral with a dry style well made without being expensive.
• Willy Gisselbrecht Gewürztraminer 2008
• France – Alscace
• 938390
• $18.95
• Fruit forward balanced tropical and lychee fruits with a soft dry and sexy finish.

Interesting White

• Martin Codax Burgans Albarino 2010
• Spain – DO Rias Baixas
• 945063
• $16.95
• This is a great style of wine from the people who know summer heat. Fish pairing a zest make for a great clean summer sipper or light dinner to beat the heat.

Top Picks White

• Anakena Lilen Single Vineyard Viognier 2010
• Argentina – Requinoa Rapel Valley
• 45138
• $13.95
• Nice glass of aromatic wine with just enough acidity to pair with a lunch on the patio.
• William Fevre Chablis 1er Cru 2008
• France – Burgundy
• 169805
• $29.95
• Clean and austere with a great mineral profile.  Maintains a freshness without being abusive on the acidity.
• Talbott Logan Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay 2008
• Usa – Santa Lucia Highlands
• 716290
• $26.95
• Toast and round butter notes with an edge of woodsyness on the nose. In the mouth an easy full style with some creamyness in the mouth.

 Interesting White

• La Maison Du Cremant Brut Cremant De Bourgogne
• France – Burgundy
• 127811
• $16.95
• A nice bit of bubble for your celebrations dry without pretensions or a million dollar price tag.

Top Picks Red

• Tandem Sangiacomo Vineyards Pinot Noir 2007
• USA – Napa Valley
• 219733
• $24.95
• Ripe Fruit Dried notes with light smoky highlights.  Round balanced strawberry and fruit driven with a weighty appeal.
• Benmarco Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Argentina – Mendoza
• 232637
• $19.95
• Ripe fruits round body very right on finish a classic jam Bomb of a wine. BBQ seasons best friend.
• Marquis Philiops Shiraz 2008
• Australia – McLaren Vale
• 17475
• $15.00
• Awesome Jam Bomb of a wine.  A little bumpy for the 16% it brings to the table but massive in the mouth.  Jams berries and Eucalyptus abound.  Great value wine.

Interesting Red

• Altocedro Ano Cero Tempranillo 2009
• Argentina – La Consulta Mendoza Ano Cero
• 232678
• $16.95
• For a wine not grown normally in Argentina Tempranillo has really become a great product at a phenomenal price.  Almost Spanish in its complexity and weight this wine shows the cultural ties between nations beautifully.

 Top Picks Red

• Alexander Valley Redemption Zinfandel 2007
• USA – Napa Valley
• 224147
• $21.95
• Like red berry syrup with a pocket full of juice dried preserves and moderate tannins and an edgy finish.
• Shafer Vineyards Merlot 2008
• USA – California
• 346262
• $54.95
• Full round ripe fruits with a weighty softer juice forward monster style.  Almost huge wine for a Merlot with awesome class.
• Valetta Grenache Shiraz 2005
• Australia – McLaren Vale
• 225136
• $37.95
• Ripe berry and subtly massive plums fill the mouth with explosions of cherry and strawberry jams.  Easy and soft with a core of sexy tannin to finish with a clean edge.

 Interesting Red

• Rioja Reserva from Bodegas Lan 2005
• Spain – DOCa Rioja
• 42929
• $19.95
• From a classic district of Spain Lan produces some of the most consistent value wines I have encountered. This Reserva is no exception delivering elegance and a straight forward powerful wine with dark cherry and smoke on the nose. It makes for a nice pairing with whatever food you are looking to have for dinner.

Top Picks White

• Alta Vista Premium Torrontes 2010
• Argentina – Mendoza
• 37127
• $13.95
• Gorgeous perfumed floral notes with ripe fruit salad and easy balanced fruits.
• Balthasar Ress Riesling Spatlese 1998
• Germany – Rheingau
• 160762
• $20.95
• Tight with a beautiful ages minerality and a hit of sexy.
• Salomon-Undhof Mieden & Berg Tardition Gruner Veltliner 2009
• Austria – DAC Kremstal
• 670513
• $19.95
• Fresh Clean mineral light zest with easy style for the summer sun.

Interesting White

• Pfaffenheim Cuvee Bacchus Gewurztraminer 2007
• France – Alsace
• 996017
• $19.95
• Sexy Well Balanced and pretty.

Top Picks White

• Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2009
• Canada  – Niagara Peninsula VQA
• 67587
• $17.95
• Nice wine with an elegant lift of diesel showing threw in the mouth.
• Firesteed Pinot Gris 2009
• USA – Oregon
• 568071
• $14.95
• Ripe apple and round fruit make for a soft a simple interpretation of this ubiquitous grape. Easy balanced and a good price.
• Summerhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2009
• New Zealand – Marlborough South Island
• 218305
• $19.95
• Elegant balanced with light and fresh style.  Really nice tropical notes and super fresh mouth feel.

 Interesting White

• Chateua Ferran Blanc 2007
• France – Bordeaux Pessac Leognan
• 100867
• $21.00
• With wood and sherry notes on the nose and dried fruits with very dry interesting aromas abound in this sauvignon Semillon blend. Absolutely fascination with the nose as it is nothing like anything else I have encountered from the same region.

• Seven Deadly Zinns 2008
• USA– Lodi
• 59311
• $24.95
• This wine is a good Jam Bomb full of ripe fruits. It delivers just enough tannins to hold up all the lush fruit and spice notes it brings to the table.
• Emiliana Winemaker’s selection Syrah 2009
• Chile – La Quebrada Casablanca Valley
• 212407
• $18.95
• Ripe fruit fill the mouth with and easy style driven syrah with a nice spice and a hint of cream soda on the nose. Still a little tight but great with food.
• ORGANIC
• Zonte’s Footstep Baron Von Nemesis 2008
• Australia – Barossa Valley
• 212936
• $15.95
• For this price this wine boast a huge amount of weight.  It is a berry chew machine with full tannins and a great food friendly style. Great jam bomb.  And possibly your Nemesis

Interesting Red

• Domaine De Saint Ennemond Veilles Vignes Moulin-a-vent 2009
• France – Beaujolais
• 207910
• $17.95
• While it’s not often that I find myself drinking a lighter wine this one caught my attention for it’s sheer fun value.  Light and almost floral yet easy in the glass.  Perfect for summer entertaining.

 Top Picks Red

• Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2009
• USA – Sonoma/Monterey/santa barbara
• 130138
• $26.95
• The core of this lush Pinot Is pure cherries and berry notes layered upon perfectly balanced acidity. It is an excellent wine for the price to sit and linger over.
• Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2008
• Chile – Maipo Valley
• 685792
• $14.95
• The hint of Soda on the nose leads into a great value driven wine with ripe raspberry and fruit friendly style. Easy on the mouth and pocket-book.
• ORGANIC
• Monte Del Fra Bardolino 2010
• Italy – Veneto
• 134544
• $11.95
• For the price this was one of the most interesting wine on the release tasting. It’s pure candy in some ways bringing a nose of flowers ripe strawberry and soft spices. In the mouth it is full of fruit with a great easy finish. Summer here we come.

 Interesting Red

• Peter LehMann Stonewell Shiraz 2005
• Australia – Barossa Valley
• 724625
• $79.95
• Round and massive sums up this wine quiet nicely. However, it misses the point, this wine is massively extracted with full fruits earth complexity and a tight and spicy finish.  It screams treat yourself, so DO IT!

Top Picks White

• Trimbach Reserve Riesling 2008
• France – AC Alsace
• 995316
• $25.95
• Mellow and elegant style mark this as a nice fruit forward style of riesling. a showpiece of the grape complete with a clean fresh finish.
• Graham Beck Bowed Head Chenin Blanc 2009
• South Africa – WO Paarl
• 231357
• $17.95
• Highlights of wood display nicely on this more mellow style of Chenin.  It has a nice clean fresh feel on the finish with good finesse.
• Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• New Zealand – Marlborough
• 912337
• $24.95
• With a clean herbal mouth feel this is a classic interpretation of the grape with a light and zesty finish.

Interesting White

• Binder Mitchell Unheralded Maiden Viognier 2006
• Australia
• 229872
• $17.95
• Despite the label on this bottle the juice represent one of the more interesting interpretations of Viognier I have had in a while.  The nose gives off smoke and wood notes along with light floral highlights. the body is light with an almost sweet palate and a dry finish.

Top Picks White

• San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio 2009
• Italy – Veneto
• 204768
• $14.95
• a great offing from Italy fresh and herbaceous with a ripe apple nose. Good with a bit of cheese and dill.
• Cave De Hoen Heimberger Cremant D’Alsace Brut Rose
• France – AC Alsace
• 168948
• $17.95
• FIlled with ripe cherry notes this sparkling rose makes for a great celebratory at a fraction of the price of Champagne.  So no need to feel guilty at you enjoy the new deck.

 Interesting Rose

• Delas Freres Saint Esprit Cotes Du Rhone Rose 2010
• France – Rhone
• 224964
• $12.95
• This Rose caught my eye with an appealing hit of ripe strawberry and a mellow medium bodied style.  It would be a great addition to a night with friends or along side a fish cooked on the Bar-B-Que.

The Winegeek.

 Top Picks Red

• William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
• USA–NapaValley
• 212951
• $34.95
• Dark and full of fruit this wine is a monster in the glass with load of potential if you are looking to cellar.  Or just pour it into the glass and suck on the lush fruit and structured tannins.  Best served with a meal.
• La Posta Cocina Blend 2008
• Argentina-Mendoza
• 199513
• $12.95
• For the price this wine was amazing full of nuance it delivered chocolate soft fruit and supple round tannins.
• Chateau De fontenelles Cuvee Renaissance 2007
• France-Midi
• 148692
• $18.95
• Complex berry jams and dried notes make wines from the Corbiers soft juicy and friendly great for the warmer weather.

 Interesting Red

• Henschke Keynoteton Euphonium 2008
• Australia–BarossaValley
• 720433
• $49.95
• This wine could only be interesting for the fact that it achieved elegance and a massive body in one package.  Full of raspberry and ripe dry fruit notes it is soft but still could age for years.  The price point is a little high so for me does not make top pick unless I get a second job.

 Top Picks Red

• Rutherford Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• USA – Napa Valley
• 213777
• $19.95
• The nose on this wine was a bit dull but once in the mouth is easily forgiven. Full of structured fruits and juicy highlights it is made for the BBQ.
• Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2009
• Australia – Barossa Valley
• 660043
• $26.95
• This wine has some deep and funky roots I am sure. Layers of jams ripe fruits leather and a jam bomb heart make it a monster. I am quickly coming to love this winery for its enthusiasm.
• Vignerons De Caractere Seigneur De Fontimple Vaqueyras 2009
• France – Rhone
• 234013
• $18.95
• Juicy and easy yet holding a serious dark core of cassis and raspberry finishes dry. Dinner is served.

 Interesting Red

• Malivoire Ladybug Rose 2010
• Canada– Niagara Peninsula
• 559088
• $15.95
• While not technically a red this rose is too good to pass up mentioning.  Not only for the very organic ways in which it is made with loving care and gravity fed pumping, but for the bright zesty strawberries and ripe fruit on the mouth that just screams backyard time has returned.

  Top Picks White

• Charles Picone Vineyard Riesling 2008
• Canada – Vinemount Ridge VQA
• 126433
• $35.20
• Higher in price but showing a clear terroir and zesty style this wine is a showpiece. It displays lime and mineral diesel and class.
• Cave De Hoen Pinot Gris 2009
• France – AC Alsace
• 196790
• $16.95
• Ripe apple herbs well made wine by a very consistent winery.
• Madfish Gold Turtle Chardonnay 2007
• Australia–Western Australia
• 227686
• $27.95
• An Oak monster with toast and creamy vanilla.  Ripe with being so woody a beast displaying old school Aussie style.

 Interesting White

• Bodegas Naia Naia 2009
• Spain – DO Rueda
• 211045
• $18.95
• This was the first offering of this style of wine that I have tried.  It presented a really cool palate of fresh air. Like clean spring on the nose and soft herbal highlights dancing on the mouth. Excellent for chicken dishes or other meals and a real fun first try wine.

 Top Picks White

• Konzelmann Winemaster’s Collection Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2008
• Canada  – Niagara Peninsula VQA
• 392357
• $17.20
• Well made and sexy nose but not mouth clogging on the palate. Good balance between showy floral and tropical notes.
• La Creama Chardonnay 2009
• USA – California
• 158683
• $27.95
• Ripe round apples and soft fruits make for a sedate and friendly wine for a relaxing afternoon.
• Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Spatlese 2008
• Germany – Mosel
• 727370
• $24.95
• Diesel ripe pears and sexy fullness in the mouth making for a beautiful Mosel Riesling with a ripe long finish, and did I mention Diesel.

 Interesting White

• Bonny Doon Beeswax Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc 2008
• USA – Arroyo Seco Central Coast
• 95331
• $29.95
• Made from a blend of French grapes including marsanne and Grenache blanc this wine presents an interesting if not unique style.  Beeswax and line vegetal aromas great one on the nose only to transform into ripe pears and round soft cleansing note on the finish with mineral acidity.

The Winegeek.

 Top Picks Red

• Hougue Reserve Merlot 2006
• USA–WashingtonStateWahluke Slope
• 220491
• $19.95
• Found full fun nose with juicy mouth feel and tight tannins to balance. Good length on finish. Food Friendly
• Oscar’s Estate4 Vineyard Shiraz 2008
• Australia–BarossaValley
• 225631
• $15.95
• Ripe fruits strawberry and jams. Juicy with nice peppery on palate with friendly tannins. Food pairing for the BBQ. GV.
• Vinas Elias Mora 2008
• Spain– DO Toro
• 209650
• $18.95
• Ripe round vanilla with ripe full cherry on palate. Tight spicy finish with character.

 Interesting Red

• Picherri Tardizione Del Nonno Prinitivo Di Manduria 2007
• Italy–Puglia
• 718130
• $23.95
• Called the parent of Zinfandel this style of wine does not boast the massive alcohol or depth of terrior.  However many provide a good changeup for those who are looking for a good value. Nice fruit and a complex palate make this Primitivo a good place to start.

 Top Picks White

• Weingut Muller Neubergen Riesling 2009
• Austria– DAC Kremstal
• 211060
• $18.95
• Clean balanced and playful in the mouth this wine is both zesty and herbal all at once. Great austerity and style.
• Pierre Sparr reserve Gewurztraminer 2008
• France – AC Alsace
• 747600
• $17.95
• Full of tropical lychee and ripe apples this is a well made wine by a very consistent winery.
• Giesen Wine Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009
• New Zealand– TheBrothersLandMarlborough
• 223180
• $14.95
• Clean zesty and herbal with uber light zesty finish.

 Interesting White

• Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2010
• Canada– VQA Twenty Mile Bench
• 80234
• $16.95
• Made from a small estate by a team of three people this wine is named for the unique pruning team.  Fattened on the vines the sheep are penned in the vineyard through the wine making season in the end they make it into the local restaurants.  The wine itself is tight light and zesty packed with apple mineral and line notes. Its’ fresh palate just screams springtime and is great with salads and creamy dishes.

Top Picks Red
• Michael David Petite Petit 2008
o California – Lodi
o 213017
o $24.95
o Smokey and round soft but with great red fruit and a juicy mouth feel.       A great sit and sip or light fare wine.
• Errazuriz Single Vineyard Syrah 2008
o Chile –Panquehue Aconcagua Valley
o 211938
o $19.95
o Ripe cassis forward round with vanilla tones on the nose. Very dry and complex in the mouth a proper Syrah style well made and driven.
• Southbank Estate Pinot Noir 2008
o New Zealand – Marlborough
o 203109
o $19.95
o Round ripe and easy balanced with a light crisp finish great chicken pairing wine with fun fruits to keep things lively.

Interesting Red
o Alkoomi Black Label Shiraz Viognier 2008
o Australia – Frankland River Western Australia
o 203166
o $19.95
o This style of wine has rapidly become a great alternative to the typical juice monster that Australia has become know for. It possesses all the depth of character that make Shiraz great for pairing but the Viognier brings a unique element of aroma to the wine.

Top Picks White
• Salomon-Undhof Salomon Groovey Gruner Veltliner 2009
o Austria – Kremstal
o 669606
o $12.95
o Great value. Zesty and herbal with a lemony sit and sip appeal. Wine and cheese jumps to mind as a perfect excuse for opening this bottle.
• Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s reserve 2008
o USA -California
o 703710
o $19.95
o Light and toasty with a ripe fruit palate. Great chardonnay with a lively and fun profile.
• Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2008
o South Africa – Swartland
o 225458
o $16.95
o This wine boasts a handful of grapes built around Chenin Blanc. It has a clean light character and is without equal for it’s surprising profile of fresh lively nose with sherry-ish notes and a round but clean body.

Interesting White
• Dr. Hermann Riesling Spatlese 2006
o Germany- Mosel Urziger Wurzgarten
o 197178
o $22.95
o This wine is a perfect explanation of why I have a soft spot for Spatlese wines. Full of diesil and ripe apples it is sweet with a bracing acidity to give it elegance on the finish. A perfect dessert until itself and great for spicy dishes or fresh fruit.