WINE REVIEWS of the MONTH
Notable Potables - Whites, Rosés, Reds...

Wines marked with an asterisk (*) are available only through the distributor:
Guido & Son (http://site.guidoandson.com/Home.html)

2009 Cline Viognier, North Coast, California ($9.99/bottle)

Perfumed nose with floral, nutty hints. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity - good balance. Fruity palate with tropical fruit notes and some citrus. Moderate length, smooth with a refreshing finish. Drinking well now - not for aging. Very pretty and a great value.

2010 Saint-Peyre Syrah Rosé, Vin de Pays d'Oc, France ($9.99/bottle)

Fresh, berry fruit nose - spicy. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity - good balance. Fruity palate with cherry, strawberry and light citrus notes - refreshing. Moderate length with a smooth, clean finish. Drinking well now - not for aging. Great value.

2010 Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Rosé de Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays du Val de Loire, France ($12.99/bottle)

Fruity nose with strawberry and floral hints. Medium-bodied with racy acidity - good balance. Citrus palate with a tart bite and berry fruit notes. Moderate length - refreshing with a hint of spice on the aftertaste. Drinking well now - not for aging.

2008 Lemelson Vineyards Thea's Selection Pinot Noir, Willamette, Oregon ($35.99/bottle)

Ripe, spicy nose with red berry and floral hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and moderate tannin - good balance. Youthful, fruity palate with good raspberry and strawberry notes. Long finish with lingering violets, rose petals and lilacs on the aftertaste. Drinking well and should improve for another 5 to 7 years.

2007 Bodega Benegas Don Tiburno, Mendoza, Argentina ($11.99)
Composition: 50% Malbec; 20% Cabernet Sauvignon; 20% Cabernet Franc; 5% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot

Dark, brooding nose with black cherry, currant, menthol and cedar hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm, dry tannin - good balance. Dark fruit core - jammy, tarry with cherry and lilac notes. Moderate length, smooth with stewed fruit on the finish. Drinking well and should improve for the next 3 to 5 years.

2008 Bodegas Martin Codax Cuatro Pasos Mencia, DO Bierzo, Spain ($11.99/bottle)

Ripe, cherry nose with tar, wildflower and dried herb hints. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and dry tannin - good balance. Sour cherry palate with black pepper, sage and violet notes. Moderate length, smooth, but tight on the finish. Needs time - try again in 2 to 3 years. Good value.

2009 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha, DO Campo de Borja, Spain ($6.99/bottle)

Ripe, fresh cherry nose with tar and fresh herb hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Juicy , cherry palate with anise and violet notes. Moderate length, smooth, youthful. Drinking well now - not for aging. Good value.

2009 Cortijo Tinto, DOCa Rioja, Spain ($9.99/bottle)

Vibrant, chalky nose with fresh cherry and floral hints. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and polished tannins - good balance. Juicy palate with sour cherry, saddle leather and violet notes. Moderate length, smooth, youthful. Drinking well - not for aging. Great value.

2008 Gran Familia, DOCa Rioja, Spain ($12.99/bottle)

Youthful, berry nose with lilac and vanilla hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and moderate tannin - good balance. Dark cherry palate with tart rose petal notes. Moderate length, smooth with a touch of oak. Drinking well now and should improve for another 2 to 3 years. Great value.

2009 Bodegas La Cartuja, DOCa Priorato, Spain ($14.99/bottle)

Fresh cherry nose with dried herb and slate hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Fresh, fruity palate with cherry, raspberry and lavender floral notes. Moderate length, smooth, youthful and spicy finish. Drinking well now and should improve for another 2 to 3 years. Good value considering the region.

2008 Villa Almadi Cabernet del Veneto IGT, Italy ($15.00/bottle)*

Perfumed, complex nose with dried herb and floral hints. Medium-to-full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin - good balance. Fruity palate with balck cherry and dried currant notes. Long finish with floral and spice on the aftertaste. Very nice. Drinking well and should improve with 2 to 3 years aging. Good value.

2006 Santa Lucia Cabernet Sauvignon, Capalbio DOC, Italy ($47.00/bottle)*

Lively, peppery nose with dried fruit and cedar hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin - good balance. Jammy, fruity palate with cherry, black currant and tar notes. Long finish with a smooth aftertaste - spicy with a hint of vanilla. Drinking well and should improve with another 3 to 5 years in bottle.

2006 Santa Lucia Tore del Moro, Morellino di Scansano DOC, Italy ($18.00/bottle)*

Ripe, youthful nose with fresh cherry and dried herb hints. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and tight tannin. Rough palate with tarry, dark cherry fruit and light floral notes - puckering. Moderate length with an edgy finish - tight. May improve with time.

2009 Cinquepassi Rosso, Veneto IGT, Italy ($22.00/bottle)*
Composition: 40% Merlot; 30% Cabernet Sauvignon; 10% Syrah; 10% Ancilotta; 10% Teroldego

Youthful, spicy nose with cherry, raisin and dried fruit hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Fruity palate with juicy, red berry and tar notes. Moderate length, smooth and easy-drinking - not for long aging.

2006 Tralcio d'Oro Rosso, Colli Euganei DOC, Italy ($20.00/bottle)*
Composition: 60% Merlot; 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark fruit nose with chocolate, cedar and dried herb hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin - good balance. Sour cherry palate with tar, violets and saddle leather notes. Moderate length - a little rustic. Some spice and vanilla on the finish. Drinking well - should smooth out with time - 3 to 5 years.

2008 Cantina Cincinnato Pollúce, Lazio Rosso DOC, Italy ($9.99/bottle)

Juicy, fruity nose with cherry, herb and black pepper hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and soft tannin - good balance. Youthful, fruity palate with fresh cherry, anise and floral notes. Moderate length, smooth, drinking well - not for aging. Good value.

2006 Morgante Nero d'Avola, Sicilia IGT, Italy ($15.99/bottle)

Bright, cherry fruit aromas with dried herb, anise and cedar hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - well balanced. Lush, fruity palate with dark fruit core, dried fruit and bittersweet chocolate - earthy. Long finish, smooth and seductive - spicy. Drinking well and should improve with another 2 to 3 years in bottle. Good value.

2008 Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Tellus, Marche Rosso IGT, Italy ($14.99/bottle)
Composition : 50% Montepulciano ; 25% Merlot ; 25% Cabernet Sauvignon

Earthy nose with dark cherry, dried herb and briar hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Youthful with a dark fruit core and tarry notes - yummy. Moderate length, smooth and a bit spicy. Drinking well now and should improve with 2 to 3 years in bottle.

2008 Cesari La Mara, Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, Italy ($15.99/bottle)

Black cherry nose with fig, dried fruit and allspice hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Soft, fruity palate with red berry notes. Moderate length with a smooth finish and hints of black pepper and vanilla on the aftertaste. Drinking well now and should improve with 2 to 3 years in bottle.

2009 Avignonesi, Rosso di Montepulciano, Italy ($12.99/bottle)

Youthful, cherry nose with tar and floral hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Smooth, black cherry fruit palate – earthy with floral notes. Long finish - lightly spicy with cedar and vanilla. Drinking well and should improve for another 3 to 5 years in bottle. Great value!

2006 Cantina del Taburno Fidelis, Aglianico del Taburno, Italy ($14.99/bottle)

Ripe, red berry nose with mineral, anise and floral hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and moderate tannin - good balance. Spicy palate with briarwood and layered with cherry and lavender. Moderate length - smooth with a stony finish. Drinking well now and should improve for another 2 to 3 years in bottle. Good value.

2009 San Polo Rubio, Toscana IGT, Italy ($14.99/bottle)

Earthy, rustic nose with black cherry, herbs and saddle hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Fruity with sweet cherry fruit - ripe - lilac notes - really pretty. Moderate length - smooth with a spicy finish. Drinking well now - not for aging.

2009 Domaine Brazilier Tradition, Coteaux du Vendômois, France ($12.99/bottle)
Composition: A blend of Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir

Fresh cherry nose with wet stone and floral hints. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and light tannin - good balance. Sour cherry palate - a bit tart - tarry with floral notes. Moderate length with a youthful finish. Drinking well now and should hold for another 2 to 3 years. Great value.

2009 Domaine de La Pépière La Pépiè Cot, Vin de Pays du Val de Loire, France ($11.99/bottle)

Black currant and black cherry nose with violets and black pepper. Medium-to-full-bodied with firm acidity and firm, dry tannin - good balance. Tart cherry palate with menthol, mint and floral notes. Tight. Moderate length - closed with tarry, tobacco and cedar on the aftertaste - need time - try again in 3 to 5 years. Great value!

2008 Les Cave de Saumur Les Pouches, Saumur, France ($9.99/bottle)

Bright, fresh cherry nose with floral and herbaceous hints - minerality. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and firm dry tannin - good balance. Tart, almost sour palate - good complexity - a little light. Moderate length with mineral and black pepper on the aftertaste. Drinking well now - not for aging. Good value.

2009 Les Cave de Saumur Les Villaises, Saumur Champigny, France ($14.99/bottle)

Fruity nose with floral, fresh cherry and wet stone hints. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and moderate tannin - good balance. Dark fruit core with tar, jam and lilac notes. Moderate length with an edgy finish - crisp, yet some nice residual complexity. Drinking well now - not for aging.

2005 Lamé Delisle Bougard - Domaine des Chesnaies Cuvee Prestige, Bourgueil, France ($14.99/bottle)

Ripe, jammy nose with black cherry, herb and floral hints. Medium-to-full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin - good balance. Fresh cherry palate with mint, currant and lilac notes. Moderate length - smooth and a little tight. Drinking well now and should improve with another 3 to 5 years in bottle. Great value!

2009 Jean Francois Delorme, Rully, France ($19.99/bottle)

Ripe, raspberry aromas with dried herbs and floral hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Fruit forward palate with raspberry, lavender and rose petal notes. Moderate length with smooth, youthful finish. Drinking well now and should hold for another 2 to 3 years in bottle.

2009 Potel-Aviron, Beaujolais-Village, France ($11.99/bottle)

Fruity nose with lilac, fresh cherry and mineral hints. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and light, supple tannin - good balance. Fresh fruity palate with cherry, tarry notes - a bit rough and clumsy. Moderate length with rose petals on the aftertaste. Drinking well now - not for aging. Good value.

2009 Jean-Marc Burgaud Chateau de Thulon, Beaujolais-Village, France ($10.99/bottle)

Fruity nose with banana chip, lavender and rose petal hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin - good balance. Ripe, fresh cherry palate with earthy notes - gutsy. Moderate length, spicy with black cherry on the aftertaste. Drinking well now and should hold for another 2 to 3 years in bottle. Great value.

2009 Jean-Marc Burgaud Les Charmes, Morgon, France ($14.99/bottle)

Fruity nose with floral and wet stone hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin - good balance. Dark fruit core with earthy, tarry notes. Moderate length - tight with some herbaceous notes. Drinking well now and should hold for another 2 to 3 years.

2009 Jean-Marc Burgaud Côte du Py – Vieilles Vignes, Morgon, France ($17.99/bottle)

Tight nose with black cherry and dried herb hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin - good balance. Jammy, dark fruit core with mineral, lavender and cedar notes. Moderate length - tight but smooth finish - needs time - try again in 3 years - good value.

2009 Chateau Guillou, Montagne Saint- Émilion, France ($17.99/bottle)

Earthy, minerally nose with black cherry and black currant hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - well balanced. Dark fruit core with plum, mint and chocolate notes - pretty. Long finish, smooth with cedar hints on the aftertaste. Drinking well now and should improve with another 3 to 5 years in the bottle.

2007 Chateau Fontaynes Cuvée Dorian, Cahors, France ($9.99/bottle)

Spicy, fruity nose with black cherry, currant and fresh herb hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and dry tannin - good balance. Sour cherry palate - tart and tannic - tight with floral notes. Moderate length with some allspice and black pepper on the aftertaste. Needs time to open up - try again in 3 years. Good value.

2007 Chateau de Flaugergues Cuvée Sommeliere, Coteaux du Languedoc, France ($15.99/bottle)

Ripe, jammy nose with black cherry, currant and rose attar hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Fruity, lively palate with fresh cherry, floral and fresh herb notes. Moderate length, smooth with black pepper on the aftertaste. Drinking well now and should improve with another 2 to 3 years in bottle. Great value!

2008 Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue Bronzinelle, Coteaux du Languedoc, France ($15.99/bottle)

Lively, spicy nose with black cherry, allspice and dried herb hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Sour cherry palate with black pepper, violet and tar notes. Moderate length with a smooth finish - very nice. Drinking well now and should improve with another 3 to 5 years in bottle. Great value!

2007 Domaine Chaume-Arnaud, Côtes du Rhone, France ($13.99/bottle)

Earthy nose with spice, lilac and black cherry hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and moderate tannin - good balance. Cherry palate with anise, leather and mint notes. Moderate length with vanilla and sour cherry on the aftertaste. Drinking well now and should hold for another 2 to 3 years.

2009 Saint Cosme, Côtes du Rhone, France ($14.99/bottle)

Ripe, bright cherry nose with floral and dried herb hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - well balanced. Youthful and a bit rustic. Black cherry palate with jammy, tar and spicy notes. Moderate length with cedar and vanilla on the aftertaste. Drinking well now and should improve with another 3 to 5 years in bottle. Good value.

2009 Domaine La Garrigue Cuvée Romaine, Côtes du Rhone, France ($14.99/bottle)

Ripe nose with jammy, cherry aromas - lilac and fresh herb hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Juicy palate with black cherry, vanilla and allspice notes - lovely. Moderate length with a smooth finish - young and quaffable - Drinking well now - not for aging.

2009 Montirus, Côtes du Rhone, France ($13.99/bottle)
Composition: 73% Grenache; 20% Syrah; 7% Mourvèdre

Lively, fresh fruit nose with strawberry, lilac and fresh herb hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin - good balance. Fresh fruity palate with bright cherry, black pepper, anise and mint notes. Moderate length, smooth and easy drinking. Drinking well now - not for aging. Great value!

2009 Seigneur de Fontimple, Vacqueryas, France ($14.99/bottle)
Composition: 70% Grenache; 20% Syrah; 10% Mourvèdre

Tight nose with faint lavender, mint and black cherry hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin - good balance. Fresh cherry palate with spice, vanilla and earthy notes. Moderate length with a smooth finish. Drinking well now and should improve with another 2 to 3 years in bottle.

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