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WINE LIST

ARGENTINA

Catena Chardonnay Mendoza 2003

The mid-level Chardonnay from Catena and rated 5 stars by Decanter magazine. About $16.00. The price of this Argentinean white wine has remained stable but the quality continues to improve with this vintage. Many customers are now buying this wine by the case and well worth it. Flavors are fig, pineapple and pear with a long, soft finish. This wine is clearly very sophisticated and has earned its high praise. Drink Now.

	CATENA Malbec Mendoza Alamos 2003
	BODEGA CATENA Malbec Mendoza Alamos 2002 (91 points) A Wine Spectator "BEST BUY" selection. Ripe, lip-smacking acidity helps keep the plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit bouncing along here, with tasty mocha and spice notes as well. Subtle toast, so the fruit really shines. A delicious, forward style with textbook flavors. Drink now through 2005. About $11 retail.

	BODEGA NORTON Malbec Mendoza 2002
	Wine Spectator 89 points, about $10. Nice sweet fruit, with lots of black cherry, blackberry and mocha, with a round, easy texture. Ripe and very forward, this focuses on clean, modern fruit. Pure and delicious. Drink now through 2004.

	Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Altamira 2001
	Wine Spectator 92 points. About $85.00. Dark, with blackberry and chocolate notes. Racy finish unfolds with juicy acidity; crammed with fruit, spice and smoke.

	Catena Alta Chardonnay 2001
	Wine Spectator 92 points. About $30.00. Unctuous apricot, mango, fig and dried pineapple flavors, with grilled nut and spice notes. Long, creamy finish.

	CATENA Alta Malbec Mendoza Angelica Vineyard 2000
	Wine Spectator 92 points. About $55.00 but drinks like a $100.00 selection. Aromas of chocolate, raspberry confiture and sweet smoke. Juicy and dense. Raspberry and blackberry on the long finish. Unforgettable.

	Felipe Rutini Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2002
	Tanzer rating of 88 points. About$17.00. A delicious wine worthy of having on hand for special occations. Dense, malbec fruit on the palate masterfully made with soft tannins and balanced acidity. Savor this one.

	Graffigna Syrah Don Santiago Vineyard 2001
	A single vineyard product and one of our Goldilocks "just right" selections. About $17.00. Cocoa bean, bittersweet chocolate, and black currant. Smooth finish lasting nicely to savor with admiration.

	BIANCHI Cabernet Sauvignon San Rafael 2002
	Wine Spectator 91 points, about $19. The lush cassis and raspberry fruit is surrounded by cocoa, spice and toast notes. The fruit really pumps through the finish, offset by a mineral note that adds further dimension. Elegant, and well put together. Drink now through 2008. Wine Spectator rated as a Smart Buy.

AUSTRALIA

Hewitson "Miss Harry" 2003

A glorious blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre. Fruit sourced from predominantly 80 year old vines. “Miss Harry” is vibrant in color and in flavor. Aromas of high tone ripe strawberry and red forest berries with hints of exotic spicy greet you on the nose. On the palate the fruit flavors are all the more intense and complex. Beautiful mouth filling red and black fruits, with great vibrancy and concentration, and nuances of spice and earth. The finish is long and soft.

	Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
	Robert Parker 88 points. Black berry, plum even mulberry are all evident wrapped up in a very attractive sweet, ripe framework, courtesy of a combination of French and American oak. Supple tannins hold the fruit in check and allow some of the more exotic cassis, chocolate cake and coffee notes to add real depth of character. The finish is long, with good acidity and well defined tannins.

	ELDERTON Shiraz Barossa Command 1999
	Wine Spectator 94 points. About $62.00 Super-rich and jammy, with black cherry, wild berry, toasty oak and spice nuances. Silky texture, mile-long finish. A long track record of excellence from vintage to vintage.

	The Wishing Tree Shiraz 2003
	Wine Spectator 89 points. About $10.00. Bright, jazzy, swaggering style shoots off sparks of mint and white pepper around a lively core of blackberry fruit, finishing with fine tannins and juicy acidity. Drink now through 2006.

	BULLETIN PLACE Shiraz South Eastern Australia 2003
	Smooth, polished and generous with its peppery blackberry, boysenberry and currant flavors, lingering on the round finish. Drink now through 2008. Wine Spectator 88 points, about $9.

CHILE

	SANTA RITA Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Merlot
	Wine Spectator 88 points, about $18. Traditional in style, with lots of dried currant, tar, loam and coffee notes, this still has plenty of guts, with firm but ripe tannins holding sway over the finish. A bit brutish, but should come alive with a hearty cassoulet. Drink now through 2005. From Chile.

	MONTES Sauvignon Blanc Curicó Valley Fumé Blanc Re
	Wine Spectator 88 points, about $10. This Chilean Sauvignon is quite refined, as the sweet pea, chive, lime, mineral and floral notes run along a creamy, yet lively palate. Very pretty finish. Drink now. A Best Value Wine.

	MONTES Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz 2001
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $20.00. Lovely fruit here--cassis, red currant and blackberry--with supple texture. Yet there's serious grip, with mineral, cocoa and toast notes as well, all framed by firm yet well-integrated tannins. This should develop nicely. Drink now through 2006. A smart buy.

	SANTA RITA Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Casa Re
	Wine Spectator 91 points. About $60.00. Intriguing nose of dark currant, cocoa and sanguine aromas, followed by a core of currant, smoke, mineral and loam.

	Montes Alpha Chardonnay Curico Valley Alpha 2002
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $20.00. Classy Chardonnay, with fig, Bosc pear, hazelnut and toast notes that are ripe and rich, yet elegant as well. Fine acidity runs seamlessly underneath it all. Lengthy finish. Drink now through 2005.

	Montes Alpha Alpha M 2001
	Wine Spectator 94 points. About $75.00. Cut like a fine suit, the black currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit drapes the palate, while an impressive array of espresso, mineral, sanguine, fig and black tea notes are stitched seamlessly together. Long, detailed finish. A graceful rendition that is approachable now, but should age beautifully. Drink now through 2010.

	Montes Sauvignon-Carmenère Colchagua Valley Apalta
	Wine Spectator 88 points. About $16.00. A bit thick and chunky, showing plenty of ripe berry and currant fruit and a healthy dose of toast and coffee. The burly, briery finish has guts. May smooth out with cellaring, but approachable now with hearty fare. Drink now through 2005.

	Santa Ema Cab. Sauv .Maipo Valley Reserve 2002
	Wine Spectator 88 points, about $14. Solid blackberry and currant fruit with a loamy edge as well. Picks up some herbal hints on the finish, but stays gusty. Drink now through 2005.

FRANCE

	CHÂTEAU D'AGASSAC Haut-Médoc 2001
	Wine Spectator 89 points, about $20. This is very pretty, with plum and currant character on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a sweet fruit finish. Delicious. Best after 2008. 13,750 cases made. A Smart Buy. From France.

	MÉO-CAMUZET Vosne-Romanée Les Chaumes 2001
	Wine Spectator rating 95 points, about $85. Gorgeous, supple and packed with fruit; dark-colored and thick-textured, with lively aromas and succulent flavors. It mingles faded roses, cassis, wild strawberries and raspberries and a bit of wet earth. Long, succulent, balanced finish. Drink now through 2012. 575 cases made. Collectible. From France.

	LA VIEILLE FERME 2003 Côtes du Ventoux
	Wine Spectator rating: 85 points, about $8 Nice clean red and dark berry fruit, with dried herb and mineral notes as well. Food-friendly tannins on the moderate finish. Drink now. From France.

	CHÂTEAU D'AGASSAC Haut-Médoc 2000
	Wine Spectator 90 points, Wine Advocate 88 points. About $20.00. Super effort. Complex aromas of milk chocolate, plum and coffee, with hints of game. Full-bodied, soft and round tannins, with a ripe fruit finish. Lovely wine. Best after 2005. From Bordeaux.

	PERRIN & FILS Côtes du Rhône White Réserve 2003
	Wine Spectator 87 points. About $11 Very tasty, with peach, nectarine and citrus peel flavors that stay bright and lively through the finish. Not big, but balanced and delicious.

	Chateau Roubaud 2003 Rose Cuve Prestige
	Wine Enthusiast 88 Points - This is a delicious, full-bodied rose from the mouth of the Rhone in southern France. It is full of ripe strawberry fruit flavors. This is what fresh, fruity rose is all about. It may not be summer for another six months, but this makes a great aperitif wine. You could even drink it with the Thanksgiving turkey.

GERMANY

2002 Wehrheim Riesling Niersteiner Spatlese

Wine Spectator rating 90 points, about $13 retail. After the magnificent 2001 harvest, the best in a generation, Germany enjoyed a fine crop of ripe, healthy Riesling in 2002. Although it may always remain in the shadow of its predecessor, 2002 stands on its own as an excellent vintage. This is great news for German Riesling lovers. With the 2001s selling briskly or, in many cases, already sold out, the 2002s come to the rescue at a time when estate German Riesling is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, winning new fans with every quaff.

	Dr Wagner Riesling Ockfener Bockstein Spatlese 200
	Wine Spectator 90 points About $20.00 A beauty. Reeks of slate and exotic spices. It picks up candied citrus and tropical fruit notes on the palate. Wonderful harmony and expression the riesling grape. Drink now.

	Haart Riesling Piesporter Goldtropfchen Kabinett
	Wine Spectator 89 points. About $17.00 Rich and ample, yet light on its feet, sporting apricot and mineral notes backed by a vibrant structure. Fine length.

	Prum (Jj) Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett
	Wine Spectator 93 points. About $36.00. Intensely aromatic and bursting with herb, peach, lime and slate notes. Firm structure and creamy texture. Long finish.

	WEHRHEIM Riesling Kabinett Rheinhessen Niersteiner
	Wine Spectator 88 points. About $15.00 Rich, with good concentration and ripe peach and mineral flavors. Creamy, balanced and sleek, with a lingering finish.

ITALY

	Alois Lagader Pino Grigio Riff 2003
	Wine Spectator 87 points. About $10.00. An appley white with some mineral and dried fruit character. Medium body, light finish. This is a wine that Lageder buys from producers in northeastern Italy. Good value. Drink now.

LEBANON

Chateau Musar Red

Chateau Musar Red 1996

This is not an intensely rich concentrated vintage but one of finesse, subtlety and refinement. The wines of 1996 are beautifully harmonious with elegant long length.

Chateau Musar Red 1995
The Chateau Musar Red 1995 is a great vintage - a very important wine with immense power and concentration of fruit, a very great year with fabulous colour and incredible potential for living…..

Chateau Musar Red 1994
Clear ruby, not too dark, with forward aromas of black cherries, herbs and fragrant pepper and a distinct but pleasant whiff of the barnyard. Full and complex, fruit and earthy flavours are consistent with the nose; zingy acidity and soft tannins set up a very long finish with fruity and floral notes that seem to last for minutes. A very fine wine, capable of ageing well for years.

Chateau Musar Red 1993
The Red 1993 is in the Bordeaux/Cabernet style, very supple and well balanced. Complex layers of rich berry fruits; mulberries, blackberries and redcurrants - there are also soft ripe fruits such as cherries and damsons with the characteristic "Musar" spiciness and cedar notes. Good acidity and long fine length - certainly a pleasure to drink. Deep orange/red to orange at rim. More animal on the nose than the 1994, layered with redcurrants and spicy notes. Big and sweet, with more balance than the 1994, and flavours of sweet strawberries, mushrooms, hay and subtle oak. Long, spicy and dry on the finish, this complex wine is drinking superbly now.

Chateau Musar Red 1991
Dark ruby colour - bright and beautiful. The nose is chocolate, animal, tobacco and leather. Very complex and rich, red fruits, spices, olives and lots of fruits. Very harmonious and well balanced. Very long length with chestnut flavours and long fine grain. A great year - combining sweetness and power.

Chateau Musar Red 1989
The nose on the 1989 vintage is remarkably fragrant and attractive. It is indeed a very fine wine; delicate, elegant with good tannins and great length. Intriguing notes of roasted peanuts, smoked meat and cumin. Nice layering of flavours and texture.

NEW ZEALAND

	Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2004
	Wine Spectator 87 points. About $13. Polished style, light and pretty with citrus and tropical fruit notes that ride nicely over the top. Distinctively Marlborough, bursting with passionfruit, ripe gooseberry and hints of herbaceous nuances. A well balanced and a freshly invigorating palate with a crisp and zesty finish.

	Allan Scott Chardonnay Marlborough 2003
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $15. Ripe in flavor, elegant in structure, lots of oak but it pulls itself into balance with juicy nectarine, pear and lime flavors that persist on the lively finish. Drink now through 2007.

	Villa Maria Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Hawkes Bay P
	Wince Spectator 87 points. Aout $13. Bright and juicy, with firm tannins under a lively layer of blackberry, boysenberry and earthy tobacco flavors that mingle nicely on a juicy finish.

	ALLAN SCOTT Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2003
	Wine Spectator 88 points, about $13.00 Bright and tangy. Juicy, with lime, quince and green peppercorn flavors, lingering appealingly.

Spy Valley

91 Points - Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2004 “Top Wines” [highest score for NZ Pinot Noir] Ripe, round and focused, with plum, blackberry and tangy green leaf flavors mingling enticingly on the polished finish.
90 Points - Spy Valley Riesling 2004 “Smart Buy” Off-dry, but bracingly tart to support the lime, mineral and pleasantly waxy notes, with a hint of tangerine on the finish.
89 Points - Spy Valley Chardonnay 2002 Has delicacy and harmony to its pear, grapefruit and mineral flavors, which linger with refinement on the deftly balanced finish. Drink now through 2007.
88 Points - Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Fine and lively, with juicy lime custard and green pear flavors that linger expressively on the bright finish. Drink now.

	Mills Reef Sauv. Blanc Hawkes Bay Reserve 2004
	Wine spectator. 88 points, about $15. Smooth, round and spicy, showing a barrel-fermented character around lively, juicy pineapple and lime flavors. Drink now through 2005.

PORTUGAL

No Wines Available for PORTUGAL

SOUTH AFRICA

Four South African White Wines for $24 or Less

This emerging wine region offers distinctive bottlings at inviting prices. Thanks to cooling ocean breezes and high-altitude vineyards, South African winemakers are able to counter their country's heat and bottle some impressive wines, both red and white. Catering to international palates, large amounts of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are produced in South Africa. Winemakers are also successful with Chenin Blanc, which is sometimes labeled as Steen on wines from this area. The best whites combine a medley of fruit, herb and mineral flavors with elegant structures and affordable prices. Contact us for availability recommendations in Virginia or West Virginia.

MULDERBOSCH Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2002 Wine Spectator Score 92, about $24
This chiseled, structured Chardonnay has lots of crunchy acidity supporting its ripe pear, fig, pineapple and papaya notes. Lots of citrus peel and floral hints here as well, with a long, stony finish. Drink now through 2006. 4,000 cases made.

GLEN CARLOU Chardonnay Paarl 2002 Wine Spectator Score 91, about $14.
This pulls no punches, with lots of grilled hazelnut, matchstick and piecrust aroma followed by ripe pear, fig and melon flavors. Long, smoky finish delivers another wave of fruit. Drink now through 2005. 15,000 cases made.

GRAHAM BECK Sauvignon Blanc Coastal Region 2003 Wine Spectator score 87, about $10
Elegant, but with deceptive richness, this has white peach, mineral and lime flavors that fan out nicely on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now. 14,000 cases made. One of our favorite white wines for the upcoming summer season. A real value !!

BUITENVERWACHTING Sauvignon Blanc Constantia 2003. Wine Spectator 90 points, about $15.
Racy Sauvignon, with distinct chalk, lime, herb and chive flavors, and hints of white peach and honeysuckle emerging on the finish. Deceptively concentrated, this should develop nicely in the cellar. Drink now through 2004.

KANU Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2003

Wine Spectator 87 points, about $9. This South Africa burgeoning white wine is augmented by Chenin Blanc, a grape which rarely gets serious treatment outside of France's Loire Valley. This version offers nice taut nectarine, peach and spice flavors, with a bracing edge that runs right through the finish. A bright, tangy introduction to this grape's good side. Drink now through 2004. A Best Value Wine.

	Mulderbosch Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2002
	Wine Spectator 92 points. About $24.00 Chiseled, structured Chardonnay with lots of crunchy acidity supporting its ripe pear, fig, pineapple and papaya notes. Insiders know to cellar this wine for a few years -- they blossom with time.

	Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2004
	Wine Spectator 91 points. About $20.00. Lean and racy, with tightly wound lime, chive, chalk and sweet pea notes that will need some moderate cellaring to fully unwind. Crisp, chiseled finish is really mouthwatering.

	MULDERBOSCH Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2003
	Wine Spectator rating 88 points. About $14.00. Racy and taut, with candied lemon peel, floral and mineral notes. Vibrant, crunchy finish. Mouthwatering acidity. A Wine Spectator "BEST VALUE" selection.

	KANU Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2002
	Wine Spectator 88 points. About $13.00. Has a delicious mix of grass, floral and hay notes, along with white peach and nectarine. Vibrant, bracing finish. A Wine Spectator "BEST VALUE" selection.

	BRAMPTON Chardonnay Coastal Region 2002
	Wine Spectator 88 points. About $11.00. Flinty, elegant. Hints of apple and fig. Nice cut on the finish. A Wine Spectator "BEST VALUE" selection.

	BRAMPTON Sauvignon Blanc Coastal Region 2002
	Wine Spectator 88 points. About $10.00. Fig and lemon curd that are offset by racy citrus peel. Floral and herb notes chime in on the finish for added effect. A Wine Spectator "BEST VALUE" selection.

	NEIL ELLIS Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2002
	Wine Spectator 89 points. About $15.00. Ripe pear and fig notes offset by vibrant structure and a nice minerally edge. Long flinty finish.

	BUITENVERWACHTING Chardonnay Constantia 2002
	Wine Spectator 89 points. About $15.00. Bold style, deep color. Fig, pear tartine, honey and floral notes, and a rich, round texture. Solid, focused finish. A Wine Spectator "BEST VALUE" selection.

	DELAIRE Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2002
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $15.00. Juicy and crisp, with grass, chive and pea flavors. Hint of stones, and bitter citrus peel on the finish. A Wine Spectator "BEST VALUE" selection.

	KLEIN CONSTANTIA Vin de Constance Constantia 1998
	Wine Spectator 93 points. About $42.00. A 500ml bottle. Loaded dessert wine, with mango, blood orange, smoke, persimmon, ginger, date and fig flavors. Superlong finish. Treat yourself with this one!!!

	WARWICK Three Cape Ladies Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
	A Cab/Merlot/Pinotage blend. Wine Spectator 91 points. About $23.00. Waves of black cherry, currant and cassis flavor build on the lush palate. Smoky finish lets the fruit smolder.

	RUSTENBERG Peter Barlow Stellenbosch 2001
	Wine Spectator 92 points. About $46.00. Cabernet Sauvignon. Ripe, almost exotic, with currant preserve, plum, fig, black tea, toast and spice notes. Dense, with a long, plush finish.

	DE TRAFFORD Shiraz Stellenbosch 2001
	Wine Spectator 94 points. About $39.00. Terrific wine, with plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit up front driven by freshly roasted coffee bean, Valrhona chocolate, sweet earth and smoke notes.

	Ernie Els Cabernet Stellenbosch 2001
	Wine Spectator 93 points. About $75.00. Modern style Cabernet Blend. Blackberry, black currant and boysenberry fruit oozes along the palate, while cocoa, Lapsang souchong tea and Kona coffee notes ripple through the finish.

	Rudera Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch Noble Late Harves
	Wine Spectator 92 points. Dessert Wine. About $25.00. A 375ml bottle. Marked by orange blossom, persimmon and mineral notes.

	GLEN CARLOU Chardonnay Paarl 2002
	Wine Spectator 91 points. About $15. This pulls no punches, with lots of grilled hazelnut, matchstick and piecrust aroma followed by ripe pear, fig and melon flavors. Long, smoky finish delivers another wave of fruit. Wow, wow, wow.

	Merlot Swartland Flagship 1999
	Wine Spectator 91 points. About $35.00. Modern, lush style, with lots of sweet mocha, vanilla bean and coffee notes laying over juicy, ripe plum and boysenberry fruit. Nice mineral twang on the fleshy finish.

	Rustenberg Stellenbosch John X Merriman 2001
	Wine Spectator 91 points About $26.00. . Flashy style, with lots of black tea, fig, sweet toast, black currant, bittersweet chocolate, plum and blackberry compote aromas and flavors. Long and lush, this is concentrated, but stays balanced and alluring. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

	Rustenberg John X Merriman Stellenbosch 2000
	Wine Spectator 89 points. About $26.00. You can smell the pure beam of raspberry fruit this offers, and the palate follows through on that promise along with herb, mineral and cocoa notes. Tight and racy still, with the fruit giving way to the herbal, minerally side on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

	Rustenberg Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2002
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $19.00. Lots of flashy grilled nut, fig and pear fruit, but there's legtimate depth and length as well. Hints of stones, matchstick and honeysuckle chime in on the long, rich finish. Has power and grace. Drink now through 2005.

	Rustenberg Chardonnay Stellenbosch 5 Soldiers 2001
	Wine Spectator 91 points. About $35.00. Very suave Chardonnay, despite its bold, buttery, toast-laden profile. This sports lots of graham and grilled nut notes, with rich fig and pear fruit. Expands effortlessly in the glass. Drink now through 2005.

	Buitenverwachting Chardonnay Constantia 2002
	Wine Spectator 89 points. About $16.00. Classy Chardonnay, with lushly textured mineral, fig, toast and dried pineapple flavors intertwined. Nice balance here, with dried tropical fruit on the lengthy finish.

	Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc Constantia 2003
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $15.00. Racy Sauvignon, with distinct chalk, lime, herb and chive flavors, and hints of white peach and honeysuckle emerging on the finish. Deceptively concentrated, this should develop nicely in the cellar. Drink now through 2004.

	Meerlust Pinot Noir Stellenbosch Reserve 1999
	Wine Spectator 88 points. About $28.00. Quite earthy, but rich and sweet too, with truffle, tea, baked plum and cherry fruit flavors. The acidity is still fresh and the texture supple despite the rustic flavor profile. In a distinct style that's not for everyone. Drink now through 2005.

	Meerlust Stellenbosch Rubicon 1999
	Wine Spectator 89 points. About $30.00. Maturing, with a slightly dry edge to the black currant and cassis fruit, but there's plenty of concentration, and ripe acidity lets interesting mineral and earth notes enhance the finish. For fans of the style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

	Rust En Vrede Merlot Stellenbosch 2001
	Wine Spectator 89 points. About $15.00 Has a funky edge, with earth and sous-bois notes, but there's muscle to the ripe plum, blackberry and currant fruit here. Smoky finish has nice herbal and chocolate hints. If this settles in, it will be a winner, so try cellaring. Best from 2004 through 2006.

	Rust En Vrede Estate Red 2002
	Wine Spectator 92 points. About $34.00. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Terrific juice, pure and driven, with red and black currant, cassis, bittersweet chocolate, graphite and espresso flavors. Serious depth, with the fruit coursing through the finish despite its youthful tightness. A classy wine. Best from 2004 through 2008.

	Warwick Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc 2004
	Wine Enthusiast 90 Points - Initially rather simple and sweet, offering ripe tropical-citrus fruit plus a round, soft feel, behind that veneer lurks an impressive wine. With time emerged Sauvignon Blanc’s brighter citrus and grass tanginess, and much higher apparent acidity. It’s full yet crisp, closing long with rich fruit and mild pepper notes. Grab now, but wait until 2005 to drink.

	Warwick 2003 Old Bush Vines Pinotage
	Wine Enthusiast 88 Points - Opens with a lovely raspberry, chocolate and spice nose. Strong and solid, with deep fruit, a nicely balanced mouthfeel, and well-employed oak, this closes long and dry with mildly tangy tannins.

	Warwick 2001 Estate Reserve
	Wine Enthusiast 88 Points - Offers interesting Oriental spice, leather, popcorn and earth notes over deep cassis fruit. Full and smooth, with excellent balance and an espresso-dark finish. Perhaps oak heavy, but delicious in weight and style not unlike some very good modern-style Graves.

Graham Beck Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 1999

Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award 2004. The Blanc de Blancs, which is labelled with vintage, appears every year, contrary to the practice in Champagne where a vintage is declared only in years of exceptional quality. Made only from Chardonnay fruit nurtured on the Madeba farm just outside Robertson, half of the wine was fermented in pièce Champenoise 205-litre French-oak barrels, with the remainder fermented in stainless steel. The blend spent some 40 months on the lees in bottle to gain complexity before disgorging in October 2003. The wine contains 11% alcohol and has a residual sugar of 8.4 grams per litre. It shows a brilliant greenish straw colour in the glass, with racy, pin-point bubbles and creamy mousse. The nose is immediately forthcoming in a nutty, minerally style, though reserved and sophisticated. The restrained Chardonnay fruit is enhanced by the mere hint of clean, honeyed oak, and develops on the palate as the mousse warms in the mouth - finishing with great length, balanceand steeliness.

SPAIN

Llicorella Priorat 2001 (Spain)

If you can find it, this red wine packs far more quality and flavor than it's price would suggest. Made using new world methods, this excellent Spanish wine is has concentrated flavors, is dry on the palate and has robust tannins on the finish. Drink Treat yourself to this excellent wine. Also comes in convenient 6 packs which makes it great for gift giving. Contact us for availability recommendations in Virginia or West Virginia.

UNITED STATES

	ROSENBLUM Zinfandel San Francisco Bay Continente
	January 05, 2004 Wine Spectator Wine of the Week (92 points, about $16) Deliciously complex, with layers of spicy oak, wild berry, black cherry, grilled meat and peppery scents, turning smooth on the finish, where the texture is supple and polished. Drink now through 2009. 2,700 cases made.

	JUSTIN Syrah Paso Robles 2001
	Wine Spectator 90 points, about $24. Ripe and balanced, with inviting depth and supple texture to black cherry, game, mineral and toasty oak tones. Spice, roasted herb and round tannins shape a concentrated finish. Drink now through 2008. Only 3,900 cases made. A Smart Buy. From California.

	BONNY DOON Riesling America Dry Pacific Rim NV
	Now non-vintage specific. Wine Spectator rating of 86 points, about $10. A tasty wine, with modest complexity and luscious and spicy peach, melon and tropical fruit. Blend of grapes from Washington and Germany. Drink now. A Wine Spectator Best Value.

CLINE Red Truck California 2003

Wine Spectotor rating of 88 points, about $10. A popular new product from Cline. Ripe and intense, with a refreshing burst of pomegranate, mineral, cherry and pine tones, with firm tannins and a lively structure. Debut vintage of this new blend. Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Alicante Bouschet and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2007. A Wine Spectator Best Value wine. From California.

	ACACIA Pinot Noir Napa Valley-Carneros 2002
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $23.00. Intense and vibrant, with a firm tannic backbone to the core of earthy blackberry and wild berry fruit. Tightens on the finish, with a hint of clove and cedary oak, at times flexing its muscles yet also offering concentration and depth. Drink now through 2009.

	Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Marjorie Vineyard 200
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $40.00 Dark and tangy, an elegant red that delivers a lively mouthful of cinnamon- and cedar-scented blackberry and currant flavors, finishing on a firm, spicy note. Drink now through 2008.

	Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Louise Vineyard 2001
	Wine Spectator 90 points. About $40.00. Nicely packed with cherry and pepper flavors on a firm, tangy frame, the flavors persisting impressively on the long finish. Best from 2005 through 2011.

	Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Stoller Vineyards 200
	Wine Spectator 92 points. About $40.00. Ripe and open-textured, blossoming with currant and plum fruit, shaded by grace notes of cream and pepper. A harmonious, expressive Pinot that lingers effortlessly on the fine-grained finish. Drink now through 2008.

	Pinot Noir Oregon Arcus Estate 2001
	Wine Spectator 93 points. About $75.00. A blast of juicy, ripe blackberry and peppery, floral flavors, rich and distinctive, almost aggressive at this point. Tannins are nicely submerged. Give it time to soften, and it should be a beauty. Best from 2006 through 2011.

	Adelsheim Pinot Noir Oregon 2002
	Wine Spectator 87 points, Tanzer 88 points. About $30.00. Distinctly gamy up front, but currant and berry flavors come through on the fine-grained finish, lasting nicely. Drink now through 2007.

	Pepper Bridge Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2001
	Wine Spectator 92 points. About $45. Bright and zingy, with layer upon layer of jazzy blackberry, cherry, subtle oak tones and finely tuned tannins, finishing with a light tobacco note, ultimately long and elegant with well-mannered power. Drink now through 2010; only 999 cases made.

	BARNARD GRIFFIN Fumé Blanc Columbia Valley 2003
	Wine Spectator 87 points, about $10.00. Bright and juicy, with peppery lemon and green apple flavors that remain lively through the crisp, open-textured finish.

	Marilyn Merlot 2002
	The owners of the Marilyn Merlot label know sex sells. Their new Velvet Collection brand features the famous "Red Velvet" nude photo of Marilyn Monroe on a peek-a-boo label, a first for the wine industry. The movie star's figure is partially covered with iridescent sparkles; to see all of her, you simply peel away the overlay.

	ROSENBLUM Zinfandel Rockpile Vineyard 2002
	Wine Spectator 92 points, about $28. An opulent style, with ripe, rich fruit and layers of oak to dress it up. The core wild berry and black cherry flavors are rich and smooth and the wood, with its exotic smoky spice and hazelnut shadings, adds a tasty dimension. Drink now through 2009.