Santa Margherita Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Santa Margherita Valdobbiadene (valdobˈbjaːdene) Prosecco Superiore, $19.99-$23.99, 91 points, was perfect as a stand-alone refreshment, and later with sauteed scallops and cheddar cheese broccoli, on this 95 degree afternoon.

The color is very light with some golden tints.
Sweet aroma of pome and hints of lemon were only slightly complimented by a medium effervescence.
A typically light and dry wine with good acidity, flavors of green apple, and hints of pear, followed through to the pleasant finish.
Though this is a nice Prosecco, the cost was a bit pricey; I'm not disappointed that I bought this wine, but as a rule, good Prosecco can be found for $8-$15. However, this wine has some gravitas when a dinner display (i.e) is to be as elegant as possible.
I tasted this Prosecco last year, but found this year's offering just a little better.
Salute ai produttori italiani!


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Annie's Lane Clare Valley 2006 Riesling

Annie's Lane Clare Valley 2006 Riesling,
 $13.59, 70 points:This wine was bought at the Wine Steward in Hampstead in February 2011 and kept in my cellar; if anyone else has had this wine please let me know how you found it! I bought the 2006 believing that it could handle the age, but ostensibly I should have bought the current release.

What I found was a lime colored wine with an aroma of shoe polish, flavor of old key lime pie; undrinkable!
After thoughts: Upon exploration into the TDN style of Riesling, I've made some notes at the end of my post here: St hallett and TDN



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IL Faggeto Prosecco

IL Faggeto Prosecco, $8.99, 90 points, was bought by Ben at the Wine Connextion in North Andover, Ma. and shared with his humble friends; thanks Ben!
The color is a transparent brass.
The aroma is near neutral.
Oh, but the bubbles were the most energized of any Posecco I've tried; those evanescent screamers were a-poppin out of the glass.
The flavor is typical Proscco, some light citrus, almost neutral, but very refreshing and non-obtrusive.
With good acidity and flavors right to the finish, this wine was "here" for only a moment.

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Foris Estate Grown Rogue Valley Oregon 2009 Gewürztraminer

Foris Estate Grown Rogue Valley Oregon 2009 Gewürztraminer, $16.19- $17.99, 90 points, was bought at Bella Vino (Now Closed).
Nearly crystal clear in color, with just a touch of lemon/lime hues.
Not nearly as aromatic as I had expected, but the sweet melon and citrus were quite nice, though some vegetal note was present.
The light body carried good acidity, was quite dry, and the bounty of nuanced flavors were satisfying.
Finished nicely with a blend of sweet melon and tart citrus.
Was an excellent accompaniment to our Chinese cuisine.
Want something different? Want a rich, not sweet, but strong enough wine that will not detract from Asian cuisine, but is subtle without being overwhelmeing? Want an impressive table presence to make 'picture perfect' your table setting? I'd try this one anytime. Not as a stand alone so much, not an aperitif kind of wine, but as an excellent white wine that competes most domestic Rieslings; in my humble opinion, this one does just fine.

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Schloss Reinhartshausen Rheingau Old Vines 2007 Riesling

Liebevolle deutscher Riesling
Schloss Reinhartshausen Rheingau Old Vines 2007 Riesling, $13.99-$23.99, 90 points, has a deep golden color, and an aroma dominated by slightly sour apples with dried herbal hints.
The texture is a bit heavier than I'm use to, but deliciously interesting, and carries complex flavor notes, of cooking spice, fig, and pome, all of which descend into the finish with hints of ginger.



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Kungfu Girl Washington State 2010 Riesling

日本料理と完璧に動作する軽いワイン。
Kungfu Girl Washington State 2010 Riesling,  $9.90-$14.00, 90 points (bought at Hannaford's super market in Londonderry), is a very high QPR white wine, an excellent value, thirst quencher, and pair-able summer white wine refreshment.
Pale lemon color, with a sweet smell of citrus and hints of tropical fruit.
The flavors mirrored the aroma with a crisp and refreshing lightness (near dry) that makes this a definite go-to white wine for almost any occasion.
Finishing fair with a hint some additional ginger made Kungfu Girl the hot wine of this hot afternoon.



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Adelsheim Willamette Valley 2010 Pinot Gris

Adelsheim Willamette Valley 2010 Pinot Gris, $15.99-$17.99, 90 points, has a very light lime color.
The aroma is a soft lemon/lime with fresh hints of sweet melon. This Pinot Gris has a light-plus body with good acidity and floral citrus flavors, marked by just the right amount of tartness, all of which is carried through a long crisp finish.
This is a nice white wine with a beautiful table-setting appearance.







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Querciabella D.O.C.G. 2008 Chianti Classico

Querciabella D.O.C.G. 2008 Chianti Classico,
 $25.99, 92 points, was bought by Ben at the WineconneXtion and shared with a few of us.
Deep bright Cranberry color and a youthful clear rim, with an aroma of spice, earth, and a hint of butterscotch.
Flavors of tart cherry and red fruit within a medium body of good acidity and tannin made for a delicious partner to my Greek-style veggie-meatball super-sub. 
The finish was long on spice with a bourbon hint of heat.
Okay, OK, I exaggerated when I said, "my faith is restored in. . . Chianti Classico." For the most part, I love these wines and am not timid when buying them.
Salute to buoni amici e buon vino!


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Castello di Verrazzano 2006 And 2009 Chianti Classico,

Castello di Verrazzano 2006 Chianti Classico, $16.99-$22.99, 91 points, and Castello di Verrazzano 2009 Chianti Classico, $16.99-$22.99, 91 points, are the same wine removed by three years, but the price was unusually the same.

Both vintages had the identical garnet color and density, even to the transparent rim.
The aroma was to be vastly different with the 2006 having an aroma of dried black currant, muted clove, and a whiff of alcohol, while the 2009 had hints of plum, date, and sweet spice.
Both vintages were medium-plus bodied with good acidity, but the 2009 had over-blown tannin, and the 2006 had tannin having settled down to a smooth power and good texture.
Though both wines had a juiciness to them, I wouldn't call them fruit-forward, but the 2006 had some hints of blueberry and oak, while the 2009 had bright plum and hints of blackberry and tar.
The finish was similar with the heavy duty tannin of the 2009 carrying on throughout, and their own peculiar fruits minus anything dramatically called spice, but just a bit of heat (both had 13.5% alcohol).
Though the 2006 was easier to drink (smoother and more pleasant), the more lively 2009 had a special appeal to my dynamic sensibilities.


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Truchard Carneros Napa Valley 2008 Chardonnay

Truchard Carneros Napa Valley 2008 Chardonnay, $18.90-$25.50, 86 points was a big disappointment for me, and I tend to think that there was a problem with this bottle, though there was no apparent cork anomalies, the aroma struck me immediately as odd, with burnt butterscotch and vanilla with a definite Brussels-sprout note. I bought this at the Londonderry Hannaford's super market, and if anyone else had this problem I'd appreciate hearing from you.
The answer maybe to just find a more recent vintage and give it a taste.
The color was clear with golden hues.
The body is light-plus, and carried good acidity.
The flavor reflected the aroma including the Brussels-sprouts, and was carried into the finish.
The QPR is poor, but the caveat is the possible bad-bottle (I thought I was getting a deal).

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Truchard Carneros Napa Valley Roussanne

Truchard Carneros Napa Valley Roussanne, $23.00, 88 points, bought at the Dover Wine Co.
The wine was quite clear in color with golden notes.
Aromatic tropical fruit and lychee made for a pleasant nose.
The medium body carried good acidity and flavors reflective of its aromatics with pineapple dominant, and made for a refreshing hot (oppressive) summer's afternoon thirst quencher.
Finished with some brute force tasted something like burnt butterscotch, herbal tea, and a blend of citrus; this wasn't my usual libation, but different and interesting.
The Truchard Carneros Napa Valley Roussanne was a bit pricey, but the excursion prepared me for future reference.

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A To Z 2010 Pinot Gris

A to Z 2010 Oregon Pinot Gris, $9.34-$14.49, 91 points, is near clear with lemon/lime hues, and has this beautiful aroma of orange blossoms and light melon.
The flavor (cold) is crisp and tart citrus, but as it warms the lush textured white wine begins a metamorphosis into a light delicious orange sherbet. The acidity is fair, but this wine is more near-dry and without anything being near cloying.
Ben and I were sipping on this Pinot Gris when my son stopped over and proceeded to down-it with obvious pleasure. Now, I know the 91 point score is high, and the complexity isn't, but the flavor says "so what!" So do I! If you're tired of Sauvignon Blancs, give this a try; I'll bet "Chinese" food will be wonderful with this.


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La Baronne Notre Dame 2006 Syrah

Famille Ligneres Languedoc-Roussillon Chateau La Baronne Notre Dame 2006 Syrah,
$8.99, 90 points, was a NHLS "Power buy". This is a 'steal'!
Ruby red to garnet in color, and a lovely aroma (with some air) of spice and floral-grape, with a whiff of alcohol (14.5%)
Good acidity with firm tannin that follows through the finish, quite dry, yet there is a juicy quality, mostly boysenberry and black berry with the recurring alcohol trailing the fruit. Not as spicy as most Australian Shiraz, but to my palate, flavorful and food-friendly.
Comment traduisez-vous l'idée de "Steal A" en français?





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alma rosa Santa Rita Hills 2007 Pinot Noir

alma rosa Santa Rita Hills 2007 Pinot Noir, $19.59-$25.99, 90 points, has a cranberry color and a clear rim.
The aroma is an earthy-grape.
A medium body carries good acidity and background tannin. 
This wine is silky smooth with a blend of spices, flavors of cranberry and cherry, all of which concludes on a long finish.
Not  a complex wine, but delicious and for about $20, not a disappointment.


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Tenuta di Nozzole 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva

Tenuta 

Tenuta di Nozzole 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, $13.59-$24.99, 92 points, was absolutely a wonderful surprise in quality and flavor, never mind that I paid only $13.59 for it. Recently I tasted and reviewed the Villa Cerna 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, and wasn't pleased with the overall quality-price-ratio (QPR), but with the Nozzole my faith is restored in this adventure into Italian Chianti Classico wines.

The color is dense Burgundy with ruby tones, opaque at the core, and clear at the rim.
A strong aroma of cooking spices and cedar was pleasant.
The medium-plus body carries good acidity and sleek tannin.
Ample fruit flavors struck us to be blueberry, pomegranate, boysenberry, and plum; for me it was mostly pomegranate and plum, but I think if we didn't drink the whole bottle in fifteen minutes, and if I'd known it would be this good and bought more than one bottle, I (we) would have taken the time to discover much more about this wine.
The finish was long and spicy.
This is a delicious wine, one which I'll definitely buy again.
Now I can't wait to taste the Tenuta di Nozzole"La Forra" Cabernet Sauvignon.


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2010 Antinori Orvieto Classico Santa Cristina Campogrande

2010 Antinori Orvieto Classico Santa Cristina Campogrande, $9.34-$12.99, 88 points, has an almost crystal-clear color with glimmers of grey-golden green tinting.
Like touching an individual snow-flake the aroma is will-o-the-wisp melon.
Good acidity, delicate flavor (one dimensional, trending citrus), and dry, this delicious white wine paired well with my sea-food. I wasn't excited by this wine, but rather intrigued by just how a 'simple' white wine could be so non-intrusive yet satisfying during my meal.
Varietals were apparently Grechetto, Procanico, and Verdello (best I can ascertain).

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Bonny Doon Ca' del Solo Estate 2009 Muscat

Bonny Doon Ca' del Solo Estate 2009 Muscat, $7.64-$17.99, 90 points, is very light gold in color.
The aroma (excuse please) is reminiscent of a stroll through a blooming vineyard adjacent to the ocean with sea-breezes wafting  ashore; very nice!
Light-plus body, gentle acidity (V-girl, not sweet, not dry, a 'political' moderate), mineral-white grape flavors carry deliciously through its fine finish.
With such a flavorful aperitif at $7.64, you can't go wrong with this, and BTW, it disappeared in the crowd.  
Muscat Grape

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Charles & Charles 2010 Rosé

Charles And Charles 2010 Rosé, $12.99, 88 points, is sourced from 100% Syrah.
The color is a medium red to pink.
The aroma is sweet melon with floral characteristics.
A light body carries good acidity with thin tart cherry flavors that carries to its conclusion.


And with this Rosé I conclude my first exploration and newbie appraisal of  Rosé wines; now, I was not alone in this adventure, and the other newbie wine tasters were not so affectionate to these wines as I was, but one must begin somewhere.



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Marsannay Regis Bouvier Burgundy 2009 Rosé

Marsannay Regis Bouvier Burgundy (Pinot Noir) 2009 Rosé, $14.00-$20.00, 89 points, has a light apricot color, wispy lemon/citrus floral aroma, with a light body carrying good acidity, flavors of creamy vanilla and subtle red fruits.
The finish (warm) was a mineral wash, with some viscosity, yet quite pleasant.








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R. Stuart Big Fire 2008 Dry Rosé

R. Stuart Big Fire 2008 Dry Rosé, about $15.00, 87 points, has a strawberry apricot color, kiwi/fig nose, good acidity carries on a light body wisps of tart flavors like strawberry and kiwi, and concluding with a spicy finish. I believe that this wine is sourced from Pinot Noir, Pinio Gris, and Syrah.
I enjoyed this pink wine as it warmed.
I am an adventurer into wine, but Rosé is totally new to me, and I walk this path gently with some respect for Rosé's quirky appeal to so many. So, relax, enjoy the pictures, and muse over a glass of Rosé. 


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Z-52 Winery Truchard Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel

Z-52 Winery Truchard Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel, $8.49-$21,99, 92 points, and this is probably going way out on a limb, but let me say unequivocally that this Zinfandel is the best Zinfandel value in New Hampshire at this time! This wine has some aging time left in it too. I find this Z-52 is nearly perfectly balanced between sweet and dry, but there is complexity in this wine. I've been a fan of Truchard wines from day one, and when I just walked past this one, it was because I hadn't seen a single wine from them that looked anything other than how the wines in the back-ground appear.
Bill from http://ugawino.blogspot.com/ has kindly pointed out that the grapes were sourced from Truchard Vineyards in Napa Valley. Thank you Bill!
To the wine:
Z-52 2007 Zinfandel has a deep ruby-garnet color with a broad transparent rim.
Aromatically, this wine is beautiful, with the trio of cinnamon, clove, and cedar, but with some sweet cherry and graphite (pencil) as well.
The medium-plus body has good acidity and a sufficient tannic presence to carry all that and cherry, plum, dry coca, and a gentle hint of tobacco, onto its white pepper spicy finish.
For my palate, this is one of the best Zinfandel wines I've tasted this year, but I'll warn you, other reviewers are not so kind to this wine (based on their 2006 reviews); how can you go wrong with a $9 Napa Valley Zin?
The alcohol (14.5-14.8%) was unnoticeable.


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De Stefani Prosecco,

De Stefani Prosecco, D.O.C. Frizzante Treviso-Italla, $14.49-$15.99, 90 points, has a light lemon/lime color, beautiful sweet honeydew melon, and tangerine aroma, with generous bubbles.
This Prosecco is crisp, tangy, and quite refreshing, all on a medium body with good acidity, citrus flavors, and finishes as such, but with a slightly sour note.


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Villa Cerna 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva

Villa Cerna 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, is displayed with my new wine tray (a gift from my employers).

Villa Cerna 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, is approximately $20.00, 87 points, is another  Chianti Classico Riserva which has failed to meet expectations.
The color is vibrant ruby.
Having aromas of toasty oak and a funky cedar left me disappointed.
A medium body carries good acidity, but the tannin seemed 'green' (I'm GUESSING chlorogenic acid due to its similar taste effect in coffee), but I'm sure someone out there can enlighten me.
Flavors of vanilla, tart red raspberry, plum, and violets, make for an interesting complexity.
The finish continues with 'green' notes and white pepper.

I hope to find my records on this wine, where I bought it and its cost, but as it stands now, I don't recommend this wine at $20.00.


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Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero

Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero, about $12.00, 87 points, has a very light lemon/lime color, the aroma is a gentle toasty citrus, the body is light plus with a weak spritz, and lip smacking lemon/lime flavors with good acidity, which makes for its food friendliness. There was just a hint of cardboard, but that diminished as the wine warmed. The 10.5% alcohol was just noticeable.


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La Marca Libretto Prosecco.D.O.C Spumanti. Oderzo, Italy

La Marca Libretto Prosecco.D.O.C Spumanti. Oderzo, Italy, $8.49-$14.99, 88 points, is light lime in color, with a light citrus aroma.
The bubbles are quite energetic and more pronounced than other Prosecco wines I've tried.
The body is light plus and carries good acidity, but with a slightly sour citrus flavor, which carries long on its finish.

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MionettO Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G.

MionettO Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G., $14.44-$18.99, 91 points, is almost as clear as water, with just a sliver of lime color.
The aroma is gentle citrus.
Flavors of lemon/lime with a light body of gentle and flavorful fizzes make for a refreshing aperitif. Good acidity cuts through  goats cheese and Fiddlehead  pizza with no problem, and even complimented my lamb riblets.
This is one of the best Prosecco wines I've tasted.


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Carol Shelton Old Vine Lopez Vineyard Cucamonga Valley 2008 Monga Zinfandel

Carol Shelton 2008 Monga Zinfandel, $22.46-$24.95, 89 points, has a beautiful ruby red color with cranberry hues.
The nose is complex with sweet floral cedar and hints of candy-cane.
A round mouth-feel carries good acidity and minimal tannin on a medium plus body.
The flavor of bright red-cherry dominate, while the finish is tart, almost green, with little spice and where the alcohol (14.9%) is noticeable.
This Zinfandel was bought at Bella Vino (Now out of business :-(


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Cantina Zaccagnini 2010 Pinot Grigio

Cantina Zaccagnini il vino 'dal tralcetto' Colline Pescaresi IGT 2010 Pinot Grigio, $14.99-$18.99, 89 points, has a light lime color. The aroma is subtle apple. With considerable viscosity and near medium body, it was almost assured that this lush white wine would lack in typical Pinot Grigio crispness. 
The flavor is mostly a light grapefruit.
This is a very tasty wine with extreme acidity that begins early palate and carries all the way to its less than remarkable finish.


http://nhwineman.blogspot.com/2011/02/index-of-reviewed-wines.html


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Clayhouse Paso Robles 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Clayhouse Paso Robles 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.99-$15.99, 87 points, was my mystery wine in the Hall-Vertical-Blind tasting, and the one Ethan elevated above the massive ramparts of the Hall-Wall.
Though he didn't say directly, I believe he was impressed with its long finish and fruit-forward qualities. 

Clayhouse Paso Robles 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, has a brighter magenta color than the Hall Cabs, and the aroma is quite fruity with just a hint of petrol.
Flavors of plum and dark fruit were lively, but still there was that hint of petrol which I don't like.
The nearly full body carried good acidity and a striking tannic presence.
Finishing long on velvety spice made this wine a good value for me.
Ben scored this wine 89 points, and described it as "affectionate yet conniving, like a used-car salesman. . ."


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Hall 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon And Our Blind Tasting

Hall Napa Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $39.94-$46.99, 94 points, was the wine of focus for me, and though I had tried the 2005, 2006 vintages, my "wine tasters" had not. So, Ben, Ethan, and I did a  small vertical tasting with some interesting results. I added another Cabernet, not a Hall wine, to mix things up a bit (I'll review that wine on my next post).
From the picture of Ben to the right, you can see that he wanted to get past the white wines and receive those vaunted Hall Cabernets; I probably could have saved some time and just got Ben one of those Aluminum Foil Beanies, but it was just too warm.

Hall Napa Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, full body carries light floral notes with plum and black currant, licorice and layers of fruit with hints of mocha. There is lots of spice and pepper beginning at mid-palate right through the long finish with a touch of eucalyptus. Good acidity is highlighted by noticeable tannin (Still a young wine).
The color was almost a murky magenta, brighter as it radiated outward to its transparent rim.
The nose was bright with black fruit, cooking spice, some gentle floral quality, and cedar; Ben got a "candied red fruit".
Ben also described this wine as "Open and inviting. . . (a) crystalline beauty." Wow, I think Hall might want to bottle that phrase. It's interesting to note that Ben enjoyed the 2005 Hall Cabernet the best, and by now it was quite smooth with the tamed tannin; he described the 2005 as: "Subdued, yet powerful, velvety and smooth, serene and courageous." All these attributes I wished described me.
Ethan was a bit subdued and unimpressed with all the Hall Cabernet wines, scoring them in the high eighties. However, the mystery alternative Cabernet was more to his liking.




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La Battistina 2009 GAVI

La Battistina 2009 GAVI, $14.39-$21.99, 90 points, was a "Last Chance" wine at the Bedford NHLS.
Light lime color with just hints of citrus on the nose, very clean, refreshing with those hints of citrus, and maybe just a hint of pineapple, but I think the notion of mineral qualities is what captivates here and having an almost medium body carrying good acidity. La Batttistina has more body than other Gavi wines I've tasted, and I think it was more interesting as well. The 12.5% alcohol was unnoticeable.




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Twomey Napa Valley 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

Twomey Napa Valley 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, $20.39-$23.99, 90 points, is as you can see, almost crystal clear.
This has a soft complex aroma with citrus and lemon grass at its base (no cat-pee here).
The mouth-feel changes dramatically as does the flavors from cold (hints of pineapple and grapefruit) to warm, and for my palate, warm is better (accentuating the finish). Again, you have a complex white wine with citrus and some floral character, but it is the creamy mineral, ginger, and slightly acidic citrus finish, which sold me.
I'm quite confident that many flavors will be loosened by various palates (yours may find honeydew, kiwi, or apricot), but this is a wine typical of the notion that "the sum-of-the-parts will not equal the whole."
The price will make this a 'special occasion' wine, and will pair with Sauvignon Blanc cuisine (pairing sauvignon blanc).


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Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione Toscana IGT 2007

IL Carbonaione Podere Poggio Scalette Alta Valle Della Greve 2007 Red Wine (Sangiovese), $42.49-$49.99, 94 points, is beautiful, lush, and very big. Want a special wine? Don't mind a slight premium? Then there she is. Recommended by Jim at the Salem, NH State Liquor Store (Thank you Jim). Wished I'd bought two of them.
The color is very deep ruby with purple tones, and nearly black at the core.
The aroma is very nice and distinctive with hints of asparagus, plum, and sweet cooking spices.
The nearly full body carries layers of smooth tannin and food enhancing acids. Flavors of rich fruit, black currant, blueberry, blackberry, boysenberry, and plum are adorned with violets, and the finish is splendid, having a long expression of licorice and menthol, with spice as a garnish. 
I found that this wine needed no time to breathe, but was great on first pouring, and still great the next day. The 13.5% alcohol was unnoticeable.
This is a special wine, and certainly the price is a bit expensive, but for wine lovers, especially Chianti lovers, don't miss this at least once in your life-time.
Paired perfectly with a spiced rib-eye.


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Castle Rock Dry Creek Valley 2007 Zinfandel

Castle Rock Dry Creek Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $6.11-$14.99, 88 points, is a "Last Chance" wine I bought at the Bedford NHLS, but after I bought this on Saturday there was only one left, and Jim said they had been flying off the shelf; I'm glad I got one!
This Zin has a light ruby color.
The aroma begins with a bit of funk (gave me some concern), yet I was able to stir that away and bring out some rather nice sweet cherry.
A medium body carries good acidity and back-ground tannin.
While flavors of red cherry and tangy bramble-berry fruit were good, this is not a particularly complex wine. However the finish was quite long on peppery spice.
Castle Rock Dry Creek Valley 2007 Zinfandel is the near perfect beverage with that New York style pizza, and my guess is that at this price you could afford a second pizza.



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