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Karen L.'s Archive |
It’s all there in this glass! Black cherry, red berries and licorice. The oak aging comes through with a little spice and smoke. The winemakers have added a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy this by the glass or pair it with a variety of cheeses or grilled meats. |
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Light gold in color, with a delicate fragrance of citrus fruit. This wine is underscored by a mineral element because of its slate rich soil. It has a vibrant structure which is a delicious match for Asian cuisine, seafood or chicken dishes. On sale at a super value of around $10, normally retailing for around $20! Stock up on this item! |
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This delightful 2007 is ripe and rich with ample fruit and acidity. Dark ruby in color, it has aromas of cherry and black raspberry. High in alcohol at 14.5 % and lots of oak. Sourced from old vine fruit this will not disappoint. Another great value from Spain and a humble price tag. Think grilled meats! |
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This should be everyone’s favorite summer sipper. The Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc blend is one of Spain’s great wine values. Slightly grassy, green apple , limey citrus flavor with some minerality to round it all out. Finishes clean and simple. Great aperitif or with simply prepared chicken or pork dishes. |
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This Moscato is light, delicious and somewhat fruity. Beautiful floral label, a convenient pop top and fizz! On the palate strawberries and watermelon. A delicious aperitif , or perfect with Sunday brunch. Low in alcohol you can put this in a koozie and take to the beach - that is my plan! |
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Celebration month! Graduations, weddings - how about celebrating anything! This Brut Rosé, produced with 85% Pinot Noir fruit and 15% Chardonnay, has strawberry, vanilla, and black cherry notes. It is elegant, rich, and yeasty. Can pair with a wide range of cuisines. At around $20, try this for something different on a special occassion, or just on a whim! |
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The name says it all ! This Zinfandel from Washington State is a sweet and lush wine. Well balanced with chocolate and cherry flavors that are spectacular for spicy barbecue, chocolate, fruit tarts or brownie bites !!!! Priced at $10, pick up more than one for dinner or dessert. |
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This is a great Spanish wine! It is a Garnacha or, as Americans know it better, a Grenache. This particular wine is made from 80 to 120 year old vines and aged in French oak. Full & fruity with blackberry overtones, vanilla and smoke. Just enough tannins to pair with meat. It can also be paired with lighter fare like pasta or full flavored fish, because of its soft tannins. Scoring 90 points at under $20,this is a great value. Pick this one up! |
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This Napa Valley Chardonnay is oak-aged . It has a creamy texture with hints of honeysuckle and apple. It is a well balanced wine with a crisp clean finish. Enjoy this Chardonnay with seafood dishes such as sautéed halibut with a lemon butter sauce. This would also pair well with a pasta salad with fresh Gruyere or Asiago cheese.. |
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This single vineyard Malbec is a world class and beautifully balanced wine. If you are unfamiliar with Malbec this is a great place to start and one of the best values of any recognized Argentinean Malbecs . Retailing in the $20 range and scoring over 90 points by famed wine critic Robert Parker. Gorgeous raspberry fruit with hints of smoke and finishes elegantly. |
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This entry level offering from the well renowned winery Raymond Vineyards in Napa Valley reflects this winery’s deep roots in California. This is a balanced wine with smooth texture and soft tannins. Aromas of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. This is a versatile wine that can pair well with foods from prime rib, BBQ, spaghetti and meatballs to blue cheese burgers. Take advantage of this great value. |
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I especially love Port during this time of the year. This aged 10 year old Tawny is an award winner at international events. This is rich with sophisticated flavors of toffee, nuts and dried orange. Comtemporary shaped bottle makes it a stylish gift. Served slightly chilled before dinner or after with nuts and a good Stilton. |
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This Washington Riesling over-delivers at a November 2010 price of $11.98, in fresh peach scents and rich flavors. This is my pick for Turkey Day. King Estate Winery has produced a very food friendly Riesling to be sure. With all the rich ingredients involved with a traditional turkey dinner, this wine is crisp and clean, leaving you with a subtle lemony finish. Perfect!!! |
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Here is a truly delightful wine to enjoy anytime of the year. This estate is considered one of the top in the Rhone region. 55% Viognier and 45 % Roussanne, a white wine grape that produces wines of richness, with flavors of honey and pear. A full bodied food friendly wine at a very affordable price which will sure to please. |
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The advertising pitch here is unoaked, dry, "naked" flavor, and the label is sexy too! Tart green apple on the palate with a hint of ginger for spice, this wine is a must for your everyday enjoyment. A wide range of foods can be enjoyed with this crisp wine, such as sushi, sashimi, or Indian dishes. Very affordable as well! |
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If you haven’t had a sparkling red wine, this is the one to try! This shows the flavor profile of a fine McLaren Vale red with bubbles added, and that is fun. Good black fruit with aromas of plums and berries. This is usually drunk as an aperitif or a party drink, but you can pair it with red meat, perhaps a roasted beet risotto, or a chocolate dessert. Try it you will like it! |
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This is just a simple wine to enjoy during the heat of the summer. Apples and some spice, dry with an acidic edge. Perfect as an aperitif or pair with rice and seafood dishes. Try your hand at making a paella, the traditional dish of Spain. Price point is great at around $9 per bottle or so. The true essence of Spain. |
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June, the month where all kinds of celebrating is going on. Weddings, graduations, warm weather! Mumm Napa Cuveé "M" is an affordable alternative to true Champagne coming in at around twenty dollars a bottle. This is a soft and elegant wine representing the grapes of Napa Valley. A light touch of vanilla and honey linger on to a very satisfying finish. Perfect for cocktails. Let's celebrate... something! |
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92 points from Robert Parker Wine Advocate! The 2007 Petalos del Bierzo which is 100% Mencia grape from Spain is deeply purple in color. From vineyards that are 40 to 90 years old it comes out of seasoned oak. Fruity and complex, it has depth and balance. This 07 is in top form showing red berry on the nose and if you like Pinot Noir you will want to sample this elegant wine. |
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The 2006 Mongrana from the Querciabella Winery in the Maremma region of Italy, birthplace of Super Tuscans, is a spicy blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet grapes. This is a perfect wine with its spicy black cherry overtones and dusty tannins to be enjoyed in front of a roaring fire and a hearty lasagna. |
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Coming out of Australia with a name like Raw Power and 14.9 % alcohol content you don’t expect it to be as mellow as it is. This wine is complex with lots of dark fruit and a peppery finish. Raw Power delivers value while being a quality wine. |
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I am selecting this wine during the Holiday season because if you have some special people in your life, why not introduce them to this outstanding sweet wine from the highly regarded, award winning wine-making team De Bortoli from Australia. Honey, vanilla, and concentrated fruits makes this a perfect special gift. This is a dry / sweet wine to be enjoyed with desserts or cheese, particularly blue cheeses. Happy holidays! |
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This month we are going local and sustainable. Truro Vineyards, located next to the National Seashore, has undergone a “green” renovation which makes their commitment to environmentally responsible practices evident. The Cranberry Red is a wine that can be enjoyed as a hot mulled wine during this crisp time of the year, or enjoyed as a fresh bold wine with your turkey at the upcoming holiday, Thanksgiving. |
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Well folks, this is a wine that works. It is also a wine that is fantastic at its price. It is a blend of four varietals, two being very present in terms of aromas and flavors. The Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes - all plum and black cherry! The Nebbiolo providing the tannin. Let it open up a bit. Enjoy this wine at its great price. |
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This medium to full-bodied wine is elegant, enhanced by cherry and black currant flavours and finishes spicy. It is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. With velvety tannins and good acidity, this is a great choice for pates, mushrooms, grilled vegetables and roasted meats. |
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Produced by the most well recognized female wine maker in Argentina, she has developed the aromas of this wine which are similar to Viognier. This fruity and floral wine with hints of peach and orange has beautiful structure and is dry. Perfect for cheeses and seafood. Keep one in the fridge! |
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Rosa Regale Red Sparkling wine from the truly exceptional wine producer Banfi, comes this festive wine that can be paired with savory or sweet selections. It can be served as an aperitif with perhaps a goat cheese appetizer or paired with a berry or chocolate dessert. With hints of rose petals and raspberries enjoy this anytime of the year. CIN CIN !! |
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Cline Vioginer grown in Sonoma county is a wonderful addition to your favorite white wines for the summer. Served slightly chilled it is full bodied with hints of peaches and apricots. Perfect for fish on the Grill!! |
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With the beginning of the celebratory season of graduations,weddings and other happy occasions,Scharffenberger Cellars Brut sparkling wine will always add an elegant quality to the festivities. Full bodied, with hints of vanilla and caramel it is always a crowd pleaser. |