Trumpeter Chardonnay 2013 Mendoza Argentina

Produced by Rutini, Trumpeter is made with hand harvested Chardonnay grapes sourced from estate vineyards in the Uco Valley, Mendoza Argentina. 30% malolactic fermentation followed by aging for 7 months in half new French oak and half used barrels. 

Very approachable with fresh aromas of kiwi and other tropical fruit... meanwhile on the palate... fresh notes of green apple, vanilla cream and flowers, along with a mild minerality. Nicely integrated to make a wonderful everyday Chardonnay at around $10.99 per bottle.

Black Bear / Red Chair California Petite Sirah 2010

Rocket ship wine company partners with the Childhood Cancer Society to raise money and awareness for cancer research. 

This beautiful Black Bear / Red Chair is sourced from Paso Robles, Lodi and the Sierra Foothills, using a blend of 81% Petite Sirah, 14% Zinfandel and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon all fermented separately in stainless steel and then combined and aged for 14 months in oak barrels. 

Violet colors the glass with aromas of chocolate, mint, vanilla, eucalyptus and ripe blueberry. The palate shows super ripe cherries, cocoa, cola, white pepper and tobacco along with spice and cassis. Very complex mature flavors with a good long finish and mild tannins rounding out the profile.

$18 bottle price, may be purchased on line from BB/RC, see link above where you can also find a list of restaurants and wine shops where it is available.

Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2009

Kumeu River Estate was established in 1944 in Kumeu on the North Island of New Zealand by the Brajkovich family. Indigenous yeast is used, grapes are hand harvested with a low yield to keep concentration of flavor and aromas high. Aging is done in oak barrels with extended aging on the lees.

In the glass clear straw colors, aromas of hay, citrus, floral, oak, green bark, while on the palate lots of fruit from grapefruit to peach and pear, crisp acidity, dry and dusty with a fine minerality and long finish. SRP is $25.90.

Amisfield Pinot Gris 2011

From Central Otago, New Zealand, this Pinot Gris shows clean pale straw colors in the glass with a mild freshness sweetened by scents of honeysuckle contrasting a bit of oak. Bright acidity displaying super fresh, rich mouthfuls of apple, pear and pineapple. Also hints of stone fruits with a touch of spice. Very good finish.

Macari Vineyards Rose 2013

This is the first time Macari has done a Rose with mainly Cabernet Franc (60%) with Pinot Noir (2%) added (there is also 38% Merlot). All were vinified separately and left soaking on the skins for 3 hours.

Fresh and lively acidity with red fruits, mainly strawberry and raspberry, with waves of watermelon, peach and red cherry. White pepper on the finish. Perfect for this time of year. SRP is $15.

Rock Lobster Zinfandel 2011

Rock Lobster!!!! An Old Vine Zinfandel pruduced by Hansen-Garbarino from Northern California. Dark purple in the glass with rust around the edges... intense aromas of raisins, underbrush, prunes, cola, vanilla and glycerine. Super fruit forward! A totally new world wine. The palate shows ripe blackberries and blueberries, chocolate, with a twist of spice and black pepper. Mature flavors with chewy tannins, a good bit of texture, and a sparkling finish. The flavors are so concentrated it reminds me a bit of an Italian Amarone... and I love Amarone.

Oh, by the way... 14.4% alcohol and a bottle goes for $14.99.

Mud House Riesling The Mound Vineyard 2011

This single vineyard Riesling from New Zealand's Waipara Valley shows pale straw colors in the glass with crisp citrus and mineral aromatics, elderberry floral notes, stone fruit, pear, and honey, while the palate displays powdered sugar, sweet lemon, lime rind, and candied fruit. Overall a very attractive Riesling with juicy acidity, complex and with a good long finish.

G.Washington Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

This remarkable blend of 85.6% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Alexander Valley, 10.4% Petit Verdot from Andrus Island Vineyards in Clarksburg and 4% Malbec from Lodi's Cinque Terre Estate Vineyard, is aged in oak for 18 months. It has deep ruby colors and shows aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco and black fruits, while the palate exudes rich flavors of cassis, dark chocolate and coffee with cedar undertones leaving you with a beautiful acidity and great finish.

G.Washington is truly a gem, especially at am SRP of $26. If you shop around you might find it for a bit less. Available at Windsor Wine Shop in NYC, Jolson's Fine Wines in Astoria and Eaglehouse W&S on LI.

Heritiers Dubois Rose D'Anjou AOC 2012

This beautifully fresh French Rose from the Anjou Region of Loire is a blend of Gamay, Grolleau and Cabernet Franc grapes harvested just before over ripening. Pale raspberry colors the glass with ripe red fruity aromas complimented by rose water. On the palate something wonderful happens as the crisp acidity of pears and apples dance a juicy tango slightly spiced with cinnamon. SRP $8.99.