Wine Specials

Store Specials for February 2012

Catena Malbec Mendoza 2009, regular $24, our price $19.99.  91 points, Wine Spectator, “A rich red, with ripe flavors of linzer torte, plum pudding and fig paste flavors by layers of mesquite, olive paste and grilled herbs. Grippy tannins add weight to the long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2013.”  #58 WS Top 100 of 2011.

Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, regular $22, our price $18.98.  92 points, Wine Spectator, “This ripe, juicy red is full of sanguine notes, along with black cherry and blackberry flavors. The tannins are well-coated by fleshy fruit and it lingers with a long, spicy aftertaste. Best from 2012 through 2022.”  #31 WS Top 100 of 2011.

Rocland “Dark Chocolate” Shiraz Chocolate Box 2009, regular price $17, our price $15.99.  91 points, Wine Spectator, “Rich and ripe, bursting with cherry, floral, and yes, chocolate flavors, this is dark and dense as it drives through the long, deftly framed finish.  Shows power, but ultimately comes off as graceful.  Drink now through 2014.”

Coppola Zinfandel Director’s Cut 2009, regular $24, our price $13.99.  92 points, Wine Enthusiast, “Just one word for this Zin:  delicious.  It’s really classic Dry Creek, maybe a little softer than many, but profoundly ripe in wild berry, cherry, cola, licorice, black pepper and sandalwood flavors that finish long and deep.  Great price for a Zinfandel this good.  EDITOR’S CHOICE.”

Coppola Zinfandel Diamond Series California 2009.  Regular price $16, our price $10.99.  87 points, Connoisseur’s Guide, “13% Petite Sirah.  There is no breathtaking range or richness to be had here, but there is a nice bit of clean-as-can-be Zinfandel fruit, and, when combined with the wine’s friendly balance and wholesale lack of heat, it earns this temperate, very easy-to-use offering an unqualified recommendation.  This wine is ready to go now yet is balanced to keep, and it comes with a fair price.  GOOD VALUE.”

Kunde Chardonnay Sonoma Valley 2009.  Regular $17, our price $9.99.  87 points, Wine Spectator, “Marked by pleasant earthy citrus and green fruit notes, with crisp apple and honeydew melon character, this medium- to full-bodied white ends with a clean aftertaste.  Drink now through 2015.”

Castle Rock Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2010.  Regular $11, our price $6.96.  87 points, Wine Spectator, “Light and tangy, with pretty grapefruit and pear flavors, lingering nicely.  Drink now.”

Zuccardi Malbec Serie A 2010, regular price $14, our price $10.99.  88 points, Wine Enthusiast, “Full and dark from the beginning, with black plum, floral notes and a clean overall presentation.  It’s full, zesty and has proper mouthfeel, while the flavors of berry, toast and herbs are honest and generous.  Stylish on the finish; nice Malbec.”

Layer Cake Shiraz Barossa Valley 2009, regular $15, our price $11.99.  91 points, Wine Enthusiast, “Complex and textured well beyond what the modest price point would suggest, this is a full-on Shiraz, loaded with plum and black cherry fruit, and with enough tar, coffee and olive to retain your interest sip after sip.  It’s warm and velvety on the finish.  #37 Wine Enthusiast Top Best Buys of 2011.”

Borsao Tinto Campo de Borja 2009, regular $9, our price $5.98.  89 points, Wine Enthusiast, “A delicious wine and very much the model for value in Spanish Garnacha. That this has 25% Tempranillo only seems to make it better; the nose is sweet but full and plummy. The palate is pure, flavorful and sweet, with baked cherry, earthiness and a hint of chocolate. A wine to buy in quantity, i.e. by the case.

Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon Washington State 2009, regular $20, our price $17.99.  91 points, Wine Spectator, “Supple and inviting, with complex flavors of dark berries and plum shaded with hints of bacon and star anise. The finish rolls along unimpeded by the polished tannins. Drink now through 2016.”

Starmont Chardonnay Napa Valley 2009, regular $20, our price $14.99, 90 points, Connoisseur’s Guide, “Nicely focused, juicy, fruity, slightly frontal and candied but also somewhat toasty and rich with youthful vitality sticking out all over, this spry, slightly rounded wine carries its likeable apple ad pear fruit comfortably from front to back and into its tangy finish.  We could enjoy this wine as an apertifi or with picnic basket chicken, yet it has the depth to stand up to grilled salmon fillets for those who like a touch of richness with their fleshy fish preparation. At its inviting price, it is one to remember.”

Chateau Lascaux Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé 2010, regular $17, our price $13.98.  88 points, Robert Parker, “The delicious Lascaux 2010 Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé – from Cinsault, Syrah and Grenache – bursts with red currant and sour cherry, with pungent, scrubby herbs and savory suggestions of smoked meat adding to the invigoration of its relentlessly juicy finish.  Plan to enjoy it over the next 9-12 months.”

Benziger Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma-Lake Counties 2009, Regular $15, our price $11.49, 86 points Wine Spectator, “Vibrant with tangy lemon, pear and peach flavors, sharply defines by a serious kick of acidity.  Fresh herb and grass notes come in on the finish.  Drink now.”

• Wine Rebates

Club DEPs—’A Toast To You!’