#109 Pinot Noir, Laetitia, Arroyo Grande Valley, 2005………………….$28/$7.50

This wine comes from further south in California, but the Arroyo Grande vineyard site of this wine overlooks the Pacific so the climate is cool enough for quality Pinot Noir. The soil is volcanic and limestone, and was chosen because it is similar to the soil in Burgundy, the real home of Pinot Noir.  This wine has wonderful fruit and texture, but offers more complexity and style over typical California Pinot Noir, and offers a nice balance between the new world fruit heavy style and the elegance, depth and complexity of French Burgundy. A very good wine.

#120 Syrah, Tandem………………………………..……………………….$24/$6.50

Tandem Winery is better known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but they also produce this excellent Syrah from the Gabrielli Vineyard near the Russian River in California’s Mendocino County. This is a non-vintage Syrah, the final product being a blend of 81% Syrah from the 2001, 2002, and 2003 harvest and 19% Sangiovese.  The wine has a pleasant nose with hints of plum and berry, opening to a touch of chocolate and black pepper. Good fruit, good structure, this Northern Rhone style Syrah offers balanced acidity and tannins, and will work well with our menu, especially Veal, Chicken, and Marinara and spicy dishes.

#72 Claret, Francis Coppola, 2004…………………………………………..….$26/$7

Francis Ford Coppola is becoming as well known for his wines as for his films, and this inexpensive offering is an example why this is so. Claret is a term originally coined by the British to describe Cabernet –based wines from Bordeaux, France, and this wine is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, the balance being Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  The intent with this wine is to showcase Cabernet and its Bordeaux blending partners, and to demonstrate the diversity of California’s many growing regions. The wine has a deep color, pleasant nose, muted tannins and deep dark berry fruit. Claret is an outstanding value, and will work very well either on its own or to enjoy with your dinner.

#99 Merlot, Red Diamond, 2003 ………………………………….……………$22/$6

Red Diamond Winery is located in Eastern Washington State, and is affiliated with the Stimson-Lane Company, who also owns Chte. Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest Vineyards.  This Merlot displays the ripe fruit typical of wines from the Columbia Valley, is well balanced and offers a smooth finish, which is often lacking with wines of this price.  Medium in body, this is an easy drinking wine.