The Wine Epicure by James Barlow

Baer Merlot 2016

Columbia Valley, Washington State

Cash Price $34.99

Baer Winery is producing some absolute rocking Red wines. I’ve had the Ursa blend over the years and jumped at the opportunity to bring these wines back into our portfolio. Erica Orr is the winemaker for these single vineyard wines. She worked her first harvest with Cathy Corison! The wines are all single vineyard from Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman hills. The vineyard has quickly earned a reputation as one of Columbia Valley’s Top Vineyards. Thankfully, Merlot is making a comeback with the American palate. This wine is 100% Merlot and was aged in 40% New French barrique for 21 months. The wine has a plush nose. Flavors of plum, dark cherry and lavender enter the palate with medium intensity. The mid palate is soft and inviting with hints of crushed rocks. The finish is smooth and easy with hints of vanilla, cedar, and red roses. You’d be remiss if you didn’t get this beauty in your basket! Barlow Score: 92 Points

The Auctioneer Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $29.99

The Auctioneer is affectionately named after Michael Broadbent, the 24th Master of Wine, whose career is steeped in tradition and history. He partnered with Robert Mondavi in 1981 to start the Napa Valley wine auction. It is becoming increasingly hard to find $30 Napa Cabernet on the shelves, so it’s a pleasure to be able to offer this one with such history behind it. The wine offers medium intensity with flavors of cassis and blackberry flowing from the start. Notes of juicy plum and black cherry show in the mid palate with easy tannins. The finish is gracious with whiffs of graham cracker, vanillin, and toasted cedar that becomes long and alluring. Auctioneer was aged in 60% new French oak for 15 months. Barlow Score: 91 Points

Brooks Pinot Noir 2021

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Cash Price $29.99

This winery is fully sustainable with most being organic or biodynamic.  The wines offers purity and finesse that make this winery one of the top producers in the United States. They are also one of the first wineries in the United States to partner with 1% for the Earth.  One Percent of all their sales goes straight back into making our Earth a better place.  But enough about the winery!  This smashingly vibrant Pinot offers bright flavors of strawberry and pomegranate on the nose with a rich cherry texture and pie crust filling the mid palate.  The finish is amazingly complex with notes of dried rose petals, hints of forest floor and crunchy red fruit that lingers on the palate for a delightfully long time. Enjoy! Barlow Score: 92+

Blue Rock ‘Baby Blue’ Cabernet Based Red Blend 2020

Alexander Valley, California

Cash Price $32.99

I am always excited to offer wines for the passionate and hard working Kenny Kahn and Company. For Kenny it truly is a labor of love and a life passion to grow grapes in the picturesque Alexander Valley. Blue Rock winery has gained a reputation for producing silky smooth reds from their 100 acre estate in the famed AVA of Alexander Valley. This wine is a 44% Cabernet Sauvignon/32% Merlot/10% Syrah/4% Malbec/9% Petit Verdot/1% Cabernet Franc blend that is aged for 12 months in French oak and dangerously approachable from the pop of the cork.  Sleek flavors of blackberry and currant run into the silky smooth palate that offers a core of milk chocolate.  The tannins are elegant and integrated with easy acids that play into the gracious amount of fruit.  Notes of toasted oak and vanilla sink into hints of black tea and espresso.  The finish is soft and plush with a plethora of fruit and oak. This wine is built to be delicious from start to finish!  Barlow Score: 91 Points

The Escape Artist Red Blend 2020

Alexander Valley, California

Cash Price $23.99

Nick Goldschmidt continues to produce outstanding value wines from Alexander Valley. He is one of the best wine makers in the world with an amazing list of wineries that he has dealt with over the years. He lives right near Alexander Valley and farms several vineyards in the area. I am pleased to offer this new project from him called ‘Escape Artist’ Red Blend. It is a blend of 71% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec that has been aged in French oak. This vibrantly intense wine offers red fruit on the palate with hints of black cherry and blueberry. The mid palate is well balanced with a supple roundness. The finish is smooth and enticing with hints of tobacco leaf, vanilla, and exotic spice. Barlow Score: 91 Points

Dusty Nabor ‘NSO’ Syrah 2018

Sta. Rita Hills, California

Cash Price $18.99

I love good value Syrah. Dusty Nabor is rocking this beauty for under $20. The wine is from the cool climate of Sta. Rita Hills and fermented 30% whole cluster in large foudre barrels for two years. The wine is quite energetic and bursting with nervy fruit. Flavors of pomegranate and raspberry pump into the palate with licks of blue fruit enticing the palate. The mid palate offers classic Syrah notes of peppercorn and spice that stick to the bones of the wine while letting the fruit flow freely throughout. The finish tapers a bit while showing whiffs of lavender and wild flowers. He doesn’t make a lot, so make sure to get this in your basket early and often! Barlow Score: 90 Points

The Diver Brut N/V

California

Cash Price $19.94

California bubbles are on the rise! This California sparkler is 80% Chardonnay/14% Sauvignon Blanc/6% Gewurztraminer sourced from Monterey and Mendocino made in Charmat method. The wine has pale straw color with loads of citrus on the palate. Notes of white flowers and lychee are prevalent on the nose. The palate offers green apples and pear with hints of biscuity goodness. The finish is clean and floral with a vibrant intensity. Fun and Fresh. Barlow Score: 88 Points

Cru Vineyard Albarino 2021

Edna Valley, California

Cash Price $18.99

I love Albarino. The variety offers an explosion of fruit flavors while retaining nice acidity and typically being unencumbered by oak. This deliciously fresh white offers zingy flavors of grapefruit and melon flowing into alluringly fresh acidity caused by the micro climate of Edna Valley which allows for the ocean’s influence to create a long, cool growing season. Touches of mango and papaya pop into the mid palate with a crisp clean finish of lemon lime. YUM! Barlow Score: 91 Points

Republic of Pink Dry Rosé 2020

Central Coast, California

Cash Price $16.99

This delicious Dry Rosé has become my ‘Go To’ pink wine for hot weather! The winery only makes 1 wine. The wine is not done Saignee. These grapes were specifically chosen to be made into a Rosé. This Rhone style (Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah) blend hails from the several single vineyards in the Central Coast. The color of this wine is pale salmon, much like the Rose’s of Provence. Ripe cherries and strawberries burst into the palate with a light creamy core on the mid palate. Taut acidity makes this a great food wine as the finish shows touches of candied watermelon and citrus zest. This wine is downright gulpable! Barlow Score: 90 Points

Barnard Griffin ‘Rob’s Red’ Red Blend 2020

Columbia Valley, Washington State

Cash Price $14.99

I am extremely excited to have this winery in our portfolio! This is one of the original winery’s in Washington State. Rob Griffin started in Washington State in 1977. He and his wife, Deborah Barnard, started the iconic winery in 1983. The winery is still family owned and run with their daughter, Megan Hughes at the helm as head winemaker. The wines are still value based and really over deliver for the price! This Cabernet Sauvignon based red blend is harvested from 6 unique vineyards and aged for 16 months in oak. Ripe flavors of racy cherry and red currant pop into the palate with medium intensity. The core of the wine is quite juicy with plenty of fresh red fruit on the palate with nice acidity and tannins. The finish shows a medley of toasted oak, vanilla, and exotic spices which sits on a palate for a beautifully long time. Barlow Score: 90 Points

Frey Winery ‘Slow Roads’ Organic Red Blend 2021

Mendocino, California

Cash Price $15.99

As you all know, I love to champion a winery that farms with a nod to the environment. This Organic red is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The wine is Certified Organic and has no added sulfites. This savory and robust red offers flavors of plum and black currant on the palate with medium intensity. The mid palate softens into an easy creamy sensation with hints of dusty tobacco. The finish is soft and pleasurable with hints of blackberry, dark cocoa, and black tea. Barlow Score: 89 Points

Shannon Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Lake County, California

Cash Price $14.99

Sauvignon Blanc is on FIRE! Many consumers are now experimenting with this delicious variety over Chardonnay due to its easy accessibility and crushable nature. Lake County is making some of the best priced Sauvignon Blancs in the entire United States. This Sauvignon Blanc is jam packed full of citrus fruits.  Perky and fresh flavors of lemongrass and gooseberry tingle into medium intensity and tickles of exotic fruits.  The mid palate is mouth watering with tangerine and orange blossom flowing into a crispy finish of papaya and grass.  Delightfully refreshing. Barlow Score: 90 Points

Barnard Griffin Chardonnay 2021

Columbia Valley, Washington State

Cash Price $13.99

I was enjoying this wine just last week. I’ve found that I really enjoy good Washington State Chardonnay as they allow the delicious eccentricity of the Variety to come forward while retaining the necessary acidity to give the wines structure and sense of place. This 100% Chardonnay is harvested from 4 vineyards and aged in neutral oak barrels for 9 months. The wine exudes a bright citrus flavor profile with green apple and lime popping into the palate with medium intensity. The mid palate offers vibrant acidity while showcasing wisps of melon, apple, and just a touch of cream. The finish is fresh and appealing with notes of wild flowers and butterscotch. Yum! Barlow Score: 91 Points

Thank you,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer

Barnard Griffin Riesling

Washington State

Cash Price $12.99 but with a $1.00 Spec’s Key for a limited time!

• Aromas of sweet tree fruits
• Flavors of peach, orange, apricot, and green apples with a kiss of sweetness
• Pairs with a chill and the pool

Encore Pinot Noir

California

Cash Price $12.99 but with a $1.00 Spec’s Key for a limited time!

• Aromas of dark fruit
• Flavors of black cherry, cola, and cream
• Pairs with a sunny Sunday afternoon

Ca’Momi Sauvignon Blanc

California

Cash Price $11.99

• Aromas of tropical fruit
• Flavors of white peach and lychee
• Pairs with well-seasoned crab legs

Simply Chardonnay

Washington State

Cash Price $10.99

• Aromas of citrus and tree fruit
• Flavors of melon, apple, and guava
• Pairs with a seafood salad

Dibon Sparkling Rose

Spain

Cash Price $11.99

• Aromas of red fruit and pastries
• Flavors of raspberry, citrus, and brioche
• Pairs with your next crawfish boil

Projection Cabernet Sauvignon

California

Cash Price $10.99

• Aromas of dark fruit
• Flavors of blackberry, cassis, and oak
• Pairs with days that end with ‘Y’

Chateau Des Romains Rouge

France

Cash Price $11.39

• Aromas of red fruit
• Flavors of cherry, currant and hints of oak
• Pairs with spicy brisket and fried okra

Wish Merlot

California

Cash Price $10.99

• Aromas of dark fruit
• Flavors of plum, exotic spice, and cream
• Pairs with a greasy cheeseburger

Imus Red Blend

Spain

Cash Price $9.99

• Aromas of intense red fruit
• Flavors of wild strawberries, red cherry, and pastries
• Pairs with Honey Baked Ham sandwiches

Michel Schlumberger Chardonnay

California

Cash Price $10.99

• Aromas of tropical fruits
• Flavors of canned pineapples and cream
• Pairs with Ladies’ night

Chemin De Provence Rosé

France

Cash Price $11.99

• Aromas of red fruit
• Flavors of red raspberry and rose petals
• Pairs with Hot Weather!

Ryan Patrick Redhead Red Blend

Washington State

Cash Price $10.99

• Aromas of dark fruit
• Flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and chocolate
• Pairs with herb crusted lamb shanks

Thank you,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Posted onMarch 21, 2023byTheWineEpicure

JOIN ME! WE STILL HAVE SOME SEATS AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT NEXT WEDNESDAY!

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please join me for what will be a wonderful evening with Alan Cannon, Director of Education at Rombauer Vineyards, as he walks us through an interactive tasting with the dynamic wines of their portfolio.

WHAT: ROMBAUER WINE TASTING

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19TH FROM 6:30-8PM

WHERE: VAULT & VINEO – 2512 GENESEE STREET, HOUSTON TX 77006

COST: $50 PER PERSON

RSVP: JAMESBARLOW@SPECSONLINE.COM

PAYMENT OPTIONS: CASH, CHECK, VENMO, PAYPAL

I will provide small nibbles to munch on while we taste.

See you there!

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please join me for what will be a wonderful evening with Alan Cannon, Director of Education at Rombauer Vineyards, as he walks us through an interactive tasting with the dynamic wines of their portfolio.

WHAT: ROMBAUER WINE TASTING

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19TH FROM 6:30-8PM

WHERE: VAULT & VINEO – 2512 GENESEE STREET, HOUSTON TX 77006

COST: $50 PER PERSON

RSVP: JAMESBARLOW@SPECSONLINE.COM

PAYMENT OPTIONS: CASH, CHECK, VENMO, PAYPAL

I will provide small nibbles to munch on while we taste.

See you there!

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to 2023! I must admit that I am glad to put 2022 behind us in hopes of a more consistent 2023. As usual, this time of the year I look for delicious VALUE wines to offer. I found some great wines to share at your Superbowl feast or with your Valentine! Thank you as always for being part of this wine blog. Enjoy and I hope to see you soon!

Block 913 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Howell Mountain, California

Cash Price $39.89

Howell Mountain is becoming the darling AVA in Napa Valley for big mountain fruit wines. The Block wines always show excellent value and this wine is right up that alley at a time when good mountain wines will easily range $50 and up. Deliciously bold flavors of dark currant and blackberry shows into medium plus intensity. Dark cherry encompasses the mid palate with excellent structure. The finish shows wonderful richness and depth with hints of dark chocolate, cigar box, and tobacco leaf. Barlow Score: 94 Points

JN Haton Reserve Champagne N/V

Champagne, France

Cash Price $36.99

We’ve found an amazing value Champagne in a time when bubbles are tough to come by! This sparkler is 30% Chardonny/30% Pinot Noir/35% Pinot Meunier with an average age of 50 years for the vines. The grapes are hand harvested and aged for a minimum 3 years on the lees. Haton is delicately delicious with flavors of white peach, citrus and orange blossoms. Whiffs of yeasty complexity, hazelnuts, and exotic spice tingle throughout the palate with tantalizing efficiency. The finish is long and crisp with that lip smacking smile sure to cross your face. Barlow Score: 93 Points

Red Phoenix Zinfandel based Red Blend 2019

Lodi, California

Cash Price $19.94

This Red Blend is a new addition to our portfolio. I decided to buy this wine due to it’s inherent approach ability and easy drinking nature. The wine is 57% Zinfandel with smidgeons of Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon making up the rest of the blend. Red Phoenix has medium intensity with plush notes of blackberry and cherry flowing into a silky mid palate. Hints of subtle spice waft enticingly throughout the mid palate. The finish is creamy with whiffs of milk chocolate and toasted oak. Joseph Smith is the wine maker and he also makes Experience Cabernet which has become quite a sensation in our portfolio. Barlow Score: 90 Points

Slate Red Blend 2019

Amador, California

Cash Price $19.94

I’m always on the hunt for a good value juicy red blend. This wine is 75% Zinfandel/25% Petite Sirah and was aged for 12 months in 30% new French oak. Slate shows medium intensity with juicy red cherry and pomegranate on the palate. The mid palate is rich and pleasing with a creamy core. The finish shows sweet coconut, vanilla, and hazelnuts that sink easily into touches of mocha. Barlow Score: 90 Points

Freelander Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

North Coast, California

Cash Price $16.99

This Value daily drinking Cabernet has been growing by leaps and bounds due to it’s extreme deliciousness.  Freelander Cabernet checks all the boxes in flavor profile.  Racy and deep flavors of blackberry and cassis flow easily into medium intensity.  Notes of black raspberry and vanilla offer a creamy core with hints of blueberry cobbler.  The finish is soft and plush with hints of toasted oak and graham crackers.  Barlow Score: 90 Points

Milbrandt Family Merlot 2019

Columbia Valley, Washington State

Cash Price $16.99

I’ve become an advocate of Washington State wines and have decided that Texas should start enjoying some of the best crafted wines made in the United States. They have a penchant for producing high quality Merlot and this is a great one to hedge your bets on. The grapes come from King Fuji and Katherine Leon vineyards in the Columbia Valley. The wine offers bright flavors of bing cherry and pomegranate on the palate with medium intensity. The mid palate shows a juicy vibrancy with more red fruit and silky tannins. The finish is balanced with hints of dark chocolate, cedar and plum. Barlow Score: 90 Points

Guilbaud Freres Chinon Le Haut Des Vignes 2018

Chinon, France

Cash Price $15.99

I love good value Cabernet Franc. I’ve always had a fondness Chinon and this little gem has been a great wine in our portfolio for a long time. The region of Chinon produces some of my favorite Cabernet Franc in the world and usually at a pretty darn good price. This wine has a bouncy fun sensibility with flavors of dark raspberry and fresh cherry. The mid palate offers a touch of spice with medium intensity. The finish is fresh and fruity with whiffs of peppercorn and graphite adding complexity to the texture of the wine. Barlow Score: 89 Points

Bordeaux Rouge Lafite Rothschild vineyard Reserve DBR 2020

Bordeaux, France

Cash Price $14.99

This value Merlot based Bordeaux blend has been a ‘go-to’ in my home for many years. It has shown consistent quality for under $15 year in and year out. The 2020 vintage was absolutely stellar in Bordeaux, so you can get amazing value throughout. Dark flavors of black cherry and currant flow easily into the palate with tinges of red fruit dancing through medium intensity. Fresh and buoyant notes of black pomegranate meld with nice tannin structure. The finish offers tobacco leaf, cigar box, and just a touch of graphite. Barlow Score: 90 Points

Girasole Sangiovese 2020

Mendocino, California

Cash Price $14.99

Girasole has been an absolute hit in our portfolio. I have been slowly expanding our organic wine footprint and this winery has been a feather in our cap when it comes to deliciously approachable organic wine. The winery has roots from Italy, so it makes complete sense that they would produce Sangiovese, which is the work horse grape in Chianti and most of Tuscany. This 100% Sangiovese offers ripe flavors of cherry and plum with just a hint of violets. The mid palate offers medium intensity with licks of spice and huckleberry. The finish is clean and pure with whiffs of black pepper and sage. 100% Organic and ready to drink. Barlow Score: 88 Points

Zinphomaniac Old Vines Zinfandel 2020

Mendocino, California

Cash Price $14.99

I recently tasted through most of the portfolio for Mendocino Wine Company and thought this wine stood out for an easy drinking daily red produced on Old Vines. The wine offers harmonious flavors of dark cherry and raspberry with medium intensity. The mid palate shows bramble and blueberry compote with a creamy core. The finish offers a zesty medley sweet oak, molasses and clove spice. Barlow Score: 88 Points

Heartcraft Sparkling Rose N/V

California

Cash Price $12.99

This value brand of bubbles consistently delivers for parties. Deliciously soft on the palate, flavors of ripe strawberries and sweet red cherries burst into millions of bubbles with creamy cherry cobbler crust and confection on the finish. Heartcraft is a great Valentine’s Day bubbly or would be a hit at your Super Bowl party. Barlow Score: 88 Points

Lockwood Chardonnay 2020

Central Coast, California

Cash Price $12.99

Lockwood was taken over by Boisset Family several years ago and was re-released as an un-oaked Chardonnay (Largely French in style). I quite enjoy the new style that this wine has become with its light, fresh, and appealing profile. The wine is 100% Chardonnay aged in stainless steel on the lees for 9 months. Flavors of green apple and citrus pop into the palate with medium intensity. Whiffs of lilacs, melon, and hazelnut flow through the mid palate. The finish is clean and pure with licks of toasted nuts and custard. Barlow Score: 88 Points

Encore Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Lodi, California

Cash Price $11.99

Looking for excessively ripe and opulent Cabernet? Try this plush wine that offers plum, stewed fruits and blackberry pie with supple and inviting tannins. The finish is jammy with hints of cobbler and spice. This wine is built for daily consumption and really delivers for the price! Pair with brisket slathered in BBQ sauce. Barlow Score: 88 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please join me for a wonderful evening with Kathryn Hall as she walks us through her dynamic portfolio of wines!

What: Kathryn Hall Wine Tasting

When: February, 8th (Wednesday) from 6:30-8PM

Where: Vault & Vino – 2512 Genesee Street, Houston TX 77006

Cost: $50 per person

RSVP: JAMESBARLOW@SPECSONLINE.COM

PAYMENT OPTIONS: CASH, CHECK, VENMO, PAYPAL

I will provide small nibbles to munch on while we taste.

See you there!

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Time to Celebrate the end of crazy 2022 and prepare for the new hope of 2023! I had quite an interesting 2022 with lots of travel and navigating the interesting inflation issues that have affected our lives in almost every facet. I am also about to have all my children be in double digits in age! I personally am hoping for a return of some normalcy to the market in 2023. Either way, Cheers to you and see you in the New Year!

Brooks Extended Tirage Sparkling Brut Riesling 2016

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Cash Price $54.99

I was astounded at the deliciousness of this wine when I first tried it last year. The wine is produced in the Champagne method (Methode Champenoise) and was aged on the lees for 44 months before disgorgement! I love a good sparkling wine with extended amounts of lees aging as this gives the ensuing bubbly more complex components. This is their second release of what is sure to become a classic. The wine is 100% Dry Riesling with stunningly bright acidity and tight bubbles that offers flavors of lemon zest, crunchy tree fruits, and white flowers that flow into hints of lychee and kumquat. The finish offers whiffs of creamy confection, honeysuckle, neon minerality, and just a kiss of petrol. This wine is taut, yet equally alluring. Go Get It For New Years! Barlow Score: 95 Points

JN Haton Sparkling Brut Reserve NV

Champagne, France

Cash Price $36.99

We’ve found an amazing value Champagne in a time when bubbles are tough to come by! This sparkler is 30% Chardonny/30% Pinot Noir/35% Pinot Meunier with an average age of 50 years for the vines. The grapes are hand harvested and aged for a minimum 3 years on the lees. Haton is delicately delicious with flavors of white peach, citrus and orange blossoms. Whiffs of yeasty complexity, hazelnuts, and exotic spice tingle throughout the palate with tantalizing efficiency. The finish is long and crisp with that lip smacking smile sure to cross your face. Barlow Score: 93 Points

Etesian Brut Sparkling NV

Sonoma County, California

Cash Price $17.99

Etesian is a new sparkling wine for us from an extremely reputable winery (It’s a secret!) that we’ve been able to procure at a great price point. Coming from a bubble head, I’ll tell you that these sparklers are absolutely delicious! This sparkler comes from Carneros on the Sonoma side. The cepage is 57% Pinot Noir and 43% Chardonnay produced Methode Champenoise and aged for 2 years on the lees. The ensuing bubbly has clean, tight bubbles with lively flavors of tangerine, lemon and Asian pear. The finish is clean and enticing with hints of biscuity brioche and white flowers. Barlow Score: 91 Points

Thank you,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer

Ca’Momi Rosso Di Napa Red Blend

California

Cash Price $9.99

• Aromas of dark fruit
• Flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and pepper
• Pairs with BBQ

Rifugio Del Vescovo Chianti

Italy

Cash Price $11.99

• Aromas of dark red fruit
• Flavors of cherry, plum, and herbs
• Pairs with veal ravioli

Gouleyant Malbec

France

Cash Price $11.99

• Aromas of dark fruit
• Flavors of cassis, black cherry, and spice
• Pairs with baked ziti and sausage

Chevalier Alexis Lichine Sparkling

France

Cash Price $9.49 but only $8.99 with a $.50 Spec’s Key for a limited time

• Aromas of tree fruit
• Flavors of apricot and fresh apple sauce
• Pairs with holiday parties

Messias Ruby Port

Portugal

Cash Price $11.99

• Aromas of red and black fruit
• Flavors of red cherry and plum
• Pairs with cold weather

Domaine de Cabasse Cuvee Marguerite Red Blend

France

Cash Price $11.99

• Aromas of dark fruits
• Flavors of black raspberry, pepper, and herbs
• Pairs with family and friends during the holidays

Cave La Comtadine Red Blend

France

Cash Price $9.99

• Aromas of dark fruit
• Flavors of wild berries, blackberry, and spice
• Pairs with steak fajitas and corn tortillas

Gran Feudo Rosé

Spain

Cash Price $9.99

• Aromas of red fruit
• Flavors of wild strawberry, raspberry, and cherry
• Pairs with party appetizers

Perelada Brut Reserva N/V

Spain

Cash Price $10.99

• Aromas of citrus and white flower
• Flavors of apple, bread pudding, and almonds
• Pairs with a toast to family

Francois Martenot Red Blend

France

Cash Price $13.99 but only $11.99 with a $2.00 Spec’s Key Savings for a limited time

• Aromas of juicy red fruit
• Flavors of bright red cherry and berries
• Pairs with a light chill and friends!

Raywood Chardonnay

California

Cash Price $10.99

• Aromas of creamy tropical fruit
• Flavors of pineapple, peach, and melon
• Pairs with creamy chick pesto pasta

Introvert Cabernet Sauvignon

California

Cash Price $8.99

• Aromas of dark fruit
• Flavors of blackberry, currant, and chocolate
• Pairs with days that end with ‘Y’

Thank you,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am continually amazed at how quickly this year has passed. Due to Covid, I hadn’t traveled in a couple of years, but I quickly made up for a good bit of that this year as the world slowly reopened. I was able to travel to Bourgogne for Grand Jours de Bourgogne and En Premeur in Bordeaux. I visited Napa Valley twice seeing some iconic wineries such as Cakebread, Far Niente, and Sullivan. Sonoma also came calling, mostly in Alexander Valley, as I spent several days with Blue Rock, Goldschmidt, Stuhlmuller, and Trione. I also marked off a bucket list trip as I traveled to Japan last month to tour the south island of Kyushu visiting distilleries and tasting through some spectacular Shochus. It has been a blessed year and I have tasted many wines, so it’s hard to narrow it down to thirteen, but here goes!!!! My Top Picks are Domestic heavy as that is my main portfolio to taste throughout the year, but I have a couple of other selections sprinkled in that were near and dear to my palate. Thank you as always for being part of my blog and trusting me to guide you through your wine selections! Enjoy!

#2. Ashes & Diamonds ‘No.2 Red Hen Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Oak Knoll, California

Cash Price $84.99

I was offered these wines early in the year and didn’t really give the line much thought until I randomly picked up a bottle and read on the label that the winemaker was Diana Snowden Seysses (of Domaine Dujac and Snowden Winery fame). This immediately piqued my interest as she is easily one of my favorite winemakers in the world. This wine comes from Red Hen Vineyard which is owned by Bart and Daphne Araujo in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on well drained gravelly loam requiring little to no irrigation. The wine comes from 4 different blocks with distinct characteristics and fermented together with native yeast. Ashes & Diamonds Cabernet shows medium plus ruby color with dark blue fruit on the nose. The palate shows nice intensity with dark blueberry and black currant laying on a bed of lavender. The mid palate is deliciously plush showing more dark fruit and blue bonnets. The finish is beautifully integrated with notes of dark chocolate, graphite, and whiffs of white pepper that weave through lush hints of blueberry muffins. Barlow Score: 98 Points

#3. Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2017

Pessac Leognan, France

Cash Price $121.99

I visited the organically farmed vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte this past April for the 4th time. It is always one of my favorite places to visit in Pessac Leognan. This classic Chateau has 55 hectares on superb gravelly vineyards. They have become world famous with their white wines, but I am continually blown away at the quality of their red wines for the price. The 2017 vintage has been largely overlooked due to the abundance of fantastic vintages over the past decade, but don’t sleep on this gem of a vintage. One can find excellent value in 2017’s and the Grand Cru Classe Chateaux made exceptional wines in this vintage. The cepage is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot and was aged for 16 months in 60% new French oak. The wine has a bright freshness that pops in the glass. Dynamic flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, and wild berries burst into medium plus intensity. The mid palate offers a medley of rose petals and juicy dark fruits with freshly picked herbs wafting through the core. The finish is long and quite pleasing with hints of tea leaf, sandalwood, and vanilla bean. Barlow Score: 98 Points

#4. Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stoneessence’ Syrah 2019

Walla Walla Valley, Rocks District, Washington State

Cash Price $109.99

I tried the Reynvaan portfolio about a decade ago and was immediately smitten. They produce some of the most interesting, quality driven Syrah in the United States and have been farming organically since their inception. I have become increasingly interested in building our Washington State portfolio as the wines continually show some of the highest quality in America. The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater has baseball sized rocks throughout the AVA and is specifically designated because of the rocky soils. This wine is 100% Syrah and has the feel of Hermitage with a splash of New World panache. Stoneessence exudes brawny dark raspberry and pomegranate with medium plus intensity on the palate. The mid palate continues with thick blue fruit and dark chocolate that becomes quickly ensconced in cracked black pepper, smoked ham, and tampenade. The finish offers true minerality of crushed, freshly rained on rocks, salinity, and whiffs of tobacco leaf. Textured, Layered, Complex. Barlow Score: 98 Points

#5. Mount Eden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Santa Cruz Mnt, California

Cash Price $99.74

I must admit that I had not tried these wines in some years. I was recently re-acquainted with this winery an was quickly reminded why they are considered such a classic in California. This historic estate is perched at 2000 feet overlooking Silicon Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation. The winery was founded in 1945 and is located on Franciscan shale on a cool, exposed mountaintop with low yielding vineyards. Jeffrey Patterson has guided the wine making and grape growing here since 1981. The wine shows dark ruby color with dark fruit on the nose. The palate offers dark currant melded with red raspberries and dried herbs. The mid palate shows dark cherry with tinges of salty ham, and dusty tobacco. The wine has a lightness on the palate that belies it’s true brawny core. The finish shows dark chocolate, earthy minerals, and whiffs of sandalwood that sit on the palate for a good long time. This wine has excellent aging capacity. Lovely! Barlow Score: 97 Points

#6. Sullivan Estate ‘James O’Neil’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Rutherford, California

Cash Price $299.99

I visited Sullivan Winery in September to try through their 2019 wines. As always, the wines were great to outstanding. The James O’Neil Cabernet immediately showed impressively. Jeff Cole continues to show his adeptness for producing extremely high quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wine is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with 9% Petit Verdot that was aged in 79% new French oak for 22 months. This classic winery is located in the heart of Rutherford AVA. The wine shows medium plus intensity with dark fruit on the nose. The palate offers dark flavors of blackberry and blueberry that sinew deftly on the palate with impressive structure. The mid palate continues with dark currant, tobacco leaf, and graphite leading into gripping tannins. The finish is integrated and captivating with whiffs of vanilla, cedar, and blackberry compote. This brilliant wine is young, but quite inviting right now. It will age gracefully for many years. Barlow Score: 97 Points

#7. Domaine Marguerite Carillon Pinot Noir Premier Cru Volnay Santenots 2020

Volnay, France

Cash Price $84.99

I had the pleasure of attending Grand Jours de Bourgogne this year and was able to try some stellar new properties. I’ve always had a fondness of Volnay Santenots, as my travel companion quickly found out when I ordered one most every time there was a producer that I had not tried on the menu. This Domaine is a small producer showing excellent quality. Volnay is nestled high on the Cote de Beaune between the villages of Meursault and Pommard. Les Santenots is in southwest Volnay at the feet of the hill of Chaignot. The soils are clay and limestone. The wine is 100% Pinot Noir and has been aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak. Carillon exudes elegance and grace from start to finish. Flavors of black cherry and pomegranate flow through the velvet palate with notes of violets and wild flowers. The mid palate is pure and exuberant showing medium intensity with hints of forest floor, fresh meadow flowers and just a whiff of anise. The finish is refined and vibrant with tinges of wild berries, sandalwood, and fresh herbs. Wonderful! Barlow Score: 96 Points

#8. Dolce Late Harvest Sweet White 2014

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $66.49

I had the pleasure of visiting Far Niente for the first time earlier this year. My team and I were able to relax on the vineyard gazebo and taste through a medley of their wines on a beautiful day in Napa Valley. I was particularly happy to taste through several vintages of Dolce, a sister winery of Far Niente that produces a late harvest botrytized wine. This is probably one of the best kept secrets in Napa Valley. You don’t see much ‘sticky’ wine produced in Napa and to see such insane quality from vintage to vintage is astounding. Dolce is the only winery in North America devoted to producing a single, late harvest wine with their own winemaker and vineyards. The wine is inspired from the great wines of Sauternes, which many consider ‘Nectar of the Gods’. The wine is 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc and is aged for 32 months in 100% new French oak. The vineyards are located in the cooler AVA of Coombsville at the base of the Vaca Mountains where the grapes receive damp cool morning fog that promotes the growth of Botrytis Cinerea, a mold that allows for the concentration of sugars and flavors that is key to producing this deliciously, complex sweet wine. Dolce shows impressive depth in flavor while staying away from the cloying notes that many syrupy sweet wines gravitate towards. Lithe and buoyant flavors of poached apricot and candied nectarines pop into the palate with pin point precision. The mid palate shows just a touch of viscosity while allowing the vibrant acids to play through the core of the wine dutifully. Notes of butterscotch, honeycomb, and citrus blossom pirouette melodically on the palate with choreographed dance. The finish is wonderfully exotic with sweet granary toast, vanilla bean, and dulce de leche flowing directly into dried fig and papaya. Barlow Score: 97 Points

#9. Snowden ‘Melchior Kemper Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2018

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $69.99

Diana Snowden Seysses continues to impress me with her offerings from Snowden Winery. I had pleasure of visiting her at her home, Domaine Dujac, in Morey St. Denis earlier this year to taste through a dazzling array of Bourgogne wines from this sought out winery. We did talk a bit about Snowden winery while we were there and her passion for the vineyards in Napa Valley gushed from her. Melchior Kemper Vineyard is located at 800 feet in elevation and is sustainably farmed on volcanic sand. The wine is fermented with natural yeast, aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak, and is bottled unfined, unfiltered. This boutique wine has set a new bar for quality Cabernet Franc in California with this first release. The wine is 100% Cabernet Franc and absolutely brilliant. It shows medium intensity with a beautifully aromatic nose of lavender and violets. The palate offers a robustly energetic wine with flavors of wild red berries and raspberry that seamlessly encompass notes of camphor, exotic spice and just a whiff of white pepper. The mid palate shows bursting red plum and rose petals with just a kiss of mint. The finish is integrated and balanced with notes of cedar and tobacco leaf. TLC! Barlow Score: 97 Points

#10. Keever Vineyards ‘Inspirado’ Red Blend 2018

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $79.79

I was quite pleased to be able to bring in this property from Yountville last year to our portfolio. This family operated winery is just that. Family run. One can easily find several Keever’s at anytime working at the winery. Their winemaker is none other than Celia Welch (Scarecrow fame). I’ve always been a big fan of her wines (fell in love with Rocca Syrah) and was not surprised when I found out that she was behind this brilliant wine. The wine is composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvginon, 10% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot and was aged in 20% new French oak for 18 months . Richly textured flavors of currant, fresh raspberry, and just a hint of blueberry pour on the palate with medium plus intensity. The mid palate offers racy cherries and violets with beautiful balance throughout the core. The finish is supple and inviting with notes of dark mocha, vanilla, and pipe tobacco with tinges of clove spice. Barlow Score: 95 Points

#11. Lagier Meredith Vineyards Tribidrag (Zinfandel) 2017

Mt. Veeder, California

Cash Price $42.99

I was quite excited to add this winery to our portfolio although it was recently sold for a shocking $0 dollars to Aaron Pott. Carole and Steve have decided to retire and will continue to live on the property, but Aaron will now tend the vines and produce wines from the vineyard. The Lagier Meredith label will cease to exist after the 2021 vintage and will be folded into Pott Wines. The winery is located high up on Mt. Veeder. Carole Meredith is the famed grape geneticist that discovered the origins of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and others. Her Zinfandel uses the ancient name of the variety,Tribidrag, from the Dalmation Coast in Croatia. Steve Lagier worked for Mondavi for 14 years before he left to start Lagier-Meredith with Carole. The don’t produce a lot of wine, but what they do produce is absolutely stunning. This Zinfandel is deliciously perfumed from start to finish. Flavors of lavender and blackberries sink easily into the palate with medium intensity. Hints of potpourri and baking spices waft throughout the mid palate. The finish is balanced and spicy with hints of licorice and blueberry compote. I really enjoyed this Tribidrag aka Zinfandel! Only 118 cases produced. Get it while you still can! Barlow Score: 93 Points

#12. Les Fillottes Rouge 2016

Pomerol, France

Cash Price $88.79

I tasted this little known gem while in Bordeaux this year. I had not heard of the property, but I was driving around with Francois Thienpont (of Thienpont Le Pin & Certan fame) and he mentioned he wanted to show me a property that was going to become the next L’if. We originally carried L’if for $30 when it was first released, it now retails for over $200 per bottle. Guillaume Thienpont, who now is the wine maker for Vieux Chateau Certan in Pomerol with his father Alexandre, has branched out and is making the wine for this 2 hectare gem in Pomerol called Les Fillottes. The grapes are grown on the famous Pomerol soils of clay and gravel with red dirt on the northwest side of the Pomerol plateau. The wine is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc and has been aged for 18 months in new French oak. Les Fillottes is an unbelievable value in a vintage that may go into the history books as one of the best of all time. The wine shows medium intensity with bright, juicy red cherries and raspberries that sink into a beautifully plush palate. The mid palate becomes gorgeously creamy while continuing to show red fruit but also adding notes of violets and rose petals with hints of mocha. The finish is long and tantalizing with whiffs of white herbs, sage, and dusty minerality. Fillottes is a wine that will continue to grow in price and quality as the vintages pass. You should find some while it’s still affordable! Barlow Score: 97 Points

#13. Girasole Vineyards ‘Charlie’s Blend’ Red 2019

Mendocino County, California

Cash Price $13.99

I always look for one GREAT VALUE wine to put on this list and this one definitely fits the bill this year. The estate is family owned dating back to the 1950’s and have been farming organically since its inception. Girasole (pronounced jeer-uh-so-lay) has become one of our more popular Organic wineries and this rocking little red just received 92 Points from Wine & Spirits with a nod as one of the best 100 wines for under $20! The wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah grown on the three Certified Organic vineyard sites. Ripe, juicy flavors of boysenberry and dark plum burst into the palate with medium intensity. Hints of caramel and vanilla show on the mid palate with darker fruit. The finish is plush and easy with notes of toasted marshmallow and black pepper. Barlow Score: 90 Points

JAMES BARLOW’S ‘TOP PICK’ OF 2022

Heitz Cellars ‘Trailside Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Rutherford, California

Cash Price $122.89

Heitz Cellars has become an Icon in Napa Valley for continually providing the standard of excellence for wines in the region. Founded in 1961 by Joe Heitz, they have become world renowned for producing several single vineyard wines that can compete with the best the world can offer, namely Martha’s Vineyard which was Napa Valley’s first designated single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Trailside Vineyard has been part of the Heitz Estate since 1984. It’s nestled between Silverado Trail and Conn Creek on eastern side of Rutherford appellation. The vineyard is organically farmed and only the best lots are used in this wine. Brittany Sherwood is the winemaker for this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Trailside blocks are fermented and aged separately for one year in large neutral oak. After that, each block is moved into 100% new French oak for two years. The most superior lots after three years become Heitz Trailside. The wine is aged for one more year in barrel for a total of four years in oak, then bottled and rested for another year, for a total of five years aging before release. The wine is deliciously textured and dense with flavors of blackberry and cassis that show medium plus intensity. The mid palate offers a medley of lavender and black tea conjoining with dark chocolate mocha in a plush, silky core. The finish is layered and complex with a mix of button mushroom, cedar, and coffee bean that lingers on the palate for a long, exquisite amount of time. A Show Stopper! Barlow Score: 99 Points

Thank you,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I know it’s last second, but I was just made aware of a CHAMPAGNE tasting tomorrow at the Spec’s Oak Ridge from 6-7:30PM

RSVP TO KYLIEB@SPECSONLINE.COM OR JAMESBARLOW@SPECSONLINE.COM

What: Pernod Champagne Portfolio Tasting

Who: Elise Cordell, National Champagnes Trade Engagement & Event Manager for Pernod Ricard

When: TOMORROW, Wednesday November 16th from 6-7:30PM

Where: 27490 Interstate 45 N, Oak Ridge North, Tx 77385

Bubbles to be Poured:

1. Mumm Napa Brut
2. GH Mumm Brut
3. Perrier Jouet Grand Reserve Brut

Thank You,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer