The Wine Epicure by James Barlow

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please join me for A Taste of Tuscany on Tuesday, August 30th.  Seating is limited.

What: Tuscany 101 Educational Tasting where I will walk you through the ins and outs of one of the finest regions in the world.  We will discuss grapes, vintages, classification and quality tiers while tasting classic examples from the region with light foods from Pallotta’s  paired accordingly.  It will be a tasting you won’t want to miss!

When: Tuesday, August 30th from 6-8pm

Where: Pallotta’s Italian Grille

Woodridge Shopping Center

27606 I-45 North

Conroe, TX 77385 (right by the New Spec’s Oak Ridge North location)

Price: $60 per person

Wines:

Tenute Guicciardini Strozzi Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG 2014

Collazzi Super Tuscan Red Blend IGT 2012

San Felice Campogiovanni Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2012

Cavalierino Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2011

and possibly 1 more to be determined….

30 seats available

RSVP to: jamesbarlow25@hotmail.com

STEALS OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST 2016

Chateau La Tour De Beraud 2011

Costieres de Nimes, France

Cash Price $9.99

This Grenache based Rhone blend is drinking beautifully right now.  Fruits of  wild red berries and red cherries hit into medium tannins and acids with touches of garrigue.  James Score: 89 Points

Conde Pinel Dry Rose 2015

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain

Cash Price $9.99

Deliciously dry and refreshing, this Spanish Rose offers flavors of wild strawberries and ripe cherries on the palate with medium plus acidity.  Hints of red apples and wild flowers quaff throughout the finish.  James Score: 89 Points

Blume Verdejo 2015

Rueda, Spain

Cash Price $7.99

Blume is 100% Verdejo that is bursting with energy and fruit.  Flavors of ripe peaches and nectarines meet fleshy stone fruits with medium acidity.  The finish is light and tropical with whiffs of mango and papaya.  James Score: 87 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Can you believe that summer is already winding to a close?  I know we are definitely in the dog days of the hottest time of the year, so I have chosen to feature wines accordingly.

The Bordeaux 101 class went exceedingly well! I have decided on the next class.  40 Seats available!

RSVP to: jamesbarlow25@hotmail.com

What: Tuscany 101 Educational Tasting where I will walk you through the ins and outs of one of the finest regions in the world.  We will discuss grapes, vintages, classification and quality tiers while tasting classic examples from the region with light foods paired accordingly.  It will be a tasting you won’t want to miss!

When: Tuesday, August 30th from 6-8pm

Where: Pallotta’s Italian Grille

Woodridge Shopping Center

27606 I-45 North

Conroe, TX 77385 (right by the New Spec’s Oak Ridge North location)

Price: $60 per person

Wines: To be Determined, most likely 3-4 reds and 1 white

THE THIRTEEN PICKS OF AUGUST

Del Dotto Cave Blend 2013

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $52.99

Del  Dotto’s reputation as being one of the highest quality wineries in Napa Valley means that their wines sell out every vintage….quickly.  Spec’s is very lucky to have partnered with them to receive a nice allocation of their wines. This family owned winery has spent the last 20 years purchasing some of the best acreage in Napa and Sonoma to plant high quality vines and make exceedingly spectacular wines.  The 2013 vintage is quite hedonistic and jam packed full of deliciously ripe fruits.  The Cave blend is half Merlot with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc filling in the rest.  The wine is extremely rich on the palate with bursting fruits of black cherry, blackberry and hints of blueberry.  The mid palate offers medium plus tannins and medium acids with touches of heat.  Notes of cracked hazelnuts and blackberry jam being to soften into a creamy yet full mouthful.  The finish is impressively rich with vanilla bean, cedar, and hints of spice.  James Score: 96 Points

Castelnau N/V Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine

Champagne, France

Cash Price $36.99

Castelnau 1998 Vintage Magnums were poured at one of my wine dinners last year and it reminded just how amazing this sparkling wine shows.  I recently re-tasted the n/v and was very happy with the ensuing results. Castelnau offers a higher percentage of Pinot Meunier (42%) than most Champagne producers.  Pinot Meunier adds a youthful exuberance to the wines with lively structure and fruit.  This Cooperative Manipulant exudes flavors of crispy green and red apples fly into medium plus acidity that is wrapped around a core of red cherry and rose petals.  The mid palate is spectacular with notes of brioche, almonds and licks of vanilla cream.  The finish is silky with tinges of toasted cocoa beans, confection and delicious goodness!  James Score: 94 Points

Chateau Laplagnotte-Bellevue Red Blend 2012

St. Emilion Grand Cru, France

Cash Price $24.99

I was in with this property immediately after meeting their family, which had a little bit of Von Trapp family vibes with their properly dressed and amazingly well behaved children.  I will forever have the snapshot of their two boys riding bikes through the vines as we toured the vineyards.  It was quite surreal.  I became entrenched in thought of selling this wine when I later tasted through a vertical with the father/wine maker.  Every Single wine I tried was spectacular….and at this price!?!?!?!  The wine is 70% Merlot/ 30% Cabernet Franc with 30% new French oak aging and an average 30 year old vines.  These wines are all about elegance.   Vibrant flavors of red cherries and framboise sing through medium plus acids and medium tannins.  Soft notes of red currant begins to offers smidgeons of cream and whiffs of cedar.  The finish shows cinnamon and spice with a plush, integrated amount of fruit and texture.  James Score: 94 Points

Expression 38 Chardonnay 2015

Russian River, California

Cash Price $19.94

Russian Camp is the newest addition to the Expression line produced by Bill Hill, who also founded William Hill and Van Duzer wineries.  He is considered one of the best vineyard developers in the United States.  The Russian River produces some of the most iconic Chardonnay in the United States and a darling region to Sommeliers world wide.   The wine is 100% Chardonnay that goes through full malolactic fermentation and aged for twelve months on the lees in all French Oak barrels.   Tropical flavors of pineapple and guava sink through the palate with a rich, creamy core that is encompassed with hazelnuts and brioche.   Notes of freshly picked pear and green apple flow seamlessly throughout.  This Chardonnay is able to keep nice acidity throughout due to the cool fog that flows through the Russian River daily making it perfect for this varietal.  The finish is fresh and lush with hints of toasted oak and butter.  James Score: 90 Points

Domaine du Pre Semele Rose 2015

Sancerre, France

Cash Price $23.99

This third generation family is producing some of the finest wines in all of Sancerre.  I have used their Sauvignon Blanc many days during the sweltering heat of Houston summers.  Now, I can add this lovely Dry Rose to my repertoire to keep from melting in this heat.  The vineyards are located on Terres Blanches (limestone) soils have give the wines from this domain expressive terroir.  They use no insecticides or pesticides in their vineyards!  This Rose of Pinot Noir is truly delightful.  Flavors of red berries and bright red cherries burst on the palate with refreshing medium plus acidity.  Notes of wild flowers and rose petals envelope the mid palate with tinges of lemon lime citrus.  The finish is clean and palate cleansing with hints of candied raspberry.  James Score: 92 Points

Caymus Conundrum 25th Anniversary Red Blend 2013

California

Cash Price $22.99

The Conundrum project was a bold project started by innovator Chuck and Charlie Wagner when they wanted to produce a daily table wine for their households.  Twenty-five years later, this label has built a reputation for producing some of the best blends on the market.  This Zinfandel blend is tailor made for BBQ in the hot Texas weather.  Flavors of ripe red berries and jammy plums fill the palate quickly with touches of smoked meat and spice.  The mid palate offers medium acidity and tannins with a silky texture that beings to cream with hints of strawberry jam.  The finish is lush with smidgens of dark chocolate and nuts.  James Score: 88 Points

Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Marlborough, New Zealand

Cash Price $24.99

These wines are unique for New Zealand in that they are completely organic and biodynamic.  This wine has a touch of Semillon to soften the often zingy flavor profile of Sauvignon Blanc.  I have shied away from New Zealand in the past several years in lieu of Bordeaux Blanc, but this wine should be highlighted as one of best being produced in all of New Zealand.  Deliciously flavorful, this wine exudes flavors of gooseberry and citrus with medium plus acidity.  The wine was 20% fermented in used French oak which gives the mid palate some weight and complexity as the fruit begin to turn more tropical with notes of mango, papaya and yellow stone fruits.  The finish is clean and lip smacking.  James Score: 91 Points

San Felice Rosso di Montalcino Campogiovanni 2012

Tuscany, Italy

Cash Price $21.84

San Felice is consistently one of my favorite wineries in all of Tuscany.  The quality from top to bottom is astounding.  Most of us are insanely in love with Brunello di Montalcino, but not all of us can splurge for a $50 bottle for every day that begins with ‘Y’.  So, I often turn to the value version of Brunello which is Rosso di Montalcino.  The wines are not aged as long and typically come from younger vines, but I find the $20 price point perfect for these little gems.  Ripe and  youthful flavors of red cherries and currant sink into the palate with medium plus acidity and tannins.  Touches of dusty earth and clay are noted on the outer palate with tinges of herbs throughout the core.  Delightfully elegant and approachable, this wine is user friendly for food or a back yard sipper.  James Score: 90 Points

Ulrich Langguth Piesporter Goldtropfchen Kabinett 2014

Mosel Valley, Germany

Cash Price $17.99

The best off dry Rieslings in the world come from the Mosel Valley in Germany.  Riesling is the PERFECT grape for the extreme August heat in Houston.  I am often confounded that it is not more prevalent at the table in Texas.  The wines are light, bright, and refreshing.  What’s not to love?!?!  This delightful jewel offers flavors of luscious honey, but not sweet honey, with a beautiful citrus backbone and medium plus acidity that off sets the whiffs of sweetness.  The mid palate shows freshly picked granny smith apples and pear with licks of lemon.  The finish is clean and tinged with a slate minerality that lingers deliciously.  Perfectly Balanced!  James Score: 92 Points

Del Fin Del Mundo Pinot Noir Reserva 2014

Patagonia, Argentina

Cash Price $17.99

This time of the year I am always looking for value Pinot Noir, since it is tough for me to drink Cabernet in triple digit heat!  Argentina is a hidden gem, specifically Patagonia, for under $20 Pinot Noir that over deliver.  Ripe, yet elegant flavors of black cherry and red apples sinew deftly into medium plus acidity and medium minus tannins.  The mid palate offers subtle hints of cola and cinnamon with touches of French oak aging.  The finish has some weight to it, yet the youthful exuberance sings though with wild red berries and raspberry.  James Score: 89 Points

Les Tuiles Chardonnay 2015

Macon Villages, France

Cash Price $13.99

I am quite happy that Chardonnay lovers are starting to embrace the un-oaked styles of this versatile varietal.  I enjoy the ripe, deliciously fresh fruit that this wine offers.  Vibrant flavors of fresh yellow apples and meyer lemon citrus zing through clean medium acids.  Fleshy pear and pineapple lead the mid palate with touches of crushed wet rocks.  The finish offers a soft, creamy texture that is a perfect ending for this wine.  James Score: 88 Points

Crios Rose of Malbec 2015

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $12.99

The baby wines of Susana Balbo are consistently great value and the Rose they produce is one of my favorites using Malbec.  The wine is fresh and offers flavors of wild strawberries and raspberry with medium plus acidity.  The mid palate offers touches of citrus and rose petals.  The finish is light an delicious with notes of wild flowers and hints of candied cranberry.  James Score: 89 Points

Michel Cazavieille Red Blend 2014

Saint-Chinian, France

Cash Price $8.59

I visited this winery 5 or 6 years ago when I was harvesting throughout the South of France.  I traveled through the Rhone Valley and the Languedoc-Roussillon.  One of the absolute steals of the entire trip was found in the vineyards of Michel Cazavieille.  He only had 3 people helping him tend his vineyards and offered them at rock bottom prices.  I tasted them and was immediately in love.  The Grenache, Syrah blend is a perfect daily drinker that is sure to impress even the geekier wine drinkers in the room.  Flavors of red berries and plum flow easily into medium plus acidity and medium tannins.  Notes of black pepper and garrigue move softly into a gentle creaminess that encompasses the palate.  The finish is pure and balanced with darker fruits of currant and black cherry.  James Score: 90 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

LAST CHANCE to sign up for my Bordeaux 101 Class tonight from 6-8pm at Pallotta’s Italian Grille (in the same shopping complex as Spec’s Oak Ridge North location, Woodridge shopping center).

Price: $60 per person

Wines: Chateau Tour Leognan Blanc 2o12, Pessac Leognan

Chateau Le Conseiller Red Blend 2011, Bordeaux Superior

Clos de L’Oratoire Red Blend 2011, St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe

Pavillon Leoville Poyferre Red Blend 2012, St. Julien

RSVP to jamesbarlow25@hotmail.com

STEALS OF THE MONTH

Castillo Perelada Pescador Rose N/V

Emporda, Spain

Cash Price $7.99

This Garnacha blend Dry Rose is exceptional for under $10.  A natural spritz gives this wine a refreshing quality with flavors of red cherries and red berries with a crisp, clean finish.  James Score: 89 Points

Domaine de Princemelle 2012

St. Gervais, France

Cash Price $8.99

Princemelle is a stunning daily red.  It is Grenache based and user friendly with flavors of red cherries and strawberry that finishes with touches of spice and garrigue.  James Score: 89 Points

Roblar Sauvignon Blanc 2014

California

Cash Price $9.99

Roblar is perfect for this July heat in Houston.  Flavors of lemon lime citrus and grass touch into hints of guava and white peach.  The medium acidity is thirst quenching!  James Score: 88 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

The July heat is screaming at us, but I can’t help feel okay with it since just a month ago our fine city seemed to be floating away!  Enjoy this spectacular list for July!

I do have 15 or so seats still available for my Bordeaux 101 Class being hosted at Pallotta’s Italian Restaurant in Oak Ridge.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, drink and eat while I talk about my experiences on my trip to Bordeaux last month while guiding you through the grapes, regions and terroir of one of the finest wine regions on Earth.  I promise it will be an experience you wont forget!  RSVP to jamesbarlow25@hotmail.com.

Martinelli Pinot Noir 2012

Sonoma Coast, California

Cash Price $39.89

Martinelli has built a reputation for producing extremely high quality Pinot Noir from some of the best soil in all of California.   They use state of the art technology to make beautifully aromatic and complex Pinot Noirs.  Intense, purely focused flavors of black cherry, raspberry and wild red berries envelope the palate with tickles of medium acidity and medium minus tannins.  The mid palate offers wild flowers and red roses encompassed by hints of rhubarb and cola.  The finish offers tinges of cedar, vanilla and whiffs of dusty earth.  This is an amazingly Pleasing Pinot.  James Score: 93 Points

Block 415 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2013

Spring Mountain, California

Cash Price $34.99

I think I may have just had the BEST Block Cabernet that this series has produced!  I am an avid fan of the densely thick and voluptuous wines coming from the 2013 vintage.  Spring Mountain is far and away one of my favorite AVA’s in Napa Valley and this wine exudes brilliance from the start.  Dark and dense flavors of black currant and plum flow silkily into velvet tannins and medium plus acids.  The mid palate is plump with notes of tar, leather, and cigar box.  There is an under current of dusty gravel and dark chocolate that gives this wine an essence of terroir.  The New French Oak finish is smooth with notes of cracked hazelnuts, vanilla, and roasted coffee beans that sit on the palate for a deliciously long time.  James Score: 94 Points

Pazzo Red Blend 2013

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $25.99

Pazzo has consistently been one of the best selling red wine blends for Spec’s the past several years.  It is a Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet blend that is richly textured from the start.  Consulting Wine Maker Kirk Venge is known for producing extracted wines that highlight rich fruit texture.  The crazy one (Pazzo) is jam packed full of sweet red berries and cherries.  The acidity is quite vibrant on the backbone with silky smooth tannins.  The finish is delivers a slew of complex flavors like black pepper, coffee bean, and mocha.  This fruit forward offering is a perfect red that does not need to be paired with food to enjoy.  James Score: 91 Points

Conundrum White Blend 25th Anniversary 2014

California

Cash Price $22.99

The Wagner Family has been producing this classic for 25 years.  This white blend has been making waves in the white wine world for many years.  Conundrum was a daring project started when white blends did not sell.  Now, this is a wine that is sought out for its approachability and delicious flavor profile.  Chuck Wagner oversees this label (Caymus Winery) with Jon Bolta as the wine-maker.  The grapes used are typically Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscat Canelli, and Viognier.  Conundrum is a fun yet focused wine that is bursting with energy!  Flavors of white peaches and nectarines explode in the palate with whiffs of oak.  Notes of apricot and lemon meringue pie are plush on the  mid palate with medium acids playing on the backbone.  The finish is quite floral with hints of quince, lilacs and touches of honeysuckle.  This wine is a veritable fruit cocktail.  James Score: 90 Points

Dauvergne Ranvier ‘Muretins’ Rose 2015

Tavel, France

Cash Price $19.94

We are in the heart of Rose season!  Tavel is one of the few regions on Earth that ONLY produce Dry Rose.  Jean-François Ranvier has spent over fifteen years in oenology and wine making both in Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. He has worked in the cellars of over 50 properties in the Rhone Valley consulting on viticulture and wine making.  The grapes used are red & white Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Picpoul.  This is a new release from this producer that has knocked it out of the ball park on this vintage!  Refreshingly crisp flavors of red roses and red cherries zing through the palate with medium plus acidity.  Touches of raspberry and white pepper sink into the mid palate with just a kiss of oak aging.  The finish  is clean and pure with touches of garrigue and red flowers.  James Score: 89 Points

Chateau Le Conseiller Red Blend 2010

Bordeaux, France

Cash Price $19.94

I recently visited this winery in St. Emilion on my travels through Bordeaux.  I was extremely pleased with the complete portfolio of wines.  This offering from famed Wine maker Jean Philippe Janoueix is brilliant.  Conseiller is one of Bordeaux’s best offerings for the price point and in one of the best vintages in recent history.  The wine is a no brainer for Old World lovers.  Flavors of blackberry and cassis layer into graphite and dense minerality.  The wines has medium plus tannins and acid which make it age worthy, but Janoueix makes his wines quite accessible in their youth.  The mid palate softens into touches of cream and currant with touches of iron.  The finish is complex and well balanced with notes of cedar, leather, and tobacco.  James Score: 91 Points

Jean Baptiste Adam Cremant Rose N/V

Alsace, France

Cash Price $19.94

I am always on the lookout for quality sparkling wines.  I have often found the best value outside of the region of Champagne, yet still in the confines of France.  Methode Champenoise sparkling wines made outside Champagne, France are called ‘Cremant’ (pronounced (Cray-mawn).  The term originally indicated that the sparkling wine was less bubbly, but it is generally used as a catch all for sparkling wine outside of Champagne now.  In 2014, Jean-Baptiste Adam anniversary of their family being grape growers and winemakers in Alsace.  The winery is one the leaders in biodynamic farming.  This 100% Pinot Noir is spectacular!  Vibrant pink hues flow into the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries.  The palate offers red fruits of cherry and currant with touches of fleshy wild berries.  The finish offers hints of raspberry and cream which flows seamlessly into a crisp, yet elegant finish.  Perfect Summer Sparkler!  James Score: 91 Points

Carneros Highway Chardonnay 2014

Carneros, California

Cash Price $15.99

The former owners of Sebastiani are now making these wines of quality throughout the regions of Sonoma.  Flavors of pineapple and ripe pears sing through medium acidity.  Notes of lees aging are prevalent on the mid palate with hazelnuts and candied caramel.  The finish is supple with tinges of oak and cream that soften the entire palate.  James Score: 88 Points

Marchesi Incisa ‘Valmorena’ Barbera d’Asti 2013

Piedmonte, Italy

Cash Price $15.19

I love Barbera.  It is northern Italy’s workhorse grape and is best produced in the hills of Asti. This unabashedly fruit forward wine is completely un-oaked and bursting with excitement.  Flavors of bright maraschino cherries sing into the palate with red flowers and violets weaving throughout the core.  The tannins are minimal, but the acids are pure and refreshing.  Notes of fig and red berries play through the mid palate with tinges of juicy strawberry.  The finish is clean and fine with a plush core of fruits.  This wine is perfect for sitting on the patio with a loved one after a long day of work.  James Score: 90 Points

Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Marlborough, New Zealand

Cash Price $14.99

Momo (meaning ‘offspring’ in Maori) has sprung from the Seresin Estate.  Momo wines are meant to be fun, enjoyable and a party wine.  All of the grapes from these wines are sustainably grown and Vegan friendly.  The wine is completely un oaked and tantalizingly tasty, Momo expresses flavors of lemon citrus and grapefruit that are encompassed by guava and pineapples.  The mid palate offers medium plus acidity with plush passion fruit quaffing throughout.  The finish is clean and thirst quenching with hints of lemon meringue and apricot. This is a perfect scorching hot heat white wine.  James Score: 89 Points

Domaine Cabasse ‘Le Rose de Marie’ Rose 2014

Seguret, France

Cash Price $13.99

Dry Rose is my drink of choice during the sweltering summer months in Texas.  This Rose is outstanding every vintage and a staple in my cellar.  It is a Grenache based wine with loads of character.  Flavors of freshly picked strawberries and raspberries zing into zesty acids with tinges of citrus and white pepper.  The mid palate offers notes of red roses and wild meadow flowers.  The finish is clean and thirst quenching with smidgeons of lychee and wild red berries.  The summer of Rose is in full swing and this wine should be a daily drinker!  James Score: 90 Points

Shannon Ridge Cabernet 2012

Lake County, California

Cash Price $12.99

This winery recently received the accolade of ‘Best Winery’ at the Houston Rodeo Uncorked! Wine Competition.  They are located in the steep mountain slopes of Lake County and are dedicated to producing high quality, sustainably farmed wines at a great price.  This high elevation Cabernet is dangerously approachable from the first pop of the cork.  Supple flavors of black cherries and dark berries are encompassed by smooth, easy tannins and well balanced acids. The core offers notes of raspberry, plum and tobacco.  The finish is silky with touches of vanilla, all spice and licks of cedar.  Spectacular wine under $15.  James Score: 88 Points

Hello Ladies and  Gentlemen,

I am extremely pleased to tell you all that I have found a sight to host the WINE 101 classes that I had previously cancelled.  As you know, I recently traveled to Bordeaux, France so naturally the inaugural class will be about one of the most famous and important wine regions in the entire world.  I will help ‘demystify’ Bordeaux by walking you through the regions, varietals, wine laws, etc… and give you in depth analysis of vintages, current and past, and probably a couple of cool stories I picked up along the way!  We will be serving select appetizers made by Pallotta’s Italian Restaurant!

RSVP TO: jamesbarlow25@hotmail.com

40 seats available.

What: Bordeaux 101 Class

When: Tuesday, July 26th from 6-8pm

Where: Pallottas Italian Grill Banquet Room

Woodridge Shopping Center

27606 I-45 North

Conroe, TX 77385 (right by the New Spec’s Oak Ridge North location)

Price: $60 per person

Wines: Chateau Tour Leognan Blanc 2o12, Pessac Leognan

Chateau Le Conseiller Red Blend 2011, Bordeaux Superior

Clos de L’Oratoire Red Blend 2011, St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe

Pavillon Leoville Poyferre Red Blend 2012, St. Julien

*Wines are subject to change, but I promise it will all be great wine!

I look forward to seeing you all there!

I plan for the next class to be Tuscany 101!!!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

The rains have finally subsided and the heat has kicked in!  These three wines are Summer Stunners for the Texas heat!

Pins des Dunes Rose 2015

Bordeaux, France

Cash Price $9.99

Rose season is in full swing!  Pins offers flavors of bubblegum dust, strawberry, and juicy fruit with medium plus acidity.  The mid palate shows crushed rocks and sweet jam.  The finish is packed full of jolly rancher and watermelon.  James Score: 90 Points

Pierre Archambault Muscadet de Sevre et Maine 2015

Loire Valley, France

Cash Price $8.99

A truly refreshing white with flavors of peaches and pears with touches of nuts.  The wine is light, clean and elegant with medium acidity and plenty of citrus throughout. James Score: 89 Points

Beppe Pinot Noir 2014

Pavia, Italy

Cash Price $9.99

Beppe is deliciously smooth with flavors of freshly picked red cherries and raspberries.  The wine has medium acidity and a juicy fruit finish with touches of spice.  James Score: 88 Points

Thank you,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I had planned to have this series wrapped up already, but my new role has kept me quite busy!  That said, I wanted to write at least one more blog about my travels in Bordeaux.  The 2015 was so spectacular that nearly every place we traveled had stunning wine to show.  The fruit and terroir was as expressive as I have ever encountered with the wines of Bordeaux.  I blogged about my favorite wines and now I want to give you all a snapshot of some of the other highlight Chateaux that we tasted.  In no particular order….

THE BEST OF THE REST

Chateau Haut Brion Pessac Leognan 2015 (Truthfully not sure how I missed this omission with the best wines I tasted)- 50% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon & 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak from a 1st Growth.  Exotic spice, toasted barrel and gravel are encompassed by silky red fruits of raspberry, cherry and wild red berries.  The wine has medium plus tannins and acids that are amazingly weightless throughout the palate.  The fruit becomes darker on the mid palate.  The finish is thick and rich with cedar, toast, tobacco, cream and sweet dark fruit that lasts for days! Structured.  James Score: 99-100 Points

Chateau Haut Brion Blanc Pessac Leognan 2015– 69% Sauvignon Blanc & 31% Semillon from a 1st Growth.  Round, precise with flavors of butternut, citrus and cactus.  The mid palate has medium plus acidity with creamy vanilla and toasted oak.  The finish is velvet with nuts, gravel, chalky dust and a wonderfully rounded viscosity.  James Score: 98-100

Chateau Petrus Pomerol 2015– 100% Merlot aged in 50% new oak.  Seamless and round, yet has a gripping, textured mouth feel.  Red fruits flow into creamy vanilla with touches of exotic spices, almond and hazelnut.  The finish offers cinnamon, spice, cream, and coco dust.  Beautiful and supple.  James Score: 97-99 Points

Chateau Ausone St. Emilion 2015– 50% Cabernet Franc & 50% Merlot aged in 85% new oak for 20 months.  The wine shows caramel, vanilla, coconut, cream, and silk that has an underlying tone of earthy complexity.  Decently extracted yet refined.  The Cabernet Franc really comes through with medium plus tannins and high acids.  The finish offers coco dust, iron and chalk.  This wine will age for many, many years!  James Score: 96-98

Chateau Batailley Pauillac 2015– 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot & 3% Petit Verdot from a 5th Growth.  Big, brooding full structured wine with dark, dark fruit.  The wine has medium plus tannins and acids with touches of cedar, vanilla and hazelnuts.  The finish offers toasted almonds, tobacco, gravel, tea leaf and licorice.  This wine will age well.  James Score: 96-98

Grand Puy Lacoste Pauillac 2015– 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot & 3% Cabernet Franc from a 5th growth.  Silky textured with dark red currant and a rounded mouth feel.  Touch higher acidity with tobacco, tea leaf, and vanilla bean. The finish offers medium plus tannins and acids with touches of coconut, gravel and dark chocolate. Very Pure.  James Score: 95-96 Points

Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 2015– 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak from a 1st Growth.  Voluptuous nose.  Red and dark fruits, cream with medium plus acids and tannins.  The wine is silky and seamless with integrated oak and spices.  Fine, yet a touch gritty with coco dust, tobacco, gravel and coffee.  Great age ability.  James Score: 97-98 Points

Chateau Cos D’Estournel St. Estephe 2015– 75% Cabernet, 23.5% Merlot, and 1.5% Cabernet Franc.  Beautifully perfumed nose.  Richer, rounder with currant, black cherry and blackberry.  The wine has medium plus tannins and acids with notes of tobacco, coco dust, mint, and black tea.  The finish is full yet elegant with coffee grinds, focused red fruits and chalky graphite.  James Score: 96-98 Points

Chateau Montrose St. Estephe 2015– 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot & 4% Cabernet Franc from a 2nd Growth.  Dark chocolate, chocolate chips, vanilla and cocoa butter sleek into pure dark red fruits.  The wine is seductive, opulent and seamless with medium plus tannins and acids.  The finish offers tobacco, tea leaf and graham crackers with touches of gravelly dust.  James Score: 96-98 Points

Chateau Calon Segur St. Estephe 2015-86% Cabernet, 16% Merlot & 2% Petit Verdot aged in 100% new oak from a 3rd Growth.  Rich and silky textured with beautiful velvet red fruits.  The wine has medium plus tannins and acids with darker red fruits laying on milk chocolate, toasted cedar, and coconut.  The finish offers hints of gravel, tobacco, mushroom, vanilla and dill.  Very Balanced.  James Score: 96-98 Points

Chateau D’Aiguilhe Cotes de Castillon 2015– 85% Merlot & 15% Cabernet Franc aged in 30% new oak.  Massive color with a WOW body.  Full and vibrant with dark red fruits, chalky cream.  The wine has medium plus tannins and acids with a roundess that becomes poignant towards the finish.  Very well balanced.  James Score: 93-94 Points

Chateau Pontac Lynch Margaux 2015– 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot from a winery that is literally across the street from 1st Growth Chateaux Margaux.  Rich sweet red fruits that are creamy and textured.  The mid palate is soft and well balanced with medium plus tannins and acids.  The finish offers tea leaf, tobacco, gravel and hints of vanilla.  Silky, Perfumed, and Pleasurable!  James Score: 93 Points

Chateau Gloria St. Julien 2015 (owned by Chateau Saint Pierre)- 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc from Saint Julien.  Wow Nose!  Rich and creamy texture red fruits.  The wine is round, velvety, decadent, & delicious.  Medium Plus tannins, medium acids that finish with tobacco, spice and vanilla.  James Score: 93+ Points

Chateau Gracia St. Emilion 2015– 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc & 5% Cabernet Sauvignon not far from Troplong Mondot in St. Emilion.  Silky  smooth red fruits that are encompassed with an earthy terroir.  The wine has medium plus tannins and acids.  The finish is full, yet sleek and elegant.  The terroir really shows true in this wine.  James Score: 96+ Points

Chateau Clinet Pomerol 2015– 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc that had a big replant in 1956 due to a big frost.  The winery is eco friendly.  Rich and Hedonistic red fruits are extremely expressive with medium plus tannins and acids. Silky and refined sweet black fruits sink into touches of new oak (65% New) from 15 months aging.  The finish offers cedar, vanilla, and licorice.  The wine is a touch over extracted with higher alcohol.  James Score: 95+ Points

La Croix St. Georges Pomerol 2015– 91% Merlot & 9% Cabernet Franc from a vineyard that is L shaped around the famed Le Pin vines.  Gorgeous red fruit are integrated into medium plus tannins and acids.  Notes of toasted oak, hazelnuts, almonds, smoky tar weave through an extremely complex mid palate.  The finish is long and integrated on vines with an average age of 40 years.  The interesting story here is that Jean Philippe Janoueix implements smaller cigar shaped barrels that give the wine more oak depth.  James Score: 95-97 Points

Chateau Mondotte St. Emilion 2015– 85% Merlot & 15% Cabernet Franc that is an organic Premier Grand Cru Classe B in St. Emilion aged in 80% new oak barrels.  Rich toasted oak combine with creamy vanilla.  The wine is velvet, yet gripping.  Full bodied with high tannins and medium plus acids.  The wine offers red currant, raspberry, cherry and a high amount of minerality.  The finish delivers nuts, chalk, sweet dark fruits, bitter mocha and coffee grinds.  James Score: 97+ Points

Clos Marsalette Blanc White 2015– 65% Sauvignon Blanc & 30% Semillon and aged in 30% new oak.  This wine is bursting with energy!  Tropical fruits of pineapple, lychee, and white peach weave through medium plus acidity.  The mid palate offers white flowers, orange blossom, & banana.  The finish is chalked full of wet stones, minerals, and just a touch of sweet tart and viscosity.  James Score: 95+ Points

Pavillon Rouge (2nd wine of Chateau Margaux) Margaux 2015– 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc aged in 60% new oak for 21 months.  Supple nose.  Rich red fruits of currant and cherry with sweet, but integrated tannins. The wine is round, but definitely has girth.  The finish offers tobacco, cigar box, rich chocolate with gravelly minerality and cocoa dust.  James Score: 96-97 Points

Chateau Dufort Vivens Margaux 2015– 90% Cabernet & 10% Merlot from a 2nd growth.  Powerful nose.  Black & red fruits flow into silky framboise and medium plus tannins and acids.  Notes of tobacco, dust and gravel flow through a terroir driven mid palate.  The finish is filled with rich dark chocolate.  James Score: 95+ Points

Chateau Trotanoy Pomerol 2015– 93% Merlot & 7% Cabernet Franc produced on gravel and black clay.  Silky Red fruit lead into opulent tones of currant and framboise.  Gorgeous and seamless, the wine shows cocoa butter, tea leaf, milk chocolate and whiffs of oak.  James Score: 96-97 Points

Chateau Figeac St. Emilion 2015– 43% Cabernet (high % of Cab for the area), 29% Merlot, & 28% Cabernet Franc from a Premier Grand Cru Classe B producer and aged in 100% new oak.  Plump, rich and textured with darker fruit and a creamy core. The wine is seamless with tobacco, tea leaf, bitter coffee, and milk chocolate.  Figeac is dense and pure with medium plus tannins and acids that are truly focused.  The finish shows coco dust and gravel.  James Score: 97-98 Points

Pin des Dunes Rose 2015– 1/3rd Cabernet, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.  Bubblegum dust, strawberry, juicy fruit, and touches of sweet jam.  Medium plus acidity.  The finish is all jolly rancher and watermelon.  James Score: 90 Points

*These wines aren’t from the 2015 vintage, but tasted and enjoyed.

Chateau Latour Pauillac 2000– 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot aged in 100% new oak from a 1st Growth.  Vibrant and aging.  Earthy nose.  Palate is dense and silky with toasted cedar, tobacco and green leaf.  The mid palate is full of red fruits and bitter chocolate. The finish is long with dust and gravel with currant, raspberry and black cherry.  There is a beautiful purity about this wine that begs for contemplation.  James Score: 97 Points

Chateau Loupiac Gaudiet white 2013– 95% Semillon, 3% Sauvignon Blanc & 2% Muscadelle from Loupiac.  Cinnamon Sticks combine with petrol, beeswax and exotic spices jump off the palate.  Notes of salinity, Bosque pear, green apples flow seamlessly through the mid palate.  The finish is pure with medium acids that clean the palate and supplant with a craving for more.  Quite a value for the price!  James Score: 92+ Points

Leoville Barton St. Julien 2014– 83% Cabernet, 15% Merlot & 2%  Cabernet Franc with 60% new oak aging.  Round and Voluptuous with sweet red fruits and exotic spices that are rounded with medium plus tannins and acids.  The finish offers notes of cedar and popcorn with touches of vanilla.  James Score: 94 Points

Gravette de Certan Pomerol 2014– 87% Merlot & 13% Cabernet Franc aged in 1 year old barrels.  Creamy amaretto, coffee and earth combine with exotic spices meld deliciously through the palate with medium plus tannins and acids.  Flavors of raspberry, red cherry, tea leaf and coffee grinds burst into expressive and complex undertones of strawberry jam and graham cracker.  The finish is creamy goodness. WOW!  James Score: 95+ Points

Chateau Marniquet Prestige Brut 1995– Butter, brioche, mushrooms, hazelnuts, citrus, bready, baked confection with medium plus acids.  Button mushroom, cellar door, toast, cream, vanilla.  Truly developed. Deliciously bone dry.  James Score: 98+

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have seen the sun finally peaking through the rain soaked clouds that have bombarded our community this past month.  The hot heat is upon us again with daily averages in the 90’s, so my picks begin to gear toward softer reds, white wines, and ROSE!  This month, I am showing off some wines with age that are peaking perfectly right now that you all would be wise to pounce on before they are all gone!

San Felice ‘Poggio Rosso’ Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010

Tuscany, Italy

Cash Price $54.89

San Felice is one of the highest quality producers in Tuscany.  They are home to the geeky variety Pugnitello and make exquisite wines at all levels.   Poggio Rosso is a Riserva that is aged for 20 months in 500 Liter French oak barrels and another 15 months in bottle before release.  The wine is 80% Sangiovese with Pugnitello and Colorino making up the rest of the blend.  This wine has excellent aging potential, but is drinking absolutely beautifully right now.  Flavors of raspberry and plum pop deliciously into the palate with whiffs of black cherry throughout.  The mid palate offers medium plus tannins and acids that revolve around hints of sage, leather and hints of clove.  The finish is lingering and playful with touches of cinnamon, cedar and spices.  James Score: 95 Points

Blue Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Alexander Valley, California

Cash Price $37.99

Blue Rock is an all estate produced winery that is located right next to Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley property.  The 2013 vintage was rock solid and I have talked to many that are preferring this vintage to the previous.  The winery  is focused on showing the quality of terroir and offering balanced wines that  reflect the soil.  This wine offers delicious flavors of blackberry and black cherry that sinew softly into integrated tannins and acids.  The wine is silky smooth with complex notes of cedar, vanilla and touches of spice.  The finish is rocking with blueberry cobbler sinking into a velvet finish.  James Score: 94 Points

Chateau D’Aussieres Red Blend 2009

Corbieres, France

Cash Price $29.79

Corbieres is a hidden gem for quality wine in France.  First Growth Bordeaux producer Lafite Rothschild purchased vineyards in this area with the intent of making ‘Grand Cru’ quality wine.  They have certainly achieved that feat with this wine.  The 2009 vintage smiled on the South of France with an exceptional harvest that has produced beautiful wines.  This wine is primarily Syrah based with Grenache and Mourvedre that has been aged for 16 months in oak and selected from only the finest plots in the vineyard.  Flavors of black cherry and black currant race through the palate with medium plus tannins and medium acids.  Notes of toasted cedar and licorice sinew harmoniously through the mid palate with exquisite complexity.  The finish offers hints of gingerbread, vanilla, and clove.  D’Aussieres is a tremendously sleek wine from one of the best producers in the world!  James Score: 91 Points

Domaine de la Guilloterie ‘Elegance’ Chenin Blanc 2014

Saumur, France

Cash Price $19.94

Saumur Champigny is one of the geekier regions in the world for wine lovers.  Located just south of the Loire River in the Loire Valley, The Duveau family has been producing wines in this picturesque region for six generations.  The region is chalked full of ‘tuffeau’ which is a chalky limestone soil that is perfectly suited for Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.  This wine screams to be a hot Houston weather companion!  Guilloterie is 100% Dry Chenin Blanc and offers flavors of brilliant white peach, white flowers and fleshy green apples that lay into medium plus acidity and absolutely no oak.  Notes of citrus lemon lime zest splash into the finish with touches of pear and gardenia.  I am very impressed with this winery for the price point.  Highly recommended!  James Score: 91 Points

Catena ‘La Consulta’ Malbec 2013

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $21.84

Catena is one of the highest quality producers in all of Mendoza.  They are known for making Malbec from higher elevation and having making wine in Mendoza since 1902.  Laura Catena is now at the helm of the winery and has continued the tradition of quality wines with wine maker Alejandro Vigil.  This wine is 100% Malbec produced at an elevation of 3,600 feet. The elevation gives the wine a concentration that can be lost at lower elevations.  Flavors of blackberry and black cherry bounce playfully through medium plus tannins and medium acids.  Notes of black pepper and kitchen sink spices are noticed on the mid palate through the thickly concentrated plum and raspberry.  The finish offers hints of toasted nuts, caramel and vanilla bean with 12 months of French oak aging.  James Score: 90 Points

Domaine Sorin ‘Terra Amata’ Rose 2015

Cotes de Provence, France

Cash Price $15.99

Rose season could not get here fast enough for me!  I am an ardent fan Rose all year long, but specifically crave it when the hot heat comes pounding at the door.  Domaine Sorin is exquisite with a blue wax top which shows the winery’s commitment to excellence.  The wine is a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault that explodes on the palate from the first sup.  Flavors of strawberry and bright red cherries sing loudly into the palate with medium plus acidity.  This wine is deliciously dry and can pair wonderfully with light fowl or seafood dishes.  Notes of white pepper and garrigue fall easily in line with hints of wild red berries and pomegranate.  The finish is crisp, clean and ready for another sip.  James Score: 90 Points

Dr. Pauly Bergweiler Dry Riesling 2014

Mosel, Germany

Cash Price $13.99

German Riesling sold to the American market typically has some sweetness in the bottle.  This wine is perfectly dry and highlights the flavor profile that is Riesling.  The Mosel Valley is one of the finest Riesling producing regions in the entire world and this wine is an absolute steal for the price.  The soil structure is Devonian slate and the region is cooler in climate which gives the ensuing wine a true sense of terroir.  This 100% Dry Riesling offers flavors of orange and citrus zing through medium plus acids.  The mid palate shows wild meadow flowers with lemon zest and granny smith apples.  The finish is pure with touches of slate minerality, honeysuckle and kisses of tropical stone fruits.  James Score: 91 Points

St Michael Eppan Pinot Noir 2014

Suditrol/Alto Adige, Italy

Cash Price $19.89

The innovative winery situated along the Wine Route, is considered one of the best wineries in South Tyrol and Italy with Hanz Terzer at the wine making helm.  I really enjoy Pinot Noir from this area because the climate and terroir produce expressive, balanced wines with beautifully acidity and fresh fruits.  This wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in large oak barrels to preserve the fruit structure. Vibrant flavors of freshly picked red cherries and raspberry tickle through zesty medium plus acids.  The wine is organically farmed and it really expresses this aspect in this clean, yet precise wine.  The mid palate offers licks of cream with cranberry and a hints of minerality.  The finish is pure and clean with smidges of earthy terroir and wild berries.  James Score: 90 Points

Chateau Pegau ‘Cuvee Setier’ Red Blend 2013

Cotes du Rhone Villages, France

Cash Price $18.99

Chateau Pegau has always been one of my favorite Chateauneuf Du Pape producers.  The started making this wine several years ago as an entry level Rhone Village made just a smidge south but still implements low yield, hand harvesting and strict pruning criteria.  The wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre.  Setier offers flavors brambly blackberry and currant that flow seamlessly into medium tannins and acids.  Notes of garrigue and black pepper knock into hints of smoked tar and jammy blueberries.  This wine really over delivers!  James Score: 92 Points

Beppe Gold Moscato D’ Asti N/V

Asti, Italy

Cash Price $14.59

Moscato is a perfect white wine for the screaming heat in Texas.  It is light & refreshing with touches of sparkle and sweetness.  This wine is unpretentious and begs to be enjoyed poolside or for summer parties.  Flavors of green apples and honey suckle flow through the palate with just a touch of effervescence that clean the palate.  Notes of white peach and nectarines frolic through the mid palate with hints of white flowers and sweet candied stone fruits.  The wine is lower in alcohol and meant to be a refreshingly fun wine.  James Score: 88 Points

Paternina Banda Azul Crianza 2012

Rioja, Spain

Cash Price $11.99

I love a quality Spanish wine.  One typically doesn’t have to pay a lot for delicious Spanish wine and this wine is a testament to this thought process.  Founded in 1896 in Ollauri, Rioja Alta by Don Federico Paternina, this historic bodega is one of the classics of Rioja. Bodegas Federico Paternina joined the premium Marques de la Concordia Family of Wines in 2014, owner of Spain’s finest estates since 1812. 2014 also saw the return to Paternina of the renowned Rioja winemaker Carmelo Angulo. Carmelo began his career at Paternina where he worked for 14 years, before gaining expeience in the other great wine growing regions of Spain and today crafts the much-loved Federico Paternina ranges. Flavors of black currant and dark plums lead into medium plus tannins and medium acids.  Excellent notes of toasted oak, vanilla and dill flow into a fleshy fruit driven finish.  James Score: 89 Points

Oregon 99West Pinot Gris 2014

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Cash Price $11.99

Oregon Pinot Gris is often lost in the white wine world due to the popularity of its Italian counterpart.  Pinot Gris from Oregon is heavier with more viscosity and fleshier fruits than Italian Pinot Grigio.  This wine displays racy flavors of peach and apricot in a completely un oaked atmosphere.  The wine has a round mouthfeel with medium acids that sink into notes of citrus and pear blossoms.  The finish is mouth watering with hints of tropical fruits and apple blossoms.  James Score: 88 Points

Lockwood Chardonnay 2014

Monterey, California

Cash Price $10.99

I have really been impressed with the changes that the Boisset family made when they purchased Lockwood vineyards a couple of years ago.  They decided to give the wines a terroir driven flavor profile, which is unique in California. This wine is completely un oaked and aged in stainless steel tanks with lees aging.  Flavors of crisp green apple and citrus sinew easily into the palate with touches of pineapple and melon.  The mid palate displays medium acids with notes of hazelnuts.  The finish is clean and flavorful with hints of lemon cream pie and honeysuckle.  James Score: 87 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hope everyone is braving the torrential downpours this month has offered!  I have never seen so much rain in Houston.  That being said, the heat is descending upon our city so my steals this month are light, fresh and thirst quenching.  P.S. Drop by the Spec’s Oak Ridge North location for some Rose that most store do not carry that are absolute steals!  Ask for me.

Ca’momi Rosso di Napa 2014

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $8.99

This rosso is truly built for BBQ with Zinfandel being a primary varietal of this blend.  Flavors of dark jammy blueberry and blackberry zing through a medley of spices and soft tannins.  James Score: 89 Points

Beppe Bianco N/V

Italy

Cash Price $9.99

I have found a wonderfully light, ever day hot weather wine with just a touch of sweetness to tickle the palate.  Flavors of lemon blossoms, lychee and vanilla are balanced by vibrant acids and just a kiss of sweetness.  James Score: 88 Points

Pierre Archambault Rose d’Anjou 2015

Loire Valley, France

Cash Price $8.99

I love Rose and this delicious wine has a hint of sweetness on the back end.  Flavors of rose petals, wild strawberries and raspberry sinew through medium acids and whiffs of candied red cherries on the finish.  James Score: 88 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I truly apologize for not posting any reviews lately.  I have been extremely busy in my new role. HAVE NO FEAR! I will continue this blog with regularity.  My intention is to continue to grow and cultivate this blog until it is the most popular one in the state of Texas!   I had a conversation recently with a friend who was becoming increasingly frustrated with wine.  He has a great palate and is struggling to find wines with complexity that were in his budget.  The ‘sweet spot’ for him was the $15 – $25 range.  I knew off hand a slew of wines that were spectacular in this price point, so I told him that I would compile a list for him.  This is the list, except for the 1 ‘for special occasions’ wine if the consumer feels like splurging.  Enjoy!

Neal Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $44.64

Mark Neal has been producing superior, ORGANIC wines from Napa Valley for forty years.  Based on Howell Mountain, the wines show that true mountain fruit flavor profile with stunning quality.  Neal had a wonderful crop in the ‘tough’ 2011 vintage.  This wine is an homage to the thought that great wineries produce great wines, no matter what the vintage.  The grapes were sourced from Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, and Mt. Veeder that were aged in French oak (72% New) for 22 months.  The wine is drinking spectacularly right now!  The wine is rich, balanced and exudes that true classic ‘Napa Valley’ flavor profile.  Thick flavors of black currant and black raspberry play into medium plus tannins and acids.  The mid palate offers gregarious notes of wild blackberries, leather, and cigar box.  The finish is full bodied, showing hints of black tea, black cherry, and nutmeg.  James Score: 93 Points

The Highwayman Red Blend 2012

Sonoma County, California

Cash Price $25.99

I recently had the Highway 12 representative, Paul Giusto, in town to taste with our staff and the entire crew was highly impressed with the entire line but especially the Highwayman red blend.  I found out that it is a Cabernet Franc heavy wine, which is probably why I really enjoy it.  Flavors of black cherry and plum sink through the palate with balanced focus.  This wine is not a rambler, it has medium plus tannins and medium acids that are well integrated.  The mid palate shows blackberry and bramble with whiffs of cedar, toasted vanilla bean and just a hint of pencil shavings.  James Score: 91 Points

Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico  2013

Chianti Classico, Italy

Cash Price $24.89

Castello Di Ama is one of the finest estates in Chianti.  Their Sangiovese based wines are considered some of the finest quality in all of Tuscany.  Ama offers flavors of roasted plums and fig that lead into zesty acids and medium tannins.  Notes of dried cherries and cranberry waft through the mid palate with hints of all spice. The finish is smooth and harmonious with hints of dates and fleshy raspberry. This wine is perfectly balanced and would cellar well for 5-7 years.  Pair this gem with a thin crust, oven roasted pizza with peppers and sausage!  James Score: 92 Points

Triennes Rose 2014

Mediterranee, France

Cash Price $14.99

Triennes is consistently one of my favorite Rose’s year in and year out.  As the heat starts to rise, I quickly begin to gravitate towards higher acid, lower tannin wines.  Rose wines are a perfect medium to combat the Hot Houston Heat.  Deliciously dry, this Cinsault based Rose has expressive and compelling aromatics.  Flavors of bright red cherries and red roses zing into medium plus acidity that quenches the palate.  Notes of wild meadow flowers play into the mid palate with touches of cranberry and red berries.  The finish is clean and pure with touches of salinity and wet rocks.  Fall in Love with Dry Rose this summer!  James Score: 92 Points

Dr. Frank Cabernet Franc 2014

Finger Lakes, New York

Cash Price $18.99

Dr. Konstantin Frank was extremely influential in the growing of the Vitis Vinifera vine species in the Northeast.  He is credited with being the first to successfully produce vinifera wines in New York.  The American vine species dominated the vineyards until he was able to master the art of Vinifera.  Cabernet Franc is one of my favorite varietals (father of Cabernet Sauvignon) on earth.  The grape can produce amazingly versatile wines with bursting flavor and complexity.  Cabernet Franc from cooler regions are well suited to be drunk in warmer climates because of the higher acid content and brighter fruits.  Flavors of vibrant black cherry, cranberry and wild red berries zing through medium plus acidity and medium tannins.  The mid palate is refreshing with complex acids and touches of leather and sun dried tomatoes.  The finish shows 18 months of European and American oak aging with hints of cedar, smoked tar, and black pepper.  James Score: 90 Points

Volker Eisele ‘Gemini’ White Blend 2013

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $23.74 But with a $3.00 Spec’s Key Savings Only

$19.99 for a limited time

Volker Eisele is best known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, but the Gemini they produce is a true gem for a white blend.  The wine is comprised of 80% Semillion & 20% Sauvignon Blanc that sees 20% New French oak for 5 months.  This wine is all about freshness and acidity offered from the Chiles Valley.  Gemini will continue to age and add complexity for several years.  Delightful floral characteristics dance through the nose and tingle the taste buds for a sup.  Flavors of citrus blossom, jasmine and cactus flow deftly through the palate.  The mid palate offers medium acidity that is enveloped by a wet stone minerality and touches of lemon custard.  The finish is rounder with higher viscosity and hints of pear and exotic spices.  James Score: 91 Points

La Tercera Reserva Red 2010

Rioja, Spain

Cash Price $18.99

Rioja can be hit and miss.  Tercera hit a home run with this Reserva wine.  Tempranillo is the main varietal with graciano and garnacha making up the difference.  The 2010 vintage was good to Rioja and to find an under $20 Reserva in this vintage is a no brainer.  Silky smooth red cherries and raspberry flow into medium tannins and acids.  The mid palate offers touches of pepper and cedar.  The finish is chalked full of minerality, dill and vanilla.  James Score: 92 Points

Eberle Chardonnay 2014

Paso Robles, California

Cash Price $19.94

Eberle is one of the highest quality wineries in Paso Robles that does not typically break the budget.  They are determined to produce high quality, friendly priced wines that exceed expectation.  Gary Eberle has taken back control of his vineyard and recently put in his son, Chris Eberle, as  wine-maker (taking over for Ben Mayo).  Gary was one of the founders of Paso Robles and continues the pursuit of excellence with price conservative red and white wines.  This estate produced Chardonnay is all about balance.  Ripe flavors of pear, pineapple and Meyer lemon sing into medium acidity and fleshy fruits.  Tinges of buttered complexity lay on the palate tantalizingly.  The finish is pure and a touch hedonistic with notes of popcorn, toasted caramel, and vanilla bean.  James Score: 90 Points.

Chateau Laborde Cuvee 1628 Red Blend 2008

Bordeaux, France

Cash Price $18.99

Chateau Laborde has been owned by the Trocard family since 1628.  The winery is primarily dominated by Merlot.  Merlot from Pomerol is considered some of the finest in the world with perfect soil suited for the varietal.  The surrounding town of Lalande is considered one of the finest sites outside of the heart of Pomerol.  Laborde is 90% Merlot & 10% Cabernet Franc that is aged in 33% new oak for 12 months.  Flavors of red currant and plum fill into vivacious acids and medium tannins.  Notes of red cherries sink into notes of rustic terroir.  The finish offers supple fruits combined with hints of smoked oak, nuts and cinnamon that sit on the palate for a wonderfully long time.  James Score: 90 Points

Salentein Pinot Noir 2013

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $18.99

I was fortunate to be able to visit this winery a couple of months ago.  I have always been quite impressed with the quality produced from this winery for the price point.  The winery is completely state of the art with no expense spared and the wines show that quality.  This Pinot Noir has been one of my go-to Pinot’s for many years.  Delicious flavors of ripe strawberries and candied cherries.  Medium plus acids and medium tannins are well integrated with kisses of spice and cola.  The finish is silky and complex with hints of vanilla, cedar and hazelnuts.  James Score: 91 Points

Anticipation Red Blend 2013

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $15.99

The 2013 vintage is shaping up to be an excellent vintage.  This is evidence in the new vintage of Anticipation Red Blend.  It is a silky smooth Merlot based wine that is sexy and sleek.  Delicious flavors of red cherries and plum sink into a soft, velvet mid palate of red currant and chocolate covered cherries.  The tannins are well integrated and the acids are easily lost in the luscious fruit.  The finish is filled with licks of cedar, vanilla cream and hazelnuts which linger on the palate for a delightfully long time.

Tamboerskloof Viognier 2014

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Cash Price $15.99

I have been an avid fan of this winery for several years due to their extremely delicious Syrah.  Viognier is a Rhone varietal that is sometimes found to be blended with the aforementioned varietal.  This wine is a stand alone Viognier (with a smidge of Rousanne) that is perfect for the hot Texas weather.  Tamboerskloof Viognier explodes on the palate with tons of floral and tropical fruits.  Flavors of apricot, canned peaches, citrus blossom and white flowers flow seamlessly through medium acids.  The viscosity is larger in the mouth feel with touches of guava and papaya.  The finish is rich and smooth with hints of toasted nuts and yeasty complexity.  James Score: 92 Points

Butera Nero D’Avola 2013

Sicily, Italy

Cash Price $12.99

I have consistently found this wine to be of outstanding value in every vintage.  Nero D’Avola is an indigenous varietal of Sicily that has fleshy fruits and medium body, which makes it perfect for summer.  Ripe flavors of black cherry and blackberry play through sleek medium acids and tannins.  The fruit turns slightly stewed on the mid palate with hints of brown sugar and scorched plum.  The finish shows cinnamon, mocha and tinges of coffee grinds. Butera is a very versatile wine that will pair well with numerous dishes. James Score: 90 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier