The Wine Epicure by James Barlow

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I apologize for the tardiness of this blog. If you all have been following, I recently travelled to Argentina and Chile.  I had not been to that part of the world in a decade, so it was quite interesting to see how things have changed and/or progressed.  I am currently writing a blog about my travels and the wines I tasted.  That blog should be posted in the next several weeks.  The wines in this month’s blog have two themes: Valentine’s Day and Value wines.  Enjoy!

Schramsberg Brut Rose 2012

North Coast, California

Cash Price $38.94

Schramsberg is one of the finest sparkling houses in the United States.  This dry Rose is spectacular!  The wine is made in the traditional Champagne Method with extended lees aging, barrel fermentation and aged for almost two years.  The grapes were picked from select quality areas in Anderson, Sonoma, Carneros and Marin.  The composition is mainly focused on Pinot Noir with a dollop of Chardonnay for acid and vivacity.  The grapes were hand picked and gently pressed for the utmost quality in the bottle.  Delicate flavors of raspberry sorbet and wild red roses sing melodiously into the palate with medium plus acidity.  The mid palate offers a creamy toast with touches of short cake and vanilla icing.  The finish lingers with notes of orange blossom, nectarine and apricot that flow silkily through the hints of brioche and freshly baked bread.  Your Valentine will instantly fall in love with this sparkling gem!  James Score: 93 Points

Amiral De Beychevelle 2012

St. Julien, France

Cash Price $39.89

I am always on the hunt for value Bordeaux.  I have a true love for the Cabernet produced in the commune of St. Julien.  Chateau Beychevelle is a 4th growth on the left side of the Gironde known for producing sleek, yet full bodied Cabernet based blends.  Amiral de Beychevelle is the 2nd wine from this Chateau.  I have always found very high quality in the 2nd labels of Bordeaux’s Grand Cru Classe Chateaus.  The 2012 vintage was hit and miss in Bordeaux, but this wine is an absolute hit!  Dense flavors of black currant and black cherries sinew through medium plus tannins and medium acids.  The mid palate has a raw depth that really engulfs the palate with notes of cigar box, graphite, and charred oak that are wrapped around a thick richness of dark fruits.  The finish offers cinnamon, leather and touches of vanilla bean that linger on the palate for a graciously long time.  James Score: 91 Points

Goldbelly Syrah 2012

Russian River, California

Cash Price $24.99 But only

$19.99 with your Spec’s key ($5.00 Savings)

I love California Syrah and I think the 2012’s may be some of the best that I have ever tasted.  The 2012 vintage in California was one to behold.  Perfect conditions led to ample harvests and fruit of extremely high quality.  There is a purity of fruit that one can only find in the finest vintages and this is one of them.  Racy, textured flavors of boysenberry and blackberry fling sensuously into medium tannins and acids. The mid palate shows a touch of sweetly jammed black cherry and plum that flows into touches of smoked meat and tar.  The finish is chalked full of spices with flashes of blueberry pie that sink into licks of vanilla and toasted oak.  James Score: 91 Points

Kopke 20 Year Old Tawny Port

Oporto, Portugal

Cash Price $29.99

Kopke is the original port house founded by Christian Kopke of German descent.  This year they celebrated 375 years of continuous production.  That is what I call History!  I have always been a fan of Kopke Ports, but rarely drink them due to the excessively hot weather that Houston gives us on a regular basis.  So, when the weather FINALLY cools down a smidgeon I quickly take the opportunity to enjoy som deliciously high quality port.  Twenty Year old Tawnys are softer and more refined in flavor profile that its robust counterpart, ruby.  Complex flavors of dried raisins and dates move softly into hints of brown sugar and molasses.  The mid palate offers touches of cinnamon and crème brulee that tickle the palate with smidgeons of fig and toffee.  The finish is mellow with a hint of hotness that is hidden with intricate flavors of spiced caramel and hazelnuts.  James Score: 92 Points

Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard DOC Malbec 2012

Luyan de Cuyo, Argentina

Cash Price $18.99

I have always been impressed with the Luigi Bosca Malbecs.  The DOC Single Vineyard offers a true expression of extremely high quality for under $20.  Luyan de Cuyo is the only DOC currently in Argentina.  This means that the Malbec produced under this DOC must attain higher quality standards and stricter requirements to be bottled under the DOC label.  This wine comes from vines with an average age of 70 years grown at an elevation of 3,150 feet above sea level.  The wine is aged for 14 months in new French oak barrels.  Robust flavors of black cherries and ripe plums burst onto the palate with touches of fig that give way to medium plus tannins and medium acids.  The mid palate offers chewy notes of blackberry and tar with hints of leather and black tea.  The finish is long and purposeful with touches almonds and milk chocolate that lay into creamy vanilla and toasted oak.  James Score: 92 Points

Chateau Bibian Red Blend 2010

Haut Medoc, France

Cash Price $19.94

Chateau Bibian is one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in the commune of Listrac, located in the heart of the left bank of Bordeaux.  This Cru Bourgeois is surrounded by Classified Growths with vines with 40-70 years of age.  This all means that you can get a Growth quality wine for under $2o!  The 2010 vintage will go into the record books as one of the finest of our lifetime.  Winemakers let mother nature do all the work and the results are some of the best Bordeaux that I have ever tasted.  This Cabernet based blend was constructed by famed winemaker Michel Rolland.  Thick flavors of red cherries and raspberry flow seamlessly through the palate with hints of wild red roses wafting through medium plus tannins and medium acids.  The mid palate offers a creamy complexity of vanilla and sweet spices with licks of dark chocolate.  The finish shows 12 months of French oak aging with notes of cinnamon, vanilla and toasted oak.  James Score: 90 Points

Triennes ‘St. Fleur’ Viognier 2014

Provence, France

Cash Price $14.99

Viognier from the south of France is some of the best produced in the whole world.  When you combine excellent terroir and the amazing pedigree of Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, magic happens.  This 46 hectare site has been turned into one of the highest quality estates in Southern France in the last 20 years.  The wines are produced organically with meticulous care.  This un-oaked 100% Viognier is divine from the first sup.  Flavors of wild apricot and fresh meadow flowers explode on the palate with quaffs of honeysuckle flowing melodiously in the background through medium acidity.  There is a richness of viscosity that coats the mid palate and envelopes the acidity with a purity of stone fruits.  The finish is quite aromatic with perfume and lavender wafting through hints of stony minerals and wet rocks.  James Score: 91 Points

Block 045 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Alexander Valley, California

Cash Price $19.94

The Block Series has gained a reputation over the years for always delivering high quality for under $20.  I have gained a fondness for Alexander Valley Cabernet because of its softer, more approachable mouth feel that Napa Valley sometimes lacks.  This Cabernet is ready to drink from the pop of the cork.  Dark flavors of blackberry and cassis show a deep thickness on the palate with medium tannins and acids.  The mid palate has a rich core with touches of candied cherries and boysenberry that weave into smidgeons of sweet spice.  The finish is pure and lingering with notes of creamy dark chocolate, tobacco and hints of cedar.  James Score: 89 Points

Cru ‘Montage’ Pinot Noir 2012

Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Cash Price $18.99

Santa Lucia Highlands is nestled in the Central Coast of California with a perfect micro climate for growing very high quality Pinot Noir.  Winemaker Ken Post has hit gold with this wine.  The 2012 vintage was picture perfect for California with abundant harvests and perfectly ripe fruit.  Flavors of pomegranate and wild strawberries sinew effortlessly into a core of cherry cola.  This 100% Pinot Noir shows an elegance while really driving the delicious fruit flavors through the palate.  Notes of rhubarb and brown sugar play softly into the 9 months of French oak aging.  Hints of blueberry pie and crust play into the finish with bits of vanilla bean and herbs.  James Score: 90 Points

Twisted Paso Cabernet 2013

Paso Robles, California

Cash Price $15.99

The Calcareous ‘Twisted Paso’ (formerly Twisted Sister) line has become one of the best selling wine selections in Spec’s entire portfolio.  They produce a wine with silky smooth approachability that is heaven on the palate.  Lush flavors of blackberry and currant flow seamlessly through the palate with licks of milk chocolate and cedar.  The mid palate give medium tannins and acids that are soft and integrated.  The core offers creamy blueberry with notes of leather and cigar box.  The finish offers hints of graham cracker and toasted oak with smidgeons of vanilla and cinnamon.  James Score: 89 Points

Arrowflite Chardonnay 2014

Sonoma County, California

Cash Price $12.99

The American palate loves full bodied Chardonnay.  This little gem is a sure fire win for days that end with Y for the Chardonnay lover in your home.  Rich and creamy, this wine offers flavors of pineapple and melon that quickly turns into a hedonistic creamy texture.  Notes of brioche and buttered popcorn seep into medium minus acids.  The finish is soft, offering butter and caramel with just a touch of citrus.  James Score: 88 Points

Baritone ‘Maxim’ Red Blend 2013

South Eastern Australia

Cash Price $12.99

Baritone has been one of Spec’s most consistent red blends in our Australian category throughout the years.  It comes in a 1 liter container (The extra glass of wine is on us) and is a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet.  Bold flavors of currant and plum play through layered tannins and medium acids with notes of toffee and spice.  The finish offers vanilla and cedar with tinges of dark cocoa, licorice and clove.  Baritone is a user friendly Tuesday slurper that is sure to please whether at a party or on the back patio.  James Score: 87 Points

Cecchi Sangiovese 2012

Chianti Classico, Italy

Cash Price $11.89

Luigi Cecchi gained notoriety and garnered fame for his excellent sangiovese wines.  This is a classical interpretation of the quality Chianti Classico can produce without the high price tag.  Ripe flavors of bing cherry and wild red flowers sing easily thorugh medium plus acids and medium tannins.  The finish is chalked full of tomato leaf and wild herbs.  Awesome Spaghetti wine!  James Score: 88 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I realize this is short notice, but it was just put in my lap and I would be remiss if I did not offer this amazing tasting to my followers! Only 40 seats available.

Please RSVP to Candacemalcom@specsonline.com

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am planning on offering two hour wine education courses this year on some of the premier wine regions of the world to be held at the Spec’s Oak Ridge North location.  I would like to know how many people would be interested in taking these courses.  They will be held on Tuesday nights from 6-8pm.  The Fee will be $75 per person.  I will teach on the basics of the region ie. varietals, terroir, wine making techniques, oak aging etc… We will also taste classic wines of the region.  Finger foods will be provided.  I would like a minimum of 15 people to teach the class with a maximum of 4o people.  RSVP to jamesbarlow25@hotmail.com.

Possible Classes for the four months:

Bordeaux 101- 2nd week of March

Tuscany 101- 2nd week of April

Rioja 101- 2nd week of May

Burgundy 101- 2nd week of June

STEALS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY 2015

BruMont Merlot-Tannat Red Blend 2014

Gascogne, France

Cash Price $9.99

Brumont is an affable table wine that is perfect for any day that ends in Y.  Flavors of juicy red cherries and bramble touch into smooth tannins and touches of black pepper.

Arabella Chenin Blanc 2015

Western Cape, South Africa

Cash Price $8.99

I love South African Chenin Blanc (formerly Steen).  Racy flavors of tropical bubble gum, guava and bananas play into medium acidity.  Un-oaked and absolutely refreshing white.

CastellBlanc Semi-Seco Sparkling N/V

Cava, Spain

Cash Price $7.99

I love Cava for everyday sparkling.  Semi-Dry with notes of fresh wild flowers and touches of baked bread on a window sill.  Candied fruit cocktail fill the finish with hints of butter.

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Happy New Year!  This will be an exciting year for Spec’s in The Woodlands.  As most of you know, we will be expanding by moving into the old Academy building next door.  The remodeling is starting and we hope to be offering you a 55,500 square foot Spec’s Liquors and Fine Wines in the very near future!  I will be traveling to Argentina and Chile in the coming month, so I am sure I’ll come back with some exciting wines for you all to sink your palate into in this new year.  This month’s list is a medley of wines that are great value and perfect for the slight chill in January.

Gosset Brut Excellence N/V

Champagne, France

Cash Price $39.69

Gosset is the oldest wine producing house in Champagne.  Located in the region of Ay, this winery only producers around 50,000 cases which is quite small in contrast to production levels of Moet & Chandon (around 2 million).  Gosset does not initiate malolactic fermentation which retains a higher acidity in the bubbles for maximum freshness.  The blend is higher with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but does have a fair amount of Pinot Meunier.  This champagne is truly impressive from the start.  Ripe flavors of Meyer lemon and pear dance and bounce about through zesty acids and tight bubbles.  Notes of brioche and jasmine flow through a layered core of complexity with hints of citrus and almond.  The finish is chalked full of minerality with a firm elegance and touches of confection and smoke that lingers into a beautifully balanced bouquet.  James Score: 92 Points

Result of the Crush Red Blend 2012

Walla Walla, Washington

Cash Price $39.29

This wine is one of those geeky wines of limited production that I highly recommend scooping up as quickly as possible.  The wine is produced by the sisters of legendary cult winemaker Matt Reynvaan (who is the consulting winemaker for this wine).  He produces some of the more iconic Reds in all of Washington state.  Result of the Crush is their limited release ‘Fun’ wine that they produce at a great price (usually his wines exceed $100).  The wine is a blend of mostly Syrah (Reynvaan’s claim to fame) with a dollop of this and a smidgeon of that.  I immediately fell in love with this wine.  It has a richness of fruit and texture but with a core of minerality and complexity that Syrah can often show.  Flavors of dark cherries and pomegranate burst on the palate with a hedonistic richness.  The mid palate offers a creamy vanilla bean core with touches of plum and briar.  The wine has medium tannins and acids.  The finish continues giving with notes of black pepper, smoked meat and just a kiss of candied maple.  James Score: 93 Points

Smith Woodhouse Late Bottle Vintage Port 2002

Duoro, Portugal

Cash Price $27.99

Smith Woodhouse is run by the Symington family, who have been present in the Duoro since 1882.  The family owns a little of 2,000 hectare and produces some of most prized wines in the Duoro.  They produce wine for houses such as Dow, Grahams, Cockburn and Warres.  This approachable Port is 20% alcohol and a perfect match for this weather.  Smoothly textured, this fortified wine shows flavors of dried plums and raisin that flow easily into roasted nuts and candied apple skins.  The finish offers a slew of baking spices with a touch of burnt molasses.  Great after dinner drink or something to sip on the back patio with a cigar.  James Score: 88 points

Chablisienne ‘La Pierrelee’ Chardonnay 2013

Chablis, France

Cash Price $21.69

I love Chablis.  It is some of the most exquisite Chardonnay produced in my opinion.  Granted, I do enjoy higher acid wines so keep that in mind.  Chablis expresses true terroir in their wines.  You can actually taste the chalk and limestone.  This is a great introductory example of a Classic wine from this region.  Flavors of ripe green apples and citrus zing through the palate with medium plus acidity.  Touches of stone fruit show in the mid palate with linear complexity and hints of crushed rock and chalk.  The finish is clean with touches of cream and wild flowers.  This is not your California Chardonnay!  James Score: 88 points

Bench Cabernet 2013

Alexander Valley, California

Cash Price $23.74

As the cooler weather arrives, I inevitably gravitate towards big, chewy Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is produced by The Brack Mountain Wine Company based along the western bench of the Mayacamas Mountain range.  Alexander Valley is garnering high praise throughout the wine industry for Cabernet.  I recently tasted the new vintage and was quite impressed.  The 2013 vintage in California is one to watch.  There are some really stunning wines coming from this vintage.  Bench offers flavors of racy, almost sweet fruits of black currant and blackberry. The mid palate has medium plus tannins and medium acids that are encompassed by hints of freshly picked tobacco and cedar.  Notes of black tar and dark mocha give way to smidgeons of spice with integrated oak and vanilla that sinks into the palate beautifully.  James Score: 89 Points

Vina Lauria Frappato 2013

Alcamo, Sicily

Cash Price $21.69

Frappato is an indigenous grape of Sicily that is just now starting to gain traction in the American market.  Known for its appealing approachability and easy going nature, this grape is sure to make a big splash in the near future.  Vito Lauria has worked very hard to bring his winery into the modern age of wine making and it shows in his clean and focused wines.  This 100% Frappato is organically grown and completely un-oaked.  Flavors of freshly picked strawberries and red cherries bounce into the palate with medium plus acidity and medium tannins.  The mid palate shows a softness with hints of wild red berries and red flower blossoms.  The finish has touches of wild herbs with hints of white pepper and clay.  Expand your palate with Frappato today!  James Score: 89 Points

Frey Sohler Gewurztraminer 2013

Alsace, France

Cash Price $19.94

I have a deep fondness in my heart for Alsatian whites.  I believe they are some of the best produced in the entire world.  Gewurztraminer is one of the oddball grapes that falls into the category of love/hate.  It has amazing floral complexity, but it does show a descent amount of residual sugars.  This wine is bursting with delicious flavors of peach and nectarines with hints of orange blossom.  Licks of honeysuckle and honeydew play through medium acidity.  The finish offers touches of wet rock and fresh meadow flowers.  It is a perfect pair with spicy foods.  James Score: 90 Points

Chateau Brondeau Red Blend 2009

Bordeaux Superior, France

Cash Price $14.99

The 2009 vintage is peaking for the daily drinking reds of Bordeaux.  They are plush with soft tannins and refined tannins with the fruit really shining in the glass.  Flavors of black currant and blackberry play into medium plus tannins and acids.  The mid palate is beautiful with sleek notes of plum and boysenberry with a round, supple cream texture.  The finish is silky with smidgeons of cigar box and tobacco that interweave with whiffs of vanilla bean.  This is a spectacular Bordeaux for the price!  James Score: 91

Shannon Ridge ‘Wrangler Red’ Red Blend 2013

Lake County, California

Cash Price $12.99

Lake County is starting to garner praise for rock solid reds in the region north of Napa Valley.  Shannon Ridge was awarded the ‘Top Winery’ at Houston’s Uncorked Wine Competition in 2015.  This winery is releasing stellar red based on Zinfandel and Rhone Varietals.  Wrangler Red is a silky smooth Zindandel, Syrah blend that screams fruit from the onset.  The wine has been aged in French and American oak for 18 months.  Intense flavors of black cherry and black raspberry seep through the full blackberry with medium tannins and acids.  Notes of graham cracker and cinnamon are prevalent on the mid palate with touches of sweet tobacco and milk chocolate.  The finish is creamy and velvety with smooth lingering tones of rich fruit and spice.  Best Daily drinker that money can buy!  James Score: 89 Points

Villa San-Juliette Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Paso Robles, California

Cash Price $15.99

Some of the best value Cabernets in the United States come from the up and coming region of Paso Robles in the Central Coast.  Villa San-Juliette is sustainable in its practices and produce spectacular wines under $20.  The 2012 vintage is go down in the record books as one of the finest in the decade and Paso fruit is showing wonderfully.  Rich flavors of Red cherry and red raspberry move swiftly into medium tannins and acids.  The mid palate offers touches of cinnamon and clove.  The finish gives currant, cedar and smoky vanilla mocha.  San-Juliette is perfectly tailored for your next BBQ party.  James Score: 90 Points

Ca’Momi Chardonnay 2014

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $11.99

Ca’Momi is rooted in Italian heritage, but with Napa panache.  Ca (Pronounced ‘ka’) Momi roughly translates to The House of Momi after Momi dea Bionda, who was notoriously obsessive and protective of his property and vineyards in Veneto, Italy.  This winery puts its heart and soul into the vineyards with meticulous care.  This Chardonnay exudes ripe flavors of pineapple and pear with medium acidity.  The mid palate offers mandarin orange that turns slowly into a cream vanilla core.  The finish gives licks of almond and hazelnuts on lightly toasted oak.  James Score: 88 Points

Mourgues du Gres Red Blend 2012

Costieres de Nimes, France

Cash Price $13.99

I have struck gold again in Southern Rhone!  This Syrah/Grenache red blend is rock solid at a killer price point.  Located on the galet soils deposited by the Rhone River this wine shows excellent fruit, structure and minerality.  The wine is un-oaked and aged in concrete tanks for a year to offer maximum fruit and approachability.  Flavors of blackberry and bramble lead into sweet red berries.  The mid palate offers touches of garrigue and black pepper with medium tannins and acids.  The finish is lush and flavorful with silky fruit and hints of spice that lingers quite nicely.  Fall in love with the Rhone Valley!  James Score: 87 Points

El Portillo Malbec 2014

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $9.99

El Portillo is the sister brand of the famed Salentein winery.  The wines they produce are built to be consumed early and often.  Fruit forward flavors of plum and red berries touch into medium tannins and acids.  The finish offers hints of clove and cinnamon with the robust Malbec mouth feel.  The wine is un-oaked.  James Score: 86 Points

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Thank You all for a successful year with this blog sight.  As always, I am extremely grateful for all of your support and trust shown in my abilities to guide you into the perfect wine experience.  Cheers to 2015!  I will be opening Roederer Brut ($39.89) and Gosset Brut Excellence ($39.99) for My New Year’s Eve Party.  Pick up a bottle for celebration!  I will see you all in a prosperous 2016!

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A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 4,100 times in 2015. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 3 trips to carry that many people.

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Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Merry Christmas!  Here are three no brainer wines for the white elephant parties or stocking stuffers this holiday season.

Marchesi Biscardo ‘Ripasso’ Red Blend 2013

Valpolicella, Veneto

Cash Price $19.94

Biscardo’s baby Amarone is exquisite.  Dark black plums and black cherry sinew through sleek tannins and acids with licks of black licorice, vanilla bean, and roasted figs.  Wow!

Jean Baptiste Adam Cremant Rose N/V

Alsace, France

Cash Price $19.94

Adam is my favorite sparkling Rose for this price point.  Flavors of red cherries and raspberry flow into touches of brioche and creamy hazelnuts with tight, clean bubbles.

Block 525 Chardonnay 2014

Russian River Valley, California

Cash Price $14.99

The Block series is always a stunning value wine and a win in the stocking stuffers.  Tropical fruit flavors of pineapple, mango and meyer lemon.  The finish is creamy with licks of butter and oak.

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Well it is that time of the year again!  I have been poring over my notes of the thousands of wines that I have tasted this year and have whittled the list down to ‘My Thirteen Favorite Wines’ of 2015.  Last year my TOP PICK was Roblet-Monnot ‘Saint Francois’ Volnay Pinot Noir 2011.  Since it was my top pick last year, the producer was gracious enough to save me several cases to offer this holiday season as well.  I have 3 cases of this stunning Pinot Noir available and with a year of age to boot!  This year’s list is an eclectic array of wines from all over the world.  I am pleased that every wine this year is under the $100 price point.  So….. without further ado…. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Chateau Batailley Red Blend 2010

Pauillac, France

Cash Price $70.99

Chateau Batailley is a 5th growth Grand Cru Classe from some of the best soils on the left bank of Bordeaux.  It is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux and the name is derived from the battle that took place in the vineyards during the 100 year war in 1452.  The average age of the vines are 40 years old with Cabernet Sauvignon being the lead varietal.  This Cabernet blend has a dollop of Merlot with Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc rounding out the wine.  Batailley is known for powerfully expressive Cabernets with great age worthy quality.  The 2010 offering is much the same, but also has a distinctly approachable quality in its youth.  Flavors of black currant and cassis are encompassed by brawny, yet finessed tannins and lively acidity.  The mid palate has beautiful texture and mouth feel with a core of minerality with notes of leather and cigar box.  The finish is balanced and pure with hints of blackberry, cinnamon, and toasted oak with smidgeons of vanilla bean that sit on the palate for a graciously long time.  This is one of the best offerings from one of the best vintages that Bordeaux has ever seen!  The ratings across the board are 93-95 points.  James Score: 96 Points

Altamura Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $49.99 BUT ONLY

$29.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME WITH A SPEC’S KEY ($20.00 savings)

Altamura has become one of the finest wineries in all of Napa Valley consistently getting ratings in the high 90’s every vintage.  The winery was founded in 1985 by Frank and Karen Altamura and is the only winery in the Wooden Valley within the Napa Valley Appellation.  Frank Altamura worked for Caymus and Charlie Wagner for 5 years and the influence in his wines are evident.  They employ a hands on method of wine production which leads to low yields and meticulous care for their grapes.  The result is extremely high quality fruit and spectacular wines.  The valley is cooler than most of Napa Valley, often 10 degrees, due to the dramatic fog banks that pour through the valley which allows for longer hang time of the grapes.  The Sauvignon Blanc comes from a 4 acre, 18 year old plot that is completely dry farmed with an elevation of 850 feet.  The wine is fermented and aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months taking a decidedly Bordeaux wine making approach, which is quite rare for Napa Valley whites.  The results are exquisite!  Flavors of melon and prickly pear are encompassed by medium plus acidity with wisps of honeysuckle and wild white flowers.  The mid palate offers a creamy complexity with touches of cedar and vanilla that softly lay into hints of cactus and citrus.  The finish is melodious with licks of peaches, apricot and a touch of stony minerality.  Only 500 cases produced and this wine is peaking perfectly right now!  James Score: 94 points

Hailstone ‘Impact’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $47.49

Hailstone Cabernet had quite an ‘impact’ on my palate at a tasting earlier this year.  Hailstone is a brain child of roof and solar power tycoon, Chris Zazo, and has Garrett Ahnfeldt of G Wine Cellars and Tim Milos produce the wines for his Hailstone Vineyards.  The grapes are sourced from carefully selected plots throughout Napa Valley.  The wine is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon but does have a hefty amount of Petite Verdot to give structure and vivacity.  It was aged for 24 months in 100% New French Oak.  ‘Impact’ is bursting full of silky smooth flavors of blackberry and blueberry that flow seamlessly into velvety tannins and integrated acids.  The mid palate begins with a creamy core of complexity with notes of black currant and pomegranate which seep into hints of burnt caramel and butterscotch.  The finish is long and lingering with tantalizing smidgeons of toasted oak, vanilla bean and kitchen spices.  Hailstone is sure to knock the socks off of your guests this holiday season! James Score: 93+

Carne Humana Red Blend 2011

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $28.49

In 1841, General Mariano Vallejo granted Edwin Bale territory in what is now upper Napa Valley. Bale, a lover of the bottle and a bit of an eccentric, named the land Rancho Carne Humana. His reason for the macabre title (literally meaning human flesh) remains a mystery.  This hedonistic red blend is a blend of Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, and Zinfandel that is sourced from the sub appellations of Calistoga, St. Helena, and Rutherford Valley.  Derek Beitler, good friend of Joe and Charlie Caymus, is the sculptor of this massive wine.  The dark purple color in the glass shows that it will be a massively intense wine. Thick and juicy flavors of  black cherries and pomegranate sinew into medium plus tannins and medium acids.  Hints of licorice, leather and tobacco leaf show nicely on the chewy mid palate.  The finish is long and integrated with notes of chocolate, vanilla and cedar from the 18 months of laying in New and Used French Oak.  Carne Humana is a wine that is built for Texans! James Score: 91 Points

Domaine de la Guilloterie Cabernet Franc 2012

Saumur Champigny, France

Cash Price $19.94

Saumur Champigny is one of the geekier regions in the world for Cabernet Franc 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 Cabernet Franc.  This delicate wine is truly special for the price.  Ripe red berries and raspberry flow seamlessly into medium plus acids and medium tannins.  The mid palate shows the rustic terroir and true flavor profile of the grape with notes of cracked black pepper, roasted green peppers and graphite.  The finish is ripe with touches of dusted coco shavings, blackberry and just a whiff of cream.  This is one of my favorite red wines for the price! James Score: 92 Points

Domaine Bachey Legros ‘Sous La Roche’ Chardonnay 2012

Santenay (Burgundy), France

Cash Price $29.99

Located in the picturesque region of Cote du Beaune in southern Burgundy, the town of Santenay produces refined Chardonnay on limestone based soils that give the wine a true essence of the terroir.  Sous la Roche translates to ‘under the rock’ which is where the vines have to dig to get their nutrients and in turn gives the wine its unique flavor profile.  This 100% Chardonnay was aged in oak for 12 months with only 15% of the oak being new, so just a kiss of oak is prevalent in the ensuing wine.  The vineyards are on the high slopes which allows for excellent ripening.  Flavors of bright green apples and Bosc pear linger on the palate with smidgeons of layered cream and nuts.  A backbone of the wine has a citrus component that flows through the mid palate with notes of crushed wet rocks.  The wine has medium plus acidity that is mellowed by the oak.  The finish offer hints of charred oak and vanillin which lingers on the palate for a beautifully long time.  A Chardonnay to remember! James Score: 93 Points

Nativ Aglianico 2011

Campania, Italy

Cash Price $19.89

Nativ translates into ‘that which is original’ was founded by Mario Ercolino.  He is a renowned winemaker from top estates in Campania and Italy.  He loves to grow the native grapes of the region on his 15 hectare estate in Irpinia.  The area is famous for having fertile volcanic soils rich in minerals, calcium and ash.  Aglianico is starting to gain traction in the American market and I couldn’t be happier.  This grape, known as the Barolo of the South, has often been overlooked in the Italian world of wine.  It is a wine with gripping tannins and an excellent medley of fruits and spices.  Nativ 100% Aglianico exudes flavors of black plum, blackberry, and roasted fig that race into brawny tannins and medium plus acids.  The mid palate gives notes of brown sugar and cocoa with hints of leather and smoke with touches of currant and anise.  The hearty finish is long with bits of oak and spice.  This wine will age beautifully, but can be paired now with a big juicy steak with all the fixings.  Great Food Wine! James Score: 90 Points

Chateau Pontac Lynch Red Blend 2012

Margaux, France

Cash Price $29.99

Margaux is considered a more elegant style of Cabernet Sauvignon on the left bank of the Gironde River.  I have been extremely impressed with this winery every vintage.  As most of you know, the 2009 & 2010 vintages were some of the finest that Bordeaux has produced back to back in quite awhile.  The past couple of vintages since those epic years have produced steady and solid value wines without the higher prices of the previous vintages.  Pontac Lynch is consistently high quality at a great price point as their property is adjacent to the Grand Cru Classe estates of Chateau Margaux, Rauzan Segla, and Chateau Palmer.  It is a 10 hectare property that has been Cru Bourgeois status since 1932 that is based on limestone and gravel soils.  This sustainably farmed wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with touches of Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot.  The wine was aged in new and used French oak for 12 months.  This wine is young but quite approachable right now.  Flavors of black raspberry and black cherry dance into nuanced acids and lively tannins.  Notes of currant, cigar box and leather play through the mid palate with tinges of cedar and sandalwood.  The finish offers hints of mocha, vanilla bean and vibrant fruits that lead into a long, lingering finish.  James Score: 93 Points

Waterford Cabernet 2012

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Cash Price $24.99

Waterford Cabernet is one of the best value Cabernet Sauvignon’s in Spec’s entire portfolio.  I have had this wine as my house wine on many occasions.  I find South Africa to be a hidden gem in the wine world. Waterford Wines was founded in 1998 when Jeremy and Leigh Ord purchased a prime Stellenbosch vineyard land. Kevin and Heather Arnold were responsible for identifying this unique site, planning the new winery and resurrecting the existing vineyards and orchards, and have been instrumental in developing Waterford into the showcase estate it is today.  The Cabernet wines are their flagships and some of the best in the entire region.  The way they balance fruit and terrior is second to none.  The wines are aged for 21 months in new and used French Oak.  This wine exudes flavors a thick black currant and wild red berries with brooding tannins and balanced acids.  The mid palate is a core of minerality with notes of graphite, licorice and coffee beans with whiffs of pomegranate on the outer edges.  The finish has touches of dark chocolate with tinges of mushroom, black pepper, toasted oak and vanillin.  I can’t think of a better wine for a steak.  James Score: 94 Points

Chateau Montus 2010

Madiran, France

Cash Price $29.99

I recently tasted this vintage offered by Alain Brumont and was ‘wowed’ by the wine in the glass.  Chateau Montus is nicknamed the ‘Petrus’ of the south and with good reason. Madiran is a small, mostly unknown, region in south-west France that specializes in the thick-skinned and full bodied grape, Tannat.  Alain Brumont was given ‘Producer of the Year’ award in 2010 for putting Madiran on the map by producing exquisite Tannat based wines.  The Appellation is located in the alluvial foothills of the Pyrenees about 160 kilometers directly south of Bordeaux. Tannat is often blended with a little Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Fer-Servadou. Tannat retains excellent natural acidity and produces deep and rich wines with remarkable structure, complexity and concentration of flavour which with age become supple with round textures and fine tannins. These wines can age superbly.  The wine is aged in 50% new and used French oak  with an 80%/20%Tannat to Cabernet mix.  Montus offers flavors of thick black currant and black plum lead into medium plus tannins and acids.  The mid palate shows notes of tar and briar with tobacco and pencil shavings.  The finish is intense with a heavy dollop cedar, coffee grinds and dark chocolate.  This wine will age gracefully for a decade or more, but drinks beautifully now with a good decant.  James Score: 94 Points

Dr. Pauly Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Kabinet 2014

Mosel Valley, Germany

Cash Price $19.94

I am extremely excited to be able to sell this wine to you.  It is hauntingly delicious.  This winery is one of the finest in all of the Mosel Valley working with intentionally low yields and selective handpicking to guarantee extraordinary quality wines with unique character and terroir.  Loosely translated Bernkasteler Badstube means the Roman spa of Bernkastel.  Located on clay slated soil with loam and stone, this 100% Riesling offers plenty of minerality on the palate with low alcohol.  Flavors of citrus lemon lime zing through fleshy notes of apricot, pear and Fuji apples.  The wine is off dry with tinges of sweetness in all the right places.  The finish is truly wonderful with zesty acids that lift notes of petrol, nutmeg, wet rocks and touches of class room chalk.  This is a wine that will stand the tests of time, but is drinking gorgeously right now.  Fall in love with Riesling today! James Score: 93 Points

Edu Pulenta Gran Cabernet Franc 2011

Luyan De Cuyo, Argentina

Cash Price $39.89

Finca La Zulema is located 1,000 feet above sea level in the region of Luyan de Cuyo in the picturesque region of Mendoza.  Pulenta is a brand that world renowned wine maker Paul Hobbs has put his personal stamp on, as he is a consultant for the winery.  This wine is aged for 18 months in New French Oak.  Pulenta is a fuller bodied Cabernet Franc that still possesses the finesse that the varietal typically offers.  Plush flavors of red cherries and raspberry fill the palate with medium plus tannins and medium acids.  Touches of sweet red berries fill the mid palate with hints of black pepper and eucalyptus.  The finish is deliciously flavorful with notes of cedar, vanilla bean and potpourri.  The wine is amazingly balanced and one of the better new world styles of Cabernet Franc that I have encountered.  James Score: 94 Points

JAMES BARLOW’S TOP PICK OF 2015

Michele Castellani ‘Colle Christi’ Amarone 2010 DOCG

Valpolicella, Italy

Cash Price $59.69

I visited Michele Castellani’s winery several years ago while traveling through Italy and was completely entranced by their wines.  The best of their offerings was the Amarone.  I recently tasted through their portfolio again and was even more taken by the wines in front of me than in previous vintages.  Castellani was established in 1945 when its founder, Michele Castellani, decided to build a small cellar where he spent his time creating and improving high-quality products.  The Amarone is a blend of 70% Corvina Veronese and Corvinone, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara.  After harvest, the grapes are air- dried for 4 months which concentrates the sugars and takes out the extra water and then crushed.  The resulting wine is aged in large oak barrels and French barriques for 3 years before release.  This makes a wine of pure richness that is balanced with loads of fruit and structure.  Colle Cristi roughly translates into the ‘hills of Christ’ and I could not agree more.  Divine wines are made here.  Robust flavors of raisined Moreno cherries and dried fig sinew into nuanced notes of stewed plum, brown sugar and cured meat.  The mid palate is rich to the core with marzipan and mocha with medium plus tannins and medium plus acidity.  The finish has a touch of candied fruits, truffles and traditional Christmas spices which linger longingly on the palate for an intensely long time. James Score: 97 Points

I would personally like to thank you all for being a part of this website and trusting me with your wine selections.  Feel free to give me feedback anytime.  Merry Christmas!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the distinct pleasure of offering a Perrier Jouet Champagne tasting on Thursday, December 17th from 6:30-8:00pm at Spec’s Oak Ridge North location.  RSVP to Candace @281-296-6000.  40 seats available.  Happy Holidays!

Bubbles to be poured:

Perrier Jouet Grand Brut N/V

Perrier Jouet Blason Brut Rose N/V

Perrier Jouet Nuit Blanche Sec N/V

Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Brut 2006

Led by Florent Noir:

Florent grew up in Lyon (France) but his roots are in Beaujolais, close to Burgundy, where his uncle, like his grandfather before him, is a winemaker. While completing his Business School Vice –President for two years. He also worked as a salesman in a wine & liquor shop where he loved sharing his passion with the clients.
In 2011, he started his career in Paris, joining Moët-Hennessy as an Assistant Brand Manager for 3 international premium wine brands: Terrazas de los Andes (Argentina), Cheval des Andes (Argentina), and Numanthia (Spain) where he developed his skills in international wine marketing. His mission was to assist the International Brand Manager in the development of a communication platform for global wine markets.
After a final year of studies in Latin America, he came back to Paris in 2013 with a master degree in marketing & sales in hand, and joined Pernod Ricard Headquarters as Marketing Assistant for the Luxury & Creativity division. He worked on the contents of the group’s luxury training seminar and realized environmental benchmarks in order to provide guidance to the Prestige brands of the portfolio such as Martell, Royal Salute, G.H Mumm and Perrier-Jouët. He has now moved to the US and has become a Champagne Specialist for Pernod-Ricard USA. Ambassador of two prestigious Champagne brands: G.H. Mumm & Perrier-Jouët.

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have three spectacular deals that will be perfect for your party or on the table for Thanksgiving.  Have a blessed holiday!

Noble House Semi Sweet Dornfelder 2014

Mosel, Germany

Cash Price $9.99

Dornfelder is perfect with turkey.  The wine has low tannins and just a hint of sweetness.  Lively acids pair with red cherries and red raspberries.  Think Pinot Noir, but even lighter.

Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc 2014

Columbia Valley, Washington

Cash Price $9.99

This is one of the best VALUE Sauvignon Blancs in the store.  Crisp, fruity and un oaked with flavors of orange zest, lemon lime and hints of grassy herbs.  Lip smackingly good!

Long Barn Pinot Noir 2013

California

Cash Price $9.99

Long Barn is a refreshingly light 100% Pinot Noir at a great price.  Flavors of black cherry and touches of framboise and hints of plum combine with medium acids and low tannins.

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier