Plymouth English Gin

The full bodied, spicy aroma offers delicate notes of juniper berry oil, citrus, orris, coriander and caraway seed. Palate entry is mildly peppery, floral and fruity; at midpalate the flavor profile focuses more on oils and juniper. A unique and great gin.
Plymouth, England, 41.2% abv, $23

I rate this one at 90 out of 100

colombelle

Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne Colombelle White 2006

A fresh white, with juicy, crunchy flavors of pear, apple and spice. Finishes with appealing herbal notes and a squirt of citrus. Try as a party aperitif. Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Listan and Chardonnay. Drink now. 400,000 cases made. From France.

I rate this one at 88 out of 100

PERRIN & FILS

Côtes du Rhône White Réserve 2006

Refreshing, with peach, anise and grapefruit notes backed by a nice mineral hint. Has weight, but stays bright through the finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. From France.

I rate this one at 88 out of 100

J. & F. LURTON

Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan Les Fumées Blanches 2006

This has a fresh herbal cast, with plenty of lime and ruby grapefruit on the crisp finish, with minerally elements. Drink now. 200,000 cases made. From France.

I rate this one at 86 out of 100

VERAMONTE

Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley Reserva

Nice fleshy mix of black currant, licorice, bramble and sweet toast. Juicy, inviting finish. Drink now. 25,000 cases imported. From Chile.

I rate this one at 87 out 100

ALAMOS

Chardonnay Mendoza 2006

Juicy, with yellow apple, fig and butter notes that stay fresh and pure through the finish. Drink now. 67,000 cases imported.

I rate this at 87 out of 100

TERREDORA

Greco di Tufo Loggia della Serra 2005

Shows piecrust, apricot and apple, with hints of mineral. Very aromatic. Full-bodied, with lots of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Bright and fruity. This is always outstanding. Drink now. 15,000 cases made. From Italy

I rate this at 91 out of 100

LES JAMELLES

Merlot Vin de Pays d'Oc 2004

Juicy, quaffable red, with concentrated red cherry and spice flavors. Medium-bodied, with a lingering finish of sandalwood and maple. Drink now. 12,000 cases imported. From France.
I rate this one at 85 out of 100

MEZZACORONA

Chardonnay Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2005

A Chardonnay with pretty ripe apple and light caramel character. Full, round and delicious. Drink now. 100,000 cases made. From Italy.

I rate this one at 88 out of 100

COVEY RUN

Gewürztraminer Columbia Valley 2005
Lightly sweet, with distinctive peppery, nutmeg-scented grapefruit and quince flavors, finishing with a gentle texture. Drink now. 18,000 cases made. From Washington State.

I rate this at 88 out of 100

ALOIS LAGEDER

Pinot Bianco Alto Adige 2005
Ultrarich, with lots of tropical fruit and light mineral undertones. Full-bodied, with layers of opulent fruit and a long, long finish. Drink now. 12,500 cases made. From Italy.

I rate this one at 91 out of 100

VIÑA DOÑA PAULA

Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2004
Solid, juicy Cab, with ripe currant and blackberry fruit layered with suave toast. Fleshy finish. Drink now through 2007. 10,000 cases made. From Chile.

I rate this one at 89 out of 100

THE HESS COLLECTION

Chardonnay Napa Valley 2004
Intense, concentrated and tightly focused, with a creamy mouthfeel to the lively layers of citrus, green apple, melon and herb scents. Shows a hint of mineral and spice on the aftertaste. Great length and persistence. Drink now through 2010. 28,000cases made.
I rate this at 93 out of 100 Impressive!

SNOQUALMIE

Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Rosebud Vineyard 2004
Polished and elegant, a mouthful of gorgeous currant and blackberry fruit balanced with lively acidity and a light veil of sweet, spicy oak, all of it mingling beautifully on the refined finish. Drink now through 2012. 3,000 cases made. From Washington.
I rate this one at 90 out of 100

BENTON-LANE

Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2004
Light and immensely appealing for its delicacy and suppleness, offering pretty raspberry and strawberry flavors that pick up hints of white pepper and fresh mushroom as the finish sails on. Drink now through 2009. 12,054 cases made. From Oregon
I rate this one at 91 out of 100

ARGYLE

Brut Willamette Valley 2002
Light and delicate, with pretty pear and spice flavors up front, segueing into hints of lime and quince as the finish lingers with refined texture. Drink now. 10,200 cases made.

I rate this at 91 out 100

3 RINGS

Shiraz Barossa Valley 2004
Dark, dense and spicy, with a pulsating core of plum, black cherry and loads of exotic spices, lingering on the generous, distinctly peppery, unsweetened-chocolate finish. This pedal-to-the-metal Shiraz needs time to soften. Best from 2009 through 2016. 10,000 cases made. From Australia.
I rate this at 90 out of 1oo

FATTORIA DI BASCIANO

Chianti Rufina 2004
Intriguing aromas of ripe plum, almost prune, together with nutmeg, cumin and black cardamom. Medium-bodied, with loads of spicy fruit flavor, well-integrated tannins and intense fruit and mineral on the finish. Good value. Drink now. 15,000 cases made. From Italy.
I rate this at 89 out of 100

FAMILIA RUTINI

Malbec Mendoza Trumpeter 2005
Soft and round, with creamy-textured raspberry and boysenberry fruit flavors backed by sweet toast. A nice mineral hint keeps it honest. Drink now. 6,000 cases imported. From Argentina.
I rate this one at 89 out of 100

MATUA

Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2006
Serves up ripeness, vibrancy and very good concentration to flavors of grapefruit, gooseberry, mineral and grass. Tart lime skin notes linger. Drink now. 70,000 cases imported. From New Zealand.
I rate this at 89 out of 100

GLORIA FERRER

Brut Sonoma County Sonoma NV
A delicious mouthful of bubbly. Smooth, rich and creamy, showing layers of black cherry, vanilla and ginger, with a hint of lemon drop. Finishes with a long, refreshing aftertaste of mineral and fruit. Drink now. 93,500 cases made. From California.
I rate this at 90 out of 100

BODEGAS PALACIO

Rioja Glorioso Reserva
Lively and graceful, this polished red offers plum, cherry, chocolate, spice and floral notes, with a fine balance of tannins and acidity. Not a blockbuster, but brings you back for another sip. Drink now through 2011. 20,000 cases made from Spain
I rate this at 90 out of 100

VIÑA CONO SUR

Syrah Rapel Valley 2005
Offers juicy raspberry and blackberry fruit, with a dash of cocoa. Slightly jammy but will have fans. Drink now. 15,000 cases made. From Chile.
I rate this at 85 out of 100

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DOMAINE CHANDON

Brut California Classic NV
Rich and intense, with complex pear, ginger and spicy apple scents. Turns rich and fruity on the palate, too. Drink now. 190,000 cases made. From California.

I rate this at 88 out of 100

BODEGAS BLEDA

Monastrell Jumilla Castillo de Jumilla 2005
This red marries plush texture with firm backbone and delivers black cherry and light gamy flavors. A nice mix of fresh fruit and local character. Drink now through 2010. 10,000 cases made. From Spain.
I rate this at 88 out of 100

SMOKING LOON

Sauvignon Blanc California 2005
Lime peel and pink grapefruit flavors are zingy and refreshing, with a grassy herbal note and a minerally pebble quality. Drink now. 27,000 cases made. From California.

I rate this at 88 out of 100

JEAN-LUC COLOMBO

Côtes du Rhône Les Abeilles 2005
Tangy up front, with grilled herb, tobacco and red plum fruit. This lets the grilled herb edge take over on the finish, which shows nice grip. Drink now. 40,000 cases made. From France.

I rate this at 88 out of 100

BABICH

Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2006
Serves up concentrated, fleshy flavors of grapefruit, lime juice and intense minerality. Baby powder, wet gravel and a hint of jalapeño pepper linger on the finish. Drink now. 50,000 cases imported. From New Zealand.
I rate this one at 90 out of 100

JACOB'S CREEK

Shiraz South Australia Reserve 2004
Smooth and open-textured, with cherry and savory red pepper flavors that mingle effectively on the mineral-tinged profile, lingering against refined tannins on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2014. 90,000 cases imported.From Australia.
I rate this at 90 out of 100

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CASA LAPOSTOLLE

Syrah Requínoa Cuvée Alexandre Las Kuras Vineyard 2004
A solid, well-put together Syrah, with dark loam, currant, tar and cocoa flavors backed by ample structure and flesh. Nice, rich finish. Needs short-term cellaring to stretch out fully. Best from 2007 through 2009. 1,700 cases imported. From Chile.
I rate this one at 90 out of 100

BERINGER

Chardonnay Napa Valley Private Reserve 2005
Smoky, toasty oak aromas show riper, richer fruit flavors on the palate, with a medley of ripe fig, melon, apricot and spice nuances. The flavors turn delicate and complex on the finish. Drink now through 2010. 19,000 cases made. From California.
I rate this one at 92 out of 100

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STEVENOT

Chardonnay Central Coast Red Rover 2005
Apple, pear and peach notes are juicy, ripe and wonderfully refreshing. Drink now, 20,000 cases made from California.
I rate this one at 86 out of 100

MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES

Rioja Rosado 2006
A bold rosé, delivering cherry, rose, menthol and herb flavors in a firm, full-bodied style. A bit rich on its own, but a good match for food. Drink now through 2008. 18,000 cases imported. From Spain.
I rate this one at 88 out of 100

FALESCO

Sangiovese Umbria 2006
Beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very well-integrated tannins and a clean aftertaste of vanilla and berry. This is amazing quality for the money. Best after 2008. 7,000 cases made. From Italy. I got this at World Market in Chicago
I rate this at 92 out of 100

D'ARENBERG

Viognier-Marsanne McLaren Vale The Hermit Crab 2006
Soft and charming, a beguiling mouthful of spicy pear and grapefruit flavors that linger with focus on the open-textured finish. Not as rich as pure Viognier, but better balanced. Drink now through 2010. 3,500 cases imported. From Australia.
I rate this one at 90 out of 100

WATER WHEEL

Shiraz Bendigo 2004
This has presence. Supple, subtle and distinctive for the way it balances its ripe blackberry and plum fruit against peppery spice and lively but not overwhelming acidity. Best from 2008 through 2014. 16,000 cases imported. From Australia, I say drink now!
I rate this at 91 out of 100

CONCHA Y TORO

Carmenére Central Valley Casillero del Diablo 2005
Nice supple texture, with a mix of plum, cocoa, tobacco and vanilla. The smoky finish gains flesh as it opens. Drink now. 261,000 cases made. From Chile
I rate this a 88 out of 100

BODEGA NEKEAS

Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo Navarra Vega Sindoa 2004
Coffee and smoke notes frame black fruit flavors in this extracted red. It has good density, with licorice and mineral accents. A bit austere, but balanced. Drink now through 2012. 8,000 cases imported. From Spain, I got from Binny's in Chicago.
I rate this at 88 out of 100

DESERT WIND

Ruah Desert Wind Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2004
Polished, round and beautifully open in texture, with perfumed raspberry, currant and cedar flavors that keep singing through the well-tuned finish. Has grace and style. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2012. 7,084 cases made.
I rate this at 92 out a 100

BODEGAS BORSAO

Garnacha Campo de Borja Tres Picos 2005 Vivid and concentrated, yet still focused and nimble, this red delivers plenty of black cherry and raspberry flavors, framed by toasty, smoky oak. The tannins and acidity are both gentle, but there's enough to keep this balanced and lively. Drink now through 2010. 5,000 cases imported. I got this at Binny's in Chicago for 8.99
I rate this at 91 out of 100

THORN-CLARKE

Shiraz Barossa Shotfire Ridge 05
Polished, focused and gorgeously balanced to display it's raspberry, cherry and red plum notes in impressive harmony, the flavors lingering against a touch of oak and refined tannins on a long finish. I got this at Sam's fine wine in Chicago, drink now through 2015.
I rate this one at 92 out of 100

COLUMBIA CREST

Merlot-Cab Columbia Valley Two Vines 03
Light in texture with silky elements of coffee and raspberry. Well balanced on the finish, this company makes some of best value wines on the market. I got this for 6.99 at Binny's in Chicago, drink now and as much of it as possible.
I rate this wine at 88 out of a 100/

FOUR VINES

Zinfandel California Old Vine Cuvee 04
Very well balanced with a ripe and spicy nose, firm tannins with hints of wild berrys and black cherry. I got this at Sam's Fine Wine in Chicago, drink now through 2010.
I rate this at 86 out of a 100

CHATEAU ST. JEAN

Fume Blanc Russian River Valley, La Petite Etoile Vineyard 05
Fragrant and juicy with spicy, smoky intense fruit. Lot's of citrus notes with guava, honeysuckle and mango. Drink now through 09, I got this at Binny's in Chicago.
I rate this wine at 91 out of 100

VINA MONTES

2005 Syrah Colchagua Valley Alpha Apalta Vineyard
This Chilean blend of Cab and Viognier is very refined with layers of blackberry and dark cherry. With a long finish and hints of mineral and vanilla another great red for fall chilly nights. Drink now through 09

RAZOR'S EDGE

Shiraz McLaren Vale 05
Plenty of spice that doesn't overpower, with hints of blackberry and ripe plum. This red is a great value i got at Binny's for 10.99. Drink now through 2012.
I rate this at 92 out of 100

BODEGAS LUZON

JUMILLA 2006
I love Spanish wines, this lively red with hints red currant and black cherry. Bright acidity with balanced tannins, drink now through 09. I got this wine at Binny's in Chicago for 7.99.
I rate this at 88 out of a 100

About this site...

I'm advocating my love of wine and spirits. Each day i will taste a sample of wine or liquor and rate it beteween 1 to 100

Cameron Hughes Lot 55 Meritage

This 2005 blend of Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc and Malbec is perfect for the cool nights of fall. I bought this bottle at World Market for 12.99 and really enjoyed the velvety mouth of this medium body wine. With hints of toasty oak, smoke and chocolate this is a great value with a limited run of 2000 cases.
I give this wine a 92 out of 100