In a continued, regular blog-entry I mention ten of my top “Last Call” selections under $50. You don’t have to gamble with “monopoly-money” to take a chance here. All wine purchases are well-spent…if you can get to them before your wine-friends! Selections are less than case quantities.
2005 Two Hands Shiraz Bad Impersonator $49
Blackberry galore and very flesh-filled mouth does not give up in the finish. Nice acid and mineral keeps it from bombing-out. On sale too!
2001 Fiorita Lamborghini Campoleone $49
Yes, great cars…it’s the same folks! Sangio-Merlot offers plenty of spice and currant and bright jam with a classic palate that feels both silky and firm. The descriptors would all be sexy and elusive and “non so.” That’s je ne sais quoi in Italiano!
2005 Loring Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch $48
Still coming together, this wine is earth and spice as much as it is fruit—my kind of Pinot when drinking CA. Green Valley is really exciting as an AVA.
2003 Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon $45
Originally just growers, I’m so glad they moved into their own wine production a while back. These are deft, clever cabernets. Drinking them is like the difference between talking to a 17-year old and a 60-year old. Details are bright cherry, cacao, dusty earth and lavender.
2004 Joseph Swan Pinot Noir Trenton Estate Vineyard $45
Once again, my kind of CA Pinot. These wines are long-lived and my personal best-of-show at Pinot Days event here in SF. Herbs, flowers, mineral and purple fruit all in ideal balance.
2004 Sandoval Manchuela $38
Mostly syrah (yes, it is Spanish!) the deep nose blossoms with violet and blackberry. The chocolate edge keeps a distinguished face to the wine. Using another conversation analogy, this is a discussion with a cloaked person with piercing, light blue or green eyes. Will be fun to drink with some age too.
2004 Bouissiere Gigondas La Font de Tonin $42
On my list as one of the best Gigondas of 2004, the wine offers a strong showing from start to finish with anise, pepper and gravel accompanying a deep blueberry and sugared-raspberry. Mourvedre battles Grenache for being the top dog here, despite having only a 25% presence.
2004 Robert Mueller Zinfandel Old Vines $35
A nice blending of classic zin elements and a bowl of fresh-picked orchard fruit. Raspberry, peppery, straw-cherry flavors.
2004 Showket Sangiovese $35
A bit more slurpy than a showing from Italy, the Showket is a maraschino, tobacco-leaf pleasure to drink from nose to finish. This might become my standard-bearer for Cali-Sangio now that Firebreak won’t be made any longer.
2004 Eredi Fuligni Rosso di Montalcino Ginestreto $19
The Ginestreto is another great example of the forthcoming Brunello vintage in Italy. High impact, particularly for food-matching adeptness in an inexpensive package!
