EVERYDAY WINE PICK: Columbia Crest | H3 | Merlot | Horse Heaven Hills AVA | Washington State | 2010 | $15

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From the Horse Heaven Hills appellation — an expanse of  high, dry, rolling hills and vineyards that hug the Columbia River Gorge in southeastern Washington State — comes this savory and finessed Merlot.  It offers aromas that hint of pungent red berries, black pepper, and bitters followed by flavors suggesting … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Adobe Guadalupe | Gabriel | Valle de Guadalupe | Baja California | Mexico | 2009 | $35 | 95 pts

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Aromas: mixed berry compote; wood ash; smoked chiles Character: dry; full-bodied, rich & elegant; fine tannins; vivid acids; toasty oak; 13.4% alcohol Flavors: ripe black cherries; cola; black peppercorn; cured tobacco; roasted coffee beans; caramelized sugar Food Pairing:  sharp, pungent, or peppered cheeses; charcuterie; … Continue reading

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WINE COUNTRY EVENTS: Virginia — Upcoming Wine Festivals

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As Virginia grape growers and wineries begin their transition into the harvest season, so, too, are they preparing to sample and sell their bottlings at various wine festivals around the state.  A growing number of craft brewers are participating in these festivals, … Continue reading

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WINE NEWS: 2013 has been a challenging weather year for California grape growers, but expectations remain high for vintage quality

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QUICK SIP: Quinta da Fronteira | Selecção do Enólogo | Douro | Portugal | 2009 | $20 | 90 pts

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From the Douro region of northern Portugal — home of Port — comes this hearty red table wine, a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca (three varieties commonly used in Port production).  It’s full-bodied and brawny, with aromas of … Continue reading

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SUMMER WINE PICK: Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery | White Table Wine | Virginia | 2011 | $14

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The agonizing heat and humidity gripping the East Coast this summer has sent us running for the relief of relaxed and refreshing white wines to sip and serve with light meals and shady picnics.  We didn’t have to venture too far down the road to … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Bodega Teso La Monja | Almirez | Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) | Toro Appellation | Spain | 2011 | $20 | 92 pts

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Aromas: ripe dark fruit; mineral; spice Character: dry; full-bodied; robust & savory; lush mouthfeel; medium tannins & acids; mild oak Flavors: dried dark berries; dark chocolate; black tea; tobacco Food Pairing: medium to sharp cheeses; charcuterie; roasted pork; stuffed peppers   The … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Burgess Cellars | Syrah | Napa Valley | California | 2009 | $28 | 92 pts

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Aromas:  dried dark fruits; black pepper; graphite; touch of smoke Character: dry & full-bodied; extracted and intense; firm tannins; medium acids; mineral earthiness; toasty oak Flavors:  black currant; dried dark fruit; black cherry cola; ground coffee; kalamata olive; sweet cured tobacco; hint of … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Dillian Wines | Barbera | Amador County | California | 2010 | $26 | 91 pts

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Aromas: black cherry and plum; cocoa; cola Character: dry & full-bodied; rich & fruit-driven; moderate tannins; vibrant acids; smooth, supple mouth feel; subtle oak Flavors: plums sautéed in butter; dark fruit compote; chocolate; macadamia nut; vanilla-tinged oak Food Pairing: mild-medium sharp cheeses; tomato-based Italian fare; Barbeque; roasted meats … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Alouette | Pinot Noir | Sonoma County | California | 2011 | $25 | 92 pts

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Aromas: aromatic violets and spice; red grapefruit peel; cherry & raspberry notes Character: full-bodied, lush & fruit-driven; mineral undertones; medium tannins and vivid acids; mild oak Flavors: ripe black raspberry & boysenberry; tangy pomegranate; touch of mint Food Pairing: food-friendly – medium-sharp cheeses; … Continue reading

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SUMMER WINE PICK: Kamiak | Rock Lake Red | Columbia Valley | Washington State | 2009 | $15 | Highly Recommended

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Now that summer has begun, so has our intrepid search for high quality, reasonably priced, crowd pleasing backyard barbeque wines.  To get us started, here’s a sure bet from Washington State — a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Merlot (29%), Syrah (24%), … Continue reading

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EVERYDAY WINE PICK: Chateau Ste Michelle | Indian Wells Red Blend | Columbia Valley | Washington State | 2010 | $20

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Here’s a smooth, velvety red blend from Washington State’s largest wine producer. It’s an intriguing blend dominated by Merlot (60%) and Syrah (28%), with complementary splashes of Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Grenache (3%), Malbec (2%), Cinsault (.5%) and Mourvedre (.5%). It … Continue reading

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