PICK of the RACK: Rio Madre | Graciano | Rioja | Spain | 2010 | $10 | 88pts

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Aromas: black plum; mission fig; dark chocolate-covered cherries; hint of black pepper Character:  full-bodied, aromatic and lush; rich, velvety mouthfeel; moderate tannins & lively acidity; fruit-earth balance Flavors:  blackberry compote; vanilla bean; anise & baking spices; mineral; touch of leather Food … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Lail Vineyards | Blueprint | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | California | 2009 | $50 | 91 pts

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Aromas:  blackcurrant; black tea; pencil shavings Character: dry; full-bodied; silky and elegant; dusty tannins; medium acidity; forward oak Flavors:  black- and blue-berries; sweet cured tobacco; touches of tarragon and spice; mineral undercurrent Food Pairing:  crisped pork belly; beef shortribs; crispy duck; roasted pork … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Talmage | Syrah | Mariah Vineyards | Mendocino County | California | 2006 | $30 | 90pts

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Aromas:  kirsch; peppercorn; dried herbs; woodsmoke Character:  dry; full-bodied & savory; firm structure; fruit-earth balance; medium acids & tannin; integrated oak Flavors: black plum & dark fruit compote; roasted red bell pepper; black olive; anise Food Pairing: sharp cheeses; smoked meats & fish; … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Mendocino Farms | Redvine Series | Mendocino County | California | 2006 | $25 | 87 pts

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Aromas:  dried black currant; dried herbs; cedar Character: dry; full-bodied and robust; medium tannins, acidity & oak Flavors:  black cherry; bell pepper; black tea; touch of leather Food Pairing:  Steak, roasted & smoked red meats; hard, sharp cheeses; moussaka   Mendocino Farms is not … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Shannon Ridge | “Home Ranch – Two Bud Block” Zinfandel | High Valley AVA | Lake County | California | 2008 | $25 | 90 pts

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Aromas:  boysenberry; cherry pie filling; cinnamon Character:  rich & fruit forward; zesty & juicy; medium-bodied; medium acids & soft tannins; soft, unobtrusive oak Flavors:  raspberry and blackberry jam; vanilla bean; red licorice; chocolate covered cherry; black pepper & baking spices Food Pairing:  … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Rustenberg | Chardonnay | Stellenbosch | South Africa | 2010 | $25 | 90 pts

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Aromas:  pear; butterscotch; wet stone Character:  dry; full-bodied; creamy; medium acidity and tannins; subtle oak Flavors:  honeydew melon; apricot; vanilla; toasted almond; mineral Food Pairing:  cheeses; charcuterie; roasted poultry; salmon; cream-based dishes   Rustenberg Wines is an historic winery located in Stellenbosch, South … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Jeff Runquist Wines | 1448 | Red Blend | California | 2010 | $20 | 86 pts

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Aromas:  dried blueberries; black pepper; woodsmoke Character:  dry; full-bodied; earthy; toasty; tangy; medium tannins and acids Flavors:  spiced plum; fire-roasted tomato; cured tobacco; dark chocolate covered roasted coffee beans Food Pairing: BBQ/smoked meats; hamburgers and other grilled fare; ratatouille; smoked cheeses   A Wine … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Eberle Winery | Syrah | Steinbeck Vineyard | Paso Robles | San Luis Obispo County | California | 2009 | $24 | 90 pts

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Aromas:  ripe blackberries; woodsmoke; cured tobacco; spice Character:  dry; rich & full-bodied; fruit-earth balance; leathery tannins; medium acidity; subtle oak Flavors:  dark fruits; cocoa; coffee; kalamata olive; mineral Food Pairing:  char-grilled steaks & other meats; tomato & meat pasta dishes   A … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Nicholson Ranch | Chardonnay | Sonoma Valley | California | 2008 | $30 | 90 pts

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Aromas:  ripe nectarine; lemon peel; wet stone Character:  full-bodied; fruit-forward; lush mouth feel; sprightly acidicity; oak Flavors:  butterscotch; tropical fruit basket; vanilla; cardamom Food Pairing:  roasted chicken; fried calamari; braised pork   Family owned and operated Nicholson Ranch sits in the heart … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Saddleback Cellars | Zinfandel | Napa Valley | California | 2008 | $38 | 92 pts

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Aromas: black cherry; bittersweet chocolate; black pepper; touch of smokiness Character: dry; rich & full-bodied; leathery tannins; mild acidity; long finish Flavors: deep, dark berry fruit; cocoa; cinammon; touch of lavender; spicy oak Food Pairing: smoked cheeses; grilled & roasted … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Chateau Pipeau | Red Blend | Saint-Emilion | Bordeaux | France | 2008 | $35 | 89 pts

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Aromas: clove, baking spices; dark, dried berries; oak Character:  dry; intense; full-bodied; earthy; leathery tannins; mild acids; medium oak Flavors:  black pepper; clove; toast; iron; dark, dried berries; cedar Food Pairing:  grilled meats – beef, lamb, chicken   Chateau Pipeau … Continue reading

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PICK of WINE COUNTRY: Lake County, California | Langtry Estate and Vineyards

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Ninety miles north of San Francisco and just over the mountains from Napa Valley sits Lake County, California, arguably the state’s least-recognized wine producing region.  Geographically isolated and rugged, the county is distinguished by the largest freshwater lake in California – “Clear Lake,” … Continue reading

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