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#1
2002 David Fulton Petite Sirah $40.00
When we first tasted this Petite Sirah, we looked around, saw smiles from ear to ear & nods of approval. We had our wine of the year in our glasses. We’ve continued to put it to the test and it has impressed us as much as the first time we tasted it. A rich brooding nose is lavishly oaked and reveals toasted vanilla bean, black berries, cherries, and ripe plums. You will love this wine.
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#2
2002 Cloud View Estate Red $59.99
This wine has moved up on our list from last year and is a favorite at Red Carpet.. Winemaker Karen Turjanis, formerly of Cardinale, Lokoya and Paul Hobbs knows Cabernet. This wine has a complex nose of plum, black cherry, currant, fresh sage, tea and spice. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet make this a very enjoyable wine now or later. P.S. Linda & Leighton are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
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#3
2003 Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape $29.99
SOLD OUT
These '03 blockbuster wines are extracted, highly flavorful, highly praised and highly coveted, without a penalty price tag.. Deep ruby color, a scent of ripe dark cherries, espresso and pepper that leaps out of the glass. It's hard to tell where the terroir stops & the wise winemaking begins. It may not age for a decade, but who cares? It's great right now. Got venison?
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#4
2004 Knyphausen “Baron K” Estate Riesling Kabinett $15.99
This marvelous semi-dry Riesling will convert many to this incredible white grape variety. Talk about a thirst quencher – this spunky Riesling has a tremendous balance and a long fruity finish. Peaches, pears, apples and mango sit on a wonderfully acidic frame and are flanked by amazingly rich minerality. It is difficult to open just one bottle as it will leave you longing for more.
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#5
2003 Peter Franus Zinfandel Brandlin Vineyard $30.59
THE BEST ZINFANDEL I HAVE TASTED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
Planted in the 1920's on Mount Veeder, Brandlin Vineyard may be the oldest vines there. Peter has worked with this fruit since 1991. There is always a breadth and complexity that distinguish it from the fat, jammy, simple style often associated with Zinfandel.
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#6
2003 Marco Real Garnacha $7.98
Ever heard of the running of the bulls? Then you've heard of the Navarra region. Located on the border of France, this is one of Spains up and coming red wine regions. What a spectacular value! Marco Real's Garnacha is a glass full of black and red cherries. It also shows the spicy side of this noble grape. Clove, Allspice, pepper, a touch of kirsch and copious fruit and spice are present and accounted for.
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#7
2002 El Molino
Pinot Noir $52.50
SOLD OUT
El Molino is a small production winery that specializes in making enticing, seductive Pinot & Chardonnay. Their Pinot Noir is especially remarkable - aromatics in high-def. Full of wild berries, black cherry and rich spice, this powerhouse wine lingers. Big and fruit-forward, this wine will appeal to even the most die-hard Cabernet drinker. An upright Pinot Noir experience.
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#8
2003 Sequoia Grove Chardonnay $17.29
There is a renaissance going on at Sequoia Grove
Vineyards. Winemaker Michael Trujillo, also of Karl Lawrence, is now calling all the shots. When was the last time you tasted any Chardonnay this enjoyable for under twenty bucks? More like Chablis with higher acid and more austere than most California Chardonnays; a wonderful change from the over-oaked butter bombs that exhaust your pallet.
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#9
2002 Westerly Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc $19.95
We first read about this wine in a article by Matt Kramer. With a lot of effort we found this wine and fell in love with it. This wine comes from the Santa Ynez Valley. The nose offers bright aromas of grapefruit, lime and tropical fruit. Once in your mouth you taste lively flavors of guava, pear and citrus with bracing acidity that is reminiscent of great French Sancerre.
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#10
2002 Madrigal Cabernet Sauvignon $33.25
The '02 Cabernet is simply off the charts. The best Madrigal Cab I have tasted. It is a cult wine in disguise with cassis, wild berry, black cherry, chocolate and cocoa dust, toasty oak, silky ripe tannins, minerals and earth. This is a great plush Cab and can you believe it is under $35? Chris, we thank you for raising the bar to a new level once again.
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#11
2003 Andeluna Cab Winemakers’ Selection $61.95
Bordeaux style meets Argentina grapes and combine the very best winemaking expertise & tradition. Winemaker Silvio Oscar Alberto collaborates with enologist Michel Rolland to achieve great color intensity, fullness and complexity. It exhibits aromas of black pepper, spices and red fruits with flavors of black currant, cherry and notes of tobacco that complement the sweet tannins.
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#12
2002 Swanson Merlot $23.94
Winemaker Chris Phelps studied Enology at the University of Bordeaux, worked the 1982 harvest and was invited by Christian Moueix to work at Petrus. Chris was then winemaker at Dominus for over ten years. Chris knows a thing or two about Merlot. This wine is loaded with mocha, black cherry liqueur, smoke and blackberries. It has great density and a long, alluring finish. The finest Merlot I have tasted in recent years.
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#13
2002 Rudd Red
$125.00
The finest Cabernet based wine in America. The third vintage from their Estate Vineyard. A blend of Cab, Cab Frac, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec - this is a monumental wine. Tobacco leaf, black currant and blueberry flavors that linger on and on. One of the few wines over a hundred bucks that is worth the money. One visit to the winery and you will be sold on their commitment to making the finest wines in America.
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#14
2002 Marimar Torres Pinot $27.99
Marimar Torres has for many years been a specialist in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This year both of their wines made our list; quite an achievement.
This wine has a creamy texture of black cherry, bright red fruits, hints of leather, herbs and allspice.
I'll keep telling you, Pinot Noir is the finest wine in the world. If you don't think so, you just haven't drank enough wine yet.
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#15
NV Pommery Brut Champagne
$23.99
SOLD OUT
This is one of my favorite Non Vintage (Multi Vintage) Champagne blends. Lively tiny abundant bubbles with a creamy mousse start the love affair. Wild berries and a hint of fresh baguette on the nose. Bone dry with a nice touch of strawberry, hints of toast and solid acidity. Great with fresh oysters on the half shell, sushi and chocolate covered strawberries. It has remained consistently and utterly delicious over the years. Here's to the good life!
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#16
2002 Conn Creek Cabernet Limited Release $19.99
Wow! Here is a Napa Valley Cabernet under twenty bucks. This wine has intense aromas of blackberry, cherry and currant with notes of toasty oak, coffee and sweet spice. This is a rich, full-bodied wine loaded with flavors of blackberry, cherry and mocha with a lingering finish. This is classic Napa Cab at a fraction of what the neighbors charge.
THE VALUE CAB OF THE YEAR.
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#17
2002 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Napa Valley
$29.99
"Sequoia Grove's wines are elegant, highly concentrated wines that are accessible when young, yet structured for long life…" -Mike Trujillo, Winemaker. Yes. The same Mike Trujillo behind Karl Lawrence. Believe me when I tell you that this Cabernet is rich, sleek and complex, with distinct black cherry flavors and a silky finish.
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#18
2003 Chateau D'Orschwihr Gewurztraminer Alsace $19.48
This is a stunning example of Gewurztraminer from our favorite Alsace producer, Hubert Hartmann. With an exotic and aromatic nose of litchi-nut, mango, peaches, flora, vanilla, spices, minerals and earth. In the mouth, the fruit is creamy and tropical with an excellent balance between the spices, acidity, earth and fruit. Very yummy!
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#19
2003 El Molino Chardonnay Rutherford $39.75
SOLD OUT
El Molino's 2003 Chard is straw colored with powerful aromas that remind us of lime and pebbles, with tropical notes of pineapple, nectarines and acacia flowers. It has a tightly focused palate defined by lively acids and flavors that remind us of ripe, sweet, lemons and pineapple from Rutherford grown fruit. Its strong suit is its long satisfying finish.
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#20
2003 Billaud-Simon Chablis AC $19.95
Because 2003 was such an atypical growing season - beginning with the spring frosts that reduced crop levels followed by intense heat from June thru September - older vines with deep root systems definitely performed better. Top producers like Billaud-Simon benefited. This AC wines shows intense Chardonnay fruit, wonderful Chablis minerality and finesse and a long finish.
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#21
2003 Titus Cab Napa Valley $35.02
The wines of Titus have always been perfectly balanced and supple in texture, with mouth-watering concentration. Complex, layered flavors of black cherry, cassis, cardamom, bittersweet chocolate and caramelized sugar are enhanced by firm tannins, which lend length and breadth on the palate, creating a beautiful mouth-filling texture and adding to a lengthy finish. Always savory.
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#22
2002 Trespass Cabernet Franc Napa Valley $37.50
Charles Hendricks uses fruit from the Gallagher’s vineyard in St. Helena. A beautiful dark ruby color with concentrated aromas of black cherry, currant and boysenberry accented by hints of tobacco, violets, earth and vanilla. Full-bodied and youthful on the palate and flavors that echo the nose; currants and black cherry that culminate in a long and concentrated finish.
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#23
2002 Peter Franus Cabernet Sauvignon $44.10
Don’t miss this '02. Sourced from the Rancho Chimiles and Hyde Vineyards (providing fruit also to Mia Klein, Paul Hobbs, Stags Leap Wine Cellars and Pahlmeyer), this Cab definitely scores high on the pleasure scale. A deep ruby hue announces something serious is going on and invites you in to discover the classic cassis, berry & exotic baking spice aromas along with toasty oak notes.
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#24
2003 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley
$49.95
Duckhorn blends the varietal that made them famous with a dollop of Cab, Cab Franc and Petite Verdot to make a statement of what a Merlot - a true Napa Valley Merlot - should be. Aromas that remind us of blackberries, plums, cherries, toasty oak and vanilla. The flavors are gorgeously rich - blackberry, blueberry, chocolate, plum, cassis, white pepper and herbs. How Duckhorn made their reputation.
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#25
2003 Delectus Argentum $17.73
SOLD OUT
California's most savory blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and
Merlot. Top notch vineyard designated grapes sourced from renowned vineyards such as Beckstoffer and Jaeger. Aromas of dark berries and clove, with a big lush body. The mouth is full, well-centered and quite long. Flavors of chocolate covered cherries, cocoa and oak. Elegant yet powerful, astute and learned.
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#26
2003 Schloss Johannisberg
Riesling Spätlese “Grünlack” $21.87
One of the most famous Riesling properties in Germany. This plush wine has a pineapple nose which combines with multi-layered fruity flavors. Juicy initially, like biting into a bunch of ripe grapes, followed by a wave of minerals. It has considerable substance without being heavy and an enormous elegance. It is a wonderfully balanced late harvest Riesling.
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#27
2002 Madrigal
Petite Sirah $32.67
Last year Chris’ Petit Sirah made our Top 100 list for the first time. This year we chose his Petite Sirah again. Without question it is one of the finest Petite Sirahs coming from Napa Valley. The wine is full of spicy licorice flavors with blackberry in the nose. You’ll notice gobs of plum and blackberries that cover your tongue. This wine drinks well now, but if you can wait, you will be pleasantly rewarded. We love this wine.
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#28
2002 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon $45.00
*Greatest Gainer (#83/100 - 2004). Until recently, this historic winery sold all their grapes. The very talented Andy Smith (Littorai, Paul Hobbs and DuMOL) began to estate bottle small quantities in ‘99. The 2002 Cab is very gratifying. Boasting intense dark fruit, licorice, smoke and a incredibly creamy texture that coats the palate and then rolls right off. Another praiseworthy effort makes it a natural for our Top 100 again.
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#29
2003 Columbia Crest Syrah Reserve $19.91
Consistently excellent and the best buy in domestic Syrah. Crafted in a Cote- Rotie style with generous Syrah aromatics of white pepper, cocoa and blueberry threaded with the Viognier's subtle sweet orange peel, pear and rose petal. Hints of spice and earthy overtones, flavors of cocoa, roasted coffee bean and dark chocolate resonate seductively and evenly. We love this wine and you will too!
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#30
2004 Azo Chablis Vau de Vey 1er Cru $21.55
In the late 1970's, Hervé Azo took time off from his job to pick grapes in Chablis. He never returned. Now he produces some of the most delicious, fairly priced Chablis on the market. The wines are aged exclusively in stainless steel vats to retain the classic mineral qualities that chardonnay grapes attain in Chablis. Showing excellent richness, focus and breed. It will age gracefully for many years.
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#31
2001 Logos II Navarra $15.91
SOLD OUT
This wine comes from the Navarra region in Spain that borders DOC Rioja. It is the second project of the new venture by Amador Escudero, a fourth generation Rioja Winemaker. It is a medium-bodied, ambitious marriage of two Spanish grapes - Tempranillo & Garnacha along with the foreign invader Cabernet. It is both earthy from the Tempranillo and shows a lean cherry component from the Garnacha.
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#32
2001 Valsacro "D’Ioro" Rioja $26.95
Spain is firing on all cylinders. The 2002 D’Ioro Seleccion Kysela from the oldest parts of Valsacros is a dramatic example. It’s dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by a rich, sumptuous nose that reminds me of blackcurrants, cherries, earth and spice box aromas. Medium to full-bodied, with a sweetness with supple tannin and a very long finish. Dive into this gorgeous Spanish classic.
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#33
2004 Kennedy Point Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
$17.99
All natural farming is the name of the game at Kennedy Point on Waiheke Island in New Zealand. Not named for the American family, but an Irish equivalent who moved there in the 1800’s. The wine has a citrus-flower nose and shows lime, pineapple and passionfruit notes on the palate. Absolutely great with seafood.
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#34
2003 Fontodi Chianti Classico
$25.27
Fontodi is one of the top 3 producers of wine in Chianti. I buy his wine every vintage. I spent some time at the property last year and was amazed at the quality of his vineyards. The wine has aromas of leather, jammy black cherry liqueur and other black fruits. There are layers of fruit and extraction, full body, no hard edges, and a long finish that lasts for nearly 30 seconds. Enjoy it now and over the next decade.
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#35
2002 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $61.95
Let’s not forget that they make one fine Sangiovese. But they also make great Cab. There are not many others better than this 2002. Fill your senses with the dark aroma of truffles, clubroom leather and briary dark fruits. Plush flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cocoa and currant deliver on waves of toasty oak, fresh acidity and elegant tannins. The sheer sex appeal alone is worth the bottle price.
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#36
2004 Tres Ojos "Old Vine" Grenache Calatayud
$7.77
This deep purple behemoth of a wine is made from 40-year-old and some 50-year-old grenache vines that are more often these days found only in Spain. Impeccable winemaking including two weeks macerating on the skins and 12 months spent in state-of-the-art stainless steel tanks has produced a wine that is fruity, juicy, spicy and delicious - and a terrific value at under $8.
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#37
2004 Westbrook Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $14.94
SOLD OUT
New Zealand is now producing some of the world’s most exciting Sauvignon Blanc. They go great with crab, shrimp, oysters and goat cheese. Yes, all the major foods groups. What could be better than sitting at the dining room table with a cool glass of Westbrook Sauvignon Blanc - crisp, clean, flowery - with a hint of gooseberry - along with some fresh seafood? Excuse us if we drool.
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#38
2001 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon $47.22
SOLD OUT
2002
Paradigm Winery in Oakville makes our list every year. Winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett is one of the finest winemakers in the world and once again has produced an over-achieving Cab tasting like many wines twice its price. Flavors of cherries, plums and a hint of chocolate make this a favorite of Red Carpet every year. You won’t taste a better Cab under a hundred bucks.
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#39
2002 Schramsberg Brut Rose $29.95
Hugh Davies, President and Winemaker at Schramsberg, was recently at our wine bar. His family put California sparkling wines on the world map and they produce among the best American bubblies.Don't forget that it sells for a fraction of the cost of high end French Rose Champagne, yet is purebred through and through. Flavorful, complex and dry, making it both versatile with food and delicious by itself as an
aperitif.
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#40
2002 Marimar Torres Chardonnay Don Migual $23.10
Marimar Torres produces wines that are under-rated, over-looked and wonderfully priced for such consistent high quality. The winery is located in Green Valley in the greater Russian River appellation, and the wine highlights that area’s apple and pear nuances with a creamy softness complimented by subtle oak. Another outstanding wine for your table tonight.
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WINE
OF THE YEAR: 2002 David Fulton Petite Sirah Napa Valley $40.00 