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#39
2005 Vacheron Sancerre
$24.85
This is quite possibly my favorite Sancerre on the market today. Sauvignon Blanc has never been so fresh or so full-bodied. The Vacherons praised 2005 “a dream vintage”, saying it's clearly among the finest vintages they've ever seen. A sumptuous mouth of honeyed chalk dust, sliced pears and the noble notes of bright cherries—simply one of the most silex-driven, palatestaining Sancerres we've ever experienced.
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#40
NV Verget du Sud DT Rouge
$7.98
In 1990, Jean-Marie Guffens founded Verget to prove his conviction that the best wine is made using the best grapes. Guffen’s standards have built a collaboration with growers that continually improves the quality of the product. Verget wines display precision, fruit and considerable mineral focus allied to textural richness. This spirited red southern French blend is part Syrah, part Grenache, part Cabernet Sauvignon, all delicious.
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#41
2005 Selene
Sauvignon Blanc $28.50
We have been very impressed with the wines of Selene, from their Sauvignon Blanc to their 'Dead Fred' Cabernet; winemaker/owner Mia Klein is proving to be a strong force in the wine world. Their 2005 Sauvignon Blanc from the Carneros region of Napa Valley is a wonderful offering from a great vintage. Evoking thoughts of peach, pineapple, melon and tangerine and balanced by good acidity. This is a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc.
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#42
2004 Stepping Stone Cabernet
Franc $17.73
Founded in 1991 by a Memphis physician, Stepping Stone is the second label of Cornerstone Cellars. This Cab Franc is one of the best sellers in the store. We believe their success is based on it’s consistent quality. This wine boasts purple fruits, with lots of blackberry and deeply ripe plums dominating the aromas, bringing forth memories of warm ripe fruit in the orchard. Bright berries cross the palate at entry accented by fresh crisp acidity. The finish is bold and hearty.
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#43
2005 Anselmi San Vicenzo
$11.75
In the past decade, Roberto Anselmi has been a bit of a revolutionary on the Italian white wine scene. Frustrated by the low quality and general lack of ambition in the Soave region, in 2000 he chose to leave the Soave DOC, and his wines are now labelled as IGT Veneto. A blend of Garganega, Chardonnay and Trebbiano from the San Vincenzo and Capitel vineyards at low yields, this makes a good match for grilled prawns wrapped in prosciutto.
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#44
2005 Antinori Chardonnay
Della Sala $11.99
In 1987 Antinori introduced their first Chardonnay - today it has become one of our favorites at Red Carpet. A complex bouquet with fruity aromas of citrus, pineapple and pear blending with vanilla from the oak used for aging. Excellent varietal character. Well structured palate with lingering flavors. Rarely will you find a Chardonnay that deliveries this much for so little.
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#45
2005 Sauvignon Republic
Russian River Sauvignon Blanc
$13.98
When will other California Sauvignon Blancs get the message? THIS is what we want to drink--pure, tingly, mouthwatering Sauvignon Blanc, with great acid and without oak. Sauvignon Blanc is all about immediacy and purity and exciting flavors. This '05 SR Russian River has lemon and green herbs on the nose; citrus and pepper and cool fruit on the palate; excellent texture and great finish.
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#46
2005 Westrey Chardonnay
$15.07
The profile of a white Burgundy at an unbelievable price. Winemakers Amy Wesselman and David Autrey have crafted a wine that offers a lush mouth filling character along with balanced acidity. Aromas of sweet vanilla, white peach, subtle oak and golden delicious apple. On the palate, the luscious fruit is balanced
by good acidity and filled out by toasty oak, bread dough and a hint of a slate-like character.
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#47
2003 Casafrassi Chianti Classico
$16.40
For almost 30 years now, the owners of the Casafrassi estate have improved the quality and nobility of their Chianti Classico. Luscious licks of plum sauce and cinnamon spice, small red fruits and a ruddy cherry sweetness fill up this extra curvy, sultry Chianti Classico. Yet all this fruit is ably balanced and made bright by great acidity, a nod to Casafrassi’s high-altitude setting. Elegant and long in the finish. Unfined and unfiltered, to preserve every bit of perfect fruit.
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#48
2004 Parcel 41 Merlot
$15.96
The predictable path of Merlot has taken a detour for the better. The 2004 Parcel 41 Merlot is sure to satisfy the most die-hard Cab drinker. Gently concentrated and weighty, with black cherry, cassis, cardamon, bittersweet chocolate and an extra supple texture, finishing with mouthwatering balance. Our best selling Merlot for the past 2 years.
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#49
2004 Sebastiani Chardonnay
$10.64
The Sebastiani label consistently makes some of the best bargains in the world of wine. The grapes for this Chardonnay are sourced from many of the different appellations of Sonoma County, especially Russian River Valley, Carneros, Sonoma County and Alexander Valley. This combination allows them to not only show the style typical of Sonoma County, but also to maintain quality and balance at an affordable price.
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#50
2004 Vergari Pinot Dunah
Vineyard $39.99
A great wine now and for the ages. It took some time to come around…and now that it has, enjoy it! The high quality fruit of the Dunah Vineyard are a vivid expression of carefully selected grapes from the Sonoma Coast. Plenty of dark fruits as well as hints of spice, plums, figs, flower and earth. Loads of complexity and concentration, charming and seductive.
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#51
NV Varichon Blanc de Blancs
$9.87
Have you despaired of finding a much-better-than-just-drinkable and truly characterful sparkling wine for under $10? Then you must try Varichon et Clerc's Blanc de Blancs, a blend of Chardonnay, the local Jacqueyre, and Chenin Blanc. A cool mountain climate provides the ideal grapes for this well-balanced sparkler. Toasty, slightly floral nose; lively, apple-butter-onbrioche flavors with some citrus and nuttiness. Very nice finish. Why not enjoy?
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#52
2005 Whitehaven Sauvignon
Blanc $14.30
Marlborough is New Zealand's pre-eminent wine producing region, and Whitehaven is tops for the money in the zingy, fresh, tropical, fruity mineral style. Light straw in color, with lemonlime tones and gooseberry aromas leading to hints of ripe citrus. This wine refreshes the palate with a clean, lingering finish. Enhance salads or Asian cuisine with this wine or simply enjoy it by itself with friends and family.
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#53
NV Delamotte Brut
$31.69
This is the second year we’ve featured this wine on this list. It's still the best buy in French Champagne. "An amazingly consistent wine, Delamotte has always been somewhat of an insider's house, producing high quality at realistic prices". Robert Parker. We are here to tell you that this is the best buy in the Champagne world. Is it declassified Salon? Yes, a portion of it is.
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#54
2004 Clay Station Old Vine
Zinfandel $10.64
We have been continually surprised by Clay Station’s wines. Both their Viognier and this here Old Vine Zinfandel are solid examples of good wine at an affordable price. The 2004 Clay Station Old Vine Zinfandel, made from 30-70 year old vines, is bold with ultra-ripe black cherry and plum notes, nuances of fig, spice and toast. The concentrated fruit character is balanced with velvety tannins for a lingering finish.
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#55
2005 Girard Sauvignon Blanc
$13.30
Another solid effort from winemaker Marco DiGiulio. Not only does Girard turn out excellent red wines, but they should also be applauded for their whites. This Sauv Blanc has classic tropical, citrus and floral aromas with a lush mouth feel and excellent acidity. Tangerine and lime zest, lemon and mineral round out the multi-layered aromatic components. The palate reveals additional flavors of grapefruit and honeydew melon. Definitely a food friendly wine.
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#56
2004 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc
$11.63
This is the second vintage released by Emmolo's new winemaker, Charlie Wagner, and it is proof that he can make good Sauvignon Blanc for a good price. The juice is a result of grapes grown on the historic Emmolo family vineyards in Rutherford. Expect layered aromas and flavors of bright grapefruit, melon, star fruit, lemon zest and a trace of mineral with a lengthy finish.
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#57
2005 Solitude Chardonnay
$21.94
As many of our customers know, we enjoy small boutique wineries, and Solitude is a prime example. Owner & Winemaker Richard Litsch got his feet wet as the Assistant Winemaker at Chalone Vineyard. He opened Solitude Wines in the mid 80s. The 2005 vintage is Solitude’s 20th anniversary release of Carneros Chardonnay and as good a time as any to give them a try.
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#58
2003 Ruston Sauvignon Blanc
$12.95
Farmers in the Napa Valley since 1941, their vineyard rests on a small, gently sloping hillside at the site of an old plum and walnut orchard. Rich with aromas and flavors of white flowers, citrus, beeswax, melons and cream. The wine is quite rich, even viscous, for a white wine; with aromas and flavors of white flowers, melons, kiwifruit, citrus and cream, and a long, racy finish. This is a wine that you can drink by itself, with appetizers, or with a grand dinner. Perfection.
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#59
2003 Phaedrus
$34.95
Phaedrus, the Greek word for Wolf, is also the second label of Wolf Family Vineyards. This is small family owned winery which produces limited quantities of finely crafted, estate bottled Cabernet Sauvignon and a phenomenal Meritage. This wine has aromas of blackberry, cassis and anise that are followed by a lush palate, soft, rounded texture and rich extract. The deep flavors integrate well with the toasty new French oak barrels and the brighter berry aromas. Definitely approachable now.
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#60
2004 Bouchaine Carneros
Chardonnay $19.99
These grapes come from vines dating to Bouchaine's original plantings in 1981, growing on Napa Valley's Carneros hillsides. Straw gold in color, it is the true expression of Chardonnay - bright, citrusy flavors graced with only a hint of oak. Its fruit flavors, bright acidity, notable texture and relentless finish harmonize in an elegant, stylish wine
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#61
2005 Joullian Chardonnay
$15.96
We discovered this wine late last year and what a find it has been. Sourced from some of the oldest and most renowned vineyards in the Santa Lucia highlands in Monterey give this wine a floral honeysuckle, Asian pear, lychee nose. An elegant rounded pearapple with mineral nuance makes this a great match with roast chicken, quail or even salmon. This wine is very White Burgundy-like.
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#62
2004 Marimar Torres
Chardonnay $23.10
The wines of Marimar Torres keep captivating us. This wine comes from the famed "Don Miguel Vineyard". The organic vineyard is located in Green Valley, one of Sonoma County's coolest growing regions; providing an extended growing season and allowing the grapes to develop slowly to full intensity. The mouth feel is soft and
creamy, its structure complemented by a touch of well-integrated oak. The wine opens up in the glass and lingers on with a long finish.
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#63
NV Il Conte Moscato d’Asti
$9.99
From the beautiful village of Santo Stefano Belbo in Piemonte comes this delicious Moscato d'Asti, Italy's most famous sparkling wine. A slightly sweet, effervescent aperitif wine that is captivating and fun to drink. Freshly aromatic, with nuances of peach, apricots and just enough fizz to entice the palate. This is a tremendous value that's sure to make for good times.
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#64
2005 Cazar Chardonnay
$19.95
The hunt for exciting Chardonnay is over. From the Sonoma Coast and produced by Bill Hunter of Chasseur. This wine is a frontrunner for the ‘best buy in Chardonnay’ category. Lush citrus notes and brochette dominate this in the nose. Nuances of nutmeg and cinnamon come through in the midpalate and a lively finish makes this wine a perfect companion with chicken and pork. You can spend twice as much money for a wine like this, so buy this one up while you can.
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#65
2005 Protocolo Tinto
$6.68
Another low-priced Spanish wonder. Who needs Cotes du Rhone? This 100% Tempranillo from high-altitude vineyards in central Spain delivers loads of flavor in a very quaffable package. Bright, immediate raspberry and strawberry aromas, with some black pepper; more of the same on the palate, adding black cherry, mint and earthy spices. Medium-bodied, with just enough tannins to match well with food. The values just keep on coming from Spain.
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#67
2004 Clay Station Viognier
$10.64
For the adventurous palate that seeks out wines that are beyond the obvious. The Clay Station Viognier is an elegantly aromatic wine with honeysuckle, jasmine and orange blossom notes layered with juicy guava and peach flavors. This luscious fruit character is balanced with a crisp acidity for a refreshing finish that lingers. This reasonably priced Viognier is every bit as gratifying as counterparts 3 or even 4 times its price.
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#68
2005 Talley Estate Chardonnay
$25.99
The Talley family first started farming in the Santa Barbera Country area back in the 1940s. After having established a good reputation in the world of fruits and vegetables, Don Talley planted the family's first vineyards in 1982 and released the first wine in 1986. 75% from the Rincon Vineyard and 25% from Rosemary's Vineyard, making for a very nicely balanced, estate Chardonnay that is stylistically typical to southern Central Coast, California.
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#69
2003 Miner Cabernet
$47.88
This wine made quite the impression at the Oakville tasting earlier this year. And it was not without tough competition, widely overshadowing wines from powerhouses like Opus One, Plumpjack, Dalla Valle and Screaming Eagle. Miner is showing that it is not to be taken lightly. Supple, well-balanced and focused - this Cabernet Sauvignon seduces you with its firm yet velvety tannins and a finish that lingers for minutes. Identifiably Oakville in character, this wine's potential is limitless.
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#70
2005 Cleray Muscadet Sevre et
Maine $11.57
For a long time the best thing anybody said about Muscadet was that it was the perfect oyster chaser. Cold and wet, tasting faintly of the sea near the Loire River in France - it did the job just fine. But finally some highend Muscadet producers were uncovered, chief among them Sauvion & Fils, producer of this Cleray Reserve. Bone-dry, with delicious, flinty, citrus-tinged fruit, it makes a seriously delightful aperitif, and is indispensable with a wide variety of sea food.
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#71
2005 Ch Sainte Marie Entre
deux Mers $11.97
This elegant, hand-crafted white wine is grown on 35 year old vines at high elevation by Gilles Dupuch in Bordeaux from 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon & 10% Muscadet. Featuring aromas of grapefruit, grass and flowers, the palate is smooth and silky with touches of fresh melon and mineral. A delicious wine to accompany seafood or pork.
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#72
2003 Franus Cabernet
$24.75
Peter Franus just keeps making better and better wine. This could be our most serious Cab under 25 bucks. And it's his second label! Even in a "merely good" year like 2003, he has constructed a rich, extracted Cab with sweet cassis and loads of chocolate and mocha on the nose. The palate is dense but supple, showcasing that chocolate/ mocha component, as well as restrained Cabernet herbs. This is a real hedonist's Cab, well suited to knocking back on its own or sipping with a meal.
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#73
2003 Three Saints Chardonnay
$16.95
Three Saints wines are a vivid expression of carefully selected grapes from vineyards in three of Santa Barbara County's premium wine growing regions: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Rita Hills. Gorgeous notes of ripe peaches and honeyed citrus, this is unofficially our "go to" wine for consumers seeking a wine to drink with
good friends. This is affluent drinking at a frugal price.
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#66
2004 Larkmead Cabernet
$54.95
Consistently one of our favorite wineries, Larkmead Vineyards has produced another exceptional Cab. Wine maker Andy Smith (late of Littorai and Paul Hobbs and currently also with DuMol) has fashioned an exceptionally rich and well-balanced 90% Cabernet Sauvignon. Loads of forward, ripe berry fruit on the nose, with great focus and lots of raspberries and cassis on the palate. Pepper and minerals and a sumptuous texture, this wine is as delicious by itself as it is with food.
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#74
2005 ZD Chardonnay
$29.26
ZD Chardonnay has always been a favorite at Red Carpet and this 2005 is no exception. Barrel fermented in American Oak with no malolactic fermentation to ensure bright fruit and crisp acidity. Aromas of pineapple, vanilla, pear and lemon zest with loads of the same pineapple, vanilla and pear along with a rich and creamy mouth-feel with good acidity to define the backbone.
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#75
2004 Zind Humbrecht Zind
$24.19
There are only a handful of cellars that produce a range of wines as riveting as those of Leonard and Olivier Humbrecht. Zind-Humbrecht's performance each year is unforgettable. The Zind is a enchanting blend of Auxerrois and Chardonnay with a rewarding nose of apple, pear and mineral that leads to a lively, ripe character. This offering has gorgeous breadth, a satiny texture, and a medium-bodied personality loaded with limedrenched pears.
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#76
2003 Honig Cabernet
$29.26
In 1964, Louis Honig purchased a 68-acre ranch in the heart of the Napa Valley and planted it with Sauv Blanc and Cabernet grapes. When all of us here at Red Carpet think Cabernet Sauvignon form Napa, Honig is always at the top of that list. The 2003 Cab displays ripe plum and black raspberry aromas that are framed by vanilla, allspice and some toasty oak. Intense fruit flavors and a rich round midpalate are followed by cocoa and black cherry on the finish. The tannins are firm and structured.
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#77
2002 Girard Napa Red
$35.47
One of the favorites at the wine bar, this wine stands up against some heavy hitting Napa red blends at 1/3 the price. The blend consists of 57% Cabernet, 20% Cab Franc, 15% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 1% Petite Verdot. All Napa Valley fruit, primarily from Oakville, using a combination of hillside and valley floor vineyards. A luxuriously bright, deep cherry color. The aromas offer blackberry, kirsch, driedrose, tobacco and winter spices. Elegant with a silky texture filled with firm, unobtrusive tannins.
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#78
2004 Perrin Cotes du Rhone
Villages Cornuds $14.63
From a top notch vintner in a top notch vintage, this is a textbook example of what Cotes du Rhone has to offer. The 2004 Perrin Cotes du Rhone-Villages Vinsobres Les Cornuds is an equal-part blend of Grenache and Syrah aged in old wood. The nose evokes aromas of red fruit, blackberries, black cherries and liquorice. In the mouth one finds hints of wild thyme and a finely structured wine that shows very good length. A blockbuster wine!
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#79
2004 Da Vinci Chianti
$9.65
This delightful, medium-bodied Chianti reminds us of what these classic Tuscan wines used to be about: easy drinking, complementary to a wide variety of (especially Italian) foods, Italian earth and spice, and most important, a sane price. The Chiantis selling for thirty to fifty dollars are all well and good, but we certainly don't drink them every day. This '04 Da Vinci serves our purposes admirably. You’ll like it too.
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#80
2004 Emmolo Merlot
$23.60
Here’s a wine that is definitely in the overachiever category. Cheryl Emmolo has created a wine that is textbook Merlot. You could easily spend up to $40 bucks for what this bottle is offering. Lively berry fruit, mocha and cedar greet the nose. Medium-bodied with a rich elegant texture. The tannins are rich and well integrated with light toasty oak.
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#81
2005 Girard Chardonnay
Russian River Valley $17.73
We’re big fans of Girard's style. Well balanced, food friendly and consistent. Various vineyards within Dutton Ranch are the primary fruit sources for their Chardonnay with additional fruit coming from the La Porte Cochere vineyard. Cool weather yields higher grape acidity at harvest which helps form the base of Girard's trademark style of bright, clean and non-buttery Chardonnay. The crispness and minerality of the wine make it a lovely food companion.
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#82
2004 Excelsior Cabernet
$9.75
Excelsior Estate has been owned by the de Wet family since 1870, so it is safe to say that it is a good representation of what South Africa has to offer the wine world. The current owners are Freddie de Wet and his son Peter de Wet. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape in Excelsior's vineyards, growing on vines ranging from five to 20 years old. This wine is nicely extracted with hints of black currant, plumy fruit and toasty oak all balanced with soft, ripe tannins.
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#83
2005 Sebastiani Sonoma Pinot
$13.50
The Dobbs’ house wine for many years - and you will not find a better Pinot Noir under twenty bucks. Made from a broad collection of top tier cool climate vineyards throughout Sonoma Country. Layers of true Pinot flavors of ripe cherries, cola and hints of rose petal. Ounce for ounce, dollar for dollar, this wine is on top of the list. If you know of a better Pinot at this price, please let us know, - until then - drink up.
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#84
NV Il Conte d’Alba Stella Rosa
$9.99
Have you met Stella? This is Moscato D' Asti's sister. From the village of Santo Stefano Belbo in Piemonte this wine is styled like a Moscato D' Asti. It is slightly sweet, with a delicate effervescence. A beautiful rose color in the glass, aromas of fresh strawberry and cherry that greet the nose. One sip and the delicate flavors of bright red
fruits along with the subtle effervescence entice the palate for another sip. A great aperitif or dessert wine.
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#85
2004 Razor’s Edge Shiraz
$9.99
From the McLaren Vale in Australia, which is famous for Shiraz. Healthy notes of plums, blackberry, spice & chocolate on the nose. Full-bodied, supple wine, with more complexity than you would expect from a wine at this price point. Dark berry fruit flavors graced with a bit of spicy pepper and dark chocolate again. This one will last in the cellar, but won’t improve with age, some wine is simply to be drunk.
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