Join us with our monthly selection of two wines hand-picked by Bacchus to assist you in your goal to drink the rare, the unique, the best-valued, and the great tasting.
12/2011
Ch Montelena Chardonnay
In the glass, this wine has a classic Chardonnay hue of pale golden straw. The bouquet draws you in with delicate nuances of wet stones, lichee, white peach, orange blossoms, and a slight hint of toasted almonds. The palate is soft and fleshy and loaded with bright citrus tones of sweet mandarin and Meyer lemon, white nectarine and rich tropical notes of guava, pineapple, and lichee – all complemented by subtle sweet oak. There is a delicate smoothness to this Chardonnay and fantastic weight throughout.
12/2011
Pirouette
Philippe Melka and Agustin Huneeus, Sr. teamed to combine the traditions of old world winemaking, the advancements of new world technology, and small lots from Washington State’s finest vineyards to craft this enticing red blend. A rich, deeply colored wine bursting with complex aromas and flavors of wild berries, black cherry, currant, licorice and cedar. Firm and focused, yet elegantly styled, the 2007 Pirouette combines richness and depth with silky tannins to provide a lush mouthfeel and lingering finish. 93+ POINTS - WINE ADVOCATE
11/2011
Rene Mure 2006 Riesling, Alsace, France
This wine starts with a nose that reveals hints of white flowers. Light to medium bodied, on the palate candied lemons, minerals, and assorted tangy citrus fruits are found in this well-structured, vivacious offering.
11/2011
Capture 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake and Sonoma Ctys
The 2010 Tradition Sauvignon Blanc shows a fine bouquet of white currant, gooseberries and citrus with lovely hints of pink grapefruit and Key lime. The mouth-feel is fresh, crisp and fruit forward with a nice creamy structure.
11/2011
Beronia 2006 Rioja Reserva
This wine has a bright intense cherry color. It is attractive and intense on the nose, with red fruit and blackberries standing out, with notes of chocolate, spices and cloves on the base. Full on the mouth, fresh and fruity with sweet tannins. Complex and enveloping.
11/2011
Dashe 2008 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
Black-purple, with reddish hues. Black raspberry, black cherry, cassis, mineral, chocolate, black pepper, anise permeate the nose. On the palate, black cherry, black raspberry, chocolate, licorice, clove spice, good acidity, wonderful viscous velvety texture on the mid-palate, complex, long sweet finish of black cherry fruit, and peppery spice.
7/2011
Tikal 2008 Amorio Malbec, Mendoza
Aromas of smoky oak and cherry. Mouthwatering, penetrating flavors of ripe red and black cherries, red berries. Quite rich and velvety on the palate, and finishes with just enough grip to make it a real winner with food. This is some seriously sexy Malbec. Pairs well with grilled or smoked meats such as beef, pork, and lamb. Also complements dishes prepared with cheese or cream sauces.
7/2011
Avanthia 2008 Godello, Galacia
Focused and assertive, this bold modern white delivers ripe fruit flavors of pear and melon, accented by toasty, minerally and waxy notes. Powerful and harmonious, with the stuffing to age.
6/2011
Marchesi di Frescobaldi 2007 'Nipozzano' Tuscany
93 pts Wine Enthusiast; 91 pts Wine Spectator, Top 100 2010 A burly Rufina, offering dried dark fruits and chewy tannins, with an aftertaste of dark chocolate and mineral. Full and satisfying, with fresh acidity on the back palate.
6/2011
Molly Dooker 2008 'Two Left Feet' Shiraz Blend
A blend of 68% Shiraz, 17% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon which also spent 11 months in 50% new French and American oak. A glass-staining opaque purple color, it emits an enticing aromatic array of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, blueberry, and blackberry preserves. Dense, sweet, and layered on the palate, it is surprisingly light on its feet despite its size. Concentrated, lengthy, and full-flavored, this wine is all about pleasure.
6/2011
MacRostie 2007 Wildcat Mtn Vineyard Chardonnay
Classic pale straw in color, with profound aromas of honey, lime oil, and custard, with hints of whole-wheat toast and wet stone. In the mouth it is lush with ripe tropical fruit and manages to be very rich yet light at the same time, almost like drinking a Meyer lemon soufflé. The finish is quite clean but lingers for several minutes.
6/2011
Treana 2008 White Blend Central Coast
Treana White, a blend of Viognier and Marsanne, continues to gain critical acclaim from chefs, sommeliers and wine media internationally. A distinctive wine, offering peach, lemon meringue and cantaloupe flavors that have a pleasant tang of acidity, with a smooth, rich texture and plenty of aromatics. Shows details of fresh herbs and chamomile on the finish.
4/2011
Swanson 2007 Merlot, Oakville, Napa
4/2011
JC Cellars 2008 'First Date' White, Paso Robles
75% Roussanne; 25% Marsanne. This very rich and full-bodied white blatantly shows the family trait of unfettered ripeness, but it is wonderfully well-filled with sweet, slightly honeyed, peach- and nectarine-like fruit. Its persistent suggestions of wet-stone complexity make it far more than just big and ripe, and, while it ends with a bit more finishing heat than might be ideal, it does not let up in richness. It demands service with boldly flavored foods such as garlicky chicken in sauce, and, even if just a touch viscous and fat in feel, it is sufficiently well-structured to keep handily for several years.
4/2011
Jorge Ordonez 2009 'Botani' Moscatel de Alejandria
The 2009 Botani was sourced from organically farmed 70-year-old Moscatel de Alejandria vines producing tiny yields. Thirty percent of the wine was barrel-fermented in neutral French oak, the rest in stainless steel. Medium straw-colored with a green tint, it displays a nose of mineral, spring flowers, acacia, and a hint of tropical aromas. The 2009 vintage has produced a wine with extra density and concentration. Although the aromatics suggest sweetness, the wine is dry but very fruity, refreshing, and exceptionally long. It is an outstanding value that over-delivers in a big way.
3/2011
Vina Mayor 2004 Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain
12/2011Ch Montelena Chardonnay
In the glass, this wine has a classic Chardonnay hue of pale golden straw. The bouquet draws you in with delicate nuances of wet stones, lichee, white peach, orange blossoms, and a slight hint of toasted almonds. The palate is soft and fleshy and loaded with bright citrus tones of sweet mandarin and Meyer lemon, white nectarine and rich tropical notes of guava, pineapple, and lichee – all complemented by subtle sweet oak. There is a delicate smoothness to this Chardonnay and fantastic weight throughout.
12/2011Pirouette
Philippe Melka and Agustin Huneeus, Sr. teamed to combine the traditions of old world winemaking, the advancements of new world technology, and small lots from Washington State’s finest vineyards to craft this enticing red blend. A rich, deeply colored wine bursting with complex aromas and flavors of wild berries, black cherry, currant, licorice and cedar. Firm and focused, yet elegantly styled, the 2007 Pirouette combines richness and depth with silky tannins to provide a lush mouthfeel and lingering finish. 93+ POINTS - WINE ADVOCATE
11/2011Rene Mure 2006 Riesling, Alsace, France
This wine starts with a nose that reveals hints of white flowers. Light to medium bodied, on the palate candied lemons, minerals, and assorted tangy citrus fruits are found in this well-structured, vivacious offering.
11/2011Capture 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake and Sonoma Ctys
The 2010 Tradition Sauvignon Blanc shows a fine bouquet of white currant, gooseberries and citrus with lovely hints of pink grapefruit and Key lime. The mouth-feel is fresh, crisp and fruit forward with a nice creamy structure.
11/2011Beronia 2006 Rioja Reserva
This wine has a bright intense cherry color. It is attractive and intense on the nose, with red fruit and blackberries standing out, with notes of chocolate, spices and cloves on the base. Full on the mouth, fresh and fruity with sweet tannins. Complex and enveloping.
11/2011Dashe 2008 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
Black-purple, with reddish hues. Black raspberry, black cherry, cassis, mineral, chocolate, black pepper, anise permeate the nose. On the palate, black cherry, black raspberry, chocolate, licorice, clove spice, good acidity, wonderful viscous velvety texture on the mid-palate, complex, long sweet finish of black cherry fruit, and peppery spice.
7/2011Tikal 2008 Amorio Malbec, Mendoza
Aromas of smoky oak and cherry. Mouthwatering, penetrating flavors of ripe red and black cherries, red berries. Quite rich and velvety on the palate, and finishes with just enough grip to make it a real winner with food. This is some seriously sexy Malbec. Pairs well with grilled or smoked meats such as beef, pork, and lamb. Also complements dishes prepared with cheese or cream sauces.
7/2011Avanthia 2008 Godello, Galacia
Focused and assertive, this bold modern white delivers ripe fruit flavors of pear and melon, accented by toasty, minerally and waxy notes. Powerful and harmonious, with the stuffing to age.
6/2011Marchesi di Frescobaldi 2007 'Nipozzano' Tuscany
93 pts Wine Enthusiast; 91 pts Wine Spectator, Top 100 2010 A burly Rufina, offering dried dark fruits and chewy tannins, with an aftertaste of dark chocolate and mineral. Full and satisfying, with fresh acidity on the back palate.
6/2011Molly Dooker 2008 'Two Left Feet' Shiraz Blend
A blend of 68% Shiraz, 17% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon which also spent 11 months in 50% new French and American oak. A glass-staining opaque purple color, it emits an enticing aromatic array of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, blueberry, and blackberry preserves. Dense, sweet, and layered on the palate, it is surprisingly light on its feet despite its size. Concentrated, lengthy, and full-flavored, this wine is all about pleasure.
6/2011MacRostie 2007 Wildcat Mtn Vineyard Chardonnay
Classic pale straw in color, with profound aromas of honey, lime oil, and custard, with hints of whole-wheat toast and wet stone. In the mouth it is lush with ripe tropical fruit and manages to be very rich yet light at the same time, almost like drinking a Meyer lemon soufflé. The finish is quite clean but lingers for several minutes.
6/2011Treana 2008 White Blend Central Coast
Treana White, a blend of Viognier and Marsanne, continues to gain critical acclaim from chefs, sommeliers and wine media internationally. A distinctive wine, offering peach, lemon meringue and cantaloupe flavors that have a pleasant tang of acidity, with a smooth, rich texture and plenty of aromatics. Shows details of fresh herbs and chamomile on the finish.
4/2011Swanson 2007 Merlot, Oakville, Napa
4/2011JC Cellars 2008 'First Date' White, Paso Robles
75% Roussanne; 25% Marsanne. This very rich and full-bodied white blatantly shows the family trait of unfettered ripeness, but it is wonderfully well-filled with sweet, slightly honeyed, peach- and nectarine-like fruit. Its persistent suggestions of wet-stone complexity make it far more than just big and ripe, and, while it ends with a bit more finishing heat than might be ideal, it does not let up in richness. It demands service with boldly flavored foods such as garlicky chicken in sauce, and, even if just a touch viscous and fat in feel, it is sufficiently well-structured to keep handily for several years.
4/2011Jorge Ordonez 2009 'Botani' Moscatel de Alejandria
The 2009 Botani was sourced from organically farmed 70-year-old Moscatel de Alejandria vines producing tiny yields. Thirty percent of the wine was barrel-fermented in neutral French oak, the rest in stainless steel. Medium straw-colored with a green tint, it displays a nose of mineral, spring flowers, acacia, and a hint of tropical aromas. The 2009 vintage has produced a wine with extra density and concentration. Although the aromatics suggest sweetness, the wine is dry but very fruity, refreshing, and exceptionally long. It is an outstanding value that over-delivers in a big way.
3/2011Vina Mayor 2004 Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain
MAY 18, 2013
Shakey Pete & The Faultline
MAY 23, 2013
Pasión Gitana
MAY 24, 2013
David & Olivia
MAY 25, 2013
Fair End Jazz
