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October 2006 Collector's Club
2003 Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Merlot
Here's a switch - a Merlot from New Zealand! It comes from the
Hawkes Bay region on New Zealand's North Island, where temperatures allow Merlot to fully
ripen. The winery itself is fairly new, founded in 1997, and I've been impressed with
their entire lineup - an excellent Sauvignon Blanc and delicate Pinot Noir especially -
and this Merlot is rich and flavorful. Give it another few years in your cellar - it
really started showing well after a few hours open. It's $36.00, and there's very
little left. Try it with a rack of lamb.
2005 Buty Chardonnay Conner Lee Vineyard
This is one of those wineries that just doesn't seem to make
mistakes. This full-flavored, rich Chardonnay comes from the Conner Lee Vineyard in
central Washington. There's a tiny amount left, and it goes for $29.00.
Winemaker Caleb Foster goes from strength to strength, and the national press is starting
to catch on. Crab or halibut would make a good companion to this wine!
2001 L'Uvaggio di Giacomo Il Gufo California Barbera
Winemaker Jim Moore, who also has worked with Bonny Doon and Mondavi
wineries, specializes in "Cal-Ital" - California versions of Italian
varietals. His wines are generally balanced, and true to the varietal. I've
wanted to put one of his wines in the club for some time now, and the opportunity finally
came up with this plummy Barbera, a steal at $9.75. We have a bit left around, but
not much. A good wine to take to a party.
2005 Bodegas Campante Vina Reboreda
This light, refreshing Spanish white is a great accompaniment to
cheese and shellfish. It's all of $9.75, and ready to drink. We can get lots
of this one!
2005 Domaine de Gournier Rosé
This wine comes from the area just north of Nimes in the south of
France. I visited this property in 2003; the winery had just been rebuilt after a
disastrous flood in 2002, where the owner had to be rescued by helicopter from his 3rd
story roof! The winery is now state-of-the-art, and produces some of the most
flavorful, easy-to-enjoy wines in the south. You might consider saving this $9.75
gem for Thanksgiving - it'll match well with any roast fowl.
2003 Le Freak Shiraz-Viognier
OK, the name's a bit of a joke, and it's all of $5.00 - but this is
a LOT of wine for $5.00. It's one of the best bargains I've run into in a long,
long time.
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