Weekly Notes from the Cellar

DOMESTIC

2006 Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon; Central Coast, California ($22.99)

Winery Notes: "Rich in the glass and bright on the nose, the 2006 opens with aromatics of dark fruit, black currant, cassis, clove, and cedar. Layered aromas of plum and cocoa develop into a rich blend of raspberry jam and ripe berry with a hint of vanilla. The substantial, well developed tannins are suspended through the finish with a finely integrated acidity. In true ranch style, this wine pairs well with strong red meat. Try it with prime rib and horseradish, or braised shortribs, with smashed garlic and chive red potatoes." www.hahnfamilywines.com

2007 Waters Winery "Interlude" Red Wine; Walla Walla, Columbia Valley, Washington ($27.99)

Winery Notes: "Interlude is a blend made exclusively of Bordeaux varietals from numerous vineyards throughout Washington State. Interlude is marked by a bright red fruit profile complimented by earthy flavors and aromas, a lush, creamy mouth-feel and a long fruity finish. Known for being our most charming wine upon release, this wine is also capable of aging gracefully for many years. A blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. 2009 Double Gold Grand Award of Excellence at the Seattle Wine Awards.

Waters was founded in 2005 based on our indelible belief that the Walla Walla Valley terroir is capable of producing some of the best wines in the world. Our winemaking approach is influenced by our preference for distinct, "old world" wines that express the "time and place" of their origin. We are inspired by wine's influence on various cultures throughout history, and the experiences around great food and relationship. We are intentional about making wines that carry on these traditions. " www.waterswinery.com

2006 Sineann Cellars "Abondante" Red Wine; Oregon ($27.99)

Wine Enthusiast 88 points: "Abondante," which translates as "abundant," is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache and Merlot. Bright and yes, generous, it's packed with the flavors of just-picked raspberries. It could pass for a young vine Zin, but whatever you call it this is really a delicious bottle of fruit-powered red wine meant for immediate enjoyment."

2007 Firesteed Pinot Noir; Oregon ($17.99)

Winery Notes: Vibrant cherry and sweet spice aromas jump out of the glass and the taste of the first round of summer raspberries and strawberries push the burst of fruit straight through to the surprisingly long finish. Grapes for this wine, as in previous years, were sourced from throughout the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Walla Walla Valleys, creating a truly Oregon blend. www.firesteed.com

2007 Toasted Head "Untamed Red"; California ($14.99)

Winery Notes: Rich and mouth-filling with prominent flavors of wild blackberry and red raspberry. Intriguing lavender accents are on the nose and the barrel aging had added nuances of vanilla and cedar to the aromatic mix. Round and ripe on the palate, this delightful blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah - sourced from our estate vineyards and California's North Coast - has medium tannins that carry into a long, spicy finish. It is well balanced and will pair wonderfully with lamb, pork, beef or pasta dishes made with hearty red sauces. www.toastedhead.com

2006 Dominio IV "Technicolor Bat"; Oregon ($22.99)

Winery Notes: This fascinating red blend offers notes of dark fruit, cherry, cassis, chocolate, and black licorice. It's an unexpected blend of 82% Tempranillo (the grape used in Spanish Rioja) and 18% Syrah.

An interesting footnote: Domino IV wines are made at the Carlton Winemakers Studio, a unique, eco-friendly Oregon facility that is home to ten vintners that produce some of the region's most coveted wines, all under one roof. Their tasting room has been featured in Wine Spectator and Food & Wine. What an innovative concept for boutique winemakers! www.winemakersstudio.com

IMPORTED

2007 Bodegas Atalaya "Atalaya"; Almansa, Spain ($17.99)

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 91 points: "The 2007 Atalaya is a blend of Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, and other red grapes. The wine was aged for eight months in French and American oak. This purple-colored wine has an expressive bouquet of violets, spice box, leather, game, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate it comes off as borderline kinky and definitely sexy with lots of easy-going flavor, superb depth, complexity, and a 45-second finish. Although it can be enjoyed now, it will evolve for another 2-3 years." Wine Advocate #178, August 2008.

2005 Quinto do Vale Meao Meandro; Duoro, Portugal ($24.99)

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 91 points: "The 2005 Meandro Do Vale Meao is a blend of Tinta Roriz (40%), Touriga Nacional (25%), Touriga Franca (25%), Tinta Barroca (5%) and Tinta Amarela (5%). Bright, elegant and refreshing, it also has plenty of power, a tannic grip on the end that supports the attractive fruit. Its structure, intensity and balance make it one of the finest buys in this report. It took a good while to get open fruit, but when it opens it is very attractive. It will ultimately seem graceful with an elegant mid-palate, but its intensity rules the day at the moment. I liked it better than its '04 counterpart. It is simply a terrific Meandro. Drink 2009-2018." Wine Advocate #178, August 2008.

2007 Markus Molitor Riesling QbA; Germany ($17.99)

The Molitor family have been making wine at their estate for eight generations. Markus Molitor chooses the grapes for this wine from traditional steep vineyard sites along the Middle Mosel. The old parcels (up to 50 years old) with finely splintered slate soils are harvested by hand, fermented with natural yeasts and raised for a long time on its fine lees. The wine offers aromas reminiscent of ripe yellow fruits, with complimenting spicy notes. A supremely food-friendly white, highlighted by balanced acidity, vibrant minerality, and a long finish.

2008 Erich and Maria Berger Gruner Veltliner (1 liter); Austria ($12.99)

Wine Advocate 86 points: "Lime, green rhubarb, fresh spinach, nut oils, and a hint of honey inform this refreshing, invigoratingly sweet-tart offering." Eric Asimov, The New York Times: "Fresh and expressive, with citrus, floral and mineral flavors that linger in the mouth. It practically invites you to have a second glass."

2008 Croney Estates "Three Ton" Sauvignon Blanc; Marlborough, New Zealand ($17.99)

Winery Notes: "The nose exhibits intense lime, passion fruit and tart guava fruit characters. On the palate, passion fruit, kiwifruit, pineapple and pear flavors dominate. These intense fruit characters are balanced with crisp vibrant acidity and a long richly textured finish. A full bodied purist style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc." International Wine Challenge 92 points Gold Medal. www.croneyestates.com

2007 Michel Torino Malbec "Don David"; Cafayate, Salta, Argentina ($17.99)

We sampled this wine in store today and immediately placed an order. It's everything you expect from a Malbec and more -- I found myself seriously craving a nice big T-Bone. Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 89 points: "The 2007 Don David Malbec was aged in French and American oak for 12 months. It reveals notes of cedar, spice box, mineral, black cherry and black raspberry in its excellent nose. On the palate it offers elegance, spicy flavors, excellent balance and a lengthy finish. It is a very good value." Winery Notes: "Aromas of plum jam and raising are accented by complimenting notes of tobacco, vanilla and toast. The plum fruit echoes on the palate, with additional chocolate nuances enriching the mouthfeel. The wine is well-balanced, with sweet, soft tannins and an elegant finish. 100% Malbec." www.micheltorino.com.ar