Amici 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

My friends, meet Olema's richer, smarter older brother - Amici Cab! My sales-guy at Total Wine recommended this when he saw me stocking up on Olema. He explained that this wine is from the same producer as Olema, Amici Cellars. This is their higher end wine. It is twice as much ($38.99) as the Olema, but is way worth it for a special occasion or gift. Taste is of berry, coffee, and chocolate - complex and not bitter. Smooth and tasty - this one is a must try!

Chappellet Mountain Cuvee

Move over Olema, there's a new favorite in town!

After having this wine at a seafood restaurant two weeks ago, I decided to hunt down a bottle to try at home. It was listed at the restaurant under "Unusual Selections" and the bartender highly recommended it. This wine was impressive - complex and smooth with no tannin-y taste. It has spice, plum and cherry undertones.

On the Chappellet website, it is described as "pure pleasure in every glass" and I can't say I disagree. The only drawback is the $28.99 pricetag, which is a little more than I like to spend for everyday wine, but it is certainly worth it for a celebration or special dinner at home. We had a bottle at a steakhouse this past weekend, and it complimented both the stone crab and crab cake appetizers and the filet mignon. It also went particularly well with the Bison that our friends ordered as their entree.

This bordeaux blend includes 56% cabernet sauvingnon, 32% merlot, 6% cab franc, 4% petit verdot, and 2% malbec.

Mendoza Station 2011 Torrontes

When the sales lady at Total Wine told me that this was the best white that she has tasted since she lived in Italy, I told her that I would take a bottle. It is summer time, and getting a little hot to be drinking red in the sun by the pool. So, when she said it was on sale for $5.99 per bottle, I said "Give me more!"

The first pleasant surprise was the cork - which came printed with a map of Argentina (in case I forget where that is) - it is the little things that please me.

The next pleasant surprise was the crisp, refreshing first sip of this wine. It is definitely a crowd-pleaser. Dry and not sweet, it has strong fruit undertones, with a subtle hint floral as well. A great bargain for the price. This wine is a steal!