Pinot Noir
The Jibe Marlborough, NZ ‘06 29.
Ramspeck Napa, CA ‘06 33.
Kali-Hart by Talbott Vineyards Monterey, CA ‘06 39.
Acacia Carneros, CA ’06 42.
Willakenzie Willamette, OR ’06 49.
Argyle Willamette, OR ‘06 47.
Aries by Robert Sinskey Los Carneros, CA ‘06 49.
Whitehaven Marlborough, NZ ‘05 55.
Ici/La-Bas “Les Reveles” Anderson Valley, CA ‘03 57.
Foley Santa Rita, CA ‘06 59.
Hirsch “Bohan-Dillon” Sonoma Coast, CA ‘06 61.
Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills, OR ‘05 63.
Miura “Hirsch Vineyard” Sonoma Coast, CA ‘02 68.
Tudor Santa Lucia Highlands, CA ‘05 73.
Flowers Sonoma Coast, CA ‘06 84.
Loring “Rosella’s” Santa Lucia Highlands, CA ‘05 90.
Martinelli “Bella Vigna” Russian River, CA ’06 74.
Jayson by Pahlmeyer Sonoma Coast, CA ‘05 109.
Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River, CA ‘04 135.
benjy’s Recommendations
Argyle
The aromas are a tightly coiled spring of ripe Santa Rosa plum, black cherry, and cassis preserves, wrapped around an earthy and mineral framework. The flavors are a viscous blend of black cherry preserves, a touch of cedar, with a juicy center wrapped in thick tannin.
Daringly Different Reds
Kanonkop Kadette Stellenbosch, S. Africa ‘04 30.
D’Arenberg “Lovegrass” Shiraz Australia ’04 38.
Tablas Creek “Cotes de Tablas” Paso Robles, CA ’05 43.
Houdini Shiraz/Zin/Merlot Barossa, Australia ’05 51.
Girard Petite Sirah Napa, CA ‘05 53.
Margerum “M5” Santa Barbara, CA ‘05 60.
Penner Ash Syrah Oregon ‘05 66.
Chocolate Block by Boekenhoutskloof S. Africa ’06 72.
K Syrah “Cougar Hills” Walla Walla, WA ’05 78.
Leona’s by Linne Calodo Paso Robles, CA ‘05 81.
E&E “Black Pepper” Shiraz Barossa, Australia ’02 145.
Dare by Viader Tempranillo Napa, CA ‘05 80.
benjy’s Recommendations
Tablas Creek “Cotes de Tablas”
This Rhone style blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Counoise, shows complex notes of black cherry, currant, and roasted herbs. Spicy, rich, broad, and quite full-bodied, this is a serious wine reminiscent of a top-flight Côtes du Rhône from southern France.
Houdini Shiraz/Zin/Merlot
An offbeat blend of 50% shiraz, 25% merlot and 25% zinfandel. Fresh and floral, with pungent scents of violet, candied rose, red currant and pomegranate. Finishes bright, with a piquant note of cranberry.
Zinfandel
Alexander Valley “Redemption” Dry Creek, CA ‘05 50.
D Cubed Napa, CA ‘03 57.
Seghesio “Rockpile” Sonoma, CA ’05 69.
A. Rafanelli Dry Creek, CA ’05 79.
“Problem Child” by Linne Calodo Paso Robles, CA ‘05 81.
Turley “Pesenti Vineyard” Paso Robles, CA ’05 102.
Merlot, Cabernet & Blends
Dry Creek Merlot Dry Creek Valley, CA ’04 39.
Franciscan Merlot Napa, CA ’04 39
Canoe Ridge Merlot Columbia Valley, WA ’04 41.
Whitehall Lane Merlot Napa, CA ‘05 59.
Duckhorn Merlot Napa, CA ’05 95.
Marquis Philips “Sarah’s Blend” Australia ‘06 31.
Lang & Reed Cab Franc North Coast, CA ’06 48.
Clayhouse Reserve Malbec Paso Robles, CA ‘03 49.
Avalon Cabernet Napa, CA ’05 29.
Hess “Alomi Vineyard” Cabernet Napa, CA ‘04 36.
J Bookwalter “Lot 21” Red Blend Columbia, WA MV 38.
Oberon Cabernet Napa, CA ‘03 42.
Joseph Phelps “Innisfree” Cabernet Napa, CA ‘05 52.
Cain Cuvee Napa, CA NV4 55.
Cliff Lede Claret Stag’s Leap, CA ‘05 63.
Oriel “Midnight Rambler” Rutherford, CA ‘03 63.
Andrew Will “Two Blondes” Yakima, WA ‘04 92.
Reynolds Family Cabernet Napa, CA ‘04 85.
HDV RedBlend Napa, CA ‘02 95.
benjy’s Recommendations
Lang & Reed Cab Franc
Displays aromas of fresh raspberries and red currants with scents of delicate dried herbs. On the palate, there is ample sweet cherry, black fruit, and a hint of anise with mild tannins and a bright and crisp finish.
Hard to Find, Small Production Reds
Ghost Block Cabernet Oakville, CA ‘04 99.
Silver Oak Cabernet Alexander Valley, CA ’03 105.
Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet Rutherford, CA ‘04 115.
Cade by Plumpjack Cabernet Napa, CA ’05 105.
Hidden Ridge Cabernet Sonoma County, CA ’03 118.
Caymus Cabernet Napa, CA ‘05 120.
Constant “Diamond Mtn” Cabernet Napa, CA ’03 140.
Plumpjack “Estate” Cabernet Oakville, CA ’05 135.
Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Napa, CA ‘04 210.
Dalla Valle “Maya” Cab/Cab Franc Napa, CA ‘00 295.
benjy’s Recommendations
Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet
Shows classic Rutherford dust flavors of milk chocolate and cocoa powder with maple, toffee and cigar box aromas. The wine is fruit driven with lush black cherry and blackberry jam notes and a lengthy finish.
BIG Bottles
Duckhorn “Estate” Merlot 1.5 ltr. Napa, CA ’02 290.
Duckhorn Merlot 3.0 ltr. Napa, CA ’04 465.
Silver Oak Cab 1.5 ltr. Alexander Valley, CA ’01 240.
Silver Oak Cab 3.0 ltr. Alexander Valley, CA ’02 560.
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