Champalou Vouvray 2005

8 Screwcaps

This is a powerful and wonderful reminder to us all that there is more to French wine than Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. Coming from the Loire Valley, just south-west of Paris in France's Centre Provence comes this 100% Chenin Blanc beauty that is reminiscent of everything that has happened in your life that was good. From that first kiss to the big game, to that walk down the isle. Concentrated honey juxtaposes absolutely no sweet taste and just a hint of vanilla. Think about serving this with fish, chicken or shrimp, you'll be glad you did. Medium bodied, this is a perfect pick ($15.00) in this pinnacle of summer.

Buy it and try it within the year.

Las Rocas 2005 Garnacha

8 4/5 Screwcaps

Surpassing it's older brother from last year, this 2005 Las Rocas (which by the way if you didn't know is a Spanish word, meaning "the Rocas.") is rich as it is complex. 100% Grenache from north eastern Spain, this is a meritorious behemoth of a wine that is under $10!!! Look for black and white pepper, accompanied with a cacophony of raspberry and a lingering finish that makes you crave for more. Kill this summertime heat and dive into a bottle of this velvety grenache with a nice steak or grilled pork tenderloin because at this price, it won't be around forever!

Oban, Western Highlands 14 Yr. Single Malt Whisky

9 1/5 Screwcaps

Our first entry into liquor can not be anything other than a great Scotch Whisky (No, whisky is not spelled wrong in this case. Anything that is from Scotland has no "e" in "whisky.") like Oban (pronounced O-bin). This powerful peat dominated scotch is sneaky. On the nose, you get peaches, peat smoke and sea salt, but on the palate, there is PEAT PEAT PEAT along with something that is reminiscent of seaweed salad. Golden in texture, this is to the Western Highlands what Lagavulin is to Islay except not as expensive (under $70). Enjoy this neat or with a splash of water.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards 2004 Sangiovese

8 1/4 Screwcaps

To confirm your thoughts: yes, this is the family which invented that tub.
To answer your question: yes, they can make fine wine.
This is a sangiovese that is chock full of wild cherry jets that pound your palate while silky tannins wash over the rest of your mouth. If you are just a little tired of Italian Chianti and want a change of pace, let this California beauty show it's power and elegance until it all goes down the drain.

Drink over the next two years.

Yalumba Museum Muscat NV Dessert Wine

9 1/5 Screwcaps

Out of maple syrup to pour on your pancakes? Want a new and exciting topping to your ice cream? Looking for a ...dessert wine? Worry no longer! This first cousin of tawny port is screaming with versatility as it is not only a dessert, but a breakfast starter as well. Chill this wine down slightly and throw Aunt Jemima out the window. Don't pour too much of this toffee tasting wine at once, as it is a whopping 18%! Look for the 375 ml bottle for around $20.00 and enjoy!

Good for many years in the future, but we doubt it will last that long ;)

Mollydooker 2006 Merlot "The Scooter"

9 Screwcaps

Oh, we don't care if we drink it until we are blue in the face. As a matter of fact, I think that we did when the Mollydooker wines were released.
This blueberry muse is an offering that not even Willy Wonka himself could replicate. Do not let a 15.5% alcohol content dissuade you from making a purchase on a less than $20.00 wine that will quite simply blow your mind away with tasty deliciousness.

Drink this year.

Routas Coteaux du Provence 2006 Rose

7 1/2 Screwcaps

OK, first and foremost. THIS IS NOT WHITE ZINFANDEL. THIS IS NOT WHITE MERLOT. THIS IS NOT BLUSH. THIS IS DRY WINE. If you are looking at this bottle thinking that it is the three of the above mentioned abominations, let us know where you live. No reason of course... This rose (pronounced ros-AY) from Southern France is the definition of a great rose from the best rose region in the world. Because it is the best in the world, you think it would be expensive...not so fast my friend. This, like many of the best roses from France are under $15.00 and are perfect for summertime drinking, picnicing, or sipping on the porch when a cold beer just isn't enough. Look for apricot, grass and melon on this beauty.

Bodegas Juan Gil 2005 "Wrongo Dongo"

8 1/4 Screwcaps

Oh dear, sweet Lord, this is a bottle of red mouvedre deliciousness!!! From the hills of Jumilla, this treasure-o, for the price-o is difficult, if not impossible to surmount-o. Buy it tonight and treat yourself to a taste of the best that Spain has to offer. By the way, did we mention price? If it is more than $9.00, slap your wine steward in the face-o.

Drink through 2008.

Craggy Range 2003 Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Rd.

3 Screwcaps

Imagine that you are sitting on your couch with pineapple, grapefruit, hazelnut. You know...great roommates that typically treat you well. Unfortunately, someone didn't pay up and the Landlord, Mr. Limestone evicted you all. Well, that is what you get with this Craggy Range. Nothing but limestone, so much that you wonder as far as to think that there could possibly be a grape verietal called cement. Don't buy it, don't drink it. The only reason it has 3 screwcaps is because it can be used in defense or as a practical joke. Boooooooooo.

Four Vines 2005 "Naked" Chardonnay

8 Screwcaps

Cool, crisp, refreshing chardonnay, so good it makes you want to take your clothes off and lay down on a bed of apples and pears! This wine being unoaked (naked) is durable enough for events from picnics to weddings to evenings when the kids are gone. Chill it down and you will love it forever, because for under $15, it might be naked, but your wallet won't be stripped!

Drink through the next year.

Mollydooker 2006 Shiraz "The Boxer"

9 3/5 Screwcaps

Delicious. Full bodied. Robert Parker, if you don't rate this higher than 95 Points, we will hunt you down. This bottle is pure, unadulterated love. ENORMOUS fruit, not unlike last year's premier vintage. In addition, the 2006 Boxer has complex, silky, yet strong tannins and is ready to go the full 15 rounds. It will hook and jab you with licorice, chocolate and bacon fat and then knock you out with an uppercut of blackberry and cherry. Do not drink this fast! Pace yourself! With an alcohol content of "16" percent, this heavyweight can and will put your flat on your ass if you're not ready for it.

Drink this over the next 2-3 years.

Remember, when you drink this, like all red wines, don't drink this at room temperature. Chill it for about 20-25 minutes (around 63 degrees) before you drink it. It really is a night and day difference.