5 | Wine | Page 3

"Lightly sparkling aromatic wine. Aromas of peach, apricot, lemon peel and white flowers. Complex, good body with balance between sweetness and acidity, nice persistency. A natural match with moscato is dessert. Surprisingly whether it is Indian or Asian, Thai or other ethnic spicy dish, Saracco Moscato with its low alcohol content, reduces the effects of oils which make spicy foods hot. You will be surprised and delighted!"

This statewide blend stands up well against far more expensive Chardonnays. It's rich and crisp in acidity, with tropical fruit, pear and peach flavors, as well as a generous coating of oak and buttercream. Easy to find, with nearly 11,000 cases produced. Best Buy."

"Cold Creek Chardonnay is typified by concentration and intensity from the 40-year-old vines and warmth of the site. This Chardonnay is a decadent style with ripe fruit and a toasty character. The cooler 2011 vintage in Washington provided enhanced acidity with an elegant finish. The combination of a powerful vineyard in a cooler vintage makes for a very balanced and ageable style of Chardonnay."

This wine was named #84 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Elegant, with rich base notes of toasted brioche and smoke adding depth, this integrates finely honed acidity, detailed texture and flavors of black cherry puree, apple tarte Tatin, kumquat and grated ginger. Provides a creamy, mineral-tinged finish."

"Finely meshed, with a lightly spiced finish. This shows more finesse than many of its peers, displaying a subtle juiciness, joined by aromatic apricot, quince, mandarin orange and almond notes."

"A stunning sleeper of the vintage, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was made by winemaking guru/consultant Stephane Derenoncourt. The wine’s 14.5% alcohol tells you something about its amazing richness and intensity. Aromas of smoke, lead pencil shavings, sweet kirsch and black currants soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy wine. Some tannin lurks beneath the surface, but the overall impression is one of opulence and extravagance. Drink this beauty over the next decade or more." -Robert Parker

"This brilliant, golden-straw-colored Chardonnay opens with bright and delicate aromas of pears, citrus and what can only be described as apple blossoms, followed by flavors of pear, lemon, toasty coconut and hints of peach, pineapple and cinnamon. Barrel fermentation and aging on the lees contribute a creamy mouthfeel and our hallmark toasty finish. This wine tastes great with poultry, seafood in a lemon-butter sauce, creamy pasta or an onion cream tart." Notes from 2010 vintage.

"Fresh and lively, this red is juicy with berry flavors that show and a tinge of oatmeal. Finishes on a savory note."