- 08 Stepping Stone Syrah (Napa Valley): An aggressive come-on, but after the fun, jammy black raspberry, vanilla tryst all is forgiven. $20 B #
- 09 Stepping Stone "Cuveé Musqué" Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley): A little fleshy; but star fruit, melon & citrus keep it svelte enough. $16 B #
- 10 Crios Rose of Malbec (Mendoza): Vibrant, candied red berries are ridin’ side-saddle with full-bodied alcohol & a lil’ astringency. $11 B- #
- 06 Ochoa Tempranillo Crianza (Navarra): Solid, but like so many other Crianzas it tastes a bit too much like the wood it slept in. $15 B- #
- 09 Bodegas San Martin Ilagares Tinto (Navarra): The lighter, inexpensive, burrito-ready, overachieving side of Tempranillo & Garnacha. $8 B- #
- 06 Napa Angel "Aurelio’s Selection" (Napa Valley): Well, the blackberry & cedar spice certainly are heavenly. Stunning Cabernet debut. $90 A #
- 05 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance (Constantia): Less orange & more honeysuckle nectar than in prev. vintages. I’m not complaining. $50 A- #
- NV Bollinger Brut Rosé (Champagne): Takes you on a fruit journey from tart cherry to red apple, w/ some tantalizing stops in between $100 A- #
- 06 Emblem Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Dark fruit, spice & black licorice savings bond that hasn’t quite yet come due $50 A- #
