2004 Herederos del Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva

Ruby Red. Opens with wild sweet and spice tones - cinnamon, white pepper, Werther's Original Toffee candy, fig newton, and wild strawberries. There is some graphite #2 pencil action - like an old school supply box. Cigar, braised fig and golden raisin and stewed plum fruit. In the mouth: suave, medium, and tight, packed tannin. Finishes with sweet, smokey fruit. An elegant wine that's drinking well now. Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo.

Gift from Keith Scheib

A-

2005 Domaine des Baguiers Bandol

Red. Drank this over two nights. First night: old school nose, some sour funk blows off. Everything smoky: dried tobacco, cigar ash forever. Also Saddle leather and spice. Fruit is hidden at this point. Beautiful palate with fine grained and broad dry, chewy tannins. Second night: now some cherry fruit comes out with some good spice. A rustic, manly wine.

$20

B+

2007 Marnier-Lapostelle Chateau de Sancerre Sancerre

Light yellow. This has an appetizing and savory nose. Gun flint is here with crushed sea shells and seaweed. Smells like the ocean. Grilled lime and lemon and apricot fruit. There's a dash of tamarind. The palate is structured with great texture and even has some grip and minerally chewiness. Loving the mouthwatering acidity. Finishes with lemon and lime and a faint smokiness. Had this with mom on Sancerre-Sushi-Saturday. Looking forward to Champagne Sunday.

$27

A-

2004 Callabriga Douro Red Wine

Ruby red. This has quite the elegant nose with good complexity. Cherry liqueur and strawberry shortcake provide the base for layers of complexity: dried straw, anise, vanilla, and cedar bark. There is a thread of herbaceousness and a peaty character that gives lift. Warm nose. Medium bodied with firm tannin, although a bit restrained and thin on the mid palate. Snappy acidity. Warm baking spice and 'Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookie' on the medium finish. A blend of Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional.

$18

B

2007 Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli Finger Lakes

Light yellow. Complex nose. Opens with lentils, fruity olive oil, and sweet oyster. Peach, nectarine and limes give it pizazz. A dollop of creme fraiche adds dimension. Super viscous and oily on the palate. Fresh and crisp, and balanced. Juicy peach on the medium bodied midpalate. This is our first Rkatsiteli experience and if tasted blind, we'd say it was 100% Federspiel Austrian Gruner Veltliner. Must make it out to the Finger Lakes soon.

Gift from Chris Caraway

A-

2006 Mas de la Dame La Stele Blanc Coteaux d'Aix en Provence

80% Vermentino 20% Clairette

Deep yellow with amber tinge. Advanced color for vintage - sealed with a synthetic cork. Interesting nose: immediate beeswax impression. Almost-ripe strawberry and pineapple juice fruit with baked pear tart coming through late along with almond paste and nougat. Overall, a low toned, thick nose with some oxidised bruised apple character. An anise note emerges. Full on palate with juicy and zingy acidity. Viscous mouth feel is appealing, but bitter collard greens show on mid-palate. Finishes with papaya and black liquorice. This is a 'difficult' wine - somewhat off-beat, but complex. It has its own unique appeal and is calling out for Lobster or Herb Butter Pasta.

$23

B