STAFF'S BEST REDS OF THE YEAR!

Let's face it... We need to be impartial when sampling, but we still have favorites!
Following are your tasters's favorites, the ones we would like to take home and cuddle a bit longer...

Marjorie's choice: Azienda Agricola Le Ragose Amarone '04 (Veneto)

Extraordinarily powerful, intense wine of 14-16% alcohol with a concentrated black cherry confettura (jam) fruit. Dense and super ripe, yet still well-mannered and harmonious, the Amarone finishes rich and dry with firm tannins allowing lengthy bottle development. Le Ragose is a benchmark of the type.
"The 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a pretty, understated wine with lovely inner perfume in its sweet roses, raspberries, spices and licorice. The tannins remain fine and silky throughout, conveying an impression of elegance. The wine offers outstanding length as well as balance. Though not a blockbuster, the 2004 Amarone impresses for its superb drinkability and balance." RP-92
$54.97

PHILIPPE

Philippe's choice: Bodegas Don Sancho de Londono "Calma" Rioja '08 (Spain)

Calma communicates the spice, structure and silky texture of Rioja Alta.

The 2008 Calma reveals bright violet, black cherry scents and a kick of cracked pepper. Tightly wound at first, then opens to offer chewy dark fruit flavors and a touch of mocha. Dusty tannins add grip to the finish, which leaves cassis and bitter cherry notes behind.
$15.99

MIKE

Mike's choice: Fall Line Winery Cabernet sauvignon '06 (Washington)

"The nose offers up notes of vanilla bean, coconut, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. Layered and ripe, bordering on opulent, it nicely conceals enough tannin to carry the wine through another 4-5 years of evolution. This concentrated, lengthy effort should attain its peak by 2013 and remain at that level through 2026." RP-92
$27.99

VINCENT

Vincent's choice: Chateau Fonguillon "L'Enclos" Montagne St-Emilion '05 (Bordeaux)

A very classy nose that displays plums and earth mingling with toasty oak and hint of cocoa; the palate develops nicely with ripe dark fruit and a touch of chocolate and baking spices. Perfectly balanced with generous, smooth tannins and an opulent finish that will match a roast of beef, lamb or venison. Made by garagiste exceptionel Thunevin in a great vintage!
$19.97