Cellar Notes -by Aris

April 22nd, 2012
Cellar Notes -by Aris

  Dehlinger – Pinot Noir 2006 Goldridge Vineyard – Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA Cost: $47.99/Bottle A nice, bright, crimson red, medium-bodied and silky smooth, with a wonderfully aromatic nose offering cherries and raspberries mixed with a hint of Jolly Rancher watermelon. Lovely consistent flavors of candied fruit; good forward tannins and mild acidity keep […]

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F&F: Felice Wine Bar

September 21st, 2011
Felice Wine Bar - NYC

  PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you! What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out […]

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Cellar Notes -by Aris

June 1st, 2011
Earthquake Petite Sirah

  Earthquake – Petite Sirah 2006 – Lodi, California Cost: $23.99/Bottle This is pure, dark, opaque-purple, full-bodied, velvety smooth and rich, layered to be exact as it coats the palate with its creamy milky texture. The aromatics from initial opening (and for about 30 minutes) is phenomenal; its roasted coffee, caramel, and cocoa seduces you, […]

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Cellar Notes -by Aris

April 12th, 2011
Dona Paula, Argentina

  Doña Paula – Seleccion de Bodega, 2006, Malbec – Argentina Cost: $29.99/bottle Wow! Here is a dark purple brute of a wine, with an amazing concentration of fruit and unbelievably rich, decadent and velvety texture that seriously grapples your palate and overwhelms the senses. The aromatics are out of this world, showcasing black cherries […]

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Cellar Notes -by Aris

March 9th, 2011
cellar_solaia

  Antinori Solaia 1997 – Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc – Tuscany, Italy Cost: $85/bottle purchased in early 2000 (vintage 2006 currently about $175/bottle) Amazingly dark ruby/purple color for a slowly maturing wine that is 12 years off the vine. Full-bodied and rather inky in texture. The nose is slow to emerge, almost as […]

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Cellar Notes -by Aris

February 4th, 2011
Cellar Notes -by Aris

  Twomey 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – Sonoma, CA Cost: $42/bottle From the fine folks out in Alexander Valley (Silver Oak)— they have produced another label called Twomey for some years now, and this is my first taste of their pinot noir. The color is a transparent ruby, light to medium-bodied, almost appearing […]

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Cellar Notes -by Aris

December 16th, 2010
cellar_pichon_longueville

  Chateau Pichon Longueville 1995 Bordeaux – Pauillac, France Cost: $105/bottle (purchased in 1998) Here is a 2nd growth Bordeaux from a chateau with an excellent history of developing great wines that are age-worthy; when they reach their peak, it lasts for decades. It’s been about 15 years since the great vintage of 1995, and […]

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Cellar Notes -by Aris

November 17th, 2010
cellar_rodney_strong

  Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – Alexander Valley, Sonoma Cost: $40/bottle (restaurant retail) I happened to stumble across this Rodney Strong Cabernet, and it was fairly good. Aromas of toasted vanilla bean blended with sweet oak; a slight hint of confectionary sugar sprinkled over black currants and anise is a nice touch. […]

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Cellar Notes -by Aris

November 3rd, 2010
cellar_TwoHands

  Two Hands – Angels Share Shiraz 2007 – McLaren Vale, Australia Cost: $25/bottle (as part of a Vosges Dark Chocolate gift box) Thick velvety dark opaque purple wine, a rich decadent milkshake-like wine oozing with so much viscosity. Notes of black cherry, chocolate cake, black raspberry, with strong mocha in aroma and flavor. I […]

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Cellar Notes -by Aris

October 20th, 2010
cellar_RoyEstate

  Roy Estate Vineyard, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California Cost: $101/bottle A browse through a convenient small wine and beer shop (located in an Ocean City, Maryland Hilton Hotel) revealed a rare bottle from Roy, a “garagiste” (or rather, a premium “cult” wine)— a bit steeply priced at about $20 above the winery-direct […]

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