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Chateau Clinet 1994, Pomerol, France Cost: $40/bottle (purchased in 1998) Dark ruby red, medium-bodied, and with an open nose of black cassis, black cherry, licorice, and a touch of prunes. There is also a haunting nose of cedar wood and something that reminds me of black shoe polish. In the mouth, smooth with a somewhat […]

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 the […]

Cancilla Cellars Pinot Noir Reserve 2007 – Williamette Valley, Oregon Cost: $34.99 This is a medium-bodied but dark, ruby red colored pinot noir showcasing a perfumed nose of strawberry, cassis, cherry-pie, clove spice, and Dr. Pepper soda. It has a crisp mouthfeel, with grippy acids and tannins that dry the upper innards of your mouth, […]

Domaine Paul Blanck – Pinot Blanc D’Alsace 2007, France Cost: $11.99/Bottle Often overlooked at wine stores amongst a sea of chardonnays, white Burgundies, or pinot grigios are wines from Alsace, and their pinot blancs are extraordinarily good for the hard earned dollar. For about $12, Paul Blanck makes a fantastic dry white wine loaded with […]

Ironstone Cabernet Franc 2004 – California Cost: $5.99/half-bottle (Full bottle at about $10) I’m still dealing with a mild head cold and sinus congestion— taking the day off to rest and load up on the Sudafed; it helps clear the nasal passages. I know I shouldn’t be drinking, but a balanced meal always includes a […]

Amizetta Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 – Napa Valley, California Cost: $22.99/bottle It’s quite a surprise to find an 11 year-old California cabernet at a wine store these days— but I came across this for just a penny under $23 and thought it certainly worth checking out. My palate tends to prefer older more mature wines for […]

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 the […]

Alban Vineyards – Syrah – Central Coast, California Cost: $30/bottle Wow— Anything Alban on the label is probably a rare find lately. This is why: This beautiful wine offers notes of smoky oak, bacon fat, blackberry, spicy peppers and loads of red and black fruit. The nose alone is intoxicating, but in the mouth — […]

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 the […]

Francis Ford Coppola – Director’s Cut 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Cost: $18-$24/bottle Dark purple opaque in color. Very young, almost fresh pressed juice but still with a tannic presence. Nice fruit content showcasing notes of toasted oak, vanilla extract, black and red currants and a touch of