Sparkling, Champagne and Dessert Wine
Vintage Sparkling
154 1999 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Napa 62.00
Non-Vintage Sparkling
172 NV Dominique Brut, Loire Valley 35.00
Champagne
Vintage
100 1996 Louis Roederer Cristal, Reims 350.00
101 1999 Moët & Chandon Dom Perignon, Épernay 285.00
102 1993 Perrier Jouët, “Fleur de Champagne,” 235.00
103 1995 Salon, Blanc de Blanc, Le Mesnil 395.00
104
1996 Veuve Clicquot “La Grande Dame,” Brut, Reims 300.00
105
1995 Henriot, “Cuvée des Enchanteleurs,” Brut, Reims 330.00
Non-Vintage Champagne
124 NV Armand De Brinac “Ace of Spades” 450.00
121 NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé 150.00
123 NV Louis Roederer, Brut Premier 85.00
125 NV Moët & Chandon White Star 110.00
120 NV Mumm Cordon Rouge, Brut 90.00
126 NV Piper-Heidsieck, Brut (375 ml) 28.00
122 NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Brut 135.00
Imported Dessert Wines
4860 1963 Port, Dow’s (750ml) 1500.00
4861 1970 Port, Dow’s (750ml) 1200.00
4851 NV Port, Dow’s 20 year Tawny (750ml) 120.00
4855 1997 Port, Fonseca (750ml) 350.00
4858 NV Port, Fonseca 20 year Tawny (750ml) 110.00
4857 1999 Port, Warres, Late Bottle (750ml) 75.00
4859 NV Port, Warres, Otima 20 year Tawny (500ml) 95.00
4852 1997 Sauterne, Château d’Yquem (375 ml) 400.00
4856 1978 Sauternes, Château Rieussec, Grand Cru Classé (750ml) 450.00
Wines noted by an asterisk (*) require additional time for service.
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Imported White Wine
France-Burgundy
Côte de Beaune
1004 2002 Chassagne-Montrachet, “Les Chaumées,”Jean-Marc Morey 165.00
1016 2005 Chassagne-Montrachet, “Morgeot,” Faiveley 220.00
1014 2005 Chassagne-Montrachet, “Marquis de Laguiche,” Premier Cru,
Joseph Drouhin 225.00
1015 2004 Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, Faiveley 375.00
1003 2005 Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, Joseph Drouhin 295.00
1007 2001 Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, Louis Latour 205.00
1005 2005 Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine J.M. Boillot 98.00
1002 2004 Puligny Montrachet, Domaine Paul Pernot 75.00
1011 2004 Puligny-Montrachet, “Clavoillon,” Premier Cru,
Domaine Leflaive 200.00
1012 2005 Puligny-Montrachet, “Clavoillon,” Premier Cru,
Domaine Leflaive 250.00
1013 2004 Puligny-Montrachet, “Les Pucelles,” Premier Cru,
Domaine Leflaive 350.00
1006 2003 Puligny-Montrachet, “La Garenne,” Premier Cru,
Etienne Sauzet 135.00
1000 2004 Puligny Montrachet, “La Truffiére,”Premier Cru,
Domaine Bernard Morey 130.00
1001 2004 Puligny Montrachet, “Les Pucelles,”Premier Cru,
Domaine Paul Pernot 162.00
1009 2004 Puligny Montrachet, “Les Pucelles,”Premier Cru,
Philippe Chavy 220.00
Other Appellations
1064 2004 Bourgogne, “La Chatelaine,” Domaine de la Cadette 45.00
1063 2003 Bourgogne, “Les Clous,” A. et P. de Villaine 68.00
1065 2005 Bourgogne, “Les Femelottes,” Domaine Hubert Chavy 42.00
1062 2004 Bourgogne, “Les Sètilles,” Oliver Leflaive 42.00
1052 2004 Bourgogne, Paul Pernod 35.00
1069 2005 Bourgogne, Philippe Chavy 50.00
1061 2005 Chablis, “Forêts,” Frédéric Magnien 58.00
1068 2005 Chablis, “Les deux Rives,”Olvier Leflaive 45.00
1050 2005 Macon-Vergisson, “La Roche,” Michel Rey 50.00
1053 2004 Pernand-Vergelesses, En Caradeux, Premier Cru,
Domaine Marius Delarche 58.00
1056 2004 Rully, “La Pucelle,” J.M. Boillot 55.00
1054 2002 Saint-Aubin, “Clos Du Meix,” Premier Cru, Hubert Lamy 78.00
1058 2003 Saint-Aubin, “En Remilly,” Premier Cru, Olivier Leflaive 72. 00
1060 2004 Saint-Aubin,”Les Champlots,” Premier Cru, Philippe Colin 85.00
1055 2002 Saint-Aubin, “Les Frionnes,” Premier Cru, Hubert Lamy 78.00
1051 2004 Saint-Veran, Domaine Saumaize-Michelin 45.00
Loire
1402 2005 Sancerre, “La Reine Blanche,” Jean Reverdy 48.00
1401 2005 Sancerre, “Silex,” Michel Thomas 60.00
1403 2005 Pouilly-Fumé, “Genetin,” Tinel-Blondelet 50.00
Germany
2252 2005 Riesling, “R,” August Kessler, Rheingau 35.00
Italy
2405 2006 Pinot Grigio, Cortenova 35.00
Austria
2500 2002 Riesling, J.S. Josef Schmid, Kremstal•Österreich 80.00
Australia
2551 2004 Riesling, Mesh, Eden Valley 65.00
2553 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Henschke, “Coralinga,” Adelaide Hills 60.00
2552 2005 Semillon, Old Vine, Barossa Valley 30.00
Wines noted by an asterisk (*) require additional time for service.
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Imported Red Wine
France
Bordeaux
Pauillac
1106 2001 Château Clerc Milon Grand Cru 108.00
1108 2001 Château d’Armailac,Gran Cru Classé 85.00
1107 2001 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 110.00
1101 2001 Château Lafite Rothschild 495.00
1110 2002 Château Lafite Rothschild 485.00
1111 2000 Château Latour, Premier Grand Cru 1800.00
1102 2001 Château Latour, Premier Grand Cru 495.00
1103 2002 Château Lynch Bages, Grand Cru 185.00
1100 2001 Château Mouton Rothschild 525.00
1109 2003 Château Mouton Rothschild 325.00
1104 2001 Château Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande 210.00
Saint-Julien
1150 2001 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 200.00
1151 2001 Château Lagrange 100.00
1152 2001 Château Léoville Poyferré 120.00
1153 2001 Grand Vin de Léoville, du Marquis de las Cases 240.00
1154 2001 Clos du Marquis 85.00
1155 2001 Sarget de Gruaud-Larose 65.00
Pomerol
1300 2001 Château La Fleur de Gay 310.00
1301 2001 Château L’Eglise-Clinet 425.00
Graves
1750 2002 Château Haut-Brion 450.00
1751 2000 Château La Louvierre 85.00
Burgundy
Côte de Nuits
2101 2002 Aloxe-Corton, “Les Vercots,” Premier Cru, Dubreuil-Fontaine 130.00
2102 2005 Chambolle-Musigny, “Les Athets,” Domaine Jean Tardy 130.00
2105 2003 Charmes-Chambertin, Grand Cru, Nicolas Potel 250.00
2106 2005 Côte de Nuits-Villages, Labaume 52.00
2100 2003 Morey-Saint-Denis, “Les Faconnières,” Premier Cru, Lignier 150.00
Côte de Beaune
2313 2004 Bourgogne, Domaine Thierry Mortet 45.00
2310 2005 Bourgogne, Nicolas Potel 45.00
2303 2004 Chorey-les-Beaune, Maison Champy 45.00
2304 2002 Pommard, “La Chanière,” Catherine et Claude Maréchal 98.00
2311 2002 Pommard, “Les Epenots,” Premier Cru, Domaine Parent 145.00
2301 2002 Savigny-les-Beaune,“Les Peuillets,” Premier Cru, Maison Champy 78.00
2305 2004 Savigny-les-Beaune, V.V. Catherine et Claude Maréchal 75.00
2302 2002 Volnay “Clos des Angles,” Premier Cru, Rossignol-Jeanniard 135.00
2306 2004 Volnay “Santenots du Milieu,” Premier Cru, Francois Mikulski 75.00
2308 2004 Volnay, Vielles Vignes, Nicolas Potel 95.00
Rhône
2757 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel 150.00
2751 2001 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Chante Perdrix 75.00
2755 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine du Caillou 68.00
2753 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, “Les Quartz,” Domaine du Caillou,
Vacheron-Pouizin 110.00
2766 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Saint Cosme 110.00
2759 2000 Côte-Rôtie, Château d’Ampuis, E.Guigal 400.00
2760 2003 Côte-Rôtie, E.Guigal 95.00
2762 2000 Côte-Rôtie, “Lesd Vialleres,”Pierre Gaillard 140.00
2765 2002 Côte-Rôtie, R.Rostaing 125.00
2758 2005 Saladin, Côte du Rhône 30.00
2756 2004 Vacqueyras, Domaine la Garrigue 45.00
Chinon
2950 2004 Les Pensees de Pallus 35.00
Australia
3154 2004 C. Cimiky, “Reserve,” Barossa Valley 85.00
3150 2002 Henschke, “Cyril Henschke,” Eden Valley 215.00
3152 2001 Henschke, “Hill of Grace,” Eden Valley 600.00
3151 2003 Henschke, “Keyneton Estate,” Euphonium, Barossa 95.00
3153 2002 The Standish, “Single vineyard Shiraz,” Barossa 150.00
Italy
3363 2003 Amarone, Della Valpolicella, Classico, Cesari 85.00
3358 1998 Barolo, Rocche Dei Manzoni, Vigna d’la Roul 165.00
3361 1999 Brunello di Montalcino, Il Marroneto 130.00
3352 2006 Cetamura, Chianti, Coltibouno, Siena 30.00
3359 1999 Eterno II, Toscana 95.00
3351 2004 Il Molino di Grace, Chianti Classico, Tuscany 58.00
3360 1998 Plateo, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 98.00
3364 2003 Riseis di Recastro, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 30.00
3355 2002 Sassicaia 350.00
3356 2001 Solaia, Antinori 360.00
3350 2000 Trasgaia, Toscana 65.00
New Zealand
3400 2003 Felton Road, Central Otago 95.00
3401 2002 Unison Vineyard, Hawke’s Bay 50.00
South Africa
3550 2005 Glen Carlou, Syrah 45.00
3551 2005 Kumala, Cabernet Sauvignon 30.00
3552 2005 Zonnebloem, Merlot 35.00
Argentina
3601 2005 Achaval Ferrer, “Finca Mirador,” Medrano, Mendoza 235.00
3602 2005 Diseno, Malbec, Mendoza 35.00
Spain
3700 2000 Alion, Ribera Del Duero 125.00
3706 2002 Artadi, “El Pison,” Rioja 350.00
3715 2002 Clos Mogador, Priorat 185.00
3711 2003 Clos Mogador, Priorat 180.00
3712 2004 Clos Mogador, Priorat 175.00
3717 2003 Dofi, Alvaro Palacios, Priorat 190.00
3718 2004 Dofi, Alvaro Palacios, Priorat 185.00
3719 2005 Dofi, Alvaro Palacios, Priorat 180.00
3708 2003 Dominio de Atauta, Ribera Del Duero 60.00
3710 2004 Finca Sobreño, Toro 38.00
3702 2001 Flor De Pingus, Ribera Del Duero 98.00
3703 2002 Flor De Pingus, Ribera Del Duero 95.00
3707 2004 Flor De Pingus, Ribera Del Duero 185.00
3721 2004 La Montesa, Rioja, Remondo, Alfaro 50.00
3720 2003 L’Ermita, Alvaro Palacios, Priorat 2000.00
3709 2005 Petalos, Bierzo 45.00
3701 2004 Pingus, Ribera Del Duero 1000.00
3704 2002 Pintia, Toro, Ribera Del Duero 125.00
3713 2003 Pintia, Toro, Ribera Del Duero 120.00
3705 2004 Razon, Spain 35.00
3714 NV Vega-Sicilia, Reserva Especial, “Unico,” Ribera Del Duero 850.0
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American White Wines
Chardonnay
217 2005 Artesa, Carneros 45.00
220 2004 Arrow, Sonoma County 60.00
214 2003 Bouchaine, Carneros 55.00
201 2005 Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley 68.00
200 2004 Chalk Hill, Sonoma County 65.00
203 2006 Clos Du Bois, Russian River Valley 38.00
218 2006 Cuvaison, Napa Valley 48.00
212 2005 Far Niente, Napa Valley 125.00
210 2005 Ferrari Carano, Alexander Valley 45.00
206 2007 Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley 58.00
205 2004 Hanzell, Sonoma Valley 135.00
221 2007 Justin, Paso Robles 40.00
202 2005 Matanzas Creek, Sonoma 45.00
216 2004 Miner, Wild Yeast, Napa Valley 95.00
222 2007 Napa Cellars, Napa Valley 35.00
215 2005 Pahlmeyer, Napa Valley 150.00
219 2005 Robert Stemmler, Estate Grown, Carneros 80.00
224 2007 Saintsbury, Carneros 35.00
223 2007 Simi, Sonoma County 38.00
211 2005 Testarossa, “Sanford & Benedict Vineyard,” STA. Rita Hills 80.00
209 2005 The Cutrer, Sonoma Cutrer 65.00
204 2004 Zaca Mesa, Santa Ynez Valley 38.00
Sauvignon Blanc
455 2005 Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard,” Napa Valley 125.00
454 2006 Rodney Strong, Sonoma County 35.00
450 2007 Brander, Santa Ynez Valley 30.00
452 2006 Cakebread, Napa Valley 50.00
453 2007 Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley 45.00
451 2007 Groth, Napa Valley 38.00
Other Whites
855 2007 Viognier, Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard,” Napa Valley 110.00
856 2007 Viognier, Bontera, Mendocino County 32.00
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American Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Blends
315 2003 Altagracia, Napa Valley 250.00
323 2000 Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard,” Napa Valley 580.00
324 2001 Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard,” Napa Valley 570.00
325 2002 Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard,” Napa Valley 560.00
307 2003 Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard,” Napa Valley 555.00
347 2005 Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard,” Napa Valley 550.00
322 2002 Archipel, Sonoma 85.00
311 2004 Cain Five, Napa Valley 220.00
309 2005 Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley 145.00
336 2005 Caymus, Napa Valley 165.00
332 2004 Col Solare, Columbia Valley, Washington 150.00
329 2004 Diamond Creek, “Gravelly Meadow,” Napa Valley 400.00
328 2004 Diamond Creek, “Red Rock Terrece,” Napa Valley 280.00
327 2004 Diamond Creek, “Volcanic Hill,” Napa Valley 280.00
312 2003 Elyse, “Morisoli Vineyard,” Napa Valley 150.00
335 2005 Faust, Napa Valley 70.00
304 2005 Folie à Deux, Napa Valley 50.00
302 2003 Freemark Abby, Napa Valley 68.00
340 2000 Goosecross, Napa Valley 105.00
310 2005 Groth, “Oakville,” Napa Valley 115.00
341 2001 Gustavo Thrace, Napa Valley 85.00
334 2002 Hartwell, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley 250.00
313 2001 Heitz Cellars, Napa Valley 105.00
333 2001 Heitz Cellars, “Martha’s Vineyard,” Napa Valley 395.00
308 2006 Justin, Paso Robles 54.00
317 2000 Kathryn Kennedy, Saratoga 385.00
318 2001 Kathryn Kennedy, Saratoga 375.00
319 2002 Kathryn Kennedy, Saratoga 365.00
320 2003 Kathryn Kennedy, Saratoga 355.00
343 2004 Kathryn Kennedy, Saratoga 345.00
321 2000 Kathryn Kennedy, Small Lot, Santa Cruz Mountain 225.00
344 2004 Kathryn Kennedy, Small Lot, Santa Cruz Mountain 195.00
330 2001 Mayacamas, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley 180.00
331 1992 Mayacamas, Napa Valley 250.00
306 2004 Opus One, Napa Valley 400.00
342 2002 Rutherford Hill, Napa Valley 72.00
326 2001 Screaming Eagle, Napa Valley 2800.00
337 1993 Silver Oak, Alexander Valley (magnum) 750.00
301 2001 Silver Oak, Napa Valley 225.00
339 2002 Silver Oak, Napa Valley 215.00
303 2004 Simi, Alexander Valley 45.00
300 2004 Stratton Lummis, Napa Valley 50.00
305 2003 St. Supéry, Napa Valley 45.00
Pinot Noir
709 2004 Adrian Fog, “Savoy Vineyard,” Anderson Valley 150.00
710 2004 Adrian Fog, “Two Sisters Vineyard,” Russian River Valley 150.00
717 2002 Arcadian, “Pisoni,”Vineyard Monterey 185.00
714 2006 Benziger, Sonoma County 52.00
704 1999 Bernard Machado, La Cantera Vineyard 65.00
716 2006 Brogan Cellars, “Morning Dew Ranch,” Anderson Valley 165.00
705 2006 Brogan Cellars, Russian River Valley 150.00
729 2006 Carter Vineyard, Willamette Valley 98.00
725 2006 Cosentino, Sonoma County 85.00
701 2004 Cristom, “Jessie Vineyard,” Willamette Valley 110.00
730 2006 Cristom, “Mt. JeffersonVineyard,” Willamette Valley 60.00
702 2006 Cuvaison, Carneros 65.00
731 2007 Elk Cove, Willamette, Valley, Oregon 55.00
722 2006 Flowers, Sonoma Coast 110.00
720 2004 Goldeneye, Anderson Valley 160.00
712 2006 Girasole Vineyard, Mendocino 45.00
718 2004 Gypsy Dancer, “A & G,” Estate Vineyard, Dundee Hills Oregon 150.00
726 2004 Hanzell, Sonoma Valley 225.00
723 2006 Hartford Court, “Fog Dance Vineyards” Green Valley 95.00
707 2005 Fiddlehead Cellars, “Lollapalooza,” Santa Rita Hills 125.00
727 2006 Loring Wine Company, “Durell Vineyard,” Sonoma Coast 98.00
708 2006 Loring Wine Company, “Shea Vineyard,” Willamette Valley 95.00
706 2005 Morgan, “Double L Vineyard,” Santa Lucia Highlands 110.00
719 2005 Pali, “Inman Olivet Vineyard,” Russian River Valley 92.00
713 2004 Patton Valley Vineyard, Oregon 72.00
700 2005 Robert Stemmler, “Ferguson Block,” Carneros 95.00
715 2005 Rusack, Santa Barbara County 75.00
732 2006 Saintsbury, Carneros 68.00
733 2005 Sonoma-Cutrer, Sonoma Coast 72.00
724 2006 Testarrossa, Palazzio 72.00
721 2006 Trinchero, Napa Valley 55.00
711 2006 Wild Horse, Central Coast 48.00
Merlot
765 2004 Andrew Will, “Cuvée Lucia,” Washington 75.00
752 2002 Atalon, Napa Valley 50.00
756 2005 Benzinger, Sonoma County 35.00
760 2007 Brander, Santa Ynez Valley 55.00
759 2003 Duckhorn, “Three Palms Vineyard,” Napa 185.00
751 2004 Estancia, Central Coast 30.00
754 2005 Ferrari Carano, Sonoma County 50.00
757 2003 Gargiulo Vineyards, “Money Road Ranch,” Napa Valley 78.00
755 2003 Goodwin, Sonoma Valley 65.00
750 2004 Matanzas Creek, Sonoma 45.00
761 2004 Miner, “Stagecoach Vineyard,” Napa Valley 78.00
766 1999 Rutherford Grove, Napa Valley 75.00
758 2003 Sebastiani, Alexander Valley 65.00
753 2004 Stonestreet, Alexander Valley 35.00
767 2007 Substance, “Me” Washington 40.00
763 2003 Tangley Oaks Napa Valley 32.00
762 2003 Twomey, Napa Valley 120.00
764 2001 Uvada, Oakville, Napa Valley 45.00
Zinfandel
905 2004 Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley 58.00
911 2005 Folie à Deux, Amador County 38.00
900 2005 Hartford Court, Russian River Valley 58.00
904 2002 Kunin, Paso Robles 55.00
908 2004 Turley, “Dogtown Vineyard,” Lodi 150.00
901 2004 Turley, “Dusi Vineyard,” Paso Robles 245.00
907 2004 Turley, “Hayne Vineyard,” Napa Valley 260.00
902 2004 Turley, “Juvenile,” California 145.00
909 2004 Turley, Moore “Earthquake Vineyard,” Napa Valley 180.00
903 2004 Turley, “Old Vines,” California 125.00
906 2004 Turley, “Pesenti Vineyard,” Paso Robles 130.00
910 2004 Turley, “Tofanelli Vineyard,” Napa Valley 125.00
Syrah
955 2003 Araujo, Napa Valley 300.00
958 2004 Garretson, “Mon Amie,” San Luis Obispo County 85.00
960 2006 Ortman, “Cuvée Eddy,” San Luis Obispo County 48.00
957 2003 Rocca, “Family Vineyard,” Yountville Napa Valley 115.00
956 2004 Stagecoach Vineyards, Black Bart, Napa Valley 200.00
959 2007 Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard,” Napa Valley 250.00
Petite Sirah
975 2005 Elyse, “Morisoli Vineyard,” St. Helena, Napa Valley 150.00
976 2006 Girard, Napa Valley 60.00
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Wines by The Glass
Champagne
NV Moët & Chandon White Star 13.00
NV Piper-Heidsieck, Brut 12.00
Sparkling
1999 Schramsberg, Blanc de Blanc, Napa Valley 9.00
White Wines
2007 Chardonnay, Saintsbury, Carneros 10.00
2007 Chardonnay, Simi, Sonoma 11.00
2004 Pernand-Vergelesses, Premier Cru, Domaine Marius Delarche 14.00
2007 Pinot Grigio, Cortenova, Verona, Italy 8.00
2005 Riesling, “R,” August Kessler, Rheingau 8.00
2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Rodney Strong, Sonoma 9.00
Red Wines
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Justin, Paso Robles 10.00
2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine du Caillou 14.00
2006 Chianti, Centamura, Coltibuono, Siena, Italia 7.00
2006 Merlot, Substance, Washington State 8.00
2006 Pinot Noir, Benziger, Sonoma 12.00
2006 Pinot Noir, Elk Cove, Oregon 15.00
2004 Rioja, La Montesa, Remondo, Alfaro 9.00
2007 Zinfandel, Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley 12.00
Dessert Wines
2006 Black Muscat, Farrari Carano, El Dorado Noir 7.00
2006 Ice Wine, Inniskillin, “Niagara Peninsula” 25.00
NV Port, Fonseca 20 year Tawny 25.00
NV Port, Warres, 20 year Tawny 20.00
1999 Port, Warres, Late Bottle 20.00
2005 Sauterne, Château Hallet 8.00
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Varietal Descriptions
White Grapes
Chardonnay
A classic white wine grape best known for the wines produced in Burgundy, France. Widely planted throughout the world today, Chardonnay wines can range from clean and crisp with a hint of apples, figs and tropical fruit flavors to a rich, creamy style wine with complex, oak-aged buttery aromas. The most noble grape in the world for dry white wine, Chardonnay is responsible for all the great white Burgundies – Meursault, Montrachet, Pouilly-Fuissé and Chablis. It is one of the grapes used in Brut Champagne and the only grape used to make Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Chardonnay wines can have exceptional aging potential.
Sauvignon Blanc
A white wine grape with many styles. Used often as a blend with Sémillon in the Bordeaux region, Sauvignon Blanc produces light, crisp, dry wines which are noted for high acidity and grassy, herbaceous aromas. In the Loire Valley the grape is used exclusively to produce the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé where their signature is an unforgettable musky aroma and a crisp, smoky style. Also known as Fumé Blanc in California, these wines are often vinified in oak offering a softer, fuller style than their French counterpart.
Riesling
The classic white grape varietal of Germany, Riesling is capable of producing wine with an extraordinary balance of sweetness and acidity. The wines are characterized by a flowery, fragrant aroma, and distinctive fruity acidity. Riesling can be dry or very sweet. It can produce some of the world’s greatest naturally sweet wines with apricot and peach aromas and rich, honeyed, nectar-like flavors. These dessert wines, which are the result of late harvesting and Botrytis, are labeled as Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese depending upon sweetness level.
Gewürztraminer
A highly aromatic grape with strong floral aromas (like dried rose petals), that yields spicy and flavorful wine with hints of orange zest. Most often the wine is lively, fresh and dry, however, it can also produce off-dry, sweet and very sweet dessert wines. An important grape in France’s Alsace region, Gewürztraminer is also grown in Germany, California, and Washington State.
Sémillon
A white grape variety most commonly known for its blending capabilities. Used in France with Sauvignon Blanc for the white wines of Bordeaux, Sémillon offers softness, roundness, low acidity and an aroma described as lemony and lanolin-like. Today, it is grown in California, Washington State, and Australia. It is often blended with Chardonnay to make a softer, lighter style wine. It has become known as a flexible variety with a special affinity with oak. Sémillon is now becoming popular as a single varietal wine.
Chenin Blanc
Best known for its production of Vouvray and sparkling wines of the Loire Valley. A grape capable of making wines that range from bone-dry to very sweet, Chenin Blanc retains a well-defined fruitiness, often suggestive of pear and apple. Its high degree of acidity lends a pleasant crispness to its wines. Chenin Blanc is also widely grown in California where it tends to be best at an early age.
Pinot Blanc
Makes an elegant white wine with aromas of apple and melon and a clean delicate finish. Grown mainly in Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc is closely related in taste and aroma to Chardonnay, although subtler and slightly more tart. The grape is known as Pinot Bianco in Italy and as Weissburgunder in Germany and Austria. In California and Australia, the wine is often vinified in oak barrels creating a fatter, richer style of wine. Pinot Blanc is often described as a “cousin” to Chardonnay, but it is in fact a clone derived from the red grape Pinot Noir.
Pinot Gris
A grape variety found in Alsace, France where it is also known as Tokay d’Alsace. The grape is known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, Rulander in Germany, Pinot Beurot in Burgundy, etc. The style of wine produced from Pinot Gris can vary from robust, mouth-filling, and dense to light, crisp, and dry. Oak is an option of the winemaker and is often used in Alsace and Italy.
Muscadet
Best known as a perfect match with fresh raw oysters. It is also known as Melon de Bourgogne where it is native to the Loire Valley. This grape produces a fresh, light, delicate white wine accented by floral aromas and a subtle citrus flavor. Muscadet is best drunk when young.
Trebbiano
The principal white grape varietal of Italy, mainly grown in the Tuscany region. It is used in the making of Soave, Orvieto, and Frascati, and is generally blended with one or more grape varietals. The main characteristic of Trebbiano, also called Ugni Blanc in France, is its high yield. The wine produced is generally light, in color and in body, with high acid and medium alcohol.
Red Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon
Considered by many to be the best grape variety in the world. It is the easiest to grow and harvest and adapts admirably to different environments. This late-ripening grape produces wines that are tannic, astringent, and highly colored with complex aromas of black currants, cedar, mint, and leather. This superb and noble grape is largely responsible for the great clarets of Bordeaux, particularly those of the Médoc and Graves areas. Cabernet Sauvignon wines can have incredible aging potential.
Cabernet Franc
A late-ripening variety, budding just before the Cabernet Sauvignon. Its wines are less tannic, are very aromatic (violet, raspberry, black currant, and licorice), and are more refined. It is almost always blended, often with Cabernet Sauvignon, and is often used in wine of the Bordeaux region.
Merlot
A grape that produces not deep, but nicely colored wines, soft in fruit, but capable of great richness. A distinguished grape of Bordeaux, Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in the Médoc and Graves regions to give softness, grace, and a velvety texture to the more austere Cabernet. In other parts of Bordeaux, namely Pomerol and St. Émilion, Merlot is the principle grape – producing a rich and silky wine. Single-varietal Merlot wines are soft, fruity and fragrant, and should be drunk fairly young.
Pinot Noir
A very old traditional grape of Burgundy, producing rich, delicate, velvet-smooth wines with great finesse. Pinot wines are usually more acidic than those of Cabernet Sauvignon, but less tannic. This delicate varietal yields wines that are rich ruby in color with aromas of the red soft fruits, violets, peppermints, or truffles. Pinot Noir is responsible for the glorious wines of Côte d’Or, Corton, Volnay and Pommard among others. It is also a leading grape of the region of Champagne. Pinot Noir wines have a vast aging potential.
Mourvédre
An excellent quality grape variety that is grown extensively throughout the Rhône, the Midi of France and, under the name of Mataro, in Spain. Mourvédre wine is usually highly colored, well constructed, and very tannic, with a spicy bouquet that has a hint of violets. This varietal is often blended with Grenache and adds to the wine superb color, structure and complexity.
Gamay
The famous grape of Beaujolais, it is early ripening and suitable for planting practically anywhere. Good Gamay wines are light and fresh, and emit a pleasant bouquet. They should be drunk young.
Zinfandel
California’s most widely planted grape is a very late-ripening varietal. The Zinfandel grape produces highly colored wines with spicy, black pepper, raspberry, and blackberry aromas. This fruity, adaptable grape can be gloriously lush, producing medium-bodied wines similar in style to Cabernet Sauvignon, and can age nicely. Most Zinfandel now goes into making a “blush” wine called White Zinfandel.
Syrah
Produces wine, which is strong in alcohol (11-13%), tannic, and endowed with the bouquet of violets, cherries, and black currants. This late ripening grape, which has been grown in the Rhône Valley for over 1,000 years, is the exclusive grape of red Hermitage, the major grape of Côte Rôtie, and one of the grapes used in Châteauneuf du Pape. Today it is successfully cultivated in California, Australia (called Shiraz), and South Africa. Syrah wine is deep purple in color, peppery, and black fruit in flavor. It is generally tannic, but can mature to a big, velvety generous and long-lived wine.
Malbec
Malbec, or Cot, is a primary grape varietal in the Cahors region of France. This early-ripening grape produces wine that is highly colored, dense, and markedly tannic. The aroma is somewhat feeble. Often blended, Malbec is used in the making of rosés and uncomplicated reds.
Grenache
Spanish in origin and one of the principal varieties in the wines of Rioja. This late-ripening grape requires much warmth and is used extensively in Australia and California, most often to make rosés. Grenache is also used in the Rhône and Southern France regions primarily as a blending grape. This variety produces fleshy, ripe wines which are high in alcohol. They offer a deep fruity flavor, but lack in color.
Carignan
The most common grape of France where it occupies nearly 222,000 hectares of French soil. A late ripening varietal, it is dark in color, very harsh in its youth and is frequently bitter even when mature. For this reason, Carignan is seldom made as a single variety wine, but instead is used for blending often with Cinsault and Grenache. Carignan is also widely planted in California, mainly for blending purposes.
Cinsault
Both a table grape and a wine grape, Cinsault hails from southern France, but is being more widely cultivated elsewhere as growers come to appreciate its versatility. Cinsault lends finesse and softness, producing wines which are usually full colored, low in tannin, and quick to mature, with pronounced floral aromas. It makes an excellent complement to the great varietals but should not be used on its own.
Barbera
The most widely planted grape variety in the Piedmont region of Italy, accounting for 50% of the region’s reds. This soft grape produces medium-bodied, fresh, fruity wines, which normally peak 3-7 years after bottling. More California wine producers have begun cultivating Barbera because of the grape’s rich depth and mellow fruitiness.
Nebbiolo
The noble grape of Piedmont’s greatest red wines. It is Nebbiolo which is responsible for the magnificently rich and smoky Barolo and the refined, slightly more gentle, very elegant Barbaresco. Wines produced from this grape have an immense potential for aging.
Sangiovese
Known as Brunello, it is the mainstay of all Tuscan D.O.C. red wines (Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and more), and is one of Italy’s most widely planted vines. The principal variety used in Chianti, Sangiovese can produce fine, smooth, fruity red wines with an aging range from 1-25 years.
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