Cabernet Sauvignon HOME Italian Reds Merlot Other Reds & Blends Pinot Noir Rhone Shiraz and Syrah Spanish Reds Zinfandel Reds Our Red wines are categorized either by Winery region or Grape variety. Red Wine Categories: Italian Reds Behrens & Hitchcok "The Contender" 2003 $91.95 The 2003 The Contender (73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, and small dollops of Petit Verdot and Merlot) emerges from the Thorevilos and Madrona vineyards. It possesses a forward style, soft tannin, and notes of cedar wood, damp earth, black currants, and blackberries. As it sits in the glass, underbrush and licorice characteristics also appear. This complex, interesting 350-case cuvee is relatively restrained in alcohol by the 2003 standards (only 14.6%). It will be ready to drink when released, and should last over the following decade. I can’t say enough good things about Behrens and Hitchcock. This is the type of winery operation that gives hope to aspiring home winemakers who want to make it in the big time. They have followed their dreams, unearthed top vineyards that were available to everybody, and are making non-interventionalistic wines of extraordinary personality and character. (Release date 9/05)Robert Parker 90-94 Points Febreuary 2005 (also given 91 points in Dec 2005)Drink through 2015. Bodegas Mano A Mano Tempranillo 2005 $10.95 "The 2005 Mano a Mano offers an inky/purple color along with more fullness and body as well as wonderful freshness (a characteristic of this vintage). Meaty, dense, and chewy, this beauty certainly over-delivers for its price point. ." Robert Parker 89 points. Drink thru 2009. Bogle Petite Sirah 2005 $11.95 First produced in 1978 by the Bogle family, this 2005 Petite Sirah is considered "Bogle’s “heritage” varietal. On the nose, luscious boysenberry teases you along with touches of black pepper and herbs. Trademark inky and jammy tones fill the mouth with ripe fruit and berries. The voluptuous finish lingers with toasty oak and lush fruit. The firm tannin make this a wine that can develop for years to come, but you won’t want to wait that long to enjoy it!"Winemaker Caparzo Brunello Montalcino 1999 $64.95 "Intense aromas of wild blackberries, with hints of minerals and wet earth. Full-bodied, with soft and round tannins and plenty of pretty fruit flavors. Delicious and soft already. Best from 2005 through 2010." Wine Spectator Rating 91 Wine Spectator Cartlidge & Brown Merlot 2005 $13.35 "A rich, ruby red color, loads of blackberry/plum fruit and baking spice aromas make the 2005 Merlot particularly generous and appealing. It is a wine with plenty of intensity and varietal flavor -- luscious black cherry and plum, bittersweet chocolate, coffee bean and sweet herbs -- along with elegant spicy oak tones." Winemaker Catena Alamos Bonarda 2005 $10.45 "Dark plum and blackberry fruit, with bramble and toast on the finish. Drink now." Wine Spectator 86 points. Catena Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $11.25 "The 2006 presents a dark purple color with garnet tones. The nose is explosive, with red fruit flavors, sweet spice and a touch of fresh mint. The mouthfeel is full yet soft, with red currant and cassis fruit layered with notes of cigar box, leather and light notes of eucalyptus. The finish is focused, with finely grained tannins adding structure and length." Winemaker The 2005 vintage was rated 86 by Wine Wine Spectator. Wine Spectator 86 points. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2004 Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon $18.00 "Candied blackberries, waxy dark cherries, spices, tar, and licorice make up the mouth-watering aromatics of the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells. This outstanding wine, which is produced in Bordeaux-like quantities (21,000 cases) is sultry, decadent, and intense. Its suave personality slathers the palate with lush, broad waves of black fruits and tar. Bertheau, who believes, as I do, that texture is paramount in great wines, should be proud of this effort’s sensual mouthfeel and supple finish. It may not be complex but boy what pleasure it delivers! Drink this terrific value over the next 5 years." Wine Advocate. - Wine Advocate 91 points/Wine Spectator 85 points. - Drink Now Through 2012, paired with Steak au Poivre Chateau de Paraza Minervois Cuvée Spéciale 2005 $10.50 "Aromas and flavors of crushed berries make this juicy. The lively finish features notes of strawberry and cream. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported." Wine Spectator 85 points. Corino Vigneto Rocche Barolo 2001 $71.15 "Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries and dried flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with masses of fruit and big velvety tannins. This is better than 2000. Best after 2008. 330 cases made." Wine Spectator Rating 94 Wine Spectator Cousino-Macul Antiguas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $14.95 "The deeply colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas Reservas offers toast, spice box, cedar, and black currant scents. This is followed by a spicy, ripe, firm wine with layers of flavor. With very good depth and a long finish, this superb value should evolve for several more years but is hard to resist now. Kudos to Cousino-Macul for this significant upgrade to their portfolio. Wine Advocate 90 Points Dell Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove Red Blend 2003 $54.95 "Extremely attractive aromas of dark chocolate, sage and currants follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft, silky tannins and a long finish. Nicely crafted. Very well done for the vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best after 2005." Wine Spectator Rating 90 Wine Spectator Domaine Clape Cornas 2004 $89.25 "Dark and muscular, this is loaded with dark bramble, bittersweet cocoa, currant and game notes that rumble through a tar- and tapenade-filled finish. Built uncompromisingly for the cellar. Best from 2009 through 2017. 1,500 cases made." 92 Wine Spectator Dominus Proprietary Blend 2004 $134.95 "The elegant, dark plum/purple/garnet-colored 2004 Dominus exhibits a big, sweet, cedary, roasted herb, mocha, black cherry liqueur, black currant, and earth-scented perfume. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannin as well as a luscious mouthfeel and finish, it should be more accessible in its youth than many of its predecessors, but easily last for two decades."Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94 Points. Drink 2006 through 2026. Dunning Vineyards Westside Estate Syrah 2002 $23.10 "This reasonably priced 2002 offers good Syrah character (blackberries, cassis, earth, and licorice), medium body, supple tannin, and a generous mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 3-4 years." Robert Parker Rating 87 Robert Parker Elio Altare Dolcetto d'Alba Dolcetto 2005 $18.95 "Elio Altare’s Dolcetto d’Alba has typically been one of my favorites, so it’s nice to see the 2005 perform well. It is plump and full of life, with expressive aromatics, vibrant fruit and an elegant personality. In 2005 Altare was less severe with his yields than in 2004 and the wine’s balance clearly benefits from his more measured approach. It will drink at its finest if opened several hours before serving. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2010.." Robert Parker Rating 89 Robert Parker Fairview Goat-Roti Shiraz-Viognier 2006 $18.95 Vibrant deep red color with aromas of bramble fruit and subtle oak. Palate is full and complex, showing richness of fruit. Wood is evident, but integrates well with dense fleshy fruit flavours. Tastes is firm, with well evolved tannins leading to a long full finish. Drink now to 2012. The 2005 vintage was rated 90 Wine Spectator. Gibson Shiraz 2003 $51.75 "Made from younger vines, the full-bodied, ripe, well-endowed, heady 2003 Shiraz exhibits earthy blackberry/chocolate notes, a touch of sweet earth, and a full-throttle finish. Although it is the least complex of this quartet, it is substantial in the mouth." Robert Parker Rating 90 Robert Parker Hill of Content Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2005 $17.30 "Pinot Noir is undoubtedly one of the sexiest grape varieties on planet earth, and this wine captures its magic. Beautiful aromatics, and delicious on the palate. Cherry and hints of plum meld together with spice and earthy notes. Wonderfully versatile with food, so whatever you choose, you’ll be on the Hill of Content (happiness, that is)."Winemaker Il Cuore Rosso Classico Red Blend 2005 $11.50 47% Zinfandel, 24% Merlot 21% Malbec, 8% Barbera "Rosso Classico creates a rich and exuberant expression of berries, plums and ripe cherries. Zinfandel is the principle grape variety, and contributes effusive ripe cherry flavors and good acidity to cut through spicy cuisine. Merlot offers bold fruit flavor and dark color while Malbec from this region provides jammy complexity and spicy character. Barbera from old plantings adds succulent plum nuances, pleasant spice and great color."Winemaker Jean Luc Columbo La Louvee Syrah 2003 $74.95 "The 2003 Cornas La Louvee is a blockbuster. Glorious aromas of flowers, blackberries, roasted meats, espresso roast, and white chocolate flow from this full-bodied, concentrated, modern-styled, impressively-endowed, full-throttle Cornas. Drink it now and over the next 15+ years." Robert Parker Rating 93 Robert Parker Kanonkop Pinotage Blend 2003 $32.95 "Juicy and focused, with boysenberry and raspberry fruit held together by mocha, graphite and black tea flavors. The long, smoky finish has a nice minerality underneath. Impressive. Drink now through 2008. 800 cases imported." Wine Spectator Rating 90 Wine Spectator La Jota Howell Moutain Petite Sirah 2001 $44.95 "Wonderful balance, with ripe, intense fruit built around a center of wild blackberry, floral and spicy notes. Hints of fresh earth and pencil lead and finishing with a wall of ripe tannins. Decant. Drink now through 2010. 516 cases made." Wine Spectator Rating 90 Wine Spectator Langmeil Winery Valley Floor Shiraz 2005 $26.95 "The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Shiraz Valley Floor (which sees all American oak) reveals more spice, vanillin, and toasty characteristics without the complexity of its less expensive sibling. It is a straightforward yet impressively deep, rich, pure Shiraz." Robert Parker Drink thru 2011 Rating 90 by Robert Parker Luigi Pira Margheria Barolo 2001 $64.85 "This is serious, with loads of blackberry, coffee and dark chocolate character. Just hints of meat. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Very ripe. Almost hot, but I like it. Impressive. Best after 2007. 600 cases made." Wine Spectator Rating 91 Wine Spectator Marcarini LaSerra Barolo 2001 $69.80 "Very perfumed on the nose with flowers, berries and plums. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, silky finish. A reserved wine. Best after 2008. 1,500 cases made." Wine Spectator Rating 91 Wine Spectator Marquis Philips Merlot 2004 $17.00 "Marquis Philips’ 2004 Merlot is a tasty, dark ruby-hued example with sweet white chocolate characteristics intermixed with notions of road tar, black cherries, and currants. Supple-textured, medium-bodied, and luscious, it can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years." Robert Parker Rating 87 Robert Parker Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend 2005 $16.95 "One of my favorite Marquis Philips cuvees is the 2005 Sarah’s Blend, a concoction of 60% Shiraz, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc fermented in wood and aged in both new and one-year-old French and American oak. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of flowers, spice box, blueberries, black currants, and smoky oak. Opulent, voluptuous, and full-bodied, with low acidity and sweet tannin, this is a blockbuster red that sells for a song. If you like fruit, flavor, and character, this is a big-time winner to drink over the next 3-4 years." Robert Parker Rating 91 Robert Parker Drink through 2010. Marquis Philips Shiraz 2005 $16.95 "Cut from the same mold as the Sarah’s Blend, the inky/blue/purple-colored 2005 Shiraz offers up sweet, rich aromas of blackberries, toasty wood, licorice, and a touch of pepper. This dense, opulent, fleshy, full, rich, mouthfilling, concentrated Shiraz should drink well for 3-4 years." Robert Parker 91 points. Drink now through 2010. Mitolo Jester 2005 Shiraz $20.95 "The 2005 Shiraz Jester exhibits an opaque purple color along with sweet aromas of blackberries, charcoal, white chocolate, and espresso roast. Rich, full-bodied, heady, and long, it explodes on the back of the palate (always a good sign). Drink it over the next 5-7 years." Robert Parker 92 Points Drink through 2013. Mitolo Jester Cabernet 2005 $21.95 "Lithe and open-textured, with pretty currant and blackberry flavors, finishing with a spicy note and lingering well. Has a generosity and purity of flavor that sets it apart. Drink now. 200 cases made." Wine Spectator 90 Points Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2005 $21.55 "A very good value, the opulent, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 Shiraz The Gaffer exhibits exuberant fruit, a subtle touch of French oak, and abundant glycerin as well as body, purity, and density." Drink through 2010. Robert Parker 90 points. Nineteen Seventy- Five Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $22.50 "An excellent value in Cabernet Sauvignon from the Beckstoffer family, this offering indicates that a higher potential for quality exists for Lake County Cabernet than previously believed. A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by a classic nose of sweet black cherries and cassis (reminiscent of a Rutherford Cab), pleasant spice and smoke characteristics, medium to full body, and silky tannin. This pure, elegant beauty should be consumed over the next 10-12 years." Robert Parker 90 points Novelty Hill Cabernet 2004 $21.95 "Polished and well-knit, offering blueberry, currant and dusky spice flavors, with a hint of roasted red pepper and a touch of licorice as the finish sails along beautifully. Drink now through 2014. 3,220 cases made." Wine Spectator 90 Points. Novelty Hill Merlot 2004 $19.95 Black cherry, mocha aromas, flavors define this ripe, fruit-fow