Brut Non Vintage

101         Charles Le Fere ‘Blanc De Blanc’                                                                                                   28.
128         Mumm ‘Brut Cordon Rouge’; France                                                                                              57.
104         Perrier Jouet “Grand Brut”                                                                                                               78.
118         Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin ‘Yellow Lable’                                                                                        93.

 

Sparkling Wine

123         Taltarni ‘Brut 2001; ‘Clover Hill’ Tasmania, Australia                                                                       60.
119         Jordan 2002; ‘J’  Sonoma, California                                                                                               66.
130         Schramsberg 2003; ‘Blanc de Blanc’ California                                                                                68.
131         Schramsberg 1996; ‘Reserve’ California                                                                                          95.

 

Rose

125         Boizel; Brut                                                                                                                                     80.
117         Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 1999; ‘ Reserve’                                                                                   155.
114        Moet et Chandon 1995; ‘Dom Perignon’                                                                                         500.

 

 

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is both a great food wine, starter wine and summer time quaffing wine. Although this grape has
highly identifiable characteristics such as citrus and grassy notes, it is also amazingly diverse. From the mineral and steely wines
of the Loire valley to the richer fuller fume blancs of Napa and Sonoma. From the rich and elegant wines of Bordeaux where they
 like to blend with Semillon to the intensely herbaceous and grapefruity wines of New Zealand and the southern hemisphere.
These wines are great with Oysters, Crab and dishes with tomatoes, tarragon and other aromatic herbs.

North America
246         Crauford 2003; ‘Highlander’ Napa Valley, California                                                                       44.
247         Ferrari-Carano 2003; Sonoma, California                                                                                        32.
248         Stag’s Leap 2004; Napa Valley, California                                                                                      36.
244         Hall 2003; Napa Valley, California                                                                                                   48.
245         Mazzocco 2001; Russian River Valley, California                                                                             56.

France
213         Cour-Cheverny 1996; ‘Cuvee Francois’ Domaine des Huards, Loire Valley                                     31.
253         Chateau Jean Gervais 2003; Graves, Bordeaux, France                                                                   33.
217         Cour-Cheverny 2002; ‘Delaille’ Domaine du Salvard, Loire Valley                                                   34.
204         Touraine 2000; ‘Cepage Sauvignon’ Domaine Deletang                                                                   36.
211         Pouilly-Fume 2002; Denis Gaudry                                                                                                   37.
207         Sancerre, 2004; Rev́erdy Hippolyte                                                                                                 39.
203         Pouilly-Fume 2002; ‘Le Cris’, Domaine A. Cailbourdin                                                                    51.
191         Chateau Carbonnieux 2000/02; Bordeaux, France                                                                           74.

South Africa

264         ‘Sincerely’ 2003; Neil Ellis, South Africa                                                                                          28.

 

 

Light and Dry
Old World Whites

These wines are mostly grapes one would not readily recognize but have been categorized together
because they all tend to be dry crisp wines with different degrees of floral notes and earthiness.
Great to drink alone, with rustic fair or things with nuts or olives. 

270       Argiolas 2003; Nuragus di Cagliari Selegas, Sardinia, Italy (Nuragus)                                               34.
267       Gruner Veltliner 2003; Kartauserhof,, Wachau, Austria                                                                    39.
241       Arneis 2004; Christina Ascheri, Langhe, Italy                                                                                   45.

 

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is very aromatic and often offers aromas of melon or peach, This wine is produced around the
 world but many will argue that there is no better Chenin Blanc than that which is grown in the indigenous 
soil of the Loire Valley. This varietals is produced very dry, semi-sweet or sweet, so when choosing you
should know dry or sweet. The drier styles I like with bright fresh foods, as well as fish or poultry with
 light or citrus sauces, the sweeter wines I like with dishes with more spices, heat and heavily seasoned dishes.

France
187         Vouvray 2001; ‘Moulleuse’ Champalou, Loire Valley                                                                      39.
208         Savennieres 2000; ‘Clos du Papillon’ Domaine de Baumard, Loire Valley                                        51.
214         Savennieres 2003; ‘Les Clos Sacrés’ Nicolas Joly, Loire Valley                                                       60.

 

Riesling
Arguably the finest white grape varietal, Riesling which originates in Germany, produces wines with great
acidity andhigh sugar levels. These wines can be dry, semi-sweet or sweet. The German Rieslings are complex,
floral and notes of apricot and peach are likely, Alsace and Italy you’ll find to be more floral, fuller and a
 touch of spice. Rieslings from the USA and Australia are very nice and generally fuller bodied wines.
The lighter drier wines match up nicely with lighter fare and shellfish, or as an aperitif, the heavier fuller
 wines I like with spicy andaggressively seasoned foods, and the very sweet wines
I like with cheese and creamy desserts.

Germany
262         Spatlese 2002; ‘Gimmeldinger Manelgarten’ Peter Stolleis, Germany                                                41.
268         Spatlese 2003; Selbach-Oster, Mosel · Saar · Ruwer, Germany                                                       43.
266         Kabinett 2002/03; ‘Forstmeister Geltz’ Weingut Zilliken, Germany                                                   52.
261         Auslese 2000; ‘Nackenheim Rothenberg’ Gunderloch, Germany                                                      68.
257         Auslese 2003; ‘Nackenheim Rothenberg’ Gunderloch, Germany                                                      91.

Australia
182         Leeuwin 2002/03; ‘Estate’ Margaret River                                                                                       49.

 

Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc

Pinot Gris also known as Pinot Grigio or Tokay d’Alsace can produce light, dry, crisp wines which you would typically find from northern Italy or rich, fat honeyed wines which would be more likely to come from Alsace. Pinot Blanc I find is a great alternative to Chardonnay. They tend to have an appley, fresh yeasty quality and can be quite complex. The wines of this section have good acidity and can stand up to medium bodied fare such as salmon or chicken with truffle oil.

180         Pinot Blanc 2003; Charles Schleret, Alsace, France                                                                         44.
189         Pinot Blanc 2003; Chalone, Monterey, California                                                                             51.
255         Pinot Grigio 2003; Alois Lageder, Alto Adige, Italy                                                                          39.

 

 Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Blends

These wine are among my favorites; Gewurztraminer with its honey and spice can be very complex and dramatic. Viognier best known in the world-class wines of Condrieu in the Rhone Valley can be dry and crisp or if left on the vine a little longer become more viscous and aromatic and possess a wonderful peachy floral quality. The other wines of this section are blends of these two grapes or other wines common to the regions they are produced. We find a lot of blending in the Rhone Valley and in Alsace. Most of these wines have robust flavors and spice along with good acidity. Try them with aggressively seasoned foods, spicy foods or on their own.

 

251         ‘Treana’ 2001; Paso Robles, California (Marsanne, Viognier)                                                         30.
205           Irsai Oliver 2004; Nyakas Wine Cellars, Buda-Etyek, Hungary                                                      30.
186         ‘Les Gryphees’ 2002; Chateau De Vaux, Moselle, France (Auxerrois, Tokay-Pinot-Gris, Gewurz.)           32.
181         ‘Gentil’ 2002; Hugel, Alsace, France (Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling)                            32.
250         Viognier 2002; Iron Horse ‘T to T’, California                                                                                 48.
252         ‘Conundrum’ 2002; Oakville, California (Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Muscat)             54.
229         Viogner 2002; Calera ‘Mt. Harlan’ Central Coast, California                                                            75.
193         Roussanne 2002; Austin Hope, Central Coast, California                                                                 77.
200         Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003, Don Jon, Rhone Valley (Marsanne, Roussanne)                                       81.
179         Gewurztraminer “Herrenweg De Turckheim” 1998; Zind-Humbrecht, Alsace, France                       95.
199         Condrieu 2002; Domaine Clusel-Roch, Rhone Valley, France (Viognier)                                          105.
183         Engelgarten 1999; Marcel Deiss, Alsace (Muscat, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris)                                  104.
184         Schoenenbourg  1998; Marcel Deiss, Alsace (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewerztraminer, Muscat)                    145.
185         Mambourg 1999; Marcel Deiss, Alsace, France ( Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir)                            155.

 

Chardonnay

By far the most popular white varietal, also one of the most widely planted varietals. The style of this grape depends
 greatly on both the terroir and wine making techniques. A Chardonnay that is aged in oak and has undergone malolactic
 fermentation may be described as creamy, buttery, nutty, oaky, smoky, rich, or fat. On the other hand a chardonnay with
no oak and no malolactic might be described as apply, citrusy, steely, crisp and clean. Climate and soil play a big part
 because chardonnay grows almost anywhere. Cooler climates produce crisper chards with higher acid where as the
 Napa floor produces riper fruit with lower acid. These wines pair well game birds, rich seafood and salmon.

Burgundy 
216         Macon Bussieres 2003; Corinne & Thierry Drouin                                                                           31.
173         Macon 2001; ‘La Roche-Vineuse’ Olivier Merlin                                                                             33.
171         Vire-Classe 2003; Maison Chanson                                                                                                 39.
166         Bourgogne Blanc 2000; Bzikot                                                                                                        40.
165         Chablis 2003; Olivier Savary                                                                                                           45.
172         Pouilly-Vinzelle 2002; Latour                                                                                                           49.
170         Pouilly-Fuisse 2002; ‘Terroir De Vergisson’ Verget                                                                         67.
168         Puligny-Montrachet 2001; ‘Les Enseigneres’ Vincent Girardin                                                          73.
169         Meursault 2001; ‘Les Corbins’ Bitouzet-Prieur                                                                                79.
155         Chassagne-Montrachet 2001; ‘Clos De La Truffiere’ Vincent Girardin                                             89.
133         Chablis 1998; 1er Cru, ‘Cotes de Lechet’ Daniel-Etinne Defaix                                                        94.
163         Meursault 2002; ‘Charmes’ 1er Cru Olivier Leflaive                                                                       118.

Australia
239         Bindi 2002, Victoria                                                                                                                        81.

 South Africa
190         Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2003; Walker Bay                                                                                 49.

 

Chardonnay( continued)

North America
238         Ravenswood 2002; ‘Vintners Blend’  California                                                                               32.
232         Wild Horse 2003; Central Coast, California                                                                                     34.
226         Blackjack Ranch 2003; ‘Twenty-One’ Santa Barbra County, California                                           36.
225         Sonoma-Cutrer 2004; ‘Russian River Ranch’ Sonoma, California                                                     45.
231         Spelletich Cellars 2001; ‘Ghisletta Vineyard’ Caneros, California                                                      55.
223         Jordan 2001; Russian River Valley, California                                                                                  59.
224         Ferrari-Carano 2002; ‘Reserve’ Carneros, California                                                                       65.
234         Domaine Serene 2003; ‘Clos du Soleil,’ Willamette Valley, Oregon                                                  75.
220         Mersoleil 2001; Central Coast, California                                                                                         79.
240         Patz & Hall 2003; ‘Dutton Ranch’ Russian River, California                                                             84.
218         Franciscan 2001; ‘Cuvée Sauvage’ Oakville Estate, Napa Valley, California                                    90.
209         Talbott 2001; ‘Sleepy Hollow Vineyard’ Monterey, California                                                          95.
221         Kistler 2002; ‘Les Noisetiers’ Sonoma, California                                                                          105.
227         Rudd 2002; ‘Bacigalupi Vineyard’ Oakville, California                                                                   111.
152         Hanzell 2003; Sonoma Valley, California                                                                                        130.
235         Kistler 2002; ‘Dutton Ranch’ Russian River, California                                                                   150.
236         Kistler 2002/2003; ‘Mc Crea Vineyard’ Sonoma Mountains, California                                         165.
219         Kistler 2003; ‘Durell Vineyard’ Sonoma Valley, California                                                             190.
242         Kistler 2003; ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Carneros, California                                                                       215.

 

 

Gamay

This grape is mostly grown in Beaujolais region of France, these wines are ready to drink right away and possess light to
medium body bright fresh fruit and low tannins. Some might display notes of Bananas, Strawberries or peaches. I like to serve
 them slightly chilled and they go well with game birds and white meat.

391         Beaujolais Villages 2001, Domaine Du Vissoux                                                                                34.
390         Brouilly 2003; Chateau De La Terriere                                                                                             41.

 

Pinot Noir

This noble grape produces some of the best and most expensive wine in the world, but none that rival the wines of Burgundy.
 When their young they possess notes of cherries, plums, raspberries and strawberries, and when they’re older they display
 complex characteristics of chocolate, smoke, figs, prunes, truffles and violets. The wines of North America tend to be more
 fruit driven and less of the smoky earthy traits. The regions that best copy the style of Burgundy are the cooler growing regions
 of Oregon, and Washington as well as the Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara, and other Central coast Regions. Try these
 wines with poultry, game, salmon, peppery foods or earthy foods.  

Burgundy
375         Bourgogne 2001; ‘Cuvee Saint-Vincent’ Vincent Girardin, Cote de Beaune                                      40.
356         Gevrey Chambertin 2002; ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Vincent Girardin, Cotes de Nuits                                    70.
382          Volnay-Santenots 2002; 1er Cru Thierry et Pascale Matrot, Cote de Beaune                                  85.
357         Morey-Saint-Denis 2000; Domaine Forey, Cotes de Nuits                                                               96.
380         Savigny Les Beaunes 1998; ‘La Dominode’ Bruno Clair, Cote de Beaune                                      101.
403         Vosne-Romanée 2003; Dominique Laurent, Cote de Nuits                                                             105.
384         Pommard 2003; Boillot, Cote de Beaune                                                                                       115.
385         Volnay 2003; ‘Les Caillerets’ Boillot, Cote de Beaune                                                                   124.
353         Chambolle-Musigny 2000; 1er Cru ‘Les Cras’ Ghislaine Barthod, Cotes de Nuits                          149.
370         Corton Grand Cru 2001; ‘Clos Du Roi’ 2001; Chandon de Briailles, Cote de Beaune                    155.
354         Chambolle-Musigny 2000; ‘Le Musigny’ Comte Georges De Vogue, Cotes de Nuits                     240.
379         Exhézeaux 2003; Grand Cru, Jayer-Gilles, Cotes de Nuits                                                             260.

 

Pinot Noir (continued)

Loire
447         Saumur Champigny 2000; ‘Marginale’ Domaine des Roches Neuves                                                60.
446         Chinon 2000;  ‘Clos du Chẽne Vert’ Domaine Charles Joguet                                                          66.
448         Chinon 1999; ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Olek-Mery                                                                                       61.
449         Sancerre 2000; ‘Cuvee Prestige’ Crochet                                                                                        82.               

Germany
539         ‘Cuvee’ Parzival 1998; Furst, Franken                                                                                             89.

North America                                                                                                                                               
507         Carneros Creek 2000; ‘Ram’s Head’ Sonoma, California                                                                32.
513         Mahoney Vineyards 2002; Carneros, California                                                                               55.                558         J. Wilkes 2003; Napa, California                                                                                                     62.
494         Calera 2000; ‘Mills Vineyard’ Santa Barbara, California                                                                  78.                495         Archery Summit 2002; Oregon                                                                                                        79.
471         Porter Creek 2002; “Fiona Hill” Russian River Valley, California                                                       85.
527         Migration 2003; Duckhorn Vineyards, Anderson Valley, Califorina                                                   85.
479         Domaine Serene 2003; ‘Yamhill Cuvée’ Willamette Valley, Oregon                                                  90.
406         Littorai 2003; ‘Les Enfants’ Sonoma Coast, California                                                                   110.
434         Sotter 2003; ‘Beacon Hill’ Yamhill-Carlton District, Oregon                                                           130.
515         Kistler 2003; Sonoma Coast, California                                                                                         165.
510         Kistler 2002; ‘Kistler Vineyard’ Russian River Valley, California                                                    195.
511         Kistler 2002; ‘Hirsch Vinyard’, Sonoma Coast, California                                                              230.

 

Varietals of Rhone and Spain

The four main grapes in this section are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Tempranillo. In Spain the cooler climates produce
Tempranillo were as the hotter climates grow Grenacha or tinta, the Tempranillo produces deep-colored wines with
characteristics of strawberry, spice, tobacco and earth. The Grenacha produces ripe fruity wines withlower tannins, in Spain these
 wines are often blended. In the Rhone Valley the north plants mostly Syrah and the south mostlyGrenache.Syrahwhen young
produces deep-colored wines with big tannins, tar, spice andpeppery qualities, as they age they develop notes of ripe berries,
currants, plums and a mild smokiness. In SpainMonastrell and in Southern France Mourvedre is widely planted and
most often blended. This grape adds heavy tannins, spicy, peppery characteristics as well as color and structure.
The syrah of North America and Australia tend to have bigger fruit component and sometimes spice.
I like these wines with game and beef, heavy sauces and earthy rustic dishes.  

France (Rhone)
421         Cotes du Rhone 2003; Chateau du Trignon (Grenache, Syrah)                                                          34.
436         Chateauneuf-du-pape 2001; Vieux Mas des Papes (Grenache and 10 others)                                    43.
420         Crozes Hermitage 2002; Alain Graillot (Syrah)                                                                                 46.
438         Vacqueyras 2002; ‘Cuvee Doucinello’, Domaine Le Sang Des Cailloux (Syrah, Grenache)                55.
439         Chateauneuf-du-pape 2002; Perrin & Fils ‘Les Sinards’ (Grenache and 10 others)                            59.
419         Cornas 1998; ‘La Geynale’, Robert Michel (Syrah, Grenache)                                                          89.
440         Cote-Rotie 2001; Guy Bernard (Syrah, Grenache)                                                                            92.
321         Chateauneuf-du-pape 2001; Paul Jaboulet Aine (Syrah, Grenache and 11 others)                              96.
442         Saint-Joseph 2001; ‘L’Amarybelle’, Yves Cuilleron (Syrah)                                                             99.
444         Chateauneuf-du-pape 1996; Chateau de Beaucastel (Syrah, Grenache and 11 others)                      130.

France (Provence)
413         Domaine de Eole 1999; ‘Cuvee Lea’ Coteaux D’Aix (Mouvedre, Grenache)                                     44.
410         Bandol Pradeaux 1998; Longue Garde (Mourvedre)                                                                         84.
409         Bandol ‘Saint Ferreol’ 1999; Domaine de la Tour du Bon (Mourvedre)                                             85.
411         Domaine de Trevallon 2000; VDP des Bouches-du-Rhone (Syrah, Cabernet sauvignon)                    91.
405         Bandol ‘Le Galantin’ 1997; Domaine Le Galantin (Magnum)                                                          100.
404         Domaine de Trevallon 2000; VDP des Bouches-du-Rhone (Magnum)                                            175.

Varietals of Rhone and Spain (continued)

Spain  
423         Mano A Mano 2003; La Mancha (Tempernillo)                                                                               28.
519         Vina Alarba 2001; Pago san Miguel (Granacha, Syrah)                                                                    38.                538         Abat Doménech 2000; Priorat (Granacha, Cabernet)                                                                     170.
526         Vega Sicilia 1999; Valbuena, Ribera Del Duero (Granacha)                                                           245.

North America
492         Domaine Alfred 2002; Edna Valley, California (Syrah)                                                                     49.
426         Melville 2003; ‘Eatate’, Santa Barbara County, California (Syrah)                                                    55.
475         Arger-Martucci 2002; Napa, California (Syrah)                                                                               65.
473         Porter Creek 2000; ‘Timvervine Ranch’ Russian River Valley, California (Syrah)                              80.
528         Rock Block 2002; ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Walla Walla Valley, Oregon (Syrah)                                90.

Australia
531         Henschke 2002; ‘Henrey’s Seven’ Barossa Valley (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon)                              66.
532         Two Hands 2003; ‘Brave Faces’ Barossa Valley, Ausralia (Shiraz)                                                   74.
529         D’Arenberg ‘The Ironstone Pressings’ 2002; McLaren Vale (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre)           124.

Argentina
536         Luigi Bosca 2003; ‘Reserva’ Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (Malbec)                                                    35.
549         Nieto Senetiner  2002; Bonarda, Mendoza (Malbec)                                                                      40.
535         Martino 2002; Luján du Cuyo, Mendoza (Malbec)                                                                         50.

           

 

Italian Varietals

The wines of Piedmont are renown for their Nebbiolo’s from Barolo and Barberesco, but also produce big full-bodied
 Barberas from Barbera d’ Alba and Slightly lighter wine from Barbera d’ Asti. Other varietals from this region are Dolcetto
 translated means ‘the little sweet one’ although it is almost always vinified dry with no residual sugar. Dolcetto’s tend to be a little
 lighter with high acid, ripe berry flavors and perfumed bouquet. The other major wine producing region of Italy, Tuscany features Sangeovese and its clones, Brunello, Sangioveto and Montepulciano as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and
 Canaiolo. Sangeovese can vary depending on the region it is grown but generally they have high acidity, with moderate tannins
 and alcohol levels, a mild earthiness is common and they are not overly fruity. I like all of these wines best with rustic fare,
 heavier meat dishes and dishes with tomatoes.

Italy
360         Aglianico del Vulture 2002; Vignali                                                                                                  30.
358         La Corte 2003; Salice Salentino,(Negroamaro)                                                                               32.
445         Villa Pillo 2003; ‘Borgoforte’ Tuscany (Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese)                                            35.
359         Barbera D’ Asti 2003; Coppo, ‘L’avvocata’                                                                                    35.
365         Nero D’Avola 2004; Morgante, Sicilia                                                                                             36.
363         Tempo 2004; Morellino di Scansano, (Sangiovese Blend)                                                                38.
550         Rosso Di Montalcino 2002; Tuscany, (Sangiovese)                                                                         40.
361         Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo 2004; Monti                                                                                          40.
362         Chianti Classico 2003; Castellare, Tuscany (Sangiovese)                                                                  42.
443         Palazzo Della Torre, 2001; Allegrini, Veronese (Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara)                               45.
534         Valpolicella 2003; ‘Ripassa’, Zenato, Veneto (Corvina, Rondinella, Sangiovese, Molinara)              56.
456         Chianti Classico 2001 “Peppoli” Antinori, Tuscany (Sangiovese)                                                     62.
364         Nebbiolo D’Alba 2003; Bruno Giacosa                                             &nb