This 2005 is hand picked using only the best grapes of the vintage made from 90% Tempranillo with a 10% blending of Mazuelo & Graciano, and aged in American oak barrels for 2 years before bottling for a year before release, thereby softening the tannins a bit. And the finish goes on for a good distance. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% MORE >>

The Bertona family migrated from Italy's Piedmont region in the late 1800's and now produce award winning Malbecs. Impressive deep purple colors, a bit warmer around the edges and an opaque texture in the glass, with amazingly rich and focused vanilla aromas following, then encircled by a smoky ring. MORE >>

As the season began to wind down it became clear that the year 2005 could rank among Oregon's finest vintages. The jolt I get from this Pinot is reminding me of those candies I loved as a kid. you know. those chocolate rings with a chewy raspberry jelly inside. Then aromas of pomegranate, black cherries, grilled meats, and figs. MORE >>

You will also find well-crafted 100% Merlot (a great example was the Bodegas Castillo de Monjardin Deyo Merlot 2005), the 100% Syrah (Bodegas y Vinedos Alzania 2005), and sweet white wines made from Moscatel (picked very ripe, with fermentation stopped to keep residual sugar) and a richer style made with botrytized grapes as is made in Sauternes. MORE >>

Bulls Blood, Blaufrankisch, or Bikaver is a northeast Hungarian red blend of at least three grapes, traditionally Kadarka (but not used as much nowadays), so mainly Kekfrankos, Kekoporto plus Cabernet Sauvignon or Zweigelt. It's my first Hungarian wine, and it really impressed me as a good inexpensive ($7.99) everyday wine. MORE >>