Frascati Wine List Review
Frascati
1901 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA
P: 415.928.1406
Frascati Wine List Review
This is an update to our review from March of this year. Our Top Picks at Frascati have been entered into our mobile site http://m.vinoservant.com for easy viewing on your smart phone. You can also view our mobile site on your desktop. If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer you might have some problems, so be sure to view the site with a different browser.
As with all VinoServant reviews, you will see the price at the restaurant followed by the mark-up over retail, and if applicable, a rating from one of the publications listed below (Pierre Moncuit, Blanc de Blancs, Le Mesnil, Non-Vintage | $74 | 1.7x | WS 90 | TP). Mark-up of 1.7x translates into a retail price of $43a bottle, and Wine Spectator rated this wine 90 points.
Burghound – Burg | International Wine Cellar – IWC | James Suckling – JS | VinoServant Top Pick – TP | Wine Advocate – WA | Wine Enthusiast – WE | Wine Spectator – WS |
VINOSERVANT’S TOP WINE VALUES AT FRASCATI
Sparkling Wines
5 selections that range in price from $30 to $150
Col di Rocca, Prosecco Superiore, Veneto, Non-Vintage | $30 | 2.0x | TP
Pierre Moncuit, Blanc de Blancs, Le Mesnil, Non-Vintage | $74 | 1.7x | WS 90 | TP
White Wines
34 selections that range in price from $30 to $93
2010 Ca Rugate, San Michele, Soave Classico, Veneto | $30 | 2.1x
2009 Domaine de Vodanis, Vouvray Sec | $36 | 1.7x | TP
2008 Domaine de la Tournelle, Arbois, Fleur de Savagnin | $48 | 1.8x | TP
2010 Sean Thackrey, Lyra, Knights Valley, Viognier | $56 | 1.6x | TP
2010 Alban, Edna Valley, Viognier | $75 | 1.4x | WA 93 | TP
2010 Martinborough Vineyard, Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc | $40 | 2.2x | WE 90
2009 Dragonette Cellars, Vogelzang Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc | $76 | 1.6x | WA 92 | TP
2009 Maison Roche de Bellene, Bourgogne Blanc | $38 | 1.9x
2009 Iron Horse, Unoaked, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay | $40 | 1.7x | 90 WE | TP
2009 Hope & Grace, Napa Valley Chardonnay | $45 | 1.4x | TP
2008 Etienne Boileau, Chablis | $50 | 2.5x | Burg 87
2010 Talley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Chardonnay | $55 | 2.5x | IWC 91 & WS 87
Red Wines
93 selections that range in price from $28 to $240
2008 Domaine Heresztyn, Bourgogne Rouge | $45 | 1.6x | TP
2007 Campion, Edna Valley, Pinot Noir | $48 | 2.2x | BURG 88 | TP
2009 The Four Graces, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir | $50 | 1.9x
2009 Figge Cellars, Paraiso Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir | $55 | 1.4x
2009 Domaine Jaeger-Defaix, Rully, Premier Cru, Clos du Chapitre | $60 | 1.8x | TP
2008 Kendric Vineyards, Marin County, Pinot Noir | $63 | 2.0x | BURG 90 | TP
2008 Scott Paul, La Paulee, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir | $66 | 1.8x | WA 91 | TP
2010 Emeritus, Hallberg Ranch, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir | $69 | 1.4x
2009 Skewis, Ridley Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir | $75 | 1.7x
2009 Talley Vineyards, Stone Corral, Edna Valley, Pinot Noir | $105 | 2.3x | IWC 92
2008 Joseph Voillot, Les Champans, Volnay, 1er Cru | $112 | 1.6x | WA 89 | TP
2008 Cobb, Joy Road Vineyard, Pinot Noir | $140 | 2.1x | IWC 91
2005 Ojai, White Hawk Vineyard, Santa Barbara, Syrah | $72 | 2.0x | WA 92
2007 Alban Vineyards, Edna Valley, Reva, Syrah | $150 | 1.1x | WS 94
2007 Alban Vineyards, Edna Valley, Grenache | $175 | BELOW RETAIL | WS 94 | TP
2006 Alban Vineyards, Edna Valley, Lorraine, Syrah | $200 | BELOW RETAIL | WA 100 | TP
2010 Domaine de Grand Montmirail, Vacqueyras | $45 | 2.5x | WA 93
2010 Domaine Combier, Crozes-Hermitage | $58 | 2.1x |
2007 Bernard Burgaud, Cote-Rotie | $85 | 1.4x | WS 91 | TP
2006 Chateau Rayas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape | $220 | 1.1x | WA 93 | TP
2005 Chateau Rayas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape | $240 | BELOW RETAIL | WA 97 | TP
2009 Casaloste, Chianti Classico | $45 | 2.0x | WS 90 | TP
2008 Mt. Etna Rosso, Outis, Sicilia, Biondi | $60 | 1.7x | TP
2009 Podera San Cristoforo, Maremma, Petit Verdot | $68 | 1.8x | WA 92 | TP
2006 Monchiero, Barolo | $70 | 2.2x
2006 Corte Pavone, Brunello di Montalcino | $110 | 2.0x | JS 96
2009 Neal Family Vineyards, Napa Valley, Zinfandel | $48 | 2.0x
2010 Broadside, Margarita Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon | $36 | 2.0x
2005 Hawkes, Alexander Valley, Merlot | $40 | Below Retail | TP
2011 Achaval Ferrer, Mendoza, Malbec | $45 | 2.2x
2006 Robert Sinskey, Vandal Vineyard, Carneros Cabernet Franc | $59 | 1.7x
2008 Wolf Family Vineyards, Phaedrus, Cabernet Sauvignon | $69 | 1.9x | WA 91 | TP
2005 Paradigm, Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon | $100 | 1.7x | TP
2009 Maybach, Materium, Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon | $200 | 1.1x | WA 94
2008 Continuum, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon | $220 | 1.5x | WA 96
Sparkling Wines
5 selections that range in price from $30 to $150
Col di Rocca, Prosecco Superiore, Veneto, Non-Vintage
Retail Price: $15 at B&G Wine of Hillsdale
- $30 at Frascati | 2.0x
Winemaker’s Notes: Fruity with hints of pear, apple and peach. Floral with sensations of wisteria and rose. Delicate and elegant. Harmonious and velvety, with a fruity and floral aftertaste.
Pierre Moncuit, Blanc de Blancs, Le Mesnil, Non-Vintage
Retail Price: $43 Average Price Wine-Searcher
- $74 at Frascati | 1.7x | TP
90 points Wine Spectator: There’s a richness to this fresh Champagne, with toast, apple pastry and crystallized honey flavors. This is enlivened by well-integrated acidity and hints of lemon zest and brine, with a minerally finish. Drink now through 2012. 150 cases imported. –AN
White Wines
34 selections that range in price from $30 to $93
2010 Ca Rugate, San Michele, Soave Classico, Veneto
Retail Price: $14 at Zachy’s
- $30 at Frascati | 2.1x
Winemaker’s Notes: Pale straw with yellow hue. Enticing notes of grapefruit, lime, and English peas on the nose. Upon tasting, waves of crisp lemony fruit dance upon the palate like a ballerina: elegant, lithe, balanced, and refined. Dry and velvety in the mouth, with attractive almond notes.
2009 Domaine de Vodanis, Vouvray Sec
Retail Price: $21 at K&L Wines
- $36 at Frascati | 1.7x
The nose starts off dusty, chalky, slightly tight and austere like the rest of the wine. Then, after some swirling around it really begins to open up. Stone fruit aromatics and limestone minerality starts to dance around while the texture begins to build with warm peaches and apricots and a lively, persistent finish with juicy acidity.
2008 Domaine de la Tournelle, Arbois, Fleur de Savagnin
Retail Price: $27 at K&L Wines – SOLD OUT
- $48 at Frascati | 1.8x | TP
Description from K&L: You might think of this 100% savagnin as a baby Vin Jaune, and like its momma, it is a semi-oxidized style, with tons of minerality and salinity, and a great affinity for food, especially those containing curry, saffron, ginger, hot peppers, etc. 12.5% abv.
2010 Sean Thackrey, Lyra, Knights Valley, Viognier
Retail Price: $34 at Artisan Wine Depot & $35 at K&L Wines SOLD OUT
- $56 at Frascati | 1.6x
Description from K&L: A round, clean, floral Viognier with stone fruit and melon aromas carry over to the palate. The wine is surprisingly devoid of the funky Bolinas character that infuses many of the Thackrey wines, but in the case of this Viognier, it’s probably a good things. Appealing, bright fruit, good texture.
2010 Alban, Edna Valley, Viognier
Retail Price: $54 at Pismo Wine Shop
- $75 at Frascati | 1.4x
91 to 93 points Wine Advocate: The 2010 Viognier shows one of the newer directions Alban is moving towards. In 2010 Alban did one irrigation in July to keep the canopy more robust and less deleafing than in the past, plus no batonnage on this wine. The Viognier is pretty, delicate and classy from start to finish. It shows marvelous verve and freshness in a highly appealing, mineral-driven style. It’s hard to tell how much of the wine’s personality reflects Alban’s approach to viticulture and winemaking in 2010 and how much is the vintage itself, but the wine is unquestionably first-rate. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.
2010 Martinborough Vineyard, Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc
Retail Price: $18 at The Wine House
- $40 at Frascati | 2.2x
90 points Wine Enthusiast: Twenty percent of the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc was barrel fermented in new and old French oak barrels. It displays pronounced notes of freshly cut herbs, pea pods and lemon juice with hints of hay and apple blossoms. Very crisp and medium bodied in the mouth, the intense flavors are nicely complemented by a touch of creaminess to the texture. It finishes long and zesty. Drink this one now to 2014. Alcohol 13.5%
Winemaker’s Notes: Martinborough Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is made in a riper, more complex style of new world Sauvignon Blanc. Our Sauvignon Blanc exhibits perfumed aromas of passionfruit and guava with tropical and vanilla notes on the nose. On the palate the ripe fruit character is beautifully balanced against creamy notes from the barrel fermentation portion creating a harmonious and balanced wine with great length and texture.
2009 Dragonette Cellars, Vogelzang Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc
Retail Price: $48 Release Price
- $76 at Frascati | 1.6x | TP
92 points Wine Advocate: The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard is the richest and deepest of these 2009 Sauvignons. It spent 16 months in French oak (47%) new, on its lees. Lemon peel, white peaches and jasmine are some of the nuances that emerge from this dazzling Sauvignon. Pointed mineral notes add energy, texture and balance. This is a striking effort. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016.
2009 Maison Roche de Bellene, Bourgogne Blanc
Retail Price: $20 at Artisan Wine Depot
- $38 at Frascati | 1.9x
Winemaker’s Notes: The entry-level white Burgundy comes from old-vine parcels in the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise. The vines have an average age of 65 years and, as with all the wines, harvesting is done by hand. For this cuvée, about half is vinified in stainless steel and half in used oak barrels. This gives a nice balance of fresh fruit with a light touch of oak.
2009 Iron Horse, Unoaked, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay
Retail Price: $24 at Wine.com
- $40 at Frascati | 1.7x
90 points Wine Enthusiast: A superb wine to taste if you want to understand why Iron Horse Chardonnays are so good. With no oak, it stars pure pineapple, orange, green apple, lime and tropical fruit flavors, brightened with crisp acidity. Just delicious.
Winemaker’s Notes: Bright, crisp, mineraly and richly fruity. On the nose, minerality, green melon and mandarin orange . By mouth, crisp minerality, green apple and mandarin orange. Perfect for lunch; sandwiches and salads. A great sit out on the deck wine. Ideal with Dungeness Crab – you don’t even need condiments, the wine takes care of that. Alcohol 13.8%.
2009 Hope & Grace, Napa Valley Chardonnay
Retail Price: $32 at the Winery
- $45 at Frascati | 1.4x
Winemaker’s Notes: Aromas of crisp green apple and lush ripe pears burst from the glass, followed with hints of nutmeg and warm cinnamon stick. Bright, juicy apple and peppery spice tease the palate, lingering long after the sip is gone. Although Chardonnay is delicious in its youth … with patience, it will reward you with its true elegance.
2008 Etienne Boileau, Chablis
Retail Price: $20 at K&L Wines
- $50 at Frascati | 2.5x
87 points Burghound: A fresh, cool and still reserved nose of citrus, mineral reduction and green fruit aromas leads to energetic and solidly precise medium-bodied flavors that possess reasonably good complexity on the ever-so-mildly sweet finish.
2010 Talley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Chardonnay
Retail Price: $22 at Pismo Wine Shop
- $55 at Frascati | 2.5x
Winemaker’s Notes: On the palate, this wine has a creamy texture layered with flavors of pear, wet stone, and vanilla bean that is balanced by a fresh acidity leading into a toasty, elegant finish.
Red Wines
93 selections that range in price from $28 to $240
2008 Domaine Heresztyn, Bourgogne Rouge
Retail Price: $27 at Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant
- $45 at Frascati | 1.6x
Description from The Perfect Cellar: Pale ruby red in colour with brickish hints, followed by a ripe nose offering plenty of raspberry fruit, ground ginger nuances and an earthy, rustic, edge. On the palate it is full and expressive, with great depth to the fruit and a sweet, velvety oak finesse. Tannins and acids are finely balanced throughout, revealing the skill in the winemaking.
2007 Campion, Edna Valley, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $22 at K&L Wines
- $48 at Frascati | 2.2x
88 points Burghound: A ripe, complex and very pretty nose that is very pinot leads to delicious, rich, round and focused middle weight flavors that possess an attractive mouth feel and fine length on the dusty and agreeably dry finish. For a higher production wine, this offers fine quality. Drink 2010+.” (Burghound, 10/09) The Campion label was founded in 2000 by reputed winemaker Larry Brooks, who made wine at Acacia in Carneros for 19 years.
2009 The Four Graces, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $26 Average Price Wine-Searcher
- $50 at Frascati | 1.9x
Winemaker’s Notes: Reminiscent of raspberries, strawberries, plums, and Rainier cherries, the 2009 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is vibrant and delicious in its youth yet has the soft, focused tannins to suggest ageing with grace. Alcohol 14.4%.
2009 Figge Cellars, Paraiso Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $39 @ the Winery
- $55 at Frascati | 1.4x
Winemaker’s Notes: Brilliant ruby hue with a lovely rose rim. Perfumed floral bouquet or rose petal with hints of anise and black fruit. Black fruit predominates on the palate with a bit of youthful heat evolving to dried citrus peel and red fruit notes on the long finish. Alcohol 14.2%.
2009 Domaine Jaeger-Defaix, Rully, Premier Cru, Clos du Chapitre
Retail Price: $34 at Back Room Wines
- $60 at Frascati | 1.8x
Description from Back Room Wines: Smoky, gamey, meaty nose with wild red cherries and raspberry aromas to balance its savage side. Taste is more of the same. Red fruits, perfumed “Burgundian” aromas keep coming as you savor. Earth, spice cake and red rose petals take the lead in the 25 second finish. Rully: Côte Chalonnaise, just south of Côte d’Or.
2008 Kendric Vineyards, Marin County, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $32 at Ludwig’s
- $61 at Frascati | 2.0x | TP
90 points Burghound: A notably floral and overtly spicy nose also speaks of very pure and lilting red berry fruit aromas. There is excellent detail and intensity to the energetic middle weight flavors that terminate in a clean, dry, focused and persistent finish. This is sophisticated wine that won’t be for everyone as the whole cluster fermentation creates a different style, but I quite like it. 90/2014+
2008 Scott Paul, La Paulee, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $36 at Zachy’s
- $66 at Frascati | 1.8x
91 points Wine Advocate: The 2008 Pinot Noir La Paulée is a blend of selected lots from all of the vineyards sourced by Scott Paul. Medium ruby red, it displays an expressive nose of smoke, spice box, cherry blossom, raspberry, and cranberry. This leads to an elegant, medium-bodied wine with outstanding concentration, savory, spicy flavors, good volume, and a lengthy finish. It can be approached now but will benefit from 2-3 years of additional bottle age.
2010 Emeritus, Hallberg Ranch, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $47 @ the Winery
- $69 at Frascati | 1.4x | TP
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2010 vintage produced wines with great clarity and focus, and appear to be friendlier, extroverted wines with acidity as their backbone. This joyful Pinot Noir has warm and inviting aromas with a luscious palate mixed with red and black fruit. Enjoy this beautiful 2010 Hallberg Ranch now, or over the next few years.
2009 Skewis, Ridley Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $45 @ the Winery
- $75 at Frascati | 1.7x
Winemaker’s Notes: Rich garnet color. Big bold nose of ripe fruit, cherry tobacco, butterscotch, fresh cedar and orange peel. Smooth, full, explosion of concentrated flavors with dark berries, vanilla bean, touch of mint, cinnamon and sweet leather. Finish is long and lingering with a bright acidity. Total Cases: 125.
2009 Talley Vineyards, Stone Corral, Edna Valley, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $45 at K&L Wines
- $105 at Frascati | 2.3x
92 points International Wine Cellar: Saturated red. Deeper and darker in character than the foregoing wines, displaying scents and flavors of black raspberry, bitter cherry and violet. Then brighter on the back end, finishing with sweet red and dark berry qualities and intense spiciness. This should be really interesting with a few more years of bottle age. Knowing how well Talley’s pinots age, I wouldn’t hesitate to put this wine away for another ten years. (Nov/Dec 11)
2008 Joseph Voillot, Les Champans, Volnay, 1er Cru
Retail Price: $68 at D&M Wines
- $112 at Frascati | 1.6x | TP
89 points Wine Advocate: A complex, rich amalgam of dark berry scents, cardamom, black pepper, noble fungus and general forest floor characteristics greets the nose from Charlot’s 2008 Volnay Champans, then moves to a satisfyingly juicy, palpably dense, but fine-grained palate. Chalk and salt add to the berry-tart invigoration in the finish here, which persists with understated complexity. This was one of those wines of its collection that had to be shaken in order to properly de-gas for sampling, so in the process, I may have done some violence to its structure or flavors, too. But it is clear this admirably depicts and will evolve to even more strikingly depict the character of its site and ought to be worth following for 12-15 years. The parcel that informed this was hailed on but not so badly as the corresponding Caillerets.
2008 Cobb, Joy Road Vineyard, Pinot Noir
Retail Price: $68 @ the Winery
- $140 at Frascati | 2.1x
92 points IWC: Vivid red. Pungent, high-pitched aromas of raspberry, blood orange, minerals and Asian spices. Lithe and silky in the mouth, with terrific energy and a light touch to the flavors of red berries, spicecake and flowers. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and excellent clarity. This pliant, youthfully taut wine has the nervy spine for aging.
Winemaker’s Notes: Very intense aromas and flavors of plum, crushed blackberries, and slight caramel; earth, leather, and minerals. Creamy and tangy, with more noticeable tannin than the other two pinot noirs of this release.
2005 Ojai, White Hawk Vineyard, Santa Barbara, Syrah
Retail Price: $35 at K&L Wines
- $72 at Frascati | 2.0x
92+ points Wine Advocate: Another offering with exceptional intensity, purity, texture, and depth is the 2005 Syrah White Hawk Vineyard. It, too, possesses 15.3% natural alcohol. Sweet tannin along with blackberry, charcoal, blueberry, and crushed rock characteristics provide beautiful focus heightened by crisp underlying acidity. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years.
2007 Alban Vineyards, Edna Valley, Reva, Syrah
Retail Price: $130 at The Wine Stop
- $150 at Frascati | 1.1x
94 points Wine Spectator: Fresh, intense and vivid, with zesty wild berry, blackberry, cherry and kirsch flavors. Full-bodied and firming nicely, with tannins that provide traction and dimension. Best from 2014 through 2024.
2007 Alban Vineyards, Edna Valley, Grenache
Retail Price: $200 at Vinfolio – Auction Bottle
- $175 at Frascati | BELOW RETAIL
94 points Wine Spectator: Dense, rich and meaty, this is full-throttle and rustic, with tiers of chewy blackberry, wild berry, loamy earth, ginger bread, underbrush, sage, cedar, tobacco and black licorice flavors. Ends with firm, chewy tannins. Drink now through 2022. 300 cases made. –JL
2006 Alban Vineyards, Edna Valley, Lorraine, Syrah
Retail Price: $313 Average Price Wine-Searcher
- $200 at Frascati | BELOW RETAIL
100 points Wine Advocate: Named after his raven-haired Irish wife, the 2006 Syrah Lorraine, which comes from more sandy soils, is another prodigious effort. Like all of these wines, it is a remarkable wine of extraordinary intensity, with a stunning nose of blueberries, bacon fat, camphor, and even darker blackberries, along with unreal minerality and definition for a wine of this size and power. Full-bodied, with profound intensity of flavor as well as purity, this is another wine that spent nearly three and a half years in barrel prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. While there are 2,500 six-pack cases of the Reva, there will be only 350 six-packs of the Lorraine.
2010 Domaine de Grand Montmirail, Vacqueyras
Retail Price: $18 at Beltramo’s
- $45 at Frascati | 2.5x
93 points Wine Advocate: Grand Montmirail did a top-notch job with their 2010 Vacqueyras, again a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah that is largely aged in cement tanks. It reveals a dense purple color along with plenty of blue and black fruits intermixed with notions of damp foresty notes, spring flowers, pepper and licorice. Full-bodied with terrific purity as well as acidity, it can be enjoyed over the next decade.
2010 Domaine Combier, Crozes-Hermitage
Retail Price: $28 Beltramo’s
- $58 at Frascati | 2.1x
Notes from Importer: Deep ruby color. Concentrated raspberry, pepper and violet aromas. Medium to full-body, with a supple texture and good acidic structure. Lovely pure Syrah flavors from the Northern Rhône.
2007 Bernard Burgaud, Cote-Rotie
Retail Price: $62 at Solano Cellars
- $85 at Frascati | 1.4x
91 points Wine Spectator: This is soft at the core, but persistent, with ample range to the cocoa powder, mulled plum, blackberry and black tea notes. A flash of apple wood checks in on the well-integrated finish. Drink now through 2016. 1,250 cases made. –JM
2006 Chateau Rayas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Retail Price: $189 Average Price via Wine – Searcher
- $220 at Frascati | 1.1x
93 points Wine Advocate: The elegant 2006 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is not as powerful as the 2005 or 2007, but it offers a deep ruby color as well as opulent, fleshy, kirsch and black raspberry characteristics along with hints of spring flowers and loamy soil. A sexy, showy, beautifully balanced, silky effort, it is already approachable, and should drink well for two decades.
2005 Chateau Rayas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Retail Price: $524 Average Price Wine-Searcher
- $240 at Frascati | BELOW RETAIL
97 points Wine Advocate: I could not resist retasting the 2005 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Until the 2007 is in bottle, the 2005 is clearly the greatest wine made at this estate since the 1995. Made from 100% Grenache, it boasts an unusually (for Rayas) dark ruby/purple-tinged color as well as an exceptionally sweet bouquet of black cherry jam, truffles, incense, licorice, and raspberries. Full-bodied with a stunningly rich, concentrated mouthfeel, an explosive mid-palate, and a finish that lasts more than a minute, it is a wine of superb power and intensity admirably displaying the terroir’s hallmark delicacy and ethereal nature. This utterly profound Chateauneuf du Pape should drink beautifully for 25+ years.
2009 Casaloste, Chianti Classico
Retail Price: $23 Average Price Wine-Searcher
- $45 at Frascati | 2.0x
90 points Wine Spectator: The fruit is exotic, like macerated blueberry and black currant, with hints of underbrush and tar. Firm, compact even, with dusty tannins carrying the finish. Patience required. Best from 2013 through 2024. 224 cases imported. –BS
2008 Mt. Etna Rosso, Outis, Sicilia, Biondi
Retail Price: $35 at K&L Wines
- $60 at Frascati | 1.7x
Description from K&L: Etna Rosso is made of Nerello Mascalese, with the permitted addition of up to 20% Nerello Cappuccio, of which Ciro Biondi takes full advantage. This is the most elegant wine I have tasted from Sicily, and one of the best; it shows an almost Burgundian combination of finesse and substance, leaving a wonderful lingering impression on the palate. The enologist here is Salvo Foti, also from Etna, whose respect for the indigenous flavors of the mountain is evident; the wine shows no overt oak, only excellent, clean and balanced winemaking. Notes: light-medium red Pinot-like color; aroma of red and black fruits, with balsamic hints; medium weight on the palate but very flavorful and long on the finish, excellent balance. This wine has far more weight and complexity than you’d expect from the relatively pale color (as with Pinot and Nebbiolo, of course).
2009 Podera San Cristoforo, Maremma, Petit Verdot
Retail Price: $37 at SF Wine Trading Company
- $68 at Frascati | 1.8x | TP
92 points Wine Advocate: The 2009 Maremma Toscana Podere San Cristoforo is 100% Petit Verdot that spent 10 months in French oak. It is a racy, sleek wine that impresses for its elegant texture and richness rather than for its varietal character, of which there is relatively little. Dark red fruit, spices, minerals and cassis wrap around the super-ripe, expressive finish. Taken on its own terms, this is a very pretty wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
2006 Monchiero, Barolo
Retail Price: $31 at Wally’s
- $70 at Frascati | 2.2x
Description from K&L: This is a really wonderful Barolo from Castiglione Falletto. It is a classic! Complex, powerful, rich and exhibits the hallmark tar and roses aromatics that Barolo is so known for. Surprisingly drinkable now but will age well for another decade.
2006 Corte Pavone, Brunello di Montalcino
Retail Price: $55 at JJ Buckley
- $110 at Frascati | 2.0x
96 points James Suckling: What a nose. The perfect nose of ripe black cherries, spices, toasted oak and flowers. Full body, with velvety tannins, and a berry, cherry and blue berry undertone. What a finish. This shows such beautiful fruit. Leave it for three or four years. Made from organic grapes.
2009 Neal Family Vineyards, Napa Valley, Zinfandel
Retail Price: $24 at Artisan Wine Depot
- $48 at Frascati | 2.0x
Winemaker’s Notes: The raspberry and cherry aromas jump right to the fore and carry themselves through to the finish of this wine. This vintage has a bit more texture than our previous offerings, the tannins suggesting tea. The flavors echo this with slightly nutty nuances, reminiscent of fine green tea. The texture is rich and viscous and a nutmeg spiciness shows itself in the mouth. On the finish the fruit becomes more jam oriented and black pepper rises, making for a wine that is indelibly and unmistakably Zinfandel. Alcohol 14.7%
2010 Broadside, Margarita Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon
Retail Price: $18 at K&L Wines
- $36 at Frascati | 2.0x
Description from K&L: Up-and-coming winemakers Chris Brockway (Broc Cellars) and Brian Terrizzi (Giornata) recognized this and got their hands on some fruit. Like the 2009, 2010 is all about pure Cabernet black and red fruit aromas and flavors, with hints of chalky minerals and baking spice. It’s medium-bodied and supple on the midpalate, with juicy berry, currant and black plum flavors, fine tannins and moderate alcohol. Another balanced and cleanly made Cabernet meant for easy-drinking!
2005 Hawkes, Alexander Valley, Merlot
Retail Price: $45 @ the Winery
- $40 at Frascati | BELOW RETAIL
Winemaker’s Notes: The grapes for this Merlot came from the north hill of our Red Winery Road Vineyard, and were harvested on the 29th of September. Ten days later, it went to press without any extended maceration, and was sent to barrel for 20 months in 40 percent new French oak. It is 100% Merlot. The smell is at once delicate and intense – floral, spicy, red cherry –surprising character for a wine of such modest alcohol.
2011 Achaval Ferrer, Mendoza, Malbec
Retail Price: $20 at The Wine Stop
- $45 at Frascati | 2.2x
Winemaker’s Notes: Intense, pure, full colors and young aromas. This wine completes Achaval Ferrer’s vision of Malbec. Rich with luscious raspberry and macerated currant, Mendoza Malbec has dark, juicy finish. This wine is vivid and racy in character. The winery wishes to honor the insignia variety of Mendoza and to emphasize all the characteristics of this unique cepage. The work in the vineyards reinforces leaf system over root system, and emphasizes the soul of the fruit. Alcohol 14.5%.
2006 Robert Sinskey, Vandal Vineyard, Carneros Cabernet Franc
Retail Price: $35 at K&L Wines
- $59 at Frascati | 1.7x
Description from http://www.klwines.com: Sinskey’s organic and Biodynamic Vandal Vineyard gives Cabernet Franc color that holds light like a deep-hued ruby. Tempting aromas of a bramble thicket, heavy with ripe berries on a hot summer afternoon, join spicy notes of licorice and vanilla in begging a sip. A taste brings black and red berries spiked with spices and sweet herbs. Ideal with lamb.
2008 Wolf Family Vineyards, Phaedrus, Cabernet Sauvignon
Retail Price: $36 at Artisan Wine Depot
- $69 at Frascati | 1.9x | TP
91 points Wine Advocate: The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Phaedrus includes 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot in the blend. Ripe dark fruit, licorice, smoke and mocha flow from this textured, generous Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2008 shows gorgeous persistence all the way through to the rich, inviting finish. It is a beautiful wine all around. I find the Phaedrus more balanced and harmonious than the Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.
2005 Paradigm, Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon
Retail Price: $60 at Woodland Hills Wine Co. & The Cellar Online
- $100 at Frascati | 1.7x | TP
- $115 at Harris’ Restaurant | 1.9x
Winemaker’s Notes: Quite dark in color with deep ripe aromas of chocolate covered black cherries. Enticing fruit nose and layers of spice and toasty oak add up to a wonderful rich complex aroma profile. Flavors match the aromas in a mouth coating, textural, silky and tasty wine. This wine is loaded with aging potential. It has everything it needs to last a good 15 years or more. Great balance and finesse here with flavors that persist minutes after drinking. It all adds up to one of the best Cabernet vintages we have produced at Paradigm.
2009 Maybach, Materium, Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon
Retail Price: $189 at Flickinger Wines
- $200 at Frascati | 1.1x
94 points Wine Advocate: The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium is a gorgeous, polished wine graced with exquisite detail, clarity and focus. Tobacco, cedar and sweet spices add complexity to the fruit in this powerful, expressive 2009. Layers of dark red fruit, mocha and mint wrap around the striking, seamless finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019.
2008 Continuum, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
Retail Price: $150 at Backroom Wines & $170 at Wally’s
- $220 at Frascati | 1.5x
96 points Wine Advocate: The 2008 Continuum is a striking wine endowed with gorgeous aromatics, expressive fruit and flat-out great balance. Espresso, grilled herbs, licorice and violets add complexity to the super-ripe black fruit. Despite the wine’s textural richness and opulence, there is plenty of underlying structure. This is a totally captivating wine. I can’t wait to taste it in another 5 years. In 2008 Continuum is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot, most of which is estate grown fruit from the winery’s vineyards on Pritchard Hill. Fermentation and maceration was quite long, and averaged 35 days. The wine was aged in 100% new oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028.
VinoServant 
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