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Shannon Sprentall
2009 MAN Chenin Blanc (Coastal, South Africa)
2009 MAN Chenin Blanc 6.99
The new It variety of South Africa. Light lemon yellow in color, tropical fruit, guava, pear, green apple and creamy vanilla aromas. Bright crisp and bold sweet citrus follow vibrant acidity and minerality characteristic of South Africa’s coastal vineyards. Very fruit forward, rich and extremely approachable. This is a fun summer wine great with cheese or as an aperitif. MAN chenin blanc would be a good $15 dollar wine so feel free to welcome this new South African arrival for only $6.99!
89+ Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, August 2010
2008 MAN Pinotage (South Africa)
2008 Man Vintners Pinotage (South Africa) 7.99
This wine takes a more modern approach to South Africa’s indigenous grape variety. 30% of the wine was matured in American and French oak barrels (25% new) for 12 months. 14% Shiraz was added for its silky tannin structure and fruit spice flavors. Full body, bold red- berry flavors, sweet oak with touches of tobacco, cinnamon and nutmeg. Great balance of soft n’ hearty. This Pinotage goes well with a wide range of foods from grilled meats to spicy curries. It’s the only wine I have ever heard of that perfectly complements eel to a steaming bowl of ‘roo stew.
89 Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, July 2010
2008 Achaval Ferrer Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
2008 Achaval Ferrer Malbec (Mendoza) $19.99
“I was extremely impressed with this Mendoza youngin’ for its silky smooth texture, intense minerality and excellent depth. This 2008 Malbec spent 9 months in French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. Produced from Malbec sourced from vineyards located in Mayor Drummond, La Consulta and Medrano (sub-zones of Mendoza), this blend of distinctive terroirs is just one element of detail that distinguishes Achaval Ferrer’s Malbec from others. Deep purple with a bouquet of violets and savory flavors of black cherry, fig, spice and plum. Ideal wine for steak night!”
91 Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, June 2010
- 91 Points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
- 91 Points, The Wine Spectator
2006 Errazuriz Carmenere Don Maximano Estate (Aconcagua, Chile)
2006 Errazuriz Carmenere Don Maximano Estate (Chile) $15.99
“I typically like Carmenere but I love this one for its distinct bouquet of plum, wild berry and spice. The 2006 Carmenere Don Maximo Estate spent 12 months in French and American oak and grapes hand picked from Chile’s finest premier vineyard in Aconcagua Valley. Its complex and enticing aromatics of fresh black fruit complemented by sweet spice and black pepper are intertwined with cassis, dry figs and plum. On the palate, layered spice, full bodied and plenty of lush ripe fruit. Smooth tannins, great depth and a lengthy finish to boot. I would enjoy in the next several years with any roasted meat or tomato-based dish.”
91 Points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
92 Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, May 2010
2007 Colome Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
2007 Colome Malbec Mendoza (Argentina) - A Top 100 Wine from Wine Spectator too! - $24.99
“The estate’s 250 acres of vines from old French cuttings hold the claim of being some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world, with the highest being a staggering 9891 feet above sea level. Bodegas Colomé farms some of the oldest vines in Argentina estimated about 150-year old pre-phylloxera. As if ancient vines and near alpine conditions weren’t enough to distinguish their grapes, Bodegas Colomé also farms their vineyards biodynamically. As for the wine itself, I love its sophisticated nose of black fruit, lavender, violets and spice. French oak is beautifully integrated extracting amazing toasty flavors as well. The balance is very well done.”
93 Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, April 2010
2005 Bodegas Poesia Clos des Andes Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina
2005 Bodegas Poesia Clos des Andes Reserva - 19.99
“2005 Clos des Andes is the latest addition to the prestigious Bodega Poesia collection. This 100% Malbec is sourced from 80 year old vines from the Lujan de Cuyo region of Mendoza and aged to perfection in French oak for one year. Vibrant red in color, musky aromas of baked plum, cedar, violets and black cherry. Extremely elegant in depth and balance lengthened with subtle sweet flavors of berries and herbs. For the perfect Clos des Andes experience decant and serve at 64 degrees. A great representation of Malbec at an affordable price!”
91 Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, March 2010
2008 Festivo Malbec by Monteviejo (Mendoza, Argentina)
2008 Festivo Malbec - 12.99 (11.69 btc)
“2008 Festivo is by far the best valued malbec on the shelf! This distinctive and emblematic variety of Argentina, which falls somewhere between Cabernet and Merlot, has successfully exploded in popularity. It is dark crimson in color with a fragrant nose of blueberries and spice. Medium bodied, hints of dark chocolate, a touch of smoke and minerality with delicious spice and plum characters steering to a lengthy finish. 2008 Festivo malbec is a true expression of this variety at an everyday price.”
90 Points, Shannon Sprentall
February 2010
2009 Crios Torrontes (Argentina)
2009 Crios Torrontes ($11.99)
Winemaker Susana Balbo has done it again! If you have been a Crios Torrontes fan since the 2007 vintage as I have you will not be disappointed with this new arrival. 2009 Crios Torrontes is simply a superb representation of Salta’s Torrontes production. Aromatically similar to Viognier, you’ll find hints of magnolia, peach and citrus on the nose. On the palate, tons of lime, acidity, and concentration. This torrontes is dry but obtains such a voluptuous body for a wine so delicate, fruity and floral. The acidity and mineral components are quite impressive. This 2009 Torrontes is best enjoyed in its vibrant youth, paired with smoked meats, seafood and cheeses or with no partner at all. It is an excellent everyday wine at a refreshingly affordable price.
92 Points, Shannon Sprentall
January 2010
2003 Viña Altaïr Sideral (Rapel Valley, Chile)
2003 Viña Sideral from Chile ($17.99)
“Altair is a Chilean winery founded by the owners of Bordeaux’ Château Dassault. Their 2003 Sideral is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Syrah, and 2% Sangiovese. It reveals full body, marvelous extraction and richness, terrific equilibrium, and a layered, textured, expansively flavored personality. At this unbeatable price, the stars are aligned for this perfectly drinking Bordeaux styled blend. In the era of turn n’ burn wines, this 6 year old Sideral is truly a treasure.”
- 91+ Points, Shannon Sprentall, Email: shannon@b-21.com, Direct #: (727) 722-9105