|
| AMERICA |
| CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND CABERNET BLENDS |
| 333 |
Clos Robert, North Coast, 2006 |
10 |
| This juicy, ruby colored quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon reveals classic black fruits intermixed with hints of herbs and spice. Underlying sweet cassis notes and fine ripeness with smooth lively flavors in the mouth-filling finish make this a favorite for current everyday drinking. |
| 317 |
Invictus, Napa Valley, 2007 |
17 |
| Made from fruit grown at a prestigious, first-growth-quality vineyard. Tastes 50% better than its price. Rich, smoky yet restrained nose with voluptuous richness in the mouth, balanced by fine minerality. Elegant Cabernet. |
| 334 |
Vineyard 29, Cru, Napa Valley, 2008 |
24 |
| This beautiful wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as pure black currant fruit aromas intermixed with notions of licorice, charcoal, subtle smoke, and high class unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is an elegant, stunningly concentrated, seductive, lush wine." -Wine Advocate, 92 pts. |
| 342 |
Napanook, Dominus Estate, Napa Valley, 2007 |
26 |
| Owned by Christian Moueix, proprietor of Chateau Pétrus. "...wonderful elegance, sweet finesse and ripe Napa Valley fruit...smells like a hypothetical blend of a top Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and a serious Bordeaux…possibly a cross blend of a Pomerol and Pauillac." -Parker |
| MERLOT AND MERLOT BLENDS |
| 312 |
Michael Sullberg Merlot Reserve, California, 2009 |
8 |
| A soft, delicate, subtle, charming California Merlot with lush aromas of sweet cherries intermixed with hints of chocolate and a touch of spice. |
| 372 |
Claar Cellars White Bluffs Red, Columbia Valley, 2007 |
9 |
| A delicious Merlot blend with aromas of spiced ripe berry, black olives, and a touch of mint. Very smooth with lots of ripe berry flavors and delicate tannins. |
| 353 |
Paumanok, Long Island, 2007 |
13 |
| Fresh black cherry with a hint of truffle comes onto the palate with big shoulders yet very refined tannins, leaving a long, broad finish. |
| PINOT NOIR |
| 313 |
The Pinot Project, California, 2009 |
8 |
| Pure aromas and flavors of black cherries kissed by oak and complimented by just the right amount of Asian spice. |
| 348 |
Roots "Klee," Willamette Valley, 2009 |
9 |
| Fresh scents of red cherry, raspberry, and cedar are echoed in the flavor of the wine. Blackberry, cinnamon, and a base note of minerality add complexity. |
| 377 |
MacMurray Ranch, Sonoma Coast, 2008 |
10 |
| Grapes from premier vineyards including contributed to the final blend of this wine. A Pinot with classic aromas from the cool micro- climates of the Sonoma Coast, this wine showcases flavors of red cherry, cola, and briar complimented by nuances of sweet vanilla. |
| 420 |
Cambria, Julia's Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, 2009 |
13 |
| Bouquet of dark cherries and freshly picked strawberries. The palate displays lively, engaging Pinot berry fruit accented by cinnamon and vanilla. |
| 486 |
The Four Graces, Willamette Valley, 2008 |
14 |
| Aromas of blackberries, plums, and violets, Vibrant and delicious, earthy and elegant. Fruit-forward with smooth, expressive tannins, this wine bears all the hallmarks of a great New World Burgundy. |
| 373 |
Calera. Central Coast, 2008 |
15 |
| "Bottled unfiltered. Attractive notes of roasted herbs, sweet and sour cherries, strawberry jam, sassafras, and earth emerge from this medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, seductive red." -Wine Advocate, 90 pts. |
| 467 |
Merry Edwards, Sonoma Coast, 2008 |
25 |
| Luminescent ruby in color, this gorgeous Pinot is perfumed with a mouthwatering medley of cola, red raspberries, plums, and blueberries. Exotic Indian spices, a touch of earth, and vanilla bean add complex accents. Elegant, rich, and refined; soft, round, and subtle. |
| SYRAH AND RHONE STYLES |
| 300 |
Syrah, Esca, Napa Valley 2006 |
14 |
| Anna and Mario Monticelli started Esca in 2002 with the goal of producing rich, extracted wines at an affordable price. This Syrah is a monster with tooth-coating black fruit, a blast of dark roasted espresso and dusty cocoa-powder tannins. |
| ZINFANDEL AND ZIN BLENDS |
| 322 |
Rosenblum, Paso Robles 2007 |
11 |
| Rich and full with spicy earth tones. Overall charm and complexity with flavors of rich cherry, black raspberry a touch of chocolate truffle and a pinch of anise. |
| CABERNET FRANC |
| 354 |
Paumanok, Long Island, 2008 |
11 |
| This solid red delivers ripe flavors of black cherry and plum, with accents of tobacco, herb and smoke. This isn't heavy, but has good density, and the finish is fresh and floral. |
| 316 |
Lang & Reed, Napa Valley, 2008 |
12 |
| The aromatics express a very pure statement of Cabernet Franc, with gentle perfume, slight bramble and white cherry, laced with a touch of herb. The flavors are a mix of sweet cherries and blueberries with a faint cedar sweetness and spice. |
| ARGENTINA |
| 366 |
Malbec, Crios de Susana Balbo, Mendoza, 2009 |
8 |
| Another great offering from the master winemaker herself, Crios is the second label of Bodega de Susana Balbo... "Blended with 10% Bonarda; incense, spice box, underbrush, black cherry, savory, ripe, long." -Wine Advocate, 90 pts. |
| 439 |
Clos de los Siete, Red Blend, Mendoza 2008 |
11 |
| From famed oenologist Michel Roland. “Quite ripe, but focused and juicy, with blueberry, acai berry and bramble notes laced with fruitcake and spice hints. A nice briary edge keeps the finish honest. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot.” -Wine Spectator, 89 pts. |
| 488 |
Malbec BenMarco, Dominio del Plata, Mendoza, 2009 |
12 |
| "Blended with 8% Bonarda; spice box, incense, lavender, black cherry; rich, plush palate." -Wine Advocate, 91 pts. |
| AUSTRALIA |
| 311 |
D'Arenberg "The Footbolt" Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2005 |
10 |
| This wine exhibits an aromatic array of fresh herbs, plum, cranberry, and black cherry. Medium-to full-bodied, on the palate spicy blueberry and licorice notes emerge. |
| 446 |
Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2008 |
15 |
| “Dense and rich on the palate, it has layers of succulent fruit, lots of spice, and a lengthy finish…surprisingly elegant for its size.” -Wine Advocate, 93 pts. |
| FRANCE |
| 340 |
Côtes du Rhône, Delas Frères, St. Esprit, Rhône, 2009 |
8 |
| "Soft and friendly, with red and black cherry fruit laced with a subtle grilled herb note. An easygoing bistro wine." -Wine Spectator |
| 351 |
Côtes du Rhône, Domaine Le Garrigon, Rhône, 2010 |
9 |
| Nice purity, with supple flavours of black cherry and plum riding atop lavender, spice, and mineral notes. |
| 363 |
Morgon Jean Descombes, Georges Duboeuf, Beaujolais, 2009 |
9 |
| "Light tannins and a smoky mineral note frame this lush red, which displays layers of black cherry, raspberry ganache and tea rose flavors. There's a spicy thread running through the wine, leading to a fresh, firm finish." -Wine Spectator, 93 pts. |
| 303 |
Chinon, La Vigne en Veron, Chais Saint-Laurent, 2009 |
10 |
| A medium-bodied wine with an earthy core that accentuates its flavors of dark forest berry and black cherry. |
| 365 |
Pascal Marchand "Avalon" Bourgogne Pinot Noir, 2007 |
12 |
| Elegant and lighter in character, this wine has extremely fine tannins and is made in an approachable style, with very transparent, open fruit. |
| 328 |
Château Greysac, Médoc, 2007 |
12 |
| The style of the wine of Château Greysac is one of great aromatic finesse combined with good, full body. It is a lovely Médoc with plenty of flavor, sumptuous rich fruit and excellent complexity. |
| 448 |
Les Pampres Domaine Mas Laval, Languedoc 2009 |
13 |
| Stunning concentration of black-fruit flavors in this pleasingly elegant, supple, elite Rhône blend…this gorgeous wine offers rich texture that coats the palate like fine silk. New oak is evident but content to play a supporting role…smoky, lovely, and seductive! |
| 359 |
Sancerre Rouge, Domaine Fournier, Les Belles Vignes, Loire, 2007 |
13 |
| Ethereally light with aromas and flavors of morello cherries, leather, and smoke. Makes a pleasant first impression on the palatte with evidence of soft tannins. |
| 382 |
Côtes du Jura "Rubis," Domaine Berthet-Bondet, Jura, 2008 |
14 |
| Made with 45% Trousseau, 45% Poulsard and 10% Pinot Noir, this wine is characterized by its lightness and the complex bouquet of red fruits and earthy character. |
| 459 |
Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, 2005 |
25 |
| "The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a must...It boasts a deep plum/ruby color as well as a rich bouquet of blackberries, kirsch, spice box, pepper, grilled herbs, and meat juices. With supple tannins, full body, and beautiful texture and depth." -Wine Advocate, 93 pts. |
| ITALY |
| 331 |
Chianti Superiore Valdarno, Tuscany, 2009 |
11 |
| Lovely dried cherry and smoke aromas with delicious berry flavors and a firm, but silky finish. A great Chionti value. |
| 347 |
Palazzo Della Torre ("Super-Valpolicella"), Allegrini, Veneto, 2007 |
12 |
| "This is a very polished, elegant Palazzo della Torre with pretty layers of mocha, spices and new leather that add complexity to the fresh, vibrant fruit. The addition of dried fruit (Amarone style) adds an extra dimension of complexity." -Wine Advocate, 90 pts. |
| 361 |
Rosso di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra, Tuscany, 2009 |
14 |
| A gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the finish. |
| 310 |
Chianti Classico Querciabella, Tuscany, 2008 |
16 |
| A fragrant, perfumed red. Silky tannins frame a core of cherries, sweet spices and tobacco as this elegant wine opens up in the glass. |
| 335 |
Brunello di Montalcino La Lecciaia, Tuscany, 2004 |
22 |
| "Plush aromas of black cherry and blackberry. Full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a long, delicious finish." -Wine Spectator, 93 pts. |
| 324 |
Brunello di Montalcino Casanova di Neri, Tuscany, 2006 |
25 |
| "Waves of dark fruit caress the palate as this juicy, delicious wine reveals its considerable charms. The fruit shows lovely weight and richness while maintaining an essentially mid-weight personality. Sweet scents of French oak linger on the round, caressing, impeccable finish." -Wine Advocate |
| 908 |
Brunello di Montalcino Valdicava, Tuscany, 2006 |
42 |
| “Love the nose on this with blackberries, sweet tobacco, blueberries. Full body, with soft and silky tannins and a light jammy finish. Lots of dark fruits. Long finish. Loads going on in this one.” –James Suckling, 97 points. |
| NEW ZEALAND |
| 352 |
Palliser Estate Pinot Noir, Martinborough, 2007 |
15 |
| The 2007 Pinot Noir is conservative on the nose with notes of sous-bois and a touch of cigar box. Firm tannins, backward, nice weight on the middle, building towards some lovely pure dark fruits on the sappy finish. |
| 349 |
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2009 |
19 |
| "Earthy, loamy notes crescendo, giving way to intense black cherry, ripe plum and an array of mineral notes. Gutsy and powerful, but with plenty of finesse and dried floral and spice details." -Wine Spectator, 92 points |
| SPAIN |
| 358 |
Carro Tinto, Señorío de Barahonda, Yecla, 2009 |
9 |
| The 2009 Carro is a blend of 50% Monastrell, 20% Syrah, 20% Tempranillo, and 10% Merlot raised in stainless steel. Displaying lifted aromas and flavors of underbrush, violets, and dark berries, this wine is succulent, forward, and seamless. |
| 379 |
Josep Foraster Trepat, Conca de Barberà, 2009 |
12 |
| Strawberry and boysenberry aromas form the bouquet of this medium-bodied, elegant wine that has ample ripe, dry flavors, a smooth texture, and a pleasing proportionality. |
| 323 |
Monastrell Bodegas Hijos De Juan Gil, Jumilla 2009 |
12 |
| Grapes used for this wine come from old vineyards (average of forty years), “Purple-colored with an enticing bouquet of underbrush, cedar, plum, and blueberry, on the palate it is dense, sweetly fruited, and concentrated.” -Wine Advocate |
| 431 |
Priorat Alvaro Palacios, Camins del Priorat, 2008 |
14 |
| This crisp red is bursting with red cherry and berry flavors, sweetened with a bit of vanilla, but balanced with notes of mountain herbs and lead pencil. |
| 434 |
Numanthia Termes, Toro, 2008 |
15 |
| This bold red matches ripe blackberry and currant flavors with toast, dark chocolate and oak notes. The tannins are firm and well-integrated, and the smoky mineral note is alluring. |
| SWEET |
| 602 |
Moscato, Bartenura, Provincia di Pavia, 2010 |
8 |
| A lightly sparkling, semi sweet wine with lingering pear, tangerine, nectar and melon flavors on the finish. Crisp and refreshing. |
| 626 |
Fine Muscat, R. L. Buller & Son, Victoria, Australia NV |
9 |
| Amber in color with luscious butterscotch and toffee aromas melting into nutty caramel and vanilla followed by a long, sweet iced-tea finish. |
| 613 |
Tawny Port, Quinto Do Portal 10 Year NV |
10 |
| One of the finest tawny Ports from Portugal's Douro Valley, the Portal offers rich and luscious flavors of raspberry, chocolate, and honey, amplified by an intense, nutty bouquet and long finish. |
| 627 |
Sauternes, Château Rieussec, France 2005 |
21 |
| Rieussec produces wines that are very similar to Yquem. With sweet, honeyed pineapple fruit, and a lovely strength of aromatics, the nose is quite pure, broad, and textured. The palate is bright, elegant and fresh, with lovely vanilla tones, botrytis, and a nicely defined finish. |
| 621 |
Marsala, De Bartoli Vigna la Miccia 5 Anni, Sicily, Italy NV |
23 |
| "...soft-textured and generous in its sweet spices, nutmeg and dried figs. This polished wine is truly delicious in every way, especially in its round, soft texture and caressing personality." -Wine Advocate, 90 pts |
| 601 |
Vidal Icewine, Inniskillin, Niagara Peninsula, 2007 |
25 |
| Beeswax, orange peel and dried apricot notes mark this aromatically intense Canadian dessert wine. Its sweetness is matched by bracing acidity, leaving a mouthwatering impression. |
| 600 |
Tokaji Aszu, Oremus, 5 Puttonyos, Hungary, 2002 |
35 |
| Racy in style, this is full of lemon, orange and spice notes, kept lively by the zippy acidity. Very clean and focused with a mouthwatering finish. |
| RATAFIA |
| 650 |
Henri Giraud Ratafia de Champagne |
13 |
| Very smooth and supple with aromas and flavors of preserved orange peel, cocoa, cherries, and quince. The finish is long and pure, with a handsome touch of acidity leaving the mouth perfectly clean and fresh. |
© 2011 Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe