Wine Vault and Bistro, a full service restaurant specializing in wine

I've been to many wine stores and wine bars over the years but few offer a full service restaurant, which offers pairing menus with the wine available for purchase afterward. This place is very different. Chris and Mary Gluck the owners of the Wine Vault Bistro have a charming wine store, wine bar and bistro all in one! They've been welcoming oenophiles and wine novices alike for three and half years and might I add very successfully!
With no advertising budget to speak of, Chris and Mary depend solely on what Mary calls "chains" or friends telling friends. Mary recalls one of her customers only known as "Sergio" bringing countless friends and business acquaintances dozens of times, simply because he loves the service, top notch food and boutique wines. Many of which are highly allocated and sought after by wine lovers everywhere! Chris personally tastes through all the wines on he puts on his shelves, checking for what I call QPR or the quality price ratio. In other words, "a lot of bang for the buck" and who couldn't use that these days! Chris also rejects many labels because they don't meet the QPR requirement. So whether you are a ABC (anything but Chardonnay) wine drinker or you love something "sweet" they will have what you've been looking for at very affordable prices, which are easy on the wallet and delightful upon the palate.

If you're like me you’ve probably drove past or maybe even stopped by for Gelato from the shop below on this part of India Street countless times, without knowing that just a full story above the sidewalk lies one of San Diego's best Wine-shop/Restaurants, which is the Wine Vault & Bistro a drinking and dining destination like no other located at 3731-A India Street one-half block south of Washington Street.

If wine is not your thing, I've seen Sake and on certain nights they feature special tastings of single malt scotches, tequilas, small-batch bourbons and more, including the fantastic martini samplers, see their calender page for details I would recommend to always check the calender to see what they have going on and please make (619-295-3939) reservations as many events will sell out quite quickly! If you do want to just shop for wine this is encouraged Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

On Thursday and Friday nights they feature "casual" wine tastings which attracts folks seeking a bar or lounge type experience. It’s a great place to start out the evening for a night "out on the town" or to just unwind with friends. Wine lovers and newbies alike will find something to love in the bar's collection of Old and New World wines still and sparkling, available by the glass, bottle or flights of multiple two ounce tastes.

In attending the wine maker dinners I’m always discovering something new and delicious to add to my already overflowing cellar. What is unique is that after tasting through these flights you can take a bottle home or keep one with you for on the go.

The word about the Wine Vault Bistro is quickly spreading. While at times it may be tough to get a table, you'll be rewarded for your patience with stellar wine, fresh food with "no-compromise" ingredients and welcoming smiles all-around. You may just discover your next favorite wine or make them your one stop shop for dining and wine shopping all in one. Please take the opportunity to stop by and have a glass or two and see for yourself.

Until next time Cheers everyone!

"Roll out the Barrel" Gala for the Make a Wish Foundation

The San Diego "Roll out the Barrel" Gala on May 16th 2009 was another wonderful event in support of the Make a Wish Foundation. This event featured over 30 different wineries and included a few brokers and wine stores representing various labels, local entertainment and Restaurateurs gracious enough to share their wonderful menu items. All the wines represented at this event are available from a local San Diego area retailer, the Meritage Wine Market and Tasting Room.

I arrived about six o'clock and a few places had already quit pouring! Unfortunately I was unable to try all the wine being poured that evening and in recognizing some of labels and producers, I focused on some of the names I've only read about in other blog posts and wine related periodicals to try first.

Some of those pouring which I was the most interested are brokered by Native Wines and of course being a huge Cabernet Sauvignon fan, the wine I was most interested in was the 2006 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon 750ML in which a certain Mr. RP gave the 2003 a whopping 95 points. I do believe this one could not be far from the mark and at over $110.00 per bottle and in my book not your everyday drinker. This wine is definitely built for some aging, so grab a few for a special occasion. The 2006 Buccellas Cabernet is very polished and fruit forward, it is what I would call a cocktail wine! This is the type of wine you would want to pour in the beginning of the evening, it's dressed to impress with well woven and smooth tannins wrapped around an elegant opaqueness in the core and irrepressible full throttled fruit from start to lingering finish. A true whopper of a wine!

This is one of those boutique wineries with a cult-like following. The 2006 Buccella Merlot, was equally as amazing as their 2006 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot was every bit its equal, but had the more round mouth feel, normally associated with Merlot. With the Merlot coming in around the $75.00 price range depending on where you shop, it appears to be easier on the wallet and would pair more easily with food than the Cabernet. Both were 100% varietals. I rated these wines "best of show" and the QPR was excellent for the caliber of these wines.

Chris, the gentlemen from Native Wines was also pouring the 2005 Egelhoff Cabernet and 2005 Lamborn Family Cabernet, while many folks were raving about the Egelhoff and rightly so, I gave the edge to the Buccella!

While I was tasting through the wines from Native, right next to them was MINER FAMILY VINEYARDS , whom I noticed had a new (new to me) label in the lineup. I do love their Simpson Vineyard Viognier very much and will often have a few in the cellar, the 2005 AIA caught my palate's attention. This folks is what I would call a very food friendly red wine. The nose is full and embracing of the senses with brilliant red fruit aromas. The mouth feel was smooth with generous plummy, lavender and cherry notes swirling around smooth tannins. Produced from low-yielding Napa vineyards and composed of 63% Cab. Franc, 17% Cab. Sauv., 17% Merlot, 2% Merlot and 1% Sangiovese. This is a drink now and often wine, but with a price point which discourages that mantra at $33.00 each. I would like to see this wine in the $24.99 price range, which would give it better QPR score. If I were in the ratings biz, a score of 86 is where I would place it, a higher score would be merited with a lower price point.

Another of my favorites from the show was from Viader Vineyards where Tony Soter and Mia Klein help Delia Viader produce this Deer Park winery's distinctive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Janet Viader was pouring the 2005 Viader, Proprietary Cabernet Blend and the 2005 Dare, Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Blend was decanted for about an hour before I showed and was excellent! In a few words this wine firm, rich and intense with a complex core of currant, black berry and plum framed by toasty oak nuances leading to a long and persistent finish. This wine sells for about $90.00 depending on where you may find it, but while I really liked this wine the price point will keep many from imbibing on the incredible quality of this wine. The 2005 Dare, 100% Cabernet Franc has a much more approachable price, while being an equally well made wine. Tapered and restrained, with notes of cherry and plum built upon fine tannins melding together in long caressing finish. Priced at about $40.00 each, it's a little above QPR ceiling in my opinion. I would like to see this wine in the $29.99 price range, to help it achieve a better QPR score. Both are wines worthy of your consideration and a vote with your wallet.

Last, but certainly not least of my favorites being poured by Eric Reichenback, Shiverick Jones Wine was the 2007 Table Cabernet from the Napa Valley and the 2005 Mirror Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, the Mirror in it's first release from a new kid on the block and the wine making team of Jeff Smith and Rob Lawson. The mirror was intense and concentrated, with layers of ripe currant, plum and subtle notes of sage and leather and framed in a wonderful toasty oak structure. Very approachable now, but it could hang around in the cellar a year or two. Some may recommend longer bottle aging, but I like to consume my wines a couple years after bottling. I would recommend decanting this wine and hour or before imbibing to help unfold the bountiful aromas and flavors. Sitting at about the $75.00 price point this wine is in the correct QPR range for a wine of this caliber and depth! Definitely a well made and hand crafted wine. Conversely, the the 2007 Table Cabernet, rich and intense with potent currant, roasted coffee and small notes of leather leading to a long and persistent finish. This wine has a price point, which will encourage the opening of many wallets, cellar doors and purchases of many cases. Selling for about $30.00 each depending on where you shop. According to Meritage Wine Market you could call for some special pricing available for Roll out the Barrel Participants.

These few wines I've highlighted here only represent a small selection of the myriad labels being poured at this wonderful event dedicated to making dreams come true and giving hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. A big thanks to everyone who participated in this great event and to the Make a Wish Foundation for putting a first class event! A hearty well done, well organized and skillfully produced. I look forward to attending this event again next year, until then cheers everyone!

The Witch is In! 2006 Witch Creek Nebbiolo, Guadlupe Valley

A couple weekends ago, my wife finally has a free weekend day off and I plan a trip to Julian for the both of us. My wife who is a big fan of wolves, has been wondering Where have the wolves gone ? Not really, but I thought it would be a great way to sneak the link into my post here. She has wanted visit the Wolf Center in Julian for the longest time, they give talks about Wolves, including the little known Mexican Grey Wolf, where we are allowed to visit them in person. It was a truly unique opportunity. But of course I also wanted to take the opportunity to visit the Witch Creek Winery tasting room in Julian, Ca and sample some of the beautiful red wines they are making from the fruit of the Baja California Viticulture Area of Valle De Guadalupe.
With us both being familiar with Julian, we pretty much knew where the tasting room was, but for those not familiar, the tasting room is kind of tucked away a full story above the street. As we made our way in, we saw this sign on the tasting room door, "the Witch is In" pretty funny! A interesting way to let us know they are open and tastings were in progress! It was a beautiful spring day in Julian and the place was filling up fast.
Witch Creek offers Chardonnay and a delightful blush wine but it really emphasizes red wines. It has quite an array of varietals not found in many wineries such as Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Carignan, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc.
Many (locals) folks are familiar with Witch Creek and they have also received some recognition from San Francisco Wine Chronicle, where they were awarded "best of class in the 2009" for the wine I am reviewing today. The WitchCreek Winery - 2006 Nebbiolo - Best of Class. This wine is very limited and we were told they were down to their last couple cases.
It is not sold in stores and there is no bar-code on the label, but you can visit them at either the Carlsbad tasting room, where the wine is actually made or you stop by and see the ladies in the Julian tasting room. But if you go to Julian make sure you stop by "Mom's" for some apple pie! Hard to beat!
Upon first Swirl: In the glass this wine has a beautiful light ruby core and fading to an watery cerise colored rim and generous viscosity shown in the legs. Because of the wines age it's missing is the characteristic brick orange colors on the rim.
Upon first Sniff: What you get is a sense of the coming attractions. It is a gorgeous effort, in the nose are bountiful aromas redolent of crushed flowers, spices, sweet fruit and a just a kiss of menthol.
Upon first Sip: It is light-to-medium bodied with a nice mouth feel. Its starts off with floral nuances, bacon fat, clove and full red fruit. It is balanced by nice acidity on the palate, and finishes with a marriage of gripping tannins and oak.
The Vineyards: The majority to 100% of the fruit is harvested from the Baja California Viticulture Area of Valle De Guadalupe. (There is some doubt about validity of this VA).
Composition: This wine is 100% Nebbiolo, as far as I am able to ascertain. It is most likely aged at least 18 month in oak barrels. Fewer than 300 cases were made.
Alcohol: 14.0 %
Price Considerations: It's a little higher priced than where I think it should be @ the $ 35.00 retail price, a little better at the $ 29.75 club member price. But not the QPR champion it could be at $24.99, which is my suggested price.
My Recommendations: I would try to secure a couple of bottles of this wine while you can and try many of the other wines they have on the menu. We really liked quite a few of their other wine, but this one was definitely a favorite. My wife and I also really like the 2006 Tempranillo which fell in the more reasonable price range for a very well made wine. Stop and see them in the tasting room, because like I said this not available in store and or restaurants.
Other Facts: Nebbiolo is the most prized red grape variety in Northern Italy but is still relatively rare in the United States, but not so in Mexico our neighbor to the south. Nebbiolo is Old Italian dialect for “Noble.” In Italy, Nebbiolo is called the “Wine of Kings.” Most likely because of it is connection to the great Barolos and Barbarescos of the Piedmont region.

"Night at the Yalumba Museum" The Stickies!

The Australians will refer to this type of wine as STICKIES ! Most likely because if you do spill some on clothing or what have you, it can become a sticky situation.
The Yalumba Museum Reserve Muscat from Barossa Valley, which I picked last weekend because we were having guests and we planned on smoking some cigars afterward. I thought hmmm what would be a great after dinner quaff, that would pair nicely with a chocolate themed dessert and a phat Cuban cigar? An old friend was gracious enough to part with a Cuban. On his trip to Cuba, he picked up a few hand-rolled cigars, of which he gave me one, the Romeo Y Julieta Cuban cigars, Julieta 2 (Churchill) ! Wow this was a thing of beauty! Everyone tried it and loved how smooth it was full-bodied with rich complex flavors like the delicious wine which accompanied it! I would say this is the perfect accompaniment to any ones favorite cigar.
Many dessert wines of this caliber will set you back a pretty penny! Considering this small 375 ml bottle received some 97 points of satisfaction from Mr. RP! Some folks could pay $45 to $250 for a current top release of Sauternes or as much as $1100 for a vintage Chateau d'Yquem if you could find one. But the Yalumba Muscat Museum Reserve will cause the wallet little grief at a paltry $15.95 - $19.95 depending on where you shop. Folks this is a serious QPR, champ!

Many will compare this to a Tawny Port which is fair. Very similar in taste and style, some would even say it compares favorably to a Fonsesa 40 year old Tawny, but without the huge ($80.00) price tag.

Upon first Swirl: In the glass this wine has a deep amber colored core, with a pale burnt orange rim. It clings to side of the glass, with thick cleaving legs.
Upon first Sniff: This wine has some sophisticated aromas roiling around in the glass. Scents of honey, molasses, dried figs and raisins, with some nutty components coalescing into a ever changing bouquet of delight.
Upon first Sip: The fortified wine is perfectly balanced with rich complex flavors of roasted nuts, orange peel, toffee and dried fruits and just a lithe amount of lemony brilliance and acidity to offset the sweetness and long persistent finish. This wine is meant to be savored, not downed like a shot!
The Vineyards: According to the website, "the grapes are grown in the Rutherglen and other traditional areas of northern Victoria. Dry-grown vineyards in these warm regions are ideally suited for producing exceptional ripe fruit."
Composition: Made from the red and pink clones of the Muscat, a petite grains grape variety, especially adept for producing some of the best dessert wines with very reasonable price points. This wine is fortified with neutral grape spirit and very little fermentation to retain the varietal flavors. This wine is produced in a Solera System a styled blend from many different years and as such is considered NV or Non-vintage, which is re-blended prior to bottling to achieve the amazing complex flavors.
Alcohol: 18%, about the same as your average Tawny but not as edgy!
My Recommendation: If you live in San Diego, this wine is carried by Costco for a ridiculous price of $15.95 each so run out and get some today. Keep a few around and have some buddies over to smoke some cigars and enjoy another day in paradise. Everyone else not in San Diego, I'm sure this wine is widely distributed, and can most likely find in your favorite wine shop. It's is very good and will pair nicely with many chocolate styled desserts. You won't be disappointed!

Over the Hedges, Red Mountain, 2006 Three Vineyards Claret

I was in one of my favorite wine stores the other day for a tasting of "all French wines" when I came across this beauty of a wine. This wine was not in the tasting line-up, but if it would have been allowed in the tasting, a similar priced and styled Bordeaux would have been put to shame! This bottle hails from the great state of Washington, where some fabulous wine is being made, specifically from the Red Mountain, AVA.
The Red Mountain AVA, Washington's smallest appellation, is situated between the cities of Benton City and West Richland within the larger Yakima Valley just north of the Oregon border. The south facing (here is one of key reasons for the success of this wine) slope of Red Mountain which is home to more than 37 wineries, including some of Washington's top estates.
I was there a few years ago and came back with cases of wine from my trip, which is why when I came across this label from Red Mountain and read the varietal line-up I was sure it would be a winner. In fact it's QPR winner!
How they got their start: "Tom and his wife Anne-Marie marketed their Cabernet/Merlot blend to foreign buyers exclusively for two years before going domestic and opening up North American distribution. Still without their own winery, they took a chance (looks like that bet paid off in spades) buying acreage on an obscure little hill called Red Mountain. The Hedges Family Estate have concentrated their efforts on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the concept of terroir since their first vintage in 1987." They consider the Three vineyards to be their flagship Estate wine.

Upon First Swirl: After two hours of decanting, this wine will take time to unfold. It's a bit timid and shy, but came about nicely. In the glass a deep ruby core traversing to a light cerise colored rim. From the legs I could see this wine had an adept style worth waiting for, but further aging would rewarded.
Upon First Sniff: This wines aromas reminded of that old 70's song, "A smoke from a distant fire"! Smokey aromas of bacon fat and mocha and dark fruits permeated my senses! Speaking to my palate about the coming attractions. Even after the wine was gone, the lingering scent of its presence reminded me that I need to get back to the wine shop to purchase a few more.
Upon First Sip: Suave and sophisticated this wine is, to quote Mr. Yoda! Seriously this wine kept unfolding in the decanter, delivering layer upon layer of smokey essence, mocha, leather and delivered a depth of gutsy blackberry, licorice and fig fruit. A long and caressing finish.
The Vineyards: RMV 48% Hedges 22% and Bel Villa 30% south facing slope, the sandy loam soil is high in calcium and alkaline. Red Mountain's vineyards are characterized by good air drainage, light soils and deeply rooted vines.
Composition: Merlot 51% Cabernet Sauvignon 38% Cab Franc 7% and Syrah 4% of course making this wine a blend. What some would call a, Claret (Dry red Bordeaux or Bordeaux-like wine) style. Nothing dry about this wine, though!
Alcohol: Weighing in at a mere 13.6 % too me this was impressive considering the amount of fruit displayed at mid palate. Real restraint was shown by the wine maker, what I would call power under control!
My Recommendation: First buy as many as you can afford to acquire and cellar, second drink one now to see what I am talking about and then cellar the rest! Third, make sure you decant (can't stress this enough) before imbibing, the layers of flavor take time to unfold. Last, you'll most likely want to smoke a phat Cuban afterward. If your in the area, go see them! Beautiful tasting room and and a VERY reasonable tasting fee! This AVA is a must see!
Price: Now to the reason I said this wine is another QPR champ, it cost me, wait for it......... $15.95! Yep that's it! Folks this wine should cost 3 times this amount! Please Hedges Family don't raise the price, but if I put this wine in a line-up of some Napa phaties it would easily sell for $75.00.

Other voices:

By: Chiara Shannon | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 2/25/2009 | Send Email

I am not afraid to spend a lot of money on a wine that delivers. However, I am infinitely more excited when I find a wine that is cheap and delivers. Aren't we all? And this Washington number from Hedges, a Bordeaux-styled blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a little Cabernet Franc and Syrah added for good measure, from all estate vineyards, is a knockout. Medium-boiedy with dark currant and cranberry flavors, black pepper, and layers of smoke and earth, this wine is so, so good with barbecued or slow-cooked, savory meats. My husband does prime rib slowly braised in a reduction sauce involving dark coffee and ancho chiles...the dark berry fruit and smokey flavors of the wine complement the flavors of dish perfectly. More importantly, however, is that this wine has adaquate tannin and acidity to balance the weight and richness of the dish, but not too much to conflict with the heat and spice. Great wine for a great price. Drink from 2009 to 2015
BTW, I didn't do a spell check on other voices, I just lay it out there as is.

Oregundian Trail: Rex Hill, Pinot Noir 2002 Carabella Vineyard

If you love Pinot Noir as much as I do a trip to what can be affectionately referred to as the Oregundian Trail in Oregon's Willamette Valley is a mandatory trip! You have to see it, experience and best of all taste these wines from what I would call the new "mecca" of Pinot Noir wonder and goodness this side of the pond!

Some may wince at this statement, saying Oregon Pinot has become too fruit forward and syrupy, and we prefer wines with far more restraint and austerity, well okay if that's what you like this review will not change your mind. But for everyone else who actually would like to taste something other than dirt and mushrooms read on.
This particular wine was found sitting clumsily in an old wine barrel at the Rex Hill tasting room, where my wife and I were quaffing our way through the tasting menu way back in 2004, on our own pilgrimage to the Willamette Valley. I queried our tasting room attendant about the "marked-down" bottles and she said, "that is the island of misfit wines", their labels are on crooked or wrinkled, so we discount them. This wine was not available for tasting but upon the word of the tasting room attendant, we decided to take the misfits with us and boy we were glad we did! When we got home we put away all our wine treasures from our Orgundian Trail experience and really forgot about this misfit we purchased until October of 2007. A beautiful fall evening here in San Diego, with a wood fired pizza cooking on the barbie, along side a spinach salad and rummaging around in the cellar, I found the misfit! The Rex Hill Vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir Carabella Vineyard 2002 (USA ...; slumbering gracefully amongst the Bergstoms, Patricia Green and Owen Roes waiting to be opened and relished.
First Swirl: After opening the bottle of misfit wine, this Pinot Noir glistened and shimmered in the glass like gentle rose petals falling upon a silken pillow. The color was a lithe shade of crimson in the core fading to a silky cerise rim.
First Sniff: The aromas of barnyard type rustic smells wafted effortlessly from my glass, with a strong under currant of rich spices and fragrant red berry's enveloped my senses and tempted my palate with forthcoming pleasure.
First Sip: Rich black cherry, raspberry, with a dusting of earthiness. Very sweet, ethereal entry. Seamless, immediately expressive rich sandalwood spice, black cherry, fruit tart explosion. Really nice balance, acidity and elegant mouth-feel, departing with a wondrously long finish.
The Vineyards: A selection of 17 barrels from south and southeast sloping blocks of this vineyard located approximately 5 miles SE of the Rex Hill Vineyards Estate Winery.
Composition: Composed of 100% Pinot Noir grapes from the Carabella Vineyard in the Willamette Valley.
Alcohol Percentage: 14.2 % Just a little hot! But after decanting for an hour before consuming it was hardly noticeable.
My Recommendation: This wine is long gone as far as I am able to research, but Rex Hill still has a few of the 2003 which WS says's is even better! WS gave the 02, 87 points and the 03, 90 points. If possible I would grab a couple of the 03's from Rex Hill's library collection. It is definitely worth the $55.00 entrance fee. If you see any other Rex Hill wines give them a swirl, I think you will be glad you did.
Other Voices:
PINOT NOIR CARABELLA VINEYARD
92 Wine Entusiast 5/06
90 Wine Spectator “Insider” 5/31/06
From: the The PinotFile Archive 2002 Rex Hill Carabella Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 13.6% alc.. (not sure where he got the 13.6 %, as I still have the label clearly marked 14.2%)· Actually my second favorite of the tasting but not many tasters agreed. This wine had the whole package - five spice nose, silky mouth feel, and a lasting finish of spice-tinged cherries and berries. Reviewed March 27, 2007 ARTICLE »

A great buy, under twenty bucks! Montes Alpha, Syrah 2006

The picture to the left is the wonderful 2005, but this review will cover both vintages which were remarkably well made wines, with a QPR that is through the roof! Now if you are new to my blog or new to wine and are not familiar with the acronym QPR, you will see it tossed around on occasion in wine blogs and other publications. It stands for Quality, Price, Ratio, which means to you, the average consumer of wine that a wine with a high score in this category gives you a lot of "bang for the buck"!
Quite often what I look for in a wine is consistency across vintages. In particular consistency in quality, not so much in flavors or aromas, but how well made the wine is overall across vintages. Now having only tasted through the 05 and 06 Syrah, I'm starting to think of Montes Alpha Syrah as a consistently good, well made wine, that would be worthy of a purchase 9 times out of 10. But the jury is still out on that point, but definitely under consideration. I purchased this wine while out with my old friend and his lovely wife. By the way he's an amazing freelance photographer, check out his work @ SergiosPhoto.com . If you want the your event, organizational or ad-copy images to be brilliant, give him a call!

First Swirl: The color is beautiful in the class, a transparent cerise velvet curtain melding to lighter strawberry color on the rim.
First Sniff: The 2005 Syrah shows a classic Syrah nose of veiled white pepper, mocha, bittersweet chocolate and black cherry, while the 2006 had also wonderful aromas of fig and espresso wafting effortlessly from the glass!
First Sip: The mouth feel is wonderful and shows similar flavors and adds a toasty note and minerality, a crushed rock component on the long food friendly finish, while the 2006 delivered far more fruit forward style and feel, and less of the mineral notes observed in the 2005.
Composition: This wine spent 12 months in French Barrels and contains 90% Syrah 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Viognier which gives this wine the nice mouth feel and smooths out any of the ruff tannic edges.
Alcohol Percentage: Barely noticeable at 14%.
Price Range: Expect to shell out between $15.00 to $19.99 a piece or restaurant prices could easily reach an asking price of $45.00. (in my mind that is excessive @ an 250% markup)
Pairing Suggestions: I encountered this wine while dining at Rei Do Gado in San Diego, which is a parade of different meats flying by on skewers of which my favorites were the bacon wrapped filet's and the skirt steak. Seriously though this wine will pair with most entrees!
My Recommendation: If you're foodie like myself (and I know many of you are), this is the kind of wine you could easily buy a case of or two to have as an everyday drinker. It's not the heavy handed type of Syrah you would find from down under, but an articulate food friendly velvet bomb! But before you go buying them all up, please have proper storage. This could be a very long hot summer and I would hate to see all that yummy wine go to waste!

Other Voices: Wine Spectator said of the 2006 richly layered, with ambitiously styled fig, mocha, espresso and bittersweet cocoa, backed by a lush beam of boysenberry fruit. Fleshy and toasty through the finish, with the dark fruit lingering well in the background. Drink now through 2010. 9,000 cases made.