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"Best of Show" San Francisco International Wine Competition

The largest and most prestigious competition in America delivers awards after examining wines from around the world in three days. Forty-five wine industry professionals from throughout the United States convened June 19th, 20th and 21st to taste, score and rank 4,274 wines from 1,195 wineries during the San Francisco International Wine Competition held at San Francisco’s Hotel Nikko. In its 29th year, the San Francisco International Wine Competition examined wines from 26 states and 21 countries.

The medal count included 148 Double Gold (a wine is elevated to Double Gold status when all judges on a particular panel agree that a wine deserves a Gold medal), 245 Gold, 1,150 Silver and 1,514 Bronze. “Best of Show” awards went to: Bürgerspital Weingut 2008 Gewürztraminer, Spätlese trocken, Franken, Germany, $34, for Best White Wine; Storrs Winery & Vineyards 2007 Grenache, Central Coast, $26, for Best Red Wine; Moët & Chandon 1995 Vintage Brut, Cuvée Dom Pérignon Oenothèque, Épernay, France, $350, for Best Sparkling Wine; and Pullus 2008 Late Harvest Riesling, Stajerska, Slovenia, $35, for Best Dessert Wine.

Muscardini Cellars 2008 Rosato di Sangiovese

The Award-Winning Wine:
Muscardini Cellars 2008 Rosato di Sangiovese, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Reason for Reviewing:
Muscardini Cellars 2008 Rosato di Sangiovese is a Gold, Best of Class & Sweepstakes Winner, and earned a Best Vineyard Designate Wine Award at the recently completed, first ever, Sonoma Valley Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Starting in Italy in 1892, Muscardini Cellars has a long, storied, and interesting history which you can read about here.

Winery Notes:
Floral bouquet of strawberry, melon and roses, with a hint of passion fruit. Refreshing grapefruit finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Muscardini Cellars 2008 Rosato di Sangiovese shows a beautiful, elusive color, a light orange coral peach color. A medley of fresh fruit aromas lift to the nose in a floral context. Red berries, light melon, and other fresh fruit flavors fill the mouth and persist through a citrusy finish with crisp acidity.

Bottom Line:
Muscardini Cellars 2008 Rosato di Sangiovese is a beautiful looking, light and bright rose full of fresh fruit flavors. Well integrated and well balanced; quite refreshing and enjoyable. Suggested retail price is $22. Overall composite score: 96 points.

2009 Riverside International Wine Competition Sweepstakes

A Canadian Pinot Blanc, a Monterey County red wine blend, and a Washington sparkling wine were the big winners at the 28th Riverside International Wine Competition. Here are all of the Sweepstakes Awards winners:

Sparkling Wine
Domaine Ste Michelle Extra Dry Sparkling Wine

Rose Wine
Torrey Ridge Winery Pink Catawba

White Wine
2008 Peller Estates Pinot Blanc, Family Series

Red Wine
2007 Ventana Rubystone, Rhone Blend, Estate Grown

Dessert Wine
2007 Longboard Vineyards Late Harvest Semillon

More info: here.

2009 Critics Challenge Competition Winners

Here are the super-award winning wines from the recently completed 2009 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.

Wine of the Year
2006 Clayhouse Petite Sirah, Paso Robles $25

Best of Show Sparkling
2000 Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne, France $139

Best of Show White
2008 La Cereza Viognier, Temecula $25

Best of Show Rose
2008 Navarro Rose, Mendocino $16.50

Best of Show Red
2006 Clayhouse Petite Sirah, Paso Robles $25

Best of Show Dessert
2007 Navarro Late Harvest Riesling, Cluster Select $59 More info here.

Vina Robles 2006 Suendero

The Award-Winning Wine:
Vina Robles 2006 Suendero

Reason for Reviewing:
Vina Robles 2006 Suendero earned a top-honor Gold Medal from the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards.

Noteworthy:
"Suendero" is derived from "Sueño Sendero" or the "Dream Path," celebrating the wine’s origins amid the magical terrain of Adelaida Springs Ranch in the rugged coastal mountains west of Paso Robles. According to the winery, at an elevation of 1,700 feet and just 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the ranch’s small vineyard unfolds along steep calcareous soils composed of ancient sea beds.

Winery Notes:
Dark garnet in color. This well-structured wine unfolds with notes of wild strawberry, black currant and blackberry, in addition to vanilla and coconut aromas from the oak barrels. The dark fruits re-emerge on the palate with blueberry and fresh black raspberry dominating, as well as oregano and green peppercorn supported by toasted oak tannins and a balancing acidity that provides a long finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Vina Robles 2006 Suendero displays as a as a deep garnet color. A mix of ripe berry aromas exude from the glass to the nose. Both dark berry and red berry flavors mingle on the palate in a very fruity mouth, and carry through supple tannins, in a long vanilla oak and light spice finish.

Bottom Line:
Vina Robles 2006 Suendero is an interesting Meritage bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%) and Petit Verdot (47%). It is quite flavorful, well integrated, and deliciously satisfying. Suggested retail price is $49. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Best Vineyard Designate Wines, Sonoma Valley Wine Competition

Six Sonoma Valley wines, three whites, two reds and one rosé, earned Best Vineyard Designate Wine awards at the recently completed, first ever, Sonoma Valley Wine Competition. The are:

Clarbec 2007 Pinot Gris, Clarbec Vineyard & Lila Lane Vineyard, Sonoma County

Kunde Family Estate 2005 Chardonnay, Reserve, Kinneybrook Vineyard Block 24 & Estate Vineyards, Sonoma Valley

Robledo Family Winery 2006 Chardonnay, Rancho Maria Vineyard, Sonoma Carneros

Atmosphere Wines 2006 Syrah, Parmelee-Hill Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Sojourn Cellars 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Mountain Terrace Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Muscardini Cellars 2008 Rosato di Sangiovese, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Super-Award Winners from Sonoma Valley's First Ever Wine Compettion

The results are in from the first ever Sonoma Valley Wine Competition. The “Spring Tasting” was the first in a series of quarterly wine competitions designed to showcase the quality of wines made from Sonoma Valley grapes and to promote the seasonal release of new wines.

Local wine writer and sommelier Christopher Sawyer oversaw the judging, which included 46 wineries competing for awards in categories ranging from varietal type and vineyard location to price point and selling venue.

Wineries receiving top honors at the inaugural Sonoma Valley Wine Competition include: Nicholson Ranch, Muscardini Cellars, Tin Barn Vineyards, Roche, and Audelssa Estate Winery.

Best White Wine, Sweepstakes Winner:
Nicholson Ranch 2007 Chardonnay, Estate, Sonoma Valley

Best Red Wine, Sweepstakes Winner:
Nicholson Ranch 2006 Syrah, Las Madres Vineyard, Sonoma Carneros

Best Rosé Wine, Sweepstakes Winner:
Muscardini Cellars 2008 Rosato di Sangiovese, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Best Valley Floor Red Wine
Tin Barn Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir, Ricci Vineyards, Sonoma Carneros

Best Valley Floor White Wine
Roche Carneros Estate Winery 2007 Chardonnay, Estate, Sonoma Carneros

Best Hillside Selection
Audelssa Estate Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mountain Terraces Estate, Sonoma Valley

Three Rivers 2005 Boushey Vineyard Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Three Rivers 2005 Boushey Vineyard Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Three Rivers 2005 Boushey Vineyard Syrah was one of three Three Rivers Winery wines that earned top-honor Gold Medals at the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards. They also won Gold for their 2006 Malbec and their Three Rivers 2005 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Noteworthy:
The name Three Rivers represents the three most prominent rivers in the appellations from which the winery sources its grapes: the Columbia, Snake, and Walla Walla Rivers.

Winery Notes:
Single vineyard wines like this one give you the opportunity to taste a special place in time. This wine has a nice berry backdrop with layers of gamey, smoky spice that really keeps the palate enticed for more.

AlaWine Notes:
Three Rivers 2005 Boushey Vineyard Syrah shows as a dark garnet color. Floral aromas of ripe berries waft from the glass. Jammy fruit, blackberry, strawberry and blueberry flavors, fill the palate in a smooth mouthfeel and sustain through a long, light-spice finish.

Bottom Line:
Three Rivers 2005 Boushey Vineyard Syrah is a single vineyard, medium-bodied, 100% Syrah with lots of layered fruit flavors and a complementary finish framed by supple tannins. Quite food friendly, or delicious on its own. Suggested retail price is $50. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Nevada City Winery 2007 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Nevada City Winery 2007 Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Nevada City Winery 2007 Syrah is a "Best New World" Wine Winner from the recently completed 2009 New World International Wine Competition Competition.

Noteworthy:
From the winery: "More than a few small wineries have started in a garage, but we may be the only Winery to begin that way, move on to bigger and better quarters, and still be in a garage"

Winery Notes:
...rich, full-bodied wine, loaded with juicy blackberry flavors and smoky, chocolate aromas. Boldly flavored with medium-full tannins...

AlaWine Notes:
Nevada City Winery 2007 Syrah pours in the glass as a dark ruby color. Ripe, dark berry aromas radiate to the nose. Juicy flavors of blackberry and blackcurrant, with a black olive highlight, fill the palate. Moderate tannins frame the fruit in a long dry, pepper and oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Nevada City Winery 2007 Syrah is a flavorful, medium-bodies wine with plenty of fruit flavor and layers of interesting complexity. Food friendly and a good wine for grilling season. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 93 points.

Hughes Family Vineyards 2006 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Hughes Family Vineyards 2006 Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Hughes Family Vineyards 2006 Syrah earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards.

Noteworthy:
Hughes Family Vineyards is a boutique winery producing premium Zinfandel and Syrah wines made exclusively from the grapes grown in their certified organic vineyards in Glen Ellen, California.

Winery Notes:
Deliciously black and opaque with dark purple hues. Sweetly seductive and alive with scents of cacao and berry. The palate has exquisite flavors of rose and a hint of smoke.

AlaWine Notes:
Hughes Family Vineyards 2006 Syrah shows as a dark garnet color in the glass. Bountiful aromas of ripe berries rise to the nose in a floral, light smoke and dark chocolate highlight. Opens with a smooth mouth, full of ripe blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant flavors. Moderate tannins support ample fruit through a long, dry, leather and oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Hughes Family Vineyards 2006 Syrah is a layered wine with interesting complexities of fruit and finish. Suggested retail price is $40. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Vina Robles 2006 Signature

The Award-Winning Wine:
Vina Robles 2006 Signature

Reason for Reviewing:
Vina Robles 2006 Signature earned top-honor a top-honor Gold Medal at the recently completed Grand Harvest Awards.

Noteworthy:
The 2006 Signature blend is made from three grape varieties that winemaker Matthias Gubler feels are the ultimate expression of Vina Robles' terroir. It is a blend of the Bordeaux varietals Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon with the Rhone varietal Syrah.

Winery Notes:
Intense aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, and violets supported by toasty oak, nutmeg and cinnamon notes. Fresh blueberry, plum and peach flavors with a hint of pine and tobacco supported by ripe, firm tannins.

AlaWine Notes:
Vina Robles 2006 Signature pours as a deep garnet color. Abundant aromas of ripe raspberry and blueberry blossom from the glass in a floral context. Rich, full-fruit flavors, blueberry, raspberry and whole plum fill the palate in a smooth texture. The finish is long and delicious with moderately firm tannins and a leather accent.

Bottom Line:
Vina Robles 2006 Signature is a well balanced, well integrated, if unusual, red wine blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It offers full ripe fruit flavors and interesting layers of complexity. Suggested retail price is $36. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Volcano Vineyards Rogue Valley 2006 Merlot

The Award-Winning Wine:
Volcano Vineyards Rogue Valley 2006 Merlot

Reason for Reviewing:
Volcano Vineyards Rogue Valley 2006 Merlot earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the recently completed 2009 Newport Wine Festival and a Gold Medal from the 2008 Riverside International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
From the winery: The volcanic peaks of the Cascade Mountains dominate the horizon west of our home in Bend, Oregon. The landscape is volcanic, the climate dry.

Winery Notes:
This Merlot offers dark fruit and floral aromas with rich plum and blackberry flavors. Supple tannins and a hint of caramel round out the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Volcano Vineyards Rogue Valley 2006 Merlot pours as a dark garnet color. Fragrant aromas of ripe blackberries exude from the glass. Rich flavors of blackberries, mulberries, and plum meat fill the palate with fruit in a smooth mouth. Moderate tannins allow the fruit to linger through a long, light oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Volcano Vineyards Rogue Valley 2006 Merlot is a round and well balanced red wine full of complementary fruit flavors and a satisfying finish. Quite food friendly and a good value. Suggested retail price is $24. Overall composite score: 93 points.

Raymond Burr Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Raymond Burr Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Raymond Burr Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a Sweepstakes Awards at the recently completed 2009 Monterey Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The winery is named for its partner, Raymond Burr, the actor best know as television's Perry Mason. According to the winery, "it is not so much a memorial to Raymond Burr as it is his living, breathing presence."

Winery Notes:
A full, solid, complex Cabernet. Rich, ripe, and earthy. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, chocolate and a hint of oak. Medium tannins with a long finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Raymond Burr Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon displays, on pouring, as a dark garnet color. Ripe berry aromas lift to the nose, and a light menthol note. Blackberry and blackcurrant flavors wash onto the palate in a fresh fruit opening. Moderate tannins frame the full fruit flavors through a long, dry, mild pepper-oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Raymond Burr Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium-bodied, fruity, 100% Cab Sauv (not blended with Cab Franc as in previous vintages) with rich complementary flavors and a an exquisite, long drying finish. Food friendly or good on it own. Suggested retail price is $38. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Szabo Vineyards 2006 Petite Sirah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Szabo Vineyards 2006 Petite Sirah

Reason for Reviewing:
Szabo Vineyards 2006 Petite Sirah earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards.

Noteworthy:
The roots of the Szabo family lie in the town of Eger, Hungary, where there have been vineyards since Roman times and where they produce the famous Egri Bikaver (“Bull’s Blood”) wine.

Winery Notes:
Big cassis and pepper flavors mingle with pleasant floral and chocolate notes on the nose of this classic wine, and balance well with the moderate tannins and long finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Szabo Vineyards 2006 Petite Sirah pours as a very deep purple color in the glass. Aromas of ripe, dark berries and chocolate waft to the nose. Brambleberry and whole plum flavors predominate on the palate, sustaining through a long, very dry, spice and light pepper finish.

Bottom Line:
Szabo Vineyards 2006 Petite Sirah is a full-bodied wine with loads of fruit flavor and a distinguished character. A great wine to pair with thick cuts of grilled steaks. Suggested retail price is $22. Overall composite score: 91 points.

Barnard Griffin 2006 Reserve Merlot

The Award-Winning Wine:
Barnard Griffin 2006 Reserve Merlot

Reason for Reviewing:
Barnard Griffin 2006 Reserve Merlot won the Best of Show award from among all red wines at the recent 2009 Monterey Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Barnard Griffin Winery is situated in south-central Washington at the confluence of the Yakima, Columbia, and Snake rivers, in the heart of Washington State's wine country.

Winery Notes:
Strikes an elegant balance between lovely cherry/plum fruit and vanilla/cigar box, wood spice notes. Effusive plum, cherry and cranberry fruit leaps out of the glass and cascades through the palate, enlivened by juicy acidity. A discreet wood profile plays second fiddle to the amazing fruit found in this youthful merlot.

AlaWine Notes:
Barnard Griffin 2006 Reserve Merlot stands as a dark purple color in the glass. Very aromatic, radiating plumes of ripe, red and dark fruits. A very smooth opening with flavors of cherry, berries, and meat of plum. Full, complementary fruit flavors hold center stage through a long and graceful, lightly oaked, finish.

Bottom Line:
Barnard Griffin 2006 Reserve Merlot is a round, fruity, red wine with rich flavors an an exquisite finish. Balanced, well integrated, smooth and delicious, very satisfying. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Best of Class Winners, 2009 Lodi International Wine Competition

The 2009 Lodi International Wine Awards have been released. Best of Class winners (and two special award winners) include:

* Best of Class: Cabernet Franc, Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery, 2005 Cabernet Franc, Lodi
* Best of Class: Cabernet Sauvignon, Housley's Century Oak Winery, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi, Reserve
* Best of Class: Chardonnay, Little Black Dress, 2008 Chardonnay, California
* Best of Class: Chardonnay, Fog Head, 2007 Chardonnay, Monterey/San Bernabe, Limestone Ridge, Resesrve
* Best of Class: Chardonnay, Jekel Vineyards, 2007 Chardonnay, Monterey, Gravelstone
* Best of Class: Merlot, Domaine Laurier, 2006 Merlot, Sonoma County, Reserve
* Best of Class: Petite Sirah, Cooper Vineyards, 2006 Petite Sirah, Amador
* Best of Class: Petite Sirah, Harney Lane Winery, 2006 Petite Sirah, Lodi
* Best of Class: Petite Sirah, Scheid Vineyards, Inc., 2006 Petite Sirah, Monterey
* Best of Class: Pinot Gris, Jefferson Vineyards, 2008 Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Virginia
* Best of Class: Pinot Noir, Judd's Hill, 2007 Pinot Noir, Central Coast
* Best of Class: Red Blend, Milan Vineyards, 2006 Red Blend, Ruby Reserve
* Best of Class: Sangiovese, Macchia Winery, 2007 Sangiovese, Amador County, Harmonious
* Best of Class: Sauvignon Blanc, Bonterra Vineyards, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino, Lake County
* Best of Class: Syrah, Perry Creek Winery, 2006 Syrah, El Dorado
* Best of Class: Syrah, Trancas Vineyards, 2006 Syrah, California
* Best of Class: Viognier, Loredona, 2007 Viognier, Lodi
* City of Lodi Trophy - Best Zinfandel, Brazin, 2006 Zinfandel, Lodi, Old Vine
* City of Lodi Trophy - Best Zinfandel, Van Ruiten Family Winery, 2007 Zinfandel, Lodi, Old Vine
For more information, click here.

Select "Best New World" Wine Winners, 2009 NWIWC

Results are in from the 2009 New World International Wine Competition (NWIWC) Competition. Among the top winners are these "Best New World" wines:

Best New World Red Wine and Best New World Zinfandel:
Wildhurst Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel Home Ranch Vineyard Lake County California

Best New World Chardonnay:
Wildhurst Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay Lake County California Reserve

Best New World Merlot:
Domaine Laurier Winery 2006 Merlot Somoma County California Reserve

Best New World Pinot Noir:
Navarro Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Mendocino California Deep End Blend

Best New World Syrah/Shiraz:
Nevada City Winery 2007 Syrah Nevada County California Director'S Reserve

Best Value Of The Show:
Bota Box 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon California

For more information, click here.

Palmeri Wines 2004 Stagecoach Napa Valley Cabernet/Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Palmeri Wines 2004 Stagecoach Napa Valley Cabernet/Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Palmeri Wines 2004 Stagecoach Napa Valley Cabernet/Syrah earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards.

Noteworthy:
From the winery: "From the rocky, volcanic soils overlooking Oakville, acclaimed Stagecoach Vineyards provides us with superb, concentrated syrah clusters reflecting the complexity of this truly breathtaking site."

Winery Notes:
Purple-black with a slight ruby hue in color, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. In the nose are aromas reticent of rye, coco powder and cedar cigar box collectively wrapped into one seductive profile. On the palate, there lies a taste of sweet black fruits, framed by smooth and gently-structured tannins.

AlaWine Notes:
Palmeri Wines 2004 Stagecoach Napa Valley Cabernet/Syrah stands in the glass as a very dark purple color. Lots of ripe blackberry aromas, and a dark chocolate highlight, exude from the glass to the nose. Opens with a smooth mouth full of ripe blackberry and blackcurrant flavors, which carry across the palate leading to a layered, long and dry finish.

Bottom Line:
Palmeri Wines 2004 Stagecoach Napa Valley Cabernet/Syrah is a delicious blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Syrah. It is round and well integrated, exhibiting interesting complexities and an overall satisfying finish. Suggested retail price is $53. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Petroni Vineyards 2006 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Petroni Vineyards 2006 Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Petroni Vineyards 2006 Syrah earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the recently completed 2009 Grand Harvest Awards.

Noteworthy:
From the winery: "The Vintage 2006 was excruciatingly perfect... thanks to spectacular weather and the extended hang time."

Winery Notes:
The Petroni Syrah is black-purple in color, revealing rich, ripe hillside fruit in both appearance and bouquet. The aromas of marinated meat, blueberries, and black pepper lead to a flavorful mouthful of raspberries and dark chocolate.

AlaWine Notes:
After pulling a black artificial cork, the Petroni Vineyards 2006 Syrah pours in the glass as a clear, dark purple color. Dark berry aromas, in a barnyard context, radiate from the glass. Black fruit flavors, berry, currant, olive, flood the palate, and carry on through a long, dry spice and oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Petroni Vineyards 2006 Syrah is 100% hillside-grown Syrah. It is a big and hardy red wine with interesting layers of flavor and finish complexities. A great wine to complement a steak dinner. Suggested retail price is $48. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Ventana Vineyards Winery 2006 Rubystone

The Award-Winning Wine:
Ventana Vineyards Winery 2006 Rubystone, Estate Grown Single Vineyard Arroyo Seco

Reason for Reviewing:
Ventana Vineyards Winery 2006 Rubystone earned a Sweepstakes Award for Best Red Wine at the recently completed 2009 Monterey Wine Competition. Earlier this year, it was also awarded a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Ventana Vineyards is the "Most Award Winning Single Vineyard in America." For more than thirty years, Ventana has essentially been a research vineyard.

Winery Notes:
Liquid silk caresses the palate with intense flavors of black cherry, black currant and candy apple. It is full bodied and full flavored with a lovely lingering finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Ventana Vineyards Winery 2006 Rubystone pours as a clear, deep ruby color. Soft aromas of dark cherry and blackberry waft to the nose. Ripe cherry and berry flavors fill the palate with juicy dark fruit flavors which linger through a long, light spice and black pepper finish.

Bottom Line:
Ventana Vineyards 2006 Rubystone is a Rhone-style red wine blend of 62% Grenache and 38% Syrah. The ripe fruit flavors are well integrated in a smooth mouth and balanced, complementary finish. A very good value at a suggested retail price of $18. Overall composite score: 94 points.