Cardene's Pick:

Jean Claude Thevenet “Bussières Les Clos” Bourgogne Rouge 2009

Grape: Pinot Noir
Region:  Bourgogne, France

Jean-ClaudeThevenet is a third generation "vigneron" whose winery is located in the heart of the Maconnais in the village of Pierreclos.  Not only is it from the highly acclaimed 2009 vintage, but it over performs for the money. This is a gorgeous expression of French Pinot with great balance and a silky texture. It does take about 30 minutes to truly open up and express itself, but when it does your senses are flooded with fresh strawberries, lilacs, and a hint of cloves and cinnamon. The ripeness of the 2009 vintage initially overwhelms the palate with an abundance of red fruits, but the acidity of the balances out the wine beautifully. This is a steal at $17.99 per bottle. Snag it while you can we do not have much left. Try this with pork chops or a savory roast chicken, delightful with a triple cream brie.

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Matt's Pick:

24 Knots Central Coast Pinot Noir 2009

Grape:  Pinot Noir
Region:  Central Coast, California, USA

You won’t often find me drinking pinot noir as I tend to enjoy more a full bodied and jammy style of wine.  However, trends change and after trying the 24 Knots, so has my palate.  Located in the Central Coast, the name 24 Knots refers to winds that howl through the vineyard daily at nearly 30mph.  The winds cool the vineyard at night extending the growing season allowing the grapes to slowly develop intense fruit flavors.

Aged in French oak, bold dark cherry-cola est flavors give way to a spicy toasted oak finish that give this wine a long finish with great structure.

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Dan's Pick:

Mumm Napa Brut Rose

Grape:  Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Region:  Napa Valley, California, USA

Made with Pinot Noir and a small amount of chardonnay in the traditional French Champagne style, this lovely sparkling wine displays aromas of yeast and strawberries and a palate highlighted with flavors of red fruits and vanilla.  A lovely choice to share with your Valentine.  It can be enjoyed on it’s own or can compliment a wide range of foods.

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Robert's Pick:

Valsacro Dioro Rioja 2005

Grape:  Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, and Garnacha picked as a field blend.
Region:  Rioja Baja, Spain

Wine Advocate:  92-points

Stephen Tanzer:  92-points

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Bob's Pick:

Chateau Lagarde St. Emilion Rouge 2009

Grape:  Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Region:  St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Blackberry, currant and spice are prominent in this lovely right bank Bordeaux.  2009 was an excellent and ripe vintage.  These optimal growing conditions allowed winemakers to craft tasty wines from lesser known properties leading to wonderful values.  One of the most distinctive attributes of St. Emilion is its limestone terroir.  Exquisite minerality and snappy acidity are balanced by soft tannins and pleasing fruit.  Food affinities include pepper steak, lamb, a bean and cheese casserole or dark chocolate.

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Kevin's Pick:

Francois Pinon "Cuvee Tradition" Vouvray 2009

Grape:  Chenin Blanc
Region:  Loire Valley, France

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Jessica's Pick:

Matteo Correggia Arneis Blanco 2009

Grape:  Arneis
Region:  Roero, Piedmont, Italy

This uniquely bone dry and Italian white is a true gem in the wine world.  Scents of mandarin and bright pear accompanied with apricot encompass the nose with hints of intriguing vegetation.  The front palate is hit with a wash of unexpectedly soft lemon and earth notes leading into a lingering finish of herbaceous earth and mild floral tones.  While it sips deliciously on its own, Correggia Arneis acts as Piemonte powerhouse, pairing well with a number of light pasta, light chicken and pesto dishes throughout the year.

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Wilson's Pick:

Orin Swift Saldo 2009

Grape:  80% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Syrah, 8% Syrah, 3% Grenache
Region:  California, USA (Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Amador, Mendocino, and Contra Costa)

The 2010 Saldo presents a beautiful, purple tinted ruby-red in the glass.  Its zinfandel backbone shows through on the nose with tons of ripe fruit: raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, cherry, and some subtle oak.  The palette follows through with a flood of blackberry and black cherry. The mouth feel is positively velvety and the finish lingers on and on.  On this long finish the wine's acid shows through alongside delicate, barrel-imparted notes of vanilla. At 15.5/abv Saldo is high in alcohol, but is so well blended and balanced that the fruit outshines the residual heat completely.

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