Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - Marlborough New Zealand

With the spring upon us and the summer fast approaching my thoughts are turning to refreshing white wines. The quality of this New Zealand white is consistently high and is a perennial Wine Spectator favorite. The 2009 edition is light and crisp with citrus overtones. Lemon and lime flavors fill the mouth. This wine is perfect with sushi, grilled seafood and simply prepared roast chicken. I prefer to savor this outstanding white on it's own. For me, Cloudy Bay is the quintessential New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Price: $19 to $21

2007 Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

This Napa Cab is one of better values out there. It is potent and full bodied with flavors of dark fruit. Blackberry and currant flavors meld nicely with soft tannins. One would expect a wine with such richness, concentration and suppleness to be far more expensive. Fire up the grill and enjoy this one with a big burger or nice Filet. Price range: $19 to $24

2006 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero

This super Ribera del Duero has a 91 rating by the Wine Spectator.  Aged in French and American oak, this red exhibits lots and lots fruit.  Strong flavors of Blackberry, currant, spice and oak combine with soft tannins to make this a delightful wine. This Emilio Mora is a knockout and is a great value at 19.99.

Cuvelier Los Andes Collection 2007

Cuvelier Los Andes
Collection 2007
Mendoza,  Argentina

This outstanding red is 60 pct Malbec, 26 pct Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 pct Merlot and 4 pct Petit Verdot.  It exhibits a perfect balance of dark fruit and French oak.  This wine is super concentrated with aromas and flavors of blackberry, currant and dark chocolate.  This rich Bordeaux blend is priced between $20 and $24:  an amazing value for a wine of this quality.

Langhe Nebbiolo 2008

Produttori del Barbaresco
Langhe Nebbiolo 2008

Here we have an everyday Nebbiolo.  Yes, an everyday Nebbiolo. 
The wine exhibits all the the best qualities of a good Barbaresco.  The Cherry and spice flavors are prominent.  Let's face it.  Barbarescos and Barolos are superb but pricey in good vintages.  This second growth Nebbiolo is delicious and approaches the quality of a first growth Barbaresco but at $19.00 it's a great value.  So wave in the veal parm, pizza and linguini pomodoro with a bottle of Langhe.

2008 Ritual Pinot Noir

2008 Ritual Pinot Noir
Casablanca Valley
Veramonte Chile

As some of you may know the red wines of Burgundy are my first love.  Unfortunately, a nice Chambolle Musigny , Nuit St George, or Gevrey Chambertin can be challenging to the wallet.   Somewhere down the line I will talk about a few of my favorite Burgundys but for now I will stick to this stellar Pinot from Chile.  This elegant and graceful wine replicates the  flavor of some of the best Chambolles that I have tasted.  This full bodied Pinot fills the mouth with Cherry and berry flavors with a hint of chocolate.  At $25 this Burgundy style wine is a steal. This Pinot is truly outstanding.

Sage advice from Sam #2 - Do vacuum pumps work?

Vacuum pumps are ok. I have a Vacuvin. It's good for one maybe 2 days max regardless of what they say.
It not expensive so the answer is yes they are worth it.

Additional note: For some reason it seems to work best with whites but it is cool with reds too.