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.

Sage advice from Sam #1 - Should you use an Aerator

Aerators are not super effective. It is weird air is both the best friend and enemy of wine.  Breathing for 10 to 20 minutes is good. An hour is bad. No need for an the Aerator.

A decanter is cool. That will provide more than enough air.  If you have left over wine store it in a small container. The smaller the container the less air can get in. The better the wine will be day 2.

2007 Chateau Ksara

2007 Chateau Ksara 

Reserve du Couvent

Bekaa Valley

This Bordeaux style Lebanese Red is 40  pct Syrah 30 pct Cabernet Franc and 30 pct Cabernet Sauvignon. Berry fruit aromas and flavors are front and center here with hints of strawberry, mint and coffee.  Needless to say this wine is perfect with Lebanese food.  I paired this with a mezza platter of Hummus, Falafel with Tahini, Baba Ganoush and Taboule salad. The main dish was chargrilled lamb chops.  I have also paired this wine with a simple roast chicken and orzo seasoned with olive oil and onion. I must confess that I have enjoyed this delicious wine on its own as well. At $14 this all purpose red is an excellent value.

Chianti Classico Riserva Viticcio 2006

Viticcio has been a consistent producer of high quality Chianti.  It  has produced my favorite Chianti Classico Riserva for the past 15 years. The 2006 vintage carries on the tradition of excellence and is truly outstanding.  It is full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit and chocolate.  It is super rich but soft on the palate. Try this one with a nice Lasagna, mushroom risotto or a New York Strip drizzled with Gorgonzola.