- 08 Luna Pinot Grigio (Napa Valley): Pear & citrus nose suggests a shiny nugget of food-friendliness. But, alas, it’s Fools’ Gold. $18 C+ #
- NV Taittinger Brut La Francaise (Champagne): Nothing wrong w/ the green apple & cream on this baby, but I like ’em a little toastier. $39 B+ #
- 07 Lucente (Toscana): A “bull in a china shop” at dinner; this is about as ripe, dark, plummy, & big as a Sangiovese blend can get. $30 B #
- 08 Fess Parker Ashley’s Chardonnay (Santa Rita Hills): 3 words – Home [insert declarative expletive of your choice here] run. $28 A- #
- 08 Fess Parker Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County): Big & tangy, sort of like the wine world’s answer to chewy raspberry SweeTARTS. $27 B #
- 09 Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde: Now serving yer (amazingly inexpensive) tropical fruit appetizer on a bed of delicate white flowers $7 B #
- 09 Aveleda Alvarinho Vinho Branco (Regional Minho): Accomplished, accessible but slightly more serious big sister of Vinho Verde. $11 B+ #
- 09 Mar de Frades Albarino (Rias Baxias): Like having the juice from a fresh lemon wedge spritzed onto your weary wine soul. $16 B- #
- 06 Luce Della Vite (Toscana): Puts the “Mass” in “Massive.” But it does it Tuscany-style, which means it still works with bolognese. $94 B+ #
- 07 Spring Valley Vineyard Uriah (Walla Walla): Herby-n-chocolaty Merlot blend dancing fairly well on the line btw. Big and Balanced. $50 B+ #
