Francis says....2011 Boire La Vitarèle Les Terrestrial Blanches Saint-Chinian ++++ $16

One of my favorite wines from the Languedoc.

2007 Ridge Zinfandel Late Harvest Dusi Ranch ++++ $30

Deftly balanced at 15.5. Vintage Port nose. Beautiful.

2011 Sparkman Ruckus +++ $42

Rich promising nose, unctuous & bold. Defies its youth.

Francis Says....2012 Arnot Roberts North Coast Syrah ++++ $30

Earthy clay, black raspberry, furry tannins, broad minerality. 

2007 Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret CdP +++ $40

Rich and lush, but not a podium finish.

2011 Cercius Cotes Du Rhone +++ $25

Pop & drink. Light, rich nose. delicious, balanced, generous.

2009 Casa Lopostolle Clos Apalta Estate ++++ $60

Gorgeous heady beef blood. Stunning wine, now / later

2012 Sparkman Wonderland ++++ $34

Hepburn softness, Hudson Beauty, Grant style, Rooney length,

2010 Chateau La Roque "Cupa Numismae" Pic Saint Loup $18 +++/++++

Crushed raspberry, spice, new leather, bright, juicy tannins.

Francis says....2010 Passopisciaro ++++ $35

Red plum, cherry, stones, soil. Zesty fresh acid.

2010 Passopisciaro ++++ $35

Lovely soft cherry color / nose. Burgundy incarnate

2011 Ridge Triangle Carignane +++$35

Busty and tinny. Beasty beauty. Sturdy elegance. Classic

Francis says....2007 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Red Wine ++++ $35

Savory forward palate, integrated oak character, finish frays slightly. 

2007 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Red Wine ++++ $35

Heft, elegance and balance well beyond its tariff .

Francis says....2011 Domaine du Vissoux / Pierre-Marie Chermette Fleurie Les Garants ++++ $26

Bright fruit, lovely dense earth. It's why Beaujolais.

2011 Domaine du Vissoux / Pierre-Marie Chermette Fleurie Les Garants

Gorgeous dried cherry nose. Beaujolais with hairy goolies??

Francis says....2011 Ermitage du Pic St. Loup Coteaux du Languedoc ++++ $25

Deeply lovely, garrigue, juicy whole-cluster berry, tapenade. 

2011 Ermitage Due Pic Saint Loup Cuvee Sainte Agnes ++++$25

Stunning nose, stunning fruit, stunning length, stunning bargain

Wind Gap 2009 Rana +++ $35

Orange edge, herbal nose beef blood, sturdy pleasure.

2010 Castle Rock Napa Cabernet ++ $11

The immaturity of Bieber and twerkiness of Cyrus.