Michael C — Empire Wine Community

"This is a delicious example of what true Champagne should be. Great acid and full body make for a mouthwatering and rich drinking experience. Elegant bubbles and notes of freeze-dried green apple and lemon rine are accompanied by chalky minerality and subltle yeastiness with a persistent finish. Easily my favorite bubbly for the price."

"This is everything I want out of a chardonnay! This classically styled wine is straw colored in the glass with a nose of apricot, lime, and unmistakable butter and almond notes. It is full and creamy on the palate with pronounced lime flavors and a mineral driven finish. The oak is present, but far from being the main attraction. This would go great with a log of goat cheese, grilled octopus, or chicken in a lemon-garlic cream sauce."

"Deep, blood red in the glass, this Bordeaux is more than pleasing to the eye. The timeless marriage of Merlot and Cabernet Franc brings an earthy nose of new leather and dry cherry. Soft but obvious tannins and good acidity make for an elegant mouth feel and are accompanied by flavors of plum, leather, cherry, and hints of pepper. It has great depth and the potential to age with grace. This bottle would pair well with dry-aged steak, a meat and cheese platter, or dark chocolate."

"If you’re looking for the prefect bottle to match up with your Turkey Day festivities, then look no further! Sporting a lush bouquet of raspberries and pomegranate with a pinch of fresh herbs, the Cousins project provides ripe acidity and elegant structure that will play well with everything the holiday has to offer. Juicy fruit flavors will dance tirelessly around your cornbread and potatoes, while serving as a booster-shot and supporting act for your turkey dinner. Don’t forget to pick one up for the leftovers, too!"

"This single vineyard zin has a rich, beautiful maroon color. Sweet tobacco and fresh leather shine through raspberry and blueberry jam on the nose with hints of spice in the background. The entry is fruity and spicy and transitions into a smooth, meaty finish. This bottle goes great with smoked gouda, barbecue pork, or a good book."

"This wine is a beautiful deep violet in the glass. The bouquet is warm and complex, consisting of blueberry, strawberry, dried cranberry, peppercorn, forest floor, and leather. Berry flavors on entry give way to a well structured mid-palate of spice and dried blueberries and cranberries. The finish has vanilla and dried leaf flavors. Plentiful with acid, this bottle is a perfect compliment to any red meat, a hamburger, or some sharp cheddar. Excellent value."

"This Italian Gewurztraminer is unreal! The super-aromatic bouquet is to die for, fronted heavily by nectarine and backed up with strong rose and honey notes- as if you’re eating a tangerine in a flower shop. On the palate, it offers intense orange zest flavors and a spiced tea finish with low acidity. No food needed to enjoy this one. If you’re looking for value, look no further!"

"This unique Burgundian white is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, as opposed to the regions usual Chardonnay wines. It is a clear, bright straw color in the glass. Grassy, floral notes compliment more prominent aromas of green apple and citrus fruit. Flavors mirroring the nose present with apples on entry, giving way to a grassy and mineral driven mid-palate. The finish is crisp with hints of salinity and bell pepper. This wine is great to pair with salmon dishes or pasta with clam sauce."

"This awesome Sicilian red has notes of cranberries, cherries, pomegranate, and cured meat on the nose with hints of dried leaves and clay. Medium bodied and smooth with leathery berry and herbal flavors. Pair with anything from grilled meat to pasta dishes. Great table wine to have around for spontaneous get togethers or to pair with your favorite Italian dishes."

"Deep, enticing purple color in the glass. Nose of plums and dark berries. Fruity upon entry with a quick transition into gravel and spices with a medium-length finish reminiscent of forest floor and wood. Somehow, the tannins are both soft and prevalent. Well balanced and undeniably enjoyable ESPECIALLY for this price."

"This French classic is a lovely crimson red in the glass with a thin pink rim. A hefty bouquet of raspberries, pepper, and spices can be noted from even a few feet away. Candied cherries and raspberries on entry followed up by flavors of pepper, herbs, and hints of oak and earth. Full bodied with soft tannins and a very well balanced and structured delivery. The finish is long, lingering, and spicy. This would pair well with a lamb roast or your favorite meaty chili dish."

"Can’t beat this at the price. Heavy, grassy scent of ripe green apple. Short lived, acidic and apple driven palate. Super dry and fruity. All the fun of an easy-drinking PG without breaking the bank."

"Hefty bouquet of cherry, plums, and vanilla with a bit of fresh oak. Flavors of cherry and red apple with a long ashy finish. One of the most complex and enjoyably Cali cabs that I’ve had the pleasure of drinking."

"From the left bank of the legendary Bordeaux region, this wine looks inviting and is deep ruby in color. The shy, elegant nose of black cherries and subtle smokiness is offset perfectly by the young wine’s firm tannins and strong flavors of dark fruit and charred wood. The finish is delightfully long and, when finally over, leaves you yearning for the next sip. Drink one now and rack one for later. This would pair exceptionally with the year’s impending first grill session or with aged cheese, such as reserve cheddar."