Since 2005, we’ve noticed the Hourglass Vineyard achieve an optimal balancing point. The canopies evened out and the fruit matured in unison throughout the three different blocks. This was a 12 year evolution of roots burrowing through fractured bedrock – the intense rock slowing the process and making the vines struggle for water and resources in the earlier years. Since ‘05 Hourglass has achieved remarkable consistency, and the 2008 vintage is no exception. Earth, black licorice, pomegranate, cassis and mint weave with toasted espresso and caramelized brown sugar to elicit a dark haunting aromatic. (Decanting for several hours can dramatically open up the aromatics and provide deeper layers of concentration on the palate.) Brooding and dark in aroma, the wine comes alive on the palate. Bright, natural acidity (a hallmark of Hourglass) provides structure and lift to the darker cassis and deep, black fruit flavors. Seamless integration from start to finish is a function of polished ripe tannin, which delivers a silky texture and lingering finish. This wine’s balance and nuanced subtleties lead us to think it will age with the grace of vintages like 2001 and 2005.

The Petite Sirah from Mendocino Country, California features ripe aromas and rich delicious flavors of ripe berries, chocolate, and spice meeting with an exceptional smoothness on the palate. Medium-bodied. Try this one with roasted meats!

Discover smells like ripe cherry and black fruit jam. Made in Greece by Gaia. Medium-bodied and dry. Look for flavors of rocky soil, blackberry jam and melange of black fruit. This wine is a classic match with foods like lasagna, grilled pork loin or cornmeal.

Be reminded of vanilla bean and ripe cherry. Dry wine that comprises a full body. Foods such as mashed potatoes, portabella mushrooms or venison would match this Montepulciano. From Abruzzo, Italy, produced by Filomusi Guelfi.

A dry, rich wine that is full-bodied. Aromas of currant and raspberry and smooth tannins. Try pairing with cheeses like gruyere or with a beef stew. Produced near Brouilly in France by Domaine Rochette.

Dry with aromas of berries and spice.  Flavors of strawberry compliment a light body.

Dry with lifted jasmine aromas, blueberry complexity and concentration. Single vineyard sourced from the Remolinos Vineyard in Argentina.

The ingredients have a full-bodied and dry feel. Watch characteristics of black fruit and cinnamon reveal themselves. Serve this wine with braised lamb, braised shortribs or lamb chops. A nice match! Enjoy alluring hints of caramel, baking spices, butterscotch and black cherry. The winery is Damilano in Piedmont, Italy.

Try pairing it with bacon and marsala and sherry sauces. Made in Piedmont, Italy, it is dry and presents a full body. Observe characteristics of dusty earth or rocks and baking spices unfold.  Enjoy!

This excellent Barbera from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy is dry with a medium body. Expressions of dried cherries and raspberries fill the nose, with dry earth and roses hinting into the mix. This wine is amazing with almost any Italian food, but our we love it with Veal Parmigiana.