Cline Cashmere

Click image for a larger view.

Having visited Cline Cellars and enjoyed the wine and the people there, I'll admit it is a sentimental favorite of mine.

At the time of my visit, they were just developing the red blend Cashmere, which leveraged their ability to produce top-quality Mourvèdre grapes in their Sonoma vineyards.

And though their commitment to this oft neglected grape has paid off, one can still find a bottle of Cline Cashmere at a reasonable price, often in the ten to fifteen dollar range.

If your taste runs to the smooth, rich red blend with notes of cherry and chocolate, Cline Cellars' Cashmere may be just for you.

Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico

Click image for a larger view.

The principal grape of Tuscany, and primary component of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, is Sangiovese. The grape is light in color and firmly acidic.

Sangiovese grapes impart distinctive flavors of cherry and anise, and sometimes are used to produce a “Super Tuscan”, which blends Sangiovese to Cabernet Sauvignon, a combination that tends to strengthen the Sangiovese and soften the Cabernet.


Some of these vintages are among the best and most expensive in Italy. Fortunately for us there are exceptions like Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico, which expresses many of the fine qualities one expects in a Tuscan wine, without bankrupting the quaffer.

Guigal Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge

Click image for a larger view.

The Rhone River Valley is noted for some of the finest in French wines. Names like Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape are legendarily delicious, but often quite expensive.


Luckily, the region also produces some vintages of quality that can be found in our frugal range. One such vintage is E. Guigal's Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge, which is composed mostly of Syrah and Grenache, with a smattering of  Mourvèdre to add robust complexity.

Guigal ages their Côtes du Rhône Rouge in oak for a full 18 months before release, which results in a wine of unusual complexity for its very affordable price.

Hidden Wine Vaults

Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was built with a series of passages and compartments in its anchorages, which were rented out in order to fund the $15 million project, or $388 million in 2018 dollars.

Given their dim and cavernous interiors, these vaults were ideal for storing wine, champagne and liqueurs. And historically, though used on a discontinuous basis, the vaults are accessible for the History buffs among you via Untapped Cities.

Clos du Bois Merlot

Click image for a larger view.

Clos du Bois has a deep ruby red color, aromas of black cherry and light toasty oak. It has a rich texture with concentrated blackberry fruit and mocha notes that pair nicely with a wide range of foods.



And as all of our selections, Clos du Bois is a bargain. If you're not prejudiced against Merlot, this wine is worth your attention.

Noble Vines 181 Merlot

Click image for a larger view.

Noble Vines 181 is a classic Bordeaux-style Merlot, elegantly opening with aromas of cherry, blackberry and sweet herbs. Fresh fruit flavors of black cherry and ripe plum fuse seamlessly with hints of spice leading to a lingering, luxurious finish.


With balanced tannins and acidity, this medium-bodied wine is a perfect companion to most savory dishes, ranging from turkey through cured, roasted and fried red meats.


And as a Merlot, it has crept down in price and is available extensively both on- and offline for a price that is accessible.

Chemistry of Wine

Click here for the curious contents of a glass of red wine.

You don't have to be a chemist to enjoy wine, but it never hurts to deepen one's understanding of the world in all of its beauty. So, raise a glass and swirl its contents to volatilize your aromatic esters in praise of wine.