Chateau Le Gay is one of the premiere producers in Bordeaux.  Pomerol is arguably the premiere appellation in Bordeaux (ever heard of Petrus)?  So when Chateau Le Gay of Pomerol produces a second wine called Manoir De Gay, using their younger vines, Bordeaux fans tend to listen.

The wine writers listen too, with Chateau Le Gay garnering a huge 95-98 point score for the 2008 vintage and this, their second wine receiving 91 points from Wine Spectator.  2008 was an overlooked vintage in Bordeaux, which somewhat laughably had 3 “Vintages of the Decade” in 2000, 2005 and 2009.  The hype machine works in savvy consumers’ favor, especially if you know your sub-appellations.  See, while most of Bordeaux scored in the low 90′s for 2008, Robert Parker’s vintage chart shows Pomerol at 96 points that year – higher than any other appellation and one of the highest scores for any appellation in the 2000′s.

I’m a firm believer in using scores as guides and taste as my decision point.  This wine tastes really good.  If you’re a Bordeaux fan, you will be highly impressed with Chateau Le Gay’s second wine.  It’s dark, dark ruby in the glass with a bright nose of cherry and earth.  The 100% Merlot shows on the palate and finish with a rich texture that lingers for an exceptionally long time.  It’s tannic, though very drinkable today, and will blossom amazingly in the next 5-10 years.

Bordeaux fans will recognize this as an incredible value and non-fans?  Well they won’t.  And that’s okay.  More for me.

Buy Here: 2008 Manoir De Gay Pomerol $29.95

Wine Spectator 91 points

“Gorgeous aromas of cocoa and coffee bean give way to fresh, ripe fruit flavors of blackberry and fig in this rich, generous red, which isn’t heavy or muscular, but has good depth and plenty of grip, with a fresh, spicy finish. Drink now through 2018. “

Occasionally I send out a deal alert for an especially low priced, or rare wine.  Today, it’s the 96 point 2006 Dominus which almost needs no introduction.  In fact, I will leave it with no introduction.  If you know Dominus, you know $99.95 is the lowest price you will ever see (the 2007 was $129.95).  If you don’t know Dominus, you’re probably not interested in dropping a C note on it.

Buy Here: 2006 Dominus $99.95

Robert Parker 96 points

“There are 6,500 cases of the superb 2006 Dominus (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot). Its dark plum/purple color is accompanied by aromas and flavors of truffles, forest floor, black cherries, black currants, and Asian spices. One of the finest wines of the vintage, it is complete, full-bodied, and seamlessly built with beautiful ripe tannins, low acidity, and a luscious, layered mouthfeel. The aromatics are even more evolved and complex than the 2005′s. The 2006 should drink well for 20-25 years.

Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.”

The recession has had one very positive effect on the wine industry.  High scoring Napa Cabernet that would normally sell for $60-75 on score alone, are selling under that magical $40 mark so wineries can quickly sell their wines to fund the next vintage.  I’ve written up a number of these wines recently (Neyers and Round Pond), and I’m happy to welcome Flora Springs Trilogy into the 93+ point Cabernet under $40 club.

This wine reminds me of a perfectly aged Napa Cabernet, which is very surprising given that it’s only a 2007.  That speaks volumes about its balance and finesse.  One rule I live by when it comes to wine: there is no reason to age wine if it already tastes great.  Some wines demand age before they will be GREAT wines (the 2005 Beringer Private Reserve I drank last night, for example).  Others just taste great now, like the 2008 Caymus Cabernet.  Drink wine when it tastes good, not after any predefined amount of time.

The 2007 Flora Springs Trilogy falls firmly in the “ready to drink now” category although it gets there in a much different way than the Caymus.  It has a rich, silky texture but with a medium-full body.  The nose is absolutely gorgeous with bright fruit and fragrant oak.  The same traits apply to the complex taste but with a balance I haven’t experienced in any of the 30+ 2007 Napa Cabernets I’ve had this year.  That’s not to say the other 2007s won’t get there, as I think 2007 will prove to be one of the best vintages of the decade, just that they aren’t to this level of balance yet.  The kicker is a perfect example of well integrated “Rutherford dust” that gives this wine a since of place.  All this said, this wine will still be going strong in 15+ years.

Here’s the plan for this one: buy 12 bottles and drink one a year for the next 12 years.  It’s a brilliant wine that has a 0% chance for disappointing in that time frame.  At this price point, this is absolutely one of my favorite wines of the year.

Buy Here: 2007 Flora Springs Trilogy $39.95

Robert Parker 93 points

“The 2007 Trilogy might be called a Napa version of St.-Emilion blended with a Margaux. A harmonious blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, it offers undeniable elegance as well as lovely black currant and black cherry notes intermixed with hints of cocoa, roasted herbs, cedar, and licorice. This textured, lush, medium to full-bodied, beautifully constructed 2007 can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.

One of the most impressive portfolios from Flora Springs that I have tasted has emerged from their extensive vineyard holdings. Flora Springs’ single vineyard offerings are all 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with somewhat limited availability production ranges from 370-400 cases of each.”

My wife was out of town this weekend, so I had another perfect opportunity to open a half bottle of wine.  I never thought I would say that less wine is a positive thing, but here we are…  Luckily I had just picked up a 375 of Ramey 2007 Claret that was calling my name tonight.  Dave Ramey is the winemaking genius behind the epic Dominus Cabernets of the 90′s including the 99 point 1994 vintage.  Obviously, he knows what he’s doing.

The 2007 Claret, a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, and 2% each of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, is yet another fantastic 2007 Cabernet based blend.  This year, it could be called a Cabernet, but David Ramey uses the “Claret” name because the blend changes every year and doesn’t always meet the 75% minimum required to label a wine with a specific varietal.   I can’t overstate how incredible the 2007 vintage has been for Napa Cabernet.  If you have a favorite label, buy the 2007 vintage while you still can.  This 2007 is Ramey’s entry level Cabernet, which is sort of like an entry level Ferrari.  It’s still REALLY good.

Sweet, somewhat soft, but by no means flabby, this wine is made for early drinking.  Now, when I hear a particular wine is “meant for early drinking”, I usually avoid it.  But don’t let that designation deter you in this case.  Remember, this is a 93 point rated, serious wine.  The 15% Syrah is detectable and adds a nice extra dimension and body to this wine.  Speaking of dimension, the texture, one of David Ramey’s specialties, is the defining characteristic of his 2007 Claret.  It’s silky, smooth and mouth coating, adding immensely to the character of this fantastic value.  If Ramey’s “entry level” wine is this great, I can’t wait to try the rest of his portfolio.  As usual, LA Wine Co. has the lowest price in the country by almost $2/ half bottle!  Of note, the 2006 vintage is still available in full bottles at the insanely low price of $24.95.

Buy Here: 2007 Ramey Claret Napa Valley 375ml $16.95

Wine Spectator 93 points

“Bordeaux-like in its subtlety and restraint, yet rich and flavorful, full-bodied and expansive, with a medley of cedar, currant, cigar box, tar and mineral. Firm and focused, its elegance and refinement are impressive. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2018. 4,500 cases made.”

Wine Advocate 91 points

“There are 4,800 cases of the 2007 Claret, which shrewd consumers should be seeking out. A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, it exhibits smoky, licorice, and black currant aromas, suave, velvety, full-bodied flavors, admirable purity and depth, and delicious fruit, all offered in a hedonistic, satisfying style. A top bargain for a Napa Valley Cabernet, it should drink well for a decade or more.

All of David Ramey-s Sonoma Coast, Russian River, and Carneros wines will be reviewed in the February, 2010 issue along with all the other non-Napa Valley wines.”

International Wine Cellar 91 points

“($38; 77% cabernet sauvignon, 15% syrah, and 2% each of merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec) Deep ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, herbs and tobacco, complicated by a subtle smoky quality. Sweet, smooth and fairly full on the palate, showing ripe red- and blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavors. Elegant in a Bordeaux style, with chewy tannins and good mineral lift. Finishes with a strong echo of red fruits and a suave floral note. This wine saw no new oak.”

Super Tuscan wines carry notoriously high prices, especially highly rated versions like the 2007 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni.  So when a 93 pointer comes around for under $20 I have to try it!

I’m really glad I did because this is something special.  The first thing to understand about this wine is that it’s built for aging.  It’s very dense, especially for an Italian wine, and the color is a beautiful dark ruby/black.  I opened this mid week and although enjoyable, it was tight and somewhat closed.  So I pumped it out and let it sit for 3 days.  And what a change 3 days can make!  The wine had opened up with incredible aromas of coffee, cherry and oak.  In the mouth it’s particularly chocolaty for a Super Tuscan- it could almost pass for a new world Bordeaux blend.  On the finish, its Tuscan roots come through though, as it’s dry long and mineral.

I love this style because it combines the dark fruit of new world California with the focus and sophistication of old world Italy.  It’s incredibly rare to find a highly rated, age-worthy Super Tuscan blend for under $50 let alone $20.  Buy it up before it’s gone and be sure to lay some back.  Wine Spectator publishes notoriously conservative drinking windows and they recommend holding until after 2013.  I would guess this will still be drinking great in 15 or even 20 years.

Wine Spectator 93 points

“Intense aromas of currant, raisin and licorice, with hints of toasty oak. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a powerful currant, blackberry and mineral aftertaste. Dense, and all in reserve. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. Best after 2013. 9,200 cases made.” (WS)

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2007- $19.95

I opened this bottle on Monday because I’ve recently received a bunch of emails promoting a 92 point Wine Spectator review for an under $20 wine, and I had to try it.  On Monday, it tasted good, but compared to other similarly rated Bordeaux blends, I was a bit underwhelmed and decided not to review it on Nickel and Dime Wine.

We didn’t finish the bottle on Monday, so I pumped it and decided to give it a try again on Friday, to see if anything had changed.  Wow- what a difference 5 days makes!  On Monday, the nose was closed and the wine tasted fruity but tight.  On Friday, a sweet, expressive mountain nose had emerged and the wine opened up into a juicy, complex, amazing value.  This goes to show you how much a wine can change with extended exposure to oxygen, whether through aging, decanting or just leaving a bottle open for a few days.

Chappellet is well known for their high-end wines like the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, which sells for around $40, and the Pritchard Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon which sells for well over $100.  The Mountain Cuvee is their less expensive cousin, but the high-end wine making techniques easily shine through.  In contrast to many Napa “Bordeaux Blends”, that could actually be classified as Cabernet, the Mountain Cuvee is roughly equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with small amounts of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  This works out to a refined wine that tastes much more expensive than it really is.  Speaking of price, LA Wine Company is selling this for only $18.95.  Order a few and let me know what you think.  And don’t forget to decant for a few hours!

Wine Spectator 92 points

“Chappellet Winery always seems to over‐deliver on quality for the price, thanks in large part to the estate’s 100 acres of vines on Pritchard Hill, high above Napa Valley. The wine is rich and seamlessly mouthfilling yet complex and beautifully structured. It’s ready to drink in the short term – it brought out the best in the beef – but will do fine in the cellar for a few years. I rated it 92 points, non‐blind. It sells for $29, a bargain by most Napa standards.”

2007 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee- LA Wine Company $18.95

I don’t think I’ve ever had another Monterey County Bordeaux blend, but since the 2005 vintage, this has been one of my favorite daily drinkers.  On this cool (for California- it’s probably 60 degrees) evening this really hit the spot.

The 2007 Hahn Estates Meritage is a big, bold wine with a unique character.  It pours an almost opaque deep burgundy.  Dark fruit on the nose is followed by nice mouth-coating berry flavors and a round tannic bite at the end.

I read up on the Hahn Estate website and discovered what makes this wine so unique: it’s blend.  31% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, 12% Malbec, and 9% Cabernet Franc is quite heavy on the secondary Bordeaux varietals (aka. not Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon).  I’ve only had one other wine that was that heavy on Petit Verdot- an Aussie called Redhead Studios Yard Dog-  and I didn’t like it.  But in this wine the Petit Verdot is well integrated and adds a unique flavor that you usually don’t get in a $12 wine.

This wine is a great value every year, but with 2007 being such a banner year for California wines, I’m thinking about picking up some more before the ’08 is released (this was my last bottle).  For $11.99, how can you not?

2007 Hahn Estates Meritage- BudgetBottle.com $11.99