Gary's Wine Club August 2009 Reserve Selection: 2007 J.M. Boillot Montagny 1er Cru

2006 Mas du Soleilla Petit Mars
Grape variety: Syrah
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Food pairing: Grilled lamb or

Porterhouse steak
Chosen By: Phil Unger, Wine Associate, Bernardsville

For years, the Languedoc-Roussillon of sun-drenched Southern France was in a real rut. Prices on their wines were low, and reputations were often lower. The few producers who were making fantastic wine (and yes, some have been there all along) found it hard to get anyone to pay attention. But in the mid-1990's, the press began to notice, awarding the best wines of the Languedoc with high scores. Mas du Soleilla was one such winery; a successful, shining example of just how good the red wines of the Languedoc could be. And at just over $20, you simply don't find many other Syrahs anywhere in the world that can compete with their Petit Mars bottling. A cheerleader for the Languedoc for many many moons, Phil loves how these big, rich wines go so well with his favorite barbecued meats like lamb and Porterhouse steak, as well as aged sheepsmilk cheese like Abbaye de Belloc.

More info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/10128.html

Gary's Wine Club July 2009 Premiere Selection: 2005 Anderson's Conn Valley Eloge

2005 Anderson's Conn Valley Eloge
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Region: Napa Valley, California
Food pairing: Grilled Artisanal Sausage and Blueberry-Sage Reduction

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards are located just east of Saint Helena in the Napa Valley, where Conn Creek flows from Howell Mountain. It's 26 acres of vines in a "grape-growing paradise," the owners boast. Here, winemaker Todd Anderson and assistant Mac Sawyer craft a Bordeaux-style blend that Robert Parker calls "a staggering wine that's utterly profound" with aromas and flavors like incense, cedar, kirsch, smoke, spice box and forest floor (and a score of 96 points).

Beneath all of those savory notes is a core of black fruits that sing right through to the finish. The inspiration for the style of blend, it seems, is Medoc, and the ageability is right on par; this will most likely drink well for 20-25 years to come, should you choose to wait that long. But it's drinking beautifully now, and as they say...there's no time like the present.

More info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/01696.html

Gary's Wine Club July 2009 Cellar Selection: 2006 Banknote Wine Company "The Vault" Napa Valley Red Blend

2006 Banknote Wine Company "The Vault" Napa Valley Red Blend
Grape Variety: Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, California
Food pairing: Grilled Squab or Quail Stuffed with Thyme Sprigs

There aren't many symbols so iconic to American culture quite like our currency. A graphic designer by trade and a self-professed wine-lover at heart, proprietor Pete Nixon decided to merge his two passions by designing a unique and striking wine label; all he needed was an equally unique and striking wine to go inside. So he enlisted consulting winemaker Bill Knuttel and came up with just under 600 cases of this rare blend.

With Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cab in the mix, it carries deep aromas and flavors of black cherry, cigar box and caramel with a lengthy, impressive finish. (Fans of Orin Swift's "The Prisoner" may see similarities in style.) Each bottle features one of twelve designs taken from early American banknotes from various states, adding to the uniqueness and collectability of this very interesting bottling.

More info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/09387.html