We have a new wine shop in town, with the clever name Vinodivino. It has almost no parking, so it took me a few weeks to get there, but I'm already sold on it. Here's why: Every wine they sell has a rating (Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Robert M. Parker, etc.) of at least 85 and 70% of their wines go for less than $20. The owner, Rafael, was more than just helpful. He was really eager to find wines he thought I'd like. I told him that I'm not very good at using wine terminology, so I just rattled off the names of some wines I like. He was excited to know that my favorites are from the Ribera del Duero, because he has a lot of Spanish wines, and they're some of his favorites too. Here's what he helped me pick out:
Bodegas Eguren 2002 Codice ($10)
Bodegas Castano 2002 Solanera ($15.50)
Bodegas Juan Gil 2003 Jumilla Wrongo Dongo ($8.50)
Finca la Estacada 2001 Seleccion Varietales ($20.50)
Telmo Rodriguez 1999 Gago Toro ($20)
Martinez la Orden 2001 La Orbe ($18.50)
Capcanes 2002 Mas Donis Barrica ($14.50)
Concha y Toro 2002 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet ($17)
Montirius 2001 Le Cadet d Montirius ($11)
Waterbrook 2001 Melange Columbia Valley ($16)
Hogue 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley ($12)
Buckeley's 2002 Cabernet/Shiraz ($12)
He gives a 10% discount on a mixed case (15% on a solid case) and a $10 store credit every time you spend $200 (the computer keeps track). The other nice thing is that you get an info card for each wine you buy. It tells all about the varietals, maturity, tasting notes, food pairings, etc., and has room for your own tasting notes. I'm very impressed with this store and hope it catches on!
I am inviting myself over for a glass of wine! When would you like me to arrive? I will bring some cheese.
Posted by: nina | February 05, 2005 at 03:02 PM