Under $50 - Vinrare - Buy Fine Wine Online - Fine Wines International

1989 Von Simmern Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Auslese (375ml)

List Price: ~~$50.00~~ Our Price: $43.20

$43.20

Stuart Pigott

"Outstanding. The '89 Auslese has unctuous honeyed apricot fruit, lots of extract, the sweetness perfectly matched by elegant acidity."

Wine Spectator 91

1993 Coron Pere Clos Vougeot (750ml)

List Price: ~~$83.00~~ Our Price: $38.00

$38.00

FineWine International

Bright cherry fruit, great balance and length - finely integrated tannins. Great price to value ratio! Excellent wine-drinking well

1995 Long Vineyards Special Selection California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$33.00~~ Our Price: $28.80

$28.80

FineWine International

"Classic ripe, spicy, complex and well balanced Chardonnay."

1996 Laurent Nuits-St-Georges Les Agillieres (750ml)

$50.00

Clive Coates 17.00

"Fullish colour. Slightly tough on the nose. Tight and concentated. On the palate richer and more generous...Full and tannic. Needs time. Very good indeed."

1996 McCray Ridge California (750ml)

$50.00

Wine Spectator

Combines ripe, spicy cherry and wild berry flavors with supple, polished tannins and a sense of understated elegance and grace. Delicious enough to drink now or cellar through 2002.

1996 McCrea Winery Washington (750ml)

List Price: ~~$33.00~~ Our Price: $28.80

$28.80

FineWine International

"Excellent Washington State winery located near Puget Sound, producing highly regarded wines. Columbia Valley grown and barrel fermented, complex and well balanced."

1996 Moss Wood, Margaret River Chardonnay (750ml)

$30.00

Wine- Maker Notes

1996 is considered to be the decade's greatest vintage to date in Margaret River.

1997 Dr Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Auslese (375ml)

List Price: ~~$44.00~~ Our Price: $37.80

$37.80

Wine Spectator 91

"Lip-smacking and smelling of freshly baked bread, lime and mineral, this white combines rich peach and apple flavors with a racy structure and an intensity that continues on the fine, fresh aftertaste."

1997 Trapet Gevrey Chambertin Petit Chapelle (750ml)

$50.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 87-90

"Good full red...More sauvage aromas of blackberry, plum, graphite, espresso and gibiers. Sweet, oaky and seamless; enveloping chocolate. Fat and rich. Finishes with dusty tannins and sneaky length."

1998 McCray Ridge California (750ml)

$49.00

FineWine International

One of the best Merlots to emerge from California comes from this small vineyard high above Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma. We have sung the praises of this wine since its debut with the 1996 vintage. This year, fans of McCray Ridge Merlot will not be disappointed. In style, the 1998 vintage is more like the 1996 than the 1997. The color is a beautiful blueish-purple with deep scarlet highlights. The nose is rich and full with exotic notes of plum, blueberry, allspice, along with hints of licorice, smoke and olive. The flavors echo the nose and the finish is long and full. A wine with real grip. The only bad news is the size of the crop, only 370 cases, less than half of the 1997.

1998 McCray Ridge California (750ml)

$49.00

FineWine International

One of the best Merlots to emerge from California comes from this small vineyard high above Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma. We have sung the praises of this wine since its debut with the 1996 vintage. This year, fans of McCray Ridge Merlot will not be disappointed. In style, the 1998 vintage is more like the 1996 than the 1997. The color is a beautiful blueish-purple with deep scarlet highlights. The nose is rich and full with exotic notes of plum, blueberry, allspice, along with hints of licorice, smoke and olive. The flavors echo the nose and the finish is long and full. A wine with real grip. The only bad news is the size of the crop, only 370 cases, less than half of the 1997.

1998 Perrot Minot Gevrey Chambertin (750ml)

$50.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 87

Medium red. Roasted red fruits, animal fur and smoked meat on the nose. Sweet, moderately dense red fruit flavors. Finishes with fairly ripe tannins.

1998 Silverado, Stag's Leap California (375ml)

$30.00

Wine Spectator

"Soft and fleshy, with ripe, supple, medium-weight plum, black cherry and wild berry flavors that are pleasant, if on the simple side."

1998 Villa Mt. Eden Signature Series California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$39.00~~ Our Price: $33.30

$33.30

1999 Karthauserhof, Karthuaserhofberg Auslese (750ml)

List Price: ~~$39.00~~ Our Price: $33.30

$33.30

1999 Martinelli Charles Ranch California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$53.00~~ Our Price: $45.90

$45.90

Robert Parker 90

Honeyed pineapple, orange, marmalade, minerals, and butter characterize the full-bodied, surprisingly nuanced, and stylish 1999 Chardonnay Charles Ranch. With only 13.4% alcohol, this wine possesses little power, but there is liquid minerality underneath all the fruit. Citrus oils also make an appearance.

1999 Martinelli Woolsey Rd California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$50.00~~ Our Price: $43.20

$43.20

Robert Parker 90

"The 1999 Chardonnay Woolsey Road (13.4% alcohol) shows attractive, steely, mineral and orange characteristics, medium to full body, excellent purity, and a Chablis-like character. Elegant and rich, it is destined to last for 4-5 years."

2000 Cambon la Pelouse (750ml)

$37.00

Robert Parker 88

The 2000, which has a slightly more saturated ruby/purple color than the 2001, is fleshier, with a more substantial mouthfeel. Exhibiting sumptuous fruit, ripe tannin and a seamless texture, this serious Haut-Medoc is equivalent to many classified growths.

2000 Dehlinger California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$39.00~~ Our Price: $33.30

$33.30

Robert Parker 90

"There are 3,300 cases of the unfiltered, steely, Chablis-like 2000 Chardonnay Estate. It possesses excellent citrus and liquid mineral notes, medium body, subtle oak, and loads of fruit. This crisp and refreshing offering will drink well during its first 2-3 years of life."

2000 Haut Chaigneau (750ml)

$47.00

Robert Parker 88

The excellent, deep ruby- colored 2000 exhibits plum, currant, herb, and black cherry aromas as well as flavors. Drink this ripe, medium-bodied, well-made Lalande de Pomerol over the next 5-7 years.

2000 Martinelli Charles Ranch California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$53.00~~ Our Price: $45.90

$45.90

Robert Parker 89

"The 2000 Chardonnay Charles Ranch exhibits a surprisingly evolved color, and high acidity. It is somewhat monolithic, and the acids are poking through, giving it a tartness atypical for Martinelli. This was the last Chardonnay vineyard to be harvested in 2000, and perhaps it never achieved the ripeness of the other vineyards. Nevertheless, there is abundant fruit (candied citrus and apples) as well as a spicy quality. Drink it over the next 3-4 years."

2000 Martinelli Woolsey Rd California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$50.00~~ Our Price: $43.20

$43.20

Robert Parker 91+

"The intriguing, earthy, leesy, smoked beer nut aromas of the 2000 Chardonnay Woolsey road belies its medium gold color. It has great up-front fruit, wonderful sweetness and flesh, and a long, full-bodied, concentrated finish."

2000 Ramey Russian River California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$50.00~~ Our Price: $43.20

$43.20

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 88-90

"At once ripe and minerally on the nose, with suggestions of dried fruits, nuts, coconut and vanilla. Then firm and minerally in the mouth, and showing more oak influence today than the Carneros bottling. A crisper, less fleshy style of Chardonnay with good rather than outstanding concentration."

2001 Chateau de Cosse (750ml)

$50.00

FineWine International

The second label of Rieussec and from a great sautern vintage equals a best buy on all counts.

2001 Dehlinger California (750ml)

$31.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Leesy aromas of apple, lime skin, butterscotch and spices. Dense and concentrated, with attractive racy, limey acidity. Currently a bit hard-edged from sulfur. (Dehlinger bottled this wine late, in January of this year, for logistical reasons, after having left it in stainless steel tank for several months.)"

Wine Spectator 90

"Firmly structured, with a mix of tart citrus and tropical fruit flavors of pineapple, fig and lemon peep, shaded by a touch of anise and earthiness and finishing with a light oaky aftertaste."

2001 Icardi Moscato d' Asti (375ml)

List Price: ~~$13.00~~ Our Price: $10.80

$10.80

FineWine International

"Family run estate producing concentrated, classy and elegant wines under the guidance of Claudio Icardi. His slightly sparkling Moscato is considered by many critics, as one of the best."

2001 Terroir Napa Valley, Black Label California (750ml)

$30.00

FineWine International

We called the regular bottling of Terroir Napa Valley the wine buy of the year. Well, the reserve bottling is no less impressive. It has everyting the regular bottling has but dialed up another notch. There is lots of ripe black fruit flavors and aromas and supple well intergrated tannins. While it is enjoyable now, a few more years of cellar time will make it an even more memorable bottle.

2002 Banyuls, Dr. Parce, Le Coume (375ml)

$50.00

2002 Barlow California (750ml)

$39.00

FineWine International

Winemaker Notes: Barlow Merlot has a deep, concentrated violet-purple color and aromas of rich raspberry, black plum and toasty French oak. A dense core of blueberry fruit complmented by expansive layers of black cherry and dark chocolate highlight the lush palate.

Wine Enthusiast 91

Takes the usual formula of cherries, blackberries, cocoa and oak and kicks it up a notch. It has all that, but the extra layers of dusty Asian spices and a wonderful integration of oak with ripe tannins add interest. The bottom line is elegance.

2002 Chalk Hill Estate California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$39.00~~ Our Price: $33.30

$33.30

Wine Enthusiast 92

This ultraexpensive Chardonnay comes down along mineral, steel and wet stone flavors. It's well-oaked, although you'll find tropical fruit, subtly, on the finish. It's extremely elegant, with a long draw of acidity and a classic structure.

2002 Domaine Ligneres, Notre Dame, Corbieres (750ml)

$39.00

FineWine International

Very small yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare. 100% Syrah, aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak barriques, with weekly batonnage.

Wine Spectator 89

Effusively fruity and robust, with delious aromas and flavors of blueberry, raspberry and plum that extend into the peppery finish. A fie quaff for grilled meats. Syrah and Mourvedre.. Drink now through 2011.

2002 Vineyard 8 Reserve Chardonnay California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$44.00~~ Our Price: $37.80

$37.80

FineWine International

The 2002 Vineyard 8 Chardonnay exhibits an intense nose of tropical fruit mixed with citrus and spice. The fruit flavors echo the aromas and on the palate and the wine is mouth filling. There is a long, lingering finish and the subtle flavors of Seguin oak add to the wine's complexity while not intruding on the purity of the fruit flavors. If the 2001 Vineyard 8 reminded one of Chassagne-Montrachet, the 2002 reminds one of Corton Charlemagne. Those who like a boldly flavored, full bodied wine will not be disappointed with the 2002 Vineyard 8 Chardonnay.

Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences

"Exceptional: Vineyard 8 Chardonnay Substantial oak notes, but not buttery or over the top, with attractive tropical and citrus notes, lower alcohol (13.8%), and great acidity. Big, but balanced."

Wine Enthusiast 92

"Fresh and racy, with big, tight acidity and a stony minerality that brings the Central Coast to mind. There are underlying fruit complexities of lime zest and pineapple, with a buttercream texture and a sweet layering of toasty oak. Distinguished Chardonnay."

2003 Skewis, Salzgeber-Chan California (750ml)

$50.00

Wine- Maker Notes

Planted in 1997, this vineyard covers only three acres on a north-facing hillside in the heart of the Russian River appellation. The clone selected for this vineyard is the famed Dijon Number 115, known for its low vigor and small berry size, critical factors in producing quality Pinot Noir. Beautiful, round nose filled with a mixture of dark and red fruits, cola, and spicy rose petals. In the mouth, lush, fruit flavors, suggestive of black cherry, plum, and exotic spices. A classic Russian River Pinot Noir of hedonistic pleasure. Complex flavors carry through in the long seamless finish. Only 200 cases produced.

Allen Meadows, Burghound 87

A very interesting if not entirely typical high-toned nose that is intensely floral with softly perfumed notes of clover and menthol leads to nicely detailed, round, supple and forward medium weight flavors that are very pinot in style and character, all wrapped in an edgy and slightly warm finish. I like the transparency here though the nose is frankly a bit odd if not unpleasant.

2004 Albrecht Riesling Cuvee Henri (750ml)

List Price: ~~$31.00~~ Our Price: $27.00

$27.00

Robert Parker 87

"Named for his grandfather, Albrecht's 2004 Riesling Cuvee Henri smells of sage, almond extract, raspberry, and a hint of mothballs -- high toned and almost eaux de vie-like in its penetration. Bright and well-focused on the palate, it carries its message of herb and red fruits into a satisfyingly long, savory finish." David Schildknecht

2004 Albrecht Riesling Pfingstberg (750ml)

List Price: ~~$44.00~~ Our Price: $37.80

$37.80

Robert Parker

"The domaine's 2004 Riesling Pfingstberg shares its high-toned, distilled fruit personality with other Albrecht Riesling cuvees, plum and almond dominating in this instance. A clear, polished, refined, analytically dry palate leads to a juicy if rather spare and brashly bright finish, tinged with fruit pit bitterness, salt and chalk." David Schildknecht

2004 Artisan Wines Old Press Syrah, Passo Robles California (750ml)

$25.00

FineWine International

John Hulihan, wine director of the Bradley Ogden group of restaurants and Bob Lindquist, wine maker/owner of Qupe Winery have joined forces to produce this lovely Syrah. Dark garnet in color, with fragrant blueberry and blackberry aromas. The tannins and acidity are in balance. The wine is smooth and has a well rounded structure. The flavors will remind you of a classic Crozes Hermitage from a producer like Alain Graillot. This is not your typical Calfornia Syrah.

2004 Beaucastel Coudoulet Blanc (750ml)

$37.00

FineWine International

"From vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone near Chateauneuf du Pape, this wine is a blend of Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc, and Clairette showing aromas of tropical fruit with notes of peaches and pears. Soft, velvety texture with hints of white pepper and spice."

2004 Murphy Vineyards Sierra Foothills California (750ml)

$19.00

Wine- Maker Notes

This Syrah starts with a smoky nose of grilled fruits and ends with flavors of black cherries and allspice. Made in the lighter style with brisk acidity and mouth-watering tannins, this Syrah pairs beautifully with pork dishes. The floral aromas of this wine are similar to the 2004 Syrah. Medium bodied with full flavors, but not overpowering making a long smooth finish.

2004 Napa Redwoods Estate, Yates Family Ranch Mt Veeder California (750ml)

$47.00

FineWine International

Deep purple color to the edge. Aromas of black fruit and tobacco. Tannins are present but not harsh. The next day: Deep sweet core of blackberry fruit on the nose. Powerfully honed, rich, cassis sorbet and red fruit middle with fine length. Excellent vibrancy on the finish. Still coming on 20 hours after opening. A truly special mountain Cabernet. Be patient.

Wine Enthusiast 89

Made very much in the modern cult style, this is an enormously rich, soft, immediately delicious wine, with a milk chocolate edge to the blackberry, cherry and new oak flavors.

2004 Parmalee-Hill, Sonoma Valley California (750ml)

$26.00

Jim Weinrott

"Deep purple color. Ripe aromas of dark purple fruit and black cherry with wonderful high tones. Ripe, juicy and brooding, with a gorgeous core of black cherry and blackberry fruit. But what really makes this wine sing is the persistence of the finish. Excellent vibrancy and freshness, perfectly balancing the wine's great richness. Drink now-2012."

2004 Porter Bass California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$44.00~~ Our Price: $37.80

$37.80

Wine- Maker Notes

Our 2004 Chardonnay speaks of the soil. These soils have a high clay content with pockets of decomposing sandstone. The wine shows a strong mineral backbone with aromas of wet stones and limestone. The fruit is driven by citrus with flavors of meyer lemon sorbet. In the background there is a barrel flavor of toasted hazelnuts. As the wine opens there is the promise of tart apricot. The strong core, long finish and slight reduction imply that the wine will age gracefully.

2004 Ramey Sonoma Coast California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$39.00~~ Our Price: $33.30

$33.30

Wine Spectator 91

"Wonderfully perfumed floral aromas lead to a mix of leesy, vibrant nutmeg, hazelnut, green apple an mineral nuances that give it a very distinctive flavor profile and mouthfeel."

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine 91

"While very much showing Ramey's typical richness and careful melding of lively fruit, creamy oak and complexing lees, this one is a bit narrow and more tightly drawn than its siblings with a streak of brisk acidity firming its latter palate and finish. If we were to pull its cork now, we would opt for service with meaty fish, but its depth signals clear potential for improvement with age, and we would opt first for letting it sit quietly for a couple more years." Two Puffs

Robert Parker 90

The 2004 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast shows more tropical fruit than the Carneros, a greener hue to its color, and terrific acidity, with hints of white popcorn, brioche, and crushed rocks.

2004 Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Blanc California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$25.00~~ Our Price: $21.60

$21.60

Robert Parker 90

The fruit-driven, elegant 2004 Cote de Tablas blanc, a blend of 55% Viognier, 29% Marsanne, and the rest Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, is a crisp, elegant white offering notions of lemon zest, grapefruit, oranges, and other tropical fruits. With good underlying acidity as well as surprising body and intensity, it will drink well for several more years.

2005 Calera Reed California (750ml)

$50.00

Robert Parker 90

The 2005 Pinot Noir Reed Vineyard is slightly more evolved than the previous two wines. Its sassafras, root vegetable, stemmy, earthy, plum and currant notes, as well as crisp acids, moderate tannin, and a broad, savory mouthfeel suggest that 2-3 years of additional bottle age are warranted.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91

Light red. Smoky, intriguingly pungent aromas of cherry, red berries and baking spices, with a subtle underbrush quality. Old World in style, with distinctly meaty true pinot character, salty minerality and a vaguely austere quality. Sappy redcurrant and cherry qualities linger on the long, silky finish, which leaves a refreshingly bitter note of Campari behind. Pretty wild stuff.

2005 Drouhin Chambolle Musigny (375ml)

$36.00

Allen Meadows, Burghound 89-92

An exceptionally pretty and high-toned nose of red, blue and violet aromas trimmed in obvious mineral notes leads to rich, sweet, detailed and nicely full-bodied flavors blessed with plenty of mid-palate extract to buffer the textured but refined tannins that coat the mouth on the long finish. This is a really lovely and racy effort that is very Chambolle in style. Recommended.

2005 Murphy Vineyards Sierra Foothills California (750ml)

$19.00

Wine- Maker Notes

Like the 2004, this Syrah starts with a smoky nose of grilled fruits and ends with flavors of black cherries and allspice. Made in the lighter style with brisk acidity and mouth-watering tannins, this Syrah pairs beautifully with pork dishes. The floral aromas of this wine are similar to the 2004 Syrah. Medium bodied with full flavors, but not overpowering making a long smooth finish.

2005 Red Lava, Red Hills Estate California (750ml)

$21.00

Wine- Maker Notes

Red Lava Vineyards, owned by Bud and Kristi Lawson, is located at 1600ft elevation and is planted with an 8 acre Syrah vineyard on a 16% slope in the Red Hills Lake County appellation. It is densely planted with a syrah clone from the Rhone Valley of Southern France. Vine yield is limited to encourage production of dark, concentrated berries. The canopy is hand-groomed to allow the fruit to mature and ripen evenly. The Red Hills vineyard produces a Syrah that is highly extracted with concentrated color, depth and complexity. The color is crimson-black with aromas of creme de cassis, blackberry, blackraspberry, mocha and minerals. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with flavors of mixed berry fruit, black pepper, rich tannins and a long supple finish.

2005 Sineann, Wyeast Oregon (750ml)

$50.00

Wine- Maker Notes

Can't say enough good things about this wine - one of the real thrills of the vintage. We expect Resonance to shine. Phelps Creek is automatic. To have this vineyard step up to that level of quality is very exciting. Located at fairly high elevation in the Hood River Valley, 1600 feet, the grapes are able to retain higher natural acidity. The higher acidity gives the wine brightness in its youth and a better ability to age gracefully. That and great concentration of fruit (from 1.5 ton per acre crop sizing) have produced a delicious wine.

Wine Enthusiast

2005 Skewis, Rose of Pinot Noir California (750ml)

$21.00

FineWine International

"Although made entirely from Pinot Noir, this aromatic dry wine tastes very much like a Loire Rose' with its rich, ripe fruit flavors. A real joy to drink."

2005 Tablas Creek Rose California (750ml)

$28.00

FineWine International

Rich, ripe and full of fruit, with aromatics of provencial herbs mixed with flavors or raspberries and strawberries. Good acidity and a long finish make this one of the best Roses this side of Tavel.

Robert Parker 89

One of my favorite California roses is Tablas Creek's. Their powerful, light ruby-hued 2005 Rose (an 800-case blend of 62% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache, and 10% Counoise) possesses good underlying acidity along with plenty of blue and red fruit aromas as well as flavors.