This is a pretty special wine. Not only is Markham Vineyards’ first of two single-vineyard, limited production – only 300 cases of it and its sister wine, The Philanthropist, produced – estate grown cabernet sauvignon wines. It’s also part of Markham’s “Mark of Distinction” program. The winery is giving $25,000 grants to the Bartlett Arboretum, a tree habitat, in Bell Plaine, Kansas with proceeds from the ’06 vintage of The Altruist and. Drinking for a good cause makes me feel all warm and cuddly inside. Here’s another thing special about it. Look: A shimmering glass of purple pirate booty, translucent and bright ruby edge Smell: Markham made a fruit pie in the woods; dusty, lush, floral, black cherry, cedar and pepper scents burst from the glass. Taste: The Altruist Full is a giver, full of currant, plum, black cherry, jammy blackberries and chocolate with a long finish punctuated by mild oaky tannins. My full review is here: http://whatareyoudrinking.net/2010/12/when-you-just-feel-like-paying-a-lot-for-a-glass-of-wine-cru-wine-bar/

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Wine makers Craig and Kathryn Hall bought the old Bergfeld winery in St. Helena and converted it to their own winery in 2003. They make classic Bordeaux style wines in two lines, the Napa Valley Collection and the Artisan Collection. The Napa Valley Cab is a blend of 82 percent cabernet sauvignon, 13 percent merlot, 4 percent petit verdot and 1 percent cabernet franc. Here is what it tastes like. Look: Slightly brighter than the first, the Hall is deep purple, opaque with a lavender edge. Smell: I had to sniff deep to get a good smell of this reserved wine, but found blackberry, ripe strawberry and spice. Taste: This is a bowl of stewed fruit, extracted and dark. It tastes of cooked blueberry, chocolate, tobacco, and cedar. Read my full review: http://whatareyoudrinking.net/2010/12/when-you-just-feel-like-paying-a-lot-for-a-glass-of-wine-cru-wine-bar/

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Crémant d’Alsace Brut Lucien Albrecht is made from 100 percent Pinot Blanc grapes grown in clay-chalky soil. It is made méthode Champenoise with malolactic fermentation. Here is what you can expect. Look: Northern sunlight on a December afternoon, pale yellow, bright and transparent. This one has slightly larger bubbles than the first streaming with mid frequency for a gentle mousse that disappeared quickly. Smell: A cold winter’s day with dusty, minerally limestone and faint honey suckle. Taste: A bite of fresh grape fruit and tapioca with a silky-smooth, balanced feel. The Lucien Albrecht has a mid-length, slightly bitter finish. Read my full review here: http://whatareyoudrinking.net/2010/12/budget-bubbles-select-a-delicious-sparkling-wine-for-your-holiday-party/

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