Ralph's Thriftway - Featured Wines

Critiqued by a panel of wine experts, these featured products are available at your neighborhood Thriftway of Washington supermarket at a special price until the end of the month.

To see what each rating means, see our Rating Guide & Key.

July 2008

Wines of the Month

Kenwood, Russian River 2006 Pinot Noir California

It is looking like the supply shortage of Pinot Noir is coming back into balance with demand resulting in Pinot Noir prices starting to drop. Kenwood has lowered the price on this excellent Pinot Noir at just the right time to enjoy this versatile red with salmon and lighter summer meals.

750ml.....................................................$11.88

Altozano 2007 Verdejo-Sauvignon Blanc Spain

Red blends are big favorites but, we are finding some great white blends like this Verdejo-Sauvignon Blanc from Altozano. The aroma is all Sauvignon Blanc, herbal and fresh. The center of the wine turns to Verdejo with very interesting pear, melon and lemon citrus fruit flavors. We also have the Tempranillo-Cabernet blend on sale. A great value Spanish red and white wine combination.

750 ml......................................................$8.98

Dona Paula 2007 Malbec, Argentina

Malbec wines have caught the attention of red wine consumers. With most of the best Malbec coming from South America, we tasted a number of wines and found the Malbec from Dona Paula the best of the group. Black-red color, ripe black fruit, spice and good balance for a wine of large dimensions.

750 ml......................................................$11.88

Durigutti 2006 Malbec Clasico

Another very good Malbec from the Duragutti family, this small Argentinean producer has crafted a wine with power and finesse. Plum and blackberry fruit, herbs and a smooth, elegant style.

750 ml......................................................$11.88

Angoves 2007 Nine Vines Rose Australia

Angoves dry style Rose jumps from the glass with bright, fresh strawberry aromas. The wine is loaded with fruit, has more weight than the average Rose and centers with the bright acidity that brings the wine into focus.

750 ml......................................................$9.88

	Critiqued by a panel of wine experts, these featured products are available at your neighborhood Thriftway of Washington supermarket at a special price until the end of the month. To see what each rating means, see our Rating Guide & Key. July 2008 Wines of the Month Kenwood, Russian River 2006 Pinot Noir California It is looking like the supply shortage of Pinot Noir is coming back into balance with demand resulting in Pinot Noir prices starting to drop. Kenwood has lowered the price on this excellent Pinot Noir at just the right time to enjoy this versatile red with salmon and lighter summer meals. 750ml.....................................................$11.88 Altozano 2007 Verdejo-Sauvignon Blanc Spain Red blends are big favorites but, we are finding some great white blends like this Verdejo-Sauvignon Blanc from Altozano. The aroma is all Sauvignon Blanc, herbal and fresh. The center of the wine turns to Verdejo with very interesting pear, melon and lemon citrus fruit flavors. We also have the Tempranillo-Cabernet blend on sale. A great value Spanish red and white wine combination. 750 ml......................................................$8.98 Dona Paula 2007 Malbec, Argentina Malbec wines have caught the attention of red wine consumers. With most of the best Malbec coming from South America, we tasted a number of wines and found the Malbec from Dona Paula the best of the group. Black-red color, ripe black fruit, spice and good balance for a wine of large dimensions. 750 ml......................................................$11.88 Durigutti 2006 Malbec Clasico Another very good Malbec from the Duragutti family, this small Argentinean producer has crafted a wine with power and finesse. Plum and blackberry fruit, herbs and a smooth, elegant style. 750 ml......................................................$11.88 Angoves 2007 Nine Vines Rose Australia Angoves dry style Rose jumps from the glass with bright, fresh strawberry aromas. The wine is loaded with fruit, has more weight than the average Rose and centers with the bright acidity that brings the wine into focus. 750 ml......................................................$9.88	Got a question? Can't tell the difference between a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Gris? Looking for a hard to fine vintage for a special occasion? Give one of our wine specialists a call and they'll be happy to answer your questions, point you in the right direction and help you enjoy one of the true joys of nature. They can be reached at (360) 357-8011. Rating Guide The Wine of the Month is selected as the favorite wine and the best value of the wines reviewed each month by a tasting panel of wine industry professionals. Wines are tasted blind, grouped by varietal and approximate retail selling price. A great world class wine. Everything a three-star wine has with added dimensions, complexity and age-worthiness. A superior wine. All the good fruit and components of a two-star wine with added bouquet, finish, mouth feel and style. At least one especially attractive feature. All major components are in place with special emphasis on fruity quality. Clean, balanced, well made wine. Our baseline. A rating that is intended to identify an acceptable wine with no major flaws. It's a drinkable wine that can be enjoyed and may be a good value in its category.