2006 Hecht & Bannier Minervois
We've carried the Hecht & Bannier label before, but when this Minervois became available at a new price point, we grabbed all the rest we could find for the club. Minervois is a region within the Languedoc-Roussillon of southern France, and features red wines that are a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, Cinsault, and Carignan. The 2006 Hecht & Bannier Minervois is predominantly Syrah, the power of which is noticed right away in the nose of this gorgeously full and smooth wine: dark and powerful boysenberry, plum, hints of leather and mint waft in the nose, carried lightly along as if they were more floral in nature. The main body of the wine is so incredibly silky in texture, the weight and power of the fruit passes seemingly without effort, while still delivering a very full set of berry, smoke, and spice notes. Could be an ideal Easter dinner wine to have with lamb.

2005 Clos du Val Pinot Noir Carneros
We picked a Pinot Noir from California? Yes, it's true. There are so many choices of Pinot Noir from California, and unfortunately so many that taste alike. But there are two categories of the remaining wines that are worth focusing on: one, wines that stand out from the pack, and two, wines that are lighter in weight but still have a very expressive character. The region of Carneros is south of Napa and Sonoma, and tends to get just a bit less rain, but more cooling effect from the nearby San Pablo Bay; therefore Pinot Noir can be particularly successful in this region, and tends to have a more nuanced style. The Clos du Val Pinor Noir from 2005 is quite the performer on several levels. A minty front edge to the floral and cherry notes leads to a vibrantly focused beam of raspberry, cherry, and cola flavors, with just the slightest touch of earth and herbs too. Then before the main body trails off, the wine gains complexity like a second wind, as the very present finish provides distinct spice notes folded into the tannins. Even more impressive: after being open two days the wine held all of its flavor and structure, not seeming to fade even a bit. This suggests aging potential, and though most notes claim drinkability through 2010 or 2011, there may be even more life available in this particular wine.