Ryan Hindmarsh

Jose Maria Da Fonseca Vintage Port 2003, Doc Douro

Yum Yum. 2003 was also the breakout year for the White Stripes. Its like Jack White eating a Mon Cherri. Its dark chocolate and boozy cherry goodness, the finish is long like his greasy hair, and you’ll only need a 2 person band to finish this bottle off. I’m going to Wichita to serve this up with some Parmesan Crisps. (name the song!). $20 is a steal for vintage port.

Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella 2005, Doc, Classico  

Awesome

Sequillo Cellars Red 2009, Wo Swartland

This a a blend from the Swartland region of South Africa that is famous for its bush vines and dark soil. The bush vines can lead to lower production, smaller grapes and more intense flavors. This red is like Daniel Day Lewis in There Will be Blood. Its got amazing intensity, it brings out the greed in you, and it smells like fresh drilled earth. Take a couple of these bastards in a basket to your next lamb roast.

Polkura Syrah 2009, Marchigue, Colchagua Valley

Oh this feels good when you drink it. It's like sitting on Grandpa's lap in front of the fire. It's warm, smokey, and has a comforting mentholy like Bengay scent. Grab a few of these and share with family and Grandma's overcooked roast beef.

Ruffino Modus 2007, Igt Toscana

Modus is a super seductive blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot. Like a greasy breakfast sandwich in the hands of an unshaven, hat wearing gangster. It smells like smokey jacket, dirty money and overcooked bacon. But it disappears in your mouth like “you’ve been hit by Smooth Criminal“. My Modus Operandi is steal as many of these off the shelf before you do.

Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant 2006, California

The name and label of this wine honors a classic french story. In 1954 some wine producers were quite nervous about extraterrestrials. So, the council of Chateauneuf-du-Pape passed an ordinance prohibiting flying saucers or “Flying Cigars” as they called them from landing in they vineyards and damaging the vines. The law allowed for immediate impounding of any Flying Cigars (Le Cigare Volant) that dare to land on their grapes. Le Cigare is a blend of traditional Rhone grapes and it is out of this world. (cmon, I had too). Pair it with a well hung grilled ribeye from the boys at Gasparro’s.

Chàteau De Nages Jt Costiéres De Nîmes 2007

This wine is named after the winemakers great grandfathers initials, JT. It smells like bacon and espresso and pours thick in your glass like maple syrup. If I had 4 minutes to save the world, I would have Madonna over for a bottle of this and a stack of blueberry pancakes. If wine for breakfast isn’t your thing, grab some takeout burgers for you and your material girl.

Delas Frères Les Reinages Gigondas 2007, Ac

Gigondas is quickly becoming one of my favorite red wine regions. It’s not cheap, but the bang for your buck quotient is very high. It’s a great wine to drink up at the cottage because its rustic and pairs well with grilled meat. Like Beyoncé this wine is rich, robust and has legs that don’t stop. Serve with mustard crusted rack of lamb off the grill and a couple of single ladies.

Dauvergne Ranvier Vin Rare Gigondas 2007, Ac

Hecht & Bannier Côtes Du Roussillon-villages 2008, Ac

Good Call Dan! This is a classy, smooth tasting wine from Southern Rhone. Fresh off the exciting news of an upcoming Anchorman sequel, this wine is like Ron Burgundy lounging in his apartment. Its a bit of a big deal, plush like his bathrobe, and smells of leather-bound books and deep mahogany. Let this decant for an hour before you pair it with channel 4′s breaking news of the human torch being denied a bank loan. Stay classy San Diego!