ANGEL SHARE: WINE OF THE WEEK

Another week of tasting reds; another week of being unable to choose just one without suffering guilt for leaving the others out.  There is one white this week, a 2014 Spanish albariño that doesn't thrill me, although Robert Parker gave it 90 points.

That leaves me with six excellent reds from which to choose.  Six reds that all earned 90 points or above according to various wine-rating agencies.  Since I know very little about wine, it would be a good idea to pay attention to the real experts.

There's an Oregon pinot noir that is smooth with a nice finish, heavy on pomegranate, earthy and vibrant.  Oregon pinots are usually lovely, and this one is no exception.  At $25 a bottle, though, the Maison l'Envoye Two Messengers pinot noir is just out of my "sit down and sip it for fun" price range.  Wine Spectator rates it 92 points.

Another favorite has been on my list before, maybe even a few times: Daou Vineyards red blend, a 2014 California wine called The Pessimist.  It has a deep, long finish, and is a little spicy and berry-flavored, but the color of the wine impresses beyond all else.  This wine is dark, purple, with the flavor and color of cassis, and it sticks to the wine glass after it has been swirled.  Robert Parker rates it at 90 points, and the cost is $20 per bottle.

This week's winner, though, is slightly more expensive than the pinot; it comes in at $27 per bottle.  A richly dark deep red, this wine mixes the flavors of chocolate and berries.  Its nose is a major part of its charm, but, even more charming is its name: Angel Share.  A 2014 Aussie wine, Two Hands Angel Share Shiraz gets its name from the small amount of wine that evaporates during the maturation process, or "the angels' share."  Galoni rates this wine at 91 points.  Like the pinot, though, it's above my price range for everyday drinking, but it certainly merits a place on my "This Is Important" list for special occasions.