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Wine retailers have already heard every Sideways reference there is. Not that most local wine directors, however exclusive their places of employ, would disagree with the movie's attitude: a good wine, truly savored, is its own special occasion - while any occasion, truly savored, can make any wine taste good. Of course, the film seeks to define goodness more generally, to evaluate value: when is it an inherent quality, when is it a legitimate function of context, when is it mere market-driven illusion? Such questions lie behind every wine list, including Wine Spectator's annual Top 100 list.

The Wine Bank in University Place just received two new wines that are part of the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2009 list. I have listed them below with Wine Bank owner Bob Kinnaman's comments on each.

• #38 - Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon. 2006 Horse Heaven Hills, Canoe Ridge Estate, 92 Points. This single vineyard Cabernet is sourced from a south facing ridge above the Columbia River planted in 1991. Winemaker Bob Bertheau aims for a soft mouth feel and employs daily, gentle pump-overs to extract tannin and flavor.  We have the wine at $27.97 and club priced at $23.77.
• #82 - d'Arenberg The Stump Jump 2008 Shiraz - McLaren Vale, 90 Points & Best Value. The Stump Jump wines may be built for daily drinking but this Shiraz is a knockout. The wine delivers fresh, ripe flavor and finesse. We have this wine for $10.97 with a club price of $9.32.

Pick up a bottle and judge for yourself.

The Wine Bank also hosts a Spanish wines tasting today from 2-4:30 p.m. The will pour tastes of Lagar de Castelo Albarino, Casa de Illana Tradicion, Bodegas Pinuaga Nature, and Bodegas Rejadorada Temple.

[The Wine Bank, 7017 27th St. W., University Place, 253.564.1101]

LINK: Taste wine today in the South Sound