171634 Fri Aug 20 17:55:30 -0700 2004 2 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 921397 The Wine Cabinet is a wine shop in the North Hills shopping center in Reston that I really like. It is similar to Arrowine in "style" but larger with an even more eclectic variety. The owners, retired Marriott executives, are extremely knowledgeable and buy much of what they like to drink themselves! There are three Australian wines that have become something of cult favorites, selling out before they ever even land on shelves. Shotfire Ridge, Morambro Creek and Marquis Philips all sell shiraz in the $14 to 17 range that tastes much "bigger" than this price. All three are dead ringers for wines selling for $30 to 50 and more. All three are also very highly rated by Robert Parker realizing 94 points for a $15 wine. Having said this it is a true rarity when a bottle is even available to be sold individually. Most stores sell out by the case on special order. Saturday, The Wine Cabinet, is actually tasting 2003 Marquis Philips! Their shiraz, cabernet and the shiraz 9 which sells for about $39 but is incredible. The shiraz is $17.99 less 10% for a case discount. The store has three cases left for sale plus will take orders for more, perhaps as many as another twenty cases which may be available. Worth the trip to the North Hills shopping center for a truly rare tasting event of a remarkably good, modestly expensive full bodied red wine. As well as a store that rivals Calvert Woodley, MacArthur and Schneider's for inventory and knowledge of those who own it. Below I've linked a brief description of the owners of the Wine Cabinet which appeared in a winter issue of Washingtonian. Link: http://www.washingtonian.com/dining/whats_new/thismonth.html Fri Aug 20 17:55:30 -0700 2004 0 Joe H. 1 921403 Joe, I am going to see your Marquis Philips, and raise you a Fanti Brunello di Montalcino. Wide World of Wines on Wisconsin Ave just between the Social Safeway and Fresh Fields (or for the men, Good Guys). Amongst the Italian wines they are pouring tomorrow are the aforementioned Fanti Brunello di Montalcino (regular price $69.99 sale price $58.99) and Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra (regularly $89.99 on sale for $71.99) both of these are '97. Eliot and Hugo are offering three other wines in the sub $20 range. Fri Aug 20 21:08:14 -0700 2004 921397 0 Sthitch 2 921404 I remember Good Guys from when I drove a cab while going to college many years ago! To think that the girls who danced at Good Guys are now in their 50's, maybe '60's! Whoa!!!! I need a drink.... Fri Aug 20 21:21:53 -0700 2004 921403 0 Joe H.