Ryan's Wine Blog

2001 Chateau Quinault L'Enclos, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

2012-01-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

I opened this wine and poured a glass without deciding to decant, but on further inspection of some reviews I decided to decant after all to allow the fruit to make an appearance. Did it? Meh, not really. As a matter of fact, I really wasn't into this wine all that much. Maybe I've been drinking too many fruit-bomb RRV Pinot Noirs and other jammy goodies. Who knows really, but I am kind of disappointed. Maybe I should have paired it with a better meal such as some sauce-laden steak with pomme-frites. I don't know. Well, here it goes anyway.

Chateau Quinault is in the hands of owners Dr. Alain Raynaud and his wife, Francoise, who currently use a fantastic team from Cheval Blanc to create wines of great purity and freshness. Located in the St. Emilion district of Bordeaux, Chateau Quinault definitely stands among some of the best Chateaus in France. The efforts of this winery are also truly remarkable; producing top-notch wines from their 37-acre vineyard situated within the Libourne city limits.

This particular wine is a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. In the glass, the wine exhibits radiant color that is not at all dense, but more of a beautiful ruby. In the nose I pick up earth and leather, but it does not jump out and grab me. It is more subtle, elegant, restrained. After swirling in the glass, I am able to pick up some subtle plum, tobacco (almost damp cigar-like) and some sage-like spices.

In the mouth, the wine seems thin, with tea, bitter chocolate and mild dark fruit. Seems dusty, super dry with subtle tannins but good acid. I just feel this wine is more earthy and leathery in the package and I don't know if it is past peak or what, but it just does not do it for me. Oh well.

C'est La Vie!

2010 Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County

2012-01-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

It's January but I'm officially declaring winter over, as I am wearing shorts today after Sonoma County once again saw highs in the seventies. LA has been in the 80s for several days, and there's virtually no snow this season in Tahoe, Utah or Colorado. As a matter of fact most of the US is snow-free and surprisingly not that cold at all. So with that going on, my wife and I decided to take the short drive out to Matanzas Creek, sans kids to enjoy a little wine tasting. Since it is so warm and springlike out, we decided to pick up this nice little Sauvignon Blanc.

Today, let's skip those winter reds and open this treat up. The fruit for this wine comes from Knights Valley, a little north and east of the winery near the Napa county line. Anyway, I love the color of this SB. It's a nice pale straw color that exudes a nice aroma of tropical fruit like pineapple and guava as well as some of that citrusy-grapefruit that I love so much. One sip and I'm naturally hooked - more bright grapefruit, lime, and all that citrus goodness that I adore in great Sauvignon Blanc. The bonus is that it is not too acidic and super enjoyable at this moment in time. There's even subtle notes of lemon grass and some great minerality in the wine as well. Let's also not leave out that forward, long finish from this medium-bodied wine. It kinda sticks with you, as I am craving yet another bottle...even in the dead of winter.

2007 Bodegas Atalaya "Almansa" Red Blend

2011-12-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

If you take a look at the background, you'll see that this photo was taken this summer, definitely not right now in December. Unfortunately, that is how long this wine has been waiting to say, "post me already, because you already drank me!" Well, okay, I will finally post you, my dear Almansa. I am getting back into the wine groove again (probably because the new baby doesn't cry as much anymore and the approach of winter always brings out the reds in me). I know, I have had plenty of requests to post about whites, and I promise I will get to those soon. Do you have any whites in mind? perhaps something viscous for the season like a fatty Chablis with mineral and quartz. Okay, I digress... Let's dig into this red from Spain.

I love Grenache. There's something about it that feels so good in the mouth. It is juicy, luscious, jammy and yummy. What's the kicker here is that I enjoy Grenache that is a little funky, even a little barnyard-like and kinky (just what Tanzer said). Come on, I can enjoy a little brett, right? Let's continue: The 2007 Atalaya is a blend of Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, and other red grapes. The wine was aged for eight months in French and American oak. This purple-colored wine has an expressive bouquet of violets, spice box, leather, game, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate it comes off as with lots of easy-going flavor, superb depth, complexity, and a 45-second finish.

It is inky purple. Spicy dark berries and cherry on the nose, with strong black cardamom and cumin qualities. Candied blackberry and rose flavors are gently firmed by soft tannins and pick up a peppery note with air. Suave and immediately accessible, with very good finishing sweetness and cling.

2007 Fort Ross Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

2011-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know I haven't posted about wine in a while, but with a nursing wife and two little kids, there really isn't much time for wine right now. There isn't even time for sleep. However, today I give thanks for having such a wonderful family and I know that consuming great wines is just around the corner.

Take this fantastic Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast. It is spectacular! Sourced directly from the Fort Ross Vineyard located just one mile from the Pacific Ocean and two miles southeast of the historic town of Fort Ross, this wine is absolutely stunning. As with my favorite Sonoma Coast Pinots, this is dense, deep and full-bodied. Just look at the color in the glass. Now swirl it a few times and what do you smell? Black currants, earth, mushroom, sage and cola.

In the mouth there is juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, cola and subtle spice. Let's not forget the strawberries and those holiday cranberries we love to see on the table. There's even some minerality along with such a soft, round supple texture. It is a wonderful balance of finesse and power, all that this vineyard brings to the table - the Thanksgiving table, that is. So enjoy this with a beautiful carved bird this season.

95 points, Wine Enthusiast
August 2010
What a beautiful Pinot Noir for drinking now with lamb chops or maybe a rich, exotic Ahi tuna tartare. Brilliantly crisp in acidity, with a clean, bracing mouthfeel, it offers dazzlingly rich flavors of raspberries, cherries, orange zest, Dr. Pepper cola and Asian spices, with smoky oak adding elaborate tiers of vanilla char. For the price, it’s a very great buy. - S.H. (8/1/2010) - 95

91 points, Wine Spectator
June 2010
A rich, layered style, with firm, intense black cherry, plum and wild berry flavors that are full-bodied, intense and complex, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2017. 2,728 cases made. –JL

2007 Byron Pinot Noir, Julia's Vineyard

2011-06-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

Sourced from the eastern edge of Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County, these grapes have got it made. Mild temperatures, rolling hills of gold and perfect soil all produce some of California's best Pinot Noir. One in particular is grown in Julia's Vineyard and produced by Byron. In particular, this small-case production wine shares fruit and land with acclaimed names such as Hitching Post, Cambria and Foxen.

On the nose there is wild berries, cherry, raspberry, and spice. In the palate, one suggest even more of this wonderful fruit, accompanied with strawberries and licorice. It is elegant, refined and beautifully constructed. There's hints of earth, spice and leather notes as well. Only 212 cases were produced.

94 Points Wine Spectator - A brilliant wine, massively sculpted and monumental, that shows how great this vineyard is. The wine shows densely concentrated flavors of blackberries and licorice, with the loveliest accent of sweet worn leather and rhubarb, flourished with the dusty spices that always characterize a fine Santa Maria Pinot Noir. Best now–2013. S.H. (4/1/2010)

$40.

2006 Rosenblum "Carla's Reserve" Zinfandel

2011-06-06T05:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, this man can still make a good Zin. However some think this wine is a little overdone, possessing a syrupy blackberry aroma that is further dampened by its acid-based palate. Well, I'm not complaining with this one because Kent Rosenblum consistently continues to please. With its 100-year plus vines from Contra Costa County, the grapes are still producing fruit of exceptional quality.

One look in the glass shows that typical nice deep dark intense color. However, the part I enjoy the most is swirling this wine to release its bountiful aromas of dark, super-ripe black fruits. Dark cherry, plums, blackberry and spice notes are easily billowing out of the glass. Yummy! There's even that super toasty and almost plantain-smelling tropical fruit aroma that I have consistently picked up in this wine for years.

In the mouth is a load of juicy jammy fruit, mocha, chocolate and toast. It's just an explosion of dark ripened fruit. Nutty, spicy and peppery are all part of the package here with a consistently good finish.

2009 Secreto de Viu Manet, Chile

2011-05-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

I'm in a Malbec phase. Unfortunately, I haven't been in a wine-blogging phase for a while so I'll bring it back with this one right here. Most Malbecs are of good value and good quality, and this Secreto de Viu Manet obviously has both. This one is from the Colchagua Valley in Chile, and not from popular Malbec regions in Argentina like Mendoza. If you are unfamiliar with this valley, it is approximately 80 miles southeast of Santiago.

This wine is a blend between their 50-year old San Carlos Estate Malbec blocks and their 8-year old El Olivar Estate blocks. The color is that intense, dark rich color that is so typical of Malbec. Swirl it around in the glass and there's plenty of dark cherry fruit with pencil shavings, mocha and licorice. Yummy.

Slice up some juicy tannins with a long finish, and this one will round up gauchos from all over who crave a nice pairing with some robust Argentine beef.

Enjoy!

2009 Bodegas Castaño Monastrell, Yecla

2011-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love Spanish wines, and this one is not only a great value, but a good winner. Let's pop the cork and enjoy this rare gem from Yecla that is produced by forward-thinking Bodegas Castaño in a region that was once plagued by phyloxera years ago. Yes, there are only a handful of wineries (eleven, I think) left here following the tiny bug's infestation in the late nineteenth century, and Bodegas Castaño is now seen as the trend setter in Spain's southeastern province of Murcia. Most of the region's vineyards are planted on hills that range 1,300 to 2,600 feet in height and have both red and white plantings, although red is more common. Approximately 85 percent of Yelca's vineyards are planted in Mourvedre (Spanish call it Monastrell), while Garnacha and some Syrah make up most of the rest of the reds. This wine is 100 percent Mourvedre and is a nice deep dark, almost blackish color.

Swirling this wine in the glass reveals nice aromas of sweet and lively dark fruit such as blueberries, raspberries and plum. In the palate there is even more fruit, followed by some chocolate notes and slight pencil shavings. The finish is slightly spicy and sweet. Now to enjoy it with some delicious homemade pulled pork sandwiches and a side of potato salad.

Rated: 88 by Josh Raynolds, Nov/Dec 10
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Vivid ruby. Spicy redcurrant and cherry aromas are complicated by notes of dried flowers and licorice. Firm and precise in the mouth, offering lively red berry flavors and a hint of bitter cherry pit. Gains sweetness with air and finishes with very good clarity and spicy persistence. These vines are reportedly planted at almost 800 meters altitude. This is a ridiculous value."

Rated 88 - Robert M. Parker

The Wine Advocate, 4/10

"Bodegas Castano's 2009 Monastrell was aged for 6 months in neutral French oak. Produced entirely from estate fruit and now bottled in screw-cap for the USA market, it is a dark ruby-colored wine with a fragrant nose of underbrush, blueberry, and plum. Super-juicy on the palate and densely packed, this is a pleasure-bent effort for drinking over the next 2-3 years."

2009 Thomas George Pinot Blanc, Saralee's Vineyard

2011-03-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, this wine is fun, eh? Picked up right off the road to Jenner, this Pinot Blanc is easy to please. The grapes were grown right on Slusser Road just west of the Santa Rosa Airport in the Rusian River Valley and hung on the vine until all picked on October 7. Completely aged in stainless steel tanks, this yummy white is ready to enjoy right...now! Nice crisp apple flavors able to quench any thirst. Thick and viscous mouthfeel with pear and melon notes, accompanied with bright acidity makes this wine perfect for a spring afternoon with cheese, crackers and grapes. Only 190 cases were produced.

2008 Arrowood Chardonnay, Alary Vineyard

2010-12-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

Here we go again. Another Arrowood wine coming down the chute. I'll clue you in on a secret: My wife works for the managing company. But it's the Holidays and while we stuff our bellies with turkey, why don't we accompany the popular bird with a Chardonnay just down the road from my house: The 2008 Arrowood Chardonnay from Alary Vineyard.

This Chardonnay is thick, viscous and creamy. Yes, it is good. Plenty of citrus, pear and melon aromas on the nose. Some minerality lingering around here too. Oak is dancing around with subtle nuances. Definitely unfined as well, as the wine is a little cloudy. However, it is inviting, refreshing and enjoyable. I don't come across Chardonnays like this very often anymore. Buy it up or I definitely will!

2006 Bohème Pinot Noir, "Taylor Ridge Vineyard" Sonoma Coast

2010-11-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

Ah the holidays are back, and my red wine choice to accompany a nice turkey, ham or lamb is naturally a great Pinot Noir. This season I am picking the gorgeous 2006 Bohème Pinot Noir, "Taylor Ridge Vineyard" from my neck of the woods on the beautiful Sonoma Coast. So for tonight, let's omit the turkey and cook lamb as a prelude to my next post featuring another Sonoma favorite (white) wine with our terrific bird of the season.

The Taylor Ridge Vineyard grows atop a bluff just a little over five miles from the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, cool air and fog move into the vineyard from Tomales and Bodega Bays allowing the vines to slowly metabolize soil nutrients and gently ripen their fruit. This is great for Pinot Noir, as the fairly temperate climate near the Sonoma Coast is nearly always conducive to creating wonderful elegant, but extracted wines. Add a warm harvest season with added hangtime and the ingredients for sensational Pinot exist. This was the 2006 vintage.

From the glass, the Boheme Pinot Noir has aromas of bright cherry and caramel. Super luscious plumbs and dark fruit fill your nose. This wine is going to be super juicy. A sure sign winemaker Kurt Beitler has made Syrah in his former life.

The palate is sophisticated and elegant, yet it is more syrupy and extracted than most. Fresh, thick, full of almost Syrah-like qualities but still retains a little of that classic Pinot finesse. Full of fruit, juicy, thick. Plenty of spices, earth, and fruit, fruit fruit.

Yummy if you like them big. 190 cases produced.

It's Time for the 9 - 2004 Marquis Philips Shiraz 9

2010-10-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

If I were to buy a wine strictly for the label, I feel this one would be the winner. However, I am not a label shopper, so I must tear the handsome packaging and see what's inside. First off, Marquis Philips is a collaboration between American Dan Philips and Australian winemakers (notably Chris Ringland) to make the most delicious, power-packed wines on the planet. The winemakers aim to create wines that are pleasure-giving, dark, ripe, sweet, loud, yet subtle, with a long elegant finish, but powerful. There you go.

Let's dig in. Literally.

Look at that chunky, dark sediment-filled cork. I can probably take that and spread it on my toast. This is the first clue that this wine is going to be another one of those big Australian Shiraz blockbusters I adore, but must chase with about 40 ounces of water to avoid the monster "Down-Under" coma. I inoculate my house by firing up the grill. BBQ ribs should do the trick with garlic fries and ketchup. No? Maybe kangaroo steaks rolled in dirt would be more appropriate. That's okay, we can hang with the big boys.

In the glass it is deep dark purple. So purple that it almost looks black. Perhaps it has been relegated to tar. Does my driveway need paving? Not yet. Moving on. As I pour it into the glass, I am met with intoxicating smells of yummy sweet blackberry liqueur, chocolate and pepper. I am not getting a huge oak smell, but it's still faintly there and that's good. This is mostly a powerful pure fruit purple people eater.

As I pick myself off the floor, I decided to take a sip of this deep dark Australian concoction. It still has some noticeable tannin structure, and the whopping alcohol is largely in check. It is rich, jammy, luscious and beautiful. I smile but it oozes out the sides of my mouth like that dark goo found in those zombie movies. My teeth are black like theirs. It is almost Halloween, right? Yummy. Or mummy. I don't know. Moving on!

The flavors are very ripe, rich, luscious, with oodles of jammy black fruit and plenty of oak with fine, chalky tannins. It's a fun, typically Australian good time of a wine that I highly recommend if you want to party like an Aussie in the more uptight regions of the world. The finish is lengthy, leathery and wonderful. May I also advise if you want to wake up in a gutter the next morning wearing nothing but an Australian digger hat, this is the wine for you. Awesome stuff!

2001 Cims de Porrera Priorat Classic

2010-09-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is a really, really good wine. It would have lived a few more years easily, but I just couldn't wait any longer. Honestly, it's really nice to break the habit of enjoying too-aged wines that seem to have started their downward spiral. This is partly my fault, as my day job keeps me away from home for long periods of time. So naturally when I saw this wine in the cellar, I became a little scared and decided to open it. To my surprise, it was absolutely fantastic! It's times like this where I want to be a wine entrepreneur again; pitching wonderful and exciting cuvees that I truly believe in to the world. Naturally, this is one of them.

"Cims" is Spanish for summits, and the geography of the winery plays an integral part in the wines of Cims de Porrera. Each vineyard sits on the steep, rocky slopes above the village of Porrera in the D.O.Q. Priorat, at an altitude of 1300 to 2000 feet. This rugged terrain demands meticulous harvesting by hand, and wines remain with their separate vineyard blocks until final blending. The combination of unique black slate soils, a rich variety of micro-climates and vines older than 60 years results in widely-recognized wines of exceptional quality.

Cims de Porrera was founded by the Pérez family, one of five pioneering wine families who rediscovered the now-renowned region in the late 1980s. Only five grape varieties are cultivated in the area surrounding Porrera—Cariñena, Garnacha (Grenache), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah; the 2002 Solanes—the second label of Cims de Porrera—combines all of them to create an ambitious, distinctive blend. Winemaker Adria Pérez, son of founder Luis, also produces the Classic in only the finest vintage years. These discerning procedures have secured the label’s reputation, and Cims de Porrera sells up to 75% of their wine internationally.

Tasting:

Inky black in the glass, but as the contents are consumed it reveals more of a beautiful purple hue. I haven't seen this color in a while. The nose is full of pencil shavings, graphite, raisins, black cherries, vanilla, toast, oak, chocolate and violets. Yes, plenty of floral notes going on here. Not too obnoxious, but enough to add beautifully to this fantastic crafted wine. In the mouth, it is super fleshy, but with no tannins (although there's chunky sediment at the bottom of the glass). A long chocolate-cherry finish. Perfectly balanced. Must buy more now!

Yes, go out and buy it now before it's all gone. This wine fetches upward of $90 per bottle, but can still be found around $60 or so if you research.

94 points - Wine Advocate: Ripe, almost roasted, with black cherry, wild herb, licorice and black pepper notes. Has rich, round tannins and good concentration, but remains balanced and generous, with a spicy finish. Best after 2004. -TM November 15 2003

91 points - Wine Spectator: The 2001 Cims de Porrera Classic is just that…a classic Priorat with lots of flavor and depth, with rich texture and a long finish. Cims is amongst the top tier of the appellation with wines that are the region’s best. The 2001 Classic is an award winning, highly rated Priorat that is truly worthy of cellaring. This is Priorat with no skimping…dark, rich and drinkable.

2005 Yangarra "High Sands" Grenache

2010-08-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Oh, why not, let's move forward and open an $80 bottle of wine. Brimming with voluptuous, mouthwatering fruity complex goodness, the 2005 "High Sands" Grenache produced by Australia's acclaimed vintner works its magic to impress with high quality and stunning results. Located in the eastern part of the McLaren Vale near the hills, this 100% estate-grown Grenache has a simply beautiful purple color with perfumey, black cherry fruit escaping from the glass and into your nose. Moving on... Sip, sip. I am picking up kind of a Rhone-like quality to this wine. Very rich in depth and structure. Jammy, racy, fat and spicy, but with silky tannins and a beautiful finish. Simply fantastic. Now to cook up a T-Bone and call it a day. Enjoy!

Give Peter Fraser praise for producing a truly stunning masterpiece!

• 95 Points, The Tasting Panel-March 2008
• 93 Points, The Wine Advocate-Issue #173, 2007
• 92 Points, The Advertiser Top 100-November 2007

1998 Allegrini La Poja

2010-08-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, I have been waiting a long time for this one. Funny, you can still find this wine in some wine shops, but at least I know mine has been cellared properly all these years. Anyway, while it is decanting, let's have a chat about this creation from Valpolicella.

First off, I should mention this wine has received 91 Points respectively from the Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and Robert Parker. The second note I will mention is that it is composed entirely of 100% Corvina Veronese that is usually not vinified as a stand alone wine, but rather used in blends for the production of Amarone and Recioto. Now that you have the facts, let's investigate a little further.

Corvina originated in the Veneto in the Valpolicella zone, near the city of Verona and is characterized by bright, relatively delicate cherry fruit flavors, with elevated acidity and pronounced aromas strongly marked by bitter almond and spice. It usually produces a full bodied, intense and elegant red. Upon first glance, the wine has somewhat of a burnt red color. It also has a pretty big nose, with some heat still coming up for the glass. Strong notes of raisin, earth, burlap, dark over-ripened plum with lighter tones of caramel and toasted almonds.

At first sip, the wine was actually a little hot with some large tannins, but these would soften nicely over the course of the night. However, I recall tasting this wine five years ago, and it was indeed more enjoyable and fresher then. But not all is lost as it still retains its classy and complex style while continuing to impress with its solid frame. Rich dark berry and spicy almond palate, followed by a very long and balanced texture. It was rather full of sediment, and as we consumed most of the wine, it became more dark and gritty, but still retained some softness and grace. It is definitely a very distinctive wine but overall a nice way to spend the evening.

2000 Wolf Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

2010-06-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is embarrassing. My last wine post was over two months ago, but I have a good excuse. I virtually have not been home at all since March, so my wine cellar remains stocked with reds that should be consumed right, about NOW! As a matter of fact, perhaps I should start giving it away to my friends or it will go bad. Funny, but when the J.O.B. and the family take over as priority number one and two (not necessarily in that order), my wine appreciation just goes down the drain. It is usually replaced with something more boring but essential, like consuming water. However, since I have been flying to the islands, I have developed an appreciation for good rum. So look out for a nice aged-rum post here shortly.

All right, back to my latest conquest. This is the spectacular 2000 Wolf Family Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. I've actually been holding onto it for quite some time, and I thought, well, now is probably a good time to open this one up before it too goes over the hill. However, I honestly think this could probably go another five years before it started to perform an accelerated nosedive. Let's get to it!

Wolf Family Vineyards is located within the St. Helena Appellation and currently offers three estate-grown wines in artisanal quantities hand made by winemaker Karen Culler. First planted in 1996, the Cabernet Sauvignon is grown at the easternmost end of the property and was initially harvested in 1999. The vineyard is rarely thinned and yields less than 3 tons per acre. Furthermore, the grapes mature evenly, and at a pace that allows great tannin maturity. The tannins are soft at first, but then develop fully and are richly textured within this well balanced wine. Total winery production varies from 800 to 1000 cases per year.

After a little decanting, this red was in fact truly spectacular. Lush, fruit forward and super silky. Plenty of cocoa and very smooth tannins. I really have nothing else to say about this wine because it was truly perfect. I am really at a loss for words...

2005 Sculpterra Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

2010-03-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

The other day I sat down and enjoyed a Cabernet my brother brought up from the Paso Robles region of central California. Paso Robles is gaining plenty of notoriety as their reds are climbing the ladder of quality and popularity. One that I was unaware of until recently is a Cabernet from Sculpterra Winery, located just east of the Salinas River in east Paso Robles.

Their Cabernet vineyards are north-south facing and were planted back in 1995 on their own roots. The 2005 vintage was a great year in Paso Robles with a long growing season and an extended hang time with good fruit exposure. 2005 also was considered to be a wetter year in the Paso Robles AVA. More rain contributed to higher yields in the county, lending itself to a more robust and full bodied wine. These growing conditions contributed to the concentrated and intense varietal flavors in the wine. The wine was aged in a combination of new French, American, eastern European oak and then blended together before bottling.

Aromas: Flavors of raspberry, dark-cranberry, chocolate and licorice. Elements of earthy mushrooms, herbal spice, and smoky toast.

Palate: Packed with aromas of dark raspberry, cranberry and a thick mouthfeel, I feel this wine is similar to an Australian Cabernet. Eaucalyptus seems to float out. Maybe Coonwara terroir is similar to Paso Robles? I don't know. It is almost Syrah-like. Very nice and enjoyable. Smooth tannins and a great oak finish.

Awards:

Gold Medal, 2007 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

Silver Medal, 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Silver Medal, 2007 Finger Lakes Competition

Silver Medal, 2007 Jerry Mead Competition

2004 Joseph Swan "Cuvee de Trois" Russian River Pinot Noir

2010-02-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

This is an excellent wine for the price. This brilliantly colored Pinot has terrific aromas of raspberry, tea, and spices and a wonderful fresh red cherry fruit mid-palate along with a subtle earthiness and a long, vibrant finish. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered and comes from a small production made by one of California's most consistent and experienced hands at Pinot Noir, Rod Berglund. Rod is Joseph Swan's son-in-law (Swan passed away in 1989) but his legacy and vineyard lives on thanks to the talents of everyone associated with the winery.

The wine comes from three vineyards, including Saralee's and the young vines on the Swan estate. It is aged in French oak, only 1/3 of which is new. It is definitely a real charmer here.

2006 Hartford Court Chardonnay, Four Hearts Vineyard

2010-01-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

At last, a white wine. Honestly, I don't know why I have been avoiding them as much as I have. Well perhaps the winter just makes reds sound so much better. Anyway, let's bring out the 2006 Hartford Court Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley.

First off, why is this named Four Hearts? Well, the wine emanates from estate and neighboring vineyards located in the four key regions that form the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA; the Middle Reach, Laguna Ridge, Green Valley and the Santa Rosa Bench. The soil is a mixture of ash and lava from ancient volcanoes plus alluvial gravel from rivers and streams. The vineyards are planted with very distinctive Chardonnay clonal selections that range from the Old Wente and Rued Chardonnay field selections, to Dijon Clone 96, and Dijon Clone 76. Then only the best barrels from each lot are blended to make the final bottling.

The Hartford Court Four Hearts Vineyards Chardonnay has a weighty texture with spicy and layered flavors and finishes with a brightness that reflects the cool climate origins of these stellar vineyards. 100% barrel fermented, 100% malolactic with weekly lees stirring in the barrel. There's aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, white peach, citrus blossom, Asian pear and candied lemon. It then gives way to a rich, full-bodied and weighty mid-palate, followed by a layered, spice infused finish. Subtle wood, a chewy texture, and a good finish with fresh acidity and depth.

2006: 91 Points, Wine Advocate, December 2007
2006: 91 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May 2008

Roshambo Winery Shuts Down

2010-01-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

Roshambo, the Healdsburg wine company that aspired to shake up Wine Country with irreverent events like rock-paper-scissor tournaments, has ceased operations. Naomi Brilliant, granddaughter of grape grower Frank Johnson, has scrapped plans to construct a new winery on her 100-acre Westside Road property, saying she is disillusioned with the wine business. Ha Ha! I am actually very pleased at this announcement. Not at the fact that this fun winery has closed its doors, but at the state of California who has successfully tacked up another tragedy in its fragile wine business. Thank you California for making it almost impossible to develop a successful enterprise within your borders.

Who wants to buy overpriced California wine anyway? I don't. And who wants to make California wine when there is no money in it to sustain a successful enterprise? Why do people even conduct business in the Golden State anymore? I don't know. It's a shame that a large portion of its west coast has been devoted to vineyards that stretch almost from Mexico to Oregon.

“I like the idea of making wine. I don't like the idea of selling wine,” Brilliant said Thursday from her family's Westside Road estate. “I really don't care about the wine world.” Well Naomi, you are my hero. You see, the wine industry seems to be impenetrable to much change and that is sad. Several years ago before the collapse of our economy, I had an arrangement with Roshambo to pour their wines in my tasting room. Unfortunately this didn't work out as planned and we eventually parted ways. Anyway, I digress. My point is when a state has created an environment where there is virtually no margin in your products, why do it? Winemakers make wine because it is their passion. Wine sales individuals sell wine because they believe in the product. But when you must get ultra-creative in order to sell what you believe in and still cannot make it, then that's a shame.

Good luck to you California.

2001 Provenance Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

2009-12-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite everyday Cabs due to its value and quality. Actually, I'm quite surprised I've never written about this wine before, so here it is. Emanating from the Rutherford Appellation in Napa Valley is a wine that really reflects the passion of grower Andy Beckstoffer who produces high quality grapes from this incredible wine growing region. Covering only six square miles, the Rutherford District’s unique soil, sun exposure and climate make it the ideal site for great Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are all 10 years old or more, grown on the historic vineyard once owned by George Yount (the first person to grow wine grapes in the valley) and later Thomas Rutherford.

This 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon is marked by deep fruit aromas of plum, cherry and sun dried raisins, with subtle hints of oak with leather, soy, cola, licorice and, ah yes, “the Rutherford Dust” that this area is famous for. A soft, smooth palate shows a good intensity of plum and black cherry fruit flavors. Liquorice and toasty oak add complexity at the finish. Let's also not forget the long sweet liqueur finale with flavors of rum raisin. Perfect for the Holidays! Around $35. Yumm...

2004 Valdez Family Zinfandel, Rockpile Road Vineyard

2009-11-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

Another big boy here at 16.5% alcohol. However, in my opinion it's not one of my favorites. Even Wine Spectator wasn't too impressed, but then again I don't think much of their ratings anyway. Interestingly enough, this wine is actually crafted by Kent Rosenblum of Rosenblum Cellars who has actually made some of the greatest Zins I have ever tasted, period. So what's the story here? We've got good fruit from Rockpile, a pretty good vintage, and a great architect of wine making. Maybe this vintage just wasn't meant to be for Valdez. Come 2006, the Spectator rated this wine 92 points. I don't know...

Anyway, we have ripe and sweet blackberry and raspberry fruit, some subtle spicy notes and a real meaty texture that will drive you crazy. Dark and jammy on the color with a little bit of grit. It is definitely one of those powerhouse Zinfandels, but it just seems to keep accelerating with no restrictor plate. Even flying around at 8-tenths the speed of sound, I still need the restraints once in a while. Smoke, tar, earth and big fruit. Holy cow! Let me exhale into the breathalyzer.

Some big tannins here that are still present and I just keep coming back to the 16.5% alcohol. This damn kerosene is good enough to run a jet engine. It's huge! Then again, maybe I'm just moving away from these over the top Zins. Perhaps I need to stick with more Pinot, or better yet, Rosenblum Zinfandels. Stay tuned!

2002 Gérard Raphet Chambolle-Musigny "Les Bussières" Cuvée Unique

2009-10-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Now that the seasons are changing and the days are getting shorter and cooler, I always look forward to a nice Pinot Noir. Something about the crispness in the air brings out the reds that I just don't seem to crave during the summer months.

I give you the 2002 Gérard Raphet Chambolle-Musigny "Les Bussières" Cuvée Unique.

Perhaps considered a baby, this particular wine has been in the cellar only about five years, but is interesting to note that the wines from Musigny actually can be drunk relatively young. It is wines from nearby Bonnes-Mares that are usually more full-bodied, tannic and require more years aging before they are mature. Producer Gerard Raphet is famous for producing fruit-driven, aromatically complex and lushly textured old-vine Pinot Noir from some of Burgundy's finest terroirs that have historically proven time and time again that they can age gorgeously. Yes, this one will keep going for many years more, but we just couldn't wait that long. It is actually ready to enjoy now.

In the glass, it is a wine of finesse and elegance. Not too dense or dark, this wine actually exudes pure affluence. This is the way a Pinot Noir should be from Chamboelle-Musigny. Nice.

On the nose, there is an aroma of bright red berries and sweet plums mingling with some light oak spices. Not overbearing and powerful, but more elegant and structured.

In the mouth, it is silky with the impeccable Burgundy balance. Fresh plumbs and raspberries dominate, as well as some backbone and spice which these older vines pull from the region's limestone-rich soils. Subtle hints of oak, licorice and touches of roasted nuts. Caramelly oak and light tannins on the quick finish. Elegant, refined.

Still youthful but enjoyable now.

2002 Behrens & Hitchcock Merlot, Napa Valley

2009-08-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

I've been away from the wine scene for a little too long, but getting back into it with this wine was a little disappointing. Now I've heard good things about this Merlot, but unfortunately I think this bottle was either too old, got too warm at one point during its life, or was a dud. Sorry to be a little succinct, but that's my opinion.

A half hour in the decanter and it was time to taste. The nose was hot with cherry aromas and tobacco. I was actually surprised by the intensity of the fumes, and then realized this comes in at a whopping 16.3% alcohol. Color looks good, but definitely not from Saint-Emilion or Pomerol. Plenty of sweet black fruit wafting up from the glass. Yes, definitely loads of fruit. Okay then, let's continue:

In the mouth there was a high level of sweetness, similar to Kirsch and cherry liqueur. As a matter of fact it is virtually all fruit at the moment and super-high in sugar. The high alcohol was throwing me off as well so I must say I was disappointed with this one. There's no oak left and virtually no tannins, so there you go - all fruit. Next time I won't hold my California Merlots as long as I did. At least not this one.

2004 Eagle Castle Zinfandel, Paso Robles

2009-06-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Burger season is upon us, so why not enjoy a nice juicy one with a good Zinfandel from Paso Robles? Our choice is the 2004 Eagle Castle Zinfandel, and this is just what we needed! Now this Zinfandel is not your typical stain-your-teeth Zin, but rather more earthy with a modest 16.8% alcohol content. It is the kind of wine you must definitely serve while listening to some classic Johnny Cash because it just oozes masculinity with not a lot of over-the-top jaminess. Yep, this is raw, earthy, in-your-face traditional Zinfandel hiding most of the heat in a nice little package. In my opinion, this is the way Zin should be.

To start off, this winery has won more accolades than I can mention. Their 2005 Zinfandel won a double gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition earlier this year and their wines keep turning heads across California. So with that in mind, let's head back one vintage to 2004 and give this wine a try. Most of this wine's package is in the palate, and the nose really hides what it is all about. There is some minerality and white pepper aromas, but at the very first sip there are fresh plums accompanied with pepper and Italian spice. There is plenty of vanilla, oak, and a beautiful rich mouthfeel with a perfectly non-traditional clean finish. Woah! A clean finishing Zin? We'll take it.

May I suggest serving your Zin with a ground beef burger topped with goat cheese spread and Serrano chilies. Enjoy!

2005 J Vineyards Pinot Noir, RRV

2009-06-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

The folks at J Vineyards got it right. Their Russian River Pinot Noir is one of the more affordable high quality Pinots out there from the RRV and their presentation is way cool. As a matter of fact we feel their marketing and approach to wine is hip, urban and fun. So why not enjoy this fantastic red in such an environment? Let's take a journey into the city and enjoy one cool Pinot.

Their estate Pinot Noir has great balance and elegance, with a bright ruby hue and inviting aromas of warm spice and cherry. One sip and our palate is ignited with black cherry and cola. Let's not forget the blackberry, raspberry and hints of vanilla that diminish to a velvety, earthy note. Yummy. Grab the cheese and move on.

Rich and delicate, the mouthfeel is round, soft and intense leading to a lingering finish of cherries and notes of toast. Cheers!

2007 Yangarra Rosé, McLaren Vale

2009-06-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is upon us so why not enjoy a nice rosé from down under? Our pick this month is the 2007 Yangarra Rosé, a blend of Grenache and Shiraz that is more darker colored than most rosé's we've seen. What that means for you is a rosé full of powerful, ripe rich strawberries but bone dry and crispy acidic. Perfect for a hot summer day.

It has a great ruby color with summer berry fruit aromas wafting from the glass. In the mouth, the wine has a core of minerality, cloaked in blackberry and raspberry fruit. It's a fun wine, but should be taken rather seriously as it can improvise for a lighter red or even a bolder white with this summer's fare. Don't be shy!

2001 Domdechant Werner Hochheimer Domdechaney Riesling Spätlese Gold Cap

2009-05-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Germany's premier white grape variety (Riesling) dates from 1435 in a site not far from Domdechant Werner in Hochheim. The estate has holdings in the single vineyard sites Domdechaney, Kirchenstück, Hölle, Stein, Stielweg and Reichestal - all of which have met the classification criteria of the Rheingau region's top quality category Erstes Gewächs, or first growth.

Hochheim's soils and microclimate afford optimal growing conditions for Riesling, and the Domdechant Werner estate numbers among the world's leading, high-quality Riesling producers. The estate cultivates approximately 35 acres of vines, 98% of which are planted with Riesling and 2% Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). The vineyards are located on gentle, south-facing slopes, and the mineral-rich soils are predominantly chalky, with an excellent capacity to retain underground water. Therefore, the vines are able remain healthy even during hot and dry weather.

Thanks to optimal growing conditions, the Domdechant Werner estate is able to produce top-quality wines of all styles, ranging from dry to lusciously sweet wines. Regardless of style, elegant fruit and mineral tones are the hallmarks of all the wines. The finest dry Riesling wines are designated Erstes Gewächs, while the finest sweet wines bear the traditional Prädikat Auslese. The red Spätburgunder wines are carefully aged in mature oak casks. They are velvety smooth, fruity, and show only a hint of oak.

2001 Vintage report

Domdechant Werner was more than happy with their excellent 2001 vintage as there were wonderful sunny and dry days during their typical "Golden October". As a result, the estate has been frequently honored by medals and awards: A rare achievement is the "Medaille d' OR" from the international competition "Riesling du Monde 2001 " at Colmar/France; another international recognition are the high scores from the Wine Spectator 2001 between 89 and 94/100 points including a "Best- Value Wine from Germany".

Tasting

This particular Riesling is exotic and dry in style, with botrytis lending orange peel, honey and spice accents to the apricot and stone flavors. A little mold on the cork, but the wine is OK. It is also hinting of ripe pear and apple flavors. This wine has the perfect amount of minerality. It's almost dry, and very complex and stylish.

2001 Kathryn Kennedy Lateral

2009-05-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yum! This great red is inspired by the famous wines of the St. Emilion district of Bordeaux and is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot from select coastal vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. Over the years we have enjoyed each vintage of Lateral and its consistent quality is the product of multiple vineyards from more than one region. Select growers from the cooler coastal valleys are chosen with primary consideration for the flavor their grapes can add.

Another key to this cult wine creation comes from winemakers Marty Mathis and Chris Condos who have been carefully assembling the Lateral blend for over 10 vintages. Now at around 30 bucks, the Lateral cannot be missed! If you must know what's in it, it's a blend of 33% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petite Verdot. With its soft tannins and medium/full body, it’s very approachable now. Let's dig in!

The wine has a red brick clay color with almost an orange hue at the very edge. On the nose it has a smooth almost delicate aroma of cedar and oak. On the palate the wine is surprisingly soft, with lots of dark berries and a kind of luscious mouth feel with sweetened cherry pipe tobacco and a nutty finish at the end. Very silky, smooth with no tannins really. We realized that younger vintages were definitely more tannic. Not this one. It was perfect!

The history of the Kathryn Kennedy Estate goes back to the early seventies. Kathryn planted the vineyard in 1973 after attending viticulture courses at UC Davis, and the decision to specialize in one variety was based on advice she received there. It was also suggested that she consult old-timers in her local area. This resulted in a strong recommendation for Cabernet Sauvignon. Kathryn planted her entire eight acres exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon and Kathryn's youngest son, Marty Mathis, took the position as winemaker in 1981. The vines cover gentle slopes in Saratoga, California on the inland side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Excellent soil, a climate possessing just the right amount of marine influence and personal attention combine to yield outstanding grapes. Each vintage is grown by hand and vinified in small lots followed by gentle barrel aging with 90% French oak. The result is big full-flavored wines with deep color and a decade or more of aging potential.

2002 Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz, Barossa Valley

2009-05-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is darn good stuff here.

The 2002 Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz from the Barossa Valley in Australia is what every Shiraz should taste like. It was awarded 93 points from wine critic Robert M Parker Jr who wrote,

"The stunning 2002 Bishop (100% Shiraz from 40-80 year old vines) was aged 16 months in primarily old American hogsheads (300-500 liter barrels). This is a superb example of Barossa Shiraz, combining power and concentration with a sense of balance and symmetry. Dense purple-coloured with a gorgeous nose of sweet cassis intertwined with a new saddle leather, spice box, and licorice, this full-bodied, unctuously-textured effort boasts tremendous intensity, good tannic structure, decent acidity, and a long, heady finish. The 14% alcohol content is relatively restrained by Barossa standards.”

Yes, we would agree. As the history goes, Colin Glaetzer established his own label, Glaetzer Wines, to create the wines he's passionate about - limited quantities of benchmark Barossa reds.
This family-owned company is an expression of more than 30 years of winemaking for Colin, and a new chapter for the Glaetzers who have been in the Barossa since 1888. The full-bodied wine is made predominantly from 30 to 60-year-old vines at Ebenezer and always contains material from the oldest 80-year-old vines. This ensures the Glaetzer "house" style is evident.

Let's hit it!

Looking at the color of the 2002 Glaetzer Bishop reveals a deep red wine with purple hues. On the nose there is out of this world, ripe aromas of blackberry, coffee, and cigarbox pushing ripe plums, cinnamon and spice.

In the mouth it's thick, tarry, juicy good old Barossa Shiraz. Or at least this is what it should be. This is a fat wine, displaying blueberry pie, sweet licorice, kirsch, molasses and subtle oak spices. The tannins are big but covered by fruit on the finish. As big and dense as this is, it’s also focused and balanced. More please!

A Really Goode job

2009-04-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Murphy-Goode Winery is passionate about their wines. Now they want to spread their passion to others via the Web and are looking for someone who really knows how to do just that. For six months, Murphy-Goode Winery will pay $10,000 a month plus accommodations in picturesque Healdsburg to the individual who thinks they are a social media whiz. This person will take advantage of all social outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs to tell the world about Murphy-Goode wines and the place where their wonderful grapes originate from: Sonoma County Wine Country. What's even better is the working hours are flexible and all you have to do is experience wine and good living, and then tell people about it! Sounds like a good offer to me. Where do I sign up?

Let's critique one of their wines, shall we? We bring you their 2004 Terra A Lago #4 Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley.

Popping the cork, we realized this wine has some serious potential. Not only is the cork covered in dark, stain-your-teeth inky Cabernet, it bellows out wonderful blackberry aromas and virtually reaches out for that steak across the table. Wash those hands and dig in.

Pouring a glass intensified those Cabernet aromas of dark fruit and some Italian spice. Are we drinking something from the Barossa? No, but close your eyes and you may just be there. The fruit is intense and is not covered up by large quantities of oak. This yelps, or should I say "Tweets" pure goodness that only winemaker David Ready can master. Did you get the Tweet part?

Thick, viscous, jammy Cabernet is how we'll enjoy it tonight as your mouth will be loaded with rich, big luscious fruit. The finish is long and has an unremarkable smoothness. How did something this big go down so well? We don't know but hats off to David. Or should we say, horns off to David.

So grab those horns, a bottle of Murphy-Goode's 2004 Terra A Lago #4 Cabernet and howl at the moon while devouring that dark piece of seared flesh. It doesn't get anymore wild than that!

By the way, did you spot Sharon and I in the video?

2002 Arrowood Merlot, Sonoma County

2009-04-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

Arrowood again, I know. We seem to have a love affair with Arrowood wines. Can you blame us? Perhaps we are partial to Sonoma County. Or maybe it's just the wines. Anyway, let's dive into another one of our new favorites - their 2002 Merlot from Sonoma County. Dick Arrowood is aiming to make Merlot that’s as good as any Cabernet. He just about hit it with this one which came from vineyards in the Sonoma, Russian River, and Alexander valleys. The various lots were vinified separately and then blended to create the finished wine (no filtering, no fining).

In the glass displays a rich, deep purple color. Plenty of blackberry and cherry aromas float from the glass, and once in your mouth there's delicate smoothness that embraces your tongue and diffuses over your palate in the most silky way. Nice elegant tannins are abundant and the wine flirts with sweet vanilla and modest wood. Perfect.

Their Merlot was harvested at full maturity, and after fermentation the separate vineyard lots were aged in French and American oak barrels for over 21 months. In keeping with their non-interventional winemaking style, this wine was neither fined nor filtered. According to the winery, "Our 2002 Sonoma County Merlot is certainly no exception and might just be one of the nicest Merlots we’ve yet produced".

Varietals: Merlot (95%), Cabernet Franc (5%) Total Production: 2,417 case

2008 Long Boat Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

2009-03-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

What a nice little Sauvignon Blanc from Marlbourough, New Zealand. Definitely a full nose showing plenty of topical passion fruit, pineapple and some green apples with a big whiff of fresh grass in the pungent style that defines Marlborough.

In the mouth it is full of roundness (thanks to 80% being fermented in oak barrels), yet finishing lively and clean. An outstanding intensity on the palate, exploding with refreshing lemon-lime and tropical fruits enhanced by well-balanced acidity.

This is a remarkable SB at any price, though clocking in under $20 certainly helps.

2000 Château Prieuré-Lichine, Margaux

2009-03-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's always a treat when we open up a Bordeaux, probably because we just don't come upon that many for some reason. With all the great Califormia Cabernets, why would we need to? Actually Bordeaux wines have a special place in our heart, and I always treat them with great respect, from First Growths down to Fourth Growths.

This wine comes from Médoc, which is Bordeaux largest and best-known wine region. The Médoc region is broken into the Bas-Médoc ("lower" Médoc) and the Haut-Médoc ("upper" Médoc) and, in addition to the standard Bordeaux appellations, includes two area and six village appellations. Now Margaux is the most southerly, isolated and extensive of the Medoc's communal appellations.

The terrain is very light within Margaux, with a high proportion of white gravel and some chalk which leads to the supple lightness of these wines. The subsoil varies within this commune from clay around Margaux to sand or gravel elsewhere. Margaux enjoys enormous fame, and more Margaux properties than any other were included in the 1855 Classification of the Medoc and Graves. The main red grapes used throughout the Médoc are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with occasional use of Petit Verdot and minute amounts of Malbec.

The Prieuré-Lichine vineyards are very widely spread across the Margaux commune. Most lie to the north of Cantenac, on one of the gravel ridges that characterize the Médoc. The vines are 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. For many years Château Prieuré-Lichine had no presence on the Bordeaux place as they were sold exclusively through Bass Charrington, a firm with which Alexis Lichine had many close dealings; the firm purchased Lascombes from Lichine, who had been running the estate on behalf of a consortium of American backers. They were first sold openly in 1979, and since then quality has been climbing, which can be attributed to Lichine's efforts. The wines are full and can be impressive, especially when they have been rested in the cellar for a sufficient period of time.

So let's get to the wine.

Great dark ruby color. Within 5 minutes of opening, there's a whiff of sulfur in the glass but was eventually replaced with a deep nose of smoke, black fruits and pencil shavings. We also found it to be a bit restrained for a while, but it eventually opened to bright notes of fennel, tobacco and some cocoa. On the palate it is a medium bodied wine with a nice long velvety swath of black cherries, pepper, minerals. A great toasty oak background with great length. Great concentration with a long and grippy fruit-focused finish. Wonderful. $65-$85.

Professional Scores

90 Points, Wine Advocate

Undeniably the finest Prieure-Lichine in 30-40 years, this textured, rich, medium to full-bodied 2000 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a knock-out nose of black cherries, cassis, tobacco leaf, cocoa, and toasty oak in the background. The wine is sweet on the attack, full-bodied, and well-textured, with oodles of fruit and glycerin. This is sexy stuff that can be drunk early, but will age gracefully for 15-16 years. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2026. Bravo!
by Robert Parker, Issue #146, April 2003

91 Points, Wine Spectator

A solid young red, with big, velvety tannins and lots of ripe fruit, tobacco and chocolate character. Long, fresh finish. One of the best Prieuré-Lichine in a long, long time. Best after 2007. 18,000 cases made. –JS
March 31, 2003

2003 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico

2009-02-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

Another value in Chianti is from Castello di Bossi, a large Tuscan estate covering almost 1500 acres that has received some great reviews for its wines. This wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and were crushed and macerated in contact with the skins for 7 days. After fermentation was complete, the wine was transferred to stainless steel tanks and barriques for 18 months.

The wine has a deep ruby red, with slight garnet highlights in the background. On the nose, it has with more developed characteristics, such as nuances of tobacco and coffee. Berry and toasted oak are matched by aromas of ripe cherry and violet. In the mouth it is solid and powerful, assisted with finely-woven tannins well-integrated into the wine. Fruit, tannin and alcohol achieve an elegant balance that carries through to the lingering finish. Very appealing, lengthy finish.

Birthday Lineup, January 10, 2009

2009-01-13T14:57:00.000-08:00

January 10 would be a special day because I had to choose between these four wines to open for my Birthday. Dinner reservations were at the Rutherford Grill. Our choices were:

2000 Chateau Prieure Lichine Bordeaux
2003 Archery Summit Arcus Estate Pinot Noir
2000 Wolf Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1990 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon from Bosch Vineyard in Napa Valley

I ended up choosing the 2003 Archery Summit Arcus Estate Pinot Noir.

Woah, did this need a lot of time opening up! The Pinot was nothing but spectacular but didn't really show its true colors for at least an hour. This is just big, chewy, in your face Pinot Noir. I ordered the lamb steak and it paired very well with this amazing red. This wine was highly acclaimed by Wine Spectator (95 points & highly recommended) and was placed on their top 100 list in 2006. Arcus, meaning ‘bow’ in Latin, describes the estate vineyard that wraps around both sides of a small valley in the heart of the Dundee Hills.

Plenty of blueberry, violets, black cherries and bacon fat. On the palate, it is very intense with flavors of cherry, currant and cassis. Very lively and expressive. It is very focused, and would have benefited from another decade of proper cellaring. I wish I had another bottle...or a case!

2006 Selvapiana Chianti

2008-12-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

Perhaps one of the best values in Chianti is from Selvapiana. Receiving 90 points from Robert Parker, he writes, "Readers looking for a delicious traditionally-made Chianti that won’t break the bank should run, not walk, to pick up Selvapiana’s 2006 Chianti Rufina. This is a pure-bred Chianti of notable finesse with exceptional complexity and nuance in its black cherries, leather, licorice, tar, mint and spices. Medium in body, it possesses outstanding length in an understated style. While I would typically choose to drink Chianti fairly young, this appears to be a wine that can develop even more complexity and nuance. Finding quality budget-level wines is challenging and uncovering wines that also have character is doubly difficult. This wine has it all. The 2006 Chianti Rufina is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo. It was aged 50% in cask, 30% in steel and 20% in French oak, for roughly ten months prior to bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016."

-Wine Advocate

Yep, this is in your face yummy, juicy Chianti Rufina. A classic blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, the wine offers up delicious strawberry and cherry aromas followed by subtle notes of spice box, leather, earth and mushrooms. Dense, smooth and medium-bodied, with great concentration and fine tannins. Easy-going and supple, this is great food wine: ideal for rich pastas, creamy soups, barbecued meats and cheeses.

1995 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea

2008-12-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

I thought for a pre-hoiday paella dinner we would open up the last bottle of 1995 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea. This wine is This is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. The grapes destined for Muga's exclusive Prado Enea are always the last to enter the winery, which means they are only picked after reaching an optimum maturity and ripeness. Fermentation is traditional with maceration lasting as long as 30 days in order to absorb all of the flavor and nuance from the grape skins and solids. Aged for 12 months in large wood barrels and a further 36 months in barrique.

It is a beautiful and very complex Spanish red that wonderfully combines the old world and new world styles of wine making. I opened it up and let it sit for about 1/2 hour. Once in the glass it had a medium brick-edge but was very clear and opulent. Sniffing the wine offered up something of a musty, somewhat Burgundian nose with a core of dry meat, leather and spice that were enhanced with some light vanilla tones. I may recall a hint of brett. Definitely some old wood in there too.

As it began to open up it offered aromas of raspberry, currant, tobacco, tar and smoke, with an element of dried fruits. Once in the palate it was very well balanced and seamless, sporting flavors of red currant, spice, and sandalwood. Very nutty with some minerality, it has a fresh acidic mouth with rich fruit and chocolate/spice undertones. Definitely very ripe and very long on the aftertaste. Honestly, I think it is a little over its peak and coming down softly, however still great! Glad I opened it now.

Carroll Shelby Limited Edition Wines

2008-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

6-bottle Cabernet & Zinfandel complete collector Series

The 2008 Sema Show in Las Vegas debuted Carroll Shelby's latest venture with DenBeste Motorsports and Carroll Shelby Merchandise of Windsor California. Both companies have a strong passion for performance and perfection that Shelby Motors have perfected in their long history of fabricating the world's most sought after muscle cars. Bill and Lori DenBeste have the blessing of working in one of the world's most pristine areas in the world - Sonoma County, California. As their corporate pilot, I have the privilege of working with Bill and Lori DenBeste and helped them design their first label for DenBeste Vineyards in 2005. Since then the wine has been adopted and loved by Chef Guy Fieri from the Food Network who methodically pours their Zinfandel and Cabernet in all of his restaurants. With the growth of DenBeste Motorsports into the largest Shelby dealership in the United States, it was only a matter of time until Bill DenBeste and Carroll Shelby solidified their relationship. I would say the wine was the glue in that deal.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 DenBeste Motorsports, in affiliation with Carroll Shelby, Carroll Shelby Merchandise and RYNO Wine Company, released our first-ever limited edition production of Carroll Shelby Wines. The wines are all produced in Sonoma County and are grown in two single vineyards in Alexander Valley. For this release, we introduced the 2007 DenBeste Vineyards Zinfandel, grown just east of Highway 101 a few miles north of Healdsburg. The 2006 Cabernet was the second, grown in a tiny vineyard just around the corner from Silver Oak's Alexander Valley Vineyards. Tom Larson is the winemaker for both varietals and has won several awards at the local Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

During the four days at the Sema show, we practically sold most of the wine on preorder. It was a big hit with Carroll Shelby and wine enthusiasts around the world and everyoe was enthusiastic about a potential second release next year. If there is one, the cars on the labels will be entirely different, thus making these wines very valuable. The wines will be released December 1, 2008 and will only be available for a limited time thereafter. They come delivered to your home or office with with wood box and a Certificate of Authenticity from Carroll Shelby. 10 percent of the purchase goes to the Children's Fund

RYNO is currently one of only three distributors licensed to sell this wine. The other two are DenBeste Vineyards and Carroll Shelby Merchandise. RYNO was the impetus in getting these wines on board with those two distributors, so we all work closely together.

Thanks Carroll!

RYNO did hold a few of these boxes back for ourselves, as these wines are just about sold out. If you would like to purchase this special collection series in the wood box, please email us at: info@rynowineco.com or call us direct at 707-478-2182.

The Wine is also available in a 3-Cabernet bottle wood box

A 3-Zinfandel bottle wood box is also available

Singles of Cabernet and Zinfandel are also available in a single wood box.

To see pictures of our wine debut along with Carroll Shelby and Guy Fieri at our booth at the 2008 Sema Show in Las Vegas, click here

To read more about or purchase these wines in limited quantity on our site, click here

2000 Sirita Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

2008-09-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sirita Winery is a product of perhaps this country's most visible Sommelier, Larry Stone, who has served as general manager of Francis Coppola’s renamed and restructured Rubicon Estate in Napa Valley since January 2006. The former wine director of Rubicon Restaurant, which has held a Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1998, began his new job in January of '06 and finds himself out of the sommelier business (although he still keeps his hand in it), and into the winery business. Stone, who in the late 1980s carried the lofty title of “Best Sommelier in the World,” helped put Charlie Trotter and his eponymous restaurant on the map. After a four-year stint at “Trotter,” as he refers to it, Stone opened Rubicon in San Francisco in 1994, where he was instrumental in naming the restaurant because he admired Coppola’s Rubicon wine.

Back to Sirita. Sirita winery is named after Larry's daughter, Siri, who helped to design the artwork for this label when she was eight. Sirita wines are sourced from among some of the finest vineyards in Napa Valley and are made with minimal intervention, little or no fining or filtration. The goal is to achieve harmonious flavor and texture to enhance the aesthetic experience of dining. The majority of this wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, (95% I think) which half I believe is grown in Soda Canyon in a vineyard known as the Coliseum Block. This extremely low yield vineyard was situated on an extremely steep slope and was removed in 2003. The other half comes from a small Coombsville vineyard scarcely more than an acre which was thinned and harvested under Larry 's direction.

The wine is classic and masculine; accompanying our steak with great delight. It is a very classic Cabernet with a dark, ruby-red color and a nose of black cherries, violets, roasting coffee, and a hint of Italian spice. It has medium body and a long, smooth finish that proceed seamlessly to a beautiful finale of smooth tannins.

2001 Emily Elizabeth Cabernet Sauvignon

2008-08-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Summer is back and there's nothing like a good old backyard BBQ with friends and some good wine. Tonight we opened a 2001 Emily Elizabeth Cabernet Sauvignon by Cafaro, and what a nice surprise. This wine is Joe Cafaro's tribute to his daughter, (Emily Elizabeth) and the first thing to note was its nice nose of toast and spice. The color was a red ruby garnet, and on the palate the wine seems to have a smoky barky flavor and an acid balance that nudges a nice steak as an accompaniment. This wine is very well balanced and is a great value ($20-23) for someone seeking a good Cabernet with good depth accompanied with a nice long finish.. Now I don't know if their Emily Elizabeth Cabernet is still in production, but I know the Merlot is still available and can be found in the $19-25 range.

2005 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon, Hyde Vineyard

2008-07-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Here's John Bambury, an upcoming winemaker in the Carneros region who is passionate about his wines, notably the Cabernets. I recently found out his Hyde Cabernet received a 90 Point rating from the Wine Enthusiast. That's Great John!

2005 Los Carneros Cabernet Sauvignon, Hyde Vineyard

This 2005 Bonneau Wine debuts as our first “Super Premium” Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes for this wine come exclusively from the impeccably farmed & highly acclaimed vineyards of Larry Hyde* in the Los Carneros appellation. The wine is sophisticated and very elegant. A sumptuous bouquet of ripe black fruits greets the nose. Tastes of juicy blackberries, bing cherries & huckleberries succulently fill the palate. Smooth, finely integrated tannins, derived from almost two years of careful aging in the highest quality French oak barrels, bind the wine together deliciously. Hints of vanilla, mocha, licorice and spices lead to a lingering and extremely satisfying finish.

This wine is so finely made that it can be a joy to drink now, but it will only get better with careful cellar aging. Only a little over 100 cases were vinted, so availability will be very limited and wine aficionados will want to reserve this wine for their most special occasions.
* Hyde Vineyards were featured in the November 2007 issue of Wine Spectator.

Composition 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
Appellation Napa, Los Carneros
Harvested November 18, 2005
Alcohol 13.2%
Aged for 20 months in French oak
Production 100 cases
Vintner John Bambury

2001 Campion Pinot Noir, Edna Valley

2008-07-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately this tasting started out on the wrong foot. The cork literally disintegrated while we opened it, and unfortunately I had to push half of what was left of it down the bottle. I then poured the wine through a strainer to remove most of the cork, but there were still some fragments left in the wine. I strained it again and then it was OK. We then let it decant for about 45 minutes so the wine could open up on this fine afternoon.

I think I am accustomed to Russian River Pinot Noir, which may be a handicap. The jammy, juicy and rich wines from this area have won a place in my heart, and I now had to get ready for something uniquely different. The Campion Pinot Noir is more refined, smooth and miner-driven. You could say it definitely expresses the terroir; similar to it Burgundy roots. There's a little cherry on the nose, some tar and good earth here. The clarity is good as it does not reveal a darker hue from its neighbors to the north (Russian River). In the mouth there is some subdued raspberry and cherry flavors mixed with some spice and crushed granite. A little bit of mint and earth on the finish. Very nice and alive. I would suggest decanting for a little bit.

1994 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon

2008-06-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Low and behold is an old 1994 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon unearthed from the bowels of the cellar, full of mildew and cool to the touch. The slightly gelid feel of the bottle makes our mouths water as we reach for the opener to spill its contents. One pour into the clear crystal glass reveals a color so dense and bold that it begs to stain your teeth with its ripe fruit and supple tannins. The air comes alive with concentrated black fruit. In the mouth it is ripe, smooth and polished. A harmonious wine with pretty currant, plum and cherry notes, finishing with supple tannins, good length and a dash of coffee. Another sensational, opulent, rich, extremely aromatic and concentrated red wine from Arrowood, the 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon possesses stunning concentration and intensity, impressive balance and purity, and copious quantities of sweet tannin in the long finish.

Arrowood's success with Cabernet Sauvignon, so obvious in the decade of the nineties, continues unabated, with a succession of top quality wines. Everything Dick Arrowood and winemaker Michel Berthoud produce these days merits significant attention. Richard has been making wine for more than four decades. Before founding Arrowood, he was winemaker and the first employee at Chateau St. Jean. There he produced the winery's first releases: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and a wine that may have very well put Chateau St. Jean on the map - a Select Late Harvest Riesling.

2002 Yalumba MGS

2008-06-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Yalumba is Australia's oldest family owned winery that was founded in 1849 by Samuel Smith, a British migrant and English brewer who had brought his family to Angaston, South Australia seeking a new life. After purchasing a 30-acre parcel of land just beyond the southern-eastern boundary of Angaston, Smith and his son began planting the first vines by moonlight. Samuel named his patch "Yalumba" – aboriginal for "all the land around". Six generations and more than 150 years later, Yalumba has grown in size and stature, embodying all that has made the Australian wine success story the envy of winemakers the world over.

Here we have Yalumba's 2002 MGS, composed of 60% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, and 15% Shiraz. The color is deep, dark, purple with a ruby red rim. The nose emits very dark fruit, composed mainly of fresh plums and sweet black cherry accompanied with some pepper and spice. Also, there's a pungent amount of eucalyptus lifting out of the glass; something I have noted in another bottle from this region. I'm not a huge fan of eucalyptus, but it seems to have a hypnotic effect on my senses, leaving me thirsty for my first sip. In the mouth...there's a liqueur character to the fruit that is deep and penetrates the soul. The palate displays stylish flavors with funky complex fruits and spice with rustic forest floor qualities and dried herbs. Really rich and creamy and full of flavor. Nice tannins driven by some good acidity followed by a fine, soft and balanced finish.

The 2000 Helios

2008-05-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Helios is a special wine that only a great winemaker could create; blending a love affair of the vine with the connection to the life sciences. This elegant and feminine red blend created by Cathy Corison is 75% Cabernet from Rutherford and 25% Merlot from St. Helena. She chose the name because of its connection to ancient symbols of life, as Helios is the sun god in Greek mythology. Now the wine is Corison Winery's small boutique label, and we are proud to have finally opened it.

Yes, the 2000 Helios by Corison Winery is definitely ready to drink. Blueberry aromas with a hint of green bell pepper. Plum and cocoa on the entry with a finish of soft black pepper. After seven years, there are virtually no tannins. It is now very soft and elegant.

Sapphire Hill Winery 2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River

2008-05-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

"We came for the Pinot." That's what David said as we entered the Sapphire Hill tasting room on Front Street in Healdsburg. Sapphire Hill has great Pinot Noir, most notably their 2004 Russian River. The winery is located in Healdsburg and is open to the public. We got word of this winery through the industry and decided to drive up and have a tasting.

Sapphire Hill Winery was created in 1989 by partners Tim Meinken, Anne Giere, John Hall, and Denice Engstrom who searched Sonoma County for the perfect site to grow the cool-climate varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the tradition of the great Burgundian vintners.

They planted 32 hillside acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and later Syrah in the Sapphire Hill Vineyard, located in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley appellation and named for the cool, sapphire-blue nights of the area. In the early years the grapes were sold to such prestigious wineries as Rodney Strong, Sonoma-Cutrer, La Crema, and Murphy-Goode Estate Winery.
As the vineyards reached their full maturity and potential, the partners set out with the 1997 vintage to make the finest wines possible from their estate-grown grapes.

By 2002 Sapphire Hill Winery established their own winery in Healdsburg, where their award-winning winemaker, Tim Meinken, believes the current releases of Sapphire Hill show concentrated, elegant flavors, while retaining subtle nuances of their Russian River Valley roots.

Let's talk Pinot...

Winemaker Notes:

Elegant and lush, velvety and smooth, this is a gorgeous wine with lots of class. Reminiscent of its Burgundian cousins, this Pinot Noir can go toe to toe with the top wines from across the pond. . . . .at a fraction of the cost. Only a few cases remain of this amazing vintage.

The 2004 Pinot Awards are as follows:

Double Gold, Best of Show—Healdsburg Fair

Gold Medal—Orange County Wine Competition

Gold Medal—Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Our Thoughts:

We have a soft spot for Pinot Noir, whether from Burgundy, California, or Oregon. Good Pinot is something of a newcomer on the American wine scene. Once Oregon Pinot Noirs got the nod as being the best in the nation, but not anymore. Now With Burgundy as a benchmark, we feel a certain affinity toward the Russian River Pinots. They share a compactness, a core of strength with the best Burgundies that Pinots from other regions of Caifornia rarely show.

The 2004 Sapphire Hill Pinot Noir is elegant and polished. Great structure with bright red cherry flavors, spice and sweet oak. It definitely has balance and finesse. Great long, deep black cherry finish. Beautiful!

1997 Altamura Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

2008-04-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

Only in Napa will a friend bring a bottle of 1997 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon to a party and let us sip it from funky 70s gold-rimmed glassed. Not only was 1997 one of CA's best vintages, Frank Altamura is one of Napa's best winemakers. Frank and his wife Karen Altamura founded Altamura Winery and Vineyards in 1985 and have been producing outstanding Sangiovese and Cabernets out of the southeastern foothills above the Napa Valley in a small area known as Wooden Valley.

This Cabernet is big, rich, dark and intensely concentrated with a complex core of ripe black fruits followed by rich cocoa, toasty oak and creamy mocha that seamlessly dance across the palate. The intense flavors are held together with the structure of soft, integrated tannins, creating a wonderfully long and elegant finish.

The Wine Spectator rated this wine a 92: "Deliciously complex, with ripe red currant, cherry and berry flavors framed by spicy, toasty oak and a hint of vanilla bean. Gains complexity and depth on the finish."

The 2001 Black Chicken

2008-04-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the Black Chicken is a waiting game. For us, we waited seven years. This may be a little unorthodox, but we felt we would give this big 2001 Zinfandel some time to really become something special. So we opened and poured it. Then after pouring half of the wine, we thought we would wait until day two to deserve the rest. That's because the Black Chicken deserves two days...

The Biale family has been farming Zinfandel in Napa since 1937. Since then they have been producing outstanding Zinfandel's that have almost received a cult-like following. To those enthusiasts who welcoming look forward to their Black Chicken shipment each year, they are rewarded with a pure, black bold Zinfandel. Massively fruity, with loads of cherries and hints of oak. The big black smokey nose is accompanied with prunes, cherries and traces of vanilla. On the palate there is an incredible smoothness with light tannins and no heat from alcohol. This may be a product of the age. The finish lingers with smooth, ripe, jammy fruit. It's gripping, sumptuous and won't let go. Wonderful!

Unfortunately, we must admit that another Black Chicken is gone. We really need to get more.

Camellia Cellars

2008-04-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Winemaker Bruce Snyder of Camellia Cellars deserves many awards. Well I guess we're too late because his tasting room in Healdsburg is adorned with them. The man is nothing short of a genius, producing one of the finest Dolcettos I've ever tasted...in Sonoma County! Everything the winery produces is small-lot and under the radar. That's good because if too many people find out, we're afraid the wine will be gone.

2007 First Kiss - What is this? Something with Viognier and Rose appeal! Spectacular. First Kiss is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli and Viognier. Aromas of lemongrass and white figs emanate from the cool glass. The Viognier adds the peach blossoms and cantaloupe that round out the fresh and fruity nose. Very refreshing with a long and enjoyable finish of Mandarin oranges. $22 per bottle

2006 Dolcetto - This is an incredible Dolcetto; a phenomenal effort! First whiff from the glass took me back to Italy, deep in the Piedmont. Incredible nose of superior Italian fruit bellows out of the glass like a genie from a bottle. Reminiscent of some great Italian wines I've had from the region in the past. Are you sure this isn't from Italy? This deep, rich, jammy, yummy wine is driving us crazy. I haven't even tasted it yet! The nose is so powerful in this wine that you can probably smell it in New York. Absolutely incredible. First taste is so smooth, so Dolcetto. Fantastic style and finesse embrace the mouth with warm, approachable fruit of black cherry and licorice. Great tannins and good acidity make this a stellar winner today. Bruce says there is only 167 cases of this around. Not for long!
$30 per bottle!

2001 Rosenblum SF Bay Continente Zinfandel

2008-03-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Holy Moses! This about wiped me on my butt! This historic head pruned and dry farmed vineyard is located at the foot of Mt. Diablo, just west of Oakley, in Contra Costa County near the entrance to the San Francisco Bay. The vines sit in a sloping sandy soil and many of them are over 100 years old. This intense wine has a bouquet reminiscent of ripe Bing cherries with overtones of black currant jam and hints of anise. The flavors are rich plum and ripe cherry with elements of cracked pepper. The wine is a tribute to the Continente family for preserving a treasured vineyard.

Okay, so the alcohol is at a modest 14.9%. This monster felt more like 17.9%. The wine has been sitting for a while, maybe too long for a Zin. I thought I would be disappointed, but no! With a big nose of oak and black cherry, it's inviting and warm. On the palate there's plenty of cocoa followed by a huge chocolate finish. Am I drinking port? Definitely very rich and almost as peppery too. It has nice acidity on the finish as well. Now when compared to the 2001 Carla's Vineyard Zin, I put the Continente just a little behind in overall roundness. The Carla's is just simply fantastic. This wine is good, but in all honesty it's a little too big for me.

Day two: Still holding on strong here. I like it better today, as it does not have the big bite like yesterday. Not as peppery, which I enjoy. Overall, a very good Zin

Columbus Dominican Rum, aged 7 Years

2008-03-17T18:22:00.001-07:00

You can read how I picked up this bottle in the Dominican Republic here

Okay, I am definitely not a rum aficionado, but I'll give this one my best shot. I must admit, however, I am not really a rum drinker either, but when I am on the islands, there is nothing better than a nice cool rum punch. Now I assume rum is used predominantly for mixing, but some people prefer to drink it "neat" or straight up, or on the rocks. For our little test here, I will sample it in its true form, devoid of any banana or guava puree. So rum is the national drink of the Dominican Republic, and is obtained from the distillation of alcohol from sugarcane and its derivatives, enriched through various processes of blending, resting and aging. The history of Dominican rum dates back to the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, who brought sugarcane from Spain in one of his first trips to the New World. The elaboration of rum began in the island of Barbados, then spread to other Caribbean Islands. The name of the drink comes most likely from an old English word Rumbullion, that means "a great tumult".

Today, Dominican Rum is recognized as the oldest in the Americas. Unlike most rums, Dominican Rum gives more importance to its smoothness, thus becoming a very different rum, genuinely unique, thanks to an original and natural process of distillation and to its aging which is done in special American white oak kegs.

Ron Barceló is the company responsible for making this type of rum, Columbus Añejo. The company was founded by brothers Julian and Andres Barceló from Balearic Islands, Spain in 1930. At first sight, it is a very light rum; not dark like others I have in the house such as Myers's.

On the nose it is sweet and light, with a nice fragrance of oak. On the palate it is sweet, smooth with definitely no bite at all. Now considering this was only 5 bucks, is it good? I have no idea. can I drink it with a nice glass of Kern's banana and Strawberry nectar? Of course. I would be happy drinking this on the rocks but would prefer this mixed with some type of fruit juice.

1999 Leeuwin Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon

2008-03-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight we critique the 1999 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Leeuwin Estate is a boutique, family owned and operated winery located in the picturesque Margaret River district, 360km south of Perth, Western Australia. One of the icon wineries of Australia, it has earned an international reputation for making wines that rank alongside the world's finest and now exports to over 30 countries.

The Estate, a pioneer in the business of Wine Tourism, has also evolved as an exciting destination for visitors. In the process it has won numerous Australian Tourism Awards.

This Cabernet was rated 94 points by Parker, where he wrote: "The blockbuster 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec) exhibits a Chateau Margaux-like precision. There is terrific purity, finesse, and length of flavours nicely buttressed by acidity and tannin. As the wine sits in the glass, aromas of cedar, liquorice, blackberries, and currants emerge.

On the nose there is the smell of a redwood forest. it is further enhanced with eucalyptus. licorice and plenty of bell pepper. There's also vanilla, wet leather and tobacco... On the palate there are no tannins. Second finish of vanilla, mocha and green pepper. I think it is a little too thin. Not your typical Cabernet. I can taste the earth. It tastes dirty, earthy, redwood and mulchy. As time went on it became smooth. Velvety soft later.

1992 Adelaida Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

2008-02-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

This bottle was sealed the year I graduated high school in 1992. It seemed like a long time ago, and well, it was. Sixteen years have gone by and after removing the cork and smelling and tasting the wine, I realized it is just about at peak. I let the Cabernet decant for about 30 minutes and within an hour it was drinking really well!

Adelaida Cellars specializes in estate-grown Pinot Noir (from the historic HMR Vineyard, planted in the early 1960s), old vine Zinfandel and big bold Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery was established in 1981, and is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery situated 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean at 1,800 feet in the Santa Lucia Mountains. Adelaida’s award-winning wines originate in two principal estate vineyards, each offering unique conditions that impart a true sense of place. Planted in 1964, HMR Estate Vineyard boasts the oldest Pinot Noir vines on the South Central Coast while Viking Estate Vineyard has formed the backbone of Adelaida’s steadfast Cabernet program since 1996.

The Adelaida region is profoundly affected by afternoon ocean breezes that cut through a break in the coastal range. Overnight temperatures drop as much as 50 degrees, making it one of the greatest diurnal variations in the state. Rare in California, the underlying limestone of Adelaida is part of a narrow coastal strip extending from San Diego to Monterey. Chalky mountain soils of only six-to-nine inches control vine vigor, resulting in low yields and intensely flavored fruit.

This Cabernet originates from the HMR Estate Vineyard planted in 1964, and not the Viking Vineyard that was planted by the Van Steenwyk family in 1992. The HMR Estate Vineyard also boasts the oldest Pinot Noir vines on the South Central coast and its mountaintops lie fully exposed to the raw elements at 1,700 feet elevation. The vines have been planted on the rocky calcareous soils of these historic vineyards and results in added vine stress and lower yields, but produces more intensely flavored fruit. In keeping with the winery's sustainable philosophy, the vineyard is not tilled, encouraging native grasses, wild sage and rosemary to flourish between the rows." Furthermore, no chemical sprays or fertilizers are applied.

Results:

The 1992 vintage in California was outstanding. A lack of rain at critical points in the season led to a crop of ripe, rich fruit that produced well-balanced, ripe, concentrated wines. The 1992 Adelaida Cabernet has an intense, rich color. The nose has a healthy quantity of fruit with big, rich berry aromas. The wine has great structure on the palate and lots of black, tarry fruits. Vanilla from the oak is still there. This is a big, bold Cabernet that only a hot summer could provide.

2004 La Morandina Moscato d'Asti

2008-02-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

We love this stuff! This 2004 Moscato has been sitting around the cellar for a while so I thought I'd open it up with a good friend. This was a 375-ml, so you can bet how fast this one went.

La Morandina's Moscato is the bread and butter grape for Giuliano Morando, just as for other producers in Castiglione Tinella near Asti, but he also finds the time to make an excellent Barbera d’Asti as well. The estate, since its establishment at the beginning of the nineteenth century, has always belonged to the Morando family. Even today, after many renovations, part of the cellar is still original. Giulio and Paolo Morando began to produce their wines in 1988 in the Castiglione Tinella commune of Piedmont, where some of the best Moscato grapes are grown, and continue to make an outstanding, fragrant and refreshing Moscato d’Asti. The brothers also produce three intense Barberas from 100-year-old pre-phylloxera vines from their vineyards in Asti. The regular bottling of Barbera is characterized by bright red fruits and a brilliant ruby color. The single-yineyard Barberas, including “Zucchetto,” are soft, round, floral and matured in large oak casks, and the velvety, structured “Varmat,” matured in barrique for 18 months, received 91 points from the Wine Advocate for the 2001 vintage. Finally, their Barbaresco “Bricco Spessa” comes from 70-to-80-year-old vines in the Neive township and features intense spicy notes, a rich velvety mouthfeel, and a long finish.

OK, so here it goes: Honey, asian pear whiffs. Apricot. Mineral honey fuji apple on nose. Nectarine fizzy, effervescent. Dances on palate and throat. Blanched almond. Not too viscous. Crisp, clean with a creamy finish!

Paso Robles - California's Central Wine Region

2008-02-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

Paso Robles is centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles and combines diverse soils with warm days and cool nights to make this area an optimal location for producing world class wines. More than 40 different wine varieties grow here from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Zinfandel and Syrah. The region is home to more than 170 wineries and 26,000 vineyards that habit distinct micro-climates from cooler coastal-influenced hills to the hot valley in the east. I enjoy visiting Paso Robles because of its casual wine country experience coupled with festivals and entertainment. The Zinfandel festival is a must, occurring every third weekend of March and is the second largest Zinfandel tasting in the state. Don't forget the Wine Festival weekend on the third weekend in May where more than 90 Paso Robles wines can be tasted in the town's downtown park. Today I will focus on a few regional wineries that have produced outstanding wines with stellar accolades.

DUNNING VINEYARDS

Let's start with Dunning Vineyards, a small, family-run winery that has the luxury to hand-craft wines into stunning masterpieces. It always appears that great producers can be found off the beaten path, and Robert Dunning has done a pretty good job of finding good soil far away from the main road. However once you arrive at your destination on 1953 Niderer Rd, Robert is there to greet you with a smiling face and awesome wines.

2004 Estate Merlot

The Dunning's Estate Merlot is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20%Cabernet Sauvignon. Tightly integrated fruit and oak flavors characterize this wine, which displays a dark ruby color with a nose of black cherry and a touch of licorice with these flavors continuing into the mouth. Cabernet Sauvignon is blended into the Merlot to add additional structure and complexity to the wine. Nicely balanced between fruit and oak with soft tannins in the finish. Will age well for 4-6 years. 450 Cases.

2004 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. 2002 was an excellent Cabernet vintage. A warmer spring was responsible for an earlier bud break and the resulting longer growing season added rich, full bodied flavors of cherry and blackberry to the Cabernet Sauvignon. The small amount of Cabernet Franc added to the final blend helps lifts the nose and brings a nice wild berry and dark currant flavor to the wine. This wine shows a great balanced between fruit, oak and tannins and will age well for 6-10 years. 425 Cases.

Robert Dunning with his lineup

2006 Estate Chardonnay

The 2006 Chardonnay is 100% Estate grown and bottled. The fruit for our Estate Chardonnay is grown on the highest elevations on our Ranch. Our “ White Rock Terraces” are at 1400 feet receive a good amount of marine influence from the near by Pacific Ocean which helps the fruit achieve good acidity at harvest. These limestone-based soils of calcareous rock impart a wonderful mineral character to the wine and are very rare in California. All the juice is fermented in small French oak barrels with 45% new barrels each year. The wine is also allowed to complete malolactic fermentation that adds structure, complexity and a wonderful creamy finish to the wine. It is ripe and creamy with layers of pear, citrus, nutmeg and minerals, finishing with a nice touch of toasty French oak. This wine has great balance between fruit, oak and acidity and will age well for 3-6 years. 450 Cases.

2005 Private Reserve Estate Zinfandel

Woah! This is a great effort, mirroring the Opolo Zinfandels (further down) but picked with a lower sugar content, producing a wonderfully balanced Zin. I think I actually prefer this Zin over Opolo's. Big ripe black cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Nice tannins and very balanced acidity. Incredible. I bought several bottles.

OPOLO VINEYARDS

Opolo is almost cult like. Their wines are all great, but their big mountain and reserve Zins are what put them on the map. Walking into the winery is like walking into Zap, with crowds of people displaying purple teeth taking pictures and enjoying the euphoria that only a good Zin will provide. Their wine displays are adorned with medals and ribbons, and their small dog will normally greet you with a cuddle.

All wines at Opolo are estate grown, produced and bottled, and production is typically
less than 500 cases per varietal. Rick Quinn and David Nichols are the owners/proprietors and have done a magnificent job creating a great product.

2005 Viognier

Normally associated with the Rhone Valley in France, this white wine has found its home on the Central Coast in California and is a great alternative to Chardonnay. The crisp acidity of this straw colored wine accentuates the bouquet of pineapple, apricots, butterscotch, and citrus blossoms. Barrel aging in French Oak has endowed this floral wine with added complexity and a toasty finish.

2005 Sangiovese

The Sangiovese is a full-bodied wine featuring fruit forward characteristics of raspberry and black cherry. Barrel aging on 100% American oak lend this wine soft tannins and subtle oak nuances.

2005 Maestro

A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Counoise, this Chaeaunef-du-Pape style Rhone blend starts with aromas of cedar, current, leather, and spice with hints of anise and tobacco. On the palate it is playful with a rich intensity and a smooth stylish finish. This complex age worthy wine should cellar nicely over the next three to five years.

2005 Tempranillo

This Spanish grape offers aromas of cocoa and caramel with fruit flavors of raspberry, cranberry and kiwi. Rarely bottled as a stand-alone varietal, this wine has a gamey beefiness with very smooth and easy finish.

2005 Tempranillo

2005 Mountain Zinfandel

Woah! This is a winner! Opolo's Mountain Zin pays homage to the hardy, full-throttle character of the mountains with this "bigger is better" wine. Made from fruit sourced from select Santa Lucia Mountain vineyards, this zinfandel is packed with ripe black cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors, buttressed by spice, soft tannins and balance acidity. Decadent and delicious, this will stand up to barbecue, chocolate and your favorite stinky cheese.

2005 Reserve Zinfandel

This blend of Zinfandel was selected by our owner/winemakers as their own small lot. This is a "big" Zinfandel, yet elegant at the same time. Bold fruit flavors and just the right amount of barrel aging make it an enjoyable wine.

Sharon with the Opolo Doggie

Opolo is really a fun place. I would suggest stopping here for an enjoyable time with friends and great wine.

l'AVENTURE

Next stop is nearby l'Aventure. Winemaker Stephan Asseo has become known for his renegade Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blends like the Optimus and the Estate Cuvee. He and the owners are committed to sustainable agriculture as l'Aventure runs on solar power and utilizes state of the art equipment to promote the perfect blend between technology and tradition.

l'Aventure chose the vineyards on the west side of Paso Robles for its sloping hills and authentic quality terroir. Another factor for this decision was the proximity of the Templeton Gap, a breach in the Coastal Range through which cool breezes blow continuously. The area is characterized by early fog in the morning, warm clear days, and nighttime temperatures that can drop by approximately 40 degrees.

Under the thin layer of top soil, which is barely 10 inches thick at the top of the hills and 24 inches at the bottom, there are several layers of limestone, rock-shell, traces of clay, metal, and quartz. This mosaic of soil brings complexity to the fruit. The rock shell / clay combination acts like a sponge, storing water during the rainy season, and redistributing it back to the roots in the dry season. This insures a constant feeding for the vines, giving them a more balanced water source, as opposed to simple irrigation. This also helps to keep the soil moist longer, allowing for a later harvest.

2005 Syrah

The rich, garnet color of this wine suggests the spicy notes and flavors to follow. Aromas of viande, tar, graphite and a spicy bouquet of violet pastilles awaken the senses. Soft entry on the palate with raspberry and young blackberry. Bright pomegranate notes dance to a soft tannin finish.

2005 Optimus

Stephan's signature "Paso Blend", consists of 51% Syrah, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. This wine is deep ruby, from center to edge, with the classic Optimus nose of cassis, blueberry and cola. Broad flavors on the pallate of tar, dark berries and licorice, with a long delicious finish. This Optimus is incredibly complex and elegant and will drink well for the next 10 years.

WINDWARD

Pinot Noir in Paso Robles? Yes! As a matter of fact, remember the story of the 1976 Paris tasting where a Napa Valley Cabernet and Chardonnay upset their French counterparts? Now how about Gault Millau's 1979 Olympiades du vin that selected a Paso Robles Pinot Noir over some highly rated Red Burgundies. The pinot noir was crafted by legendary Winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff from grapes grown on the Hoffman Mountain Ranch (HMR) in the nearby Adelaida district. Fittingly, the winemakers behind the earlier champions, Mike Grgich and Warren Winiarski, learned the trade while serving under Tchelistcheff at Beaulieu Vineyards in the 1960s.

Now let's move on to Windward. Pinot Noir is the driving passion of Marc Goldberg and Maggie D'Ambrosia, husband and wife owners of Windward Vineyard. Windward Vineyard is dedicated exclusively to producing Burgundian style Pinot Noir. Marc and Maggie purchased and planted the Windward vineyard in 1989 based upon the terroir and microclimate of the Paso Robles Westside. Driven by the force of hot air masses rising above the valley during the growing season, cool ocean breezes funnel through the Templeton gap to temper warm afternoons in the vineyard. Temperatures drop by as much as 50 degrees overnight, making it one of the most extreme diurnal variations in the state. The marine layer insures the development of essential grape acidity and ideal ripeness. Yearly rainfall is over 25 inches and fog is rare.

Since the 1993 debut in 1995, each of Windward's SOLD OUT vintages have achieved inspiring acclaim, particularly within the community of wine aficionados who appreciate the layered complexity of Burgundian styled Pinot Noir.

2005 Pinot Noir Monopoloe

This vintage is an expression of all four clones that are grown in our vineyard. Each clone brings its own characteristic to the wine in the final blend as evident in the previous vintages. A feminine floral aroma with bright red cherry and strawberry on the front of the palate, which feathers back into the typical Windward peacock tail finish of earth and mineralization with a subtle hint of oak. The long finish suggests a wine with potential longevity, which is a testament to the vineyard and the Burgundian style of wine that we strive to produce. Production: 2000 Cases

2006 Pinot Noir Monopoloe

Once again great conditions for ideal Pinot Noir growth and development prevailed and Windward Vineyard delighted us by bringing forth a luscious and well balanced “Vendange”. At just under 2.8 tons/acre the chemistries following harvest were perfect and reflected great promise for a wine that would demonstrate attainment of Windward Vineyards unique profile. Seeped in deep mineralization: a wild strawberry bouquet, bright red ripe Bing Cherry flavors on its entrance, a sensuous velvety middle and a long “Peacock Tail” finish that explodes with its layered complexity. This one like previous Windward drinks beautifully now or will lie down for the next 20 years. 2100 Cases.

Well, there you have it. Four great wineries producing wonderful wines from Paso Robles. The area is a great alternative to Napa or Sonoma Valley and you'll quickly realize the wines are as unique and fun as the people who live here.

Yakima, Washington Wine Country

2008-01-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

We flew up to Yakima Washington for three days on January 9th and had some time to really explore this beautiful valley and town. The 10th was my 34th birthday and since I am a wino, I was delighted to spend it in Washington's wine country. This valley is now a renown appellation for good wines and home to over 40 wineries.

Did you know that Yakima Valley is the fifth largest producer of fresh fruits and vegetables in the country? It is actually known for its apples, cherries, asparagus and hops. Speaking of hops, The Yakima Valley produces over 75% of the United States hops. You can learn more about this by visiting the only hop museum of its kind in the U.S. at the American Hop Museum in the town of Toppenish.

The town and valley of Yakima is in Yakima County, WA.

The valley is located in southern Washington on the backside of the Cascades. The area has over 300 days of annual sunshine that definitely enhances the variety of year-round recreational activities. A 40-minute drive from Yakima will bring you to the foot of two spectacular mountain passes. White and Chinook Passes offer a beautiful scenic drive through Western Washington, or a wonderful day trip from anywhere in the Yakima Valley. There's skiing at White Pass, hiking, fishing, white water rafting on the Tieton River, golfing at Apple Tree Golf Course, bicycling, and of course enjoying wine.

So back to wine. This region lies in the same latitude as the great wine producing regions of France and Italy. Viticulture can be traced back to the 1930's when Chateau Ste. Michelle began operations here but the industry has only matured over the last two decades as many newer wineries have cropped up to quick acclaim. I was surprised to find out that there are numerous varietals growing up here. Cabernet, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling, and even Zinfandel are among the wines you can taste. Producers in the valley are also big into Icewines. Icewine is a dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The sugars and other dissolved solids do not freeze, but the water does, so the result is a concentrated, often very sweet wine.

Downtown Yakima, WA

I must say, I do not have a wide knowledge of Yakima Wines. There are a few stellar produces I have stumbled across in the past, but for most of the region I am pretty much unaware of what to look for. We found out the best tour strategy was to try out a few tasting rooms in town and then meander down Interstate 82 to exit 40 and just pop in for some tastes. Let's go!

The Yakima Valley Wine Map

Our first stop was at the Masset Winery Tasting Room in downtown Yakima. Here were were met by Tim, the co-owner who has a distinguished past in the restaurant and wine business throughout the West Coast. Founded in 1999, Chef Greg Masset craft wines from highly regarded vineyards. Their current releases include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Syrah, Merlot and Port. Pretty good!

Co-owner Tim at Masset Winery in downtown Yakima

Next we drove down Interstate 82 and stopped at Sagelands Winery where we were met with panoramic views of the Yakima Valley and Mt. Adams. They focus on producing quality Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and also make small quantities of Malbec and Riesling.

The vineyards at Sagelands Winery looking northwest.

I was fascinated to find some wines on display that Sagelands Winery dedicated to the Boeing Museum of Flight in Seattle (right & next pic). Pretty cool!

Below is a closeup of the the 1.5 liters dedicated to the Museum of Flight.

Next we stopped at Clarr Cellars just off of I82 and enjoyed some of their Sangiovese and Riesling. The Riesling does very well up here and I would suggest looking into this region as a premier Riesling producer in the years ahead. After that we decided to run back into town at dine at Gasperetti's Rastaurant, located 1013 North 1st St. Kind of an old-school Italian restaurant morphing into upscale with a friendly staff and good pasta. The food was excellent and the crowd was pretty noisy but fun. After eating a wonderful salmon "cheesecake" style spread on great flatbread and a salad, and then a huge home made pasta dish accompanied with wine and later dessert, I was surprised to see the bill for two only came to $65! I was expecting at least $100! Then again this is not the Bay Area, and I am sure the locals want to keep it that way.

The next day we brushed the snow off the wings with large brooms and the sun did the rest as it warmed the air to about 34 degrees. We were airborne by 3:30 and had great views of Mt. Ranier to the northwest, Mt. Adams to the southwest, Crater Lake about 20 minutes later on the right and Shasta welcoming us back into California.

Mt. Ranier in the distance as we make our way back to California

1927 Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solara

2007-12-24T23:12:00.000-08:00

We've actually had this around for over a year and have had very good results with it. The Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 Montilla is a Spanish dessert wine that is a Sherry aging system in which the youngest wines go into the top level of barrels, and work their way through a number of tiers of barrels as the old wine is bottled from the last tier.

96 Points Robert Parker: "The impressive 1927 Pedro Ximenez Solera, from a Solera begun nearly 80 years ago, boasts a dark amber color as well as an extraordinary nose of creme brulee, liquefied nuts, marmalade, and maple syrup. Huge and viscous, yet neither cloyingly sweet nor heavy, it is a profound effort priced unbelievably low. It is meant to be drunk alone at the end of a meal." Wine Advocate #159 (Jun 2005)

Harvest

2007-08-31T11:09:00.001-07:00

Once again it's harvest time here in Sonoma County, and that means it is time to pick the grapes! In order to make wine, the grapes must be picked at the optimum time, but determining when to pick the grapes is not always an easy task. Here's how its done:

Sugar

Many growers rely on the sugar content of the grape as the primary indicator of grape ripeness. Consequently, obtaining accurate sugar measurements is important. Grape sugar content is measured using the Brix scale. Brix is “grams of dissolved solids in 100 grams of juice." Brix can be measured with either a hydrometer or an optical instrument called a refractometer, and the accuracy of either instrument depends upon temperature.

Titratable Acid (TA)

Tartaric and malic acids make up roughly 90 percent of the acid content in grapes. The amounts of these acids are about equal when grapes start to change color, as seen in the picture above (veraison). The quantity of tartaric acid remains roughly constant throughout the ripening period, but malic acid decreases as the grapes ripen. So the loss of malic acid results in a gradual decrease in the titratable acid (TA) of the juice during the ripening period.

Grape acids differ in strength, as tartaric acid is stronger than malic acid. The pH measurement is used to measure the strength of these acids, where high acid grapes have a low pH, and low acid grapes have a high pH. As grapes ripen, malic acid is lost, thus the acid content decreases, so the pH of the juice increases. Later in the ripening process, potassium ions accumulate more rapidly in the juice that interact with acids in the grapes, and cause the pH of the juice to increase more rapidly just as the grapes are reaching maturity.

Other Determining Factors

A clean pedicel - When grapes are fully ripe, the pedicel (stem) can be pulled off the berry easily and little or no pulp or skin tissue will be attached to the pedicel.

Soft Berries - Grapes dehydrate slightly, and the texture of the pulp softens when they ripen. When red grapes are fully ripe, the berries feel less firm when squeezed and the skin becomes slightly slack (not wrinkled like a raisin).

Red Fruit flavors - Under-ripe red grapes often have a green, herbaceous smell and taste reminiscent of asparagus or bell peppers. Ripe grapes have less of this green, herbaceous character and more plum and cherry characteristics.

Brown Seeds - The color of grape seeds changes from green to brown as the berries ripen. In most varieties, the pointed ends of the seeds (the “beaks”) are the last part to turn brown.

In the Vineyard

As harvest day approaches, the winegrower goes to the vineyard every few days to inspect the vines and to check fruit maturity. They look at the condition of the vines to see if they are strong enough to continue ripening the grapes. Then, the grower walks up and down the rows and picks grapes one by one and carefully examines each berry.

(1) They will pull the pedicel from the berry and look to see how much pulp is attached.

(2) They check the texture of the berries by gently squeezing them between thumb and forefinger to see if the grapes have started to soften.

(3) The grower tastes and smells the grapes to see if the herbaceous character has diminished and the red fruit character has started to develop.

(4) The grower spits the seeds into their hand and looks to see if the seeds have changed color. Some winegrowers will NOT pick red grapes until 80 to 90 percent of the seeds are brown.

Harvest

Deciding when to pick is not easy, so contentious winegrowers use as much information available to them. Some winegrowers pick each year when the grapes reach a certain Brix. Other growers pick when the TA crosses the pH plot. Ultimately, they all use Brix, TA and pH data together with their vineyard observations to decide when to pick. So, this walking about the vineyard picking, squeezing, tasting, spitting seeds and collecting sample grapes is an annual pre harvest ritual.

Properly ripened red grapes have the correct amount of sugar, acid, color, and good varietal character and flavor intensity. Wines made from properly ripened grapes will have the correct amount of alcohol, good color and flavor intensity, good varietal character with some “red fruit” flavors.

Cheers!

The Lineup - Finland, July 22

2007-07-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

Many of you probably know that I am getting married to a half-Finn in Helsinki Finland this Sunday, July 22nd. Even though I am on a budget, I was able to find some wines in Europe that are a good value.

We will be serving a choice of reindeer or fish at the wedding, so I picked some European wines that would pair well with both meats without breaking the bank.

Our red will be the 2003 Guigal Cotes du Rhone

Appearance: Deep, bright, garnet-red color.

Nose: A fresh, crisp wine, small soft fruit and spices.

Palate: A full-bodied, elegant wine, with mellow tannins, warmth and aromatic intensity. A complete wine with lots of length on the palate. Elegance and finesse due to well-balanced tannins and fruit.

The Wine Advocate "The 2003 Cotes du Rhone red may be the finest example of this cuvee yet produced. While the blend varies from year to year, it generally includes approximately 50% Syrah, 30-40% Grenache, and the rest Mourvedre. Tasting the deep ruby/purple-colored 2003 from several huge tanks revealed it is loaded with fruit and body. This supple, exotic effort should be a knock-out when released early next year. 88-90 Points. Score: 90". —Robert Parker, December 30, 2004.

Our white will be the 2006 Torrez Vina Esmeralda

Nothing illustrates the passion and creativity in the new wave of Spanish winemaking better than Torres Esmeralda. It is so good, it was served by the President of Poland when Bill Clinton arrived on a state visit.

Tasting Notes : Off-dry with intensely fruity and floral aromas of passion fruit, ripe banana, jasmine and a hint of spice. I thought it was Viognier at first! This one is sealed with a Stelvin closure.

Method of Production : A combination of 85% Moscatel de Alexandrie and 15% Gewurztraminer harvested from vines with an average age of 10-15 years.

After pressing, the wine was fermented for a two-week period in stainless steel tanks. Cool temperatures were employed throughout to retain its delicate aromas and flavors. The absence of oak influence allows this pure fruit character to sing.

To celebrate our toast, we have picked the Bernard-Massard Cuvee de l'Ecusson Brut, a sparkling wine from Luxembourg made using methode champenoise. Sharon and I discovered this wine on Finnair from London to Helsinki. The cuvee is compromised of several different wines, which have an average age of two or three years. Although Luxembourg may not be the first country that comes to mind at the mention of vineyards, domestic wine cultivation has a long tradition that dates back to Roman times. Today, wine contributes ten percent of the country's agricultural production.

Bernard-Messard was founded in 1921 and one of the founders was trained in Champagne, France. The winery has its own vineyards in the Moselle Valley and Schengen as well as Grevenmacher, the wine city of Luxembourg Moselle.

Our special champagne for us at our table will be the Veuve Clicquot Brut

Fruit, finesse, style - a rich and dry classic with a yeasty bouquet that truly deserves its status as a Grande Marque. Clicquot's signature brut non-vintage is loved the world over for its crisp, full flavors, consistent quality and celebratory yellow label. This classically-styled, dry Champagne is a blend of two-thirds black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) for body, balanced with one-third Chardonnay for elegance. It has a fine persistent sparkle and golden Champagne color. Its complex nose of apple, citrus and caramel is followed by full flavors with elegance, crispness and a slightly spicy finis

For dessert, I chose the 2003 Chateau Nairac Barsac

The 2003 vintage for the sweet wines of Bordeaux from the Sauternes and Barsac appellations is being unanimously hailed as a great one. Barley sugar, honey and quince fruit in the nose. Lovely palate; very tangy with layers of rolling, sweet Botrytis fruit. Complex and excellent.

So overall, these wines are very good and come in at a great price. There's no need to go overboard with expensive wine - especially when you're sporting the bill at your wedding. Shop around and you'll be inmpressed by what you can find!

2005 Bourgogne Aligoté by Jean-Marc Brocard

2007-07-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

In an effort to find some good wines for our wedding in Europe, I had to taste a few whites that were not only good but also a good value. One in particular for about 10 Euros (14 dollars or so) is the 2005 Bourgogne Aligoté by Jean-Marc Brocard.

Brocard has been making incredbile wines for years and I have been fortunate to try his Grand Crus such as his Chablis Les Clos. The Aligoté has a fresh peachy nose which leads to a clean concentrated finish with plenty of acid and mineral. It is well flavored with peachy fruit and has very good length. Enjoying this wine with food is a must. The acid is very strong so it definitely pairs better with cheese or even an apple, so I grabbed some rye flatbread and a few slices of Finnish cheese to curb the racyness.

Although I didn't pick this wine for our wedding, it would be one that I would try to locate in the states to enjoy on a nice summer afternoon.

An Afternoon With Jarvis

2007-05-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Nestled one-thousand feet above Napa in the south-east hills of the valley is the Jarvis Winery. The first thing you will notice is that the facility is underground, with of course the exception of the vineyards - we're not growing mushrooms here. However if I were to eat mushrooms accompanied with a nice rabbit or roasted game, I would pair it with with any Jarvis red. As I enter the cave and leave the heat of the day behind, I am surrounded in a blanket of cool, moist air. Spanish Opera echoes through the illuminated halls that seem to run forever in every direction. A small stream runs through the path on my way to the tasting room. I am very impressed. As I look around, I notice the logo is consistent in the theme of the facility. The logo is basically arches within arches. Arches are everywhere... in the lights; in the halls; in my wine? Well, no, not in the wine. Everything is soft and elegant, and of course, beautiful. This environment is a true expression of the wines, and in effect the winemaker and owners of Jarvis Winery. Soft, elegant, expressive, beautiful.

So, let's talk wine.

2005 Chardonnay, Finch Hollow

200 cases. Yep, not very much. This plot is characterized by particularly shallow soil with exceptional drainage lending to a very distinct terroir. Dimitri Tchelistcheff, the winemaker, bottles this plot separately noting the uniqueness of its fruit. Inviting tropical nose of honey, pineapple, and gardenia with a slightly sweet, ripe fruit mouth-filling palate. This Chardonnay was barrel fermented in new French oak and was aged Sur-Lie, stirred weekly. Creamy and nice. BTI - 94 points.

2003 Merlot

Winemaker Dimitri Tchelistecheff barrel aged this Merlot in new French Nevers oak for twenty months. Once bottled he gave it an additional year of cave aging. This seductive wine has aromas of dark cherries, cassis, and exotic flowers. Rich flavors of sweet cherries and chocolate linger long into the toasty vanilla finish. Now when compared to the 2001, this definitely has more oak characteristics. The '01 was definitely full of fruit, stemming from its 100% Merlot make-up. The '03 is simply a different animal, and is actually a blend of 87% Merlot, 8% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. Let's talk pencil shavings on the nose and in the mouth there's vanilla, subtle tannins, soft fruit... oh so soft. Simply put, this Merlot is like satin sheets across your tongue. It is Merlot done right. 300 cases or so.

There's so many others I tried.... the 2001 Reserve Cabernet and the Lake William Blends. They're all beautiful, soft and elegant. Jarvis is top-notch. Make and appointment and try the wines. You will be impressed!

Furth

2007-05-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

This oozes machismo beginning with the packaging. Whether you own a '67 Shelby Cobra or a corporate jet with two engines capable of producing 6,700 pounds of thrust each, you've probably got some cajones. I personally know the creator of this wine has the latter, soaring through the skies at close to the speed of sound in excess of 45,000 feet. It takes such a man to produce a monumental effort in wine, breaking through the monotonous California red wine barrier to something well beyond. Shall we say this wine has gone into orbit? Yes, and to Mars. At $400 per bottle, you may think so too, or at least your mind when you buy one. Well, nonetheless here we are with an unopened bottle of 2003 Furth, a wine crafted from the creators of Chalk Hill in Sonoma County. Fred Furth may ring a bell. Must I go on? Of course. We have been cleared for takeoff...

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 15% Malbec, and 18% Petit Verdot make up this 100% Chalk Hill Estate red wine that emanates with powerful berry fruit followed by a strong, gripping mouth feel. But wait, the tannins are exceptionally smooth, purring like that 427 underneath the hood of your Shelby Cobra, waiting to strike as it glides down your throat. Pop! Out goes the clutch as we burn rubber at a modest 15% alcohol, burning up the track at incredible speed. What is left is smoke and tar, and a very pleased crowd. Power, opulence and depth are a few words that come to mind. Let's not forget grace, beauty and finesse; all things you would find in a perfectly handcrafted wine. How did we manage to get this wonderful bottle? Ask Mark Borman. "You're cleared to land on runway three-two."

2000 Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Tokaji Azul 5 Puttonyos

2007-04-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

This late harvest dessert wine is number 46 in Wine Spectators' Top 100 Wines of 2006!

What a nice treat. We opened the 2000 Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Red Label (that's red label in the states, and blue in Europe) and were pleasantly surprised by its inviting rich voluptuous flavor that swirled in our mouths. If you are not familiar with this wine, it originates from the Tokaj wine region in northeast Hungary and boasts the world's first vineyard classification originating in the 17th century. The vineyards that produce these wonderful wines are at the confluence of two rivers, the Tisza and Bodrog, and enable the wines to be produced in a unique style which has never been imitated. As with all aszu wines, the three grape varieties used are Furmint, Harslevelu and Muscat de Lunel. The wines are also measured in Puttonyos, or sweetness, determined by residual sugar. The higher the number, the more sugar in the wine. For our purposes, this wine is measured at 5 Puttonyos; the sweetest would be a 6, and the less sweet, maybe a 2 or 3.

Tisza and Bodrog Rivers, courtesy of Wikipedia.

As for the 2000 vintage, the summer and fall were dry in the Tokaj wine region, resulting in finely-matured grapes. Harvest began mid-September and went through early November. Six vintages of the Royal Tokaji Red Label have been produced since its premier release of the 1990 vintage. Since then, the Red Label wine has been made in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2000.

This is a perfect wine for sipping after dinner or with cheese. May we also mention foie gras? In the glass it is dark straw-colored with a hint of gold. On the nose, there is apricot and pear aromas that are accompanied with orange peel and spring flowers. The palate exhibits ripe orange, figs and orange and grapefruit peel flavors, with hints of honey at the end. This is a nicely balanced wine with nice velvety textures and incredible length.

Wine Enthusiast: An amazing wine that is a benchmark for its class. Pure scents of dried apricot, citrus, jasmine and melon are coated with Asian spices, while the mouth is honeyed but nuanced, with flavors of dried spices, apricot marmalade and citrus fruits. What sets this wine apart is its mouthwatering acidity. A blend of grapes from multiple vineyards, this 26,000-case production wine is a steal at this price. Score: 94. June 01, 2006.

Wine Spectator: Alluring aromas of gingersnap cookies, apricot and orange marmalade. Sweet, yet deftly balanced by lively structure. Fine lingering finish, where the harmony really shows. Drink now through 2020. 26,000 cases made. Score: 93. —Bruce Sanderson, October 15, 2006.

The Feather Foot Man Cometh...and Went

2007-04-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

In an effort to move some older wines out of the cellar, I've picked up the pace by opening the 2001 Rosenblum Feather Foot Man Shiraz, a valiant accomplishment to keep those taste buds craving spicy, juicy, jammy Syrah. This wine is a combination of Shiraz from three vineyards in the McLaren Vale in South Australia. Of course with most of these wines, this one is again a perfect candidate for the decanter.

This is serious stuff here. Take a look at the cork; coated almost black

I snuck a sip about 15 minutes later and boy was it spicy! About an hour later I came back to it and was happy to see it mellowed out quite nicely. This is a very generous, juicy wine that is bursting with black cherry, plum, leather and spice. It is pretty large on the tannins and definitely possesses that raw in-your-face Shiraz that only Australia can offer.

For all it was worth, I would definitely buy more of this wine. The Feather Foot Man is less common than Rosenblum's other boutique reds, but definitely worth it. For you Shiraz buffs, this is the one for you. I can attest to it's strength as I woke up in bed at 2AM completly congested and gasping for air while searching for the tallest glass of water around.

2003 Poderi San Lazzaro Grifola

2007-03-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight we critique the 2003 Poderi San Lazzaro GRIFOLA, a wine made with Montepulciano grapes, which is an increasing popular varietal that is winning awards and accolades and finds some of its best expressions in Italy. The San Lazzaro Estate is located near the village of Borgo Miriam (Offida) on the Eastern/Central coast of Italy, at an elevation of 900 feet above the Adriatic Sea, with southeastern exposure to the sun. In the back of the estate, one can admire the Apennine Mountains with peaks of over 10,000 feet. This area has a historical predilection to red grape varietals and the San Lazzaro vineyards are, in fact, rich with such native varietals as Sangiovese and Montepulciano. The new experimental varietals in their vineyards are grapes such as Sangiovese Grosso and Pecorino which have shown exciting results and soon will be available in beautiful finished wines.The Grifola's good structure and fine elegance results in a fine balance appreciable in the nose and palate.

Paolo Capriotti, vineyard tender and winemaker is one of the youngest emerging winemakers in the fast evolving Italian wine scene. At 37 years of age, Paolo already has 10 years of experience behind him, working with his father, Lorenzo, shaping their vineyards into the finest and most innovative Estates in the Marche region.

In the glass, the wine is dense and inky. The palate reveals light summer fruit, and is quite enjoyable now. This wine is well suited for light red pasta sauces or artisan cheeses. Although not a blockbuster, the Grifola is rich and satisfying and will please anyone looking for an enjoyable red to accompany a light pasta dish.

2003 Delarche Le Corton Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes Réserve

2007-03-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

The summer of 2003 was hot in Burgundy. Many growers were picking their chardonnay grapes by early September because the fruit was shriveling rapidly and had already reached 14.5 percent alcohol. The Pinot Noir, among the most fragile and delicate in the world ripens relatively early but it tends to need every one of its standard 100 days on the vine from flowering to harvest to develop the flavors that a good burgundy can offer. Many grapes were picked after only about 80 days on the vine because acidities were dangerously low and many of the grapes were beginning to turn into raisins. Those growers who could afford and manage it, refrigerated their grapes as soon as they were picked.

So among the smaller harvest associated with the heat of 2003 came a rather exceptional vintage. Even Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Many purists maintain that the 2003s are roasted and overripe...and that the vintage is thus of little interest to the real Burgundy aficionado. I believe that in addition to wearing their elitism like a badge, these Burgundy snobs are also largely wrong...at the level of the best producers, there are plenty of wines of staggering richness—wonderfully creamy, ripe Pinot Noirs whose baby fat will eventually melt away to reveal the soil character beneath. "

Now we turn our attention on winemaker Philippe Delarche whose style is determined completely by terroir. All of his wines are mineral-rich in the most complex and tantalizing ways, with a luscious core of citrus-spiced fruit. Never superficial, the wines respect the soils that produced them and are slavishly true to them. Delarche wines have succeeded in spite of very stiff competition. To be king of the hill in Corton is a tremendous accomplishment. Certainly no other winemaker can match him for his total facility with both red and white wines, which perfectly capture the character and personality of the soils of Aloxe-Corton and Pernand-Vergelesses. Another characteristic all Delarche wines share is their ability to age gracefully. This isn’t immediately obvious, as so many of his wines are rich and approachable upon release. Yet underneath those smiles lie delicious depths and mysteries just waiting to be discovered years—or even decades later.

We brought in a small amount of Delarche's Le Corton Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes, and we were quite stunned by its exceptional quality. Le Corton can take time to come out of its austere shell and truly express the greatness of this vineyard. However, in 2003 this vineyard’s greatness is laid bare for all to see, with its remarkably concentrated and forward, minerally nuances. It is without a doubt Delarche’s darkest-ever Corton, with hints of cola and brandied cherries. Silky, smooth, with red fruit bursting from the glass. Hints of plantain and vanilla spew out of the glass. Of course still an infant, this burgundy will benefit from another ten years or so.

QUICK FACTS:

Delarche's red wines are an all-star roster of the Côte de Beaune: grand crus Le Corton, Corton-Renardes, and the premier cru "Ile des Vergelesses."

Delarche whites are always a model of depth and purity. They hail from such vineyards as Corton-Charlemagne and Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru “Sous Frétille.”

“Sous Frétille” is one of the best parts of “Les Quartiers”; it has in recent years been awarded premier cru status.

Exceptional purity and grace. We paired it with a homemade coq au vin that was nothing short of spectacular. We have a few bottles left of this great wine that you can still purchase for $65.99 per bottle. Enjoy now or cellar it for many years, because even the finest reds from the 2003 vintage will go through several unpredictable stages of development on their way to eventual greatness.

1999 Frazier Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting

2007-03-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

The time came to open up the 1999 Frazier Napa Cabernet, a complex wine that needed some time in the decanter. I was afraid this particular bottle was bad because I found the cork leaking about 6 months ago. However, I was spared the agony of obtaining another bottle because it was just fine. This Cabernet is 100% estate grown from Bill Frazier's Lupine Hill Vineyard located just east of the city of Napa. The vines were planted in 1990 (with Merlot) and the wines are crafted by winemaker John Gibson, who worked at Chappellet, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (’85-’94) and Vine Cliff Winery (’94-‘97).

I threw this one in the decanter for about an hour, probably should have been a little more. The first thing I noticed in the glass was the sweet, ripe aroma of juicy ripe berry fruit. Is this Merlot? I've had some older Merlot's that were similar to this. Nice dark crimson color here. In the mouth, the Cabernet was indeed juicy with flavors of raspberries, cherries, and some coffee with chocolate that are integrated with a generous complement of spicy and toasty oak. Very juicy wine.

I read that 6 % Merlot was added to enhance the full impression of fruit aromas and flavors. The wine was also allowed to develop further with an additional 9 months of aging with another 1.5% Merlot added prior to bottling in July 2001. Alch. is 13.9%.

Overall, a very ripe and delicious Cabernet. The Merlot threw me off because it had that aging Merlot aroma of older ripe summery fruit. It paired well with the steak and baked potato we had and I would say it was ready for the glass.

Archery Summit - Oregon's Rolls Royce of Pinot Noir

2007-02-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

About 45 minutes southwest of Portland, Oregon is the new Dundee Hills AVA, situated in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley Appellation. I had the opportunity to visit this area on February 27, and here is my short story of the trip. I was surprised by how close in proximity this wine growing region is to downtown Portland. Simply take Interstate 5 south toward Salem and exit at 99W. About 35 minutes later I found myself in the heart of Pinot country. It was a blustery late February day here in Oregon with strong winds, and rain mixed with snow. However the great Pinots made up for it.

There are approximately thirty wineries in the Dundee Hills AVA, with some prominent growers such as Domaine Drouhin, Eyrie Vineyards, Sokol Blosser and Archery Summit producing highly acclaimed wines. I only had time to choose one winery, and Archery Summit was my pick. Archery Summit produces five distinguished Pinot Noirs from this appellation, including the Premier Cuvée, Red Hills Estate, Renegade Ridge Estate, Arcus Estate and Archery Summit Estate bottlings. About a mile southwest of the town of Dundee is Archery Summit Road, which leads up to the winery.

The road takes you through rolling hills that make up the Dundee Hills Appellation, famous for its red clay-loam soils that were deposited here by ancient floods. Actually the AVA is 80% "Jory" soil type - a special volcanic soil type with excellent drainage and minerality.

Around the bend, we come to one of Archery Summit's estate vineyards. The winery is seen at the top of the hill.

Up to the Estate we go...

Upon reaching the top of the estate, you get a pretty good view of the surrounding vineyards. This bottom pic is looking south east down the vineyards into the Willamette Valley. Archery Summit Winery has a 100% gravity flow facility from winemaking to bottling, and they craft their wine in the Old World Burgundian tradition of gently handling delicate Pinot Noir. Their caves are home to more than 550 French oak and Oregon oak barrels.

I could only get one pic because it was raining and blowing so hard. As you can see, it was pretty blustery out there. Let's go inside the tasting room.

Let the tastings begin! Below is the lineup of today's pouring, and I was lucky because today was their first release of the 2004 Red Hills Pinot Noir, a bottle that I went home with. More on that later...

Before I begin, let me say that the hospitality I received was wonderful! Not only are the wines spectacular, the staff is gracious and attentive. Their normal tastings consist of three Pinots, however I had the opprotunity to try a fourth, which I'll talk about later.

The first pour was the 2004 Premier cuvée Pinot Noir, a wine that is crafted from mature vines grown in four single estate vineyards: Archery Summit Estate, Red Hills Estate, Arcus Estate and Renegade Ridge Estate. Dijon clones 113, 114, 115, 667, and 777 on selected rootstocks in high-density vineyard blocks complement their older self-rooted Pommard and Wädenswil vines. 2004 was a year with low yields, resulting in a wine that is focused and pure. Perfumed aromas of rose petal, violets and blueberries emanate from the glass. Color is deep garnet and the palate is a complex layering of black cherry, blue fruits, cigar box and exotic spice. This is a very expressive and inviting wine that is rich, silky and long lasting. I would cellar this for a few years.

Next was the 2004 Arcus Estate Pinot Noir, a wine that was highly acclaimed in 2003 by Wine Spectator (95 points & highly recommended) and was placed on their top 100 list in 2006. Arcus, meaning ‘bow’ in Latin, describes the estate vineyard that wraps around both sides of a small valley in the heart of the Dundee Hills. Plenty of blueberry, violets, black cherries and bacon fat. On the palate, it is very intense with flavors of cherry, currant and cassis. Very lively and expressive. It is very focused, and will benefit from three to five years of proper cellaring.

On to the 2004 Red Hills Estate Pinot Noir, planted on the 26-acre Red Hills Estate vineyard that has a south facing slope ranging between 400 and 600 feet in elevation. On basaltic, Jory soils, it produces one of Archery Summit's finest vineyard designated wines, and I couldn't agree more. This has serious all over it, with a shape that is linear and long. Lifted aromas of spiced plum, black cherry, baking spices and vanilla billow up from the glass. The palate boasts a complexity of flavors ranging from floral rosehip, sassafras and red currant to toasty oak, tobacco and bacon fat. It also picks up an element of earth on the finish reminiscent of iron and this minerality. As like the others, it will benefit from cellaring for the next five to eight years. When that day comes, pair with cheese such as Humbolt Fog, or Gouda. The guest relations host suggested a main course of venison stroganoff. Yumm!

Above is the 2004 Red Hills in the glass. This vintage produced 2,015 six-bottle cases.

On to the special fourth - the 2003 Looney Pinot Noir. This is definitely the wicked stepchild to the other three Pinots. This wine is more extracted, contains more sugar and is very intense. In the glass, it is the darkest of them all; deep dark purple. This is not your elegant, velvety Archery-style Pinot, but a big, bold, somewhat similiar "North Coast" Pinot Noir with higher alcolhol content and dark, jammy fruit. Don't get me wrong, it is a fun one to enjoy and you can tell it didn't fall far from the tree. Definitely different in style here. This wine has wonderful fruit that comes with a little attitude. Very nice.

Following the tasting, I drove around and found the Arcus Vineyard (foreground) and the Red Hills (background). At least I think they are... Next time you visit Portland or visit this area, please stop by Archery Summit and try their wonderful Pinots.

Cheers!

2000 Rowland Syrah, Napa Valley Red Triangle

2007-02-20T22:59:00.000-08:00

Good Lord! A 2000 California Syrah? Why not. This has been sitting around for a few years, so it's time to open this one up. This Napa Valley Syrah (78% Syrah, 14% Cab, 5% Cab Franc & 3% Merlot) is a collaboration of three vineyards in the Napa Valley. You have the combined Appellations of Atlas Peak (5%), and Stag's Leap (15% Oak Knoll), and 8% from the gravelly loam of the Coombsville Vineyard.

The winemaker is Australian-born Gerry Rowland, who began his California career in 1987 at Stags Leap Winery followed by an eight-year tenure as assistant winemaker at Chappellet. In 1997 Gerry started Rowland Cellars, focusing on Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet.

In the glass, dark and dense red color.

On the nose, I pick up some eucalyptus, menthol, mint. Oaky, light licorice.

On the palate - smoky, minty, spicy, clove, bacon fat. Meaty. Pretty masculine. If there's any fruit, it's pretty much faded now.

Finish - Lingering finish, smoky, meat, leather. Not much fruit here anymore.

Overall, not bad. Quite a bit of sediment in the glass and very big-bodied and generous in the mouth.

Only 500 cases of the 2000 Syrah were produced.

Pink Champagne? Celebrate Valentine's Day with Feuillatte

2007-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

If I may suggest a perfect pink champage for V-Day, I would suggest the Nicolas Feuillatte (pronounced Foy-yacht) NV Brut Rosé. This wine is gaining attention in the U.S. and can be found in most wine shops these days (at least in CA) between $30 -$40 and is a perfect compliment to fish, fruit or cheese.

60% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Meunier. Wonderful, fragarant and mouthwatering.

Nicolas Feuillatte is one of the youngest of the world's top Champagne brands, founded in 1970 by Nicolas when he and his brother acquired 12 hectares of vineyards at Bouleuse near Reims. Feuillatte, who was from a wealthy bourgeois French family, had already made a fortune in the coffee business during the 1960s, during which time he became the leading importer of African coffee to the U.S. Today Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte is the fastest-growing Champagne brand on the market and is the third-largest producer of Champagne in France. From the original 12 hectares, the vineyards now comprise 1,950 hectares under cultivation.

WS 92 Pts. - A distinctive rosé Champagne that smells like potpourri or Christmas punch with its cinnamon and clove accents. There's depth and intensity to the berry and whole-grain bread notes, matched to a raw silk texture and vibrant structure. Excellent length. Drink now through 2010. 9,500 cases imported.

WE 90 Pts. (Editor's Choice) - Solid and flavorful, this opens with dry, rose-petal aromas, and is medium-full in body with good texture and acidity, berry and consomme flavors. Good complexity; just the faintest hint of sweetness appears on the long finish.

2004 Kinton Syrah, Santa Barbara County

2007-02-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

I am proud of this wine for two reasons: one being that my fiance designed the label; the other being that it is a very good small case production Syrah. Sharon says the label is a blend of 75% Ferrari door and 25% Mustang Shelby GT500. Well I'm glad they chose her design, for I think it will fit appropriately with the consumers. But Crest Whitestrips users beware! This bad boy has a purple teeth factor of 9+!

The 2004 Kinton Syrah is their first release, showcasing the winemaking skill of Peter Frasier from Yangarra Estate in McLaren Vale, Australia. Yangarra made it on the Wine Spectator's top 100 this year, so we know he's doing something right. The wine comes from the cooler climes of Santa Barbara County, reflecting a juicy, jammy ripe California Syrah. Yes, those white teeth are indeed doomed.

In the glass we go. Wow! Upon first notice, it is indeed inky, dark purple, almost the color of concentrated beet juice. I already smell the smoke wafting up from the glass. Wow! who lit off the bottle rocket? If I were to pick the nationality of the winemaker in a blind taste test, he would definitely not have a house in Cote du Rhone. This is big, outback Syrah country. Australian winemaker? Very appropriate.

On the palate it is indeed very juicy, ripe and jammy. Plenty of thick luscious blackberry, smoky, jammy, ripe fruit. The wine coats your tongue and teeth in a thick cloak of dark fruit. The finish lingers on and on. I would pair this with a big juicy angus burger on a wheat bun accompanied with some garlic fries. This is gourmet backdoor BBQ wine.

2001 Harrison Winery Zebra Zinfandel, North Coast

2007-02-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

Now that the rain has returned to Northern California, I am in the mood for some hearty meatloaf accompanied by a 2001 Harrison Winery Zebra Zinfandel. Sadly, I was informed that Harrison is no longer making wine at their Pritchard Hill Estate, as they are focusing on Pinot Noir now in New Zealand. However, I thought it would be nice to open this wine up before it went over the hill.

I was a little worried that this wine may be past its prime, but I am happy to report that it held up just fine. The Zinfandel is blended with 5% Syrah and aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. I opened it and let it decant for about an hour, and even though this is an unfiltered wine, there wasn't much sediment to be found. As a matter of fact I was amazed by how clear the wine was. I could virtually look down the glass and see through the wine with no problem.

The color here is a light brick red, with some slight brown on the edge. I actually thought this wine was going to be more dense and opulent, but after one sip I realized this is more of a food-friendly, elegant styled Zinfandel. Alcohol is at a modest 14.7%, but nicely integrated into the fruit. On the nose, I picked up some spicy aged berry fruit, such as raspberry and cherry. It might be a little faded on the fruit now, but I also picked up some caramel, white pepper and bakers chocolate.

Before I accompanied this wine with the meatloaf, I tried some aged Old Amsterdam Cheese on a light cracker. Yumm! This really enhanced the age of this wine, which is fading quickly. Now with the meat, it held up pretty well, but I think it would pair better with a pasta, such as ravioli with a red sauce. The finish is quick and clean, and overall it turned out to be a very nice, enjoyable Zinfandel.

DAY 2

Yep, here I am again after 24 hours with a completely different perspective. I poured the rest of the bottle contents into a glass and got some sediment at the bottom. The wine looked a little darker too. On the nose - sweet pipe tobacco, cherry and cola. On the palate - cherry and sweet raspberry. On the finish - an extended toasty finish. Wonderful! Where can I find more?

1990 Dom Perignon Tasting

2007-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have a friend in Napa who loves to open wines that I would usually save for very special occasions. Friday night? Let's open the 1997 Bryant Family Cabernet. Super Bowl? Try the 1996 Peter Michael Le Moulin Rouge Pinot Noir. I must admit, he's a good friend to have. So upon hearing about my recent engagement, he and his wife decided to celebrate with a bottle of 1990 Cuvee Dom Perignon. Wow! I was impressed. I even had to look twice at the bottle to see if it actually was a '90 Dom. I quickly started to wonder what other hidden gems he has in his cellar, and if I am on his will.

I think I was so excited because 1990 was a great vintage in Champagne. Actually, some people believe it is one of the top vintages of the century. The summer of '90 in France was long, hot and dry and the crop was fairly large, producing wines with great body and depth, as well as excellent alcolhol and acidity.

In the glass, the wine was pale in color. On the nose, I was able to pick up lemon, pear, and some spice. At first sip, I noticed earthy tones and a bit of toast. Don't get me wrong, the fruit is still there - this cuvee was still sweet and seamless, with juicy fruit building slowly in the mouth and exploding on the finish.

Here's what Robert Parker wrote about the 1990 Dom Perignon:

Rating: 96
Drink from: 1997 to 2007

"The profoundly rich 1990 Dom Perignon is a creamy-textured, full styled offering that loses none of its elegance in spite of its flavor authority. It will improve for 5-10 years, and appears capable of surpassing the fabulous 1985 and 1982. It seems obvious that the quality of the 1990 Champagne vintage is going to be remarkable, and the world-wide demand will be unprecedented. The message - buy them now!" (Wine Advocate #109, 02/01/1997)

Cheers!

2005 Sawyer Cellars Rosé of Merlot

2007-01-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

OK, so it's not the middle of August but who's really pays attention to the weather anyway? I must admit I am a weather geek, and I'm usually that guy who can be seen drinking a hearty Cabernet in summer and Rose' in winter. So, let us begin on another wine tasting. This one comes from Sawyer Cellars in Rutherford. Actually I believe this is more of a fun project put on by Brad Warner, the winemaker. It's a wine that they rarely make at Sawyer Cellars, with only 550 cases produced.

The Merlot grapes were all grown on their estate vineyard, and the juice was then drained
from the tank when the desired color was obtained, prior to fermentation. This wine is also a little on the warm side, coming in at 13.7% alch. The color is somewhat ruby, and light, and the nose has hints of summer berry fruit. On the palate, the wine displays delightful aromas of raspberry and strawberry, with a slight creaminess. The finish is bright and refreshing. Pretty good if you ask me. I feel it is more refreshing, but beware because it could sneak up after a couple of glasses.

Happy New Year! 1997 Louis Roederer Cristal

2007-01-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Is is strange to say that I believe this is one of the finest Champagnes I have ever tasted? P Diddy enjoyed it so much, he spent $80,000 on four methuselahs (equivalent of eight 750-ml bottles) while on vacation in the tropics. I guess it's one of those things you have to try for yourself. Sure enough, it was the big winner tonight. Of course, you can't just open Cristal and enjoy it with some potato chips. No, this would call for something crustacean - something like crab or shrimp. We'll go for the crab. Saturday morning farmers market would be my destination of choice to round up some of those Northern Californian Dungeness crabbies. I picked up two little guys to take home to prepare for my exquisite meal. Don't worry little friends, you are both supporting a good cause. Into the steamer they go, and in 18 minutes, I'm ready to pair their tender meat with the Cristal.

Now, Cristal is definitely in the upper limits of my wine spending, retailing around $250 or so. Once again, my friends in Napa were able to give me a bottle for a special occasion months ago. I was so proud of it. As a matter of fact, I had it displayed in the wine shop for about 3 months. I finally took it down because I didn't want someone to walk out with it.

Roederer is a small privately owned Champagne house that is well known for its highly regarded "Cristal" and for its full-bodied non vintage champagnes. They also own about 500 acres in Mendocino County, California, and created the Anderson Valley sparkling wine facility, Roederer Estate.

Step one: Remove funky yellow cellophane wrapper that all Cristal bottles come in. It gives the impression that the cuvee is really that awful color!

Step two: Review vintage. Yep, 1997. This should be good.

Step three: Pop the cork. I was amazed by how much pressure was behind the cork. I just touched it and it came flying out!

Step four: Redo blinds in kitchen where cork made its target.

Step five: Pour in glass and define color. Very golden. Palely gold, almost hazelnut in color. Quite remarkable, actually. Remarkable clarity.

Step six: Smell. Citrus on the nose (lemon, slight orange peel). Very mineral. Almonds, hazelnuts. Mouth is watering at this point.

Step seven: Taste. Very creamy, thick mouthfeel. Palate is coated. Nothing like I have ever tasted before. Absolutely clean and pure. Citrus, warm hazelnuts, fresh cut white flowers on a spring day. Finish is light and fresh. Simply incredible! I am blown away!

Step eight: Fill mouth with crab. Follow with another sip of 1997 Cristal. Wonderful!

From Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - 94 Points:

"Very fresh, complex nose combines soft citrus fruits, toast and minerals, with hints of red berries. Penetrating, bright and very intense, with powerful citrus and mineral flavors that turn sweeter toward the back end. The chewy finish of pear and hazelnut really stains the palate. Ultimately quite pliant and harmonious, in the style of the year." (Nov/Dev 04)

The Millennial Wine Consumer

2006-12-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

People of all ages come in the shop to enjoy our great selection of wines. Being in my early thirties, I find myself in the middle of a huge wine consumer market. I can still relate to the twenty-somethings but can get serious if I'm pitching bottles to very serious collectors who are in their golden years. I am working hard to make Generation Wines inviting to the younger generation and I believe it is working. A lot of my new customers were born after 1980 and I am happy to see such a young, energetic generation enjoying fine wine. Many took wine introduction classes in college and are ready to use their knowledge to enjoy what the wine industry has to offer.

Since late July, we have decided to keep the doors open a little later, and sometimes we don't leave until 1AM. We have also expanded the beverage list to include some higher-end beers but I have noticed that most of our younger patrons still prefer wine.

Here's a great group of promising new wine consumers who work together down in Rohnert Park - home of Sonoma State University. They are the consumers who are already enjoying larger quantities of wine than the previous generation of Gen-Xers, and a recent Gallop Poll has also identified this population as part of the reason for the increased popularity of wine in the U.S. But why? Actually two research studies have been conducted in the last two years at Sonoma State University to identify the perceptions and attitudes of the Millennial generation. The SSU Wine Business Program is the first university program in the U.S. to focus exclusively on the business aspects of the wine industry

Liz Thach, a management and wine business professor at Sonoma State University in the School of Business & Economics wrote an article covering the Millennial wine consumer in the Wine Business Monthly, dated December 15, 2005. A copy of her article can also be found here: Millennials

Classic Car Show Pictures

2006-07-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, July 16th DenBeste Transportation, Generation Wines and Gilardi's Deli hosted the first inaugural "Classic Car Show & Wine Event" located in our parking lot. I managed to get out for a few minutes to snap a few pics of the cars before the big crowd arrived. For a minute I thought I stepped back in time to a Ford Dealership in 1967.

Looking down the lot.

Very nice.

Boss 302

Looking back at our building.

I think this guy flexes his muscles at the Infineon Raceway occasionally.

Yes, it's real

Yes, there were Chevy's too. Where are those Camaro's?

Okay, I'll take the bus. Man, this would be cool in SoCal driving down to Hermosa with the surfboard.

The jazz band setting up

Here's little Madalyn with grandma! 18 months almost to the day.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the pics. We'll see you next year for another car show - hopefully twice as big.

Results of our Zinful Nite

2006-07-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

For all of you who missed the opportunity to taste not four, but five Zinfandels (a secret unless you came in), all I have to say is, "I hope that pizza and beer was worth it!" We had some exciting new guests, including David Lloyd, winemaker and owner of Eldridge Estate from Australia. Yes, you could've talked to him all night at Generation Wines about how his Australian Pinot will rock this planet in the next year or so. So, let's begin!

We poured five Zinfandels from Sonoma County, ranging from the lighter-style food friendly 2004 DenBeste Zinfandel to the muscular 2004 Rosenblum "Maggie's Reserve". In between was the 2002 Mauritson Family Dry Creek Zin, the 2003 Limerick Lane "Collins" Vineyard and the Deux Amis "Rued" Vineyard Zinfandel. All fared very well, but I really listened up and found that most of you enjoyed the 2003 Deux Amis "Rued Vineyard" Zinfandel the most. Their Rued Vineyard Zinfandel is a single-vineyard designate from Dry Creek Valley that has aromas and flavors of rich berries, plum and spicy black pepper within a focused structure of well-balanced tannins and acids. Their 2002 Sonoma County Zinfandel won a GOLD MEDAL at the 2002 North of the Gate Competition.

The 2004 Rosenblum "Maggie's" Reserve was just an extra treat to let all of you taste a big, yummy, spicy, jammy Zinfandel with plenty of alcolhol. However after sampling four Zins, people started to do some interesting things. Let's look at the picture below shall we?

So I conclude that you should all come and check out how much fun you can have at GenerationWines. You may just learn something too.

Cheers!

John Hart Tasting

2006-06-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

John Hart of Hart's Desire Wines put on a great show for us as he opened several of his wines ranging from his limited production 2005 Chardonnay to his small project Cabernet. Of course there was his rockin Syrah and Pinot Noirs. The tasting started at about 6:30 and lasted until about 9:30. A small group of us not only critiqued his wines, but contemplated the meaning of life and covered many other subjects. This impetus behind our deep conversation was our two special guests on John's left (Janine and Lory from Arbonne). Thank you again for such a wonderful nite.

Honig Winery Tasting - April 8, 2006

2006-04-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well it's down to Honig Winery in Rutherford to try some of their delicious wines. Honig means "honey" in German, and as you can see from the above photo, the bees are going to be happy this spring. We've received so much rain here, and we 're all waiting for it to end.

Here's the winery, looking north

Sharon and I walked in and found the winery quite beautiful. There was a small gathering of wine enthusiasts enjoying a good sampling of their Cabernets and Sauvignon Blancs, as well as a late harvest Sauvignon Blanc that I always enjoy.

OK, here we go - Sauvignon Blancs. The first of two was the 2005 Napa Sauvignon Blanc, a nice zippy wine with plenty of citrus and tropical flavor aromas. There was also a hint of minerality, something that I would expect from the Loire. The next was the 2005 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc, a nice complex wine that I preferred. On the nose was peach, apricot and fig. In the mouth was citrus, peach and a little mineral. Very nice to go with lets say...salmon?

On to the Cabs! Our first red wine here is the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon from their Rutherford and local Napa Valley Vineyards. Nice dark, red color here. On the nose, there's plenty of cedar, and cocoa. Palate - good berry fruit, and nice, firm tannins. Moderate finish.

The second wine poured was the 2002 Bartolucci Cabernet Sauvignon from the base of Spring Mountain, where it has been farmed by the Bartolucci family for three generations. This is a pretty big wine with more acidity and large tannins, and is very different from the Napa Cab we just tasted. It's much fuller-bodied, and I'm currently looking for the nearest steakhouse. Overall, it has all the black cherry, plum, and cocoa that you would expect from a hearty cab. Let this one age a few years....

Of course, they save the best for last. I'm a sucker for late-harvest wines, notably anything affected by the rot, Botrytis.

This one was pretty darn close to a Sauternes; billowing honey, apricot and flowers as I swirled my glass. After my first sip, I was hooked. Now I know where the name Honig comes from - plenty of honey on the palate, accompanied by pears and grapefuit. Wonderful! Honig usually barrel ferments their late harvest SB in small oak barrels and then stops the process about half way through, only to age them between 3-5 months.

Cheers!