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EACH WEEK WE GENERALLY TASTE 7 - 9 DIFFERENT WINES
LISTED BELOW ARE SOME OF THE WINES WE TASTED IN THE PREVIOUS WEEKS
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December 22 - December 23, 2004 2003 Lawsons Dry Hills Riesling (New Zealand)
A single-vineyard Riesling produced in a dry style. Fragrant with peach, apricot and lime scents and flavors. Beautifully vibrant and pure, finishing with racy freshness. Screw-top closure.
2001 Viljoensdrift Shiraz (South Africa)
Very dark, with a deeply fruity and ripe nose. The mouth is a mixture of spice and purple plums. Smooth, juicy, alcoholic, and concentrated. A terrific buy to boot.
2003 MacManis Petite Sirah (California)
Very plush and open, with a jammy sweet nose. Loaded with vanilla and black cherry, laced with alcohol and tannins. Will age well. A terrific bargain worth buying in quantity.
2002 Smith & Hook Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
The premium wine made by Hahn. Based on grapes grown on slopes and ridges rather than valley bottoms. Picked late in
mid-October and hand-sorted after harvest. After open tank fermentation, the wine is aged 22 months in 82% new French oak
and only the best barrels of wine are used. The final blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petite
Verdot, and 2% Malbec. Starts with aromas of blackberries, currants, leather, and tobacco. The first tastes are plums and
cherries, then evolving to toffee, cedar, mint, and chocolate. Silky textured with a subtle seam of acidity. Retasting through all 21 vintages, the 2002 is the best ever. –Adam LaZarre, winemaker.
2000 Morande Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
Golden yellow color with an amber tinge. Made from botrytised grapes, where a powder mold on the skin sucks out water,
thereby concentrating all the flavors. Delicious aroma of honey and mature cheeses. Very rich in the mouth, expressive, tasty
and dense, featuring apricots. Double Gold at 2002 San Francisco International Wine Competition – unanimous gold by all the judges.
December 15 - December 18, 2004 NV Riva Della Chiesa Prosecco Brut (Italy)
Crisp, delicious, and charming, with a nutty mousse and lemony undertones. An easy drinking crowd-pleaser. Dry for a Prosecco but still faintly sweet.
1996 Duval Leroy Blanc de Blanc (France)
A well-integrated Champagne that is clearly based on Chardonnay. Features lemon citrus and honey. The acidity is smooth
rather than sharp. Most 1996 champagnes have firm and edgy acidity that requires more time, but not this one. Oustanding
aftertaste – long, elegant, smooth, complex, and powerful. Very appealing, well liked, and modestly priced. 94 pts in the Wine Spectator. 2003 Lawson's Hill's Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
Another outstanding example of world class Sauvignon Blanc. The fresh green aromas of cut grass, asparagus, and pea pod
mingle with citrus flavors of grapefruit and kiwi. Ripe and fairly crisp acidity frames the wine. Finishes with persistent flavors that dominate most white wines. NV Kestrel Drop Dead Red (Washington)
A Bordeaux blend with equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and a little Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Uses the 2002
vintage to give fresh fruit and the 2001 to add integration, smoothness, and complexity. Like most Kestrel red wines, this has
tasty fruit, refreshing acidity, and some firm tannins. Darkly colored, very drinkable, with a long aftertaste. Cherry, violets,
vanilla, cedar, and even a touch of chocolate. First released in 2004. A much more serious wine than the packaging suggests.
2002 Jewel Petite Syrah (California)
Near black in color. Very fruity, with red cherries and fresh grapes, and a strand of sweetness in the nose and mouth. Excellent
intensity of flavors though a bit less lush and thick than the color suggests. One of the best Petite Syrahs you can buy at this price. Better ones will set you back $20-$30. 2002 Rosenblum Rockpile Road Zinfandel (California)
Made from a vineyard 1200' high, with vines 120 years old. Usually makes a firm, structured Zinfandel that is more like Cabernet Sauvignon yet is 100% Zinfandel.
The bouquet of this rich, extracted wine shows ripe black cherry and black currant with hints of vanilla and black pepper. The flavors are ripe black cherry, currant and creamy spice with hints of dark chocolate.
2000 Mischa Shiraz (South Africa)
Shiraz is one of the best red wine varietals grown here. A smooth, balanced nose with blackberry and plum. The mouth is a
luxurious combination of high acidity, medium tannins, and rich fruit, with a smooth texture accented by new oak. Will last and
improve for at least six years. If this same wine were made in California or Washington, it would cost twice as much.
2001 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Landslide Vineyard (California)
"This fabulously complex wine shows how you can merge power and nuance with the most complex and satisfying results.
Cherries, dried herbs, vanilla and tasty oak, with ripe, lush tannins and great balance. Shows an exciting finesse throughout. Hard to exaggerate the quality. A perfect companion at the table." -Wine Enthusiast
, 95 points, Dec 15, 2004. From Alexander Valley. Nine different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec.
December 8 - December 11, 2004 This week was another special week with Josh Krupp, the winemaker from Stagecoach Vineyards (Veraison
label), making another appearance at the Best Cellar.Washington Hills Gewurztraminer 2002 Kestrel Drop Dead Red Slaley Shiraz 2000 2001 Veraison Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Blackbart 2002 Syrah
December 1 - December 4, 2004
NV Riva Della Chiesa Prosecco Brut (Italy)
Crisp, delicious, and charming, with a nutty mousse and lemony undertones. An easy drinking crowd-pleaser. 2003 Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
A brisk lemon/lime citrus, with ripe grapefruit, freshly cut grass, Granny Smith apple and passion fruit. Powerful, mouth-filling,
long, and cleaning. Shows how a light-bodied wine can still be intense, complex, and even dominating. Double Gold at 2004 San Francisco International Wine Show.
2002 Vinedo de los Vientes Cabernet Sauvignon (Uruguay)
Softly textured, and very ripe and smooth, with no apparent oak and modest tannins. Dark color and good concentration. Lacks the typical Cabernet Sauvignon firm structure, briaryness, and cassis, but still is tasty and flavorful.
2002 Amavi Cellars Cabernet (Walla Walla Washington)
Deep aromatic berry nose with scents of crushed roses and incense. Bursts with plush cassis and cherry fruit, picking up
mocha and anise in the long ripe tannin finish. Integrated, complex and well-structured, yet soft and appealing throughout. Made by Pepper Bridge Winery.
2003 Michael and David Windmill Old Vine Zinfandel (CA)
My nomination for the best Zinfandel value in Lodi is Michael and David Phillips' Windmill Estate Old Vine Zinfandel which
whips up cinnamon-sugared berry aromas, rounded tannins and quantities of fresh, lively, zesty fruit flavors, belying its full sized (15%) demeanor. – "The Lowdown on Lodi" by Randal Caparoso.
Gold at the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Flavors of bing cherry and vanilla with rich chewy tannins and hints of dark chocolate.
2000 Terra Blanca Syrah (Red Mountain Washington)
Great purity of flavors, with loads of blueberry and raspberry fruit, good concentration, and structure from tannins and acidity. Not your soft, lush Syrah, nor particularly peppery.
2002 Amavi Cellars Syrah (Walla Walla Washington)
Deeply-colored, well-balanced, and complex wine from start to finish. It features flavors of dark wild berries, violets and spice
with subtle hints of smoked meats, earth, and licorice. From Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards.
November 17 - November 20, 2004
2003 Vinedo de los Vientos Gewurztraminer-Chardonnay (Uruguay)
Tastes mostly like Gewurztraminer. Some rose in the nose, but more floral. Has a grapefruit bittersweetness with a touch of
oiliness. Finishes with a slight creaminess more characteristic of Chardonnay. The grapes are harvested and crushed together rather than separately fermented.
2001 Santa Duc Cairanne Cotes du Rhone (France)
From the southern Rhone, made by Yves Gras. The grapes are from beside Gigondas, and are a blend of Grenache, Syrah and
Mourvedre. Deep ruby in color with super-ripe aromas of "garrigues", forest, and game. It is loaded with sweet ripe fruits and soft generous tannins.
2002 Mayol Shiraz (Argentina)
Dark, lightly oaky, very ripe and rounded, and sweetly spicy without having residual sugar. No meat or pepper flavors. Very
long finish. Shows Argentina can make an interesting and affordable Syrah, like California in its forward lushness, but with its own flavor profile.
2002 Amavi Cellars Cabernet (Walla Walla Washington)
Deep aromatic berry nose with scents of crushed roses and incense. Bursts with plush cassis and cherry fruit, picking up
mocha and anise in the long ripe tannin finish. Integrated, complex and well-structured, yet soft and appealing throughout. Made by Pepper Bridge Winery.
2002 Amavi Cellars Syrah (Walla Walla Washington)
Deeply-colored, well-balanced, and complex wine from start to finish. It features flavors of dark wild berries, violets and spice
with subtle hints of smoked meats, earth, and licorice. From Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards.
November 10 - November 13, 2004
2002 Rockbare Chardonnay (Australia)
"A brilliant example of an elegant, mineral-infused, citrusy (grapefruit, orange, and passion fruit), Chablis-styled white.
Medium-bodied and restrained, yet displaying surprising flavor intensity. Tasted blind, it could be mistaken for a French premier or grand cru Chablis." – Wine Advocate 89 points.
2001 Columbia Winery Red Willow Signature Series Cabernet Franc (WA)
Instead of being near black and overlaid with dense ripe fruit, more of a French style with medium color and body. Fruit, but
also non-fruit flavors, such as tannin and wet forest floor. Finishes dry and firm. From one Washington's oldest and most famous vineyards, and made by pioneer David Lake.
2002 Rockbare Syrah (Australia)
Tim Burvill has hit the jackpot with the 2002 RockBare Shiraz (90 points, cellar to 2012). He says 'it might turn out to be the
best vintage of my life.' Deeply colored, laden with rich, ripe, luscious blackberry and plum fruit, supported by deft and understated French oak. The 90 points of today will be closer to 94 points in another five years. -
James Halliday, Australia's foremost wine critic 1999 Allesverloren Shiraz (South Africa)
A generous, mouth-filling and intensely colored wine with ripe berry fruits and traces of raisin on the nose and notes of black
pepper, spice and wood smoke. The grapes were fermented on the skins in open tanks for 5-7 days at 25°C and left on the lees
for 4 months. After malolactic fermentation, it was aged in small wood, using a combination of 15% new American oak and 2nd and 3rd year French oak. -Winemaker's Notes.
2001 The Terraces Napa Zinfandel (California)
Ripe, sweet, fruity, rich, amazingly deep and absolutely lovely in character with a sense of bottom and complexity, this is
serious Zinfandel. Its soaring fruit and creamy oak flavors come wrapped in a supple, somewhat fleshy, well-polished texture,
and their richness lasts and lasts at the finish even in the face of nominal tannins. Tasty enough to enjoy now with savory meats, this one will get better and better over time. – Connoisseurs Guide
, 93 points. 92% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Syrah. 2000 The Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
"Focused on a tight, rich beam of currant, anise, game meat, mocha and earthy mineral flavors, revealing depth and
concentration, and finishing with a firm, tannic aftertaste. Definitely needs time. Best from 2004 through 2012. 240 cases made." - Wine Spectator
92 pts. This silky wine has classic black currant and berry aromas. Full flavors and moderate tannins with a
long finish. Vineyards between 300' and 400' elevation in the eastern foothills of Rutherford, planted in 1981. The volcanic soil
in combination with the clonal selections and rootstock produce intense flavored small clusters and small yields of <2.0 tons/acre. Aged 28 months in French Oak with 35% new. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. –Winemaker's Notes.
November 3 - November 6, 2004 2003 Di Leonardo Pinot Grigio
This dry white from Northern Italy is a very refreshing style of Pinot Grigio. It offers aromas of mineral and citrus fruit in the
mouth and as well as spritz from carbon dioxide dissolved in the wine. Has a squeaky clean finish. Great by itself or with seafood. 2002 Napa Cellars Chardonnay
Winemaker Corey Sprott prefers to use fruit from the southern end of the Napa Valley because he finds this fruit to be bolder
and thus better suited to malolactic fermentation. Aged on the lees, this Chardonnay is 100 percent barrel fermented in French
and American oak. It has classic apple, pear and tropical fruit flavors overlaid with butter flavors from the malolactic fermentation. Corey strives to keep the fruit, oak, and acid all in balance. –Winery Notes 2003 Michael and David Windmill Estates Old Vines Zinfandel
My nomination for the best Zinfandel value in Lodi is Michael and David Phillips' Windmill Estate Old Vine Zinfandel which
whips up cinnamon-sugared berry aromas, rounded tannins and quantities of fresh, lively, zesty fruit flavors, belying its full sized (15%) demeanor. – "The Lowdown on Lodi" by Randal Caparoso
2003 McManis Petite Syrah
Very plush and open, with a jammy sweet nose. Loaded with vanilla and black cherry, laced with alcohol and tannins. Terrific bargain. Worth buying in quantity. 2002 Yangarra Estates GSM
A doubly strong effort from this Australian winery. Loaded with black cherries, spice, tobacco and mint. An awesome blend of
59% Grenache, 38% Shiraz and 5% Mourvedre -Wine Spectator 91 pts. 2001 Mettler Cabernet Sauvignon
"Deep, complex and polished, the Mettler Cabernet Sauvignon is indistinguishable in character and style from its well known
counterparts in the premium cabernet districts in California. Layers of supple black cherry, mocha and vanilla are underscored
by pretty toasty oak and well-integrated tannins. A rich mouth-feel guides you gently toward the long, lush, elegant finish." –Winemaker's Notes
. Double Gold Medal & Best of Class 2004 California State Fair Wine Competition. A true family operation, where five generations of Mettlers have owned and farmed the same land in Lodi since the 1890's.
2000 Avontuur Above Royalty Special Late Harvest Weisser Riesling
Made from grapes shrunk by botrytis on the skins, which draws off the water in the grape. Uses the grape that makes the
greatest dessert wines in the world – Riesling. One of the few dessert wines that uses new oak. The 12% alcohol is totally
hidden by the intense flavors. Has a huge residual sugar of 113 grams per liter, but only a slight taste of sweetness because of
wonderful balancing acidity. A feast of yellow flavors: golden raisins, honey, golden delicious apple, pineapple, and apricot.
An excellent dessert wine that has been steadily improving as the flavors deepen and become more complex. Tall and elegant half bottle. From South Africa.
October 27 - October 30, 2004"Premier New Italian Wine Tasting" Dr. Moselle and Jim Laughren from Wine 4 Everyone presented newly arrived Italian wines. The wines tasted
ranged from Prosecos to Brunellos and Barolos and were all from small Italian Estates.
October 20 - October 23, 2004
2002 Torontes "White Blend"
A blend of lightly herbaceous Semillion with tropical flavored Chardonnay. From Argentina. 2003 Windmill Estates Old Vines Zinfandel
Just released. The previous vintage was a
double gold winner at the California state fair. Made by Michael and David, the winemakers of 7 Deadly Zins and Earthquake Zin. 2002 Don Rudolfo Tannat Reserve
A terrific wine that proves how good the Tannat grape from France does in Argentina. Very dark, strong but smooth tannins,
and fruity. Left open in the bottle for four days, this wine only good smoother and richer, showing how much it will improve over the next 5 years. 2003 McManis Petite Syrah
An inky and full bodied wine, typical for the small and thick-skinned grapes of Petite Syrah.
2002 Elyse Rutherford Petite Syrah
Deep, dark purple in color and amazingly textured with over-the-top concentration of fruit flavors. Lush aromas of wild
blackberries, cherries and plum are interwoven with licorice, black pepper and hints of wild game. This wine has unique jammy ripeness with long, soft tannins and a lingering coffee, mocha oak finish.
2002 Earthquake Syrah
Earth-shattering Syrah fruit trembles throughout the nose with dried cranberry and subtle hints of green tea. Bing cherry and
dried plum round out the bold tannins, leaving just a hint of cedar with a warm lasting finish. 15.5% alcohol. –Winemaker's notes. 1999 Le Riche Cabernet/Merlot
Etienne Le Riche struck out on his own in 1995, and has made a name for himself with limited-production, elegant,
Bordeaux-like reds. A blend of 60 percent Merlot and 40 Cabernet Sauvignon -- 100 percent pure pleasure. 1994 Duff Gordon Vintage Port
"Inky colored with plenty of crushed raspberry and orange peel character on the nose. Full-bodied and sweet, with big, soft
tannins and a long, chocolaty aftertaste. Best from 2005 through 2015." Wine Spectator, 89 points.
October 13 - October 16, 2004
2003 Lawson Dry Hills Gewurztraminer
Made in a dry style. Combines a concentrated floral bouquet with ginger and lychee flavors, rich spice on the palate and a long finish. Especially good with Oriental food and Thanksgiving dinners. Screwcap closure. 2003 Lawson Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc
The fresh green aromas of cut grass, asparagus, and pea pod mingle with citrus flavors of grapefruit and kiwi. Ripe and fairly crisp acidity nicely frames the wine. Finishes with strong and persistent flavors.
2001 Broken Stone Shiraz
A wine that is smooth, fruity, and dry, but well-structured by tannins. Made by Slaley from South Africa. 2003 Hahn Syrah
Aromas of overripe raspberry and cinnamon with a whiff of cedar. Very, very Syrah with flavors of red fruit, blackberry and
plum spread out on a bed of chewy tannins. The wine finishes with mocha and oak and stays true to form throughout. Wonderfully rich with an almost jammy quality. –Winemaker's notes
. The 2001 and 2002 version of this wine stained the glass purple, and began with a jammy grapiness which settled down after the first year. One of the best buys in California Syrah.
2000 Baldacci Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon is the inaugural release from our estate vineyard in the famed Stags Leap District. Our Cabernet
Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes are grown on our 18-acre estate and carefully tended to produce wines of exceptional
richness, complexity and character. This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry and chocolate with slight
hints of mint and cedar. The elegant structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon is beautifully complemented by the velvety texture
and supple tannins of the Cabernet Franc. The result is a powerful, yet accessible blend that displays the depth, richness, and finesse you expect from a Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon. –Winemaker's Notes 2000 Luigi Righetti Amorone
Amarone has become one of the most highly sought-after wines from Italy. The wine is produced from the same grape
varietals found in Valpolicella (corvina, rondinella and molinara), with considerably more body, flavor and alcohol. The grapes
are allowed to mature slightly longer on the vine before picking. Once picked, and prior to pressing, the grapes are dried on
wooden palates for between 3 and 5 months. This drying process reduces the volume and concentrates flavor at 15% alcohol. This version features intense and long flavors, and is dryer and less raisiny than most amorones.
October 6 - October 9, 2004
Lawsons Hills Reisling 2003 (New Zealand)Sylvester Syrah 1999 (Paso Robles Van Ruitan - Taylor Old Vines Zin 2000 Chateau Brown St. Lamartine Estate 2000 (Bordeaux)
Preston Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State) Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Washington State)
Wine Enthusiast ¥ Issue November 15, 2004 (Issue not released yet) ¥ 94 Points & Editors Choice
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate ¥ Issue 154 ¥ 92 Points
September 29 - October 2, 2004
2003 Ponzi Pinot Gris
Green apple, ripe melon and fig define the aromas while the mouth is full with tangerine, citrus and allspice. Refreshing, bright,
and balanced with a touch of sweetness. Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, not exceeding 55 degrees
F. A partial malolactic fermentation occurred to expand inherent flavors in this delicious wine. "Ponzi's Oregon Pinot Gris may
be the world's best ... the Ponzi version is as good or better than anything I've tasted from Europe." -Jerry Mead 2001 Pepperbridge Winery Merlot Walla Walla
"Very dark, unfiltered hue. A mixed bouquet of stewed cherry, tea, leather and citrus rind. Flavors of cherry liqueur, cedar and
vanilla. A vibrant fruit-driven finish with polished oak and a maple syrup sweetness. 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec are added to this unusual Merlot blend." -Wine News
, 93 points. 99% French oak with 64% new. 53% Pepper Bridge, 47% Seven Hills vineyards. 2001 Atalon Merlot
"…a sexy, seductive, mocha-infused, black cherry liqueur-filled effort displaying a hint of chocolate in its plump, lush, rich,
medium to full-bodied personality. Bursting with fruit, it will provide immense enjoyment over the next 5-7 years." -Wine Advocate
, 91 points. The 1999 version was Merlot pushed toward Cabernet Sauvignon: intense, very dry, chocolaty, laced with earth and minerals, plus fruit.
2000 Pepperbridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
A nose that reveals not only fine flavors of mocha and currants, but acidity and tannin. The mouth is very dense and smooth,
with long lasting flavors of blackberry and black currants. The tannins are significant but not drying. Very ageworthy, but amazingly seductive and beautiful right now.
2001 Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon
"Plummy black fruits can be found in the nose… This saturated dark ruby-colored offering packs an intense punch of road tar,
licorice-laced cassis and other black fruits. Medium to full-bodied, muscular, and silky-textured, this is a flavor-packed, palate
staining, immensely impressive wine. Its finish exhibits copious quantities of tannin. Projected maturity: 2007-2018." – Wine Advocate, 92 points.
September 22 - 25, 2004
1999 Gandia Hoya De Cadenas
Tempranillo made like a fine Pinot Noir. Aromatic, delicious and still very fresh. Dark red but not heavy bodied. A complex mixture of black cherry, raspberry, and blueberry, with a touch of red licorice. An excellent value.
1999 Bimbadgen Shiraz Hunter Valley
No review of the 1999. Of the 2000: "Medium bodied, but full flavored, with cedar, blackberry, soft tannins, and firm acidity. Of
the 2001: "Here's the big brother to the Grand Ridge Shiraz and it is all Hunter Valley fruit. This is a big, big Shiraz that can age
easily in the bottle for another 8 years. There's all sorts of leather, black cherry and vanilla spice here, with some really zingy
acidity. Wine Spectator gave it 89 points and I think they are off by two points to the low side." –Corkscrew Emporium. 2002 Don Rudolfo Tannat Reserve
From Argentina. Very dark in color with big cherry fruit, with noticeable tannin and a modest price. In France Tannat is famous
for making black wines that need at least a decade of aging. Though approachable right after being opened, this wine was both smoother and richer after being opened for four days.
2002 Michael and David Estates Earthquake Zinfandel
Zinfandel with good clarity, significant tannin, and classic zinfandel flavors. Dark, big, and heady, without being sweet or raisiny. Smoke, raspberry, and even apricot.
1999 Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon
A dark and intense Cab loaded with cassis, over a backbone of tannin and acidity. "Few Australian cabernets better Katnook
for purity of varietal character, style and potential longevity" - Ralph Kyte Powell. The 1999 was praised as "Possibly the finest non-flagship cabernet in the country" by the Australian Gourmet Traveller wine panel
June/July 2002. Made "Top 100 Wines" at 2002 Sydney International Wine Show.
September 1 - 4, 2004
2002 Frattina Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio with decent concentration. The nose is very floral and the body shows no thinness. Refreshing acidity, strong peach flavors, and a long aftertaste. 2002 Pinot Noir by Farr
The best Australian Pinot Noir I've ever had. Dark color and richly flavored, while still having good definition. Intensely fruity,
featuring black cherry and blackberry. Nicely structured by both acidity and tannin. Not cheap, but it competes well in quality and price with top Pinots from California and Oregon.
Bookwalter Lot 17
A dark, intensely flavored, and surprisingly complex blend. A blast of fruit, with good tannin and acidity.
1999 Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon
A dark and intense Cab loaded with cassis, over a backbone of tannin and acidity. "Few Australian cabernets better Katnook
for purity of varietal character, style and potential longevity" - Ralph Kyte Powell. The 1999 was praised as "Possibly the finest non-flagship cabernet in the country" by the Australian Gourmet Traveller wine panel
June/July 2002. Made "Top 100 Wines" at 2002 Sydney International Wine Show.
August 25 - 28, 2004 2002 Ravenswood Vintner's Blend Chardonnay
Wonderfully aromatic, with touches of vanilla and butterscotch. Enters with a blast of lemon fruit, followed by a buttery
texture. Well integrated, but should be even better in about six months and hold well for at least two years. Enjoyable by itself and with food. Wine Enthusiast 90 points.
2001 Argiolas Vermantino de Sardinia
A perfume of flowers, white fruits, flint & almond paste is followed by a medium-bodied offering with lovely richness, an exotic
personality and a long, pure, fresh finish. Surprisingly complex, fruit-driven, with a compelling personality. – Wine Advocate, 89 points. Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot #35
A lush, Zinfandel-styled wine. Loads of spicy, ripe blackberry fruit dominate the nose and flood the palate. Aged in French
and American oak barrels, this wine should age nicely for 2-3 years. 60% Zinfandel, 30% Carignane, 10% Petite Syrah. – Wine maker's notes. 2001 Columbia Winery Cabernet Franc Red Willow
"Lithe, smooth and appealing for its blueberry, currant and sweet spice flavors, which echo nicely on a polished finish." Wine
Spectator, 89 points. Good ability to improve with age. 2000 EOS Petite Sirah
"Intense violet, plum and pepper notes with hints of anise and caraway. There is a massive fruit hit in the mid palate and a charming fresh fruit aftertaste, indicating the wine will live for a long time." -Dan Berger
. The 1999 recently took first place in a blind tasting of Petite Sirahs. 2000 St Chapelle Merlot
87 Points & Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast. "Idaho and Merlot are not thoughts that generally spring together in the mind of the
wine consumer, but Ste. Chapelle makes a good run at crafting an attractive, perfectly balanced wine here. The fruit is cherry and lightly herbal, and there are interesting flavors or earth and mocha, too."
1994 Duff Gordon Vintage Port
"Inky colored with plenty of crushed raspberry and orange peel character on the nose. Full-bodied and sweet, with big, soft tannins and a long, chocolaty aftertaste. Best from 2005 through 2015." Wine Spectator, 89 points.
August 18 - 21, 2004
2002 Ravenswood Vintner's Blend Chardonnay
One of the best chards in its price range. It has a rich, cream texture, and flavors of juicy, crisp apples, tangerines and pineapples. The oak is well integrated, adding spice and smoky vanilla. Buy by the case. –
Wine Enthusiast, 90 points. 2003 McManis Viognier
"Medium depth straw yellow color. Aromas of honey, peach and apricot. A bright volatile perfumed fruit reminiscent of a ripe
spatlese or auslese. Hints of flint and minerals. Round, soft flavors of peach and apricot are balanced with acidity that keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant. The wine has a rich soft velvety texture. The finish is exceptional." –
Wine Maker's Notes. Gold medal at California State Fair. Chan's Wine World white wine of the month, August 2004. 2002 Buchli Station Pinot Noir
Made by Bouchaine from fruit grown in Carneros and the Santa Lucia Highlands. A fruit bomb with enough acid and tannin to
keep it balanced. The nose has aromas of vanilla, sage, and allspice mixed with tons of cherries, plums, cassis and blueberries.
Tastes like it smells, with smooth tannins and hints of chocolate and tobacco. Four stars from Restaurant Wine. A stunningly high ratio of quality to price. Unusually full bodied. -Chan's Wine World
red wine of the month, Aug 2004. 2002 Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon
Made by California's Paul Hobbs in Argentina. Delicious, ripe, smooth, forward, and fruity. Blackberry and black currants, with enough acidity and tannin to keep the wine from being flabby.
2002 Southern Sisters, Southern Roo Cabernet/Shiraz
A deep red wine with attractive crimson hues, complex aromas of dark cherries and coffee/chocolate with a hint of spice. The
palate is medium to full-bodied with full flavors of berry fruits and dark chocolate, supported by subtle oak and grainy but soft tannins with a nice clean finish.
2001 Amberley Shiraz Margaret River Estate
Captures the full gamut of classic varietal characters. Ranging from the fruitiness of cherries and raspberries through to spicy,
black pepper characters and into rich plums and dark chocolate. We combine all of these with an opulent fleshy and seductive
richness. Smoky oak characters from a combination of American and French oak gives lift and an extra dimension to the wine. The tannin structure is subtle but powerful." –Winery Notes.
2000 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz
"This Shiraz is aged in enormous old oak vats and, as such, doesn't offer up the toasty, caramelly flavors that we often
associate with Oz Shiraz. Instead, the fruit speaks for itself - the palate is showing mostly black plum and black cherry, with
chewy tannins and a little earthiness on the finish. It's an excellent, solid wine, best drink now through 2008." -Wine Enthusiast
August 11 - 14, 2004
2003 Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc
This wine shows how a light-bodied wine can still be intense, complex, and even dominating. Lemon, grapefruit, Granny Smith
apple, and passion fruit. Very persistent aftertaste. Double Gold at 2004 San Francisco International Wine Show. 2002 Lange Pinot Gris
Tasty and likeable. Medium bodied, with apple and pear, and a long aftertaste. Cold fermented in stainless steel. Lange also makes a reserve that is barrel fermented and aged in French oak.
1997 Chateau De Bligny Pommard Les Charmots 1er Cru
Ready to drink, featuring cherry with an earthiness.
1996 Luis Canas Bodegas Rioja
An affordable introduction to the classic Spanish style of red wine. A delightful mixture of red raspberries and cherries, with
clear and tasty flavors and a medium body. Good acidity, dry, and dusty, but not excessively. Almost all Tempranillo. 2002 Don Rudolpho Tannat Reserve
Very dark in color and big cherry fruit, with noticeable tannin and a modest price. In France Tannat makes black, tannic wines
that need to be aged, but South American Tannat is more approachable young. 2001 Jewel Old Vine Zinfandel
Nice black cherry and raspberry flavors, with some black pepper. A touch of sweet vanilla is well integrated and folds into the palate. The wine finishes with a touch of soft tannins, adding to the structure and finish. 2002 Jewel Petite Syrah
One of the best value Petite Syrahs. Near black with a fruity and lightly sweet nose. An intense grape and cherry in the mouth.
August 4 - 7, 2004
NV Bertiol Prosecco Brut
Pale yellow with a pleasant nose of almonds and citrus. Crisp and bright, moderately dry with medium body, this sparkler
offers flavors of apples, lemon, almonds, and baked bread. It is forward and balanced, with a clean, pleasing finish. 2002 Di Leonardo Pinot Grigio
A perfect summer quaffer. Clean and crisp with a fresh floral nose and good acidity. The wine has a wonderful mouth feel,
showing grapefruit with a little cinnamon and a touch of mineral. 2001 Dreyer Sonoma Cabernet
A wine that dances between being very smooth and stylish to being intense and full flavored. Begins with a black cherry in
the nose, but features cassis and violets in the mouth. Soft and rounded, dry on the finish, with none of the acetone common
to California wines. Yet the flavors build in the mouth and persist for two minutes after being swallowed. Beautifully balanced, ready to drink, yet will hold fine for three more years.
2002 Tamarac Cellars, Firehouse Red
"The blend is 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah, 25% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, aged in French, American and Hungarian oak barrels, half of which are new. This has staggering color and a heady nose of sweet vanilla, melted brown
sugar, black cherries and cola syrup. The color only hints to the massive structure, densely packed with fruit and framed by
big, thick tannins. This drinks well now if you decant it for half an hour, but it will age well for three to five years." –Tim's Wine Market. Also rated outstanding by Northwest Wine Press.
2002 Tamarac Cellars Merlot
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Well balanced and deeply extracted. 65% new oak, mostly
American with a large compliment of French oak and a small amount of Hungarian oak. All oak is chosen from select coopers
and a wide variety of forests. Crushed gently and dropped by gravity into 1.5 ton or smaller bins, cold soaked 48 hours
minimum, then inoculated with a variety of yeasts, hand-punched and pressed directly to barrel where the wine finishes both primary and secondary fermentations. –Winemaker's Notes. The previous vintage was rated 93 points by
Wine & Spirits
July 27 - 31, 2004
This week we tasted "Top Of The Line" South African Wines with guest speaker Mr. Neil Strachan, Importer and Distributor of Boutique South African Wines. This was a perfect opportunity for anyone not familiar with
South African wines to taste some extraordinary valued wines. Mr. Neil Strachan presentation was more of a seminar in wine tasting as Neil went into great depth to make sure everyone in attendance left with a greater
appreciation for wine and what it has to offer. We tasted many wine varietals, some of which are native to South Africa. These wines are small boutique wines from South Africa which are very hard to find.
July 21 - July 24, 2004 2003 Montinore Pinot Gris
Modestly priced without being modestly endowed: apple and pear, faintly sweet, tasty, and surprisingly acidic. 2003 Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc
This wine shows how a light-bodied wine can still be intense, complex, and even dominating. Lemon, grapefruit, Granny Smith
apple, and passion fruit. Very persistent aftertaste. Double Gold at 2004 San Francisco International Wine Show. 2002 Morande Carmenere
The past few months I've been recommending this inexpensive little Chilean red to anyone who will listen. Carmenere is
known as the lost grape of Bordeaux that was transplanted to Chile in the 1850's but not replanted when phyloxerra hit Europe
twenty years later. I just love it when I get home from work and have an easy red wine that's fruity. Reminds me of a cross between Beaujolais and Pinot Noir, but with a little heftier body. –
Winds Café May 2004 Newsletter, Yellow Springs, Ohio. Double Gold at the 2003 International Wine Festival of Panama. 2001 Viu Manent Merlot Reserve
Unusually dark, firm, and full bodied for a Merlot, with a not unpleasant stink that blows off, followed by plums and licorice. AWine Enthusiast
best buy, scoring 89 points. 2001 Karly Zinfandel Warrior Fires
The spicy/earthy nose combines with a little lilac. The flavors are boysenberry with Mexican chocolate. The vanilla from the
American oak is detectable, but not prominent. The tannins are around, but not green or grippy. Concentrated, with a softer
acidity. If high alcohol bothers you, don't be drinking Amador County Zinfandel anyway, so get over it. You could cellar this
for three to five years to get even better, but why risk losing the electricity when the wine tastes so great now? Enhanced by
50 year old vines grown in soil laced with 1000 year old fires of the Miwok Indians. Harvested at 25.4 average brix, has 15.1% alcohol, aged for 12 months in American oak. –Wine Maker's Notes.
1999 Kopparosa Shiraz
Distinctly peppery, with layers of raspberry, blackberry and a touch of cream, with a fine-grained finish. Power without being huge. Should develop nicely as it ages. -Wine Spectator 90 points.
2000 Preston Cabernet
The aromatic smell enticingly foretells the taste and draws you in. In the mouth, the flavors splash, rise, and last for minutes,
with no let down. The tannins are firm, but fine-grained and approachable. There are complex non-fruit flavors from new oak,
fermentation, and the earth. The acidity gives brightness and freshness with no sour or chemical notes. The fruit is a harmonic
xylophone of black currant, cherry, and berries, with no green, vegetal, or bitter notes. The flavors are kinetic, evolving, and
surprising, rather than static. A great value from Washington, that would best most California wines costing twice as much, and will continue to improve in the bottle until at least 2006.
July 14 - July 17, 2004
2002 Frattina Pinot Grigio
One of the more complex and intensely flavored Pinot Grigios from Italy. A pale straw-colored yellow with a fruity fragrance
laced with walnut marrow and refined aromas of fresh hay and wild honey. The taste is dry, flavorful and full with an elegant lingering finish of toasted hazelnuts.
2003 Chateau Grande Cassagne Rose
"Laurent and Benoit Darde, the two brothers who own Chateau Grande Cassagne, planted on the highest plateau south of
Nimes (called the Cassagne), feel that their 2003 rosé is the finest in recent memory, eclipsing 2001, 2000 and 1998 because of
the deeply scented Grenache and Syrah. Although quantities are smaller than normal, the quality is exceptional. Vibrant, racy,
full-flavored with a glowing aura of fresh strawberry, this one is too pretty and delicious to be served in the usual picnic paper
cups. This is as close to pure joy as a rosé can get. This excellent value should be consumed over the next six to eight months." –Ben Giliberti, Washington Post
1998 Martilde Estate La Strega La Gazza Barbera
The top Barbera produced by this estate. Aged in oak barriques. The color is now a very warm ruby red instead of its youthful
purple. The nose is even more aromatic, rapidly opening up after a few swirls in the glass, and the body is smooth and velvety. Tangy red fruit seamlessly blends with the barrique's own flavors. –Winemaker's Notes. 2001 Terroso De Duoro
A gold metal winning dry wine made from the grapes that are used to make Port. Lightly oaked but full-bodied red wine
blended from touriga franca for floral aromas, tinta roriz (known as tempranillo in Spain) for red fruit, spice and dark color and
powerful tannins, and tinta barroca for femininity and charm. Less than 3,500 cases produced. Bottled unfiltered and
individually numbered. 100% destemmed, fermented in stainless steel tank. Aged 8 months in stainless steel and 2 months in new and 2nd year French and American oak barrels.
2002 Viu Manent Oak Aged Merlot Reserve
"Dark and muscular, with molasses, black licorice, plum and road tar draped across the bouquet. In the mouth, the fruit is lush
and ripe, yet the plum and berry notes are exact and satisfying. The finish is sweet and pure, as it should be. And there's even a layer or two of complexity. A wine that exceeds expectations." – 89 points, Wine Enthusiast Best Buy
1999 Sylvester Syrah
Dark, dense, tasty, and long, with a slightly jammy red raspberry. Very drinkable, a good value, and a fine example of Syrah with that delicious California twist.
1999 Easton Estate Zinfandel Shenandoah Valley
A top of the line, alcoholic, muscular Zinfandel, made exclusively from this winery's estate grown grapes. Consistently
outstanding even in weaker vintages. The 1999 is the highest rated Zinfandel produced by this winery: rated 92 and one of the top Zinfandels of the year by the California Grapevine, and 93 points by the Wine Enthusiast.
July 7 - July 10, 2004
2002 La Cappuccina San Brizio Soave
A delightfully refreshing white wine. Smells and finishes creamy smooth. Apple and citrus framed by nice acidity. 100%
Gargenega grapes. One of the best Soave wines I have had, featuring a combination of brightness, complexity, and intensity of flavor. 1999 Powers Merlot
Powers reliably makes great wine values. The Merlot is ripe, full, and plummy, with gentle oak, medium tannins, and a long taste of purple plums.
2001 Jewel Zinfandel
Nice black cherry and raspberry flavors, with some black pepper. A touch of sweet vanilla nicely folds into the palate. The
wine finishes with a touch of soft tannins, adding to the structure and finish. 2002 Hahn Meritage
Consistently one of the best value Meritage wines. 46% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec,
and 2% Petit Verdot. 2002 had small crops and small berries, with dry, cool weather that let the grapes hang on the vines into
October. The complex blend starts with cedar, cassis, and cherry on the nose. Intense black cherry fruit turns sweet and lush
with flavors of raspberry and vanilla by mid-palate. Soft tannins support the fruit but become more pronounced towards the back of the mouth. Bright acidity holds everything together and keeps the flavors buoyant into the finish.
Bookwalter Lot 17
50% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah and 5% Malbec. The grapes were hand harvested then hand sorted before
crushing. The wine begins with very dense and saturated aromas of sweet cedar, licorice, blackberry, spices and touch of
smokiness. Broad flavors of ripe plums, figs, cherries and dark chocolate are followed by a full, yet soft and long finish. Rated
outstanding by Northwest Wine Press: "Aromas of leather and tobacco are followed by complex, delicious flavors". Vientos Alcyone
As I write, I'm savoring an amazingly seductive Alcyone from a bottle open for almost a month, left corked on the kitchen
counter. It has yet to deteriorate, rather like a sherry or port, putting it on the practically immortal end of the scale of longevity.
The aromatic godiva chocolate it initially displayed is less prominent, and the wine increasingly tastes like vanilla extract. The
raspberry and cherry fruit have receded to secondary flavors, and the alcohol is more noticeable but not hot. The thick and velvety wine coats the sides of the glass and the mouth, and is sweet but not cloying.
June 30 - July 3, 2004
2001 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc
Starts out clean and refreshing, but opens into a surprisingly bigger, smoother, and peachier wine. Boosted by blending in a little Chardonnay. One of the best and most consistently good Pinot Blancs from California. 2002 Rex Goliath Chardonnay
A fine example of a tasty, some-of-everything Chardonnay that sets a benchmark for good value at this price. Lemon citrus, butter, and vanilla. Surprisingly balanced, rich, and mouth coating.
2002 Diamond Oaks Estate Pinot Noir Carneros
Diamond Oaks is one of the few California wineries owned by a person from India, who previously acquired vineyards and
insists that his goal is to make the best wines California can produce. 2002 is the first release of a Pinot Noir under this new management.
2001 Bird in Hand Winery, Two in the Bush Cabernet/Merlot
"Light to medium red-purple; light, sweet raspberry fruit is accompanied by a twist of vanillin American oak on the bouquet, the fresh palate with similar light flavors, suggesting young vines." – James Halliday 2001 Viljoensdrift Shiraz
Very dark, with a deeply fruity and ripe nose. The mouth is a mixture of spice and purple plums. Smooth, juicy, alcoholic, and concentrated. A top shiraz and best buy to boot.
2000 Concilience Petite Syrah
"This year's Petite is again a concentrated and inky wine that carries on the tradition of the original. There are subtle hints of
tobacco leaves and other earthy flavors, but the thrust of this wine is its up front delivery of gobs of dark, rich berry flavors.
There are firm, but not overly aggressive tannins, and this wine will continue to improve with a couple years of bottle age. 724
cases produced." – Winemaker's notes. The inky and intense 1999 shows us that this wine evolves very slowly and is consistently excellent. The 2000 stood out at a recent tasting of over 50 wines as one of the best wines there.
2001 Ed Meades "Aldin" Mendocino Ridge Late Harvest Zinfandel
Very dense and smooth, with a huge red licorice flavor combined with maraschino cherries soaked in liqueur. Surprisingly, the
wine only tastes moderately sweet, and has no apparent tannins and no taste of raisins. Excellent styled as a softly textured amarone.
June 24 - June 26, 2004
2000 Simonsvlei Chardonnay
This wine has a rich biscuity, nutty bouquet layered with a dried peach fragrance. Rich full flavors with a soft finish. A very good value. 2001 Highfield Estate Chardonnay
"The wine has a ripe yellow color with gold tints. There are aromas of ripe nectarines and peaches, with fine toasted oak
nuances. On the palate the wine is supple and bodied, with a smooth texture and a fleshy, dry finish. Enjoy now and for the next two years. This wine is well suited to seafood, poultry and small game."
- Alistair Soper, Winemaker. "Distinctly spicy, with white pepper and dried citrus peel notes weaving through the basic apple and melon fruit, finishing with a tang. Drink now. 300 cases made." Wine Spectator, 88 points.
1998 Allesverloren Cabernet Sauvignon
Smells deeply flavored and features a textbook taste of black currants. Very smooth and well integrated. A wine that started
out fine and only improved with bottle age. Ready to drink now but will improve for another two years and hold at a peak for three more. It's a rare treat to be able to buy fine wine with some flattering age on it. 2000 L'Ecole 41 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
"Fine-grained and nicely focused to spotlight its bright currant, cherry and white pepper aromas and flavors. Cedary notes weave through the long finish. Drink now through 2008." Wine Spectator
, 89 pts. "A pleasing red with aromas and flavors of berries, oak and chocolate. Smooth, supple tannins and a pleasing finish. Recommended." Northwest Wine Press.
2001 L'Ecole 41 Apogee
"Virtually equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with just a touch of Cabernet Franc, this selection from a single
vineyard delivers a fine, elegant style. It offers clear red pepper, black cherry and black currant flavors, finishing with a subtle
balance of fruit and spice as the flavors mingle with pretty oak notes. Drink now through 2010. 1,600 cases made." 91 Points - Wine Spectator
. The previous vintage – the 2000 Apogee - virtually tied for first place in a recent blind tasting of non-French
Bordeaux blends from around the world. The '99 Apogee twice finished among the top three in New York and Chicago during a
tasting that featured four Washington reds, two top Napa Cabs and two great Bordeaux. The Apogee topped the Napa and Bordeaux wines both times.
June 16 - June 18, 2004
2002 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc
One of the best and most consistent Pinot Blancs from California, with exceptional acidity and intensity in place of this grape's
common blandness. Elegantly aromatic and caressing to the nose, offering melon, honeydew and peach blossom scents
softly graced by vanilla and a hint of clove. Boosted with 3% Chardonnay. "An incredible revelation, the '02 explodes with
flavors of ripe apples and peach; excellent concentration; fantastic balance; great with turkey." 92 points, Wilfred Wong 2002 Frattina Pinot Grigio
One of the most complex and intensely flavored Pinot Grigios from Italy. A pale straw-colored yellow with a fruity fragrance
laced with walnut marrow and refined aromas of fresh hay and wild honey. The taste is dry, flavorful and full with an elegant lingering finish of toasted hazelnuts.
2002 Renwood Estate Syrah
A likeable dark and full-bodied Syrah made for current enjoyment. Soft and smooth, yet full of life. "The fruit was
hand-harvested in late October and went through a long fermentation at cool temperatures followed by a two-week extended
maceration on the skins. We selected a combination of new French oak barrels (33%) and 3-year-old American oak barrels to
age the wine for 12 months. The final blend resulted in a deep, richly colored wine with a silky texture that is perfectly balanced
by an ultra-rich mouthfeel, a distinctive roasted, peppery aroma and plenty of velvety, black cherry flavors." – Winemaker's notes. 1999 Sylvester Syrah, Paso Robles
Dark, dense, tasty, and long, with a slightly jammy red raspberry. Very drinkable, a good value, and a fine example of Syrah with that delicious California twist. 2002 Michael and David Estate Earthquake Syrah
Earth-shattering Syrah fruit trembles throughout the nose with dried cranberry and subtle hints of green tea. Bing cherry and
dried plum round out the bold tannins, leaving just a hint of cedar with a warm lasting finish. 15.5% alcohol. –Winemaker's notes. 1994 Savese Primitivo Di Manduria Dolce
18% alcohol. A near-port, dessert style wine made from the same grape as Zinfandel in the very hot and sunny "heel" of south
Italy. Black, sweet, rich, and smooth, with plush tannins, raisins, plums, and cherries. Aged in large ceramic urns. Capable of aging for decades after bottled.
June 9 - June 12, 2004
2003 Huia Sauvignon Blanc
With three consecutive top-dog vintages, Huia has one of the best streaks running in Sauvignon Blanc. "Concentrated, racy
and intense, packed with everchanging notes of fruit that range from peach and melon to passion fruit, pineapple and
grapefruit. The long, tangy finish reverberates across the palate long after the wine is gone." Wine Enthusiast, 91 points. 2002 Devil's Lair "Fifth Leg"
Ripe, cool climate dark red fruits are infused with subtle hints of pepper, spice and tobacco leaf. The palate has a nice round
textural feel with generous plum, black cherry and blackberry flavors and a hint of pepper as an end note with ripe but firm
tannins that say this should drink well for the next 3-4 years easily. Another excellent value and a great follow up from the previous vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot, shiraz, and cabernet franc.
2001 Hess Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Hess "Estate" wines are meant to be both complex and approachable, reflecting the terroir of Napa Valley. Begins with soft
whispers of toasty oak and plum, then boldly shouts wild berries, herbs and leather. A consistently delicious value. 2000 Ed Meades Zinfandel
Complex mixture of black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry, with a spritz flavor and a streak of sweetness in the finish.
2002 Isenhower Syrah "Wild Alfalfa"
Wine Spectator review of 2001
(93 points) "Fine, ripe and plush, generous with its mocha-scented black cherry, raspberry and blueberry flavors that get rounder and more expansive as they linger, touched by the coffee scented oak. Drink now through
2012."
June 2 - June 5, 2004
2002 Tenute Rubino Estates, Marmorelle Bianco
An Italian blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Malvasia. Made in stainless steel to emphasize fruit and acidity. Excellent with seafood. 2002 Hahn Chardonnay
A classic, well-made California Chardonnay that is a benchmark at this low price. Butterscotch, lemon, and vanilla. Smooth, long, fresh, and tasty.
2000 La Crema Pinot Noir Carneros
"This is deep and earthy, with leather and herbal accents. A powdery quality softens the full-blast cherry and plum fruit,
which carries a touch of cola and oaky vanilla. The finish is top-shelf, with citrus peel, tea, dried spices, espresso and burnt toast. It's simultaneously rustic yet refined; the perfect match." Wine Enthusiast, 90 points.
2001 Veramonte Primus
"Round and fleshy, with currant and plum fruit and bacony smoke lying over herb and pepper hints. Nice lingering finish.
Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot." Wine Spectator. 89 points. Carmenère is a late-ripening Bordeaux variety hardly grown any more in France, but which makes excellent wine in Chile.
2001 Bodega Pinotage
An acidic, tasty, balanced wine, featuring blackberry and cranberry. Pinotage is a cross of Cinsault with Pinot Noir, and is
grown in significant quantity only in South Africa. 2001 Concannon Petite Syrah Central Coast
"Inky. A real powerhouse – chewy, peppery, spicy, and intense with some herbs, too. Yowee!" Wall Street Journal. "This old
vine wine, so dense in color that you can not see through it, is saturated with deep, dark berry flavors" State Street Wine & Spirits. Concannon was the first California winery to separately bottle Petite Syrah in 1961. 2001 Hanna Zinfandel Bismark Ranch
95.75% Zinfandel, 4.25% Petite Sirah. Grown in this California winery's best vineyard in the Sonoma Mayacamas Mountains,
with elevations from 1400-2600 feet, in low-yielding decomposed igneous rock. "This dense, chewy, exuberant Zinfandel
possesses enough acidity and extract to support its lofty alcohol. The finish is persistent. Consume it over the next 3-4 years." Wine Advocate, 90 points.
May 26 to May 28, 2004
2000 Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise White
45% Semillon, 25% Chardonnay, and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Honeysuckle, grapefruit, and butterscotch in the nose. More fig and spice in the mouth. 2001 Highfield Chardonnay
Ripe yellow color. Aromas of ripe nectarines and peaches, with fine toasted oak nuances. On the palate the wine is supple and
bodied, with a smooth texture and a fleshy, dry finish. Enjoy now and for the next two years. The grapes were whole-bunch
pressed to French and American oak barrels. The wine went through full-solids ferment and malolactic fermentation in barrel, and was aged on lees for 10 months. 1998 Bredell's Pinotage
Smells of banana, clove, and raspberry. Rich, ripe, and smooth, with cherry in the middle and blackberry in the finish. Not
marred by bitterness or greenness. 2001 Hess Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Hess "Estate" wines are meant to be both complex and approachable, reflecting the terroir of Napa Valley. Begins with soft
whispers of toasty oak and plum, then boldly shouts wild berries, herbs and leather. A consistent and delicious value. 2002 Jewel Petite Sirah
Aged for 15 months. Deep concentrated ruby, almost inky purple color, aromas of blueberries and vanilla oak, with intense
berry fruit and cherries throughout the mouth. Full-bodied with rich tannins and toasty oak, adds to complement the finish, making it very lush at the same time. 96% Petite Sirah and 4% Zinfandel
2002 Hewitson "Miss Harry's" GSM
Robert
Parker 90-91+ pts ."Made from a blend of 76% Grenache, 16% Shiraz, and 18% Mourvedre, the 2002 Miss Harry exhibits
a deep saturated ruby/purple color as well as a big, peppery, spicy bouquet with notes of raspberries, blackberries, currants,
and high class oak. With a tannic, powerful mouthfeel, this is a large-scaled yet well balanced 2002 to drink over the next 7-8 years." 2001 Ridge York Creek Zinfandel Late Picked
Defines "saturated". 78% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 2% Carignane. "A terrific effort, the deep ruby/purple-colored 2001
Zinfandel York Creek boasts aromas of black fruits, minerals, animal, and earth. This primordial-styled Zin is full-bodied, burly,
muscular, and loaded. While not as gracious as the Geyserville, it is a macho offering to drink over the next 5-6 years." Robert Parker 91 points.
May 19 to May 22, 2004
2002 Jewel Winery Viognier
A beautiful perfume of wildflowers come from the bottle immediately after opening. The aroma is pure and refreshing, with no
oak getting in the way. The wine feels juicy and lively in the mouth, and leaves you ready for the next sip. One of the few good Viogniers at a price everyone can enjoy.
2001 Vinum CNW Chenin Blanc
Ripe and juicy fruits in the nose and mouth, with ripe acidity and a hint of oak in the finish. A great summer wine – fruity,
smoth, and refreshing. "CNW" stands for "Chardonnay-No-Way". You don't see much Chenin Blanc bottled separately as a varietal from California. Usually grown and bottled as generic white wine.
2002 Jewel Winery Pinot Noir
Dense violet color, with red fruit juiciness on the nose. Juicy in the mouth with lots of red-berry fruit and even a bit of a tannic structure. Big shouldered for a pinot, but very generous and certainly a crowd pleaser. 2001 Savannah Chanelle Pierre's Ghost
A dark flavorful blend of Zinfandel and Syrah. More syrah in the mouth, with raspberry and cherry. Tasty, soft bodied, fairly dry, and priced to sell. 2002 Jesse's Grove Zinfandel
Dark color with a sweet and fruity nose. Loads of dark cherry in the mouth. Smooth and long, with a touch of tannin in the
finish. Most Zinfandels at this price are lighter in color and body, but this is a full-bodied, big scale Zinfandel that you would expect to cost $20 or more.
2002 Peter Lehman Clancy's Red
Classic Bordeaux blend overlaid with a distinctive Australian twist - Shiraz 54%, Cabernet Sauvignon 29%, Merlot 12%, Cabernet Franc 5%.
A seductive style: polished in textured, lively with beautifully focused blackberry and currant flavors, shaded with touches of cedar and spice, lingering nicely. Wine Spectator 90.
1999 A.S. Kiken Red Table Wine, Diamond Mountain
"A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Merlot (18%), and Cabernet Franc (4%). Opaque, purple colored, full bodied. Sweet,
cedary, black currant nose with nicely integrated acidity and tannin. It comes across as Bordeaux-like but with the ripeness
and fruit of a big California Cabernet" Wine Advocate. A serious wine despite a name that might seem to be designed to appeal to tourists as a souvenir.
May 12 to May 15, 2004
2002 Feudo Arancio Grillo
Set in the center of an old rural village, the Feudo Arancio winery is an ultra modern facility boasting state-of-the-art
equipment. This 100% Grillo, a local grape variety, is vinified in stainless steel to emphasize fruit and freshness. It nose
presents a pleasant fragrance of green tea. In the mouth it starts with fruity notes and evolves to a dry, crisp, lemony finish. A classic, refreshing, warm weather wine.
Marietta Old Vine Lot 34
60% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, and the rest Petite Sirah, Grenache, and others. Consistently recommended by Robert Parker.
"Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red is unquestionably one of the finest bargains in the red wine marketplace." Its dark ruby/purple
color is followed by a Cotes-du-Rhone-like nose of crushed black pepper intermixed with sweet & sour black cherries, currants, figs and earth. Nicely textured and chewy, a delicious red. Wine Advocate 88 points. 2002 Jesse's Grove Carignane Ancient Vine
Produced from Estate vineyards ranging from 93 to 115 years old, these ancient vines propel Carignane to another level of
intensity and richness. Raspberry liqueur and red licorice perfumes, followed by an explosion of plush red fruit on the palate,
polished with oak and perfectly rounded tannins. As good as wines from Spain and France at a fraction of the cost. A measly 300 cases produced. 2002 Elderton Shiraz Barossa
A supple, fleshy style fills the mouth with classic black cherry, raspberry and licorice flavors, finishing smooth and remarkably
generous. Drink now through 2008. 1,000 cases imported. 91 points, Wine Spectator. "This wine is so extracted that the flavors
just explode on your palate. Blackberry and other dark berry fruit flavors abound with a nice lash of spice and pepper plus a long, lingering finish. This is great juice. 93 Points." Wine Buyer.
2000 Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep red color, with a nose of plum and spicy oak. True to its varietal, this wine has rich concentrated berry and plum flavors with a firm tannin structure.
2000 Preston Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
This Cabernet Sauvignon blend was aged in selected small oak barrels. It is a big, thick wine with flavors of blackberry and
currant and just a hint of vanilla. The '94, '97, and '98 Reserves of this wine all significantly improved for the first six years. Prunier Pineau Des Charentes
A light fruity grape juice with a smooth finish of cognac eau-de-vie.
May 5 to May 8, 2004
We tasted two beautiful Cabernets this week: The Astrale e Terra Cabernet 1997 Napa Valley and the Seven Hills Cabernet 2001 from Washington State. These Cabernets are limited and allocated and we are very
fortunate to be tasting these wines. From Australia, we tasted an excellent value, the 2002 Southern Roo cab/shiraz blend. We also tasted 2 Syrahs: the Santa Duc Gigondas 2001, a french syrah from Robert Kacher,
and the Sylvester Syrah from Paso Robles. For whites we tasted the Southern Sisters Sauvignon Blanc and a wonderful desert wine from South Africa, the Avontuur Above Royalty 2000 Late Harvest Reisling.
April 28 to May 1, 2004
This week we tasted two new wines from Australia, the Southern Sisters Sauvignon Blanc and the Cab / Shiraz blend. Both were bonus wines last week. The wine maker was at the Best Cellar the previous week. It is
always a pleasure every time we have a distinguished wine maker at our tastings. We were the first people to taste these wines in America! We tried some rare and extra ordinary wines this week in the Astrale e Terra
1999 "Arturus" a Napa Bordeaux blend and from Australia, the Elderton "Asmead" Cabernet 1999. Another
bonus wine from the previous week was the Sylvester Syrah 1999 from Paso Robles. Everyone thought this was a great value. I recently tasted the 'Hill of Content' Pinot Noir 2000 with the wine maker, Mr. John
Larochet. This was indeed a pleasure and several of his wines will be introduced at the Best Cellar. We enjoyed the pinot this week.
April 21 to April 24, 2004
1998 Chamonix Chardonnay
Golden color. Nose bready, nutty, and intense. Creamy and quite evolved with some vanilla. Rich, toasty, nutty palate with ample character. 2002 Ponzi Estate Pinot Noir Tavola
"Ponzi's entry-level Pinot is a surprise winner in this vintage. Open-textured and deftly balanced to let a broad spectrum of
sour cherry, currant and plum fruit emerge, shaded with hints of mushroom and dusky spices, all of it persisting as the finish
broadens uncontested against fine-grained tannins. It has impressive length too. " 91 pts, Wine Spectator 2000 Devon Hill Merlot
Beautiful dark red in color, this full-bodied wine has smokey plummy flavors with a velvety finish. The integrated oak undertones contribute towards a well-rounded soft wine. 100% Merlot.
2001 Rosenblum Cellars Feather Foot Man Shiraz Jingalu
Dark, fruity, intense, and well structured, without the sweetness and heat common in Australian shiraz. 2002 Michael David Estates Earthquake Zinfandel
A heady, alcoholic Zinfandel with dark color, spice and pepper, and strong fruit, that manages to avoid being sweet or raisiny.
2001 Vine Cliff Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
The fruit comes from estate vineyards located in Oakville and Calistoga. The grapes are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18%
Cabernet Franc and 7% Petite Verdot. 2000 cases were produced. It has subtle aromas of vanilla with a hint of spicy oak. On
the palate it exhibits classic full-bodied cabernet fruit with soft tannins and a long finish. An exceptional wine in a very good vintage.
April 14 to April 17, 2004
2001 Viljoensdrift Chenin Blanc
Tasty, clean, and brightly refreshing. 2001 Jean-Baptiste Adam Gewurztraminer
Aromas of rose petals and honeysuckle are followed by enticing flavors of litchi fruit and hints of honeysuckle. Fat and rich,
yet fresh and fruity. A classic example of spicy Alsatian Gewurztraminer. 12.2 g/l of residual sugar. 2002 Rosenblum Cellars Chateau Le Paws Kangaroo Cabernet Sauvignon
Three prime vineyards from different microclimates in South Australia's famed Limestone Coast Region have contributed
wines for this premium blend. Has the aromatics of black cherry with hints of currants, black cherry, mulberry and chocolate.
This is followed by a palate that is rich and very fruit forward, focusing on black fruits, exotic spices and hints of vanilla bean. 2001 Rosenblum Cellars Pickett Road Petite Sirah
A blend from two vineyards on Pickett Road in the Dry Creek Valley in Napa. 96% Petite Sirah and 4% Carignane. Aged in 60%
French Oak (70% new) and 40% American Oak (50% new). 759 cases made. Bold yet elegant with pepper, currants, blackberry
and earth tone spice in the bouquet. Flavors are of ripe dense blackberries, hints of vanilla, currants, black olives, and exotic Asian spices. Should age for twelve to twenty years.
2001 Rosenblum Cellars Rockpile Road Zinfandel
Superb, well-structured, more in a Cabernet Sauvignon style with good acidity, significant tannins, dark color, and strong fruit.
A chewy combination of blackberry, black currants, pepper, and menthol. 97% Zinfandel and 3% Petite Sirah. 2001 Vine Cliff Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
The aroma is full with ripe blackberry and cassis fruits with nuances of toast and plum jam, complimented by cedar, vanilla and
hints of toasty oak with tobacco and licorice. Aging nineteen months in French oak chateau barrels accentuates the rich and
concentrated palate of blackberry, plum and chocolate. The tannins are ripe and chewy with hits of licorice and mahogany. 2000 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon
From Washington State. Hand-harvested and hand-sorted bunches of grapes. Rich, smooth and concentrated, with layers of
black currant, blackberry, and chocolate mocha flavors with earthy and spicy tones. The finish is amazingly long and detailed,
with supple and seamless tannins. This wine is a true mix of very ripe fruit, elegance and finesse. The wine aged 23 months in 70% new French oak barrels.
April 7 to April 10, 2004
From Germany, we tasted the Dr. Burklin-Wolf, Wachenheim 2002 Riesling. From South Africa, we tasted the 2000 Avontuur Luan de Miel Chardonnay and the Slaley Shiraz 2000, a wine we haven't tasted in over a year.
From Australia, we tasted the Cockfighters Ghost 2001 Chardonnay and the 2003 Wishing Tree Shiraz. From Spain, we tasted Guelbenzu 'Azul' 2002, a Tempernillo, Cabernet and Merlot blend - a great value. And finally
this week we got to taste the wine we have been waiting two months for - the Michael and David's Earthquake 2002 Reserve Zinfandel from the 7 Deadly Zins wine maker!
March 31 to April 3, 2004
2003 Toad Hollow Estates, The Eye of the Toad
A dry rose from Sonoma County, California, from as estate owned by Rodney Strong and Todd Williams, the brother of the
famous comedian and actor Robin Williams. Made in a French style from Pinot Noir, with no residual sugar and enough acidity
not to be flabby. Most roses should be drunk within a year. "A breath of fresh air, the bright and lively '03 Toad Hollow Eye of the Toad is one of California's finest roses' dry and crisp" – Wilfred Wong.
2002 Liberty School Cabernet
The Cabernet Sauvignon fruit that composes this bottling comes from not only Paso Robles, but from other appellations in
California as well. This wine has very engaging aromas of blackberry brambles, layered with dark cherry, chocolate and cassis. On the palate, initial softness changes to a warm, supple firmness.
NV Bookwalter Lot 16
Dark in color with a sappy and fruity richness that bursts out upon entry into the mouth. Has a big cherry from 55% Merlot.
Despite the immense and forward fruit, a lightly drying tannin emerges on the finish. Very delicious and likeable. 1999 Allesverloren Shiraz
A generous, mouth-filling and intensely colored wine that shows ripe berry fruits and traces of raisin on the nose combined
with notes of black pepper, spice and wood smoke. The grapes from each block were fermented on the skins in open tanks for
five to seven days at 25°C and left on the lees for four months to impart intensity of color and flavor as well as to ensure
sufficient structure to age well. After malolactic fermentation, it was aged in small wood, using 15% new American oak, 35% second-fill French oak and the balance third-fill French oak.
2002 Wishing Tree Syrah
"The outstanding 2002 Shiraz was aged in both old wood and tank. An inky/purple color is followed by deep, sweet, chewy,
black currant and licorice-infused aromas and flavors with a hint of pepper in the background. Medium to full-bodied, with
sweet tannin, low acidity, and oodles of fruit, it's a winner! Drink it during its first 2-3 years of life. This offering is an exceptional bargain." 89 points, Wine Advocate
2002 Kaesler Stonehorse GSM
"The 2002 Stonehorse (a blend of 60% Grenache, 32% Shiraz, and 8% Mourvedre) is produced from vineyard parcels
averaging 40-70 years of age. Displaying the extraordinary structure, definition, and intensity of the 2002 vintage in Barossa, it
possesses superb blackberry and kirsch-like fruit intertwined with flower and licorice characteristics. With great purity, a rich,
medium to full-bodied style, sweet tannin, and a long, layered finish, it should drink well for 10-12 years..90-92" Wine Advocate 8/03
March 24 to March 27, 2004
2003 Huia Sauvignon Blanc
A winery that has produced top Sauvignon Blanc for three years. "Concentrated, racy and intense, packed with everchanging
notes of fruit that range from peach and melon to passion fruit, pineapple and grapefruit. The long, tangy finish reverberates across the palate long after the wine is gone." Wine Enthusiast, 91 pts. Drink within two years. Prosecco Riva della Chiasa
A crisp and delicious spumante from the region surrounding Venice. A standard afternoon pick-me-up in Italy, often mixed with white peach juice. Orange and peach, faintly sweet, with enough acidity to handle food. 2001 Siduri Estates Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
"Ripe and supple, offering layers of pretty cherry, mulberry and spice flavors that linger." Wine Spectator, 90 pts. $19 at the winery. 2001 Chateau Potelle Zinfandel Paso Robles
Rich, dense, round and ample. Loaded with fruit, this wine opens up to ripe red raspberry flavors accented nicely by a
multi-layer of spices. A gorgeous long finish speaks to the overall harmony and balance of this fine wine. $22 at the winery. 2000 Bennett Lane Syrah
Smoke, oak, and raspberry, with good density and a long fruity taste. The grapes for this wine came from the southern end of
Napa Valley, a cooler region ideally suited for growing Syrah grapes. The fruit was harvested very ripe with extended hang
time to extract mature flavors and shows firm tannins. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 19 months and only 187 cases were produced. 2000 Bennett Lane Maximus
63% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Smooth and deliciously fruity throughout. Beautifully
captures both fresh black cherries and black cherry jam. A blend of grapes from Napa vineyards located in Calistoga,
Rutherford, and Oakville. Well structured with ripe, integrated tannins that will continue rounding out for another five to eight years.
2001 Smith and Hook Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve
The 2001 Hahn wines were extraordinary, and this is the higher level Cabernet made by the same winery. The irrigation was
reduced to keep the berries smaller and the yields were reduced to below 2 tons per acre. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8%
Malbec, 3% Merlot. 65% new French oak. Black color with deep flavors of black currants on the nose. In the mouth, currants, black cherry, and oak are framed by smooth ripe tannins. Finishes with grapey blueberry and chocolate.
March 17 to March 20, 2004
1996 Duval Leroy Champagne
Honey and lemon citrus, with smooth rather than sharp acidity. Most 1996 champagnes have firm and edgy acidity that
requires more time to round and integrate, but not this one. The best part now is the aftertaste – long, elegant, smooth,
complex, and surprisingly powerful. Very appealing, well liked by novices and experts alike, and modestly priced for vintage champagne. Wine Spectator 94. 2002 Verget Chablis Cuvee de la Butte
Excellent white Burgundy from the best vintage since 1996. "Huge richness can be discerned in the thyme and liquid
mineral-scented 2002. A wine of great breadth, amplitude, and power. It is lush, structured, and reveals outstanding
grip. Spices, stones, and pears can be found throughout its extensive character. Projected maturity: 2006.-2012." Wine Advocate, 91 pts. 1999 Marques de Grinon Syrah
A huge Syrah from Spain with lots of ripe, sweet fruit and notes of spice and leather. Yet polished and elegant with deep
aromas of ripe fruits, soft tannins, and a long, luscious finish. Wine Spectator 92. 1999 Kestrel Syrah
The clear winner in a double blind tasting of Syrahs from all around the world. Double Gold North West Wine Press.
Washington Enological Society wine of the year. Combines great fruit and lush texture with enough acidity and tannins to frame the wine. Features blackberry, cassis, plums, and pepper. Great anytime through 2007. 1997 Tatachilla Foundation Shiraz
The flagship of Tatachilla. Individually selected fruit from low yielding Shiraz vineyards in McLaren Vale, vinified in open
fermentors, then aged in American and French oak for 16-18 months. Only the best barrels of wine are used here. A bouquet of
up front Shiraz fruit exhibiting plum and spice characters combines magnificently with the rich new oak and hints of chocolate
and earth. The mouthfeel is both velvety and weighty. Rich plum fruit, coconut oak and fine grain tannins produce a long lived wine that takes about 8 years to peak.
1999 Marques de Grinon Cabernet Sauvignon
This thick, jammy red shows meat and chocolate flavors, notes of candied black cherry, and firm but well integrated tannins.
Finishes strong with a long, satisfying finish. Wine Spectator 92. 1998 Chateau St. Georges Trilogie
The top wine of this Bordeaux estate, made only from the finest lots of Merlot and 100% new French oak. Very dark with a
dense black cherry and blueberry flavor, tobacco, and chocolate. Structured by tannins that are ripe but drying and
aggressive. Not your lush or soft Merlot. Needs more years to tame the tannins and release the fruit, but will richly reward patience. 2000 Chateau St. Georges Trilogie
Very deep and intensely flavored in the mouth with vanilla undertones. Instead of the red and black cherry typical for merlot,
the wine features cassis and chocolate. Dusty and dry on the finish, with noticeable tannin, yet smooth. An excellent example of a Merlot that is well defined, well structured, and intense, without any greenness or overripeness.
March 10 to March 13, 2004
2002 Lange, Pinot Gris
A classic Pinot Grigio style, fresh and bright. Cold fermented in stainless steel tanks for ten months before bottling, and drinks
well soon afterwards. The bouquet shows rich fruits of ripe pears and apples, while lush passionfruit and citrus layer the palate. Outstanding complexity with an even balance between structure and fruit.
2001 Archery Summit Pinot Noir, Premier Cuvee
This blend is from the best blocks and most mature vines. After extended hang time, the harvested grapes were hand sorted
and fermented with 35% whole clusters using only indigenous yeast, controlled temperatures and manual punch downs. Aged
in 83% new French oak for 10 months, the wine is moved entirely by gravity to preserve its subtlety and is bottled without
filtration. With flavors of black cherry compote, brown sugar, cigar box, mocha and meat, the wine has a mid palate with velvety tannins and nuances of exotic spice. Forward and layered, ready now but ageable.
NV Bookwalter Lot 16
A blend of 55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Malbec. Merlot is the dominate flavor. The
wine starts with very dense and saturated aromas of bitter sweet chocolate, anise, blackberry and spices. Broad flavors of ripe
plums, figs, blackberries, and mocha, with a mouth coating, lingering finish. Lot 15 of this series was dark, rich, deep, fruity, and forward, and a great value.
2000 Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon
The first wines made here with the guidance of Zelma Long. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot.
Elegant, enjoyable young, yet ageable for 8 to 10 years. Exhibits aromas of sweet spices, mocha, and blackberry liqueur. Rich
flavors blackberry, cassis, licorice and tobacco are followed by a long and seamless finish. The grapes were hand harvested and sorted and selected before crushing , with primary fermentation in new French oak barrels.
2000 Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah
Deep and concentrated with exotic spice aromas heightened by a hint of white pepper; generous, ripe plum, currant, and blackberry flavors with a great finish.
2000 Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon
Blended from selected vineyards emphasizing good fruit and supple structure, with some Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Utilizes
entirely free-run juice. Aged in French and American Oak for about 18 months. "Ruby-red. Black cherry, cassis, mocha, game,
leather and tar on the nose. Silky-sweet and nicely concentrated, with rather sauvage but ripe berry and game flavors. Nicely
spreading finish features ripe, sweet tannins and hints of minerals and Cuban tobacco. This offers very good verve and length." Steve Tanzer 2000 Preston Cabernet Reserve
This Reserve is comprised of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. It was aged in new American oak
barrels for 17 months. The blending of grapes makes the wine smooth yet full-bodied with generous fruit flavors.
March 3 to March 6, 2004
2002 Evans and Tate White Blend
Blend of Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc. The Semillion adds a heavier body and peach-fig richness. The Sauvignon Blanc contributes citrus and grapefruit, which is most noticeable on the finish.
2002 La Cappuccina "San Brizio" Soave
Creamy nose, citrus and apple, finishes with a razor acidity that goes well with food and leaves the mouth refreshed. 2000 Henry Lagarde Malbec
Good density and grip, with coffee and boysenberry. Argentina grows the best Malbec in the world, with more fruit and smoothness than the French versions.
2001 Michael and David, Windmill Estates Old Vines Zinfandel
Heady with the aromas of ripe, soft, brambly blackberries, Bing cherries and vanilla, leading to a full-mouth feel with rich chewy tannins and hints of dark chocolate.
2001 Evans and Tate Shiraz
Stong color; spice, black cherry and licorice aromas lead into a spicy, cedary medium-bodied palate, with considerable
elegance. 1999 Hanenhof Red Blend
A Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with flavors of black currants, coffee, chocolate, and wood. NV HRM Rex Goliath Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon
From grapes grown in Mendocino County, California. Dark and intense in color. Generous fruity nose with caramel and coffee.
Well integrated and smooth but still structured and concentrated. Hints of cedar and oak, with layers of raspberry, plum,
mocha, and currant. Firm tannins with big fruit flavors lead to a lengthy and persistent finish. Came in second in a double blind
tasting of 10 Cabernet Sauvignons from California, Washington, Chile, South Africa, and Australia, vying against others over $50 a bottle.
February 25 to February 28, 2004
Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserve
Intense ruby red, with aromas of berries, coffee, spices, pepper. Round, rich in alcohol, with soft, sweet tannins. A long-lasting wine, memorable, elegant, with great body.
Rincon Privado Malbec
Complex with dark ruby hue. Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Baronne Vincent 2001
Big wine, but so refined and sleek, it comes across as delicate on the palate. Plenty of finely tuned oak, with chocolate and
mocha aromas that blend into the sweet red and blackberry to produce a classy and satiny wine that is surprisingly aristocratic for this appellation. Like a charming red Burgundy from Chambolle-Musigny.
Earthquake Zin 2001
Groundshaking Zinfandel fruit awakens the nose with dried plum and deep cocoa. Brambley blackberry and rich cocoa
balance out the bold tannins, leaving the mouth with a warm lasting finish. Les Brulieres de Beychevelle 2000
Les Brulieres de Beychevelle is a haut medoc from a property owned by Chateau Beychevelle that is situated just west of the
St. Julien border. Beychevelle charm coupled with western haut medoc backwoodsyness. Fine combo of patrician eloquence
and plebian directness. Fine, solid build. Good and ripe tannins. Perfectly balanced.
February 18 to February 21, 2004 This week we tasted estate bottled wines from Italy that are hard to find in retail and represent great values. The
wines were from the portfoloio of Wines 4 Everyone. Guest speakers Dr. Herb Moselle and James Laughren presented the wines.
February 11 to February 14, 2004
This week we had another "Blind Tasting" - South Africa vs. the World. Five years ago, with Mr. Neil
Strachan, we found a way to prove to everyone just how well the South African wines fare against the other fine wines of the world. This is the sixth year that we have hosted this event and it has become one of the most
popular wine tastings at the Best Cellar. You decide which wine is the best by scoring each set. We total the points to see which wine you picked as the best from each set of two wines that you tasted side by side blind.
February 4 to February 6, 2004
2002 Frattina Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio with decent concentration. The nose is very floral and the body shows no thinness. Refreshing acidity, strong peach flavors, and a long aftertaste.
NV Belvedere Estate, Jest Red
This non-vintage wine cunningly mixes odd lots and leftover barrels - "orphans," as winemaker Bob Bertheau describes them.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir. Syrah and Zinfandel are all present, drawn from 550 acres in
Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Dark, smooth and sweetly scented with violets and blueberries, it is a pretty, juicy bottle of ripe berries and plums. Smooth and succulent, it rolls into a satiny, lip-licking finish.
2001 Roseblum Rockpile Road Zinfandel
Century old vines, hand harvested grapes, aged in American and French oak barrels. The result is concentrated, complex, and
well structured. Tannin from grape skins and new oak gives the wine firmness, makes the wine less grapey, and adds a vanilla
component. The concentration edges the flavor toward chocolate and spice . A good acidity makes the wine juicy in the
mouth and pushes the fruit toward blackberry and cassis, complemented by plum, cherry, and raspberry. The mouth feel is rich and creamy.
2001 Marques de Casa Concha 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Exceptional Value - Marcello Papa makes this wine from a sector of the same vineyard where Don Melchor grows, and in
2001, he has made the best Marques Cabernet yet. The wine's strawberry and cassis flavors fill out a voluptuous texture, their freshness and juicy richness balancing the ripe tannins." 91 pts, Wine & Spirits
2001 Los Vientos Vineyards, Eolo
A Tannat Reserve from Uruguay, which is one of the few countries outside France that is focusing on producing wine from
Tannat. In South France, Tannat is famous for making black, acidic, and tannic wines that are earthy, rustic, alcoholic,
long-lived, and tough and austere when young. The Uruguayan versions are more polished, softer, and approachable, while married to the meaty, smoky, plumy flavors characteristic of the Tannat variety. 2001 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Baronne Vincent
Combines the complexity one hopes for from a blend of grapes with an enticing nose, smooth texture, and tasty fruitiness. Will
keep well while being drinkable now. An excellent and affordable introduction to wines from this famous Rhone region. Unlike
many wines from here, this one does not require aging to smooth out rough tannins and tart acidity. Was also excellent in the 2000 vintage. NV Los Vientos Vineyards, Alcyone
A unique fortified wine made from Tannat grapes and Grappa, that is amazingly chocolaty. Resembles Wild African Cream and
Bailey's Irish Cream, but is less alcoholic and less milky. 16% alcohol. 500ml.
January 28 to January 31, 2004
2001 Chateau de Campuget Viognier
The 2001 is the finest Viognier de Campuget I have tasted. White peaches burst from the glass of this boisterous wine. It is
produced from yields below 40 hectoliters per hectare. It coats the palate with waves of plump apricots, juicy peaches, and
spices. This plump, thick, medium-bodied wine is crammed with fruit, well-balanced, and an ideal aperitif. Drink it over the next 12 months. Rating: 89 points
2002 Domaine de Pouy Cotes de Gascogne
One of my favorite dry, guzzling whites is this tank-fermented and aged cuvee fashioned from primarily Ugni Blanc with a slug
of Petit Gros Manseng included in the blend. In the past, it was all citrus/grapefruit notes, but the 2002 exhibits tremendous
freshness along with more texture than previous renditions. Layers of flavor are present, most notably lime, lemon, and orange
peel. This one of the country's finest values in dry white wines. There's just one hitch ... be sure and drink it during its first 8-12 months of life. Rating: 88 points
2001 Domaine Santa Duc Cotes du Rhone les Quatres Terres
The 2001 Cotes du Rhone Les Quatres Terres is terrific. Produced from a vineyard planted just outside the Gigondas border, it
is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a
bouquet of sweet blackberries, blueberries, and cherries, a superb texture, a plush, full-bodied palate, and a long, supple finish. Rating: 90 points 2001 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas
The dense purple-colored 2001 Gigondas (75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 5% miscellaneous grapes) exhibits
blackberry and cassis fruit, firm tannin, good acidity, and a big, concentrated finish. Muscular, dense, and moderately tannic, it will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. Rating: (90-92) points
2001 Mas des Aveylans VDP du Gard Syrah
Wow! A stunning wine from 2001 (a great vintage in the southern Rhone), this 100% Syrah cuvee (aged 12 months in both
new and one-year old oak barrels) tastes like a mini-Guigal Cote Rotie La Landonne. Aromas of scorched earth, bacon, creme
de cassis, blackberries, and figs soar from the glass of this dense, ripe, medium to full-bodied effort. This terrific VDP du Gard must be tasted to be believed. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. Rating: 92 points 2001 Mas Carlot Cabernet / Syrah Vdp D Oc
Owned by the same proprietor as the well-known Mas de Bressades, Mas Carlot has produced 1,200 cases of the 2001
Cabernet/Syrah (80% Cabernet Sauvignon/20% Syrah). Aged in new as well as one-year old barrels, this 2001 exhibits an
opaque ruby/purple color in addition to dense aromas of new saddle leather, black currants, spice box, and cedar. Medium to
full-bodied, deep, layered, and impressive, with tremendous purity and overall harmony, it will drink well for 3-4 years. Rating: 90 points
2002 Mas de Guiot Grenache 40% Syrah 60% Vin de Pays du Gard
This must be one of the great unknown estates working in the Costieres de Nimes, a remarkable treasure trove for wine values.
The 2002 Vin du Pays du Gard Grenache/Syrah (there will not be a prestige cuvee in 2002) is a tank-fermented blend of 60%
Syrah and 40% Grenache. Revealing surprisingly good character for this difficult vintage, it possesses a deep ruby/purple
color in addition to a richly fruity bouquet revealing scents of licorice, black cherries, and currants. The soft finish is nicely textured. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Rating: 87 points
1999 Albert Belle Crozes Hermitage les Pierrelles
The 1999 Crozes-Hermitage Les Pierrelles (10% new oak is utilized) is a sumptuous, fleshy, dense ruby/purple-colored effort
bursting with Syrah fruit. With medium body, loads of glycerin, low acidity, and copious sweetness as well as character, this fruit bomb will drink well for 8-10 years. Rating: 90 points
January 21 to January 24, 2004
Brancott Vineyards Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 1999
Displays very well preserved fresh and distinctive Gisborne Chardonnay fruit aromas of peaches, pineapples, melon and
stonefruit, complemented with vanilla and toasty oak. Over time this wine will develop an attractive nutty complexity. Big and
rich, full and flavorsome with a balanced acidity with a "peaches and cream" texture on the finish. The palate also displays a savoury complexity from lees ageing.
Marietta Old Vine Red Lot #33
Luscious blackberry fruit is balanced by peppery spice both on the palate and aromatically. Aged in French and American oak, this wine should drink well over the next few years.
7 Deadly Zins
Seven of Lodi's best growers gave their souls and the first fruits of each of their old vine vineyards to contribute to the
layered complexity of this fanciful blend. Soft, supple pepper and licorice-clove notes merge into a sinful marriage of deep,
brambly blackberries and lustful cherries. The finish is clean on the palate with hints of rich vanilla, cocoa, and mild tannins. Kaesler Stonehorse Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre 2002
Two Hands 'Angel's Share' Shiraz 2002
Deep purple colour. Clear intense aromas of satsuma plum, black pastilles and faint garden herb. On the palate a concentrated
burst of mulberry fruit with a chocolatey, spicy edge to finish and well balanced, supportive oak. Hedges Three Vineyards 2000
A beautiful Red Mountain nose of blackberry, cassis, and plum combines with a hint of vanilla, spice, and toast. This wine is
dark colored, elegant, and deeply aromatic. Lively acids and youthful up-front tannins balance nicely with rich fruit flavor for
a long, pleasing finish. Aged for 16 months in 75% French and 25% American oak barrels (20% new oak).
January 14 to January 17, 2004
2001 Adam Riesling Reserve
Dry and tasty, with a fine lemon flavor and a good aftertaste. From the Alsace in France, which makes world-class dry and
dessert Riesling. An excellent food wine. 2002 Di Leonardo Pinot Grigio Friuli
This dry white from Northern Italy is a very refreshing style of Pinot Grigio. It offers aromas of mineral and citrus fruit, in the mouth it has a hint of spritz to give a squeaky clean finish.
1999 Barnard Griffin Cabernet Sauvignon
Blended from Columbia Valley sources, oak aged. Cherry, cassis, vanilla, chocolate and cinnamon in a drinkable but structured style. Consistent good value.
2001 Elyse Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel
An over-the-top wine that remains very attractive. Jammy red raspberry nose which follows straight into the mouth, which
adds an undercurrent of black currants and a light touch of green pepper. Medium acidity, low tannin, lavishly textured. An abiding fruit sweetness in the mouth.
2000 Castello di Lucignano, "Il Sommo"
The consensus favorite of 15 people at a blind tasting. Begins with an exciting purple/black color and a rich deep nose. The
mouth feel is velvety and filling. Shows the lushness, power, and fullness that makes Merlot a world-class grape. 2000 Chateau St. Georges
A not unpleasant stink in the nose, which did blow off. 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet, 20% Bouchet. Cassis and cherry, very
dry, tasty, with noticeable tannin in the finish. Best St. George I've had in many years. 2000 Mischa Shiraz
A smooth, balanced nose with blackberry and plum. The mouth is a luxurious combination of high acidity, medium tannins,
and rich fruit, with a smooth texture accented by new oak. Should last and improve for at least six years. Pruneau Pineau de Charentes
Sweet fortified wine from the Cognac region on the Atlantic coast of France, from cognac added to grape must not fermented. Nut and fruit flavors.
January 1 to January 3, 2004
Estrada Creek Chardonnay 2000 Napa
Butterscotch and nutmeg. Tingly and mouth coating. Clean, tasty, and well balanced. 2001 Buckley's Shiraz
Only fully ripened fruit displaying strong pepper and spice was selected for this blend. Slow, even fermentation in rotary
fermenters at about 25 degrees Celsius ensured preservation of these characters, as well as allowing a controlled extraction of
soft, rich and round flavors and firm but soft tannins. Matured for nine months in American oak. Robert Parker 89. 1999 Atalon Merlot Napa
"The 1999 Merlot Napa (4% Cabernet Sauvignon is included in the blend) is a knockout effort. It exhibits a saturated purple
color as well as a sweet perfume of black cherry liqueur, smoke, cola, and earth. The wine is lavishly fruity, medium to
full-bodied, low in acidity, pure, and sexy. It will drink beautifully for 10-12 years." 91 points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate. 1999 Sebastiani Sonoma County Merlot
The 1997 version of this Merlot was a fabulous buy that tasted more like Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot. The 1999 is 78.5%
Merlot, 11.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Unusually dark for a Merlot, with aromas of blueberry and black
cherry fruit with high tones of vanilla and char from the barrels. Delightful vanilla and mocha flavors coupled with bigger tannins and acidity, and jammier fruit. Full bodied and age-worthy. Wine Enthusiast 93.
2001 Meeker Petite Sirah, Big Brother, Dibble Vineyards
Tiny production of only 326 cases of 750mls and 30 cases of magnums. Almost impossible to find outside the winery. Intense,
peppery, dark and rich. 17-23 year old vines. Blended with a little Zinfandel. American and French oak, one-third new. Grown in the Browns Valley of the Sierra Foothills. Considered by Meeker to be one of their superstars. 2000 Chateau Potelle Syrah Paso Robles
"Impressive for its display of ripe, rich plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit. It's sharply focused, supported by firm, ripe
tannins, revealing its concentration and depth of flavor." 89 pts, Wine Spectator. Got 90 from the Wine Enthusiast. 680 cases made. 2001 Smith and Hook Cabernet Sauvignon, Grand Reserve
The 2001 Hahn wines were extraordinary, and this is the higher level Cabernet made by the same winery. The irrigation was
reduced to keep the berries smaller and the yields were reduced to below 2 tons per acre. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8%
Malbec, 3% Merlot. 65% new French oak. A well-integrated wine with enough power and structure to age gracefully. Fragrant
aromatics of cedar, cassis, olives, and raspberries. Rich and mouth-filling flavors of currant, blueberries, black cherries, and
chocolate. Deep fruit framed by lush tannins and a solid grip in the mid-palate. A bright acidity supports the fruit and enlivens the long finish.
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