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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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Wine Tasting December 27 - 30, 2006Non-Vintage Rive Della Chiesa Prosecco Brut (Italy)
Shows how good a light and refreshing wine can be. Green apple in the nose, with a cooling taste in the mouth and
delightfully smoothness. Not tart, heavy, or sweet. Likeable and swiggable.2002 Saint Hilaire Limoux Blanc de Blancs (France)
France's oldest sparkling wine, made in Southern France by monks in the Limoux region over a century before the Champagne region produced sparklers. Doesn't have the astringent acidity, lemony flavor, or yeastiness common in
Champagnes. Instead, features ripe apple and pear flavors with a softer body and texture. Robert Parker: "Probably the
least-know well-made sparkling wine of France…Made primarily from the Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Mauzac grapes, the wines are qualitatively close to a high-quality non-vintage Champagne at one-third the price."
Non-Vintage Duval Leroy Brut Champagne (France)
93 points, Wine Spectator: "Big, full-bodied bubbly featuring graphite, toast, lemon and nut aromas and flavors. It's
balanced, with an assertive finish. Will improve with a few months of cellaring. Drink now through 2009." Non-Vintage Gosset Brut Excellance Champagne (France)
At a recent tasting of 29 sparkling wines in November 2006, this was my 2nd place wine, where the top one cost over $100 per bottle. Dry and intense, yet smooth, fruity, and delicious. 92 points, Wine News
: "Rich, mature, buttery aromas of ripe apple, caramel, minerals and chalk continue to deepen with airing. Very intense flavors of peach nectar, bread dough, butter and yeast. Bright acidity heightens the snappy finish."
Jacquesson Brut Cuvee #730 Champagne (France)
60% from 2002 vintage (best since 1996), 27% from the 2001 harvest, 12% from the 2000, 1% from 1999. 50% fermented and
aged in oak cask, with 3 months lees contact. 48% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier. Made from Grand Cur and Premier Cru vineyards owned by Jacquesson. 90 points, Steve Tanzer:
"Medium straw, with a fine mousse. Fresh and assertive on the nose, with orange peel, lemon zest and crisp pear scents strongly accented by vibrant sea breeze. On
the palate the pear quality is quite intense, and the framing, lipsmacking acids give the wine a firm, brisk texture. Finishes light and graceful, on a racy citric note. A superb NV Champagne that's way too easy to drink." T
he previous #729 got 95 points in the Wine Enthusiast. 2004 Cuvelier de Los Andes Grand Vin (Argentina)
Winemaker's Notes:
Cuvelier Los Andes is part of Argentina's Clos de los Siete project, started in 1998 by a group of wealthy French investors that includes Michel Rolland, who is responsible for producing the wines. This Cuvelier los Andes
Grand Vin is a blend of 75% Malbec, 15% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Not surprisingly, the wine is a real powerhouse-dark, complex, concentrated and intense. This wine was in barrel for 11 months and is unfined and unfiltered.
2004 Bodega de Fin del Mundo Special Blend (Argentina)
Literally, winery at the end of the world. Planted only 1999 in Patagonia. One of the southernmost wineries in the world, in a
dry, irrigated area with sandy soils and constant winds requiring windbreaks to keep the vines from being uprooted by the worst storms. The Special Blend is their top wine. 40% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot.
Wine Tasting December 20 - 23, 2006
2005 Craneford Chardonnay
Winemaker's Notes: This 100% Chardonnay comes from the cool Adelaide Hills and captures the pure taste of Chardonnay,
with no new wood or malolactic fermentation. Stirring the lees for one week adds creaminess and complexity. Notes of melon, citrus and tropical fruits, balanced beautifully by acidity. 2004 Craneford Shiraz Allyson
Winemaker's Notes: Shows upfront fruit with layers of flavors that will get complex with age. Barrel fermentated and aged in
both American and French oak. Spice, earth, leather, black currant, Christmas pudding and chocolate. The wine has good
length and soft tannin throughout, is well balanced and lingers with chocolate. So easy to drink now but fine later. The previous 2003 got 89 points in the Wine Advocate. 2004 Craneford Merlot
92 points, Wine Advocate: I continue to be shocked by encounters with top-flight Merlot from Australia (it doesn't happen that often). Craneford's 2004 Merlot,
a knock-out effort from the Barossa that spent 16 months in French oak, exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to rich aromas of berry fruit, roasted coffee, chocolate, and subtle herbs. This fleshy,
voluptuously- textured, hedonistic Merlot will provide immense pleasure over the next 5-6 years. 2003 Bleasdale Cabernet Sauvignon
89 pts, Wine Advocate:
"Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the dense ruby/purple-hued Cabernet Sauvignon Mulberry Tree is a nicely-textured, medium to full-bodied, elegant, rich, concentrated effort that emphasizes fruit as well as varietal
character. It spent 18 months in neutral 300 liter French and American hogsheads." 2004 Craneford Cabernet Sauvignon
91 pts, Wine Advocate
: "The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, aged primarily in small new French oak) offers superb flavor purity as well as delineation. Its dense purple color is followed by sweet scents of
crème de cassis and licorice. A big, rich Cabernet with no hard edges, it should age for a decade, but is probably best consumed during its first 5-7 years of life."
Wine Tasting December 13 - 16, 2006 - Ultimate Wine Tasting # 14
2005 Hundred Acre Layer Cake Shiraz (Australia)
Winemaker's Notes: This inaugural release comes from Jayson Woodbridge, producer of the cult-status Hundred Acre
Cabernet from Napa Valley. It is a pure-pleasure Shiraz, one that is rich, complex and loaded with black raspberry flavor. The
wine's intensity can be attributed to the grapes, which are from low-yield, dry-climate vineyards. A hint of gentle French oak binds it all together.2003 Jacobs Creek Shiraz Reserve (Australia)
91 points,
Wine Spectator: "Thick, with a layer of black pepper over a mouthfilling gob of black cherry and licorice that cries
out for grilled red meat. Drinkable now, better with some age. Best from 2008 through 2013. Smart Buy." The 1997 version of
this wine repeatedly beat wines costing three times as much in tastings. This great value Jacobs Creek reliably improves in the bottle for about 5 years. A huge leap over the non-reserve of Jacobs Creek.
2004 Terraces Zinfandel (California)
One of the best makers of Zinfandel in California. Concentrated, complex, and well-defined flavors, that avoid any hint of
raisin, sweetness, or overripeness. Like many of the best wines, the flavors spike upon swallowing. The tannins are soft in
texture, the acids are refreshing, and the tannins become more noticeable and drying on the finish. Dependably excellent every vintage. Previous vintages were rated up to 93 points in the Wine Advocate.
2003 Pirramimma Shiraz (Australia)
92 points, Wine Spectator: "Rich and generous, a lavish mouthful of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cherry, and peppermint
aromas and flavors tinged by hints of sassafras and pepper as the finish sails on and on." This wine has been excellent for every vintage since at least 1998. Ages slowly and well.
2004 Redheads Studio Barrel Monkeys Shiraz (Australia)
92 points, Wine Buyer: This dark, almost opaque wine has a highly aromatic nose of sweet blackberry and plum. The
concentrated, impressive flavors include blackberry, blueberry, mocha and espresso with a lingering spicy (and slightly hot) finish. The heat comes, no doubt, from the heady 15.5% alcohol level! Winemaker's Notes:
Made by just out of college winemakers given a first chance to make their own wines. The name "barrel monkeys" comes from the job of moving around
barrels in the winery. Here the palate is bombarded with raspberry, black cherry liqueur fruit notes intermixed with spice,
small hints of white pepper and straps of licorice. The tannin structure is tightly knit, these elongated tannins which stretch heavy mid palate fruit. Smart oak management provides backstage structure/support for layers of fruit.
Wine Tasting December 7 - 9, 2006
2004 J. Wilkes Pinot Noir Solomon Hills (California)
Winemaker's Notes: Solomon Hills is planted on west facing slopes within eyesight of the Pacific Ocean. Cool breezes from
the ocean make this vineyard among the coolest climate vineyards in all of California. Deep ruby, with a nose of cherry and
black currant followed by stone fruit with hints of vanilla, smoke and mushroom. The black currant and dark stone fruit is a
perfect foil for the underlying earthy mushroom flavors. With good balance and refreshing acidity, the finish is long and silky with lots of black pepper and currant. 92 points, Wine Enthusiast:
The vines are young but promising. This low-production Pinot is dry and racy as the latest clones have given it huge, pure cherry pie, raspberry, cocoa and Fig Newton flavors. Hard to imagine a more delicious young Pinot. 2003 La Playa Cabernet Sauvignong Block Selection (Chile)
A wine that fulfills the potential of Chile to be a great source of value wines, with its favorable climate and low cost of
production. Dark, dense, fruity, and tannic. Still has a youthful grapiness. Not marred with the greenness common in the lower priced reds. Gets even better as it sits in the open bottle for days.
2002 La Playa Axel Primero (Chile)
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Syrah, 5% Camenere. A complex and tasty blend, made from a selection
of the finest barrels of each grape. The nose features plum and cherry, with the sweet spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, and
the tannic aroma of black tea. Both concentrated and well balanced, with rounder tannins than the Axel Cabernet Sauvignon. The finish is long, smooth, and pleasant. 2004 La Playa Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest (Chile)
A more than decent rendention of a Barsac sauterne from France. Rooted in a sprightly acidity that balances the sweetness.
Honey, pineapple, and apple, verging on apricot and raisin. Will get even better with time. Will be great if it develops some citric flavors.
Wine Tasting November 29 - December 2, 2006
2005 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
Pale in color and light bodied, but intensely flavored. Has a delightful herbaceous nuance typical for New Zealand, with a
complex fruit blend of citrus, grapefruit, and gooseberry. Firm, cleaning acidity with a strong, pungent drive.2001 Castello di Lucignano Il Summo (Italy)
100% Merlot from the best parcels of this winery. Aged in new French oak. At a great closeout price. 1999 San Vincente Select Especial (Spain)
Tempranillo from Rioja. 92 points, Wine Advocate
: The dense, hedonistic, jammy 1999 boasts loads of fruit and glycerin, as well as additional ripeness, volume, fat, and depth. Displaying the same black currant, jammy cherry fruit, and copious toasty
new oak characteristics, it will provide enjoyment during its first decade of life. 2002 Stratton Lummis (California)
WineExpress.com:
Cabernet Sauvignon blended from Oakville District fruit, with its muscular, black currant character, combined with spicy, herbaceous grape lots from the famous Rutherford Bench. The wine takes on a multi-faceted quality,
which unfolds in the glass, as layer on layer of ripe flavors are revealed. A label that focuses on French style Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, combined with California fruitiness and ripeness.
Wine Tasting November 15 - 18, 20062000 Rotllan Torra Reserva (Spain)
Winemaker's Notes:
50% Garnacha, 25% Carignan, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alluvial slate soil. Excellent purity and length, with raspberry and currants flavors. 24 months in oak barrels.2002 La Playa Axel Primero (Chile)
Axel is a new higher-end series named after the Alexsen family from California (originally Denmark) that founded and owns La Playa. Winemaker's Notes:
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Syrah, 5% Carmenère. Selected from the finest barrels of each varietal. On the nose there are hints of red cherries and ripe plums, along with notes of nutmeg,
tobacco, tea and cinnamon. In the mouth, it has delicious concentration and balance, supported by round tannins. Tasty, and flavorsome, it recalls fruits and sweet spices, with a lengthy and pleasant smooth finish.
2003 La Playa Axel Syrah (Chile)
Winemaker's Notes: 90% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 year old vines, fermented in stainless steel, aged in oak.
On the nose, it is an attractive and complex mixture of blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, together with hints of spices;
well supported by notes of tobacco, chocolate and vanilla. Pleasant yet potent in the mouth, offering a very good structure
with ripe tannins and an appealing freshness. Full fruit flavors lead to the finish with soft notes of chocolate, vanilla and smoke. 2002 Grant Burge Holy Trinity (Australia)
An Australian version of a three-grape blend made famous by the Southern Rhone region of France. 39% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 25% Mouvedre. 94 points, James Halliday (Australia's foremost wine critic): "
Bright, clear red; fragrant and fresh; elegant, spicy red fruits; fine tannins." 94 points, Ray Jordan, The West Australian: "Lovely effortless palate delivery with a
silky texture, fine tannins and sustained palate. It's medium bodied but powerful with a delightful savory spiciness. The best yet under this label." 2003 La Playa Axel Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
Very youthful, fruity, firm, and long. Manages to remain fruity throughout the tannic and dry finish. 92 points, Wine Enthusiast:
The surprise of the moment from Chile has to be this full-throttle keg of dynamite Cabernet. It's a cellar wannabe
with credentials. First off, it's brilliantly ripe, with forceful black cherry, cinnamon and wood spice on the palate. Huge tannins, poking acids and a couple of floors worth of depth make it praiseworthy.
Wine Tasting November 8 - 11, 2006
2005 Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
91 points, Wine Spectator:
"Lively, fragrant and surprisingly ripe in flavor, balancing its tart structure with generous guava, grapefruit and nectarine aromas and flavors, which persist beautifully on the long, open-textured finish. Drink now."2001 Vina Mambrilla Alidis Crianza (Spain)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Cherry red color with purplish nuances and a hint of brick red in its robe. Clean, Strong and
complex in the nose with a perfect balance between the fruit and the spiced sensations produced by ageing in the oak. It has
backbone and resistance on the palate. Fine tannins highlight its balance and roundness. Its retronasal aromas are both sumptuous and elegant. 2004 Terraces Zinfandel (California)
From the hills above east Rutherford. Features concentrated flavor, fine complexity, great clarity, and excellent structure and
balance. Berry and clove aromas lead to a full body with soft tannins. 7% Petite Sirah is added for additional structure and grip. Aged in both French and American oak of which 35% is new. 685 cases produced.
2003 Vina Mambrilla Alidis Expression (Spain)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Sleek and well-structured, in the international style, with ripe fruit flavors of black cherry and
blackberry, complemented by vanilla oak, floral and mineral notes. It's plush yet fresh, with ripe tannins and excellent balance. Drink now through 2012. 560 cases made.
Ultimate Wine Tasting # 12 - November 1 - 4, 20062004 Napa Cellars Chardonnay (California)
Napa Cellars is a second label of Rombauer. Classic, fine California Chardonnay – oaky, buttery, toasty, butterscotch, with a smooth mouth feel. 2004 Ancien Pinot Noir Russian River (California)
Winemaker's Notes: Blended from two vineyards, both with sandy loam soil. 50% new French oak. 290 cases produced.
Lively and lush up front fruit with sweet cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranite, followed by layers of red licorice,
toast, pepper and baking spices. Velvety texture with lush sweet cherry/strawberry fruit and spice echoing on the palate in a
long, lingering finish with bright acidity. Hedonistic in the Russian River tradition! Drinks well at release or will age 4 – 6 years. 2002 Gordon Brothers Syrah (Washington)
2006 World Wine winner as best Syrah, picked by Britain's foremost wine magazine (Decanter), based on a series of blind
tastings by teams of experts. "Minerally, vanilla, blackcherry, and black currant. Well extracted sweet, juicy fruit, full on the palate. Well balanced, good length." 2004 Elyse Petite Sirah Rutherford (California)
Winemaker's Notes: "A wine whose deep, dark purple/black color honestly reflects its intensity and concentration of flavor.
It has intoxicating aromas of dark black fruit, cola, coffee, dusty earth and violets. It is immense and broad on the palate,
tasting of wild blackberries, espresso, soy sauce, bittersweet chocolate and spicy oak and vanilla. This wine is highly
extracted with lengthy tannins and a long pleasing finish." Reliably demonstrates how serious and great a wine Petite Sirah can make. A good match with chocolate. 2001 Falcor Bijou Meritage (California)
Winemaker's Notes: 51% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petite Verdot. 17 months in oak barrels,
40% new French, 25% new American. 935 cases produced. Opening with aromas of tobacco, cassis, cedar, cola berries and
dusty earth, the wine is loaded with opulent blackberry and blueberry fruit, and balanced by sweet tannins and subtle new oak. Luscious and graceful, with a long finish.
2003 Veraison Synchrony Stagecoach Vineyard (California)
Winemaker's Notes: 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from the rockiest blocks in this high altitude
vineyard. Ink-like, purple-black hue: Aromas of cassis, tobacco, vanilla, coffee-liqueur and lead-pencil shavings; give way to
a smooth entry and intense flavors of dark currants, black plums, rich mocha, leather and black spice with a purity of fruit
and impressive structure; velvet tannins and a full mid-palate matches a long lingering finish. 1094 cases produced.
Wine Tasting October 25 - 28, 20062004 Fogarty Gewurztraminer (California)
92 points, Dick Scheer,, Village Corner:
"Wow! Rich and glycerined and full of gewurz fragrances. And no signs of age. One of the best of California, for sure. Total gewurz." 2003 Trentadue Old Patch Red (California)
89 points, Wine Advocate:
Zinfandel (52.5%), Carignane (14.4%), Sangiovese (20.3%), Petite Sirah (12.8%). A delicious bistro-styled red with exuberant, spicy, peppery, herbal, and black cherry and berry fruit, a soft, savory palate, lots of spice,
pepper, and depth, and no hard edges. It's a shame there are so few of this type of wine made in California. I wouldn't
discount this offering's aging potential either, as I suspect it is going to drink well for 4-5 years, possibly longer. NV Cain Cuvee (California)
Winemaker's Notes:
Blends wine from two vintages: 83% 2003, 17% 2002. Blends three grapes: 46% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc. Made to be affordable, ready to drink, bright, and silky rather than big or backward.
2002 Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvee (California)
Winemaker's Notes: 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah. Delightfully fragrant, with aromas
of cedar, vanilla and spicy oak. Features a rich and supple mouthfeel and intense, dark bing cherry flavors backed by
nuances of dried tobacco and chaparral. The finish is firmly structured, long and smooth, with lingering cocoa and cherry notes. Enjoyable now, yet improve over the next four to five years.
2002 Cloud 9 Zinfandel Seity Vineyard (California)
Winemaker's Notes: A wine with a Story. Seity is a vineyard that is a candidate for the oldest living Zinfandel vines, with
documented vines back to 1869. It also is planted on a north facing slope in the Sierra foothills, where the cooler
microclimate makes it usually the latest blooming and last harvested vineyard in Amador County. Darker and more intensely flavored, with chocolate and coffee, yet elegant. 450 cases produced.
90 points, for the later 2003 vintage, Wine Enthusiast: a dry, strongly structured, and alcoholic wine, with cherry, raspberry and cocoa fruit, and the flavor but not the sweetness of toasted pie dough and meringue.
Wine Tasting October 18 - 21, 20062004 Siegrist Chardonnay (Germany)
A very interesting and different expression of Chardonnay, from a country that was long considered too far north to make
Chardonnay worthwhile to try to grow. Has an almost Sauvignon Blanc acidity, with a palette cleansing citric taste combined
with a lightly creamy texture. Very drinkable by itself but an expecially good match to food. Comes with a glass enclosure that reseals very well and easily with a simple push down.
2005 Mark West Pinot Noir (California)
One of the best affordable introductions to what Pinot Noir is like as a wine. In a blind tasting of California versus French
Pinot Noirs, I rated a previous vintage of the Mark West third in the tasting, which made it by far the best buy. And in a
recent tasting of over 100 Pinot Noirs, the Mark West was the only Pinot Noir under $15 that I gave one star. Combines red and black cherry flavors with decent acidity, some earth and a touch of oak and tannin.
2001 Pacific Star Petite Sirah (California)
Petite Sirah is named after the small grapes, which give it a high ratio of skin to flesh, that is famous for making powerful but affordable red wine. Winemaker's Notes:
A big red wine and great alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. Striking blue-black with powerful mixed berry flavors, yet smooth. 15% Charbono. 2004 Rosenblum San Francisco Bay Zinfandel (California)
From four vineyards. 96% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah. At one time this historic winegrowing region had more vines than the
Napa Valley. As a result of this Appellation's sedimentary soil and sand, phylloxera did not devastate these marvelous old
vines. The wine shows rich, soft plum and ripe cherry flavors, with elements of earthy spice and dark chocolate. 2003 Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Winemaker's Notes:
The deep garnet color and intense aromas of the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon foreshadow the concentrated black currant, cassis and Christmas spice flavors to follow. Bright acidity and firm tannins frame the lush
texture, leading to a long ripe finish dense with cocoa and molasses flavors. Delicious upon release; optimal cellaring time 2 to 15 years.
Wine Tasting October 11-14, 2006
Guest Speaker: Saturday, Oct. 14th - Thomas Halby, Napa Winemaker & Distributor2003 Santa Alicia Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
Crisp and refreshing acidity with a grapefruit citrus flavor and a touch of green grass. Very modestly priced. 2001 Thomas Halby Chardonnay Napa (California)
Distributor's Notes:
This rich and concentrated Chardonnay offers aromas of ripe peach, pear and wildflowers with hints of vanilla, toasty oak and hazelnuts. With a multilayered creamy texture, showing a medium to full bodied flavors on the finish.
The wine tastes rich and fruity with balanced acid and a long complex finish. The generous fruit flavors remain lively through to the long finish. 2002 Thomas Halby Merlot Napa (California)
Very inexpensive for true Napa Merlot, and surprisingly deep and interesting. Has the classic Napa tasty richness, black
cherry, plum, and long finish, without being sugary, thin, flat, vegetal, or a non-descript and generic red berry. 2003 Thomas Halby Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (California)
Distributor's Notes:
Dark and rich, showing aromas and flavors of blackberry, currant, plum, vanilla and spice. The wine is well balanced, medium to full-bodied with a plush texture. It displays good backbone and structure with dusty tannins and
flavors of coffee and chocolate, that persist on the long finish. 2002 Thomas Fogarty Skyline (California)
A traditional Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, that shows how well California can make a
Bordeaux blend at a decent price. Uses grapes from Lodi, Napa, and Santa Cruz Mountains. The wine has the smooth seamlessness and balance of an aged wine with the color, freshness, and fruitiness of a young wine. Well made, with no
greenness and no tartness, and a very attractive spiciness in the middle. Has the big three of fine reds: fruit, acid, and tannin, but made delicious, approachable, and satisfying.
Wine Tasting October 4 - 7, 20062004 Domaine Pichot Vouvray (France)
Made from Chenin Blanc grapes. Flint, peach and grapefruit. A little soft and sweet on entry into the mouth, but sharpened
by lively acidity. Juicy and tasty. A perfect match with poached pear, seasoned with cinnamon, figs, raisins, and candied walnuts.2000 Querciavalle Chianti Classico (Italy)
From the cooperative that first established Chianti as a quality wine in 1870. The wines in this label are made very
traditionally, where a small amount of unfermented must from dried grapes is added to the new wine, causing a slight secondary fermentation to add freshness. Made from a blend of the characteristic Tuscan grapes of Sangiovese and
Canaiolo. The grapes are hand harvested, fermented, and gently pressed to produce the traditional hand-made wines, with intense intriguing richness and spicy aromas. 2004 Craneford Merlot (Australia)
92 points, Wine Advocate: I continue to be shocked by encounters with top-flight Merlot from Australia (it doesn't happen
that often). Craneford's 2004 Merlot, a knock-out effort from the Barossa that spent 16 months in French oak, exhibits a dark
ruby/purple color in addition to rich aromas of berry fruit, roasted coffee, chocolate, and subtle herbs. This fleshy, voluptuously-textured, hedonistic Merlot will provide immense pleasure over the next 5-6 years.
2001 La Monasesca Camerte (Italy)
A wine that has consistently rates 2 or 3 glasses in Gambero Rosso, the foremost review of Italian wines. La Monacesca
Estate is situated in the township of Matelica in the Marche region of central Italy, ranging from the coast up to the Apennines mountains. Made from 30% Merlot (cuttings from Petrus) and 70% from the rich, dark Tuscan clone of
Sangiovese13 months in new wood (Allier), 11 months in older wood. Deep rich almost impentrable color. Raspberry,
currants, dried cherries, red fruits, blackberries. Concentrated, intense, jammy. with cedar and tobacco. With bottle age the acidity and tannins become even more rounded and integrated. Only 1500 cases produced.
2004 Torbreck Struie Shiraz (Australia)
44% of the grapes comes from the Eden Valley, a high altitude vineyard 400-500 meters high, making the wine more tannic, acidic, and ageworthy.
93+? points, Josh Reynolds, International Wine Cellar: Saturated ruby-red. Deep, powerful and exotic on the nose, with explosive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, rose pastille, baking spices and cracked
pepper. Lush and velvety, the red and dark berry flavors show excellent depth and beguiling sweetness, but not at the expense of clarity. As delicious as this is right now, a few years of patience should bring even more complexity.
94 points, Wine Spectator: "Rich, with pinpoint focus and impressive depth, this one has compelling purity of plum and cherry fruit
with a rogue hint of apricot, suggesting coffee and caramel as the finish persists. Seductive now for its gorgeous flavor, it should improve with cellaring. Best after 2008.
Wine Tasting September 27 - 30, 20062005 St Clair Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
5 stars of 5, Decanter:
the only 5 star rated wine in a tasting of 126 New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs by the British wine magazine Decanter. "Fresh grass and nettles, honeysuckle note. Dry, very lively acidity, light bodied, good concentration.
Savory character to green fruit. Mouthwatering finish." The sunny, cool, maritime climate of New Zealand proved to be ideal for making world class Sauvignon Blanc.2002 Chateau Potelle Zinfandel Paso Robles (California)
Winemaker's Notes: Rich, dense, round and ample. Loaded with fruit, this wine opens up nicely to ripe red raspberry flavors
which is then accented nicely by a multi-layer of spices. It has a gorgeous long finish that speaks to the overall harmony and balance of this fine wine. Of previous 2001 vintage, 90 points, Wine Enthusiast:
Quite plush, with char, smoke, chocolate, coffee, plum, black cherry, vanilla, spice and toast flavors. The tannins are ripe and smooth, framing a full-bodied wine that offers plenty of spice and richness on the long finish. 2002 Jardin Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa)
Winemaker's Notes: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Stainless steel fermentation followed by an extended
maceration. Malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aged for 20 months in new and used French oak barrels. Deep ruby color,
huge mouth-filling flavors of blackberry, cassis, vanilla, and toastiness. Alluring in its youth but will reward cellaring. 2002 Veraison Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard (California)
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 4% Malbec. Made by the owners of the Stagecoach Vineyard,
who provide grapes for scores of famous wineries, but hold back some of the best for their own Veraison label. 94 points, Grapelive.com:
One of the best Cabernets around with amazing depth and richness with a great balance of fruit and tannins. Already drinking great and will only get deeper and more complex with age. Beautiful cassis, blackberry, currant and cherry
fruits burst on to your palate along with a sweet perfume, a chocolate-like texture and a lush creaminess. Nice hints of briar, smoke and lavender add complexity. The long finish perfectly blends spicy oak and pretty fruitiness.
Wine Tasting September 20 - 23, 20062003 Helderberg Chardonnay (South Africa)
Winemaker's Notes: a blend across vineyards with young vines 4-10 years old.
30% of the wine is barrel fermented in second fill medium toast French Oak. The other 70% is fermented in stainless steel tanks. Partial malolactic fermentation is
followed by maturation on the lees (sur lie) for a further 3 months. Pale straw/green, excellent balance between melon and
apricot flavor and well integrated subtle oak spice. Rich tropical fruit flavors with an excellent length and long creamy finish.2001 Foxcreek JSM (Australia)
About 70% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. JSM are the initials of James Stanley Malpas (born 1873) and are cut into the stone lintel above the present-day tasting room. 92+ points, Wine Spectator:
"New oak is very prominent on the nose, along with blackberries. The palate took a while to open, rich, ripe, dark fruit, primary shiraz
characters, incredibly smooth and drinkable. After a few hours in the decanter the tannins started to exert themselves, it
developed a charred oak/coffee note that is great. The best JSM since 1998." 90 points, James Halliday; 91 points, Jeremy Oliver; Trophy, Best Red Wine Blend, 2002 McLaren Vale Wine Show.
2005 Marquis Phillips Shiraz (Australia)
Importer's Notes: The wine has a sumptuous aroma revealing deep chocolate, raisins, pepper and a hint of earthiness. With
a sweet fruit and a beautiful texture, its massive structure explodes in your mouth with spicy licorice fruit flavors and a lovely
vanillan oak. In 2005, the Marquis Philips label is no longer made by Sarah and Sparky Marquis but rather Chris Ringland and Lisa Weatherell. 2005 Marquis Phillips Sarah's Blend (Australia)
Importer's Notes: A blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is deep ruby/purple in color with medium-full body,
moderate acidity and soft, ripe tannins. This bold red offers rich aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, plum, fig,
licorice, vanilla and spice. Aged in French and American oak, it is nicely balanced to enjoy now and over the next 7-8 years. Rich flavors linger on the finish. 2004 Oliver Hill Jimmy's Section Shiraz (Australia)
Made from a small 5 acre plot with 30 year old vines, that has never received less that 93 points in the Wine Advocate - 95 points, Wine Advocate
: "The outstanding 2004 Shiraz Jimmy Section (100% Shiraz aged in French oak, of which one-third was new) exhibits a big, sweet nose of blackberries, licorice, pepper, and flowers. Its a stacked and packed, opulent,
moderately tannic effort with superb density and richness as well as a multidimensional mouthfeel and persistent finish. It should age beautifully for 10-15 years."
Wine Tasting September 13 - 16, 20062002 Paraiso Pinot Noir Santa Lucia (California)
87 points, Wine Enthusiast:
Showing plenty of Santa Lucia character in the well-ripened black cherry fruit flavors and sturdy structure, Paraiso's Pinot also has an elegance that makes it immediately drinkable. It's dry, but there's an impression of
sweetness from toasty oak and ripe fruit that's irresistibly tasty.2003 Three Saints Pinot Noir (California)
Winemaker's Notes:
This wine is medium dark ruby in color. Spicy, forward bing cherry and dark cherry aromas with a touch of oak and hints of violets. The wine is medium bodied with similar concentrated bing cherry flavors on the palate, accented
by some notes of thyme and sage with balanced tannins and a rich finish. Of previous 2002 vintage, 88 points, Wine Enthusiast
: Dark and earthy in its youth, showing tomato and dried spice aromas, and pretty closed and tannic. But there's a big core of cherry and mocha fruit deep inside, and the wine feels rich and balanced. Decant, or age for a few years.
2002 Culraithin Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa)
Black in color with a deep purple tone. Heavy black currants, blackberries, and blueberry liqueur. The tannins and acidity
are ripe and smooth, giving the dense wine a velvety texture without being astringent. Held for six days in an open bottle without becoming oxidized. Could pass for a California syrah made by Rosenblum. 89+ points, Wine Advocate
: "A muscular, mouth-staining wine, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon would benefit from cellaring. Its demure aromatic profile reveals brooding
black fruits. On the palate, this behemoth is an infant. Huge quantities of blackcurrants, roasted blackberries, and spices can be discerned in its concentrated, tight, as well as firm personality. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016."
2001 Culraithin Merlot (South Africa)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Cassis liqueur and candied blackberries can be found in the aromatics of the 2001 Merlot. Broad,
ample, and sumptuous, it is a hedonist's dream. Its sexy, decadent layers of sweet red cherries, blackberries, mocha, and
spices slather the taster's palate. A concentrated, edge-free wine, it possesses a long fruit-filled finish that revealed a trace of warmth from alcohol. Drink now through 2011.
2003 Barnard Griffin Syrah Handcrafted Selection (Washington)
Walks a tightrope between lush richness and refreshing blackberry acidity that is a common signature for Syrah from the
Pacific Northwest. Very dark in color and thickly fruity, yet soft and lush in the mouth, with a lightly drying finish.
Wonderfully likeable and yet serious. The "Handcrafted" is this winery's reserve, and has been superb for the last three vintages. Winemaker's Notes:
This Syrah is absolutely huge in its various dimensions. The aromas are very varietal and very ripe with a background not of toasted French oak. Scents of dark fruits, cassis and violets are dominant. The flavors are
rich and almost sweet on the palate following through with the dark fruit theme. The extreme ripeness of the fruit yielded a higher that usual alcohol which helps contain the enormity of the flavors. Only 600 cases produced.
Gold Medal (Best of Class) 2005 L.A. County Fair Wine Competition.
Wine Tasting September 6 - 9, 20062005 Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
Lime, gooseberry, grapefruit, and light grass. One of the most dependably superb Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand in the last five years. The 2003 was the consensus favorite of a local tasting with eight other red wines.
The 2004 release was awarded double gold and the trophy for Best White Wine at the 2005 San Francisco International Wine Competition, dominating much more expensive and famous chardonnays.
2002 Kumkani Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa)
25% Cabernet. A wine that is ripe and intense but has ample refreshing acidity. Very good value, with dark fruit, accents of
smoke and earth, and a generous, supple feel. A Best Buy in the Wine Enthusiast. 2001 Foxcreek JSM (Australia)
International Wine Cellar:
Deep, dark red with a ruby edge. Dusty, clove-like fragrance of violet, cassis and dark cherry, with sweet oak notes of vanilla and chocolate. Medium-full in weight, with a smooth, creamy palate featuring musky, spicy
cassis, raspberry and mulberry flavors framed by fine, supple tannins. The oak is assertive but nicely integrated, while the fruit carries a hint of meaty, curranty super-ripeness.
2003 Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve (California)
A dependable benchmark for California Cabernet in the $20 range, and the 2003 is another in a remarkable string of vintages
– strong fruity, good acidity, and a very long aftertaste. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc.
The first vintage since 1997 that virtually all of the fruit was good enough for the reserve bottling. Plum, cocoa, and cassis. Double Gold winner, 2006 West Coast Wine Competition.
2003 Enrico Pierazzuoli Gioveto (Italy)
60 percent Sangiovese, 20 percent Syrah, and 20 percent Merlot. The color is deep red, with a very fruity nose of red and
black berries. Spice, chocolate, and forward fruit in the mouth come through the supple tannins. Delicious.
Wine Tasting August 30 - September 2, 20062005 Frattina Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Consistently one of the tastier and mouth-filling Pinot Grigios, loaded with apple flavors combined with hints of honey, nut, and quince. Much better than the more common mild and simple Pinot Grigios.
2003 Baron Vincent Chateauneuf-du-Pape (France)
A ruby color with a tinge of orange on the edge. Aging faster than the 2000 and 2001. Clear flavors of cherry with a touch of
underbrush and strawberry. Firm but ripe tannins keep the finish dry. Very affordable for wines from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Past vintages matched well with food.
2002 Southern Sisters Southern Roo Cabernet/Shiraz (Australia)
Freshly opened, this wine still had a touch of youthful grapiness which disappeared the next day from the open bottle.
Delicious fruit along with a body and texture that got smoother and more seamless as the wine sat longer in the glass. When
first released, the 15% Shiraz dominated the 85% Cabernet. But now the Cabernet structure and black currant flavor is more
apparent, along side the Shiraz raspberry fruit with a touch of smoky meatiness. Even better than it was when released, and close to its peak in quality. 2001 Uvada Merlot (California)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Flashy and flamboyant, this Merlot seduces with scads of toasty oak in keeping with the size of
the blackberry, cherry and cocoa fruit. The tannins are soft and sweet, the finish elegant. If it was any softer, it would collapse, but the acids and tannins work.
2003 Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale (Australia)
Of the previous 2002 vintage - 94 points, James Halliday (Australia's foremost wine critic), Australian Wine Companion: "
On the mark from the first whiff; nigh-on perfect balance of cabernet fruit, tannins and oak; long and harmonious." The
1998 version of this wine proved to be an outstanding wine, near black in color, firmly tannic, and dry, with ample black
currants and no jammy sweetness, that has steadily improved in the bottle. 100% Cabernet, grown on its own rootstock as opposed to grafted on American rootstock. Aged two years in oak barrels, 60% new American.
2003 Pirramimma Petite Verdot (Australia)
94 points, James Halliday Australian Wine Companion: "Cedar, cigar box, black fruits and earth; hyper-concentrated and
powerful, reflecting both the 20-year-old vines and the vintage." Petite Verdot is named for the small size of its grapes which,
among red wines, is a highly desirable trait because smaller berries have a high ratio of skin to flesh and the skin is where
most of the color and flavors originate. However, Petite Verdot is one of the few grapes where the color goes through the
flesh, making it an even greater grape for adding a deeply dark color to wines. Hence it is highly prized in Bordeaux blends.
Pirramimma has the largest and the oldest vineyard devoted to Petite Verdot in Australia, and produces this famous and
relatively rare bottling of all Petite Verdot. The superb 1998 was the last opportunity I had to taste this wine, but which was available only briefly. 2003 Henry's Drive Shiraz
94 points, Wine Advocate:
The 2003 Shiraz is a full-bodied, opulently-styled red that smells of creme de cassis and blackberry liqueur intermixed with smoky meats, espresso roast, jammy black fruits, licorice, earth, and toasty new oak. It
should evolve nicely for a decade or more. .
Wine Tasting August 23 - 26, 2006
2004 Hahn Chardonnay (California)
Consistently an amazing value. A wine that gets the same treatment as Chardonnays costing $25 and up in California – new
oak, extended lees contact, barrel aged – that is rich and balanced, with lemon acidity, vanilla and honeysuckle, a lusher texture, and pineapple and butterscotch.2004 Hahn Merlot (California)
At the Monterey Wine Festival, this modestly priced Merlot, tasted blind with many more expensive wines, was voted by
the judges as the best red wine, over complex and elegant Pinot Noirs and brawny Cabernet Sauvignons. Most Merlots at
his price have only a generic red berry flavor, but this one shows a fullness of flavor, with earth, tannin, and black and red cherry. 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. 65% new French oak.
2002 Southern Sisters Southern Roo Cabernet/Shiraz (Australia)
Freshly opened, this wine still had a touch of youthful grapiness mixed with delicious fruit and a body and texture that got
smoother and more seamless as the wine sat longer in the glass. The Cabernet adds structure and a black currant flavor, and
the Shiraz adds raspberry fruit and a smoky meatiness. Even better than it was when released, and close to its peak in quality. 2005 Windmill Zinfandel (California)
Consistently one of the best value Zinfandels from California, that delivers a delicious and rich fruit with red raspberry,
blueberry, and plums, with floral and cocoa components, without being raisiny, overripe, thick, and overwhelming. Has been
improving after being bottled, picking up additional body and weight. A benchmark to compare to the many more expensive Zinfandels, to judge whether they are really worth the extra cost.
2004 Earthquake Zinfandel (California)
A corpulent and brassy Zinfandel that has no fear of being enormously everything – ripe, alcoholic, full-bodied, sweet, and
fruity. Gladly sacrifices acidity and tannin at the altar of richness. A Mae West style wine that asks whether you really are ready - for the Big One. 2003 Peju Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
The 2001 and 2002 versions of this wine got 91 and 92 points from the Wine Enthusiast. Winemaker's Notes: The wine has
deep, red cherry and raspberry hues, with shades of purple. Aromas of bing cherry, vanilla, clove, blackberry, black pepper,
creme de cassis, toast, roasted coffee, fresh herbs and green olive. On the palate it's big, rich and round followed by a very
good length on the finish. It displays flavors of black cherry, raspberry accented with toast and campfire notes. It has a nice
richness, and a lively acidity. Displays a soft supple texture with nicely integrated barrel tannins prolonging the length of the finish. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot. 35% new oak.
2004 Marquis Phillips Shiraz #9 (Australia)
A tour de force that is impenetrably dark, with a viscous texture that coats everything it touches from the bottom of the cork
and sides of a glass to teeth and tongue. Perfumed with vanilla bean. Oozes black currants and blackberries. The fruit
overwhelms the acids and tannins initially, but there is a structure underneath all that richness that reveals itself in the far finish after you swallow. 85% new American oak. 92 points in both the Wine Advocate and
International Wine Cellar
Wine Tasting August 16 - 18, 20062005 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc (California)
Winemaker's Notes:
A blend from three distinct vineyards in the Napa Valley, selected to make a style that is full, ripe and
fleshy on the palette. The finish is bright and crisp. There are hints of herbal, melon, and citrus aromas, followed by tropical fruit, grapefruit and mineral flavors.2002 Montes Cabernet Carmenere (Chile)
88 points, Wine Enthusiast: Fairly refined and classy for the price. There's spice and herbal qualities courtesy of the
Carmenère (30%), and full-fledged berry fruit and size from the Cabernet (70%). It goes the distance and comes across as harmonious. 2003 Santa Ema Cabernet-Merlot (Chile)
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Hand harvested, fermented in stainless steel, 5 months in American oak. 89 points, Wine Enthusiast:
A Cab/Merlot blend that's ripe and alluring, with easygoing but still power-packed aromatics. Flavors of cassis, black cherry and raisin are full-bore, and the chocolaty finish scores. Balanced and correct.
2002 Stratton Lummis Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
A label produced by Row Eleven for marketing Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, that includes only one wine that is meant to be
one of the most affordable wines from Oakville and Rutherford, and not meant to be a heavy and overpowering wine. Gold Medals - 2005 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and 2005 Los Angeles County Fair Wines of the World
Competition. Winemaker's Notes: Blended from an Oakville and Rutherford vineyard to feature black currants and a chocolate taste that is both rich and elegant. 87 points, Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines: Slightly herbal and
woodsy, but plentiful oak steps in as sweetening agent and lends a real sense of richness throughout the wine's length.
Ripeness adds both a touch of chocolate and the bite of heat to the mix, but if just a shade short on extract, the wine gets the nod as a good foil for grilled steaks.2002 Santa Ema Catalina (Chile)
70% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Merlot; 15% Cabernet Franc. Hand harvested, fermented in stainless steel, 12 months in French oak. 91 points, Wine Enthusiast:
Headlines include a richly perfumed nose with pulsing plum and berry along with spicy black fruit in the mouth. Last but not least there's charcoal, cola and melting vanilla on the finish. A really fine blend.
2003 Montes Alpha M (Chile)
The premium Cabernet of Montes. Cabernet Sauvignon (80 %), Merlot (5 %), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (5 %),
grown on slopes that, compared to valleys, are more expensive to harvest, are seldom irrigated, and have lower yields. 94 points, Wine Spectator:
Gorgeous, racy and pure, with black cherry, black tea, mineral, espresso and sanguine notes running along finely stitched tannins and fresh acidity. Long, detailed finish echoes with cocoa and fruit. Delivers a lot without being
bombastic. Drink now through 2012.
Wine Tasting August 9 - 12, 2006This week we featured wines from the Watts Winery. On Friday night Craig Watts was in attendance to discuss and taste
many of his award winning wines and autograph bottles for our guests. Non-Vintage Rive Della Chiesa Prosecco Brut (Italy)
Captures the essence of a light and refreshing wine. Green apple in the nose, with a cool refreshing taste in the mouth, and a
delightful smoothness. Not too tart, heavy, or sweet. Very swiggable and likable, without being simple, innocuous, or uninteresting. 2004 Watts Chardonnay Casa Azul Reserve (California)
Winemaker's Notes for 2003 Vintage: Classic California Chardonnay – laced with butterscotch and ripe tropical fruit flavors complemented by touches of butter and vanilla, a full creamy body and texture, and a smooth finish. 2005 Cycle Gladiator Pinot Noir (California)
Medium color and body, with light tannins, a smooth texture, and cherry and blackberry flavors. A blend of grapes from the
Sonoma Coast and Santa Lucia Highlands. A good value. 2002 Watts Syrah (California)
Earned a gold medal at the 2005 San Francisco Wine Competition in the $14-$20 category. Winemaker's Notes: From a
premium part of the vineyard, that yields quality fruit making wines with great complexity and concentration. Pretty bouquet
of plums, violets, and asian spice. In the mouth are ripe plums and cocoa, framed by vanilla and spice. Velvety texture, full-bodied, and opulent. 2003 Watts Zinfandel Pescador Vineyard (California)
No information about this wine, but the 2001 Iris Vineyard Reserve Zinfandel was very dark, aromatic, and sweet throughout with cocoa, toasted coconut, lavender, and near jammy fruit that was very ripe and intense. 2002 Watts Dos Amores (California)
Still youthfully grapey in 2005. Enough tannins to be drying in the mouth, but which gives the wine excellent grip and the
opportunity to age well. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Dark color, black currants, toasty oak, mint and
vanilla. A fine example of how good the 2002 vintage is in California. 2005 California State Fair Double Gold, Best Bordeaux Blend.
Wine Tasting August 2 - 5, 20062004 Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer (California)
Gewurztraminer is a grape that makes an aggressively different wine that tends to be very aromatic, with an oily texture, low
acidity, and light but distinctive bitterness, along with flavors of rosewater, lychee nuts, and spice. The 2004 Fogarty
embraces this in-your-face style, making the wine more viscous, oily, and mouth-coating, with spice and rose petals, without
any citric overlay. The wine is both powerful and very Gewurzy. Gewurztraminer is one of the best wines for Oriental food, especially Thai.2004 Pessagno Pinot Noir Central Avenue Vineyard (California)
The vineyard features shale soil and cool nights. Produces a wine that is dark red, aromatic, with floral and violet aromas,
firm acidity, medium body, red and black cherry, and earth. The best buy of the Pinots the winery makes. A slow, cool
fermentation helps preserve fruit and complexity. Aged 12 months in French oak. The 2001 and 2003 versions were both excellent. 2004 Marques Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
Wine Spectator:
"Very solid, with ripe cassis, blackberry and boysenberry fruit offset by vanilla, mineral and cocoa notes.
Shows a loamy undertow, but stays fresh and focused through the finish. This has a great track record of value. Drink now through 2007". 2003 Chateau Puygueraud (France)
89 points, Wine Spectator:
"Blackberry and cherry aromas, with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a delicious finish. Plenty in the bottle here. Good value." 89 points, Wine Advocate
: "…a deep ruby/purple-tinged wine with terrific ripeness, loads of black fruits, underbrush, incense and asian spices." Multi-Vintage Kestrel "Lady In Red" 4th Edition (Washington)
Lady in Red is Kestrel's introductory red wine that is blended from wine from at least two different vintages. It also features
a marketing label with a curvaceous red head in a tight form-revealing dress, who changes with each release, meant to make
the bottle collectable as well as suggest that the wine is seductive. Despite the skeptical adage that the more money put into
the bottle, the worse the wine, the wine inside the bottle is seriously good. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 3% Syrah, 2% Sangiovese, with currants, cherry, cedar, and tannins that keep the taste dry.
2001 Thomas Fogerty Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (California)
Made from grapes grown at the foot of Mt. Veeder. Consistently excellent. Wine Enthusiast: From a Santa Cruz
Mountains-based winery that knows how to craft an ageworthy Cab. A young wine, solid in tannins, but dry and well balanced. Oozes beautiful, juicy black currant fruit.
Wine Tasting July 26 - 29, 20062004 Byron Pinot Blanc (California)
A flavorful and character-filled Pinot Blanc featuring an aromatic nose, citric freshness, rounded texture, and long finish.
From one of the few California wineries that tries to make Pinot Blanc a featured wine rather a bland blending wine. A great buy at this price. Will keep well for another year or two.
2004 Chigi Saracini Villachigi Chianti (Italy)
A medium-bodied wine with bright acidity, cherry fruit, light tannins, and a dry finish. Will match a wide variety of foods
because of the palette cleaning acidity, the ability of tannin to cut fat, and the fact that the wine's flavor will meld with rather than overpower the food. 2002 Domaine Belle Les Pirrelles Crozes-Hermitage (France)
Steve Tanzer: Deep red-ruby color. Roasted redcurrant, iron and pepper on the nose. Juicy, fruity and fresh, with moderate
sweetness and depth. Still a bit tight in the middle. Finishes peppery but dry only on the edge in the mouth. Best suited for drinking over the next three or four years. 2004 Waterbrook Melange (Washington)
A medium-bodied, gentle wine that is a complexly aromatic blend of 40% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet
Franc, 9% Sangiovese and 8% Syrah. Aged for eight months in oak, with light tannins, clear flavors, and a fairly dry finish. 2002 Monte Volpe Primo Rosso (California)
Greg Graziano has four labels, including Monte Volpe (fox mountain in Italian), which is his label for marketing primarily
Italian wines from grapes grown in Mendocino County. This one is an affordable blend of Barbera, Zinfandel, and Dolcetto. Youthful, with cherry and blackberry fruit, and a bright acidity that makes the wine work well with food. 2002 Big Ass Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Double Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The wine is blended from selected Napa Valley estates
and bottled by a licensed winery in Sonoma. Deep garnet in color with good extraction. The nose is full of tobacco, cherry
preserves, and vanilla flavors with a hint of cola that emerges as the wine opens up. In the mouth the dominant flavor is
black cherry, with a hint of blackcurrant and dark chocolate. It has a nice mouthfeel, a perky balance, and ripe tannins. 2003 Torbreck The Factor Shiraz (Australia)
96 points, Wine Advocate:
"The 2003 The Factor (100% Shiraz aged 24 months in old French oak) is a riveting effort that displays the exquisite talent of David Powell. Its smoky perfume of blackberry liqueur intermixed with cherries, acacia
flowers, and espresso roast is followed by a full-throttle, multi-layered palate as well as a 60-second finish. This stunning Shiraz should drink well for 10-15+ years." 92 points, Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar:
"Deep violet. Boysenberry, blueberry, dark plum, baking spices, smoked meat, cured tobacco and a hint of graphite on the flamboyant nose. Explosively
flavored and rich, with lush dark berry, plum preserve and fruitcake flavors lifted by notes of candied licorice and minerals. A
sweet, fat wine that's also focused, even elegant, with a suave, spicy finish featuring big but harmonious tannins. Shows impressive energy for the vintage, too."
Wine Tasting July 19 - 22, 20062005 Cycle Gladiator Pinot Grigio (California)
Winemaker's notes:
Expresses the lovely aromatics of pear and honeydew. Bright, juicy flavors of citrus and apples that lead
to a sweet mineral core. The finish is soft and lingering; thanks to a balanced acidity that carries the fruit well into the back of the palate. 94% Pinot Grigio, 6% White Reisling fermented and aged in stainless steel only.
Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times: nervy, bracing, stony and substantial wine, bone dry and ready for food.2000 Huntington Cabernet Franc (California)
Winemaker's Notes:
12% Cabernet Sauvignon, rest Cabernet Franc. Dense black purple in color. Well matched for the intensity of the color are the deeply scented aromas of sweet black plum, pretty French oak, spice and coffee. A full and
rewarding palate with ample structure, finishing with the impression of elegance and craft. 2004 Cycle Gladiator Syrah (California)
Matt Kramer, Oregonian:
Cycle Gladiator Syrah 2004 is composed of 90 percent syrah and 10 percent petite sirah aged, according to the winery, almost entirely in new French oak. It is a terrific syrah: smooth-textured, deeply colored, rich with
syrah's signature black-fruits tastes and lovely acidity thanks to a cool-climate influence. There's no apparent taste of oakiness, which is just fine. I can't recall tasting a better syrah than this for the money.
2004 Charles Cimicky Trumps Shiraz
90 points, Wine Advocate: A great value, the outstanding 2004 Shiraz Trumps is a 100% Shiraz aged in old wood. It exhibits
a dark ruby/purple hue along with a forceful, flamboyant nose of road tar, blackberry and cassis fruit, licorice, and pepper. This opulent, savory, expansive cuvee will provide thrilling drinking over the next 2-3 years. 2002 EOS Petite Syrah (California)
The 1999 Reserve of this wine was one of the great Petite Sirahs I have ever had. In 2002 there was no reserve bottling. Picked
as the #4 wine of Ben Giliberti of the Washington Post for the best big, bold American wine for the Fourth of July:
This imposing petite sirah from Paso Robles offers a complex bouquet of mocha and vanilla fruit, followed on the palate by fat, juicy flavors of blueberry and cassis, and a finish of round tannins.
2002 Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz
97 points, Wine Spectator: "This Shiraz consistently ranks as one of the best of any vintage. It's from the best vineyards
involved in the Barossa Valley growers' co-op, with old vines that deliver tremendous character. Dark, juicy and profound,
with layer upon layer of flavor seamlessly knit into a cohesive whole, offering dark berry, black cherry, exotic spice, black
pepper and licorice that sail through the long, vivid finish. Has tremendous style, intensity and a long life ahead of it. Best from 2010 through 2022."
Wine Tasting July 12 - 15, 20062005 Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
One of the most dependably superb Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand in the last five years. The 2003 was the consensus favorite of a local tasting with eight other red wines.
The 2004 release was awarded double gold and the trophy for Best White Wine at the 2005 San Francisco International Wine Competition, dominating much more expensive and famous chardonnays.
2003 La Playa Cabernet Sauvignon Block Selection (Chile)
Dark, dense, fruity, and tannic. Very strong flavors. Not marred at all with greenness or any unripeness. 2003 was a superb
vintage in Chile, and this wine is a leap to a quality that I had despaired of ever finding at this price. Got even better as it aged in the bottle. 2004 Liberty School Syrah (California)
#1 wine of Ben Giliberti of the Washington Post for the best big, bold American wine for the Fourth of July: "Delivers plush, stylist syrah fruit reminiscent of a pricy French Heritage". Winemaker's Notes:
3% Viognier. Oak aged. Up front fruit aromas of mulberry and blueberry are complemented by full notes of exotic spice and cigar tobacco. The wine has a robust mineral
backbone with well-integrated silky tannins that finish through the length of the palate. 2004 Yangarra Cadenzia (Australia)
Consistently not only delicious but intensely fruity. In 2003, Yangarra released two GSMs, one of which was Cadenzia. In 2004, Cadenzia was the only GMS Yangarra produced. 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mouvedre.
93 points, Smart Buy designation from the Wine Spectator: "A vivid red, rich and velvety, brimming with plum, blackberry and cherry flavors
wrapped in a veil of very fine tannins, weaving a dark chocolate note through the long, generous finish. Best from 2008 through 2015." 2002 EOS Petite Sirah (California)
The 1999 Reserve of this wine was one of the great Petite Sirahs I have ever had. In 2002 there was no reserve bottling. Picked as the #4 wine of
Ben Giliberti of the Washington Post for the best big, bold American wine for the Fourth of July: This imposing petite sirah from Paso Robles offers a complex bouquet of mocha and vanilla fruit, followed on the palate by
fat, juicy flavors of blueberry and cassis, and a finish of round tannins. 2001 Santa Rita Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
92 points, Wine Spectator:
Very dense, with espresso, bittersweet dark chocolate, dark currant and tar flavors buttressed by thick, loamy tannins. Notes of tobacco and mineral flash on the finish, which is muscular but supported by ample acidity. A
brute now, so cellar. Best from 2006 through 2011. 2,000 cases made. 2000 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
A great wine from a less than great vintage. Intense, tannic, dry, fruity, and long.
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: "Quite dark and rich though still holding back in its youth. The wine offers layers of complex flavors. Blackberry, cassis, chocolate,
coffee, herbs, cedar and smoke blend nicely here. The tannins are quite firm, but ripe, while the finish is long and lush."
Wine Tasting July 5 - 8, 20062005 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
An excellent wine to refresh and wake up the palette, featuring grapefruit, gooseberry, and bright acidity. Light bodied but
intensely flavored. The 2005 is a bit riper and rounder than previous vintages. Goes unusually well with most green vegetables, including asparagus and sugar peas. 2004 Casa de la Ermita Monastrell
Monasterio de Santa Ana (Spain)
Simply one of the best wines I have ever had made from Mouvedre at this price. Begins with a serious structure built on ripe
tannins and firm acidity, which gives it the ability to match a huge variety of foods very well. Combines structure with a
surprisingly rich fruit of blackberry and currants, with licorice and flowers. Finally, the wine has a long future, shown by the fact that left open for nine days, it got richer, darker, and smoother.
2004 Hess Artezin Zinfandel (California)
90 points, Wilfred Wong: One of the classiest zins around, the '04 Artezin offers finely honed black raspberry flavors that
stay refined and long in the glass; a great match with grilled lamb chops. Winemaker's Notes: jammy raspberries interlaced
with spicy nuances including black pepper, cassis, and cloves. Flavors follow through with black cherry and exotic spices while the mouth feel is full and rich with a hint of chocolate on the plush finish.
2004 Elyse Howell Mountain Zinfandel (California)
Elyse was just cited by Robert Parker as one of the 15 best makers of Zinfandel in California. Winemaker's Notes: 87%
Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah. 20% of barrels are new American oak. Dark ruby colored, with deep aromas of black fruits, wet
forest floor and mushrooms. Full on the palate with flavors of wild plums, blackberries, black cherries, white pepper and an
intriguing spicy earthiness. Very complex, with firm tannins and well integrated acidity. Drinkable now decanted, but better aged for up to 7-10 years. 2003 Hewitson Mad Hatter Shiraz (Australia)
The premier Shiraz cuvee from Hewitson. 95 points, James Halliday, Top 101 wines from all Australia in 2005: With a
winemaking career spanning California, France and ten years with Petaluma, Dean Hewitson makes great wines from old
vineyards under long-term lease. Here spice, chocolate, blackberry and mocha flavors are coupled with fine ripe tannins, the wine carrying its 15% alcohol with ridiculous ease. 94 points, Wine Advocate, for previous 2002.
Wine Tasting June 28 - July 1, 20062004 Frattina Pinot Grigio
Tasting and mouth-filling, loaded with apple flavors combined with hints of honey, nut, and quince. Much better than the more common mild and simple Pinot Grigios.2003 Two Hands Estate Lucky Country Cabernet Shiraz
88 points, Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar: "Dark red. Candied cherry and raspberry preserve aromas with subtle bell pepper and basil notes give evidence of both the shiraz and
the cabernet components. Rich and creamy, displaying an almost candied red berry sweetness. The long, clinging finish emphasizes ripe berry fruit, and a tinge of pepper lifts the flavors."
2001 Vinedos de Las Vientos Tannat Reserve
A reserve wine made from 100% Tannat grapes. The international home of Tannat is the Madiran region in France near the
Pyrenees Mountains. There it is famous for making black, acidic, tannic, rough wines that are rich and ageworthy but taste tough and austere when young. This version from Uruguay in South American is relatively polished, soft, and
approachable, with a smoky plum and cherry flavor, while still getting steadily better with age. Available at a terrific price. Non-Vintage Bookwalter Lot #20
Winemaker's Notes:
A multi-year blend of 79% 2004 and 21% 2005. Aged exclusively in small, carefully selected French oak barrels. The blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 26% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot exhibits rich, concentrated
flavors of sweet cherries, black currants, plums and exotic spices followed by a long, lingering finish. Best now through 2012. 2002 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Reserve
90 points, Wine Enthusiast:
"Depend on Raymond to come out with balanced Cabs. This isn't a soft, gooey, super ripe wine. It's got its share of tannins and acids, and there's an earthiness to the blackberry flavors. But it's dry and complex, and
should age well for a decade."
Ultimate Wine Tasting #11 - Zin Fest June 21 -24, 20062005 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
An excellent wine to refresh and wake up the palette. Grapefruit and bright acidity, with a touch of grassiness and other
citrus flavors. Light bodied but intensely flavored. The 2005 is a bit riper and rounder than previous vintages. Goes very well
with most green vegetables, including asparagus and sugar peas. Drink within a year if you prefer the sharper acidity and pungent drive. If you prefer a less nervous, more rounded wine, drink it after a year.
2003 Pervini Archidamo Primitivo
Primitivo is an Italian name for genetically the same grape as Zinfandel. Richly smoky, spicy and rustic aromas reminiscent of
barbecue, peat and cooked damsons; lots of ripe dark berry fruits in the mouth with wild herbs, licorice and earthy undertones followed by a rich and grippy finish. 2004 Bogle Old Vine
Highly Recommended, California Grapevine:
"Attractive, spicy, briary, jammy, sweet berry fruit aroma with overtones of creamy oak; full body; rich, cedary, briary, jammy, black cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with spicy notes on the finish; lingering aftertaste."
2003 Terraces Napa
The grapes come from the Quarry Vineyards, rising 300'-400'above the Napa Valley, on the eastern slopes of Rutherford. A
patchwork of hillside vineyard blocks carved from rocky and sparse volcanic soil yields small clusters with small yields under 2 tons per acre. 7% Petite Sirah. Aged 20 months in oak, 35% new. Only 685 cases produced.
2003 Chateau Potelle VGS
The grapes come from 1,600-1800' high vineyards on Mount Veeder. The VGS lines is their reserve. 95 points, Wine & Spirits. 93 points, Wine Enthusiast, of 2002:
Always among the most elegant and claret-like Zins, this mountain beauty seems to express the French attitude of Potelle's owners. Graceful and harmonious despite the power: the plum, blackberry
and herb flavors have been crafted into a taut, ageable wine. 93 points, Wine & Spirits, of 2002. 100% Zinfandel. 2004 Ridge Lytton Springs
18% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignan. 20% new American oak. 95 points, Three Rosettes, Connoisseurs' Guide: Taking its
accustomed place at the head of the class, this year's Lytton Springs bottling from Ridge is a textbook example of the deep
and expressive fruit that marks Dry Creek Zinfandel at its best. Optimally ripened, it has range and richness without being in
the least compromised by heat, and its careful use of complementary oak and its fine sense of structure make it a most impressive Zinfandel for everyday use as a most tasty and ageworthy table wine.
2004 Rosenblum Rockpile Road Zinfandel
The grapes are grown 1000' high in a famous hilltop vineyard overlooking Dry Creek Valley, that consistently produces
superb Zinfandel in a Cabernet lover's style with well structured acidity and tannins, blackberry and black currant fruit, and
richness without being raisiny or sweet. Tends to be voluptuous, filled with flavors of ripe black cherry, currant, creamy
spice and seductive dark chocolate. The previous vintage 2003 was the #3 wine on the Wine Spectator's Top 100. 100% Zinfandel. 2002 Hanna Bismarck Ranch
The Bismarck Ranch is Hanna's premium vineyard, high up in the Mayacamas Mountains. Consistently one of the most
expensive Zinfandels in California, and unapologetically made huge. Harvested at 28-30 brix, the wine has 16.4% alcohol and 0.5% residual sugar. 4% Petite Sirah.
Wine Tasting June 14 - 17, 20062005 Bodega Vina Bajoz Ovacion Verdejo Viura (Spain)
89 points, Wine Advocate, review of previous vintage, 2004:
Readers looking for a gorgeously fruity, personality-filled, beautifully-textured, exotic dry white should check out the 2004 Ovacion, a blend of 60% Verdejo and 40% Viura. Its lovely
perfume of orange marmalade, lemon butter, and other tropical fruits is accompanied by an elegant, delicious, nicely textured
effort with a dry finish. It will offer considerable flexibility with an assortment of culinary dishes over the next 1-2 years. 2002 Mas Igneus Barranc de Closos Red (Spain)
90 points, Wine Advocate
: Aromas of kirsch, licorice, sweet strawberry and cherry fruit in a medium to full-bodied lush style. 70% Grenache, 30% Carignan. Outstanding value. 2003 Casa De La Ermita Crianza (Spain)
90 points, Wine Spectator. Winemaker's Notes: Tempranillo, Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in a high altitude
vineyard. Pretty color cherry, with good middle intensity. Fresh smell with balsamic and oak notes. Smooth tasting with sweet notes. Long aftertaste. Nine months in oak. 2005
Hacienda El Espino Syrah 1707 (Spain)
89 points, Wine Advocate (2004 vintage): The 2004 Syrah, which only spent one month in oak, offers tremendous smoky,
bacon fat, blackberry, and cassis aromas, dazzling fruit, wonderful purity, a lush, corpulent, medium to full-bodied texture, and a heady finish. Drink this terrific Syrah over the next 1-2 years. An excellent value.
2004 Casa De La Ermita Monastrell Monasterio De Santa Ana (Spain)
89 points, Wine Advocate: The 2004 Monasterio de Santa Ana Monastrell Tinto was fashioned from 70-90 year old
Mourvedre vines and spent three months in American oak. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a rich bouquet of
charcoal-infused blackberries and currants along with hints of licorice, crushed minerals, and acacia flowers. With medium to
full body, soft tannin, and low acidity, this beautiful, opulent Tinto should be consumed over the next several years. This wine represents a terrific value. 2003 Casa De La Ermita Petite Verdot (Spain)
90 points, Wine Spectator: 100% Petite Verdot, aged 1 year in French and American oak, boasts a bouquet of black currents, blackberries, and new saddle leather. Winemaker's Notes:
Very deep purple in color with a violet rim. Plum, cedar and ripe blackberry aromas on the nose and a light, flowery sensation. Smooth on the palate with a round, fleshy, strong and complex
tannic structure with an intense and long finish. 2002 Bodega Vina Bajoz Finca la Meda (Spain)
A new project from a winery in the Toro region, with the ambition to make a world-class wine. W
inemaker's Notes: 100% Tempranillo, 70- 100 year old vines, dark purple and cherry tones, back cherry, blackberry and mulberry nose blended with
exotic spices and toast, full bodied on the palate yet soft, velvety texture and ripe tannins with a long, long finish. Unfiltered and unfined. 2000 cases made.
Wine Tasting June 7 - 10, 20062004 Byron Pinot Blanc (California)
Byron is a Mondavi property in the Santa Maria Valley. One of the few in California trying to make serious wine from Pinot Blanc. Winemaker's Notes:
Stylish and crisp, offering bright aromatics and pure fruit flavor of richly layered texture. Aromas of orange blossom, lemon and lime are accented by hints of mineral and all spice. Vibrant flavors, including honey, clove and
lemon zest culminate with a bright finish. The silky texture is supported by a backbone of natural acidity giving the wine excellent balance and finesse.2003 Domaine Serene Evanstat Reserve Pinot Noir (Oregon)
One of the most consistently great Pinot Noirs from Oregon, that is drinkable anytime but improves magnificently for about 10 years. 92 points, Wine Spectator:
Typical of the hot vintage, this reserve red is made in a big, broad-shouldered style but finds a welcome balance. It fills the mouth with ripe plum, blueberry and peppery spice aromas and flavors, lingering
impressively on the generous finish. 90 points, Steve Tanzer: Medium red. Bright red and dark berry aromas show
impressive energy and verve for the vintage. Fresh and lively, the vivid blackberry flavor given lift by sound acids and
firmed by fine-grained, dusty tannins. Finishes on bright notes of strawberry and raspberry, with very good length. 2002 Grant Burge Holy Trinity (Australia)
First release of a new vintage of a wine famous for equaling the quality of Rhone blends from France, only fruitier and more delicious upon release. Ray Jordan, West Australian: "
A classic blend of Barossa shiraz, grenache and mourvedre. The combination of extra time in the bottle and a stunning Barossa vintage has resulted in this superb wine. Lovely effortless
palate delivery with a silky texture, fine tannins and sustained palate. It's medium bodied but powerful with a delightful savory spiciness. The best yet under this label. 94/100. Drink: Now to 2012."
1999 Saintpaulia Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)
The winery took its name from the Latin botanical name for African violets. The winery holds its wines unusually long
before releasing them. The 1999 featured cassis fruit, bright acidity, and a very long aftertaste. 2004 Rosenblum Cellars Heritage Clones Petite Sirah (California)
The top rated Petite Sirah of Ben Giliberti, Washington Post: Opaque blue purple in color, this thrilling wine offers a lovely inner core of violets and blueberries and finishes with a chorus of ripe, round tannins. Superb. 2004 Tualatin Sparkling Muscat
89 points, Robert Parker: "The Tualatin Semi-Sparkling Muscat is a clone of an Italian Moscato d'Asti. Its boisterous
orange blossom and raspberry aromas lead to a fresh, zesty, medium-bodied personality. This velvety-textured wine has
tangy orange, red berry, and floral flavors in its character. Like the Italian Moscatos, it has low alcohol (6.5%) and an off-dry
sweetness… This is an excellent value that should be consumed over the next six months." The Tualatin is a significant
improvement over Moscato d'Asti, with greater fruitiness, complexity, and acidity, which keeps well for at least several years.
Wine Tasting May 31 - June 3, 20062004 Napa Cellars Chardonnay
90 points, Wilfred Wong:
"A model Napa Valley Chardonnay, the generous '04 Napa Cellars Chardonnay is a sterling prototype of the varietal; excellent flavors of creamy pears abound; round and generous."2003 Bogle Phantom (California)
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Old Vine Mourvedre. Combines lush berry and fierce spice into a full-bodied wine. Concentrated
and intense, with ripe cranberry and cherry notes on the nose and palate. Spicy cinnamon and sweet vanilla, with hints of pipe tobacco. Though this wine is delicious now, further age will integrate the three distinct varietals more.
2004 Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Syrah (Chile)
Decanter 5 stars out of 5, top-ranked in a comprehensive tasting of 104 Chilean Syrahs: Nice spicy oak aromas that do
not dominate the rich black fruit. Lovely ripe dark fruits with a hint of chocolate and coffee. Very well made, nice oak balance. 2003 Kangarillo Road Shiraz
90 points, Wine Advocate:
"The 2003 Shiraz, aged in both French and American oak (one quarter new), reveals a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of smoke, camphor, blackberry liqueur, melted licorice, and road tar. It boasts
terrific fruit intensity, big, full-bodied, savory, expansive mouthfeel, decent acidity, and heady finish. For the price, this is a stunning Shiraz that will last for 5-6 years."
2003 Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
90 points, Wilfred Wong: "A precise wine, the well-defined '03 Napa Cellars Cabernet stays home in the Napa Valley with its
meticulous flavors of alluring cassis and sweet earth; try with a tri-tip steak." Wine Maker's Notes: 10% Merlot. Aged 18
months in a mixture of new and once filled American oak barrels. Vibrant aromas of blueberries and blackberries that join
cedar and tobacco. The well structured palate is layered with bold tannins and ripe fruit characteristics finishing with the sweet blackberry. 2001 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
96 points, Wine Advocate: "Large-scaled yet elegant, it boasts classic notes of creme de cassis, chocolate, and smoky oak.
With extraordinary voluptuousness, great concentration, tremendous intensity, and a finish that lasts nearly 60 seconds,
this saturated purple-colored, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the greatest wines ever made at Beringer. It is a tribute to the brilliant Ed Sbragia.
Wine Tasting May 25 - 27, 2006 - "Ultimate Wine Tasting # 10"The "Ultimate Wine Tasting # 10" was hosted by Dr. Herb Moselle of Wines for Everyone. 2005 Trauttmansdorff Gruner Veltliner Federspiel
One of the first wines released from the great 2005 vintage, made from Gruner Veltliner, which is the national white wine
grown extensively only in Austria. Evocatively perfumed. A cool springtime breeze wafting through an orchard in blossom.
A mountain stream tumbling over a bed of stones. A squirt of spritz from a silver dispenser in an Alpine resort. All laced with refreshing citrus and lightly caressed by a touch of cream in the mouth. A rich but completely dry wine.
2001 Weinrieder Riesling Poysdorfer Bockgarten II
Whereas the 2005 Trauttmansdorff is the essence of a delightful and playful young wine, the Weinrieder shows how smooth
and satisfying a maturing wine can be. Made from the Riesling grape, which makes one of the world's greatest white wines,
famous for its minerality, citric complexity, and brightness. The color has evolved from water clear to a bright yellow. Like
most maturing Riesling, it has started to pick up what resembles a petrol flavor but shares nothing with the chemical fumes
of gasoline. In the mouth, it spreads a swath of ripe lemons and lemon curd, which lingers in the back of the throat long after
swallowing. Patiently watch how each sip keeps building on all the previous ones, in an ever rising crescendo. An estate famous for the wine it makes from grapes frozen on the vine.
2002 Graf Trauttmansdorff Park Classic Cuvee
A fine introduction to the distinctive red wines of Austria. Made from 80% Blaufrankisch and 20% Zweigelt. Young and
aromatic, with a dark red color. Has the bright acidity needed when drinking wine with food, plus enough tannin to cut
through fat and enough spicy black cherry fruit to be delicious. While tasty by itself, this wine shines with food. Partly aged 8 months in French oak. 2001 Graf Trauttmansdorff Horitschon Reserve
Dark ruby color, with a smooth and rich nose that invites us to drink. 100% Blaufrankisch from a single vineyard. In the
mouth, the wine has the classic combination that matches so well with food – fruit flavors, palette cleansing blackberry acidity, and a dry finish. 14 months in French oak barrels.
2003 Heinrich Blaufrankisch Goldberg
The Goldberg vineyard was planted in 1947. A long fruity taste with cherry and raspberry, but joined by an earthy
mushroom, meaty bouillon, and ripe tannins. The Goldberg Reserve 2002 was the only Blaufränkisch from Austria receiving
5 Stars at the tasting held by the German wine magazine "Selection". Heinrich was named one of the top 10 red wine estates in Austria by the Falstaff Wine Guide. 2001 Graf Trauttmansdorff Wiensberg
Like an automobile where all the cylinders are tuned to work together. A smooth and powerful combination of reinforcing
fruit, acidity, and tannin. Long, complex, and satisfying. A premier cuvee of this estate, blending 60% Blaufrankisch and 25%
Zweigelt, on top of the Bordeaux blend of 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A selection of the best grapes. 16
months in French oak barrels. Decanter World Wine Award 2005: Full purple, developed complexity, refined, still young on palate, concentrated, fairly heavy bodied but fresh.
1998 Rosenhuf Chardonnay Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)
Chardonnay is a grape better known for its dry white wine, partly because it generally lacks the acidity needed to balance
the high sugar in a dessert wine, and its skin tends to develop a dishwater moldiness when affected with the botrytis that
otherwise dries and concentrates the flavors of the grape. But this is one of the finest Chardonnay dessert wines you will
ever find, that demonstrates the magically transforming effect of botrytis. A mouthwatering combination of acidity, apricot,
honey, pineapple, and vanilla, with none of the problems traditionally marring chardonnay when made into a dessert wine.
1998 was a vintage famous for the quality of its dessert wines in the Lake Neusiedlersee area of Austria. Wines like this keep
for decades. While the wine makes a wonderful after diner dessert by itself, it is also spectacular with pate, fois gras, blue cheeses, and apricot tarts.
Wine Tasting May 17 - 20, 2006Non-Vintage Rive Della Chiesa Prosecco Brut (Italy)
Captures the essence of a light and refreshing wine. Green apple in the nose, with a cool refreshing taste in the mouth, and a
delightful smoothness. Not too tart, heavy, or sweet. Very swiggable and likable, without being simple, innocuous, or uninteresting.2004 Palazzone Orvieto Terre Vineate (Italy)
Palazzone produces delicious white wines from Umbria's indigenous varietals featuring tasty fruit, nerve and zip. The grapes
permitted in the blend are Procanico, Verdello, Grechetto, Drupeggio and Malvasia Toscana; the very same used hundreds
of years ago in this region with ancient Roman roots. The single vineyard "Terre Vineate" shows a deep straw-yellow color and is smooth and filling in the mouth.
2003 Domaine Saint Luc Coteaux du Tricastin (France)
A Southern Rhone wine selected and imported by Kermit Lynch. Sauve, easy drinking blend of Grenache and Syrah. 2002 Monte Volpe Primo Rosso (California)
Greg Graziano has four labels, including Monte Volpe (fox mountain in Italian), which is his label for marketing primarily
Italian wines from grapes grown in Mendocino County. This one is an affordable blend of Barbera, Zinfandel, and Dolcetto. Carolyn Tillie, of 2001:
Dark, dusty spice with dried floral qualities. Sweet-like mouth entry of bing cherry and blackberry with a rich, dark spicy mid-palate and a floral finish. 2003 Enrico Pierazzuoli Gioveto (Italy)
60 percent Sangiovese, 20 percent Syrah, and 20 percent Merlot. The color is deep red, with a very fruity nose of red and black berries. Spice, chocolate, and forward fruit in the mouth comes through the supple tannins. Delicious.
2003 Elyse Morisoli Zinfandel (California Napa)
Winemaker's Notes: The 2003 Morisoli Zinfandel is deep purplish ruby in color and reveals intense aromas of sweet briary
fruit, dried herbs and crème de cassis. Intoxicating aromas are followed by a cornucopia of flavors including black
raspberries, wild cherries, black currants and orange zest, along with nutmeg and slightly peppery spice. It exhibits nice
harmony with well-integrated wood and acidity. 87% Zinfandel, 13% combination of Petite Sirah, Black Empress, Grand Noir,
Muscat Hamberg, Alicante Bouschet, Napa Gamay, Carignan and Syrah. Aged 10 months in American oak barrels, 20% new oak.
Wine Tasting May 10 - 13, 20062004 Palazzone Orvieto (Italy)
Palazzone produces delicious white wines from Umbria's indigenous varietals featuring tasty fruit, nerve and zip. The grapes
permitted in the blend are Procanico, Verdello, Grechetto, Drupeggio and Malvasia Toscana; the very same used hundreds
of years ago in this region with ancient Roman roots. The single vineyard "Terre Vineate" shows a deep straw-yellow color.
It has an elegant, vivid bouquet with a definite scent of hazelnut. Great with spicy fish or garlicy dishes.2000 Javier Arteaga Crianza (Spain)
87 points, Wine Spectator: This ambitious red shows extraction and concentration, with plum, blackberry, coffee and gamy notes, quite polished; it shows traditional flavors and international structure. Drink now through 2008.
2000 Bob James "Red Collage" Jazz Shiraz (Australia)
Winemaker's Notes: Seductive, powerful, and opulent. The deep red color runs through to lifted sweet floral aromatics of
violets and cherries then into stone fruits, plums, peppers and spices. Soft tannins nurture layers of intoxicating complexity
impeccably balanced with lush texture, bold fruit flavors, and a kick of American oak. From the Barossa Valley. 18 months in American oak, with 20% new oak. 2003 Chigi Saracini Villachigi Chianti (Italy)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast, #8 on 100 Best Buys of 2005: Deep and modern, with ripe black fruit, bacon and cedar to the
full-framed nose. The mouth is just as good, with dense plum, black cherry, prune and vanilla. Lasting on the finish, with a spicy, warm aftertaste. A sure-fire powerhouse and a winner from Chigi Saracini.
2002 Torbreck Steading (Australia)
93 points, Wine Advocate: "David Powell consistently excels with The Steading, an 8,000 case blend of Grenache,
Mourvedre, and Shiraz. Aged 22 months in 300 liter hogsheads (foudres), it represents Australia's version of Chateauneuf
du Pape. The 2002 The Steading's big, spicy, earthy nose reveals notions of cherry liqueur, licorice, pepper, dried Provencal
herbs, raspberries, and leather. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, chewy, and heady, it is best drunk during its first 7-8 years of life, although it will last a lot longer."
Wine Tasting May 3 - 6, 20062004 Frattina Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Tasting and mouth-filling, loaded with apple flavors combined with hints of honey, nut, and quince. Much better than the more common mild and simple Pinot Grigios.2004 Windmill Estates Old Vines Zinfandel (California)
A benchmark Zinfandel in its price range. The 2004 is as good as any recent vintage of this wine. Dark, concentrated, tasty,
and brightly fruity, without being excessive alcoholic, sweet, or raisiny. Easy on the pocketbook, tasty enough to enjoy by the case, and often as good as most Zinfandels costing twice as much.
2003 Windmill Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
An unusual blend of 90% Cabernet, 5% Petite Syrah, and 5% Zinfandel. Aged in French oak. Sweetly fruity and fairly soft,
with jammy plums, cassis, and vanilla. Easy to like and very affordable. 2004 Rosenblum Estates Heritage Clones Petite Sirah (California)
The top rated Petite Sirah, Ben Giliberti, Washington Post:
Opaque blue purple in color, this thrilling wine offers a lovely inner core of violets and blueberries and finishes with a chorus of ripe, round tannins. Superb. 2003 Rosenblum Estates Abba Syrah (California)
Inky color, that coats the inside of the glass and is dark right to the edge. Very deep nose, with penetrating flavors. Lushly
textured in the mouth, with domineering flavors, great length, and drying tannins on the finish. The greatest Syrah I have ever had from Lodi. Very modestly priced.
Wine Tasting - April 26 - 29, 20062004 Cantosan Verdejo (Spain)
Bright nose of lime, with complex notes of orange, lemon, melon, white pepper and red apple. The mouth features apple,
melon, and orange with some white pepper and basil mint hints in the finish. From a cooler, high altitude Rueda region famous for its refreshing white wines.2003 Desolation Flats Rustlers Red (California)
Made by Lockwood Vineyard to be seriously delicious. A rustic blend featuring Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Refosco. Refosco makes powerful red wine, and was famous during the Roman Empire for making
premium wines. Aromatic, fruity, firm, and dry. 2003 Fidelitas M-100 (Washington)
Winemaker's Notes:
A blend of Cabernet and Merlot, nice fleshy mouth feel, with plum and black fruit flavors, hints of pie spice, undercurrent of cedar and smoky finely delineated tannins. Excellent value. Named for Charlie's Grandmother, who's
turned 100 - thus "M(om) 100 (years old)." Aged for eighteen months in both French and American oak barrels. Ready to drink upon release. 1999 Andrew Harris Cabernet Sauvignon (Australia)
Dark in color, with a sweet nose common in Australian wines. Combines mint, cassis, earth, and soft tannin, while remaining flavorful and tasty. Finishes dry. An excellent value, that will keep for three more years.
2004 Hahn Syrah (California)
Consistently one of the best values in Syrah from California. Ages well for up to 5 years, getting smoother and less sweet. Winemaker's Notes:
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, this wine will pair with a range of hearty dishes. 2001 Thomas Fogarty Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz (CA)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast:
"This wine is incredibly rich in seductive black currant, sweet cassis and barrel spice, with the perfect balance of ripeness and intensity. The color is inky, while the texture shows both the underlying structure and the
immediate enjoyable suppleness of its rich, briary fruit. This bottle of wine is certainly not to be missed. This wine should
age beautifully for the next 10 years". The top of the line wine at Thomas Fogarty. Made from grape in high-altitude
vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The best Cabernet Sauvignon at a recent large trade tasting at Hard Rock Casino. Will get even better with additional bottle age.
Wine Tasting - April 19 - 22, 20062004 Valley Of The Moon Pinot Blanc (California)
Pinot Blanc is used mainly as an inexpensive blending grape except in select areas like the Alsace in France, where it
produces quality wines with greater acidity and distinctiveness. The Valley of the Moon winery makes Pinot Blanc in the
Alsatian style, featuring surprisingly bright acidity, fuller body, and tasty fruit. Gently pressed and fermented at a cooled temperature in stainless steel. Aged in French oak for three months to add body and subtle oak.2003 Sette Aje Nero d'Avola/Syrah (Italy)
A blend of Syrah with the Nero d'Avola, which is the traditional, powerful, red wine varietal of Sicily, that is capable of making great wine.
2003 Pasanau Ceps Nous (Spain)
44% Grenache, 30% Merlot, 20% Mazuela, 6% Syrah. Smoky, tasty, and dry, with a fine finish. 91 points, International Wine Cellar
: "Dark red. Superripe aromas of dark berries, smoked meat, licorice, graphite, rose oil and nutty oak. Sweet, lush
and pliant, with seamless flavors of currant and dark cherry. Quite approachable, even a bit evolved in the style of the year, but without being oxidative. Finishes minerally and impressively long, with lush tannins." 2004 Luca Estate Syrah (Argentina)
85% Syrah, 10% Malbec, 5% Bonarda. Made by Laura Catena as a part of an effort to produce small quantity, artisan quality
wines. Clear flavors, firm, and dry. Made from high elevation vineyards averaging over 3,000 feet high. 2002 Lorella Ambrosini Subertum (Italy)
An unusual blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Syrah & 20% Petite Verdot. Very dark, fruity, well-balanced, lushly textured, and smooth, laced with violets. 1996 Barros Colheita Port (Portugal)
Port is the most famous dessert wine in the world made from red wine grapes, where fermentation is stopped to leave
residual sugar by adding enough alcohol to raise the alcohol level to about 19% to kill the yeasts. Barros is famous for its tawny ports, and the top of their line of tawnys is their Colheita
– bottled from a single vintage and matured in cask during a minimum period of eight years. Features amber color, full body, great richness, dry fruits (raisin, fig, and prune), a soft and
velvety texture, and a long mellow finish. May be aged for 30 years. Earned a grand gold medal, given to only two wines in 2004, at the 13th Sélections Mondiales des Vins in Montreal, Canada.
Wine Tasting - April 12 - 15, 2006Non-Vintage Rive Della Chiesa Prosecco Brut (Italy)
Captures the essence of a light and refreshing wine. Green apple in the nose, with a cool refreshing taste in the mouth, and a delightful smoothness. Not too tart, heavy, or sweet. Very swiggable and likable.
2004 Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Food and Wine Magazine declared the 2003 Joel Gott Cab among the best finds under $20 in the Oct 2005 issue. Winemaker's Notes
: 2004 was a warmer vintage with low yields that allowed ripe flavors and tannins to develop. The wine is a classic cabernet, satiny, rich and complex. The color is purple, ruby red, with aromas of blackberry, cassis and mocha. The
entry on the palette is rich and fruit forward, with jammy flavors and sweet balanced tannins that leave a long lasting finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from four counties in California.
2003 Hedges Three Vineyards Red Mountain (Washington)
56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Syrah. 89 points, Wine Enthusiast: Concentrated and
supple, this meaty and tannic blend comes from estate vineyards on Red Mountain. Broad-shouldered and powerful, it shows excellent cassis and red currant fruit and plenty of concentration.
2001 Thomas Fogarty Skyline (California)
Winemaker's Notes: A Bordeaux-style blend with layered complexity, depth of structure and a subtle power. With a deep
robe of garnet and broody nose of rich, barrel char, you will be delighted to discover this wine of supple texture and
panache. A perfumed and spicy nose introduce the bold flavors of cherry, chocolate, raspberry and plum. A satisfying wine created from the confluence of climate, sunshine, earth and brilliant Santa Cruz Mountains sky.
2003 Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Syrah Requinoa Vineyard (Chile)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Gorgeous nose of blackberry and plum pudding is followed by a rich chocolate, tar and fig-filled
wine. The thickly layered finish shows coca powder and tobacco, but has length and fruit as well. Unabashedly modern style. Drink now through 2007. 2,175 cases made. 1997 Kopke Port (Portugal)
Dark, lush, soft, and rich. Black fruit, raisins, and brown sugar. Very modestly priced for a port from an excellent vintage. Great with chocolate, most desserts, and roasted nuts.
Wine Tasting - March 29 - April 1, 20062002 Paringa Shiraz (Australia)
88 points, Wine Advocate
: Muted aromatically, nevertheless its saturated ruby/purple color, excellent texture, and weighty, lush mouthfeel are impressive. The just bottled wine needs to settle down but it possesses loads of character, and it should
ultimately merit a score similar to the Cabernet Sauvignon. A wonderful effort, it provides further evidence of just how special the 2002 vintage appears to be in South Australia.
2004 Marquis Phillips Shiraz (Australia)
90 points, Wine Advocate: The 2004 Shiraz reveals blackberry, tar, pepper, and toasty oak characteristics in its spicy, rich,
deep, voluptuous personality. It will drink well for 1-3 years. 2003 Kangarilla Road Shiraz (Australia)
90 points, Wine Advocate
: "One of my favorite McLaren Vale wineries, Kangarilla Road offers very realistic prices for the quality of their wines. The 2003 Shiraz, aged in both French and American oak (one quarter new), reveals a saturated
ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of smoke, camphor, blackberry liqueur, melted licorice, and road tar. It boasts
terrific fruit intensity, big, full-bodied, savory, expansive mouthfeel, decent acidity, and heady finish. For the price, this is a stunning Shiraz that will last for 5-6 years."
Non-Vintage Barros Tawny Port 10 Year Old (Portugal)
Barros is famous for its old tawny ports. The 10 year version has an amber color with an orange edge. A quality 10 year
tawny should feature a complex fragrance, both fresh-fruit and dried-fruit flavors, a nuttiness, medium body, mellow elegance, firm acidity, and velvety finish, and be the perfect quaff to take a chill off an evening.
Wine Tasting - March 15 - 18, 20062005 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
Grapefruit and bright acidity, with a touch of grassiness and other citrus flavors. Light bodied but intensely flavored. The
2005 is a bit riper and rounder than previous vintages. Goes very well with most green vegetables, including asparagus and sugar peas. Drink within a year if you prefer the sharper acidity and pungent drive.
2002 Wakefield Promised Land Cabernet/Shiraz (Australia)
Named Great Value Red Wine of the Year at the 2004 International Wine Challenge in London. It beat more than 9000 entries
to earn the UK accolade, not bad for a wine selling for so little. Medium-bodied, this has a fleshy berry/herb nose with soft,
creamy palate showing some spice and mint characters. An uncomplicated, easy-drinking style that will have great appeal. Ready to drink now. - Jeff Collerson, Daily Telegraph (AUS).
2004 La Playa Cabernet Sauvignon Block Selection (Chile)
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, hand harvested from 13-year old vines. Intense garnet color with violet hues. Ripe red fruits,
vanilla, coffee, dark chocolate, and cedar. Full bodied, ripe round tannins. 2003 Hermitage Road Shiraz Reserve (Australia)
Hermitage Road has been renamed Tempus Two, because the European Union Wine Agreement reserves the term "Hermitage" for certain French wines. Its Shiraz is deep purple, fruit forward, with velvety tannins, plum, mulberry, and
licorice. 2003 was an outstanding vintage in the Hunter Valley, where the fruit was grown. 2003 Terraces Zinfandel (California)
The earlier 2001 vintage was one of my favorite Zinfandels at the ZAP mega-tasting, where I tasted about 120 Zins. Terraces made the cut to retaste for the top 10, then for the final 3.
Made from their Quarry Vineyards in the eastern foothills of Rutherford, at an elevation of 300-400'. Grown in volcanic soil that yields less than 2 tons per acre and blended with 7%
Petite Sirah. About 35% of the barrels are new oak, both French and American. Only 685 cases of the '03 were made. A
Terraces Zinfandel is partly notable for what it is not - not overripe, over-sweet, over-alcoholic, raisiny, or porty. Instead, the
fruit, tannins, and acidity all balance. The fruit is deep and ample, with boysenberry, blueberry, and, like many of the best
Zinfandels, black currants. A spicy side complements the fruit flavors, usually with notes of sage and clove. Culminates with a very satisfying cocoa.
Wine Tasting - March 8 - 11, 20062004 Frattina Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Many Italian Pinot Grigios are simple and mildly pleasant. In contrast, the Fratina features more character and concentration.
Dry, mouth-filling, and forceful, with fresh apples, quince, nut, and honey flavors, and a taste of spritz.2003 Michael & David Sixth Sense Syrah (California)
100% estate fruit, aged in French oak. A little Petite Verdot and Petite Syrah blended in. Upon release, this wine featured a
lushness of texture and rich raspberry fruit, but now combines this with more firmness, structure, and acidity. 2003 Michael & David Earthquake Zinfandel
Very zinny, with pepper, raspberry, blueberry, and spice. Intense and full bodied, without being raisiny or overly sweet.
Excellent complexity added by new oak. Alcoholic at 15% but not hot, with a long and satisfying finish. The top rated Zinfandel at a recent Zinfandel tasting at Tampa. 2003 Michael & David
Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Steve Raymon, of 2004: I've heard of wines described as decadent but this truly is. Lush, rich, full, smooth, ripe, uninhibited,
giving and somehow easy. Huge fruits and incredible ripeness in the youthful nose lead to a full, rich palate finish with round integrated tannins on the long finish. An open bottle improved the second day.
2004 Elyse Petite Sirah Rutherford (California)
Winemaker's Notes: "The 2004 Rutherford Petite Sirah is a wine whose deep, dark purple/black color honestly reflects its
intensity and concentration of flavor. It has intoxicating aromas of dark black fruit, cola, coffee, dusty earth and violets. It is
immense and broad on the palate, tasting of wild blackberries, espresso, soy sauce, bittersweet chocolate and spicy oak and
vanilla. This wine is highly extracted with lengthy tannins and a long pleasing finish. Pair with strong cheeses, wild game,
lamb shank or a nicely peppered strip steak. We have had the experience of it going equally well with deep, dark, rich
chocolate concoctions." While more expensive that most other Petite Sirahs, Elyse reliably demonstrates how serious and great a wine Petite Sirah can make.
Wine Tasting - March 1 - 4, 20062003 Bookwalter Chenin Blanc
Quite aromatic, with a noticeably sweet taste from residual sugar that continues even after swallowing. Soft and creamy in
the mouth, with flavors of pear, honey, and citrus. The wine matches foods with some sweetness, such as carrots, onions, sweet potato, and polenta.2000 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Signature Cuvee
Closeout special on one of the premium wines from this winery, where it sold for $45 a bottle. Made by the largest winery in
Oregon, which also owns Griffin Creek and Tualatin. Structured by tannins and acidity that will soften and integrate with bottle age, yet elegant and complex, with spicy berry flavors complimented by a touch of toasty oak. 2003 Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve
Just released in Florida. One of the best values for Cabernet Sauvignon in its price range. Consistently excellent every
vintage. The first year since 1997 that virtually all of the fruit had sufficient quality for the Grand Reserve. Winemaker's
Notes: "5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc… Very pretty aromatics of cassis, raspberry, and smoke on the nose.
Layered flavors of plum and cocoa develop into a rich palette of dark fruits with a hint of vanilla. The tannins are substantial but well developed and are suspended well into the finish with a finely integrated acidity." 2002 Rosenblum Cellars Shiraz Jingalu McLaren Vale
Dry, powerful, long, well-structured, and richly fruity. Does not have the jammy sweetness many other Australian reds have.
Perfectly ripe without being overdone. 100% new oak. An impressive expansion of Rosenblum from California to Australia. Made in Australia, bottled in United States. 2003 Rosenblum Cellars Syrah Abba Vineyard Lodi
Winemaker's Notes: "This wine comes across like a big Australian Shiraz that likes to take holiday in California. It is a little
hard to explain, but this we know: this wine is ultra lush, exotic and brimming with amazing fruit extraction that reminds one
of blackberry pie with hints of cinnamon and just a touch of lavender and violets." Young 9 year old vines but with low yields, small berries, and thick skins. 60% new oak, mixture of American and French.
2003 Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Lyons Vineyard Reserve
91 points, The Wine News: Deftly mixed aromas of blackberry, graphite, maple and coconut. Forward flavors of plum, cherry,
table syrup and pencil are quite rich. Lingering chocolate sweetness in the close.
Wine Tasting - February 15 - 19, 20062005 Viu Manent Secreto Viognier (Chile)
A high acid wine with herbal tones of fennel and anise, with a lightly oily texture and a strong peach flavor. Different and interesting. The Secret is that 15% of the wine is another grape.
2003 Viu Manent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Chile)
Awarded the trophy for 'Best Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile' at the 2nd Annual Wines of Chile Awards in London,
England, 2005. Meaty nose with black currant undertones and smoky cedar and vanilla coke on the palate followed by soft tannins and ripe blueberry. 2003 Luca Estate Syrah (Argentina)
91 points Wine Spectator: "Plush and velvety, with plum and blackberry fruit layered with lots of mocha-infused toast. Long
and creamy finish lets the fruit glide along." Shows that Argentina can produce Syrah along with places like South Africa,
Washington, California, and France in a different but equally valid style. Not your tannic, red raspberry, and smoky meat
typical for Rhone syrah. Has the acid and blackberry more typical of Washington with the sweet oak, coffee, lush texture,
and slightly jammy fruit often found in California. The addition of Malbec gives it a distinctive boysenberry/cherry complexity. A 3L wine – lush, long, and lovable. 2003 Viu 1 (Chile)
Viu Manent combines its greatest vineyards with its best winemaking efforts to try to make the best in the world of its
varietal. France and Argentina are the most famous regions for Malbec, but the Viu 1 shows that Chile is capable of equaling
the best anywhere. The 2003 exudes power and youth, with black color, high acidity, structuring tannins, and intense fruit,
which right now is primarily fresh grapes along with secondary flavors of black plums and blackberries. The wine is built for
what it does not yet have - the seamlessness and integration that will come with more bottle age, which the 1999 version of
this wine shows in spades. Very drinkable now, but an even greater wine to hold to start drinking in about five years and keep for another decade.
Wine Tasting - February 1 - 4, 20062004 Selaks Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
Punchy mixture of gooseberry and melon on the nose, generously backed up with suggestions of zesty lemon and passion
fruit. A wonderful endorsement of top quality Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. A cocktail of crisp, elegant and ripe fruit, finishing long and tangy. – ArthursBar.com, London.
2003 Concannon Petite Syrah (California)
Rated 5 stars of 5, Restaurant News: "Deeply colored; opaque. Full bodied, intensely fruity, with moderate richness, evident
tannin, and a very long finish. Showcase the fruitiness of the varietal. Exceptional." Concannon was one of the first wineries to bottle Petite Syrah separately. NV Kestrel Lady in Red (Washington)
Sports a curvaceous redhead on the label combined with serious wine inside. Dark purple color, with complex fruit aromas of
cherry, currant and blueberry. Nicely structured by tannin and acidity, and the mouth adds cherry, cedar, and cigar notes. A
multi-vintage wine, with 10% from 2000, 4% from 2001, and 86% from 2003. Composed of 55% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from the Yakima and Columbia River Valleys, 60% from vineyards owned by Kestrel. The
fruit was picked and sorted by hand, de-stemmed and crushed leaving 15% whole berries. Avoids harsh tannins. 60% was then aged in small oak barrels until bottling. – Winemaker's Notes.
2002 Kestrel Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)
A powerful and structured wine with a rich ruby color and bursting with aromas of raspberries, dried plums, cherries and
blackberries with hints of violets and roses. On the pallet are flavors of currants, blueberries, and sweet cherries plus
nuances of tobacco and leather, with a lingering finish. Enjoyable now but cellars well. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13%
Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Harvested at 26 degrees Brix from Kestrel View Vineyard in late October. Clusters are hand sorted to remove undesirable ones. Aged 20 months in 30% new oak. – Winemaker's Notes.
2002 Kestrel Merlot (Washington)
A big, full bodied, deep garnet wine full of flavors of dried fruit, dark cherries, plums and blackberries, and firm tannins, with
notes of tobacco, leather, oak, and cedar followed by a long, lingering finish of warm vanilla. 75% Merlot , 12% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc. The grapes are entirely from the Kestrel View Vineyard, known for berries with
deep color and high tannins. The fruit was cropped under 4 tons per acre and hand harvested in late October, offering ample
time to reach full ripeness of 26.2 degrees Brix. Clusters not fully colored were removed before crushing and initiating
fermentation. Made to extract the maximum color and flavors. Aged in 30% new American and Eastern European oak for 20 months. – Winemaker's Notes.
A wine where the Merlot is typically darker and firmer than the Cabernet Sauvignon – a reversal that Washington State is famous for.
Wine Tasting January 26 - January 28, 2006
Ultimate Wine Tasting #9 - Great New Italian Wines
Guest Speaker: Dr. Herb Moselle (Importer)2004 Di Lenardo Father's Eyes
This wine shows unusual character and intensity for a white blend featuring Pinot Blanc. Has a distinct minerality along with
a lovely lilac and lavender, plus a bright fig fruit, all beautifully set in an edgy and refreshing acidity. A fabulous alternative
to Sauvignon Blanc, that matches a wide range of food. What a fine vintage 2004 is proving to be for white wines in Europe.2004 Ronco del Gelso Pinot Grigio Sot Lis Rivis
Faint yellow color with floral undertones and hints of Yellow Delicious apple, that grew even more aromatic and fuller as the
wine sat in the glass. Italian Pinot Grigio tends to feature a light body with bright fruit, where as Alsatian wines made from
this grape tend toward oily and viscous. This wonderful version is a blend of these two styles. More plump, fat, oily, and
mouth coating than the typical Italian, which probably comes from lower yields and later harvesting. An incredibly good
value, that would handle even oily and heavier foods, including salads with nuts and oil that overwhelm most wines. 2002 Lorella Ambrosini Subertum
An unusual blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Petite Verdot that is very dark, fruity, well-balanced, lushly textured, and smooth, laced with violets. Will be especially appreciated by admirers of blends from Australia and California. 2003 Nada Fiorenza Nebbiola
Has that deep ruby color typical for Nebbiola. The aroma is smooth, open, and fruity, with a touch of acidity. The mouth has
a black cherry with some earthiness, and is smooth and languid, but has a long finish with ripe acidity. A fine example of a
wine that benefited from the heat and drought of the 2003 vintage, which made it more aromatic, forward, open, and tasty. 2002 Lorella Ambrosini Rosso Montepulciano
Wines made from the Montepulciano grape are commonly imported into the United States, where they are rightly admired for
providing dark and tasty wines at an affordable price. This wine is a huge step up, made by a winery that believes Montepulciano is capable of making extraordinary wines. Very dark, with clove and bay leaf in the nose. Rich, deep,
mouth-coating, dense enough to veer into chocolate. Finally, it is laced with noticeable tannins that will give it a long cellar life and the opportunity to improve significantly with age.
2001 Nada Fiorenzo Barbaresco Rombone
A great, classic, single-vineyard Barbaresco. This Barbaresco is not a black, dense wine that overwhelms you with its power.
Rather, what makes it great is its completeness, fullness, and complexity. The tannin, acid, and fruit all greet the nose and
work together to make the whole greater than its parts. The mouth echoes the nose and adds a smooth round feel. Very
savory, with no let down in the entry, middle, and finish, which is definitely dry. Drinks well now but the greatest delights
will come with aging. After being opened for four days, the wine became much smoother, with black and red cherry, soft leather, tobacco, cedar, and a relentlessly dry but flavorful finish. Will store for decades.
2003 Tenuta Carlina La Togata Rosso di Montalcino
Has the look and smell of the 2003 vintage in France, Spain, and Italy – very dark color short of inky, and a nose that is
aromatic, open, fruity, and ripe. In the mouth, the tannins are high but ripe, the flavors are concentrated and mouth-coating,
the acidity is ample, and the finish is long, persistent, and dry. After being opened for four days, the wine became smoother
and more rounded, with cedar, blackberry, and wonderfully integrated tannins and acidity. Brunello quality in a fantastic Rosso. 1999 Tenuta Carlina La Togata Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
A worthy successor to the great 1997 Reserva. Any wine labeled "Reserva" by this winery is a huge step up in quality.
Legally in Italy, a reserve wine is stored longer in barrel, but merely storing a lesser wine longer in wood is not going to make
it better. As with any truly special wine, the quality of the wine put in the bottle is what is outstanding. The color is inky,
and the dark color goes all the way out to the edge of the wine in the glass. Color reliably indicates how aged a wine is, and
this wine looks immortal. When you put your nose in the glass and deeply inhale, the smell never ends or even weakens,
showing the depth of the wine. The wine also clearly smells smooth and rich. In the mouth, everything is outsized – huge
tannins and huge fruit coat the entire mouth – but perfectly balanced. While amazingly good right now, the wine will richly
reward cellaring. After being open for four days, the wine remained dense and mouth-filling, packed with tar and blackberry,
but moved toward the opulence of a Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux. While not cheap, other Brunellos this great cost even more. A convincing demonstration how Brunello makes a world class wine.
Wine Tasting January 18 - January 21, 20062005 La PIaya Cabernet Rose (Chile)
90 points, Dick Scheer, Village Corner: "Excellent cabernet rose - not an easy achievement, as many are astringent. They've
wisely made it nicely soft, with a barely detectable residual sugar. Best Cabernet rose I've tasted since the long-ago Simi versions."2003 Waterwheel Memsie Shiraz/Cabernet/Malbec (Australia)
90 points, Wine Spectator: "Smooth and generous, a lively style with juicy plum and blackberry aromas and flavors,
lingering on the refined finish. Shiraz, Cabemet Sauvignon and Malbec." 90 points Robert Parker: "Consumers should be
buying this one by the case load. The 2004 Memsie is a blend of 71% Shiraz, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Malbec aged
in a combination of new and used American oak. Its dense and ruby/purple color is followed by a pure, ripe, black raspberry,
blackberry and blueberry aromas interwoven with hints of wood as well as licorice. Medium to full-bodied, with great fruit and soft tannin, it can be enjoyed over the 2-3 years."
2001 Chigi Sarcini Poggiassi Toscano (Italy)
Very dark and plumy. Forward and tasty. Smooth, rounded, and lushly textured. Yet nicely structured, with a dry finish. As good as Super Tuscan wines costing twice as much. 2004 Tait Ball Buster (Australia)
93 points, Wine Advocate: "As it has been in previous vintages, the value-priced 2004 Proprietary Red is a classic Barossa
Valley effort in terms of bigness, boldness, and a dramatic display of fruit and intensity. If you want something delicate,
restrained, and understated, steer clear of this locomotive that crashes over the palate with a flamboyant display of
blackberry and cassis fruit, licorice, tar, and spicy oak. 74% Shiraz, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. Amazing wine for the price.
Wine Tasting January 11 - January 14, 20062005 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
Light straw color. Vibrant currant-leaf and gooseberry aromas with some pungent herbaceous nuances and a hint of ripe
citrus. A full flavored medium bodied wine with an abundance of currant and gooseberry flavors and a clean, lingering finish. – Winemaker's Notes2003 Don Rodolfo Tannat Reserve (Argentina)
Excellent color, with some bitter chocolate in the nose. Mostly cherry fruit in the mouth, with adequate acidity. Dry and dusty finish. The Tannat grape is famous for aging slowly, and improving when exposed to air for several days.
2002 Hedges Three Vineyards Red Mountain (Washington)
The flagship of their estate wines, the Three Vineyards is a classic Red Mountain wine showing deep, dense color, firm yet
supple tannins, and well defined acidity. The Three Vineyards is a blend of fruit from three estate vineyards: Hedges Estate
Vineyard, Bel'Villa Vineyard, and Red Mountain Vineyard. Always a majority blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is suitable for drinking upon release but will also reward those with the patience to age it.
2001 Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (California)
90-92 points Robert Parker: "The dense purple-colored 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa possesses abundant quantities of
black currant fruit, a liqueur-like aspect to its flavor intensity, sweet tannin, and a long, velvety-textured, juicy finish. Like many top 2001s, it will be approachable upon release, and age well for 10-15 years."
Wine Tasting January 4 - January 7, 20062004 Michael and David 7 Heavenly Chardonnays (California)
Named for the seven different coopers who make the oak barrels in which the wine is aged. Crisp Asian pear and delicate peach blossom lead into hints of buttery toast and a zest of fresh lime. – Winemaker's Notes
. Double Gold "Best of Class" at 2005 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.2004 Michael and David Windmill Old Vine Zinfandel (California)
A consistent producer of some of the best Zinfandel for the money. Combines vineyards of four producers. Smooth and tasty, featuring blackberries, with enough tannin to be well structured and a very long aftertaste.
2003 Michael and David Seven Deadly Zins (California)
A blend made from old vines from seven different wineries in Lodi. Starts out with noticeable sweetness from nose to finish
that gives the wine a softer texture and lusher richness. As it sat in the glass, a chocolate thickness emerged, laced with fruit. 2003 Michael and David Sixth Sense Syrah (California)
An attractive, very California style of Syrah – dark, delicious, very fruity, low tannin, open and lush, with some earth and red licorice. 2003 Yangarra Old Vines Grenache (Australia)
93 points,
Wine Spectator - "...a real thoroughbred made from the 80 year old vines growing along the contours of the home
vineyard. Rich, ripe and massive, redolent of all sorts of dark fruits cascading over the palate like a roaring waterfall." - Harvey Stedman, September 2004. 89 points, Wine Enthusiast
- "The old-vine designation will make more sense when you see how black and extracted the wine appears in the glass. Aromas are abyss-deep, with dust and black soil over dark fruit.
The palate holds nothing but the purest blackberry, dressed up with some toast. Finishes with taut cherry. A solid, masculine wine." - Daryna Tobey, September 2004 Return To Archives Page
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Richard Stetler's Fine Wines & Tastings
