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EACH WEEK WE TASTE 7 - 9 DIFFERENT WINES + BONUS WINES
LISTED BELOW IS JUST A SAMPLING OF THE WINES WE HAVE TASTED IN THE PREVIOUS WEEKS
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Wine Tasting - December 24, 26 & 27, 2014
2012 Zorzal Pinot Gris (Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina)
Zorzal makes some high end and expensive white wines. This Pinot Gris is one of their introductory whites, where they seek to make an affordable wine that is aromatic, refreshing, and tasty.
2008 Domaine La Colliere La Fontaine Cote Du Rhone Village (Rasteau, Rhone Valley, France)
The top cuvee, that is deeper, richer, and more structured and tannic. Philippe Cambie is the consulting wine maker.
The estate only started bottling its grapes in 2003. The ensuing vintages show that the tannic structure rounds well
with bottle age, and that good fruit is reliably achieved, even in cooler vintages like 2008. Gets the best grapes from
their Rasteau vineyards, ages the wine about 2 years in concrete tanks, and blends around 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre.
2008 Materra Merlot Oak Knoll (Napa, CA)
Merlot with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of cola, smoky bacon, cherries and plums with
a background of roasted herbs. The palette achieves both length and complexity from flavors of ripe cherries and blueberries, a spicy herbal note, chalky tannins and bright acidity.
2009 Gia Domella Russian River Reserve Zinfandel (California)
Usually less than 100 cases made from vines over a century old. A wine you can almost never buy, much less even taste. Blackberry jam with even refreshing acidity. Impressively delicious, deep, smooth, and balanced.
2010 J Rickards Petite Sirah Brown Barn Vineyard (Alexander Valley, CA)
A Petite Sirah that captures the deep purple color and huge, robust structure of the varietal, along with an intensely fruity blueberry and blackberry, accented by black pepper and finishing with dark chocolate.
2012 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California)
96 points, Wine Advocate:Dense purple/black color followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry
fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. A full-bodied and a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Drinks well now and lasts for over 20 years.
Wine Tasting - December 10 - 13 & 17 - 20, 2014
Holdiay Cabernet Fest with Champagne Reception {Parts I & II}
2012 Saint Hilaire Limoux Blanc de Blanc Brut (Limmoux, France)
The first sparkling wine made in France around 1531, by Benedictine monks a century before Champagnes. Far better than what is typically served at brunches and weddings. Decent acidity and bubbles, with pear, green apple, and
apple cider flavors.
2009 Graham Beck Brut Rose (Robertson, South Africa)
Great salmon pink color makes this wine look extremely attractive. Noticeable ripe strawberries from the 82% Pinot
Noir with a creamy complexity from the 18% Chardonnay. An explosion of raspberry fruit together with fresh sherbet on the palate and a long fine creamy mousse.
Multi-Vintage Lanson Black Label Brut (Champagne, France)
90 points, International Wine Cellar: Light yellow-gold. Meyer lemon,pear skin aromas, and chalky minerals, quinine
and brioche. Chewy and dry on entry, then fleshier and smoother, with dense orchard fruit and a hint of bitter citrus pith. Closes with firm grip, mineral drive, & smoky toast.
2007 Louis Roederer Vintage Champagne (Champagne, France)
96 points, Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast: Roederer managed to produce one of the best wines of the year, from a
less than great vintage. Blends mature yellow fruits with a pure and tangy orange zest taste. Tightly textured, with bright acidity and steely minerality. A great wine to age that will drink well through at least 2025.
2012 Finca Sophenia Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Bright ruby-colored. A clean nose displaying varietal notes of Cabernet, cedar wood, and
chalk. The palate is fresh, with very fine tannins, great purity and length. Has the sophistication of a much more expensive wine. A steal.
2010 Stratton Lummis Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
Aims to make great drinking affordable Cabernets from Napa, by buying grapes from top vineyards in Oakville and
Rutherford. Dark colored, full bodied, elegant, softly tannic, with layers of dark fruit, cassis, and mocha. Drinks well on release and improves with age.
2012 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla, Washington)
76% Cab Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 3% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot. Previous 2011, 92 points, #35 Top 100, Wine Spectator: Fresh, vibrant, and tightly wound fine tannins. A generous burst of currant and
plum, hints of clove and pepper, and a long harmonious finish.
2012 Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Seven Hills Vineyard (Walla Walla, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 22 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Aromas of raspberry,
plum, toffee, spice, mineral, marzipan, flower, and thyme. A palette of black cherry, ripe plum, dried herbs, cedar bark, mocha, and spice.
2010 Powers Champoux Reserve Red Blend (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: Dark, deep, rich fruit flavors balanced with acidity and sturdy tannins. A huge nose of spice,
black currant, dark cherry, sage, fresh fennel, black pepper, and chocolate. Very elegant, powerful, and complex on the
palate, from dried red fruits, eucalyptus, and cedar. From one of the oldest, most famous and sought after grape sources in Washington. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 3% Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc.
Aged 32 months in French oak, 85% new. 515 cases made.
2012 Titus Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena, Napa Valley)
80%Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot. 20 months in French, Hungarian & American Oak, 45% new. 92 points, Wine Advocate:A winner, exhibiting beautiful ripeness, glorious fruit, plenty of exuberance, and pure,
full-bodied opulence. A friendly, unmanipulated, luscious Cabernet Sauvignon that is faithful to its varietal character, and delivers plenty of depth, complexity and richness.
2011 Selene Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Fred Vineyard (Combsville, Napa, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: Raspberry and raspberry leaf, high cacao dark chocolate, veal stock, fresh tobacco, spices of
India, earth, and blackberry pie are all part of the complex aromas. The tannins are fine and chewy in texture and
flavors are savory, long and intense in character. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months. 90 cases made.
2012 Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, California)
94 points, Wine Spectator: Beautifully crafted, rich and layered with tiers of currant, blackberry, mocha, espresso and
vanilla. The flavors slowly build depth while retaining an elegant mouthfeel, ending with a long, persistent finish that keeps echoing the core components.
2010 VGS Chateau Potelle Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot. Deeply colored.
Very perfumed, with violets, raspberry, and cassis. Later cherry, vanilla, and toast emerge, along with herbal complexities. Very mouth filling, rich, luscious, and integrated, but not overripe. Ample but polished tannins, with
clear and nuanced flavors. The grapes are from the Wildcat Vineyard, 2,200 high, with rocky and volcanic soil. Aged 19 months in 100% new French oak. 800 cases made.
Wine Tasting - December 3 - 6, 2014
2012 Domaine D'en Ségur Le Rosé Cabernet, Côtes du Tarn, France
The Domaine's vineyard, Les Cauquillous, runs alongside the Via Tolosana, one of the oldest pilgrim routes to
Santiago. Made from both Cabernets, this light, fruity wine has attractive red-fruit flavors, refreshing acidity and a crisp, bright aftertaste.
2012 Siduri Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, California
This opulent wine from the highly regarded 2012 vintage is described by Antonio Galloni: "The 2012 Pinot Noir Santa
Lucia Highlands presents an intriguing combination of ripe, sexy fruit underpinned by firm structure. Bright red stone
fruits, flowers and sweet spices are all woven together beautifully in this entry-level appellation bottling. Expressive, layered and impeccable, this wine is going to provide pleasure the minute it hits the shelves."
2010 Domaine de Couroulu Vielles Vignes, Vacqueras, Rhone, France
The 2010 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes (70% Grenache and 30% Syrah aged in cement) reveals off the charts blackberry
and blueberry fruit notes intermixed with Provencal herbs, lavender and licorice. This sensational 2010 should drink well for 10-15+ years - 92-94 points-Wine Advocate
2012 Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla, Washington
A blend of 98% Syrah with 2% Grenache.
Big, rich and voluptuously styled, the 2012 Syrah is a wine that shows the vintage nicely. Medium to full-bodied, with fabulous fruit and texture, it boasts loads of plum, blackberry, licorice,
singed herbs and hints of meat in its forward, very drinkable personality." 90 points - Wine Advocate
2012 Allesverloren Shiraz, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Allesverloren Shiraz is a bountiful, full-bodied wine made in the traditional style with a smoky, scented bouquet of
ripe plums, red berries with a hint of cigar box and excellent fruit concentration. Rich and full bodied with a good tannic structure.
Wine Tasting - November 26, 28 & 29, 2014
2013 Ritual Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley, Chile
The Ritual wines are a joint venture between Chilean vintner Agustin Huneeus and American winemaker Paul Hobbs.
A dense and wonderfully long and silky pinot with strawberry, light hazelnut, and hints of lemon peel. Full body, yet lively and wired. This gives competition to Sea Smoke pinot but at half to one-third the price.
- 94 points James Suckling
2010 Vasse Felix Cabernet, Margaret River Australia
This Margaret River benchmark wine has been made every vintage since 1972. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon,
5% Malbec, 0.5% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc the wine expresses the intense and succulent, yet refined and
structured style for which Margaret River is well respected. Mineral-laced dark berry and cherry scents show very good clarity and notes of pipe tobacco and cedar. Textbook cabernet, with gently sweet cassis and cherry flavors,
good mineral bite and silky texture. Finishes spicy and long, with fine-grained tannins adding shape.
- 91 points James Suckling
2012 Celani Siglo Red Blend, Napa Valley
An extremely aromatic Merlot with huge expressions of bright, lush black raspberries, juicy plums, dark chocolate and
rhubarb. Subtle notes of orange peel, wet rock and pencil. In the mouth richly concentrated flavors of candied black
and red raspberries, black cherries and roasted black berries. The powerful flavors are beautifully integrated with lush, velvety tannins resulting in a luscious seamless quality.
2011 Head High Red Blend, Sonoma Valley
Named after the height of the perfect wave, this blend of of 25% Malbec, 24% Petit Verdot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon,
18% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 4% Carignane, 3% Syrah exhibits beautiful blue and red berries. Spiced fruit cake and
scorched earth deliver a tsunami of flavor, while a clean and pure acidity washes the palate clean for your next ride.
Amavi Cabernet Walla Walla Cabernet 2011
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 3% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc. This fresh and vibrant red is tightly
wound around fine tannins, offering a generous burst of currant and plum fruit, hinting at clove and pepper as the finish lingers harmoniously. - 92 pointsWine Spectator
2012 J Portugal Ramos Reserve (Alentejano. Portugal)
90 points, Wine Spectator, #56 Top 100 Wines 2014: Black olive, dark currant and dried plum flavors give this red
plenty of power and lift. Quite minerally as well, featuring an intense and balanced finish that lingers with fig paste and raspberry ganache elements. Drink now through 2020.
2010 Domaine de Triennes Saint Auguste (Provence, France)
The hillside vineyards are east of Marseilles and about 30 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. 90 points, Wine Spectator, #81 Top 100 2014: A selection of the best cuvées of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Rich dark
purple with bright ruby highlights. Alluring aromas of ripe black cherries, nutmeg and clove. Full and concentrated, enjoyable on release and up to 15 years later.
2012 Tikal Patriota (Mendoza, Argentina)
60% Malbec and 40% Bonarda.91 points, Wine Spectator, #45 Top 100: A rich red, packed with concentrated flavors
of blackberry, dark plum and mocha, featuring plenty of dark chocolate. Has a ripe texture, with creamy accents and hints of savory herb on the long finish. Drink now through 2020.
2008 John Duval Plexus (Barossa, Australia)
95 points, James Halliday. 93+ points, Wine Advocate:A decidedly Shiraz dominant version of this classic blend.
Deep garnet-purple colored, with an abundance of Indian spice aromas – cumin seed, fenugreek and cloves - over
raspberry cordial, preserved blackberry, dusty earth, powdered cinnamon and moss covered tree bark. The full-bodied
palate displays the elegance of this blend in its effortless harmony, offering a medium-high level of very fine tannins, crisp acid and ample opulent flesh with a long finish. Drink it now to 2018+.
2010 Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy)
A wine listed for $52 on release, that has vaporized on the market after the Wine Spectator released its top ratings for 2014. #6 on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines. 95 points: Offers a combination of power and elegance, with a racy
feel. Wild cherry, strawberry, rose, leafy, and wood flavors, all permeate this driving red. The finish is long, but needs
time to shed the tannins. Well-defined from start to finish. 80% Sangiovese and the rest Malvasia Nera and Merlot. Best from 2017 through 2030. 8,000 cases made.
Wine Tasting - November 12 - 15, 2014
Zinfest
2012 Cycles Gladiator Boneshaker Zinfandel (Lodi, CA)
88% Zin, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Full bodied, lusciously textured, framed by chewy tannins, with flavors of blackberry, black plum, black cherry, cola, licorice, and vanilla. Aged in French oak, 70% new. Owned by Hahn.
2012 Alexander Valley Vineyards Redemption Zinfandel (Dry Creek, CA)
A dense dark purple wine in the glass with spicy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, plum, dark chocolate and
vanilla. The mouthfeel is richly textured and combines spicy flavors of black pepper, blueberry, dark fruits, black cherry, chocolate and molasses.
2011 Terlato Federalist Zinfandel (Dry Creek, CA)
Combines the blackberry, cherry, pepper, and cinnamon of Zinfandel with bright acidity and drying tannins. Cooling fogs keep the ripe grapes from raisining.
2012 Mettler Family Zinfandel (Lodi, CA)
Deep color. Aromas of red currant, blackberry and vanilla. A mouth of raspberry, blackberry, boysenberry, tobacco,
pepper and cola. Plush tannins. Wonderfully exuberant and juicy. 85% Zin, 10% Petite Sirah, bit of Cab Franc and Cab Sauvignon. Aged 19 months in oak, 80% American, 20% French, 70% new.
2012 Carlisle Russian River Sodini Estate
92 points, International Wine Cellar: Inky ruby. Potent cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and palate, with smoke
and peppery spice nuances. Fleshy but lively. Finishes with excellent clarity, gripping tannins, and a bitter cherry. Hides its alcohol gracefully.
2012 VGS Chateau Potelle Zinfandel (Mount Veeder, California)
Big cinnamon sweet spice but very bright acidity. Rich, dense, and intense, yet balanced and complex. Raspberry, blackberry, and vanilla. Alcohol usually over 16%. A limited production of around 600 cases. Aged 17 months in
French oak barrels. From high altitude vineyards.
Wine Tasting - November 5 - 8, 2014
2012 Bodegas Gormaz Viña Gormaz Verdejo (Rueda, Spain)
Scents of apricot, citrus, melon, and spring flowers. Medium-bodied. Subtle mineral tones emerge in the mouth to complement the fruit, and a lively acidity persists through a gratifying finish.
2011 AIA Vecchia Lagone (Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy)
60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. 89 points, Wine Advocate: Super ripe and soft wine with
jammy aromas of blackberry and prune backed by milk chocolate and tobacco. Aged one year in barrique. Supple and velvety. A terrific value.
2013 Gran Passione Rosso (Veneto, Italy)
60% Merlot and 40% Corvino. An unusually affordable introduction to the wines from Veneto where the harvested grapes are air dried months before being fermented, which gives the wines a deeper color, distinct and exotic aroma,
smooth texture, noticeable tannins and acidity, and hearty flavors of dark cherry, black currant, prune, raisin, and dark chocolate. Goes well with dense foods, such as stews, meats, and cheeses.
2011 Klein Estate Red Blend (Constantia, South Africa)
31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet franc, 22% Malbec, 13% Shiraz, 5% Petit Verdot.Winemaker's Notes: Intense
sweet red fruit with subtle notes of peppery spice and vanilla on the nose. Very fruit driven, highlighting the best that
Klein Constantia reds have to offer. A well-integrated oak component rounds off the palate. The rich and powerful tannin structure creates a fine balance between fruit and intensity.
2011 AIA Vecchia Sor Ugo Rosso Superiore (Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy)
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot. The top wine from this estate. Delivers massive, dark concentration and an exceedingly supple mouthfeel. Aged 18 months in barrique. Fine drive on the
palette, imparting bright cherry, blackberry and spice. Has consistently ranked over 90 points, and reached 95 points
in peak years, equaling the scores of more famous and expensive wines that include blends of Bordeaux grapes.
Wine Tasting - October 29 - November 1, 2014
2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling Reserve (Alsace, France)
From a winemaking family that goes back to the 15th century, with holdings in 9 villages. This is one of their
introductory Rieslings, with bright lemon and apple, and a hint of peach.
2011 Joseph Phelps Fogdog Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Winemaker's Notes: Aromas of Bing cherry,
cassis, raspberries, red currants and cocoa powder with hints of baking spices and tobacco, followed by an approachable, fresh, medium-bodied palate and great texture. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels 2-4 years old.
2011 Rust en Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Deliciously pure, with an iron and savory spine running through the bright red currant,
damson plum and raspberry fruit. Has a racy, defined finish.
2009 Bartinney Helshoogte Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Named after a treacherous high pass in the mountains. Deep red soils of decomposed granite. 100% Cabernet. 91 points Wine Spectator: A very solid, tightly wound Cabernet, with a core of cassis and fig fruit in reserve, held in
check for now by ample grip and mouthwatering iron, tobacco and black tea notes. Pure finish. Should unwind nicely. Drink now through 2015. 450 cases imported.
2011 Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 6% Syrah, 1% Malbec. Made and marketed by Signorello as a more affordable alternative to their expensive estate wines, but blended only from other premium Napa growers. The
previous 2009 was singled out by the Wine Enthusiast as one of the best Napa Cabernets under $30. Aged 15 months in American and French oak. Winemaker's Notes: Ripe strawberries and hints of vanilla and clove arise from the glass.
The palate is layered with strawberry, raspberries and a touch of white pepper. The long finish shows the wine's integrated tannins.
Wine Tasting - October 22 - 25, 2014
2012 Famiglia Marrone Langhe Favorita (Piedmonte, Italy)
Favorita is the name of the grape varietal, which is genetically identical to Vermentino and Pigato.Straw yellow tinged
with gold. Aroma of white flowers, apple, apricot and fresh cut grass. The taste is delicate and pleasantly dry.
2010 Losada Vinos de Finca (Bierzo, Spain)
100% Mencía, fermented and aged in French and American oak. 90 points, International Wine Cellars: Vivid ruby.
Black raspberry, cherry-vanilla and musky sassafras on the pungent nose. Fleshy and expansive, offering sappy red
and dark berry flavors and a suave note of candied flowers. Picks up spiciness with air and finishes on a smoky note, with very good cut and minerally persistence.
2012 Chateau Pesquie Terrasses (Cotes de Ventoux, France)
An unusually consistent high scoring wine across vintages. 92 points, Wine Advocate: 70% Grenache from 60 year
old vines and 30% Syrah from 30+ year old vines. Aged 6-8 months in 40% new oak barrels. Essentially declassified
Quintessence, from hillside vineyards between 840-930 feet in elevation. A pure, supple, and seamless profile with
kirsch and berry fruit, licorice, and spring flowers. Elegant, forward, and delicious, gaining stature in the glass,
impressively textured for such an inexpensive wine, and has round tannin in the finish. Well worth buying by the case to enjoy anytime the next 5 years.
2011 Vina Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon Marchiori Vineyard (Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina)
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 18 months in American and French oak, 60% new, from a vineyard 3,250 feet high at the foot of the Andes Mountains with deep alluvial soil. 92 points - Wine Spectator, 91 points - Wine Enthusiast: Full-bodied and hefty. The nose is toasty, minty and a touch herbal. In the mouth, solid tannins support what would
otherwise be a syrupy, soft Cabernet. Flavors of baked blackberry and cassis finish with brown-sugar sweetness and length. A wine for those who like their Cabs rich and plush.
2009 La Playa Axel Primero (Colchagua, Chile)
41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 19% Carmenére, 15% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec. Aged 14 months in French and American oak. Vanilla, wood spice, plum and blackberry. 92 points, Wine Enthusiast: Appealing start with inviting
aromas of licorice, spice, coconut, and vanilla. The palate is a tight deck of lemony oak, raspberry fruit, spice and vanilla, which finishes with a sinewy structure. 500 cases made.
Wine Tasting - October 15 - 18, 2014
2013 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rose (Provence, France)
Complex flavors of raspberry, cherry, olive, fennel, and rose petals. Made from 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvedre, both of which are serious red wine grapes. The color comes from crushed grapes, and the wine is fermented from
temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Unusual for a Rose to be made by a northern Rhone winemaker from grapes in Provence. Grown on hilly vineyards overlooking Marseille.
2012 Siduri Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills (Santa Rita Hills, California)
90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media:Dark red cherries, plums, game, smoke and tobacco. Juicy, resonant and
expressive, with terrific depth, density, and balance. So much to like here at a very friendly price. A blend from John Sebastiano, Clos Pepe and Cargasacchi vineyards.
2010 Chateau de Marsan (Cadillac, Cote de Bordeaux)
Mostly Merlot with some Cabernet Franc. 90 points, Wine Spectator: A good smoldering feel, with warm, steeped
currant, plum and blackberry fruit melding nicely with bay leaf and charcoal notes. There's solid flesh through the finish, with some chalky grip that more bottle age will round.
2012 Jean-Luc Columbo Syrah Les Collines de Laure (Rhone Valley, France)
A blend of grapes from young vines in Cornas, Saint Joseph, and Crozes-Heritage, all with decomposed granite soil.
The grapes are soaked and fermented in cooled stainless vats and only the free run juice is used to make this wine,
stored in stained steel rather than oak barrels. Ruby colored, red fruit aromas, a softly tannic feel, and a taste of strawberry, raspberry, and violets. Named after a young daughter who played and danced in the vineyards.
2011 Robert Biale Basic Black Red Wine (Sonoma, California)
Though the plain name suggests a simple and inexpensive bistro wine, the Basic Black is actually a seriously made limited production wine.
A field blend that variously may include Syrah, Viognier, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Barbera. Aged 14 months in French oak, 25% new. Only hundreds of cases made. Made to have a dark
color, concentrated taste, soft texture, gentle tannins, and tasty fruit.
Wine Tasting - October 8 - 11, 2014
2012 Chapoutier La Ciboise (Luberon, Rhone Valley)
Light and refreshing, with plenty of fruit cocktail, juiced pear, and honeysuckle. Made from 30% Grenache Blanc, 30%
Vermentino, 20% Ugni Blanc and 20% Roussanne. Medium-bodied, lively and fresh on the palate, with juicy acidity and solid texture. Well-made, clean, and easy drinking. You could do a lot worse for the money.
2010 Lockwood Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Monterrey, California)
Made from the San Lucas Vineyard, which is one of the largest in California, situated with deep alluvial soil with
fossilized sea shells at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Lockwood competes in the market for affordable wines featuring the grape varietal. Light tannins with cherry and plum fruit flavors.
2012 Falesco Vitiano Rosso (Umbria, Italy)
The most popular wine sold by Falesco in the United States. An equal blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark ruby, deliciously fruity, and lushly textured. An excellent introductory wine.
2010 Zenato Valpolicella Ripassa Superiore (Italy)
92 points, Antonio Galloni:Simply beautiful. Freshly cut flowers, dark red berries and a gentle hint of spice caress the
palate in a subtle, layered wine loaded with personality and class. This is a great introduction to the wines of Zenato. Best of all, the 2010 is a fabulous value.
2010 Mount Brave Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder, California)
93 points, Wine Advocate: Surprisingly accessible for a Mount Veeder Cabernet. Dark raspberries, flowers, mint and
new leather flesh out this exciting large-scaled wine. A balanced and harmonious wine with especially likeable density, richness and roundness. Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop of Merlot and Cabernet Franc,
aged in 19% new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
Wine Tasting - October 1 - 4, 2014
2011 Acústic Cellars Garnacha Blanc, Monsant, Spain
Straw yellow with golden reflections. Pears, apples, and citrus on the nose followed by ripe fruit and some toast on the palate. Clean and very bright.
2012 Foris Vineyards Winery Pinot Noir 'Maple Ranch", Rogue Valley, Oregon
"Sexy, spice-accented raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by deeply pitched notes of cola and mocha.
Fleshy, sweet and expansive, offering ripe red fruit flavors that show excellent depth and clarity. Supple tannins build slowly and frame the sappy, penetrating finish, which leaves a sexy floral pastille note behind." 92 pts - S.Tanzer IWC
2011 Assobio Esporoa D.O.C. Douro, Portugal
"Assobio is from a single vineyard in the Quinta dos Murças estate. A powerful, structured expression of Douro
wine, it has black fruits, dark tannins, some subtle layers of wood aging and great concentration. Dark and richly fruity, it needs to mature before drinking. Wait until 2017. " 94 pts - Wine Enthusiast
2011 Milbrandt Cabernet Reserve, Columbia Valley, Washington
Sourced from estate vineyards, this Cabernet is blended with 12% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot and aged in new American oak. Smooth and rich with aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, black cherry, cassis, mocha and a hint of dried
savory herbs. Good grip to the structure, backed by nice minerality and a finish of lime peel.
2012 Duckhorn Canvasback Cabernet, Red Mountain, Washington
This is the highly anticipated release of California's Duckhorn Wine Co. inaugural vintage of Canvasback, a Cabernet
Sauvignon using grapes from Washington's Red Mountain. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, aged 16 months in 64% new and 36% neutral French oak barrels the wine shows aromas cherries, blueberries, and
hints of scorched earth. The palate is medium-full bodied, with fine grained and firm tannins, notes of anise, cured
tobacco leaves and dry desert sage with dried cherries, raspberry fruit leather, and a hint of flintiness.
Wine Tasting - September 24 - 27, 2014
2010 Baron De Hoen Gewürztraminer, Alsace , France
The little town of Beblenheim in Alsace is home to a winery run by 150 winegrowers, who cart their grapes from
nearby vineyards to make an assortment of fine wines. An intense aroma of rose petals mingles with tropical fruit. On
the palate, a touch of sweetness is balanced by fresh acidity. A hint of spices accompanies the long finish.
2010 Angel Vine "The Hellion" Columbia Valley, Washington
This red blend includes Primitivo, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel from Coyote Canyon (Horse Heaven Hills) and StoneTree
(Wahluke Slope) vineyards. It opens with aromas of spices, black pepper and strawberry-rhubarb jam. On the palate, if shows off dark fruit flavors, including plum, black cherry and raspberry.
2012 Vinum Cellars Petite Sirah, Clarksburg, California
Cool breezes from the San Francisco Bay sweep the heat out of the valley floor every afternoon and allows the grapes
to maintain their natural acidity. The wine is inky purple with maximum teeth staining capacity and has ripe plummy
aromas backed with leathery and slight earth notes. These deep fruit notes sit on a silky tannin matrix of French oak with hints of vanilla, but finishes elegantly with cassis.
2008 Materra Merlot, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
Merlot with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of cola, smoky bacon, cherries and plums with
a background of roasted herbs. Flavors of ripe cherries and blueberries with a spicy herbal note are framed by chalky tannins and bright acidity, which contribute to the length and complexity of this wine.
2010 Powers Champoux Horse Heaven Hills Reserve, Washington
With layered aromas of warm soil, dark rich fruit, notes of Lambert cherries, molasses, and anise on the nose. The
palate delivers deep rich flavors of dark fruit, bakers chocolate, cedar, tobacco leaf, and allspice, with lovely acidity
and lush dusty tannins that you would come to expect from a powerful Cabernet from this world - class vineyard.
Wine Tasting - September 17 - 20, 2014
PinotFest
2010 St Innocent Pinot Noir Village Cuvee (Oregon)
90 points, International Wine Cellar: Vivid red. High pitched aromas of wild raspberries and rose, with a peppery
spice background. Racy and precise, offering sappy strawberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of bitter orange pith. Closes nervy and tight, with very good clarity and length.
2009 Bouchaine Pinot Noir Carneros (Napa-Sonoma, California)
90 points, Wine & Spirits Magazine: Emphasizes earthy root scents against rich, dark cherry flavors. Brings the scent
of fresh-dug carrots to mind. The earthiness of the tannins dominates the wine at first, but that shifts toward a sleek, more amiable refinement with air.
2012 Capiaux Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, California)
91 points. Wine Advocate: Laced with expressive red fruits, flowers and mint. Hints of orange peel and blood orange
appear later, adding both brightness and an exotic note that is hugely appealing. Medium in body, the Chimera is probably best enjoyed over the next handful of years. Gorgeous and beautifully focused. The Capiaux Pinots are
some of the finest wines in the $30 price range.
2008 Z'ivo Eola-Amity Hills Estate Pinot Noir (Oregon)
Aged in 33% new French oak. 20% of the grapes included stems. 93 points, Wine Spectator: Dense and chewy, but
remarkably agile, displaying ripe blackberry, plum, black pepper, walnut and floral flavors flitting in and out of focus, meeting up with mineral notes on the finish. Best from 2012 through 2020. 1,000 cases made.
2011 Siduri Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir (California)
A very dependable regional blend of Siduri. Ages well for at least 8 years.92 points, Editor's Choice, Wine
Enthusiast:A thoroughly enjoyable wine. The fact that it doesn't have a vineyard designation means nothing. It's a superior Pinot Noir, dry, crisp in acidity and rich in fruit, oak and minerals.
2012 Foris Vineyards Pinot Noir Maple Ranch (Rogue Valley, Oregon)
Made from an unusual vineyard, 1,700 feet high, on the Siskiyou Mountains 25 miles from the Pacific. Night lows in the 40s follow even day highs of 100 degrees. 92 points, International Wine Cellar: Brilliant red. Sexy,
spice-accented raspberry and cherry aromas with deeply pitched notes of cola and mocha. Fleshy, sweet and expansive, with ripe red fruit flavors that are deep and clear. Supple tannins build slowly and frame the sappy,
penetrating finish, ending on a sexy floral pastille note.
2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Estate Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, California)
93 points, Antonio Galloni: Dark red cherries, tobacco and new leather wrap around a wine of presence and nuance,
that stands out for its symmetry, overall sense of balance, delineation, and energy. Shows beautifully next to the single vineyard Pinots with a significantly higher price. The value jewel in their Pinots.
Wine Tasting - September 10 - 13, 2014
2013 Masciarelli Trebbiano D'Abruzzo (Italy
Dry, clean, acidic, and floral, with a twist of fennel. From a winery that has a dozen wines with the highest rating in
Gamberra Rosso, which tastes and rates wines throughout Italy every year. Their introductory wine made from the Trebbiano grape, which shows Trebbiano can be more complex and mouth filling.
2009 Castoro Cellars Zinfandel (Paso Robles, California)
Includes 6% Petite Sirah.
Aged for 10 months in American oak.Classic fresh berry fruit. a complexity of aroma between the oak and the fruit that explodes in your mouth for a wonderful experience.
2010 J. Rickards Petite Sirah (Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California)
Deep purple color, a huge and robust structure, and intensely fruity. Flush with blueberries and blackberries along with a spices and black pepper. Finishes with a topping of cocoa.
2010 Trefethen Oak Knoll Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California)
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. Oak aged 17 months in 62% French, 20% Hungarian and 18% American. Almost always a dark, dense, massive wine with strong blackberries, plums and
currants, with dried herb notes and noticeable oak. Huge tannins give this vintage an astringent finish. Best drunk after years of aging softens and integrates the wines.
2004 Wolf Blass Platinum Label Shiraz (Barossa, Australia)
The premium wine of this estate, using only their best vineyards. 94 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine
Companion 2008: Extremely powerful, with layers of black fruits sandwiched between layers of tannin and French oak; the fruit will win out, but take 10 years to do so.
Wine Tasting - September 3 - 6, 2014
NV Soligo Prosecco di Treviso Sparkling Brut (Italy)
92 points, Doug Salthouse, B-21 Wine Specialist: Flat out the best Prosecco I've tasted in years. Presents a mélange
of aromas and flavors ranging from zesty citrus and peach to lychee and strawberry. A slightly saline quality
intensifies the overall flavor profile, and the fizz has a creamy quality that dances on the palate with a delicacy that is pure pleasure.
2009 Chateau Tour St Bonnet (Medoc, Bordeaux, France)
Wine Advocate: One of the most reliably enjoyable wines in Bordeaux over the last 30+ years. Sells for a song, and the
2009 may be the best they have ever made. Inky purple-colored, offers notes of creme de cassis, spring flowers, and
forest floor that more resemble a classified growth than petite chateau. Medium-bodied, luscious, and rich. Drink over the next 10 years.
2009 Sbragia Zinfandel Gino's (Dry Creek, California)
93 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast: A fantastic Zinfandel, Sbragia's best in years, and one of the best of the
vintage. Shows classic Dry Creek wild blueberry and briary blackberry flavors, with exotic spices, and the exuberance you want in a Zin. Yet it exhibits a rare control, making it elegantly powerful. Drink now for sheer joy.
2011 Michael & David Petite Petit (Lodi, California)
Aged 14 months in French oak. 90 points, Wine.com tasting panel: A huge, smart and memorable wine that blends
85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot. In the center ring is a match of dry, powdered cocoa tannins. Orange peel zest, raspberry and blackberry are merry under the big top, rich with vanilla and a surprising dry finish.
2010 Domaine de La Garrigue Cantarelle (Vacqueras, Rhone, France)
93 points, Wine Advocate:A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah from 80- to 100-year-old vines aged in both tank
and small oak. Extremely full-bodied and massively concentrated. Inky/purple color with graphite, blackberry, cassis, licorice, floral and incense. Textured, expansive, and will provide immense pleasure over the next decade.
Wine Tasting - August 27 - 30, 2014
2013 Casas Del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca, Chile)
90 points, International Wine Cellar: Displays energetic, precise lemon and pear qualities, with floral, herbal and
mineral accents adding complexity. Year in and year out, this wine punches far above its price point. Possesses the
depth and power to work with richer foods, but also the finesse and energy to be enjoyable on its own, or alongside simply prepared salads or seafood, even sushi.
2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Estate Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, California)
93 points, Antonio Galloni: Dark red cherries, tobacco and new leather wrap around the. A wine of presence and
nuance, that stands out for its symmetry, overall sense of balance, delineation, and energy. Blends Quarter Moon
(60%) and Pastorale (40%) Vineyards. Shows beautifully next to the single vineyard Pinots with a significantly higher price. The value jewel in their Pinots.
2007 Casada Morales EME Graciano (Rioja, Spain)
91 point, Wine Advocate: 100% Graciano grown above 1,200 feet and aged for 11 months in new French, American,
Romanian, Hungarian and Chinese oak barrels. Aromas of earth, mineral, Asian spices, black cherry, and black raspberry are followed by succulent fruit, lively acidity, good balance, and a lengthy, pure finish.
2011 Vietti Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne (Piedmont, Italy)
91 points, International Wine Cellar: Deep ruby-red. Distinctly blacker on the nose offering rather powerful scents
of black cherry and crushed blackberry sweetened by caramel oak. Plush, strong and deep, with black fruit and licorice
flavors complicated by oaky torrefaction. Distinctly more tannic and less exclusively about fruit than this estate's other Barberas.
2012 Mocali Rosso Di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy)
91+ points, Wine Advocate:My favorite Rosso of the year and a highly recommend value wine. Seductive and
irresistible thanks to fullness of the fruit it offers in such a confident, almost cocky manner. Delivers a genuine,
no-fuss drinking experience without the grand expectations of a Brunello di Montalcino. The architecture here is modern with big lines and chunky cherry endnotes, with subtle menthol, licorice and balsam herb.
Wine Tasting - August 20 - 23, 2014
2013 Bodegas Valduero Yunquera Blanco de Albillo (Ribera del Duero, Spain)
Fermented in stainless steel and aged on lees to add weight and textural richness. Citrus bright, floral, and aromatic,
with a more mouth filling taste. The indigenous Albillo declined in acreage after the wine laws for Ribera named only
Tempranillo as a principal grape, leaving Albillo the only white permitted. Most replaced Albillo with yet more
Tempranillo, probably to ride an expected growing world market for Tempranillo from Ribera versus a local market for
Albillo. The slender thread that kept 2% of Valduero's plantings in Albillo was a winemaking daughter who made it for
her father, who rightly preferred the white wine he grew up with. Ironically, the Albillo pushed near extinction by Tempranillo proved to be one of its parents.
2011 Shatter Grenache (Cotes Catalanes, France)
100% Grenache aged 10 months in French oak, 30% new. A joint venture of Dave Phinney and Joel Gott. 91 points, Wine.com: Dark, deep and rich with ripe, dense blackberry, cassis and notes of chocolate; velvety, lush and balanced
with fine structure.
2012 Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Selection (Paso Robles, California)
90 points, Wine Spectator: Young, featuring plum, sage and blackberry flavors, gripped by thick, sinewy tannins,
with pepper, tobacco and cedar details and a long, graceful finish. 3,321 cases made. This is Eberle's third best
Cabernet that is a blend of estate and purchased fruit from Paso Robles, similar to what Mondavi releases as its Napa
Cabernet where two higher quality Cabernets are also released, except that the Eberle is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Each source is separated fermented, then selected to be in blend, then blended and aged for 18 months in a mixture of French and American oak, none new.
2011 Mauritson Zinfandel Rockpile Ridge Vineyard (Dry Creek, California)
Winemaker's Notes: Earthen spices and sweet oak complement red raspberry. The tannins are silky and focused,
expressing the cooler growing season. A classic, long and vibrant Rockpile finish. Full bodied with balanced acidity. Includes 7% Petite Sirah. Aged 15 months in oak, 65% French, 35% American. Grown on high altitude ridges with
volcanic soil.
2009 Bodegas Muga Reserva Selección Especial (Rioja, Spain)
A consistently great wine every vintage. 95 points, Wine Spectator. K&L Wines: One of the best young Muga wines
I have ever tasted. 93 points, International Wine Cellar: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo and 3% Garciano. Aged 28 months in small oak barrels. Opaque ruby. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of red- and black currant,
cherry and vanilla, with a bright floral accent. Lush and palate-staining, offering intense dark berry preserve and
cherry-cola flavors that become spicier with air. Deep and rich but surprisingly lively, finishing with impressive energy and floral persistence.
Wine Tasting - August 13 - 16, 2014
2013Santa Julia Pinot Grigio (Mendoza, Argentina)
Owned by Familia Zuccardi. Honeysuckle on the nose with subtle hints of honeydew melon. The mid palate has strong mango flavors and a good acid bite leading to a tart citrus finish.
2012 Sonoma-Loeb Pinot Noir (Sonoma County, California)
Winemaker's Notes: Begins with vibrant and alluring aromas of raspberry and cherry, as well as currant, rose petal,
anise, nutmeg and vanilla. Strawberry and cranberry flavors glide across a silky palate, with bright acidity adding poise and dimension. Drinks beautifully even in its youth.
2012 Chateau Haut-Maginet Bordeaux (Bordeaux, France)
A Bordeaux Supérieur from Soussac, situated on the slopes of Butte de Launay, the highest point of its region.Purple
with ruby tints. Smells of raspberry, strawberry and spice.The palate adds meadow flowers and a little mint. Charming,
fruity and elegant, with well integrated tannins and a pleasant aftertaste. The vineyards have limestone and clay soil and are planted with 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc.
2011 R-Wines Evil (Aragon, Spain)
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Has a wickedly clever inverted label spelling "EVIL" upside down and from right to left. Made by Chris Ringling from Australia. Violets, black currant and blackberry scents lead to a full-bodied,
smooth-textured, layered wine that over-delivers for its modest price.
2012 Filon Grenache (Calatayud, Spain)
90 points,International Wine Cellar: Aged for three months in two- and three-year-old barrels. Deep ruby. Aromas of
cherry and raspberry aromas, with an earthy mineral nuance. Velvety in texture and appealingly sweet, offering lively
red fruit and floral flavors with a touch of bitter chocolate. Closes with impressive clarity and energy, leaving juicy raspberry and floral pastille notes behind. Terrific bang for the buck here.
Wine Tasting - August 6 - 9, 2014
"ZINFEST"
2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Sodini Vineyard (Russian River, CA)
A very deep, brooding nose of blackberry, black raspberry, and earth with just a slight suggestion of eucalyptus. On
the palate, tremendous purity with flavors of black fruits, orange, and spice. A very serious Zinfandel with the acidity
and tannin to ensure a very long life. From a vineyard planted in 1905. 95% Zinfandel mixed with Alicante Bouschet,
Carignane, Trousseau Noir, and Petite Sirah. 402 cases produced, released in April 2014 and sold out at the winery.
2011 La Storia Trentadue Zinfandel (Alexander Valley, CA)
The famous Ridge Geyserville wine has been based on vineyards from this estate since 1967. Lush and jammy, with black raspberry and baked plum fruit interwoven with baking spices, fennel, cola, cracked pepper and blood orange.
Generous and open, pleasing acidity and soft tannins. Massages the palate and ends with a long gratifying finish.
2012 Ridge Geyserville (Alexander Valley, CA)
70% Zinfandel, 21% Carignane, 7% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mourvedre. 93 points, International
Wine Cellar: Inky purple. A heady, exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of dark berry liqueur, potpourri,
smoky oak and Indian spices, with a hint of licorice in the background. Fleshy, palate-staining black raspberry and
boysenberry flavors become brighter and spicier with air and pick up a sexy lavender pastille nuance. Supple tannins add support to an extremely long, sweet finish. Best Geyserville in years.
2012 Robert Biale Zinfandel Black Chicken (Napa, CA)
Black Chicken was a code name for secretly ordering wines. 91 points,Wine Spectator: Rich, dense and jammy, with
aromas of cherry pie and spice. The ripe, layered blackberry flavors show accents of smoky caramel, sage and licorice. For fans of big wines. Drink now through 2018.
2012 Venge Scouts Honor (Napa, CA)
The winery reports that 2012 was their greatest vintage since 1997. World Wine Selections: The most talked about,
loved, & re-ordered Zinfandel blend in my history. Many of my top clients proclaimed this to be the best red wine
blend that they have ever tasted in this price range. Liquid perfection, composed of 70% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 11% Charbono, & 5% Syrah from one of Napa Valley's most respected wine families.
2010 Michael & David Rage Zinfandel (Dry Creek, CA)
A premium selection of the best from the many places this winery sources grapes. Winemaker's Notes. The grapes for
this unique wine come from a 45 year old head pruned vineyard located on the southern edge of Dry Creek Appellation. Medium purple in color with aromas of blackberry, bright raspberry, and vanilla. Nice dark cherry and
blackberry fruit flavors, cracked black pepper, and moderate tannins.
Wine Tasting - July 30 - August 2, 2014
2012 Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Ste. Claire, Burgundy, France
Mandarin orange, white pepper and acacia flower on the musky, very fresh nose. Glycerol on entry, then intense and
vibrant in the middle, with classic flavors of under-ripe pineapple, stone and mint. Finishes with a ripe mineral element and very good dusty persistence.
2012 The Seducer Red Rendezvous, Napa Valley
Just like the mysterious woman at the end of the bar, The Seducer delivers an elegance and sophistication unlike any
other ultra-premium California red blend. This intriguing blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Ruby Cab and Tannat is
sourced from select California vineyards and characterized by blueberry flavors, waves of dark cherry and hints of vanilla and spice with a dry finish.
2010, Powers "Sheridan" Cabernet Reserve, Washington
Fresh and layered aromatics of blueberries, anise and vanilla persist seductively in your glass. Decadently joined by
cassis and fresh wild strawberries on the palate with a touch of spice and herbs de Provence. Elegant and complex, this wine is provocative in its layers and finishes with firm tannins.
2007 Sijnn Shiraz Blend, Swellendam, South Africa
This joint venture between a South African businessman, a UK wine importer, and architect-turned-winemaker David
Trafford, pushes things to the limit by growing warm-climate varieties in a cool climate. The blend of 42% Shiraz, 26%
Mourvèdre, 21% Touriga Nacional, 10% Trincadeira and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, produces a lively, fruit dominated
wine. Very gentle and flattering at first, the wine finishes firm, sinewy and very polished. The land used to be home to an ostrich farm, apparently, but that is certainly not taste-able.
2009 Chateau Puech-Haut Bosc Negre, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
This blend of 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache is another massive wine from this producer that stays brilliantly balanced and light on its feet, with no apparent heaviness or weight. Exhibiting notions of cassis, flowers, citrus
blossom and orange peel, with full-bodied richness and depth on the palate, it should continue to impress through 2021. Wine Advocate 95
Wine Tasting - July 23 - 26, 2014
2009 Meerlust Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, South Africa
From one of South Africa's oldest family owned wineries comes a crisp, intense wine featuring taut lemon fruit with underlyingmineral notes and a savory finish.
2010 Château de Marsan Cadillac, Bordeaux, France
"This wine has a good smoldering feel, with warm, steeped currant, plum and blackberry fruit melding nicely with bay
leaf and charcoal notes. There's solid flesh through the finish, with some chalky grip that needs brief cellaring to round into form." 90 Points Wine Spectator
2010 J.Rickards "Brown Barn" Petite Syrah, Alexander Valley
A lusty, dark, tannic and dry wine with massive blackberry, blueberry, and oak flavors that finish with hints of rich dark chocolate, bacon and black pepper.
2010 Tolaini Al Passo, Toscana, Italy
A blend 70 % Sangiovese and 30% Merlot, this supertuscan exhibits spicy notes of French oak rising above distinct aromas of raspberries, black cherries, vanilla, leather, tobacco, and dried violets. The palate has a backbone of
Sangiovese, the roundness of Merlot and enhanced body from the oak. The finish is rich and long with polished tannins.
2012 Andrew Will Cabernet Columbia Valley, Washington
While quite low in alcohol by recent standards here, coming in under thirteen percent, the wine exudes a lovely sense
of complexity featuring a mix of cassis, dark berries, cigar smoke, a nice base of dark soil tones, French roast, a bit of
tobacco leaf and cedary oak. On the palate the wine is full, complex and nicely structured, with a good, solid core of fruit, ripe tannins, bright acidity and fine length and grip on the youthful and chewy finish.
Wine Tasting - July 16 - 19, 2014
2011 Tenuta Mormoraia Vernaccia di San Gimignano (Tuscany, Italy)
Vernaccia is the grape, and San Gimignano is the primary place wines are made from this grape. Aged on lees in
stainless steel tanks, and then allowed to rest in bottle for at least one month prior to release. Intense aromas of apple and rose petal, with a dry palate of bright flavors of almond, wild flowers, and grapefruit.
2011 Alfredo Roca Cabernet Sauvignon (San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina)
Winemaker's Notes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single vineyard 2,300 feet above sea level with 45 year old
vines. Aged 8 months in American oaks barrels, second and third use. Intense, rich, and concentrated, with black plum and cherry fruit and notes of pepper and tobacco.
2011 Bodega Renacer Enamore (Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina)
A unique joint project between the renowned Amarone producer Allegrini and Bodega Renace. After harvest, the grapes of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda and Cabernet Franc are dried on mats until they lose about a third of
their weight. The wine is aged in French barriques for 12 months and another six months in bottle before release.
About 8g of residual sugar gives it a faint background of sweetness. Features a liqueur perfume, plush texture, and black fruits.
2011 Stags Leap Estate Merlot (Stags Leap District, Napa, California)
Stags Leap District was the first wine appellation recognized in California. Winemaker's Notes:A complex wine,
opening with generous aromas of dark plum and bright red fruit, along with enticing hints of clove and cinnamon throughout. Juicy red fruit flavors integrate with notes of caramel and savory spice that contribute depth to the
polished palate. Smooth, velvety tannins and a refined texture give this Merlot a distinct level of sophistication while still being very approachable in its early years.
2009 Domaine Tournon Lady's Lane Shiraz (Heahcote, Victoria, Australia)
Part of the international holdings of the Rhone based winemaker Michel Chapoutier. 95 points, Wine Spectator:
Focused, bright and chewy, with a lifted mouthful of blueberry, currant, wet rock and white pepper flavors that keep
roiling through a long and expressive finish. Brims with flavor, but finishes with a lovely transparency. Drink now through 2020.
Wine Tasting - July 9 - 12, 2014
2012 Eberle Mill Road Vineyard Viognier (Paso Robles, California)
WineEx.com:Aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and peach. Very ripe in the mouth but kept bright by refreshing acidity.
Very appealing, fairly rich, and not too heavy.
2010 Angel Vine Hellion Red (Columbia Valley, Washington)
Intense red color. aromas of spices, black pepper and strawberry-rhubarb jam. Mouth flavors of plum, black cherry and raspberry. Made in Oregon from Washington grapes. An unusual blend of Primitivo (an Italian clone of
Zinfandel), Petite Sirah and Zinfandel from Coyote Canyon in Horse Heaven Hills and StoneTree inWahluke Slope.
2009 Agnes de Cervera Lytos (Priorat, Spain)
45% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker's Notes: Deep and bright cherry color,
with a violet reflection. The nose is intense, initially showing notes of blackberries, currants, cassis, and violets, then
adding eucalyptus, spicy herbs, vanilla and cocoa. Tastes refreshingly acidic and smooth, with rounded tannin. Good
volume and persistence, with strong fruit flavors blackberry and cassis, along with violets, cocoa, and a mild licorice.
2011 Post House Missing Virgin (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
An unusual blend of around 70% Pinotage and 30% Petit Verdot grapes. Dark, saturated color with a bluish tone.
Violets, bright acidity, blueberry, and earth flavors. Aged 21 months in oak. The name refers to a Christian martyr who the Virgin Islands were named for, and a rare stamp from that country that unintentially omitted her image.
2011 Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem (Roussillon, France)
A major success in the United States since released in 2003. Very dark and rich. 94 points, Wine Advocate:As much
sheer complexity here as in even the more expensive Bila-Haut wine, with pungent nutmeg, vanilla, licorice, wisteria
and rowan taking things in a sweeter and spicier direction than found in their other 2011s. Enveloping meaty richness,
an almost velvet feel, and fine grained tannins provide a soothing and salivating taste. Will drink beautifully through at least 2025. Named after a precious stone supposedly with alchemical powers.
Wine Tasting - July 2 - 5, 2014
2006 Guffens Chateau des Tourettes Blanc Bien Entendu (Vaucluse, France)
From cooler vineyards 1,200 feet high. Comes from Cotes du Luberon appellation but denied use of the name because the wines include grape varietals not approved.Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Marsanne are the grapes used to make
the white wines.
2011 Twenty Rows Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California)
Twenty Rows is the value line of this winery, and the Cabernet has been widely praised as one of the best value Napa Cabs in the $20s price range. The grapes used come from excellent vineyards primarily in Mount Veeder and Oak
Knoll. 90% Cab and 10% Merlot. The winery says that 2011 is a good candidate for the best vintage made so far.
Aromas of black currant, cherry, cocoa, roasted coffee and vanilla, followed by a rich, plush, mouthful of black fruit, chocolate and tobacco flavors that carry through the soft, round, finish.
2011 Shatter Grenache (Roussillon, France)
Aromas of crushed cherry and spring rhubarb pie are delicately framed by seasoned French oak. The entry is vibrant
and powerful which leads to luscious flavors of wild strawberry that rounds out the mid-palate. Ripe blackberry and
blueberry form an intense and lasting finish. Comes from the small town of Maury in the Roussillon region of France.
The hillside Grenache vines were planted over 60 years ago in black schist. Named after shatter, or coulure, in the grape clusters, naturally thinning fruit from the vines and producing more intensely concentrated flavors. 100%
Grenache.
2012 J.C. Cellars The Imposter (Mostly Sonoma & Some Napa, California)
Winemaker's Notes: Named after the ability of this wine to taste like other places in Europe. A blend of 54% Zinfandel
,19% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah , 6% Alicante Bouschet |,4% Grenache, 3% Carignane, 1% Viognier. Broodingly dark.
Yet there is brightness to the wine, exotic in nature, with a compote of black and blue fruits. All highlighted by
minerality that gives structure to a whirlwind of aromas and flavors, ranging from ground red peppercorns, lavender and bittersweet chocolate to freshly baked raspberry tarts.
2010 Powers Champoux Red Blend (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: Dark, deep, rich fruit flavors balanced with acidity and sturdy tannins. A huge nose of spice,
black currant, dark cherry, sage, fresh fennel, black pepper, and chocolate. Very elegant but powerful on the palate.
Complex from start to finish with dried red fruits, eucalyptus, and undertones of cedar, licorice and baking spice. 100%
from Champoux Vineyard, which is one of the oldest, most famous and sought after grape sources in Washington. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 3% Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged 32 months in French
oak, 85% new. 515 cases made, sold mainly at the winery.
Wine Tasting - June 25 - 28, 2014
2012 Chamisal Unoaked Chardonnay (Central Coast, California)
89 points,Wine Enthusiast: No oak on this rich Chardonnay, just pure fruit grown in the cool climate of the Central
Coast. The wine is brilliant in acidity, which gives a shine to the burst of tropical fruit, peach and vanilla flavors.
2012 Rudy Zinfandel (Napa, CA)
From Rudy von Strasser's namesake label from Spring Mountain. Delivers so much flavor for such an inexpensive Napa Valley Red. Has a dark scarlet body with a light red hue on the rim. Aromas of cherry and blackberry with light
spiciness. Juicy plum and raspberry fruits fill the mouth while the wine stays soft and luscious on the palate. Finishes with spice, brown sugar and a light earthiness.
2013 Juan Gil Laya (Almansa, Spain)
A blend of 70% Alicante Bouschet and 30% Monastrell grapes with a brief ageing in French oak barrels for four
months. The bright color is dark cherry with violet reflections. In the nose, notes of ripe red and black fruit stand out
along with floral notes. Toasted and spicy nuances complete the set. In the mouth, powerful but balanced, unctuous
on the palate with a long finish and remarkable persistence. Excellent value for money. The prior 2012 vintage got 90 points in the Wine Advocate.
2009 Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon (Cienega, CA)
Located 25 miles east of Monterey Bay in the Gabilan Mountains. Ocean cooled, with rocky granite and limestone
soils. 100% Cabernet, planted in the warmest and deepest part of the valley. The winery says that this vintage was
exceptionally good. A long growing season allowed rich flavors of dark ripe cherries, chocolate and hints of coffee to
fully develop. Well balanced with soft tannins. Aged 38 months in French oak barrels. Tastes fine now and will improve with age.
2010 Chateau Potelle VGS Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt Veeder, California)
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot. Aged in 100% new French oak. Loamy
soil with shale and volcanic rock in vineyards 2,200 feet high. The winery says that the Cabernet is the king of their
Mount Veeder wines. Power with finesse, where the distinctive flavors of every grape in the blend can be tasted. A strong candidate for one the top 50 Cabernets made in California.
Wine Tasting - June 4 - 7, 2014
This week we features a selection of wines from Bodegas Juan Gil.
Loren Gil was in attendance for the Thursday night tasting.
2013 Bodegas Juan Gil Dry Muscat (Jumilla)
All stainless steel, 3g/l residual sugar. 90 points, Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: Green-tinged straw.
High-pitched citrus and pit fruit aromas are complicated by notes of white pepper and candied ginger. Sappy,
penetrating and intensely fruity, yet dry, offering fresh nectarine and orange flavors and a touch of bitter pear skin. Closes spicy and very long. The food-matching possibilities here are endless.
2011 Bodegas Shaya Shaya Verdejo Old Vines (Rueda)
90 points, Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 80% raised in stainless steel, the rest in large French oak casks. Pale
gold. Musky pear and pit fruit aromas are complicated by suggestions of honey, minerals and anise. Shows a suave
blend of richness and vivacity, with a note of bitter lemon pith accenting deeply pitched orchard fruit flavors. Shapely and supple in texture, finishing with noteworthy length.
2012 Bodegas Ateca Atteca (Calatayud)
90 points, Wine Advocate: 100% Garnacha, with a superb bouquet of pure dark cherries, blackberry and incense that
would normally grace a wine far more expensive. The palate is medium-bodied with layers of succulent black fruit that
is neatly entwined with the subtle French oak. It is not a complex wine, but it is supremely well-crafted for the unbeatable price. Excellent.
2012 Celler Can Blau Blau (Montsant)
90 points, Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 50% Carinena, 25% Garnacha and 25% Syrah. Fermented in stainless
steel and aged for four months in French oak. Brilliant ruby. Lively red berry and Asian spice aromas are deepened
by notes of mocha and licorice. Taut and linear on entry, then fleshier in the middle, offering fresh raspberry and
cherry compote flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. Shows very good energy and focus, finishing with lingering spiciness and a note of tangy berry skin.
2011 Bodegas Triton Tempranillo Tridente (Castilla y Leon)
91 points, Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: Bright purple. Sexy, oak-spiced dark berries, cola and vanilla on the
perfumed nose. Smoky, pliant and appealingly sweet, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors that become livelier with air. Finishes sweet and seamless, with echoing cola and blue fruit notes.
Wine Tasting - May 28 - 31, 2014
2012 Six Hats Chenin Blanc (Western Cape, South Africa)
Pale yellow. Ripe peach, pineapple and tropical fruits lifted by spices on the nose. Supple and seamless, with a grassy quality more like Sauvignon Blanc.
2010 Paraiso Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands, California)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Serves up a trim, flavorful band of ripe cherry, wild berry and strawberry jam that's
elegantly styled and well-structured, finishing with a long, complex finish echoing anise and mineral. Drink now through 2014. Of the earlier 2009 vintage:Double Gold Medal (best of its class) at 2012 San Francisco Chronicle
Wine Competition.
2010 Laureano Gomez Malbec Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Full-scale plum and berry aromas come with pastry notes. This feels big, a touch raspy
and firmly tannic. Flavors of prune, jammy berry, coffee and blackberry, with dark chocolate and peppery tones in the finish.
2005 Ardiles Merum (Priorat, Spain)
91 points, Wine Advocate: 45% Garnacha, 34% Carinena, 18% Syrah, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark ruby-colored,
with an alluring bouquet of slate, mineral, cherry, and blueberry. Seamless on the palate, this is a forward Priorat for
drinking over the next 8-10 years. An excellent value for a wine from this increasingly expensive appellation.
2010 Sbragia Merlot Home Ranch (Dry Creek, Sonoma, California)
Dark, dense, layered, mouth caressing, and utterly delicious, with strong black cherry, blackberry, and black plum flavors along with a brush of vanilla. 92 points and Editor's Choice in the Wine Enthusiast.
Wine Tasting - May 21 - 24, 2014
2006 Guffens Heynen Pierreclos Jus de Chavigne (Macon, Burgundy)
An excellent Chardonnay at a greatly discounted price. 92 points, International Wine Cellar: Light yellow. Spicy,
mineral-dominated and fresh on the nose, with energetic lime and pink grapefruit scents; picks up white flowers and
licorice with air. Juicy citrus and green apple flavors flesh out to offer poached pear and peach, without losing their focus. Strikingly pure, finishing with admirable lift and cut.
2008 Emery Estate Unbridled Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma, CA)
An aromatic, fleshed out, and very approachable Cabernet featuring roasted herbs, coffee, black cherries and plums. Hillside lots are selected for milder tannins and lower acidity to make this friendly and easy to consume. A
well-balanced wine of moderate length that pairs well with food and will age gracefully for 5-8 years. Aged in French oak, 30% new.
2011 Casarena Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)
100% Cab aged 12 months in French oak. 92 points, International Wine Cellar: From 82 year old vines. Bright
medium ruby. Restrained but pure aromas of blackcurrant, bitter chocolate, mocha and peppery herbs. Dense, sappy
and deep, that is seamless in spite of its musky dark berry flavors accented by pepper and herbs. Classic, satisfying
and complete Cabernet, with a lush, round texture, excellent breadth and length, and very suave, fine-grained tannins. This could do some damage in a blind flight of top Napa cabernets. A steal at the price.
2010 Domaine de la Garrigue Cantarelle (Vacqueyras, Rhone, France)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah from 80- to 100-year-old vines. Variously aged in
tank and small oak. Extremely full-bodied as well as massively concentrated. Has an inky/purple color in addition to
copious graphite, blackberry, cassis, licorice, flowers and incense. Textured and expansive, this brilliant wine will provide immense pleasure over the next decade or more.
2009 Chateau Puech-Haut Bosce Negre (Cote du Roussillon, France)
96+ points, Rhone Report: Deeper in color and much more dense and reserved. A blend of 80% Mourvèdre aged in
new barrels and 20% Grenache aged in tank. A spectacular mix of crème de cassis, currants, pepper, roasted meat,
saline-like minerality, and hints of chocolate that is both rich and lively at the same time. A serious, full-bodied effort
that displays gorgeous textural richness paired with ripe, polished tannin, integrated acidity, and an overall seamless,
elegant profile. Stands toe to toe with the top Mourvèdre dominated Châteauneuf-du-Papes and Bandols.
Wine Tasting - May 14 - 17, 2014
2012 Hahn Estate Pinot Gris (Monterrey, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: Made from free run juice from our Monterey vineyards, this wine offers delicate fruit aromas and
flavors, silky texture, and incredible value. An initial swirl brings aromas of ripe Fuji apples and crushed apricots out
of the glass, suggesting this wine's subtle balance of fruitiness and acidity. A sip shows off a medium body supporting a core of flavors reminiscent of white peach and bosc pear. A smooth finish with a touch of tartness
makes this wine a versatile pairing for a wide range of dishes.
2012 Bodegas Terra SigilataFilon Garnacha (Calatayud, Spain)
90 points, Wine Advocate: Sourced from 30- to 40-year-old vineyards. Notes of smoke, mineral, and wild cherry that
mingle with layers of ripe cherry fruit on the palate. Elegant, pleasurable, and savory. Over-delivers big time. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years.
2008 Cunat Family Vineyards Materra Merlot (Oak Knoll, Napa, California)
Winemaker's Notes:An elegant, well-structured merlot with appealing aromas of red and black cherry, blueberry,
roasted herbs with hints of minerality, black olive and sweet cedar spice. Mouth flavors of ripe plum, ripe blueberry,
bittersweet cocoa and cherry spice. Perfectly laced together by a harmonious balance of natural acidity, soft tannins and fruit forward flavors. Great now but destined to improve with more time in the bottle.
2008 Puro Uno Quadro (Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina)
Winemaker's Notes: 40% Malbec, 25% Syrah, 20% Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. From vineyards well over
3,000 feet high. 18 months in New Oak, 30% American and 70% French.
2009 Chateau Puech-Haut Recantou (Cote du Languedoc, France)
95 points, Wine Advocate: All Syrah which thrills with its over-the-top decadence and richness. Licorice, chocolate,
toasted spice, graphite and minerality Full-bodied, gorgeously textured and decadent on the palate. Not for those who prefer delicacy. A superb, character-filled beauty to enjoy over the coming decade.
Wine Tasting - May 7 - 10, 2014
ZINFEST
2009 PB Hein Vineyards Trailblazer (North Coast, California)
Has a fine balance of acid, fruit, and tannin, without a raisin sweet flavor. Gold Medal, 2013 SF Chronicle Wine
Competition. Winemaker's Notes: Medium/dark red. Aromas of ripe berry fruit, dried fruit and slight spice. Nice
entry, good body. Ripe, firm but resolved tannins. Good overall balance and finish which lingers. A big red with interest and complexity. 45% Zinfandel, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah.
2010 Eberle Zinfandel Steinbeck & Wine Bush Vineyards (Paso Robles, CA). Winemaker's Notes: 100% Zinfandel.
Showcases two of Paso Robles finest Zinfandel vineyards, half from the Steinbeck Vineyard and half from the Wine-Bush Vineyard. A bounty of fruit with balanced tannins and acid. The nose promises dark rich briar fruit with an
essence of ginger snaps. The first sip engulfs the palate with blackberry, red raspberry with a hint of cocoa.
2011 La Storia Trentadue Zinfandel (Alexander Valley, CA)
The famous Ridge Geyserville wine has been based on vineyards from this estate since 1967. Co-fermented with 12
percent Petite Sirah for enhanced color and depth, aged about a year in a combination of European and American oak
barrels. Lush and jammy, with black raspberry and baked plum fruit interwoven with baking spices, fennel, cola, cracked pepper and blood orange. Generous and open, pleasing acidity and soft tannins. Massages the palate and
ends with a long gratifying finish.
2011 Hartford Court Highwire Zinfandel (Russian River, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast:Very old vines. Intensely concentrated flavors of wild raspberries, with vanilla, white
pepper, sandalwood and exotic baking spice notes. A hint of blueberry marks the finish. Heady and delicious now through 2019.
2011 Hartford Court Fenucci West Road Zinfandel (Sonoma, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator:Elegant, supple and well-structured, with raspberry and spice aromas and appealing
cherry, tart blueberry and vanilla flavors, finishing with crisp minerality. Drink now through 2020.
2011 Michael & David Earthquake Zinfandel (Lodi, CA)
A signature wine for all the Zinfests of the Best Cellar. Modestly priced for a wine of this density and size. Very dark,
ripe, fruity, heady, big bodied, over the top, and unabashedly jammy sweet. Includes a little Syrah and Petite Sirah.
Wine Tasting - April 30 - May 3, 2014
2012 Hahn Estate Pinot Gris (Monterey, California)
Winemaker's Notes: Made from free run juice from our Monterey vineyards, this wine offers delicate fruit aromas and
flavors, silky texture, and incredible value. An initial swirl brings aromas of ripe Fuji apples and crushed apricots out
of the glass, suggesting this wine's subtle balance of fruitiness and acidity. A medium body supports core flavors of white peach and Bosc pear.
2008 Domaine la Colliere Cote Du Rhone Villages (Rasteau, Rhone, France)
80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre. An exceptionally tasty overachiever from a lesser vintage, every bit as good as
more expensive wines from the greater vintages of 2007, 2009, and 2010. Drinks superbly now and for the next 3 years. Available again at an even better stock-up price. 88-91, points, Wine Advocate: Exhibits more density as well as a
deeper ruby/purple color, and a sumptuous bouquet of black raspberries, black cherries, white chocolate, and pepper, with smooth tannins, neither rustic nor overbearing.
2011 Volver Single Vineyard Tempranillo (La Mancha, Spain)
91 points, Wine Advocate: 100% Tempranillo aged 18 months in new French oak. Abundant notes of acacia flowers
intermix with black currants and blackberries. Flavorful, medium-bodied, and slightly spicy. A nicely textured
mouthfeel, sweet tannin and a long finish suggest this stunning value will drink well for 3-4 years. As good as wines selling for $30-$50 a bottle.
2009 Bodegas Sierra Salinas Puerto Salinas(Yecla, Spain)
92 points, Wine Advocate: Composed of 66% Monastrell, 19% Garnacha and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for one
year in both new and 2-year-old French oak. Inky/purple color along with notes of road tar, melted asphalt, blackberry
liqueur, camphor, graphite and forest floor. Complex, full-bodied, rich and intense with terrific purity and wonderful overall balance. Completely over-delivers.
2010 Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll, Napa, CA)
A single vineyard estate wine, 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. Trefethen also
makes a twice as expensive reserve version, but this regular version is usually a much better buy and sometimes is not
far from the reserve in quality. The 2005 Reserve got a chart topping 99 points in the Wine Enthusiast and the 2005
regular got 97 points. This 2010 regular bottling is ambitious, darkly colored, large scaled, and full bodied, with very
concentrated fruit flavors of blackberries, plums and black currants. The tannins are usually equally big, bone dry,
and grippy, especially in the young wine. Many reviewers underestimate this wine, in effect impatiently scoring it
lower for not being rounded and polished on release, which takes additional bottle age to develop or can be coaxed out sooner with aeration.
Wine Tasting - April 23 - 26, 2014
2011 Acustic Cellars Blanc (Monsant, Spain)
Named after acoustic versus electric or amplified music, reflecting how the wine is based on local indigenous varietals and winemaking. Of the previous 2010 vintage, 90 points, Wine Advocate: Made from 60% Garnacha Blanca, 25%
Macabeu, and the balance Garnacha Rojo and Pansal. 30% of wine was fermented for 3 months in French oak, with
the balance in tank. Aromas of mineral, melon, honeysuckle, and baking spices. Savory, smooth-textured, and concentrated. An outstanding value.
2011 Chateau Vieux Dominique Bordeaux Superior Reserve (Bordeaux, France)
Part of 3 estates owned by Vignobles Gregoire. Winemaker's Notes: Ruby to bluish color. Has a complex nose of red
fruit, raspberry, blackberry with notes of blackcurrant and spicy tones, white pepper and cinnamon. The palate has soft, round tannins with a silky texture and a slight licorice.
2011 La Posta Cocina Tinta (Mendoza, Argentina)
91 points,Wine & Spirits: A blend of 60 percent Malbec with equal parts of Syrah and Bonarda. Notes of violets and
ripe cherries over an earthy minerality. While middleweight in body, the tension in the structure gives this a more powerful punch.
2009 Bruna Grimaldi Barolo Camilla (Piedmont, Italy)
93 points, Wine Advocate: This lovely wine opens to characteristic Nebbiolo aromas of wild berry, dried mint, licorice,
tar, and pressed rose. Elegant and feminine overall with fine, silky tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
2012 Seven Hills Malbec (Walla Walla, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes:After vinification in small, open top fermenters, the wine was aged for 16 months in primarily
Hungarian oak contributing a unique pungency and firmness that works particularly well with Malbec. Dark and
brooding with intense color and warm, ripe fruit. A strong concentration of blackberry jam, fig, date, and black cherry
fruits, complimented by white pepper and herbs that linger through a long, persistent finish. Will reward cellaring for up to 8 years.
Wine Tasting - April 16 - 19, 2014
2012 Casey Flat Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (Capay Valley, California)
Winemaker's Notes: From a 2000 foot high mountain vineyard. The texture is rich and luxurious, with a sur-lees
creaminess that adds volume to the mid palate. Aromas of sweet melon, dried papaya, persimmon and nectarine fill the glass.
2008 Domaine la Colliere Cote Du Rhone Villages (Rasteau, Rhone, France)
88-91, points, Wine Advocate: Exhibits more density as well as a deeper ruby/purple color, and a sumptuous bouquet
of black raspberries, black cherries, white chocolate, and pepper, smooth tannin, neither rustic nor overbearing. Will drink nicely for 5-8 years.
2010 Michael & David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvingon (Lodi, California)
Includes a little Petite Sirah. 89 points, Wine Advocate: Abundant notes of espresso roast, melted chocolate, and
cassis, which jump from the glass. A big wine with plenty of color and richness, and no hard edges.
2011 La Posta Malbec Paulucci Vineyard (Mendoza, Argentina)
90 points,International Wine Cellar: Good bright, full ruby. Very ripe aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and
chocolate. Rich, ripe and substantial, with sweet red and dark berry and chocolate flavors nicely supported by a firm
spine of dusty, horizontal tannins. Finishes broad and chocolatey, with sneaky length. Subtly sweet Malbec from a warm site. Superb value.
2010 Mt Brave Cabernet Sauvigon (Mount Veeder, California)
93 points, Wine Advocate: Surprisingly accessible for a Mount Veeder Cabernet. Dark raspberries, flowers, mint and
new leather flesh out in this exciting large-scaled wine. A balanced and harmonious wine with especially likeable density, richness and roundness,. Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop of Merlot and Cabernet Franc,
aged in 19% new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
Wine Tasting - April 9 - 12, 2014
Non-Vintage Graham Beck Pinot Noir Brut Rose (Robertson, South Africa)
KLwines.com: A blend of 59% Pinot Noir and 41% Chardonnay, in the prettiest shade of pale pink. Crisp and
refreshing, with fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors, plus a creamy mousse. Chalky mineral undertones
add structure and sophistication. Made with the same techniques as Champagne. Delightful enough for a special occasion without busting your budget.
2005 Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva (Rioja, Spain)
92 points, Wine Advocate:A blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano and 5% Garnacha, aged for 20 months in French
and American oak. A beautiful, rounded, sensual bouquet with hints of over-ripe Satsuma and gravel. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of piquancy on the entry. Has crisp acidity and taut tannins on the dry, dusky finish
while remaining well focused.
2010 Klinkerbrick Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi, California)
92 points, Wilfred Wong:A magnificent Zin, showing power and finesse on the palate. Explodes with beaucoup
berries and ends with a great finish. Made by one of Lodi's top producers.
2010 Black Pearl Mischief Maker Shiraz (Paarl, South Africa)
89 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar.Bright red-ruby. Aromatic spices and a suggestion of pepper
lift the almost liqueur-like aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, licorice and truffle. Lush and seamless, if a bit too
sweet and easy for my taste, with rich black raspberry and spice flavors slightly dulled by alcoholic warmth. Finishes
with sweet, soft tannins that will not get in the way of early enjoyment. A big mouthful of wine for its price.
2011 Oliverhill Red Silk Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia)
90 points, Wine Advocate: Deep purple black in color. Scents of macerated black plums, crushed blackberries and
black currants, along with underlying black pepper and Indian spice hints. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of youthful black berry and pepper flavors in the mouth. A solid backbone of medium to firm grainy tannins and
refreshing acidity, finishing with good length. Approachable now and good at least to 2016.
Wine Tasting - April 2 - 5, 2014
2013 Malabaila Donna Costanza Langhe Rosato (Piedmonte, Italy)
A light rosé of 100% Nebbiolo. Pale orange color, crisp, and juicy. About 4,000 bottles produced.
2010 Bodegas y Vinedos O. Fournier Urban Cabernet Sauvignon (Maule, Chile)
90 Wine Advocate: Comes from a 100-year old vineyard with limited flood irrigation and yields around 45 hectoliters
per hectare. Aged in French oak barrels for 3 months. A fresh, vibrant nose of cranberry and wild strawberry fruit:
simple but effective. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and a real edginess on the strict, Medoc-like finish. A well crafted and outstanding value.
2012 Cartlidge & Browne Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast, California)
Winemaker's Notes: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec. From Lake County and
Alexander Valley in Sonoma. Aged in French oak for 16 months. Cardinal red in color, our Cabernet starts out with rich
and delicious red fruits on the nose that into to ripe blackberry, watermelon, candied plum and crème brûlée. Tannins have notes of coffee, rose petals and wet slate.
2010 M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Petite Ruche Rouge (Rhone, France)
Made from the Syrah grape. 91 points, Wine Spectator: Alluring, with perfumy black tea, sandalwood and warm fig
sauce aromas, followed by black cherry, anise and white pepper notes. There's a nice sanguine edge on the sleek, medium-weight finish. Drink now through 2017.
2009 Bodegas Y Viñedos O. Fournier Centuri (Maule, Chile)
45% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Carignane. 91 points, Wine Spectator: An
ambitious red, with smoldering cocoa and espresso notes coating the dark plum, currant and fig fruit.
2010 Bodega del Maestre Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: Smoky, staunch and controlled on the bouquet, this has lead pencil, blackberry and
vanilla aromas. It feels pure and full, with plum, berry, creamy oak and vanilla flavors. The finish is long, balanced and complex; overall this is an excellent, full-bodied Malbec that delivers the goods.
2009 Lytos Agnes de Cervera (Priorat, Spain)
45% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker's Notes: Deep and bright cherry color,
with a violet reflection. The nose is intense, initially showing notes of blackberries, currants, cassis, and violets, then
adding eucalyptus, spicy herbs, vanilla and cocoa. Tastes refreshingly acidic and smooth, with rounded tannin. Good
volume and persistence, with strong fruit flavors blackberry and cassis, along with violets, cocoa, and a mild licorice.
Wine Tasting - March 26 - 29, 2014
2012 Hahn Estate SLH Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands, California)
Aromas of baked green apples and lemon grass, underscored by tropical notes of pineapple and lychee. A broad,
silky mouthfeel carries through to the finish where light notes of butter, toffee, and vanilla balance the bright fruit flavors on the mid palate.
2009 Chateau de Parenchere Cuvee Raphael (Bordeaux, France)
The estate is located on the eastern edge of Bordeaux, with sloped vineyards that reduce the ill effects of too much
rain. 50-50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. After harvesting, the fruit is scanned with an optical sorting machine and
then given a cold maceration for 6 - 7 days. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in cement vat. Micro-oxygenation was
employed make the fruit more forward, reduce astringency and herbaceousness, and darken the color. The wine was aged in 1/3 new French Oak for 14 to 18 months on its fine lees.
2009 Puro Uno Quadro Limitado (Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina)
www.bountyhunterwine.com: Some of the world's best winemakers have been flocking to Mendoza. It's a vineyard
laboratory with world-class fruit and no rules other than, 'if it tastes good, do it.' That's what's happening here, a
Malbec based blend with Cabernet, Tempranillo and Syrah as the backing band. Brooding dark berry fruits, purple fruits and an anise-herb character highlight an impressively rich weight and mouthfeel.
2010 Gainey Vineyards Estate Merlot (Santa Ynez, California)
Gainey makes some of the best Merlot from Santa Barbara. Winemaker's Notes: The fruit came entirely from our Home
Ranch in eastern Santa Ynez Valley, including the 10% Cabernet Franc blended to enhance complexity. The nose
offers ripe, slightly earthy, dark cherry fruit mingled with appealing milk chocolate, vanilla and light herbal notes. Juicy
and succulent on the palate, the wine's rich black cherry, dark plum and cassis flavors marry with a pleasing roasted tone, leading to a long, fruitful, chocolate-y finish.
2011 Bila Haut Occultum Lapidem (Cotes du Roussillon Villages, France)
Occultum lapidem historically refers to a magical alchemical jewel. Made from Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan grapes. 94 points, Wine Advocate: The bramble and spice elements are balanced and fresh in this muscular, juicy red from the
south of France. Displays hints of black olive to the dried blackberry and plum compote flavors, featuring a firm kick
of tannins on the mocha-infused finish. Drink now through 2019. 80,000 cases made (was 10,000 in the 2008 vintage).
Wine Tasting - March 19 - 22, 2014
2012 Chateau de Valmer Chenin Blanc Vouvray, France
Winemaker's notes: Bright passion fruit and green apple aroma, with just a touch of mineral. In the mouth the wine is
full and a little sweet, but brilliant with apple, citrus, and a steely hint of mineral on the finish.
2010 Chateau de Parenchère , Bordeaux Supériore, France
The estate is located at the easternmost edge of the Bordeaux region in France. A dark ruby color, the wine presents
notes of ripe red currants, plum and blackberry. It offers a good balance between red fruit flavors and tannin, with a long sustained finish. 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec.
2007 Casada Morales EME Graciano, Rioja, Spain
100% Graciano grown above 1200 feet was aged for 11 months in new French, American, Romanian, Hungarian and Chinese oak barrels. Aromas of earth, mineral, Asian spices, black cherry, and black raspberry are followed by
succulent fruit, lively acidity, good balance, and a lengthy, pure finish. WA 91 Points
2004 Casada Morales Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain
This blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano features a pleasant nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, tobacco,
balsamic, and assorted black fruits. In the mouth it has volume, layered fruit, a plush personality, and incipient complexity from its extended aging in bottle and barrel. Ripe, savory, and long in the finish. WA 94 Points
2009 Hidden Ridge Cabernet 55% Slope
The terraced vines are on a steep mountainside in a valley with eastern, southern and northern exposures and the
typical decomposed granite and alluvium soils of the Mayacamas Mountains. The wine displays notes of licorice, camphor, charcoal, truffles, graphite and cassis. Rich and full-bodied this is one of the finest Sonoma County
Cabernet Sauvignons ever produced. 99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot. WA 94 Points
Wine Tasting - March 12 - 15, 2014
2012 Domaine D'en Segur Le Rosé Cabernet (Cotes du Tarn, Southwest France)
Made from both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Light and fruity with attractive red-fruit flavors, refreshing acidity and a crisp, bright aftertaste. Ready to drink now.
2011 La Maison Des Bulliat (Regnie, France)
Owned and operated by a Canadian. 89 points, Vin Chicago: This tiny property in the Beaujolais Cru of Regnie is
only 8 hectares in size. This is the first vintage available to the American market and just over 50 cases made it here.
The quality of the wine is superb, as is the price. The estate's 50 year old vines have yielded a wine filled with
delicious fresh cherry and raspberry along with secondary notes of fresh red and purple flowers and subtle minerality.
This soft and easy-drinking Beaujolais is one of the best values from this region that we've come across in a long time!
2012 Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz (Barossa, Australia)
100% Shiraz blended from 7 different plots of mostly younger vines. Oak aged for 12 months. Meant to be an inviting introduction to the wines of Torbreck that is affordable, deliciously fruity, well structured, and powerful.
91 points, International Wine Cellar: Glass-staining ruby. Smoke-accented blackberry and cassis aromas are
complicated by notes of licorice and star anise. Lush, dense and quite primary, with very good clarity to its sappy
black and blue fruit flavors. An exotic hint of candied violet brightens the impressively long, chewy and subtly tannic finish. 2012 is shaping up to be a fantastic vintage in the Barossa.
2009 Axel Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: A rugged, full-bodied and flavorful Cabernet. Aromas of gritty black cherry and cassis
come with herbal undercurrents. The palate is tight, with firm tannins , lightly herbal flavors of forest, cassis, wild berry, juniper and chocolate. Drink through 2017.
2009 Tolaini Valdisanti (Tuscany, Italy)
94 points, Wine Advocate: A Bordeaux-inspired blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5%
Cabernet Franc. Fruit is sourced from the Tenuta S. Giovanni. A delicate embroidery of the aromas spice, dark fruit
and smoked cedar. Lush layers of red berry fruit and dark chewing tobacco back a dusty mineral dryness in the finish. The mouthfeel is polished and tight, with beautifully integrated tannins.
Wine Tasting - March 5 - 8, 2014
2012 Villa Wolf Gewurztraminer (Pfalz, Germany)
Owned by Ernst Loosen. The Villa Wolf is a value line mixing estate with purchased grapes. 2012 was a superb vintage in Germany.Winemaker's Notes:A very pretty, classic Gewürztraminer aroma of rose petals and exotic fruits,
with a spicy edge. Zippy, fresh, crisp and juicy, with a superb acid to sugar balance. Simply delicious and satisfying.
2010 Coriole Redstone Shiraz, McLaren Vale, AUS 2010
90+ points, The Wine Front:Blueberry pie, blackberry and raspberry, earth, a bit of char and spice. It's full-bodied, but
not overblown, with firm tannin.
2010 Gordon Brothers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington)
Includes 3% Syrah. Aged 25 months in French and American oak barrels. Winemaker's Notes: Black cherry and cranberry, vanilla roasting on an open fire, plum and other exotic aromas all hint at a deep and complex wine. The
wine's entry is bright and deceptively soft, hiding the underlying structure of firm fine-grain tannins. Layers of fruit
with pleasing notes of toast and chocolate envelop the palate. The finish is lingering and savory, inviting another sip.
2010 Gordon Brothers Tradition (Columbia Valley, Washington)
Aged 20 months in American and French oak. Outstanding, Great Northwest Wine:
This 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is the top wine from this longtime Washington winery whose 100 acres of estate vineyards
overlook the Snake River near Ice Harbor Dam east of Pasco. This big red has it all: fruit, oak and structure. Opens
with aromas of cinnamon, vanilla bean, black pepper, cola and huckleberry. The palate is a big, juicy entry of pomegranate and ripe plum, followed by dark chocolate and horehound candy. Supple tannins and ample acidity
provide the backbone without diminishing the flavor. Drinks beautifully now and will improve during the next five years.
2011 Oak Ridge Winery Moss Roxx Ancient Vine (Lodi, CA)
A big and tasty Zin from Lodi's half to century old vines. Very spicy, definitely sweeter, bright red raspberry, strong cocoa in the finish.
Wine Tasting - February 26 - March 1, 2014
2010 La Posta Cocina Tinto (Mendoza, Argentina)
LaCross Tribune: Blends 60% Malbec, 20% Syrah, and 20% Bonarda. Aged for a year in French and American oak.
Big balanced tannins with licorice, cedar, and fruit flavors of cherry, blueberry and plum.
2012 Urban Uco Malbec Tempranillo (Uco Valley, Argentina)
A 50-50 blend, unusual for the Tempranillo. 89 points, International Wine Cellar: Good medium ruby-red. Musky
black cherry, minerals, smoke and licorice on the nose, plus a suggestion of chocolate liqueur. Quite primary on the
palate yet suave and approachable, showing good volume to its crushed blackberry flavor. Finishes with building tannins and noteworthy length. A superb value.
2009 Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon (Cienega, CA)
Located 25 miles east of Monterey Bay in the Gabilan Mountains. Ocean cooled, with rocky granite and limestone
soils. 100% Cabernet, planted in the warmest and deepest part of the valley. The winery says that this vintage was
exceptionally good. A long growing season allowed rich flavors of dark ripe cherries, chocolate and hints of coffee to fully develop.
2010 L'Ecole 41 Syrah (Columbia Valley, Washington)
#57 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines. 91 points, International Wine Cellar:Dark, bright red-ruby. Black raspberry and
exotic nutty oak on the nose. Plush, dense and generous, with creamy-sweet black raspberry fruit showing no rough
edges. But there's good medicinal reserve here for all of the wine's lushness of texture. Finishes with sweet, easy tannins and lingering berry flavors.
2012 Venge Scouts Honor (Napa, California)
The winery says that 2012 was their greatest vintage since 1997. World Wine Selections: The most talked about,
loved, & re-ordered Zinfandel blend in my history. Many of my top clients proclaimed this to be the best red wine
blend that they have ever tasted in this price range. Liquid perfection, composed of 70% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 11% Charbono, & 5% Syrah from one of Napa Valley's most respected wine families. Previous vintages were
incredibly delicious, but the 2012 is a leap above.
Wine Tasting - February 19 - 22, 2014
2010 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc (Sonoma, California)
98% Pinot Blanc, 1% Chardonnay, 1% Muscat Canelli. Pinot Blanc often makes a bland inexpensive white, but Valley of the Moon makes a more serious wine with inviting aromas and surprising acidity. Honeysuckle, peach, and
grapefruit. Aged in French black locust wood barrels, which has less tannin, vanilla, and toast compared to oak, but enhances body, fruit, and floral flavors, partly from water evaporation from greater porosity.
2010 Finca La Anita Tonada Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
The winemaker is Susana Balbo. 100% Malbec aged 3 months in American oak. "Tonada" is the name of harvest song. 89 points, Wine Enthusiast: Rich aromas of berry and dried fig. The pretty bouquet is backed by bright, juicy
blackberry flavors that come with a spicy backing. Lightly toasted and smooth on the finish; overall this is uncomplicated Malbec that hits the spot.
2012 Zolo Signature Red (Mendoza, Argentina)
35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Bonarda, 20% Merlot, 15% Malbec. Aged 6 months in 75% French and 25% American oak. 90 points, Beverage Tasting Institute:Deep garnet color. Bold aromas of coffee candy, chocolate cherry pie, and
peppercorn with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy craisin and spice finish. A really tasty everyday wine that will work with pretty much anything.
2011 Shatter Grenache (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)
91 points, tasting panel, wine.com: Dark, deep and rich with ripe, dense blackberry, cassis and notes of chocolate;
velvety, lush and balanced with fine structure.
2010 Sbragia Merlot Home Ranch Vineyard (Dry Creek,California)
The grapes come from a rocky former river bed in Dry Creek. The wine is dark, rich, concentrated, and long lasting in the mouth. 92 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast: An impressive wine. Ed Sbragia wrestles that famously
briary Dry Creek rusticity to the ground, forcing it into refined elegance. With blackberry, cherry, mocha and cedar flavors, it's simply delicious for drinking now.
Wine Tasting - February 12 - 15, 2014
2011 Saint Hilaire Brut Blanquette de Limoux (France)
A South France sparkler from Limoux that made sparkling wine a century before Champagne. Softer and easier drinking rather than briskly acidic like Champagne, with more apple than citrus. Much better than the wines served at
"champagne" brunches and most weddings.
2011 Twenty Rows Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California)
Twenty Rows is the value line of this winery, and the Cabernet has been widely praised as one of the best value Napa Cabs in the $20s price range. The grapes used come from excellent vineyards primarily in Mount Veeder and Oak
Knoll. 90% Cab and 10% Merlot. The 2011 is a good candidate for the richest and most lush vintage made so far, with
full aromas of black currant, cherry, cocoa, roasted coffee and vanilla, followed by a rich, plush, mouthful of black fruit, chocolate and tobacco flavors that carry through the soft, round, finish.
2011 Ernesto Catena Vineyards Tikal Natural (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina)
91 points, Wine Advocate: A blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Syrah both organically farmed in Vista Flores from
10-year-old vines. Aged for ten months in 80% French and 20% American oak of which 10% is new. Has a vibrant bouquet of lifted dark cherries, blueberry, soy and minerals that is beautifully defined. The palate is sensual and
caressing on the entry, setting up silky tannins, pure macerated dark cherries and blueberry fruit knitted together by acidity. Utterly seductive!
2009 Pulenta Estate Malbec Alto Agrelo (Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, Wine Advocate: A captivating bouquet of smoke, exotic spices, floral notes, red licorice, and black cherry.
Opens in the glass to reveal a velvety texture, superb depth and volume, succulent flavors, and a lengthy, pure finish. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2021.
2011 Casarena Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)
100% Cab aged 12 months in French oak. 92 points, International Wine Cellar:From 82 year old vines. Bright medium
ruby. Restrained but pure aromas of blackcurrant, bitter chocolate, mocha and peppery herbs. Dense, sappy and deep, that is seamless in spite of its musky dark berry flavors accented by pepper and herbs. Classic, satisfying and
complete Cabernet, with a lush, round texture, excellent breadth and length, and very suave, fine-grained tannins. This could do some damage in a blind flight of top Napa cabernets. A steal at the price.
Wine Tasting - February 5 - 8, 2014
ZinFest
2012 Oak Ridge Winery OZV (Lodi, California)
96% Zinfandel. 4% Petite Sirah. An old vine Zinfandel from Lodi's oldest operating winery that is robust, delicious, yet affordable. Jammy with raspberry, milk chocolate and mocha flavors, soft tannins and a supple mouth feel.
Delivers way over its price.
2012 Twenty Rows the Grappler (California)
Twenty Rows is the value line of this family winery, whose premium wine uses estate Mount Veeder grapes. Winemaker's Notes: 75% Zinfandel from Calistoga and Amador County. Includes 5% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot, 3 %
Cabernet Franc, and 2% Grenache. Starts powerfully yet is smooth, with ripe, spicy, cherry and tobacco flavors on the mid palate. Finishes with strong fruits and tannins.
2011 Trentadue La Storia (Alexander Valley, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: The high end single vineyard Zin of this winery. Co-fermented with a little Petite Sirah for better
color and added blueberry. Intensely flavored with dark cherry, blueberry and plums with moderate sweet raisin. Oak
barrel aging adds vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon and smokiness. The mouth feel is solid, body medium to slightly heavy. tannins silky and elegant, and finish long and juicy. Delicious now and better later.
2011 Carlisle Montafi Ranch (Russian River, CA)
88% Zinfandel, rest field mixed varietals. Vines 85 years old on gravely benchland soil. Fine burst of acidity upon
entering the mouth, followed by delicious fruit. Mint, tobacco, new leather and licorice add to the resonant fruit. Impressive tannins give the wine structure.
2010 Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvee (Alexander Valley, CA)
92 points, Wine Advocate: Peppery, meaty, and superb. PrimarilyZinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan, and Syrah. A dense
ruby/purple hue followed by aromas of licorice, black currants, cherries, camphor and spice. Full-bodied, opulent, savory, and very mouth-filling.
2010 Chateau Potelle VGS (Mt. Veeder, CA)
Consistently among the greatest Zinfandels.High altitude vineyard 1,400 to 1,800 feet. Big cinnamon sweet spice but very bright acidity makes this wine so lively. Rich, dense, and intense, yet balanced and complex. Raspberry,
blackberry, and vanilla. By far the tallest and skinniest bottle. 16.5% alcohol but has no hot taste or port flavors.
Wine Tasting - January 29 - February 1, 2014
2012 Martin Ray Sauvgnon Blanc (Napa, California)
Winemaker's Notes: Comes from a warmer part of Napa county, which pushes the flavors toward tropical. Peach,
pineapple, lime zest and orange blossom.No oak and no malolactic fermentation to keep the acid refreshing and focus on the pure Sauvignon Blanc fruit.
2011 Mollydooker Maitre'd Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale, Australia)
89 points, Wine Spectator: Soft, supple and ripe, with a welcoming texture that underlines the generous blackberry
and black currant flavors, shaded with coffee on the finish.
2011 Robert Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel (Napa, California)
A famous Napa Zinfandel. www.klwines.com:
Primarily sourced from Biale's Oak Knoll District ranch estate. Aged for 14 months in 25% new French oak. The 2011 is everything we like in Zin and then some - inky dark in color, with
aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, baked plum, cherry, and molasses, with accents of clove, vanilla, and white pepper. A full-bodied, hedonistic style that wears the weight well. Enjoy with a hearty beef or game dish.
2010 Post House Missing Virgin (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
An usual but very tasting blend of around 70% Pinotage and 30% Petit Verdot grapes. Dark, saturated color with a
bluish tone. Violets, bright acidity, blueberry, and earth flavors. The "virgin" part of the name refers to the Christian
martyr the Virgin Islands were named for, who supposedly choose death rather than marry a pagan king, and the "missing" part comes from a famous rare stamp from the Virgin Islands that unintentially omitted her image. 4 stars of
5 in Platter's Guide to South Africa wines.
2010 Ramey Wine Cellars Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Blends across 6 appellations within Napa. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 2 years in French and American oak, 2/3 new. 94 points, Wine Advocate: Mocha, espresso, blackberries, incense and graphite all come together in a wine that
impresses for its exceptional overall balance. White flowers, cloves and asphalt all develop later, lending an element of
exoticism that is simply compelling. Blends valley floor and hillside fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. Ramey is one of the top wineries in the United States. Also, 94 points in the International Wine Report.
Wine Tasting - January 22 - 25, 2014
2005 Guffens Heynen Pierreclos Jus de Chavigne (Macon, Burgundy, France)
Of the next 2006 vintage, 92 points, International Wine Cellar: Light yellow. Spicy, mineral-dominated and fresh on
the nose, with energetic lime and pink grapefruit scents; picks up white flowers and licorice with air. Juicy citrus and
green apple flavors flesh out to offer poached pear and peach, without losing their focus. Strikingly pure wine, finishing with admirable lift and cut.
2012 Chateau Pesquie Terrasses (Ventoux, Rhone Valley, France)
92 points, Wine Advocate: In the same mold and an awesome value every year. Blends 70% Grenache (60-year-old
vines) and 30% Syrah (30+-year-old vines) that was aged two-thirds in concrete and stainless steel and one-third in
older oak. Made from a blend of different terroirs on the estate (and basically declassified Quintessence). Comes from
hillside vineyards lying between 840-930 feet in elevation. Gorgeously pure, supple and seamless profile with kirsch
and berry-styled fruit, licorice and spring flower-like qualities all emerging from the glass. Elegant, forward and
delicious, gains in stature in the glass, is ridiculously textured from such an inexpensive wine, and has sweet tannin emerging on the finish.
2009 Grandi & Gabana Pucinum (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy)
The influence of Bordeaux can be recognized immediately when you taste this blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Refosco. After fermentation, the wine spends 12 months in French oak. Medium to full-bodied with plum, wild cherry, currant and cigar box.
2009 Château De Parenchère Cuvée Raphaël (Bordeaux, France)
The vineyard benefits from a good draining slope, excellent sun exposure, and soil with chalk and a high clay content. 89 points, Wine Advocate. www.thewinedoctor.com: The flagship wine of this estate. The 2009 is typical of the
vintage, concentrated and fruit-rich. In the glass it has a deep, red-black hue. There are some very evocative fruit
aromas on the nose, dark and grainy, all plum and damson, with a firm, slightly brawny weight to them. The palate follows on with a similarly robust display of confidence, and some of this grip and structure comes from the oak.
Ample tannic grip, somewhat drying, but underneath is a supple substance, gentle acids in keeping with the warmth of the vintage, and confident fruit flavor.
2009 Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon (Cienega, CA)
Located 25 miles east of Monterey Bay in the Gabilan Mountains. Ocean cooled, with rocky granite and limestone
soils. 100% Cabernet, planted in the warmest and deepest part of the valley. The winery says that this vintage was
exceptionally good. A long growing season allowed rich flavors of dark ripe cherries, chocolate and hints of coffee to
fully develop. Well balanced with soft tannins. Aged 38 months in French oak barrels. Tastes fine now and will improve with age.
Wine Tasting - January 15 - 18, 2014
2012 Heinz-Eifel Kabinett Riesling (Mosel, Germany)
Of the earlier 2009 vintage, www.kenswineguide.com:
Pale yellow. Opens with a mild green apple and pear bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, nicely balanced, and shows some nice viscosity. The flavor profile is a gentle
and pleasant blend of ripe pear and lime. The finish is pleasantly sweet and enjoyable. One of the best bargain Rieslings that we covered this year.
2005 Merum Ardiles (Priorat, Spain)
91 points, Wine Advocate:45% Grenache, 34% Carignan, 18% Syrah, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark ruby-colored,
with an alluring bouquet of slate, mineral, cherry, and blueberry. Forward and seamless on the palate. An excellent value for a wine from this increasingly expensive region.
2010 Michael Pozzan Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma, CA)
Markets wines under 6 brands. The "Michael Pozzan" label is meant to appeal to people who want higher quality without a painful price. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 18 months in French oak. 91 points, Wilfred Wong (BevMo
reviewer): Incredibly aromatic and juicy, loaded with bright cassis flavors, with just a touch of oak. A winner!
2009 Casey Flat Open Range Red (CA)
40% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, 7% Merlot, 6% Mourvedre, 5% Cabernet Franc. Blends estate and purchased fruit.Dark, rich color leads to a pie spice, sweet berry and cherry, very strong red wine.
2010 Casey Flat Ranch Estate Red (Capay Valley, CA)
44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Franc, 4% Mourvedre. A selection from the best parts of this 2,000 high vineyard east of Napa in Yolo County. Of the previous 2009, 90 points, Wine Enthusiast:A big,
mountain-grown blend that needs time to open—think about decanting it first. A fruity, delicious nose that's slightly
peppery. The palate is surrounded by red and blue fruit and tanker-size tannins, with a plush, cinnamon-kissed finish.
Wine Tasting - January 8 - 11, 2014
2010 Jankara Vermentino Superiore, Sardinia, Italy
From the highlands of Gallura in Sardinia, this wine exhibits white flowers, almonds and tropical notes grounded on a firm backbone of acidity and delicate freshness.
2010 Château de Parenchère, Bordeaux, France
This blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec features notes of ripe red
currants, plum and blackberry. It offers a good balance between red fruit flavors and tannin, with a long sustained finish.
New Stratton Lummis Riddler Lot # 4
The Riddler takes me back to my boyhood. I am six years old. Playing alone. I have discovered an old stone winery on
a friend's property. The door easily opens. I step inside, amazed at the rows of giant oak tanks. I brush their sides with
my fingers, delightfully finding drops of sticky liquid. Each is a mystery of new smells and tastes. They are riddles that I have spent my life trying to solve. -Winemaker
2005 Ardiles, Priorat, Spain
Composed of 45% Garnacha, 34% Carinena, 18% Syrah, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon this dark ruby-colored beauty
reveals an alluring bouquet of slate, mineral, cherry, and blueberry. 91 Points, Wine Advocate
2010 Domaine Couroulu, Vacqueyras, France
Black as a moonless night this blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre delivers good acidity, terrific
focus and deep concentration. On the nose vanilla, toast, smoke, tobacco, and spice followed by dark berries, dust, leather, currant, and violets in the mouth. 92-94 Points, Wine Advocate
2008 Emery Estate "Unbridled", Sonoma
A fruit forward wine that delivers aromas of roasted herbs, coffee, black cherries and plums which are complemented
by generous flavors of wild berry, bittersweet chocolate and earth tones, with fine-grained tannins that make this Cabernet very approachable.
2009 Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz, Australia
Grand Barossa Shiraz epitomizes the premium international reputation for Shiraz which has made the Barossa Valley
famous. Lifted aromas of blackberry, plum and black pepper are accompanied by spicy, dark berry fruits on the palate.
Wine Tasting - January 2, 3 & 4, 2014
2010 Cuvaison Chardonnay Carneros, Napa
The winery strikes a happy balance between richness and elegant austerity with this bone-dry offering. Hints of
apricots and tropical fruits mingle with notes of buttered toast and smoky vanilla of new oak that many Chardonnay lovers crave. 91 Points Wine Enthusiast
2007 Blackbird, Merlo Family, Trinity County, California
Syrah 50%, Zinfandel 50%. A rich, full-bodied wine that brings the best of Syrah and Zinfandel to the party. Offers notes of cedar and spice, and a very complex finish.
2010 Three Vineyard Petite Sirah, Contra Costa
Explosive aromas of blueberry preserves and sweet herbs. This Petite Sirah is ultra-concentrated and packed with blueberry flavors and firm tannins. Drink now for its primary fruit plushness or age 5 to 7 years to help fine the
tannins.
2007 De Trafford Sijnn, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Shiraz 42%, Mourvedre 26%, Touriga Nacional 21%, Trincadeira 10%, Cabernet Sauvignon 1%. Attractive medium
deep red color. Slate, wild fruits and herbs on the nose with a touch of spicy oak. Rich, juicy, nicely textured palate with the moderate length and an attractive dry finish.
2005 De Trafford Merlot, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Attractive dark, bright red color. Pure dark red berry and cherry fruit with intriguing smoked nuts & spices and a little
herbaceous character. These flavors follow through on the palate with lovely fine, dry tannins and a soft, long finish.
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