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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 28 ~ 30, 2016
2012 Castello Di Ama Al Poggio Blanc (Tuscany, Italy)
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio grapes. Fermented in 60% steel tanks and 40% in oak barriques. Aged for 8 months on the lees in French oak, 50% new and 50% once-used.
2011 Yalumba Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon Le Cigar (Coonawarra, Australia)
94 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion:Bright, clear crimson-purple; the cool vintage in Coonawarra
invested much of the region's cabernet with lively, fresh red fruit aromas and flavors; here those characters are picked up
and lengthened by some briar and black olive nuances that add interest and length to a meritorious cabernet.
2013 L'Ecole 41 Merlot Columbia Valley (Washington)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: A variety of top sites are blended together for this wine, including Seven Hills, Bacchus,
Dionysus, Klipsun and Pepper Bridge. Offers bright aromas of raspberries and chocolate, with herb and floral accents.
The palate is flavorful and full, delivering a lot of enjoyment, with the tannins adding some heft. 76% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot.
2011 Casa da Passarella Oenologo Vinhas Velhas (Dao, Portugal)
90 points, Wine Advocate: Showed great in a preview tasting in Portugal. Youthful and rather powerful, beautifully
focused and elegant with a certain nod to Burgundy. Reasonable mid-palate concentration and finishes with a crisp feel. Not only pretty nice, but an excellent food wine and reasonably ageworthy.
2012 Amon-Ra Glaetzer (Barossa, Australia)
97+ points, Wine Advocate: Very deep purple-black in color, with intense notes of black currant cordial, blackberry
compote and licorice, plus nuances of cloves, allspice, chocolate box, salami, and espresso. A beast of a wine, densely
packed with black fruit and baking spice flavors, and supported by firm, grainy tannins and crisp acid through a persistent finish. Drink 2015 to 2025+. 100% Shiraz aged in 100% new oak.
Wine Tasting - December 21 ~ 24, 2016
2015 Ulrich Frey Pinot Gris Spatlese Trocken (Rheinhessen, Germany) \
Intense, brightly fruity and acidic. Tasted even better than a dry Riesling beside it. Importer's Notes: This Pinot Gris is
made from a single vineyard, uses only the free run juice of the ripest grapes, and is matured in old neutral oak barrels.
Dry, with only 8g of residual sugar but enough to add a creamy feel. Plush notes of citrus, pear and toasted almonds, supple texture, and a long finish. 400 cases produced.
2013 Biggio Hamina Noel Vineyard Pinot Noir (Chehalem, Willamette Valley, Oregon)
90 points - Josh Raynolds, Vinous: 100% marine sedimentary soil composition. Brilliant red color. Spice and
mineral-accented red fruit, cola and floral scents show excellent focus and vivacity. Fleshy and concentrated but lively,
offering sappy, seamless cherry and raspberry flavors and a touch of spicecake. Closes impressively long and smooth,
delivering lingering, sweet red fruit and candied rose notes and a touch of five-spice powder. Only 40 cases produced!
2014 Lemelson Thea's Select Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
92 points Wine Spectator and #68 Top 100 2016: Polished and expressive, deftly balanced and generous, with baby
powder–accented cherry, lingonberry and floral flavors. Remains open and inviting. Drink now through 2022.
2015 Chateau de Laussac Bordeaux (Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France)
91-93 points, eRobertParker.com: Has a detailed, quite complex bouquet with lifted blackberry and cedar aromas, very
expressive and welcoming. The palate is clean and fresh, very well balanced with grainy tannin, pure black and red fruit,
and is beautifully poised with an elegant finish that is an absolute delight. Expect this to land at the top of my banded score - absolutely superb.
2012 Puro Uno Malbec Limitado (Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina)
Deep color. Aromas of violets and black cherry, with boysenberry and blackberry in the mouth. Good depth and length.
100% Malbec, from vineyards averaging 3,450 feet above sea level, aged 20 months in 100% new oak, 80% French and 20% American. 570 cases made.
Wine Tasting - December 14 ~ 17, 2016
Champagne & Red Wine Fest
The Best Cellar Holiday & Christmas Party
Loimer Brut Rose (Austria)
91 points, Wine Advocate: A pale salmon-colored, very delicate and finesse-full sparkling wine from different vineyard
sites in Kamptal and Thermenregion. Based on Zweigelt (64%) and Pinot Noir (36%) from the 2013 harvest, bottled in
July 2014 and disgorged in October 2015 with five grams of dosage. Delicate cherry and red berry flavors on the fresh
and floral-scented nose, with its fine brioche flavors. Medium-bodied, fresh and dry, a lovely purity and great finesse, that finishes with grip and fine tannins.
Gosset Brut Excellence (Champagne, France)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Elegant, refined and creamy, with delicate acidity and balance from poached apple and pear,
lemon cake, ground ginger, smoke and almond cream. (One of the few inexpensive Champagnes that remains enjoyable even when tasted right beside Champagnes costing over $100 a bottle.)
Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut Rose (Champagne, France)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast: Such an elegant, ethereal wine, this orange-pink wine is dry and crisp with fruity raspberry
flavor at the fore. This particular bottling could improve for a year, but makes a great food Champagne now.
2014 Tres Picos Garnacha (Campo de Borja, Spain) #39 - Wine Spectator Top 100 2016 - 91 points also 92 points,
Antonio Galloni: Bright violet color. Heady, exotically perfumed bouquet of ripe red and dark berries, incense and
candied flowers, with a smoky mineral overtone and a hint of Asian spices. Intense, deeply pitched raspberry liqueur and
cherry-cola flavors stain the palate while displaying a distinctly vibrant quality. Blends power, depth and finesse in a
way that's uncommon at anywhere near this price point. Closes sweet, supple and very long, with velvet tannin and gentle grip.
2015 Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone #43 - Wine Spectator Top 100 2016 - 91 points: Ripe, with vivid blueberry and
boysenberry fruit, harnessed on the back end by a bold graphite edge. Anise and violet notes add range. Drink now through 2019. 25,000 cases made.
2013 Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina) #53 - Wine Spectator Top 100 - 91 points: A
refined and savory red, featuring notes of white pepper to the cherry and crushed red plum flavors. Lengthens out on the palate, with medium-grained tannins. Silky finish. Drink now through 2020.
Wine Tasting - December 7 ~ 10, 2016
2015 Vina Cobos Felino Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina)
92 James Suckling: A bright and fresh white with sliced apple, pineapple, and salt. Full body, tangy finish. Minerally
and stony undertone. Stainless driven. Screw cap. Drink now.
2014 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: A classic Alexander Valley wine with medium body, great fruit flavors and polished tannins. Has 6%
Merlot for structure, a touch of Cabernet Franc for floral notes and Malbec and Petit Verdot for color. Aromas of dark
fruit, blackberry, cherry, cassis, plum, vanilla and a slight cocoa and chocolate note. The mouth has rich flavors of plum,
cherry, cassis, blackberry, spice and chocolate. A smooth wine with medium body, nice balance and a long finish.
2012 Chateau Pesquie Quintessence (Ventoux, Rhone, France)
92 points, Wine Advocate: Comes from terraced hillside vineyards located in the northern part of the appellation. Made
from 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, and aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak. A perfumed, spice-driven profile
with raspberry ganache, red licorice, wild herbs and pepper-like qualities all emerging from the glass. Balanced, fresh and
elegant, with medium to full-bodied richness, knockout texture and chewy tannin. Will shine for 5-7 years.
2010 Rosenblum Maggie's Reserve Zinfandel (Sonoma, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: One of our shining stars of 2010. Amazing balance, exhibiting concentrated fruit, vibrant acids and
complex structure. The nose opens with seductive aromas of molasses, roasted plum and chocolate-covered cherries.
4% Semillon pops the flavors and adds juicy intensity across the palate. Broad and generous, the wine holds its focus, joined by well-integrated tannins that cradle the brown sugar and mocha finish.
2013 Col Solare (Red Mountain, Washington)
94 points, Wine Advocate:This Proprietary Red is rich, fabulously textured, and full-bodied, with tons of black cherry
and cassis fruits intermixed with notes of licorice, smoked herbs, graphite and lead pencil aromas and flavors. Blends 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 2% Malbec, that spent 22 months in 100% new French
oak. From the Col Solare and Quintessence Vineyards. Pure, layered, polished, and enjoyable for the next 15-20 years.
Wine Tasting - November 30, December 1, 2 & 3, 2016
CABFEST
2014 Casas Del Bosque Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva (Maipo Valley, Chile)
94 points, James Suckling: Like a top Napa cabernet with full body, dusty tannins plus chocolate, bark, and black
currant. Very long and rich. Racy and beautiful. Will age beautifully. Believe the wine at this price. Drink or hold.
2013 Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River, Australia)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Robust & concentrated, with vanilla and sarsaparilla accents to blackberry and cherry. Dried
herb notes linger on the velvety finish.
2014 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
91-93 points, eRobertParker.com: Loaded with black raspberry, cassis, spice and licorice. More textured, voluptuous,
layered and concentrated than all of the previous vintages.
2012 Ferrari-Carano Tresor (Sonoma, CA)
94 points,Winereviewonline.com: Blends 71% Cab, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc. A
spectacular vintage that shows deep notes of black fruits and spice, a fleshy and generous palate, and enough structure to age well.
2013 Oakville Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville, Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Charming, offering an elegant array of supple-textured licorice, sage and dusty red and dark
berry notes. Most impressive on the long, tapered finish, which lets the flavors glide along on the aftertaste. Drinkable now.
2013 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla, Washington)
96 points, Wine Advocate: From estate vineyards, 75% Cab Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec.
Aged 22 months French oak. Vibrant purple color followed by crème de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf, lead pencil and graphite. Full-bodied, elegant and polished.
Wine Tasting - November 23, 25 & 26, 2016
2014 Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner (Kremstal, Austria)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Lime zest and green pear peel on the nose turn into fuller, zestier flavor on the palate. Leafy
pepper joins the fresh pear fruit and makes for a light and lovely texture.
2013 Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Coast, CA)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: Truly a wine that over delivers, packing molten fudge cake, vanilla-laced black-currant syrup
and chocolate pudding with a fresh sprig of mint on the nose. The palate is soft and dynamic, with ripe black currants
given complexity though licorice and butter-softened roasting herbs, all wrapped in tannins that keep the flavors steady
throughout. The Smith & Hook brand is owned by Hahn Family Wines, and this Cab blends wines from 4 appellations –
Arroyo Seco, San Antonio Valley, Hanes Valley, and Paso Robles. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Malbec. Aged in French oak.
2008 Gran Vin de Glenelly (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A blend of 40% Shiraz, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, and 7% Merlot, aged for
18 months in one-third new oak. The higher proportion of Cabernet contributes a more austere and reserved Old World
personality. The palate is well balanced with good acidity and well integrated oak. Combines finesse and fruit intensity. Very competitive in price and quality with Bordeaux.
2013 Celler Cal Pla Mas d'en Compte (Priorat, Spain)
95 points, Wine Advocate: A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Carignan variously aged in a combination of concrete
tanks, large wood foudres and smaller French oak barrels. Loads of licorice and black raspberries, representing the
quintessential opulent style of Priorat– floral, blueberry and black raspberry fruit, intense minerality and silky, lush tannins. Should drink well for at least 5-8 more years.
2013 Cellar Mas Doix Salanques (Priorat, Spain)
93 points, Wine Spectator: This vibrant red offers lively flavors of black cherry, plum, cola and mineral, set in a thick
texture supported by firm tannins and orange peel acidity. Shows an alluring balance of power and polish. Drink now through 2023.
Wine Tasting - November 16 ~ 19, 2016
2013 Cusumano Angimbe (Sicily, Italy)
A bouquet ranging from fresh flowers to ripe tropical fruits. Medium bodied, with good intensity and a flamboyant fruit cocktail finish. A pleasing partnership of 70% indigenous Sicilian Insolia grape and 30% Chardonnay.
2012 Argyle Spirithouse Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon)
94 points, Oregon Wine Steward: Deep garnet color and a fantastic example of the strong Oregon 2012 vintage. Dark
cherry and deep plum notes on the nose are complemented by baking spice and licorice on the palate. Firm tannins and
a full body would pair wonderfully with smoked gamey meats, grilled pork, or bold cheeses. Will take a decade to reach its full potential.
2013 Peju Merlot (Rutherford, Napa)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Generously full-bodied, with an explosively dark, brooding black fruit, coffee and
bittersweet chocolate, with equally firm integrated tannin and lively acidity. Shows varietal character, with an additional 1% Malbec.
2008 Campo Eliseo (Toro, Spain)
94 points, Wine Spectator: Rich yet balanced, this modern red offers plum, blackberry, coffee, mineral and spicy flavors
supported by firm, well-integrated tannins. A smooth yet powerful wine that blooms on the finish. From a non-blind Campo Eliseo vertical in January 2013. Drink now through 2020.
2010 Blue Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Best Barrels (Alexander Valley, CA)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: A classic style for Cabernet, from the enticing aromas of cassis, black cherry and licorice to
the sizable yet velvety tannins that wrap flavors gracefully. Structured and medium in weight, the wine has a sense of
restraint plus a balance of acidity and lushness. Enjoyable now, it will benefit with time, through 2020. 100% Cabernet and 100% aged in new French oak
Wine Tasting - November 9 ~ 12, 2016
ZINFEST
2012 Krutz Family Magnolia Series Zinfandel (Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast, Editor's Choice: This terrific Zin brings classic varietal character to the table, with a full
body, robust alcohol, dryness and intensely concentrated flavors of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate, Chinese
plum sauce and black pepper. Showing a mastery of the art of blending, its grapes come from north to south in the
valley, Calistoga to Atlas Peak and multiple appellations in between. One of the greatest Zinfandel values in recent memory.
2014 Ridge East Bench Zinfandel (Dry Creek, CA)
91 points, Vinous: A standout, especially considering its price. Brisk and wonderfully perfumed, and strikingly aromatic,
matching its mid-weight personality. One of the more silky, refined Zinfandels. I can't recommend it highly enough. At
this stage, the East Bench has almost Pinot-like finesse. A great choice for by the case purchases, as one or two bottles won't nearly be enough. A rare 100% Zinfandel from Ridge, who makes mostly field blends
2014 Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvee (Alexander Valley)
Winemaker's notes: Blends Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and a small amount of Syrah, made from our highest
quality Sonoma County fruit. A wine that makes an immediate impression, from the first sip to the long, textured finish, Generous and powerful, but also incredibly elegant and complex.
2010 Rosenblum Monte Rosso Zinfandel (Sonoma, CA)
Has the superhigh alcohol that Zins from this vineyard often achieve. Bone dry, but has a heaviness and heat that make it Port-like, with black currant, prune and dark chocolate flavors.
2014 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (Dry Creek, CA)
94+ points, Vinous: Absolutely gorgeous. Plenty of complexity and depth hiding behind the acidity and tannin. Far from
an easygoing Zinfandel, the 2014 Lytton is a wine to buy and cellar for at least a handful of years. The wine's richness,
persistence and vertical intensity will make it special in time. Black cherry, pomegranate, mint and sweet spices meld into
the resonant finish. A kick of tannin from the Petite Sirah adds personality, something the 2014 has in spades.
2014 Robert Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel (Napa, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: The Black Chicken is named after the code used when ordering a jug of Zinfandel during the
Prohibition era. A big boned Zinfandel at 15.3% alcohol. Gorgeously proportioned, textured and almost chewy, this stunningly hedonistic and fleshy, flamboyant Zinfandel delivers abundant glycerin, fruit, quality and personality.
Wine Tasting - November 2 ~ 5, 2016
2014 Antinori Antica Chardonnay (Napa Valley, CA)
Wine Watch (FL Store):
Lightly toasted oak spice vanilla and lemon citrus, very clean style with a good amount of underlying minerality and light oak spice. A very balanced Chardonnay, with fresh lemon citrus fruit on the tongue with
green apple and notes of creme brulee and fine underlying acidity. The length and balance on the finish indicate it could potentially age for a decade or more.
2014 Cecchi Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)
Intense ruby red color, lightening with aging. A delicate fragrance with an intense and persistent flavor. Broad and
extremely well-balanced, with great harmony. Excellent accompaniment to roasts and grilled meats. All Sangiovese.
2013 Quivera Black Boar Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley, CA)
Wine Spectator 90 points: Brooding and opaque, this is a real bruiser. Aromas of tar and smoky black raspberry lead to
dense flavors of dark wild berry, licorice and grilled herb. The tannins are big but ripe. Best from 2017 through 2023. 830 cases made.
2013 Michael Mondavi Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
90 points, Wine Advocate: A deep ruby/purple color, loads of juicy fruit, a medium to full body, and a lush, heady,
accessible mouthfeel. This is a steal, and a sleeper of the vintage, and capable of lasting up to a decade or more.
2013 Henschke Henry's Seven (Eden Valley, Australia)
92 points, Wine & Spirits: The co-fermentation lifts the fragrance and adds to the cool, spicy feel of the Shiraz..
Altogether, smooth with fresh blackberry flavors and accents of eucalyptus.
Wine Tasting - October 26 ~ 29, 2016
2007 Verget St. Véran Les Chataigniers (Macon, Burgundy, France)
Drank this over three days and it showed best on the second and third. Well made, excellent oak treatment, great acid, interesting texture, tangy mid palate and finish. Well structured, lively, substantive and food-loving.
2014 Vietti Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne (Piedmont, Italy)
Excellent value, gets better the next day after being opened. Winemaker's Notes: Ruby purple color with ripe red cherry
aromas with hints of mineral and vanilla. A dry, medium bodied red wine with refreshing acidity and soft tannins that
make it food friendly. Well balanced with good integration of oak, good complexity and a finish of more red cherries.
MV Marietta Cellars Arme Lot 3 (North Coast, California)
90 points, Wine Advocate: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot. A big Bordeaux
blend, aged up to three years in neutral oak prior to being bottled. Includes 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintages. The fruit
comes from their estate and purchased fruit from Sonoma and Mendocino. 6,000 cases made, with elegant black cherry
and blackcurrant fruit as well as tobacco leaf, cedar wood, licorice and earth. Moderately full-bodied, lush and succulent, which is their objective. Drink over the next 5-7 years.
2013 Seven Hills McClellan Vineyard Petit Verdot (Walla Walla, Washington)
91 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast: Aromas of flowers, moist soil, purple fruit and exotic spice followed by a
dense, almost impenetrable palate that offers freshness and length. A standout example of the Petit Vedot varietal.
2012 Tournon Lady's Lane Shiraz (Heathcote, Australia)
95 points, Wine Advocate: Garnet-purple colored, with scents of kirsch, redcurrant jelly and mulberries plus nuances of
red loam, smoky bacon, roses, toast and chocolate. Full-bodied, beautifully fresh and vibrant, great intensity and finesse, finishes long and layered.
Wine Tasting - October 19 ~ 22, 2016
Cabernet Franc vs. Merlot Fest
Flight 1
2014 Joguet Chinon Cabernet Franc Cuvee Terroir (Chinon, Loire, France) Of the prior 2013 vintage, 91 points, Wine
Spectator: Well-focused, offering a lively bitter cherry, damson plum and blood orange core lined with enticing savory, briar and olive notes. Bright minerality drives the finish. Pure. Drink now through 2018.
2014 Chateau Haut Maginet (Bordeaux, France) Importer's Notes: A beautiful ruby color with hints of purple. A
powerful and flattering nose of red fruit, pretty floral notes, spice, and fresh mint. The palate turns fleshy, round, supple,
and fruity, with fine, ripe tannins and a long fresh finish. 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Flight 2
2013 Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc (Collio, Italy) Hints of grilled meat and herbes de Provence underscore the
crushed black currant, singed orange peel and spice flavors in this balanced, medium-bodied red. Modest overall, with light grip on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 4,000 cases made.
2014 Textbook Merlot (Napa Valley, CA) Of the earlier 2012 vintage, 91 points, Wine Advocate:A beautiful Merlot
from Rutherford. The color is nearly black and the wine is deep and full-bodied with lots of chocolaty berry fruit. A bigger, bolder, more exuberant, forceful style of Merlot than one normally sees in California.
Flight 3
2012 Perez Cruz Cabernet Franc Limited Edition (Maipo Valley, Chile) 94% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmènere, 3% Petit
Verdot. Generously fruity and with dark berries, herbs, grass, and wood.
2013 L'Ecole 41 Columbia Valley Merlot (Washington) 90 points, Wine Advocate: A sexy, plump, mouth-filling effort
loaded with flavors of cassis, plums, licorice and spice. Tons of charm and fruit.
Flight 4
2013 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc (North Coast, CA) 91 points, Wine Spectator: Strikingly complex, dense and
aromatic, with a rich core of vivid, graphite-laced dark berry, loamy earth, underbrush and melted chocolate flavors. Gains depth and nuance on the finish. Drink now. 4,082 cases made.
2014 La Storia Estate Merlot Block 500 (Alexander Valley, CA) 90 points, Vin Chicago (store): A lush Merlot with
bright dark berry and oak-driven aromas. Gripping mouth-feel with plum, spice and a very pleasant chocolate/cherry. Full
in body with soft tannins and a long spice and oak filled finish. One of the best Merlots that we have tasted in ages.
Flight 5
2010 Hendry Blocks 26 & 9D Cabernet Franc (Napa, CA) Winemaker's Notes: A serious wine, with smoky, dark
aromas of blackcurrant, cacao and pepper. Herbal, tea and eucalyptus aromas follow with air, smoke and spice revealing
moderate oak. Velvety entry gives way to more bittersweet chocolate and a blackcurrant tang. The initially pronounced
tannins need time and air to soften, but the wine continues to evolve in the glass, yielding herbal, spice and fruit aromas.
2004 Chateau Barde-Haut (St- Emilion, Bordeaux, France) At least 75% Merlot, rest Cabernet Franc.91 points, Wine Spectator: A gorgeous nose of ripe raspberry, with hints of vanilla and blackberry. Intense yet subtle. Full-bodied, with
lots of fruit, yet refined and layered with silky tannins. Long and caressing. Gets better and better. I like it more than the 2003 or the 2000. Best after 2012.
Flight 6
2013 Michael & David Inkblot Cabernet Franc (Paso Robles, CA) 92 points, Wine Advocate: A whopper and stunner.
The richest and most complex Cabernet Franc from Lodi I have tasted. Dense purple in color, with a beautiful fragrant
nose of blue and black fruits, as well as forest floor and floral notes. Terrific intensity, full-bodied opulence, and a stunning finish that makes for a gorgeous Cabernet Franc to drink over the next decade or more.
2012 Seven Hills Walla Walla Merlot (Washington) 91 points, Vinous: Bright ruby-red. Serious, deep aromas of cassis,
licorice, tar and red rose. Densely packed, chewy and sweet, with captivating mineral and floral elements adding
definition and lift to the wine's plush texture. A tactile, fine-grained midweight with the balance and flavor interest to give early pleasure and the stuffing to age.
Wine Tasting - October 12 ~ 15, 2016
2014 Villa Maria Chardonnay Unoaked (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand)
Pale yellow. Refreshing aromas of apple, fresh herbs and white pepper. In a ripe, supple style for unoaked chardonnay,
showing a pliant texture to its slightly dry-edged flavors of fresh herbs and apple seed. Light, straightforward chardonnay with decent lift and length.
2014 Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
94 Points, James Suckling: "This is like a top Napa cabernet with full body, dusty tannins plus chocolate, bark, and
black currant. Very long and rich. Racy and beautiful. Will age beautifully. Drink or hold."
2013 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc (Napa, North Coast, CA)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Strikingly complex, dense and aromatic, with a rich core of vivid, graphite-laced dark berry,
loamy earth, underbrush and melted chocolate flavors. Gains depth and nuance on the finish.
2013 L'Ecole # 41 Columbia Valley Merlot (Washington)
90 points, Wine Advocate: A sexy, plump, mouth-filling effort that's loaded with flavors of cassis, plums, licorice and
spice. Tons of charm and fruit, and will drink nicely for 4-5 years.
2013 Turnbull Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
95 points, Wine Advocate: Turnbull's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is their least expensive wine in the portfolio, but
is the most forward and precocious of the cuvées and shows what great winemaking and vineyard sources the Turnbulls
are dealing with. The color is opaque purple, the wine shows slightly less tannins than its counterparts, with gorgeously
intense blueberry and blackberry fruit, cedar wood, forest floor and spice box. It's full-bodied, opulent, rich and, while still young with a good 10 years of upside, this wine will still be drinking great 20 years from now.
Wine Tasting - September 28 ~ October 1, 2016
2013 Garofoli Podium Verdicchio dei Jesi Classico Superiore (Marche, Italy)
91 points,Wine & Spirits: Later harvested fruit and eight months on the lees give Podium a viscous texture and depth of
flavor. Notes of blanched nuts and a sea-salt tang amid flavors of yellow apple and pear, lifted by lemony acidity. Cool and zesty, with the potential to improve with aging.
2014 Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos (Douro, Portugal)
90 points,Wine Spectator: Very suave, with rich minerality and luscious flavors of plum tart and cherry compote. Cedary
notes are accented by lots of white pepper and spice on the zesty finish. Grapes include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Drink now through 2020.
2013 Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River, Australia)
92 points ,Wine Spectator: Robust and concentrated, with vanilla and sarsaparilla accents to the blackberry and cherry
flavors. Dried herb notes linger on the velvety finish. Drink now through 2030. Aged 15 months in French and American oak.
2011 Falesco Montiano Merlot (Lazio, Italy)
92 points Wine Enthusiast: Rich and concentrated, this lush wine weaves together crushed black cherry, spicy plum,
ripe blackberry, ground white pepper and freshly grated nutmeg. Bold with velvety tannins, it has a smooth texture and a lingering finish.
2011 L'Ecole 41 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyard (Walla Walla, Washington)
91 points, Wine Advocate: The flagship 2011 Estate Perigee is a rocking blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot,
10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Concentrated, rich and with solid structure, this fuller bodied
effort has classic black raspberry, cassis, lead pencil, toast and assorted spices to go with building tannin, solid
mid-palate depth and impressive length. Will have over a decade of total longevity. {From the oldest blocks in the Seven Hills Vineyard. }
Wine Tasting - September 21 ~ 24, 2016
2009 Rex Hill Chardonnay Old Vine (Willamette, Oregon)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Supple, silky, refined and tautly structured, this Chardonnay layers apple, peach, mineral and
spice flavors that mingle seamlessly on a vibrant frame. The finish persists impressively.
2014 Barsao Tres Picos Grenache (Campo de Borja, Spain)
92 points, Vinous: Bright violet color. Heady, exotically perfumed bouquet of ripe red and dark berries, incense and
candied flowers, with a smoky mineral overtone and a hint of Asian spices. Intense, deeply pitched raspberry liqueur and
cherry-cola flavors stain the palate while displaying a distinctly vibrant quality. Blends power, depth and finesse in a
way that's uncommon at anywhere near this price point. Closes sweet, supple and very long, with velvety tannins coming in late to add shape and gentle grip.
2011 J C Cellars Isabel Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel (Paso Robles, CA)
93 points ,Wine & Spirits Magazine: I love the Dusi's fruit mix of old vine bramble, with blackberry and strawberry
notes and hints of white pepper and black pepper that winds its way through the aromatics and palate. What I do find so
intriguing about this wine is how it can be so intense, show ripeness of the fruit, but always stay balanced and never
over the top. This is most represented on the palate where the upfront fruit is so expressive, then a new wave of fruit, spice that touch of pepper make themselves known leading to a finish that seems to last forever.
2010 Hendry Red (Napa Valley, CA)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: Blends 33% Malbec, 33% Petit Verdot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and
9% Merlot. A chocolaty nose, followed by structured waves of cedar, cassis and pencil shavings, with soft tannins.
2012 L'Ecole 41 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyard (Walla Walla, Washington)
92+ points, eRobertParker.com: Knocks it out of the park with notes of currants, wild herbs, tobacco leaf, toasted
bread, and spice. Full-bodied, structured, concentrated and layered, but needs 3-4 years of cellaring. 55% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot, that was aged 22 months in 50% new French oak. (From the oldest blocks in the Seven Hills Vineyard. )
Wine Tasting - September 14 ~ 17, 2016
2015 Broccatelli Galli Pinot Grigio (Umbria, Italy)
Winery notes: Created by the winemaker from Franco Todini, sourcing from carefully selected lots of premium vineyards
in Torgiano and Montefalco, the very best of Umbria. Long crisp dry finish, with a beautiful fruit profile of rich tropical
fruits with just the right amount of minerality. Not a typical Pinot Grigio, much more like a great Italian white wine.
2014 Peirano Estate Merlot Six-Clones (Lodi, CA)
Aromas of black cherries, red ripe raspberries, strawberry and white pepper join together in a single sensation of
olfactory bliss. The mouth is filled with an array of flavors, including black cherry, strawberry and raspberry with
lingering hints of cocoa and toasted oak. Moderate tannins and good acidity leave a pleasing, long lasting finish.
2008 Glenelly Grand Vin (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
A blend of 40% Shiraz, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 7% Merlot raised in one-third new oak. An intense bouquet with licorice-tinged black fruit, incense and touch of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied with
supple tannin, refreshing acidity, and clove-tinged black fruit with a harmonious finish.
2012 Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon (Citrusdal Valley, South Africa)
4 Stars out of 5, Platter's SA Wine Guide. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 15 months in oak 60% new. Dark fruits of
blackcurrant and cassis, laced with a subtle mint undertone. Oak adds a hint of tobacco leaf, vanilla and smoky element to this complex wine. Ages gracefully for at least 8 years.
2012 Powers Champoux Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: Rich layered aromatics of wild blackberries and black currant that leads into a touch of fennel and
cedar on the nose. Diverse and complex flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and vanilla crème brulee finishing with ripe
plum that lingers on the palate. Lush dusty tannins that are balanced with a nice touch of oak and sage on the finish. A very powerful, yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, as should be expected from this world-class vineyard site.
Wine Tasting - September 7 ~ 10, 2016
2014 Tangent Albarino Paragon Vineyard (Edna Valley, California)
90 points, Wilfred Wong, wine.com reviewer: An excellent example of New World Albarino, much like those made in the
Atlantic Coast of Spain. Medium straw in color, with bright aromas of ripe citrus and a hint of mineral. Medium bodied,
smooth on the palate, yet dry. Medium acidity and, well balanced, with bright citrus peel and core fruit flavors. Finishes with a lively aftertaste.
2011 Tomaiolo Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)
Importer's Notes: 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Canaiolo, 85% Sangiovese. Bright ruby red color. Intense and
characteristic bouquet, fruity with a violet fragrance. Dry and harmonious with notes of dark chocolate and black cherries.
2014 Vina Cobos Cocodrilla Corte (Mendoza, Argentina)
91 points, James Suckling: An aromatic young red with blackberry, black olives, and flowers. Full body, fine tannins
and a pretty finish. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Drink now.
2014 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Even a step up over the killer 2013, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with notions of
black raspberry, cassis, spice and licorice. More textured, voluptuous, layered and concentrated than all of the previous vintages, it will have an easy 10-15 years of longevity.
2012 Hidden Ridge Cabernet 55% Slope (Mayacamus Mountains, Sonoma, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Opaque ruby/purple color as well as beautiful, sweet creme de cassis, Asian plum sauce,
licorice and forest floor notes. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, and impressive concentration, texture and length, this
superb Cabernet can be drunk early in life because of its velvety opulence or cellared for two decades.
Wine Tasting - August 24 ~ 27, 2016
2014 Baileyana Fire Peak Chardonnay (Edna Valley, California)
Regularly gets 90 points in past vintages.Leads with bright flavors of crisp apple, pear and pineapple. Aromas of citrus
and tropical flavors highlight the complexity of flavors that run throughout. Great acid structure and minerality create a beautifully textured and balanced wine.
2014 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon (Robertson, South Africa)
Winemaker's Notes: This delicious crowd pleasing Cabernet - consistently named a Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy" -
delivers serious bang for the buck. Ripe blackcurrant and dried herb characters on the nose, which are backed up with some spicy oak notes. The palate is smooth and soft, with ripe tannins and a long finish.
2014 Lidio Carraro Agnus Tannat (Serra Gaucha, Brazil)
100% Tannat grown on the estate's 10-acre Agnus vineyard at an elevation of 1584 ft. Grapes are harvested by hand
before fermentation in steel tanks and aging for 21 months in large oak barrels. Great structure, mature tannins and balanced wines. Aromas and flavors of coffee bean, dark fruit, licorice and cocoa.
2014 Bodega y Vinedos Korta Bucarey Carmenere Reserva (Longtue, Chile)
Intense and deep red, bluish tinge. Spicy varietal aromas with hints of pepper, black fruit and chocolate tone provided by
the barrel. Easy and smooth on the palate, rich progress notes, licorice and smoke. Persistent and friendly.
2011 Renwood Old Vines Zinfandel (Sierra Hills, Amador County, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: A ripe and tasty style of Zinfandel from a grand old name in the Sierra Foothills. The maple
and brown sugar tones from new oak integrate well with ripe but not overripe fruit flavors. Touches of clove and black pepper come out as you sip, adding welcome nuances.
2014 Neyers Left Bank Red (Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Puts zesty raspberry and wild berry at the forefront for immediate appeal and then keeps the
foot on the pedal, with flavors gaining velocity and picking up tannic muscle. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot. Drink now through 2028.
2012 Powers Sheridan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Yakima Valley, Washington)
Always a very rich, dark and powerful Cabernet. The 2012 is the best balanced and most complete Powers Sheridan yet,
that eclipses the Parker 94-point 2008. Aged for a very long 31 months in 65% new French oak, but with the substance to
absorb it. Powers is one of only four wineries to get Sheridan fruit, and makes the least expensive wine from this stellar vineyard as well as one of the best.
2012 Oakville Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville, Napa, CA)
94 points Wine Enthusiast: Merits comparison with far more expensive Oakville neighbors. Dry and balanced, with
ultra-refined tannins, it shows complex flavors of creme de cassis, minerals and cedar. Just beautiful. Lists all ingredients on the back label. Drink through 2020.
Wine Tasting - August 17 ~ 20, 2016
2015 Domaine Lafage Miraflors Rose (Languedoc-Roussillion, France)
90 points, Wine Advocate: Packed with framboise, strawberry and rose petal flavors, medium-bodied, juicy, and
gorgeously quaffable. Prime hot summer day wine that will hit the spot over the coming six months. This estate consistently delivers quality and value.
2012 Siduri John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Rita Hills, CA)
92 points, Vinous: Presents gorgeous aromatics and a bit more restrained fruit than some of the other 2012 Pinots from
Siduri. Savory herbs, graphite, tobacco, menthol and new leather add complexity as the 2012 opens up in the glass. This
steep, windy site yields Pinots of true distinction, which is very much the case here. Vinified with 30% whole clusters.
2012 Bodegas Breca Grenache (Calatayud, Spain)
91 points, Wine Advocate: 100% old-vine Grenache from vines planted between 1925 and 1945, with yields of less than
one ton of fruit per acre. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and transferred to new to 3-year-old French oak casks for 21
months. Outstanding enough to be the poor man's Priorat. Mineral notes of wet slate and gun flint are intermixed with
blackcurrant, black cherry and cassis fruit. Dense, full-bodied, pure, lavishly rich, and intense. Unbelievably low price for such quality.
2012 Krutz Family Magnolia Estate Zin (Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast, Editor's Choice: Terrific and classic Zin, with a full body, 14.8% alcohol, dryness and
concentrated flavors of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate, Chinese plum sauce and black pepper. A broad blend across Napa and one of the greatest Zin values in recent memory.
2011 Milbrandt Sentinel Northridge Vineyard (Wauluke Slope, Washington)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: A Cabernet-based blend, with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, with pleasing aromatic
complexity, notes of coffee, dark fruit and vanilla, accented by floral overtones. The palate is full bodied, with abundant
coffee and cherry flavors backed by firm tannins. The fruit and oak seem to tussle a bit at present, which ageing, decanting, or swirling in the glass improves.
Wine Tasting - August 10 ~ 13, 2016
ZINFEST
2013 1000 Stories Zin (Mendocino County, CA)
91 points. Wine Enthusiast: This approachable wine is aged in Bourbon barrels. Good balance, wonderful fruit flavors, a
polished texture and lingering finish. Dark color, aromas of ripe berries and cherries that also flow rich and deep in the mouth.
2012 Krutz Family Magnolia Estate Zin (Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast, Editors Choice: Terrific and classic Zin, with a full body, high alcohol, dryness and
concentrated flavors of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate, Chinese plum sauce and black pepper. A broad blend across Napa and one of the greatest Zin values in recent memory.
2012 Hendry Block #28 Zin (Napa, CA)
94 points, Wine & Spirits: From a vineyard with cooling morning fog and offshore breezes in the afternoon. Parallels the
hearty depths of an old-vine Zin, the ripe sour-cherry flavors driven by alcohol but not heated by it, and the tannins buzzing with energy. Brisk, bright, complex, and joyous.
2013 Ghost Block Zin (Oakville, Napa, CA)
Complexly layered. Bursts with bright, dark fruits and hints of vanilla, black pepper, violets, and intricate oak. A smooth, luscious, and velvet finish coats the palate and keeps you coming back.
2014 Venge Vineyards Scouts Honor Red (Napa, CA)
Winemakers Notes: Perfumed with black fruits, herbs, violets, cherry, licorice and anise. Rich palette of black cherry, and
pepper. Seamless, balanced, delicious, and mouth coating with a long aftertaste and dry tannic finish. 71% Zin, 15% Petite Sirah, 10% Charbono, 4% Syrah.
2014 Robert Biale Vineyards Black Chicken Zin (Napa, CA)
91 points, California Grapevine: Medium-dark ruby; attractive, forward, deep, rich, plummy, black cherry and
blackberry aromas with cinnamon, toffee, and milk chocolate. Full body, forward, rich, rounded, red and black fruit flavors with vibrant acidity, full tannin, long aftertaste.
Wine Tasting - August 3 ~ 6, 2016
2015 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand)
90 points, Wine Spectator: Crisp lime, grapefruit, passion fruit and lemongrass flavors are accented by fresh ginger
notes. Smooth and succulent, especially on the finish. A broad blend of machine harvested vineyards, from a vintage that was record warm and dry.
2013 AIA Vecchia Lagone (Tuscany, Italy)
92 points,James Suckling: A rich, flavorful red full of ripe fruit and new wood. Full-bodied and intense but shows an
underlying freshness and depth. Needs two to three years to soften: better in 2017. 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc.
2011 Bodegas Izadi Reserva (Rioja, Spain)
92 Points, Wine Advocate: A 100% Tempranillo aged 14 months in American and French oak. An outstanding value
showing beautiful black and red currant fruits, high-quality, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice and loamy soil undertones. Deep, full-bodied, very pure, rich, concentrated, and gorgeously drinkable.
2006 Mitchell Cabernet Sauvignon Sevenhill Vineyard (Clare Valley, Australia)
94 points, James Halliday. A deep, bright, youthful red color. The nose has a leafy and cedary aroma with mulberry and
black olives. An initial burst of blackcurrants is followed by hints of fresh mint and tarragon. Well structured by long,
fine grained tannins balancing the plush richness of fruit typical of the 2006 vintage. A magic combination of power and elegance that comes from a great vineyard site in a favorable year.
2013 Seven Hills Merlot (Columbia Valley, Washington)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast, Editors Choice: This directly appealing, 100% Merlot wine has aromas of raspberries,
cranberries, fresh tobacco and a touch of spice. The fruit flavors are lush and forward, with soft tannins and a finish that won't quit.
Wine Tasting - July 27 ~ 30, 2016
2014 Pikes Hills & Valleys Riesling (Clare Valley, Australia)
Dry, clean, precise, and full of green apple and lemon/lime citrus flavors that have beautiful persistency coupled with subtle hints of mineral and wet slate. A fantastic, mouth-watering Riesling with 11.5% alcohol.
2013 Conte di Campiano Appassimento (Salento IGT, Italy)
Made from Negroamaro grapes. Shimmering dark red in the glass, with an intense scent of plums, dark chocolate, and herbs. Very strong flavor with ample fruit and fabric. Soft tannins.
2010 Mitchell Peppertree Vineyard Shiraz (Clare Valley, Australia)
Provides rich, smooth drinking in the ripe, spicy, sweet-fruited, solidly structured, though soft, Clare style. It's a year or
two older than most reds in the market and the extra age adds to its mellow, satisfying character, a beautiful drink at a fair price Just the right match to grilled lamb chops with cous cous.
2011 Caro Amancaya Malbec/Cabernet Gran Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)
90 points, Wine Advocate: Not their top, but the second wine, named after a mountain flower. Aims at a feminine, elegant
profile. Shows a classical profile of tobacco, cedar wood, balsam and perfectly ripe fruit. Great balance and integration of fruit, oak and acidity, with no edges, drinking beautifully now, and the stuffing to last.
2013 Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California)
93 points, James Suckling: A fantastic example of the super 2013 vintage in Napa. Full body, currants, graphite, spice,
and light chocolate. The length and balance to this is superb. Don't miss it. Drink or hold.
Wine Tasting - July 20 ~ 23, 2016
2007 Verget Saint Veran Les Chataigniers (Macon, France)
Bright acidity, very lemony and floral, juicy texture, long finish that ends dry. Got better each day opened. Verget wines have a magnificent track record of storing well for at least 10 years.
2012 Vitiano Rosso Red Blend (Umbria, Italy)
An equal blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, that consistently is one of the best selling Italian wines
in the United States. Food-friendly with vibrant berry tones and freshness over a medium frame. Impressive value.
2012 Monte Degli Angeli Barolo (Piedmont, Italy)
Antonio and Paolo Sperone are brothers who own and manage this small estate in Piedmont. 1000 cases made of this
delicious, traditional style Barolo. Amazing quality at an unusually low price. Fantastic aromas of spice box, red fruits,
cherry licorice, plums and dark cherries. On the palate, the wine has excellent concentration and grip, yet refined tannins, especially after being open for about 30 minutes. Surprisingly rich and balanced without being heavy.
2008 Casa Castillo Pie Franco (Jumilla, Spain)
Dusty and leathery tannin with dark fruit. 94 points, Wine Advocate: Made from Monastrell grapes. Aged for 19 months
in 500-liter barrels. Quite smoky, toasty sesame seeds, supple, and saline.
2013 Seven Hills Malbec McClellan Vineyard (Walla Walla, Washington)
Outstanding, Northwest Wine Press: Core aromas of blueberry cobbler and plum are surrounded by violet, duck fat,
five-spice powder and a turn of a pepper mill. The silky and juicy entry exudes flavors of Marion berry, fig and more
blueberry. There's a richness and earthiness to the midpalate, which leads to an expressive finish of pomegranate juice and pinch of rosemary.
Wine Tasting - July 13 ~ 16, 2016
Pinot Noir Fest
2014 Brooks Runaway Red Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
91 points Wine Spectator: Fresh and vital, with expressive cherry, cranberry and raspberry flavors on a polished,
open-weave frame, lingering on the finish. Drink through 2019.
2013 Evening Land Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir (Oregon)
Winemaker's Notes: Showing approachable red fruits and a lush and soft mouthfeel that offers immediate pleasure.
Alcohol 12.9%. Combines estate grapes from young vines in Seven Springs Vineyard with purchased grapes from two other vineyards. No new oak used.
2014 Sonoma Loeb Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: Enticing and lively aromas of wild strawberry and fresh picked cherry, as well as layers of chocolate,
nutmeg, allspice, forest floor and French oak. On the palate, it is round and mouth-filling, displaying a seamless
combination of fruit and oak, with lingering notes of red currant, cola and vanilla bean through a pure, focused finish.
2013 Cadre The Architects Pinot Noir (Edna Vallkey, CA)
91 points, Wine Advocate:Outstanding. From silty, clay soils of the Paragon Vineyard and aged nine months in 50% new
French oak. Beautiful raspberry, dried rose petal, underbrush and discrete oak nuances. Medium-bodied, supple, gorgeously pure. Fine tannin and integrated acidity.
2014 Siduri Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands, CA)
92-94 points, Wine Advocate. Strong candidate for the best Siduri wine in 2014. Minerally black raspberry and violets.
Medium-bodied depth and richness, fresh, focused, and elegant. More tannic structure with time in the glass, yet has the fruit and balance to be approachable on release.
2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Estate Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, CA)
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 - July 6 ~ 9, 2016
2007 Verget Saint-Veran Les Chataigniers (Mâconnais, Burgundy)
90 points, International Wine Cellar: Light yellow-gold. Floral honey, tangerine and nougat on the nose. Pliant,
palate-saturating orchard fruit and herb flavors are braced by tangy minerality and sweetened by a subtle buttery note.
Firm and juicy on the finish, offering focused lime and orange peel flavors and a slow-building tarragon quality.
2009 Chateau Chapelle Potensac (Medoc, Bordeaux)
91 points, Wine Cellar Insider: With gravel, smoke and cassis in the perfume, the wine is filled with layers of juicy, ripe
cassis filled berries. Fresh, ripe and crunchy, this is my favorite vintage of Potensac.
2013 Seven Hills Merlot Columbia Valley (Washington)
90 points,Wine Enthusiast, Editors' Choice: This directly appealing, 100% varietal wine offers aromas of raspberries,
cranberries, fresh tobacco and a touch of spice. The fruit flavors are lush and forward, with soft tannins and a finish that won't quit.
2012 Powers Champoux Cab Sauvignon Reserve (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: Rich layered aromatics of wild blackberries and black currant that leads into a touch of fennel and
cedar on the nose. Diverse and complex flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and vanilla crème brulee finishing with ripe
plum that lingers on the palate. Lush dusty tannins that are balanced with a nice touch of oak and sage on the finish. A very powerful, yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that you would expect from this world-class vineyard site.
2011 Milbrandt Northridge Vineyard Sentinel Red (Wahluke Slope, Washington)
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. 91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Offers pleasing
aromatic complexity, with notes of coffee, dark fruit and vanilla, accented by floral overtones. The palate is full bodied, with abundant coffee and cherry flavors backed by firm tannins.
Wine Tasting - June 29 ~ July 2, 2016
2014 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand)
91 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast: A tight, crisp rendering of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Struck flint
aromas add nuance, while the bright lemon-lime flavors whirl together into a citrus sorbet of refreshment.
2015 Chateau Puech-Haut Saint Drezery Tete de Belier Rose (Languedoc, France)
91-93 points, Wine Advocate: Vibrant pink/orange color is followed by fabulous notes of raspberries, peach pit and
citrus carried by vibrant acidity, and a clean, refreshing style that doesn't skimp on texture. Designed for food and is terrific.
2012 Zenato Ripassa Superiore (Valpolicello, Italy)
80 % Corvina Veronese, 10 % Rondinella, 10 % Sangiovese. One of the most widely distributed wines around the world. 91 points, James Suckling: Fresh, clean and firm with minerals, berries, dark chocolate and hints of orange rind on the
nose and palate. Medium body, silky tannins and a tangy finish. Lots going on here.
2010 Madrigal Petite Sirah (Napa Valley, California)
Winemaker's Notes: Inky black-blue color precedes perfumed aromas of cassis, espresso, and dark chocolate. Intense
dark currant, blackberry, and plush plum flavors initially fill the palate. This heady, explosive wine then finishes long with
BBQ rub spices, sweet toasted oak, and round tannins. Pairs spectacularly with grilled meat, sausage, pizza, and robust hard cheeses.
2011 Zenato Amorone Classico (Veneto, Italy)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast:Opens with aromas of crushed violet, ripe plum and black pepper. Seamlessly combines a
hefty structure with finesse. The ripe, savory palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry jam, licorice, cake spice and tobacco alongside firm, velvety tannins that lend it a polished texture.
Wine Tasting - June 22 ~ 25, 2016
2013 Barrymore by Carmel Road Pinot Grigio (Monterey, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: Bright and crisp. Flavors of lemon drop, Asian pear and honeydew melon star alongside a minerality
that's the hallmark of the Monterey region's rocky vineyards. Pairs with a multitude of foods.
2012 Casey Flat Ranch Estate Red (Capay Valley, CA)
The vineyard is 2,000 feet high. 90 points, Wine Enthusiast: A very happy balance between hyper fruit and sweetness,
and firming tannins and supportive acidity. Smells like dark cherries and cocoa, tastes like chocolate-covered cherries and finishes like an espresso. Blends around 56% Cabernet, 23% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Viognier.
2013 Henschke Henry's Seven (Barossa, Australia)
Named for the first seven acres of vines in Eden Valley, planted by Henry Evans in 1853 and uprooted by his temperance widow after his death in 1868. 92 points, Wine Spectator: Lively, expressive and juicy, with raspberry, cherry, tobacco
and floral flavors that glide into a long and elegant finish. Wellknit and refined. 60% Shiraz, 26% Grenache, 7% Mataro, and 7% Viognier.
2013 Mauritson Rockpile Ridge Zinfandel (Rockpile, CA)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Stylish and plush, but with a solid structure. Aromas of raspberry and wild flowers open to
layered flavors of wild berry, mineral and smoky cracked pepper. Drink now through 2022.
2010 Andrew Will Two Blondes Red (Yakima Valley, Washington)
92 points, Wine Advocate: From a warmer, windy terroir located in the western part of Yakima Valley. Blends 43% Merlot,
38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. 21 months in barrel. Ruby, semi-opaque color followed
by a medium-bodied, elegant effort that has flavors of red plums, underbrush, licorice and cedar on both the nose and palate.
Wine Tasting - June 15 ~ 18, 2016
2015 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris (Pfalz, Germany)
Combines estate with purchased grapes.Refreshing, full of vitality, offsets zesty white grapefruit flavor with a sheen of fresh herb and floral notes. A dry, elegant wine, with broad appeal and youthful vigor.
2013 Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica (Montsant, Spain)
An inexpensive Spanish wine that consistently gets admiring reviews with scores as high as 94 points, made from around 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah. Winemaker'sNotes: Medium ruby with violet shades. Glycerin mouthfeel and
texture with wild red and black berry flavors. Well integrated elegant smooth vanilla oaky toasty notes, that is ripe, mouth filling, and complex on the palate. Vibrant fruit, velvet tannins and refreshing finish.
2013 Duorum Colheita (Douro, Portugal)
40% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca, and 20% Tinta Roriz. 91 points, Wine Spectator:A delicate core of violet,
plum and red berry flavors that is broad yet well-defined. Medium-grained tannins gain power midpalate, with mineral and shiso leaf notes on the taut finish.
2013 Klein Constantia Estate Red (Constantia, South Africa)
Winemaker's Notes: Cabernet Sauvignon 64%, Petit Verdot 19%, Malbec 17%. Aged on lees for 9 months. Deep ruby
red, elegant with subtle oak integration. Energetic palate, intense dark red fruit, a long flavorful finish.
2010 Banfi Brunello (Montalcino, Italy)
95 points, James Suckling: Fabulous aromas of dried rose petal, orange peel, and oyster shell with hints of dark fruits.
Full body, very fine tannins with a mineral, berry, orange peel, and Tuscan dust undertone. A structured, salty, and savory finish.
Wine Tasting - June 8 ~ 11, 2016
2014 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand)
91 points, Editors Choice, Wine Enthusiast: A tight, crisp rendering of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Struck flint
aromas add nuance, while the bright lemon-lime flavors whirl together into a citrus sorbet of refreshment.
2010 Azienda Agricola Monti Montepulciano D'Abruzzo (Italy)
A soft and seamless gem, that flows from the glass with masses of fruit in a sumptuous, elegant style. Not typical for Montepulciano, but it is awfully hard to argue with the sheer quality of what is in the glass.
2011 Margues de Grinon Caliza (Dominio de Valdepusa, Spain)
70% Syrah and 30% Petit Verdot. 91 points, James Suckling: Aromas of blueberry, blackberry and mineral follow
through to full body, firm tannins and a clean finish. Very refined and silky.
2012 Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Kiona Vineyard (Red Mountain, Washington)
Winery Notes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 56% of the blend is the North Block, which is one of the oldest plantings on
Red Mountain. 44% consists of Block 8, which is located further up the slope at a bit of a higher elevation with younger
vines. The wine aged for 28 months in 60% new French Oak barrels. This wine has great depth of complexity on the
nose, with decadent aromatics of black cherry, blackberry, coco, and cassis that adds a nice touch of spice and
earthiness. The flavors feature dark, dense layers of blackberry, plum and cassis, balanced with elegant acidity. The
fruit carries the structure with a fine, dusty texture that lingers into a long finish with firm, but refined tannins. Cases Produced: 802
2012 Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz (Barossa, Australia) $93
97 points, Wine Advocate: Very deep purple-black in color. Intense notes of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry compote
and licorice with nuances of cloves, allspice, chocolate box and salami as well as a whiff of espresso. A beast of a wine
that is densely packed with black fruit and baking spice flavors and is supported with firm, grainy tannins and crisp acid through to a finish with excellent persistence. Drink it 2015 to 2025+.
Wine Tasting - June 1 ~ 4, 2016
2009 De Trafford Sijnn White (Malagas, South Africa)
A compelling blend of about 3/4 Chenin blanc and 1/4 Viognier barrel fermented in 225 L and 700L French oak barrels,
about 20% new, and bottled unfiltered. A rich and full, succulent, openly inviting style with plenty of depth and length.
The fruit concentration is more than enough to balance the wood. Acids, too, are balanced, and the 14.5% alcohol is integrated.
2011 Bodegas Borsao Berola (Aragon, Campo de Borja)
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. 90 points, Vinous: Bright purple. Ripe cassis and blackberry aromas, with complicating notes
of tobacco, fresh herbs and tobacco. Lush and supple on the palate, with sweet black and blue flavors given spine by juicy acidity. Finishes vibrant and focused, with supple tannins and a lingering note of bitter chocolate.
2013 Tasca d'Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Lamuri Nero D'Avola (Sicily, Italy)
91 points, James Suckling: A silky red with plum, dried mushroom and berry character. Medium to full body, fresh
acidity and a clean finish. Spicy with a bitter cherry finish. Drink now.
2012 Chateau Pesquie Quintessence (Ventoux, France)
92 points,Wine Advocate: From terraced hillside vineyards located in the northern part of the appellation. Made from
80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, and aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak. A perfumed, spice-driven profile with
raspberry ganache, red licorice, wild herbs and pepper-like qualities all emerging from the glass. Balanced, fresh and
elegant, with medium to full-bodied richness, knockout texture and chewy tannin. Will shine for 5-7 years. Sells for a song, yet always delivers high-quality.
2010 Paternoster Rotondo Aglianico (Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture, Italy)
A dark and savory wine with black fruit, tobacco, leather and licorice. Shows good complexity, but rather than present a
kaleidoscope of nuanced aromas, it shows a more direct and methodical bouquet that peels away one aroma at a time. The effects are beautiful, intense and seamless. The mouthfeel shows some fruit bitterness with sour cherry and
cranberry, despite the warm vintage. This wine would pair with hearty foods topped with melted cheese or butter. The tannins and the acidity of the wine would cut straight through the fats in those foods.
Wine Tasting - May 25 ~ 28, 2016
2015 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris (Pfalz, Germany)
Just released, the best vintage in Germany the last 3 years. A full-bodied, dry style with fresh, unoaked fruit and a crisp
texture. Half made in large, neutral oak casks for depth and complexity, and the other half in stainless steel to preserve freshness and enhance vibrant fruit. Owned by Ernst Loosen of Dr. Loosen.
2012 Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
4 stars of 5, Platter's South Africa Wine Guide 2015. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from high altitude vineyards. Loads of
blackcurrants with cedar wood undertones on the nose. The elegant oaking expresses hints of smokiness and tobacco leaf creating a complex wine with a velvety finish on the palate.
2009 Glenelly Gran Vin Red (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
92 points, Wine Advocate: The 2009 is a late release. A blend of 42% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and
4% Petit Verdot. An intense bouquet with licorice-tinged black fruit, incense and touch of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, tasty acidity, and clove-tinged black fruit with a harmonious finish. Very
accomplished.
2012 Oliver Hill Winery Jimmy's Section Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia)
93 points, Wine Advocate: Deep purple-black in color and intensely scented of blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums
and dried mulberries with touches of cedar, sandalwood, spice cake and licorice, the full-bodied 2012 Jimmy Selection
Shiraz is voluptuous in the mouth with the richness of preserved black fruit and anise flavors nicely offset by firm chewy tannins and balanced acid. It finishes with great length. Drink it now to 2022+.
2012 Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Most likely the greatest vintage of this cuvee to date. Full-bodied, ripe, layered and yet still
elegant and beautifully balanced, it offers classic currants, black raspberry, graphite, lead pencil and cedar aromas and
flavors. A blend of 92% Cabernet and 8% Merlot that saw 23 months in 40% new French oak, it has high-quality tannin, ample texture and a rock-star finish. This beauty will last two decades.
Wine Tasting - May 18 ~ 21, 2016
Zinfest
2013 1000 Stories Zinfandel (Mendocino County, CA)
91 points. Wine Enthusiast:This approachable wine is aged in Bourbon barrels. It has good balance, wonderful fruit
flavors, a polished texture and lingering finish. Dark in color, the aromas suggest ripe berries and cherries, and the flavors flow similarly rich and deep.
2012 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (Dry Creek, CA)
93 points, Vinous: 70% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane and 4% Mourvedre. Quite reserved, compact and
inward at this stage. The high quality is apparent from the density and depth in the glass, but the elements need time to become open and fully enjoyable.
2009 Adobe Road Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma, CA)
Ripe and smoky, expressing zesty raspberry, cherry pie, red licorice, black pepper and cedar. Intensely flavored as
always, and yet finely structured for a Zinfandel, featuring gentle tannins, tangy acidity and a luscious, palate coating mouth-feel.
2011 Gauthier Vineyards Los Chamisal Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Aims for a Zinfandel touchdown and largely succeeds. With firm tannins and acids, it has
explosive flavors of wild forest berries, currants, spices and oak that are complex enough to warrant a second, maybe even a third glass.
2013 Robert Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel (Napa, CA)
"Black Chicken" was a code used to order Biale wine during Prohibition. 91 points,
Wine Spectator: Rich, dense and jammy, with aromas of cherry pie and spice. Ripe, layered blackberry flavors combine well with accents of smoky caramel, sage and licorice. Especially for fans of big wines.
2012 Chateau Potelle VGS Zinfandel (Mount Veeder, CA)
Big cinnamon sweet spice but very bright acidity. Rich, dense, and intense, yet balanced and complex. Raspberry,
blackberry, and vanilla. The alcohol is usually at least 16%. A limited production of around 600 cases, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, from high altitude vineyards.
Wine Tasting - May 11 ~ 14, 2016
2014 Tangent Albarino Paragon Vineyard (Edna Valley, California)
Lively and vivacious aromas suggest jasmine tea, lime, green pear and minerality. The palate blends the welcoming flavors of orange blossoms with cut-grass herbaciousness and chalky minerals.
2006 Mitchell Sevenhill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Claire Valley, Australia)
94 points, James Halliday: The wine has a deep, bright, youthful red colour. The nose has a leafy, cedary aroma with
notes of mulberry, black olives and herbs. The initial burst of blackcurrant aroma is followed by hints of fresh mint and
tarragon. A wine of structure with long, fine grained tannins balancing the plush richness of fruit typical of the 2006
vintage. A magic combination of power and elegance that comes from a great vineyard site in a favourable year.
2010 Mitchell Shiraz Peppertree (Claire Valley, Australia)
93 points, James Halliday: A densely layered wine, Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz will be a reward for cellaring. Spice and
savoury characters are the features of this wine along with hints of plum blackberry and chocolate. Being packaged under stelvin a big bonus!
2012 Amavi Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)
91 points, Wine and Spirits: Scents of mocha and black cherry provide a generous introduction to this stylish red. With
some air, the oak is more prominent, combining with the fruit and the firm, supple tannins to lend a savory impression.
2010 Castello Di Ama San Lorenzo Chianti Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico, Italy)
95 points, Wine Spectator {# 6 - The Top 10 Wines of 2014}: Made from grapes that come from our older vineyards and
from others that, having been planted at least ten years ago, have attained a perfect level of polyphenolic maturity at
harvest. Castello di Ama's Gran Selezione is an extraordinarily elegant, powerful and intense wine, that represents the perfect picture of the uniqueness of the territory.
Wine Tasting - May 4 ~ 7, 2016
2013 Solanera Vinas Viejas (Yecla, Spain)
92 points, eRobertParker.com: 70% Monastrell, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 % Grenache. Aged equal parts in
tank and French oak. Comes from relatively high-altitude limestone soils at 900 meters. Has a dense purple color, a big
sweet kiss of blueberry and blackberry fruit mixed with crushed chalk, a full-bodied mouthfeel, beautiful purity, density and richness. The oak is well concealed by the lavish fruit. An amazing wine highly drinkable even young.
2004 Chateau Barde-Haut (St- Emilion, Bordeaux, France)
91 points, Wine Spectator: A gorgeous nose of ripe raspberry, with hints of vanilla and blackberry. Intense yet subtle.
Full-bodied, with lots of fruit, yet refined and layered with silky tannins. Long and caressing. Gets better and better. I like it more than the 2003 or the 2000. Best after 2012.
2012 Oliver Hill Winery Jimmy's Section Shiraz (Barossa, Australia)
93+, Wine Advocate: Deep purple-black in color and intensely scented of blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums and
dried mulberries with touches of cedar, sandalwood, spice cake and licorice. Full-bodied and voluptuous in the mouth with the richness of preserved black fruit and anise flavors.
2012 Powers Sheridan Cabernet Reserve (Yakima, Washington)
Always a very rich, dark and powerful Cabernet. The 2012 is the best balanced and most complete Powers Sheridan yet,
that eclipses the Parker 94-point 2008. Aged for a very long 31 months in 65% new French oak, but with the substance to
absorb it. Powers is one of only four wineries to get Sheridan fruit, and makes the least expensive wine from this stellar vineyard as well as one of the best.
2013 Seven Hills McClellen Petit Verdot (Walla Walla, Washington)
A dense garnet color with aromas of blackberry, plum, eucalyptus, leather, and musk. The palate is full and powerful with
notable tannin, concentrated black fruits, firm acid structure, and an intense savory character. The wine has enough fruit
and creamy mid-palate to match the substantial structure for early drinking, though it will improve in the cellar for an additional 7-10 years from vintage.
Wine Tasting - April 27 ~ 30, 2016
2015 Badenhorst Chenin Blanc (Swartland, South Africa)
Aging on its lees gives texture and palate weight to the wine. The aromas are flinty with honey, orange blossom and white stone fruit notes.
2011 Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon le Cigar (Coonawara, Australia)
94 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion: Bright, clear crimson-purple; the cool vintage in Coonawarra
invested much of the region's Cabernet with lively, fresh red fruit aromas and flavors; here those characters are picked
up and lengthened by some briar and black olive nuances that add interest and length to a meritorious Cabernet.
2014 Puech-haut La Closerie de Pic (Languedoc, Pic St Loup, France)
91-94 points, Wine Advocate: Offers beautiful purity and suppleness in its black raspberry and chocolate-laced aromas
and flavors. Full-bodied, rounded and textured, with sweet tannin and a voluptuous, fruit forward style, it too should drink nicely on release.
2012 Powers Champoux Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: Rich layered aromatics of wild blackberries and black currant that leads into a touch of fennel and
cedar on the nose. Diverse and complex flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and vanilla crème brulee finishing with ripe
plum that lingers on the palate. This wine has lush dusty tannins that are balanced with a nice touch of oak and sage on
the finish. This is a very powerful, yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that you would expect from this world-class vineyard site.
2012 Powers Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve(Red Mountain, Wasington)
Winemaker's Notes: Has a great depth of complexity on the nose, with decadent aromatics of black cherry, blackberry,
coco, and cassis that has a nice touch of spice and earthiness. The flavors feature dark dense layers of blackberry, plum,
and cassis balanced with elegant acidity. The fruit carries the structure with a fine dusty texture that lingers into a long finish with firm, but refined tannins.
Wine Tasting - April 20 ~ 23, 2016
CabFest
Richard's 18th Anniversary Wine Tasting Celebration
2013 Clos Du Val CS (Napa, CA)
95+ points, Vinous:Striking, powerful and dense in the glass, with utterly mesmerizing balance. Graphite, smoke, grilled
herbs, black cherries and incense form a tapestry of aromas and flavors that simply dazzles. Needs time in bottle for the tannins to soften, but is a real head-turner. Classic 2013 intense tannin and opulent fruit.
2013 Turnbull CS (Napa, CA)
93 points, James Suckling: Lovely scents of crushed blackberries, black currants and black tobacco. Full body,
integrated and rich tannins, and a flavorful finish. Rich yet tense. So delicious but better later.
2013 St. Francis CS (Alexander Valley, Sonoma, CA)
95 points, Wine Advocate: Aged 20 months in French oak. Opaque purple. Blackberry, cassis, chocolate and espresso
roast, thrilling concentration, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and incredible richness and length. A blockbuster that needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will drink well for 30 or more years.
2012 Oakville Winery CS (Oakville, Napa, CA)
94 points Wine Enthusiast: Merits comparison with far more expensive Oakville neighbors. Dry and balanced, with
ultra-refined tannins, it shows complex flavors of creme de cassis, minerals and cedar. Just beautiful. Lists all ingredients on the back label. Drink through 2020.
2013 Crossbarn CS (Napa, CA)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A brilliant wine from Paul Hobbs. A little Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but reflects this great
vintage, with blueberry, blackberry and cassis as well as licorice, incense, and forest floor. Full-bodied, opulent, sumptuous mouthfeel. A terrific, savory, keeper for 15 or more years.
2013 Chappellet Signature Series CS (Napa, CA)
96 points, Wine Advocate: Stunning blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec 5% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. A
pretty realistic value for a top-notch California Cabernet that nailed the great 2013 vintage. Deep ruby/purple color, notes
of blueberry, blackberry, with cassis, camphor and spring flowers. Full-bodied, powerful, layered with supple tannins, and a long finish. Can be drunk now to 25 years.
Wine Tasting - April 13 ~ 16, 2016
2015 Seven Hills Dry Rose (Columbia Valley, Washington)
Of the previous 2014 vintage, 91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Principally Cabernet Franc with 8% Petit Verdot and 8%
Malbec blended in, this wine is almost irresistible with its pretty, pale salmon color. It does not disappoint with its aromas and flavors of melon, white peach and grapefruit, with a light spritz giving it lift.
2014 Michael Pozzan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley (California)
Winemaker's Notes: A classic example of Cabernet grown in this esteemed Sonoma County appellation. The nose is
expressive with wild blackberry, subtly charred oak and dark chocolate covered cherries. The broad mouth shows finely
textured tannins, with flavors of espresso and the darkest of dark chocolate mingling with spicy black fig and boysenberries. The wine is dark and complex, well framed by integrated French oak. The dense wine would benefit from
some aeration before drinking.
2012 Cougar's Leap Winery Black Rock Cougar's Cuvee (Red Hills, Lake County, CA)
Generally, sold only at the winery. Winemaker's Notes: An extremely special blend of 54% Zinfandel and
46% Tempranillo. A dark, purple-red color, the appealing aromas of ripe fruit, spice-dipped figs, and cigar box greet you.
Firm and sturdy tannins are wrapped in red cherry, tobacco, and toasted oak flavors The wine provides a wonderful
accompaniment to lamb shank, wild boar, grilled steak with a hickory rub, and herb-roasted chicken. From vineyards 2,300 feet high.
2013 Vinos Cobos Cocodrilo Corte (Mendoza, Argentina)
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 10% Malbec. 95 points, Wilfred Wong, wine.com: An amazing
red wine that could become a New World standard and surpass what is done in the Old World. Black color with black
fruit and tar in the nose. Ripe red fruit, alluring, serious, and fine. Nuanced, medium bodied, rich and expansive on the
palate. Excellent acidity and balance, bright red fruit and mineral flavors. The finish is long, lively, and dry.
2013 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
This vintage includes estate grapes that used to be used in their more expensive, limited production wines. 95+ points, Vinous: Striking, powerful and dense in the glass, with utterly mesmerizing balance, the 2013 hits all the right spots.
Graphite, smoke, grilled herbs, black cherries and incense form a tapestry of aromas and flavors that simply dazzles. The
2013 needs time in bottle for the tannins to soften, but it is a real head-turner. The combination of intense tannin and opulent fruit is classic 2013.
Wine Tasting - April 6 ~ 9, 2016
2014 Stadt Krems Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal, Austria)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Lime zest and green pear peel on the nose turn into fuller, zestier flavor on the palate. Leafy
pepperiness joins the fresh pear fruit and makes for a lovely, if very light, texture. A fine accomplishment for such a difficult vintage.
2011 Bodegas Izadi Reserva (Rioja, Spain)
92 points, Wine Advocate: 100% Tempranillo aged 14 months in American and French oak. An outstanding value
showing beautiful black and red currant fruits, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice, and loamy soil undertones. Deep, full-bodied, very pure, rich, concentrated, and gorgeous wine.
2013 Henschke Henry's Seven (Eden Valley & Barossa Valley, Australia)
92 points, Wine & Spirits: Named for the first seven acres of vines in Eden Valley, planted by Henry Evans in 1853. 60%
Shiraz, 26% Grenache, 7% Mourvedre and 7% Viognier. Shiraz co-fermented with Viognier, then blended with Grenache
and Mourvedre fermented separately. The co-fermentation lifts the fragrance and adds to the cool, spicy feel of the
Shiraz. Altogether, this is smooth with fresh blackberry flavors and accents of eucalyptus. Open it on a wintry night to serve with slow-braised pork shoulder.
2010 Andrew Will Two Blondes (Yakima Valley, Washington)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: Sophisticated and complex, this terroir-specific wine artfully blends herbal
components—green tea, chamomile and mint—with tart red fruit flavors of pomegranate, raspberry, and bramble. 43% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.
2009 Heathcote Domaine Tournon Shiraz Lady's Lane (Victoria, Australia)
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 evolves into a lovely transparency on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Wine Tasting - March 30 ~ April 2, 2016
2013 Bodegas Juan Gil Dry Muscat (Jumilla, Spain)
All stainless steel, 3g/l residual sugar. 90 points, Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: Green-tinged straw. High-pitched
citrus and pit fruit aromas with 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.
2013 Black Slate La Vilella Alta (Priorat, Spain)
95 points, Wine Advocate: From the area of Priorat known as the Vilella Alta, these are high-density vineyards planted
more than 1,000 feet above sea level, with vines averaging between 15 to 60 years old. 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan and
5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all aged for one year in French oak ,60% new and 40% one-year-old. The color is dark purple, with blueberry and blackberry liqueur mixed, spring flowers and graphite, followed by a full-bodied, dense,
multidimensional wine with fabulous intensity, loads of burgeoning complexity and a lush feel to the palate. Tannins are
silky and well-integrated. Seamless, beautifully made, and sells for a song, considering the quality and greatness it possesses.
2013 Bacio Divino Pazzo (Napa, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: A Sangiovese-based blend named for the expression "Call me Crazy," this wine also
contains 58% Sangiovese, 22% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Crazy or not, it works, providing a thicket of black and blue berry, smoky cinnamon and a juicy, medium build, meant to please, not to over-ponder.
2006 Dennis Dubourdieu Winemakers' Collection #2 (Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France)
91 points, Wine Advocate: A dense ruby/purple-hued wine displaying black cherries, cassis, licorice, pain grille, and
earth. More structured than the 2005. Richly fruity, deep, medium to full-bodied, and impressively endowed. Should drink
well for 15 or more years. These wines are meant to be a cinematic study of the same terroir with the philosophy of the
winemaker imprinted on each vintage, and the winemakers are given carte blanche authority to do whatever they want.
2014 Venge Scout's Honor (Napa, CA)
71% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 10% Charbono, and 4% Syrah. Winemaker's Notes: A gorgeous, concentrated
assemblage of aromas of stone fruits, crushed blue herbs, violets, cherry, anise, and a touch of honeysuckle. On the
palate is pure richness from the old-vine Zinfandel with loads of super ripe blackberry, pepper spice, and an enveloping
masculinity of char and tannins from the Syrah, Charbono and Petite Sirah. A seamless balance and mouth coating deliciousness are found throughout the palate, with an extra long finish with a touch of barrel tannin at the end.
Wine Tasting - March 23 ~ 26, 2016
2012 Dominio de Eguren Protocolo Vino de la Tierra Tinto (Castilla La Mancha, Spain)
100% Tempranillo made in all stainless steel. Bright ruby. Dried cherry, licorice and pungent herbs on the nose. Firm
and precise on the palate, with juicy acidity giving lift to the flavors of bitter cherry, licorice and black pepper. Finishes
spicy and tight, with a subtle herbal note, dusty tannins and a touch of redcurrant. One of the best quality wines at this price point.
2012 Maculan Brentino Cabernet Merlot (Veneto, Italy)
90 points, Wine Advocate:
A great value at a bargain price, handy to have for spontaneous drinking occasions. 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 55% Merlot. The Merlot personality comes out stronger. Soft and yielding with bright cherries
and blackberries followed by measured spice, leather and grilled herbs. Only half the wine is aged in oak, and the barriques used are neutral. Italian entry-level wines do not get much better than Brentino.
2013 Trentadue La Storia Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, CA)
A fruit forward wine with good density of black currant and cassis flavors. Big and flavorful with nicely integrated
toasted oak. Sourced from the finest lots and blended with other Bordeaux varieties. Aged 13 months in European oak, soft and round in the mouth with a long finish and hints of red fruit and herbs.
2012 Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla, Washington)
Of the previous 2011 vintage, 94 points, Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection: From the oldest vines from the oldest
vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. Piles on details of earth, grape and barrel. There's cassis, blackberry and fig in
generously layered profusion, along with substantial components of dried herbs, cedar and pipe tobacco. Exceptional complexity, balance and length make great for cellaring.
2013 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (Dry Creek, CA)
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: Has really come together since last year. Powerful and explosive in the glass, with
tons of inky blue/purplish fruit, mocha, spices, new leather, lavender and licorice. Give the Lytton Springs at least a few
years to shed some baby fat, but it is nearly impossible to resist, even at this early stage. A compelling wine, where the 16% Petite Sirah adds an impressive gravitas.
Wine Tasting - March 16 ~ 19, 2016
2011 Cantina del Nebbiolo Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast: Red rose, balsamic herbs, red berry and baking spice aromas jump out of the glass. The
succulent palate weaves together lush black cherry, cinnamon, eucalyptus, licorice and orange peel sensations that are supported by velvety tannins and fresh acidity.
2010 Cousino Macul Finis Terrae (Maipo Valley, Chile)
90 points, James Suckling:A red with dark berries, walnuts, lightly toasted oak and cocoa. Full body, firm tannins and a
flavorful finish. Attractive austerity. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 8% Syrah. Traditional style.
2011 Tolaini Al Passo (Tuscany, Italy)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Plenty of cherry and plum fruit is flanked by leather, tobacco and earth flavors. Balanced and
bright, picking up hints of wild herbs on the lingering finish. 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot. Drink now through 2020.
2013 Seven Hills Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain, Washington)
Past vintages have regularly scored around 93 points. Winemaker's Notes: This old vine 100% Cabernet has a dark
garnet gem color and a broad nose of marrionberry, cherry, spice, desert herb, and graham. The palate is plush and
mouth-filling, yet framed with firm, dusty, fine-grained tannins and lifting acidity. It has flavors of black cherry, green
plum, toffee, herbs, cedar bark, spice, and a distinct saline minerality. This wine will improve significantly with cellaring
over the first five years and will hold nicely and continue to develop for ten or more years from vintage.
2012 Mollydooker Enchanted Path Shiraz/Cabernet (McLaren Vale, Australia)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Dark and focused, expansive and juicy, with blackberry and black olive notes at the core.
Offers hints of licorice and floral as the finish expands. Delivers ample depth, poise and expressiveness. Drink now through 2020. 1,327 cases made. 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Tasting - March 9 ~ 12, 2016
2013 Tessellae GSM Old Vines (Cotes Du Roussillion, France)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Unbelievably good value. Blends 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre all aged in
concrete. Black cherries, blueberry, licorice, clove and spring flowers, medium to full-bodied, gorgeously pure. As it sits
in the glass, shows more finesse, elegance, and minerality. Loaded with fruit and texture yet never heavy. Enjoy for 4-5 years and likely longer.
2012 Luigi Bosca Malbec (Lojan de Cuyo, Argentina)
93 points, James Suckling:A finely crafted red with blackberry, white pepper and spice. Full and dense with tight
textured tannins. Long and flavorful finish.
2013 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz (Clare Valley, Australia)
93 points, James Halliday, Special Value Selection: Full crimson-purple; the back label proclaims that the Lodge Hill
Vineyard is the highest in the Clare Valley at 480m and the wine has cool-grown nuances in its bloodstream; jet black fruits have rivulets of licorice, pepper and spice with banks of fine, savory tannins.
2012 Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel (Sonoma, CA)
94 points, Galloni: As fabulous in bottle as it was from barrel. Ripe and voluptuous on the palate, yet with a
super-classic structure, superb depth, and impeccable overall balance. Waves of dark red cherry, pomegranate, spice,
tobacco lead to more savory/ferrous notes that develop in the glass. Saline notes generate both energy and vivacity. A tremendous success.
2013 Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
93 points, James Suckling: A fantastic example of the super 2013 vintage in Napa. Full body, currants, graphite, spice,
and light chocolate, with superb length and balance. Do not miss this. Drink or hold.
Wine Tasting - March 2 ~ 5, 2016
2013 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc (Napa, CA)
91 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com: A marriage of the Rutherford and Oak Knoll AVA's. Simply super, tantalizing the
senses with its fuzzy peach and core fruit nuances, dazzling the palate with its balance and sophistication. Keeps the
trueness of the varietal intact and lets the vineyards speak for themselves. A great candidate to pair with smoked mussels from the grill.
2012 Castello di Bosi Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)
91 points, James Suckling: Fresh red fruits and berries with minerals and stone on nose. Shiitake mushroom and cocoa
with soft tannins on the palate. Fresh finish with good finesse. Drink now.
2013 Mastroberardino Irpinia Aglianico Redimore (Campania, Irpinia, Italy)
Made from a single ancient clone of Aglianico. 91 points, Wine Advocate: Aglianico with an extremely floral character.
The bouquet shows pressed rose, spice, dried violets and moist chewing tobacco. The wine is made for near-term consumption, chiefly from softening the tannins, although this vintage will keep and evolve for at least five years.
2014 Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Translucent purple-colored. Comes from the schist soils around the village of Latour de
France. A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Carignan and aged all in concrete tanks. A fabulous wine that offers elegant notes of red and black raspberries, roasted herbs, pepper, melted licorice and asphalt. Medium to
full-bodied with a full, layered mid-palate, beautiful fruit, fine tannin and a classically focused dry finish with integrated acidity and lots of class.
2012 Domaine Paul Autard Chateauneuf du Pape (Rhone, France)
90 points, Wine Advocate: A polished, elegant blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre that spent 16
months in small barrels. Shows the expected modern slant of this domaine, with plenty of graphite, wood spice, and
licorice in its core of darker, black raspberry-like fruit. Medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, with good acidity, an upfront feel, and the ability to evolve gracefully through 2024.
Wine Tasting - February 24 ~ 27, 2016
2011 Heller Estate Chardonnay (Mendocino, Carmel Valley, California)
Integrated oak and fruit aromas of ripe pineapple/butterscotch and coconut. Also, nice citrus notes and steely minerality.
Juicy crisp apple, with a Meyer lemon zesty mouth feel. Elegant and ever present minerality combines with grapefruit, lemon, and lime.
2013 Chateau Pesquie Terrasses (Venoux, Rhone, France)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Gorgeous garrigue, white pepper, underbrush and sweet berry fruit to go with a forward,
seamless, elegant style on the palate. Year in and year out this cuvee isan incredible value and a no brainer that readers need to buy.
2012 Numanthia Termes (Toro, Spain)
91 points, Vinous, Galoni: Bright violet color. Powerful, smoke-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, floral
pastilles and minerals. Delivers a suave blend of richness and vivacity, offering juicy boysenberry and mulberry flavors
and a building note of spicecake. The floral element repeats strongly on a very long, subtly tannic finish, along with lingering notes of cherry pit and cracked pepper. Aged in one-third new oak.
2013 Michael & David Inkblot Cabernet Franc (Lodi, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: A high-powered, full-bodied wine. The aromas are like toasted baguette slices, vanilla and
nutmeg, the flavors do a good impression of dark chocolate and blackberry, and the texture is saturated with fine tannins that give all those flavors plenty of support and lip-smacking appeal.
2012 Michael & David Rapture Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi, CA)
91 points, Kenswineguide.com: This midnight purple colored fruit bomb from Michael David captured the attention of
the tasting panel and scored rather well. Opens with a fragrant blackberry bouquet with hints of menthol, black currant
and oak. On the palate, medium bodied, balanced and very smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty black raspberry with notes of integrated oak and faint minerality. The finish is dry and long with fruit and velvety tannins.
Wine Tasting - February 17 ~ 20, 2016
2014 L'Ecole 41 Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley, Washington)
90 points, Wine Spectator: Bright, sleek and distinctive, with pineapple, grapefruit and mineral flavors set against a tiny
dose of sweetness. Offers elegance and persistence. Drink now through 2017.
2013 Tessellae Carignan Vieilles Vignes (Cotes Catalanes)
94 points, Wine Advocate: 100% Carignan from 70-year-old vines and the schist soils of Maury and Les Aspres. An
off-the-charts value with thrilling notes of black raspberry, chocolate, graphite, tar and licorice to go with a voluptuous,
decadent, yet seamless and gorgeously pure feel on the palate. Smoking good with thrills for 4-5 years, if not longer. Just pretend you paid more for it. Incredible value not be missed.
2014 Abanico Hazana Vinas Viejas (Rioja, Spain)
92 points, Wine Advocate: One of the greatest values in Rioja for the money. A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15%
Graciano, from 45- to 70-year-old unirrigated, head-pruned vines. Loads of lead pencil shavings, black and red currants,
licorice and tobacco leaf all jump from the glass of this dense, ruby/purple wine. Soft tannins, medium to full body and fabulous intensity.
2012 Villacreces Pruno (Ribero del Duero, Spain)
93 points, Wine Advocate: 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard adjacent to one of the famous
vineyards used to make Spain's greatest red wine, Vega Sicilia. From relatively old vines, sexy, opulent, voluptuously
textured effort, with 12 months in two-year-old French oak barrels. A dense ruby/purple color as well as notes of high-class, unsmoked cigar tobacco, creme de cassis, licorice, graphite and spice box. Full-bodied, deep, velvety
textured, lush and heady. A sensational bargain.
2012 Bookwalter Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Includes 4% Syrah. Scorched earth and licorice characteristics with ample blackberry and
currant-style fruits. Full-bodied, open, supple and textured, enjoyable.
Wine Tasting - February 10 ~ 13, 2016
2013 Gassier Nostre Pais Blanc (Cotes de Nimes, France)
92 points, Wine Advocate: 60% Grenache Blanc and the rest Clairette, Roussanne and Viognier. It offers fabulous notes
of stone fruits, buttered citrus, white flowers and honeysuckle to go with a medium-bodied, fresh, lively and pure style.
2013 Trivento Amado Sur Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
90 points, James Suckling: 70% Malbec, 20% Bonarda, 10% Syrah. On the nose and palate, violets and red fruits with
hints of mint. Medium-bodied, with good freshness and a fruity finish. Drink now.
2007 Sijnn Red (Malgas, South Africa)
Owned by De Trafford, which is one of the finest estates in South Africa, with its primary holdings in the Stellenbosch's
rocky granite soil. Sijnn comes from untrellised bush vines in a remote area of eastern South Africa, with stony shale soil
and a dry climate. Currently makes only general blends of white, red, and rose. This Red is 42% Shiraz, 26% Mourvedre,
21% Touriga Nacional, 10% Trincadeira and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Excellent balance of fruit, acid, and tannin.
2012 Amavi Syrah (Walla Walla,Washington)
90 points, Wine Advocate: 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.
2012 Silver Trident Playing with Fire (St. Helena, Napa, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec, 20% Syrah. 100% French oak, 70% new. The deep, dark
garnet color is the harbinger of the bold ripe fruit aromas and flavors that have become the signature of the 2012 vintage
in Napa. Each swirl of the glass releases complex aromatic notes of ripe black fruit, black licorice, wet earth and sweet
toasty oak. The first sip through the seductive finish features rewarding juicy blackberry, boysenberry and plums, all wrapped in lush velvety tannins.
Wine Tasting - February 3 ~ 6, 2016
ZINFEST
2013 Trentadue La Storia Zinfandel (Sonoma County, Alexander Valley, CA)
90 points, International Wine Review: Dark ruby in color offering aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum, pepper and
oak. Ripe and mouth filling with a creamy velvet texture and good intensity of flavor. Aged in 25% new European oak for
13 months with hints of spicy chocolate on the back end with firm tannins and a pleasant finish. A riper style Zinfandel.
2014 Seghessio Zinfandel (Sonoma, CA)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Plump, luscious, and jam-packed with fruit. Lively blackberry, pepper and other spice box
aromas lead to ripe and rich flavors of black raspberry, caramel and licorice. There are more complex Zinfandels, but few that are more enjoyable to drink.
2011 Gauthier Los Chamizal Select Zinfandel (Sonoma, CA)
90 points,Wine Enthusiast: Aims for a Zinfandel touchdown and largely succeeds. With firm tannins and acids, it has
explosive flavors of wild forest berries, currants, spices and oak that are complex enough to warrant a second, maybe even a third glass.
2013 The Terraces Zinfandel (Napa Valley, CA)
An outstanding example of a Napa Zinfandel, where the goal is bright and generous fruit structured by ample acidity and
tannin, and raisined grapes are not used to make the wine. Although low in altitude, the fruit is grown on a steep terraced hillside. One of the best Zins for aging and with food.
2013 Quivira Black Boar Zinfandel (Sonoma County, Dry Creek, CA)
Includes12% Petite Sirah and 5% Carignan. 90 points, Wine Spectator: A brooding and opaque bruiser. Aromas of tar
and smoky black raspberry lead to dense flavors of dark wild berry, licorice and grilled herb. The tannins are big but ripe. Best from 2017 through 2023.
2012 Linne Calodo The Outsider Zinfandel (Paso Robles, CA)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A more elegant and graceful effort that has lots of baking spices, cherry pie and licorice in its
medium to full-bodied, forward and approachable feel. Made from 72% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah and the balance Mourvedre, this beauty is nicely balanced, silky and lightly textured. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years.
Wine Tasting - January 27 ~ 30, 2016
2014 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California)
Calwine Wine Club: By far, this is the best Napa Cabernet under $30 we have ever tasted. From premium vineyards in
Napa including the Juliana Vineyard, Stagecoach and Beckstoffer Georges IV Vineyard in Rutherford, this wine is a stupendous value. Perfectly ripe, full-bodied yet graceful, and simply delicious, Slingshot will please
the connoisseur and the novice alike. Stock up.
2009 Mastroberardino Aglianico (Campania, Italy)
89 points, Wine Advocate: A flashy, overt wine packed with fruit. It is perhaps slightly less complex and varietally
nuanced than the Lacryma Christi but nearly as pleasing. The estate's Aglianico is a good introduction to this grape. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017.
2013 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Napa, CA)
Purple color with a slight garnet. Nose shows blackberry jam, currants, blueberry, roses, mint, bell pepper, baking spice, clove, anise, signs of new oak. Palate adds fig, cocoa powder, and savory herbs.
2010 Madrigal Petite Sirah (Napa, CA)
100% Petite Sirah, aged 20 months in new oak, 54% new. Blueberry and blackberry. Both jammy and highly structured by tannins and acidity.
2011 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain, California)
95 points, Wine & Spirits: There's mouthwatering firmness to the tannins, the wine's structure carrying a mineral sparkle
while a beam of black currant shines through the middle, growing brighter with a day or two of air. This is a dynamic and
expressive California Cabernet. Laurel Glen Cab is a wine that I have happily bought and consumed since the 2002
vintage. The troublesome problem in the 2011 vintage was a persistent rain that resulted in a continual struggle to
control mold and mildew on the leaves and grapes that can in turn produce an invasive dirty dishwater taste in the
wines. But early vineyard intervention and rigorous grape selection resulted in an exceptional 2011 bottling here that was as great as top vintages in the last decade.
Wine Tasting - January 20 ~ 23, 2016
Malbec Festival
2012 Waterbrook Malbec Reserve (Columbia Valley Washington)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Soft and inviting, brimming with plum and currant fruit, with a major hit of black pepper, this comes together deftly as the finish lingers beautifully on the open texture.
2012 Luigi Bosca Malbec (Mendoza,Argentina)
93 points, James Suckling: A finely crafted red with blackberry, white pepper and spice character. Full and dense with tight textured tannins. Long and flavorful finish.
2012 El Enemigo Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast: Alejandro Vigil's El Enemigo wines are worth jumping on if you like full-bodied, robust
Argentinean reds. This is typically smoky and dark up front, with molasses, marzipan and blackberry aromas. The palate
clamps down with tannic grip, while flavors of oak, blackberry, tobacco, vanilla and spices end briary and with subtlety, which is what makes this powerful wine so good. Drink through 2019.
2012 Crocus L'Atelier Malbec (Cahors, France)
A joint project with Paul Hobbes. 95 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast: An absolutely wonderful Malbec. The
nose is pure and toasty, with mineral dark-berry aromas, cola and pastry notes.The palate is so rich and smooth it's like
liquid heaven, while flavors of polished blackberry, espresso and mocha pudding finish mellow as can be, like a silk robe coated in Swiss chocolate.
2012 Vina Cobos Bramare (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points, James Suckling: Wonderful aromas of blueberries, blue slate and violet. Full body, yet very, very refined and silky. Delicate and silky finish. Love to smell this. Drink now.
2010 Bodegas O. Fournier Malbec Alfa Crux (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina)
Alfa Crux is the top line of O. Fournier. 94 points, Wine Spectator: Plush and rich, with concentrated flavors of dark plum,
porcini mushroom, baker's chocolate and blackberry. A core of dried beef and Asian spice notes lingers on the powerfully creamy finish. Drink now through 2018. Only 1,250 cases made.
Wine Tasting - January 13 ~ 16, 2016
2009 De Trafford Sijnn White Blend (Malgas, South Africa)
A compelling blend of about 3/4 Chenin blanc and 1/4 Viognier barrel fermented in 225 L and 700L French oak barrels,
about 20% new, and bottled unfiltered. A rich and full, succulent, openly inviting style with plenty of depth and length.
The fruit concentration is more than enough to balance the wood. Acids, too, are balanced, and the14.5% alcohol is integrated.
2013 Dourom Colheita (Douro, Portugal)
91 points, Wine Spectator:A delicate core of violet, plum and red berry flavors that is broad yet well-defined.
Medium-grained tannins gain power mid-palate, with mineral and shiso leaf notes on the taut finish. Drink now through 2020.
2012 Volver Tempranillo (La Mancha, Spain)
90 points, Wine Advocate: The most expensive wine in this portfolio is the 2012 Single Vineyard, a 100% Tempranillo
from a vineyard planted in 1957. There are 2,000 cases of this cuvée, aged 18 months in new French oak, and bottled
unfiltered. An outstanding, value-priced wine, with deep purple color followed by notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco,
licorice, fruitcake, blackberries and cassis. Intense and medium-bodied with sweet tannin and a voluptuous, long finish. Over-delivers in fruit, flavor and complexity.
2011 Glenelly Cabernet Glass Collection (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Owned since 2003 by May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, who for over 30 years was owner of the famous Bordeaux Chateau
Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. A solid 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fleshy style, with cassis, blackcurrant,
and cherry edged with roasted vanilla and licorice. Friendly and juicy, but also has as a good tannin structure. The palette resembles the German Black Forest cake, which is a low sugar cherry chocolate torte.
2010 Bodegas O. Fournier Malbec Alfa Crux (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina)
Alfa Crux is the top line of O. Fournier. 94 points, Wine Spectator: Plush and rich, with concentrated flavors of dark
plum, porcini mushroom, baker's chocolate and blackberry. This has a core of dried beef and Asian spice notes that linger on the powerfully creamy finish. Drink now through 2018.
Wine Tasting - January 6 ~ 9, 2016
2014 Rombauer Chardonnay (Napa, Carneros, CA)
92 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com: Ripe fruit, alluring cream and sweet butter, but the wine is so well balanced and
dances on the palate. Medium straw, yellow color with alluring ripe core fruit aroma, some dried peach and ripe apples.
Excellent depth and drive. Medium bodied, creamy and solid on the palate, firm textures, layered and fine. Dryish, medium acidity, very good balance. Medium to long finish, smooth aftertaste.
2013 Aia Vecchia Lagone (Tuscany, Italy)
92 points, James Suckling: A rich, flavorful red full of ripe fruit and new wood. Full bodied and intense but shows an
underlying freshness and depth.
2011 Renwood Old Vines Zinfandel (Sierra Hills, Amador County, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: A ripe and tasty style of Zinfandel from a grand old name in the Sierra Foothills. The maple
and brown sugar tones from new oak integrate well with ripe but not overripe fruit flavors. Touches of clove and black pepper come out as you sip, adding welcome nuances.
2011 Three Sticks Winery Head High (Sonoma Valley, CA)
A Sonoma County (Moon Mountain, RRV, Knights, Rockpile, Sonoma Valley) blend of 7 grapes - Malbec, Petit Verdot,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Carigane, Syrah, in descending order. Dark and easy drinking with a big dose of dark fruit, finishing with some oak.
2013 Chappellet Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
96 points, Wine Advocate: A stunning blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and the rest Merlot and Petit
Verdot. A pretty realistic value for a top-notch Cabernet from California that nailed the great 2013 vintage. Deep
ruby/purple color, notes of blueberry, blackberry, with cassis, camphor and spring flowers. Full-bodied, powerful, layered with supple tannins, and a long, long finish. Can be drunk now, or cellared for 25 or more years.
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