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Gain Bay 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Family is the inaugural release of a blend of three Bordeaux varieties; Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.  Each adds a specific component to the wine that is essential to making it a complete wine, from the bouquet to the finish.  Cabernet Sauvignon (51%) adds mid-palate flavor, body and structure.  This component was completely ripe, so the typical flavor profile of cassis and current with a very mild, moderate spice come to bear.  Layered with mild oak, this wine, in its pure form, was a delicious base from which the overall wine springs forth.  Cabernet Franc (36%) adds a distinctively enticing aromatic component.  From berry to red fruits and jam, the Cabernet Franc aroma grabs attention and foreshadows wonderful things to come.  It also offers a subtle background texture from the front into the mid-palate of the wine, softening the mouth-feel.  Last is Petit Verdot (13%), adding a terrific mid-to-back-palate depth along with weight and structure.  This delightful Bordeaux blend has a silky, elegant core of mixed berry jam like flavor to the finish.  It is a powerhouse of a wine, and is noticeable for its expansive lingering finish of red-fruit berry, almost blackberry like. There is also a nifty spice that giving the wine complexity on the finish.  That little, subtle twist from the final piece is the charmer that discerning palates will find and greet warmly and thankfully.  $26.00

Without a doubt, Cain Cuvée is Cain Winery’s most original creation.  Like Cain Concept and Cain Five, it is a Cabernet blend, but of the three wines, it is their most creative endeavor. They have created a Cabernet blend that is truly silky and that sits lightly and refreshingly on the palate.  Of the three Cabernet blends, the 2005 Cuvée uses the most Merlot, which creates the plush, supple base.  Mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc lend aromatic complexity and a bit of edginess to the taste so that the wine will dance on your palate. Also original to the Cuvée is the use of a portion of the previous vintage. This gives complexity and polish to the finish.  Cain Cuvée is an original – an interesting blend of varieties, vineyards, and vintages.   $38.00

The Keenan 2006 Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, starts off with lovely notes of citrus, ripe pear and green apple in the nose. Hints of lush white peach are noticed as the wine opens up. The sur-lie aging has added richness and complexity, a touch of oak character returns on the finish as well as a hint of minerality. Like all of Keenan’s wines, this Chardonnay is a food worthy wine whose crisp acidity and medium body will accompany a wide variety of food fare.  “Michael Keenan continues to impress me with the quality of his wines and readers need to take notice of what is going on at this beautiful winery on Spring Mountain. The 2006 Chardonnay, which is primarily from estate vineyards, is reminiscent of a top-notch Chablis. It exhibits aromas of crushed rocks, spring flowers, white currants, lemon zest, and a hint of citrus oil. Medium-bodied and crisp, with no oak in evidence, this is a beauty to drink over the next 3-4 years."  Robert M. Parker, Jr.  Great with grilled scallops and lemon sauce!  $32.00

Amazingly enough, this is the 25th vintage of Qupe’s Central Coast Syrah bottling (first one 1982)! The wine has evolved tremendously over those 25 years.  This 2006 is 94% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 1% Counoise. It comes from Santa Barbara County (54%), Paso Robles (34%), San Luis Obispo County (8%), and Arroyo Grande Valley (4%).  This is one of their best bottlings yet of this wine. The relatively cool vintage in 2006 allowed for long hang time and great acidity. The riper, forward fruit aspects of the Paso Robles fruit are balanced by the acidity and spiciness of the cool climate Santa Barbara fruit. This wine is made with early consumption in mind, but if you are so inclined, and since this is a special anniversary vintage, you can certainly put in the cellar for 8-10 years.  Barbecued pork comes to mind as the perfect meal with this wine.  $17.00

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