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Gain Bay Napa Valley Cabernet Family, 2005
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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.
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Price $26 |
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Cain Cuvee, 2005
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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. |
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Price $38 |
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Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage, 2003
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The 2003 Meritage is Dry Creek’s first vintage
incorporating Malbec into the blend. The addition of this varietal adds
additional layers of depth and complexity to this stylish and elegant
wine. The aromas begin with ripe black cherry and finish with vanilla
and a hint of mocha. On the palate, bright currant and plum flavors lead
to cedar and tobacco notes producing a fairly rich mix, and a ripe,
layered personality. This wine
is seamless and well-integrated from beginning to end and should age and
develop beautifully for several years to come.
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Price $29 |
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DuNah Tre Cuvee Red Wine 2003
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The 2003 Tre Cuvee Red Wine, originates from three
vineyards, two in Mendocino County and one in the Russian River Valley
Appellation. In decreasing percentages the wine is composed of Syrah,
Sangiovese, Carignane, and a tad of Gewurztraminer (for civility).
The deep, dark, and purple color associates with aromas of black
fruits, a black cherry core with a frame of smoked meats, fresh roasted
coffee beans and cedar box around the edges. Very slight hints of cocoa
powder, black pepper and Asian spices develop as the wine aerates in the
glass. The Syrah provides the backbone and roast meat quality, the
Sangiovese the fruit, the old-vine dry farmed Carignane the cocoa and
spice, and the Gewurz for smoothness.
Flavors enhance the larger-than-life structure with broad,
powerful yet spreading (rather than attacking) tannins that balance well
against the deep, dark fruit and well-placed acid balance. Late palate
echoes the chocolate seen on the nose, with a distinct impression of red
cherries left in the mouth . . . long after the wine is gone.
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Price $46 |
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Eric Guerra Ispiri 2005
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From a very small winery come some fantastic new wines.
Eric Guerra, GM of Mumm Napa has partnered with famed winemaker,
Leslie Sisneros in a great venture under the label of Eric Guerra Wines.
Ispiri, or “it inspires” from the Italian, is their 2005
Merlot/Cabernet blend that is based on the old world traditions of the
right-bank regions of Bordeaux, where the belief is that intense, bold
wines should also have a fruit-forward, elegant side.
To achieve this, they used fruit form Pine Mountain in Alexander
Valley. The wine opens up with rich vibrant aromas of ripe plums and dark
stone fruits. A velvety palate
of black cherries, cassis and hints of smoke delicately structure this
full bodied wine. Intense
flavors of chocolate and cherry cola create a long, pleasant, lingering
finish. Drink now or be
pleasantly surprised with aging!
420 cases produced. |
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Price $49 |
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Michaud Vineyards Sangiovese, Chalone, The Pinnacles 2004
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One of the most frequent comments about the 2004
Michaud Vineyards Sangiovese, Chalone, The Pinnacles is "…hey, this
actually tastes like Sangiovese." The 2004 Sangiovese grew well in the
appellation, developing red cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate flavors.
The mineral-like terroir and French oak contribute to a richly textured
wine with a lingering finish. Sangiovese's natural high acidity is
moderated by the growing conditions there, resulting in a well
structured, yet very accessible wine.
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Price $38 |
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Rubissow-Sargent Trompettes 2003
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Trompettes is Rubissow-Sargent’s proprietary
Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The name Trompettes
refers to the 2 trumpets on the label which are heralds of excellence
representing the partnership of the two families, the Rubissows & the
Sargents. The figure’s knees evoke Mt. Veeder’s two peaks. The contoured
lines suggest the rows of steep vineyard which blanket the mountain.
"One of the best California Cab Franc-based wines I’ve EVER tasted. Napa
Valley’s answer to Cheval Blanc. Aromas of black plums and dark cherry.
Hint of pleasant herbal aromas. Lavender. The 2003 Trompettes is clean,
rich, full bodied. Rich intensity. Perfectly balanced. Very long finish.
EXCELLENT wine. Tastes like a great St. Emilion. Could easily last 5-10
yrs." -RONN WIEGAND - Master of Wine & Publisher of Restaurant Wine.
Very limited production. |
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Price $44 |
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St. Gregory Pinot Meunier 2006
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The 2006 St. Gregory Pinot Meunier is one of only a small handful of red
still wine Pinot Meuniers in California.
This early-budding, quick-ripening varietal has traditionally
been grown only in France, where it is included in many sparkling wines.
This Mendocino version is their eighth vintage, grown for them by
Roger Webb in an elevated vineyard setting in eastern Redwood Valley.
The color is dark and smoky, with aromas of leather and spice, followed
by flavors of soft, earthy black cherry.
The finish is very crisp and long, with just enough spicy pepper
and firm tannins to allow it to go with rich foods such as duck, glazed
ribs, marinated pork tenderloin or even steak au poivre.
This wine is very approachable now and will improve for at least
3 to 5 years in the cellar. Extremely limited. |
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Price $28 |
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Andrew Will Cuvee Lucia 2005
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Many of you are familiar with the single vineyard
Cabernets that come from Andrew Will – the Sheridan, Champoux and Ciel
du Cheval. However, they have
made a blend of all three vineyards – the 2005 Cuvee Lucia that is
considerably less expensive than the single vineyards, but just as
tasty! This a supple wine made
for drinking now. It is giving
with a lingering and satisfying finish.
The nose is filled with dried currant and spice.
While the core of the wine is firm and pliable, it still has the
structure of age. |
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Price $39 |
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Foppiano Vineyards Lot 96, Bin 001
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More than 100 years after its founding,
Foppiano Vineyards
continues to do what it did at its outset: create outstanding red wines
with genuine varietal character on its 200-acre Russian River Valley
estate. Foppiano Vineyards Lot
96, Bin 001 is crafted from Alexander Valley Sangiovese,
Dry Creek Zinfandel, as well as a touch of Russian River Estate Petite
Sirah.
Named to honor Louis J. Foppiano
in his 96th year of
life, and the year 1896 that Foppiano Vineyards was established,
the flavor profile of this wine is soft and approachable. On the nose,
its Zinfandel offers blackberry spice; while the Sangiovese delivers
delicate strawberry, blueberry, and violet flavors on the palate. The
Petite Sirah brings a modicum of tannic structure, allowing this wine to
age well; although, it’s meant to be enjoyed today, rather than
tomorrow. An ideal wine to pair with all kinds of grilled meats
(including sausages), Bar-B-Q friendly dishes, tomato/garlic pasta
recipes. |
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Price $18 |
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Pellegrini Milestone, 2005
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We have had great reaction to the Pellegrini Milestone
2005. As a tribute to the
winery’s founders, they have introduced a wine that commemorates the 75th
anniversary of Pellegrini Family Vineyards. With the first winery bonded
in 1933, the company’s history spans four generations, and traces its
evolution from being a grape and wine merchant house to producer of
estate-bottled Sonoma County wines.
Milestone was conceived by selecting special lots of Merlot,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc to form a
mosaic that would be defined by its depth of color, richness,
complexity, and supple texture. With Merlot as the dominant variety, it
is a stylistic nod to the wines we admire from Pomerol and St. Emilion,
yet Milestone’s character is clearly the provenance of three vineyards
located in the Russian River, Alexander, and Sonoma valleys.
The ripeness here is superb, showing overflowing richness but
balanced flavors of milk chocolate, vanilla bean, black cherry, oolong
tea and cigar smoke. This is a perfect wine for prime rib.
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Price $50 |
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Domain Drouhin Cuvee Laurene, 2004
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Domaine Drouhin, which is Oregon’s sister winery
to Maison Joseph Drouhin of France, makes such excellent Pinot Noir!
The 2004 Domaine Drouhin Cuvee Laurene captured the best the year
had to offer. This wine is
vibrantly seductive with aromas of fresh cherry and red berry, and a
floral mix of cherry blossoms and rose petals.
These sensations follow through on the palate, with added clove
and spice character. Firm,
layered tannins coat the mouth, but the real stars are the rich, velvety
mouthfeel and well rounded, persistent finish.
As the Laurene opens up, hints of blue fruit, cola and fresh
undergrowth emerge. The 04
Laurene is full of life and promises much in the years to come.
Only a few bottles left!
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Price $79 |
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JC Cellars The Impostor, 2005
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JC Cellars has put together a wonderful blend called
“The Imposter.” Roasted earth,
crème de cassis, black cherry liqueur, layered with plum pudding, dark
chocolate, marjoram, tarragon, smoked venison, and the list can go on
and on and on! Without a doubt this is the most exotic and mysterious
wine they have ever produced. You feel the wine is going in one
direction and all of a sudden it’s going in another. So layered and
texture, you may not want to put the glass down. A blend of Zinfandel,
Syrah, Petite Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier.
Wine Spectator: Annual Roundup
of the Year's Most Exciting Wines: #52 out of 100.
James Laube, Wine
Spectator gives it 92 Points and says, “As
exotic as it is potent, with deep blackberry liqueur, sandalwood and
wild game aromas and rich, ripe cassis, blueberry and licorice flavors
that power on toward the bold, spicy finish.” 1143 cases made.
Connoisseurs’
Guide, Zinfandel Issue, September 2007 - 90 Points.
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Price $35 |
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Orin Smith Prisoner, 2006
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The 2006 Orin Swift Prisoner blends the lush
berry flavors of Zinfandel(51%), power and concentration of Cabernet
Sauvignon(23%), with the dark black fruit of Syrah (12%), and the
intensity and structure of Petit Sirah(6%), the flesh of Charbono (6%)
and a hint of Grenache(2%) combining for a decadent wine with great
complexity.
This wine is a rich, fruit forward wine.
Aromatically, it is complex and evolved. The nose of this delicious wine
is sweet, ripe, quietly smoky and very attractively fruity. You'll find
hints of licorice root, black tea, vanilla and coffee toffee that meld
seamlessly with dark cherry, plum and blackberry scents in an engaging
mix. The wine is every bit as charming on the palate, where the creamy
vanilla, toffee and black tea notes are reprised while the flavors shift
toward pomegranate and red raspberry. The finish is lingering and never
less than silky, and those savory tea/toast notes keep the wines
fruitiness from overstating itself.
With airing, a more Zin-like personality emerges and black
pepper, red raspberry, plum and pomegranate take center stage. Lovely
already, it will serve brilliantly with many dishes, from roasts to
bread and cheese picnics.
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Price $38 |
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White Rock Claret, 2002
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White Rock makes a tasty
Claret. The 2002 is a rich, ripe
vintage. In the nose, blackberry, plum and prune aromas with a
background of leather and chocolate and just a suggestion of toasty oak.
The riper fruit seems to have swallowed up the 30% new French oak
barrels. In the mouth it is broad and rich with textural tannins that
balance and lengthen the full fruit. It has a flavorful finish with
coffee, cedar, tar and violets and rich, mouthfilling tannins.
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Price $50 |
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Spencer Roloson Palaterra Red Wine, 2004
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Spencer Roloson Palaterra 2004
Red Wine is modeled on the rich wines of the Southern Rhone, Provence
and the Languedoc. All vines are
grown in cobbly soils and dry farmed.
The vines are micro-yielding and the fruit is intensely colorful,
creating a dark and inviting
glass of wine. The flavor is
ripe and delicious with gnarly old-vine character from the 65 year old
Carignane and 50 year old Valdigue vines.
The Syrah adds texture and weight to the Palaterra, tying the
elements together with forward fruit and lithe tannins.
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Price $25 |
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Fife Vineyards L'Attitude 39, 2004
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The Fife Vineyards L’Attitude 39 is a Southern
Rhône-style blend of Syrah, Carignane, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsaut.
Grown on the sun-washed slopes of the Ukiah and Redwood Valleys
(latitude 39º), these “meridian” varieties feel right at home in
Mendocino County. The 2004
L'Attitude 39 is the most complex and suave Rhône-style blend to date.
Black fruit contributions from Syrah combine with the intrigue of wild
berries, licorice, bitter chocolate, espresso, plus the heady scents of
wild herbs, wood spice and sunbaked stones. The extra inclusion of
Grenache from Redwood Valley adds a ripe jamminess that “glues” all the
other components together. Forward and lush this offering has a mature,
sophisticated rich finish. There are hidden layers of flavors that step
forward to dance with almost any food on the table. This wine is
guaranteed to adjust your attitude!
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Price $25 |
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Tandem Peloton, 2005
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The Tandem 2005 Peloton is a no-holds-barred,
pedal-to-the-metal, guns-blazing, full boogie tilt expression of what we
would like to be not a varietal or regional expression, but the “winner
of the first empty glass” contest! When you taste this wine, think not
of a particular grape or appellation, think instead of how wine can love
your mouth, how front-to-back pull through can be achieved with just a
little bit of blending. For a blend, they put under the microscope every
pothole and dip in the road, and work to create a wine that, from first
sip to last lingering aftertaste, provides pleasure and satisfaction,
all wrapped up in one big Peloton!
This is a wine from a cool vintage and a fair amount of Mendocino
old vines, both Carignane and Zin. The result is a racy, complex wine,
with a moderate color presentation to the eye and a lot of zip on the
fore-palate. Aromas are more towards red fruits, even strawberries, with
hints of woodruff and great acid and balance, this wine continues to
open up over an evening of air.
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Price $29 |
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Paras Vineyard Nebbiolo, 2005
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Paras Vineyard 2005 Nebbiolo is a taste treat!
Paras is a lawyer who fell in love with both wine and the San
Francisco area and after extensive researches in the mountains of
northern California acquired the old Veedercrest site, where vines were
first planted a century ago. With talented young winemaker Douglas
Danielak, he built up the reputation of Jade Mountain's Rhône-like wines
to such an extent that the brand was bought by the Chalone Group in
2000. Today the pair,
owner and operative, are concentrating on producing the finest wines of
which their sun-baked patch of mountainside is capable. According to
Danielak, "the important aspect of Mount Veeder is that the character of
the vineyard overpowers the character of the vintage."
Since the 1999 vintage Paras started producing Nebbiolo- albeit in small
quantities, less than 300 cases a year. The 2005 has much more Nebbiolo
character than most examples grown outside Piedmont.
The best smell of cherries, violets and black licorice or
truffles and have rich, chewy, deep and long-lasting flavors. Good
Nebbiolo can harmonize with the richest, strongest-flavored meats and
stews, as well as dry, aged cheeses that may be too strong or
distinctive for other wines.
Previous vintages were destroyed in a warehouse fire and then they tore
out the Nebbiolo for other ventures, so this will be the last of this
wonderful Mt Veeder Nebbiolo! |
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Price $50 |
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Storrs BXR, 2001
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The grapes for the 2001 Storrs BXR were grown in a
series of plantings located in the recently-recognized San Francisco Bay
appellation. Each of the classical Bordeaux varietals is represented in
the blend… Merlot; Malbec; Petit Verdot; Cabernet Franc and Cabernet
Sauvignon. The various plantings are all located in Region II mezo-climates
where the heat of the day allows for the formation of the cassis and
black cherry notes found in the wine; while the evening coolness
promotes the tobacco box and cedar hints that you will discover in the
long, lingering finish. This tasty number is deep garnet with a purple
edge and has a delightful nose of cassis and black cherry, with hints of
cedar and cigar box. In the
mouth it is very big and full-bodied with layers of cassis, ripe plum,
cigar box, tobacco and notes of vanilla to round the palate. This wine
has backbone to spare and will age beautifully for many years to come.
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Price $53 |
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Black Cat Family Cuvee, 2004
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The Black Cat 2004 Family Cuvee is a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Cabernet
Sauvignon with delightful aromas of ripe cherry, plum, blackberry,
vanilla. On the palate, you’ll discover concentrated flavors of black
fruit, cocoa and a hint of black pepper with a silky lingering finish.
Excellent with roast beef!
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Price $42 |
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Charles Creek 2004 Muy Bonita
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A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
and 5% Grenache – WOW what a great combination! With lively aromas of
sweet cedar, a hint of blackberry and brambly nutmeg, the pleasurable
sweetness in the nose is rich, inviting and clearly something new. The
structure has an elegantly crafted Cabernet signature with great berry
notes and smooth finish. The middle palate reveals the Syrah pedigree.
Full and voluptuous; it fills the mouth with a perfect middle note.
Black fruited flavor and some vanilla, perfectly integrated, giving the
seasoned wine lover something new and wondrous to enjoy. |
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Price $22 |
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Vagabond, 2004
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From the great winemaker Claus Janzen in cooperation
with Nils Venge and his son, Kirk, comes the 2004 Vagabond, made from
60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet. The Cabernet was exquisite on its own
account, exhibiting typical, honest currant and black fruit aromas and
flavors. But, they found that both components improved by blending them
together. The final blend still had a ‘knock out’ nose of fruit, but now
there were multifarious fruit components, adding complexity to the wine.
Vagabond’s final blend appeared ‘seamless’ in texture, no ‘bumps’ or
unkindly tannins in the way. The wine is certainly youthful, with the
fruit being so forward, yet Vagabond does possess a balance and
accessibility that leave it quite satisfying in its precocious youth.
“Aged completely in French oak, it boasts a dense ruby-purple hue, a
big, sweet, blackberry, flower, pepper, coffee, and chocolate-scented
bouquet, full body and soft expansive style. OUTSTANDING, 91 RATING,”
Robert Parker. 507 cases made. |
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Price $68 |
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Trentadue Old Patch Red 2005, Alexander Valley
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Named for the original 1896 plantings, Trentadue’s Old
Patch Red has remained the all time favorite among legions of Trentadue
fans for over three decades. Some of these vines are still producing
today. Although the blend composition varies slightly with the vintage,
the main idea of pre-Prohibition style of field blend based on Zin,
Petite Sirah and Carignane remains the same. The 2005 harvest proved to
be one of the largest in history and while "Mother Nature" cooperated, a
large portion of the fruit became ripe at the same time. This created
some interesting issues with picking order and tank space. The Old Patch
is a serious everyday wine with soft palate and loads of flavors. The
predominance of Zin in the blend brings in jammy, peppery, black cherry
and strawberry aromas with spicy herbal nuances. Further aeration
reveals deeper and more complex layers of plums, brown sugar, graphite
and earthy, dusty undertones. The mouth feel reveals no hard edges, with
a juicy middle but shows a solid tannin core suggesting a good aging
potential. |
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Price $16 |
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La Storia
"Cuvee 32" 2004, Alexander Valley
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2004 was one of the earliest harvests in state
history...a very warm and dry spring led to a hot and dry summer. The
fruit from our estate vineyards began to come in by mid September, one
of the earliest at Trentadue. With the warm weather, the crop was
smaller than usual; however, the quality was simply exceptional. The
resulting wine is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon
and, for the first time, a small bit of Montepulciano, a grape from
Italy’s famed Tuscan region. Easily their most exciting Cuvee 32 to
date, the wine has evolved into a rich, yet nicely balanced wine that
exhibits layers of lush, sweet black fruit flavors and hints of plum and
spice. The well-integrated tannins will allow for early enjoyment, but
will happily lay down for 10+ years. |
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Price $34 |
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