Piña Napa Valley - 2009 Firehouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The Piña family has been growing grapes and managing vineyards in Napa Valley for a very long time. Their history in the valley dates back to the 1860’s. Cabernet Sauvignon lovers in particular also know them for the small lots of wines they produce, often from single vineyards. Over the last several vintages I’ve been impressed with the distinct wines they’re producing. Today I’ll look at a new release of one of their Cabs from one of my favorite Napa Valley sub-appellations. The Piña Napa Valley 2009 Firehouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a single site effort. All of the fruit for this wine was sourced at the Firehouse Vineyard in Rutherford, CA. The Piña Family has owned this particular 2.26 acre vineyard since 1960 and it was planted in 2002 and 2005. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel aging took place over 20 months in entirely French oak; 67% of the barrels were new. 332 cases of this release were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $85.

Deep, dark berry fruit aromas, dominated by blackberry in particular leap from the nose of this wine. The first sip is a touch reticent but this wine opens up quickly in the glass and is raring to go. Plum, blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry all come together to form a conflagration of sweet, dark fruit flavors. Hints of chocolate and spice emerge at the back of the palate and lead to the impressive finish which shows off earth, minerals, chicory, and bits of pencil lead. This wine shows off terrific depth and complexity. It's loaded with bold flavors but also has finesse and grace to spare.

While this Cabernet will age well over the next decade it’s quite accessible and ready to enjoy now. It pairs very well with full flavored foods. This single vineyard effort does a really good job showing off its sense of place; if wine could talk this one would scream, “Rutherford.” There’s a ton of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley at price points both much higher and lower than this one. Here’s one that spectacularly showcases what well made premium wine from this great Cabernet region can be all about. And yes, it’s worth every penny of the asking price.

Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery - 2009 Chardonnay / 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sometimes wine lovers bemoan the state of Napa Valley. People are heard to complain about the number of ostentatious wineries and tasting room that have taken hold of the Valley and along with that they talk about how it was in the old days when Napa had a small number of producers and a visit meant tasting with the owner who was often also the winemaker. The trouble with that line of thought is that there are still many family owned Wineries in Napa Valley that belie the image of Napa as only lavish tasting rooms and over the top facilities. Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery is a shining example of a small family owned and run Winery. A visit there is in some ways a visit to a simpler time in Napa Valley. They’re a boutique producer that focuses on Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling. When you visit you’ll see their property with either Stu or Charles Smith or if you’re really lucky both of them. They grow the grapes, make the wine and do pretty much everything from soup to nuts that’s involved in bringing their wines to your table. That’s the way it’s been since they were founded in the very early 70’s. Their location up on Spring Mountain is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the valley floor, but it’s not a far ride. Once you’re up there though you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to a magical land where all that matters is the way the grapes are grown, picked and vinified to make offerings that represent the location they came from.

I recently had dinner with Stu Smith who started the winery in 1971. It’s been my fortune to spend some time with Stu on a few occasions and I’m always impressed by how unvarnished, real and without pretense he is. The truth is you can discover the very same thing simply by drinking their wines. They make approximately 4,000 cases of wine each year entirely from their own property. Everything about Smith-Madrone comes from the two brothers. They planted the vines and in the 41 years they’ve been in operation have replanted sections of the vineyard in some cases too. They are as truly Napa Valley as any producer on the map. Their wines are made in a genuine style that lends itself to immediate enjoyment upon release as well as age ability. These are not wines that are produced in a vacuum with the idea of trying to gain high scores on someone’s point system. These are wines grown, pressed and aged in the same ecosystem, every vintage, for over 40 years. The Smith-Madrone wines are alive, delicious and most importantly a true representation of the spirit and desire of two brothers to make great wine in their little corner of the world. With that here’s a look at a couple of the wines I tasted over dinner with Stu and then re-tasted a couple of days ago.

First up is the Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery 2009 Chardonnay. All of the fruit for this wine came from their home ranch on Spring Mountain. Their Chardonnay vines have 37 years of age on them. This offering which is entirely Chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged in entirely new French oak over a nine month period. Just over 500 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $35. Apple pie aromas dominate the nose of this Chardonnay and they are underscored by pleasing hints of lemon curd. The palate is marked by the intensity of its Chardonnay character in the form of pure and unadulterated fruit. Apple flavors dominate things here with spice and minerals galore to add to the complexity. Nutmeg, clove and continued mineral characteristics are all in evidence on the finish which has excellent length. Firm, zippy acidity adds to the wonderful structure and balance of this Chardonnay. The Smith-Madrone Chardonnay is nothing short of an absolute joy to drink. It’s also a wine that will age gracefully and be quite enjoyable and drinkable over the next 8 or so years at minimum.

The second wine today is the Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the fruit came from their home ranch in the Spring Mountain area of Napa Valley. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), this wine contains Merlot (6%), and Cabernet Franc (9%). The vines had 34 years of age on them at the time of harvest. This Cabernet spent 22 months aging in American oak. The Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Just fewer than 1,500 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $45. Aromas of fresh black fruits such as blackberry, currant, and black cherry fill the inviting nose of this 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Wisps of toast and herb characteristics are present as well. There is a depth, power and complexity to the palate of this wine that immediately impresses as soon as you take a sip and let it envelop your senses. This wine is intense but precise and measured. As with all of the Smith-Madrone wines it’s balanced and proportionate. Cherry flavors, both black and red dominate the palate along with hints of mushroom and leather as well as black pepper. The finish here is long and lush with the depth that is often associated with great Napa Mountain Cabernet. Earth, baker’s chocolate, black tea and hints of graphite are all present. This Cabernet will certainly age and improve in the bottle over the next 15 or so years. However it’s quite ready to drink now, a benefit of Charles and Stu holding their wines until they are drinkable. If you do drink it now you have the choice of decanting it for an hour or so or watching as it develops in your glass over a leisurely meal. In any case you’ll be drinking one of the very best Cabernet’s from Napa Valley regardless of price point.

If you have yet to taste the wines of Smith-Madrone I urge you to do so at your earliest convenience. In addition to being well made and delicious they are also fairly priced. The Cabernet Sauvignon in particular is a terrific bargain relative to many of the Napa Cabernet’s of similar quality. In addition to drinking these offerings, I urge anyone travelling to Napa Valley to take the time and make an appointment so you can visit the lovely folks at Smith-Madrone; your time there will undoubtedly become a memorable visit you will cherish as you drink the wine you will have brought back home with you. So don’t bemoan the over the top tasting rooms at some Napa Wineries, enjoy them for what they are. But when you want to get to the pulse of Napa Valley, point your car up Spring Mountain either literally or via your local wine shop and enjoy the wines of Smith-Madrone.

Folie à Deux - Sonoma - 2010 Chardonnay / 2010 Merlot / 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon / 2009 Zinfandel

Folie à Deux is probably best known by consumers for their popular Ménage à Trois line of wines. Both the red and white blends in those wines have been offering consumers’ value driven offerings for many years. There are also some varietal wines in the Ménage à Trois tier which are produced from fruit sourced in a range of places throughout California. I recently tasted some new wines that Folie à Deux has released. These offerings focus on specific areas within Sonoma County. I’ll take a look at the four new releases today. The Folie à Deux 2010 Chardonnay was produced from fruit sourced in the Russian River Valley. This offering is 100% Chardonnay. Fruit was fermented almost exclusively in French oak barrels. Barrel aging occurred over five months in a combination of French and American oak; 22% of the barrels were new. 16,500 cases of this Chardonnay were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18. Pineapple aromas dominate the nose of this 2010 Chardonnay along with hints of vanilla bean. The palate shows off an explosion of pure fruit with Granny Smith and Yellow Delicious apple characteristics stealing the show. Lemon zest and Anjou pear flavors are present as well. Pie crust, baker’s spices and white pepper all emerge on the finish which has good length. This is an appealing Chardonnay that shows off good varietal character. It’ll work well all by itself or paired with lighter foods.

The Folie à Deux 2010 Merlot was produced from fruit sourced in several Sonoma County appellations. Most of the fruit however came from Alexander Valley. This wine is a blend of Merlot (92%), Syrah (7%), and Petite Sirah (1%). Barrel aging occurred over nine months in a combination of French and American oak; 36% of the barrels were new, 13,000 cases of this Merlot were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18. Aromas of leather, black cherry and vanilla fill the nose of this Merlot. Raspberry flavors emerge on the palate along with continued cherry characteristics (red and black). Tobacco, kirsch liqueur, minerals and white pepper all show themselves on the finish which has good length. This Merlot has firm structure and is true to its varietal. Those are both excellent qualities in a well priced wine that will be easy to find nationally.

The Folie à Deux 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced exclusively from fruit sourced in Alexander Valley. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel aging was accomplished over 18 months in a combination of French and American oak; 17% of the barrels were new. 19,600 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $24. Aromas of smoke, leather, cherry and bits of green herb fill the appealing nose of this 2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Black plum, raspberry, blackberry and cherry flavors fill the palate of this wine which is towards the upper end of medium bodied. Bits of graphite, sour cherry, black pepper and cardamom spice emerge on the finish which has very good length for its category. This Cabernet features firm acidity and soft, yielding tannins; it also shows off the virtues of good Alexander Valley Cabernet while simultaneously being primed for consumption early in its life when it’s appealing fruit flavors are at their best.

The Folie à Deux 2009 Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced in Dry Creek Valley. This selection is a blend of Zinfandel (90%) and Petite Sirah (10%). Barrel aging was accomplished over roughly 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. 10,300 cases of this Zinfandel were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18. The jam laden nose of this Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel shows off plum and raspberry aromas. Cherry and blackberry lead a brambly palate which is interspersed with bits of maraschino cherry. The generous dollop of Petite Sirah in this blend really helps the bottom end with deep, dark flavors such as black plum and boysenberry. Black raspberry, pepper spice and nutmeg emerge on the finish which has more than sufficient length. This wine has just enough of a jam component to make it a juicy and very forward, appealing Zin right out of the gate, It also has medium tannins and firm acidity making it a killer food wine perfectly suited to pair with anything off of your grill.

This quartet of wines from Folie à Deux does a fine job of showing off a few of the appellations within the broader scope of Sonoma County. Their friendly price points and wide availability also add to their appeal as go to wines when you’re out shopping for some selections that have crowd appeal for a summer BBQ or other get together.

Newton Vineyard - 2008 Unfiltered Chardonnay / 2008 The Puzzle

Recently, I had the opportunity to taste a number of Newton Vineyard’s current releases alongside Chris Millard their winemaker. It was one of the more interesting tastings in recent memory; in addition to the wines themselves there was a special focus on filtration. Newton makes both filtered and unfiltered wines. All of the releases we sampled are well made and eminently drinkable. I for one however leaned towards the unfiltered wines as my preference. There is an inherent weightiness to their palate and a deeper concentration of flavors and aromas that stood out to me as particularly special. To conclude the tasting we also sampled filtered coffee versus unfiltered French Press. This was also a revelation and it’s a somewhat simple experiment that anyone with a French Press as well as a filtered coffee maker can replicate at home. I encourage you to do just that as I believe you might well be amazed. I decided to revisit a couple of my favorites from the Newton Vineyard portfolio and here’s a look at them. First up is the Newton Vineyard 2008 Unfiltered Chardonnay. This wine was produced utilizing fruit sourced from several locations within Napa County including Newton’s 30 year old Carneros vineyard. Newton’s unfiltered Chardonnay is a 100% varietal wine. Fermentation took place with wild yeasts. Barrel aging occurred over 16 months in French oak; 30% of the barrels utilized were new. This offering has a suggested retail price of $60.

This Chardonnay has a deeply perfumed nose loaded with appealing aromatics. Apple, guava and subtle hints of vanilla bean each play a role. Pineapples, oodles of apple, hints of apricot and spices galore are all prominent throughout the palate. An undercurrent of tropical fruit flavors is present as well. There is an amazing depth of palate here and it is simply loaded with controlled intensity and complexity. The finish on the Unfiltered Newton Chardonnay is long, lusty, fruity and engaging. It goes on and on persistently with fruit and spice notes reverberating. A touch of creaminess provides the final, pleasing note. The bottom line for me is that this is one of the small handful of very best and most honest Chardonnays coming out of Napa Valley at any price point.

The second wine is Newton Vineyard’s 2008 The Puzzle. This is a Bordeaux inspired blend that was made from fruit sourced at their home vineyard on Spring Mountain. Their property is broken up into small blocks and each vintage the finest lots are selected to assemble The Puzzle. As such the varietal composition can vary greatly from one year to the next. The current release is a blend of Merlot (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Cabernet Franc (14%), Petit Verdot (6%) and Malbec (2%). Aging occurred over 20 months in entirely French oak. This wine has a suggested retail price of $80.

Cabernet Franc lovers will recognize it’s presence in this wine from the first whiff they take. It lifts the nose and provides a lovely gateway with black cherry, dark chocolate and hints of leather leading the way. Plums and blackberry flavors show up on the palate along with continued cherry (both red and black) characteristics. Nutmeg, black pepper and clove spices are present as well. Earth, hints of smoked meats, cardamom and minerals all emerge on the finish which is persistent and impressive in its length. Impeccable structure and acidity are also present, helping to make this an absolutely phenomenal blend. This is classic Napa Valley mountain fruit in all it’s glory with finesse, depth and a rugged backbone. I sampled The Puzzle after it had been open for a full 24 hours and it was drinking even more beautifully.

There’s no two ways about it, these are both stunningly terrific wines. I’m particularly finicky about California Chardonnays in the premium price range. I find way too many of them are over priced wood and butter bombs that taste like almost anything but Chardonnay. The Newton Vineyard Chardonnay flies in the face of that and is loaded with pure Chardonnay fruit that is enhanced by the oak treatment it received. At $60 it’s not a wine aimed at everyday consumption, but it is an impeccable example of how well Chardonnay can do in California when treated appropriately through the entire process. If you love Chardonnay you owe it to yourself to try this wine when you can. The Puzzle is an excellent blended wine that you’ll have fun drinking with a great meal or sitting with some friends and picking apart all the varietal components that shine in their own way as they come together to make a most excellent and well balanced blend. Both of these wines will drink well for a number of years, The Puzzle in particular while delicious now will improve over the next 10-15 years. If you haven’t tried the wines from Newton Vineyard, they are well worth both your time and your money. Their more readily available and lower priced, filtered offerings are also wines you should consider.

Kelly Fleming Wines - 2010 Sauvignon Blanc / 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Kelly Fleming Wines is a fairly new boutique producer in Napa Valley. More specifically they’re located in the corner of Calistoga up at the northern end of the valley. It’s always fascinating to see what new producers are up to and today I’ll look at their two brand new releases. The Kelly Fleming Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc was produced using fruit from both Oakville and Pope Valley. This offering is made up of 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Several hours of skin contact followed crushing. Fermentation occurred in a combination of new French oak (20%) and stainless steel. Aging took place over three months prior to bottling. 530 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $30. White peach and nectarine aromas jump from the nose of this Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus and continued stone fruit characteristics dominate the palate which has complexity to spare. The finish of this wine is clean and crisp with spices galore and a final impression that begs you back to the glass for additional sips. This is an impeccably balanced Sauvignon Blanc that is in a word, beautiful.

The Kelly Fleming Wines 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using exclusively estate grown fruit. Specifically the vines are from 12 acres contained within their overall 300 acre parcel. This vineyard is planted to 3 clones of Cabernet Sauvignon on 4 distinct rootstocks. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Each block of fruit was hand picked. Fermentation on the skins occurred over 3 weeks prior to pressing. Barrel aging took place over 20 months in entirely French oak; 85% of the barrels were new. 700 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $90. The nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with deep and dark fruit aromas that are dense and brooding. Blackberry and blueberry aromas are joined by plum pudding spice notes. The palate is a virtual who’s who of dark fruits with plum, black raspberry, blueberry and blackberry all in evidence along with interspersed wisps of red and black cherry. There is a depth and profundity to this wine that is absolutely awesome. The finish shows off bits of earth and dark chocolate as well as pepper spice and a dollop of nutmeg. This wine is remarkably eager and ready to go for a young Cabernet of this complexity. However it will improve with time in the bottle.

Each of these offerings from Kelly Fleming Wines are delicious, fine examples of their varietal as well as distinct. In a veritable sea of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, these wines stand out. Seek them out if you can, you’ll be justly rewarded

Michael David Winery - 2010 Icognito White / 2009 Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon

Michael David Winery makes a wide array of offerings from fruit sourced in their native region of Lodi California. Their focus is the production of engaging, fruit forward wines loaded with flavor and curb appeal. The offerings the make are widely available across the country at a cross section of budget friendly prices. Today I’ll look at two of their current release offerings. The Michael David Winery 2010 Incognito White was produced using fruit sourced in the Lodi California Appellation. This wine is a blend of Viognier (63%), Chardonnay (21%),Muscat (7%), Sauvignon Blanc (5%) and Roussanne (4%). Incognito White was fermented and aged in stainless steel; this offering had no oak contact. The suggested retail price for this widely available wine is $18.

This white blend is intensely aromatic with Lychee fruit, apricot and white peach aromas all bursting from the glass in a delightful mélange. The palate is studded with honeydew melon, stone fruits and ripe Bartlett as well as Anjou pear flavors. White pepper and zesty lemon cream flavors emerge on the finish which has nice length. This wine has terrific acidity and nice balance. It works equally well as a stand alone beverage or paired with appetizers and cheeses. This wine is loaded with compelling and engaging upfront fruit flavors as well as fine layers of complexity. Incognito White which is my favorite amongst the Michael David Winery whites is a standout value.

The Michael David Winery 2009 Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon was produced utilizing Lodi fruit. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon this wine has some Petite Sirah blended in. After fermentation this wine was aged over 19 months in French oak. Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon is sold nationally and has a suggested retail price of $26.

This Cabernet has a big and heady nose loaded with blackberry, plum and anise aromas. The plum theme continues through the palate where both black and red make their presence known along with blackberry and lots of cherry. Dark chocolate, roasted espresso and bits of earth emerge on the finish which has above average length for the category. The Petite Sirah blended in really provides some heft and structure to the bottom end. They didn’t name this tier of wines “Earthquake” without cause. By and large the offerings in this category are big and beefy. This Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception; it’s a bold and full flavored wine ready to be paired with a substantial meal.

The Michael David Wines do a terrific job of filling their niche. These are accessible wines both stylistically and by retail availability. They’re big and upfront wines studded with bold fruit flavors. However unlike some of their competitors the Michael David Wines continue to show good depth and complexity for the category. These are excellent party wines.

Gnarly Head - 2010 Authentic Red

Their Old Vine Zin remains the best known selection from Gnarly Head. But every now and again they expand their portfolio. The latest addition is Authentic Red and eventually it may well become the most popular of the Gnarly Head wines. Each of their selections is crafted with crowd appeal in mind. These are wines that are widely available throughout the country and well priced. Today I’ll see how Authentic Red stacks up. The Gnarly Head 2010 Authentic Red was produced using fruit sourced in Lodi California. This offering is a blend of Zinfandel (50%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%), Petite Sirah (10%) and Syrah (3%). The fruit was hand picked and de-stemmed prior to being pressed. Fermentation took place over a nine day period. 25,000 cases of this wine were produced in 2010 and it has a suggested retail price of $11.99.

This blend leads with a big jam-laden nose that’s studded with dark and brooding fruit aromas as well as bits of eucalyptus and vanilla. Cherry and blackberry flavors are prominent throughout the palate as well as plenty of baker’s spices and black pepper. Sour Cherry and wisps of dark chocolate emerge on the finish which has good length for its category. Fine acidity keeps things in check.

What I like most about this wine is its balance. While it features bold, upfront fruits it maintains it’s heartiness through the palate and a more than reasonable finish. This wine is fruity and fun and just dying to be paired with food. It’ll work best when matched with something substantial and bold. The deep, rich stews of winter and slow cooked BBQ dishes immediately come to mind. There are a lot of options in the category of Red California Blends around $10. Authentic Red is one of the better ones out there. Some of the others can be over the top and sickly sweet. While this is a bold wine, it’s never goes too far and it’s a selection you won’t have trouble finishing a bottle of. It continues the Gnarly Head tradition of fun wines that are solid values which are also easy to find. If you're looking for an everyday or house red to purchase by the case, Authentic Red is a solid choice.

Gabe's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide

The 2011 Holiday Season is here and with it comes shopping and gift giving. There are all sorts of gifts to consider but I think wines and spirits are excellent gifts for those that appreciate such things. With that in mind I decided to compile a list of some items in that category. To make my list the items below had to meet some particular criteria: 1) it has to be something I heartily recommend. 2) It needs to be a good value. 3) It should be relatively easy to locate. 4) The list should take into account peoples various budget sizes. With that in mind here are 8 offerings that the wine and spirits lovers on your gift list will be happy to receive. The Lamberti Prosecco Veneto D.O.C. was made from fruit sourced at hillside vineyards throughout Treviso. This sparkling wine was produced utilizing the Charmat Method. This wine is widely available and has a suggested retail price of $13.99. This Prosecco has an effusive nose that shows off spice and fruits. Stone and citrus fruit flavors star through the palate along with loads of tingly spices. Brioche and hints of crumbled biscotti emerge on the finish which has good length. This wine shows off hints of sweetness and is a very appealing wine. It’ll work well on its own or paired with food. It would be a particularly nice choice for a Brunch. Sparkling wine generally makes people happy. Here’s a tasty choice that makes a perfect, modestly priced gift.

The Apaltagua 2009 Envero Carménère was produced from fruit sourced in the Apalta section of Chile’s Colchagua Valley. This is an estate vineyard 60 hectares in size. The 2009 vintage is a blend of Carménère (93%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (7%). Barrel aging took place over 12 months; an additional 6 months of bottle aging followed prior to release. This wine has a suggested retail price of $16.00. This Carménère has a fresh and lively nose. It shows off red and black fruit aromas as well as hints of eucalyptus. Juicy black currant and cherry flavors lead the palate as well a host of spices. This Carménère has a solid finish that lingers with sour black fruits and continued spices. Yielding tannins and firm acidity mark the structure and make this a terrific food wine. Carménère has been making inroads with US wine lovers over the last few years. This is a grape with lots of appeal to a wide array of folks. It’s ready to please fruits, as well as the fact that it’s still a discovery grape for some make this a particularly excellent gift for the newer wine lovers on your list.

The Sandeman Founder’s Reserve Port was produced from fruit sourced in the Douro Region of Portugal. Fermentation of this wine was stopped with the addition of chilled Brandy. This Port is aged for at least 5 years prior to release. It has a suggested retail price of $19. The Founder’s reserve has a deep red color, looking most like a young Vintage Port. The aromas it gives off lean towards red fruits laced with copious spices. Cherry flavors drive the palate and lead to a wonderful compote of dark, brooding berry flavors which are joined by plum pudding spices. Warming red fruits and loads of sweet dark chocolate mark the finish, which has tremendous length for the price point. The Founder’s Reserve is a great choice to drink while your Vintage Ports are aging. For its reasonable price tag it makes an affordable gift that offers lots of flavor and quality. This is an adaptable Port that’s delicious on its own, paired with desserts or used as the base of an inventive cocktail. It’s also currently available in decorative tins, perfect for gift giving.

The Biltmore Estate 2007 Blanc de Blancs Brut was produced using méthode champenoise. This offering is 100% Chardonnay, produced from fruit sourced in the Russian River Valley. After temperature controlled fermentation at cold conditions this wine underwent a secondary fermentation in bottle and aged for approximately 24 months prior to disgorging. This wine has a suggested retail price of $24.99. Lemon Zest and hints of brioche fill the nose of this 2007 Sparkling Wine. Apple, citrus and Bartlett pear flavors are all on display throughout the palate. Hints of ginger and flaky biscuits emerge on the finish which has nice length. This is a perfectly dry wine which is particularly well suited to pair with dinner. It’s fine on it’s own but excels when matched with the right dish. This is highly recommended for those who are open to New World Sparkling Wines.

The Frescobaldi 2006 Montesodi Riserva Chianti Rufina DOCG was produced from fruit sourced at the Castello di Nipozzano Pelago home estate. This vineyard sits roughly 1,300 feet above sea level. The vines have an average age of 16 years on them. This wine is 100% Sangiovese. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats over 10 days. Aging took place in Barriques over 24 months; 6 months of bottle aging followed.  The Montesodi Riserva Chianti is only made in select vintages. This wine has a suggested retail price of $52. Violet, rose petal, and dried red fruit aromas fill the nose of this Chianti Riserva. Dried fruit flavors, cherry and blueberry in particular, star throughout the palate which has impressive depth and complexity. Layers of spice emerge and lead to the finish which shows off black tea, and hints of dusty chocolate. This wine has tremendous length, awesome acidity and terrific overall structure. This is everything you would want in top shelf Chianti. It’ll drink well for at least a decade, if it’s being consumed in the short term it should be decanted for a couple of hours for best results. This is a tremendous gift for the Gourmand in your life who likes to slave over a great meal and pair it with a fabulous wine.

The Rodney Strong 2008 Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit sourced in a single vineyard. It was from this vineyard in 1971 that Sonoma County’s first single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was produced. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging took place over 22 months in all French oak; 47% of the barrels were new. This wine has a suggested retail price of $75. Deep, dark berry aromas, toast and vanilla fill the bold nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate here is simply overrun with blackberry, black plum, raspberry and cherry flavors. Black pepper and clove spices also make their presence known. Roast espresso, sweet dark chocolate and additional spices emerge on the finish which has excellent length and remarkable depth. This is a big, bold, brash, spicy mouthful of Cabernet Sauvignon that does a tremendous job of showing off its Alexander Valley roots. While Alexander’s Crown is delicious now it’ll benefit from time in the bottle. Those with the patience to lay this down for a decade will be justly rewarded. If someone on your holiday gift list loves California Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll have a hard time finding a more appropriate gift than this wine which is a jewel in the Rodney Strong Portfolio.

The Sandeman 30 Year old Tawny Port was aged in wooden casks. Over a period of time the fortified wine receives slow exposure to air which ages it and changes the color to the beautiful caramel typical of Tawny Ports Throughout their life the wines utilized are racked from time to time. As the name indicates the average age of the wines used to assemble this Tawny Port is 30. This Port has a suggested retail price of $99.99. Stone fruit in the form of Apricot underpinned by yellow peach lead the nose of this Port along with fruitcake spice and. Apricot flavors continue through the palate where they are dominant. Honey, hazelnut and almond characteristic are present along with white pepper spice. The impressively long finish shows off chamomile tea as well as a bit of caramel and continued spices and stone fruit flavors. This Port can certainly act as dessert all by itself. That said it works extremely well paired with food. A cheese course would be my top pick to match it with. In any case if there’s a Port lover in your life this would be a wonderful gift they will be sure to treasure.

It’s not often that I stray from the wine world here. However sometimes the mood or occasion calls for a beverage not made from grapes. Single Malt Scotch is one of the spirits that often has crossover appeal to those who like to sit and philosophize over their wines. So With that in mind here’s a look at a Single Malt that has really hit the spot for me on a number of occasions.

The Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood is a Single Malt Scotch. During the aging process it’s moved from a traditional oak cask to a European Sherry cask. This Scotch sells for about $49.99. This Scotch has a great big nose that really develops over 15 or so minutes in the glass. Vanilla and hints of apricot are present. From the very first sip this Scotch distinguished itself by presenting lots of depth and a range of flavors. It is simultaneously fruity and spicy with a nice overall bite. The finish is above average in length and has rich, honeyed flavors and a bit of warmth in the final note. It’s apparent that the use of two types of wood for varying lengths of time really added to the complexity and finesse of this Scotch. If someone on your list is into Single Malt’s this offering from Balvenie is an excellent choice. It’s a distinct expression that stands apart from many of the 12 years Single Malts in its price range.

The selections above provide some excellent choices for gift giving this Holiday Season. I happily stand squarely behind them as good values in their respective categories as well as really tasty products that I enjoy a great deal. Happy Shopping.

Rodney Strong Vineyards - 2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Rodney Strong Vineyards makes quite a few Cabernet Sauvignons. In fact over the last few years they have expanded their portfolio to add several single vineyard Cabs on the higher end. Those as well as their Reserve selections are worthy of consideration for any special event. However on a day in and day out basis the Rodney Strong lineup offers many well priced wines to consider. Today I’ll look at the current release of their Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The Rodney Strong Vineyards 2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced at several estate vineyards within the appellation. Fermentation and aging took place in a combination of French and American oak over a period of 16 months. This widely available wine has a suggested retail price of $25.00. If you shop around though you can easily find it for right about $20, sometimes a few dollars less.

Aromas of bramble, toast and red berries fills the nose of this 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is studded with cherry flavors, both red and black. Plum and raspberry flavors are present as well alongside lots of spice such as nutmeg and close. Hints of candied cherry and white pepper emerge on the finish which has good length.  The 2009 Alexander Valley Cab from Rodney Strong has medium tannins that yield easily and fine structure. This wine is primed to pair with a wide array of foods.

Rodney Strong Vineyards produces many wines that offer consistent quality vintage after vintage. None however might offer more value in its category than the Alexander Valley Cabernet does. This wine is widely available for around $20 and offers a real window into the hallmarks of why Alexander Valley and Cabernet go together so well. If you drink California wines, Rodney Strong Vineyards is a go to name that should be on your shopping list.

Mercer Estates - 2008 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Mercer Estates 2008 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit sourced at three different locations within Columbia Valley at large. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), this wine also contains small amounts of Merlot (5%), Syrah (4%), and Petit Verdot (1%). The fruit was harvested and fermented separately as individual blocks achieved desired ripeness. After malolactic fermentation the wine was aged in a combination of French and American oak for a period of 18 months. Just fewer than 3,200 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $23.99. This Cabernet Sauvignon has an incredibly fresh nose marked by red berry aromas in particular and to a smaller degree by hints of black fruit. Red raspberry, blackberry and cherry flavors dominate the palate which also shows off bits of Herbes de Provence as well as black pepper. Chicory, earth and a ton of black cherry characteristics emerge on the finish which has outstanding length for its category. This wine has lush tannins and fine acidity making it an excellent partner for a wide array of foods.

This Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon is an impressive effort for its price. Its chief attributes are good length, solid backbone, loads of appealing fruit as well as excellent proportion and balance. At around $20 this is a selection many wine lovers will be able to try if they’re so inclined. Whether it’s for an everyday meal or served to guests this is a solid and appealing wine.

Piña Napa Valley - 2008 Firehouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon / 2008 Buckeye Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Piña Napa Valley has two specialties. The family has had their feet firmly planted in the Napa Valley for many, many years. They first established themselves as vineyard managers. Now they’ve also become well known for wine. Given that they manage so many acres in Napa it’s no surprise that they have access to lots of interesting lots of fruit. Their specialty is small lot single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Today I’ll look at two of their current releases. First up is the Piña Napa Valley 2008 Firehouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the fruit for this wine was sourced at the namesake vineyard located in the Rutherford section of Napa Valley. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Piña family has owned the property since 1960 and the current vines were planted in 2002 and 2005. Barrel aging took place over 20 months in all French oak; 67% of the barrels were new. 236 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $85.

The deep, brooding nose is loaded with explosive dark fruit aromas and oodles of spice such as clove, nutmeg and allspice. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a full throttle palate that’s layered with blackberry, plums, black raspberry and chocolate. Kirsch Liqueur flavors leads the finish which also features oodles of earth and dark chocolate. This is a big wine that just oozes intense flavors from beginning to end. Firm acidity keeps things in check. If you’re going to drink this over the next couple of years, decanting for about 90 minutes or so is recommended.

Next up is the Piña Napa Valley 2008 Buckeye Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. All off the fruit for this wine is from the namesake vineyard located on Howell Mountain. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Piña family has owned this property since 1996 and the vines were planted in 1997 and 2005. Barrel aging occurred over 19 months in 100% French oak; 76% of the barrels were new. 359 cases of this release were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $85.

Aromas of toast and bramble underscore lots of dark berry compote characteristics. The palate is a who’s who of dark fruit flavors with blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, black currant and plum flavors all making their presence known. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom are also in evidence throughout a palate that has an impressive depth. Espresso, dark chocolate and a boatload of cherry characteristics are all part of the finish which goes on and on. The Buckeye Vineyard Cabernet has firm tannins that soften nicely with aeration.  More than anything it's a classic example of terrific Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses structure, depth, length and brawny power while maintaining balance and precision. Decant it for a couple of hours if you’re drinking it in the short term, otherwise lay it down for 10-12 years.

Piña Napa Valley is turning out excellent examples of site specific Cabernet Sauvignon. If you’re a fan of powerful Napa Cabernets that showcase their place of origin, as well as have the ability to age, you’ll want to try some of the wines from Piña.

Robert Mondavi Winery - 2010 Carneros Pinot Noir / 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Robert Mondavi Winery hardly needs an introduction; simply put it’s a legend. Sometimes though we take those legends for granted and it’s useful to remind ourselves they’re there and remember why they achieved their status to begin with. With that in mind I’ll take a look today at two of their current releases. The Robert Mondavi Winery 2010 Pinot Noir was produced using mostly fruit sourced in Carneros (93%); the remainder of the fruit is from the Russian River Valley (7%). This offering is 100% Pinot Noir. The fruit was hand-picked and some of it was whole cluster pressed while the balance was de-stemmed. After fermentation this Pinot Noir was aged in French oak for 7 months; 34% of the barrels were new. This offering has a suggested retail price of $27.

Aromas of cherry, spice, and earthy mushrooms fill the nose of this 2010 Pinot Noir. Copious red and black cherry flavors are prominent on the palate along with wild strawberry and bits of pomegranate. Sweet and sour cherry flavors continue through the finish which also shows off lots of clove, nutmeg, white pepper and hints of cinnamon. This wine has fairly firm, gripping tannins that yield with some aeration. This Pinot Noir is tasty now but look for it to improve significantly in the next year and drink well for a couple of years after that. The Robert Mondavi 2010 Carneros Pinot Noir is a fine example of this grape in this appellation at a fair price.

The Robert Mondavi Winery 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced in Stag’s Leap and Oakville; 31% comes from the well regarded To Kalon vineyard. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), this wine also contains small amounts of Merlot (11%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Syrah (2%), Petit Verdot (1%) and Malbec (1%). After hand harvesting the fruit was fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak tanks. 17 Months of barrel aging followed in French oak; 15% of them were new. The Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet has a suggested retail price of $28.

Cigar box and eucalyptus support strong bramble aromas on the dark and inviting nose of this 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Red raspberry and black cherry flavors lead the palate along with hints of sweet chocolate, toasty oak, blackberry and pepper. The solid finish shows off lots of earth, crushed cherries, and dusty dark cocoa. This wine has supple tannins that yield with air and time as well as firm acidity. This is an approachable Cabernet Sauvignon that will be at its best over the next 5-8 years.

These two wines are polar opposites of perception for me personally. The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the first wine that comes to mind for me with the Mondavi Winery. It’s a release that has been a solid example of the varietal for decades as well as a good value; it continues to be exactly that. Pinot Noir on the other hand, for whatever reason isn’t a varietal I associate as quickly with the Mondavi Winery. That being said I’ve had this wine on numerous occasions over the years and It’s been a solid performer. The 2010 provides really nice varietal character, sense of place and good value to boot. If you haven’t checked in with the Robert Mondavi Winery in awhile, these releases are a good reason to.

V. Sattui - 2008 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon / 2009 Napa Valley Syrah

V. Sattui Winery is a classic stop in Napa Valley. They offer a lively tasting room that features a wide array of wines made in many different styles. You'll also find that V. Sattui offers snack and deli items as well as a picnic area outside. Most importantly though, they have been steadily turning out a stream of terrific wines from a combination of their own sites as well as from fruit sourced at well regarded vineyards. Today I’ll take a look at one wine from each of those categories. The V. Sattui 2008 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced exclusively at this small famed Napa Valley Vineyard. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation it spent approximately 24 months in barrel. A limited number of cases were produced and this Cabernet Sauvignon has a suggested retail price of $65.

Red and black berry fruit aromas are prominent throughout the nose of this wine. Bits of toast and vanilla play a role here as well. Blackberry flavors are joined by hints of plum on the deeply layered palate of this wine. Espresso, minerals and dark cocoa are each part of a long, lusty, spicy finish that has excellent length and persistence. This wine is on the young side and will benefit from a couple of hours in a decanter if you’re going to drink it now. If you have some patience lay it down for 8-10 years and you’ll be rewarded with a truly beautiful expression of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

The V. Sattui 2009 Napa Valley Syrah was produced from fruit sourced at two estate vineyard sites (Carsi & Vittorio’s). These vineyards feature different soil types, climates and distinct locales within Napa. This offering is 100% Syrah. Fermentation took place in stainless steel followed by 18 months of barrel aging in a combination of new (40%) and seasoned (60%), French (20%) and American (20%) oak. Just fewer than 2,000 cases of this wine were produced and it sells for $34.

Dark almost brooding berry fruit aromas leap from the nose of this 2009 Syrah. Wisps of leather and eucalyptus are present here as well. The palate of this Syrah is big and mouth-filling with loads of dark lush fruit flavors on display. Blueberry, blackberry and plum are all prominent and accompanied by a host of spices. The finish shows of rhubarb, blackberry, black raspberry and sour cherry characteristics as well as earth, white pepper and dark, dusty chocolate. This is a meaty, chewy mouthful of wine that’s begging to be paired with bold, flavorful foods. Decant it for about an hour for best results.

Both of these wines from V.Sattui are impressive in their own right. These are two more releases in a growing string of vineyard driven offerings. They have a large portfolio of wines to taste at V.Sattui and both the Estate and single vineyard sourced offerings are well worth experiencing.

Hawk and Horse Vineyards - 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon / 2006 Latigo Port Style Wine

Hawk and Horse Vineyards was founded in 1999. Their first release was the 2004 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon. They’re a hands-on family owned and operated winery that makes small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and a dessert wine (also Cab based). Today I’ll look at their current releases. The Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit grown in the Red Hills section of Lake County California. This fruit comes from the winery’s 18 acre vineyard which is farmed both Organically and Biodynamically. Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a mountain estate with elevations reaching 2,200 at some points. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel aging was accomplished over a period of 18 months in a combination of new and two year French oak. 430 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $65.

Aromas of rose petals, bramble and black raspberries fill the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Black and red cherry flavors play a significant role through the palate; black raspberry and blackberry characteristics, both fresh and dried are present as well. The long and impressive finish is marked by cranberries, sour cherries, rhubarb and earth along with dusty dark chocolate and spice. This is a well proportioned Cabernet that has firm tannins that yield with some aeration. The 2007 Cabernet from Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a beautiful wine that drinks well now and will also benefit from up to a decade of aging. If you’re drinking it today, I recommend decanting it for about 90 minutes and pairing it with something hearty for a winning combination.

The Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2007 Latigo is a Port Style wine. This fortified dessert wine was made using estate grown fruit. This wine is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and fortified with varietal Brandy. Barrel aging occurred over 26 months in new French oak. 200 cases of this wine in 375ml splits were produced. It has a suggested retail price of $45.

Red and black raspberry jam aromas flood the nose of this 2006 Port style wine. A compote of berry flavors is present through the palate. Sweet wild strawberry flavors are of particular note. Characteristics of chocolate sauce tinged with caramel, toffee and bits of espresso emerge on the finish which has good length that leaves a lasting impression. This wine can easily serve as dessert all by itself. However it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate as well as cheesecake to name a few options. 

Lake County is a California region that’s been on the climb for a number of years now. There are certain varietals that really thrive there and Cabernet Sauvignon is certainly amongst them. If you like classically styled Cabernet that you can drink now or lay down for awhile made in small boutique level quantities, this offering is for you. Latigo the dessert wine is a perfect counterpoint. Made from the same varietal grown in the same vineyard it showcases a completely different style of winemaking. Both are delicious in their own right and they are more than fairly priced for the quality they offer. These are well worth seeking out.

Primus by Veramonte - 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon / 2009 The Blend

Veramonte has been a consistent source of quality wines from Chile for over 10 years. The two wines in particular that have stood out to me over and over again for quite awhile are the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc and the Primus Blend. Of late more selections have been added under the Primus umbrella. Today I’ll take a look at the brand new release Cabernet Sauvignon and the latest vintage of The Blend. The Primus 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit grown in the Marchigue Vineyards in Colchagua Valley. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) this wine also contains a small amount of Syrah (8%). After the fruit was picked the grapes under went two manual sorts to ensure careful bunch selection. Aging was accomplished over 15 months in French oak; 25% of the barrels were new. This wine has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Aromas of plums, violets and black raspberries fill the nose of this 2009 Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. A host of dark, brooding fruit flavors fills the palate of this wine. Blackberry, black currant and blueberry are of note. Hints of pencil lead creep in as well. The finish of this Cabernet, which has good length for the price point, shows off kirsch liqueur, sweet dark chocolate, black tea, and espresso notes. This wine has soft, supple tannins and firm acidity. This Cabernet is delicious both by itself and paired with things like roasted meats or hard cheeses.

The Primus 2008 “The Blend” was produced using fruit grown and sourced in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. This offering combines Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Syrah (21%), Carmenère (19%) and Merlot (15%). Barrel aging was accomplished over 14 months in French oak; 25% of them were new. This wine has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Red raspberry, bramble, green herb and hints of licorice are all part of the inviting nose on this 2008 blend. Strawberry and rhubarb characteristics along with a core of spices form the backbone of the tasty and multi-layered palate of this wine. Sour black fruit and continued herbs emerge on the finish. This wine has a lengthy close that’s smooth and lush with a bit of racy acidity punctuating it. This is an excellent food wine that would be particularly suited for southern Italian cuisine.

This was the first time I tried the Primus Cabernet Sauvignon and I was glad to see that it’s another well made wine in the Veramonte line that provides good varietal character and excellent value. The Primus Blend continues to impress. It’s been a consistent value year after year, offering lots of bang for the buck. The 2008 continues that trend. Check these wines out, you’ll be glad you did.

Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery - 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District

If you travel to Napa Valley looking for Cabernet Sauvignon, you’re going to find plenty of it. And pretty much regardless of how long your trip is you’re not going to get to taste all of it, or even most of it. What you need to do is set a more modest goal for a particular sub-set of Cabernet; that way at the very least you’ll have a fighting chance. Over the last few years I’ve become increasingly fond of good Mountain Cabernet. There are several renowned mountain regions within Napa and there is some great Cabernet to be found there. Often the depth and purity of fruit these wines showcase is nothing short of stunning. Spending a week hunting down as much Napa Valley Mountain Cab as you can find would be a great way to allocate some time. Last year I visited Smith-Madrone on Spring Mountain for the first time and I was knocked out. Their wines, their property and their personalities are all perfectly authentic examples of some of the very best of what Napa Valley has to offer. Today I’ll look at their current release of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Smith-Madrone 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit grown at their home vineyards in the Spring Mountain section of Napa Valley. Their vineyards are dry-farmed and the vines used for this wine have 34 years of age on them. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), small amounts of Merlot (9%), and Cabernet Franc (9%) were also blended in. Barrel aging was accomplished over 22 months in American oak. The 2005 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon was bottled unfiltered and unfined. Just fewer than 1,500 cases of this vintage were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $45.

Red berry and bramble aromas fill the nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is deep and layered with a bevy of flavors. Cherries (both red and black), bits of herb and earth are the primary characteristics that surfaced when I first sipped this wine, Minerals such as flint and hints of pencil lead emerge on the finish along with dark cocoa, espresso and continued earth. The 2005 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon is a remarkably even-keeled, perfectly proportionate Cabernet Sauvignon. From start to finish it shows off rich, textured flavors and deep layers of fruit and spice that reward sipping over a long evening.

This wine from Stuart and Charles Smith is rather delicious now, particularly after an hour or so in the decanter. However it’s quite age-worthy and will improve under proper storage conditions for the next decade at minimum and drink well for another 5 or so after that. The bottom line is that the 2005 vintage of Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon in a tremendous example of why this particular grape and Napa Valley are synonymous. It’s also an exceptional value. In a valley filled with many lofty price tags, the cost of this wine is a steal for the quality you’re getting in the bottle relative to many other examples. The sticker may say $45 but the taste and quality of this wine says $75.

Franciscan Estate Winery - 2007 Merlot / 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Franciscan Estate Winery is a Napa Valley stalwart that has been producing a stable of readily available wines for decades now. When I first spent time in Napa Valley, they were amongst the producers I visited time again. Today I’ll look at a couple of wines that have been part of their portfolio for a long time. The Franciscan Estate 2007 Merlot was produced from Napa Valley fruit. In addition to Merlot (92%), this wine also contains small amounts of (Syrah (5%), Cabernet Sauvignon (2%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Fermentation of this wine took place over 16 days. Barrel aging was accomplished over 14 months in a combination of French (57%) and American (43%) oak; 18% of them were new and they came from three different cooperages. This offering has a suggested retail price of $21.

Bramble, mushroom, toast and cigar box aromas permeate the nose of this 2007 Merlot. A lovely blast of herbs underscores the palate which is dominated by an intertwining combination of red and black cherry flavors. Dusty, dark chocolate and plums join in as well. Earth, chicory, cinnamon and black pepper are all part of a firm and above average finish. What I like most about this wine is that it is quite obviously, almost forcefully Merlot. In a world were much of the Merlot is anonymous at best, this is a huge victory. This wine will drink well over the next 6-9 years.

The Franciscan Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using Napa Valley fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), was blended with Merlot (12%), Syrah (4%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (1%). Fermentation and maceration took place over 22 days. Oak aging was accomplished over 22 months in small barrels. 25% of them were new and three different coopers were employed. Just fewer than 90,000 cases were produced and this wine has a suggested retail price of $27.

Bright, red and black berry fruit aromas dot the nose of this 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Vanilla bean is present as well. Blackberry, plum and cherry characteristics lead the sweet, juicy, very appealing palate of this wine. These flavors along with nutmeg and pepper continue through the finish which has good length. This Cabernet is more forward and a bit softer in body than the Merlot which has firmer structure. The Cabernet has soft tannins that yield easily with air and a really lush mouth-feel.

Each of these selections is available all over the countr,y and if you shop around, for a few dollars less than the Suggested retail. They’re fine examples of well made Napa Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon respectively. The Merlot definitely works best paired with food while this Cabernet is particularly lovely on its own. Both are worth your time and money.

Francis Ford Coppola - 2009 Chardonnay / 2009 Claret Cabernet Sauvignon

The Francis Ford Coppola 2009 Chardonnay was produced using fruit sourced in Mendocino and Monterey. This offering is 100% Chardonnay. This selection didn’t undergo malolactic fermentation and also didn’t receive any oak treatment. The Coppola Chardonnay is a widely available wine that's finished in screw cap and has a suggested retail price of $11. Golden delicious apple aromas are joined by nutmeg and clove on the bold, bright nose of this wine. Continued apple notes are prominent through the palate along with Bartlett and Asian pear flavors. Tropical fruits such as mango and papaya are present as well. Vanilla bean, white pepper and apple pie spices all emerge on the finish which has good length. This is a balanced, fruity bargain of a California Chardonnay. For right around $10 this represents a really nice value. It has plenty of varietal character and will pair well with a wide array of foods.

The Francis Ford Coppola 2009 Claret Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced in Napa, Sonoma and El Dorado. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (5%), Merlot (3%), and Cabernet Franc (2%) are blended in as well. This wine was aged in French oak for 15 months. It’s available nationwide, finished with natural cork and has a suggested retail price of $20.

Cherry and blueberry aromas are joined by hints of toast and vanilla on the nose of this 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberries, plum and black raspberries are all part of the palate along with a nice blast of spices and earth. Black tea, oodles of dark sweet chocolate and hints of sour black cherries all emerge on the finish. This Cabernet has soft tannins and good acidity. It’s a Cabernet that is aimed at early consumption; drink it over the next 2-4 years to take advantage of its fresh youthful flavors.

Both of these wines from the Coppola Winery are available nationwide at reasonable prices. They’re meant to be enjoyed as daily drinkers that one can afford regularly. They achieve their goal, and represent their individual varietals well in their respective categories.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2009 Zinfandel / 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

The names Paul Dolan and Mendocino County go hand in hand. His work there with a number of producers over the years is legendary. Today he helms Paul Dolan Vineyards and is a partner in Parducci Wine Cellars. I’ll take a look today at a couple of releases from his Eponymous winery. First up is the Paul Dolan Vineyards 2009 Zinfandel. It was produced using mostly fruit sourced at the Parducci Home Vineyard. This is a benchland vineyard. In addition to Zinfandel (99%), this wine also contains a splash of Syrah (1%). All of the fruit is 100% organic, certified by California Certified Organic Farmers. Once fermentation was completed this wine was aged in a combination of barrels and redwood tanks; 10% of the barrels were new. 2,727 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $25.

The aromas that emanate from the nose of this 2009 Zinfandel bring to mind a large bowl of fresh, fleshy dark berries and plums. Hints of bramble and earth underscore all that fresh fruit for a nice counterpoint. Sweet even keeled dark fruit flavors emerge on the palate along with plum pudding spices and a few herbaceous characteristics. Rhubarb, black pepper, vanilla bean and just a bit of jam fruit flavor are all part of the finish which has nice length.

This Zinfandel from Paul Dolan Vineyards is typical of Mendocino in that the region tends towards more classically styles Zins. By and large these wines tend to be more balanced and proportionate than Zinfandel from some other regions. This wine is just loaded with terrific Zinfandel characteristics.

The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit sourced at the Parducci Home Vineyard and Paul Dolan’s Dark Horse Ranch. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (97.5%), this wine contains a bit of Petit Verdot (2.5%). This wine is also made from certified organic grapes. Once fermentation was complete it was aged for 15 months in American oak; 50% of the barrels were new. 2,800 cases of this Cabernet were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $25.

Ripe berry fruit and hints of eucalyptus emerge from the nose of this 2009 Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and fleshy plum are all part of this wines palate. Toast, espresso and earth emerge on the finish along with black pepper, vanilla bean and a little tinge of kirsch. This Cabernet has firm tannins that yield with some air and solid acid structure. This is a solid Cabernet for the price. It’s not meant for long term aging but it’ll drink well over the next 6-8 years; but why wait its delicious now.

These wines are emblematic of the Paul Dolan wines at large. The releases bearing his name are jammed with pure fruit flavors, balanced so they can pair well with food and quite fairly priced in their respective categories. I honestly believe you cannot go wrong buying any wine Paul Dolan is associated with.

Rodney Strong - 2007 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon

Some folks hold certain opinions as truths. When it comes to wine many folks feel that if you want high-end California Cabernet you have to go to Napa Valley. Now I agree there is a ton of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. However there’s nearly as much of it on the other side of the mountain in Sonoma. Alexander Valley in particular is a wonderful source for tremendously exciting Cabernet. Today I’ll look at one of the single vineyard efforts from Rodney Strong. The Rodney Strong 2007 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon is a single vineyard effort produced using Alexander Valley Fruit. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel aging was accomplished over 25 months in all French oak; 42% of the barrels were new. This limited production wine has a suggested retail price of $75.

Strong blackberry aromas burst forth from the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Toast and vanilla bean are present as well. A sweet compote of dark berry fruit flavors is present throughout the layered, full-bodied palate of this wine. These are supported by plum flavors and loads of spice elements such as nutmeg, clove, cardamom and hints of cinnamon. Coffee, dark chocolate and oodles of intense dark berry fruit flavors are present on the finish which has terrific length, persistence and intensity.

This Cabernet is big, bold and brawny to be sure; but give it some air and the finesse emerges with greater clarity. Of course if you’re patient, lay this down for a decade and you’ll be justly rewarded. Regardless, this a truly awesome example of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and proof positive (if you needed it) that Sonoma County can deliver examples of this grape that are just as compelling as its neighbor. This wine is further evidence that Rodney Strong pushes the envelope of quality and value at every price point.