Apothic Red - 2008 California Winemaker’s Blend

When I’m headed to a party, or planning to entertain masses in my home I look for crowd pleasing wines to serve. Left to my own devices I gravitate towards the esoteric; most though want something tasty to drink alongside their sandwich. So in these cases I often seek out blends. They can offer a range of flavors to keep savvier folks interested, and plenty of out front satisfaction for those who just want something that goes down easy. Often times these blends are ones that includes Zinfandel or Syrah. Today I’ll look at one from California that is widely available. Apothic Red 2008 California Winemaker’s Blend was produced using fruit from vineyards throughout California. This offering is a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, and Merlot. The alcohol content is a modest 13.1% and this wine is available all over the country for a suggested retail price of $14.

Red and black fruit aromas are plentiful on the nose of this 2008 California wine. Once you take the first sip you’re hit with a solid wallop of sweet berry fruit that continues through the fruit driven, bright palate. Towards the back end of the palate dried fruit notes emerge and they lead to the finish which shows off cinnamon and nutmeg spice notes as well as white pepper and a nice assortment of sour fruit flavors. Sufficient acidity keeps things in check.

Apothic Red is a appealing, up front wine that will play well large groups of people. Whether you pair it with a burger or a slice of pizza this wine will work well. It has everyman, everyday appeal. This the sort of release everyone should have a few bottles of on hand, to serve to surprise guests, or to pair with leftovers.

Two Angels - 2007 Angel's Secret Merlot / 2007 Mayacamus Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Most of what Bob Pepi touches turns to Gold. You can call that bias on my part if you like; I prefer to think of it as recognizing a master for what he is. Bob has a consistent track record of hands on winemaking and consulting the world over. He came to prominence with his family’s namesake wines; a company they later sold. Today he works on a host of different projects. One of them is Two Angels, essentially a private label of importer and distributor Quintessential Wines. I’ve been taken by some of their previous releases and today I'm going to look at two selections from the 2007 vintage. First is the Angel’s Secret 2007 Merlot. The fruit for this wine was sourced at vineyards located on the Mayacamus Mountains.  This range of mountains runs right between Sonoma and Napa Valley. In addition to Merlot (94%) there is a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (6%) blended in as well. Barrel aging occurred over 20 in a combination of new, (40%) and used, (60%) French, (90%) and American (10%) oak. Just fewer than 800 cases of this Merlot were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $16.99.

Aromas of violet and cherry are underscored by a touch of thyme in the slightly austere nose of this 2007 Merlot. Dried fruit flavors rule the day throughout the gloriously dry palate of this wine; cherry, blueberry and wild strawberry are in strong evidence. A layer of spices led by cinnamon kicks in and leads the way to the finish. Earth, a drove of mineral notes and a hint of charcoal all emerge in the above average finish. This wine has medium tannins and solid acidity.

What I absolutely love about this Merlot is that it is made in what I consider to be the correct style for this grape. It has structure, acidity and length without sacrificing very enjoyable fruit flavors. This is a wine that excels when paired with food.

The second wine is the Two Angels 2007 Mayacamus Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon. As the name indicates the fruit for this wine was sourced near the top of the Mayacamus Mountains. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), the offering also has a generous helping of Merlot (22%) blended in. Barrel aging was accomplished over 18 months; 85% in French oak (40% new). The rest was aged in new American barrels. Just over 1,500 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $27.99.

Brambly fruit, vanilla and cream aromas all emerge in the nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate features a bevy of sweet berry fruit flavors; cherry, raspberry (red and black), boysenberry and blackberry flavors are all in strong evidence. A touch of kirsch liqueur emerges and leads to the finish which shows off pomegranate, roasted coffee bean and pepper notes. This wine has lush tannins and more than sufficient acidity.

This Cabernet is absolutely terrific on its own but will also pair with full flavored foods.  Enjoy this wine over the next 3-5 years for best and most enjoyable results. The bottom line is that these selections represent two more outstanding wines from the hands of Bob Pepi.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2008 Chardonnay / 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

More and more often I find myself gravitating to taste a larger number of wines from Mendocino when I can. One producer that sticks out in a good way is Paul Dolan Vineyards. They’re Organic and Biodynamic and fully embrace everything that is natural in winemaking. Today I’ll look at two of their white wines. The Paul Dolan Vineyard 2008 Chardonnay was produced entirely from Mendocino County fruit. Fruit was sourced from two vineyards, each planted in the early 1970’s. This wine is 100% varietal. 20% of the wine underwent oak barrel aging for 8 months; the remaining 80% was aged in stainless steel. 3,080 cases of this offering were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18.

Aromas of Orchard fruit, underscored by white pepper characteristics light up the nose of this 2008 Chardonnay. Bartlett pear, pineapple and light mango flavors are on display through this incredibly fresh and lively wine. Hints of mineral, copious spice notes and a dollop of cream all emerge on the even-keeled and crisp finish of this selection.

The bottom line on this Chardonnay is that it’s clean, crisp and loaded with fresh fruit flavors. In other words this is what Chardonnay tastes like when it’s grown right and the winemaker allows its natural charms to shine. Drink this beauty over the next two years to get the most out of its charming flavors. This is a very impressive selection in its price range.

The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was produced using fruit from two neighboring vineyards located at the headwaters of the Russian River in Mendocino County. This offering is 100% Sauvignon Blanc; it was both fermented and aged in stainless steel. 1,260 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18.

Hints of Vanilla Bean intertwine a bevy of citrus aromas in the bold and dynamic nose of this 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. Zesty lemon sorbet flavors through the palate are accompanied by spices and a touch of grass. The finish is lean and mineral laden; it features crisp acidity. The Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc leans towards the austere side of this varietal, making it a wine that truly excels when well paired with lighter foods.

This Sauvignon Blanc stands out from the pack; its favors are individual and do an excellent job of expressing a sense of place. If you care about naturally grown wines that aren’t over manipulated, the Paul Dolan portfolio should be on your short list.

Trapiche - 2008 Broquel Malbec

Malbec has entered a phase in this country were most wine drinkers are well aware of it and more than likely have also tasted it. Many people drink it regularly as it’s become a go to choice for a lot of folks. And with it’s easy to like characteristics it’s easy to see why. But most of the Malbec people are drinking leans towards one style; wines whose most prominent feature is juicy up front fruit. Nothing wrong with that if you like it and there are bargains to be bad. But there are many other faces to Malbec. Today I’ll look at one from Trapiche. The Trapiche 2008 Broquel Malbec was made from fruit sourced at vineyards with 25 years of age on them. These vines sit between 900 and 1,200 meters above sea level. This wine is 100% Malbec. Fermentation took place in concrete vats over a period of 25 days. Barrel aging followed over 15 months in a combination of French and American oak. This wine has a suggested retail price of $18.

Boysenberry, blackberry and a wisp of vanilla are all apparent in the slightly reticent nose of this 2008 Malbec from Mendoza. There fruit flavors throughout the palate also lean towards the darker end of the spectrum with continued blackberry as well as black raspberry. Mineral, earth and a solid wallop of black pepper are all part of the finish along with dark, dusty baker’s chocolate notes. This wine has soft, lush tannins and solid acidity.

This Malbec from Trapiche is more austere than the average with tighter structure. While this wine is delicious today it’ll continue to be very enjoyable for the next 3-5 years. A nicely made Malbec.

Rodney Strong Vineyards - 2008 Chalk Hill Chardonnay

Rodney Strong Vineyards is a dependable name in wine. They’re both one of the flagship brands of Sonoma County and a large winery that produces a wide array of wines in many different price points and styles. The bottom line for me is that their releases tend to be at the very least fairly priced in their respective categories. Sometimes their wines can also be an outright bargain as well. Importantly though, I’ve never had a wine from Rodney Strong Vineyards that I felt was overpriced for the quality it delivered. For my money, that’s no small feat. Today I’ll look at the latest release of one of their Chardonnays. The Rodney Strong Vineyards 2008 Chalk Hill Chardonnay was produced using fruit from the Chalk Hill area. This offering is 100% Chardonnay. 97% of this wine was fermented in barrel and underwent malolactic fermentation. Barrel aging occurred over an 8 month period. This wine has a suggested retail price of $20.

Pineapple, McIntosh apple, and a hint of burnt sugar are the most prominent aromas in the fresh and lively nose of this 2008 Chardonnay. Orchard fruits, including continued apple, are the stars of the palate. Spice and mineral notes play important secondary roles. A hint of oak emerges in the finish along with a rich creamy edge. Crisp acidity keeps things in balance.

I have found this Chardonnay from Rodney Strong Vineyards to be a consistent winner. It does a nice job of straddling a few lines. It has new oak clearly imparted but never over the top. It’s a premium wine at $20 but it over delivers on quality in that price range. Finally it has a generally consistent flavor profile from year to year while still allowing vintage variation to dictate its nuances. A fine and worthy Sonoma Chardonnay.

2008 Pinot Noir - Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Reserve / V.Sattui Henry Ranch Carneros

Pinot Noir is one of my favorite varietals. But way too often this grape is treated poorly. Sometimes the problem starts at birth so to speak. Some folks plant Pinot in the wrong place. Thankfully we know a lot more today about where Pinot should be planted than we did even a decade or so ago. Some of the other potential Pinot problems are when Pinot is overburdened with new oak as well as when it’s blended with other varietals. Today I’ll look at Pinot’s from two of the best spots in California to grow this fickle grape; Russian River Valley and Carneros. The Rodney Strong Vineyards 2008 Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was produced using fruit from Russian River Valley. This wine is 100% varietal and three clones (Clone 115 46%, Clone 777 46%, Clone 114 8%) of Pinot Noir were used. This offering under went 10 months of barrel aging in 100% French oak. This Pinot Noir has a suggested retail price of $40.

Red cherry, clove and strawberry aromas are all on display in the nose of thus Russian River Pinot. Rhubarb flavors are joined by red and black cherry notes to form the core of the palate; their underscored by a host of spice notes such as nutmeg and white pepper. Sour cherry, black raspberry and brown sugar notes all emerge in the lengthy finish of this wine. Firm but yielding tannins and rock solid acidity provide good structure here.

This is a deep, dark, full-bodied Pinot Noir. It’s leans toward the bigger side of Pinot but it gets that expression right. Some air really softens this wine up and I recommend decanting it for about an hour if you drink it now. Otherwise you could hold this for the next 4-6 years. A great wine to pair with lamb.

The V.Sattui Winery 2008 Henry Ranch Pinot Noir was produced entirely from Carneros fruit. This offering is 100% Pinot Noir. Fermentation took place in open top stainless steel tanks. All of this wine was aged in barrel. 951 cases of this selection were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $36.

Aromas of black raspberry, tobacco leaf and a touch of thyme fill the nose of this 2008 Carneros Pinot Noir. Wild strawberry, pomegranate and a host of spices are all in abundance throughout the palate of this wine. Mushroom, earth and graham cracker notes all emerge in the finish which has good length. This wine is marked by solid acidity and soft, lush tannins.

This offering from V.Sattui is the style of Pinot I enjoy drinking on it’s own as I sit in the corner or on my deck contemplating life and the bottom of the bottle, which seems to arrive too soon.

Both of these lovely Pinot Noir's are made by dependable producers who have been making excellent wines in California for many years. If you enjoy California Pinot Noir, either of these selections offers lots of drinking pleasure and true varietal expression.

Big House - 2009 Big House White / 2009 Big House Red

Who wouldn’t want to drink single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon everyday, or perhaps first growth Burgundy, or even small production Petite Sirah? I for one can raise my hand affirmatively. Most likely I’d go for the Petite Sirah, a weak spot if ever I had one. However most days many folks are looking for something that is both tasty and affordable. With a little bit of research and luck it could, and quite frankly should, be interesting too. That doesn’t sound like a lot to ask, but how does one discern one bottle from another when there are aisles and aisles of wine out there? There are two ways I go in these circumstances; one is the esoteric route, the other is the tried and true. Left to my own devices, I most often lean towards the slightly arcane or obscure, that’s just my nature. I’ll take a chance on something in the value price range and if it doesn’t pan out at least it was an adventure. If others are involved I tend to rein myself in a little bit. I look for something I’m familiar with that I feel has mass appeal. Today I’ll look at two such releases from Big House. The Big House wines used to reside under Randall Graham’s Bonny Doon label. A number of years ago they were sold off and now Big House is its own label with a portfolio unto itself.

The 2009 Big House White was produced from fruit sourced at different vineyard sites throughout California. This wine is a blend of Malvasia Bianca (56%), Muscat Canelli (22%), Viognier (18%) and Rousanne (4%). This wine underwent temperature controlled fermentation prior to bottling. This offering has a suggested retail price of $9.99.

Lychee fruit, papaya and orange blossom aromas are all present in the nose of this wine. Lemon zest, pineapple, mango and a solid core of spice characteristics are all on display throughout the palate. A bit of vanilla bean emerges on the finish of this wine which also has a hint of honey in an overall crisp and zingy close. This wine will be an excellent match for Asian or Indian cuisine. It has lots of crowd pleasing potential and will also work well as a welcome wine.

The 2009 Big House Red was also produced from fruit sourced throughout California. This offering is a blend of Petite Sirah (27%), Syrah (14.5%), Montepulciano (8.6%), Barbera (8.2%), Nero d’Avola (6.4%), Tempranillo (6.1%) and a host of others in smaller and smaller quantities. This wine underwent temperature controlled fermentation. Some lots underwent malolactic fermentation and barrel aging in primarily neutral oak. This wine has a suggested retail price of $9.99.

Plum aromas abound in the nose of Big House Red. Throughout the palate dark fruit flavors in general are prominent. Raspberry, sour black cherry and blackberry join continued plum characteristics. The finish is spicy with black and white pepper leading the charge. A good amount of earth emerges as well and adds to the old world charm on display. This wine is tasty on it’s own but is a great match for casual foods; burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and the like are all appropriate pairing partners.

These wines from Big House have been solid values for many years. What separates them from a lot of wines in the same price category is that they’re far more interesting. Part of that is the diversity of the blends, the rest is the winemaking. These offerings are made to be food friendly and have wide appeal, but they aren’t dumbed down like so many in this price range. They're are solid everyday vales the average wine drinker will enjoy.

Cono Sur - 2008 20 Barrels Syrah

Well priced Cabernet Sauvignon is what first turned me on to Chilean wines many years ago. After discovering the great values available in that category I began to explore others as well. Over the years the other red from Chile that has most often impressed me is Syrah. There are many well priced examples coming from Chile. Stylistically they take cues from both the old and new world. Today I’ll look at a limited release Syrah from Cono Sur. The Cono Sur 2008 20 Barrels Syrah was produced using fruit sourced in the Limarí Valley of Chile. In addition to Syrah this wine also has a small amount (less than 3%) of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. Fruit was hand picked and fermentation occurred over 30 days in stainless steel tanks. Barrel aging followed over the next 16 months. This wine has modest alcohol content of 13.6%. It sells for right around $19.

The first thing that’s apparent about this 2008 Syrah is the deep, dark, inky, purple hue that springs from the glass with brooding intensity. The nose is loaded with brambly fruit, leather, dust, cigar box and an underlying wisp of thyme. Crushed cherry flavors with a velvety edge lead the palate which is intense and full flavored in its attack. Blackberries and copious spice notes follow. They all lead to an intense and layered finish which shows off chicory, tobacco, black pepper, earth, sour cherry and a hint of dark dusty baker’s chocolate. Fine acidity keeps things balanced.

This is a really nice Syrah that provides tons of varietal character and lots of bang for the buck. A perfect wine to pair with roast pork dishes such as Pernil or even BBQ. This one is worth the effort to seek out. Drink it over the next 2-4 years for maximum pleasure.

V. Sattui Winery - 2007 Vittorio's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

When you visit any wine region there are certain stops that become classics for one reason or another. In Napa Valley, V. Sattui Winery is one of those places that people return to again and again. In addition to some tasty wines they welcome large groups and have a diverse deli section available to pick up cheeses and other snack foods. They offer picnicking on their grounds and a wide variety of wine tasting options. In short V. Sattui is an incredibly warm and welcoming place to visit. V. Sattui’s history goes back 125 years. It has been in place at its current St. Helena location since 1975. To this day it’s a family owned and run winery. Today I’ll look at one of their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. The V. Sattui Winery 2007 Vittorio’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using Napa Valley fruit exclusively sourced at the namesake vineyard. In addition to Caberet a small dollop of Merlot (less than 3%) is part of this wine. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel. The wine was all barrel aged in French oak; half of the barrels were new and the other half were previously used. 931 cases of this selection were produced and the price for this wine is $35.

Leather, dark berry and plum aromas fill the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Fleshy dark fruit and sweet red berry notes intermingle through the palate which is intense, layered. Full flavored and very well proportioned. Earth, pencil lead, baker's chocolate, chicory and mineral characteristics all emerge on the finish which is rather lengthy. Solid acidity and finely ground but yielding tannins are part of the solid backbone of this offering.

This Cabernet is a little tight out of the bottle, but about 45 minutes of air in the decanter really allows this wine to blossom and express its many charms. This selection is really quite tasty now but it’ll improve in the bottle over the next few years and drink well for the next 6-8 at minimum. A classic example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a solid value to boot

Boutari - 2009 Santorini

I recently had the opportunity to attend a tasting of Greek Wines in several different settings. Essentially it was an all day event that taught many of the attendees a lot about the wines emanating from Greece. In addition to being able to experience a broad selection of wines, I experienced a number of indigenous varietals for the first time and was generally impressed by the overall quality level. One thing stood out for me above everything else though. The wines from Santorini, which is an Island in Greece, were the ones that really struck the biggest chord with me. Today I’ll look at a Santorini wine from Boutari. The Boutari 2009 Santorini was produced from the Assyrtiko grape. This offering is 100% varietal. The vines on Santorini are considered to be amongst the very oldest in the world. This varietal is found in some other spots but is really known for being grown on Santorini. This wine sells for around $18.

Citrus aromas emerge in the nose of this wine along with a touch of white pepper. Lemon Zest and orange blossom are prominent throughout the full flavored palate along with apple and orchard fruit in general. Mineral notes and increasing spice characteristics mark the finish of this wine. This offering has crisp acidity and a mouthwatering quality that beckons you back to the glass for more.

This offering is a perfect choice to drink when you’re sitting on your deck on a beautiful summer day enjoying the terrific weather. That said it pairs very well with lighter foods. I found it to be particularly compelling when tasted alongside marinated, grilled chicken. The overall intensity of flavors on the palate along with the distinct layers of complexity present is what most impressed me. If you’re stuck in a white wine rut drinking the same old varietals over and over again, here’s a selection that will help break you out of that vicious cycle.

Masi Agricola - 2009 Masianco / 2006 Campofiorin

Today I’ll look at a couple of wines from Italian producer Masi Agricola. If the name sounds familiar that’s no surprise as they’ve been around quite awhile. It’s likely you’ll recognize their labels too. With some wineries or brands their ubiquity on shelves isn’t necessarily a good sign. Not so with Masi Agricola, they have been a quality producer of Venetian Wines for several hundred years. Like many people I first became aware of them as a producer of Amarone. I’ll be looking at one of those in the next few weeks. Today the focus is on two other wines in their portfolio. First up is the Masi 2009 Masianco. Fruit for this offering was sourced in at the Stra Del Milione at Castions di Strada in Friuli. This wine is primarily Pinot Grigio (25%), with Verduzzo (25%) also blended in. Each varietal is picked, fermented and aged separately. It’s blended together prior to bottling. The suggested retail price for this wins is $18.

Lemon ice with an undercurrent of vanilla both emerge in the fresh, vibrant nose of this 2009 wine. The lemon theme continues through the palate where it’s accompanied by other citrus elements as well as tropical fruit such as pineapple and a gentle wisp of mango. Minerals and spice emerge on the finish which is impressively lengthy, layered and marked by crisp and savory fruit. Those flavors come together to form a thirst quenching and mouth watering wine. This selection is quite lovely on it’s own, but truly shines when paired with lighter bodied foods.

The next wine is the Masi 2006 Campofiorin. The fruit for this offering comes from vineyards in the hills of Verona. This selection is a blend of Corvina (70%), Rondinella (25%), and Molinara (5%). 25% of the grapes are dried for 6 weeks and then fermented with the fresh grapes that have already undergone their own fermentation. This wine sees 18 months in oak. 2006 represents the 36^th vintage of this particular bottling. The suggested retail price for this wine is $20.

The nose of this 2006 red blend shows off dried red fruits, violet and lavender aromas. The dried fruit characteristics continue on the palate where they become plush and velvety. Cherry plays a lead role and some darker notes creep in as well along with a range of spices such as pepper, vanilla and hints of clove. Earth and dark, dusty baker’s chocolate flavors all emerge in the finish. Fine acidity keeps this wine perfectly balanced. This offering really works best when paired with food. Hard cheeses, pasta with red sauce and a charcuterie plate would each work perfectly.

Both of these wines from Masi Agricola represent excellent values in their categories. In each case they over deliver quality and complexity at a price many wine lovers can afford on a regular basis. Their long history and wide availability means you should have no trouble finding these wines.

Valentin Bianchi - 2009 Elsa Torrontés / Trapiche - 2009 Torrontés

In addition to Rosé, warm weather has me longing for white wines more and more often. One of the white varietals I reach for a lot in the summer in Torrontés. In case you’re unfamiliar it’s the signature white grape of Argentina. Over the last handful of years it’s starting to make serious inroads on US shelves, both in stores and in consumer’s homes. Its appealing nature, when well made, assures it won’t spend to long on your wine rack once you do get it home. I tasted quite a few examples of this grape over the last week; here are two that I found particularly appealing. First is the 2009 Elsa Torrontés from Valentin Bianchi. Grapes for this selection were sourced from the Dona Elsa Estate vineyards which sit about 760 meters above sea level. This selection is 100% Torrontés. Fermentation occurred over 10 days in temperature controlled stainless steel. 2,000 cases of this offering were imported and the suggested retail price is $8.99.

Hazelnut, orange and Golden Delicious apple aromas waft invitingly from the powerful nose of this 2009 Torrontés. Throughout the palate, citrus and tropical fruit flavors spar with each other for dominance. Ultimately they work together to form a tasty core of flavors. Towards the finish the fruit flavors take on a savory bite which leads to a solid quantity of spice as well. Firm acidity keeps things in balance here.

The second selection that stood out was the Trapiche 2009 Torrontés. This offering is also 100% Torrontés. Fermentation took place over 21 days at controlled temperatures in stainless steel. Fining and filtering followed prior to bottling. The suggested retail price for this wine is approximately $7.99.

Aromas of lychee fruit, hibiscus and apple are all part of the lovely and fresh nose of this wine. Lychee which plays a major role here continues through the palate where it’s joined by copious amounts of citrus and an underlying layer of tropical fruit flavors. Hints of honey as well as almond emerge on the finish along with white pepper and wisps of vanilla. This is a crisp, dry, mouthwatering wine.

Both of these wines are fine examples of Torrontés. Each of them is well priced for everyday drinking. Pair them with light summer fair, spicy food or drink them on their own. They’re fresh, lively and provide a lot of drinking pleasure for a very modest price.

La Scolca - 2009 Rosa Chiara Rosato

Hot and sometimes scorching weather as well as high humidity on the east coast the last few weeks has had me reaching for Rosé's to sample more often than usual. La Scolca in Piedmont sits on a 62 acre estate. Their winemaking tradition dates back over 90 years when they started making Gavi. That region was granted DOC status in 1974, followed by DOCG in 1998. Today I’ll look at their current release of Rosé. The La Scolca 2009 Rosa Chiara Rosato was produced from fruit sourced in the Piedmont region of Italy. In addition to local standby Cortese (95%), a small amount of Pinot Noir (5%) was blended in. This wine was fermented in stainless steel and had minimal skin contact to extract sufficient color. The suggested retail price for this wine is $16.

A bright, effusive nose is lead by read cherry in droves and followed by wisps of jalapeno. Strawberry, continued cherry, spice and a dollop of crème fraiche are all present throughout the palate of this dry Rosé along with vibrant Red Delicious Apple notes. The savory leaning trio of sour cherry, pomegranate and cranberry mark the finish. This wine is both crisp and refreshing and it shows off solid acidity.

This 2009 wine is a fine example of the types and styles of Rosé typical to Piedmont. This is a good choice to either sip by itself on a hot summer day or pair with lighter foods. In either case you'll find it to be fresh, delicious and quite inviting. If you’re planning an outdoor event this summer, here is an offering you’ll want to consider chilling down to satisfy the masses.

Emblem - 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon / 2006 Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

If you spend any time at all tasting wine in Napa Valley some things become pretty apparent quickly. One of those things is the prevalence of Cabernet Sauvignon. You’d be hard pressed to spend a day in Napa and not taste a solid handful of different cabs; if not a ton of them. The dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa is such that when I run across the occasional producer who doesn’t make one it almost makes my head turn askew. Not that I’m complaining; I love excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Valley is home to some of the best examples in the world. Today I’ll take a look at two from Emblem. This Napa Valley producer is a project of father and son team Michael and Rob Mondavi. The Emblem 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from grapes sourced at a single vineyard. This Rutherford vineyard sits east of the Napa River. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes were hand harvested. Extended maceration occurred over an average of 21 to 28 days. Barrel aging was accomplished over 22 months in French oak; 66% of the barrels were new. 6 months of bottle aging occurred prior to release. The suggested retail price for this wine is $50.

A host of berry aromas, violets and thyme are prominent in the alluring nose of this 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate, which is slightly austere, shows off dark berry notes which are underscored by hints of espresso and black pepper. Earth, pencil lead, and dark bittersweet chocolate notes are part of the above average finish. Firm but yielding tannins and solid acidity mark the fine structure.

The second offering is the Emblem 2006 Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit for this selection was soured entirely from the family vineyard of same name. This selection is 100% varietal. Hand harvesting, de-stemming, gentle punch down and cap submersion were followed by 21 to 28 days of maceration. Barrel aging took place over 22 months in French oak; 45% of the barrels were new. 6 months of bottle aging followed prior to release. This Cabernet has a suggested retail price of $50.

Eucalyptus and dried berry aromas lead the nose of the Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. There is an excellent core of dried fruits throughout the palate. Red raspberry, cherry and cranberry are particular standouts with subtler strawberry and blackberry notes kicking in as well. Minerals, mocha, espresso, chicory and earth are all part of the lengthy finish of this wine. Soft, finely knit tannins and terrific acidity are part of the impressive package here.

Both of these wines from Emblem are excellent expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. What impresses me most about each of them is the remarkable balance and even keeled nature they show while maintaining length and intensity of flavor. These are Napa wines to be sure but they have old world intent and proportion. They’re both delicious now and each has the structure to age well, over the next decade.

Jaboulet - 2009 Côtes du Rhône' Parallèle 45' Rosé

With the summer in full gear and 4^th of July upon us, we’re right in the middle of Rosé season. These days there are excellent versions coming from most of the world’s major wine producing regions. That aside for a moment, there is something to be said for how seriously Rosé is treated in France. Their love affair with Rosé goes back generations. Thankfully we’re starting to catch up in the US. Today I’ll look at current release from Paul Jaboulet. The Jaboulet 2009 Côtes du Rhône' Parallèle 45' Rosé is made from grapes sourced in vineyards located on the 45h latitude; thus the name. The vines have 25 years of age on them. This offering is a blend of Grenache (50%), Cinsault (40%), and Syrah (10%). This Rosé was produced using the Saignée method. The wine was then aged for a brief period in temperature controlled tanks prior to bottling. This selection has a suggested retail price of $12.

This wine has a gorgeous pale pink hue. Wild strawberry and red Bing cherry aromas are on display in the nose. Red fruits are the star of the show throughout the palate. Cherry, raspberry and strawberry are all present. Hints of passion fruit play a smaller role here, along with spice reference points. The finish brings out savory fruit along with mineral and additional spice notes; nutmeg and white peppercorn to name a few. This wine is crisp and clean with solid acidity.

There is a great deal to like about this 2009 Rosé. First and foremost it’s very refreshing and delicious. For $12 (less if you shop wisely) there is excellent value to be had here. A great wine to keep chilled in your refrigerator all summer long. It’ll pair perfectly with traditional picnic foods.

Cline Cellars - 2008 Ancient Vines Carignane

When was the last time you had a glass of Carignane? If the answer is that you never have, I’m not surprised. More often than not, this varietal ends up blended with other grapes. Sometimes it’s a serious player in an overall blend, other times it plays a supporting role in a varietal wine of another type. On occasion it’s bottled by its lonesome and the results do vary, but when the conditions and the winemaking are right a lovely wine can result. Today I’ll look at Cline Cellars varietal bottling of Carignane. The Cline Cellars 2008 Ancient Vines Carignane was sourced from vines in Contra Costa County. Many of the vineyard sites used feature vines with over 100 years of age on them. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel. Barrel aging occurred over 6 months in French oak; 35% of the barrels were new. The suggested retail price for this wine is $16.

Aromas of bramble, thyme and vanilla lead the charge in the nose of this 2008 Carignane.  Crushed cherry and blackberry flavors are prominent in the flavorfully fruity and somewhat brooding palate of this wine. Towards the back of the palate plum pudding spices emerge. They lead to a memorable finish that includes dark, sweet chocolate, earth and black pepper notes in copious quantities. Rock solid acidity keeps everything in check here. This wine is perfectly suited to pair with a dish of pasta, a platter of ribs or a smoked meat sandwich, to name but a few. It’s tasty on its own but it excels when paired with food.

If you drink Zinfandel or Syrah based wines a lot, give this Carignane a shot to try something different. You’ll find some of the characters each of those varietals typically exhibit as well as a host of others. For $16 this wine offers a lot of flavor and quality. The Cline Cellars 2008 Ancient Vines Carignane represents a solid value.

A Look At Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

I recently took part in a virtual tasting and had the opportunity to sample a number of Sauvignon Blanc’s from Chile. It was an interesting concept, eight winemakers in one room in Santiago Chile, a sommelier hosting from New York City and wine writers at home, all connected via web conference and tasting the same wines. I’d had tons of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc prior to this tasting, but sampling them side by side was illuminating. It showed off not only the variety of climates and terroir but also a host of winemaking styles. Each Sauvignon Blanc we tasted was pretty distinct. What follows are my impressions of the four that stood out to me. First up is the Ventisquero 2009 Queulat Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit for this selection is from vineyards located in Casablanca Valley. Following slow fermentation at a constant temperature the lees were stirred. The suggested retail price for this wine is $17.

Citrus aromas and a hint of vanilla bean are present in the nose. White peach and mango fruit emerge in the palate. As those fresh fruit flavors head towards the finish they take on a savory edge. Minerals kick in as well as lemon zest and a hint of creaminess. Solid acidity keeps things in check. This is an excellent warm weather wine that will work nicely when paired with light foods

The second wine that stood out was the Undurraga 2009 T.H. Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit for this selection was sourced in the Leyda Valley. The vineyards sourced are planted to three different clones of Sauvignon Blanc. Fermentation occurred over 22 days in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures. The suggested retail price for this offering is $16.

Characteristics of citrus and grass appear in tandem on the nose of this Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors on the palate are very well integrated with lime, minerals and additional citrus fruits playing key roles. The fruit notes turn savory on the finish and they’re joined by increasing mineral as well as spice notes. I found this wine most enjoyable on it’s own where its subtle charms shine brightest.

The third wine I really enjoyed was the Valdivieso 2009 Single Vineyard Wild Fermented Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit for this wine was sourced at a single vineyard in the Ledya Valley. This wine was allowed to ferment with it’s natural yeast and as such none was added. Aging occurred in 500 liter French oak barrels over a six month period. The suggested retail price for this wine is $21.99.

A hint of almond leaps out of the nose first followed by a strong contingent of mineral aromas. Graprefuit is underscored by a hint of barley on the even keeled, well intregrated palate. Ginger, lemon and chamomile are all part of the finish which closes with a burst of creaminess. Fine acidity keeps things in check. This wine will stand up to dishes a notch or two more substantial than the average Sauvignon Blanc. I found this offering to be unique, intense and just lovely.

The fourth wine that stood out was the Cono Sur 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. This offering was made from fruit sourced in San Antonio Valley. All the grapes for this wine were organically grown. The suggested retail price for this offering is $13.

Orange cream sickle and wisps of grass fill the nose of this wine. The palate on this Sauvignon Blanc is full flavored and loaded with fruit; citrus in particular and stone fruit to a smaller degree. The mouth feel is creamy and all these flavors lead to a persistent and layered finish that shows off spice, mineral and green chili notes. Solid acidity keeps this wine nicely balanced. For $13 this Sauvignon Blanc is a steal. It works well on its own and with food. This is a good bet if you want to pour a crowd pleaser for a bunch of people this summer.

What the wines above do is show off a little bit of the wide range of Sauvignon Blanc styles and flavors coming out of Chile. The entry point is relatively inexpensive so it’s a good country and varietal combination to experiment with.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2007 Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir has notoriety for many reasons. Not the least of these is that it’s one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, grapes to grow.  Part of that is due to the fact that it’s not always planted in the right spot. For years California suffered from Pinot planted in locations that were not suited to it. Of course that still goes on, to a degree, but I think the knowledge base on where to plant and grow excellent Pinot Noir has increased significantly in the last 20 years or so. One less discussed area of California that has been turning out some good Pinot Noir is Mendocino. Today I’ll look at an example from Paul Dolan Vineyards. The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir was made using all Mendocino County Fruit. It was sourced in the southwestern outskirts of Mendocino National Forest. All the grapes in this selection were organically farmed. Barrel aging was accomplished over 18 months in a combination of new (14%), one year old (24%), and neutral (62%) French oak. 4,730 cases of this offering were produced and the suggested retail price is $30.

Wild strawberry aromas are supported by hints of crème fraiche and mushroom in the nose of this 2007 Pinot Noir. Throughout the palate black cherry flavors play a prominent role, carrying the day in large part. Spice notes in the form of vanilla bean and subtle white pepper emerge and lead to the finish which shows off earth, black tea and a nice wallop of sour cherry and blackberry to close things out. This wine has soft tannins and solid acidity.

There is a lot to like in this 2007 Mendocino Pinot Noir. First and foremost is the fact that this is a well balanced wine. This Pinot is loaded with flavor and quite true to its varietal. There are layers of elegant complexity that make this a nice wine to savor and contemplate over a long meal. This is a serious Pinot Noir. For around $30 this wine over delivers on its price point. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years.

Cornerstone Cellars - 2009 Sauvignon Blanc

Cornerstone Cellars specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon. Their releases featuring fruit from Napa Valley in general and Howell Mountain specifically have both been excellent over quite a few vintages. Lately they have been expanding in other areas. This includes Cabernet Franc and Grenache under their Second label, Stepping Stone. These wines as well as an upcoming Pinot Noir release are made from fruit sourced outside of their Napa home. Most recently they have added a Sauvignon Blanc under their Cornerstone name. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the varietals that seems to be planted in ever major wine region and flourishes, in different ways, in many of them. I’ll look at that Napa Valley release today. The Cornerstone Cellars 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was produced using Napa Valley fruit. This wine is 100% varietal and it was fermented in stainless steel over a month. Sur-lie aging in older barrels followed. This wine was then bottled in February. The suggested retail price for this Sauvignon Blanc is $25.

Citrus and hibiscus aromas mark the fresh and vibrant nose of this 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is layered with Citrus and melon fruit flavors that are buttressed by a hint of creaminess. Underlying those are pineapple, mango and other tropical flavors. Additional spice characteristics are joined by a wallop of minerals on the lengthy finish. This Sauvignon Blanc shows off solid acidity.

Each wine I’ve had from Cornerstone Cellars has been fruit driven, balanced and elegant. This new release Sauvignon Blanc is no exception to that track record.

Robert Mondavi Winery - 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley takes its place amongst the great sources in the world for Cabernet Sauvignon. In all the great Cabernet regions there is excellent wine to be had; these are made in many styles with varying intents. Today I’m going to look at the current release of a Napa Valley standby from Robert Mondavi Winery. The Robert Mondavi 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet was produced using fruit sourced primarily in a couple of locations; 38% from To Kalon Vineyard, 29% from Stags Leap and the rest from other Napa Valley Vineyards with the exception of 2% from Sonoma Valley. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Merlot (8%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (1%) and Malbec (1%) were also blended in. Barrel aging was accomplished over 16 months in French oak; 15% of the barrels were new. The suggested retail price for this wine is $28.

Ripe berry fruit, plum, vanilla, cherry, a whiff of chocolate sauce and a wisp of thyme are all present in the boisterous nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. There is a ton of brambly fruit right in the heart of this wine’s palate. All of the ripe fruit flavors are joined by black pepper spice. Emerging earth, chicory, and dark dusty bakers chocolate are all significant parts of the above average finish. This wine shows off nice firm tannins and good acidity.

This wine is approachable from the word go, but it’s even better after about an hour of air. This offering is a standard bearer amongst Napa Valley wines. I’m happy to report that the 2007 version is a classic example of Napa Cabernet. For its price range it offers good value. Drink this release over the next 5-6 years for maximum pleasure.