Rodney Strong - 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Rodney Strong Vineyards in Sonoma County is a producer whose core releases you can find on the shelf of any decent wine shop in the United States. Many of their releases are ubiquitous in their availability. And that’s a good thing for wine consumers looking for solid go to wines that deliver consistent quality vintage after vintage. It also makes them a go to choice when you want to step things up and spend a few extra bucks on a bottle of wine for a particular occasion or to age gracefully in your cellar. With all that they do well, I believe the winemaking team at Rodney Strong Vineyards has a particularly deft hand when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon. Today I’ll look at the current release of the reserve Cabernet from Alexander Valley. The Rodney Strong 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced in Alexander Valley. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Select blocks of fruit from each vineyard were chosen. Fruit was hand picked and each lot was fermented and barreled separately. After approximately 6 months the best lots were chosen for blending. Once the blend was complete the wine was returned to barrel for approximately 14 months. In total the wine was barrel aged for 20 months in 100% French oak. This offering has a suggested retail price of $45.

Blackberry, cedar and vanilla bean aromas fill the nose of this Cabernet which simply explodes from the glass with brooding intensity. Cassis, blueberry and continued blackberry are all apparent throughout the powerful palate of this wine. Loads of spice notes show up as well. Dark, dusty baker’s chocolate, espresso bean and a earth notes are all part of the finish which has terrific length. This wine has firm gripping tannins and excellent acidity.

If you plan to enjoy this Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Rodney Strong Vineyards over the next couple of years I highly recommend decanting it for a couple of hours. That will allow it to open up and really spread its wings. If you have some patience you could lay this wine down for 5 or 6 years to let it really come in to it's own; it’ll drink even better in the 5 or so years after that. This is another fine example of the good work being done by the folks at Rodney Strong Vineyards.

Domaine Serene - 2008 Yamhill Cuvée Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir remains one of the trickiest varieties in the world. There are a host of reasons for this. It prospers in some areas and doesn’t do well at all in others. Sometimes a couple areas in question can be quite close to each other, relatively speaking. But aside from the regions and sub-regions where Pinot either thrives or not there are questions of intent. While there are folks passionate about just every grape in the world, Pinot Noir has a particularly dedicated legion of believers. The treatment of the grapes and the style it’s produced in garners as much praise or criticism as the location it’s from. For most of those passionate about Pinot that means things like restrained use of oak and wines that are 100% varietal to name but a couple. One of the regions in the world where Pinot Noir thrives and is produced in a variety of styles is Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Today I’ll look at a current release from Domaine Serene. The Domaine Serene 2008 Yamhill Cuvée Pinot Noir was produced using fruit sourced mostly from the winery’s estate vineyards in the Eola Hills and Dundee Hills. The fruit used is three distinct Pinot Noir Clones, Pommard (51%), Dijon (38%), and Wadenswil (11%). Barrel aging was accomplished over 12 months in French oak; 51% of the barrels were new. 7,500 cases of this wine were produced in the 2008 vintage and it has a suggested retail price of $42.

Aromas of red raspberry, wild strawberry and leather fill the nose of this 2008 Pinot Noir from Oregon. Throughout the palate black cherry, nutmeg and blueberry each play key roles. The middle of this wine is simply loaded with copious amounts of red and black fruit characteristics as well as equal amounts of spice. The lengthy finish shows off both black and white pepper as well as rhubarb, sour cherry, hints of cola and cedar. This wine has fairly firm tannins that yield with some aeration.

This 2008 Cuvée from Domain Serene is an excellent example of the world class Pinot Noir emerging from Oregon. If you like Pinot Noir pure and true to varietal, Oregon is certainly already on your go to list. I recommend making sure Domain Serene is one of the producers you look to. This wine is also a relative value in its price category. For best results, decant this wine for about 90 minutes.

Mastroberardino - 2005 Radici Taurasi Aglianico

Aglianico is one of the Italian grapes that I’ve been pretty excited about the last few years. It’s a unique variety that flourishes in its homeland and we’ve been seeing more and more examples of it on US shelves as time goes on. And while our history of Aglianico in the US is pretty short, its story in Italy dates back a couple of thousand years. Today I’ll look at one from long time producer Mastroberardino. The Mastroberardino 2005 Radici Taurasi was produced using fruit sourced from two vineyards. These vineyards sit approximately 1,800 feet above sea level.  This offering is 100% Aglianico. Fermentation took place over 15 days in stainless steel tanks. Aging took place in barriques and casks of varying size and age. French and Slavonian oak were both employed; new, 2 year and 3 years barrels were all part of the program. 80,000 bottles (approximately 6,600 cases) of this wine were produced. It has a suggested retail price of $65 and is currently available at WineChateau.com for less than $46.00.

Aromas of leather, wild strawberry and cigar box fill the intoxicating nose of this 2005 Aglianico. Dried fruit flavors, both red and black, dominate the palate of this wine. Raspberry, cherry, strawberry and a hint of blackberry are all present. Hints of tobacco leaf underscore things. The finish shows off sour fruits, black pepper, rhubarb and a veritable avalanche of earth notes. This wine has medium tannins and firm acidity.

This is a classic example of Aglianico and as is the case with the majority of great Italian wine, it wants to be paired with food. Hard cheeses, pasta dripping with your grandmas red sauce and roasted meats are all examples of food that will pair terrifically with this wine and allow it to express al its charms. If you like Aglianico, give this one a shot.

Waterstone - 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

There is so much Cabernet Sauvignon coming out of Napa Valley that it can be a bit dizzying. It’s hard, heck it’s practically impossible, to visit a winery in Napa without tasting Cabernet. They come in all shapes, sizes and price-points, so for me examples that over-deliver in their price-bracket are noteworthy. Today I’m looking at such an example from Waterstone. The Waterstone 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced at a number of vineyards throughout Napa Valley. Hillside vineyards play a large role in the blend and fruit from Rutherford and Oakville dominate while Coombsville and Diamond Mountain also have their place. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (79%), this wine also contains Merlot (17%) and Cabernet Franc (4%).Barrel aging was accomplished over 22 months in French oak; 80% of the barrels were new. 8,900 cases of this offering were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $26.

Black currant, plum and vanilla bean aromas fill the powerful nose of this 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate of this Cab is layered and loaded with rich, dark berry fruit flavors. Blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry flavors all play a part. The avalanche of cherries continues through the lengthy finish which also shows off cedar, spice, earth, chocolate and espresso flavors. This wine has medium tannins that yield with some air and firm acidity.

This Cabernet will pair well with medium flavored foods; it’s also quite enjoyable on its own. For $26 this represents an excellent value in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has a depth of flavor and length of palate that is most often found in offerings that sell for $40 or more. With almost 9,000 cases produced it should be reasonably easy to locate as well.

Kracher - 2007 Trocken Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris is one of those varieties that, for my money, doesn’t get nearly the acclaim it deserves. Sure like any other varietal there are some forgettable examples out there. But when the fruit is grown in the right spot and the winemaker treats it with respect, the results can be dazzling. For Pinot Gris this mostly means a handful of spots in Germany, Oregon, Italy and Austria in my opinion. Today I’ll look at a release from Austria. The Kracher 2007 Trocken Pinot Gris was produced using fruit sourced in their home region of Burgenland Austria. This wine is 100% Pinot Gris. After fermentation it was aged in large oak barrels for six months. 8,000 cases of this Pinot Gris were produced and it normally sells for right around $17.

White flower and golden delicious apple aromas fill the nose of this 2007 Pinot Gris from Austria. Peach and apricots lead the palate with is even keeled and loaded with engaging flavors. Hints of spice emerge as well and lead to the finish which shows off hazelnuts, white pepper, vanilla bean and touches of honeycomb. This wine has a crisp, clean finish and firm acidity.

This Austrian Pinot Gris is a really nice example of the varietal. It’s easy drinking, but layered with subtle nuances that kept me intrigued and engaged as I tasted it. This wine is absolutely lovely and delicious on its own but will also pair well with lighter foods. If you have friends who claim they don’t like Pinot Gris, here’s one that will change their minds.

Castello Monaci - 2008 Piluna Primitivo Salento IGT

One of the varieties that has made its mark on US shores from Southern Italy the last decade or so is Primitivo. It has strong genetic ties to Zinfandel, of course, and depending on the style its made in the similarities can be strong. Often enough however due to the differences in place of origin and handling they are pretty distinct. Today I’ll look at a Primitivo from Castello Monaci. The Castello Monaci 2008 Piluna Primitivo Salento IGT was produced using fruit from the wineries own estate vineyards. This offering is 100% Primitivo. Hand harvesting occurred overnight to assure cool temperatures. Fermentation took place over a 2 week period in a temperature controlled environment. Once fermentation was complete some of the wine was aged in a variety of French barriques with different degrees of toast; the balance was left in stainless steel. This wine has a suggested retail price of $12.99.

The nose of this 2008 Primitivo is loaded with red raspberry; underneath that hints of vanilla and cedar pop through. The palate is loaded with layer after layer of dry red fruit flavors. Touches of anise and fresh blackberry poke their heads through as well. The finish is relatively long and somewhat lusty. Earth, sour red fruits and cocoa all make their presence know here. Firm acidity keeps everything in check.

This Primitivo is delicious, and it’s also a particularly good bargain. If you wanted to drink Zinfandel with this level of quality it would cost no less than $20. Pour this for friends over a nice leisurely meal and they’ll be knocked out when they discover it's only $12.99.

Parducci - 2007 True Grit Petite Sirah

Mendocino’s Parducci Wine Cellars has a long and storied history with Petite Sirah, dating back to the 1940’s. In addition to a couple of separate bottlings of Petite Sirah, they use this great varietal in blends. Today I’ll look at the current release of their True Grit Petite Sirah. The Parducci 2007 True Grit Petite Sirah was produced using fruit sourced exclusively in Mendocino. In addition to Petite Sirah (88%), this wine has Syrah (12%) blended in as well. Barrel aging was accomplished over 24 months. 4,800 cases of this vintage were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $29.99.

This 2007 Petite Sirah is gorgeous from the moment you pour it. A deep, dark purple hue fills the glass with brilliant color. Plums, violets and blackberry aromas leap from the glass and provide a heady nose. Baked blueberry cobbler characteristics lead the palate which is full-bodied, deeply flavored and simply loaded with dark, brooding and intense flavors. These bruising purple fruits lead to pencil lead, espresso, sour black fruits, earth and black pepper on the lengthy and lusty finish. This wine is big and beefy with firm tannins and excellent acidity.

I have tasted this wine over numerous vintages and find the Parducci True Grit to be one of the best and most consistent Petite Sirahs in its price range. This wine is delicious now, particularly if you enjoy the vigorous enthusiasm of young Petite Sirah. However, if you have the patience to lay this wine down for a decade you’ll be rewarded with a subtler, earthier bottle. Whenever you decide to drink this wine, if you like Petite Sirah, you’re in for a real treat.

181 - 2008 Merlot

The 181 2008 Merlot was produced using fruit sourced at Clay Station Vineyards in Lodi California. After picking and de-stemming the grapes sat in tanks for approximately 48 hours, allowing them to warm up to appropriate fermentation temperatures. Once the wine underwent primary and malolactic fermentation it was oak aged in a combination of French and American oak for four months. This wine has a suggested retail price of $12.99 Aromas of red fruit are underscored with hints of toasty oak aromas in the inviting nose of this 2008 Merlot. Dry red and black cherry flavors dominate the palate. Hints of Kirsch Liqueur show up as well, providing a nice counterbalance to the dry fruit characteristics. The palate is even keeled and very approachable. Earth and black pepper are both prominent on the finish which has good length. Soft tannins and solid acidity provide good framework.

When I think about wines in this price range there are a few things I’m looking for. I want the wine to have varietal character. These are the kinds of wines many of us serve at large gatherings or bring to a party, so they should also have wide appeal. The 181 Merlot like its sister wine 337 Cabernet Sauvignon does just that. It’s loaded with appealing flavors and it’s affordable. A solid choice if you’re looking for a California wine to buy a case of to keep around as a house wine. This is a Merlot aimed at immediate enjoyment; drink it over the next two years for best results.

Elements by Artesa - 2006 Red Wine / 2007 Merlot / 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the things about larger wineries that have lots of acreage under vine is that are often more grapes to work with. This can of course be an advantage on several levels. Primarily it allows the winemaker a wider selection from which to pick fruit for their most important wines. It can sometimes also allow the winemakers to take on projects outside the core releases. Such is the case with Carneros producer Artesa Vineyards & Winery. Those familiar with them know that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay stand at the heart of their operation. These are the core wines they focus on. But with hundreds of acres under vine they have many other grapes to work with. One of their current projects is the Elements by Artesa sub-label which they use to release some different varieties at a consumer friendly price-point. I recently tasted through the Elements releases and today I’ll look at three of my favorites. First up is the Elements by Artesa 2006 Red Wine. This wine blends together fruit from Sonoma County (65%) and Napa Valley (35%). The fruit is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon (23%), Tempranillo (22%), Merlot (20%), Malbec (18%), Garnacha (11%), Petite Sirah (2%), Petit Verdot (2%), Graciano (1%), and Cabernet Franc (1%). Barrel aging was accomplished over 24 months in French oak. 4,400 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Wild strawberry fills the welcoming nose of this 2006 red blend. Recurring wisps of candied cherry provide a nice aromatic counterbalance. The lithe, medium bodied palate shows off red and black fruits such as currant, blackberry and cherry. Vanilla and cherry cola flavors are both in evidence on the finish. This wine has some bright fruit elements but those are balanced by good acidity, structure and nice length. Ultimately this is a perfectly dry wine built to pair with food. Whether that means Sunday dinner or Tuesday night with a slice of pizza is your call, either way lots of flavor for the price point.

Next up is the Elements by Artesa 2007 Merlot. This wine was produced using fruit sourced in both Sonoma (64%) and Napa (36%). In addition to Merlot (75%), Cabernet Franc (12%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Petite Sirah (1%), Petit Verdot (1%) and Syrah (1%) are also blended in. Each lot was fermented and barrel aged separately, the final blend was assembled prior to bottling. 3,000 cases of this release were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Red raspberry and rose petal aromas are both prominent in the nose of this 2007 Merlot.  This Merlot shows a juicy, yet balanced mid-palate which is also slightly austere in some ways. Lots of red and black cherry are on display throughout, along with bits of rhubarb. The finish shows off leather, sour cherry and copious spice elements in the form of clove, nutmeg and pepper. This wine has excellent structure and good acidity. Sad as this is to say there’s not a lot of Merlot in the $20 price range that actually tastes like Merlot, this one does and that alone is an accomplishment. Overall this is a nice value.

Finally today is the Elements by Artesa 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Just like the other releases, this wine is made from a combination of fruit sourced in Sonoma (62%), and Napa (38%). In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Merlot (7%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Petite Verdot (2%), and Malbec (1%) are also blended in. Barrel aging was accomplished over 24 months in French oak; 25% of the barrels were new. 8,000 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

A compote of red fruit aromas fills the nose of this Cabernet. Cherry, raspberry and strawberry are at the forefront with wisps of vanilla providing some nice secondary aromas. The palate is loaded with continued elements of red fruits. Juicy cherry and strawberry star along with lots of spice characteristics. Both black and white pepper emerge on the finish along with earth and dust characteristics as well as tobacco and espresso flavors. This wine has supple, yielding tannins and sufficient acidity. For around $20 you’re going to get a very tasty Cabernet Sauvignon that is best suited for short term drinking.

This trio of wines from Elements by Artesa provides plenty of pleasurable drinking for the price point. Equally important, the Merlot and Cabernet are true to their varietals. The blend, as it should, combines attributes from a diverse array of fruits to create something unique.

Quinta do Vallado - 2007 Douro Red Reserva

For the last few years table wines from Portugal have been gaining momentum on our shelves and our collective consciousness. Of course there’s still a ton of excellent Port coming from there too, but everyone knows that, right? Hopefully 2011 will be the year that these dry wines turn the corner and gain even greater acceptance here. The more we learn to appreciate them as a wine drinking country, the more and more we’ll see great ones on our shelves. Today I look at a Reserve release from Quinta do Vallado. The Quinta do Vallado 2007 Douro Red Reserva was produced using fruit from the Vallado Estate in the Douro region of Portugal. The vines vary in age but some of the fruit is from vines with over 70 years of age on them. Each lot was fermented, vinified and barrel aged separately. In all more than 20 indigenous Portuguese varieties are included in this wine. Oak aging occurred in 225 liter new French Barriques. 3,333 six bottle cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $64.99.

Aromas of plum, mushroom and cedar lead the alluring nose of this 2007 blend from the Douro. The palate is simply loaded with oodles of dry, dark fruit notes. Cherries, blackberries, and cranberries lead the charge. An undercurrent of spice is present as well. These flavors come together and layer this wine with wave after wave of massively pleasing flavor and complexity. The finish is velvety with earth and continued spice at the forefront and dark chocolate and mineral notes at the very end. There is a persistence and length to this finish that makes it impressive and practically decadent.

This wine from Quinta do Vallado is particularly impressive for both it’s depth of flavor and it’s length. While it’s delicious the moment you pop the cork a couple of hours of aeration really allow it to open up and express itself. It also has the structure to age gracefully for a number of years. There isn’t a thing about this wine that is not both exceptional and impressive.

Davis Bynum - 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Certain appellation names resonate loudly when it comes to California Pinot Noir; Russian River Valley is certainly amongst their number. Russian River Valley has a relatively long history within California for producing Pinot Noir that is true to its varietal as well as site specific. Davis Bynum is one of the producers that have been a long term part of that history. They’ve been making Pinot there for decades and in 1973 they were the first in the region to make a single vineyard effort. Today I’ll look at one of their current release Pinot Noirs.

The Davis Bynum 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was produced using fruit sourced from several vineyard sites exclusively in their home appellation. This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. After cool fermentation this wine was barrel aged for 9 months, entirely in French oak. 3,700 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $35.

Strawberry and red plum aromas are underscored by spice notes and a hint of earth and tobacco leaf in the full and expressive nose of this 2008 Pinot Noir. Black cherry dominates the palate along with hints of rhubarb and a subtle wisp of anise. Earth, black pepper, clove, nutmeg and sour cherry fruit flavors are all part of an even keeled but fairly lengthy and memorable finish.

This 2008 Pinot from Davis Bynum is a terrific wine all on its own, it also happens to be an excellent example of the kind of Pinot Noir that can be produced in the Russian River Valley. Within the last couple of years this winery was purchased by the folks who own Rodney Strong Vineyards. They produce their own excellent line of wines and it’s gratifying to see them shepherd Davis Bynum into the future as well.

Luigi Bosca - 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

Cabernet Sauvignon is the varietal I was drinking most often when South American wines hit my radar years ago. Once I started drinking wines specifically from Argentina the quality of Cabernet available at modest price points was pretty staggering. Today our shelves have a host of offerings from Argentina all over the price and flavor map. One Producer I’ve been enjoying routinely over the last few years is Luigi Bosca. Today I’ll look at their current release of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Luigi Bosca 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva was produced from fruit sourced at El Paraiso Vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. This vineyard sits more than 2,500 feet above sea level and the vines are 80 years old. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at controlled tempratures. Aging occurred in a combination of French and American oak over 12 months. This selection has a suggested retail price of $20.99

The nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with decadent, ripe, dark berry aromas. An undercurrent of cocoa plays a role as well. The palate is juicy with blackberry and fleshy dark plum both providing large parts of the flavor. Spice notes are in abundance as well with black pepper leading the charge there. This wine has a silky, velvety, pleasing finish that lingers for an impressive length of time. Tannins are firm but yielding and this wine has excellent structure and good acid.

For around $20 this represents an excellent value in Cabernet Sauvignon. If you drink Cabernet with a $35 or so price-tag from old world regions or even certain parts of California you’re likely to find that this wine blows away your expectations. This is another more than solid entry from Luigi Bosca.

Mumm Napa Valley - Cuvée M

With the end of the year near my mind and my appetite is still pretty focused on Sparkling Wine. Mumm Napa Valley is one of the California producers that’s been providing consistent and well priced Sparkling offerings. They’re a go to producer in California. Today I’ll look at one of their current releases. Sometime soon I’ll also be looking at a couple of selections from GH Mumm as well, so please stay tuned. The Mumm Napa Valley Cuvée M was produced using fruit sourced from over 50 vineyards. This selection is a blend of Chardonnay (48%), Pinot Noir (43%), Pinot Gris (6%), and Pinot Meunier (3%). Each lot was kept separate during the first fermentation. Aging on yeast then occured for approximately 18 months. After final blending and dosage another it’s allowed to resolve itself in bottle for another 3 months prior to release. This offering has a suggested retail price of $20.

Aromas of lemon zest and ginger fill the nose of Cuvée M. Flavors of Asian pear, yellow cling peach, nectarine and recurring wisps of crème fraiche are readily apparent through the medium bodied plate of this wine. Biscuit, brioche, elements of yeast and a wallop of spices all emerge in the substantial finish which lingers well after you swallow the last sip.

Cuvée M from Mumm Napa Valley is an excellent value. It outshines its $20 price point by leaps and bound. While it’s surely delicious on its own, this is precisely the sort of Sparkling wine that comes to mind for me when I have Brunch in mind. When you take into account the modest price, it's also one most can indulge in regularly.

Pol Roger - Brut Reserve “White Foil” (NV) / 2002 Brut Rosé / 1999 Brut Blanc de Blancs

The New Year is mere days away. And with it comes the annual frenzy of picking a Champagne or Sparkling Wine for the big night. Champagne is clearly a great way to mark a festive occasion but it’s also a great wine to enjoy with a meal or often times on its own as well. I recently took part in an online tasting of some Champagnes from Pol Roger. Their history in France dates back more than 160 years. Three of the Champagnes we sampled really stood out to me and I’ll provide my impressions of them. First up is the Pol Roger Brut Reserve “White Foil” (NV). This wine is a blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. All the fruit was sourced in sub appellations of the Champagne region. After crushing the grapes are fermented separately at cool temperature. When the final blends are assembled at least 2 vintages are represented and the wine ages a minimum of 3 years prior to release. This offering has a suggested retail price of $55. A host of aromas leap from the nose of this Non Vintage Brut; candied ginger, clover honey, almond, hazelnut, citrus and a hint of yeast are the most prominent. The full flavored palate is loaded with character and flavors such as lemongrass, hints of peach and a nice wallop of spices. The finish is crisp, layered and gentle with light yeast notes and continued spice that lingers persistently. This is a terrific example of NV Brut that blows away its price point by a fair clip.

Next up is the Pol Roger 2002 Brut Rosé. This wine is a blend of Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (35%), and Pinot Meunier (15%). The fruit for this wine was sourced in specific areas within Champagne. Each lot was pressed and fermented of separately. Final blending took place before bottling where the secondary fermentation took place. This wine has a suggested retail price of $115. This Rosé starts out with a classic and beautiful salmon hue. Aromas of candied raspberry and wild strawberry are prominent in the inviting nose. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate and rhubarb are all present throughout a juicy and berry-driven palate. This wine has firm structure and crisp acidity. The finish is lengthy and impressive. This wine is perfect foil for a wide array of foods.

Finally we come to the Pol Roger 1999 Brut Blanc de Blancs. This offering was produced from 100% Chardonnay sourced in Grand Cru vineyards around Champagne. Each lot is aged separately in stainless steel followed by blending and bottling. It then ages in the Pol Roger cellars for 7 years prior to release. This Vintage Champagne has a suggested retail price of $130. This wine has a gorgeous straw color. The nose is welcoming with hints of smoke, brioche and flowers. Apple and orchard fruit in general emerge on the palate which is creamy and ethereal. They’re joined by hazelnut and almond flavors as well as spice. The finish is amazingly layered and complex with minerals, spice, yeast and more. After swallowing a sip the flavors seem to continue forever. This wine is fresh and vibrant and really at the very beginning of its drinkable life cycle. There are champagnes in this price range that have bigger names, this selection from Pol Roger may not be quite as well known to the general consumer but it should be. It’s got impressive flavors, depth and complexity to spare. In short a lot of wow factor going on here. Value in my opinion is relative to quality provided. In this case the 1999 Blanc de Blancs from Pol Roger is a relative steal at $130.

Taken as a lot the Champagnes from Pol Roger are an excellent collection. When considered individually you’ll find a lot to like about each of them. If you drink Champagne regularly (and why wouldn’t you) keep the Pol Roger wines in mind, they’re worth your attention and your dollars.

Swanson Vineyards - 2009 Pinot Grigio / 2007 Oakville Merlot / 2007 Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon

Swanson Vineyards has been in Napa Valley since 1985. In that time they’ve built a stellar reputation for a number of things. They’re perhaps best known for their Merlot which has been a consistent winner on restaurant wine lists and store shelves. Their Salon in Oakville is home to quite simply the very best tasting experience in Napa Valley, bar none. They have an impressive and eclectic lineup of dessert wines that rivals anything offered in the state of California.  Quite frankly that only begins the list of attributes that makes Swanson a must for any California wine lover. Today I’ll take a look at three of their current releases. These offerings represent their widest distribution wines which are available across the country. First up is the Swanson 2009 Pinot Grigio. Fruit for this release was sourced at the home estate on the Oakville Crossroad and in Santa Barbara. This wine was cold fermented and aged in stainless steel.  6,250 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $21. The nose of this wine shows of hints of honey which lead to scores of lychee and passion fruit. The palate of this wine is impressively layered and complex for its category. Stone fruits dominate along with hints of orchard fruit and an underlying citrus component. These all lead into the unctuous finish which has hints of orange, vanilla bean, and spice. The finish is crisp and refreshing, inviting you back for more. There is a lot of unimpressive Pinot Grigio both in California and all over the world quite frankly. The Swanson Pinot Grigio however is cut from a different cloth. Year after year, vintage after vintage, it impresses and blows away its price point. Is it the best Pinot Grigio in California? Taste it and decide for yourself. No question though, it’s in the running.

Next up is the Swanson 2007 Oakville Merlot. This wine was produced using fruit from two vineyards; Oakville Cross Road Estate and Schmidt Ranch. Barrel aging was accomplished over 20 months in French and American oak. 40% of the barrels were new. 9,200 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $36. Aromas of violet, leather and black cherry are all prominent in the nose of this 2007 Merlot. Cherry flavors dominate the palate along with raspberry and a touch of blackberry. Espresso, earth, dark dusty baker’s chocolate and a wallop of minerals fill the long and persistent finish. This wine has solid acidity and impressive structure. If you drink this Merlot over the next couple of years I’d recommend decanting it for about 90 minutes. However if you have some patience I’ve found that the Swanson Merlots really develop quite nicely in the bottle. To my own taste I think they really hit another level about 6 years from the vintage date. In any case this release underscores the fact that Swanson makes one of the very best Merlots in Napa Valley regardless of price point. You can call it a Cabernet lover’s Merlot if you like or point out its Bordeaux influence; I choose to simply call it my favorite Merlot.

Finally we come to the Swanson 2007 Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was produced from fruit entirely sourced at the Schmidt Ranch in Napa Valley. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), some Merlot (19%) is also blended in. Barrel aging took place over 22 months in all French oak; 60% of them were new. 500 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $75. Alexis started life as a proprietary blend of mostly Cabernet with a generous dollop of Syrah and Merlot blended in. A few vintages back it shifted gears a bit and became a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Black cherry aromas are prominent in the nose of this wine. A hint of vanilla bean and a touch of eucalyptus are present as well. The palate is loaded with deep, dark berry fruit flavors. Cherry is prominent here as well, along with blackberry and black raspberry. Dark chocolate and hints of kirsch liqueur emerge in the finish along with oodles of earth that keeps coming and coming. The finish on this Cabernet Sauvignon is impressive to say the least. It has length and structure to spare. This wine is delicious now, but it’s really just a baby. If you’re patient and have proper storage conditions I would recommend laying it down for about 10 years and drinking it in the 5 or so years that follow. There’s a lot of very good Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. Alexis from Swanson is one of the very best in it’s price category. And while $75 may not be an everyday bottle for most, this is an excellent choice to tuck away for special occasions.

If you’ve waited until the last-minute, these wines from Swanson make for elegant and delicious gifts. However they’re far more than that. This is a dependable and impressive trio of wines that is consistent in quality year after year. They’re available all over the country and will offer lots of drinking pleasure. They’re also quite likely to impress your dinner quests or the lucky recipient if you buy them as gifts. I’ve been drinking the Swanson wines for over a decade and I’m always excited to revisit them whenever the opportunity arises. That’s something I can only say about a handful of producers.

Famiglia Bianchi - 2008 Pinot Noir

The Famiglia Bianchi wines from Argentina continue to offer solid (and often better) values at numerous tiers and price points. Their portfolio has a wide scope in terms of varietals, style and cost. This makes it relatively easy for almost anyone to find a wine in their line to enjoy. I for one am fond of their wines in general and today I’m looking forward to sampling their current release of Pinot Noir. The Famiglia Bianchi 2008 Pinot Noir was produced using fruit sourced in the San Rafael region of Mendoza. This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. After hand picking the wine was fermented and macerated with skins. Barrel aging was accomplished over six months in a combination of French and American oak.  This wine has a suggested retail price of $15.99.

Wild strawberry aromas dominate the nose along with an undercurrent of vanilla and a gentle wisp of crème fraiche. Black cherry, candied strawberry and a persistent vein of kirsch liqueur are the stars of the palate. Black pepper spice plays a role as well and leads to the finish which shows off black tea, continued wallops of cherry, emerging earth and wisps of espresso. This wine has soft, lush tannins and good acidity.

As has been my experience with the Bianchi wines in general this Pinot Noir is crafted with food in mind. It’ll excel with a broad range of roasted meats, cheeses and medium flavored foods. This 2008 Famiglia Bianchi Pinot Noir also continues the streak of great values from this dependable Argentinean producer.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Last month I had the opportunity to spend some time in Mendocino. More than that, I was lucky enough to share a good chunk of time with Paul Dolan and other members of his team. Tasting wine is one thing, seeing the way an operation is run, literally from the ground up a whole other. What Paul Dolan is accomplishing in Mendocino both under his label and the Parducci brand is impressive to say the least. The dedication to Organics, sustainability and Biodynamics is admirable and incredibly genuine. Their pursuit of pure wines that express a sense of place is their drive. That they do so as shepherds of land they wish to leave in better condition than they found it is the icing on the cake, and then some. Today I’ll take a look at the most current release of Cabernet Sauvignon from Paul’s label. The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from Mendocino fruit that was certified Organic. Just about 70% of the fruit is from Paul’s Dark Horse Vineyards which is certified Biodynamic. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (93%), this wine includes small amounts of Syrah (4%), and Petite Sirah (3%). Oak aging occurred over 20 months in a range of American oak. 3,811 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $25.

The nose of this 2007 Cabernet is filled with a trio of aromas; red berry fruit, vanilla and earthy mushrooms each play a role. Both red and black cherry flavors play a strong role throughout the palate. These flavors are joined by significant spice elements such as black pepper and nutmeg. A strong earth component emerges in the finish along with a touch of dusty baker’s chocolate. This wine has excellent structure marked by firm gripping tannins and solid acidity.

This is another in the line of terrific wines from Paul Dolan Vineyards. As with the others it shows off loads of pure unadulterated fruit while showcases its Mendocino roots. If Paul’s name is on the bottle, don’t hesitate to part with your hard-earned money. His wines provide quality and value in spades. It's also an excellent example of the kind of Cabernet Sauvignon that can be produced in Mendocino for a reasonable price point.

Cupcake Vineyards - NV Brut Rosé

Over the last couple of years Cupcake Vineyards has emerged as an interesting source for wine. They offer an ever increasing, eclectic portfolio of releases sourced the world over that deliver solid (or better) quality at prices that most folks can afford on a regular basis. Today I’ll look at one of their Sparkling Wine efforts. The Cupcake Vineyards Brut Rosé was produced using 100% French Pinot Noir. After gentle pressing the juice is cold fermented, over a couple of weeks, in stainless steel. After the lots are assembled it undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle followed by aging on the lees. It’s then riddled and corked prior to release. The whole process spans approximately 2 years, 10,000 cases of this sparkling wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $15.99.

Things start of with a classic salmon colored hue, lovely and typical for Rosé Sparklers. Aromas of wild strawberry lead the nose underscored by touches of crème fraiche. This wine has a substantial palate that features red cherry, strawberry and an overall mélange of juicy red fruits including watermelon. Wisps of biscuit and ginger are part of the finish along with creamy scone. The finish is noteworthy in its range for both length and structure.

What I love most about this Non Vintage Brut is how versatile it is. It’s delicious sipped by itself but will also pair well with a host of foods both sophisticated and casual. I had this wine alongside a grilled cheese sandwich of Muenster cheese on 12 grain bread; it was a terrific match. The modest price tag makes it a wine you can open any day of the week, the quality makes it something you’ll be happy to serve to guests.

Tamás Estates - 2009 Pinot Grigio / 2008 Zinfandel / 2008 Double Decker Red

With Holiday time upon us a lot of folks are looking for wines to drink at gatherings of all sorts. Sometimes the occasion calls for a special bottle of some kind. Perhaps in those cases you either pull out something you have tucked away or you might step outside of the normal spending budget to get something different, unique or limited. Conversely the Holiday Season also inspires a lot of more casual get-togethers with friends and family too. People in general seem more prone to call and say they’re going to pop by. It’s a times like these it’s really handy to have some everyday wines on hand to share. You want something that isn’t going to break the bank, but you’ll want it to be tasty too. Riding that line between budget and quality can be tricky. I believe the selections I’m looking at today from Tamás Estates make it a little easier. First up is the Tamás Estates 2009 Pinot Grigio. This wine was produced using fruit sourced in California’s Central Coast. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks. It has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Green apple and hints of citrus fill the nose of this Pinot Grigio. Zesty lemon-lime ice is apparent through the palate. Crisp sour fruits, hints of cream and spice make of the finish. This wine is refreshing and showcases firm acidity.

Next up is the Tamás Estates 2008 Zinfandel. This wine was also sourced from Central Coast fruit. Fermentation took place in stainless steel followed by aging in a combination of French, American and Eastern European oak; both new and neutral barrels were used. This wine has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Jam laden red fruits and touches of vanilla are present in the nose of this Zinfandel. Black raspberry and huckleberry are present in droves through the palate. Those berry fruit flavors continue through the finish along with black cherry, earth, graham cracker crust, plum pudding spice and toasty oak. This is Zinfandel built to pair with food.

Finally today is the Tamás Estates 2008 Double Decker Red. This blend was produced from Central Coast fruit. It combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera. After fermentation in stainless steel, aging occurred in both neutral oak and stainless steel. This wine has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Plum and blueberry aromas fill the nose of this blend. Cherry and continued blueberry and plum are prominent through the palate. Sour cherry emerges on the finish along with rhubarb and both black and white pepper. This is a very appealing red that will pair with a host of medium to full flavored foods.

This trio of wines from Tamás Estates is great for the purpose I described above; they’ll give you something tasty to open for a casual get together without breaking the bank. Wines like this are also handy to keep around the house when a friend or neighbor shows up and gives you an unexpected gift. A bottle of wine in a gift bag paired with a dark chocolate bar or a small bag of nuts is a convenient gift to have lying around for those occasions. And worst case if the holidays end and you didn’t use them for that purpose, open them on a random Tuesday with a slice of pizza.

Segura Viudas - Reserva Heredad Cava

Most great wine producing countries have their own Sparkling Wine traditions. Spain is no exception and they give us Cava. Segura Viudas sits on close to 450 acres in the Penedès region. The Cava tradition there dates back many years and there is high regard for the sparkling wines from Penedès. Today I’ll look at one of the many that Segura Viudas produces. The Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad was produced using fruit sourced at the winery estate in the Alt Penedès region of Spain. This offering is a blend of Macabeo (67%) and Parellada (33%). This wine spends up to four years aging on yeast. It has a suggested retail price of $25 for a standard 750 ml bottle and $40 for a 1.5 L Magnum.

A welcoming mélange of fruit aromas leads the fresh nose of this Cava. Honeydew Melon and green apple lead the charge, supported by a hint of white pepper spice. Grapefruit, lemon zest, and tart apple are all in abundance through the medium bodied palate. Ginger, brioche and a touch of yeast all emerge on the finish which has good length. This Cava is crisp, refreshing and nicely dry.

This Cava represents a very good value at $25. Over the years I’ve found that there’s something about large format bottles that excites a party or gathering. That makes the Magnum for $40 an even more outstanding value, and thus a perfect choice to mark a festive occasion this holiday season. The hand blown bottle with a pewter crest add to the elegance that’s contained inside. This wine is well worth checking out.