Benessere Vineyards - 2010 Rosato, Napa Valley Rosé

Rosé is one of the many reasons I look forward to warm weather. I’m glad to report that as a wine culture in this country we’ve gotten better in the last few years when it comes to embracing good, dry Rosé. Just about every wine making country has a Rosé tradition; this is particularly true in Europe. In Italy the tradition is Rosato and Napa Valley’s Benessere Vineyards, whose focus is Italian varietals, makes their own Rosato which I’ll look at today. The Benessere Vineyards 2010 Rosato was produced using Napa Valley fruit. This Rosé is composed of Zinfandel (49%), Sangiovese (41%) and Merlot (10%). Small amounts of the juice from each grape were bled off just prior to fermentation. This blend which becomes the Rosato was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Less than 300 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $16.

The nose of this Rosé brings to mind a bowl of fresh ripe red fruits. Cherry and raspberry flavors lead the palate which also shows off a nice core of spices. Red raspberry and a bit of blackberry emerge on the finish which is crisp and clean. This Rosé is fruity with just a bit of perceived sweetness poking through. The Benessere Rosato has a bit more heft than the average Rosé and will stand up to more substantial foods quite nicely. That said it’s perfectly delectable all by itself.

Benessere Vineyards makes Napa Valley wines that allow the Italian varietals they often work with to shine. Their portfolio is filled with wines which are elegant, balanced, food friendly and fairly priced. The 2010 Rosato is just one example of that. Check back soon for my look at their Zinfandels.

Michael David Winery - 2010 Sauvignon Blanc / 2009 Petite Petit

Michael David Winery has been turning out appealing, budget friendly wines for a number of years. Their 7 Deadly Zins is the first one that hit my radar. In subsequent years I’ve tasted many of their offerings and there has been a consistency of overall style and value to be found with their wines. Today I’ll look at a current release white and red in their portfolio. The Michael David Winery 2010 Sauvignon Blanc was produced from fruit sourced in Lake County. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, small amounts of Semillon and Muscat Canelli were blended in. This wine saw no time in oak. Just over 1,000 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $14.

Aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest and vanilla bean are prominent on the nose of this 2010 Lake County Sauvignon Blanc. Melon, tropical fruit and a continuing parade of citrus notes emerge on the palate; lemon ice and hints of tangerine are of particular note. White peach, apricot, pepper and a touch of nutmeg are part of the finish which has reasonable length. This wine is light crisp and very refreshing. Increasingly Lake County has become a haven for very tasty Sauvignon Blanc at extremely reasonable price points. This example from Michael David Winery certainly falls into that category.

The Michael David Winery 2009 Petite Petit was produced from fruit sourced in the Lodi Appelation. This offering blends Petite Sirah (85%) with Petit Verdot (15%). After fermentation, Petite Petit was barrel aged for 18 months in French oak. This wine has a suggested retail price of $18.

Violets, toast, dark berries and vanilla punctuate the nose which features intense aromas of brooding dark fruits. Plums, blueberries, blackberries and a host of plum pudding and fruitcake spices fill the palate whish is dense, layered and fairly intense. Dark chocolate and hints of earth mark the velvety finish of this wine. Petite Petit has firm tannins that yield with some air. This is a big, bold wine that will work best paired with similar styled foods. At 85% Petite Sirah this wine could legally be labeled as such; however the Petit Verdot plays a pivotal role here at 15% adding such depth and dimension that the Petite Petit name is wholly appropriate and actually quite perfect.

Both of these wines from Michael David Winery offer lots of pleasurable drinking for their price-points. As is their overall house style these wines offer lots of friendly upfront fruit that will appeal to large groups with varying palates. Unlike a lot of wines in these categories the Michael David wines also offer depth and length of palate that belie their price points. If you like bold California wines, the Michael David Portfolio is one you should explore.

Santa Julia + - 2010 Torrontés / 2010 Malbec

The Zuccardi Family in Argentina has been making wine since 1963 and they have more than 2,800 acres under vine. They’re committed to sustainable farming practices and making natural wines. Their latest project is the Santa Julia + line. These are budget priced offerings that sell for around $10. Today I’ll look at two wines in this line. The Santa Julia + 2010 Torrontés was produced using fruit sourced from their sustainably farmed Estate Vineyards in the Mendoza region of Argentina. Grapes were picked over a two week period at the end of March 2010. Temperature controlled fermentation was accomplished with select yeasts. This offering is 100% Torrontés and it has a suggested retail price of $10.

Aromas of white flowers and stone fruit fill the lovely nose of this 2010 Torrontés. The palate is quite fruity and juicy, yet perfectly dry. Apricot and peach flavors play a large role. Hints of mango chip in as well. Almond, hazelnut, vanilla bean and grapefruit characteristics are part of the finish which is crisp and clean with zippy acidity. This wine is a nice value in Torrontés, it’s refreshing and it shows off wonderful varietal character.

The Santa Julia + 2010 Malbec was produced from grapes grown on sustainably farmed Estate Vineyards in three distinct areas of Argentina. This offering is 100% Malbec. Following 20 days of maceration 30% of the wine was aged in French oak for four months. The barrels included were 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd time used. This wine has a suggested retail price of $10.

The deep, dark purple hue of this wine is striking the moment you pour it into the glass. Aromas of lavender and violets fill the nose along with brooding dark fruits. Plum and blackberry flavors are quite prominent throughout the palate along with both red and black raspberry. Wisps of toasty oak, white pepper as well as bits of dark chocolate are all part of the finish which has more than reasonable length for this category. Fine acidity keeps things in check.

These wines are emblematic of the value coming out of Argentina. These two offerings represent the key white and red varietals they offer. For less than $10 apiece if you shop around these wines are great everyday values that show off pure fruit flavors.

Parducci Wine Cellars - 2009 Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a varietal that adapts well to a large number of regions the world over. This grape is made in a host of enjoyable styles. Mendocino County is one of the regions that can under the right circumstances produce distinct Sauvignon Blanc. Today I’ll look at a value priced offering from Parducci Wine Cellars. The Parducci 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was produced from fruit sourced at the Hildreth Family’s vineyards. They’ve tended their land in Ukiah for five generations. This Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in stainless steel and saw no oak treatment of any sort. 2,000 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $11. It’s available all over the United States.

Lemon ice and vanilla bean aromas burst forth from the very engaging nose of this Sauvignon Blanc. An array of flavors emerges once you take a sip; apricot, white peach and citrus characteristics take center stage. White melon, continued stone fruits and a cavalcade of spices emerge on the mellifluous finish which also shows off hints of papaya. Drink this wine by itself or pair it with light summer fare for excellent results.

I absolutely love this 2009 Sauvignon Blanc from Parducci. For $11 (less if you shop around) this wine is an exceptional value. The folks at Parducci are turning out wine release after wine release that belie their price points by offering tons of bang for the buck; this is just one of the most current examples. Buy their wines with confidence.

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.

Trapiche - 2008 Oak Cask Malbec

The Trapiche 2008 Oak Cask Malbec was produced using fruit from the Mendoza region of Argentina. Some of the fruit is from estate vineyards and some from other Mendoza vineyards. This wine is 100% Malbec. Fruit was hand picked and fermented in temperature controlled vats. Each lot of wine was separately aged in a combination of French and American oak over a period of twelve months. Prior to bottling the lots are blended and undergo a light filtration. This wine sells for right around $10. Aromas of toasty oak, vanilla bean and black cherry explode from the nose. Dark berries dominate the plate; blackberries, raspberries and black cherries all play a role. Ribbons of red fruit pass through as well and provide a nice counterpoint in flavor. Vanilla, minerals, graphite and fresh roasted espresso flavors are all part of the finish which has good length for the price point.

This Malbec from Trapiche is a terrific value in its category. It offers a bit more complexity, length and elegance than many other examples in the under $12 category. It has plenty of up front fruit but it also has balance which many examples of Malbec in this price range lack. You can certainly drink this wine on its own, but it’s particularly well suited to pair with grilled meats. Sliders, kabobs or chops would be perfect. Mushroom based dished and hard, flavorful cheeses are safe bets as well. In any case if you drink Malbec, the Oak Cask from Trapiche is one to look out for in the under $12 category.

V. Sattui - 2008 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

There are a handful of regions in California that are particularly well suited for Zinfandel. Each of them stands apart by imparting unique character in the wines grown there. Sonoma County is particularly lucky because it has two areas that can grow exceptional Zin. Dry Creek Valley is one and the other is Russian River Valley. Pinot Noir comes to mind first for most people when it comes to Russian River Valley, but the Zinfandel is often equally compelling. Today I’ll look at one from Napa Valley’s V. Sattui that they sourced in the Russian River Valley. The V. Sattui 2008 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel was produced using Russian River Valley Fruit. This is a single vineyard effort with all of the  fruit coming from the namesake Gilsson vineyard. These vines were planted in the 60’s. This particular piece of property sits on the edge of Russian River Valley, right near where the Chalk Hill appellation starts. That gives it some influence from both areas. This limited production wine sells for $36.

An absolutely intoxicating nose is led by strong cherry aromas that have a hint of  liqueur to them. Raspberry and cherry flavors, both red and black, are prominent throughout the palate. Sweet dark chocolate, black pepper, chicory and earth elements are all part of a long, lusty, lingering finish. The chocolate notes in particular echo on and on memorably. Well integrated tannins show necessary firmness along with terrific acidity for good overall structure.

This wine has the balance, restraint and complexity to age for a decade or more. At its core this wine is an absolutely textbook example of top notch Russian River Valley Zinfandel. The bottom line is that this Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel from V. Sattui is a lovely wine. If you’re a Zinfandel fan, this is a fine offering, well worth your time and money.

El Coto de Rioja - 2010 Rioja Rosado

The El Coto de Rioja 2010 Rioja Rosado was produced using fruit sourced at estate vineyards. El Coto which was founded in 1975 has 500 hectares under vine. This offering is a 50/50 blend of Garancha and Tempranillo. This wine sits on the skin for 48 hours followed by cold fermentation. This offering has a suggested retail price of $10. Aromas of strawberry, cherry and watermelon burst from the nose of this 2010 Rosé. The palate is exceptionally juicy and vibrant; it’s loaded with fresh red fruits. Strawberry, cherry, raspberry and watermelon are all present. Rhubarb and sweet black cherry flavors emerge on the finish as well as white pepper. This wine is incredibly refreshing and will pair well with an incredibly wide array of foods. It’s also delicious on its own.

When it comes to Rosés for summer 2011, this example from El Coto in Rioja is going to be hard to beat for the money. If you look around you can easily find this wine for less than $10. For that price it offers lots of value. The fresh fruit flavors are sure to be crowd pleasing and the refreshing nature of this wine, which is supported by racy acidity, makes it a great bet for outdoor entertaining. Just yesterday I attended a party where I was asked to bring the wine. I brought a full case of this very Rosé and everyone was quite happy. One partygoer told me that she normally only drank Pinot Grigio but that this wine has convinced her to try other things. It only takes one terrific Rosé to convert the non-believers. Try the El Coto it may do the same for you.

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.

Santi - 2010 Soave Classico DOC “Vigneti di Monteforte”

Santi has a long history in the Veneto that dates back to 1843. The Santi 2010 Soave Classico DOC “Vigneti di Monteforte” was produced using estate fruit as well as some purchased under long term contracts with neighbors throughout the region. This offering is a blend of Garganega (90%) and Trebbiano di Soave (10%). Fermentation and aging took place in stainless steel over a period of 7 months. Prior to bottling this wine undergoes a light filtration. This Soave has a suggested retail price of $16.99. Aromas of nectarine and fleur de orange fill the enticing and lively nose of this 2010 Soave and a hint of ginger pops in as well. From the first sip this wine is juicy, refreshing and appealing with a fruity, layered mid-palate. Fleshy white melon and stone fruits in droves are the stars of the show here. Hints of herbs play an underlying role and add layers of complexity along with copious spice characteristics. Hazelnut flavors along with vanilla bean lead the finish which displays fine persistence. This well balanced wine has crisp acidity and terrific balance.

This is a wine that should please a wide array of white wine lovers. It’s thirst quenching and fruit forward so it’ll appeal to the masses and it also features more than sufficient complexity to keep the more vociferous wine lovers happy on a hot summer day. Drink this one on its own or pair it with light, warm weather foods, in either case an excellent Soave for the money

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.

Frescobaldi - 2008 Tenuta Di Castiglioni

The Frescobaldi 2008 Tenuta Di Castiglioni was produced using fruit sourced at estate vineyards in the Montesportoli section of Tuscany. This estate which sits on 321 acres is between 656 and 820 feet above sea level and the vines have an average of 12 years of age on them. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (10%), and Sangiovese (10%). Fermentation took place over 10 days followed by oak aging over twelve months in barriques. The wine is then aged in bottle for two additional months prior to release. This offering has a suggested retail price of $22.99. Aromas of dry bramble and earth are joined by violets, plums, and cherries in the inviting nose of this 2008 Tuscan blend from Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi. Dried fruit characteristics are in strong evidence throughout the palate; cherries, raspberries and blackberries are of particular note and they’re accompanied by bits of dried herbs. Dark crushed cherry flavors emerge on the finish along with toasty oak, cinnamon and baker’s spices in general. This wine has firm, gripping tannins and terrific acidity. I recommend about an hour in the decanter to really let this wine open up and express its charms.

This wine is a nice example of what can be done when utilizing both indigenous and international varieties in Tuscany. For just over $20 it’s a really nice value to boot and it’s widely available as well. Tenuta Di Castiglioni will pair well with roasted meats, hard cheeses, dark chocolate and of course a dish of pasta in red sauce. Drink this wine over the next 5 years.

Big House - 2009 "Cardinal Zin" Beastly Old Vines Zinfandel

Fourth of July weekend is one of the times each year when it’s definitely important to have wine on hand that will please a large crowd. Whether you’re grilling at home, celebrating with friends and family, or dining out, there are sure to be a wide array of taste buds in most gatherings. Quenching those taste buds at a reasonable cost is what I look to do on these occasions. The folks at Big House have been making widely available wines with crowd appeal that won’t bust your budget for years. Today I’ll look at one of their Zins to see if it fits the bill for this holiday weekend. The Big House 2009 Cardinal Zin Beastly Old Vines Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced from a number of appellations throughout California. In addition to Zinfandel (80%), this wine also contains Mourvedre (10%), Carignane (8%), and Petite Sirah (2%). 35,000 cases of this offering were produced. It’s available in traditional 750 ml bottles as well as 3 Liter boxes or casks as they call them. The respective suggested retail prices are $9.99 and $22.

Red raspberry and cherry aromas burst forcefully from the nose of this 2009 Zinfandel. Loads of sweet red fruit flavors appear throughout the palate; they’re interspersed with hints of dark fruit such as blackberry and black cherry. Candied fruit flavors emerge on the finish along with black and white pepper spice, pie crust and rhubarb.

This is a very appealing wine that will delight its core audience, large groups of people having a BBQ or party. It’s an easy drinking Zinfandel that will pair very well with just about anything that comes off of your grill. In the 3 Liter format it works out to just over $5 a bottle. That’s hard to beat especially when you take into account that housed in this Eco-Friendly format this offering will drink well for about a month after it was first opened.

Louis Jadot - 2009 Pouilly-Fuisse

The Louis Jadot 2009 Pouilly-Fuisse was produced using fruit sourced in the southern part of Burgundy where a few tiny villages make up this sub-appellation. This offering is 100% Chardonnay. This wine has a suggested retail price around $22 and is currently selling at WineChateau.com for right around $18. Apple and pear aromas are infused with vanilla bean and a hint of toast through the nose of this 2009 Chardonnay. Golden Delicious apple flavors are quite prominent on the palate which is fruity and full-bodied, displaying good weight and plenty of complex layers of flavor. Baker’s spices and pie crust characteristics join in and lead to the finish which has minerals such as limestone and graphite as well as lemon zest characteristics. This wine is balanced by firm acidity and will pair well with a wide array of foods such as grilled white meats, soft and semi-soft cheeses, pastas with cream sauces and more.

Just about every wine region makes Chardonnay. The results vary greatly, to say the least. Even within France itself the styles and intent of Chardonnay run the gamut. Just about every village or sub-region has their own unique terroir and the French are expert at showing off that sense of place. This Example from Louis Jadot offers a lot of drinking pleasure for the price. It’s loaded with varietal character and offers more than reasonable length and complexity in its category. If you’re a Chardonnay drinker (and why wouldn’t you be?) here’s one worth exploring.

Irony - 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

It’s not difficult to find good Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Spend a little bit of time there and you practically trip over all the fine examples that are available. What is trickier however is finding solid Napa Cabernet at an everyday price. I’m not talking about showcase wines that need to be aged or overly examined; rather just good, solid ones most folks can afford to drink with a casual meal. Today I’ll look at a well priced Cabernet from Irony and see if it fits the bill. The Irony 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced primarily in the Wooden Valley section of Napa; it sits east of Yountville. The remainder of the fruit is from Pope Valley. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), this wine also contains small amounts of Petite Sirah (6%) and Merlot (4%). Fermentation took place in stainless steel with daily pumpovers. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel. This wine was aged in a combination of French and American oak for 11 months. 19,000 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $13.99.

Dark berry fruit aromas are present on the nose of this wine along with bits of eucalyptus and dry green herbs. The palate is incredibly juicy with blueberry, blackberry and dark plum flavors stealing the show alongside some core spices. Toasty oak, vanilla, white pepper and espresso characteristics mark the finish which has reasonable length. This Cabernet has soft tannins and well integrated acidity. This wine will pair will with meat or mushroom dishes. It also drinks well on its own.

This wine is exactly what I’m looking for when it comes to under $15 Cabernet from Napa Valley. It has good varietal character, and it’s well balanced with a finish that has better than decent length. This wine is aimed a short term consumption; I’d drink it over the next 2 years when it’s fruit flavors are at their peak.

Franciscan Estate - 2008 Cuvée Sauvage Chardonnay

Carneros is one of the regions in California that has the ability to grow excellent Chardonnay. It seems that more and more folks on both the Napa and Sonoma side of things are looking to relatively cool climate Carneros when they source Chardonnay. Franciscan Estate is a long time Napa Valley producer best known for Magnificat, their Bordeaux style red blend. Today I’ll look at the top level white wine in their portfolio. The Franciscan Estate 2008 Cuvée Sauvage Chardonnay was produced entirely from fruit sourced in the Carneros appellation of Napa Valley. This offering is 100% Chardonnay. Much of the fruit comes from the winery’s own Larsen Vineyard. All of the fruit was fermented in barrel using native yeasts. Barrel aging occurred over 14 months in all French oak; 86% of the barrels were new. Just fewer than 1,500 cases of this offering were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $40.

Aromas of vanilla bean, toast and nutmeg join an alluring array of orchard fruits on the nose of this 2008 Chardonnay. Pineapple, apricot, and hints of mango join continued orchard fruit notes throughout the palate of this wine. Baker’s spices emerge towards the back of the palate and lead to the lengthy finish which shows off lemon crème, minerals and chestnut characteristics.

This Chardonnay has plenty of oak influence on it, but it really adds character to this wine as opposed to detracting from it. The pure Carneros fruit shines through brilliantly, making for a delicious drinking experience. This offering will pair well with the more richly flavored side of foods appropriate for white wines. Creamy Four-Cheese Risotto would be a good choice as would Duck Confit.

Henry's Drive - 2010 Morse Code Chardonnay

A number of years ago I first ran across a bottle of Pillar Box Red. This Australian blend was well priced and tasty. Since that time I’ve gone back to it on numerous occasions, recommended to people and had the opportunity to taste it alongside its winemaker. Most compelling for a wine in its price-point is how consistent its quality and general flavor profile has been from year to year. This isn’t often the case with wines around the $10 mark. Last week I had dinner with Henry’s Drive winemaker Renae Hirsch and Winery owner Kim Longbottom. We tasted through much of their current portfolio, including classics like Dead Letter Office and Parson’s Flat as well as The Scarlett Letter a Sparkling Shiraz that’s new for them. Across the board the Henry’s Drive wines are well made and appropriately priced for the quality they offer at each level. In many cases their wines over deliver. One of the wines that really outperforms its price-point is The Morse Code Chardonnay. This is one of the few wines we tasted that night which I had not sampled previously. The Henry’s Drive 2010 Morse Code Chardonnay was produced using fruit sourced in the Padthaway region of Australia. This offering is 100% Chardonnay. A small amount of oak was used in the production of this wine. 5,600 cases of the 2010 vintage were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $8.99.

Ripe orchard fruit aromas leap from the glass of this Chardonnay. A host of both tropical and continued orchard fruit flavors are present on the incredibly pleasing palate of this wine. Pear, pineapple, apple and a hint of papaya are all in evidence along with a core of spices such as nutmeg, clove and vanilla bean. The finish is crisp and refreshing with terrific acidity and good length. This wine is delicious on it’s own but will pair well with lighter foods.

The bottom line for me on the Morse Code Chardonnay is that it’s a steal. This wine is loaded with Chardonnay character. The subtle amount of oak used, adds some complexity as it should, but never detracts. You’re going to be hard pressed to find a Chardonnay for less than $10 that provides as much varietal character, purity of fruit and just sheer delicious drinkability as this wine. If you need a house white wine for the summer a case of Morse Code Chardonnay is a great bet.

The Henry’s Drive Wines provide quality, distinction and value at every price point. Whether you’re spending $8.99 on the Morse Code Chardonnay, or $49.99 on the Reserve Shiraz you’re going to get value for your money. And with them continuing to push the envelope adding new and exciting releases like “The Scarlett Letter,” a delicious Sparking Shiraz, the folks at Henry’s Drive always have something compelling for wine lovers to sample. Buy their wines with the confidence that they are one of Australia’s best and most consumer friendly producers. If you’re a fan of Australian Wine, there’s no doubt in my mind their portfolio has something you’ll be interested in.

Visiting Benessere Vineyards in Napa Valley

On my most recent trip to Napa Valley I had the opportunity to visit Benessere Vineyards, while there I spent some time with winemaker Jack Stuart. He’s been on board at Benessere for roughly a year and he’s set to usher in the winery’s next era. Of late he’d been working on his own projects, but prior to that he’d been the winemaker at Napa Valley stalwart Silverado for more than 20 years. The focus at Benessere is on Italian varietals. Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio. Muscat Canelli, and Aglianico are all part of the portfolio. Their Rosato contains Sangiovese as well, and they make several Zinfandels in addition to a couple of other releases. Each wine in the portfolio I tasted on my visit was distinct. What ties the Benessere wines together is that they are well balanced offerings loaded with varietal character; each of them is primed to pair with food.

In speaking to Jack I was able the gleam quite a bit about his approach to winemaking and what changes he intends on a go forward basis for the Benessere wines. In fact it’s fair to say that his intent is to take the traits I feel are already strong about the wines and take them to the next level. From a technical standpoint he’s making small changes with the oak treatment some of the wines receive, using French instead of American in spots he feels that’s appropriate. Another example is improving the Pinot Grigio by working to craft one without the bit of residual sugar that has cropped up in some vintages.

Benessere makes a couple of single vineyard Zinfandels which are impressive for a couple of reasons. Importantly, the Benessere Zinfandels are distinct, as single vineyard wines should be. Unfortunately not every single-vineyard wine on the market is as distinct and special as that designation is intended to indicate. That’s not an issue at Benessere where the Zinfandel is made in a classic style which compared to some of the other Zinfandels on the market today would be considered restrained. In truth what they are is impeccably balanced and age-worthy, showing off a sense of place that makes them noteworthy.

Benessere Vineyards is located at 1010 Big Tree Road in St Helena and they’re open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Check there website for more specific details as well as tasting and tour options. Benessere sits up on a quiet road in St. Helena, one of the least hectic parts of Napa Valley. It’s a serene atmosphere that seems far removed from the hustle and bustle that so often embodies Highway 29, just a stones throw away. The folks at Benessere are friendly and the wines are well made, quite delicious and more than fairly priced. If you’re going to be in Napa Valley I highly recommend setting aside some time out to visit them. Take a break from the endless array of Cabernet Sauvignon and sample some well made California versions of classic Italian varieties.

Also, please stay tuned as I’ll take a close look at some of the current releases from Benessere Vineyards right here over the next few weeks.

Veramonte - 2009 Ritual Pinot Noir

The Veramonte 2009 Ritual Pinot Noir was produced from fruit sourced exclusively in the Casablanca Valley of Chile. This offering is 100% Pinot Noir. After hand harvesting each batch of grapes went through double sorting. Fermentation was aided by wild yeasts. Barrel aging took place over a period of 12 months in all French oak; 40% of the barrels were new. This wine has a suggested retail price of $19.99. When I first tasted the Ritual Pinot Noir with the previous vintage I was pretty knocked out with the quality and varietal character that wine offered for under $20. Since that time I’ve gone back to that release on a number of occasions and each time I’ve found the quality and value to be consistent. So when the time to taste the 2009 arrived I was both excited and a bit hesitant. My hesitation came from fear that it might not live up to what came before. Thankfully that fear was unfounded.

Aromas of fresh red fruit, strawberry and cherry in particular fill the nose of this 2009 Pinot Noir. A layer of herbs underscores this and provides a nice counterpoint. Red and black berry fruits are prominent through the palate which has good weight. Black and red cherry, raspberry, blueberry and wild strawberry are all in play here. A hint of jam emerges on the lengthy finish along with hints of toasty oak and copious spice notes. This is a full bodied Pinot Noir that will pair well with richly flavored foods.

This Pinot will drink well over next 3-4 years. For best results I suggest decanting it for about an hour. The folks at Veramonte continue to turn out well made, reasonably priced wines, keep their name on your radar for delicious value.

Cinnabar Winery - 2008 Mercury Rising

The Cinnabar Winery 2008 Mercury Rising was produced from fruit sourced in four California appellations; Paso Robles, Lodi, Lake County, and Monterey County. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. All of the fruit for this selection was hand harvested during cool morning hours. Fermentation took place in open top bins and stainless steel tanks. Barrel aging occurred over 25 months in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak; 40% of the barrels were new. A light filtering took place just prior to bottling. This wine has a suggested retail price of $21. Vanilla, cherry, pepper and cigar box aromas are all prominent on the nose of this 2008 blend. The palate is loaded with additional cherry as well as blueberry flavors. A solid core of spices plays a significant role here as well; nutmeg, clove and a hint of cinnamon are of particular note. Sour cherry, pomegranate and rhubarb characteristics are all part of a smooth finish that has a velvety feel. This wine has soft, approachable tannins and solid acidity.

There’s a lot to like about this 2008 Blend from Cinnabar. First and foremost it’s delicious and perfectly suited for a wide array of cuisine. Whether you pair it with a dish of pasta or something off of your grill the results will be a terrific pairing. In addition to that this wine also represents a nice value. If you shop around you’ll find it for around $18, at that price it’ll be a good everyday choice for a lot of folks.