WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB - FEATURED WINES FOR OCTOBER 2009
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International Wine Club |
West Coast Wine Club |
Red Trio Wine Club |
Single Bottle Wine Club
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90+ Point Wine Club |
The Ultimate Wine Club |
Sparkling Wine & Champagne Club
35' South - Chile
35' South is produced by one of Chile's finest producers, San Pedro. Vina San Pedro's history began in 1865 when Bonifacio and
Jose Gregorio Correa Albano planted vineyards in the Curico Valley - latitude 35' South. A lot has changed since then and the
winery has grown to over 6000 acres! They're lucky to have nature on their side. Chile has a dry, sunny yet fairly cool climate
that helps keep disease and pests to a minimum. When an industry leader like San Pedro turns its attention to organic farming, you
know it's going to be done right. San Pedro hired a German company, BSC, to certify their organic program because they wanted to
provide a guarantee to their customers and meet strict European standards regarding the production of organic wines.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
The wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot. No chemical products were added to the wine at any point during the
vinification process. Overall the wine has is of surprising intensity with aromas of ripe cassis and red fruits playing off notes
of tobacco and spice. Nice structure on the palate showcasing mature smooth tannins, smoky blackberry flavors and zesty black
pepper on the finish. The wine is perfect now and will keep with proper care through 2012. Try it with pasta.
Don Ramon - Spain
Don Ramon is part of the Campo de Borja Denomination of Origin, and its vineyards are located in the foothills of the Iberian
Mountain Range, in the northern part of the province of Zaragoza. All this area, which includes the foot of the Iberian Mountain
Range and the high valley of the Ebro River, also shared by Navarra and La Rioja, is a privileged area for growing vineyards, both
for the quality of the soil and its climate. The Bodegas Aragonesas vineyards occupy an area of 3,500 hectares, with a height of
between 450 and 500 meters and with a formation of small hills facing southeast. This area, cultivated by wine growers from
Magallon and Fuendejalon, produces 12 million kilograms of grapes, with a predominance of the "Garnacha" variety.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Tinto Barrica Campo de Borja DO
Made from 75% Grenache and 25% Tempranillo aged for 4 months in American oak barrels being matured in its own bottle. Ruby dark
garnet in color, with an effusive creamy cherry cough drop and aquarium nose; flavors turn more toward deeper, darker black cherry
and raspberry on a medium to medium full bodied frame, with moderate tannins and balanced acidity. A subtle earthiness underneath
the bright fruit adds some depth and complexity, making for a harmonious glass of red wine. Drink now through 2011. Pair with
roast lamb, paella, burgers, grilled vegetables, and cheeses.
Southern Highland Wines - Australia
Southern Highland Wines Estate is situated near the delightful village of Sutton Forest on the Illawarra Highway. Their
location is a tremendous asset, just over an hour from Sydney and Wollongong and under a leisurely two hours from Canberra.
Australia's cool-climate regions are gaining world-wide pre-eminence. One such region is the Southern Highlands of New South
Wales. The wines from this region have distinctive characters, elegance and varietal definition traditionally found in the world's
classiest most elegant wines. The logo and name Triplepoint comes from a physics term where "the triple point" is the intersection
on a phase diagram where three phases coexist in equilibrium. But not just a catchy symbol. In wine speak, balance is such a
meaningful attribute that they extended the physics term "triple point" to their way of making wine; Everything in Balance Also,
the three peaks represent the altitude at which they grow their grapes.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Triplepoint Singularity Sauvignon Blanc
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Overall the wine is crisp, clean and displays prominent lychee, passion fruit & Chinese
gooseberry on both the nose and palate. The palate is lengthened by a clean, fresh herbaceousness that extends through the mouth
leaving a full, round finish. This wine is light and refreshing. Drink now through 2010. This wine is perfect with Asian cuisine
or a crisp salad.
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Mas Basile - France
Chateau de Valcombe produces wines in Costieres de Nimes, on the edge of the Rhone Valley. The property is owned and managed by
Dominique Ricome, and his family. Valcombe's vineyards are covered with gallets roles (round stones) like those of
Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The vines receive plenty of sun, balanced by the cooling influences of the Mediterranean. The Ricome's were
some of the first to plant Syrah so far south, and their experience shows.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Cuvee Prestige Syrah
Made from 80% Syrah and blended with 20% Grenache. The color is dark, inky purple-red that just glows in the glass. It is meaty
and rich, without being overly heavy, and sings with notes of pepper, plums, blackberry, blueberry, violets, and warm earth. The
wine is perfect now. Serve at room temperature with grilled meats, tapas, burgers, sausages and medium flavored cheeses.
Mt. Jagged - Australia
Mt. Jagged's Vineyard was established in 1989 by the White family, with close-planted Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz,
Chardonnay and Semillon. The vineyard sits at 350 m above sea level on a diversity of soils ranging from ironstone/clay for the
red varieties to sandy loam/clay for the whites. The cool-climate vineyard produces fresh, crisp, zingy white wines and
medium-bodied savory reds of complexity and depth. The vineyard has good rainfall and natural spring water in abundance.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Southern Fleurieu
Made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from cool climate vines in the Southern Fleurieu region. Deep red in color, the
complex nose offers forest fruits wrapped in subtle cigar box and briar notes. A plush front palate that dovetails into intense
plum and blackberry fruits given support by integrated French oak and a subtle hint of cinnamon spice. The long finish is framed
by finely grained tannins and a refreshing acid backbone. Drink now through 2014. This wine pairs well with grilled meats and
strong cheeses.
Las Colinas Del Ebro - Spain
Las Colinas del Ebro are a new line of wines inspired by the high altitude vines near the river Ebro, one of the great rivers
of Europe and a profound influence on the landscape and history of northern Spain. Because of its strategic importance, the towns
and hills of the Ebro staged the bloodiest battles of the Spanish civil war in the summer of 1938 and any visit to this region in
southern Catalonia leaves one with an indelible sense of those tragic events. More cheerfully, this area is now a hot-spot for
quality wine production and gastronomic creativity. The team responsible for these new wines is managing director of Bodegas
Abanico, Rafael de Haan and technical director of Celler Batea, Luis Martin. They believe that the D.O. Terra Alta has a bright
future as a region for quality wines.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Garnacha Blanca
Made from 100% Garnacha Blanca. This wine was raised in stainless steel tanks. Medium straw-colored, it exhibits an attractive
perfume of mineral, spring flowers, white peach, and melon that jumps from the glass. On the palate it is exceptionally
concentrated, mouth-filling, and vibrant with plenty of spicy fruit, good depth, and a fruit-filled finish. Enjoy it over the
next two years.
Portuga - Portugal
Portuga is located some 40 km north of Lisbon near the town of Torres Vedras. It's a big operation: the estate covers 280 ha,
with 160 ha of vineyards, some not yet in production, and more than half of the vines here have been planted since 1990. Indeed,
the first bottled wines from this estate were launched as recently as 1996. The wines of Portuga are clearly made in a modern,
extracted style, with long maceration and some ageing in new barriques (Portuguese oak is used here), yet they haven't lost their
Portuguese roots
FEATURED WINE: 2008 White Vinho Regional Estremadura
A unique blend of local Portuguese grapes Arinto, Fernao Pires, and Vital. The wine is a clear lemon straw color. It has fresh
aromatics of tropical and citrus fruits. On the palate it is fruity, flavorsome, and well balanced. It then carries to a clean
acid finish. Drink now through 2011. This is an excellent aperitif or with a variety of white sauce pasta dishes, savory seafood
such as salmon or fatty fish.
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J. Scott Cellars - Eugene, Oregon
J. Scott Cellars is a small boutique wine producer that features wines of the Pacific Northwest. Owners Jonathan and Bonnie
Oberlander believe that wine is a form of consumable art, where no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Rather, each wine is a
"snap-shot" of the growing season, mixed with specific varietal characteristics unique to each grape and a small amount of human
intervention. Each of their wines represents a singular artistic expression of the winemaker.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Avante Red Blend
Grapes used in decreasing order: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah and Dolcetto from grapes harvested in both Washington and
Oregon. This unorthodox blend produced a big, juicy wine that is rich, concentrated and unbelievably complex. Aromas of ripe
plum, spice and toasty oak are a prelude to a velvety finish. This wine is best enjoyed with well marbled meats and full flavored
cheeses. Drink now through 2011.
Tin House Winery - Santa Maria, California
Tin House is a small family-owned and operated winery making some of the most notable wines to come out of California's Central
Coast. Gathering only the best fruit from this region of foggy canyons and sea-swept valleys they concentrate on three varietals:
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Because they only produce limited vintages, their wines exhibit intimate craftsmanship
and have a distinct artisan character. Winemaking has been a family trait at Tin House Winery for generations.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Syrah Edna Valley
Made from 100% Syrah. The grapes for this wine are from a single vineyard in Edna Valley among the rolling hills of the Central
Coast of California. The resulting wine offers deep, rich aromas of herbs with hints of black pepper paralleled by a color of
equal depth. This pleasing Syrah is flooded with black cherry and cassis fruit, as well as smoky oak, it has the beautiful
acidity and is an outstanding example of the fine tannins typical of its terroir. Drink now through 2010.
Rock Point Wines - Gold Hill, Oregon
Rock Point is located on the Northern bank of the Rogue River in southern Oregon. The distinguished Rock Point formation
became the name of a small community founded by J.B.White in the early 1850s. Rock Point has a colorful history consisting of the
Rogue Indian wars, gold mining, floods, the railroad, and orchards. Today, the only remainder of the community's history is the
still standing Stage Coach Shop, the location of the Rock Point Hotel, a major stop along the California-Oregon Stage line.
Rock Point Wines are created by Del Rio vineyards in Southern Oregon's Rogue River Valley between the Cascade and Siskiyou
mountain ranges.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Pinot Grigio
Made from 100% Pinot Grigio. The flavors of this Oregon Pinot Grigio are made up of blends of citrus, melon and fresh cut apple.
The mouthfeel is light and tangy with a slight mineral character on the finish. This is a delightful wine that can be served
anytime. Food pairings include grilled fish, oysters, sushi and spicy Asian dishes.
Corvidae Winery - Sunnyside, Washington
Corvidae Winery was started by Oregon and Washington powerhouse winemaker David O'Reilly. O'Reilly co-founded Sineann Winery
and is the co-owner and winemaker for Owen Roe Winery in Newberg, Oregon. Owen Roe wines are highly sought-after, using grapes
from Oregon (with Pinot Noir as the flagship) and Washington (the high-end Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). Rather than expand his
winery and produce more of the same thing, O'Reilly and business partner Jerry Owen purchased an old Carnation dairy facility in
Sunnyside, Wash., and a vineyard dubbed Outlook, west of Sunnyside with about 105 planted acres.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Crowe White Blend
Made from Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat. This crisp and delightful blend has bright and lively fruit with
excellent minerality. The Sauvignon Blanc provides a framework of classic fresh cut hay aromas, the Riesling and Pinot Gris
balance the profile with tropical guava and peach notes, and the Muscat adds just a hint of orange peel. For a real treat, serve
chilled with soft ripened cheeses or prosciutto-wrapped melon.
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35' South - Chile
35' South is produced by one of Chile's finest producers, San Pedro. Vina San Pedro's history began in 1865 when Bonifacio and
Jose Gregorio Correa Albano planted vineyards in the Curico Valley - latitude 35' South. A lot has changed since then and the
winery has grown to over 6000 acres! They're lucky to have nature on their side. Chile has a dry, sunny yet fairly cool climate
that helps keep disease and pests to a minimum. When an industry leader like San Pedro turns its attention to organic farming, you
know it's going to be done right. San Pedro hired a German company, BSC, to certify their organic program because they wanted to
provide a guarantee to their customers and meet strict European standards regarding the production of organic wines.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
The wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot. No chemical products were added to the wine at any point during the
vinification process. Overall the wine has is of surprising intensity with aromas of ripe cassis and red fruits playing off notes
of tobacco and spice. Nice structure on the palate showcasing mature smooth tannins, smoky blackberry flavors and zesty black
pepper on the finish. The wine is perfect now and will keep with proper care through 2012. Try it with pasta.
Mt. Jagged - Australia
Mt. Jagged's Vineyard was established in 1989 by the White family, with close-planted Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz,
Chardonnay and Semillon. The vineyard sits at 350 m above sea level on a diversity of soils ranging from ironstone/clay for the
red varieties to sandy loam/clay for the whites. The cool-climate vineyard produces fresh, crisp, zingy white wines and
medium-bodied savory reds of complexity and depth. The vineyard has good rainfall and natural spring water in abundance.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Southern Fleurieu
Made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from cool climate vines in the Southern Fleurieu region. Deep red in color, the
complex nose offers forest fruits wrapped in subtle cigar box and briar notes. A plush front palate that dovetails into intense
plum and blackberry fruits given support by integrated French oak and a subtle hint of cinnamon spice. The long finish is framed
by finely grained tannins and a refreshing acid backbone. Drink now through 2014. This wine pairs well with grilled meats and
strong cheeses.
Tin House Winery - Santa Maria, California
Tin House is a small family-owned and operated winery making some of the most notable wines to come out of California's Central
Coast. Gathering only the best fruit from this region of foggy canyons and sea-swept valleys they concentrate on three varietals:
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Because they only produce limited vintages, their wines exhibit intimate craftsmanship
and have a distinct artisan character. Winemaking has been a family trait at Tin House Winery for generations.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Syrah Edna Valley
Made from 100% Syrah. The grapes for this wine are from a single vineyard in Edna Valley among the rolling hills of the Central
Coast of California. The resulting wine offers deep, rich aromas of herbs with hints of black pepper paralleled by a color of
equal depth. This pleasing Syrah is flooded with black cherry and cassis fruit, as well as smoky oak, it has the beautiful
acidity and is an outstanding example of the fine tannins typical of its terroir. Drink now through 2010.
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Tin House Winery - Santa Maria, California
Tin House is a small family-owned and operated winery making some of the most notable wines to come out of California's Central
Coast. Gathering only the best fruit from this region of foggy canyons and sea-swept valleys they concentrate on three varietals:
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Because they only produce limited vintages, their wines exhibit intimate craftsmanship
and have a distinct artisan character. Winemaking has been a family trait at Tin House Winery for generations.
FEATURED RED WINE: 2004 Syrah Edna Valley
Made from 100% Syrah. The grapes for this wine are from a single vineyard in Edna Valley among the rolling hills of the Central
Coast of California. The resulting wine offers deep, rich aromas of herbs with hints of black pepper paralleled by a color of
equal depth. This pleasing Syrah is flooded with black cherry and cassis fruit, as well as smoky oak, it has the beautiful
acidity and is an outstanding example of the fine tannins typical of its terroir. Drink now through 2010.
Portuga - Portugal
Portuga is located some 40 km north of Lisbon near the town of Torres Vedras. It's a big operation: the estate covers 280 ha,
with 160 ha of vineyards, some not yet in production, and more than half of the vines here have been planted since 1990. Indeed,
the first bottled wines from this estate were launched as recently as 1996. The wines of Portuga are clearly made in a modern,
extracted style, with long maceration and some ageing in new barriques (Portuguese oak is used here), yet they haven't lost their
Portuguese roots
FEATURED WHITE WINE: 2008 White Vinho Regional Estremadura
A unique blend of local Portuguese grapes Arinto, Fernao Pires, and Vital. The wine is a clear lemon straw color. It has fresh
aromatics of tropical and citrus fruits. On the palate it is fruity, flavorsome, and well balanced. It then carries to a clean
acid finish. Drink now through 2011. This is an excellent aperitif or with a variety of white sauce pasta dishes, savory seafood
such as salmon or fatty fish.
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Whitman Cellars - Walla Walla, Washington
Whitman Cellars are crafters of traditional Bordeaux and Rhone style wines of balance and expression of terroir. Whitman is
currently producing Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, a port, and three proprietary blends called "Narcissa",
"Killer Cab", and "Del Rio Red". Fruit is sourced from 19 different vineyard blocks in the Walla Walla and Red Mountain
appellations and kept in separate barrel lots until blending trials are complete. These appellations offer a wide range of flavor
profiles which they use to blend the portrait of a finished wine - like colors to paint a picture. Whitman Cellars is truly a
boutique winery with a production level at just 5,000 cases per year.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Narcissa Red Columbia Valley
This wine is named after Narcissa Whitman, a frontiers-woman and wife of missionary Marcus Whitman. Narcissa was one of two women
who were the first white women to cross the Rocky Mountains and settle in the Walla Walla Valley in 1847. This wine combines
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This robust Bordeaux-style blend is multi-layered with tobacco,
coffee, leather, cherry, blackberry, and white pepper. The wine is inviting with soft, round acidity, a rich mid-palate and long
balanced tannins on the finish. Enjoy this wine with red meat or tomato-based dishes for the next four years.
Patassy Vineyard - Healdsburg, California
Frank Patassy, a native of Hungary, along with his son Stephan, are the owners and winemakers of Patassy Vineyard. Their home
with 10 acres of Pinot Noir vineyards is situated in the Green Valley, a sub AVA of the Russian River Valley AVA. Frank worked as
an agricultural consultant agronomist on large-scale development projects worldwide since 1957. Stephan Patassy, a graduate of
Agricultural Science and Management at U.C. Davis, worked on various farming jobs until joining his father in the early 90's to
produce grapes. At Patassy Vineyard they produce only one wine: Pinot Noir. Their continuous commitment to quality has produced
this outstanding wine.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Pinot Noir Russian River
Made from 100% estate grown Pinot Noir. The grapes for this vintage were harvested in late October. After cold soaking, they are
vinified in small open top fermentors punched thrice daily. This wine is aged for 14 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels.
These are well proven traditional wine making methods for Pinot Noir. The resulting wine is elegant. It has a black cherry,
spice, cola and sweet smoke character. Nicely balanced with very long finish. It is highly food friendly. Drink now through
2011.
Domaine des Chazelles - France
Domaine des Chazelles is located in Vire, in the heart of the Macon region in southern Burgundy. This estate and the family's
Domaine Sainte Barbe estate cover 10 hectares of vineyards in the Vire Clesse and Macon-Villages appellations and are devoted
entirely to one grape variety: Chardonnay. There are a number of different parcels of vines, and full advantage is taken of this
to produce a variety of wines each with their own distinct characteristics.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Vire Clesse Vieilles Vignes
This dry white wine is made from 100% Chardonnay. Old vines give the wine good acidity and excellent balance with the fruit.
It carries a nose of honey, apricot, and white peach with a mouthfeel both mature and elegant. Oak aging has kept the wine is
full of fruit with nice complexity. Drink now through 2011. Serve with fish or chicken.
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Eugenio Bocchino - Italy
Among other things, we learned that his desire to make the best Nebbiolo in Piedmont, (that's some goal), is what impels him to
work 14 hours a day in the fields. Incredibly, apart from his wife, Cinzia, whose palate he values above all others in the cellar,
Eugenio is a one-man show. Initially a student of economics, Bocchino shifted gears post-grad and began traveling to places like
Burgundy and Sicily in order to self-educate himself on wine. He met Cinzia in 1993, and by 1997 the couple had married and begun
production (her grandfather had also been a winemaker in the area). Eugenio says he has a good friend and producer who helped him
get started, but maintains that he has his own vision, and prefers to make his own mistakes along the way.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Suo Di Giacomo
Made from 60% Nebbiolo and 40% Barbera. A stunning food wine, this seamless blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera from Bocchino typifies
his style of "21st Century Classico". A traditional blend made in a bold, luscious style, this wine opens with the friendly
cranberry appeal of the Barbera, crisp and medium bodied, and unfolds into greater complexity as the Nebbiolo darkens and deepens
the fruits into plums, black cherry, and sage dust. Bocchino is a cult figure in Barolo, and we understand why. Drink now through
2012. 90 Points Stephen Tanzer.
Perrin & Fils - France
Jean-Pierre, Francois and Pierre Perrin are proud to present their fine wines, inspired by the memory of their grandfather,
Pierre Perrin. Using the same techniques employed at Chateau de Beaucastel, the Perrins have added some interesting appellations
to their already impressive list of wines. "Jean-Pierre and Francois Perrin - chosen among the Most Influential Wine Personalities
of the last 20 Years. The Perrins believe in natural winemaking, unfiltered wines, and routinely produce long-lived classics that
are among the finest in the world." -Robert M. Parker, Jr's The Wine Advocate
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Vacqueyras les Christins
Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the Vacqueyras les Christins comes from 20 acres that are leased by the Perrin family and
managed by the Beaucastel team. The vineyards are within the commune of Sarrians, south of the Dentelles de Montmirail, between
Carpentras and Vaison-la-Romaine, and the vines have an average age of 50 years. After crushing, the grapes are slowly fermented
for a month in 50 hectoliter vats. The Vacqueyras is matured half in tank and half in cask. Clearly a wine from a warm place,
with an amber hue and a rich texture, the nose is of Morello cherries, flowers and licorice. On the palate it shows an unctuous
texture and is rich and concentrated. This is a fine bottle from a great terroir. It will go perfectly with beef, lamb and dishes
containing black truffles. 92 Points Wine & Spirits.
Hendry Ranch Winery - Napa, California
Hendry is a small estate winery located in the south-western Napa Valley. The 117 acres of property has belonged to the Hendry
family since 1939. At Hendry, they stress the importance of the vineyard, and they devote much of their time to understanding its
variation on small scales. Combination of soil, climate, varietal and clone are critical, and for this reason they have divided
their vineyard into 50 different blocks, each managed separately. There has been a vineyard on their property of more than 140
years and they have been farming it for half that time. As their knowledge grows, their vineyard blocks evolve, and they get
closer to understanding the full potential of their vineyard.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Napa Valley
Made from 100% Chardonnay whole-cluster crushed, barrel fermented sur lie and aged in 50% new French oak barrels for approximately
11 months. It was not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation, which is very important for retaining its food-friendly malic
acidity. Complex aromas of stone and tropical fruits, oak and spice. Full mouthfeel, despite the lack of malolactic. Creamy and
nutty multidimensional palate, with mango and custard, biscuit and mineral. Long, finish with cleansing acidity. Drink now through
2011. Pair with chicken Alfredo. 90 Points Wine & Spirits.
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Cliff Lede Vineyards - Yountville, California
Owner Cliff Lede, viticulturalist David Abreu, Winemaker Michelle Edwards, and consultant Michel Rolland have come together to
form an unrivalled team, making the most of this remarkable property. Completed in time for crush 2005, the new state-of-the-art
gravity-flow winery boasts a berry-by-berry sorting system and conical tanks commissioned using a design inspired by the tanks of
Chateau Latour. One tank per vineyard block ensures each lot evolves at its own pace and acres of caves with single-layer barrel
storage ensure access to each barrel at all times. No corner has been cut. The winery produces Sauvignon Blanc, Claret and
Cabernet Sauvignon. The land, the talent, the tools and the passion: Cliff Lede Vineyards, a notable addition to the Stags Leap
District.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Stags Leap District
Made from 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 2% Malbec. The 2006 Cabernet lights up out of the bottle with a precocious bouquet
of exotic spices and old leather. Given a moment to rest, aromas of sweet marjoram, rose oil, cardamom and blackcurrant jam evolve
into exceptionally sweet floral notes of star jasmine and a touch of trumpet vine. Initial flavors of cherry deepen as fine
tannins expand and unfold. Dark stone fruits mix and integrate with sweet tannins and fleshy acidity, giving way to a persimmon
inspired finish that coats the mouth. This wine should evolve well for the next 12 years with proper care. 92 Points Wine
Spectator.
Smidge Wines - Australia
Smidge Wines is the work of Matt Wenk, the current winemaker at Two Hands and formerly of Nepenthe - and a huge talent to watch.
His approach here is simple: "You can add new oak but it's pretty difficult to take it out once you've overdone it". Which fits in
well with the overall Smidge Wines concept: This is to produce top quality small-run wines that, simply, Matt enjoys making.
Matt's winemaking philosophy is to find the very finest parcels fruit and transform them into limited production world class wines
that show exceptional varietal and regional definition.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Smitch Shiraz Barossa Valley
Made from 100% Shiraz. All fruit is sourced from vineyards ranging from 5 to 60 years old in the western ranges of the Barossa
Valley. This wine is actually an equal blend of the three vineyards Smidge takes Shiraz from. The best barrel of each parcel found
its way into this wine, subsequently there is not much of it. Upon release, this wine was very tight and somewhat closed. Once a
bottle had been opened for a few hours the wine began to wake up. In the glass the wine is black, thick and inky with aromas of
dark fruits, including blackberries, peppery spice and subtle smoky, chary notes. On the palate the fruit is rich with firm chewy
tannins that roll on balanced by subtle mocha notes. This mouth-staining, classic Barossa Shiraz will drink well over the next 10
years. 94 Points Robert Parker.
Darioush Winery - Napa, California
Darioush, a winery noted for its Bordeaux style estate wines, implements old world labor-intensive, micro-vineyard management
and new world state of the art technology to craft fine wines from its estates located in the appellations of Napa Valley, Mt.
Veeder and Oak Knoll. Under the direction of Darioush Khaledi and winemaker Steve Devitt, precision and quality are of the utmost
importance at the winery. Darioush Khaledi, a man passionate about fine wines founded Darioush in 1997. Khaledi grew up in Iran's
Shiraz region, a wine-growing region until the Islamic revolution. His father made wine as a hobby, and as young boy, Khaledi used
to sneak sips from the barrel. As an adult, he became a devoted collector of fine wines. Immigrating to the United States in the
late 1970's Khaledi's passion for wine never waned. In the early 1990's he embarked on a worldwide search for the ultimate
vineyard estate. Darioush is the culmination of this search.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Signature Viognier Napa Valley
Year after year, Darioush Signature Viognier is described with accolades such as 'vibrant,' 'floral,' and 'seductive' from a
growing number of devoted followers. This single vineyard estate-grown Viognier derives its distinctive character from a four acre
site within their Ashley vineyard. Citrus blossom, jasmine and honeysuckle aromas leap from the glass, distinguishing the unique
qualities of this varietal right away. The flavors remind one of biting into a ripe August peach - bright, vibrant, juicy and
succulent with just the right amount of creamy pear and lemon citrus acidity to keep it refreshing and balanced on the palate.
Notes of wild flower honey, toasted walnut and vanilla add further complexity and intrigue. The bright acidity leads to a long,
refreshing finish and makes it an ideal food companion. Drink now through 2011. 1950 cases produced. 90 Points Stephen Tanzer.
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Bortolomiol - Italy
Bortolomiol S.p.A. is an Estate that produces principally Prosecco DOC. The family, which originates from Valdobbiadene, has
behind them 2 centuries of wine producing experience that first started with the vines of their ancestor Bartolomeo. Founded in
1949 by Giuliano Bortolomiol, currently remains under the direction of the founders with the wife and daughters employed in
diverse roles.
FEATURED WINE: NV Prosecco Prior Brut
Prosecco is a white grape grown in Northern Italy on the steep slopes of Valdobbiadene and the hills of Conegliano in the Veneto.
It's also grown in Friuli and Trentino, and even in Germany and Austria. As a rule, though, the wine produced from grapes in the
Veneto hills is much better and more interesting than that of the flatlands. To be labeled Prosecco, the wine must be 100%
Prosecco. It's a mistake to compare Prosecco to Champagne. They are made from very different grapes that produce very different
sparklers. Champagne's flavor is intentionally bready, whereas Prosecco is characterized by light and persistent fruitiness, and a
gentle and lingering aroma of almonds, apples, and pears. Its lack of pretension is the key to its charm. This wine is made from
100% Prosecco from grapes grown on the slopes of Valdobbiadene. It is a pale yellow in the glass with fine and persistent bubbles.
The bouquet is delicate fruity and aromatic. The palate is consistent with the nose then leaving velvety and fruity finish.
Mont Marcal - Spain
Mont Marcal Vinicola S.A. was founded by the Sancho family in 1975, and since those days, it has produced high quality wines
and Cavas using the most advanced technological methods of the Penedes and more recently, the Catalonian DOs. Mont Marcal is
nestled in the "Mas Lluet de Dalt" farm right in the heart of the Penedes wine region at an altitude of 220 meters above sea level
in the municipality of Castellvi de la Marca.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Brut Reserva
Made from equal parts Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo grapes which are native to Spain. Aged a minimum of 24 months on the yeast
then disgorged prior to each shipment. The 24 months of ageing have developed the fine lemony aroma with the creamy tones, all of
which comes through on the palate with rich, full fruit balanced by a firm streak of acidity and a very silky mouthfeel. The
result is a clean, elegant and complex style of Cava well suited to food pairings of hors d'oeuvres, seafood and other fish
dishes. A perfect aperitif.
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