Showket Vineyards – Winery of the week.

I met up with the Showket folks this week and was happily impressed with their 2007 portfolio. This neighbor of Dalla Valle (at one point they shared the same winemaker – Heidi Barrett) has been producing some amazing wines for the past 15 years. Today with Russell Bevan at the helm it seems that they have kicked things into a higher gear! Russell’s own wines have been receiving high scores from Robert Parker (95+ Points, sourced from the Showket vineyards!).  I foresee Showket to get some high scores as well! The 2007 releases from Showket might be their best effort yet to date. As it was the case with previous vintages, Showket’s production is limited, so one would snooze and they would pass you by.

2007 Showket Sangiovese, Estate Oakville Napa Valley

Retail 40.00 – GGWC 36.00 – Buy SIX or more $ 33.00

2007 was a perfect vintage for many wineries, ditto for Showket.  From the second you first pour this wine, it demands your attention with a dark ruby color and aromatics which jump from the glass. This is a big concentrated wine, loaded with flavorful fruit and well-balanced acidity. It has a compelling nose of black cherry, plum, and vibrant spices. It has a lively texture that makes it a perfect accompaniment to traditional Italian cuisine.

2007 Showket Asante Sana, Estate Oakville Napa Valley

Retail 44.00 – GGWC 39.99 – Buy SIX or more $ 36.00

The Asante Sana is Showket’s “Super Tuscan” from Napa Valley. It is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine starts of with a vibrant aroma of spice and seasoned fruit. On the initial palate one is greeted by a Brunello-like taste and texture, flowing into the mid-palate one experiences a hint more Napa Cab-like black stone fruit. As it is the case with its Italian ancestors this wine has rich, velvety tannins and a vibrant texture that make it a fabulous wine to pair with a wide range of cuisines from grilled meats to delicate pastas and seafood. This wine is showing very well now and will continue to gain complexity for many years to come. 400 cases produced!

2007 Showket Estate Cabernet, Oakville Napa Valley

Retail 70.00 – GGWC 65.00 – BUY SIX 54.99

The 2007 Estate Cabernet might be the most complex one the Showkets have ever produced. Rich cherry, blackberry and plum fruit exude from the glass. In addition to the hallmark cassis flavors the wine displays chocolate, mocha, black currant and slighty spicy notes. The infusion of 10% Cabernet Franc adds aromatics of violet and increases the round full mouthfeel. Fine-grained, silky tannins linger on the finish. Its seductive palate is intense, complex and richly textured.  Winemaker Russell Bevan (Bevan Cellars Cabernet, 95 Points Robert Parker).

*Free shipping is for orders of $500.00 or more to the same address within the continental US.  Orders to AK an HI will receive reduced air freight!