Frank Melis' Wine

Under $42 Cabernet beats $100 – $500 wines in blind tasting!

My weekly tasting group put together some interesting labels for our blind tasting of 2010 Cabernets and Bordeaux blends.  Our group 16 strong this time, tasted the following wines:

• Arietta (94 RP)
• Myriad Dr Crane (94 RP)
• David Arthur 1147 (95+ RP)
• Lewis (94 WS)
• Kobalt (95 RP)
• Bryant Family (96+RP)
• Bryant “Bettina” (97 RP)
• Dancing Hares (93 WS)
• Bure (93 RP)
• Constant (96 RP)
• Corra (95 RP)
• Caymus (92 WS)
• Wolf Phaedrus (95 GWC)

The WINNER = WOLF!

Wolf 2010 Phaedrus Cabernet, Napa Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 41.99 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more!
Use the discount shipping code “WOLF10PH” during checkout

The 2010 Wolf Phaedrus Cabernet (blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) reflects a depth of varietal character, weight and seriousness that along with the heightened fruity aromatics will bring long age-ability and early approach-ability. The blend brings spice, black cherry and floral aromatics, juicy mid palate, an all-around luscious mouth feel supported by the richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon. A complex yet forward wine that can be consumed now or will age well over the next 8-10 years.

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The Best Petite Sirah Napa Valley has to offer

Biale Vineyards does not need any intro, but for those who are not familiar with the winery, they have been producing amazing Zinfandel and Petite Sirah for over 70 years now and they are not slowing down one bit!   Petite Sirah has a special place in my heart, as it was the first wine I shared with my wife in 1994 – imagine if I would have started her with a bottle of white zin…. Nah I would have never done that.

Biale 2011 Royal Punisher Petite Sirah, Napa Valley
Retail 48.00 – GGWC 41.99 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more
Use discount shipping code “BIALE11PS” during check out

Something about 2011 brought out the best that Napa Valley Petite Sirah has to offer. This big black and blue wine is somethin’ else.  Wait till you see it – and taste it!  Opaque black-black blue, thickly textured, black fruits, tree fruit, dried apricot, blackberry pastry, mocha, espresso crema, dusty, toasty, brushy, mouth-coating well-mannered tannins, bright juicy acidity, subdued oak and dark spices – maybe a touch of clove and pepper. Perfumey fruit with the classic Royal Punishers generous and mouth-watering tannins, It is unbelievably silky for a Petite Sirah. It has that extra dimension of umami flavor that you always get from Rutherford Petite Sirah.

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Best Cab Franc in Napa by Araujo’s neighbor

Kenefick Ranch Winery has been flying below the radar, but not for much longer. Kenefick Ranch is owned by retired San Francisco neurosurgeon Dr. Thomas P. Kenefick, and his two children Caitlin and Chris Kenefick.  In 1978 Dr. Kenefick acquired 125-acre vineyard property at the foothills of the Palisades Mountains in Calistoga, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Sauvignon Blanc, Voignier, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc are grown for white wine. Petite Sirah and Syrah complete the portfolio. Ten percent of production is used in Kenefick Ranch wines while the rest of the fruit is sourced out to Etude, Lewis Cellars, Cade-Plumpjack, Merryvale, Caymus and several other small producers.  Kent Jarman, winemaker, also produces the high-scoring Coup de Foudre wines (95 points)

Kenefick Ranch 2008 Cabernet Franc – Caitlin’s Select
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 42.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “KEN08CF” during check out

This is a Cabernet Franc for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers that don’t have the time or patience to drink cellared wines.  This is a very serious, complex wine with aromas of chocolate, cassis, dry currants, and dark cherries.  On the palate this full bodied wines showcases very intense fruit of ripe cherries, sandalwood, and spicy notes. Full in body this wine is well-rounded and well-balanced with soft, silky tannins that are nicely integrated with the fruit and vanilla nuances.  Long lasting finish.  Only 500 cases produced. Only 10 cases available!!

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The most important person in your office…

Whether you call this person an Administrative Professional, Office Manager, or Reception Specialist, chances are that your job would be a heck of a lot harder without them. Way back in 1952, Secretary’s Day was set aside “to recognize the secretary, upon whose skills, loyalty, and efficiency the functions of business and government depend.” The day was eventually renamed to Administrative Professionals’ Day.

So it is that on April 24th, we take a moment to say Thank You to the people who grease the wheels so that businesses can flourish and offices run smoothly. And what better way to express your gratitude than with a gift of fine wine?

In honor of administrators of all types, we have selected a pair of delightful red and white wines that are sure to please every palate and make your administrative professionals feel extremely appreciated!

Be certain to order ASAP and select 1, 2, or 3 day air if needed to ensure that your gift arrives on time.

Luli is a partnership between Master Sommelier, Sara Floyd and the Pisoni Family. The partners combine their experience of the world of wine and world-class wine production to create a small portfolio of inspirational wines. To make the Luli wines, Floyd and the Pisoni Family focus on purchasing grapes from multiple vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands and the greater Monterey County coastal regions excellent for growing cool-climate grapes.

Luli 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast
Retail 22.00 – GGWC 18.99 – Free Ground Shipping on 12 or more.
Can mix and match with Luli Syrah
Use discount shipping code “LULISYSB” during check out

The 2012 Luli Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from a single sustainablyfarmed vineyard in the cold and windy Monterey County. This maritime appellation is known for its well-drained soils, morning fog, afternoon winds and long growing season. This ideal climate allows for the Sauvignon Blanc to maintain its fresh and crisp character.

This wine emits a lively mix of passionfruit, gooseberry and light grassy notes. The aromatics are fresh and mouthwatering. On the palate comes a broad-textured character from the limited lees contact, which unfolds into a refreshing and bright finish. Serve chilled.

Luli 2011 Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 20.99 – Free Ground Shipping on 12 or more.
Can mix and match with Luli Sauvignon Blanc
Use discount shipping code “LULISYSB” during check out

The 2011 Luli Syrah was sourced from various sustainably-farmed vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Sourcing from diverse locations within the appellation adds to the wine’s complexity and flavor profile. This maritime appellation is known for its well-drained soils, morning fog, afternoon winds and long growing season. These elements combine for a perfect place to farm cool climate varieties.

Expressive and broad is the initial sense of the deep-purple Luli Syrah. Initial notes of spiced plums, blackberry, cedar, baking spice and tea leaf come from the glass. The palate is rich with round supple tannins and dense fruit that flow into a long, velvety finish.

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This is “THE” Rising Star (Cabernet) of the year!

Situated between some of the most sought after vineyards in the Napa Valley like Spottswoode, Revana, Vineyard 29, Ovid, Realm & Dana Estate, etc.  You can only expect amazing wine from this appellation.   The vineyard site was originally planted 5 decades ago, and the Young (Inglewood) Family purchased the estate about 10 years ago.  This (2009) is the first commercial vintage, and you are in for a real treat!  The label (a spare iconic walker) symbolizes the delicacy and precision of the balance central to everything the Young family does in the vineyard, wine and their lives.

Young Inglewood 2009 Cabernet “Estate”
Retail 95.00 – GGWC 89.99 FREE SHIPPING on 4 or more
Use discount shipping code “YING09CS” during check out

Youthful in appearance, the finished wine shows a beautiful nose of blue and red fruits, warm spices and an indulgent cocoa powder character offered by the small percentage of Cabernet Franc included.  The palate presents layers of the red, blue and black fruits, tea leaves and minerals. Warm spice and a round mouthfeel come from the new oak barrels selected by Young Inglewood to showcase the fruit’s character and mid-palate. The balance of tannin, acidity and good length indicate structure in the wine and the scaffolding for aging. Enjoy now or lay down for 8-12 years.

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Pinot Envy of the year

Two brothers (John and Steve Dragonette) teamed up with good buddy Brandon Sparks-Gillis to pursue their live-long dream to make wine.  They gained valuable experiences at wineries like Sine Qua Non, Torbreck, Fiddlehead Cellars before they started this awesome venture.  Over the past couple of years the press has been (rightfully so) generous to these three great guys.  They are sourcing from some of the most sought after vineyards in Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez.

Pinot Noir has been on fire as of late, so we decided to conduct another blind tasting with my group. The tasting lineup included:

• Rochioli “Little Hill’ (95 WS)
• Craggy Range “Te Muna Road” (92 Parker)
• Siduri “Sierra Mar” (93 Parker)
• Siduri “Pisoni” (93 WS)
• Felton Road “Block 3” (93 Parker)
• Loring “Garys” (92 WS)
• Zorzal “Gran Terroir” (92 Parker)
• Schrader Cellars “Aston Estate” (94 Parker)
• Sineann Pinot ”Resonance” (92 WS)
• Auteur “Sonoma Coast” (92 WS)
• Dragonette Cellars Fiddlestix
• Dragonette Santa Rita Hills.

The RESULT -  Dragonette Fiddlestix was the big winner, with the Santa Rita Hills coming in a combined 3rd place with Schrader “Ashton Estate. Rochiolli came in second.

We had 18 people tasting, Dragonette Fiddlestix received 10 first place votes, Rochiolli 4 and Dragonette SRH and Schrader each received 2.

Dragonette 2011 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir
Retail 58.00 – GGWC 53.99 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more
(can be mixed and matched with Santa Rita Hills)
Use discount shipping code “DRAG11PN” during check out

Fiddlestix is a very low yielding property at the western edge of the Santa Rita hills.  Dragonette uses four vineyard blocks (clones 113,115, 667 and 777) as each clone contributes unique characteristics and complexity to the final blend.  The famed Fiddlestix vineyard showed of its class again in the 2011 vintage.  The wine shows an amazing exuberance and vibrancy.  The aromas of fresh red raspberry and red stone fruit jumps out of the glass followed by a whiff of dark cocoa and some earthiness.  The wine is incredibly well-balanced and gorgeous.  Full in body, but not overly dense, this wine is a true classic.  Tons of bright well-polished cherry and berry fruits on the palate with a touch of cola and clean acidity.   The wine lingers on for a good 30 second in the long, but amazingly clean finish.  Only 300 cases produced.

Dragonette 2011 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
Retail 46.00 – GGWC 42.99 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more
(can be mixed and matched with Fiddlestix)
Use discount shipping code “DRAG11PN” during check out

I’d call the Dragonette Santa Rita Hills a “min/mixi” Paul Lato (as it is a blend of various vinearyds Paul Lato uses -  Hilliard Bruce, John Sebastiano, Zotovich, Fiddlestix & La Rinconada ).   All five sources make for a great Appellation wine. The wine showcases dark aromas of ripe and lush black cherry and blueberry fruits, a touch of nutmeg, cocoa and a whiff of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied, beefy yet molded; gorgeous flavors of ripe red cherries, sweet cranberries mingle with coffee and vanilla notes.  The wine has a stunning long finish with modest acidity and silky tannins

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Paul Hobbs at his best

Black Cordon Vineyards approaches winemaking with the intention of making wine that is intense and complex with a distinct character that faithfully represents where the grapes have been grown. Attention to detail and hands-on attention to every barrel of wine is what it takes to pull this off. With Paul Hobbs as Consulting Winemaker, the wines show the pedigree, character, quality and complexity associated with all of Paul’s projects.

Black Cordon Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 70.00 – GGWC 65.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “BLCOR10CS” during check out

The nose is tight, hanging onto the deep aromas that lay deep in the core. Sweet cassis and a little bit of plum are carried by sweet vanilla, but it’s the scented purity of violets and anise, that are showing the most at this time. This wine has a full, rich feel of volume in the mouth; you just want to hold it there and sense the weight. Black currant and black berries are the core flavors with dark plum lingering in the finish. There is beautiful balance with big sweet tannins that are kept lively with fresh youthful acidity at the edges. Sweet vanilla and juicy fruit with touches of graphite and chocolate starting to show. Seamlessly you find yourself savoring a deep, lengthy, black currant finish. For me this wine is a model of ideal integration of oak aging. Seamless unity makes it difficult to separate all the components but they’re all there composing a wine that is complex and layered but harmoniously one piece.

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“The” Zin surprise of the year

We rarely do blind Zinfandel tastings, but we have to do it once in a while.  So my group rounded up a bunch of worthy opponents and we battled it out between many younger and older vine Zins.  The list included:

• Ridge “Pagani Ranch” (93 Pts Parker)
• Acorn “Allegria” (92 WS)
• Hartford “Dina” (93 Pts Parker)
• Bedrock “Monte Rosso” (94 WS/93 Pts Parker)
• Tofanelli “Estate” (93+ Pts Parker)
• Saxum “Paderewski” (95 Pts WS)
• Turley “Fredricks” (95 Pts Parker)
• Turley “Dogtown” (94 Pts Parker)
• Epoch (93 Pts Parker/ 92 WS)
• Martinelli Giuseppe & Luisa (93 WS)
• Biale “Monte Rosso (92 WS)
• Biale “Black Chicken (92 WS)
• Wilson “Sydney”

We had 17 people tasting, Wilson received 10 first places, Tofanelli 4 first places and Saxum 3 first places.

When Diane and Ken Wilson first visited the Sonoma County they fell in love with the patchwork of oaks, vineyards and expansive vistas. Diane and Ken are devoted to things they value most—family and friends—and are committed to the stewardship and sustainable farming of the Dry Creek, Alexander and Russian River Valleys.  Diane, a native Californian, cherishes her high-energy lifestyle that includes raising children, making wine at Wilson Winery and taking an active role in the community.  Ken, born and raised in Ontario, Canada, is robust and passionate about his vineyards.  The Wilsons have three children—Sydney, Victoria (Tori) and Sawyer (all designated vineyards)

Wilson 2010 Zinfandel “Sydney”, Dry Creek
Retail 36.00 – GGWC 32.99 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more.
Use discount shipping code “WIL10ZINSYD” during check out

Balanced aromas of spicy dark berries mingle with oak notes contributing hints of toasty vanilla and chocolate. The lush entry presents palate-coating ripe blackberry and a dusting of spicy pepper, cherry and dark chocolate. The flavors seamlessly merge and expand into a long, luxurious finish. Although it can be enjoyed solo, this Zin pairs well with Italian or Mediterranean cuisine, and can hold its own against a thick, juicy steak.  Only 600 cases produced!  This wine recently won gold medals at the largest International Wine Competition, where it beat out 400 Zin entries, plus it won best of show beating out Cabs, Pinots, Merlots, Zins in the $30 to $60 category!

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Mountain grown gem (126 cases)

Mike Drash grew up in Memphis, TN on a farm.  After graduating from (a small) college in Memphis he moved to Florida where he found his love for food and wine.  With the encouragement of a friend he moved to California and landed a job at a Russian River Valley winery as a cellar rat.  After lots of trials and learning from the best he was named assistant winemaker at Far Niente.  In 2003 he became the winemaker at Luna where a worked with John Kongsgaard and learned and embraced minimalist winemaking techniques.  In 2009 he started his own label (named after his daughter) and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tallulah 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon MD1
Retail 85.00 – GGWC 79.99
BUY SIX or more for only 69.99 and get FREE SHIPPING
Use discount shipping code “TAL09MD1″ during check out

Hailing from the base of Howell Mountain, this Grand Cru vineyard is one of the finest vineyard sources in Napa.  On a severely sloping vineyard facing due west this big, rich, bold wine shows of its brilliance with gorgeous depth and finesse.  The hue is dark and intense.  On the nose you are greeted by dark black stone fruit with a whiff of dust, chocolate, anise and good dose of balanced spiciness.  On the palate, this bold youngster shows its true character when you encounter the well-balanced fruit and acid ratios and a richly textured body.  The wine is long and intense.  This is NOT a Dunn-like wine, but I would suggest decanting it and letting it breathe for an hour of two.  Hurry up, as only 126 cases of this gem were crafted!

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Superb quality & well-priced Napa Cabernet

At its core, Balius Wines was created to provide examples of great wines that don’t have to cost a lot of money. This inaugural releases show that they are on track.  Balius Story — Achilles and his two immortal horses, Balius and Xanthos, were legendary and heroic figures on the battlefields of ancient Greece.The warrior and his fearless horses were often depicted with black paint on clay wine vessels, or amphorae, as a celebration of their heroic triumphs. The Balius label is a nod to the fabled heroes represented by the black figure pottery of ancient Greece, and the Balius wines are reflections of the world-renowned appellations throughout California.

Balius 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, Napa Valley
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 36.99 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more
Use discount shipping code “BAL10RCS” during check out

This well-priced Napa Valley Cabernet offers a deep purple color.  On the nose you’ll encounter ripe and opulent aromoas of black currants, black cherries, and dark chocolate. On the palate you are greeted by lush flavors of blackberries, black plum and mocha. This crowd-pleasing wine is rich and well balanced, finishing long and polished. Showcasing its “Rutherford dust” beautifully.  Sadly only 250 cases were made.

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