Events

2012 Holiday Tasting Update

Posted on by Frank Melis

Our Holiday Wine Tasting this weekend was a great success. Thank you to all of the winemakers and wineries that came out to share their creations with us. And thank you to all of our guests who made the night a truly memorable event.

We had a full house with more than 120 people in attendance, some coming from as far away as Michigan!

A few of the “hits” of the evening getting the most buzz included:

Stay tuned for more information on our next tasting event along with an announcement of tastings in other parts of the country. And remember, that I am available to conduct private tastings for you and your group of 2 to 500 friends or associates as well.

Other

A $30 gift certificate for you!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Since it seems to be getting colder around the country and the wine shipping days are getting limited, I just wanted to help you get a head start on your Holiday Wine Gifts.

As a token of our appreciation of you as a Golden Gate Wine Cellars customer, we are giving you a one-time $20.00 coupon that is worth $30.00 if you use it before December 15 on any online purchase of $250 or more. (Coupon expires January 31, 2013).

Simply enter the coupon code “2012HolidaySavings” on the payment page during checkout at http://GoldenGateWineCellars.com to receive your discount.

If you ship sooner rather than you can save a bundle on shipping charges, even take advantage of FREE SHIPPING* options. Why not spend LESS on shipping and MORE on wine, rather than MORE on shipping and LESS on wine (translates to you wait, you pay more, so don’t procrastinate)

If you need any assistance selecting a gift or have any other questions, pleas don’t hesitate to call! We are here Monday – Friday from 6 AM to 6 PM PST and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Kindest Regards and Holiday Wishes,
Frank

PS: Our December 8 Wine Tasting is almost sold out, so hurry to get the last couple of tickets (15% OFF until Friday Dec 7)

Tasting Notes

A seductive Petite Sirah

Posted on by Frank Melis

Aratas Wines

Aratás, is an extraordinary statement as to the potential of this “American Heritage Varietal” and an absolute and uncompromising commitment to produce the finest artisanal Petite Sirah possible using organic farming methods and sustainable practices. Paying tribute to co-founding brothers John & Mickey Chohany’s Hungarian roots, Aratás translates to a ‘harvest of gold’ and represents the best of old world tradition and new world viticulture though boutique lot, single vineyard, sustainable winemaking. This is the second vintage of Aratás’ vineyard planted to just 1.6 acres in the Oak Knoll AVA.

Aratas 2009 Petit SirahAratás 2009 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley
Retail 49.00 – GGWC 45.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “ARATAS09PS” during check out

The 2009 Aratás is both massive and seductive. At its core, it possesses an opaque purple-colored density, an excellent representation of a pure Petite Sirah. It is tremendously perfumed, offering up scents of white flowers, licorice, cassis, blackberries, and sweet dark roasted espresso. This is a dense, full-bodied and evolved wine that has the ability to age for decades. Drink or hold until 2030. (94WS)

Click here or on the link above to order!

Other

Stunning Cabernet under $40.00

Posted on by Frank Melis
Top Secret This is one of those secretively made wines – we cannot tell you the name of the winemaker nor where he sourced the fruit as it is top secret.  I can tell you that it is a Top notch individual that has gotten big scores over the years and the source is equally sought after by many wineries.  What I will share with you is that it is a Napa Valley blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc

Ultra Violet 2010 CabernetUltra Violet 2010 Cabernet Napa Valley
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 36.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “ULTRA10CS” during check out

This wine features a uniform dark ruby red color. Nose of black cherries, cassis, tobacco and pencil lead. Mouthfeel is rich and opulent without being heavy and leads to flavors of black cherries and plums. Well balanced, with smooth tannins and earthiness. Fermented for 20 months in 100% French oak barrels (50% new). 400 cases made.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Penche Cab wins the battle of Napa Cabs!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Penche Wines

Over Thanksgiving, I was still working, we had the “Battle of Napa Cabs” at my house.  My group of wine snob friends had selected their best Napa Cab or Blend (2008 vintage) for Frank’s Thanksgiving Battle. No one got killed, only a little embarrassed when their gem did not act as one!  The line-up was impressive:

  • Abreu Madrona (97 Parker – $600)
  • Chimney Rock “Tomahawk” (94 Parker – $ 125)
  • Alpha Omega To-Kalon (93 Parker – $130 )
  • Hall “Segassia” (96 Pasrker – $150)
  • Tor “Mast” (94 WS – $75)
  • Anderson Conn Valley Reserve (98 Parker – $125)
  • Barnett Rattlesnake (94 Parker – $130)
  • Paul Hobbs “To-Kalon (97 Parker – $ 175)
  • Coup de Foudre (94 Parker – $125)
  • Corison “Kronos” (94 Parker – $ 95)
  • Mondavi Reserve (95 Parker – $130)
  • Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace (94 WS $175)
  • Andrew Will “Sorella” (95 WS – $75)
  • and of course Penche Estate Cabernet

THE WINNER – 2008 PENCHE CABERNET!

This estate has been quietly producing some of the best wines in the Napa Valley.  The 2008 is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon Penché Estate,  1% Cabernet Franc Saunders Vineyard, Oakville Hillside 5% Malbec Stagecoach Vineyards 1% Merlot Larry Hyde, Carneros Vineyard 2% Petit Verdot Saunders Vineyard, Oakville Hillside and Penché Estate Vineyard

Penche 2008 Cabernet SauvignonPenche 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Retail 75.00 – GGWC 64.99 — FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “PENC08CS” during check out

Dark garnet hue; Deeply layered aromas of ultra ripe cassis, boysenberry, anise, dark chocolate, toasty French oak, sweet vanilla, cedar, floral perfume, white pepper, sage, anise, and caramel chews. Expect a big, round, full and rich mid palate density laced with intense flavors of ripe blackberries, black cherry, integrated toasty oak, and mouth-coating chocolate. The persistent yet balanced finish exhibits excellent depth, purity, and elegance.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

This Zin will “Rock your world”

Posted on by Frank Melis

Morgan Twain-Peterson reminds me of a scientist turned rock star or a rock star turned scientist.  Maybe he is “Rockientist”.  All I can say, he really knows what he’s stuff.  Since his childhood days at age 5 – he made his first wine in Kindergarten, when you and I were playing with dinky toys!  He went on the get degrees from top notch schools, including a PhD – the guy is not even 35 and he has 30 years of experience.  Worked around the globe in Australia and Bordeaux (Lynch Bages).  When he created Bedrock our Rockientist blossomed as he fell in love with many old-vine vineyards.  I don’t need to tell you, but Bedrock has a cult-like following.

Bedrock 2011 Old Vine ZinfandelBedrock Old Vine Zinfandel
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 27.99 (FREE SHIPPING on 12)
Use discount shipping code “BEDOVZ11” during check out

The 2011 Old Vine Zin shows a very intense sexy, spice nose with gobs of bright red and black stone fruit intertwined with a touch of white pepper.  On the palate, this gorgeous youngster teases the palate with hints of crushed rocks, chocolate and well-balanced black stone fruit.  .  The wine has an amazingly long finish.  The wine is young and could benefit from some time in the cellar, but if you really can’t wait, decant it and let it breathe for 2-3 hours.

Click here or on the link above to order!

*Free ground shipping on qualifying orders to a single address within the continental US. Orders to HI & AK will receive reduced air freight shipping.

Winter has hit many parts of the country already! Don’t let your wine sit in a below-freezing delivery truck all day long. Give me a call and I will hold your wine for you, free of charge, until it is warm enough to ship safely.

Other

2012 Holiday Newsletter

Posted on by Frank Melis

We invite you to view our
2012 Holiday Newsletter

Inside you will find information on some of the new releases that we have just gotten in and are expecting over the next few months, our 2013 tasting schedule and “educational” in-store tastings, Holiday gift selections, and more!

Click here to download the newsletter in PDF format or visit http://www.GoldenGateWineCellars.com

Other

Stunning Cabernet under $40.00

Posted on by Frank Melis

Alta Wines

The Alta venture (founded by Fred and Nina Oliai) is located at an elevation of 1650 feet on the eastern slope of the Atlas Peak facing the Suisun Bay to the southeast and the Vaca mountains to the East. At this elevation, the 10 acre vineyard is cooler than Napa in the afternoons, but being above the fog, the vines enjoy sunshine as soon as dawn break. The vines are rooted in rocky volcanic soils. The impoverished soil limits the crop to just about 1 to 1.5 tons per acre of intense fruit. All these elements provide an ideal and uniform growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the two main varietals.

Alta 2010 Estate Cabernet SauvignonAlta 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
Retail 46.50 – GGWC 41.99
SPECIAL 39.99 on 12 with FREE SHIPPING
Use discount shipping code “ALTA10CS” during check out

This wine offers an amazing aroma of Crème de Cassis and black currant fruit that jump out of the glass. This intensely aromatic wine is full in body, loaded with more lush fruit on the mid palate, hints of black currant, coffee, chocolate and a touch of minerality (Atlas Peak soil). The wine runs over the palate like a prima ballerina in a linebacker body. The finish is equally impressive.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Other

The Best Cabernet Franc in Napa Valley!

Posted on by Frank Melis

This is a wine that will make the French take a run for the hills!  In a recent line-up of the best of the best Napa Valley Cabernet Francs, the new release from World’s End came in first. This wine would make an ideal pairing for many meals during the holiday season.

The line up included:

  • Del Dotto (92 Pt Parker)
  • Macauley “To-Kalon” (93 Pt Parker)
  • Crocker Starr (93 Pt Parker)
  • Jasper Hill(96 Pt Parker)
  • Poggio de’ Colli (94 Pt Parker)
  • Lang & Reed 2-14 (95 Pt Decanter)
  • Constant (93 Pt Parker)
  • World’s End “AGTW”

– The winner WORLD’S END!

World's End 2010 "Against the Wind" Cabernet FrancWorld’s End 2010 “Against The Wind” Cabernet Franc
Retail $48.00 – GGWC 44.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “WE10ATW” during check out

Intense aroma of floral, raspberry and black cherries with a touch of spice.  This Saint Emillon style Cabernet Franc will please many wine lovers alike.  The wine is full in body and shows the true expression of its varietal and the terroir it was grown on.  Sourced from two of the best vineyards in the Napa Valley this gorgeous wine will be a true center piece during the 2012 Holiday season.  Loaded with stunning fruit from start to finish, it is the elegance that will wow you and the silky tannins on the finish will allow you to drink this young, although decanting will showcase the best side of this youngster some more!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

A 95 Point Cabernet Gem!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Hidden Ridge Wines This property is hidden amongst the great producers on Spring Mountain. Marco di Giulio has been at the helm since its inception and they have slowly created a loyal following of their mountain Cabernets.  The property is situated on a steep 55% slope, so not suitable for a whole lot – hard for the grapes and definitely makes maintenance a challenge all year around and during the harvest.  The final result though is a great quality wine.  This “Impassable Mountain” just received a 95 Point rating!

Hidden Ridge 2007 Impassable Mountain Cabernet SauvignonHidden Ridge 2007 “Impassable Mountain” Reserve Cabernet
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 74.99 – FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use discount shipping code “HR07IMP” during check out

The 2007 Hidden Ridge Vineyard “Impassable Mountain” Reserve is selected from the best barrels. “Impassable Mountain” harkens to the original name of the area that is home to Hidden Ridge Vineyard. Nineteenth-century surveyors were assigned to find a stagecoach route through the rugged terrain only to realize that it was, at the time, “impassable.” “Impassable Mountain” is a dense, complex wine revealing aromas of cocoa, black currant, pipe tobacco and clove on the nose and smoke, fall leaf, cherry, blueberry and vanilla on the palate. Rich and powerful, the wine remains well balanced with a long mint and clove-laced finish.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Events

2012 Holiday Wine Tasting!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Join us on December 8 for our
Holiday Wine Tasting

We bring wine country to the city with the best selection of hard-to-find and boutique wineries. Meet the winemakers and taste their latest creations.

December 8, 2012
5:30 – 9:00 pm

Donworth Hall
452 Eucalyptus
San Francisco, CA 94321

Click here or call 415-337-4083 for tickets.
One ticket is good for two people.

Tasting Notes

An amazing value Cabernet blend for under $40.00!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Petit Batard

Jeffrey O’Neill is the third generation winemaker and chairman Emeritus of the Wine Institute, his business partner Larry Vosti has had an interest in wine since attending school in the Bordeaux region of France. Along the way, in addition to his real estate development, he has owned a restaurant, a retail wine business and has been a collector of fine California and French wines for over 20 years. Larry is the former President of the California Vintage Wine Society.

Petit Batard 207 RedPetit Batard 2007 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Retail 42.00 – GGWC 37.99 FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use discount shipping code “PETBAT” during check out

The 2007 vintage is a Bordeaux-style blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 29% Malbec. The wine offers up beautiful aromas of currants and anise with a touch of toasty vanilla on the nose.  This well-balanced, well-crafted full bodied wine offers up stunning black currants, dark chocolate and cassis. This wine is very elegant with a Euro-flair to it.  This is a real crowd-pleaser that will not break the bank!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Boheme Chardonnay stuns in blind tasting

Posted on by Frank Melis

Boheme Wines

In a recent blind tasting with my tasting panel Boheme “Taylor Ridge” came in a full horse length over some heavy weight wineries such as Pahlmeyer, DuMol, Kongsgaard, Hanzell, Hudson, Rochiolli, Martinelli and Flowers.  What was even more amazing was the fact that it was also the least expensive wine in the group!

Boheme 2009 ChardonnayBoheme 2009 Chardonnay Taylor Ridge Vineyard
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 37.50 FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use discount shipping code “BOH09CHD” during checkout.

This tiny production winery, known for some great Pinot Noirs as well, enamored us with this latest Chardonnay.  This full bodied wine shows of a gorgeous amber color.  On the nose one is greeted by apple, pear, mango and white flowers aromas.  The palate is layered with flavors of stone fruits, honey, zesty citrus and lemon oil  that pair with a rich mouth-feel without being creamy or buttery.  The wine displays great intensity, complexity, and minerality with a smooth mid-palate and a finish that lingers on into a long finish.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Other

GGWC Wine Club

Posted on by Frank Melis

BECOME A MEMBER OF
GOLDEN GATE WINE CELLARS’ WINE CLUB!

Do you have a hard time selecting wines when walking into your local store or shopping on our website? Do you say to yourself, “I really want to try a bottle before I buy a whole case?”

We have the answer for you. As a member of Golden Gate Wine Cellars’ Wine Club you will receive a shipment of six bottles of hand-selected wines every two months over the course of the year, along with extra features such as elaborate wine and food pairing notes.

There are three membership levels to choose from that fit any budget or appetite, and you may sign up on a bi-monthly or annual basis. Annual memberships receive an additional $50 – $200 savings off the regular price. As an added bonus, new annual members joining during the month of November will receive a special gift valued at $350!

Click here or call me at 415-337-4083 to join or for more information!

Tasting Notes

A big wine under $40!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Big Basin Wines

Big Basin Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Bradley Brown on an historic site in the Santa Cruz Mountains next to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The old ranch property was first settled in the late 1800s. Wine grape cultivation had been started by French immigrants by the early 1900s and continued until 1965 when the property was sold by Justin Lacau, who had named the property “Frenchy’s Ranch”, to a timber company. By the 1990s, all that remained of the vineyards were redwood stakes and scattered vines hidden by brush and poison oak bushes.  Today, Bradley has a gorgeous property and produces great quality wines!

2010 Big Basin Homestead Red2010 Big Basin Homestead, Santa Cruz Mountains
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 36.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more!
Use discount code “HOME10” during check out

Aromatic with great body, balance and finish, this is a wine that reveals the exceptional vineyards behind it. The wine possesses a beautiful dark red/purple color with an exuberant nose of black and red raspberries, red currants, crushed rocks and hints of crushed flowers and anise. Bright and expressive on the palate with a melange of red and black fruit, mouth coating tannins and a nice long finish. The moderate alcohol level and good acidity make this a great food wine and one that is likely to age exceptionally well, however, it is very approachable and enjoyable now.. A blend of 37% Grenache, 36% Syrah and 27% Mourvedre from vineyards in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Paso Robles. 348 cases made.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Paul Hobbs Cabernet at its best!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Before we get to the wine, let’s take a moment to congratulate the San Francisco Giants on their impressive, and what some people would call impossible, World Series victory. (Apologies to my Detroit fans.) No matter who you root for, you have to admit that they made an admirable comeback.

In the same breath, however, we should also send a prayer out for our friends on the east coast as they prepare to ride out hurricane Sandy. They will need your support in the coming weeks. Please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice to help those who may experience loss or injury in the coming days.

 

Vice Versa Wines

What do you get when you put one of the best winemakers and two of the best vineyards in the Napa Valley together – AWESOME WINE! Not only do you get an excellent wine, you get an excellent wine at a price everyone will still consider palatable.  Throw in the FREE SHIPPING and you get a GREAT DEAL!

Vice Versa "Le Petit Vice" 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon2009  Vice Versa “Le Petit Vice” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 59.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or More
Use discount code “LPV09CS” during check out

Paul Hobbs created yet another gem of a wine.  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon and Stagecoach vineyards in Napa boasts a deep, dark color. It features aromas of black coffee, black currants, black cherries,  chocolate and violets. Mouth coating and rich, this fills the mouth with opulent flavors of black cherries, black plum, cassis and dark chocolate. 100 cases produced!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Events

Fall Tasting Update

Posted on by Frank Melis

Our Fall Tasting this weekend was a great success. Our hosts and caterer at this special “underground tasting” were quite generous and provided a fantastic venue and ambiance.

With a full house, we poured and tasted from some of Napa’s finest wineries. The favorites of the evening included

Thank you to all who attended and made the event a spectacular success. Be sure to mark your calendars for our next “Underground Tasting” on December 8 at another secret location.

Tasting Notes

A new gem-in-the-rough from Paul Hobbs!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Landy Family Vineyards

Paul Hobbs’ portfolio seems like the one of a globetrotter; add vineyard manager extraordinaire Ulises Valdez and you have one of the best combo “vineyardists” in the wine industry.   The Landy Estate is one of Paul’s latest ventures, and you can tell immediately who is at the helm of these great wines!

Landy 2008 MDVRLandy 2008 M.D.V.R. Red
Retail 60.00 – GGWC 55.00 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more!
Use discount shipping code “LANDMDVR” during check out

This gorgeous blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc were all sourced from the hillside vineyards of the Landy Estate.  Only 198 cases of this gem in the rough were produced, so you’ll could easily snooze and see this one pass you by!  This rich, elegant and beautifully structured Estate grown red blend is a real crowd-pleaser! The aromas of dark cherry, blackberry and red currant jump out of the glass.  This full bodied sleeper is elegant and refined with subtle chocolate notes caressing its gorgeous body of red and black stone fruit with being teased by a whiff of cinnamon flowing into a long silky and elegant finish!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

95 Point Pinot Noir gem for under $42

Posted on by Frank Melis

 Center of Effort

This Estate, nestled in the foothills of the Edna Valley, has crafted an impressive lineup of wines.  All sustainably farmed, the vines enjoy the delicate balance of a cool climate and lean soils producing wines with a unique sense of character and place.  Planted in 1978, this vineyard has some great maturity and will be a source to reckoned with in the future.

Center of Effort 2010 Pinot NoirCenter of Effort 2010 Pinot Noir
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 41.99  FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “COE10” during check out.

The wine has a stunning dense, ruby purple color with a complex aromas of red and blue stone fruit.   The wine is lush and full in body with a touch of minerality and earthy tones intertwined with the gorgeous fruit and balanced acidity.  The wine is well structured and incredibly well-balanced.  Drinking well now, and should do so for 7 – 10 years.  Very small production!

Click here or on the links above to order!