Tasting Notes

Value Cabernet blend stuns many!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Field Recordings is 29-year old winemaker Andrew Jones’ personal catalog of the people and places he values most. Having stood in just about every vineyard on the Central Coast, he has a keen eye for diamonds in the rough: sites that are unknown or under-appreciated but hold enormous untapped potential. As friendships are made and opportunities are embraced, Andrew produces small quantities of soulful wine from these unusual, quiet vineyards.

Field Recordings 2010 NeverlandField Recordings 2010 “Neverland” Proprietary Red, Santa Barbara
Retail 33.00 – GGWC 29.99 – FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use the discount code “Neverland12” during checkout.

This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petit Verdot and 16% Malbec from the Happy Canyon region in Santa Barbara will knock your socks off. Only 150 cases of this little gem were produced.

The wine’s aroma is layered with notes of red currant, a whiff of chocolate and violets. On the palate this medium to full bodied red blend offers a plush mouthfeel  with black cherries, violets, kirsch and crème de cassis joinging notes of tobacco and cola. This is truly a California Bordeaux blend.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Three 95 Point Pinot Noirs!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Sojourn Cellars

Sojourn is not just a stroll in the park these days, it is a very serious producer of high-end, well-priced Pinot Noirs from some of most sought after vineyards in Northern California.  For a fourth year in a row the press has gone wild over these limited produced wines.

Sojourn 2010 Sonoma CoastSojourn 2010 Sonoma Coast – 95 Point Rating
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 42.99 FREE SHIPPING on six!
Use the discount code SojournSonoma106 during checkout.

A blend of eight unique lots from the Gap’s Crown, Petaluma Gap, Keller Estate and Sangiacomo vineyards. Aromas of black cherry, pomegranate entice your nose and meld with a touch of mushroom and soy.  On the palate, red fruit flavors deliver a brigh edge.  This win shows freshness and lively acidity, while maintaining the lush textures from the Gap’s Crown and Sangiacomo vineyard components.

Sojourn 2010 SangiacomoSojourn 2010 Sangiacomo – 95 Point Rating
Retail  55.00 – GGWC 49.99 FREE SHIPPING on six!
Use the discount code SojournSangia106 during checkout.

This Pinot seduces your nose with aromas of strawberry and orange peel overlaying a core of dark cherry and earthy forest floor. Textures are creamy and silky with slightly more structure than previous vintages.  The finish is long, with lingering hints of cherry and spice.

Sojourn 2010 Gaps CrownSojourn 2010 Gap’s Crown – 95 Point Rating
Retail 55.00 – GGWC 49.99 FREE SHIPPING on six!
Use the discount code SojournGap106 during checkout.

Dark cherry aromas and sweet oak express themselves first, leading to hints of baking spice, chocolate and rosemary. This is a complex wine that makes a great first impression, with a sweet entry, big lush textures and a nice frame.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Page winery turns another page with TWO stunning releases!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Page Wine Cellars

Bryan Page and I met in 1998 when I tasted his first vintage 1997 Proprietary Red. Since then many of our customers have become groupies of this well-priced Napa winery. Bryan’s production is very limited as he focuses on quality and not quantity.

Page 2009 Proprietary RedPage 2009 Proprietary Red Napa Valley
Retail 60.00 – GGWC 53.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use code “Page09Red6” during check out.

This proprietary Red Blend (55% Cabernet Franc; 37% Cabernet Sauvignon; 8% Petit Verdot) has a gorgeous purple hue, a beautiful nose of blackberries and cassis intermixed with some chocolate and espresso and a touch of anise. Full in body, it is a well-balanced stunner that will evolve nicely. Very smooth on both mid-palate and finish. This wine offers gobs of black stone fruit with hints of chocolate and anise on the mid-palate leading into a long, complex but silky finish. 112 cases produced.

Page 2011 Proprietary WhitePage 2011 Proprietary White, Napa Valley
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 24.99

As of the 2011 vintage, the Sauvignon Blanc will now be a proprietary blend as Bryan is adding a little more Semillon to the blend (80 SB and 20 Semillon). This 2011 is gorgeously textured with a bright aroma of melon, ripe pears and honeysuckle on the nose. On the palate this medium bodied white blend shows more of its personality and offers great flavors of tropical fruit, a touch of minerality and a long tropical/mineral finish. 186 cases produced.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

99 Point winemaker does it again!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Cabaud

Luc Morlet has been on a roll as of late, and this latest venture “Cabaud” is just one of the many accolades this great winemaker can add to his portfolio.  Luc who was born in France, but is known for his success at Peter Michael Newton, Staglin, Carte Blanche, Vineyard 7 & 8, his own Morlet label and of course the Cabaud Wines.

Passionate for both the expression of the various California terroirs, as well as the continuous pursuit of the ultimate quality, Luc calls his winemaking philosophy “neo-classical laissez-faire without compromise.” His is a non-interventionist winemaking style driven by an ongoing search for quality improvement. With over two decades of vintages under his belt (he worked 9 years in France, before coming to California), and with his own zest for innovation, Luc uses century old principles and classic Burgundy and Bordeaux methods, while adapting to California’s natural conditions

Cabaud 2009 Cabernet SauvignonCabaud 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon “Mon Hommage” Napa Valley
Retail 135.00 – GGWC 124.99 FREE SHIPPING on 4 or more.
Use coupon code “Cabaud4” during check out.

“Mon Hommage” translates to “My Tribute” and that is what the Cabauds want to share with us. Great wine, great land, great winemaker (Luc Morlet) and the love for the Napa Valley and Saint Helena!

This wine offers a very intense aromatic boost of black cherries and blueberries with a whiff of white tobacco on the nose.  Fleshy and unctuous flavors of red and black stone fruit roll over a perfectly balanced body.  Hints of crème de cassis and a touch toasty vanilla intermingle gorgeously on this mid-palate of this refined giant!  The “finale” offers up a long lingering finish with soft and silky tannins.

Click here or on the links above to order.

Other

Best White of 2012!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Picayune How do I pronounce Picayune? {pi-ka-’yun}

What does Picayune mean? Picayune was a Spanish coin worth half of the value of a “Real” {re-al}

How does that relate to the wine? When buying Picayune, you are buying prestigious wine at half price. Altogether, this is a venture of high quality at even better prices!

Picayune 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Napa & Sonoma Valley
Retail 26.00 – GGWC 23.99 – FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use coupon code  Picay11SB  during check out

This might be “the” white wine find of the late Spring early Summer 2012!  Sourced from two stellar vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma Valley.  Pure, crisp and fresh. Good balance between fruit, minerality and acidity. Drink on its own or pair with seafood, poultry, spicy food and anything that inspires you!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Paul Hobbs pulls another one out of his “big” hat!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Stewart Wines

The latest two releases of the Stewart wines are real stunners, and having Paul Hobbs as your quarterback only reiterates what a key guy he is to a winery!  For those who bought the previous vintage (which received rave reviews), I can tell you that the 2008 vintage will “rock your world!”  Paul does not need much intro, as he has been at the helm of many great ventures both domestic and international.

Stewart 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 59.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX!
Enter the discount code “Stewart08CS” during checkout.

Stewart Cabernet SauvignonSourced from some of Napa Valley’s most sought after vineyards like State Lane (100 point winery – Kapcsandy), Stagecoach, Las Piedras (formerly known as Beck IV, as in Beckstoffer). This is a dense, seamless and plush wine showing the impressive quality of the grapes and craftsmanship brought to its creation. The wine’s concentration shows first in its clear, nearly opaque purple-ruby color. The immense aroma is of dark berries underlain with subtle French oak giving a complex brooding, spicy impression. The structure is plush and fleshy with all elements of fruit, oak, tannins and acidity precisely balanced and intricately integrated. A pure beam of concentrated dark, brambly fruit shines from the deep middle of the wine. The tannins are rich and coat the mouth, yet remain superbly velvety from the opulent start to the long, lingering finish. This is a wine with the intensity of fine, ripe fruit and powerful structure to age and develop for many years in the bottle.

Stewart 2009 Chardonnay, Farina Vineyard Sonoma Mountain
Retail 44.00 – GGWC 39.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Enter the discount code “Stewart09CHD” during checkout.

This is a rich, opulent wine showing the pedigree of its ripe fruit and a careful winemaking hand. The character of the vineyard as an old selection of vines with a distinguished heritage is front and center in the clear, medium-yellow wine, with its big tropical fruit notes of pineapple and mango.  There is a hint of vanilla and toast in the aroma, enough to bring complexity without distracting from the exuberant fruit. The delicate touch of the winemaker is evident in the lovely balance of the wine’s structure, round and fleshy without being ponderous, centered on the sunny warmth of the tropical fruit flavors with the supporting oak notes of vanilla, caramel and toast well in the background yet lingering through the finish. Delicious to drink now it will be intriguing to watch the wine develop over a few years of bottle age.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

You don’t need glasses for this wine!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Londer VineyardsLarry and Shirlee Londer grew up in Denver (CO), and after his residency moved to Albuquerque where he practiced Ophthalmology for 27 years, while Shirlee ran the optical stores.   Since both were wine lovers, they always talked about one day owning a vineyard, they set out in 1997 to the Anderson Valley were they purchased a vineyard where he could grow the varietals he loved the most, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir.  One will not need their glasses to figure out that is wine is the real McCoy.

Londer VineyardsLonder 2009 Pinot Noir “Ferrington” Anderson Valley 94 Points
Retail 52.00 – GGWC  48.00 (FREE SHIPPING on SIX)
Use Free Shipping code Londer09FER6 when checking out

Winemaker Greg La Follette (formerly Flowers, Tandem and of course his own label La Follette) has been crafting these great wines for years now.  The Ferrington vineyard gained fame via Williams Selyem wines.  The 09 Ferrington bottling showcases an amazing bouquet of bright red stone fruit, hints of minerality and a touch of spice.  On the palate, this full-bodied wine is loaded with black and red berries, touches of spice, and a whiff of minerality.  This wine shows great depth and balance, long and complex finish  with amazing flavors of bright red cherries lingering for a good 20 seconds. 196 cases produced.

Londer 2009 Dry Gewurztraminer “Ferrington” Anderson Valley
Retail 26.00 – GGWC 22.50

This wine showcases a sexy, perfumey nose that leaps out of the glass with aromas of rose petals, lychee, honeysuckle and touches of nuttiness.  On the palate hints of tropical and citrus fruit is intertwined with old-world minerality with a touch of tart Granny Smith apple flavor.  Very-well balanced with bright acidity and an amazing long lasting finish.  This is an ideal wine for the hot spring and summer months.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Darms Lane – 94 Point Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on by Frank Melis

Darms Lane

This estate grown property was established as a Chardonnay vineyard about 30 years by the Crichton Hall winery. When the winery was sold, the new owners realized the Chardonnay in this part of Napa did not make any sense and replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon which made a lot more sense. The vines have gained a lot more maturity and have started showing of their true identity of this estate.

Darms Lane Darms Lane Cabernet 08 “Bon Passe” Napa Valley 94 Points
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 57.50 – FREE SHIPPING ON 6
Use coupon code Darms08CS6 when checking out.

This is the fourth release of this 100% estate grown, hand-crafted, small production Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is located in the southwestern bench lands of Napa Valley, in the Oak Knoll appellation. The vineyard is comprised of both hillsides and valley floor, with varying soil types. We focus heavily on our farming and believe that great wines begin in the vineyard. The 2008 Bon Passe Cabernet exhibits an expansive nose of blackberries and ripe cherries that follow through on the palate. In the mouth the wine is rich and velvety – the tannins are smooth. Layers of pure fruit, mocha and a subtle minerality keep unfolding to an elegant finish. This wine has the flavors and suppleness to be enjoyed on its own while maintaining an elegance that will complement many foods.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

A real Blue Chip wine from Oracle’s founder.

Posted on by Frank Melis

Oakville RanchRobert Miner was one of the original founders of Oracle some moons ago.  Robert was actually Larry Ellison’s manager at a previous company.  They jointly created Oracle, but he was the “key” engineer and a master of people skills!  I had the chance to meet him several times before his untimely passing at the age of 52, about 15 years ago. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us but his legacy lives on at Oakville Ranch, which he created with his wife Mary in 1989.  The “Grand Daddy” of the Estate is always the great Robert’s Blend, sourced from the very best parcels of the vineyard next door to Dalla Valle.

Oakville Ranch 2007 Robert's BlendOakville Ranch 2007 Robert’s Blend Robert Parker 93 Points
Retail 69.99 – GGWC 64.99 with FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more!
Use the discount code “oakvillerobert6” during checkout for free shipping.

Sourced 100% from the best parcels of the estate, this blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is the blue chip of the vineyard.  Only 132 cases were produced.  This wine throws a real punch right out of the glass.  Gobs of ripe blue and black berry flavors gush out of the glass followed by gorgeous aromas and flavors of figs, anise and a touch of espresso.  This full-bodied blend is rich, yet elegant – intense, yet smooth.  The aromas and flavors are nicely in-sync and lead into an amazingly long and silky finish.

“Given the reputation of the two vintages, there is not as much difference between the 2008 and 2007 Robert’s Blend as one might suspect. The 2007’s more youthful dense purple color is followed by notes of blueberries, graphite, burning embers and a hint of volcanic soils. Much like its younger sibling, it is a full-bodied, opulent effort with slightly lower alcohol. Rich and full, this is a super effort from an under-the-radar winery that merits more attention. Drink it over the next decade.”
Also check out these new releases from Oakville Ranch:

Oakville Ranch 2009 ChardonnayOakville Ranch 2009 Estate Chardonnay
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 36.99 with FREE SHIPPING on six or more!
Use the discount code “oakvillecab6” during checkout for free shipping.

This is a well-crafted masterpiece will please both collector and average wine lover alike, as this artwork is very well-priced!  Sourced from their prime block it offers pleasant aromas of pears, peaches, baked apples and fresh cream on the nose.  On the palate, this well-balanced, full-bodied Chardonnay showcases rich and supple fruit that is well-expressed and balanced alongside some lively acidity.   This is like a song in the glass!  Only 178 cases produced!

Oakville Ranch 2009 Estate Cabernet SauvignonOakville Ranch 09 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Retail 62.00 – GGWC  54.99 FREE SHIPPING on six or more!
Use the discount code “oakvillechar6” during checkout for free shipping.

Sourced from three prime areas on the estate (57% Plateau, 28% Summit and 15% Terrace), this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon will wow you immediately.  This youngster offers classic, rich black stone fruit, some typical Oakville “dust”.  This multi-layered densely concentrated mountainous wine is stacked with cassis and raspberries that are extremely bold, yet clean and silky on the mid-palate with a touch of fresh roses, cedar and freshly roasted coffee beans leading into an amazingly complex, long lasting finish.  300 cases produced.

The winemaker says: “This is wine worship at its most elemental, with no artifice between you and the glass.  This is red dust on your shoes, indescribable views, smoke and violets on the tongue, a glad heart.  Listen, savor and enjoy!”

92 Points Robert Parker: “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with dark fruit, spices, new leather, licorice and grilled herbs. It shows terrific energy and focus all the way through to the powerful, incisive finish. Sweet flowers and spices add further nuances of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2024.”

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Scarecrow Winemaker turns heads with her latest gem

Posted on by Frank Melis

Keever Vineyards

Keever Vineyards When you put Celia Welch & Jim Barbour on one team, it is like seeing Joe Montana and Jerry Rice connect for some of the best plays (wines) ever. Celia’s portfolio is well-known as is Jim’s so it is not surprise that the latest Keever is probably the best one to date!

Keever 2009 CabernetKeever 2009 Cabernet “Estate” Yountville, Napa Valley

Chocolate-covered cherries, blackberries, baked plums and a hint of sweet mocha waft from the glass of this lovely 100% Cabernet. A touch of vanilla and barrel toast adds complexity to the fruit-centered aromas. On the palate, the texture is broad and creamy at entry, with a fresh fruit character dominating the mid-palate and finish. The finish fades to a lasting impression of fresh berry and vanilla flavors wrapped around a creamy, polished texture.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Screaming Eagle Winemaker pulls one out of his hat at 1/20th the price!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Dancing Hares

Andy Erickson Andy Erickson does not need an introduction, the man worked with John Kongsgaard, Paul Hobbs, Bob Levy at Harlan Estate, Staglin, etc.  He currently makes Arietta, Ovid, Dalla Valle and of course his own labels Leviathan and Favia.  The Dancing Hares wines have been on fire as of late and this latest release is yet another gem in the rough.

Dancing Hares 2009 Mad HatterDancing Hares 2009 Mad Hatter

The 2009 vintage was a long, mild growing season which delivered fruit with bright acidity, relatively low potential alcohol, dark color, and expressive aromatics.  As the year was relatively cool for Napa Valley standards, Merlot performed particularly well.  For the 2009 Mad Hatter, Andy blended (27% Cabernet, 59% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot to create a wine that is soft, rich and generous.  Cabernet Sauvignon adds a regal, classic quality to the wine, while smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot provide a depth and aromatic complexity that makes the wine even more compelling.  After a short decanting, the wine comes alive, with deep, ripe notes of blackberry, black tea, and forest floor.  On the palate, a solid tannic framework supports the rich fruit flavors, accompanied by subtle notes of gravel and minerals.  This wine will easily age for a decade or more, but should probably be consumed now, in its youth, to enjoy all of the bright, fresh fruit character it shows now.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Rocket Scientist blasts wine into orbit!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Brian Loring Brian Loring is a rocket scientist turned winemaker, and he told me that he does not regret the move one bit!  He told me years ago, that one day (he was 40) he was called “pops” by the younger generation and that was his queue to leave and follow this true passion – winemaking!  He had been a home winemaker for years, and it was an easy transition.  The rest is history… As are some great scores from the various publications!
Loring’s wines are full-bodied, but very spicy, and sure to delight your palate.
On the nose this youngster greets you with sweet red cherries, hints of spring flower perfume and a touch of sweet vanilla.  On the palate this full bodied Pinot showcases gorgeous sweet red cherries and well-balanced acidity with a touch of sweet spice.  This wine’s finish lasts a good 20 seconds.  This wine could benefit from some time, although decanting for 90 minutes should offer complete satisfaction. This wine received a 94 Points from former Wine Spectator guru James Suckling.
Only 200 cases of this amazing Pinot were produced.  On the nose this wine reminds me a little of Syrah (bold and intense), but it showcases gorgeous plum and black cherry fruit with a touch of anise and minerality.  On the palate you’ll encounter gobs of black stone fruit with a touch of vanilla spice and a whiff or earthy minerality.  Well-balanced, this youngster shows great character and ageing potential.  I would suggest that you allow this wine to breathe a good 90 – 120 minutes for immediate enjoyment.
Small amounts of Loring 2010 Rosella (94 Points WS) and 2010 Garys (92 Points WS) are still in stock.
Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Howell Mountain GEM does it again!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Cornerstone CellarsCornerstone seems to have turned another corner in its long history. Created some 20 years ago, this winery has had some amazing winemakers along the way, Bruce Scotland, Celia Welch (Scarecrow, Corra, etc.) and now Jeff Keene. The philosophy has not changed, continue to make first-rate, handcrafted wines! I can see that this latest release is just that, a first-rate, stunning wine!

Cornerstone 2007 Howell Mountain CabernetCornerstone 2007 Howell Mountain Cabernet

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was grown on the east-facing slopes of Ink Grade Block, Howell Mountain, a large peak on the Eastern edge of Napa Valley. At a high elevation (1800 to 2000 feet) where volcanic soils create great growing conditions for tiny berries full of flavor.

This classic from the great 2007 vintage really wowed me. A growing year so perfect it’s one of those vintages that, as they say, if you can’t make great wine in this year you never will.  On the nose this gem greets you with sweet black stone fruit, a touch of espresso and chocolate. On the palate, this powerful, yet silky smooth this wine offers more quality fruit and high-end chocolate flavors that are well-balanced. This will age into greatness, but can be enjoyed now with full flavored dishes like steaks and chops. Decanting for an hour or more will bring out the best in this great wine.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

32 Winds blows away some big-name Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in blind tasting.

Posted on by Frank Melis

32 Winds

This venture has quietly created some cult following among our clientele.  Last week I conducted a blind tasting of 10 high-end Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, and in both flights 32 Winds sailed away from the crowd.

The line-up in the Chardonnay tasting included:

Peter Michael Mon Plaisir ($95.00), Kongsgaard The Judge (98 Pts Parker $200.00),  Aubert “Hyde” (95 Pts Parker, $175.00), Aubert “Ritchie (95 Pts Parker $125.00), Hanzell,  Lewis Reserve Chardonnay, Littorai “Heintz” (94 Pts Parker $75.00), Kongsgaard (94 Pts Parker $85.00), Paul Hobbs Cuvee Augustina (94 Pts Parker $115.00) and of course 32 Winds Hudson Ranch

The result:

  1. 32 Winds “Hudson Ranch”
  2. Kongsgaard “The Judge”
  3. Aubert “Hyde”

What was interesting is that the average estimated price point of these wines – My group of 26 tasters guessed that 32 Winds retailed for $56.00, Kongsgaard the Judge $55.00 and Aubert $50.00, while both are much more expensive.  32 Winds sells for $44.99!!

The line-up in the Pinot Noir tasting included:

Paul Hobbs “Hyde” (95 Pts Parker, $ 85.00), Aubert Reuling Vineyard (95 Pts Parker, $150.00),Mt Eden Estate (94 Pts Parker $60.00) Capiaux Garys (94 Pts Parker), Brewer Clifton Mt. Carmel (94 Pts Parker $65.00), Chasseur “Freestone” (94 Pts Parker $65.00)), DuMol Aidan (95 Pts Parker $90.00), Martinelli “Bondi” (95 Pts Parker, $75.00), Peter Michael “Ma Danseuse” (95 Pts Parker $125.00 & 32 Winds Hirsch.

The result:

  1. 32 Winds “Hirsch”
  2. Aubert “Reuling”
  3. DuMol “Aidan”

The average estimated price for 32 Winds was $75.00 (well above its actual cost!), Aubert $72.00 and DuMol $72.00.

I love these blind tastings, because they give me a great picture of what the crowd thinks about the wine and they give me a better understanding of the price points!

Tasting Notes:
32 Winds 2009 Pinot Noir “Hirsch” Sonoma Coast
The Hirsch vineyard is located on a rugged ridge close to the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of 1500 feet, in a zone above the marine fog. The high elevation vine- yard sees approximately 14 hours of sun versus 10 hours at below the fogline, thus allowing long hours of unmitigated sunlight late in the season when tannins are evolving.  This Pinot Noir breaths quality and value!  The wine is rich in flavor, full in texture,  and offers a lovely underlying minerality and excellent natural acidity, a very well-balanced gem!. The flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, and freshly grated nutmeg jump out of the glass.  Layer of layer this wine shows finesse and power.  On the mid palate one will experience a great mouth feel of more black cherries, cola, and a plum.   The wine finishes like a great Burgundy with subtle touches of vanilla on the finish.

32 Winds 2009 Chardonnay “Hudson Ranch” Carneros
The Hudson Vineyard is located in the rolling hills of the Carneros, adjacent to the San Pablo Bay. The proximity to the fog and breezes from the bay makes the climate in Los Carneros cooler than surrounding areas, the perfect environment in which to grow Chardonnay.  The wine is broad shouldered, with a great rich smooth texture and wonderful natural acidity on the finish. On the nose this little gem offers touches of Bosc pears, hazelnuts and vanilla.  Full in body, yet very elegant this wine reveals touches of flinty rock, tropical fruit, honeysuckle and peaches.  Lush, yet extremely well-balanced and not overpowering this wine has the right amount of acidity to stand up against the big boys, and will age nicely.

Click here or on the links above to order!

 

Tasting Notes

Stunning 2007 Cabernet. A $100.00 value at $44.00!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Maldonado Wines

Lupe MaldonadoAlmost 50 years ago, Lupe Maldonado moved to California from Atacheo, a small farming community in Michoacan, Mexico. In 1971 Lupe was working for Sterling Vineyards when Peter Newton offered Lupe the opportunity to join him in the creation of a new winery in the Spring Mountain District of St. Helena. Lupe’s dedication and hard work were beginning to pay off; he was named vineyard manager for Newton Vineyard. With Newton, Lupe found a home where he proudly dedicated all his energy for over thirty years. His son Hugo succeeded him in 1999.  Lupe began devoting his three decades of viticulture wisdom to his own grapes. He bought a 10-acre piece of land in the Napa Valley.  Today Lupe lives in the midst of the vines that he planted and tends to.  Lupe and his son Hugo, a graduate in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California in Davis, and their families are partners in the project.

Maldonado 2007 Cabernet SauvignonMaldonado 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Retail $50.00 – GGWC $44.00
FREE SHIPPING on 12!

This is the first release of this wine. It has a dark, black cherry hue with touches of ruby and hints of purple on the rim.  Intense aromas of cassis with promises of blueberries, plumbs, violets, cocoa powder and geraniums are intermingled in this wonderful bouquet.  This full bodied wine has a soft but fresh entrance evolving on silky tannins.  You’ll encounter touches of blueberries and red cherries.  The wine is well-balanced with a backbone of subtle acidity (great aging potential) with hints of chocolate infused plumbs, raspberry liquor with some basil and lavender notes. A testament to the almost perfect growing conditions of this Vintage. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Limited production of 376 cases!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Handcrafted Organic Wines With An Expensive Taste

Posted on by Frank Melis

Horse and Plow

Chris Condos and Suzanne HaginsHorse and Plow is a small husband and wife run winery in Santa Rosa that focuses on making handcrafted wines exclusively from organic and bio-dynamic grapes. Chris Condos (winemaker/partner) started his career at Pine Ridge in 1995. He is also the day-to-day winemaker for Kathryn Kennedy winery. His wife, Suzanne Hagins started her career at Comte Armand in Pommard and made wine at David Bruce and Golden Eye. They both get down and dirty behind the “Horse and Plow” label.

Horse and Plow 2010 Harvester Red, North Coast “Certified Organic”
This is a red blend of Old Vine Carignane, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Charbono, & Zinfandel from select vineyards in the North Coast. The grapes were picked by hand, de-stemmed without crushing, and cold soaked for 5-10 days. The wine offers a bold aroma of bright red and black stone fruit and a whiff of barely. On the palate this bold red value red showcases more bold, lush and ripe fruit and nice integrated silky tannins. Easy drinking!

Horse and Plow 2010 Chardonnay, McFadden Mendocino “Certified Organic”
This farm, owned by Guinness McFadden is a real jewel! This wine runs nicely over the palate were apricots, Fuji apples meet in a gorgeous medium bodied palate that is smooth and pure. The wine is elegant and not overbearing. Three year old barrels were used to minimize exposure to toastiness and only 20% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation keeping in nice and elegant. Only 275 cases produced.

Horse and Plow Syrah 2010 Grist Vineyard Dry Creek “Certifiied Organic”
The Grist vineyard is situated 1000 feet above Dry Creek Valley on Bradford Mountain. For years Turley has been buying this fruit! This wine shows a true expression of Syrah. A touch of bacon fat, black pepper, a touch of spice cabinet. This wine if full-in body with good complexity and taste like a big more expensive Syrah. The finish is long with a touch of licorice at the end. 100 cases produced.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Peter Michael & Carte Blanche winemaker ROCKS again! 95+ Points Parker!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Morlet Family VineyardsLuc Morlet has an amazing portfolio.  Replacing John Kongsgaard at Newton at one point, winemaker at Staglin, and of course Peter Michael was the big “ticket” on his portfolio.  Today he acutually consults at Peter Michael for his brother Nicholas Morlet.  Today he of course is known as the winemaker for Carte Blanche,  Vineyard 7 & 8 and of course his OWN label MORLET!  Luc has a nose for great vineyards and he only uses the best in his own label.  I tasted with him a few days ago and came away with WAW (What a “bunch” of Amazing Wines!), and a nice guy on top of that!

Morlet 2009 “Coeur de Vallee” Beckstoffer-To-Kalon (95 Points RP)
I know it is expensive, but this is in the range of the BEST Bordeaux’ and top-notch collectibles you have ever tasted.   The Coeur de Vallee translates to “the heart of the Valley” and it really is the heart, the very best! This vineyard is of course unique and “famous” for its prime location and many great wines that have been produced from this estate.  This 2009 is probably one of the most complex wines from Napa to date!  Full in body, an amazing palate that is lush, gorgeous and complex.  The start to finish is more like reading  a long complex book with many intriguing chapters along the way.  The nose is expressive, the flavors elegant and complex the finish long and sensual.  The production very small!

Morlet 2009 “Mon Chevalier” (95 Points RP)
Mon Chevalier (or my Knight) is located on the hills of Knights Valley, near Calistoga.  This wine has a real dark hue of purple.  It is very intense on the nose and palate.  Loaded with complex black stone fruit, chocolate, anise and a hint of lavender.   Amazingly full bodied, complex yet extremely well-polished and elegant.  The wine dances over your palate like a top-notch ballerina in Swan lake.  The hillside tannins are complex yet elegant.  This is a wine that will last a good 15+ years!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Value Napa Cabernet “rocks”!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Culler Winery

Culler Winery “Casaeda” 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Culler "Casaeda" 2008 Cabernet SauvignonKaren Culler has been at it for a long, with great success. The 2008 vintage (77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Petit Verdot) produced wines of great depth and color, and also a fresh, soft texture.  The Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of chocolate, game, anise and blackberry, and a palate of elegant, and rich tannins. The Petite Verdot gives the wine an unctuous and juicy mid palate to create a long mouthfeel.  The resulting blend is both approachable now, but has the depth to age.  The wine was bottled, unfined and unfiltered. Only 174 cases were produced!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Stunning Grand Cru Chablis-style Chardonnay at Bargain Price!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Clos Pepe Vineyards

Steve and Catherine PepeClos Pepe is a family-owned vineyard and winery set in the heart of the Santa Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County, California. Of the 29 acres planted in vines, 25 acres are planted to Pinot Noir, and 4 acres to Chardonnay. They sell more grapes than what they produce into wine, thus the production is only about 800 cases of Estate Pinot Noir each year, 100 cases of Chablis-style Chardonnay. All stunning! Some wineries that get fruit from these great vineyards are: Siduri, Loring Roessler Brewer-Clifton, Diatom and Tyler to name a few.

Harvesting at the Clos Pepe VineyardClos Pepe 2009 Estate Chardonnay – Santa Barbara

This gorgeous, well-structured wine has a light straw color and spent 11 months in neutral French oak. On the nose one is greeted by Asian pear, green apples, hazelnuts and a touch of chalky minerality. Hints of California style integrated with a very complex and enticing Chablis-like structure and character. On the palate you’ll encounter a clean lean on entry package developing into nice richness at the end. This wine is bright, elegant and compact. Even if it underwent 100% malolactic fermentation, this wine is not a big butter ball but an elegant well-priced version of a great “West Coast” Chablis. Only 400 cases produced!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

A must have Cabernet!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Obsidian Ridge Vineyard

Eleven years ago when Peter laid out the blocks to be planted at Obsidian Ridge, he singled out a notch at the highest elevation with the hope of making a vin de garde. At 2,640′ elevation, this vineyard may produce the only wine made in California at a half-mile high. Planted with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon, the block distinguishes itself with one variety in one year, and another in the next.

Obsidian Ridge 2009 "Half Mile" Proprietary RedObsidian Ridge 2009 “Half Mile” Proprietary Red

This blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvigon and 16% Petit Verdot blew my mind the other day. The winemaker Michael Terrien (responsible for the Kenzo Venture) crafted one of the most amazing wines I have tasted in a long time. On the nose gorgeous aromas of ripe black stone fruit leap out of the glass. The palate is framed by a gorgeous body of chocolate, black currant and a hint of cinnamon and clove (from the Tokaji barrels used to age this very small production wine – 260 cases). This wine is all about the “terroir” of this ½ mile high wine. Concentration, yet balance, are the first impression but this wine provides more than that. This resembles a first-growth Bordeaux! It is old-world meet new-world, really! This is not a wine for wimps (sorry I don’t want to ever offend anyone – I should say, not a wine for beginners), this is a wine that requires a good hour or two breathing time (I had a bottle open for 4 last night, and it was lovely by the time we polished it off) or could benefit from a year or so in the cellar. I can tell you that this one will age nicely as well. Again very limited!