Events

New York City Wine Tasting

Posted on by Frank Melis

We are bringing California Wine Country to New York City!

Join me on May 29, 2012 to meet the owners and winemakers of:
Coho, Hilliard Bruce, MilAnge (Frank’s own label), Cornerstone, Paul Lato, Dragonette, Sans Liege, Tofanelli, Solitude, Garric, World’s End, Monthuys Champagne, and others to taste their latest releases.

We will be pouring 30+ wines and serve up a great dinner (buffet style)

Tuesday May 29, 2012 from 5:00 P.M – 8:00 P.M.
Alfama Restaurant
214 East 52nd Street  New York, NY 10022

Tickets: $75.00 per person or $120.00 for two people (@$60.00 per person)
RSVP: 415-337-4083 or frank@goldengatewinecellars.com

Or purchase online at http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com

Tasting Notes

White Burgundy in the Napa Valley!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Rosseau In Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Three Musketeers, D’Artagnan fell for the beautiful and mysterious Milady. This French style inspired Chardonnay is Yannick Rousseau’s Lady – “Milady” – Susanna’s favorite aphrodisiac! It comes from the highly acclaimed, 1800 foot elevation Godspeed Vineyards.

Rosseau 2009 Chardonnay "Milady"Rousseau 2009 Chardonnay “Milady” Mt. Veeder

This is (White) Burgundy WEST! A very limited production (195 cases) Chardonnay sourced from this stunning Godspeed vineyard, high-up Mt. Veeder. On the nose peaches, vanilla and a touch of ginger mingle on the nose with hints of orchard fresh fruit. This naturally fermented wine (native yeast and no-malolactic fermentation) was aged in only 20% new oak to showcase its unique character. This wine is very distinct and complex. Along the medium-to-full-bodied palate this “Milady” is gorgeous and well balanced with a gorgeously textured richness without being flabby. This is a wine that will go over very well with Dungeness crab or a juicy roasted chicken with Herbs-de-Provence tucked under its skin. I am getting hungry just writing this!

Tasting Notes

Stunning Pinot a must have wine!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Pillow Road Vineyards

This is a real sleeper hit! Sourced from their estate properties in the Russian River Valley, Pillow Road Vineyards consists of two plots located in Sebastopol on the southern edge of the Russian River Valley. In total, both vineyards are planted to 20 acres of Pinot Noir clones 4, 115, 777, Swan and Calera. Situated only 15 miles from the coast, the valley’s calm foggy mornings, clear afternoons and cool breezy nights provide an idyllic climate for growing Pinot Noir. Pillow Road’s vineyards are nourished by the rich Gold Ridge sandy loam soils. The sand allows the soils to drain quickly during a wet spring, while the loam holds on to a marginal amount of water to self-irrigate the vines throughout the growing season, without either over-invigorating or stressing the vines.

Pillow Road 2009 Pinot NoirPillow Road 2009 Russian River Pinot Noir

This 2009 Pinot Noir is a gorgeous wine with an amazing expression of TRUE Pinot Noir characters and flavors. I could call it pretty, sexy, voluptuous and one would think that I am a sexist type of guy, but I am not. This is the description of this stunning wine. On the nose one will meet the strawberry, raspberry and hints of earthy, spiciness that spiral out of the bottle. On first impact this silky, yet full bodied wine is bright and silky with an amazing balance and tons of flavors. The (crisp) acidity provides for an amazingly long, complex finish that will satisfy even the harshest critics of this fragile varietal. Only 400 cases were produced of this well-made wine!

Tasting Notes

Red blend for everyday at a bargain price!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Banshee Wines

The 2010 Banshee Mordecai Red has a whopping thirteen varietals! The only other wine with 13 varietals is Chateuneuf du Pape, with 9 Red and 4 white. The 2010 blend consists of: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Montepulciano, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Carignane (whew). One could call this bouillabaisse, but all joking aside, this is an awesome great value priced wine.

The result is a worthy follow up to the success of their inaugural blend. This vintage, a Napa Cabernet parcel stepped up to take the lead role but it is fascinating  to  see  how  the  other  varieties express themselves. The Syrah adds a little spiciness, the Grenache bright red fruit, and the Cabernet Franc an intriguing nose. Each piece adds something distinct and essential to the wine.   We like to think of this as a marriage between Bordeaux and Rhone, consummated in California.

Banshee 2010 MordecaiBanshee 2010 Mordecai Red

This wine is rich and full-bodied, the cool 2010 vintage bestowed a certain class and elegance to the wine. On the nose one encounters gorgeous aromas of black stone fruit, a hint of coffee and a whiff of spice. On the palate, this full-bodied gem offers black currant, chocolate and an array of spices (probably from the Syrah, Grenache, etc.). The finish is long, elegant and silky smooth. This is an ideal wine for multiple food pairings or for those who cannot decide what to pair with chicken, fish, steak, lamb, ribs, and game. Also good with a heart pasta for those vegetarians (I don’t want to forget them!)

Events, Spotlights

Small producer slams big name 100 point wines!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Patland WinesIn a recent blind tasting of 2008 Cabernets and 2007 Syrahs, Patland vineyards beat out some big name wineries, including some 100 Point wines!

In the Syrah tasting the lineup included: Alban Reva (100 Points, $150.00), Guigal Cote Rotie La Landonne (97+ Points $350.00!!), Alban Lorraine (96 Points), ,  Betz Family La Cote Rousse, Araujo Eisele Vineyard, Carlisle James Berry Vineyard (96 Points), Paul Hobbs “Kick Ranch” (95 Points) Caysue Cailloux (97 Points), Colgin IX Estate (95 Points $250.00)

The winner: PATLAND 2007 Syrah  Stagecoach Napa Valley

In the Cabernet tasting the lineup included: Chappellet Pritchard Hill, Larkmead (95 Points), Dunn Howell Mountain (98+ Points), Anderson Conn Valley Reserve (98 Points), David Arthur 1147 (95 Points $150.00), Au Sommet (94 Points $250.00), Lewelling (96 Points), Bevan Cellars David’s Cuvee (95 Points, $150.00), Constant (95 + Points), Paul Hobbs Dr. Crane (96 Points $175.00), Hunderd Acre Kayli (96 Points) and Dana Estate (96 Points $350.00)

The winner: PATLAND 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach, Napa Valley

Tasting Notes

Third generation winegrowers turn heads!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Masut Vineyard and Winery

The Fetzer BrothersThe name Fetzer echoes in the history of California wine. The Fetzers were pioneers of organic and biodynamic winegrowing in California. The founders, Barney and Kathleen Fetzer created the brand many decades ago with the help of their 11 children.  Over the years Fetzer was sold to Brown-Forman (Jack Daniels, etal folks) and the family members all created their little niche wine ventures, among them one that we feature is Saracina and Atrea. Now we added Masut. The winemakers Jacob and Ben Fetzer (3rd generation Fetzers) are the sons of Bobby Fetzer who sadly died at a young age of 51. Both boys grew up on the ranch and at age 4 they pulled leaves on 6 acres of vineyard, but age 8 they made their first wine a blend of Cabernet and Sangiovese and the rest is history.  Today they are making their own wine from the family’s Masut Ranch. The Masut Ranch is 1500 acres, but only 27 acres were planted to grapevines in 1996. Having identified 13 separate blocks, each with its unique slope and contour, they selected appropriate clones: 113, 115 and 777

Masut 2009 Pinot NoirMasut 2009 Pinot Noir “Estate” Mendocino

A small production wine, this 2009 Masut “Estate” Pinot Noir offers a velvety soft texture.  On the nose this organic/biodynamic wine welcomes you with black cherry, a whiff of real Pinot “earthiness”.  On the palate this medium to full-bodied wine offers great complexity and a striking balance of fruit (wild berry jam, coffee and a hint of spice ) and acid which compliments the toasty vanilla richness and hints of cocoa on the finish. Fine tannins and vibrant acidity give it an elegant structure.

Tasting Notes

Napa’s best kept secret is out. A must have Cabernet!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Gary and RicardoThis is a real find! My old friend, winemaker Pam Starr (formerly Spottswoode, now Crocker-Starr and Bridesmaid) is the brain surgeon behind this medically owned wine venture. The winery is owned by two Chicago physicians, both wine-ohs (i.e. lovers of great wine, great food, the works). Gary (the GAR) is a native of Chicago who grew up with great Italian food and wine. He is a podiatrist and foot surgeon (I guess that helps when you do the “I love Lucy” thing! Ricardo (the RIC) was born in the Philippines and came to the US with his medical degree and $500.00 in his pocket. Fast forward the two guys met (1998) drank a bottle of Lafitte Rothschild and the rest was history. They purchased a property in Calistoga in 2002 and now split time between the win(dy) and win(e) countries.

Garric Cellars 2008 Cabernet SauvignonGarric Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The 2008 was sourced from Beckstoffer’s Missouri Hopper (home to many great wines, i.e. World’s End, etc.) and the historic Larkmead vineyard.  Pam Starr is no stranger to make stunning wines, and this puppy is just another example of her craftsman(woman) ship.  When I opened my first bottle, both  my wife and I said: “WAW (What A Wine).  Amazing, the aromatics filled our dining room and my kids even commented that this wine smelled very good.  On the nose tons of black stone fruit, a hint of anise and chocolate were prevalent.  The full-bodied flavors of more black cherry, black currant are lush, intense, yet incredibly well-balanced and in tune with the entire Garric picture!   For such a big bold wine, one would expect gigantic tannins – wrong!  The tannins are silky and elegant, but very long!  Only 400 cases of this little gem were produced, so I highly recommend you jump on this NOW!

Events, Tasting Notes

Tofanelli beats many Zins in a blind tasting!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Tofanelli Family Vineyard

Vince Tofanelli recently poured at our Valentine’s Day Tasting and wowed many with his great wines and personality. As you might know Tofanelli grows a lot more than what he produces and Turley is one of his biggest clients!  That said, the following day we conducted a bind tasting of 10 great Zins (Martinelli G&L, Biale, Bella Lily Hill, A. Rafanelli, Biale, Black Sears, Rochioli, Paradigm &Turley “Tofanelli”) Our friend from Tofanelli blew away the pack by a horse length! We tasted with 30 people, and Tofanelli received 27 FIRST place votes, so it is not a fluke!

Tofanelli 2008 ZinfandelTofanelli 2008 Zinfandel, Napa

Absolutely classic. The aromatics of this Zin burst forward,  with concentrated fresh boysenberry juice and hints of raspberry sorbet. Sweet pipe tobacco and vanilla scents add complexity. Mouth-coating dark fruits kick in, laced with  allspice, clove and a dash of white pepper. On entry the wine is silky and juicy, with firm tannins supporting snappy Zin fruit expression. Ultra long finish. Drink now and  through 2021.

Tofanelli 2008 Charbono, Napa Valley

A food wine, par excellence. Lovely floral scents of wild rose and carnation combine with dusty blueberry, a vanilla-laced berry pie and yeasty dough aromas. Tar, pencil lead and a mineral component add complexity to the mouth-coating dark berry and black plum character at the wine’s core. Its elegant finish is framed by a nice bright acidity.  Drink now and through 2026.

Tasting Notes

Romanee Conti at a fraction of its cost!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Drew Winery

Jason Drew has a knack of producing great wines, and Bill Weir growing amazing Pinot Noir. The block used for the 2009 Weir Pinot Noir is a combination of Domaine Romanee Conti Selection and Rochioli clones used to make this stunning release. This vineyard is located in a cool pocket amongst the redwoods in the Yorkville Highlands AVA. The vineyard is on a steep southeastern slope at an elevation of approximately 850 feet. The Weir Vineyard is approximately 15 acres of vineyard planted to some of the more rare Pinot Noir clone selections seen today in California. It is also a source for some other great Pinot Noir producers in California (William Selyem, Spell, Kosta Browne, etc.)

Drew WineryDrew 2009 Pinot Noir “Weir” Yorkville Highlands AVA (Mendocino)

This is one of the most crowd pleasing wines to date. The aromas of sweet and spicy black cherries, exotic plums jump out of the glass. On the palate, this lush, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir showcases intense flavors that are complex and round with delicious succulent black cherries and sweet plums balanced into a nice package with the right amount of acidity and the real varietal undertones of rose petals and a touch of earthy minerality. Only 180 cases produced. Various sourced scored this wine between 93 and 96 Points! Limited Production!

Tasting Notes

Right Bank Bordeaux meets the Napa Valley!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Virage WinesA “virage” is a bend or turn in the road. In the Napa Valley the (Virage winery) winemaking road  banks right, in the Bordeaux tradition, blending Cabernet Franc and Merlot ripened slowly in varied soils and a temperate climate.

This little gem turned heads recently when I poured it for some distinguished clients.  All assumed upper tier Bordeaux and a good $100+ a bottle!  Wrong, Napa Valley and less than $50.00!

Virage 2007 Proprietary RedVirage 2007 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley

The exuberant aromatics of this wine (sourced from the Hyde and Beau Terroir Vineyards)  jump out of the glass.  Bright cherries intermingle with black stone fruit, plums and a touch of mint chocolate.  On the palate this lush, full-bodied blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon showcases density and elegance, balance and structure.  Very well-balanced acidity and fine, silky tannins with a dusting of dark cocoa on the long finish.

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Small (girl) winery beats up the Big Boys wineries!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Karen Culler has been around for some time now, and her portfolio has been very impressive. Although I think the last blind tasting I conducted might have just elevated her status some more. The Who’s Who of Napa Valley wineries was represented at this tasting. We tasted blind and guessed the price of each wine!
Amazing results!

The line up consisted of:

Wolf Family Estate Cabernet Napa Valley – 94 Points – $85.00
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard  97+Parker – $200.00
Hundred Acre Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan Vineyard 96+ Parker – $300.00
Joseph Phelps Insignia Proprietary Red Wine 97 Parker – $175.00
Colgin Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard 95 Parker – $500.00
Anderson’s Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve  98 Points Parker $110.00
Carte Blanche Cabernet Sauvigon  96 Points Wine Spectator – $125.00
Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard 97+ Points Parker – $300.00
David Arthur Cabernet Sauvignon Elevation 1147  94+ Points Parker – $135.00
Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve  96 Points Parker – $100.00
Dana Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard 96 Parker – $350.00
Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Villa del Lago 96 Poimts – $200.00
Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 98+ Points – $100.00
Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon 96 Points Parker – $140.00

The Results….

1) Wolf  Retail 85.00 – Average “guessed” price  $112.00
2) Carte Blanche Retail 125.00  – Average “guessed” price  $102.00
3) Beau Vigne Reserve Retail 100.00 –  – Average “guessed” price  $101.00
4) Dunn Howell Mountain Retail 100.00 –  – Average “guessed” price  $96.00
5) Colgin Tychson Hill Retail 500.00 –  – Average “guessed” price  $95.00
6) Paul Hobbs To Kalon Retail 200.00 –  – Average “guessed” price  $95.00
7) Buccella Retail 140.00 –  – Average “guessed” price  $95.00
8 ) Anderson Conn Valley Rsv -Retail 110.00 – – Average “guessed” price  $75.00
9) Dana Estate Retail 350.00 –  – Average “guessed” price  $75.00
10) Phelps Insignia Retail 175.00 –  – Average “guessed” price  $75.00
11) Del Dotto Villa del Lago Retail 200.00 – – Average “guessed” price  $60.00
12) David Arthur 1147 Retail 135.00 –  – Average “guessed” price  $60.00
13) Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Retail 300.00  – Average “guessed” price  $60.00
14)Araujo Eisele Retail 300.00 – – Average “guessed” price  $55.00

So this shows again that some of the scores and prices not always make sense. I still believe in Frank’s Palatable Price Point (FPPP) $35.00 – $85.00 rule! We don’t have a large supply of the Wolf wines in stock, so I suggest you hurry on this offer. Six bottles will get you FREE SHIPPING!

Wolf 2008 Estate Cabernet SauvignonWolf Family Vineyards 2008 Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley
94 Points – $85.00

On the nose one is greeted by black cherries and chocolate aromas followed by a full, lush body of black stone fruit and creme de cassis framed into a great, powerful body that is elegant yet amazing! I say elegant, not light!  Full, rich, extracted with a very long intense finish that does not want to end!   Only 175 cases of this little gem were produced!!

Other

Announcing the Grand Unveiling of Our New Website!

Posted on by Frank Melis

After a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, I am excited to introduce you to our new website! It has a whole new look and feel, a lot of new features to make it easier to find the wine you are looking for, and easier for me to get it to you! And at the same time, the site still includes all of the incredible wines you have become accustomed to, and more are being added every day.

To celebrate the opening of our new website, I am including a special “Gift” to my customers over the next couple of days. The first twenty orders on the new website, starting today, will receive a 99.99% discount on a special wine selction that I will include with your shipment! Technically I cant give it away free but this is pretty darn close!

So come on over to http://www.GoldenGateWineCellars.com and take a look around. Let me know what you think and remember to Always Drink Good Wine!

Tasting Notes

Que Syrah Syrah, What will be… A stunning wine at a great price!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Meyer Family Syrah

Remember Justin Meyer (founding winemaker/partner) of Silver Oak?  I know you’ll say, I don’t like Silver Oak today – I (might/will) agree.  The first 20 somewhat vintages of Silver Oak are much better than the last 10.  That has to do with the fact that Justin Meyer left Silver Oak 10+ years ago (sadly he passed away about 8 years ago).  Justin his wife Bonny (yes, from Bonny’s Vineyard, which they still own today) and their son Matt started the Meyer Family Estate in Mendocino a good 10-12 years ago.  Currently Matt and his wife Karen (a winemaker from Australia) are at the helm of the estate.  Small amounts of Syrah, Chardonnay and Port are produced from select sites in Mendocino and of course the “Piece de Resistance” THE “Bonny’s Cabernet” from the family estate in Oakville (Napa Valley).  I just tasted with the Meyer folks and the latest (2007) Syrah and (2006) Bonny’s Vineyard Cabernet are outstanding!  Inquire about the upcoming Bonny’s releases, as it is VERY limited!

Meyer Family 2007 Syrah, Yorkville Highlands Mendocino
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 27.99

The 2007 Syrah Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino is THE best effort to come from these nice folks.  As you know, 2007 was one of those almost perfect years and the end result is an almost perfect Syrah. The intense aromatics jump out of the glass with lush ripe black cherries, plums, coffee and a hint of spice.  This full-bodied, very elegant (almost silky) Syrah offers racy yet very well-balanced fruit with the right touch of acidity. A long intense finish gives this wine some more personality.  Drink now – 2020.

Meyer Family 2006 Bonny’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Napa Valley
Retail 140.00 – GGWC 129.99

This is a throw back to the good old Silver Oak days.  A very intense wine from start to finish.  A little Oakville dust on the nose and mid palate.  Black stone fruit oozing  out of the glass.  Full in body, dense concentrated, with a Bordeaux-like elegance in the center part.  More chocolate, coffee, a touch of leather and intensity lead into a very long finish.  The tannins are there to allow this puppy to cellar well for a good 15-20 years.  VERY LIMITED – 2 bottles per account only.

Meyer Family 2010 Chardonnay, Anderson Valley Mendocino
Retail 26.00 – GGWC 23.99

From the first pour to the last drop, the characteristic that distinguishes this lively and refreshing Chardonnay is its crisp, acid-etched mineral backbone. The nose lacks the butter of a typical California Chardonnay and instead offers a fruit basket of inviting aromas. It arrives on the palate like a fresh apple and pear tart with a squeeze of lemon, lightly spiced with clove and nutmeg. The flint-and-mineral character of the palate is softened by eight months in French oak, which has also added layers of toast and vanilla and a hint of marzipan. Only 158 cases produced.

Tasting Notes

A $100.00 wine at half the price!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Brian Graham has wowed us for many years with his great blends from Mt. Veeder.  This year he is adding to his portfolio with a single vineyard Cabernet sourced from the Canard vineyard in Calistoga.

As it is the case with other Ramian wines, this one too is very limited!  Only 101 cases produced

Ramian Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon “Canard” Calistoga Napa Valley
Retail 55.00 – GGWC 49.99

This is classic Napa Valley Cabernet in old world style.  On the nose one is greeted by dark fruits that dominate this extracted big, rich, full bodied wine throughout.   The aromas are gorgeous and intense.  On the palate this full-bodied, extremely well-balanced Cabernet offers black currant, coffee and chocolate like flavors that linger into a long, silky finish.  This wine is very bright and rich and offers aging potential, although I decanted a bottle for about 2 hours and really enjoyed just as it had been in my cellar for 4 or 5 years.  Only 101 cases produced, so this wine will go fast!

Ramian Estate 2009 Chardonnay, Red Hen Oakville Napa Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99

Ramian is not always synonymous with Cabernet or Cab blends.  Brian knows how to craft a good Chardonnay as well.  He crafted a gorgeous wine from the Red Hen vineyard in Oakville (Napa Valley).

This wine (125 cases) is a real classic.  The wine offers exotic fruits on the nose with a touch of minerality.  On the palate this medium to full-bodied wine showcases green apple and ripe Anjou pears with a touch of crisp acidity and minerality and a touch of tropical (not sweet) fruit.  The wine is well-balanced and not a butterball at all, as it only underwent 20% Malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes

Value Pinot Noir Turns Heads

Posted on by Frank Melis

Our friends at Banshee have been putting some very nice wines together as of late, and this latest (2010) Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is no exception!

Banshee 2012 Pinot NoirBanshee 2010 Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Retail $25.00 – GGWC $22.50

The initial aromas have a certain lift and definition highlighted by small wild strawberries, cranberry, and rooibos tea. On the palate one finds Ranier cherries, jasmine, plum, cranberry and again that wild strawberry note floating on a silky structure. It’s lines are cut like a Varvatos suit. The bass note is provided by a subtle framing touch of brown baking spice.

Tasting Notes

Another generation GEM!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Stone Edge Farm

This winery has stunned me the last couple of years, but the 2007 tops it all! Selected from two organically farmed estate vineyards. The first, Stone Edge Farm, is located on the west side of the Sonoma Valley, in soils studded with rounded stones left over from the ancient floods of Carriger Creek as it plunged from the steep mountains above. The second, Mount Pisgah Vineyard, is situated some 1300 feet above the Sonoma valley floor in the ruggedly volcanic Mayacamas Mountains that define the eastern side of the valley. The 2007 Vintage has been referred to as the vintage of the decade and this wine elaborates on that idea!

I had a chance to attend a blind tasting of Sonoma Mountain wineries and this was the BIG surprise.  The line up Chalk Hill Proprietary Red (95 Parker),  Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Clajeux  (95 Parker, $100), Kamen (93 Parker $75), Pride Mountain Vintners Select (95 Parker $85), Fisher Cabernet Mountain Estate, Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota (94 Parker), Dehlinger Cabernet Sauvignon East Ridge (94 Parker), Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso  (95  Parker), Prevail Wines Back 40 Cabernet (94 Parker, $80) and Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Rockfall (95 Parker $100).

 The RESULT:  1. STONE EDGE,  2. KAMEN, 3. PRIDE

Stone Edge 2007 Cabernet SauvignonStone Edge 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Sonoma
Retail $60.00 – GGWC$49.99

This wine (81% Cabernet and 19% Merlot)  is rich, dark, deep, mysterious, complex! A purple hue is the lead for an intense blackberry, cassis, chocolate aroma that jumps out of the glass.  The wine is lush and full in body with intense but balanced concentration and texture.  This wine has purity written all over.  The wine finishes with supple tannins–you’ll have to taste it to believe it. It is a collector’s wine, suitable for extended cellar aging where it should peak in balanced fruit at about 12 years of age, but increase in nuanced complexity for decades more.

Tasting Notes

Wine of the year winemaker has the wind in his sails! 3 HOT new releases!

Posted on by Frank Melis

32 Winds Wines

With Ehren Jordan  (Turley Cellars and Failla winery) as your winemaker and a top sommelier as your founding partner it is no surprise that you create some of the best wines money can buy!  This venture really has a lot of wind in its sails and is cruising along nicely, but if snooze you will miss this boat as the productions are very small.

32 Winds 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain Napa
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 74.99

The fruit for this amazing Cabernet was sourced from one of the most spectacular single vineyard sites atop Diamond Mountain.  I was stunned when I took my first sip, and it only got better with the second….and third sip!   This well-crafted, full-bodied gem displays notes of wild blackberries and blueberries, crème de cassis, licorice, and gorgeous chocolate notes.  On the palate, one will encounter more well-balanced black-stone fruit with the right amount of acidic backbone a wine of this caliber should possess.  On the finish it demonstrates wonderful grippy fine-grained tannins that will enable this youngster to age nicely in the cellar.

32 Winds Wine32 Winds 2009 Pinot Noir “Maestro” Anderson Valley
Retail 48.00 – GGWC 44.99

The Maestro comes from the (biodynamic and organic) Roma’s Vineyard – at 1850 feet atop a mountain ridge overlooking  the Anderson Valley.  It is perfectly situated to take full advantage of the warm sun and cooler night temperatures; this combination allows the grapes an extended period of time to develop their intense flavors whilst preserving their great natural acidity.  This well-made wine showcases gorgeous aromatics and flavors of wild berries, Bing cherries, rose petals, and a touch of earthy minerality, underlain by great natural acidity and silky fine tannins.  A real winner!

32 Winds 2009 Chardonnay “Monument Tree” Anderson Valley
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 36.99

The organically farmed Monument Tree Vineyard is a wonderful cool climate site at an elevation of 300 feet on the eastern edge of the Anderson Valley.  The alcoholic and malo-lactic fermentation occurred naturally in the barrel and the resulting wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine has great natural acidity reminiscent of a “Premier Cru” Chablis or Meursault, an underlying minerality and a lovely creamy mouth-feel. The predominant flavors are of baked apples, lemon curd and quince.

Events, Tasting Notes

Free tickets to our Wine Tasting and a new release from Ric Forman

Posted on by Frank Melis

Get a change to WIN FREE TICKETS for our VALENTINE’S DAY (FEB 11) tasting when you place an order between today and Jan 28th! You will automatically be entered to win a set of tickets (meet 10 winemakers, taste 30 wines!) for our monthly wine tasting event.

And while you are at it, check out our WINE OF THE DAY –  Rossi Wallace 2010 Pinot Noir, Mt Veeder Napa Valley  (RIC FORMAN’s latest venture)

Rossi Wallace 2010Rossi Wallace (Ric Forman) 2010 Pinot Noir, Mt Veeder Napa Valley

Rossi-Wallace is a venture between husband and wife Ric Forman (Forman Winery) and Cheryl Emmolo (Emmolo Winery).   Annie ROSSI and Roz WALLACE are the mothers of Ric and Cheryl. And since a mother’s influence is undeniable, it made sense that they should honor their spirited (and red-headed) mothers. After all, the couple inherited their deep love and respect for the land from these passionate women.

It was a few years after Ric and Cheryl married that the couple began talking about making wine together as well as separately. Neither wanted to relinquish their own labels, but the chance to make another wine, side by side? It was too tempting to resist. There was almost no debate regarding the specifics. They would produce their favorite wine in their favorite style: a Burgundian-inspired Pinot Noir. And they would craft it the way their spirited, garden-loving mothers would have wanted: in small quantities that would express the brightness and freshness of the fruit without the complications of over-ripeness or excessive oak.  Ric and Cheryl said: “Pinot is the wine we like to drink, and we feel positive others will take pleasure in enjoying it as well!”

Rossi Wallace

 

Tasting Notes

Stewart Cabernet – Turning Heads

Posted on by Frank Melis

Stewart Cellars

This little winery has been turning a lot of heads as of late. Of course it helps when Paul Hobbs is your winemaker and your source from some of the best vineyards in the Napa Valley, many that have produced 100 Point wines!

Malk 2008 Cabernet SauvignonStewart 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Retail 68.99 – GGWC 55.99

With Paul Hobbs at the helm, this winery has produced some dazzling wines. The fruit is sourced from three amazing Napa vineyards: Stagecoach (45%), Beckstoffer IV (29%), and State Lane (26%). Paul Hobbs has been the winemaker for this small venture since day one. Those of you who purchased the previous vintages know the quality of this winery and the skills of its winemakers. The 2007 vintage is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon which offers an amazing hue and aroma that jumps out of the glass. A bright, harmonious array of berries, anise and vanilla. On the palate of this full-bodied wine one will encounter concentration and elegance – more black stone fruit and chocolate. The finish is long with fine tannins. This is a wine that will drink well into the next decade. As it was the case with the 2006 vintage – small production!

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Malk 2008 Cabernet blows away the big names in a blind tasting!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Malk Family VineyardsFor those who bought the 2007 vintage I can tell you that you will be happily surprised by this latest release. Unfortunately this year’s production is much smaller (only 200 cases produced), but it is just as good.

We recently lined up 10 big Napa Valley (expensive and highly rated) Cabernets and the result was … Malk #1. The line up consisted of 2008 Spottswoode ($150.00), 2008 Ghost Block “Single Vineyard” ($110.00), 2008 Dancing Hares, 2008 Hourglass Estate Cabernet ($135.00), 2008 Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace ($175.00), 2008 Casa Piena ($150.00), 2008 Cask 23 from Stag’s Leap ($175.00), 2008 Au Sommet ($250.00), 2008 David Arhur Elevation 1147 ($150.00) and 2008 Barnett Ralttlesnake Hill ($135.00). Being the only wine on the list under $100.00, I am even more excited to offer you the 2008 Malk Cabernet!

Malk 2008 Cabernet SauvignonMalk 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Napa Valley

Winemaker Robbie Meyer (L’Angevin, Pierson Meyer) has crafted an amazing wine from the Griffin Vineyard in Stag’s Leap. The 2008 Vintage of the Malk Family Vineyards is likely their best effort to date, I would say it equals and maybe surpasses the great 2007 vintage!

This wine greets you with gobs of black stone fruit right from the start. On the palate this youngster is loaded with more blackberry, currant and intense stone fruits. A whiff of spice spirals through on the mid palate of this full-bodied Cabernet, where we encounter a silky feel. The wine is and dense and well-extracted, but extremely balanced with the right touch of acidity. I would suggest to either put this wine in the cellar for a few years or at least decant it when brewing that early morning cup of Joe – so you can drink this one at day’s end! Only 200 cases produced.