Blog – Page 94 – Frank Melis' Wine

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Kosta Browne winemaker ROCKS! 96 Point rated vineyard!

Posted on June 28, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

I only need to say Kosta Browne – now I have your attention. Yes, the wines from Jemrose are made by ace winemaker Michael Browne (From Kosta Browne), and in some instances a little DuMol (some assistance from Andy Smith winemaker at DuMol) was incorporated. Shane Finley (assistant winemaker at Kosta Browne) and Greg Bjornstad (formerly Flowers and now Bjornstad winery) finish out the wine and vineyard team – not bad company at all!

This 100% estate grown property in the beautiful Bennett Valley in the hills of Sonoma has been growing grapes for years and selling them to some of the most sought after wineries. They produce very limited quantities themselves and will turn lots of heads as the quality is high! Some great reviews on these wines just came out as well! Stephen Tanzer is not as generous as Parker and Spectator, so don’t be surprised to see this wines reviewed at much higher scores in either publication shortly!

Jemrose 2008 “Gloria’s Gem” Proprietary Red
Stephen Tanzer 93+ Pt.
Retail 72.00 – GGWC 64.99

Winemaker Michael Brown (Kosta Browne) has crafted yet another amazing wine! The 2008 Jemrose Gloria’s Gem is of the signature wine and is composed from barrels from the much sought after Cardiac Hill Estate Syrah (Cardiac Hill is the source for 96 point rated Carlisle and 95 Point rated Keplinger) and Two Sisters Merlot vineyard. Gloria is of course the “lady” of the house! This unique blend is intended to provide the best of what the Jemrose Vineyard and Bennett Valley AVA can offer. The wine has been aged for 20 months in French oak. The wine delivers abundant aromas of cassis, currents, plum, kirsch, dark berries and espresso. A velvety and plush texture displaying rich flavors of berry, cocoa, and spice. Full flavored and fleshy but not heavy in the least bit. The finish is long, elegant and quite enduring. Seductive and sleek.

Jemrose – 2009 “Egret Pond” Viognier
Stephen Tanzer 91 Points
Retail 36.00 – GGWC 33.50

The nose explodes from the glass with a complex mixture of honeysuckle, pineapple, orange blossom, jasmine, lemon curd and white peach. A creamy texture in the mouth provides flavors of tropical fruits, mandarin oranges and crème brulee. A crisp acidity complements the rich extended flavors and with a touch of minerality.

Jemrose – 2007 Jemrose Cardiac Hill Syrah
Stephen Tanzer 92 Points
Retail $44.00 – GGWC 39.99

Fragrant aromas of dark berries, smoked meat, white pepper, violets, with a hint of graphite. The texture is elegant and silky, not heavy, and coats the palate with rich flavors of dark berries, dried cherries, graphite and grilled meats. The finish is focused, persistent and offers great balance and purity of fruit. FYI Cardiac Hill (the Jemrose Estate) is the source for 96 point rated Carlisle Cardiac Hill Syrah and the 95 Point Rated Keplinger Syrah – so an amazing pedigree!

Other

Getting ready for Independence Day

Posted on June 26, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

Happy 4th of July With the Fourth of July right around the corner, many of my friends have asked for some suggestions on a great champagne or sparkling wine to celebrate with. Here are a few of the goodies I have in stock right now.

Duval Leroy NV 750 ml Champagne, France
Duval Leroy NV 375 ml Champagne, France
Monthuys Champagne NV Brut, Champagne France
Stephane Coquillette Carte d’Or Brut Champagne
Allimant Laugner Cremant d’Alsace Rose NV, Alsace France
Totus Tuus Cava Brut Metodo Tradicional, Spain

Order by Tuesday June 28th to guarantee delivery for July 4th! Of course, we can always store your wines in our temperature controlled storage at no extra charge!

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Napa’s “Meanderthal” wine finally located.

Posted on June 16, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

After millions of years, we finally located the the “Meanderthaler” Cabernet in the Napa Valley – unfortunately she has completely acclimated to the 21st century and has lost everything we had hoped she would be able to convey to us…

Not to worry, the “new” Meander is well worth looking at (Amy is not a bad “catch” – sorry guys she is happily married). All joking aside – and we are talking the Meander 2007 Cabernet here!

Our “Meanderthaler woman” Amy Aiken owner/winemaker started working at Phelps in 1989 where she cut her teeth in wines such as Backus, Insignia and Eisele (Now Araujo winery owned). After that she worked with Sparkling wine and Pinot Noir to find her way back to Cabernet at Oakville Ranch, Anomaly and Viader.

She literally chased the owners of Morisoli and Lewelling throughout the valley for years and finally was able to buy some fruit from these two great vineyards. And the rest, as they say, is history. In a recent blind tasting Meander blew away many big name 2007 Cabernets in the $150.00 – $250.00 range!

Meander 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon “Morisoli/Lewelling” Napa Valley
Retail 70.00 – GGWC 64.99

Sourced from two of the most sought after vineyards in the Napa Valley; Morisoli (50%) and Lewelling (50%). This is a real gem that tastes a lot more expensive than its price tag. The wine exhibits intense aromas of black stone fruit and hints of spice. On the palate this well-balanced wine is loaded with lush and mouth-filling fruit (blackberry/black cherry) with well-structured and integrated fine tannins on the long lasting finish where one will encounter a whiff of licorice. The long finish is silky and velvety. The wine is drinking very well now and should cellar well for years to come.

Meander “Conspire” 2010 Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 32.00 – GGWC 27.99

This is the first Sauvignon Blanc made by Amy Aiken (Meander). It is a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Musque clone (also SB)! The aromatics jump out of the glass. The nose is floral with a hint of minerality (great for those who like the French whites!). The wine is viscous (from the Musque clone) and flavorful. Medium in bodied, with refreshing acidity, a hint of truffle and citrus (SB clone). The wine is concentration without being syrupy – as it is well-balanced and offering great length, which indicate that this puppy will be around for a few years.

Tasting Notes

Buccella (Celia Welch) 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points

Posted on June 7, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

Buccella 2008 Cabernet (Napa) is now in stock. With the success of the 2006 and 2007 one would not believe that 2008 could even be close in quality – WRONG! Celia Welch (winemaker at Scarecrow, Corra, 2480, etc.) proves again her master winemaking skills. I know that many among you were wary about 2008 –again WRONG! Firstly, great winemakers will always make great wine! Second, 2008 has been surprising even the biggest critics. There is a ton of incredible wine from this vintage!

Enough said, this wine is stunning, gorgeous, awesome! Intense aromatics jump out of the glass. The palate is loaded with black stone fruit and a touch of vanilla. Amazing concentrating, yet stunning balance of fruit and acidity. Full in body and a long, satin-like finish. This wine will blow you away!

Robert Parker gives the 2008 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon 95 POINTS and says,

“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from multiple fruit sources in Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, Coombsville, Oak Knoll and Carneros, was aged in 100% new French oak. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it exhibits an opaque purple color, great intensity and a sweet nose of blue and black fruits intermixed with toasty oak, lead pencil shavings and forest floor. Rich, layered and full-bodied with silky tannins, this broad, savory 2008 should drink well for 15 or more years.

I loved Buccella’s 2006 and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignons and 2008 continues their success. Moreover, the 2009 looks to be very charming.”

Click Here to Order!

Tasting Notes

Dave Phinney is on a roll. D66 and Palermo

Posted on May 30, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

David Phinney is on a roll ever since the sale of Prisoner. He is focusing on small production lots like – Mercury Head, Papillon, Palermo, Saldo, etc. His D66 just arrived – it sounds more like a war plane, but it is not. He purchased 235 acres in France some years ago, planted to Syrah, Grenache and Carignane. The production is very limited, and will remain very small for years to come. I had the pleasure of tasting this inaugural release and can tell you that it is a real GEM of a wine! This is a Rhone blend for Cabernet lovers!! Hurry as I received a very small allocation of this latest chapter in the Dave Phinney encyclopedia of unique wines.

Orin Swift 2009 D66 Proprietary Red Blend, Maury France
Retail 43.00 – GGWC 39.99

Another amazing wine from Dave Phinney – the latest D66, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan sourced from his OWN estate in France! The wine has a very dark, opaque red color with subtle aromas of toasted oak, ripe blueberry jam and dried rose petal. The entry is mouth coating and lush. Opulent plum and ultra ripe cherry are balanced with asian spices and a bright vein of minerality and acidity that give great structure, weight and balance to the long finish. The tannin chains are long and will lend to ageability for 5 to 10 years.

Orin Swift 2009 Palermo – Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
GGWC 29.99

This stunning release of 90% Cabernet blended with 10% Merlot from some of the best sites in Napa will blow your mind! — I was shocked at the low price for this wine, and because of the value price I know that it will be gone in no time! This wine tastes a lot more expensive than its retail price. When I tasted it for the first time I said $50.00! This wine has everything you are looking for and some more! Aromatics, flavors, balance, finish! — Shocked that this all fits in a package at 29.99! The 2009 Palermo has a dense red/black hue. It has a dark berry and ripe currant nose with rich oak undertones and aged cigar box. The mouth coating huge entry leads into a soft middle with bright acidity. The long finish is broad with ripe tannins and plenty of structure lingering on the palate for 20-30 seconds.

Click here to see other wines by Dave Phinney.

Other

Meeting with Congress

Posted on May 27, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

I will be meeting with members of Congress on May 31st in Washington DC to discuss the issue of HR1161 and your support will be extremely helpful.

Just a reminder. Please send me an email with your FULL NAME and MAILING ADDRESS voicing your opposition to HR1161. This onerous piece of legislation could potentially make it impossible for you to purchase wine from me in the future.

In addition, please take a moment to educate yourself further about HR 1161 and write your own congressman in opposition to this legislation.

Click here for more information on HR 1161: http://www.stop1161.org/

Find your congressional representative at this link: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Helen Turley (Marcassin) does it again with Martinelli! Big Scores!

Posted on May 21, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

Helen Turley has had an amazing career, and she does not seem to stop producing stellar wines! These are some of the last vintages she has made with Martinelli, as she is now focusing on her own label, so enjoy them while you can! The 2008 Martinelli Zio Tony scored 96 Points in Parker and 94 in Wine Spectator, not shabby!

The Zio Tony Ranch is named for Lee Martinelli Sr.’s Uncle Tony. The property was planted to apples before Tony Bondi purchased it in 1960.

Lee Sr. took over farming the apples in 1971, following Uncle Tony’s death, eventually planting grapevines with the consulting input of John Wetlaufer and Helen Turley.

We have a limited quantity of this voluptuous Chardonnay available, just in time for enjoying during these warm summer days or putting down in your cellar.

The Wine:

Martinelli 2008 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch, Russian River Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 52.99

Robert Parker 96 Points: “The light green/gold-colored 2008 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch reveals more butterscotch, honeyed mandarin orange, citrus oil, brioche, leesy, waxy notes along with full-bodied richness and a California style that mimics a premier cru Meursault with its hazelnut and subtle smokiness. Drink this stunning Chardonnay over the next 7-8 years. ”

Wine Spectator 94 Points: “Bold, ripe and fleshy, with exotic floral and spicy notes, along with flavors of bubble gum, fig, honeydew melon and hazelnut. Full-bodied and viscous, gaining depth and nuance on the long, tapered finish. Drink now through 2017. 545 cases made. –JL”

Click here or on the links above to purchase.

Tasting Notes

Capiaux… 97 point winemaker…. New releases

Posted on May 18, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

Capiaux Cellars

Sean Capiaux the 97 Point winemaker (O’Shaughnessy/Capiaux) has just released a few amazing 2009 vintages of this Capiaux label; Chimera (92 Points) and Widdoes (94 Points). Both wines are stunning and as it was the case in the past – very limited. I also have a small amount of his 2008 Pisoni (94 Points) in stock. The 2009 Pisoni is slated for late fall 2011.

Capiaux 2009 Widdoes Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99

This vineyard is the source for some other amazing wines (DuMol, Kosta Browne, Roessler, etc.). This very small production greets you with a gorgeous nose of strawberries and bright red stone fruits. On the palate; this well-constructed youngster offers a full, intense body loaded with some more red and black stone fruit and a velvety appearance with a slight touch of earthiness and minerality. The wine finishes with a amazingly beautiful long finish.

Capiaux 2009 Chimera, Sonoma Coast
Retail 35.00 – GGWC 31.99

The Chimera is cuvee of the Widdoes (RRV), Hendricks (Sonoma Coast/Petaluma Gap), Lakeville (Sonoma Coast/Petaluma Gap), Winkler (RRV) and Maritime Vineyards (Sonoma Coast). This “value” bottling is amazingly sexy from the get-go. On the nose this wine is amazingly fragrant – loaded with exotic aromas, red stone fruit and a touch of minerality. On the palate one will experience a medium to full bodied wine that is lush and bright – more red cherries and some earthy minerality. The wine is complex and well-balanced and finishes gorgeously.

Tasting Notes

Keever 2008 Cabernet – Celia Welch cannot be stopped!

Posted on May 15, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

Celia Welch - Keever Vineyards Celia Welch cannot be stopped! This latest release of Keever 2008 Estate Cabernet will rock-your-world! Only 400 cases produced of this little gem, so I caution you – buy it NOW as it will be gone tomorrow

Keever Vineyards is nestled in the western slopes of Yountville, California in the Napa Valley. It is a family-owned and operated winery, producing exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon from the family’s six acres of rocky, hillside vineyards.

Keever 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Yountville – Napa Valley

Made by esteemed winemaker Celia Welch (Scarecrow, Corra, etc.) Stunnnnnnnnnnner! Loaded, dense well-structured wine. Aroma of black stone fruit, full in body, well-balance – gorgeous, sexy wine I had a bottle open for 3 days and it was still drinking well! Needs decanting, and could use from some time in the cellar! As with the 2007, this wine will last a good decade and more!

Tasting Notes

Got MALK? Malk beats the Big Boys (girls) from Napa!

Posted on May 11, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

Malk winery has been on fire as of late. I just conducted a blind tasting of ten 2007 vintage Cabernets and Malk blew away some very big names – Phelps Insignia (98 Parker), Caymus Special Selection (95 WS), Altamura (95 Parker/96 WS), Arietta, Barnett Rattlesnake Hill (95 Parker), Bevan “Showket” (95+ Parker), Carter “Coliseum” (95+ Parker), Dominus (98 Parker) and Del Dotto St Helena Mt (97 Parker).

On top of that, Malk was by far the least expensive! Jump on this release while I still have some. Moreover, their Sauvignon Blanc is gorgeous as well!

Malk 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Napa Valley
Retail 79.99 – GGWC 72.00 – SPECIAL 69.99

Winemaker Robbie Meyer (L’Angevin, Peirson Meyer 95 PT Parker) has crafted an amazing wine from the Griffin Vineyard in Stag’s Leap. The 2007 Vintage of the Malk Family Vineyards is likely their best effort to date. 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 500 cases produced.

Malk 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

Once again, the 2010 vintage produced a wine of beautiful aromatic character and elegant presence on the palate. White flowers and fresh peach notes prevail on the nose, with underlying notes of light citrus and orange blossom. The palate is silky yet weighty, framed perfectly with the classic Sauvignon Blanc crispness. I would say that this is the best SB produced to date by the folks from Brian Malk.
Click here or on the links above to purchase!

Tasting Notes

The Ghost is Back! Very limited.

Posted on May 9, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

Ghost Block has been scaring many of us in a good way. The Quality/Price ratios are intune like the the best performers in a ballet. As always, only a very limited production of this Oakville producer is available (six bottle limit per person).

Nestled on a gently sloping knoll on the north edge of Yountville, Ghost Block vineyard is named in honor of the historic Pioneer Cemetery which it borders. According to local legend, George C. Yount; who was the first person to plant a grapevine in the valley, wanders the hillside overseeing the industry he himself founded on this very land.

Ghost Block 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 59.99

Distinctive flavors of Ghost Block and Rock Cairn were heightened with the intense 2008 growing season. Finesse oriented with an elegant balance and structure. Bright aromas of roses, tobacco and spice lead to a full palate of blackberries, cherries and cocoa, and citrus. The mid palate is full and leads to a bright long finish of cherries, caramel, spice, cassis and coffee.

Click here or on the link above to purchase.

Other

HB1161 – A Threat to Wineries and Wine Retailers

Posted on May 4, 2011May 5, 2011 by Frank Melis

Dear Wine Friends:

I’m sure many of you heard about the HR 1161 bill currently circulating in congress. This bill is unofficially known as the Wholesaler Protection Act, which seeks to limit shipment of wine (and beer and spirits) and will undermine the free-market system. I oppose the bill and hope that you would reach out to your Congressman/woman to change their minds since this bill could seriously impact your ability to purchase wine, as well as my livelihood.

Many of you do business with me because I have products that your wholesalers (thus your local retailer/restaurant) do not carry; I purposely do not stock items that are readily available in the local, larger California and National market place to avoid issues like this.

Moreover, the State of New Hampshire offers something that others states might have to look at to circumvent this entire issue – impose a Use Tax. I am not a fan of paying taxes either – NH allows companies like mine to ship directly to end consumers as long as the consumer pays an 8% “Use Tax” for the transaction. None of my NH clients complains, as they are buying those hard-to-find wines that are not in the NH stores. I would propose this for all the states that are having issues with direct shipping and this would alleviate lots of other issues – plus it would generate large amounts of tax revenue for your local and state coffers.

Congress doesn’t realize that the CA wine industry is an economy larger than (GDP) that of countries like Belgium. This industry includes not only wine, but also a few million employees – from grower, to picker, to winemaker, to sales force, to retailer, retail staff, packaging supply companies, UPS/FedEx. Really, could you imagine that 3/4 of the CA wineries and 7/8 of CA wine retailers (like me with a good chunk of out-of-state clientele) would go out of business?

Find your congressional representative at this link: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Click here for more information on HR 1161: http://www.stop1161.org/
Sign the petition: https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/112/hr1161

I don’t want to write an entire thesis on this, but you get the idea!
Please reach out to your Congressman/woman.

A very humbled,
Frank Melis

Tasting Notes

Azur – The next Bryant Family at 1/10 the price!

Posted on May 3, 2011May 5, 2011 by Frank Melis

Julien Fayard is a Philippe Melka disciple (he works very closely with Melka on Projects like Entre Nous, etc.). Julien, born and raised in France, worked at Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte to gain valuable experience for this current enterprise – Azur.

Azur 2007 Proprietary Blend, Napa Valley – Retail 65.00 – GGWC 54.99

Tiny production, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah sourced from some of the most amazing vineyards in the Napa Valley. The wine has an amazing aroma of rich vibrant fruit. On the palate one is greeted by more intense bright fruit that is well integrated with the right amount of acidity and seductive silky layers fine tannins. Not overblown, but well-balanced throughout the process. I had a bottle open for a few days and it only got better! Only 150 cases produced.

Azur 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Napa Valley – Retail 30.00 – GGWC 25.99

An elegant wine with bright aromatics that tease the nose with tropical scents. An entry on the palate that is crisp and refreshing with ripe grapefruit, offering vibrant honeydew, guava and zest of citrus. The wine lingers in the mouth with a stony minerality and pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc with a refined finish. 250 cases produced.

Click the links above for more info or to purchase your allocation.

Only 150 Cases Produced!

Other

Don’t Forget Mother!

Posted on May 1, 2011July 1, 2011 by Frank Melis

Happy Mother's Day Happy Mother’s Day!

You cannot forget Mom this week! We put together a few suggestions for you that won’t break the bank. We can mix and match, however you like. Just remember orders need to be in by Wednesday 1 P.M. PST for orders to arrive by Friday!

Sans Liege 2009 Cotes du Coast (Proprietary White) Paso Robles – $23.95
Groundwork by Sans Liege 2009 Grenache, Santa Barbara – $19.95
Knez 2009 Chardonnay “Demuth” Anderson Valley – Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.99)
Grey Stack 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, “Rosemary’s Block” Estate Bennett Valley Sonoma – $29.99
Coho 2008 Pinot Noir Russian River Ranch – Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99
Coho 2008 Pinot Noir “Stanly Ranch” Carneros – Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99
Dragonette 2009 Syrah Santa Rita Hills – Retail 37.00 – GGWC 32.99
Adastra 08 Pinot Noir Carneros – Retail 43.50 – GGWC 39.99 – BUY SIX 37.99 (shipping not included) – BUY 12 $37.99 (FREE SHIPPING)
Phifer Pavitt 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon “Date Night” Napa Valley 94 Points Wine Spectator – $75.00
Walter Hansel 2008 Chardonnay “Cuvee Alyce” Russian River Valley – $35.95
Paul Lato 2009 Pinot Noir “Suerte” Solomon Hills Santa Maria (2008 vintage 94 Points Robert Parker) – $74.99
Walter Hansel 2008 Chardonnay, North Slope Russian River Valley – 35.99
Walter Hansel 2008 Pinot Noir South Slope, Russian River Valley – 35.99
Walter Hansel 2008 Pinot Noir “Cahill Lane” Russian River Valley – 35.99
Duval Leroy NV 750 ml Champagne, France – 36.99
Monthuys Champagne NV Brut, Champagne France – 29.99
Stephane Coquillette Carte d’Or Brut Champagne – 44.99

*Free shipping on all orders over $500 within the Continental US. Hawaii and Alaska residents will receive discounted air freight.

Tasting Notes

Redmon does it again! Little gem beats big guys in blind tasting!

Posted on April 28, 2011May 5, 2011 by Frank Melis

For the second straight year Redmon Cabernet beat the who is who of Cabernet in a blind tasting.

We had 50 people our tasting last week. We tasted – Dominus, Baldacci, Cru from Vineyard 29, Chat. Montelena, Diamond Creek, Von Strasser, Insignia, Caymus Special Selection and Opus One. The result: Redmon by a horse length!

Buy a case of Redmon and receive FREE GROUND shipping (within the continental US only, HI & AK client will receive reduced air shipping). If the weather is too hot, we will gladly store the wine and ship at a later (cooler) date.

Redmon 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate” St. Helena, Napa Valley
Retail 75.00 – GGWC 64.99

This is an amazing follow-up to the successful 2007 vintage. The good news — the wine is equally amazing in quality. The bad news — only 250 cases were produced, and the price went up just a little bit. That happens, mother nature is not always on your side in the quantity department. The wine has the most amazing nose. The aromatics jump out of the glass — tons of concentrated black currant, wild berries and a hint of cassis. On the palate, this amazingly sophisticated wine is well-balanced and loaded with more black stone fruit, mocha and hints of cassis. The wine is dense and full in body, gorgeous and oh-so elegant. It has a 30 second finish that does not seems to end. Hurry on this one, because it will be gone in no time!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Premier Cru quality at Bistro price!

Posted on April 25, 2011May 5, 2011 by Frank Melis

I am excited to introduce the Knez Winery: An awesome new Pinot Noir producer. A new winery, but not that new…

Peter Knez is a longtime friend and client of Golden Gate Wine Cellars. Peter purchased two very much sought after vineyards Cerise (Chronicle/Littorai, Anthill Farms, William Selyem, etc.) and Demuth (DK, Anthill Farms, etc.) in the Anderson Valley; and also hired Anthill Farms winemaker Anthony Filiberti to be the captain of his ship and produce world class wines at palatable price points! Being a banker and holder of PhD in economics; he knows what he is talking about

The rest is history! Anthony is a great winemaker and both vineyards are stunning. Remember that the wine is made in the vineyards! The entire property is organically and biodynamically grown as well. But the wine!… Tell us about the wine!

The Knez 2009 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir (Cerise/Demuth) is intensely aromatic and flavorful, sexy body, great legs … sorry getting carried away here as I enjoyed these wines with my wife and … yes I am still talking about Knez Pinot Noir. The wine is well-balanced from nose to finish. The wine has a great color and aroma, followed by hints of sweet strawberries and hint earthy spice. This wine is a blend of the Cerise and Demuth vineyards. A very small production at an even better price! Retail 35.00 – GGWC 29.99

Knez also produces a small amount of a stunning 100% “Demuth” 2009 Chardonnay (Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.99) which reveals amazing aromas of quince, white peaches and nectarines coalesced with hints of minerality and a touch green apple spice, crisp acidity and a full-body loaded with fresh, lively fruit and a long finish.

Later in the summer two designated vineyards from this estate will be released as well.

Click on the links in the email for more information and to order!

Events

Washington DC Wine Tasting

Posted on April 20, 2011May 24, 2011 by Frank Melis

Washington DC Golden Gate Wine Cellars will be hosting a tasting at a private residence near DuPont Circle on May 31st. Unfortunately, the capacity will be limited to 50 people. RSVP IS REQUIRED.

I am bringing the winemakers/owners of Coho, Malk, Knez (Hot new winery – winemaker from Anthill Farms), Charnu(Great new Cabernet producer from Napa), Redmon, Inherit the Sheep and Solitude as well as some other great wines (Paul Lato, etc.) with me as well! In all about 20 wines, and some great food!

It will be a very casual but fun night. Mingle with the winemakers, and finally put a face to that voice from San Francisco!

For more information, please contact me ASAP, as we are already more than half sold out!

Make sure to RSVP by May 1st as I need to make arrangements with the catering company and I will be shipping the wines out well in advance to they can “settle” before the “big” event.

Cost: $60 per person.

Tasting Notes

A Value Priced Wine With an Expensive Taste

Posted on April 10, 2011April 8, 2011 by Frank Melis

Situated on 335 acres of rolling oak and madrone woodland in the South-Western portion of the Alexander Valley, Medlock Ames produces organically farmed wines with an eye towards perfection and sustainability. The gravity and solar powered winery was specially designed for the gentlest possible handling of the juice and minimal environmental impact. This good karma has definitely paid off and the results show!

Medlock Ames 2007 Proprietary (Cabernet) Red Blend, Alexander Valley
Retail 34.00 – GGWC 29.99

This vintage is an estate blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Only a few hundred cases were produced of this little Alexander Valley gem. It displays gorgeous aromas of blackcurrants, violets, anise, and a touch of minerality. Stunning full-bodied, with amazing flavor extraction, but no sense of heaviness or massive tannins. This full bodied, intense Cabernet based blend is drinking well now, but could use some cellar time and should drink well for a good decade to come.

Tasting Notes

Sojourn kicks up some dirt! Big scores on ALL fronts.

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Frank Melis

Hailing from the town of Sonoma, Sojourn Cellars is establishing a reputation for producing excellent Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. They have just released some great new wines that have been very well received, and as was the case with its previous vintages, they are very limited.

#1 – Sojourn Cellars 2009 Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Noir
Retail 53.00 – GGWC 47.99

Medium-deep ruby color; deep, complex, spicy stewed cherry aromas; big, ripe, stewed dark cherry flavors; very complex, earthy, spice notes; silky texture; great structure and balance; long finish. Incredibly complex Pinot with laser-focused flavors. Score: Pinot Report 97 & Wine Spectator 94

#2 – Sojourn Cellars 2009 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir
Retail 53.00 – GGWC 47.99

Medium-deep ruby color; deep, complex, dark cherry aromas with spice and dusty notes; ripe, complex dark cherry with cinnamon and pie spice notes; silky texture, sweet oak; great structure and balance; long finish. Tight now but also full of flavor and potential. Score: Pinot Report 95 & Robert Parker 93

#3 – Sojourn Cellars 2009 Rodgers Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
Retail 53.00 – GGWCW 47.99

Medium-deep ruby color; bright, deep dark cherry aromas with earthy, mushroomy notes; deep bright cherry fruit flavors with mushroom and earthy notes and sweet oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Earthy, complex Pinot that needs a good hour in the glass—dreamy with some mushroom pasta. Score: Pinot Report 94 & Robert Parker 92 Points

# 4 – Sojourn Cellars 08 Beckstoffer Georges III Cabernet, Rutherford, Napa
Retail 105.00 – GGWC 94.99

Robert Parker 93 Points: “From the grand cru Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon has the biggest mouth-feel, with full-bodied, powerful crème de cassis notes intermixed with camphor, graphite, and Asian spice. Layered, thick, and rich, this wine showcases this extraordinary site beautifully. It should drink well for 15-20 years where well-stored. I have always thought of Sojourn as primarily a Pinot Noir producer, but they have added four Cabernet Sauvignons to their portfolio in 2008 after introducing a handful of them in 2007. These are all outstanding wines that merit attention.”

Tasting Notes

An expensive wine at an economical price!

Posted on April 6, 2011April 5, 2011 by Frank Melis

Orin Swift 2009 Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
$29.99

David Phinney is on a roll ever since the sale of Prisoner. He is focusing on small production lots like – Mercury Head, Papillon, Palermo, Saldo, etc. This stunning release of 90% Cabernet blended with 10% Merlot from some of the best sites in Napa (Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Spring Mountain) will blow your mind!

I was shocked at the low price for this wine, and because of the value price I know that it will be gone in no time! This wine tastes a lot more expensive than its retail price. When I tasted it for the first time I said $50.00! This wine has everything you are looking for and some more! Aromatics, flavors, balance, finish! Shocked that this all fits in a package at only $29.99! Hurry as this one will sell out within 24 hours or less!