6 May 2020 2018 Honig Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

2018 Honig Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

May 6, 2020 By

Found this 2018 Honig Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley wine at a local store and it was great with bold flavors from the Semillon/Muscat that I wish I found more often in other Sauvignon Blanc. I’ve been a Honig fan for a long time and this wine is going in the cellar for summer grill outs. Please note that this is the ‘reserve’ version of their Sauvignon Blanc.

About Honig Vineyard & Winery

Honig is family-owned, certified sustainable and solar-powered. The Honig family settled in Rutherford in 1964 and started winemaking in 1980. The popular Napa Valley winery focuses on producing two varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Honig family name translates to the German word for honey, so bees have a huge presence on the estate, one of the many benefits of sustainable farming practices. The family fully believes that healthy bees are a sign of a thriving eco-system. The bee is prominently-featured on wine labels and throughout the winery.

For those wanting to visit, I can personally say it’s a fabulous place. Not only are the wines excellent, the tasting room staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the setting is gorgeous.

Looks: Medium yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense green apple, citrus and floral notes

Taste: Meyer lemon, ripe peach/pear/plum with floral notes on the palate. Oak flavors, but not over-bearing

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, creamy texture with nice acidity with a dry finish

Pairings: Seafood, grilled fish/chicken, dinner salad

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 89% Sauvignon blanc, 9% Semillon, 2% Muscat

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Suggested Price: $35 (found for $27 locally)

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
26 February 2020 Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling

Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling

February 26, 2020 By

I had this lovely Tasmanian sparkling wine by the glass at a hot NYC restaurant and really didn’t know what to expect. I was taken aback by what a great wine this was for the price point.

About Ninth Island

Ninth Island is named after a small island located in the Bass Strait, just off the coast from the Pipers Brook Estate where the Ninth Island Wines are made.

Pipers Brook Estate and Ninth Island are regarded as modern day pioneers in the wine industry of Tasmania where they produce 100% estate grown and made wines, like this Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling.

Great moussy sparkler with bright lemony and juicy apple aromas continuing on the palate with some strawberry and floral notes.

Looks: Medium straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense juicy pear, citrus and apple on the nose

Taste: Zesty citrus, like strawberry and floral notes on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, creamy mousse with great acidity with a dry finish

Pairings: Seafood (specially oysters), fish (ceviche would be great). Great as an aperitif

Style: Sparkling White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

Region: Tasmania, Australia

Price: $25

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
8 January 2020 Tasting the Wines of Cline Cellars Sonoma Coast

Tasting the Wines of Cline Cellars Sonoma Coast

January 8, 2020 By

Cline Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery in Sonoma, California founded by Fred Cline, one of the original Rhone Rangers, in 1982 in Oakley, California. Cline’s original vintages from Mourvedre, Zinfandel and Carignane vines dating as far back as the 1880’s.

Nancy & Fred Cline. Photo credit: Cline Cellars Inc

In 1989, the Clines acquired a 350-acre horse farm in Carneros and moved the winery to Sonoma County. While the original vineyards were focused on Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, Fred and his wife Nancy have continued to plant vineyards in Sonoma County with Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Cline Cellars is grounded in sustainability through its natural and sustainable Green String farming methods.

Cline Cellars’ Sonoma Coast wines are produced from vineyards in the region known as the Petaluma Gap and are exposed to morning fog from the nearby Pacific, with a combination of shallow clay and deep loam blocks that make this area much sought-after for Pinot Noir and other finicky varietals.

2018 Cline Cellars Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

This Sonoma Chardonnay packs big flavors of ripe juice tropical fruit, pear and apple with oaky/vanilla notes on a long, rich finish.

Looks: Pale golden in the glass

Smell: Vanilla, peach, ripe red apple, caramel

Taste: Juicy papaya, ripe pear, caramel and vanilla on the finish with oaky notes

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, medium acidity and long finish

Pairings: Roast chicken, lobster/monkfish, chicken wings, buttery risotto

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 98% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Gris

Price: $20

2018 Cline Cellars Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast

Refreshing, thirst-quenching and approachable California Pinot Gris that’s both food-friendly and a perfect sipper on a warm afternoon. Great price for a lovely wine.

Looks: Palest yellow with hints of green in the glass

Smell: Pink grapefruit, tart apple

Taste: Bright flavors of apple, pear and Meyer lemons

Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, bright acidity and light, crisp finish

Pairings: Grilled fish, lighter salad, as an aperitif

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Gris

Price: $15

2018 Cline Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has silky texture and the cherry cordial/raspberry flavors I enjoy/expect from this region.

Looks: Medium ruby red in the glass

Smell: Ripe raspberry/strawberry, chocolate notes

Taste: Chocolate-covered cherries, raspberry

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, nice level of acidity, smooth tannins and long finish

Pairings: Duck, roast chicken, grilled salmon, game

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Gris

Price: $20

Cheers,

Veronique

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I am adding them to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
30 October 2019 2018 Bodegas Granbazan Etiqueta Verde Albarino

2018 Bodegas Granbazan Etiqueta Verde Albarino

October 30, 2019 By

I’m unsure why I don’t drink more Rias Baixas Albariño – it’s outstanding and an incredible value! The wines from that region are refreshing, delicious, showcase the big flavors I enjoy in white wines and are food-friendly to boot.

I enjoyed this 2018 Bodegas Granbazán Etiqua Verde Albariño wine at a tasting dinner where it was served as an aperitif to go with an amuse-bouche and was pleasantly-surprised it was less than $20.  

About Bodegas Granbazán

In the 1960s, Manuel Otero y Otero purchased land that had been planted with eucalyptus and cattle feed in the hopes of converting it to vineyards. In the 1980s, his son, Manuel Otero Candeira, built Granbazán, a chateau with a beautiful building amid a vineyard pergola-trained vines.

Granbazán was instrumental is elevating the quality of wine in Galicia and for raising the reputation of Rias Baixas white wines around the world.

Bodegas Granbazán is now owned by Pedro Martínez Hernández, of Rioja estate Bodegas BAIGORRI fame, who endeavors to set new quality standards through his investments in vineyards and cellar technology.

Etiqueta Verde (‘Green Label’) is the entry-level offering from Granbazán. The grapes are hand-harvested and de-stemmed before undergoing a cool pre-fermentation maceration which helps to lock in and amplify aromas and structure.

Looks: Pale straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense juicy pear and grapefruit on the nose with some grassiness

Taste: Ripe melon and apple on the palate

Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, crisp acidity with a bit of salinity on the finish

Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Albariño

Region: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain

Price: $19

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Albarino, Spain Tagged With: , , , , ,
27 March 2019 2017 Domaine Henry Pelle Menetou Salon Morogues

2017 Domaine Henry Pelle Menetou Salon Morogues

March 27, 2019 By

About Domaine Pellé

Domaine Pellé, the largest producer in the Menetou-Salon appellation, is in Morogues, a small village to the west of Sancerre. Domaine Pellé’s history only dates back to 1959, but records show the Pellé family was making wine in the Loire region long before that.

Vines grow over 40 hectares of limestone-clay soils very similar to those found in Sancerre. Two-thirds of the vines are Sauvignon Blanc and the rest is Pinot Noir. The estate practices sustainable methods in the vineyards and very gentle pressing of the grapes in the winery.

Wine Overview

I ordered this wine at a tapas restaurant where I knew I’d be eating a variety of seafood-based dishes – great pick! The wine is a nice example of Sauvignon Blanc from this region – bright, crisp with super acidity that’s ultra food-friendly.

It’s difficult to find Sancerre at this price point and the ones that are, just aren’t this good.

Looks: pale yellow in the glass

Smell: citrus (grapefruit and Meyer lemon), wet stone, melon

Taste: grapefruit, lime, melon and a little grassiness and salinity on the finish

Texture and Finish: light and fresh with a tiny bit of creaminess on the finish

Pairings: cheeses (Brie, Feta, goat), oysters, seafood, sushi

Style: white Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Loire Valley, France

Price: $19

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: France, Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
13 March 2019 2017 Martin Codax Albarino

2017 Martin Codax Albarino

March 13, 2019 By

I used to drink a lot of Rias Baixas Albariño and loved it…not really sure why I ever stopped – it’s delicious, refreshing, food-friendly and inexpensive! I enjoyed this wine at a sea side seafood restaurant on a recent vacation and promised myself I’d go back to it after returning to the USA.

Martin Codax was one of most important Galician men of the middle ages. Bodegas Martin Codax was founded in 1986 and has grown into one of the most respected wineries in Galicia’s Rías Baixas region.

Looks: Bright straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense citrus on the nose with herbaceousness

Taste: Ripe apple and juicy apricot/peach

Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, little spritz on the finish

Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Albariño

Region: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain

Price: $12

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Albarino, Spain, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
6 March 2019 2013 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

2013 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

March 6, 2019 By

I was at a beach side resort looking through the casual restaurant’s wine list and saw this wine that I hadn’t had in a while so decided to order it, although I’m not typically a Chardonnay fan…unless it’s old and French! It was just lovely on a warm night and not a buttery/oaky bomb, which is always appreciated. Best part – it’s $12 retail back in the USA!

Penfolds is one of the most well-known wine producers in Australian and helped set the landscape of fine Australian wine. It makes wines of all price points, both red and white.

Looks: Straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Pineapple and citrus

Taste: Ripe apple, peach, pear, pineapple and a little lime on the finish

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, creamy texture, nice level of acidity

Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: South Australia

Price: $12

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
31 October 2018 Farmhouse Wines by Cline Family Cellars

Farmhouse Wines by Cline Family Cellars

October 31, 2018 By

About Cline Family Cellars

Cline Family Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery in Sonoma, California grounded in sustainability and passion for winemaking. One of the winery’s labels is Farmhouse, which I’ve tasted and thoroughly enjoyed.

Fred Cline founded Cline Family Cellars in Oakley, California in 1982, initially making wine from Mourvedre, Zinfandel and Carignane vines, some dating back to the 1880s.

In 1989, Cline acquired a 350-acre horse farm in Carneros and moved the winery operations to Sonoma County. Known as one of the original Rhone Rangers, Fred Cline planted Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. Cline now also cultivates Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay in Sonoma County.

Grounded in Sustainability

Cline Family Cellars uses natural and sustainable Green String farming methods and its aim is to nurture the land and creating wines that reflect the region’s ecosystems. Developed by Fred Cline and soil manager, Bobby Cannard, the Green String farming method is a system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. These methods minimize pollution from the air, soil, and water, and optimize the health and productivity of soil, plants, animals and people.

The Farmhouse names comes from the school house situated at Green String Farm in Petaluma, California. The school house houses the library and study room for students who come from around the world to learn Green String’s method of sustainable farming.

2017 Farmhouse White ($15)

I paired this lovely light-to-medium bodied wine with spicy Thai food and it was a great match with just a tad of sweetness on the finish. The wine is bright and crisp with nice ripe citrus aromas and flavors. Farmhouse White is a blend of 45% Viognier, 40% Palomino, 11% Muscat Canelli and 6% Sauvignon Blanc.

When selecting grapes for this wine, we were particularly conscious of the intensity of the fruit, the acid balance, and the characteristics each varietal offered to the blend as a whole. The final wine delivers bright, crisp flavors of tropical fruit and lime with a fresh, clean finish.

Color: Straw yellow

Aromas: Tropical fruit, sweet lemons/limes and honey

Body: Light to medium

Flavors: Meyer lemon, Asian apple, tropical fruit

Finish: Bright acidity, clean/crisp

2017 Farmhouse Red ($15)

I paired this rich medium-to-full bodied wine with my very beefy Texas chili and it held up nicely to the spice. While it’s very food-friendly, I had a glass before dinner and it was enjoyable on its own with smooth tannins and great fruit.

This easy drinking red blend, 48% Zinfandel, 39% Merlot, 5% Mourvédre, 4% Syrah, 3% Grenache and 2% Petite Sirah, is medium-bodied with boysenberry, tobacco and black-pepper flavors.

The wine has smooth tannins and luscious fruit.

Color: Dark purple-red

Aromas: Dark juicy berries, chocolate-covered cherry

Body: Medium to full

Flavors: Raspberry/blackberry, ripe cherry, black pepper, black licorice

Finish: Rich and flavorful with nice acidity

These affordable well-made wines are readily-available, so add a few bottles to your cellar for drinking anytime.

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I am adding them to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Viognier, White Wine, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , ,
13 June 2018 Sokol Blosser Farm and Forage Experience

Sokol Blosser Farm and Forage Experience

June 13, 2018 By

On a recent trip to the Willamette Valley, I had the pleasure of visiting Sokol Blosser, one of Oregon’s oldest and largest wineries. To add to my first time visit, I reserved the Farm and Forage wine-paired luncheon and highly recommend the experience.

About Sokol Blosser

Founded in 1971 by Bill and Susan Sokol Blosser, the popular winery saw its first vines planted in the Dundee Hills when there was literally no established Oregon wine industry.

The Sokol Blosser family set out to grow and produce the finest Pinot Noir and soon became pioneers in modern-day Oregon wine country. Now, the second generation of Sokol Blosser, Winemaker Alex Sokol Blosser and sister Alison Sokol Blosser, CEO, is at the helm keeping the ‘good to the earth’ mantra of the winery which practices certified-organic farming on 86 planted acres. The family’s commitment towards sustainability, biodiversity and sustainable business practices are felt throughout the winery, including its LEED-certified underground barrel cellar.

The winery’s 128 acres provide fruit to produce 80,000 cases of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling under the Sokol Blosser brand name. White blend, red blend, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine are crafted under the brand name Evolution (see https://evolutionwine.com for complete details).

About the Farm & Forage Lunch

​

My Seat at Kitchen Table

With his Farm & Forage culinary experience, Sokol Blosser Executive Chef, Henry Kibit, creates six bites to be paired with six wines. This is a great way to fully appreciate the wines whose flavors are heightened with food. The fun part, our group of five diners/wine tasters sat at a counter in the kitchen to watch the magic happen. The experience is available for up to eight guests.

The kitchen staff follows the winery mantra, “good to the earth” and sources ingredients for the various winery menus from local purveyors and also forages on the property for mushrooms, nettles, salad greens and much more.  

Farm & Forage is currently offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:00pm. During the busy summer months, July through October, Sokol Blosser offers a second time slot on Saturdays, so the experience is available at 11am and 2pm.

The cost of the lunch including wine is $75 per person or $60 or 1,800 points for Cellar Club members. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Sokol Blosser. 

These are the lovely wines we tasted along with the food we enjoyed. Note that the menu changes based on the products available to Chef Kibit.

Evolution Brut Sparkling ($20)

Creamy texture, juicy green/Fiji apple flavors with a bit of lemon on the crisp finish. Just a perfect summer sparkler and I couldn’t keep from ordering a case for patio parties.

This was the welcome wine when I arrived for the lunch.

2017 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir, 100% from estate-grown, organic grapes. Wild strawberry on the nose. Strawberry continues on the palate with pink grapefruit on the finish. Vibrant acidity that’s screaming for food.

Paired with: Purple sprouting broccoli, oil cured olive, roe, Belper Knolle.

2016 Dundee Hills Pinot Blanc ($22)

On the palate are green apple and peach flavors with a bit of Meyer lemon on the finish. Great minerality – nice pairing with the halibut.

Paired with: Halibut, ramp, nettle, chervil.

2014 Thistle Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir ($38)

Good transition wine between white and bolder reds. Medium red with pale pink on the edge of the wine glass rim. Bright cherry on the nose with earthy, chocolate notes. Red fruit/berry flavors with earthy notes and firm tannins on the finish.

Paired with: Raab, turnip, egg.

2014 Big Tree Block Pinot Noir ($70)

100% Pinot Noir, 100% from estate-grown, organic grapes. Bright acidity on this wine – cherry on the nose and palate with citrusy finish.

Paired with: Lamb, Za’atar, spinach, cattail.

2015 Twelve Row Block Estate Pinot Noir ($60)

This is much bigger Pinot Noir than I’m accustomed to and really enjoyed it. It’s bold with chocolate-coated ripe cherry flavors and tobacco notes.

Paired with: NY Strip, yellowfoot, hazelnut, brown butter.

2014 Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir ($50)

100% pinot noir. What a treat this pale pink rosé bubbly was with our dessert. Fine mousse-like bubbles, light strawberry flavors and a crisp, dry finish. A nicely-made, method Champenoise sparkling wine.

Paired with: Chocolate (dark/milk), flowers.

If you’ve not been to Oregon wine country, Sokol Blosser is a must-visit and the Farm & Forage experience is not to pass up.

About the Location and Tasting Room Hours

Tasting Room hours: Daily from 10am-4pm.

5000 Sokol Blosser Lane, Dayton, Oregon. www.sokolblosser.com

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Food & Wine Events, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
30 May 2018 Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Room Experience

Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Room Experience

May 30, 2018 By

 

About Jean Edwards Cellars

Tasting Room Sitting Area

Jean Edwards Cellars has been producing wine from some of the most well-regarded vineyards in Northern California since 2014. The Jean Edwards Cellars label focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The Cooper’s Cuvee label is reserved for the Rhone wines, Petite Sirah, Syrah and cuvee blends.

About the Jean Edwards Cellars Team

Karen and John Troisi are the proprietors and visionaries of Jean Edwards Cellars. After falling in love with the beauty of Sonoma and Napa, the Troisis founded the winery in 2004 while still working their corporate jobs in New Jersey. Their first wine, Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet from the Pritchard Hill Region, was lauded as “one of twenty new cabernet producers to watch…” by Wine Spectator Magazine    in its annual cabernet issue, and that incredible endorsement catapulted the entrepreuneurs in the trajectory that has been paved with accolades and awards.

Jessica Saldana

Jessica Saldana

Kian Tavakoli has been the winemaker at Jean Edwards Cellars since its inception. Kian has nearly 30 years of winemaking experience and began his career with Opus One then went on to Clos du Val in 1996 and was there until joining Jean Edwards Cellars in 2004. In 2017, Kian opened a new winery with his business partner in St. Helena, and that’s where the Jean Edwards Cellars wine are now produced.

 

About the Tasting Room

Tasting Room Private Table

On a recent visit to Sonoma, I was fortunate enough to visit the new Jean Edwards Cellars tasting room located on Vine Alley in the Sonoma Court Shops at the historic Sonoma Plaza. The space is modern, intimate, inviting and beautiful. Sonoma-native, Jessica Saldana, is the Tasting Room Manager and conducted our very informative tasting. I’ve been enjoying these limited production wines for several years and are familiar with them, but Jessica was able to offer insight and new learnings we’re grateful for.

Walk-ins at the tasting room are welcomed but for parties of six or more, a reservation is required to allow the team to prepare for the visit. 

A tasting typically consists of four wines for $25, but that fee is waived with a $65 purchase or if one is a Wine Club Member, which I am. We were fortunate enough to be able to sample a few additional wines during our visit.

About the Wines

2016 Dalla Gasperina Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – Rutherford

Loved the 2014 and 2015 vintage and the 2016 is no different. I’m not typically a Sauv Blanc fan, BUT, this wine has changed my narrow-mindedness. Golden yellow with hints of green in the glass, there is an amazing combination of Meyer lemon aromas and floral notes. The palate isn’t typical of what I consider boring Sauv Blanc – this is rich, complex with big flavors of tropical fruit and citrus that ends with great acidity and minerality. The addition of 5% Semillon to the 95% Sauvignon Blanc is very smart indeed…so is the stainless steel fermentation and barrel age in neutral French Oak. Small quantity of this lovely wine is made and the 2016 vintage is sold out. $28.

2014 Seventy Four – Forty One Cabernet Sauvignon

“74-41” represents the coordinates of the Troisis New Jersey residence – fun fact! 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Baconbrook Vineyard (Spring Mountain), Stagecoach Vineyard (Pritchard Hill) and Broken Rock Vineyard (foothills of Atlas Peak). In the glass, this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is inky purple and exudes aromas of dark, ripe berries. The dark fruit continues on the palate on this opulent wine with a finish that lingers. Grilled NY strip steaks or wagyu burgers comes to mind to pair with this beauty. A 2015 “74-41” Cab wasn’t produced due to fruit shortfalls, so be on the lookout for the 2014 (or 93-point Wine Enthusiast rated 2013). $68. ​​

2014 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the wine that started it all for this winery. Dark ruby in the glass with a red fruit nose with mocha/vanilla notes. Rich, mouth-coating with a long finish on this wine made of Cabernet Sauvignon from Pritchard Hill, Malbec from Beckstoffer Melrose Vineyard and Petit Verdot from Stagecoach Vineyard – an amazing trifecta (James Suckling agreed and awarded this wine 93 points). $68.

2014 Yates Cabernet Sauvignon

I was thrilled to get a taste of the first vintage of this Mount Veeder Cab. Darkest purpley red in the glass, one whiff of the dark ripe cherry with a bit of spice and I was in love. Dark fruit with oaky and chocolatey notes on the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. $75.

2014 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

This was my favorite in the lineup and the one that had me craving a juicy ribeye. Darkest of reds in the glass with dark fruit aromas with some smoky, mocha notes. Layers of juicy cherry and stone fruit with some toasted oak. When one thinks of the ideal Napa Cab, this is what one thinks of. Can only imagine what it’ll be like in 5-7 years of cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of cabernet franc from Yates Family Vineyard on Mount Veeder and a bit of Malbec from Rutherford. James Suckling 93 points. $90.

2015 Malbec – Rutherford

Dark purple red in the glass, the 2015 vintage is 97% Malbec with 3% Petit Verdot. This was my first time tasting this wine and the nose sold me with one sniff of dark everything – berry, chocolate, anise, plum – wow. Bit less full-bodied than I anticipated from the nose, this was still a mouthful with ripe red berry flavors ending with a bit of spice. Wine Advocate 91+ points. $65.

2015 Merlot – Oak Knoll District

Darkest brick red in the glass, this was also my first taste of this wine. Ripe red fruit and cassis aromas leading to dark wood strawberry and blackberry on the palate with the roundness one hopes for in a well-made Merlot. Long, eye-closing, lingering finish. Making a mental note to order some of this. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc​. $58.

All of these reds will only improve with cellaring or at least decanting if, like me, one finds it hard to resist opening them while they’re young.

Tasting Room Spring/Summer Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12pm to 6pm; Friday-Saturday: 12pm to 7pm.

Address: 29 East Napa Street (Ste. C), Sonoma, CA  95476.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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