New vintages of favorite wines

New vintages of some favorite wines
Eleven wines, in some semblance of order

T-VINE Petite Sirah Napa Valley 2006 $37

One of the more youthful, "grippy" T-Vine Petites that we've had. Nose bursts with mulberry, blueberry, blackberry pie spice and black pepper. Tannins are ample and fine as you swish and swallow. A 30 minute decanting makes this wine sing. Better yet, hold for 10 months, give or take, and the wine will rock the house.

BARREL 27 Grenache "Rock & A Hard Place"
Santa Barbara County 2007 $23

This Santa Barbara red is extremely rich, ripe and spicy.
Mix of red and black berries, black peppercorns and sweet strawberries. This perfumed, full-throttle, big red is anything but shy. Sweet oak nose will integrate with time. Will drink even better come fall. Zin lovers will enjoy.
DRINKWARD PESCHON Cabernet Sauvignon
"Entre Deux Meres" Napa Valley 2006 $55 net

I haven't had the '06 Drinkward yet. Reviews are stellar. It's a "hottie," one of those Cabs that is too easy to sell (a more rare breed these days).
Not much to sell, but want all to have a shot at some.

BUCCELLA Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2006 $120 net
Fifth vintage of this very special Napa Cabernet we've carried and we've yet to be disappointed. This is huge...black currants, dark chocolate malt, mocha, sweet earth, blackberry & mulberry, layers of flavors, lavish oak, juicy and delicious now, in its youth.

KOBALT Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2006 $110

Rich and succulent, the Kobalt Cabernet has become one of Napa's best, most esteemed Cabs in just a few short years. Perfumed, deep, and rich. Blueberry pie filling, allspice, mocha. Excellent texture and very full body. Most of the fruit is from Coombsville. 8% combined Cab Franc, Malbec & Petit Verdot. 600 cases made.

TEMPLE Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 $52

From Pope Valley, above the Valley floor, past Howell Mountain. Cabernet is special here. Temple: a very rocky, organic vineyard. Smoke, tar, berry liqueur, black currants, earth, cocoa. Needs lots of air and/or time to show off. 100% Cab, 50% new French oak, 600 cases.

ENGEL FAMILY Merlot "Rock Mountain Vineyard"
Napa Valley 2005 $40
Tiny production, terraced, hillside vineyard Merlot from Northern Napa Valley. Bob Foley winemaker. Consider it "Baby Pride" in price but not in quality. In fact, we think it's better. Dark roasted berries, dark chocolate, touch of smoke and tobacco, luscious and strong.

CASTALIA Pinot Noir "Rochioli Vineyard"
Russian River Valley 2007 $50 net
Owned and made by Rochioli's Cellarmaster. He's made this one wine from "Rochioli" for almost 20 years now and still flies a little under the radar. This, readers is dynamite Pinot Noir. Wild, sweet red cherries, allspice, red roses, fabulous texture. Showing the gloriousness of 2007 vintage Pinot Noir. Seductive and approachable young. Pinot lovers must have some.
378 cases made.
CAPIAUX Pinot Noir "Garys' Vineyard"
Santa Lucia Highlands 2007 $42

Rich berry cherry fruits and sweet soil on the nose. Loaded with flavor in the mouth. Fruit is up-front and not shy. Raspberry, wild cherry and a little cranberry. Drink this mouthful of wine anytime and enjoy its youthful spirit.
Good tannic structure, too. Very "Gevrey Chambertin."

LEO STEEN Chenin Blanc "Saini Farms"
Dry Creek Valley 2008 $19

30 year old dry farmed vineyard.Leo Steen gives the under-appreciated Chenin Blance grape its due. Cold-fermented to dryness. Fresh floral note to go with the pear-apple and grapefruit flavors. Green apple skins, healthy acidity and nice, full mouthfeel (a little lees-ageing explains this).
It's a Back Room Wines favorite.

FROSTWATCH Chardonnay, Bennett Valley

Sonoma County 2006, $30

Bennett Valley shoots off of Sonoma Valley, just south of Santa Rosa. A cooler microclimate makes frost a good possibility in the spring (thus the name). Full-bodied and rich with higher, balancing acidity. This Chardonnay is intense, delicious and complete from start to finish. Taste sweet butter, toasted brioche, peaches, nectarines and roast hazelnuts. 180 cases made.

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