New, Rare, Local and Tasty Wines

New, local and tasty
Last week we looked back with our All Star wines of 2009. Today we look ahead with six local wines new to the shop.

Y. ROUSSEAU Old Vines Colombard
Russian River

Valley 2008 $19
Try this delicious Sauvignon Blanc alternative from cool-climate Sonoma County. 30 year old, dry farmed Colombard, the grape of Gascony, France. 7 hours on skins before fermenting, aged on lees, no oak. Smell & taste lemon thyme, cilantro, green apples, pears, limes, kiwi and grapefruit. Richer, almost creamy mouthfeel. 275 cases made. First Russian River Colombard I've had...at least that I can recall. Making and selling Colombard in Chardonnay & Pinot Noir country is definitely a labor of love. But don't reward Mr. Rousseau for his passion-reward yourself with this delicious, crisp, fruity, succulent white wine.

B KOSUGE Pinot Noir "The Shop" Carneros 2007 $34
Many of you bought and loved the 2006 Kosuge "The Shop." Well, I'm telling you, the 2007 is EVEN BETTER. The Shop is a working vineyard shop in The Carneros, and this vineyard is its neighbor. You'll love the rich, juicy, friendly, dark berry cherry fruit along with the body, spice and sweet-soil notes in this wine. Heck, we just plain LIKE IT! California Pinot Noir fans: I suggest you pick up at least a six pack of this wine.

GREEN & RED Zinfandel
Chiles Canyon, Napa Valley 2007 $23

Back Room's favorite Napa Zin producer. For years, when a visitor to Napa Valley asks for a very good red wine that's A) indicative of the area, B) small production/artisan/boutique and C) very affordable, my first suggestion is always Green & Red Zin.The just-released 2007, an excellent Zin vintage, takes the cake. This is great. Dark berry fruits, loads of black pepper and pie spice, black cherry, mocha and a smidge of pink grapefruit. Very complete, balance and super-delicious.

VIOLET GREEN Cabernet Franc
"Alder Springs" Mendocino 2006 $28
Violet Green wines are made with skill and love by a wonderful couple in Humboldt County (not just saying that because they read my emails). "Alder Springs," in northern Mendocino County, has been an artisan winemaker's playground for years (Patz & Hall, Pax, Behrens & Hitchcock to name a few). Not that many tasty Cabernet Franc wines out there. To find one this good, this limited (100 cases made), and this well-priced...you know where I'm going. My notes: Captivating aromas of wild plums, violets, white pepper and French oak (60% new). Medium body, lovely bright fruits, juicy, complex and age-worthy. Decant & enjoy or cellar through 2014. 100 cases made.

SODA CANYON CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2007 $50
Beau Vigne's third-tier Cabernet drinks like most wineries' #1. The vineyard is at the top of Atlas Peak (via Soda Canyon Road). Dave Phinney is the winemaker. This Cab has all you expect and want in a lip-smacking, rich, approachable Napa Cab: tons of fruit, generous sweet oak, great concentration, soft tannins, richness and low acidity. Ready to drink. It's the latest "slam dunk" Cab on the rack.

SAGE VINEYARDS "Veedercrest"

Napa Valley 2005 $40
40% Cab Sauv, 30% Merlot and 30% Cab Franc from the crest of Mount Veeder. Robbie Meyer, co-owner and winemaker, is "Da Man" for Napa Cab (one of them anyway). I'm a fan: Exceptional mountain character with dark berry/cherry, tobacco, soy sauce and meaty flavors. Bold & rich fruit, good acidity and healthy tannins, compliment of sweet oak and a long finish of fruit & earth. More layers of flavor, from start to 30 second finish, than most husky reds I've had.

Mixed Case
Two of each: $350 (Includes 10% discount)

Half Case
One of each: $185 (Includes 5% discount)

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