December 2013

 

That's a nice score, but I prefer Terry Thiese's descriptor on this wine, a barrel-fermented "luxury" style of Champange,  "The new disgorgement is a delicate, almost serene edition of a wine that's often quite vivid, that really shows its facets of saffron, brioche and lobster stock. This is classier and more "fondue" than usual, with lingering vanilla and jasmine and even elderflower notes. It conveys a courteous repose."

Vilmart's Champagnes continue to be some of the most memorable and enjoyable wines, not only Champagnes, I have the pleasure to drink.

Alex Gambal crafts, among others, definitive village-level wines.  Wines that speak of their birthplace, do not chase critics' palates and drink beautifully from day one.  We couldn't be happier to have Mr. Gambal's wines in our catalogue.
 
"This has proven itself to be a consistently fine performer for its level and 2010 will not be an exception to this rule of excellence as there is lovely complexity to the acacia blossom, apple and pear suffused nose that is trimmed in background hints of wood toast. There is good richness to the refined and silky middle weight flavours that culminate in a tension-filled, balanced and lingering finish. A first-rate villages and worth your attention. Outstanding top value"
89 points, burghound.com, June 2012

Hanzell produces the longest lived Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in California.  While these miniscule volumes age, "Sebella" provides a very approachable Hanzell Estate vineyard, terroir-centric Chardonnay.  The fruit comes from younger vines, but the care with which the principal wines are made is on display here as well. 

Originally planted in 1886, Geyserville is sourced from the "Old Patch" of the Whitton Ranch and are the oldest vines that Ridge farms.  They have made Geyserville from these vines every year since 1966.  It continues to be one of California's reference Zinfandels and most famous "field blends".  What is so great about this wine is that you can drink your Geyservilles young or any time along its 15+ year evolution.

"78% Zinfandel; 16% Carignane; 4% Petite Sirah; and 2% Other.  Another stunner under the Geyserville moniker, this rich, nicely layered offering combines red and black berries with touches of dried leaves and black pepper in its mid-volume aromas. And, as promising as the nose seems to be, the wine is even more deeply packed on the palate where its blackberry, raspberry, darkly spiced fruit is joined by background notes of creamy oak. Latter palate tannin assures that this version of Geyserville will enjoy the long-aging abilities of its predecessors."
95 points and 3 stars (highest award level),
Connoisseur's Guide to California Wines, May 2013

The Fort Ross/Seaview AVA of Sonoma County produces some of California's best wines, proven over the years by wineries such as Peay, Marcassin and Hirsch.  The location far off the beaten path and above the fog line calls for diligent viticulture, but the results are worth it.  The Sonoma Coast bottling is Peay's entry-point Pinot Noir. 

I also have the 2011 Pomarium Pinot Noir available at $78 per bottle and the 2011 Estate Chardonnay at $77, all wines come in cases of 6.
 
"Bright ruby-red.  Highly perfumed smoke- and spice-accented aromas of candied red berries, vanilla and rose.  Nicely concentrated but energetic, offering sappy raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors that gain spiciness with air.  Closes vibrant and long, with a lingering floral note and silky, fully integrated tannins."

This is the thoroughbred Tuscan red.  In my opinion, the definition of Sangiovese.  Three times in six years it was named in Wine Spectator's Top 10 - 2010, 2009 and 2004.  No other wine can make this claim.  Last year, this 2009 was named #25.

It is the only wine I collect a vertical of and I plan to drink ten at once (probably with friends).

"The first impression of this red is purity and finesse, as black currant, raspberry and violet aromas and flavours stay focused and persistent. An earthy leather element and mineral notes chime in on the finish, backed by a vibrant structure. Sangiovese. Best from 2015 through 2032. 5,000 cases made."

Carved into the top of Spring Mountain, Sonoma to the west, Napa to the east and the rolling fog of San Pablo Bay to the south are the rugged vineyards of one of Napa's original "cult" wineries, Cain Vineyard & Winery.

The world up here is different.  In the summer, high above the fog line Cain enjoys warmer, longer days than does the valley floor.  In the winter it snows up here every year, in the valley snow is a rarity.  During harvest, which is all done by hand over six weeks, the last fruit to come in is the super-aromatic Cabernet Franc.  In the valley almost always the Franc comes in before the Sauvignon.  The vineyards are surrounded by oak, madrone, bay laurel, and Douglas-fir trees which contribute to the unique aromatic signature of the Cain Five.

The wines are handled gently and matured in several degrees of new and used barriques.  It is structured, elegant, powerful.  Simply put, Cain Five is a wine with no comparison.  A deeply flavoured, tremendously age-worthy wine that speaks of its roots high atop Spring Mountain. 

Tim Mondavi's project on Pritchard Hill is simply one of Napa's top collectable wines right now and keeps getting better year over year.

"This has been an impressive, serious wine since the debut vintage, and Tim Mondavi's estate high on Pritchard Hill has fashioned a 2010 blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot. Gorgeously ripe, intricate and nuanced, with aromas of spring flowers and red and black fruits, a stunning texture, sweet tannin, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and undeniable elegance and finesse, this complex beauty cascades over the palate without a hard edge to be found. It is a tribute to Mondavi's long resume of skillful winemaking. Black currants, blueberries and a touch of raspberries are all compelling and persistent. Drink this gorgeous Napa red now and over the next 15+ years."