Red Car Wine Company "the Table" Syrah 2002

If you are really clever, you might find that the label shown is actually the back label. The front is shown below. But it's the back that says something useful.

The Red Car Wine Company is a recent arrival on the wine scene, with 2000 being the first release year. The company excels at cute labels, with a story on each wine, marketed by what is ostensibly movie moguls from Los Angeles, at tops the bottles with a rubbery plastic to mimic the wax some wineries still use; much to the annoyance of many wine drinkers and the consternation of many waiters attempting to open them. This one is easy.

The Table is the least fancy story I've seen with the quote, "WORDS FLOAT ABOVE THE TABLE. YOU HEAR WHAT I SAY, BUT DO YOU LISTEN?" A reference to couples talking past each other at dinner? I don't know. And yet.... I don't care. The web site is musical and lyrical, but not annoying in any manner than making the actual info somewhat obscured by the show.

A Santa Barbara county Syrah, from the one of the same vineyards, Thompson, that a number of high end winemakers like to use. And with good reason. This wine is a wonderful example of the area and grower. Deep purple and opaque color, viscous and leggy, the nose is up front and personal with plums and berries covered in light spice and a hint of smokiness, this wine is not your mamma's wine.

the first taste is big and semi-dry fruitiness, that given time will overcome the tannins to become even better than it is right now. Maybe two or three more years. Oh well. This is my only bottle.

The winery sells mainly direct, but can occasionally be found in better wine stores and restaurants. Prices are fairly high for most of their product, and the company allows orders generally of no less than six bottles, so for some, (read "me") I buy it when I find it.

If you like Syrah with finesse and power, this may be for you. Find it and try it.

Here is the front of the bottle.

Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2004

If you have ever wondered what the quintessential Pinot Noir tastes like then the Sea Smoke Southing is a wine you should try to get your hands on.

Sea Smoke is a recent wine producer located in Lompoc, California. From the Santa Rita hills comes some of the best Pinot in the world in my opinion. Cool climate, sunshine, and dedication by the growers and producers make this region just amazing.

The Southing, from Sea Smoke, is top shelf. Full berry aromas are backed by smooth palette pleasing tastes. Long finish and high viscosity like a good 40 weight oil make the entire experience a delight to the senses. The juice is dark like bing cherries, yet clear and bright. The Winemaker recommends decanting before 2008, but I think he may have changed his mind after bottling. This stuff is brilliant! If this were a woman, I would be married!!

The Southing is $50 if you can get it. Just leave me some!!

Oh, and don't worry about the kids if you visit this area. What's his name went to Dubai....

Heitz Cellar Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Heitz Cellars, founded in 1961, is one of the original winemaker families in the Napa Valley. Their wine has long been considered to be a classic example of the Napa Cabernet that made the valley what it is today. Although at over 14% alcohol I suspect it is running slightly higher than it was in the '60s, when 12% was more like the norm. But make no mistake, this is wine is classic.

The Heitz people hold their wine from distribution longer than most wineries do. The fact that they can afford to might make a difference. But a young Cab can be just an overbearing, powerhouse of flavor that could have used time to make it great. Released in 2001, the '97 shows all the signs of that year in wine history. Flavorful, with good color, balanced oak and toast, make this wine truly stunning now. In ten more years it will be outstanding.

To quote the Heitz website, "The 1997 Napa Valley Cabernet immediately impresses you with its overall balance and richness. The wine is quite drinkable now with a soft, rich silkiness on the palate. The youthful fruit flavors are delightful throughout and add an extra dimension to the sophistication of this wine. The 1997 vintage was a stellar vintage in the Napa Valley and this Cabernet is definitely a reflection of that quality." And they are right on.

Heitz can hard to find despite the cost and quantity. The 1997 came in at about $80 with 48072 bottles (4006 cases) produced. On top of the Napa Valley, they also produce several single vineyard cabs like the Martha's, Bella, and Trailside vineyard. I am guessing they cost more. You tell me when you find some. Better yet buy it and give me a call to help taste it...

If you are looking for classic Napa Cabernet, and have the huevos to afford it, the Heitz should be on your short list of wines to try.

Now if you don't mind I am going to refill my glass and await the classic marinara and meatballs cooking stovetop right now.

Chateau St Jean Sonoma Pinot Noir 2004

At a retail price of $19.00, this tasty Pinot Noir is a good value. If you got it on sale at Vons or Safeway last week for $12.00, it was a steal, and for the $15.00 I paid today at Molly Stones in Sausalito, it is still a value.

I was in Pasadena last week attending to a heart valve replacement, (my mother's, not mine...) and wondered into Vons, the Safeway of the southland. I found this wine demurely occupying space on the wine shelves were there was just a small sign showing the sale price. Since I was mostly without anything to do, I was on a hunt for food and wine. Of course since it was on sale, I figured, "why not".

I found a small, five table, Japanese restaurant in the same small shopping center and grabbed some food to take back to my small but adequate room at the hospital. The rooms are refurbished hospital rooms in one small wing, and include a bed, TV, toilet and closet. The shower is down the hall. Just like college. Convenient and inexpensive (relatively speaking) for those with a need to be around for extended periods, but without medical care.

The wine was an eye opener. Chateau St. Jean is known for its Cinq Cepages, a $75 blend that is considered great in good years. But they also make a full line of product, the Sonoma Pinot Noir being one. This Pinot has a nice full nose of cherries and spice, a viscous appearance in the glass, and a lush full mouth of flavor. For most, this may represent the best Pinot they may ever taste. For others with a fatter checkbook and more nerve, there are better wines. But at over $50, I am not sure how much more you are buying. CSJ also makes a reserve version for $55.00 if you are so inclined. If you happen to taste them side by side, let me know what you find out.

The 2004 Sonoma Pinot Noir is from fruit sourced both from the Russian River and Carneros regions of Sonoma, hence the Sonoma designation. But make no mistake; both regions can produce excellent fruit, and the folks at CSJ have found some mighty fine fruit for this wine.