Don's Wine Flog Blog

Maddalena Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:13:00 +0000

(Yes I know. I've been remiss in my duties. But in my defense, the house and the commute have made life a bit hectic. And I'm doing some graphic design on the side so no time to write and litle time to drink... If you have work in the wine business and in the Sonoma Valley, give me a call. I need to kill my commute!)

This wine is sourced from Paso Robles, which typically means fruit forward, rich, full bodied wine. If you had to hang in that hot sun for months on end, you would be ripe too!

These grapes came from six vineyards in the area, picked in 2004, and barreled for 24 months in new American and French oak. 8780 cases made. (That's over 105,000 bottles; put the calculator away!)

If you follow the link you'll find out that the winery is owned by the Riboli Family who have a variety of wine and restaurant interests based in Los Angeles proper.

I've tried several of their wines in the past, the Maddelena being the value priced line. I say that because this bottle retails at $13.95. But for it's price it can only be the volume that makes this wine come in at the price.

This wine shows very little to the nose, which I wouldn't expect at the low end, however the palette has more than meets the so called nose.

The first thing that comes across is the fullness of this wine, and the color which is deep purple/red. The barrel toast (or how the barrel was charred inside) is evident more than the oak flavor itself. Silver Oak does this at $100/bottle so don't be fooled. The fruit is noticeable bright cherry, cloaked in mild tannins. This should age for a year or two should you have more wine than you can drink at any one time. Alternatively, give it some open time in the glass while making dinner and let the flavors come out.

I'm having this with spaghetti, but this would be a fine beef side dish. I think you get one fruit portion for each glass, don't you?

If you find it, give it a try. There aren't many Cabs at this price that give you more than flavored water, and this wine comes across assertive and with more power than you can get from any other wine I've had at the price.

(note: This wine provided by the winery. your milage may vary.)

I've moved to Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 23:33:00 +0000

Well the time finally arrived and I have relocated to Sonoma. The Valley of the Moon. This is indeed paradise. With warm to hot temperatures, fertile soil and tanned bodies, Sonoma Valley is a radical change for me. For the better!

I have a garden, oak, plum, and olive trees; a guava bush, an herb garden and high speed DSL. What more could one want?

If you have a winery or wine tasting room here in The Valley and think that having a high quality webcam like mine (the high quality San Francisco Webcam at WebMarin.co m) on your website would help drive business to your winery like it has to my site, (over 600,000 hits per year, then give me a call. I can arrange to install and maintain a camera at your location for viewing by potential customers. I can also work with your web site developer to properly place the image within your existing website.

Send me and e-mail to find out more about it. And check out Stardot's complete line of high quality cameras

Peay Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2004

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:10:00 +0000

Have I been here before? Peay, a winery and vineyard created by Andy Peay, Nick Peay, and the incredible Venessa Wong, has got to be a storybook collaboration.

Nick Peay is the wine grower, a veteran of Schramsberg, Storrs , La Jota Vineyards, Flowers, and Newton. Nick has demonstrated that his growing expertise is one of the best in the business. What Vanessa makes is solely dependent on what Nick grows. Without Nick Peay the wine could end up two buck you know what.

His brother Andy, an MBA from Haas School of Business is congenial, knowledgeable, and smart. Without him I suspect that Venessa and Nick would be looking at a lot of wine in boxes; since selling and informing is a full time job.

And then there is Venessa Wong. A veteran of both French and Californian wineries. There is nothing I have had that doesn't qualify as extraordinary. While hiding away at her own winery with her two business partners, she has proven her abilities in wine making that match or exceed those of the rich and famous before her. Helen Turley, Carol Shelton, Mike Officer, Delia Viader, and many others, who excel at wine making today in California, are seriously challenged by Vanessa's skill and palette.

The 2004 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an enormous achievement. From the git go, the wine is magnificent. In the glass it has wonderful, dark reddish/purple in color, nice viscosity, and a nose of heaven. If the Sonoma coast can have a fragrance, this is it. It is morning smells of the vineyard, ripe fruit, great vines, cool weather, and dark earth. This wine speaks of Vanessa, and Nick as much as anything they could possibly do. They have captured the land and the vine like few before have done. This is what you should live to taste.

On the palette, the wine is smooth, yet slightly tannic, in a way that says, " drink me now or collect interest for waiting". It doesn't have the sweetness of hot central coast wine or the modesty of European fruit. The wine exudes Sonoma Coast.

Another achievement of both the Peay brothers and Ms. Wong's skill. If you haven't tried a Peay wine, white or red, do not walk; run. Get some. Now.

If wine were a woman, I would marry this bottle. I might just try! Just "don't ask, don't tell".

Roar Wines - Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2004

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sun, 06 May 2007 01:42:00 +0000

I've written about Roar Wines before, but since I opened this bottle I figured it needed revisiting.

Tonight in anticipation of fresh salmon I decided to grab some Pinot from the cellar. And of course my favorite is Roar. The Franscioni family owners of Roar and other like Adam & Dianna Lee of Siduri Wines and Gary Pisoni (Gary's Vineyard, oh yea!) all collaborate on Roar Wines.

The 2004 Santa Lucia Pinot is another stupendous release of wine form these nice folks. Although in all fairness this is not a Burgundian Pinot. This is an in-your-face wine. Full flavor, beautiful nose, and a mouth feel that is pure silk.

As I've said before, the nose is where it's at, and this wine has an aroma that takes one from present day problems to vineyards in summer. You take one whiff and you are transported. You are in the central California fields on a wonderful hot summer day, sipping wine and enjoying the weather. Nothing says California Pinot to me more than Roar. "Escape to Roar" is the feeling! (Permission to use is hereby granted to the Franscioni folks.)

If you ever wanted to taste the direction of Central Coast Pinot, this is it. While I have been whittling down the size of my cellar, the Roar will always have space.

About $50 for any bottle. If you can get it.

In case you are interested, the dynamic duo are here in a purloined picture. (Picture stolen from Roar Wine website...)

Valley of the Moon - Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2003

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:10:00 +0000

I made a circuit of Sonoma County this weekend to plan and purchase a new shed. Going from the town of Sonoma to Rohnert Park, I came upon the Valley of the Moon winery.

Now I've been by this winery many times and never felt the urge to stop; but this time I had other urges. Those that Mother Nature won't easily let you forget.

In case you are unaware, wineries can have some of the best facilities for this kind of, um, urgency. The nicer the winery, the better the bathroom. Many enter from outside the tasting room making any pretense for tasting unnecessary. The Sonoma 21st century version of McDonald's for the hoi Paloi. And I thank them from the bottom of my ..er... heart.

But this winery is a pretty place, slightly off the main road, highway12. They have a large tasting room and bar, plenty of accessories to buy, and (shhhhh) free tasting for the regular brews. They also have the pricier stuff at $2 a taste, applied to the purchase of each wine tasted. Taste one, buy one, I guess.

I tasted some whites, including a lightly oaked Pinot Blanc that was sweeter than I prefer, to an almost unoaked Chardonnay with incredibly bright acidity that was surprisingly nice for the price. No butter here. If you're looking to put something on your bread, you're in the wrong place.

The Rosato di Sangiovese (rose' to most of us) is a delight. Not sweet, not acidic, tasty and nice. Drink cool.

In the $2 tastes I tried the Old Vine 2003 Zin. This is a big wine. I like the Old Vine Zins that develop extra flavors and sugar that stand up to spicy, greasy foods. Much like a good cab but cheaper. This wine was no exception. One rarely knows what "old" means in old vines, but it usually means flavor and body. The Valley of the Moon people say that these vines were planted in the 1940's making them older than me. And like me they have only gotten better with age.

Slightly syrupy on the palate, the Old Vine Zin is full, rich, and with the wonderful nose of Zinfandel fruit I would expect. At $25, it is properly priced for the market. You can't get more flavor for less. I'll be drinking this tonight with freshly ground chuck. Yum. 14.8% alchohol, for those of you keeping track.

Side note to winery owners: When hiring a web designer to build your website you have two basic options. Make the site functional and easy to use, with information quickly located; or submit to the whim of an over inflated ego of a designer and produce a website that is more an homage to the developer/designer, who apparently cares not a whit whether anyone can find anything or not.

Guess which one I'm for. This site makes a game out of finding the wines. Clicking on a row of gray faceless bottles (mainly by accident) you are slowly greeted by the plunging rhythms of the phallic bottle dance. Fun? If I'm bored... And since the wines are all (hidden) on one page, there is no way to actually search, well, anywhere for a particular wine. Not on Google, not on your site. Like I said an homage. Unfortunately, not to the winery.

If you need to reign in a web developer, call me. At my hourly rate I will club any over zealous designer into submission and get you a website for less, that does more. And if you make good wine, I make take part in trade.... I'll be the judge.

Save the fancy stuff for the brochures and things sold in the gift shop.

Just my 2 cents. Like the wine by the way!

3rd Annual Marin County Pinot Noir Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 15:39:00 +0000

From the desk of Pey-Marin Vineyards:

Please save the dates of Friday & Saturday, June 8 & 9 from 3-5 PM (media/trade only, times for the public are below) for the 3rd Annual Marin County Pinot Noir Celebration which will be held at the historic Escalle Winery in Larkspur, Marin County, CA. This year our group has grown considerably as interest in Marin-grown Pinot Noir continues to increase;

Corda Vineyards
Dutton-Goldfield
Kendric Vineyards
Miller Wine Works*
Orogeny Vineyard
Pey-Marin Vineyards
Point Reyes Vineyards
Sean Thackrey
Stubbs Vineyard
Thomas Fogarty Winery
Vergari Wines*
Vision Cellars
Willow Brook*

All growers & vintners will be available to meet with you personally in a relaxed and intimate setting between 3-5 PM and a delicious selection of artisan, organic Marin-grown cheeses, breads and other local delicacies will be available to enjoy. The location is conveniently situated between San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma wine country, only 8 miles north of the GG Bridge.

The consumer fund-raiser event benefiting the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) will be held after this tasting from 5-8 PM on both days. Ticket prices will be $40 ($30 for MALT members).

Wine Lover Invitation - Media Invitation

Buy My Wines

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:54:00 +0000

I am selling some of my wine to help pay for a new shed. If you are looking for some collector's bottles, then check out my listings at WineCommune. They are going up slowly so check back periodically for more. All the wines have been stored in my temperature controlled cellar since delivery from the wineries or pick-up at the wine store!

San Antonio Winery Heritage 2002

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 00:53:00 +0000

San Antonio Winery just released the 2002 Heritage, (according to the enclosed letter) as part of their 90th anniversary. Of course if you are like me you are asking yourself, "San Antonio Winery? In Texas?" But like me you would be way off base. Try Los Angeles. Why did they call it San Antonio? I have no idea. But in 1917 Santo Cambianica and Stefano Riboli founded San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles, apparently at the location they are at now; and then, the L.A. basin was an agricultural mecca. Think oranges in Orange County. Disneyland used to be orchards.

The hot climate and decent rainfall of southern California makes a great growing area. When I was but a child wondering down Wilshire Blvd. to school, I could pick figs, pomegranates, berries, and other unidentified treats (I survived...) from the plants and trees along the way in peoples front yards. Now pollution, bad air, (it was worse when I was a kid) and lack of space has forced those relying on agriculture for the ingredients of their products look toward the valleys and hills north of town.

In the case of the San Antonio Winery, this would be Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and Monterey counties, even Sonoma and Alexander valleys here in northern California. They have seven brands and grapes don't grow on trees. You need to look far and wide to produce the tonnage needed for any big producer.

The Heritage is a blend of Syrah, Petite Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache. They barrel aged this wine for twenty four months in 70% new French and American oak. Their website and flyer that came with the wine are complete dossiers on the wine and it's provenance. More than most care about I suspect. More than I really care about. But if it's your thing they provide the info.

"How's the wine", you ask? Well let me see...this is a dark wine (with Syrah And Petite Syrah one would assume this to be the case), with good body and glass clinging viscosity, 14+% alcohol, and a slightly reticent bouquet. I think this wine needs to breathe so I will let it sit for a while and see if the nose becomes less shy later.

The flavors are something else all together. There is no shyness here. This is Paso Robles fruit standing out front and center. Big, brash, demanding of attention, the flavors are up front and personal. The shy nose lying to me like a whisper before a blast. I can't discern any specific grape, (not unusual when the flavors are so forward and in a blend like this) but even with the Monterey County Syrah, the Paso Robles fruit takes center stage. If the wine was a tad more subtle I would say it had the Italian familia roots in it's making. More Sangiovese than Syrah. More sweetness than reserve.

Did I say this is a big wine? If you are into the fruit forwardness of the Paso Robles wines, and can pair this properly with aggressive, spicy or hot foods, this wine will still provide flavor to notice. I can't think of much that would overwhelm it. Perfect with the meaty, flavorful spiciness of Italian cooking, I wish I had a big pizza and spaghetti and meat balls for dinner. However I am off of wheat, so that is not happening anytime soon. Boot garlic grilled meats. Yeah baby!

At $24 direct, the wine is not cheap but a value in wines that give up flavor at a reasonable price. A great alternative to pricy Zin, or flashy Syrah going for twice the price. A little more nose couldn't hurt, but that's not something I need. Mine is big enough.

Try some of their wines if you are in L.A. and find yourself thinking "Now where the heck can I taste some wines while I'm here". I plan to hit them when I'm in the area in April. See ya' there.

{Disclosure - this wine was an unsolicited sample provided by the winery. See what ya' get when your famous!}

Belle Glos - Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 01:55:00 +0000

This pretty bottle of Santa Barbara County wine from a Rutherford winery is easily found at many stores including Safeway or (I assume) Vons Markets in Southern California. At just under $40 it isn't cheap. But most fine Pinot Noir is not. It is difficult to grow, and from my experience with all sorts of Pinot, requires careful vine management to get the strong flavors and smell associated with good wine.

Cheaper wines are usually lacking in good fruity smells (the "nose") and vivid flavors. The pricier wines can have both in spades.

The Belle Glos has both. It has a wonderful potent nose, good color, and that unique Pinot characteristic fruitiness that can be illusive.

I only have two complaints. The plastic dip used on the top of the bottle is pretty to look at. And it has a unique pull string to peel it away. However, the plastic appears to be from the same substance fighter jet windshields are made of, and the mess it can make exploding around the room will keep you entertained finding the little red bits everywhere. I would suggest opening outside. And if you are over 60, have arthritis, or are a weakling, get someone else to open it for you. I think this would have been better served by a Zork!

The winemaker is Chuck Wagner and according to wine.com produced Pinot Noir for Caymus prior to 1990. He took over the vineyard in 2000, (planted in 1972) and introduced Belle Glos in 2001. The wine I have is a 2004 and the current production appears to be the 2005, available at wine.com for $39.95.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable wine. Similar in taste and body as the best from the region. Enjoy.

Thanks to my wine buddy/stock broker, Jeff Pierce at A.G. Edwards in Southern California (phone number on request) for this one!! :)

[Don't bother with the Belle Glos web site link. These people have obviously got other things on their minds. The web site is a one page reference. You can find more info about it elsewhere.]

Don Sebastiani & Sons - Used Automobile Parts 2002

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 01:06:00 +0000

The folks at Don Sebastiani & Sons, never seem to be at a loss for cute names for wine. And the company's business units, Three loose Screws (the Don sr., and his two sons) and The Other Guys, echo this carefree playful attitude as well.The wines include, Plungerhead, Smoking Loon, Mia's Playground, Hey Mambo, and about six other names, all names I suppose, derived from the world these guys live in. I should have it so good!

Used Automobile Parts is their high end product. Sold in three pack boxes, each bottle comes with a different closure to highlight their feeling that good wine does not need a cork. The three closures in the box are screw cap, the Zork from Australia and the Vino-Seal. (You can view them all here.) The bottle I am opening tonight uses a Zork. This is an interesting plastic closure with a peel-off surround. Easy to open and re-close without tools of any kind.

I'm guessing here, but I suspect the reason three bottles and closures are packaged together is to get feedback for future bottlings.

The Used Automobile Parts wine is a blend by winemaker Richard Bruno of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. At 14.5% alcohol it's no slouch but not nearly high enough to put in the super wines coming from Napa and Sonoma today.

So how is it? Dark plum colored, unfiltered and unfined, Mr. Bruno must have taken great pains to keep this wine clear and sediment free. I suspect that racking five times is the reason. It has moderate viscosity, yet is viscous enough to cover the glass without getting leggy. A good sign of body. All fruit was sourced in the Napa Valley so I have high hopes. The nose has the thick heady Cab and Merlot highlights one expects to find in a Napa Valley wine. On the mouth it is a young wine, tannic but full of cherries and plums I like in Cabernet, with the long finish I I would always expect in a wine of this caliber.

Heeding the advice of Molly Lippit, a Marketing Assistant with Don Sebastiani & Sons, I decanted for an hour before tasting. I think that another hour would not be unreasonable, and since dinner will be in about that long, we are in business!

This wine is charming and elegant now, but will most likely be even better in five years. If you have it, hold it. We will see what these closures promise for long term storage. What I have found in the past was a lack of aging in non-cork wines. But who knows?

At $50 a bottle it is a Napa value and goes head to head with wines at a much higher price. Of course you have to buy all three bottles so it's gonna cost ya' $150 to get in. And I have to say that breaking a box up always breaks my heart. What are you going to do?

Check your local wine monger or contact the winery for info on obtaining Used Automobile Parts...

Lemelson Vineyards Thea's Selection Pinot Noir 2000

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 02:10:00 +0000

Lemelson Vineyards is the offspring of Eric Lemelson, who is also a trustee of the Lemelson Foundation, and a lawyer. We'll just have to ignore the foundation and allow for lapses, and just say that making Pinot is probably the best for everyone.

Lemelson Vineyards is one of the older (I'm guessing here, but based on the time I have had this cellared...) in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Located southwest of Portland (map) Carlson, Oregon is a small town in a valley that is becoming ever more popular for the wine elite, due primarily for the increasing quality we have seen in the last five or six years of the Pinot Noir.

The Thea's Selection (named after Eric's mother) is what they like to call a "reserve-level" wine. Hmmm. Ok. But why not call it reserve? These are supposedly select barrels from several vineyards, so while not a vineyard specific wine, still a reserve. Since they have no info dating to the 2000 vintage, let's just say this is more in the Burgundian style, (they claim "Burgundian barrels". I have no idea what they are...) That is to say it is not a sweet or as full bodied as something that is from the better California areas, or as we like to say "fruit forward". It is slightly more tart, dark in color, but in lighter density that we see these days.

The wine has good viscosity as evidenced by the wide long legs in the glass, and has a nose that is classic Pinot fruit, more toward.. well, Burgundy wines. (I just had a bee land on my arm, in the house, in winter... Not a good sign, nor good for writing!)

The taste is slightly faded as one would expect in a wine of this age. I suspect that fuller flavor would be had several years earlier. Considering that this was probably released in 2002 or 2003, I'd venture to guess that 2004 or 2005 would have left this a prime wine.

On a side note, at least one of the Thea's releases is stated as "unfiltered", but the 2000 show absolutely no sedimentation in the bottle which is surprising for a wine almost seven years old. Not a problem, but I wonder. This bottle comes in at 13.5% alcohol, a low number for recent Californian wines, but more along the line of the Burgundian style. The use of indigenous yeasts and most likely the lower temperatures compared to California, as well as higher precipitation, would mean lower sugar levels when picked; and lower alcohol as well. This is part of what makes this wine expressive of the local terroir in Oregon.

If you haven't tried a Pinot from outside of California or France,, try some now. The Lemelson Vineyard is a good place to start. Somewhere around $30. And visit Oregon!

Ojai Vineyard - Ojai Red NV

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 02:49:00 +0000

Ok, I'm giving up one of my secret wines. Don't tell anyone, ok? Adam and Helen Tolmach are an undiscovered California treasure. Working from their winery in Oak View, California, they currently produce about 6000 cases of Pinot Noir and Syrah in 15 different bottlings. They range in price from (currently) $13.00 to $56.00.

But here is the secret; the non-vintage (NV) Ojai Red (a local region) is the gem of the Tolmach's. Thirteen dollars gets you a yearly wonder comprised of primarily Pinot Noir and Syrah, ostensibly from barrels that don't make the vineyard cut. But this wine, if you can get past the unknown vintage (a melange of several) and the unknown grapes, (easy for me!) then at a price that is less than a quarter of their premium wines you get a bottle of juice that is head and shoulders above anything (yes, anything) in the range. Viscous, glass coating, and with more on the nose and palate than most wines sold today, the Ojai Red is simply, amazing! You do have to be "on the list" to get access this wine as well as the rest of their product, but it is worth it. Once a year, do yourself a favor and get a case. At $13.00 you would be foolish not to.

2006 Marin County Wine Grape Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:47:00 +0000

I got an e-mail from Jonathan Pey of Pey-Marin Vineyards & Mount Tamalpais Vineyards regarding the 2006 wine grape harvest. If you're curious, here is the press release in whole.

2006 MARIN COUNTY WINE GRAPE HARVEST WAS WORTH THE WAIT

Marin County, CA – Heavy winter rains and cold spring weather delayed access to muddy vineyards but a breezy summer filled with sunny days and cool nights have delivered superb grapes in this burgeoning wine region. Winegrowers are happy the harvest is almost over – and are pleased with its very high-quality as they again witnessed the flavor-packed “micro berries” for which chilly west Marin County is becoming increasingly known.

Also, while neighboring wine regions suffered significantly from botrytis in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Marin County vineyards were largely spared and pristine red and white grapes are now in the fermenters. Marin’s warmer winters accelerate budbreak which is followed by a very long, cool growing season. Both of these may have contributed to lowering botrytis pressure throughout Marin County this year.

Harvest officially began in Marin on September 16 with Pinot Noir going to Schramsberg. A fifteen-day cool spell and light rain on October 4 slowed things down and kept winegrowers on edge, but ultimately proved to be non-issues and the majority of the harvest took place between October 6 and 25 under sunny “Indian Summer” conditions.

Despite a winegrowing history that predates Napa Valley by twenty years, Marin County is not yet “tip of the tongue” for consumers when listing California best-known wine regions, but in recent years demand from winemakers for these coveted grapes has exceeded supply. Dedicated vintners are making small lots of flavorful, balanced wines which are quickly gaining recognition among serious wine enthusiasts. The list of wineries that grow or source grapes in Marin County continues to grow (now exceeding eighteen) and includes; Corda, Dutton-Goldfield, Kendric, Miller, Mount Tamalpais, Niebaum-Coppola, Orogeny, Owl Ridge, Pacheco Ranch, Pey-Marin, Point Reyes, Schramsberg, Sean Thackrey, Sheldon, Stubbs, Thomas Fogarty and Vision.

Total acreage stands at slightly less than 200 acres with the widest planted varietal Pinot Noir, perfectly suited to the chilly climes and rolling hills of west Marin. Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Merlot are also grown. Eastern Marin boasts old vine Cabernet which contributed to Cuvaison’s success in the 1970’s. 2006 yields/acre were again very low and ranged from 1.3 tons for Pinot Noir to 3 tons Merlot.

Marin County Winegrowers Association is a volunteer organization committed to promoting the grapes and wines grown in Marin County.

For more info contact Jonathon at (415)902-9118.

Napa River Winery Cabernet 2003

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 00:27:00 +0000

Sorry, no label... The Napa River Line is ostensibly another label made for Trader Joes and currently featured in the Fearless Flyer, TJ's newsletter. The Cabernet from 2003 is one of three varietels available for $4.99. The Merlot and Chardonney round out the portfolio.

The fruit is from Napa Valley somewhere and there was enough for 66,000 cases of this stuff. That's more barrels than I can count, and this much juice comes from a winery that I cannot find on the ol' Intertube! You give it a shot.

The wine is dark and full on the pallete, slightly sweet and smooth, with no nasty alcohol I could notice or bitter off tastes sometimes associated with cheap Cab. The nose is muted but noticable given some active swirling, and the flavors are what I would call quality quaffing. It's not Pride. But it's not $70.00 either! Stock up, cause at $4.99 I suspect TJ's will sell out quickly. It's a nice step up from that 2 ibuck paint remover!

Only 12.5% by Volume Alcohol also. I could drink a whole bottle and barely pull a buzz. Sweeeet!

Grove Street Winery Sonoma Cabernet 2004

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 20:44:00 +0000

Every year the Russian River Wine Road Association has a barrel tasting event aptly named the "Barrel Tasting Weekend". The event is held in March, costs very little, and gives people a chance to try a large number of wines still perculating (ok, not really perculating...) in barrels.

This can be more of a tastebud trial than the usual wine tasting event, since most of these wines are not ready to be drunk, and for most people, probably best left untasted. But the winemakers are always happy to sell their wares before they are even bottled, giving them a chance to use the early monies for the things winemakers want most. New equipment, more vineyards, a home remodel, well you get the picture. If the money comes in early, they have fewer worries when the bottling is done. Less selling for one thing, and less risk as well. But one must be fairly certain of their own taste buds and the winemaker's skills to chance money on wine before it's finished.

To be fair, some of the winemakers offer wines that are closer ot being finished than others. And what some winemakers do just before bottling can make all the difference in the world. Blending, filtering, fining, and probably a half dozen calamities can befall wine before it hits the bottle. (So to speak.) A wine in barrel, in my opinion, (for what it's worth...) is not a wine in bottle.

With these caveats in mind, I went to Santa Rosa to pick up my cousin Mike and drove to Healdsburg where I had not visited since covered wagon times. The town is small, quaint, pretty, and touristy, and many of the wineries that have tasting rooms on or near the square are of the larger variety. Think Ferrari-Carano, Foppiano, Francis Coppola's New Winery, Gallo of Sonoma, and Rosenblum Cellars. But in among the large monied companies are a number of harder to find small wineries, and wineries that are small but have monied backers.

I'm not sure exactly where Grove Street Winery fits. If I understand correctly it probably fits the former, but has a fairly poor image and lackluster brand recognition most likely due to a number a poor vintages, lost years and wine movement between the Grove Street brand and the owner Peter Paul's (no Mary) higher priced label, ingeniously named Peter Paul Wines. Glaring holes in the vintages give an idea of the problem of brand recognition when product skips years.

Additionally, I suspect they are dependent on growers supplying fruit that is compatible with their pricing structure, which historically for the Grove Street product has been somewhat low in comparison to the rest of the area. Now I'm not going to complain about price. I'll be the first to say that the rush for winemakers and growers to recoup large expenditures in infrastructure, perishables, and labor, have given rise to wine prices that are outlandish, if not criminal. However, some of the high priced stuff's quality and taste cannot be had for less. So if you want the good stuff, get that second mortgage and fire away. I just got offered an $80 Pinot Noir from a five year old winery. That's what grandpappy called "gumption"!

Grove Street wines are mostly under $20.00, some as low as $10.00 and one, the 1999 Napa Valley Cabernet, $50.00. I'm guessing they bought fruit on spec and they paid too much. Just a guess....

But they have an attractive tasting room and some wine that is right for the price. The 2004 Cabernet, sourced at least 80% from Sonoma County, was what was offered at the last barrel tasting. I wondered about the missing Cab years of 2000, 2002, and 2003, but when I tasted the 2004 from pulled from the barrel with a glass thief, (get your own here for $4.50) I was amazed. This wine had characteristics of a great California Cab at what was going to be under twenty dollars! Deep color, intense fruit flavors, aromas of cherries and berries with just enough oak to please the palette; a wine that was as close to a Napa Valley or Oakville $100 wine I have tasted in a long time for anywhere close to the price. All they had to do was not over handle the juice. Let me rephrase that. Not touch the stuff!!! Just bottle it for crying out loud. How easy is that??

The trouble is, that when you produce wine for the masses, they (the masses, those sweaty bastards) you have to change a wine. They (the masses) want a wine that is clear not cloudy, and is drinkable NOW, without too much of the dry tannins encountered when drinking Cabernet without food. So they filter and fine, sometimes overly so in the attempt to make the wine more consumer friendly. Sometimes they are right. Sometimes not. In this case.... All the right notes are still there, but the high notes, the intense smells and ripe tastes are muted. Don't get me wrong, It's still dark and rich. It smells like Cabernet and tastes like it will age well for at least 10 years if you got that much time and space for storage, but somehow I think it could have been great. Maybe it was the day. Maybe the comparison to many bad wines tasted that day and obnoxtious well heeled, well dress people pushing their way into the tasting rooms, but this wine stood out like a tuxedo at a ball game.

But I guess more to the point, if you have hundreds or thousands of cases to sell and you normally sell wines in large chain supermarkets, can you sell a wine for $50 readily? Probably not. If you are in the business to make money, you have to turn the wine, not store it. And that I suspect is what Mr. Paul has decided. I would have done the same.

How much? At the winery barrel tasting they said about $17.00. That was months ago and things may have changed. The website does not show this wine yet, but insiders say it's available. Call the winery to find out. For my money, this will be a well received and reviewed wine, and probably a bargain besides! Stock up now if you can get it and be thankful they decided on affordability, not snobbery. It's still fine in my book!

A side note: According to the label, GSW donates a "significant portion of the proceeds" to charity. Mr. Paul is the founder of the Headlands Foundation. Check the link for information.

Lucia vineyards "Lucy" Rose of Pinot Noir 2005

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:08:00 +0000

I was at Vintage Wine and Spirits not too long ago looking for some summer wine and was introduced to Lucy. Now Lucy, from Lucia Vineyards in ..... ah ..... Cloverdale, California(?) (according to the label). Not the Santa Lucia Highlands somewhere mid-state. The website says Gonzales, California, which is closer to the mark. But you will need to contact them to sort this out. If you care.

What is notable are the participants. Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni of Gary's Vineyard fame, and the Pisoni family of similar fame. Do a google search for both and you get the idea... (Links provided.) Ok. If you looked these up you see that Pisoni is owned by one of the two Gary's, and Gary's is owned by two Gary's, and the first Gary, Gary Franscioni, makes Roar Wines, (no you can't have any, it's mine, all mine) and the other Gary, Gary Pisoni, makes Pisoni and Lucia Vineyards wines (this review). Got it? Just to confuse matters more, there are a bunch more Pisoni's involved and if memory serves Gary Francioni is married to Rosella Franscioni who has some connection to the other Garys.

Just when you put these connections together, you find out that Adam & Dianna Lee of Siduri Wines, makes Gary's Roar wine, and someone else makes Gary's wines. Ok. My head just exploded, but I am fairly confident that no incest is going on here.

And yes, all of them make vineyard labeled wines not only from the above named Pisoni and Gary's vineyards, but also the lovely Rosella's vineyard. As do many other wineries. They grow good fruit. Pay attention. GOOD FRUIT!

This Rose is from Pinot Noir, but like many Roses is not vineyard specific. Roses are often from the early pressings that spend less time with the skins and have less color. The wine can be dry and acidic or semi-sweet. Lucy is the former. And this is what I expect out of a good Rose. Dry, fruity, and complementary to many foods. Slightly chilled it is a nice beverage for a summer party day or night. And please; do not confuse these Roses with white Zinfandel or some cheap Rose you drank in college. This is Rose as high art. But fortunately not as expensive as a full blown Pinot. (It's $17.99 at Vintage Wine & Spirits)

Lucy is light, fresh, smells good, and lightly chilled is nicely refreshing. (Hmmmm. Nope not touching that!)

Not all Rose is Pinot. It can be made from just about any red grape so go out and try some. You'll like it. I promise!

Saxum - James Berry Vineyard - Bone Rock Syrah 2000

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 00:01:00 +0000

Not to be confused with Saxum Brown Winery in Sonoma, (a fine wine also) Saxum winery led by Justin Smith is in Paso Robles, California. Sometime in the late 90's Justin started making the Bone Rock using the facilities in the Garretson Wine Company, also of Paso Robles. And while Mat Garretson has shown a flair for making a whole bunch of different wines from whites to reds and back, Mr. Smith seems content to work with his beloved Syrah.

The 350 cases of the 2000 Bone Rock Syrah was produced at the Garretson Wine Company and shipped in 2002. It was $48 a bottle. The 2000 was purported to be a stunning wine and got 93 points from the Wine Spectator's James Laube. From the acre and a half of vines at 1300 feet, the Bone Rock vineyard, one of three currently in production, seems to have exactly what it takes to grow fruit that is both wonderfully rich and complex, yet smooth and elegant. This wine does not hit your palette with an oak hammer but with a smooth dreamy complexity unlike most other Syrah.

The nose is all Syrah, and swirling the glass, the wine tries to look more like oil than like grape juice fermented and bottled. But there it is. Six years after being born and bottled, Justin Smith's work is consistent with nectar. A combination of heaven and earth shown the way to Sausalito from a master's hands. This is one of the best Syrahs you can taste. If you can get it. And that's the catch, isn't it?

If you make a wine that is spectacular in all it's gentile loveliness, then you have a line to your door. And the waiting list to get some direct, I suspect, is long. I was once on the list myself....

Now it can be found in some restaurants for a fortune or marked up in better wine stores. The '03 Bone Rock is currently garnering 95 points from Robert Parker, and is for sale at Vintage Wine for $90. If it's still there.

Saxum is currently producing no more than 2800 cases consisting of six different cuvees including some Grenache, and Mourvedre being used in the blends.

So if you can get your hands on some of Justin Smith's wonderful wine, you are a mighty lucky person. I'm having mine with Moroccan seasoned flank steak. mmmmmmmmm

Solune Winegrowers Cinq Etoiles 2004

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 23:55:00 +0000

I went to the beautiful area known as Grass Valley this weekend. An old friend is working at leaving the city for country living, and I thought the nice weather called for a road trip. On the way up I was surprised to pass a sign to a winery just a mile or two from his place, so naturally, once I arrived at the house I disclosed my plans to go wine tasting! What else? Commune with nature? Not with new wines to taste...

Solune is a lovely small winery on what must be at least 40 acres of the Sierra foothills on Highway 174. The grow some of the fruit used in the wines and the tasting room, located in the storage and winemaking building leave any question about whether or not they do the whole process completely answered. Cases of wine, barrels aging, corking machine, and labeler, coexist nicely with the counter for tasting.

Four of us showed up simultaneously on Saturday (note that they are open only weekends without an appointment)to enjoy the wines and cool temperature afforded by the tasting room. One of the owners, Andrea Hamer, was on duty and was both congenial and knowledgeable about their wine and the winegrowing region located in Nevada and Amador counties. She had six wines to taste, all of which are of a similar style. In fact the styles, while ranging from Bordeaux to port-like, all have similar qualities which are a combination of the region the fruit is grown in, (terroir) and the winemakers personal goals and tastes.

What I have had in the past from the area is nothing like what Solune is producing. Typically the regional wines can be hit or miss. Compounding the problem for the area is the use of what I would consider poorer fruit making it's way to the big producers and being labeled "Amador County", not giving a proper reflection of the winemakers and growers that produce small quantities of hand made product, that while more expensive then the supermarket varieties, show the care and consideration of what people that love wine and their area can create.

This is not Napa, nor Sonoma. It is not central California. The Sierra Foothills have long very warm summers and cold winters. At 2500 feet where Solune is located they also get some snow and signs located along the backroads are posted for those days when chains or snow tires might be needed. It is rural and the pioneer spirit is still strong. Along side the ubiquitous fast food places are many home grown business and restaurants, and the main streets look like they did in gold rush days.

Solune's winemaker, Jacques Mercier, has decided to use grapes not normally seen in California. Tempranillo, Barbera, Muscat, Malbec, and others to produce both blended wines and single grape bottles.

Today I decided to open the 2004 Cinq Etoiles, one of two different wines I purchased on my visit ($18 at the winery). I leave the pronunciation to those that speak French... The Cinq Etoiles (five stars) is called a "Bordeaux" style (their label) blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. This combination is similar to those of Beringer and others when talking about blended wines. You could also say Meritage, but Bordeaux is so much more European.

When I think meritage I normally think lighter style of wines with good body, moderate alcohol, and perfumed nose. What Solune creates is much more highly concentrated, viscous, and carries a much more noticeable aroma then anything with the term "Bordeaux" in it that I have tasted in the past.

The Cinq Etoiles is a bold statement. To prove it they won a Silver medal at the Orange County Fair this year. (I am still trying to confirm it. Seems the fair and wine club keep this info under wraps...) It is definitely fruit forward, big, slightly tannic, and definitely drinkable now or for several years hence. At 14.1% alcohol, it is lower than many big wines today. They tend acquire greater concentrations of sugar found in the riper fruit needed to get the richness people demand these days. Including the God of all things wine Robert Parker. (Well and me too...)

All the wines from Solune reminded me of Paso Robles, and to some extent Lodi, where big flavor is had from the fruit left to ripen in high temperatures. The petite Syrah from 2004 is what has to be the extreme end of this winemaking style, coming mighty close in sweetness and flavor found in some California "ports" made most often from over-ripe Zinfandel. I'd go so far as to call it an after dinner wine. Not that this is a bad thing. It just was so far beyond what I would expect. (Yes, I know Petit Syrah is big, dark, tooth staining, normally.)

All in all a pleasant surprise on a day when tasting was not planed. If you have a chance, try Solune's wines. And especially take some time to visit the area and it's other sights. If you want to try the Solune, give them a call. They ship to all the usual states.

Annabella Napa Valley Cabernet Special Selection 2003

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 01:57:00 +0000

Running low on inexpensive wine last weekend, and a full week of work ahead of me, I decided to stop by an old haunt on Sunday, Beverages and More. This is the largest alcohol retailer in the area, and I can usually find some of the less expensive stuff unavailable at my favorite wine store (MFWS). This weekend was no exception. I have to point out that I did go to MFVS also and found a nice selection of dry rose wine from around the world. But that's for another time.

One of the wines that caught my interest was the Annabella Cabernet from Michael Pozzen Winery. The reason is simple. One sale, and a silver medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition this year. (For future readers this is 2006. Hi Future.) What better recommendations do I need? At $9.99 on sale (link may die at any time; sorry.) I couldn't pass it up. A Napa Cab for $9.99!

The Pozzen Winery, in what appears to be an endeavor founded on third generation land in Oakville, California, is a producer of five lines of wine. Some more exclusive than others. And while I am sure that some of the Cabernets under his labels are from Oakville fruit, (my favorite Cabernet region) I doubt that if there is any in the Annabella it is not the first rate fruit.

But none-the-less this is a surprisingly fine California Cabernet. Particularly for the price. (Did I mention $9.99 on sale?) The label which has more info than the meager website with the long name says, "produced from grapes harvested in the valleys of California". This translates as "we get our grapes where we can to make an affordable wine." I suspect some of it is from the Lodi or Paso Robles area, maybe some Alexander Valley and a toss of some lighter fruit from Napa.

But it works. Michael and wife Mary Ann Pozzen seems to have produced an inexpensive Cabernet that has greater aspirations.

Moderately dark in color, a nose that to me says "Central Valley" and medium viscosity are all examples of a wine that will be both fruit forward enjoyable. At first taste the wine seemed somewhat closed and restrained, like it needed more time in the cellar, but after being in the glass for a while, I would say that cellaring for more than a year or two would be a mistake.

The taste in typical Cab fashion seems to call out for meat and red sauce like spaghetti and meatballs, or for those of you more well off.... well something fancier. What do I know!

If you can find this wine, you might consider giving it a try. For under $10 you can't go wrong. Just give me a chance to buy some more for my cellar. Ok?

Fourth of July 2005

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 17:16:00 +0000

Webcam captures:

Eat your heart out.

Twin Fin California Pinot Noir 2005

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 16:53:00 +0000

Ok. Thanks Twin Fin web developer. One word: simplify! (The PDF about the wine is here.) Let me just say a few more words about the website. If it's too flashy, it's too hard to use and takes too long to load. And I have DSL. No I don't want music. Do you have the rights to use it? And I don't want bouncing boxes popping up all over the place. I want info, not a web developer resume. Save that stuff for your personal, albeit boring, website! 'Nough said.

The TF California Pinot is a young fresh example of what can be done if you can find fruit from everywhere and blend it into something that resembles what it was intended as. In this case Pinot Noir.

Now since the web developer has been busy fancifying his websites, the Twin Fin site still has the 2004 info posted. This here is the 2005. (If you spent more time updating and less time flashing I wouldn't have to do this to you....) I'll guess the wine comes from the same areas as in 2004, just not in the same proportions. Santa Lucia Highland (specific area in Monterey County), Monterey County (anywhere in the area...), and Lodi. They even included some Petit Verdot I'm assuming to give it some backbone and color since the cheap Monterey stuff tends to be lacking in both. Just a guess mind you.

The simple twist closure, ("screw cap" to you neophytes), make this wine something to pick-up for a picnic or when you're out-of-town, and need something easy open for the hotel room and that special someone you found in the yellow pages. (You know who I'm talking about.)

Simple flavors and a slightly acidic finish make this a good wine for having with fish, but will probably go good with chili dogs as well.

If memory serves this was from Trader Joes also, for a low price. Probably under $10, but I forget stuff....

I like the TF stuff for the most part. Many wines in the price range do not resemble the grapes they are supposedly made from. The Twin Fins come close!

Aranleon Veroleon 2003

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 16:40:00 +0000

I haven't posted in a while, but in my own defense I have been enjoying drinking the wines more than I have been writing about them. But I figure since everyone has been so nice about the info I should probably continue. Not that I'll tell you about my favorites or the wines from the "winery with no name". I can't have everyone taking my allocation, now can I?

This Veroleon from D.O. Navarra (for more info about this wine region you might look here.) in Spain is a nice little find in Trader Joes. ($4.99) It is a pleasing blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Merlot, giving it the rustic full body of the Grenache mellowed by the smooth texture of the Merlot. The wine is dark, full of plums and spice, with a medium length finish on the palate.

At the price it is one of the better finds for pairing with meats and red sauces around. If you have a Trader Joes check it out!

Red Car Wine Company "the Table" Syrah 2002

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 01:37:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 02:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Don Strickler) — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 01:15:00 +0000

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.