Showing posts with label Beckstoffer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beckstoffer. Show all posts

Saturday, February 26, 2022

OTBN 2022 Charleston

Change of venue - rhythm as Pour Boys OTBN 2022 moves to Charleston

Our Pour Boys wine group convened for our annual homage to the vinous vinifera in the ritual that has come to be known as OTBN – Open That Bottle Night. In planning this year’s event, wisdom prevailed and we chose to adjust our rhythm and head south for the mid-winter event vs hosting the event in Chicago. We’ll then pivot to host the summer event, that we held last year in Florida, in Chicago, to align with the seasons.

In that regard, Bill and Beth C hosted OTBN at their home in Seabrook Island, SC. In the custom and spirit of OTBN, we Pour Boys, pull from our cellar collections bottles that we had been holding for a special occasion, whose time had not yet come. 

Alas, since 2000, OTBN – Open That Bottle (To) Night is for gathering and enjoying such bottles on the last Saturday night in February. 

We kicked off this years' OTBN 2022 Gala Weekend with tasting and dinner at Forty-Eight Wine Bar dinner last night at 48 Wine Bar

For the gala weekend, I selected and took from our cellar four vintage Cabernets, from select birthyears, or designated select producers, or single vineyards, and a twenty year old dessert wine from our cellar collection.

As I wrote in my blogpost of last night's OTBN 22 Kick-off dinner at 48 Wine Bar,  our Pour Boys wine group convened for our annual homage to the vinous vinifera in the ritual that has come to be known as OTBN – Open That Bottle Night. In planning this year’s event, wisdom prevailed and we chose to adjust our rhythm and head south for the mid-winter event vs hosting the event in Chicago. We’ll then pivot to host the summer event, that we held last year in Florida, in Chicago, to align with the seasons. 


In that regard, Bill and Beth C graciously opened their home and hosted OTBN at their home in Seabrook Island, SC. In the custom and spirit of OTBN, we Pour Boys, pull from our cellar collections bottles that we had been holding for a special occasion, whose time had not yet come.

Since we traveled to what became a weekend getaway, our usual annual one-night dinner affair became a weekend of three tasting sessions.  

Last night, we kicked off the weekend with a perfect wine focused Kick-off dinner at 48 Wine Bar in Freshfields Village Kiawah, Island

Tonight, the last Saturday night in February is the customary anniversary date for this annual event. 

Our hosts, Bill and Beth, prepared a beef tenderloin dinner with twice baked potatoes, haricut verts, and Gloria's brussel sprouts and Dan's shrimp scampi.

Everyone brought a couple or several bottles for sharing during the weekend. As a result we had selected fourteen bottles to open and serve with the Saturday night dinner - two champagnes, ten reds, a port and a dessert wine. 

For the red wines, there was one Burgundy, one Argentinian red blend, seven Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons and a vintage port.


For the gala weekend, I selected four vintage Cabernets, from select birthyears, or designated select producers, or single vineyards, and a twenty year old dessert wine from our cellar collection.

We opened with a selection of artisan cheeses. 

For the initial courses, we had two vintage Champagnes - Bill opened a Taittinger Comtes Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2000, and Dan opened a Louis Roederer Cristal Vintage Champagne 2007

Dan prepared a sauteed shrimp scampi course that was complemented perfectly with these champagnes. 

As is the custom and in the spirit of OTBN - there were no rules or theme - bring a special bottle that has been waiting to be consumed. Hence we had some old and some new - a good mix for the adventurous old guys who are intrigued by an aged vintage label, and more youthful easier drinking more recent release wines. 

We opened a couple of the young big bold reds for the ladies to enjoy - and for the men too, of course, while at the same time, opening some of the 'suspect' wines to check out for appropriate placement in the tasting flight order. 

The order in which wines are tasted in a tasting flight is important to optimize the ability to discriminate between the wines and to maximize the enjoyment and appreciation of the wines. Each tasting of a set of diverse wines, we go through this ritual to taste each wine to determine its suitable sequence. Always start with the lighter and simpler wines first. A heavier or heartier wine will overpower lesser wines and you'll lose all sense of discrimination or calibration for them.

After the Champagnes, we pivoted to the red wines flight with the sole Burgundy (Pinot Noir), opening with a Louis Latour Romanee-Saint-Vivent Les Quatre Journaux Borgogne brought by Dan from his cellar. 

Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru "Les Quatre Journaux" 2003

The Latour family has been proprietors of a part of Romanée-Saint-Vivant since December 1898. "Les Quatre Journaux" is a magnificent plot of land situated at the South-West of Romanée Saint Vivant, a few meters from the legendary Romanée-Conti vineyard. Romanee Saint Vivant is separated into two parcels, Clos des Quatre Journaux and the northern plot. Louis Latour has the prime plot of Romanee St Vivant, a 0.8ha plot right below Romanee Conti.

A "Journal" is an old Burgundian measurement corresponding to approximately 0.4 hectares (34,28 ares). Even though the Latours' initial purchase carried the entirety of the plot, half of it was sold some years later. Today Maison Louis Latour owns 0.8 hectares of Romanée-Saint-Vivant. It producers a marvelously aromatic wine, with a velvety texture which culminates in a persistent and powerful finish in the mouth. It is one of the greatest red wines from the region. From the Region is Côte de Nuits, the Village Vosne-Romanée, in the Appellation Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru. As is the custom and specified varietal for the locale, the grape variety Pinot Noir.

Winemakers' tasting note - "This wine of great complexity reveals a superb spicy nose, expressing notes of liquorice, violet and red fruits. The amplitude of this wine unfolds on the palate highlighting its elegance and aromatic persistence. A harmonious wine combining soft tannins and a great earthiness."

At twenty years this is likely at the apex of its drinking window, not likely to improve with further aging, but capable of being at prime drinking for another decade or more. 

This label release was awarded 93 points by Allen Meadows - Burghoun, and 91 points by Wine Spectator who wrote "Lovely ripe black cherry and plum aromas and flavors mark this pure, silky red. It's very elegant, not that concentrated, but shows fine balance and length."

The Cellartracker average rating was 92 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=385354

https://www.louislatour.com/en/wines/107/romanee-saint-vivant-grand-cru-les-quatre-journaux/2003

Dalle Valle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1989

I obtained a couple of these bottles years ago on release in anticipation of the vintage being significant for a celebration at some point. Indeed, this is fellow Pour Boy Bill and Beth’s son’s birthyear vintage. So, we have been holding several 1989 vintage labels expecting at some point we would open and share them together. Once again, this weekend, in the spirit and custom of OTBN, being hosted by Bill and Beth, I pulled two 1989 vintage bottles to share and enjoy. 

This turned out to be a bust - the disappointment of the evening/weekend. Perhaps it was due to bottle variation, or a bottle that had at some point been mishandled or tainted. Or, the wine was simply beyond its acceptable drinking window. We have another bottle of the same label from the same release which may determine whether this was or wasn't an anomaly. 

The next bottle was from the same varietal, region and vintage, and it was extraordinary. 

Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1989

Bill and we are both collectors of the Freemark Abbey portfolio of wines dating back several decades. Over the years, Bill has tended to acquired this single vineyard designated label from the Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard, while I tended to acquired their Bosche Vineyard label. So, it was fitting that for OTBN, hosted by Bill and Beth, that I bring this Sycamore Vineyard 1989 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This was also relevant as it a birthyear vintage wine for their son, Matt.

We’ve enjoyed many vintages of this label together over the years including an earlier tasting together, the post repeated below. We've visited the winery together on several occasions including a library cellar tour back in 2009.

Primary Vineyard: Sycamore Vineyard—Rutherford (100%): Small 24-acre vineyard located about 1.2 miles south of Bosche, right up against the Mayacamas Range, this vineyard has a rich clay loam. Sycamore Vineyard produces small berries reminiscent of mountain fruit berries, with intense extract of color and flavor. The color is very dark early in the fermentation, with flavors of black currant and black berry with a forest floor complexity.

Winemaker's notes - "The nose opens with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black current and boysenberry.  The fruit elements are complimented with notes of forest floor, cigar box, dark chocolate and espresso.  The wine is rich and balanced and French oak barrels add the ideal amount of complexity with notes of baking spice and warm vanilla.  This is a full-bodied wine with integrated tannins that give it a long, lingering finish.  Stunning. Life span in a proper cellar 20-30 years."

This is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

This was in remarkable, perfect condition - by every measure - the fill level, tissue, label, foil, and importantly, the cork - were all in best possible, near perfect condition. 

My winesite postings of previous tastings of this label, pre-this blog - the previous tasting was also with Bill and Beth when we did a mini-vertical of three vintages of this label with two of their son's.

Jan 21, 2006 - Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1989 and 1997; 1989 - From Rick's cellar - RM 88 - Full firm - dark berry and black cherry fruit, earthy and slight wood flavor. 1997 From Bill's cellar - RM 91 - Full bodied and firm but nicely balanced, still slightly closed, full dark berry fruit, hint of currant and cherry with smooth tannins. Tasted w/ Bill & Beth C, w/ Drew, Matt and L with fabulous beef tenderloin dinner.

Nov 23, 2004 - Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Sycamore Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 1989 - WS 88 RM 87 WS Review says it well - Dark, firm and structured, with more richness, depth and flavor than the Bosché Vineyard. Shows off mature spice, currant, cedar and cherry flavors that are long and complex. Impressive.--1989 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now. 3,050 cases made. (JL)

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=27548

The current release 2017, producer's page for this label:

https://www.freemarkabbey.com/wine/rutherford/sycamore-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon

The blend for this label is typically about 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot (2017 vintage example).

Another one of my contributions - another Napa Cabernet, since Bill and I are both fans and worshippers of the famous Tokalon Beskstoffer Vineyard in Napa Valley. 

Indeed, we’ve collected, and consumed numerous vineyard designated wines sourced from this legendary site. Moreover, Bill and Beth have had the pleasure of staying on the property in a residence of one of their son’ Will’s colleagues. So, I pulled this special label to share and enjoy with them as part of this year’s OTBN celebration.

Delectus Tokalon Beckstoffer Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Beckstoffer’s Georges III vineyard has a long and storied history.  Records show that grapes were first planted here in 1895 by Napa Valley Pioneer Thomas Rutherford, Mrs. Thomas Rutherford was  granddaughter of Napa Valley’s pioneering vigneron George C. Yount.  

In 1928, the 300-acre parcel was purchased by Beaulieu founder Georges de Latour, becoming the source of the legendary Rutherford Cabernets made by Beaulieu’s famous winemaker André Tchelistcheff.  These BV Rutherford Cabernets achieved wide acclaim beginning in the 1940s and established Beaulieu Vineyard’s pre-eminence in the making of fine, world-class Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Beckstoffer Vineyards owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing vineyards in Napa Valley, Mendocino County and the Red Hills of Lake County. A senior executive with Heublein in the 1960s, Andy Beckstoffer is credited with steering Napa Valley vintners towards improving farming and the quality of the grapes used for wine. Grapes from any Beckstoffer vineyards are considered among the finest available in California.

Beckstoffer Vineyards purchased the site in 1988 and meticulously replanted it with new Cabernet Sauvignon clones, using tighter vine spacing and advanced trellising systems to enhance both fruit quality and quantity.  
 
Today, the Beckstoffer vineyard has a plantable area of 251 acres, its vines growing in prime ‘Rutherford dust’ – the gravelly, loamy soils derived from the alluvial sandstone bedrock that is the hallmark of this part of Napa Valley.  Lying low on the valley floor, Georges III vineyard benefits from the Rutherford Bench, a strip of land near Napa River and Conn Creek where pockets of clay beneath the old creek-bed soils giving the vines better water access. Combined with excellent western exposure and the cooling morning mists, fruit ripens slowly and steadily here, producing grapes of immense finesse and character. 
 
Delectus produce limited small quantity wines handcrafted from select vineyards throughout Napa Valley. They focus on Bordeaux reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot and strive to produce wines that are balanced, distinctive and age-worthy.  Over the years they have received high scores and praise from wine critics. They pride themselves in producing 'bold and assertive, expressive red wines that never compromise the art of winemaking'. 

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate wrote, "The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard George III is a complex offering, exhibiting spice box, cedar, coffee bean, and black currants in its medium to full-bodied, ripe yet soft, fleshy personality." 

This was holding its own at 25 years, showing no diminution from age, probably at peak now and should hold for a couple more years, but not likley to improve further. The fill level, label, foil and ork were all in ideal condition for their age. Time to drink - an classic OTBN selection.

The bottle was packaged with the dipped wax capsule which was rather rare back in those days, used by Randy Dunn's Howell Mountain Cab, which we also opened tonight, but few others.

Garnet colored, medium bodied, black berry and black cherry fruits with earthy leather, tobacco and licorice with tangy acidity on the finish. 

RM 89 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=61878

 https://www.delectuswinery.com/

Bob brought two very interesting bottles - a unique blend from Argentina, Vistalba, and a ultrapremium surprise label from Napa Valley - Beau Vigne Juliet.

Bodega Vistalba Corte A Rare Red Blend 2016 

Bob and Gloria came in from Delray Beach for the wine weekend. 

Bob brought this bottle back from a trip to the region - a gift from his colleague there, who said it was one of his favorites. 

This is from the Finca Vistalba High Mendoza river basin, in the Luján de Cuyo region in Mendoza, Argentina. Vistalba’s vineyards, planted in 1948, sit at an impressive 980 metres above sea level where conditions are ideal for producing smooth, well-rounded reds thanks to the sunny days and cooler nights. The terroir is well-drained silt loam soil with medium to low fertility and low content of organic material, with climate of harsh winters and warm summers with mild or warm days and very cold nights. The broad daily temperature range (15°C/59°F) to which vines are exposed during their vegetative growth favors color development and tannin production.

This is a unique blend of 54% Malbec, 30% Bonarda and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon.  

None of us had ever heard of or experienced Bonarda. It apparently added a layer of sweetness to blend.

Bonarda from Argentina is not the same wine as Italian Bonarda. It is actually from France where is known as Charbono, identical to a grape found in old vineyards in Napa, also under the name Charbono. Argentina’s Bonarda is actually a grape called Douce Noir (“doose nwar”). 

Bonarda wines from Argentina are very fruity on the nose, with notes of black cherry compote, fresh blueberry, and plum. They can be complex, giving off nuanced aromas of violets, 5-spice, allspice, and peonies. They may have slight smoky notes of cigar box, sweet figs, and chocolate. 

Bonarda is known to add fruitiness, a medium-body, juicy acidity, and a smooth, low-tannin finish. It is said to taste like an exotic Merlot and it’s just as easy to drink. Hence, it is fitting that it is included in a Bordeaux varietal blend.

The 2016 Vintage was rated 89 points by Wine Enthusiast. "Tarry black fruit and black olive aromas include barrel spice, graphite and gritty notes. On the palate, this Malbec blend feels lively but raw and grating, likely a reflection of 2016's rainy conditions. Salty berry flavors are fully oaked, while this feels tannic and grabby on a finish that tastes saucy and savory."

This was aged 20% on french oak for 18 months and stored in the bottle for 6 months before being released to the market. 

Winemaker notes: "Inky purple color with a dark core. Aromas of mineral violets asian spices and assorted black and blue fruits set the stage for a dense structured savory and impeccably balanced wine that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring to reveal its full potential." – Bodega Vistalba

This was packaged in a large heavy oversized bottle, almost akin to a magnum. I show it next to the Beau Vigne, packaged in a 'regualar' standard sized 750 bottle.

Dark inky garnet purple colored, full bodied, concentrated firm structured but slightly austere blackberry and black raspberry fruits were accented by earthy spice and cigar box with tangy acidity. 

RM 90 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3274601

http://www.bodegavistalba.com

https://twitter.com/BodegaVistalba

Beau Vigne "Juliet" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Bob found this bottle at the Total Wine beverage superstore at Boca Towne Centre in Boco Raton and picked it up for our gathering. Not only was this undiscovered label the surprise of the evening, for me, it was the WOTN - Wine of the Night

This is from winemaker producer Julien Fayard, one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers with more than two decades of winemaking expertise. Originally from France, Julien began his career as a winemaker producing quality rosé at his family’s winery in Provence. 

In Bordeaux, he worked at Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite before relocating to Napa Valley where he became Philippe Melka’s director of winemaking for a few years before launching his own projects.

Julien earned his Master in Agri-Business from ESA France and his Master in Winemaking from Toulouse France. In 2011, he received his MBA from UC Davis.

Julien Fayard is producing California varietals with French finesse - wines that express their terroir, highlighting the specificities and characteristics of the fruit, vineyard management, soil and climate. He has developed a track record of building brands both in terms of quality and market presence.

Fayard's wines represent the power and depth of mountain fruit grown 1,400 ft above Napa Valley from their prized estate vineyard atop Atlas Peak. The rugged vineyard sits above the fog line on the western slopes of the Vaca Mountains and stretches to 2,500 feet in elevation. Influenced by the mountains, temperatures average 10 degrees cooler than in the Stags Leap District below. The volcanic soil characterizes the uniqueness of this crafted wine with impressive texture and density and that is as lush in style.

He produces a portfolio of ultra-premium red blends, with bold and luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, and rounded out with a prestigious group of Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay sourced from the region’s top vineyards.

His small boutique winery 'flies under the radar as a “hidden gem”' producing only a few thousand cases a year. Famed critic Robert Parker refers to Fayard as “one of my favorite wineries.” They operate a tasting room in downtown Yountville .

The 2018 Signature Series Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Atlas Peak, 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2%  Petit Verdot.

Winemaker Notes: "2018 was a dream growing season and harvest for Napa Valley. An abundance of rain in February was followed by continuous days of sunshine and mild temperatures that made for uniform vines and even cluster growth. Cooler temperatures allowed us to pick when we wanted, without stress and under optimal conditions. The gift from Mother Nature translated to wines that not only have great concentration but also an amazing freshness.'

"ON THE NOSE:  Boysenberries, kirsch, dark chocolates, blueberries, granular rock'

"ON THE PALATE: Savory blackberry fruit, maraschino cherry, fennel, graphite"

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this label 93+/100 Points.
 
This delicious easy sipping round fuit filled wine was a favorite of the ladies, and me too!

Deep garnet-purple colored, full bodied, black berry and black currant frutis with notes of crème de cassis, tapenade, cedar and dark chocolate and hints of cedar with firm but smooth silky tannins on the bright finish. 
 
RM 94 points. 
 

We continued the dinner with three more Napa Cabernets ..

Ghost Block Estate Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Lyle brought this recent release Oakville Cabernet - like the Beau Vigne, another ideal selection for 'instant gratification', early enjoyment in its youth for delectable pleasureable sipping for the ladies, and for the men alike. This was another previously unknown producer/label, yet one with an extensive history and deep roots in Napa Valley, that was an immense hit for the evening, enjoyed by all!

This is produced by the Pelissa family whose legacy is unique to Napa Valley and rare in the modern day California wine industry. It began in 1902 when Joseph Pelissa came to Napa Valley from Liguria, Italy and purchased 35 acres of land with a single gold coin in 1903. His son Andrew later took over, building successful dairy and trucking businesses and eventually acquiring 1000 acres in Oakville and Yountville where he planted wine grapes and other crops. Andrew was civic-minded and an early champion of keeping Napa Valley agricultural, and was instrumental in establishing Napa Valley’s Agricultural Preserve Zone. 

Today, the Pelissa grape-growing operation continues to be family-owned and run, overseen by 4thand 5thgeneration family members who live on and farm the land. Since planting their first grapes, the family has supplied fruit to some of the most prestigious wineries in Napa Valley from its 635 acres in ten different estate vineyards.

Not until 2006, over 100 years after Joseph Pelissa came to Napa Valley, Pelissa family created their own wines from the grapes they grew. Ghost Block Estate Wines was established, comprised of three separate brands that showcase the family vineyards that they farm, based on their deep roots in Napa Valley history.

This was awarded 94 points by Wine Spectator.

Wine Spectator - Oakville, Napa, California - "Very lush, with warmed plum sauce, cassis and linzer torte flavors gliding through slowly, but persistently...Stays on the dark side of the spectrum, with a flash of espresso crema flickering at the end amid the exotic fruit." 

Garnet colored, full bodied, bright, big, bold, concentrated ripe blackberry and black raspberry bramble fruit with notes of licorice and cedar. 

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3593250

https://www.ghostblockwine.com/

For the more adventurous, we opened these aged vintage Napa cabernets...

Chanticleer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Lyle also brought this vintage premium Yountville Napa Cab that he received from a business associate several years ago. He has held this bottle in his cellar for a decade and admitted he hated to pull it as the bright colorful label looked good prominently displayed on its cellar display rack. 

Chanticleer, a boutique winery, produces four premium wines incorporating the Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes grown in the 8 1/2 acre vineyard in Yountville in Napa Valley. 

Founder producer George Grodahl spent his career in the computer industry in sales, as an entrepreneur and as an investment banker until 1991 when he took early retirement.

In 1994 he and his wife Caddy purchased 40 acres in the hills of Yountville, in the heart of Napa Valley. The hillside location with well-drained, rocky soils, was ideally suited to grow grapes for great wines. Initially they sold all of their grapes to local wineries for use in their winemaking. 

George began to make wine as a hobby, making a small amount that grew to fifty cases, not for resale, but produced for friends and family only.

Every year the wine got better and in 1998 he teamed up with promising young winemaker, Chris Dearden, to produce Chanticleer wine. Caddy and George formed a partnership in 2000 with winemaker Chris Dearden, owner of Dearden Wines. 

Chris studied Enology at UC Davis and wrote his own major in Winery Operations and Management. He worked at Schramsberg and got his first winemaking job at William Hill Winery. He became the winemaker at a small Carneros winery, Mont St. John, then became a winemaker for Heublein's Fine Wine Group, which included Christian Brothers, Beaulieu and Inglenook. In 1996 he became General Manager and Winemaker at Benessere Winery where he worked for fourteen years. 

The first Chanticleer vintage was released in May, 2003, a Super Tuscan style (blend of Cabernet and some Sangiovese) 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon. A total of 122 cases were released, a blend of 82% Cabernet and 18% Sangiovese. The wine received high praise from its consumers, most was sold direct with some sold to a few restaurants and retailers; it sold out in two months.

The second Chanticleer vintage of 250 cases of the 2001 Chanticleer Cabernet Sauvignon, was released in August, 2004 and was sold out by mid September. This release blended 17% Sangiovese with 83% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was very well received by its clients, mainly repeat buyers with a few new commercial establishments.

Each successive vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Super Tuscan sold out well before the next release became available. Today, they produce about 500 cases per year, 200 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon, 100 of Sangiovese and 200 Cases of their premium flagship blend, Riserva - all allocated to existing clients due to demand. 

In 2020 George sold Chanticleer to Deepak Gulrajani, the winemaker and owner of Nicholson Ranch winery, known for producing excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Chanticleer varietals of Cabernet and Sangiovese were a chance to expand the portfolio. 

The name Chantecleer was taken from England's The Pilgrims Way, made famous in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The stories emanated near their property where George and Caddy Grodahl lived in southern England in Westerham, Kent in the early 1970’s. 

They named their winery in Napa Chanticleer based on the Canterbury tale of Reynard the Fox. Chantecler, which means rooster, is a compound word from chanter (to sing) and cler (clear), and thus literally means clear singer, was a character in the Chaucer Canterbury Tale, Nun's Priest's Tale.

Current owner and winemaker Deepak Gulrajani was born in Mumbai, India, and came to California for a job in the computer business in 1988. He began his winemaking career in his garage making home-made wines in the early 1990s. He planted Nicholson Ranch vineyards in 1995 and has been winemaker for Nicholson Ranch since 2009.  

Chanticleer produce 3 Estate wines in the Super Tuscan style;  Chanticleer Cabernet Sauvignon, Chanticleer Riserva and Chanticleer Sangiovese. Chanticleer Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily a Cabernet with typically greater than 90% Cabernet Grapes and only a small quantity of Sangiovese blended in. The Sangiovese softens the wine and adds fruit to the blend.  With typically less than 10%  Sangiovese in the blend this little bit gives lift, complexity, and a sense of finesse to this  powerful wine.

Garnet colored, medium - full bodied, bright full round black fruits with notes of tobacco, earth and smoke with a soft moderate tannin laced finish. 

RM 91

https://www.cellartracker.com/notes.asp?iWine=1599365

https://www.chanticleerwine.com/ 

Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Bill opened this magnum from his cellar.  This legendary wine from legendary Napa winemaker Randy Dunn, is known to be long lived. At eighteen years, it was probably at its peak, yet with a decade or more left in its prime tasting window, especially in the large format bottle. 

Dunn Vineyards' 64 acres of land, are planted to 42 acres of vineyards in rural upper Howell Mountain. Dunn’s flagship Howell Mountain label is a classic reflection of its terroir - red-stony soil, mixed with volcanic ash, high above the famous Napa Valley fog at 1,400 feet elevation, the vineyards see sunshine each day and the heat tends to be more moderate. 

Dunn’s flagship is produced from 100% mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and is a true expression of the Howell Mountain appellation, tannic, bold, huge, dense and massively structured that demands aging.

This was ideally suited for pairing with the beef tenderloin main entree course. 

Dunn is one of the most extensive holdings in our cellar, spanning three decades. We visited Randy Dunn at his hilltop estate on Howell Mountain back in 2008

This release was awarded 94 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points Vinousand 90 points by Connoisseurs Guide.

Classic Dunn Howell Mountain profile, dark inky purple garnet colored, full bodied, rich concentrated, structured powerful black berry and black raspberry fruits with clove spice, cassis, bitter chocolate and oak, hints of leather and pipe tobacco with fine-grained lingering tannins on the long finish. 

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=224195

https://www.dunnvineyards.com/


Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port 2000

Lyle has customarily brought a Vintage Port to our wine dinners and for this year, he brought a 2000 vintage release from Smith Woodhouse.

The 2000 vintage release for ports was one of the smallest vintages for many years. The more limited production showed great power, immense color and strong tannins. 

This wine displayed complex layers of ripe fruit that was probably at its peek at two decades, yet will likely age gracefully for another decade. 

This was rated 93 (2021) points and 95 (2003) points by Wine Spectator.

This is great with the steak entree but best suited and ideal with the chocolate cake dessert. 

Last year, in 2021, Wine Spectator wrote, "This one is ready to go, with soft-edged plum sauce, blackberry compote and fig paste flavors that drape easily against a backdrop of cinnamon raisin toast and melted licorice notes. A flattering Port that's at peak now. (JM, Web-2021)". 

In 2003, Wine Spectator wrote, "This is the Greatest young Vintage Port of Smith Woodhouse I have ever tasted."

Garnet colored, full bodied, sweet bright blackberry fruits with a layer of cinnamon, licorice and hints of creosote, with smooth, fine tannins and a long, sweet fruit finish. 

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=112108

Kracher Burgenland #9 Nouvelle Vague Trockenberenauslese Chardonnay 2002

As Lyle brings Vintage Ports, I tend to bring sweet 'sticky' dessert wines to our dinners. 

I hold more than a dozen labels and vintages spanning more than two decades of Kracher premium dessert wines. I enjoy serving them for special occasion dinners with fellow eoephiles that appreciate the label. For this weekend, I brought a twenty year old Austrian Kracher TBA - Trochenbereenauslese. 

Trockenbeerenauslese is the highest in sugar content in the category of Austrian and German wine classifications. Trockenbeerenauslese wines, called "TBA" for short, are made from individually selected grapes affected by noble rot (i.e., botrytized grapes).

This means that the grapes have been left on the vine to ripen to the point that they gain a high sugar content, individually picked and are shrivelled with noble rot, often to the point of appearing like a raisin. They are therefore very sweet and have an intensely rich flavor, frequently with a lot of caramel and honey bouquet, stone fruit notes such as apricot, and distinctive aroma of the noble rot.

 Trockenbeerenauslese means literally "dry berry selection." This very sweet dessert wine is made from individually selected shriveled grapes that have the highest sugar levels with flavors concentrated further by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot. Trockenbeerenauslesen rank among the greatest sweet wines in the world.

These long lived wines can last multiple decades or more. At twenty years, this was likely at its peak, not likely to improve further with any more aging. Its fun to watch these wines darken as they age. Upon release, they are light straw colored. As they age they darken to butter colored, light weak tea colored, and eventually, like tonight, maple syrup colored, and finally blackish almost coffee colored. 

These are sipping wines, not drinking wines, delightful for casual sipping with salad, cheeses or desserts. 

Tonight, this was similar to the last tasting note that I posted for this label back in 2013 when I wrote: "Like other Krachers, this one exhibits honey color and is full bodied, thick and chewy - compared to other Krachers, this one has an essence of honey moreso than fruit flavors, still flavorful with a hint of apricot and hasn't given way to more neutral smoke and nut flavors that sometimes set in as the fruit diminishes ..."

RM 92 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=50502

Preparing for the flight ... research and planning the attack ... 


 After dinner ... Beth, the career vocalist and music teacher set out playing the piano and a serious sing-along broke out .. a new OTBN tradition in the making? 



As is customary ... here 's a compendium of our previous Pour Boy's OTBN galas. 

Pour Boys' OTBN 2020 ~ Open That Bottle Night

Pour Boys OTBN 2019 - Open That Bottle Night

Pour Boys OTBN 2018 - Open That Bottle Night

Pour Boys OTBN 2016 - Open That Bottle Night 

Pour Boys OTBN 2015 - Open That Bottle NightBordeaux Anchors OTBN 2015

Pour Boys OTBN - Open That Bottle Night 2014

Pour Boys OTBN 2013 - Open That Bottle Night 2013

Pour Boys OTBN 2012 - Open That Bottle Night

 


 

 

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Double Diamond Amber Knolls Cabernet 2002

Shrader Double Diamond Lake County Beckstoffer Amber Knolls Cabernet Sauvignon 2002


Pulled this from the cellar to enjoy with grilled steak and baked potato and sweet corn dinner - a perfect complement.

This is the second label of the classic super premium Shrader brand/collection. This is from the Amber Knolls Vineyard up in Lake County, over the hill from Howell Mountain to the northeast from Napa Valley, not to be confused with the Oak Knolls district in southwest Napa.

Dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, forward expressive, slightly obtuse, black berry fruits, smokey black creosote tones with hints of black licorice and touch of dark cocoa with modest tight tannins.

RM 90 points. 

http://www.schradercellars.com/content/double-diamond

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=14835


Friday, June 28, 2013

Hartford Zinfandel Highlights Summer Barbecue Zinfandel-Syrah Replay

Hartford Zinfandel Highlights Summer Barbecue Zinfandel-Syrah Replay

A gala summer barbecue rib dinner with out of town visitors Eric and Cathy, and Bill and Beth, provided a chance to taste a selection of hearty big reds - California Zins, Aussie Shiraz, and a outlier Grenache.

Following our Zinfandel barbecue a few weeks ago, we did a replay to try another pair of vintage Sonoma Valley/County Zins from Hartford Russian River Valley and Benziger Sonoma Valley.

Bridging the Zins to a pair of Aussie Shiraz' was'Melée' Grenache from Tuck Beckstoffer, followed by HazyBlur Baroota and Flinders Ranges Shiraz'. These were all enjoyed with the ribs, artisan cheeses, bacon wrapped blue cheese stuffed figs and double chocolate cake desert. 


Hartford Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2003

This single vineyard select offering sourced from century old vines is the fifth blockbuster Hartford Zinfandel I've sampled over the last decade and I have yet to be disappointed, or even to encounter a less than stellar offering. However, at $60 retail, this is at the high end for this varietal. Located in the Sonoma County town of Forestville, the winery is about 15 miles from the cool Pacific Coast, an area more noted for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir than Zinfandel, varietals also produced by Hartford.

In the years near and leading up to this vintage the accolades were flowing for Hartford and their Zinfandel labels. The early release of Hartford Vineyard Zinfandel was chosen by The Wine Spectator's James Laube as one of the "Best Zins available in 1996".

In 2002, winemaker Mike Sullivan named "Winemaker of the Year" by Ronn Wiegand M.S., M.W. in Restaurant Wines and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate named the Hartford Family Winery Winemaker, a "wine personality of the year." The 2000 Hartford Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard Zinfandel was named in the Top Ten Wines of 2002 by Bob Johnson, Wine Times, in January 2003.

This vintage release at ten years old was still at or near its peak, despite some hint of age in its color. Dark inky garnet color with a slight brownish hue, this is concentrated and rich, with full aromas and dense flavors of black raspberry and boysenberry with hints of blueberry fruit intermixed with black pepper, spice and hints of wood and mocha on a firm tannin finish.

RM 91 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=81483

http://www.hartfordwines.com

Benziger Family Bruschera Vineyard Sonoma Valley Zinfandel 2007

Bill and Beth brought this hearty zin on cue for our barbecue. We became acquainted with Benziger Family Sonoma Valley wines when we met  Erinn Benziger of Benziger Family Winery when she visited Chicago and presented at Binny's Beverage Depot Midwest Wine Expo. We all then visited Benziger Family Estate Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma Valley in the Autumn of 2009 during our Sonoma Wine Experience. Today over a dozen different family members are active in the extended family wine business that prides itself on the extent of its 'green' initiatives - certified sustainable, organic or Biodynamic© wines. A visit to their Sonoma Family Estate is a study in the practice with their numerous exhibits and self guided and formal tours of the property.

Benziger produce a wide variety of wines but their Zinfandel is rather obscure and limited production. Bill and Beth find their premium Sauvignon Blanc as one of their favorite Benziger releases. I found their limited production release cabernet blends to be their most memorable such as their 'Tribute' and 'Signaterra'
blends which were the highlight of their Binny's Expo tasting, along with the Sauvignon Blanc.

This Zinfandel is a limited single vineyard designated release from the Bruschera Family Vineyard,  located on the Mayacamas (eastern) side of Sonoma Valley with twenty–two year old vines planted in white volcanic alluvial soil that produces hearty Zinfandel fruit with lush ripe flavors. As is the Benziger practice, the the Bruschera family practice organic sustainable agriculture - no herbicides or pesticides are used. The vineyard soil is nurtured through the use of cover crops, composts, compost teas and mulches.

Benziger attributes the Bruschera Vineyard old Zinfandel vines to produce concentrated fruit with aromas and flavors of blackberry, bramble, black cherry and hints of oak, spice and espresso bean.
Bill C's tasting note on Cellartracker -  Deep indigo color. Soft, round but evidencing the bramble and spice expected in a Zinfandel. While certainly representative of the varietal, there are better, more distinctive Zin's available at this $35 price point.

Bill C 84 points. RM 87 points.

 https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1001372

http://www.benziger.com

'Melée' Grenache 2010 from Tuck Beckstoffer


As reported in tasting blog last winter ... Wine enthusiasts will recognize the Beckstoffer name for their ownership of the legendary and exclusive To Kalon vineyard in southern Napa Valley - source of grapes to some of the most notable wines and labels from the region. Second generation Tuck Beckstoffer has created several brands and labels sourcing fruit from various sources throughout California.

This is the second release of Melée Grenache. The large heavy oversize bottle is the first indication this wine is not for the feint of heart. The artistic primevil label should be further indication this is a unique wine. I would like to think that the over-the-top packaging is not to make up for the deficiencies in the product, but rather make a statement about the product the producer is striving to make, and that this particular product is not my 'cup of tea' as they say. More to the point, this is not the style of wine that I prefer and tend to favor but it was fun discovering and tasting.

Grenache is a variety of grape generally grown in hotter climates such as Spain (Garnachia), Australia, the Southern Central Valley in California and in the Southern Rhone River valley in France. Grenache produces spicy, berry-flavored fruit that tends to be soft on the palate with a with a relatively high alcohol content. It is commonly used in blending Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines in the Rhone region, and in Australia with other Rhone varietals Syrah and Mouvedre to produce 'GSM' (Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre) wines.I've never been a fan of Grenache however its generally not found standalone, but rather its generally widely produced to be blended with other varietals of complementary characteristics where the sum of the parts is greater than the parts resulting in a more complex but approachable and enjoyable drinking blend.

The fruit for Melee is sourced from Central California. It is a deep ruby/plum color with characteristic Grenache aromas and flavors - cherry, black cherry, early season plum, scents of shale, new leather and a hint of tobacco,big forward flavors of red currant, hints of pomegranate and licorice with firm, tannins and soaring acidity that produce a long lasting, focused finish.

RM 87 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1401606

http://meleewines.com/

HazyBlur Baroota South Australia Shiraz 2004

Bill and I discovered and first tasted the Baroota label from this producer while attending an industry conference and dining together at Emeril's at Universal Studios in Orlando. I had previously picked up and tasted other labels from this producer from Total Wine in Virginia.

Bill's tasting notes from Cellartracker - Continues to get better and better. Opaque, dark purple in the glass. Over time, the astringency and spice so evident when young has morphed into deep, complex and layered notes of mocha, clove, blackberry and a bit of plum. Although delicious in its youth, this is for me, a much more interesting wine as a 9 year old. Still 2 bottles left.

Bill C and RM 89 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=150186




Flinders Run Southern Flinders Ranges Baroota Australia Shiraz 2005

One of our favorite wines with a big QPR (Quality Price Ratio). Dark inky colour - full bodied, elegant rich thick chewy - symphony of flavors of sweet currant, ripe plum, red raspberry, blueberry, a layer of mocha accented by hints of pepper, vanilla, and spice, and a lingering essence of creme brulee' and cedar on the long full soft finish. Now seven years old with a bit of age, this wine is smoother, more polished and more approachable than earlier tastings when young.



RM 92 points. 






We first discovered this wine down in central Illinois wineshop Friar Tuck's. We bought some and brought it home and loved it. We bought case quantities from Southern Hemisphere Wines in Huntington Beach, SoCal. Eventually Binny's featured this wine and we bought it all and are fortunate to have a supply as we continue to enjoy this wine which is improving with age! Ironically, I was downstate last week and ventured back into that Friar Tuck's store and they still had two bottles remaining from their original two cases. Needless to say, I grabbed em!



Two bold and hearty Australian Shiraz's - perfect complement to hearty barbecue rib dinner with special friends. 

After dinner with double chocolate cake, fresh fruits and angel food cake with chocolate sauce we served two dessert wines - Elyse Napa Valley Cabernet Port and Triebaumer Ruster Ausbruch


Elyse Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Port

The convergence of our two dinner guest couples, Eric & Cathy are in town to visit daughter Elyse, namesake of a Napa wine producer that we visited with Bill & Beth during our last Napa Valley Wine Experience. We picked this up at the winery in anticipation of such a gathering. 

This Port is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the 1½ acre vineyard at the winery on Hoffman Lane in right off Highway 29 in southern Napa Valley. 
During the natural fermentation of the Cabernet Sauvignon, the native yeast was allowed consume half of the initial grape sugar before the fermentation was arrested by adding aged Zinfandel and Viognier Brandy from Germain-Robin Alambic - noted Mendocino County brandy producer.
The winemaker notes - This Port reveals aromas of saturated blueberries, raspberries, and mint that lead to flavors of dark chocolate, whiskey, and vanilla. The wine spent 18 months resting in neutral French oak barrels.This Port is the perfect accompaniment to chocolate desserts or pair with blue cheese and sliced pears.
RM 88 points.

Herbert Triebaumer Ruster Ausbruch Burgenland Neusiedlersee-Hügelland Rust 1996/1997

This is a Chardonnay blend of Fürmint and Gelber Muskatellier (Furmint and Gold Muscatel grape varieties). While this was no doubt straw colored upon release, over time it darkened to butter color, then weak tea colored, eventually darkening to the dark orange rust color it possesses now. Allowed to continue to age, this will likely eventually darken to dark strong tea color, although I suspect it won't necessarily improve the flavor and suitability of the wine. Some classic dessert wines are built to last decades, I suspect this Ruster Ausbruch is at or even past its peak drinking window. We still have a case of this wine, so watch this blog as we monitor this over the coming months and years.

The thick almost syrupy extracted sweet fruit was offset by a smoky almond nut flavor. Rather than the highly desirable apricot or peach flavors, this tended to be more cirtus focused. This was a great complement to hard Parmesan cheese.

RM 88 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1455246

Sunday, December 2, 2012

New Release Cab Blends and Eclectic Outliers Befitting Stuffed Pasta Shells Bolognese

For an early holiday season dinner, Linda prepared stuffed pasta shell bolognese and we tasted two new release Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux style blends - one old favorite from California Napa Valley and a new discovery from Washington State Columbia Valley. We also tried two varied 'southern' discoveries to complement the hearty entree - one from southern California and one from southern Italy. An interesting flight provided two comparative tastings in contrasting styles. The Cabernet Blends were the latest release Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Tapestry Reserve 2009 alongside the new release 2009 'Trutina' from Dunham Cellars Columbia Valley. The random selection was 'Melee' Grenache 2010 from Tuck Beckstoffer alongside a southern Italian Montevetrano Salerno 2007. For starters Linda prepared lobster tail medallions with drawn butter and we tasted chilled 2009 Napa Valley Pinot Grigio from Nils Venge Saddleback Cellars. Bill and Beth C brought the Tapestry and the Montrevetrano.

Dinner included a side of fresh asparagus with hollandaise sauce. Anti pasta included a selection of artisan cheeses included my favorite Bellavitano, sharp cheddar and Manchego. To finish we had a selection of homemade holiday sweets - chocolate peanut butter fudge, pecan sandy cookies, chocolate mint brownies and pecan pie squares - all great accompaniments to the wines - white and red.

Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Tapestry Reserve 2009 

We've been fans of Tapestry for over a decade. Indeed our vertical collection goes back to the 1996 vintage. I recently noted that the 2008 release was one of the most expressive I remember tasting. Well, the 2009 meet and may have surpassed the '08! I look forward to a comparison tasting between the two soon.

Dark inky purple color, medium-full bodied the 09 Tapestry shows deep briary blackberry and black cherry with a layer of cassis and hints of floral and graphite with moderate tannic backbone on the finish.

This was even better the next evening, more polished and elegant as the flavors seemed more balanced and the tannins better integrated. Pop it and let it open! *Add another point if you give it some time. 
The blend is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec.

RM 91 points. *

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1495237



Dunham Cellars 'Trutina' Columbia Valley Red Wine 2009

Like the Tapestry, we have a vertical collection of Dunham Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine Blend going back a dozen vintages to the nineties. What a nice surprise to discover this unique offering from Columbia River Valley in Washington, not considered a Bordeaux varietal region. This is our first tasting of Trutina, a second label from Dunham at a lower pricepoint that offers great QPR (Quality to Price ratio) in this complex and expressive red wine blend. Not as polished or refined as the Tapestry perhaps but more full and forward showing dark inky color, medium to full bodied, full forward bright vibrant aromas and flavors of black currant and black cherry fruits with a layer of sweet caramel mocha on a moderate tannin lingering finish.

The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Syrah, and 4% Malbec.

RM 92 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1456899  

'Melée' Grenache 2010 from Tuck Beckstoffer

Wine enthusiasts will recognize the Beckstoffer name for their ownership of the legendary and exclusive To Kalon vineyard in southern Napa Valley - source of grapes to some of the most notable wines and labels from the region. Second generation Tuck Beckstoffer has created several brands and labels sourcing fruit from various sources throughout California.

This is the second release of Melée Grenache. The large heavy oversize bottle is the first indication this wine is not for the feint of heart. The artistic primevil label should be further indication this is a unique wine. I would like to think that the over-the-top packaging is not to make up for the deficiencies in the product, but rather make a statement about the product the producer is striving to make, and that this particular product is not my 'cup of tea' as they say. More to the point, this is not the style of wine that I prefer and tend to favor but it was fun discovering and tasting.

Grenache is a variety of grape generally grown in hotter climates such as Spain (Garnachia), Australia, the Southern Central Valley in California and in the Southern Rhone River valley in France. Grenache produces spicy, berry-flavored fruit that tends to be soft on the palate with a with a relatively high alcohol content. It is commonly used in blending Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines in the Rhone region, and in Australia with other Rhone varietals Syrah and Mouvedre to produce 'GSM' (Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre) wines.I've never been a fan of Grenache however its generally not found standalone, but rather its generally widely produced to be blended with other varietals of complementary characteristics where the sum of the parts is greater than the parts resulting in a more complex but approachable and enjoyable drinking blend.

The fruit for Melee is sourced from Central California. It is a deep ruby/plum color with characteristic Grenache aromas and flavors - cherry, black cherry, early season plum, scents of shale, new leather and a hint of tobacco,big forward flavors of red currant, hints of pomegranate and licorice with firm, tannins and soaring acidity that produce a long lasting, focused finish.

RM 87 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1401606

http://meleewines.com/

Azienda Agricola Montevetrano, Montevetrano Colli di Salerno IGT Red Wine Blend 2007 


From five hectares (ten acres) of estate vineyards about five miles inland from the coastal town of Salerno, Silvia Imparato’s Azienda Agricola Montevetrano boutique estate in the Comune di San Cipriano Picentino produces about 2500 cases a year of sophisticated complex ageworthy red blend wines per year since 1993.  Strongly persistent wines benefit from the coastal location and mild climate, in vineyards protected by the Picentini Mountain peaks. 

Deep, intensely dark concentrated ruby colored it exhibits floral scents of woodlands, violets, cedar and blackberry and cherry fruits. Intense full forward cherry and black cherry flavors are accented by spice with tones of  tobacco, tea and leather with balanced layers of firm tight tannins, acidity and wood.


Montevetrano is a Colli di Salerno IGT red wine made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Aglianico Taurasi.
RM 89 points. 


Nils Venge Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley Pinot Grigio 2009

I guess one shouldn't be surprised to find a Pinot Grigio from Napa Valley from Nils Venge, known for Cabernet Sauvignon and traditional Napa Valley Bordeaux varietals Merlot, Cabernet Franc and even Petit Verdot, considering his Scout's Honor Zinfandel Blend and smaller lot releases of Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Charbono, and Petite Sirah, but I was, and especially so to find it here in the midwest in suburban Chicago at our local Main Street Liquors & Wine Shop in LaGrange.

Being long time fans of Nils Venge and his wine-making artistry going back to his days as winemaker for Del Dotto Vineyards and his Venge Vineyards label, and his more recent work at Fantesca Estate Vineyards and Winery from the Spring Mountain District, we had to pick this up to try. 

We first met Nils at Del Dotto when he was their winemaker while also managing his Penny Lane Vineyard over at his Saddleback Cellars during our Napa visits in the mid and late nineties and then during our Napa Wine Experience in 2002  (below) which featured Venge Vineyards and Nils and Kirk Venge's Rossini Ranch.

Tasting Venge Penny Lane Family Reserve Cabernet w/ AJ
and Nils Venge at Tra Vigne in St Helena
This proved to be a great complement to the artisan cheeses - my favorite Bellavitano, sharp cheddar and Manchego, and the highlight starter course lobster medallions in drawn butter.

Grapes for this wine are sourced from four rows planted in 1995 right outside the door of the winery in Oakville, Napa Valley, and from neighbor’s, the Garvey’s vineyard, located just down the road. Venge proclaims enjoying a tradition of picking the Pinot Grigio themselves each year!

This Pinot Grigio was straw colored, medium bodied, flowery, perfumed  with crisp ripe fruits of lemon citrus, pear, and lychee, hints of pine-nuts with a clean, long finish.

RM 87 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=930618

http://www.saddlebackcellars.com/