Calera Mt Harlan Chardonnay 2009

Calera Mt Harlan Chardonnay 2009

Josh Jensen and his legendary Calera Vineyards were featured in Marq Devillier's wonderful 1994 book - "The Heartbreak Grape: A California Winemaker's Search for the Perfect Pinot Noir". The story tells the tale of Josh's quest to grow the very finnicky Pinot Noir grape in California in the early days before Pinot was cultivated here. In pursuit of his dream to create authentic Burgundian style wines, he sought to find the place in California suitable to achieve that goal. It tells of his research to find the right terrior - all the attributes of the right location, soil, climate, drainage, and other nuances of 'place' that make up the character and personality of a wine from grapes of a particular site. Josh chose Mt. Harlan, an area not then know for grapes or winemaking. The rest, as they say, is history. While it is a human interest tale, it also provides a rich insight into the challenges and travails of setting up a winery, and a business, and achieving one's dream to make noteworthy wines. 

Calera’s Mt. Harlan Vineyards are located in Hollister, California, in the Gavilan Mountains, 25 miles east of the Monterey Bay. The site was chosen for its limestone soils and ideal climate. At an average elevation of 2,200 feet it is among the highest and coolest vineyard sites in California.

As in the great region of Burgundy which inspired Josh to pursue his dream of making great wines in the old world authentic style, he planted the varietals of Burgundy, Pinot Nor and Chardonnay. The wines produced from Calera’s Mt. Harlan Chardonnay Vineyard display a minerality that is much more typical to fine white Burgundy than to California chardonnay, meeting Josh's objective of creating wines in the style of the old world classics.

We are long time fans of Calera Pinot Noir's and are delighted to showcase this Chardonnay release. Calera's 6 acre Mt. Harlan Chardonnay Vineyard was planted in 1984 on the same south facing slope as the Mills Vineyard Pinot Noir. This vineyard was planted on its own roots using plant material from stray chardonnay vines that were found interspersed among the pinot vines of the original vineyards. Each year this vineyard yields only slightly more than 2 tons to the acre of very intense flavorful chardonnay fruit.

The 2009 Mt Harlan Chardonnay is medium bodied, clean and crisp with nice balanced acidity for pleasant easy drinking, yet its sophisticated and complex to be  enjoyed with fine foods. Scents of lemon, gooseberry and honeysuckle, it opens with flavors of golden apple and pear and a layer of subtle almond and vanilla with a touch of smoky oak on the smooth lingering finish.

This was a great accompaniment to grilled salmon fillet and roasted potatoes.
RM 90 points.

Enjoy the wine, and the book!

Domaine du Pesquier Gigondas Southern Rhone River Valley Blend - 1999 - Syrah from the New World and Old

Domaine du Pesquier Southern Rhone River Valley Gigondas 1999 - Syrah - new world and old

We discovered Gigondas ((jhee-gon-dahs) during our visit to the Southern Rhone River Valley region in 1998. Gigondas produces red wine grapes, the most predominant being Grenache and best known being Syrah along with the lesser known Rhone varietals Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Carignane. Grenache is the main grape, making up to (but not to exceed) 80% of the wine, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault make up the remainder, although some other Cote-du-Rhone varietals may be found in small amounts. A small amount of dry spicy Rosé is produced but not seen much in the export market.

Domaine du Pesquier Gigondas regularly receives high marks from Wine Spectator and other reviewers. The 1999 received the highly acclaimed 'Spectator Selection' (SS) from Wine Spectator upon release and review. At a release price of $20 this represented high QPR - (Quality to Price ratio) and great value for such a rating and distinction. 

As Wine Spectator gave this a 'SS' and a Rating of 94 I'll refer to their review. "Rich and ripe, a lovely and seductive Rhône red. Packed with wild herb, plum and blackberry complexity, it caresses the palate with its rich fruit and silky tannins. Full-bodied, with mineral, slight smoke, leather and game character on the finish." 

Ten years later, here is my review of this wine now. "Starting to show its age - a slight brownish grey tinge on the dark garnet color - leather, game, smoke,  and layers of herb and anise and a hint of earthy cedar taking over from the berry, black cherry and spice. - RM 88 points.  

Earlier Reviews - " RM Review - A bit awkward - bright berry, black cherry, subtle leather, pepper and herb."

"Intense chewy peppery blackberry and layer of anise." 

Gigondas is the appellation above and adjacent to the more famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhone River valley wine region in southeast France. Gigondas is situated under the rugged, rocky range of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The vineyards of Gigondas are planted on hillsides at the foot of Mont Ventoux, directly north-east of the town of Orange. Venture up to the top of the mountain to the very picturesque village of Segurat overlooking the valley below. The region, once a Cotes-du-Rhone village, gained its own appellation in 1971.

Picturesque Le Ville Segurat overlooking the Gigondas
and Vacqueyras Appellations of the Southern Rhone

We toured Gigondas during our visit to the region in 1998. Gigondas produces red wine grapes, the most popular and best known being Syrah along with the lesser known Rhone varietals Mourvedre, Grenache, and Carignane. Grenache is the main grape, making up to (but not to exceed) 80% of the wine, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault make up the remainder, although some other Cote-du-Rhone varietals may be found in small amounts. A small amount of dry spicy Rosé is produced but not seen much in the export market.

Our hotel - Chateau Fine Roches Hotel and Winery
in Chateauneuf-du-Pape - a magnificent rustic
Chateau and starting off point.

Poor man's Chateauneuf-du-Pape? Gigondas wines tend to offer great values compared to the pricier higher profile Chateauneuf-du-Pape (CDP) wines which are more complex and sophisticated in that they are comprised of a blend of up to twelve different varietals authorized in that appellation.

Gigondas tend to be less polished, less complex and less ageworthy than CDP's as they tend to be big, bold and robust, fruit filled, forward spicy, leathery rustic edgy flavored wines that are not for the feint of heart. Gigondas' top quality reds sometimes rival its southwest neighbor, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Top Gigondas wines will age for up to 10 or 15 years, although they are able to be enjoyed young if you like robust wines. They will benefit from at least three years of cellaring. Many Gigondas are predominantly Grenache which is not recommended for extended aging. Some other popular Gigondas producers commonly found in the US are Chateau Saint Cosme, Guigal, Perrin et Fils, Raspail Ay, Montirius and Domaine des Espiers.

Visiting Domaine De Longue Toque
in Gigondas

Perhaps the best known and most popular varietal from the Southern Rhone Valley wines is Syrah which has become immensely popular in Australia where they produce big, bright, bold full flavored  fruit forward wines. Note Syrah is also known down under as Shiraz. We also now find Syrah being produced in limited quantities in California, mostly in Paso Robles area and some in appellations in northern California, including Napa Valley.

Lagier-Meredith Napa Valley
Mt Veeder Syrah is produced in
the Rhone Style

Stephen Lagier and Carole Meredith produce their Lagier-Meredith label Syrah based Rhone style wines from their mountain top estate high above Yountville on Mt Veeder in Napa Valley. As we are such huge fans of Syrah and Shiraz, I always wondered about the differences in the various Syrah/Shiraz varietals from the old world (France) and the new world (Australia and the US). I found the answer during our visit to Lagier-Meredith Vineyards in Napa Valley during our Mt Veeder tour this spring.

Stephen Lagier and
Carole Meredith

Carole Meredith was a professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California at Davis where she conducted research in grape genetics. Her research group used DNA typing methods to discover the origins of some of the greatest old wine varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Syrah. Carol Meredith is a geneticist and has studied and specializes in the Syrah varietal. She attests the Syrahs from Australia and Napa are the same as their ancestors from the old world Rhone River valley where they have been grown since the 16th Century. Lagier-Meredith produce Syrah varietal wines that are true to their heritage as they strive to produce wines in the traditional Rhone style.

Domaine du Pesquier is operated by  3^th and 4^th generation at the domain owners Guy and his son Mathieu Boutière who has an education (BTS) from wine schools. The bottling at the domain started in 1969 and includes today 2/3 of the production. The domain covers 23 ha. of vineyards. 16 ha is Gigondas, the rest is Vacqueyras (1 ha.), Cotes du Rhone (1,2 ha) and Vin du Pays de Vaucluse (5 ha.). They produce wines in Gigondas, Vacqueryas, Cotes due Rhone and VDP.

Domaine du Pesquier Wines:

Gigondas - 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre.
Aged in foudres for 12-18 months.

Vacqueyras - 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. 80% is aged in foudres for 12-18 months.

Cotes du Rhone - 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan/Cinsault.

VDP - 45% Syrah, 45% Merlot and 10% Grenache.

 

If you travel to Gigondas and wish to visit
Domaine du Pesquier:

Address: Le Pesquier 84190 Gigondas
Tel. 490 65 86 16
Direct sale: Monday - Saturday 9.00-12.00 and 14.00-19.00
Email: domainedupesquier@free.fr  

Storybook Mountain Vineyards Antaeus Napa Valley Red Wine Blend 2004

Storybook Mountain Vineyards Antaeus Napa Valley Red Wine Blend 2004

Dark garnet color, medium bodied, slightly flabby, bramble dark berry fruits, layers of black pepper, dust, kirsch, spicy oak, nutmeg and a slight earthy leather finish.

Blend of 59% Zinfandel, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.


RM 87 Points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=279887

Fantesca Napa Valley Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Fantesca Napa Valley Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 

Fantesca Estate and Winery, one of our favorite Napa Valley producers is owned by Duane and Susan Hoff, who moved on from their careers as executives at Best Buy for this Spring Mountain District winery above St Helena in the Mayacamas Range between Mt Veeder and Diamond Mountain. We visited their spectacular mountainside estate during our Napa Wine Experiences in 2007 and in 2009. 

Fantesca Spring Mountain District
Estate and Winery

Initial 2002-2007 vintages were managed by winemakers Nils and Kirk Venge; then in 2008 they teamed up with legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett. From their ten acre vineyard, they produce ultra-premium 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and there is an acre planted in Petit Verdot. They also source grapes from the Sonoma County Russian River Valley to produce a bright crisp full flavored Burgundian Chardonnay, the first ever by Heidi Barrett. They also released a small production special bottling Burgundian style Pinot Noir, King Richard's Reserve especially for Susan's father Richard who favors such a style Pinot. In 2007 they released a Bordeaux Blend Le Petit Soeur, (shown below).  Fantesca products make for festive serving features or as elegant gifts as are lavishly packaged in stylish heavy etched glass bottles with painted 'labels', or in original wood cases.

Fantesca Sonoma County
Russian River Valley
Chardonnay

Fantesca Spring Mountain District
Vineyards

King Richards Reserve
Pinot Noir

La Petite Soeur
Bordeaux Blend

Duane Hoff pouring 2002 vintage while visiting Rick & Linda
in Chicago during 2004 vintage release marketing outreach.

For a special occasion, we served a Fantesca Estate and Winery, Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.

Fantesca Napa Valley,
Spring Mtn Cabernet Sauvignon
Etched glass, painted bottle.
(2006 shown)

Medium-full bodied, dark garnet color; complex but smooth and polished with bright forward fruits of black currant, dark berry and cherry, accented by sweet dark chocolate, a hint of cassis, and a tone of spice on the lingering refined tannin finish.

RM 91 points.

Taken and served at Mark & Shirley's, this was the blockbuster hit of the evening, a great complement to artisan cheeses and rib-eye steak sandwiches.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=355836

http://www.fantesca.com

Brancott Vineyards Marlborough South Island New Zealand Reserve Pinot Noir Reserve 2006

Brancott Vineyards Marlborough South Island New Zealand Reserve Pinot Noir Reserve 2006 

Garnet colored with a slight rust tinge, light bodied, easy drinking, touch of spice, dark red berry gives way to slightly earthy leather, layer of alcohol and acid on a slightly tart spicy moderate tannin finish. Decent value for under $15.

RM  87 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=579668 

Vintage Aged Cheese and Wine Pairing - 10 & 5 year old cheddars with Steve Hoff Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006

Vintage Aged Cheese and Wine Pairing

You read it right, vintage aged cheese paired with wine as opposed to cheese paired with aged vintage wine! Yes, there are aged vintage cheeses out there worthy of leading the pairing with a select wine. The word vintage indicating the year of production, or the age of the cheese. Tonight we feasted on two select aged cheeses, a 2001 vintage, ten year old cheddar from Sweetwater Valley Farms, and an aged five year old cheddar from Fair Oaks Farms. Both of these cheeses are sourced from large commercial dairy operations that take cheese very seriously. Both offer on-line shopping on the web or have commercial retail centers on main arterial interstate highways.While they may not warrant a long destination trip, they certainly warrant a stop if passing through or in the region. 

Sweetwater Valley Farms is located between the towns of Philadelphia and Loudon, in the heart of southeast Tennessee’s dairy-rich Sweetwater Valley, off of Interstate 75 between Chattanooga and the Knoxville - Nashville Highway Interstate 40. Sweetwater Valley Farm cheese is produced in a state-of-the-art facility, but they still preserve the fine art and craft of making cheese in the traditional farmstead manner, controlling the process from cow to consumer.They focus on high-quality cheddar cheeses.

Fair Oak Farms (FOF) is in northwest Indiana on Interstate 65 between Chicago and Indianapolis. One of the largest working dairies in the country FOF is a substantial diversified sustainable dairy farming operation run by five families spanning three generations. They feature the Dairy Adventure family attraction featuring a collection of educational exhibits,  a one-of-a-kind 4D movie experience, a world-famous Birthing Barn, and tours of the highly automated working dairy operation.

Of course any quality cheese counter will offer a broad variety of cheeses featuring such selections and many more from America, England, France and beyond.  

We enjoyed these cheeses at a gala dinner at Erin & Johnny's featuring bar-b-que ribs, twice baked potatoes, iceberg wedge wedge with feta cheese and blue cheese dressing, followed by a hearty chocolate cake desert. To complement the hearty cheeses, bar-b-que and chocolate we chose one of our favorite regional varietals a Barossa Valley Shiraz from Steve Hoff, vintage 2006.  These wines are full bodied, huge forward fruit flavored that go well with bold flavorful foods. We featured this wine in our tasting review May 6, 2011.

Steve Hoff Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006

This is as good as their higher priced select shiraz at a fraction of the price. Notably, a great compliment to hearty meats, cheeses, dark chocolate - Deep dark purple color - full-bodied, ripe and rich layers of deep blackberry, plum and anise, hints of blueberry and black cherry with a long lingering fine-grained tannin finish.  

RM 90 points.

Other reviews - 


92 pts Robert Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate (JM) - It is opaque purple-colored with an enticing perfume of smoke, meat, bacon, and blueberry. This leads to a full-bodied, plush, ripe, layered wine with gobs of savory fruit, well concealed tannin, and superior length. This in-your-face Shiraz will drink well for a decade.

91 pts Wine Spectator
Ripe and rich, with deep blackberry, plum and licorice flavors mingling for effect as the finish rolls on, finishing with fine-grained tannins. 

90 pts Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar (JR)
Ruby-red. Powerfully scented bouquet of cherry and blueberry preserves, smoked meat and dried flowers. Fleshy dark fruit flavors are weighty and velvety, with fully absorbed tannins and a late-arriving spicy quality. This is all about fruit and is already delicious, but it has the concentration and balance to reward cellaring for a few years.

As you read through our wine tasting journal here on unwindWine, note how often we include artisan cheeses. Next time you're planning a wine tasting, think, even start with cheese! 

Yates Family Vineyards, Alden Perry Reserve Mt Veeder Napa Valley Red Wine 2006

Yates Family Vineyards Alden Perry Reserve Napa Valley Mt. Veeder 2006 Red Wine

This wine was one of the discoveries and highlights of our Mt. Veeder Appellation trip and Yates Family Vineyards producer visit last spring. The wine is a Bordeaux style blend with 50% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Cabernet Franc. The wine is named after Alden Yates, proprietor Michael Yate’s father and Perry Yates, his grandfather, who first purchased the Mt Veeder vineyard property in 1950. Yates produce Bordeaux varietal fruit that is mostly sold to other producers. We've likely had their fruit in wines we get from name producers. They produce small quantities of one to two hundred cases of their Bordeaux varietal wines and of this blend.

We tasted and this wine and purchased a case at the winery. It was only available in 375 bottles. We drank this with artisan cheeses and grilled filet of beef. The wine was a perfectly complement to the blue cheese and went well with the grilled steak.

Tasting notes -
A bit of acid heat initially that soon wears off to a pleasant smooth drinking wine. Deep garnet color - full bodied bursting with complex layers of rich forward black currant, blackberry, ripe sweet black raspberry fruits, tones of cinnamon spice, anise and hints of floral, sweet oak, white pepper and tobacco leaf, finishing with moderate smooth tannins on a rich full finish.
RM 92 points.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1012016 

Wine Tasting Flight - Aussie Shiraz's & Cabernet Sauvignon, St Emilion, and a Napa Merlot

Wine Tasting Flight - Aussie Shiraz's & Cabernet Sauvignon, St Emilion, and a Napa Merlot

Progressive wine tasting flight featuring:

• David Arthur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007, 
• Three Aussie Shiraz';
• Flinders Run, Southern Flinders Ranges Shiraz 2005, 
• HazyBlur Adelaide Plains, South Australia Shiraz 2001,
• Marquis Philips McLaren Vale '9' Shiraz 2002, 
• Marquis Philips 'S2' Cabernet Saugivnon 2007, 
• Clos De L'Oratoire St Emilion Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux 2000, 
• Paloma Napa Valley Spring Mountain Merlot 2003.

Tasted at home w/ L, Eric & Cathy, Bill & Beth, and Dan and Linda, with mini Beef Tenderloin on toast points and artisan cheeses, then at Bob & Gloria's gala end of summer dinner party w/ roast beef dinner.

David Arthur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 -

Very light yellow very weak tea color, bright and crisp, aromas and smooth notes of lime and honeydew with hint of  grapefruit, turning to subtle tropical notes of guava, kiwi and hint of peach on a moderate acidic finish. Nice complement to soft mild cheeses, red raspberrry and strawberry fruits.

RM 88 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=594108 

HazyBlur Adelaide Plains, South Australia Shiraz 2001 -

Deep dark purple color - full bodied, forward fruit - layer of leather with hint of anise and tar predominate, then give way to smooth black currant, black cherry, hint of ripe plum and black raspberry turning to classic subtle creme' brulee burnt sugar with a long soft vanilla nut finish.

RM 91 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4996


Flinders Run, Southern Flinders Ranges, Baroota, Australia Shiraz 2005

Elegant rich thick chewy symphony of flavors of blueberry, sweet currant, ripe plum, red raspberry, a hint of pepper, vanilla, and spice, and a lingering essence of creme brulee' burnt sugar and cedar on the soft finish. 

RM 92 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=421985








Marquis Philips '9' South Australia, McLaren Vale Shiraz 2003

Dark inky purple color, full bodied, chewy, intense complex concentrated flavors of smoke, roasted pepper, and hint of leather flavors predominate diminishing the black berry fruits, with a layer of anise on a lingering full tannin finish. Less fruit focused than other releases of this wine, one of our perennial favorites.

RM 89 points. 
93 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate October 2004
89 points, Stephen Tanzer's IWC

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=17771 

Marquis Phillips McLaren Vale 'S2' Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 

Another Marquis Philips release, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon shows slight initial tartness upon opening but soon gives way to full bodied forward fruit of black currant, blackberry, layer of cedar and tones of oak and mocha on a lingering finish.

RM 90 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/list.asp?fInStock=0&Table=List&szSearch=marquis+philips+s2


See Index of Australian Wines posted on Rick's Wine Journal. 

Clos De L'Oratoire St Emilion Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux 2000 -
Great example of 'all ships rise with the tide'... in that so many wines such as this one are exceptionally good in a great vintage. Medium-full bodied, smooth polished, complex but pleasant easy drining with its nicely integrated flavors of blackberry, black cherry, red berry, a layer of anise, kirsch and a hint of spice with a soft tannin lingering finish.

RM 92 points.

Blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon shows very well and is just coming of age at eleven years old.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=6340

Paloma Napa Valley Spring Mountain Merlot 2003.
Medium-full bodied , full forward rich, intense vibrant harmonious fruit flavors of black currant, black raspberry and blackberry turning to nutmeg spice, hint of cedar, and sweet oak on a long lingering flavorful tannin finish.

RM 92 points, 90 points Wine Spectator:


http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=109466

Marquis Philips '9' South Australia, McLaren Vale Shiraz 2003

Marquis Philips '9' South Australia, McLaren Vale Shiraz 2003

Dark inky purple color, full bodied, chewy, intense complex concentrated flavors of smoke, roasted pepper, and hint of leather flavors predominate diminishing the black berry fruits, with a layer of anise on a lingering full tannin finish. Less fruit focused than other releases of this wine, one of our perennial favorites.

RM 89 points. 
93 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate October 2004
89 points, Stephen Tanzer's IWC

Tasted with L, Mark and Gayle B, at Angeli's Italian, our favorite neighborhood trattoria. Also, tasted, David Arthur Napa Valley Meritaggio 2003.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=17771 

David Arthur Napa Valley Meritaggio 2003

David Arthur Napa Valley Meritaggio 2003

Dark garnet color - full bodied - bright, virbrant, rich, mouthful of black raspberry, currant, ripe plum, layer of anise and hint of spice with nicely integrated fine tannins. Delicious.

RM 93 points.

Serious wine with fun name - Meritaggio, a play on the word Meritage - a US instantiation of a Bordeaux Blend, this is a rendition of a Sangiovese based Bordeaux style blend, with fruit sourced from Napa Valley. This vastly exceeded expectations with vibrant bright flavored dark and red berry fruits with layers of complementary flavors. Complex and sophisticated but easy drinking wine. 

Tasted w/ L, Mark and Gayle B at Angelis', our favorite Italian tratorria. Also tasted, Marquis Philips '9' South Australia, McLaren Vale.


http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=85665

Oakville Ranch Vineyards, Oakville, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

 Oakville Ranch Vineyards, Oakville, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 

Dark garnet color, medium-full bodied, subdued nose but complex, concentrated, chewy wine, with black cherry fruits, intense, forward dense chocolate and cassis flavors, hint of smoke with lingering smoky black berry fruits on a long lingering black cherry finish.

While not an easy drinking wine, it was a great complement to grilled steak and caprese cheese with tomato on toast points. Amazingly, still life left in this fifteen year old showing no signs of aging diminution.

Oakville Ranch vineyards owners Bob and Mary Miner purchased the 350-acre ranch in 1989, slowly increasing plantings from an initial 55 acres to today's 75 acres of predominantly Bordeaux varietals. They produce wines that represent the finest of the Oakville Appellation (click to see map) at a great value. The winemaker today is Anne Vawter from Walla Walla, Washington who studied Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. 

Another wine discovered during our Napa Wine Experience trips in the late 90's, we purchased and drank this wine at the Cantina and drank it at Tra Vigne (below) in St. Helena. 

RM 90 points.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=592449

 Lunch in the garden terrace at Tra Vigne in St Helena with the Cantina in the background where one could order BYOB carry-out wines. Pictured at left, Rick, Linda, Yolanda and Dave Del Dotto with Liat and Andy M. 

Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

Del Dotto Vineyards
Napa Valley Rutherford Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

Dark garnet color - starting to develop a slight brownish tinge showing its age. Medium-full bodied, the black cherry and black currant fruits are starting to fall off as well as this wine starts to reach the end of its prime drinking profile. The fruit is giving way to a slight earthy leather but it still retains a layer of toasty oak with a hint of spice on moderate lingering tannins on the finish. True to form as Robert Parker noted in the late 90's the anticipated maturity through 2012 and Wine Spectator said best through 2010.

RM 89 points.

Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Merlot and Cabernet Franc 5% each.

Tasted with Linda, Erin and Alec at Angeli's Italian our favorite neighborhood Italian trattoria celebrating our anniversary, Erin's new job, and Alec heading back to school at IU for his final Senior year this week.

Del Dotto is one of our perennial favorite producers and was one of Erin and Johnny's favorite winery visits on their Napa Valley getaway. Del Dotto has always put on one of the best tasting experiences in California wine country and their new winery in Napa is spectacular and carries on the tradition.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=846486  

http://www.deldottovineyards.com/ 

We first tasted this wine when we met the producers Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto  (center, below) at our fifth Napa Wine Experience in 1999. 

Rick & Linda, Yolanda & David Del Dotto,
Liat and Andy at Tra Vigne in St Helena.

During our Napa Wine Experience visits of 1997 through 2000 we hosted gala tasting dinners with the 'Undisccovered Dozen' emerging new wine producers to watch, featured in an article in Wine Spectator Magazine. Many of these producers released their inaugural vintage releases in or about the 1994 vintage. Those producers and winery visits included Plumpjack, David Arthur, Clark-Claudon, Robert Craig, Del Dotto, Elan,  Paradigm, Pride Vineyards, Snowden, Nils Venge and White Cottage and are featured on my winesite http://www.unwindwine.com. I'm missing one which will come to me at some point - I don't remember what I don't remember!  

An complete index of my tasting notes of these wines over the years is on the site at this link to California Producers Index. These producers make up a foundation of our wine cellar collection yet today. In many of these wines, we still have vertical selections of these wines, some dating back to those early release vintages.

Del Dotto Vineyards Connoisseur's Series
2001 Napa Valley Rutherford Estate Cabernet
Sauvignon, aged in a variety of different oak barrels.

We poured a horizontal selection (shown left) of the Del Dotto Connoisseur Series at a gala dinner at our home last winter - featuring wines from the same vintage release, aged in barrels comprised of different oaks - a unique experience available only from Del Dotto Vineyards.

Del Dotto Vineyards
Napa Valley Rutherford
Estate mini-vertcal
1994-1996.

As these wines reach end of their prime drinking profile, some more faint hearted souls who favor the younger profile are releasing these wines to auction. Pictured at left is a mini-vertical of 1994-96 Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon (including this featured tasting selection), that I picked up recently. The 1995 vintage release tasted recently was still showing remarkably well and had vibrant life left in it. If you find these, they represent great values since they can often be bought today for near their price points at release a decade ago. I should'nt reveal that since I now have to compete for those wines! Enjoy!

 

Alexander Valley Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

 Alexander Valley Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 

Medium bodied - pleasurable easy drinking wine, not very complex but showing a predominant layer of sweet oak tinged vanilla and mocha with a hint of anise integrated into the black cherry and dark berry fruit flavors. Very nice complement to the grilled filet of beef with lettuce wedge, blue cheese, red onions and tomato salad at the Grand Cafe at Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Good value in this modestly priced Sonoma Cabernet generally available for $16-18.

RM 88 points.

Shiraz flight - Jim Barry "The McRae Wood" Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley, South Australia, Shiraz 2004 & Hage Family Vineyards Troll Creek Barossa Valley Shiraz 2002

Shiraz flight - Jim Barry "The McRae Wood" Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley, South Australia, Shiraz 2004 & Hage Family Vineyards Troll Creek Barossa Valley Shiraz 2002

Mini flight of two South Australian Shiraz' - both are dark purple colored, full bodied, rich and concentrated - the Troll Creek was forward extracted dark berry and ripe plum fruits with a layer of mineral, hints of smoke and tar on a full long tannin finish.

The McRae Wood exhibited similar black cherry and black berry fruits but exhibited a layer of graphite and bacon that detracted from the fruit. Both had moderate, nicely integrated tannins on a lingering finish.

Tasted at home with L over beef tenderloin dinner. 





Troll Creek - RM 88 points. RP 93 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=461107

McRae Wood - RM 87 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=390097

Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009

 Straw colored, light, crisp, clean with balanced acid - flavors of green apples and floral with a nice tangy finish.
RM 89 points.
 
 Tasted w/ L, Johnny & Erin, Alec, Bill & Beth C. at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant in Chicago  with great service from Jared G.
Perfect complement to the sushi, calamari and seafood entrees.


http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=878604

Also tasted:

Tobin James Notorious Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008

Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008

Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008

Medium full bodied - nicely balanced and polished - complex forward ripe fruit - black cherry, black raspberry with an undercurrent of licorice, kirsch and clove and a hint of floral on a long full flavorful moderate tannin finish.
RM 90 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=836866 

Tasted w/ L, Johnny & Erin, Alec, Bill & Beth C. at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant in Chicago with great service from Jared G. This was a great compliment to Roy's pork shank with pear, cheese and bourbon sauce. 

Also tasted:

Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and 

Tobin James Notorious Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Tobin James Notorious Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Tobin James Notorious Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Medium-full  bodied - surprisingly smooth, polished and well balanced - essence of blackberry gives way to a layer of smooth clove and vanilla with a touch of anise on the lingering moderate tannin finish.
RM 88 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=786634 


Tasted w/ L, Johnny & Erin, Alec, Bill & Beth C. at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant in Chicago  with great service from Jared G. This was a offered by the glass and was a great compliment to the steak and pork chops and the chocolate lava cake souffle desert.

Also tasted:



Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 

Straw colored, light, crisp, clean with balanced acid - flavors of green apples and floral with a nice tangy finish.
RM 89 points.


http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=878604

Perfect complement to the sushi, calamari and seafood entrees.


Also tasted:

Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008

Medium full bodied - nicely balanced and polished - complex forward ripe fruit - black cherry, black raspberry with an undercurrent of licorice, kirsch and clove and a hint of floral on a long full flavorful moderate tannin finish.
RM 90 points.

This was a great compliment to Roy's pork shank with pear, cheese and bourbon sauce. 

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=836866

 Achával Ferrer Mendoza Malbec 2009 at Trump Tower Terrace Chicago

Dark purple color - medium-full bodied - nicely balanced and somewhat complex - blackberry and black raspberry fruits are laced with a graphite, leather and mineral structure that grips throughout the long lingering moderate tannin finish. Pleasant easy drinking wine that is sufficiently complex for food. 
One of  Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines for 2010. 91 points from the Wine Spectator:

RM 89 points.

Tasted at the Terrace Bar on Sixteen at Trump Tower, Chicago. Make sure you come for the view and pick a good day and time since you'll pay for a bottle in the single by-the-glass price. Not bad when tasting a high/over achiever such as this one.




Views from Trump Tower terrace.

Trump Tower Chicago Terrace Bar on Sixteen

Chicago Cityscape looking southeast from
Trump Tower Terrace

Chicago River and Lake view from
Trump Tower Terrace Bar

Iconic Tribune Tower and Wrigley Buildings
from Trump Tower Terrace Bar

Owen Roe Abbot's Table Washington State Columbia Valley Red Wine 2007

Owen Roe Abbot's Table Washington State Columbia Valley Red Wine 2007

Dark inky color - full bodied - big bold complex so forward as to be almost overpowering, overly ripe black fruits, almost raisiny with a layer of tar with a subtle tone of chocolate trying to break out - a bit awkward - not for the feint of heart - needs big food to stand up with. From a producer with a sense of humor given some of his other outrageous wines/labels such as Sinister Hand.... 

RM 86 points.

Took to Bob & Gloria's for dinner. Wife Linda liked it.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=541531

David Arthur Napa Valley Atlas Peak Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

David Arthur Napa Valley Atlas Peak Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Deep dark garnet color, full bodied - spicy, vibrant forward dark berry throughout, slight earthy layer currants, cola berry, tobacco and hint of cedar. Slight hot alcohol on opening bleeds off after an hour or so. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petite Verdot, and 3% Merlot. From vineyards 1200 feet high in the Vaca Range above the eastern slope of Napa Valley. 

RM 92 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=85664

Atlas Peak Pritchard Hill vineyards (left) from our 2009 Napa Valley Wine Experience. Tasted at home w/ L, Sherry ZM and Alex - great complement to grilled tenderloin, sauteed green beans, roasted corn, and finale of dark chocolate cake and fresh berries.

Peay Pomarium Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006

Peay Pomarium Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006

Medium light bodied - garnet color - flavors of black cherry, spice, subtle red raspberry, strawberry, dusty rose and slight earthiness, with hints of vanilla toast; fine grained tannins throughout.

RM 89 points. 

Tasted w/ L, Sherry ZM and Alex, BYOB at Angeli's Restaurant, our favorite neighborhood trattoria.

http://cellartracker.com/w?526186

$49.99 at Binny's Beverage Depot.

Index of all California Wines Tasting Notes featured on Rick's Unwindwine.com.