Gems in My Glass . . . August 2016

Navarro Vineyards 2015 Pinot Blanc; Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California:  Gorgeous fragrant, floral notes lead the way as this dazzling Pinot Blanc approaches the nose.  Silky and elegant on the palate with Golden apple, lemon curd, blanched almonds, mineral notes and a touch of honeycomb thrilling the palate.  Fresh and sunny with a beautiful texture and a long lasting aftertaste.  SRP: ~$20  www.navarrowine.comAdamant Cellars NV Scintillate Sparkling Tempranillo Rosé; Walla Walla Valley, Washington:  Fully engaging scents of potpourri and rose petals prepares you for this perfect evening bubbly.  Flavors of watermelon candy, fresh strawberries and a touch of bubble gum unroll onto the palate with a lasting stream of acidity holding firm.  The finish delivers a bright kick of orange zest.  SRP: ~$75  www.adamantcellars.comGarrison Creek Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; Walla Walla Valley, Washington:  Deep, dark and oh so delicious is this full-bodied, finely structured Cabernet.  Strikingly balanced with layers of cassis, blackberry, tobacco, savory spice, graphite and just the right touch of oak joining forces with refined tannins and a smooth texture.  Approachable now, yet also promises years of ageworthiness ahead.  SRP:  $65  www.garrisoncreekcellars.comWillamette Valley Vineyards 2015 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir; Willamette Valley, Oregon:  Wrap your mind around a bowl full of sweet strawberries, ripe raspberries and crisp watermelon with citrus highlights!  From the expressive aroma through the juicy palate, this dry Rosé is a winner.  Brisk, fresh and well balanced with lively acidity; entirely thirst quenching.  SRP:  $24 www.wvv.comLong Shadows Vintners 2013 Pedestal Merlot; Columbia Valley, Washington:   Here is a sophisticated and complex Merlot that opens with expressive wild berry and violet aromatics. In the mouth it showcases wonderful purity and richness as flavors of sweet blueberries, black currants, marionberries, savory spice, hints of cocoa and well-integrated oak unfold.  Finely grained tannins provide the perfect framework, and the finish is persistent.  SRP:  $60  www.longshadows.comMcCay Cellars 2015 Viognier; Lodi, California:  Scents of stone fruit and a suggestion of herbs awaken the senses.  This all stainless steel wine is a magnificent example of the variety, brilliantly capturing the spirit of Viognier.   White peaches, fresh apricots, a splash of lemon-lime and a pinch of white pepper entwine, and the mouthfeel is plush with a nice thread of acidity keeping it up beat through the satisfying finish. SRP:  $35  www.mccaycellars.comLedson Winery & Vineyards 2012 Howell Mountain Zinfandel; Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California: From vines that are head trained and dry farmed comes this classy Zin.  A delicious melding of fresh blueberry, black plum and sweet blackberry fruit, nice band of minerality, and healthy dash of savory spice elegantly coat the palate.  The juicy fruit is supported by a firm structure and medium to firm tannins.  SRP:  $60 www.ledson.comRousseau Freres 2014 Touraine Noble Joué Rosé; Loire Valley, France:  A blend of 50% Pinot Meunier, 35% Pinot Gris and 15% Pinot Noir, this is a delightful Rosé with a floral, fruity aroma.  Flavors of Rainier cherries, sweet raspberries, lemon curd and a sprinkle of thyme invigorate the palate and stay fresh and bright from start to finish.  SRP:  ~$16     www.rousseau-freres.comBenziger Family Winery 2013 Tribute Estate Blend; Sonoma County, California:  Ripe dark berries and spice on the nose lead to an enchanting first sip.  This complex red Bordeaux blend (crafted predominately of Cabernet Sauvignon) is lush with a velvety texture, firm structure and supple tannins.   Generous layers of cassis, Bing cherries and blueberries accented by fresh tobacco and spice box notes carry nice weight on the palate, and the aftertaste lives on and on.  SRP:  $85   www.benziger.com