Gems in My Glass . . . November 2016
Mara Wines 2011 Laughlin Road Ranch Pinot Noir; Russian River Valley, California: This exquisite Pinot Noir showcases provocative scents of earth and a warm cherry pie. Red raspberries, black cherries, exotic spice, cranberries, sandalwood and forest floor notes fill the palate, uplifted by beautiful acidity. Satin smooth with refined tannins, precise balance, and a finish that goes on and on. SRP: $50 www.marawines.comGregory Graham Wines 2014 Bartolucci Vineyard Viognier; Lake County, California: Aromas of citrus blossom, sweet tree-ripened peaches and apricots capture the senses. This satin smooth Viognier is rich and viscous, with good offsetting acidity. Juicy flavors of fresh peaches, sweet nectarines, honeysuckle, lemon drops and a touch of spice simply bathe the palate in luxury. SRP: $22 www.ggwines.comKen Wright Cellars 2013 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir; Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon: This seductive Pinot Noir offers up roasted coffee bean and earthy aromas. Showing remarkable complexity on the palate, this wine displays layers of dried cherry, allspice, and cherry cola joining earthy notes and lovely oak integration; focused and finely balanced. SRP: ~ $49 www.kenwrightcellars.comTrojak~Knier 2013 The Blend; Napa Valley/Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California: This elegant blend, composed of 35% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, 33% Sangiovese and 32% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley, opens with aromas of red and black fruits. Smooth as silk as it unfolds onto the palate with flavors of cherry, black currant, and marionberry fruit underscored by fresh ground black pepper. SRP: $40 www.trojakknier.comPatz & Hall 2014 Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir; Sonoma Coast, California: Here is a deeply hued Pinot Noir with scents of violets, raspberry jam and red fruits rising from the glass. Rich and expressive from first sip, with black cherry, plum, raspberry, exotic spice and dried strawberry notes unfolding on the palate. Intense and chewy, yet bright acidity keeps it balanced through the lingering finish. SRP: $60 www.patzhall.comLong Meadow Ranch 2015 Rose of Pinot Noir; Anderson Valley, California: Fresh strawberries fill the senses with this lively dry Rose of Pinot Noir. Delicious in the mouth with red cherry, strawberry preserves, watermelon and citrus accents melding in harmony. Bright and energetic with a touch of herbs adding another dimension on the back palate. SRP: $25 www.longmeadowranch.comJ & J Vintners 2012 Les Collines Vineyard Malbec; Walla Walla Valley, Washington: Dark berry aromas capture your attention with this powerful Malbec. Delicious in the mouth with a nice backbone of tannins. Flavors of blackberries, boysenberries, loganberries and currants meld with hints of spice, well integrated oak, cocoa powder and a suggestion of caramel on the decadent finale. SRP: $35 www.jandjvintners.comBrush Creek Winery NV It’s a Dog’s Life (Sweet White Blend); Iowa: It’s not just the name of this wine that will make you smile! Take in the charm of this sassy, sweet blend of 50% LaCrosse and 50% Niagara. Aromas of honeysuckle and tropical fruits lead to creamy pear, ripe pineapple, and juicy melon flavors on the palate. If you are a Moscato fan, this wine too will win you over! SRP: $12 www.brushcreekwinery.com
