Gems in My Glass . . . March 2020
Gems in My Glass . . . March 2020First, my heart goes out to all who have been battling the coronavirus. What we are experiencing with this pandemic is far from life as normal. My hopes and prayers are for those affected to return to good health, and that everyone continues taking precautions to assist in remaining healthy and preventing further spread of this disease.Secondly, wishing everyone tasty sips to get through our current shelter in period. If need be, ordering online is a good way to ensure you don’t run out! Many wineries are generously offering specials to have wines shipped to your doorstep.Wines in this post include some noteworthy selections from Napa Valley, and impressive wines from Sonoma County.Ehlers Estate 2018 Sauvignon Blanc; St. Helena, Napa Valley: Delightful white flowers and lemon verbena on the nose welcome you into the glass. On entry this Sauv Blanc is crisp, glistening and citrus focused. Creamy in texture as it expands on the palate with flavors of lemon gelato, a sprinkling of crushed herbs, fresh star fruit, and juicy Oro Blanco grapefruit. Refreshing and easy to quaff all the way through the gratifying finish. SRP: $32 www.ehlersestate.comSt. Helena Winery, 2015 Sympa Cabernet Sauvignon; St. Helena, Napa Valley: This extraordinary Cab Sauv broadcasts a glorious aroma of forest berries and spice. Multi-layered and full bodied, it fills the mouth with dark plums, fresh tobacco, black currant, olive tapenade and savory spiciness. Aging 22 months in 70% new French oak contributes underlying toasty notes that are well integrated. The firm backbone of tannins, brilliant acids and deep core of fruit promise many years of enjoyment ahead. Finishes long, strong and memorably. SRP: $140 www.sthelenawinery.comFlora Springs 2017 Trilogy; St. Helena, Napa Valley: This complex Bordeaux blend is composed of 80% Cab Sauv, 17% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec from vineyards in the Rutherford, Oakville, and St. Helena. Expressive aroma of cassis and new leather open to mouth coating flavors of black currant, plum chutney, Bing cherry, and toasty oak nuances from 22 months of aging in 92% French oak and 8% American oak barrels. Fine grained tannins and ideal balance support the dark fruit; ageworthy. SRP: $85 www.florasprings.comCarol Shelton Wines 2014 Mancini Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel; Russian River Valley, Sonoma County: Inviting and intensely aromatic with dark berries and spice wafting from the glass. Richly fruited from start to finish, with a perfect level of acidity keeping it vibrant and well balanced. Juicy, jammy flavors of boysenberries, huckleberry preserves, purple plums, and black cherries interlace with fresh ground black pepper and underlying oak. Hints of vanilla bean add depth as the wine makes its way to a long-lasting finish. SRP: $38 www.carolshelton.comCarol Shelton Wines 2016 Peaceland Vineyard Zinfandel; Fountain Grove District, Sonoma County: This deep, dark, scrumptious wine engages the senses at first whiff, clearly broadcasting Zinfandel! Bright and spirited as layers of sun-ripened wild blackberries, Chinese Five Spice, sweet black raspberries, a pinch of herbs, and chocolate covered blueberries meld with toasty oak nuances. Beautiful purity of fruit and rounded tannins prevail through the mouthwatering finale. SRP: $35 www.carolshelton.comMiro Cellars 2017 Hogan’s Run Vineyard Pinot Noir; Russian River Valley, Sonoma County: Aromas of a delicate floral bouquet start the party with this savory Pinot Noir. Rich and precisely balanced with black cherries, a tinge of anise, cranberry-raspberry juice, hints of earth, strawberries and baking spice. Toasted oak nuances from 14-month aging in 35% new French oak adds dimension, while sitting perfectly in the background. Refined and vivacious with an elegant finish. SRP: $27 www.mirocellars.comMiro Cellars 2017 Pine Mountain Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, Sonoma County: The tantalizing aroma is all about Cab Sauv, with cassis and earthy notes. Coating the mouth are blackberries, cloves, black currants, fresh pipe tobacco, and subtle earthy notes. Aging 18 months in 33% new French oak, 67% neutral oak barrels give the wine a well-integrated toasty element. Powerful yet graceful with a velvety smooth texture, deep fruit, and firm yet approachable tannins. SRP: $38 www.mirocellars.com
