Gems in MY Glass . . . July 2009

Kelleher 2005 Brix Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon:  This tightly woven beauty opens with cassis and dark berry aromas with a splash of spice and explodes in the mouth with layer upon layer of dense black currant, wild berry, a hint of dust, underlying spice and earthiness and well integrated French oak accents.  A classic Oakville Cabernet with firmly structured tannins that will age for many years to come.Artesa 2007 Estate Reserve Carneros Chardonnay:  Beautiful pear and pineapple aromas lift from the glass and fill the palate fully with pretty tropical fruit, minerality, hints of smoke and invigorating acidity.   Graceful and artfully balanced with plenty of complexity.Artesa 2006 Estate Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir:  Florality captivates the nose - imagine walking through a garden blooming with fragrant roses!  In the mouth you'll find wild berry and forest floor at the core, with mushroom and cherry notes adding depth.  Elegant and well crafted with a lengthy finish.Artesa 2005 Tempranillo:  Expressive black cherry and berry aromatics give way to spice and juicy black cherries entwined with a dash of earthiness on the palate, ending with lip smacking vanilla notes on the finish.Artesa 2005 Reserve Merlot:  Generous blueberry and boysenberry aromas lead to consistent flavors that stay focused and glide seamlessly across the palate.  The gratifying fruit is enhanced with a dash of white pepper and a pleasing earthiness, and the finely grained tannins top it off perfectly.Scott Harvey Wines 2006 Amador County J & S Reserve Barbera:  This stunning 100% Barbera boasts such gorgeous dark fruit in the nose; you'll want to linger here forever!   But move forward, as juicy dark berries intermingle beautifully with tobacco, alluring cigar box and pretty oak spices creating a delightful orchestration of flavors on the palate and through the long, satisfying finish.