Gems in My Glass . . . November 2012
The Messenger Telegram NV White Wine Number One, California: Bottled by Art & Farm Wine in Mendocino County, here is a mouthwatering, delicious white wine. Citrus and white flowers greet the nose with this blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc, 18% Muscat and 13% Riesling. Bright acidity and flavors of white grapefruit, peach, melon and passion fruit accented by orange zest light up the palate and hold vibrantly through the pleasing finish. SRP: $18 The Messenger Telegram NV Red Wine Number Two, California: This sassy blend of 57% Grenache, 38% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre and 1% Viognier from Art & Farm Wine is reminiscent of a Southern Rhone blend. Generous red fruit aromas open to a vivid mouthful of fresh raspberries, cherries, red currants and a touch of meatiness accented by savory herbs de Provence spice. Medium bodied and delectably easy to quaff. SRP: $18 The Girls in the Vineyard 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, California: Also bottled by Art + Farm Wine, this refreshing SB boasts passion fruit aromas that meld seamlessly with gooseberry and citrus flecked pear flavors and create a dazzling display on the palate. Refreshing and elegant with its delicate structure and spot on acidity. Finishes lean with a vibrant lift. SRP: $16Cote Bonneville 2009 Chardonnay DuBral Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington: Looking for a full bodied, buttery, barrel fermented Chardonnay? You'll flip for this beauty. Rich and complex with an elegant flair, this wine paints the palate with yummy sautéed fresh apples and pears, roasted nuts and a dash of spice. Creamy and complex with a finish showcasing minerality and nicely integrated oak notes. SRP: $50 Cote Bonneville 2011 Cabernet Franc Rose, DuBrul Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington: Crafted of 100% Cabernet Franc: Fresh strawberry aromas capture the senses with this beautifully hued dry rose. Elegant and pure with cranberry, strawberry and melon flavors cavorting on the palate in harmony. Well balanced with a decisive level of acidity that really packs a punch. SRP: $30 Ramey Wine Cellars 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California: Compelling aromas of dark fruit and spice beg you into the glass. This impressive Cab is intensely built with layers of cassis, black plum, sandalwood and tobacco spice framed by firmly structured tannins. Scrumptiously complex, persistent in its finish, and clearly ageworthy. SRP: $60 Gregory Graham Wines 2009 Riesling, Big Valley Vineyard, Lake County, California: Enticing wet stone, floral and peach aromas clearly scream out Riesling! Minerally notes continue to expand on the palate amidst tree ripened white peach, pear and a dash of fresh herbs adding a pretty spice accent through the satisfying aftertaste. SRP: $15Bray Vineyards 2011 Brayzin Hussy Blonde, Amador County, California: This finely crafted blend of Semillon, Verdelho, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc captures all you look for in an easy to quaff wine. Delightful citrus flecked peach and nectarine flavors, crisp apple notes and a sprinkling of herbs swirling on the palate with a thread of bracing acidity from start to refreshingly pleasing finish. SRP: $15Liberty School 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles: Produced by Hope Family wines, this charming Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh and clean with well-defined cherry and red raspberry aromas and flavors. Savory tea spice and subtle touches of vanilla and oak join in on mid palate. A nicely structured, medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with pretty tannins pulling it all together. SRP: $16Mount Eden Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay, Wolff Vineyard, Edna Valley, California: Fresh tree fruit and limestone aromas leap from the glass and unfold on the palate with ease and panache. Juicy crisp pear and apple flavors, a touch of herbs and mineral notes intertwine beautifully and the balance is precise. A hint of smoky oak adds further dimension; a complex and powerfully built Chard. SRP: $21 Bell Vineyards 2008 Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, California: Bring on that distinctive Rutherford dust - love how this Cab shouts out its classic terroir! This hugely structured, unfiltered wine is all about cassis, tobacco spice, black cherry, mocha and earthy notes wrapped around firmly structured tannins, distinctive, complex and unquestionably cellar worthy. SRP: $125
