Gems in My Glass . . . December 2012

Jordan Vineyard & Winery 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California:   At 12 years this impressively balanced Cabernet Sauvignon (75% CS, 25% Merlot) is still strutting its stuff - wow.   Bright and showy with red currant, cassis liqueur, black raspberry, graphite, leather and earthiness interlacing beautifully on the nose and the tongue.  Tremendous depth of flavors wrapped around firmly structured tannins; a skillfully made wine.   SRP:  ~$55Jordan Vineyard & Winery 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California:   Another excellent example of ageworthy California wine, this one a Cab Sauv blended with a bit of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc.  Deep, dark and powerful with black cherry, wild berry, cassis, blueberry, tobacco spice and earthy notes filling the palate and refined tannins still evident.   Dense, smooth and rich through the memorable, persistent finish.  SRP:  ~$60Trojak~Knier Winery 2011 Chardonnay, Napa Valley: Tantalizing aromas of white citrus flowers, fresh pears and a touch of understated oak stimulate the senses. Crisp Asian pears, minerality and subtle lemon verbena notes intermingle and broaden deliciously in the mouth. A fresh and impeccably balanced Burgundian-style Chardonnay with lively acidity that gives the lingering finish a vibrant lift.  SRP:  $45

 

Trojak~Knier Winery 2011 Pinot Noir, Napa Valley: A lightly hued, sophisticated Pinot Noir showcasing red cherry, wild raspberry and cranberry scents and flavors that converge elegantly at first sip. The pretty fruit is punctuated with cherry cola, anise spice, a hint of sarsaparilla soda, minerally notes and forest floor nuances. Lean and pure with a satin smooth texture that glides exquisitely across the palate.  SRP:  $50

 

Morgan Winery 2010 Lee Family Farm Silvaspoons Vineyard Verdelho, Lodi, California:  brilliant expressive aromas and bright citrus, green apple flavors open with pizzazz upon entry.  Sassy and light on the palate with a generous sprinkling of fresh chives and herbs accenting the pretty fruit; lively acidity caps off the nice package.  SRP:  $15

JC Cellars 2003 Rockpile Vineyard Haley's Reserve Syrah, Sonoma County, California:    At ~10 years this pleasing Syrah is still exceedingly vibrant and fresh with well structured tannins holding firm.   Aromatically stunning with deep, dark plum and berry fruit alongside a meaty note in the center that melds harmoniously on the palate with a dash of fresh mint.  An enticing thread of minerality lingers through the finish.  SRP:  $60Tenimenti Angelini Vigna Spuntali 2004 DOCG Brunello de Montalcino, Tuscany Italy:  Earthy, dusty, dried cherry aromas simply sing, and the palate comes alive with layers of dark fruits accented with tobacco spice and loamy earth.  Deep, complex and full bodied with gorgeous acidity and amply structured firm tannins suggesting many years of enjoyment ahead.   SRP:  ~$79

Russian Hill Estate Winery 2011 Viognier:  Aromas of a fresh floral bouquet waft from the glass and make way for ripe pineapple, juicy melon, and a splash of lime saturating the palate.  An easy to quaff sipper that is well balanced and delicately structured with an elegant, silky finish.  SRP:  $28

Russian Hill Estate Winery 2009 Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California:    Alluring aromas of red cherries, berries and baking spices rise from the glass and broaden fully in the mouth.  Cherry cola, blueberry and earthy notes chime in adding complexity on the mid to back palate.  Lush, focused and pure with vibrant acidity counter balancing the delicious mouthwatering fruit, finishing with verve.    SRP:  $40Patz & Hall 2010 Hudson Chardonnay, Carneros, California:  Minerally notes capture the senses and expand fully on the palate with layers of Asian pears, Honey Crisp apples, fresh herbs, a touch of butter, and deftly handled oak notes weaving throughout.  Impeccably balanced, precise and polished with bright acidity and a creamy texture.  The satisfying aftertaste lingers long after the final sip.  SRP: $55Gros Freres et Sobur 2009 Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Blanc, Burgundy France:  This 100% chardonnay boasts minerality galore on the nose, and flinty, minerally notes join a round mouthful of ripe tree fruit flavors, citrus and a touch of spice generously gliding across the palate.  Elegant, soft and easy to quaff.    SRP: $~13Chateau Larruau 2007 Margaux, Medoc, Bordeaux, France:  Inviting aromatics draw you into the glass where the dusty, earthy Bordeaux character takes hold with gusto.   Distinctive and true to its old world roots with tobacco, spice and espresso notes highlighting the nice yet subdued fruit at the core. A smooth, balanced, well made wine.  SRP:  ~$30