Gems in My Glass . . . May 2013
A new impressive discovery (Pech Merle Winery) and revisiting one fourteen years after my first visit (Jarvis Winery) - both captured my attention and charmed my senses recently:Pech Merle 2010 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley: Forest floor scents mesh with floral aromas leaving you breathless. Juicy red and black cherry, raspberry and hints of cola are accented by exotic tea spice and a dash of cinnamon simply mesmerizing the palate. Striking acidity sets off the succulent fruit; and the finish persists delectably. Wow, precise, refined and beautifully crafted.Pech Merle 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley: Inviting aromas of eucalyptus and cassis entice the senses. Juicy black cherry and black currant join tobacco spice and a pretty earthiness from first sip. Mouth-filling and nicely balanced with smooth, integrated tannins and a pleasing touch of oak on the long, satisfying finish.Pech Merle 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley: Aromatically inviting with freshly squeezed lemon and inviting herbs lifting from the glass. Grapefruit and fresh melon flavors kick in on entry, titillating the tongue, delightfully pleasing the palate. A thread of minerality and dazzling acidity hold firm throughout. Finishes brightly with a sassy kick of lime zest.Pech Merle 2010 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley: Distinctively earthy with floral and eucalyptus notes that expressively showcase the terroir. At the core dark raspberry and fresh plummy flavors and a touch of spice reign supreme. A nicely balanced Cab Franc that is fresh, bright and easy to quaff.Pech Merle 2010 Merlot, Alexander Valley: Soft and supremely elegant from the tempting freshly baked berry pie aromas to the brown spice tinged blueberry and wild berry fruit flavors that remain persistent on the palate. The lingering aftertaste of marshmallow topped hot cocoa leaves you wanting more; go for it!Pech Merle 2012 Ivy Rose de Syrah; Dry Creek Valley: The gorgeous hue is just the beginning of this enticingly sassy, palate-pleasing dry rose. Scents of roses and a bowlful of fresh strawberries, cranberries and nectarines could not be more inviting. The fruit driven core is accented with a light touch of herbs and zesty acidity, and the wine remains crisp and bright through the beautifully lifted finish.Jarvis 2010 Finch Hollow Chardonnay, Napa Valley: Captivating aromas of brown sugar flecked baked pears really hit the mark. Complex and deep with layers of fresh pears, apples, butterscotch and freshly made almond brittle richly filling the mouth. A custard like creamy texture is dreamy, and well integrated oak notes speak softly on the lingering finish; stunning.Jarvis 2007 Lake William Blend, Napa Valley: Floral aromas grab the senses with this enchanting, deeply hued blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 21% Cab Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Cassis and black plums upon entry entwine seamlessly with graphite and tobacco notes, while the subtle toasty oak remains nicely placed in the background. Rich and firmly structured; this luscious wine is approachable now, yet promises years of further aging potential as well. A brilliantly crafted wine.Jarvis 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley: Earthy, black cherry and cassis notes rise from the glass and remain focused with layers of tobacco, black raspberry, leather and a well-defined sense of minerality unraveling on the palate and blossoming more fully with each sip. The firm backbone of tannins speaks to its depth. Power and elegance join hands gracefully with this full bodied, intense Cabernet with lovely complexity and a finish that goes on forever.
