Gems in My Glass . . . February 2014
Sbragia Family Winery 2009 Home Ranch Chardonnay; Dry Creek Valley, California: Aged in 50% new and 50% used French oak, this inviting, rich chardonnay showcases fresh stone fruit and spicy aromas which lead to flavors of tree ripened white peaches and fig compote upon entry. Expansive, balanced and full bodied on the palate with vanilla spice and butterscotch highlights joining the decadent fruit at the core. This gem finishes beautifully with good length and pretty, well integrated oak notes. SRP: $28 www.sbragia.comSbragia Family Winery 2011 Gino's Zinfandel; Dry Creek Valley, California: Whoa! Hold on for a scrumptious fruit focused, spice laden mouthful of pure goodness in the glass. Here is a stylish Zin boasting earthy, spicy elements interlacing with bright raspberry, black cherry and blackberry flavors that drench the palate lavishly. Candied berry and vanilla notes chime in on the succulent, satisfying finish; more please! SRP: $28 www.sbragia.comSbragia Family Winery 2009 Home Ranch Merlot; Dry Creek Valley, California: A touch of Cab Franc (5%) was blended into this delectable Merlot that is chock full of blueberries, plums and spice. Nicely weighted and structured with floral notes joining the savory spice-accented fruit that richly fills the mouth. The balance is precise and the vibrant acidity really enlivens the palate. Deliciously pure with well integrated tannins and a finish that is long and memorable, a very classy wine. SRP: $28 www.sbragia.comLa Folia 2011 Sangiovese; Sierra Foothills, California: Inviting aromas of red fruit, cedar and floral notes greet the nose. The entry is juicy with its bright red cherry, strawberry, and cranberry flavors accented by a sprinkling of dried herbs. The enticing flavors broaden further on the mid palate, interweaving with subtle vanilla and oak notes. This wine is streamlined and pure with a graceful sway about it; finishing bright and clean. A very impressive new world Sangiovese. SRP: $32 www.lafoliawine.comCarol Shelton 2011 Wild Thing Old Vine Zinfandel; Mendocino, California: This aptly named Zinfandel is a delectable blend of 77% Old Vine Zin, 9% Old Vine Carignane, 8% Primitivo, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 2% Syrah, 1% Barbera and 1% Petite Sirah that will knock your socks off! Concentrated flavors of brambleberry, blackberry and blueberry interweave through the palate with allspice and vanilla bean notes that keep delivering through the persistent lip-smacking finish. SRP: $19 www.carolshelton.comDeLorimier Winery 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve; Smith Orchard, Dry Creek Valley, California: Enticing dark fruit aromas rise from the glass with this complex Cab Sauv that was aged 30 months in French oak. Expanding broadly on the palate are layers of cassis, blueberry, licorice, earthy, forresty notes and subtle oak overtones that meld together in harmony. Precisely balanced with velvety tannins, this wine drinks well now and also promises ageworthiness. SRP: $30 www.delorimierwinery.comPeche Merle Winery 2010 Cuccio Vineyard Zinfandel; Dry Creek Valley, California; That classic Dry Creek Valley spiciness oozes out of the glass before you even get the wine to your lips, simply devine. The juicy boysenberries and black cherries at the core are accented deliciously by the alluring spice elements, and subtle, well placed oak notes add another dimension. A nicely crafted Zin that is enchanting from the tantalizing first taste to the long, lingering finish. SRP: $29 www.pechmerlewinery.comLavender Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2013 Grenache Rose; Sierra Foothills, California: The brilliant hue of this sassy Grenache Rose dazzles the eye, and as the glass approaches your nose the gloriously expressive aromatic will have you fully captivated before your first sip! Fresh strawberry, raspberry and ripe watermelon flavors with a hint of spice interlace gracefully on the palate and the acidity keeps it vibrant and impeccably balanced, wow. SRP: $16 www.lavenderridgevineyard.com
