Gems in My Glass . . . October 2009

Lavender Ridge 2008 Grenache, Sierra Foothills:   A brilliant hue captures the eye and expressive raspberry aromas with savory, toasty accents wow the nose. At first sip bright, fresh raspberries and cranberries unfold with underlying crushed pink peppercorn notes, and stay focused and juicy through the palate to the silky, pleasing finish. A perfect wine for your Thanksgiving table!Lavender Ridge 2007 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills:  A dark purple elixir that enthralls the senses with its aromas of dark concentrated blackberry and smoke tinged oak notes commanding full attention.  One it hits your palate, you're immersed into a powerhouse of a wine. This Petite Sirah is full bodied and tightly woven with brambly boysenberry and huckleberry fruit, tart black plums and sweet spice at the core.  The dense fruit and good level of acidity handsomely balance the firmly structured tannins.Adelsheim 2007 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley:  Enticing earthy, wild cherry aromas transition to the palate elegantly and keep you wanting more.  Well balanced with a silky texture and good depth of flavors.  Layers of earth, mushroom, dried cherry and allspice unravel delicately and deliciously, and the finish persists forever. Flora Springs 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley:  Dark berry and violets fill the nose and lead to a rich mouthful of cherry, berry and cassis marrying well with a nice dose of tobacco.  Beautifully structured tannins and nice oak integration suggest good ageability; but quite approachable now.Dehlinger 2001 Octagon Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley:  Enticing earthy truffle accented aromas draw you in; and the essence of forest floor, dried cherry and herbs are appealingly layered on the palate.  The subdued fruit, subtle oak and elegant structure lend a Burgundian flair to this stunning RRV Pinot Noir.Roessler 2006 Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley:   A stylish, nicely balanced Pinot Noir that opens with wild cherries and a pleasing earthiness and expands on the palate with layers of spice, vanilla accents, wild berry and cherry flavors that all meld delectably through the memorable finish.Barterra 2005 Merlot, Russian River Valley:  Bright juicy fruit, toasty oak and vanilla bean aromas fill the nose and lead to a palate chock full of fresh blueberries, sweet red cherries and pie crust notes.   Nicely structured with silky tannins and a finish that is long and smooth.Barterra 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley:  Attractive oak notes and peppercorn spice rise from the glass and remain focused on the palate with cassis, dark berry and supple leather melding together harmoniously.  Full bodied with a rich texture and firm tannins.  Approachable now, and should develop beautifully in the bottle for years to come. Barterra 2006 Blanc de Noir, Carneros - Napa:  Gorgeous yeasty aromatics draw you in and fresh strawberry, citrus and juicy apple flavors with a hint of ginger unfold refreshingly on the palate.    This impressive well-crafted sparkling wine with its good spine of acidity is impeccably balanced and keeps you captivated through the dazzling finish. Arcadian 2006 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills:   Alluring earthy, anise filled aromas showcase the dense fruit, heady spice, dark cherry and truffle notes that explode lusciously upon entry.  Smoky oak and tobacco accents kick in mid palate and linger on the finish.  Here's rich, decadent Pinot Noir with plenty of depth and complexity.