By spotlighting the best known varietal wines from premium growing regions, this Zinfandel is a geographical example of the synergy between variety, soil, and microclimate in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. This medium bodied wine has a vibrant, rich color. Crisp raspberry, warm Bing cherry and toffee, and dusty aromas reflect the famous red soils of the benchland and ridgetops of the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. Maturation: Eighty eight percent of wine was aged for fourteen months in small oak barrels. - 07/19/2008
By spotlighting the best known varietal wines from premium growing regions, this Zinfandel is a geographical example of the synergy between variety, soil, and microclimate in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. This medium bodied wine has a vibrant, rich color. Crisp raspberry, warm Bing cherry and toffee, and dusty aromas reflect the famous red soils of the benchland and ridgetops of the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. Maturation: Eighty eight percent of wine was aged for fourteen months in small oak barrels. - 07/19/2008
70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc with delicate aromas of dark cherries, herbs and soft earthly undertones, the wine is soft and medium bodied on the palate. The spicy, earthy tones give background to the flavors of dark fruit. A perfect accompaniment to flavorful pastas and meat dishes. - 07/18/2008
a bit on the young side. needed some more aging and to be decanted - 07/19/2008
70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes & Comments
with delicate aromas of dark cherries, herbs and soft earthly undertones, the wine is soft and medium bodied on the palate. The spicy, earthy tones give background to the flavors of dark fruit. A perfect accompaniment to flavorful pastas and meat dishes. - 07/18/2008
a bit on the young side. needed some more aging and to be decanted - 07/19/2008
Cellar Rat 2/08 Grapes:
Negroamaro 40% - Primitivo 30% - Cabernet Sauvignon 30%. Selections from our estates Masseria Maime at S. Pietro Vernotico and Bocca di Lupo at Minervino Murge.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Vinification:
The grapes are picked at the right state of ripeness and made into wine separately in thermo-conditioned stainless steel tanks . The maceration, carried out at a temperature not higher than 28°C, is prolonged for 8-12 days. The malolactic fermentations are completed by the beginning of winter. Afterwards, there is a further refinement period in steel tanks (about 15 months) and in bottles (at least 4 months).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alcohol level:
13% vol
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tasting notes:
Colour: Intense Ruby Red.
Scent: red Fruits, black-cherry with light spicy notes of liquorice.
Grapes:
Negroamaro 40% - Primitivo 30% - Cabernet Sauvignon 30%. Selections from our estates Masseria Maime at S. Pietro Vernotico and Bocca di Lupo at Minervino Murge.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Vinification:
The grapes are picked at the right state of ripeness and made into wine separately in thermo-conditioned stainless steel tanks . The maceration, carried out at a temperature not higher than 28°C, is prolonged for 8-12 days. The malolactic fermentations are completed by the beginning of winter. Afterwards, there is a further refinement period in steel tanks (about 15 months) and in bottles (at least 4 months).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alcohol level:
13% vol
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tasting notes:
Colour: Intense Ruby Red.
Scent: red Fruits, black-cherry with light spicy notes of liquorice.
http://www.harasdepirque.com
Cellar Rat May 2008 Whole bunch pressed to preserve delicate aromas. The juice is half fermented in French oak barrels. 33% new and the balance in stainless steel. Aged in oak barriques for 6 months on the fine lees, which contribute to the creamy texture and lightly nutty flavors. Vanilla, peach, citrus in nose. Full mouth feel. A lovely, balanced big wine.
Soft and forward, with apple, apricot and piecrust notes followed by a dash of butter on the finish. Drink now - 07/10/2008
Color :
Golden yellow, with greenish hue
Flavor :
Rich, intriguing nose with some herb-citrus notes. Marvelous grapefruit in mouth feel. Ripe, nutty, full flavored palate shows lots of fruit character. Very tasty - 07/10/2008
Whole bunch pressed to preserve delicate aromas. The juice is half fermented in French oak barrels. 33% new and the balance in stainless steel. Aged in oak barriques for 6 months on the fine lees, which contribute to the creamy texture and lightly nutty flavors. Vanilla, peach, citrus in nose. Full mouth feel. A lovely, balanced big wine.
Soft and forward, with apple, apricot and piecrust notes followed by a dash of butter on the finish. Drink now - 07/10/2008
Color :
Golden yellow, with greenish hue
Flavor :
Rich, intriguing nose with some herb-citrus notes. Marvelous grapefruit in mouth feel. Ripe, nutty, full flavored palate shows lots of fruit character. Very tasty - 07/10/2008
http://www.domaine-solitude.com/english A Chateauneuf-du-Pape embodies all the force of a symphony. From each sip radiates the most beautiful tones. The three 'key' vines, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvdre are the dominant influences from which the wine draws its strength, its smoothness, its color and its robust character. Next, uncommon notes and new chords are brought out by the other grape varieties. As 'minor' tones intertwine, they create a hint of variation, completing the harmony with soft and subtle undertones.
A thick textured, ripe and full-bodied wine with smooth and integrated tannins, delivering mineral, black fruits, mocha expresso and some smoke without over toasted oak. This an impressive wine showing great balance while the ripe fruit and spicy character culminate in a wonderfully long finish. - 07/09/2008
A Chateauneuf-du-Pape embodies all the force of a symphony. From each sip radiates the most beautiful tones. The three 'key' vines, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvdre are the dominant influences from which the wine draws its strength, its smoothness, its color and its robust character. Next, uncommon notes and new chords are brought out by the other grape varieties. As 'minor' tones intertwine, they create a hint of variation, completing the harmony with soft and subtle undertones.
A thick textured, ripe and full-bodied wine with smooth and integrated tannins, delivering mineral, black fruits, mocha expresso and some smoke without over toasted oak. This an impressive wine showing great balance while the ripe fruit and spicy character culminate in a wonderfully long finish. - 07/09/2008
Cellar Rat - was featured at wine tasting in May 2008. large amount of sediment. very earthy .
Vilosell 2004 Costers del Segre Red Wine is a blend of 50 percent Tempranillo ("Ull de Llebre" in Catalan), 26 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Merlot, 9 percent Grenache "Garnatxa") and 5 percent Syrah. It's fermented in tanks but then sees nine months in French oak. This Catalan red from wine maker Tomás Cusiné is made in the relatively new wine region Costers del Segre in Northeeastern Spain not far from Priorat. It's a very dark reddish-purple color with a garnet edge. Plum and black cherries add a hint of barnyard and a whiff of oak in a complex aroma. Fruit-forward flavors blend cherry cordial and sharp acidity, with more subtle earthy minerality, restrained oaky vanilla and perceptible tannins in the background. Warm and long, it seems a little more alcoholic than the advertised 13%, and it leaves a bit of gritty sediment in the bottom of the glass and bottle. US Importer: European Cellars LLC, Charlotte, N.C.; an Eric Solomon Selection. (Nov 14, 2006)
FOOD MATCH: This robust red would go well with red meat or sharp cheese; its blend of fruit and earth with good acidity made it a fine match with a golden chanterelle risotto with pancetta and prosciutto. - 07/09/2008
Cellar Rat - was featured at wine tasting in May 2008. large amount of sediment. very earthy .
Vilosell 2004 Costers del Segre Red Wine is a blend of 50 percent Tempranillo ("Ull de Llebre" in Catalan), 26 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Merlot, 9 percent Grenache "Garnatxa") and 5 percent Syrah. It's fermented in tanks but then sees nine months in French oak.
Tasting Notes & Comments
This Catalan red from wine maker Tomás Cusiné is made in the relatively new wine region Costers del Segre in Northeeastern Spain not far from Priorat. It's a very dark reddish-purple color with a garnet edge. Plum and black cherries add a hint of barnyard and a whiff of oak in a complex aroma. Fruit-forward flavors blend cherry cordial and sharp acidity, with more subtle earthy minerality, restrained oaky vanilla and perceptible tannins in the background. Warm and long, it seems a little more alcoholic than the advertised 13%, and it leaves a bit of gritty sediment in the bottom of the glass and bottle. US Importer: European Cellars LLC, Charlotte, N.C.; an Eric Solomon Selection. (Nov 14, 2006)
FOOD MATCH: This robust red would go well with red meat or sharp cheese; its blend of fruit and earth with good acidity made it a fine match with a golden chanterelle risotto with pancetta and prosciutto. - 07/09/2008
Cellar Rat 04/2008 This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was produced with single vineyards grapes from Finca Libertad. It is a young, fresh and elegant wine.
Color: Purple & ruby red. The purple hints show it is a young and elegant wine.
Taste: It is very pleasant and refreshing in the mouth. Once again red fruits appear and sweet tannins can be discovered. It combines perfectly with cheese and it is perfect accompaniment with many meat dishes. - 07/08/2008
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was produced with single vineyards grapes from Finca Libertad. It is a young, fresh and elegant wine.
Color: Purple & ruby red. The purple hints show it is a young and elegant wine.
Taste: It is very pleasant and refreshing in the mouth. Once again red fruits appear and sweet tannins can be discovered. It combines perfectly with cheese and it is perfect accompaniment with many meat dishes. - 07/08/2008
An excellent wine that probably travels somewhat under the radar is Domaine de laSolitude’s inexpensive Cotes du Rhone, wine made from mostly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvedre. It is especially strong in 2005 with crunchy black cherry and raspberry fruit intermixed with some herbs, pepper, and garrigue. Spicy, round, and easy to appreciate, it should be drunk over the next several years.
An excellent wine that probably travels somewhat under the radar is Domaine de laSolitude’s inexpensive Cotes du Rhone, wine made from mostly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvedre. It is especially strong in 2005 with crunchy black cherry and raspberry fruit intermixed with some herbs, pepper, and garrigue. Spicy, round, and easy to appreciate, it should be drunk over the next several years.
This pale golden wine is light and elegant, with a rich, fruity bouquet and taste that is beautifully balanced between sweetness and acidity. Low in alcohol and slightly fizzy, it is delicious and very easy to drink. It serves as a superb accompaniment to desserts, and, since it is low in alcohol, is also an excellent aperitif. - 07/06/2008
This pale golden wine is light and elegant, with a rich, fruity bouquet and taste that is beautifully balanced between sweetness and acidity. Low in alcohol and slightly fizzy, it is delicious and very easy to drink. It serves as a superb accompaniment to desserts, and, since it is low in alcohol, is also an excellent aperitif. - 07/06/2008
Solid, with ripe plum and cassis flavors, backed by a layer of vanilla and mocha toast. Slightly firm, but with good weight and length. Drink now.
Match: Beef and summer BBQ On the nose, red fruits (plum and blackberry) dominate with hints of chocolate and toasted coffee notes. On the palate, it is confirmed the fruit interweaved with toffee notes, the tannins appear mature, giving a good structure, balance and roundness. - 07/04/2008
Solid, with ripe plum and cassis flavors, backed by a layer of vanilla and mocha toast. Slightly firm, but with good weight and length. Drink now.
Match: Beef and summer BBQ
Tasting Notes & Comments
On the nose, red fruits (plum and blackberry) dominate with hints of chocolate and toasted coffee notes. On the palate, it is confirmed the fruit interweaved with toffee notes, the tannins appear mature, giving a good structure, balance and roundness. - 07/04/2008
winemaker's notes:
Archipel is the French word for Archipelago, an string of islands rising above the sea, and that meaning is carried over to the sourcing of fruit for the new Archipel wine, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. For this limited production wine, world acclaimed winemaker Pierre Seillan selected only those mountain peak vineyards in Napa and Sonoma that, on a foggy morning, sit above the clouds like a archipelago island sits upon the misty sea.
This wine is the essence of California Mountain fruit expressed with French undertones, epitomizing modern sophistication, both in it’s mountain structure supporting a vibrant fruit profile, as well as it’s contemporary image which appeals to those intrigued by unique wines and progressive thinking. Vibrant black fruit with floral and spice notes. Rich, round, and full bodied.
winemaker's notes:
Archipel is the French word for Archipelago, an string of islands rising above the sea, and that meaning is carried over to the sourcing of fruit for the new Archipel wine, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. For this limited production wine, world acclaimed winemaker Pierre Seillan selected only those mountain peak vineyards in Napa and Sonoma that, on a foggy morning, sit above the clouds like a archipelago island sits upon the misty sea.
This wine is the essence of California Mountain fruit expressed with French undertones, epitomizing modern sophistication, both in it’s mountain structure supporting a vibrant fruit profile, as well as it’s contemporary image which appeals to those intrigued by unique wines and progressive thinking. Vibrant black fruit with floral and spice notes. Rich, round, and full bodied.
Cellar Rat Wine Merchants co-branded. Wine of the month June, 2008, along with the CR Pinot Noir The nose is dominated by gobs of tart cherry fruit with layers of tobacco, leather and smoke showing up in the background. The mouth feel is silky and carries the red and blue fruits through the finish where the tobacco and leather push through. The wine evolves in the glass and opens up with warm scents of savory spices and faint white pepper - 06/20/2008
Cellar Rat Wine Merchants co-branded. Wine of the month June, 2008, along with the CR Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes & Comments
The nose is dominated by gobs of tart cherry fruit with layers of tobacco, leather and smoke showing up in the background. The mouth feel is silky and carries the red and blue fruits through the finish where the tobacco and leather push through. The wine evolves in the glass and opens up with warm scents of savory spices and faint white pepper - 06/20/2008
Cellar Rate Wine Merchants co-branded. Nunes Vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley Appellation of Sonoma County near Windsor. Beautifully layered aromatics that display the intensity and warmth of the 2005 vintage. Dense red fruits are followed by wood smoke and a cinnamon-clove like spiciness. The palate is texturally balanced and finished with a touch of sweet blackberry. - 06/20/2008
Cellar Rate Wine Merchants co-branded. Nunes Vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley Appellation of Sonoma County near Windsor.
Tasting Notes & Comments
Beautifully layered aromatics that display the intensity and warmth of the 2005 vintage. Dense red fruits are followed by wood smoke and a cinnamon-clove like spiciness. The palate is texturally balanced and finished with a touch of sweet blackberry. - 06/20/2008
Export Spreadsheet
View Plain Text
Print Wine Cards
Add Your Message
Log in to comment.