winemaker's notes:
The myriad of dark fruit and floral notes in this Pinot Noir come from the cool, windy Los Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the southern reaches of Napa Valley. Satsuma plum, blackberry, red rose and violet notes weave through the enticing aromas, mingled with warm nuances of vanilla and toasted oak from barrel aging. Silky, elegant flavors echo the aromas, adding blueberry and plum to the rich fruit complexity.
You'll find this wine's lush flavors, bright acidity and fine tannins are perfectly balanced to complement a broad range of foods, from grilled salmon and chicken, to lamb and wild mushrooms. - 06/27/2009
winemaker's notes:
The myriad of dark fruit and floral notes in this Pinot Noir come from the cool, windy Los Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the southern reaches of Napa Valley. Satsuma plum, blackberry, red rose and violet notes weave through the enticing aromas, mingled with warm nuances of vanilla and toasted oak from barrel aging. Silky, elegant flavors echo the aromas, adding blueberry and plum to the rich fruit complexity.
You'll find this wine's lush flavors, bright acidity and fine tannins are perfectly balanced to complement a broad range of foods, from grilled salmon and chicken, to lamb and wild mushrooms. - 06/27/2009
97% Verdejo, 3% Sauvignon Blanc Wine Spectator
Green apple and pear flavors are ripe yet crisp in this silky white. Bright lemon-lime acidity keeps it lively, with floral and beeswax notes that add interest on the finish. Drink now.
Score: 88. Thomas Matthews, October 15, 2008.
Wine Enthusiast
Right off the bat this is an approachable, steady Verdejo. The nose shows that total blend of white fruits and citrus, while the palate is composed and fresh. Flavors of grapefruit and fresh greens are appropriate, while the finish is clean and zesty.
Score: 87. Michael Schachner, February 01, 2009. - 06/24/2009
Wine Spectator
Green apple and pear flavors are ripe yet crisp in this silky white. Bright lemon-lime acidity keeps it lively, with floral and beeswax notes that add interest on the finish. Drink now.
Score: 88. Thomas Matthews, October 15, 2008.
Wine Enthusiast
Right off the bat this is an approachable, steady Verdejo. The nose shows that total blend of white fruits and citrus, while the palate is composed and fresh. Flavors of grapefruit and fresh greens are appropriate, while the finish is clean and zesty.
Score: 87. Michael Schachner, February 01, 2009. - 06/24/2009
Floral, honeyed aroma with hints of apricot, pear and allspice. Rich and full-flavored fruit on the palate is balanced by clean, crisp acidity. - 06/20/2009
Floral, honeyed aroma with hints of apricot, pear and allspice. Rich and full-flavored fruit on the palate is balanced by clean, crisp acidity. - 06/20/2009
Lukas http://dynamitevineyards.com/ Wine Tasting Notes
On the nose, the Merlot shows aromas of black cherry, blueberry, currant and toast. Flavors of dark fruits and cherries are accompanied by hints of dark chocolate and vanilla. Medium on the palate, this Merlot has light, ripe tannins and a long finish. Perfect with leg of lamb, steak and rich stews, this wine also pairs well with richer pasta dishes. - 06/19/2009
Wine Tasting Notes
On the nose, the Merlot shows aromas of black cherry, blueberry, currant and toast. Flavors of dark fruits and cherries are accompanied by hints of dark chocolate and vanilla. Medium on the palate, this Merlot has light, ripe tannins and a long finish. Perfect with leg of lamb, steak and rich stews, this wine also pairs well with richer pasta dishes. - 06/19/2009
purchased on trip to CA, Fall 2008 Blend
88% Cabernet
12% Merlot
HISTORY
Perched at over 1200 feet, the Alden Vineyard is a unique environment to grow wine. At this elevation, Spring comes later,
cooler and longer, naturally limiting berry growth size. The resulting smaller berries affect the overall skin to juice ratio in a
manner that potentially makes for deep colors, powerful structure and tremendous concentration of fruit flavors. The challenge, however, is getting the grapes mature before the late season rains. Fortunately elevation comes through a second time, yet in a different way. When Autumn’s longer nights fills the valley with moist, cool air and fog, the higher Alden Vineyard stays above an inversion layer, remaining quite warm throughout the night, allowing for the ongoing enzymatic activity that ultimately matures the crop.
IN THE VINEYARDS
The 2005 vintage began with a rather late bud break during an unseasonably cool and wet spring. Record May rains luckily
came well before bloom for this vineyard, and an average to cool summer further contributed to a harvest about three weeks
later than normal. Fortunately harvest conditions were rain free with ideal temperatures typical of Alden, and we finished harvesting by the 10th of November.
TASTING NOTES
Forward dark berry flavors with accents of chocolate, earth and bold, spicy oak give
this powerful wine a lot to offer for near term enjoyment, but classic mountain fruit
structure will provide the patient with plenty of reward over the next 5 to 10 years. At 1,200 feet elevation, spring comes later and autumn’s longer nights remain quite warm, allowing for the ongoing enzymatic activity that ultimately matures the crop. - 06/15/2009
HISTORY
Perched at over 1200 feet, the Alden Vineyard is a unique environment to grow wine. At this elevation, Spring comes later,
cooler and longer, naturally limiting berry growth size. The resulting smaller berries affect the overall skin to juice ratio in a
manner that potentially makes for deep colors, powerful structure and tremendous concentration of fruit flavors. The challenge, however, is getting the grapes mature before the late season rains. Fortunately elevation comes through a second time, yet in a different way. When Autumn’s longer nights fills the valley with moist, cool air and fog, the higher Alden Vineyard stays above an inversion layer, remaining quite warm throughout the night, allowing for the ongoing enzymatic activity that ultimately matures the crop.
IN THE VINEYARDS
The 2005 vintage began with a rather late bud break during an unseasonably cool and wet spring. Record May rains luckily
came well before bloom for this vineyard, and an average to cool summer further contributed to a harvest about three weeks
later than normal. Fortunately harvest conditions were rain free with ideal temperatures typical of Alden, and we finished harvesting by the 10th of November.
TASTING NOTES
Forward dark berry flavors with accents of chocolate, earth and bold, spicy oak give
this powerful wine a lot to offer for near term enjoyment, but classic mountain fruit
structure will provide the patient with plenty of reward over the next 5 to 10 years. At 1,200 feet elevation, spring comes later and autumn’s longer nights remain quite warm, allowing for the ongoing enzymatic activity that ultimately matures the crop. - 06/15/2009
http://www.folieadeux.com/mat/red.html winery description: Even if red wine is not your speed, give our Ménage à Trois Red a try. This wine exposes the fresh, ripe, jam-like fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Three saucy grapes make up the blend. Zinfandel adds a juicy character, Merlot mellows and Cabernet adds backbone. Forward, spicy and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect trio. - 06/12/2009
winery description: Even if red wine is not your speed, give our Ménage à Trois Red a try. This wine exposes the fresh, ripe, jam-like fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Three saucy grapes make up the blend. Zinfandel adds a juicy character, Merlot mellows and Cabernet adds backbone. Forward, spicy and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect trio. - 06/12/2009
picked up on trip to California Fall 2008 WOW!! That's the best way to describe this Sauvignon blanc. We hope you get a chance to taste it before it is gone. I only wish I had made more (every winemakers last words on a great wine)!!
These grapes were picked early this harvest and we tried our best to manage the ripeness, even so, we ended with alcohol around 14.32% and the wine is very balanced and EXQUISITE!! We cold fermented this wine very slowly (22 days) to preserve the tropical esters (aromas and flavors) and left the wine on its lees for 6 months before racking. The wine was so well protected by the lees that it had a bright green color similar to the grape juice at pressing!
This Sauvignon blanc has an exuberant floral bouquet bursting with juicy complex fruit. Flavors of tangerine and lemon drops, topped with notes of pineapple, mango and guava. This lovely crisp wine makes a perfect aperitif and is a natural match for seasonal shellfish dishes. - 06/10/2009
WOW!! That's the best way to describe this Sauvignon blanc. We hope you get a chance to taste it before it is gone. I only wish I had made more (every winemakers last words on a great wine)!!
These grapes were picked early this harvest and we tried our best to manage the ripeness, even so, we ended with alcohol around 14.32% and the wine is very balanced and EXQUISITE!! We cold fermented this wine very slowly (22 days) to preserve the tropical esters (aromas and flavors) and left the wine on its lees for 6 months before racking. The wine was so well protected by the lees that it had a bright green color similar to the grape juice at pressing!
This Sauvignon blanc has an exuberant floral bouquet bursting with juicy complex fruit. Flavors of tangerine and lemon drops, topped with notes of pineapple, mango and guava. This lovely crisp wine makes a perfect aperitif and is a natural match for seasonal shellfish dishes. - 06/10/2009
http://www.strykersonoma.com/productinfotabs.aspx?ProductID=1764 Heady aromas of creamy vanilla and dusty dark fruit segue into ripe layered fruit flavors of blackcurrant and wild cherry. The wine's distinctive structure-fragrant nose, deep luscious flavors and seamless tannic finish-make it the ideal companion for roast duck, filet mignon, or pasta Bolognese - 06/09/2009
Heady aromas of creamy vanilla and dusty dark fruit segue into ripe layered fruit flavors of blackcurrant and wild cherry. The wine's distinctive structure-fragrant nose, deep luscious flavors and seamless tannic finish-make it the ideal companion for roast duck, filet mignon, or pasta Bolognese - 06/09/2009
67% Cabernet, 27% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc Normally sells for $45 per bottle but picked up for $20
Chateau Felice is one of five wineries in the Chalk Hill Appellation - the five wineries sit above the rest of the Russian River Valley, on the western bench land slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, separating Sonoma from Napa.
American Celebration Reserve is a classic Left Bank Bordeaux- style blend that is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot & 6% Cabernet Franc (100% Estate Grown Grapes) and spent 22 months in small French Oak barrels. This is drinking great right now (although a little time in a decanter will do it wonders) and has the stuff to be cellared for another 5-7 years. Beautiful aromatics of crushed blackberries, black currants, violets, pencil lead, cedar & mint. The palate is mouthcoating with lush flavors of black cherry, red plum, currant and wild berry cobbler. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with an elegant tannin structure and flavors of chocolate, mint, espresso & vanilla on the finish that seems to hang around for 2-3 minutes. I am telling you this is one of the best buys we have seen; it is a stunning example of mountain grown Cabernet softened by Merlot & highlighted aromatically by Cab Franc. - 06/09/2009
Normally sells for $45 per bottle but picked up for $20
Chateau Felice is one of five wineries in the Chalk Hill Appellation - the five wineries sit above the rest of the Russian River Valley, on the western bench land slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, separating Sonoma from Napa.
American Celebration Reserve is a classic Left Bank Bordeaux- style blend that is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot & 6% Cabernet Franc (100% Estate Grown Grapes) and spent 22 months in small French Oak barrels. This is drinking great right now (although a little time in a decanter will do it wonders) and has the stuff to be cellared for another 5-7 years. Beautiful aromatics of crushed blackberries, black currants, violets, pencil lead, cedar & mint. The palate is mouthcoating with lush flavors of black cherry, red plum, currant and wild berry cobbler. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with an elegant tannin structure and flavors of chocolate, mint, espresso & vanilla on the finish that seems to hang around for 2-3 minutes. I am telling you this is one of the best buys we have seen; it is a stunning example of mountain grown Cabernet softened by Merlot & highlighted aromatically by Cab Franc. - 06/09/2009
http://www.markhamvineyards.com/ winemaker's notes:
Make room in your cellar for this monster! The opaque, inky color lets you know at first pour that this wine is no weakling. Heavy aromas of vanilla, cassis and cola will intoxicate, while layers of orange zest and menthol come and go. Big, but balanced. Ripe and full bodied on the palate with dense black fruit.
Tempting to enjoy now with a big steak, rewards will abound with additional cellar age. The chalky tannin finish will continue to evolve and marry with the black cherry, anise and smoky mineral notes. - 06/09/2009
winemaker's notes:
Make room in your cellar for this monster! The opaque, inky color lets you know at first pour that this wine is no weakling. Heavy aromas of vanilla, cassis and cola will intoxicate, while layers of orange zest and menthol come and go. Big, but balanced. Ripe and full bodied on the palate with dense black fruit.
Tempting to enjoy now with a big steak, rewards will abound with additional cellar age. The chalky tannin finish will continue to evolve and marry with the black cherry, anise and smoky mineral notes. - 06/09/2009
http://angoves.com/products/display.html?wine=USNIVI_SHVI VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING:
The grapes for this wine were sourced from Angove's Nanya vineyard and carefully selected growers in the Riverland and Southern Flinders regions of South Australia.
The Shiraz was specially chosen to have complementary flavours to the Viognier by showing spicier characters than usual.
2007 will be a vintage that will be remembered for many years. Continuing drought and water restrictions lead to heavy frosts and bud damage pre flowering. This reduced eventual yields in many areas by up to 50%. These grapes ripened very early with intense flavours and small berries.
Red Shiraz and White Viognier grapes were crushed together in rotary fermenters and then inoculated with yeast. We believe the co-fermentation of these two grapes is the key to the success of this delicious wine.
WINEMAKERS' NOTES:
Brooding red with purple hues this medium bodied wine is bursting with aromas of spicy black pepper with apricot notes.
On the palate the wine is like a rich fruit cake with flavours that linger and a long smooth finish.
Angove's Nine Vines Shiraz Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed lifestyle and is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes from grilled or roasted white meats to pan fried, roasted or barbecued red meats, pasta dishes and cheeses. - 06/05/2009
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING:
The grapes for this wine were sourced from Angove's Nanya vineyard and carefully selected growers in the Riverland and Southern Flinders regions of South Australia.
The Shiraz was specially chosen to have complementary flavours to the Viognier by showing spicier characters than usual.
2007 will be a vintage that will be remembered for many years. Continuing drought and water restrictions lead to heavy frosts and bud damage pre flowering. This reduced eventual yields in many areas by up to 50%. These grapes ripened very early with intense flavours and small berries.
Red Shiraz and White Viognier grapes were crushed together in rotary fermenters and then inoculated with yeast. We believe the co-fermentation of these two grapes is the key to the success of this delicious wine.
WINEMAKERS' NOTES:
Brooding red with purple hues this medium bodied wine is bursting with aromas of spicy black pepper with apricot notes.
On the palate the wine is like a rich fruit cake with flavours that linger and a long smooth finish.
Angove's Nine Vines Shiraz Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed lifestyle and is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes from grilled or roasted white meats to pan fried, roasted or barbecued red meats, pasta dishes and cheeses. - 06/05/2009
97% Cabernet Sauvignon
3% Cabernet Franc Our 2005 Dynamite Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon shows luscious blackberry, cassis, chocolate and cedar character from high-elevation vineyards in the Red Hills Lake County appellation. Fine grained tannins and balanced acidity gently structure the wine, while barrel aging adds toffee and oak spice nuances to the long, fruity finish. Enjoy this wine’s rich, velvety flavors with full-flavored entrées, such as lamb brochettes with garlic rosemary potatoes, marinated flank steak grilled over grape canes or hearty stew simmered with red wine.
We destemmed and lightly crushed the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and then fermented the must (juice and skins) with selected yeast in stainless steel tanks. After pressing, the wine completed malolactic fermentation to convert the malic acid into rounder, softer lactic acid. We then aged the wine in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 18 months. A splash of Cabernet Franc enhances the wine’s backbone.
ABOUT THE VINEYARDS
We harvested the grapes for our Dynamite Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon entirely from vines rooted in the red volcanic soils above 1200-foot elevation in the Red Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) of Lake County. The warm days and cool nights of this region foster grapes with an excellent balance of ripeness and acidity. The lean volcanic soils force the vines to struggle, producing compact canopies (shoots and leaves) with small, concentrated clusters. The Red Hills AVA, at the foot of the ancient volcano Mount Konocti, has well-drained, reddish soils that sparkle with black obsidian and diamond-like quartz. Our label depicts a Pomo Indian legend surrounding these glistening “moon tears.”
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
The 2005 vintage provided long hangtime for notably rich Cabernet Sauvignon character with balanced acidity. Heavy winter rains during vine dormancy gave way to a dry, mild March. Significant rains returned in April and May, delaying bloom but not affecting berry set. Summer temperatures were desirably mild, with few heat spikes. September’s fog and cool temperatures slowed sugar accumulation, and then perfect Indian summer conditions arrived in October for a late harvest. - 05/26/2009
Our 2005 Dynamite Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon shows luscious blackberry, cassis, chocolate and cedar character from high-elevation vineyards in the Red Hills Lake County appellation. Fine grained tannins and balanced acidity gently structure the wine, while barrel aging adds toffee and oak spice nuances to the long, fruity finish. Enjoy this wine’s rich, velvety flavors with full-flavored entrées, such as lamb brochettes with garlic rosemary potatoes, marinated flank steak grilled over grape canes or hearty stew simmered with red wine.
We destemmed and lightly crushed the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and then fermented the must (juice and skins) with selected yeast in stainless steel tanks. After pressing, the wine completed malolactic fermentation to convert the malic acid into rounder, softer lactic acid. We then aged the wine in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 18 months. A splash of Cabernet Franc enhances the wine’s backbone.
ABOUT THE VINEYARDS
We harvested the grapes for our Dynamite Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon entirely from vines rooted in the red volcanic soils above 1200-foot elevation in the Red Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) of Lake County. The warm days and cool nights of this region foster grapes with an excellent balance of ripeness and acidity. The lean volcanic soils force the vines to struggle, producing compact canopies (shoots and leaves) with small, concentrated clusters. The Red Hills AVA, at the foot of the ancient volcano Mount Konocti, has well-drained, reddish soils that sparkle with black obsidian and diamond-like quartz. Our label depicts a Pomo Indian legend surrounding these glistening “moon tears.”
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
The 2005 vintage provided long hangtime for notably rich Cabernet Sauvignon character with balanced acidity. Heavy winter rains during vine dormancy gave way to a dry, mild March. Significant rains returned in April and May, delaying bloom but not affecting berry set. Summer temperatures were desirably mild, with few heat spikes. September’s fog and cool temperatures slowed sugar accumulation, and then perfect Indian summer conditions arrived in October for a late harvest. - 05/26/2009
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