TOM KLEIN has been elected 2010-2011 Wine Institute Chairman.  Also elected were David Kent of the Wine Group, first vice chairman; Kathleen Heitz Myers of Heitz Wine Cellars, second vice chairman; Chris Fehrnstrom of Constellation Wines U.S., treasurer; and Carolyn Wente of Wente Family Estates, secretary.   Klein is proprietor of Rodney Strong Vineyards and a third-generation California farmer.  He grew up working on the family ranches in all aspects of the farming business.  He earned a political science degree from Stanford University and graduated from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.  While working as a management consultant, he had an assignment with Rodney Strong Vineyards, which eventually led to Klein and his family purchasing Rodney Strong Vineyards in 1989.  An active community philanthropist, Klein is a member of the World Presidents Organization, a board member of the California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC), and a Trustee Emeritus of the California Academy of Sciences.  As Wine Institute Chairman, Klein will continue the emphasis on preventing punitive taxes on wine and advocate against proposals that restrict fair trade.  His work on the CTTC board helped establish the CTTC and Wine Institute partnership promoting California’s programs that attract 20 million visitors to its wine regions.  Klein, whose winery became carbon neutral in 2009, will support Wine Institute’s work to adopt sustainable winegrowing practices and expand trade both in the U.S. and internationally.

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THE INN at DOS BRISAS, a Relais & Châteaux resort in Washington, Texas, appointed hotelier Tim Thuell to manage the 300-acre ranch with the only Forbes 5-Star restaurant in Texas. Thuell’s career includes resorts of the Caribbean, Adirondack north woods, rolling hills of NapaValley and the cliffs of Newport.  Relais & Châteaux International President Jaume Tapies explains, “Managing a Relais & Châteaux is like running a private manor house.  It requires the highest standards of comfort and service, a devoted person who has a perfect understanding of ‘the Art of Living.’  His sense of charm and harmony make clients feel at home.  He has run some of the greatest US country house hotels with great success.”  Bill Harlan, owner of Meadowood Napa Valley Relais & Châteaux resort, worked with Thuell during his tenure there.  “Tim is far more than an extremely competent manager; the value that he added to our property is unquestionable, including grace, cohesion, and personal warmth.  The whole place took on some of his sterling character.”   The Inn at Dos Brisas — Washington, Texas — www.dosbrisas.com — 979.277.7750 

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The Italian Trade Commission will present its 2010 Distinguished Service Award to American food importers and retailers for promoting Italian foods in the United States preceding the opening of "Summer International Fancy Food and Confections Show" in New York.  

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NOVY FAMILY WINES owners and winemakers Adam and Dianna Lee, (also Siduri Pinot Noir owners) released their 2008 Novy Four Mile Creek Red Table Wine – a $9 blend of varietals from top California vineyards. Crafted from barrels not selected for the single vineyard program, Four Mile Creek is produced in vintages where the quality of this residual wine warrants a special bottling.  Only 1325 cases were produced, available through the winery and in select markets nationally.   “Adam and I are devoted to making quality-driven wines that are fairly priced,” said Dianna Novy Lee. “Four Mile Creek is simply an extension of that commitment.   If we can find a way to make a great wine at a great price, we’re going to do it.” Novy Family Wines (1998) is a partnership between Adam and Dianna Novy Lee and Dianna’s Texas-based family, the Novys. With Novy Family Wines, Adam, Dianna have earned a new reputation as Syrah specialists.  Novy also produces Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Grenache.  The winery is open daily by appointment for tasting and tours in Santa Rosa, CA,  95401. 707-578-3882. www.novyfamilywines.com.

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Summer Events in St. Helena, the Heart of the Napa Valley (Please see story below)

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DUTTON-GOLDFIELD is celebrating the opening of its Tasting Room with wine, food, music, and events from 11am to 4pm on July 10 at 3100 Gravenstein Highway North in Sebastipol, $20.  For information, please contact sarah@duttongoldfield.com

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IDAHO Wineries Win 47 awards, Nine Golds: Idaho wineries swept the annual Northwest Wine Summit Competition. The competition extended across the Northwest including wines from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia. With an abundance of wines awarded, the listed  wineries received Gold, Silver, and/or Bronze awards:
· Cinder--"Best of Region"
· Colter's Creek Winery
· Frenchman's Gulch
· Fraser Vineyard
· Hells Canyon Winery--
· Indian Creek Winery
· Koenig Vineyards
· Pend d'Oreille Winery
· Snyder Winery
· Vale Wine Company
· Woodriver Cellars
Northwest Wine Summit is the largest competition in the Northwest, judging over 1,100 wines.  Idaho wines showed exceedingly well, receiving  9 Gold Medals, 17 Silver Medals and 20 Bronze Medals; totaling 47 medals.  The Cinder 2009 Viognier won "Best of Region" wine, the most prominent victory.  Indian Creek Winery won ten awards--two were gold medals, the 2009 Chardonnay and 2009 Viognier by winemaker Mike McClure.  Hells Canyon Winery won 8 medals--its two golds went to the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Merlot.  Other  Gold Medals were awarded to the Cinder 2009 Viognier, Fraser Vineyard 2009 Viognier, Koenig Vineyard 2008 Riesling Ice Wine, Pend d'Orielle Winery 2008 Viognier, and Vale Wine Company 2008 Syrah.  In addition to winning "Best of Region" for Cinder 2009 Viognier, Cinder also won gold for its 2009 Chardonnay, 2009 Rosé of Syrah, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Syrah.  Cinder owners Melanie Krause and Joe Schnerr exclaimed, "We hope to express the beauty of this place and its people through our wine."  One of the pioneer wineries in the industry, Koenig Vineyards in Caldwell, Idaho, was also a big winner.  Six Koenig wines won medals: Koenig 2008 Riesling Ice Wine (gold); silver went to the Koenig 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 Viognier, and the 2007 Syrah "Three Vineyard Cuvee"and bronze to Koenig 2008 Riesling "Sunny Hope Cuvee" and the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.
To view all the winners of the 2010 NorthWest Wine Summit, please visit www.northwestwinesummit.com. info@idahowines.org

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NINER WINE ESTATES Wine Education Series:  This new Paso Robles winery will host educational programs for food and wine enthusiasts.   The five educational programs will be held in NINER’s new Hospitality Center from mid June to mid October 2010.   For information, please see www.ninerwine.com or contact the Niner Wine Estates Tasting Room at (805) 239-2233.

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Head out to FALL CREEK Vineyards for the  “Burgers ‘n Blues” Independence Day Celebration, Saturday, July 3rd, 11:00am – 5:00pm, for a chance to enjoy a pairing of some fine Texas wine, hearty Texas burgers and live Hill Country blues. The event is free, but grilled old fashion burgers with sweet potato fries are available with advance reservation at $15/ adult and $10 for children by calling 325/379-5361 during Tasting Room hours (M-F 11am-4pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun Noon-4pm). The adult menu includes a hearty burger written up as one of the best in the Hill Country with sweet potato fries and all of the fixins', plus a cookie (souvenir wine glass and wine tasting included).  The children’s menu includes a burger, fries and a cookie.  In addition to the wonderful food and wine, guests will also enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyard and winery and the sounds of John Van Vleck's live Hill Country blues.   Wine club members are in for a treat this month with our "Red, White and Blue (bottle)" selections. The White is our Texas Chardonnay with light, delicate flavors and a crisp finish that makes this a perfect wine for summertime sipping. The Red is our Twin Springs Ed's Smooth Red, a Merlot-based blend with the smoothest finish you've ever tasted. And the Blue is the blue-bottled Riesling with a hint of Hill Country peaches in every sip. All three are available at the wine club's 15% discount for only $25.47 (plus s/h and tax). Call Bill at 512.663.9411 if you aren't currently receiving the selections from the wine club and he'll make sure you have these wines in time to enjoy on the 4th.

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CHARDONNAY SYMPOSIUM: This event is the first of its kind.  The Chardonnay Symposium, Saturday, July 31st, 2010, is dedicated to the country's most popular varietal.  In 2009, The Nielsen Company reported that Chardonnay was by far the top selling varietal and according to Western Farm Press in 2006, Chardonnay was the largest acreage wine grape with almost 95,000.   This is a nationally focused event and includes wineries from Napa through Ventura (and even a producer from Washington state).  As this event grows, so to will the number and geographic origin of our participating wineries.      Chardonnay is California’s golden girl. With its delicious swirls of rich fruit and brilliant acidity, the grape not only represents the state’s most widely planted and produced varietal, but also the most popular wine in glasses across the United States.     On Saturday, July 31^st, SMVWINES presents The Chardonnay Symposium, an insightful day of education and exploration designed to enlighten wine consumers, industry professionals, and media on California’s various wine-producing regions and wine making styles and their effects on this versatile Burgundian varietal.      The premier, full-day event begins with morning informational sessions featuring important Chardonnay-specific topics from farming to cutting-edge winemaking practices. Guests may choose from one of two informational sessions. The lineup of speakers, selected from California’s most notable Chardonnay growing regions, includes Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, Brian Talley of Talley Winery, Denise Shurtleff of Cambria Winery, Richard Sanford of Alma Rosa, and Randy Ullom of Kendall-Jackson.      Full-day tickets cost $100 in advance only and include a choice of morning panel discussion, lunch, transportation, admission to the Grand Tasting, a Riedel wine glass, and gift bag. Tickets for the Grand Chardonnay Tasting Event are included in the full-day cost or may be purchased for $45 separately in advance.      Full-day attendees are invited to Byron Winery from 12:00pm to 1:30pm for a gourmet luncheon catered by Testa’s Bistro & Catering, Bello Forno Catering, and The Far Western Tavern. The relaxed environment will provide an ideal time to sip wine and further discuss the nuances of Chardonnay with some of the symposium’s presenters and keynote speakers.     The Grand Chardonnay Tasting takes place from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Tres Hermanas Winery. This expanded tasting will afford guests the opportunity to sample wines from forty wineries, pair them with gourmet foods provided by local restaurants, and savor an array of Chardonnay products.     On Sunday, August 1^st Breakaway Tours and Event Planning offers attendees an additional Chardonnay adventure. Guests are invited to enjoy a vineyard tour or a winery tour to round out their experience.      For more information, including a detailed event schedule, visit www.thechardonnaysymposium.com or email info@thechardonnaysymposium.com. 

NEW RELEASES (quotes are winemakers' comments)

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NAPANOOK is made solely from grapes grown at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, Napa Valley.  The wine is blended from blocks in the vineyard that were carefully selected for their lively fruit, soft tannins and early maturing characteristics.  The NAPANOOK 2007 vintage is vibrant and rich, filled with fresh cranberry, incense and floral aromas, round tannins and exceptional energy. Creamy on the palate, the wine is pure, precise and powerful. This vintage is one of the finest produced to date.  NAPANOOK 2007 ($45) is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot.  This wine is created to be consumed young, and enjoyed with food, but will also age well for more than a decade. Christian Moueix recommends decanting young wines before serving to allow them to reach their full potential.  The 2007 vintage began dry with some very cold days and single-digit nighttime temperatures in early January, and continued dry, with about 60% of normal precipitation through the spring. Temperatures were warmer than normal in April and May with resulting earlier budding, bloom and set. The summer growing season continued on the mild to cool side. There was a brief period of heat that spiked to 103°F on August 29th, but the temperatures cooled after several days. Clusters, as well as individual berries on the clusters were notably small and nicely concentrated in all varieties due to the dry season. 

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KENWOOD VINEYARDS 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County $13: "This Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc represents the 30^th anniversary vintage of a modern classic.  From its advent, Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc captured the grape’s unique tropical fruit and herb character in appealing style, becoming a best seller, and the 2009 continues this winning streak; totally delicious and very versatile, it may be the perfect summer wine."  ¶   "To create a wine of exceptional fruit, depth and balance, grapes come from five different Sonoma County appellations--Carneros and Russian River Valley, Sonoma County’s coolest regions, exhibit herbal character and superb natural acidity; warmer Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley and Alexander Valley appellations showcase citrus, tropical fruit and melon nuances with elegant viscosity."  Ripe, whole-cluster grapes are pressed separately to ferment cold in stainless steel tanks--preserving intrinsic character.  Senior Winemaker Pat Henderson blends selective vineyard lots for Kenwood’s distinctive 'house' style.  ¶  The 2009 Kenwood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc’s fresh lemon, new-mown hay and herb aromas are accented by a hint of papaya. Vibrant flavors of lemon, grapefruit and herb meld with a background note of mineral. Assertive and refreshing on the palate, this beautifully balanced Sauvignon Blanc concludes with a crisp, lingering finish that invites second and third glasses.  Established in 1970 in the Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Vineyards produces premium wines that express the world-class quality and character of Sonoma County vineyards.

KENWOOD VINEYARDS 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, $18; (93% Cabernet, 4% Merlot, 2%, Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec)  13.5% alc. : "While vineyards, vintages, grapes and barrels are the elements that receive most of the credit when a wine is good, one additional element deserves to be recognized: style. Whether defined or not, every wine begins with a style concept that  the winemaker works diligently to achieve.  This Cabernet Sauvignon illustrates how Senior Winemaker Pat Henderson creates it’s characteristic style."   ¶   "Within Kenwood Vineyards’ portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignons, this Sonoma County bottling has the broadest appeal, showcasing rich, robust character in a smooth, easy-to-enjoy style.  The 2007 Sonoma County harvest yielded a small crop of concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and Henderson’s challenge was to tame that intensity.  He selected appellations where Cabernet Sauvignon develops polished texture and 'soft' tannins, primarily Alexander Valley and Sonoma Valley.  Aging in small French and American oak barrels contributed complexity and smoothness.  Lastly, he included small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec in the final blend to gain nuance and balance.  Generous aromas of red currant, plum and pipe tobacco give the 2007 Kenwood Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon immediate appeal.   Fresh red and black currant flavors are complemented by spice complexity.   Forward and supple, this appealing Cabernet culminates in a long, velvety finish."    

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DRY CREEK 2006 Mariner Dry Creek Valley Red Meritage $40: "The 2006 Mariner exudes the qualities of a fine Bordeaux. At first swirl, this wine presents a beautiful mix of bright cherry, chocolate, and cassis elements framed by subtle notes of vanilla bean and coffee. On the palate, this classic blend comes together with fine tannins that support the dense fruit and structure of this full bodied wine. With more airing, hints of rose petal and earthy nuances provide balance, grace, and finesse. A long and memorable finish proves that this delicious young wine will age for at least a decade or more."  (46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot,  5% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc)  Dry Creek Vineyard’s Bordeaux-style blend, The Mariner, vintage 2006, took home Best of Class honors at the 2010 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.    According to Wine Competition Director Robert Whitley, Dry Creek Vineyard continues to produce outstanding wines.  “Dry Creek Vineyard not only took Best Red with its The Mariner Bordeaux-style blend, but also scored an impressive Platinum Award with its 2006 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($25),” said Whitley. “I was far from surprised because Dry Creek Vineyard has been among California’s most consistent quality benchmarks over the past 30 years." 

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BONNY DOON

  2008 Le Cigare Blanc, "Beeswax Vineyard" (57% Roussanne, 43% Grenache Blanc)
This is the sixth vintage of Le Cigare Blanc and derives entirely from the Beeswax Vineyard in the Arroyo Seco, which received its Biodynamic® certification from Demeter in '08. A lovely vineyard, which we’re still learning how to farm. The micro-microclimate the Roussanne experiences vis-à-vis its sun exposure is quite critical to a grape that is as light-sensitive as Marcel Proust.(2) But perhaps the more significant learning: We have been able to move drip irrigation to the centers of the vine rows and this has given us (we think) better root development and possibly more mineral extraction than we've seen in previous vintages. Leaner in structure than the very opulent '07, but possibly a better wine with food. I'd like to see the level of oak calm down just a bit. (70% fermented in bbl. (17% of total volume were new), and 30% in stainless). $22 (1,260 cases)

  2009 Vin Gris de Cigare (83% Grenache, 10% Grenache Blanc, 5% Roussanne, 2% Cinsault)
Demeter certified Biodynamic®. I have a somewhat baroque personality - that is to say I have been known to write, to dress, and to generally live in a slightly ornamented, if not utterly convoluted kind of way. It is for this reason that it has taken me a fair bit of un-learning to really understand white wine. My impulse is to want to build it, to improve it, to give it structure, form. It has been the hardest thing in the world to cede that less truly is more, at least as far as white, or in this instance, pink wine is concerned. We did significantly less skin contact on this wine than ever before - maceration generally confined to no more than two hours, and a substantial percentage of the grapes were simply direct-pressed(3). We were much more clever in our pressing regime, turning our pneumatic press effectively into a basket-press and this resulted in far less phenolic extraction. The wine reminds me a bit of Burgundian Vin Gris or maybe still Champagne; dried flowers, dried strawberries, yeasty, with an elegant cherry top-note. But mostly, it is an exercise in restraint. Still a bit backward; give it a little air. $15 (3,100 cases)

   2007 Central Coast Syrah, "Le Pousseur"
It is a pity that selling domestic Syrah in this country has become for many tantamount to impossible(4). We might pose all sorts of hypotheses about why this might be the case, but possibly the cynically overblown, confected, mega-EtOH exemplars that crowd the shelves might well be part of the problem. We present our “Pousseur” as “podean,” that is to say anti-antipodean(5) and I believe it reflects well what cool climate Syrah made with a degree of restraint can do in California(6). This wine is made primarily from the Alamo Creek Vineyard, located just North of Santa Maria, made with a respectable percentage of whole clusters (35%), long maceration and subject to a reductive élevage. Savory and umami-intensive, more in the realm of black olives and fennel than raspberry milkshakes. $18 (3,000 cases)

   2006 Le Cigare Volant (44% Syrah, 43% Grenache, 12% Cinsault, 1% Mourvèdre)
Definitely continuing in the series of “Burgundian” Cigare Volants, which more or less began in the 21st century, the '06 is a bit of a bridge vintage, bringing us to the slightly more muscular '07 and '08 still unreleased. Grenache from the Alta Loma Vineyard and our Ca' del Solo Vineyard(7) in Monterey County; Syrah from the Bien Nacido and Alamo Creek Vineyards in Santa Maria, and the very concentrated Chequera Vineyard in Paso Robles; Mourvèdre from very old vines in Oakley (Contra Costa County) and Cinsault from even older vines (130 years!!) in Lodi. The wine definitely has da funk, but in a very elegant George Clinton kind of way. $32 (3,400 cases)

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RAYMOND 2007 Family Classic Cabernet Sauvignon $20: "This Cabernet is a blend of three phenomenal growing areas for Cabernet Sauvignon: 70% of the grapes come from estate vineyards or our long-time vineyard partners in Napa, 24% from Sonoma County vineyards, and 6% from Lake County. The Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of the blend; its terroir provides for full expression of black fruits and fleshy, full, forward and rich wines. Sonoma County has more coastal and fog influence; its Cabernet grapes give the wine structure, balance and acidity that makes them ideal for pairing with food. Lake County is a well-established although less known grape growing region dating back to 1880’s. There, grapes are grown at a higher elevation (1400 ft to 2800 ft), and the region tends to have cooler winters and warmer summers with less fog. Budbreak and bloom are usually behind but the warmer summer weather allows them to catch up and are typically harvested at the same time. Their growing season is shorter than Napa but longer than Bordeaux, making for red, jammy wines that are soft and food friendly. Wine Profile – Family Classic Our Family Classic Cabernet Sauvignon is typical of its predominantly Napa origins: full-bodied and well-structured with bold tannins and a spicy pepper finish. The nose exudes rich aromas of black tea, black currant, and marionberry alongside just a hint of eucalyptus. This rich, powerful wine has a lot of structure and is beautifully layered with flavors of plum, anise, and red currants balanced by firm tannins and a spicy black pepper finish that will allow this wine to stand up to a gorgeous cut of marbled steak.

R COLLECTION by Raymond 2007 Field Blend Lot 3, California $14: "The R Collection Field Blend harkens back to the early days in California viticulture when vineyards had several different varietals planted together, and an entire vineyard would be harvested and vinified together, often producing remarkably unique wines from multiple different varietals. Our winemaking team has revived this tradition of blending multiple varietals together to produce a standout wine. The New is again the Old: our first vintage of the Field Blend is a return, as it were, to the source – homage to one of the original winegrowing practices in California. The 2007 R Collection Field Blend brings together 7 varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The grapes are grown on our own estate vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena, and by our close partners in the Napa Valley and further afield. 71% of the blend was aged in oak barrels over 18 months, bringing complexity, spice and just enough structure.  The nose exudes seductive red fruit aromas of ripe raspberries, cherries, boysenberries, and cooked plums.  The palate reveals flavors of red currant and blackberry jam with earthy hints of tobacco leaves. The finish is surprisingly lengthy with a lovely texture and exceptional balance. This is a wonderful food wine that will pair beautifully with grilled or stewed red meats, light pasta dishes, or a batch of homemade macaroni and cheese.

RAYMOND 2008 Reserve Chardonnay Barrel 332, Napa Valley $18: "Using no malolactic fermentation and moderate oak influence, our Napa Valley Chardonnay is made in a style that focuses on the inherent qualities of this varietal. To preserve the unique Chardonnay flavors and aromas of grapes grown in this region, this wine was whole cluster pressed and cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. We aged 40% of the Chardonnay for 72 days in new and one year old Nevers and Allier French oak barrels, selected for their tight grain that delicately restrains the oak flavors. This gives the wine a touch of oak and creamy vanilla flavors without overwhelming the natural fruit flavors. This wine opens with fragrant aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossoms followed by lemon, lime and pear notes amid toasted almond and honey.  A rich, full, mouth feel with balanced acidity and bright lemon, pear, lime and passion fruit flavors followed by a smooth vanilla and toasted oak finish.  A versatile wine that pairs well with quiche Lorraine, mushroom tart, roast chicken, grilled salmon or halibut, sautéed Petrale sole."

RAYMOND 2007 Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $30: "The deep garnet colored Cabernet opens with inviting aromas of mixed berries including blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, with layers of white pepper and cloves. On the palate, this big, bold, well-structured Cabernet has concentrated flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco and spice, with a toasty, long finish. This wine pairs well with grilled rib eye steak and baked potato, smoked duck with creamy polenta, leg of lamb, barbequed pork ribs, and hearty pasta dishes such as tortellini with creamy pesto or lasagna with meat sauce. Delicious at an early age, but will benefit from additional cellaring of 10-15 years past the vintage date." 

RAYMOND 2006 Reserve Napa Valley Merlot $25: "The wine opens with fragrant aromas of ripe plum and cranberry with hints of espresso bean, leather and Earl Grey tea. On the palate, bold flavors of mixed red and black berries are layered with the earthiness of clay and stone, with smooth tannins for a long, toasty finish. A versatile wine to pair with a variety of foods, including roast chicken with vegetables, lamb chops, marinated pork tenderloin, smoked salmon with wild rice pilaf, braised duck, mushroom risotto, and hearty soups and stews. Delicious at an early age, but will benefit from additional cellaring of 5-7 years past the vintage date." 

RAYMOND 2008 Reserve Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc $17: "Opening aromas of grapefruit, lemon, pummelo, lime and kumquat with notes of honeysuckle, lemongrass and orange blossom followed by lively flavors of grapefruit, pear, green apple, lemon and lime amid finishing touches of vanilla. Refreshingly bright with balanced acidity and a rich, full, mouth feel. Delicious on its own or served with a wide variety of foods, from sushi, raw or barbequed oysters, grilled white prawn cocktail, steamed mussels with pommes frites, seared scallops over creamy mashed potatoes, pan roasted halibut with caper butter sauce or Ahi tuna burgers with Wasabi aioli. A perfect picnic and Sunday brunch wine. Also, try with ethnic cuisines such as Pad Thai, fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce or spicy Indian red curry."

RAYMOND 2005 Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $50: "The grapes were fermented on the skins for ten days at 72-85° with pumpovers twice daily. After fermentation, the wine was gently pressed, racked and aged in 100% new, tight grained, medium toast Nevers oak barrels for 19 months. Tight grained French oak barrels impart their oak to wines slowly for a consistent, well-rounded aging process while yielding subtle oak influences to the Cabernet Sauvignon.  Ripe fruit aromas of blueberry, blackberry and currant followed by earth, spice and mocha notes.Full-bodied with a rich mouth feel and silky smooth flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, spicy earth, cassis and cocoa. Well structured with nicely integrated tannins and a long, lingering finish.  A classic Cabernet to pair with grilled filet mignon or rib eye with wild mushrooms, roast duck, braised beef short ribs, herb roasted rack of lamb, wild game, Portobello mushrooms with a blue cheese cream sauce, hearty winter stews like Cassoulet and smoke roasted sage crusted pork loin."

RAYMOND 2005 St. Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $50: "The grapes were fermented on the skins for ten days at 72-85° with pumpovers twice daily. After fermentation, the wine was gently pressed, racked and aged in 100% new, tight grained, medium toast Nevers oak barrels for 19 months. Tight grained French oak barrels impart their oak to wines slowly for a consistent, well-rounded aging process while yielding subtle oak influences to the Cabernet Sauvignon.  Aromas of cassis, raspberry, red cherry, black pepper and violets.  Lush, fruit forward flavors of cherry, raspberry and plum throughout along with spicy pepper, vanilla and earth in the long, smooth finish. A full-bodied, complex wine with a rich, round mouth feel and nicely integrated tannins.  This luscious, rich wine will pair well with rib eye steaks, roast duck breast, braised rabbit, barbequed ribs, rosemary and garlic crusted pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, Coq Au Vin and Cassoulet, as well as wild mushroom risotto, Moroccan lamb Tagine with couscous and baked rigatoni in a spicy tomato and sausage sauce."

RAYMOND 2005 Generations Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $75: "Generations is a tribute to the Raymond's five generations of family winemaking in the Napa Valley. This limited production wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and the family's ultimate expression of this varietal. During harvest, grapes from different vineyards were kept in separate lots through sorting, crushing, fermentation and aging. Grapes were fermented on the skins for ten days at 75-80° and then moved to new, tight grained, Nevers medium toast oak barrels for 23 months of aging before blending. Tighter grain Nevers barrels impart their oak to wines slowly for a consistent, well-rounded aging process while yielding subtle oak influences to the Cabernet Sauvignon. Only our best barrels are selected to become a part of this blend.  Deep garnet. Rich aromas of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry and chocolate with hints of pepper and earth. Palate: Concentrated flavors of black cherry, blueberry, black plum, black pepper and dark chocolate. Well-structured with integrated tannins and a silky smooth finish touched with luscious vanilla.  Food Pairing:  Generations pairs well with filet mignon or rib eye and sautéed mushrooms, grey sea salt and rosemary crusted prime rib, balsamic glazed duck with figs, braised rabbit, rack of lamb or roasted pheasant with au gratin potatoes. 

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PININFARINA by Heck Estates 2006 Vino Rosso, Napa Valley $55 (64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 5% Syrah) 14.5% alc.: "PININFARINA carries lofty expectations because beauty, innovation and bold design are its hallmarks.   2006 is the PININFARINA second vintage and the high expectations are met with extraordinary style, depth and complexity.  This wine showcases the power and elegance that Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon can achieve.  Grapes came from individual lots of the finest vineyards to meticulously make the wine ( including long aging in fine small French oak barrels).  PININFARINA uses the 'Vino Rosso' designation to allow total flexibility in the blending of this Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine.  The 2006 PININFARINA Napa Valley Vino Rosso marries Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec with a small but significant percentage of Syrah for a compelling, truly delicious wine.  Its deep purple hue leads to opulent aromas of cassis, black cherry, tobacco, cedar and vanilla, with different facets emerging as the wine aerates. Succulent black cherry, black plum and white pepper flavors meld seamlessly. The mouthfeel is unique, showing impressive viscosity that contrasts with elegant weight on the palate. Well-integrated 'soft' tannins contribute to smoothness that extends through the long, beautifully balanced finish. While drinking beautifully now, this superb wine will continue to evolve in the cellar over the next few years. The 2006 PININFARINA Napa Valley Vino Rosso is a limited edition with only 3,300 six-bottle cases produced.  Consequently, PININFARINA Vino Rosso is available only in select U.S. markets.   Based in Sonoma County, Heck Estates encompasses a portfolio of prominent wine brands.  Kenwood Vineyards, Valley of the Moon Winery, Lake Sonoma Winery all share a commitment to quality rooted in the world class vineyards of Sonoma County in addition to Pininfarina and Korbel." 

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LITTLE BLACK DRESS 2009 Sauvignon Blanc $11: "A crisp wine with bright fruit aromas of lemon and citrus and lightly floral.  Like their namesake, the iconic little black dress, Little Black Dress Wines are versatile, trustworthy, reliable and perfect for any occasion. The wines are designed in a fruit-forward style with the female palate in mind.  The Sauvignon Blanc has a touch of green apple and melons. The lean rounded mouth-feel gets an inspiring lift from the acidity leaving an invigorating and fruitful finish.  Suggested Accessories: Sensational with lighter to medium bodied foods - hors d’oeuvres with goat cheese or olives, grilled trout or roasted chicken with garlic and herbs and vegetarian dishes like risotto with asparagus. I think you've got the idea."

BONTERRA 2009 Riesling, Lake and Mendocino Counties $14 (Crafted from Certified Organically Grown Grapes): "At Bonterra, we passionately believe that organic grapes make better wine.  Bonterra has been producing wine from 100% organically grown grapes since 1993. All of our grapes are grown using certi­fied organic practices, such as composting, cover crops, and biodiversity.  These organic practices allow us to create wines that express the purity and intensity of each varietal’s unique character. In every sip of Bonterra, you can taste our natural commitment to producing wines of great taste and excitement, which is why we believe they are among the very best you’ll experience." After much research, we winemakers followed the advice of friends in Alsace and let the wine tell us “what it wanted to be.” We think we got it right, and hope you do, too!   It has aromas of apple, pear, peach, honey and clove with an underlying minerality and classic Riesling spice. In the mouth, it is a balance of crisp acidity and subtle sweetness with a long rich finish.  We have learned through experience that only organically grown grapes can express the purity and intensity of varietal character that a truly great wine requires.” – Robert Blue, Bonterra Winemaker 

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VALLEY OF THE MOON 2007Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley $20: "Many California vintners have rediscovered a 40-year truth--some grapes develop distinctive attributes in hillside vineyards.  One is cabernet sauvignon, as shown in 2007 Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.    Hillside vineyard growing conditions differ fundamentally from valley floor vineyards.  Hillside soils are thin, rocky and poor and have limited water-holding capacity--just the opposite of valley vineyards.  The mesoclimates also are different; valley floor vineyards are hotter during the day and cooler at night and are shrouded in morning fog while hillside vineyards – due to their elevation – are often fog free and experience stronger afternoon winds.  Consequently, hillside cabernet sauvignon vineyards produce limited, small bunches with the grapes featuring intense fruit, rich texture and smooth, polished tannins.  The deep color of this wine also has generous aromas of cassis, violet and cigar box.  Concentrated black fruit and cedar flavors are accented by a hint of black pepper.  The mouthfilling flavors are complemented by generous weight on the palate.  While powerful and cellar-worthy, the wine is accessible now, with integrated 'soft' tannins and superb balance that contribute to its long, smooth finish.  The relatively small harvest yielded just 4,000 cases of the 2007 Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon."  

VALLEY OF THE MOON 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley $16; “Sometimes a vintage and a wine are simply made for each other. Such is the case with the 2009 Russian River Valley Chardonnay vintage and Valley of the Moon Winery Unoaked Chardonnay. The vibrant fruit and impressive natural balance of Russian River Valley Chardonnay grapes from this vintage shine unadorned in the 2009 Valley of the Moon Unoaked Chardonnay, and for many wine drinkers, this wine’s beguiling style will be a revelation.    The 2009 growing season in the Russian River Valley provided ideal conditions for Chardonnay. The season began with an early bud-break under dry conditions, and the weather stayed uncommonly cool through much of the summer, with fewer heat spikes above 90 degrees in July and August than usual. A brief burst of heat in September brought the grapes to full maturity. The cool growing season produced small, intensely flavored grapes and also enabled the grapes to retain natural acidity. Whole-cluster pressing, cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks and bottling after only five months enabled Valley of the Moon Winery to retain the exceptional character of these grapes in the finished wine.  The 2009 Valley of the Moon Unoaked Chardonnay brims with fresh red apple, nectarine and citrus aromas. Vibrant citrus and nectarine flavors are accented with a hint of background mineral. Lithe yet penetrating in the mouth, it stays deliciously fruit-driven through the crisp, lingering finish. This refreshing Chardonnay invites second and third glasses, whether enjoyed on its own or with salads, seafood, Asian dishes or pasta in cream sauce. The 2009 Valley of the Moon Unoaked Chardonnay is available nationally at a suggested retail of $16. Only 2,000 cases were produced.    Valley of the Moon Winery welcomes visitors daily to its historic cellar in the Sonoma Valley. In addition to Chardonnay, the winery produces Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Rosato di Sangiovese and Cuvée de la Luna, a proprietary Bordeaux-inspired blend.  

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KORBEL Champagne Cellars, in 2009, introduced its first California Brut Champagne produced entirely with organically grown grapes.  Now, with its second release, the Korbel California Brut 2008 Champagne features a new package and – for the first time – a vintage date.    The new package captures the spirit of this special project while retaining Korbel brand identity. Elegant revisions to the color and shape of the neckband and label, and inclusion of the grape tendril motif featured in the original “organic” label, distinguish the 2008 Korbel California Brut Champagne made with organically grown grapes and enhance its visibility on store shelves.      Korbel Champagne Cellars has practiced sustainability in its vineyards and winemaking for decades. In 2007, it received the organic processor certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and – with grapes grown in accordance with USDA organic certification requirements, without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers – made its first cuvée of organically grown California Brut Champagne. Korbel’s expansion of organically farmed vineyard acreage in 2008 enabled it to vintage-date this new release.   Produced – like all Korbel California Champagnes – using the time-honored méthode champenoise, the 2008 Korbel California Brut made with organically grown grapes exhibits classic Korbel style. Delicate lemon, peach and apple aromas and flavors are accented by subtle yeast complexity and fine, persistent effervescence. This delicious champagne’s lithe palate leads to a finish that is medium dry and crisp. Thanks to increased production of this exciting cuvée, the 2008 Korbel California Brut Champagne made with organically grown grapes is available nationally (the previous bottling was limited to select markets) at a suggested retail of $15.99.   Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States’ most popular méthode champenoise champagne. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eight champagnes and a small amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country’s most respected brandies. 

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LAKE SONOMA WINERY 2007 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County  $24: “Few vineyard regions in the world produce Cabernet Sauvignon as distinctive or as fine as Alexander Valley, and none produces Cabernet Sauvignon with such easy-to-enjoy style. The newly released 2007 Lake Sonoma Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon illustrates this region’s appeal perfectly – quintessential  Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – that combines generous fruit and complexity with atypical smoothness that both novice wine drinkers and connoisseurs will appreciate.  ¶  Situated in northeastern Sonoma County along the Russian River, Alexander Valley has growing conditions particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. Soils primarily are volcanic alluvium; reasonably fertile but very well-drained. The climate during the growing season is a blend of very warm days that cool quickly in the late afternoon due to on-shore winds from the Pacific Ocean and cool nights with occasional fog. The combination of soils and climate matures Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that showcase forward dark fruit character, distinctive herb complexity and “soft” tannins that contribute to a uniquely silky, elegant mouthfeel. The 2007 Lake Sonoma Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was made exclusively from Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The young wine was aged in small French and American oak barrels for 28 months to gain additional nuance and finesse.   ¶  Lush, forward black currant and blackberry aromas in the 2007 Lake Sonoma Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon gain complexity from notes of eucalyptus and black tea. Black currant and blackberry also dominate the generous flavors, along with spice and herb accents. Impressively polished and superbly balanced, this Cabernet culminates in a smooth, lingering finish. While very accessible now, deftly integrated tannins suggest it will evolve beautifully in the cellar. A scant 2,570 cases of the 2007 Lake Sonoma Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon were produced.   14.5% alc. cases – 2,570   Established in 1977, Lake Sonoma Winery follows a “best of the best” philosophy in producing wines that display classic Sonoma County character.  

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R WINES "Luchador" 2007 Shiraz, So. Australia $15 : "Big and bold, this fruit-forward wine has ripe blackberry jam and kirsch aromas and flavors of blueberry, spices and coffee with oak and chocolate characters. The palate has a rich smooth texture of black fruit and plums finishing with licorice and soft tannins." Australia's winemaking regions are huddled into one or two pockets of the country. The state of South Australia, which produces about 60% of the country's wine, also has the most wineries and sub-regions, including MaLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and Borossa Valley.  New South Wales is home to the Hunter Valley, while the smaller, southern state of Victoria is best known for the Yarra Valley.  Head way west to the very large state of Western Australia and you'll find the tiny region of Margaret River at the southern tip." 

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ZACA MESA 2009 Viognier, Santa Ynez $20: “Viognier is an elegant, outgoing varietal,” says Zaca Mesa Winery winemaker, Eric Mohseni.  “Done right, it's a bold portrait of the land from which it comes--ours has exotic aromas, heady honeysuckle and delicate white peach." ¶   Perfect growing conditions help, which means a just-right, not-too-warm climate.  So Mohseni and team farm viognier grapes (planted in 1990s) on their high elevation, cool-climate estate vineyards.  This terroir satisfies Zaca Mesa’s requirement for food-friendly wines, and the 18th vintage 2009 Viognier already reveals hallmark natural acidity to complement the exotic flavors.   Suggested pairings include Pan-Asian influenced dishes, sashimi, tempura, Moroccan tagines, Indian curries, and more. ¶   Known for championing Rhone varietals on California’s Central Coast since 1972, Zaca Mesa Winery currently farms 37 acres of Viognier, constituting 16% of Santa Barbara County’s total Viognier plantings and 1% of plantings across California.  As recently as 1991, Viognier was largely unknown to American wine-drinkers, with only 80 acres planted across the state.  (Until then, the majority of small plantings existed in France’s northern Rhone Valley.)  Now, Viognier has over 3,000 acres under vines in California.  ¶ 2009 vintage provides all of the right components to yield a balanced Viognier.  After harvest, winemaker Eric Mohseni preserved Viognier’s vibrancy and freshness by fermenting in stainless steel and finishing in neutral French oak barrels.  The wine aged for a mere three months in neutral oak to retain fruit flavors such as apricot, lemon-lime, melon and lychee.  The result is an elegant and exotic Viognier with a hint of minerality and a long, lingering finish."

ZACA MESA, a pioneer and leading producer of estate-grown Rhône varietal wines in Santa Barbara County, prides itself on crafting impeccably balanced, terroir-driven wines that complement myriad cuisines.   "We owe our well-adaptation to many menus in part to the Rhône Valley’s tradition of blending, as well as a wide range of varietals with which to experiment.   For example, the Zaca Mesa 2006 Z Cuvée is a blend of 4 varietals (59% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault) each with a different profile that pairs well with a different protein (e.g. gamey Mourvèdre  and Cinsault are traditional matches for lamb, full Grenache is lovely paired with beef, and smoky Syrah is perfect with anything off the grill).  Thus one bottle of Z Cuvée presents a feast of options for sumptuous dining and sipping.   ¶  Even varietal wines like the Zaca Mesa 2005 Syrah are versatile in their own right, accompanying anything from lamb to smoked cheeses to mushroom lasagna.  The critical component to Rhône varietals’ food-friendliness is acidity, which cuts through the properties of fat, salt, and smokiness (among others) to clean the palate and invites us to take another bite.  ¶  Zaca Mesa Winery, located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California, is dedicated to estate-grown and bottled Rhône varietal wines.  Since 1972, Zaca Mesa has hand-crafted its wines with character and integrity from grapes sustainably-grown in their vineyards, expressing their distinctive terroir.  For more information about Zaca Mesa Winery call (805) 688-9339, fax (805) 688-8796, or visit www.zacamesa.com.   Zaca Mesa Winery is located at 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos, CA   93441. 

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JACKSON FAMILY WINES has a number of wines available from FREEMARK ABBEY, MATANZAS CREEK, LA CREMA and KENDALL-JACKSON. 

• MATANZAS CREEK has produced balanced and elegant wines since 1977.  The Sonoma County classics include the MATANZAS CREEK 2008 Sauvignon Blanc $19.  "Our signature style of 'non grassy' Sauvignon Blanc is achieved by blending Sauvignon Musqué (a clonal cousin of Sauvignon Blanc) which balances the wine's natural acidity, strengthens the mid-palate and provides a longer finish. The nose has an intensely perfumed fresh bouquet of pink grapefruit and lemon cream combined with energetic spice notes underlined by invigorating minerality. Emulating the nose, the palate of crisp citrus and melon flavor carries a hint of dry white herb accompanied by a soft, round mouth feel resulting in a medium bodied, fresh, food-friendly wine."
• FREEMARK ABBEY began over a century ago as a vision shared by a handful of pioneers; those with an intimate knowledge of grapes and a deep respect for the land. Winemaker Ted Edwards has guided the wines for thirty years with his tender loving care.  His nurturing, skilled hands and knowledge has ultimately resulted in one of the first premium wineries in the Napa Valley.  Today, the wine of Freemark Abbey stands as a testament to what the rich earth of the Napa Valley is capable of creating when working in perfect harmony with nature.  "The FREEMARK ABBEY 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa ($38) is opaque dark red with ruby hues and shows aromas of dark cherry, blackberry syrup, brulee-like sugar and aromatic cedar. The integration of oak adds hints of walnut oil, cinnamon and clove. Powerful, yet elegantly balanced, the flavors of blueberry, black currant, mint, cedar, and full cherry-berry notes lead into a fleshy mid-palate, over a bed of resolved tannins. This wine is full-flavored from start to finish, with a very long lingering fruitfulness dusted with cocoa.
• LA CREMA 2008 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast $20:  La Crema (founded 1979) quickly established itself as a pioneer for intensely flavored Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from cool climates.  Creating great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is restricted by the ability to grow premium, cool coastal grapes and La Crema grapes are grown in well-drained soils where the cool coastal fog allows long hang time and slow ripening. The result is small, intensely flavored berries which provide the elegance and balance that mark the signature of La Crema wines.  The cool growing region of the Sonoma Coast helps to create wines with remarkable personality. "This Chardonnay has beautiful aromas, and opens with pear, vibrant citrus and crisp green apple laced with butterscotch and clove.  On the palate, flavors broaden into juicy orange and ripe yellow apples with hints of vanilla and caramel tones adding richness and texture to a long fresh finish."
• LA CREMA 2008 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast $24: "This wine opens with rich cherry notes, punctuated by sweet tobacco and orange peel tones.  With the first sip, a mouth-watering jammy quality is immediately evident, with fresh cherry flavors joined by orange peel and tea leaves.  A lovely balanced acidity and sturdy tannins round out the mouth."
• LA CREMA 2008 Pinot Noir, Monterey $24: "In the glass, aromas and flavors of fresh strawberry and plum are immediately apparent.  On the palate the flavors are punctuated by hints of earth, sweet herbs and layers of cocoa and espresso.  A subtle earthiness leads to a fleshy mid-palate and a smooth, mineral-laced finish."    
• KENDALL-JACKSON Winemaker Randy Ullom says, "One of the truths we live by here at the winery is that outstanding wines can only be made from exceptional fruit. Our Kendall-Jackson Estate Vineyards are found atop cool coastal mountains, rocky ridge tops and rolling hillsides - places where the climate, soil and vine come together to create remarkable grapes. In each glass, you will taste our family's commitment to crafting extraordinary Sonoma County wines from California's best vineyards.   The concept "Jackson Estates Grown" is the heart of our winemaking.   Every grape for the Vintner's Reserve wines is grown in cool coastal vineyards that are managed by the Kendall-Jackson viticultural team. In the winery, this gives our winemaking team a broad palette of aromas and flavors to work with when layering together the final blend. We can taste this commitment to quality in every glass...and we know you can, too."
• KENDALL-JACKSON  2008 Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, California $14: ""This Chardonnay bursts with tropical flavors such as mango, papaya and pineapple with citrus notes that explode in your mouth. These flavors delicately intertwine with aromas of green apple and pear to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak rounds out the long lingering finish." – Randy Ullom, Winemaster
• KENDALL-JACKSON 2009 Vintner's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, California $11: ""Succulent melon, ripe pear and fresh lemon grass mingle together in this medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh lime complements the subtle mineral quality while added layers of fig and honeysuckle round out this crisp, aromatic wine." – Randy Ullom
• KENDALL-JACKSON 2009 Vintner's Reserve" Summation" California $14: ""Summation, our white wine blend, mingles refreshing flavors of honeydew melon, apricot, pink grapefruit and white pepper. Added hints of honeysuckle and a creamy mouthfeel result in a soft, dry wine that is excellent for food pairing or simply sipping." – Randy Ullom
• KENDALL-JACKSON 2007 Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $18: "Opens with deep black cherry, blackberry and cassis flavors. Intense, round and well-structured tannins provide a strong backbone throughout the middle. Cedar and vanilla notes linger on the finish, beckoning another sip." – Randy Ullom
• KENDALL-JACKSON 2008 Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir, California $18: "Black cherry and raspberry fruit with velvety tannins typically found in hillside grapes along the North Coast mingle with flavors of plum and spice from our benchland vineyards along the Central Coast. Oak aging adds hints of vanilla, nuances of toast and a soft, smoky finish." – Randy Ullom
• KENDALL-JACKSON 2007 Vintner's Reserve Merlot, Sonoma County $18: "Black cherry and raspberry fruit with velvety tannins typically found in hillside grapes along the North Coast mingle with plum and spice from our benchland vineyards along Central Coast.   Oak adds hints of vanilla, nuances of toast and a soft, a smoky finish." – Randy Ullom

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TREFETHEN: Double T 2007 Oak Knoll Red Wine, Napa Valley, $25, (82% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 2% malbec, 1% petit verdot).  "Many of the vines producing grapes for this wine are trained on a quadrilateral cordon trellis, commonly known as “Double T.”  The vine is pruned and trained so that its branches, or cordons, form four arms resembling two Ts, hence the name.  Double T also refers to the two Trefethens, owners John and Janet, who created the 'Tempting Taste' of this red wine.  After a relatively dry winter, both budbreak and bloom came earlier than usual.  The lower soil moisture meant that foliage growth was easily controlled and the grapes enjoyed ample sunshine during a beautiful summer with nearly ideal growing conditions. The cooler than usual weather in August and September slowed sugar accumulation resulting in typical harvest dates despite the early start to the season.   Sweet and savory all at once, Double T pops with multiple layers of berry fruit - raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, black currant - chocolate, and mint, balanced by clove, bay leaf, sage, and cedar shavings. With a medium body and tannins that gradually build as you sip, this wine goes down smooth!  The perfect companion to any barbecue, Double T Red is big on burgers, ribs, pulled pork, as well as the occasional brisket. Yum."

TREFETHEN:  "Double T 2008 Oak Knoll Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($17), 100% chardonnay grapes, is the little sister of our internationally successful Trefethen Chardonnay made with fruit from our younger vines . . . it's a little less complex than its world-class sibling, but has a lot of Trefethen family charm.   After a warm winter, budbreak came early, but spring rains set back vine development.  Slow, even ripening occurred over a long, mild summer leading to more tropical favors.  Delightful aromas of citrus, peach and nectarine reflect how well   Chardonnay thrives in our vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley. The bright fruit is augmented by judicious use of French oak barrels--lending notes of graham cracker and baking spices while enhancing the full-bodied mouthfeel.  Enjoy this casually elegant wine with seafood, poultry, pasta, or pork . . . . or just for sipping!"

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COLORES del SOL 2009 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $12 is the latest release from "the most exciting new Argentinean brand from one of the premier Malbec producing regions in the world ."  Colores del Sol (colors of the sun) Malbec captures the grape qualities of the Luján de Cuyo district, Mendoza--among highest and driest in the world, where sun's shine first bursts upon the Andes to send melted snow into the vineyards using a centuries-old irrigation system inherited from the native Huarpes Indians.  The wine is deep ruby with intense blackberry, spice, raspberry and black cherry aromas and flavors.  It is balanced, full-bodied and has fine-grained tannins."
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HAHN Family Wines celebrates its 30th anniversary with a broad portfolio of wines.  Nicolaus (Nicky) Hahn's commitment to Monterey's wines and his vision of their potential began 30 years ago when he came to the area in search of world-class vineyard properties.  His original investment and continued support was climaxed by a three-year revitalization program through 2004, which has brought the winery and its Hahn Estates and Smith & Hook brands to international acclaim.  Nicky, a Swiss citizen, grew up in both the U.S. and in Europe.  He studied economics, starting his professional career as an arbitrageur in Paris.  He also worked as a credit analyst in New York and for years was based in London as the chairman for a leading international computer software company.  Nicky and his wife Gaby now divide their time between their homes in Monterey and Zurich and their 45,000 acre wildlife preserve in Africa where Nicky works on saving wildlife and strengthening the economy.  "The Hahn Estates story begins with an inspiration to raise Monterey wines to the highest level and created with a philosophy that all great wines are special – akin to the region where grown.  Our Hahn wines celebrate everything that is Monterey – unique in thought, style, setting: Wines of Monterey distinction.  The spectacular beauty of California's Central Coast and Monterey County's dramatic ocean scenery, verdant pine forests, and bountiful agriculture have beckoned to people for over 100 years.  Central Coast's  99 miles of breathtaking Pacific coastline is something no other California county can boast. In German, 'Hahn' means 'rooster' and for this reason a rooster embellishes the Hahn Estates label, honoring our European heritage. And while Smith & Hook remains the first wine produced by the Hahn family, Hahn Estates is the primary wine brand produced by the Hahns and the winery is now known as Hahn Estates / Smith & Hook Winery.”   Smith Ranch was a horse ranch, while the neighboring Hook Ranch had raised cattle for generations.  Their Santa Lucia Highlands location overlooking Salinas Valley gave these ranches-turned-vineyards ideal growing conditions for premium varietal fruit.   Smith & Hook Winery's first vintage in 1980 (Cabernet Sauvignon) received high acclaim.  In 1991, Nicky Hahn created the Hahn Estates brand to showcase supple, accessible, and attractively priced wines from the family's Monterey County vineyards."  COPA del REY is Hahn's new brand from Chile where wines are produced in Colchagua Valley, Maipo Valley and Rapel Valley.  These valleys produce some of the finest fruit in Chile.   Although located on different sides of the Equator with cultures unique to each region, the similarities between California and Chile provide the ideal conditions for sharing ideas. Chile, like California, is rich in agriculture with a vast Pacific coast, has multiple wine regions and a moderate climate.  Copa Del Rey blends all flavors of the people, the land and the wine.
Maipo Valley: This is Chile's oldest and most famous growing area and is situated in Central Chile, just south of Santiago. Extending to the east towards the Andes, and westward toward the Pacific, ocean breezes and elevation provide a number of cool growing areas within the region. Plus it has sandy, fast-draining soils which make it ideal for growing Merlot and other classic Bordeaux varietals.
Rapel Valley: Located south of the Maipo Valley, Rapel Valley weather consists of warm summer days and cooler nights. This climate, coupled with the unique soil conditions of the area, allow grapes to mature under the most natural conditions. This makes it ideal for producing top flight Chardonnay.
Colchagua Valley: Approximately 150 kms (93 miles) south of Santiago, Chile, Colchagua Valley was picked Best Wine Region of the World in 2005 by the Wine Enthusiast magazine. Warm and naturally dry, but with an abundant water supply from the Tinguiririca River, Colchagua Valley begins at the foot of the Andes and extends west to the Pacific Ocean. The appellation encompasses approximately 910,000 hectares (2,250 acres) and includes many different microclimates, soil types and steep hillsides. These conditions make it ideal for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon.

• HAHN Estates 2008 Monterey Pinot Noir $12: "This wine begins with zesty aromas of white and black pepper. Silky and dynamic, new flavors and textures unfold with time."
• SMITH & HOOK 2007 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon $30: "Notes of black cherry, cassis and raspberry are followed by nuances of bell pepper and cocoa. This wine is lush and textured, with gripping tannins, well-developed acidity and a lingering finish."
• COPA del REY 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colhagua Valley, Chile $12: "Smooth and soft in the mouth with aromas of fig, cherry compote and bold dark fruit aromas, this is a wine unlike typical Chilean Cabernets. Integrated tannins, and a memorable thread of acidity through the finish, round out this stylized wine."
• COPA del REY 2008 Merlot, Maipo Valley, Chile $12:"Elegant and rich in the nose, with bold expressions of fruit and a touch of toasted oak, spiced notes and cherry aromas make this wine a perfect match for both entrees with a kick as well as rich, decadent desserts."
• COPA del REY 2008 Chardonnay, Rapel Valley, Chile $12:"Harmonious oak is pleasant on the palate, while a forward and juicy mouthfeel marks this Chardonnay as versatile and unique. This wine pairs well with a wide array of fresh cuisine."

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ACROBAT BY  King Estate 2009 Pinot Gris, Oregon $12: "Acrobat is wine born to introduce even more people to the power and grace of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Grown responsibly in the gorgeous hills and valleys of Western Oregon, these wines work wonderfully with food of all kinds and are equally satisfying on their own.  Acrobat Pinot Gris is an extremely approachable wine and a versatile food companion. It has been consistently praised for it’s value, delivering great quality for a modest price.  In the April issue of Wine & Spirits Magazine, the results of the 21st Annual Restaurant Poll were announced.  The poll represents the best-selling wines in America’s top Zagat rated restaurants. King Estate was the 18th most popular wine brand overall, out pacing many wineries from California and abroad that dwarf us in size.   This marks the first time an Oregon winery has broken into the top twenty. In the Pinot Gris/Grigio category we came in second behind Santa Margherita, the Italian import that makes nearly 10 times more Pinot Grigio than we make Pinot Gris (same varietal)."

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CONCANNON releases its two latest offerings for its Selected Vineyards tier, an expression of Concannon's commitment to producing wines at an exceptional quality and value.

• CONCANNON 2007 Shiraz, Central Coast $10:. . . expansive aromas and flavors of blackberry, cherry and raspberry with soft chocolate and caramel notes and a delicious palate.  Enjoy with barbecue, herb-rubbed lamb, wild game, and a variety of cheeses."
• CONCANNON 2009 Riesling, Central Coast $10: ". . . lovely aromatic, a delicate yet full-flavored wine with guava, pear a refreshing acidity and balance and subtle sweetness.  Enjoy as an aperitif, on picnics, with shellfish and spicy Asian dishes."
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PANTHER ROCK WINE COMPANY releases its organic value wine, COTTONWOOD CREEK 2009 White Table Wine $7; "It's approachable, light colored with fruit aromas that mingle floral notes, exceptionally friendly with multiple foods that shows fresh fruit."

Summer Events in St. Helena, the Heart of the Napa Valley: Nancy Levenberg, CEO of the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce, announced summer events: film festivals, outdoor concerts, fireworks and Main Street gatherings.  In the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena offers boutique winery visits, culinary excellence, health and wellness spas, and a rich heritage just an hour north of San Francisco.   “We welcome visitors to enjoy the same relaxing lifestyle as the locals this summer,” said Levenberg.  “Whether taking in a movie under the stars at The White Barn, celebrating Fourth of July at Louis Martini Winery, or just strolling Main Street on a Friday evening with a glass of Napa Valley’s best wine, travelers don’t just visit St. Helena for the weekend, they become part of our community.”  St. Helena exemplifies the spirit of small-town America, with a vibrant population that values its culture and heritage.  Welcoming smiles and an engaging bonhomie are amply evident in the predominantly family-owned businesses that dot Main Street, while the charming, historic homes that grace the hills bespeak a lifestyle of sophisticated bucolic contentment.

Cheers!--On the first Friday of every month, Main Street retailers partner with local wineries for an old-fashioned street fair called “Cheers!”  Local vintners pour samples of their best wines inside St. Helena’s unique collection of charming Main Street shops.   St. Helena residents look forward to Cheers as a great chance to catch up with neighbors in a festive but casual “street party” setting, while visitors have a great opportunity to browse shops and stroll Main Street on a warm evening while enjoying exceptional Napa Valley wines.  The Napa Valley Wine Train offers round-trip transportation from downtown Napa to Cheers.  For more information, please visit www.cheerssthelena.com   Cheers will take place on these dates: July 2, August 6, September 3, and October 1

Lyman Park--Located on the northern end of St. Helena’s picturesque Main Street, Lyman Park is home to a free summer concert series.  On Thursday nights, locals pack a picnic with goodies from Sunshine Foods, Dean & DeLuca, or local eateries and roll out a blanket for the 6 p.m. shows.  July 8, “Pan Extasy” – Socca, reggae, calypso and Caribbean jazz; July 22, “Sweet Burgundy” – Acoustic rock and blues; August 5, “Los Boleros” – Acoustic Latin music; August 19, “Johnny Smith” – Rock, blues and reggae

Bocce--In a city that celebrates culinary excellence, people are as passionate about their local sports as they are about cooking. A great way to experience the local flavor, competitive spirit and small-town charm of St. Helena is to come out for a night of bocce in picturesque Crane Park, nestled below Napa Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains.  The game may be the main draw, but the food and wine are co-MVP’s.  Nearly 1,000 people in St. Helena – 20 percent of the city’s population – play on 80 competitive teams, five nights per week in the local bocce ball league.  Grgich Hills Estate, Robert Mondavi Winery and Rubicon Estates all have teams in the league – and everyone pulls out all the stops for an upscale, down home potluck featuring everything from the best wines in their cellars to elaborate meals cooked by all the players.   The bocce courts are open to the public year-round for just $20 – a great, inexpensive way for visitors to enjoy the local lifestyle.  Travelers can reserve a court by downloading a form on the City of St. Helena Web site at www.ci.st-helena.ca.us or by calling 707-963-5706.  Travelers can also put together gourmet picnics at Sunshine Foods, V. Sattui, Oakville Grocery Store or Dean & DeLuca. 

Fourth of July 4^th of July sizzles at Louis Martini Winery in St. Helena – a slice of Americana, served up wine country-style.  Live music, food from wine country restaurateurs, reserve wines and a sensational fireworks show await patriotic revelers at Louis Martini Winery on Independence Day.  For much more information, please call 1-800-321-WINE or visit www.louismartinicom  

The White Barn--The White Barn is an 1872 Carriage House located in a stunning country setting.  It was transformed into an intimate 75-seat performing arts venue without losing its historic charm.  The White Barn is staffed by volunteers and all proceeds from White Barn events benefit local and international charitable organizations.   Complimentary Napa Valley wines and desserts are served during performance intermissions.  August 20 – 22, The White Barn will host its annual film festival “under the stars.”  The White Barn Film Festival benefits the White Barn Video Camp for Children.  Please call 707-963-8536 for more information.  The White Barn is located at 2727 Sulphur Springs Avenue in St. Helena and can be found online at www.TheWhiteBarn.org

St. Helena hotels--With a bounty of beautiful resorts, charming inns, and B&B’s, St. Helena offers a variety of accommodations to suit any experience.  Harvest Inn, The Inn at Southbridge, Wine Country Inn, Meadowood and Auberge du Soleil are just a few of the hotels popular with St. Helena visitors.  For additional information on the town of St. Helena, please contact the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce at (707) 963-4456, (800) 799-6456 or www.sthelena.com

INN at DOS BRISAS  has Nightly Garden Parties: Garden parties occur daily at The Inn at Dos Brisas, the Relais & Châteaux epicurean retreat just outside of Houston, and the guests of honor, whose names include Buttercup, Calliope, King Harry, Royal Hillbilly and Kermit, don’t travel far for the occasion as they sprout just steps from the kitchen door.  Now Dos Brisas is bringing the garden party indoors with the unveiling of a new 7,000 square feet greenhouse. Upon completion, hundreds of varieties of organic fruits and vegetables will be cultivated in the technological conservatory which will feature fogging systems, multiple area curtaining, automated side walls, extensive air circulation automation, computer controlled organic feeding and watering systems, and heating and cooling from geothermal wells. The new greenhouse will provide chef Jason Robinson and the team at Dos Brisas a steady supply of fruits and vegetables year-round in addition to the more than 400 varieties grown outdoors. Situated on more than 300 acres of rolling Texas land, The Inn at Dos Brisas grows more than 400 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs just a stone’s throw from guests’ dinner plates. Boasting the only Forbes Five-Star restaurant in the great state of Texas, The Inn at Dos Brisas is uniquely positioned to present dishes of the most exceptional flavor and freshness.    The Inn at Dos Brisas — Washington, Texas — www.dosbrisas.com — 979.277.7750  The Inn at Dos Brisas is a member of Relais & Châteaux, the prestigious international association of privately owned hotels and restaurants embodying the highest culinary standards and the French "art de vivre."