The Sarah Jane English Newsletter: 76th Edition
March 3, 2006

TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH (prices vary store to store) $Best Buy

· BLACK OPAL 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (58%) Merlot (42%), Australia $10 $

· WYNNS 2001 Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia $11$

· WOLF BLASS 2001 President's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon $20

· SHAFER 2001 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley $38

· GEYSER PEAK 2002 Reserve Alexandre Meritage, Alexander Valley $49

· MARLSTONE (proprietary by Clos du Bois) 2002 Alexander Valley $50

· KING ESTATE 2002 Vin Glacé

· KING ESTATE Domaine 2002 Pinot Noir $50

· WILD HORSE 2002 Syrah Paso Robles $18

· LAKE SONOMA Winery 2003 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel $18

· LOUIS M. MARTINI 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $25

· PENFOLDS 2002 Bin 389 Cabernet - Shiraz, Australia $25

· OROGENY 2003 Pinot noir, Sonoma-Green Valley $30

· RAVENSWOOD 2003 Vintners Blend Zinfandel, California $10$

· DASHE 2002 Zinfandel, Dry Creek $22

· BAROSSA VALLEY Estate "Spires" Shiraz, Australia $12$

WINERY OF THE MONTH: JOSEPH PHELPS Vineyards,founded in 1972, is an independent, estate-based winery located outside of St. Helena in Spring Valley overlooking the Mayacamas Mountains. Winemaker Craig Williams says, "After years of studying the complex relationship between wine quality and place, and understanding the importance of terroir, Joe Phelps developed estate-owned vineyards in the premiere growing regions of Stag's Leap, Rutherford, Oakville, Oak Knoll and the eastern foothills of Napa. A project in 1999 purchased land to develop vineyards along the western frontier of the Sonoma Coast, and today Phelps has 80 acres of Pinot Noir and 20 acres of Chardonnay planted in Freestone with a small winery under construction. ¶ Varietals produced annually at Phelps include Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Insignia (one of California's most successful first growth luxury blends), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, several Rhône-style wines, and a luscious dessert wine made from Scheurebe.¶ "We're proud that our annual production (between 65-80,000 cases) is 90% produced from estate-owned vineyards," says Craig Williams. ¶ Known for his innovative spirit and passion for quality, Joe Phelps pioneered a number of "firsts" in the early years of the winery. The 1974 Insignia — released in the spring of 1978 — was the first Bordeaux-style blend produced in California under a proprietary label. The release of the 1974 Syrah in 1977 sparked industry-wide interest in a remarkable French varietal whose plantings in California had disappeared and been virtually forgotten for over half a century. And in 1990, after years of research, a whole new family of Rhône-style wines was introduced which today includes Syrah, Viognier and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape style blend called Le Mistral. ¶ The winery is made from 100-year-old recycled bridge timbers that dominate the entranceway, visually anchoring the redwood building to the surrounding terrain. ¶ On November 3rd, 2005, Joe Phelps announced that he was stepping down as Chairman of Joseph Phelps Vineyards and asked the Board of Directors to elect his son, Bill Phelps, to replace him. The following day the board elected Bill the new Chairman, with Joe retaining the title of Chairman Emeritus. Tom Shelton has been President and CEO since 1995. Senior Vice-President and Director of Winemaking Craig Williams joined Joseph Phelps in 1976. All the top wine publications praise JOSEPH PHELPS wines regularly. Craig Williams has good news about the 2005 harvest. "Our final load of fruit was delivered to the winery November 3rd. The last time I remember a harvest being this late was 1982, and before that 1974. Mild weather conditions during the growing season avoided stressing the ripening fruit, and the fermenting juice is currently showing great color, balance and flavor, similar to other cool growing seasons such as '91, '94, '95 and '99. Depending on vineyard and crop balance, however, there will be variability in fruit quality. Grapes picked in October are more mature and not as soluble as fruit picked earlier, making it harder to extract tannins during fermentation. However, we were extremely fortunate that the weather stayed dry and mild as long as it did so that we were able to avoid dehydration from conditions that were too warm, or rot from weather that was too wet. This is an historic vintage for us in terms of implementing our plan to shift production primarily to domaine-based red Bordeaux varieties. A record amount of Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from our home ranch near St. Helena, as well as from vineyards in Rutherford, Oakville, Oak Knoll, Stag's Leap and south Napa. We are excited about the potential of this high-yield vintage." www.jpvwines.com
SPLURGE WINE OF THE MONTH: JOSEPH PHELPS 2002 INSIGNIA, Napa Valley $150, (one of California's most successful first growth luxury blends) is an incomparable wine.

NEWS

UMLAUF GARDEN PARTY will welcome guests Thursday, April 27, from 6:30 - 9:30pm for an evening stroll among the sculptured works of Charles UMLAUF in the garden of his former home and garden. The Garden Party celebrates the work of 20th century American sculptor, Charles Umlauf. Proceeds of the party are dedicated to the preservation of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum (USG&M) and help underwrite the museum's award-winning education programs. Tickets will go on sale beginning Friday, March 24th through the museum (512 462 6050) and at most Austin-area Twin Liquors » locations.
$70 in advance $85 at the door (pending availability)

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL celebrates the 21st year by r eturning to Texas' culinary roots and paying tribute to the state's traditions with tastings, winery luncheons, galas, seminars and other festivities April 6-9, 2006, in and around Austin. The festival focus is on multi-cultural influences with acclaimed chefs Miguel Ravago, David Bull, Jeff Blank, Rebecca Rather, Tyson Cole and Sue Torres, Susana Trilling and John Ash. There will be "Home on the Range" at TDS Exotic Game Ranch driving by the exotic animals and a delicious evening of grilled foods, wine and spirits tastings and skeet shooting. "Stars Across Texas" is in the Hilton Hotel ballroom with more than 60 restaurants and 30 wineries serving their fare. The annual Sunday Fair moves to San Gabriel Park in Georgetown along the river. For information and tickets see www.texaswineandfood.org 512/249-6300

ALMONDINA is delicious, a praiseworthy cookie for being a healthful sweet. This biscotti-like cookie is the result of a success story of Yuval Zaliouk, whose great loves include music and wonderful food. For generations his family enjoyed his grandmother Dina's secret cookie, which she called Petit Gateau Sec. Yuval Zaliouk, an internationally known symphony conductor and gourmet chef, always had a special place in his heart (and stomach) for this crispy wafer with the delicate flavor of roasted almonds and the natural sweetness of plump raisins. ¶ "Generous in sharing her recipes, Grandmother Dina kept the one for Petit Gateau Sec a secret until the end of her life," Yuval tells me. "Only then did she give it to her daughter, Ahuda, my mother. With her blessing and my family's pride we share these delicious, healthful wonders. After grandmother's death I realized that the characteristics of her delicious and nutritious cookie met the growing demands of health-conscious buyers." Within seven years after he started baking his grandmother's recipe in his kitchen, the biscuits, renamed Almondina® for his grandmother, were available in all fifty states, in seven foreign countries, and had brought him recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year. The all-natural, crispy almond cookie has no cholesterol and no added fat, salt, or preservatives. It is wonderfully crunchy, a delightful accompaniment for coffee, tea, soft cheeses and fine light wines. "The rush to eliminate fat from gourmet foods too often eliminates most of the flavor, but not this enticing cookie," he says. There are eight distinctive flavors--all packed with roasted almonds. For information: www.almondina.com

SCHRAMSBERG reports its J. Schram Rosé has been eight years in the making and will debut for the 2006 holiday season. The third vintage of the estate J. Davies Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon well be released in April. Camp Schramsberg Fall Harvest will be held August 27-29 and provides a behind the scenes experience of picking grapes, making sparkling wines and food and wine pairing sessions. Contact: info1@schramsberg.com www.schramsberg.com

SPRING VALLEY TIMES, a seasonal newsletter from Joseph Phelps Vineyards, reports that WINE SPECTATOR named the 2002 Insignia as "Wine of the Year." The number one rated wine topped the list of the magazine's year-end review of the best 100 wines tasted in 2005. About 12,400 wines from around the world were tasted. The first Phelps Insignia was produced from the 1974 vintage and its release in 1978 was the first time a California winery produced a blend of traditional Bordeaux grape varietals under a proprietary label. The goal of a completely domaine-based estate wine will be realized with the release of the 2004 vintage. www.jpvwines.com

SPRING MOUNTAIN District, Napa Valley Report: Despite the tragic flooding of the Napa Valley floor over the holiday season. Spring Mountain faired well through the heavy rains--10 inches in 24-hours; in the two weeks before New Year's, 30 inches, half our annual rainfall of 60 inches (twice that of the Valley floor). For mountainside vineyard management, erosion control is critical. The vineyards came through with flying colors. www.springmountaindistrict.com

THOMAS FOGARTY Winery & Vineyards has released the THOMAS FOGARTY 2002 Lexington Santa Cruz Mountains Meritage as part of its new line of vineyard-designated wines. With a new label, the 2002 Meritage and two other single-vineyard wines debuted October 30 to launch the winery's 25th anniversary celebration. Half of the twelve vineyard-designates are estate bottlings while the others are sourced from nearby Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards. Winemaker and viticulturist since the winery's inception in 1981, Michael Martella conceived the vineyard-designated program after recognizing that some estate vineyards and blocks historically produced outstanding wines," said Anne Krolczyk, sales and marketing director. "It became apparent that those vineyards deserved separate bottling. A Bordeaux-style cuvée, the 2002 Lexington Santa Cruz Mountains Meritage (416 cases) blends blocks of Santa Cruz Mountains Merlot (58%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%) and Cabernet Franc (6%) for a strikingly complex and age-worthy expression of mountain wine. Fruit for the 2002 Lexington Santa Cruz Mountains Meritage was harvested from Camel Hill Vineyard and the winery's Razorback Vineyard. Beginning with the 2003 vintage, however, the wine will be named Camel Hill Santa Cruz Mountains Lexington Meritage to reflect its single fruit source.

WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION of TEXAS 21st Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction will be held Saturday, April 8, 2006 at The Four Seasons Hotel in Austin. Enjoy the cuisine of Four Season's Executive Chef Elmar Prambs with fine wines throughout the evening. A highlight of the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, April 5-9th, this red-hot, Texas style Auction is not to be missed!

JOSEPH PHELPS reports, "As many of you know, our 2002 INSIGNIA was rated the #1 “Wine of the Year” in Wine Spectator’s review of the top 100 wines tasted in 2005. What a way to end the year! We are deeply gratified by the honor and appreciate the recognition. In fact, the 2002 Insignia sold out shortly after we mailed our Winter Newsletter reporting the Wine Spectator’s rating. There IS a way, however, to guarantee access to future releases of this annual award-winner. The Phelps Preferred Program not only guarantees availability of Insignia but also our Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and many other premium Joseph Phelps wines. Phelps Preferred members are also invited to attend our Annual Insignia Weekend held in May. This popular, members-only event marks the official launch of our annual Insignia Futures program where members are able to order Insignia a year before it’s released to the public! Members enjoy barrel samples of, this year, the 2004 Insignia, special library and large format bottlings, and our full line-up of current releases, while feasting on a spread of delicious gourmet foods perfectly paired with the wines. It’s a perfect time to join. In April we will offer futures of the 2004 Insignia to Phelps Preferred members before the official launch in May. Don’t miss out on this tremendous opportunity to order this great wine a year before anyone else! Contact: tel: (707) 963-2745, fax: (707) 963-4831, jpvwines@aol.com

DOW PORT HOUSE announces partnership with POINT REYES FARMSTEAD CHEESE CO. and SWEET GRASS DAIRY: The trio, DOW PORT, FARMSTEAD, and SWEET GRASS, share family ownership and values, and they have launched the DOW's Port and Cheese Course (a sales and education program) for America's restaurants. The nation's best restaurants are participating. For information and market availability, please contact www.PremiumPort.com, www.PointReyesCheese.com and www.SweetGrassDairy.com

CHÂTEAU HAUT BRION, a Premier Grand Cru Classé, noted the 150-year celebration of the classification of the wines of the Gironde in 1855. "It is remarkable how relevant the classification remains today," says Prince Robert de Luxembourg, co-owner of Château Haut-Brion. "The reason is that it was based on the excellence of wines and reputations that they had enjoyed for many years--in our case for three centuries--not simply a snapshot of only included estates."

KENDALL-JACKSON will celebrate its 10th Anniversary Heirloom Tomato Festival on Saturday, September 9, 2006. The day is devoted entirely to tomatoes and features a tasting of more than 175 heirloom varieties, a culinary chef's challenge, plenty of food and wine, live music and an art show. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2006 for $50 per person in advance through June 30. The event sells out every year. Contact: www.kj.com, tel. (800) 769-3649

JEFF COX, author and free-lance writer, took three years to write his new book: THE ORGANIC COOK'S BIBLE, John Wiley & Sons publisher, April 2006. It has 600 pages, 200 color photographs, 250 recipes, available on Amazon and www.jeffcox.net or www.organicfoodguy.com Jeff tells me "It has entries on every conceivable vegetable, fruit, grain, herb, meat, nut, dairy product, chocolate, coffee and so on. It includes chapters on 'Why Organic?', 'How to Shop a Farmers Market,' and more."

ROW ELEVEN WINE COMPANY was founded in 2004 to produce wines under four distinct brands, each producing a single varietal. The eponymous ROW ELEVEN brand exclusively produces Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley, Santa Rita Hills and the Russian River Valley. The RDLR brand produces biodynammic Syrah from Mendocino County and Santa Barbara County, while the STRATTON LUMMIS brand produces Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley grapes and the CIVELLO brand produces Pinot Gris from the best grapes in Oregon's Rogue Valley. The wine company is a venture of partners Winemaker Richard de los Reyes (RDLR namesake) and Bradley W. Miller, two experienced wine industry professionals who have remarkable knowledge of west coast vineyards from Santa Barbara County to Oregon. Their mission is to produce premium quality wines from the highest quality vineyards at price points substantially below wines of comparable quality. By selecting only the finest grapes and operating as a Multi-Alternating Proprietor (MAP)--a term created by de los Reyes--ROW ELEVEN benefits from increased flexibility and reduced overhead, and passes savings to consumers. Two ROW ELEVEN WINE COMPANY wines won Gold and Double Gold at the Florida State Fair's 2006 Wine Competition. With more than 1,200 wine entries submitted, Row Eleven was pleased for two current releases to win, distinguishing themselves: the Row Eleven Wine Company's 2002 Stratton Lummis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon won the highest accolade, a double gold medal, and the ROW ELEVEN 2003 Russian River Pinot Noir won a gold medal.
(Please see ROW ELEVEN wine review below.) www.roweleven.com

WINE AUSTRALIA, formerly the Australian Wine Bureau, celebrated its 10th anniversary of operations in the United States. When the Australian wine industry launched Strategy 2025 in 1996 the goal was to capitalize on market growth in the United States to achieve exports of 9.7 million cases by 2025. Ten years later those goals were doubled with over 23 million cases currently being shipped into the USA. www.wineaustralia.com

CORK SUPPLY NEWS reports that the new INNOCORK process removes TCA from wine corks. They first used VAPEX to remove 2,4,6 Trichloroanisole (TCA) from granules used to produce 1+1 corks, and now CORK SUPPLY GROUP introduces INNOCORK, a process that virtually eliminates TCA from natural wine corks while preserving the physical properties. Additionally, the INNOCORK process reduces or eliminates other off-aromas--making the corks more neutral and consistent. The process deep cleans wine corks in a steam distillation of ethyl alcohol. The CORK SUPPLY GROUP in Portugal has been testing INNOCORK for nearly three years, even though previous processes had been successful in removing TCA detection to less than 1.0 ng/1 of TCA.

Les CRUS CLASSÉS de SAUTERNES & BARSAC Classement de 1855 announce "The Enchanted Decade." "With the success of the 2005 vintage, the Sauternes and Barsac Crus Classés have once again produced a wine that takes its rank in an exceptional series of excellent vintages starting in 1995, reports Marie-Stephane Malbec. "Such a remarkable decade stands out as unique in Sauterne's history. This series of great years is already considered historical."

INTERNATIONAL PINOT NOIR CELEBRATION has announced its annual IPNC event in July 28-30. Tickets go on sale in March or they can now be ordered online. For information: info@ipnc.org or (503) 472-8964

M.A. SILVA Cortiças, Lda., the supplier for M.A. Silva Corks, USA, was awarded ISO 22000:2005 food safety certification following official testing December 2005. It is one of the first companies in the world to be certified with this new standard, and the first cork producer anywhere to earn the distinction. This measure further distinguishes the company's commitment to providing the North American wine industry with wine closures that have passed the most stringent standards available. Backed by international consensus, ISO 22000 standardizes the requirements for systematically managing safety in food supply chains and offers a unique solution for good practices on a worldwide basis. "As a global player, we welcome ISO 22000:2005 because it provides a recognized standard that is accepted worldwide," said Manuel Silva Sr., founder and president. "The certification gives our customers the guarantee that our natural corks are a strong link in the supply chain, and demonstrates the advantages of using a natural product to seal wine bottles."

CUMULUS WINES, Australia, has made its inaugural North American release with two brands--ROLLING wines and CLIMBING wines--made by Australian Winemaker Philip Shaw. (please see story below)

MADRONA VINEYARDS is celebrating 30 years in business and a successful transition from founders Leslie and Dick Bush to the next generation of Maggie and Paul Bush. "My dad and mom had the foresight; they saw the potential of these elevations for winegrowing," says Winemaker Paul Bush. "They worked to build the following for their wines. I don't know if they planned for us to take it over, but it has worked out remarkably well. I can't describe how good it feels to see my daughters running up and down the vineyard rows and I can only hope they will grow up to be as committed as Maggie and I are." To commemorate this milestone, Paul has created a one-vintage-only 30th Anniversary collection of wines: an ultra-reserve Chardonnay--a tiny lot of only 25 cases and a "Small Block" 104-case Zinfandel from the best part of the home vineyard. The pioneering Bush family planted the first vineyards in El Dorado County in 1973 and began Madrona winery a few years later. After nearly thirty years of trial, error and triumph, there have been dozens of gold medals and a loyal customer base and Dick and Leslie are ready for a retirement full of travel and adventure. A joint ownership and transition plan was enacted in 2003 and son Paul and his wife Maggie assumed management of the winery and vineyards. (please see wines below) www.MadronaVineyards.com

PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW brings spring to the city March 5-12, 2006 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year, two visionary planners--Burke Brothers Landscape Contractors PA and Kobrand Wines & Spirits in NY--the Flower Show presents "Earthly Delights," a 2200 sq.ft. exhibit of a garden and winery transplanted indoors. "We toured the most beautiful Napa wineries," recalls Kevin Burke, "and tried to recreate their essence here." Consequently, hundreds of flowering trees, shrubs and plants at the peak of blooming perfection will surround an elaborately constructed wine cave, complete with aged oak barrels, wine bottle-glass windows and a sun-splashed tasting area. A few rows of trellised grape vines and more than 10,000 corks will be used as a ground-covering mulch throughout the exhibit. Kobrand importers arranged for the shipment of thousands of items from top California wineries: St. Francis in Sonoma; Sequoia Grove and Cakebread Cellars in Napa and Foley Estates and Lincourt in Santa Barbara. www.theflowershow.com www.kobrandwines.com .

NEW RELEASES (quotes are winemakers' comments)

KENDALL-JACKSON has released three new Grand Reserve wines. They are a masterful blend of our mountain hillside, ridge and benchland grapes grown along California's cool coastal appellations. Grapes are hand selected from K-J's best estate vineyards and then monitor and taste each individual lot throughout the winemaking process. Each lot is separately barreled and aged. Out winemakers use these barrels as an array of flavors and toast levels and terroir nuances from which they blend. These wines are complex and have an exemplary richness and depth.

· KENDALL-JACKSON 2004 Grand Reserve Chardonnay Jackson Estates Grown, 51% Monterey and 49% Santa Barbara $20: "The wine is a masterful blend of our hillside, ridge and benchland grapes from along California's cool coastal appellations. It is rich and tropical with creamy citrus, apple and pineapple flavors. Sur lie aged and beautifully balanced, it exhibits gorgeous complexity and elegance. It is lushly layered with a creamy texture so enchanting it soothes the soul. Truly a delight for the sense," says Winemaster Randy Ullom.

· KENDALL-JACKSON 2003 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Jackson Estates Grown, Sonoma and Napa Counties$26: "Layers of blackberry, black cherry and mocha interspersed with coffee, currant, cassis and tobacco notes, intense sturdy tannins are rounded off by a long, sumptuous finish."

· KENDALL-JACKSON 2003 Grand Reserve Merlot Jackson Estates Grown, Sonoma and Napa Counties $26: "Black plum, boysenberry and cherry flavors dance amongst the violet, chocolate and cedar notes. This wine is smooth and the tannins are solid yet refined and rounded. In true Merlot character, the wine caresses the mouth and lingers on beyond each sip."

· KENDALL-JACKSON 2004 Vintner's Reserve Riesling, California $10: "Honeysuckle, apricot and peach flavors delicately mingle with hints of Anjou pear. It is deliciously crisp and nearly dry with orange blossom and spice flavors accented by aromatic jasmine and a delightful finish," says Winemaster Randy Ullom.

______________________________________________________________________________

ZACA MESA is a Santa Inez Valley estate winery dedicated to Rhone varietals. Since 1972, ZACA MESA has presented hand-crafted wines from grapes grown in its vineyards that express the distinct character and quality. All wines are bottled on the property.

· ZACA MESA 2004 Roussanne, Estate Grown and Bottled Santa Inez Valley is representative of the of the delicious wines produced by this winery from its vineyards. Winemaker Clay Brock says, "After hand harvesting, we gently pressed the grapes to ferment in French oak barrels. We aged the wine sur lie for ten months, stirring each barrel regularly to enhance the rich, creamy mouth feel. On the nose, aromas of apricots, figs, honey and spice fill the glass. A lingering finish has a touch of minerality, a signature characteristic of our vineyard. Enjoy with grilled halibut or rosemary roasted chicken."

· ZACA MESA, which planted Santa Barbara County's first syrah grapes, has produced another noteworthy Syrah. In 1991, Zaca Mesa farmed 20 acres of syrah, which accounted for almost 5% of California's syrah acreage. Between 1996 and 2004, syrah acreage in California had grown from just over 2,000 acres to almost 18,000 acres. No other red grape has even come close to Syrah in growth over this period. “Syrah’s popularity stems from its food-friendly nature making balanced reds that have dark color, rich flavors and finishes with mild tannins,” says Zaca Mesa President Brook Williams. Zaca Mesa 2002 Estate Bottled Syrah $20 was hand harvested and then aged for sixteen months in French oak barrels, and minimally filtered before bottling. The resulting full-bodied wine displays rich blackberry, cassis, and Zaca Mesa’s signature sage spice aromas and flavors. The finish lingers from the ripe tannins and smoky oak. Ideally this wine is served with grilled red meats or blackened meaty fish," states Clay Brock, winemaker.

______________________________________________________________________________

LAKE SONOMA Winery 2003 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($18) is representative of of Dry Creek's reputation for big, firmly structured Zinfandels. This one has the bold Zin character, but it also reveals the grape's smooth graceful side. To show Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel's impressive flavors and tannic structure, two techniques were used: early pressing of the juice off the skins while it is still fermenting to reduce extraction and relatively long - 18 months - aging in small French and American oak barrels to soften tannins. The Lake Sonoma Winery 2003 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel brims with ripe black cherry, boysenberry and spice aromas. Rich, ripe black cherry and raspberry fruit, cinnamon and clove and mouthfilling flavors, impressive roundness on the palate, with integrated tannins and gentle acidity that smooth the texture and finish. 4,000 cases produced.

______________________________________________________________________________

ARCHETYPE Vineyards Winemaker Bob Masyczek had introduced his definitive Shiraz from Australia's Barossa Valley. "ARCHETYPE wines strive to meet the definition--an original model, a prototype, a unique example of its kind," Bob says. "We combine classic grapes with their ideal viticultural areas to somehow define the essence of a region and that varietal. Australia's Barossa Valley produces Australia's highest rated Shiraz."

· ARCHETYPE 2004 Shiraz, Barossa Valley Australia $15: "Night harvested, grapes fermented for 5 to 7 days at about 70 degrees, free run and pressed fruits were kept separate. Wine has layers of red berry flavors, touch mocha and smoked meat, intense and gracefully balanced with fruit concentration, enjoy with grilled fare, pasta and other medium entrees."

· ARCHETYPE 2004 Old Vine Reserve Shiraz, Barossa Valley Australia $35: "Deeply concentrated and rich, unbelievably intense. The old vines produce blackberry, black plum and blueberry aromatics and flavors characteristic of classic Barossa Shiraz. Oak is well integrated with notes of chocolate, enjoy with grilled meats and stews."

· ARCHETYPE 2004 Cabernet-Shiraz, Barossa Valley Australia $15: "The blend has dark berry fruit with spice and a structure with complex layers, dense and rich, pair with grilled fare and many dishes."

______________________________________________________________________________

BRONCO WINE COMPANY has created a super-value wine category, reporting that the company "makes quality wines at value prices so that everyone can have the best of both worlds: delicious wines of character on the table and money in the bank."

· DOÑA SOL 2004 Merlot, California $5: "blackcurrants, chocolate, vanilla spice, berry jam, velvety texture, soft smoky finish"

· DOÑA SOL 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California $5: "peppery spice, silky, black cherry, herbs, smoky oak finish"

· FORESTVILLE 2004 Pinot Grigio, California $6, and FORESTVILLE 2003 Shiraz, California $6: "People want comfort foods on their tables, foods that aren't too fancy, taste great and are reminders of less complicated times. These two FORESTVILLE wines fit these foods like a pair of favorite slippers--and are quality wines that are widely available."

· RUTHERFORD VINTNERS 2003 Chardonnay, Napa Valley $12: "Aromas and flavors of green apple, melon, butterscotch and honey with a soft finish."

· RUTHERFORD VINTNERS 2003 Merlot, Napa Valley $14: "Aromas and flavors of smoke, cedar and cherry and tannins that marry well with the fruit for a smooth finish."

· RUTHERFORD VINTNERS 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $16: "Aromas and flavors of plums, pepper, blackberry and vanilla with a spicy long finish."

______________________________________________________________________________

DUTTON-GOLDFIELD Winery began in a vineyard in 1998, when longtime colleagues and friends Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield recognized a shared vision , that being, to craft wines that expressed the personalities of their vineyards, and which they'd enjoy drinking at their own dinner tables. "Our mission is to produce world-class wines that display the brightness of fruit, complexity, structure and balance that are reflective of our cool coastal home." The DUTTON-GOLDFIELD 2004 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley $35 has 100% barrel fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirred twice monthly and aged 10 months in French oak barrels (50% new barrels). "2004 brought us an early budbreak, a warm summer and harvest season and our Green Valley old vineyards showed their worth. The old, cold vines maintained their acidity, fruit focus and brightness and show it in our 2004 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay--a citrus core is overlaid by pear and stone fruits and the nose displays spice and poppy seed overtones. The wine is lush with focused lime and tangerine notes, pair with your most indulgent foods--from pates and fresh mozzarella to escargots, salmon and aioli fettuccini Alfredo."

______________________________________________________________________________

BEAULIEU VINEYARDS has released a pair of Chardonnays: BEAULIEU VINEYARDS(BV) 2004 Napa Valley Chardonnay $18 and BEAULIEU VINEYARDS (BV) 2004 Carneros Chardonnay $20.

· BEAULIEU VINEYARDS(BV) 2004 Napa Valley Chardonnay $18:" Hand picked, whole cluster pressed, 100% barrel fermentation and 46% malolactic, all wine aged sur lie in barrel for complexity and richness. Fruit and oak combine for a classic, medium-bodied Chardonnay, smooth with balanced acids and crisp finish, enjoy with light pasta, chicken and vegetarian dishes."

· BEAULIEU VINEYARDS (BV) 2004 Carneros Chardonnay $20: "Hand picked, whole cluster pressed, 97% barrel fermentation and 30% malolactic, all wine aged sur lie in barrel for complexity and richness. Bright, fruity nose with mineral notes and complex nuances with flavors of pear-apple aromas typical of Carneros Chardonnay, hint spicy-vanilla oak, medium-bodied, balanced with fine acidity and creamy richness, enjoy with cream-sauce pasta, semi-soft cheeses and roast chicken."

______________________________________________________________________________

· GEYSER PEAK WINERY 2002 Reserve Alexandre Meritage, Alexander Valley $49, was first produced in 1983 and is a traditional blend of the five classic Bordeaux red grape varietals. Each year the winemakers rely on traditional, small lot fermentation, rigorous selection and extensive trial blending to achieve a consistently stylish, elegantly balanced wine. Here is the latest one, "layers of focussed blackcurrant, black cherry and blueberry, plush palate with hints of oak and spice for complexity, but generous fruit and rich texture and a graceful finish, big and voluptuous, ripe tannins and luxurious and harmonious."

· GEYSER PEAK WINERY 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley $46: "This wine is the second vintage produced since GEYSER PEAK returned to an Alexander Valley appellation on our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Individual lots of hillside grapes primarily from warmer end of of the valley comprise this limited production (4,470 cases). It exhibits the hallmarks of classic Alexander Valley Cabernet: rich blackberry and cherry aromas; bold, ripe fruit and sweet spice flavors and a finish of structured tannin and lingering fruit.'

· GEYSER PEAK WINERY 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley $18: "Ripe black cherry and blackberry dominate to open with hints of mocha and complexity with lively intensity of fruit aromas and flavors with restrained cedary oak character; juicy, round and generous palate harmonizes blackberry and cherry fruit with toasty oak and spice and fine-grained tannins."

· GEYSER PEAK WINERY 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, California $12: "Three practices define our Sauvignon Blanc: sourcing grapes from cool climate coastal areas; picking some grapes earlier than conventional to capture freshness and crisp acidity; and each lot is vinified separately through cold f ermentation and cold storage in stainless steel and these dozens of small lots show a full range of flavors from ripe tropical fruit to fresh citrus to grassy herbaceousness."

______________________________________________________________________________

MARLSTONE and BRIARCREST represent the proprietary tier of wines by Clos Du Bois--the best of the best. The 2002 MARLSTONE and the 2002 BRIARCREST Alexander Valley wines are the current releases. "These wines are our best barrel lots from our best vineyards," says Winemaker Erik Olsen. "The wine is handcrafted to showcase the extraordinary qualities of the varietal and the vintage."

· MARLSTONE 2002 Alexander Valley $50 is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. "We've produced this wine since 1978 with the blend differing from year to year. The growing season began with a short rainstorm at budbreak followed by a two-week heat spell. This impaired bloom set and reduced overall crop size, leading to concentrated flavors at harvest. Fruit quality was excellent. After harvest and crush, individual lots were fermented in stainless steel, the wine was pressed and transferred to new thin-staved French oak barrels for 24 months. After barrel aging, I blended the various components into a balanced delicious wine--wild blackberry, clove, violets and ripe plum, great intensity and flavor, complexity, fleshy, balanced, sweet juicy tannins and long satisfying finish.".

· BRIARCREST 2002 Alexander Valley $36 "has scents of cassis, spicy oak, vanilla, and ripe black fruit. It has an intensely rich texture with a concentrated, fleshy mid palate of cassis, blackberry and spice. The fruit lingers elegantly to a soft, supple finish."

______________________________________________________________________________

KOBRAND has released several new wines from Italy and Hungary.

· PIGHIN 2004 Pinot Grigio, Grave del Friuli, DOC Italy $15: "This wine is a classic example of the Grave-del-Friuli style, pale straw-gold, delicate floral and white fruit aroma, characterized by a clean, vibrant fruit purity and superb acidic balance, fresh and elegant finish that is refreshing and subtle with nuances of flowers and hazelnuts."

· PIGHIN 2004 Pinot Grigio, Collio, DOC Italy $23: "Marries a pronounced varietal intensity with fruit purity, slightly spicy fragrance, distinctive notes of acacia and hazelnuts, confirmed on palate with fruit flavors, ending in a clean, fresh finish."

· PIGHIN 2004 Terre di Risano Bianco, Grave del Friuli, DOC Italy $15: "Our wine-making tradition goes back to the 17th Century. The brothers Luigi, Ercole and Ferdinando Pighin took over and completely rebuilt the company in 1963. The 150 hectares of thriving, well-established vineyards are near the village of Risano, in the comune of Pavia di Udine, an area renown for its agriculture and the Friuli Grave area high-quality wines. In honor of this history and vine-growing tradition, Pighin was granted its own appellation name, Terre di Risano. This wine is estate bottled after a stainless steel fermentation. It is harmonious, crisp, delicate, aromatic, with delightful fruit, well balanced acidity and a perfect pairing for a wide range of dishes."

· Tenute SILVIO NARDI 2002 Rosso di Montalcino (Sangiovese), DOC Italy $27: "The village of Montalcino lies in the southernmost part of Chianti Collio Senese zone. Rosso di Montalcino denomination was created in 1984. The principal vineyards of Tenute Silvio Nardi are planted to the Brunello clone of Sangiovese Grosso. Wine is intense cherry and ripe, well-extracted wild cherry fruit with hints of leather and spice, a chewy, forward wine of medium body and velvety tannic structure."

· Tenute SILVIO NARDI 2000 Brunello di Montalcino (Sangiovese), DOCG Italy $58: "The Nardi Brunello shows intense bouquet of red berries offset by notes of leather and incense which are confirmed on the palate, supported by firm elegant tannins of moderate intensity."

· BOLLINI 2004 Pinot Grigio, Trentino, DOC, Italy $14: "Trentino lies within Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy's northernmost wine producing region. Pinot Grigio is a genetic mutation of Pinot Noir. Trentino is well-suited to the variety. This wine preserves the fresh, varietal character of the fruit, is especially fragrant with a perfumed bouquet, elegant, delicate and slight flinty quality on the palate. The texture is crisp and clean, superb acid balance and subtle nutty finish."

· BOLLINI 2003 Pinot Grigio, Reserve Selection, Grave del Friuli, DOC, Italy $18: Heavily characterized by gravel (hence Grave), the zone is in Italy's northeast corner along the Adriatic coast. These calcium-rich soils produce finely-structured wines of fresh fragrance, crisp fruit, lively vitality and clean varietal character. "This wine, without malolactic fermentation is light golden with a fresh, fruity nose reflecting nuances of dried fruit and hay, a dry palate with lively high extract due to low yields."

· BOLLINI 2004 Chardonnay, Trentino, DOC, Italy $11: "A balanced, fresh wine with intense varietal character and refined spice and vanilla notes, delicate texture, yet ample and crisp with toasty nuances."

· TIBOR GÁL 2002 Chardonnay, Hungary $12: "The wine is produced on the 7.5-acre Szarkás Vineyard planted entirely to Chardonnay in 1997. Deep rich soils yield delicate fragrance and refined flavor. Vititculture is based on row spacing of 2.4 meters (7.2 feet) and vinestock spacing of .8 meters (2.4 feet) at a density of 5,000 vinestocks per hectare (2,000 per acre). The wine is elegant, balanced and has classic aromas and flavors rounded by discreet oak notes and a firm acidic backbone."

· TIBOR GÁL 2002 Egri Bikavér ("Bull's Blood"), Hungary $11: "This wine is the traditional benchmark of the Eger region and is Hungary's best known dry wine. Various legends surround it, but the name dates to the Turkish Ottoman attack on the fortress of Eger in 1552. The Hungarians were greatly outnumbered, but under the leadership of Captain István Dobó, apparently fortified by the wine's powers, they defeated the Ottomans and kept the westward encroachment at bay for four decades. The GÁL Winery draws grapes from five properties that give merlot, cabernet franc, syrah, kadarka and kékfrankos to the Bikavér blend. Grapes are hand harvested into small bins and the bunches immediately destemmed.Skin-contact fermentation takes place over 27 days in stainless steel, temperature controlled vats, followed by a balancing malolactic fermentation."

· CHÂTEAU d'AQUERIA 2004 Tavel, Rosé Table Wine, France $16: "Hand harvesting and destemming of the fruit are followed by maceration. Each variety is vinified separately without malolactic or use of oak. Grenache gives fruitiness and fatness; cinsault gives finesse and length; clairette and bourboulenc have aromas of fruit and flowers and mouvedre has an intense, vibrant color, red fruit aromas and flavors and longevity."

· BODEGAS JULIAN CHVITE 2005 Gran Feudo, Rosé Wine, Navarra, Spain $15: "Bright strawberry pink, clean and fragrant with notes of berries and fruit, lively acidity and floral notes."

· BOUVET Rosé Excellence, Sparkling Brut, France $15: "Our experienced blenders assemble the cuvée for balance, freshness and fruit intensity."

______________________________________________________________________________

INNISKILLIN 2004 Cabernet Franc Icewine, VQA appellation, Niagara Peninsula, Canada $100 (375ml): "The grapes used to make ice wine are left on the vine well into December. The entire vineyard is carefully covered with netting to protect the sweet, ripe berries from birds, although some of the weak-stemmed cabernet franc is lost to wind damage and the weight of the snow. The ripe berry are dehydrated through constant freezing and thawing during the winter months, a process that concentrates the sugars, acids and extracts in the berries, thereby intensifying the flavors and giving ice wine its immense complexity. The grapes are painstakingly harvested in their naturally frozen state, most often in the middle of the night. They are immediately pressed, with the water in the juice remaining frozen as ice crystals, and only a few drops of sweet, concentrated juice are obtained. A long Indian summer ripened the 2004 grapes nicely. First half of December was mild, then temperatures fell dramatically December 19th and the Icewine harvest began. While grapes for Icewine can legally be harvested at -8.0 degrees C (17 degrees F), Winemaker Karl Kaiser prefers to harvest at or below -10C (14F) for higher quality wine, and he did so and completed the harvest on January 17 when the harvest was completed over the next three days at -12C (10F)." Winemaker Kaiser says the wine is intensely aromatic and varietally distinct, portraying aromas of herbs, eucalyptus, strawberry, baked rhubard and spiced apple. "It's rich, echoing flavors of cranberry, apple, and strawberry enlightened by a refreshing acidity. Pair it with chocolate-based desserts, custards and tarts, caramelized desserts, blue-veined cheeses, or on its own at the end of a fine meal."

______________________________________________________________________________

DRY CREEK VINEAYRDS (DCV) Director of Communcations Bill Smart has chronicled during 2005 the many changes that have taken place at DRV. He reflects on several of the strategic initiatives to make the best wine possible.

· Chardonnay program moved from Sonoma County to Russian River Valley

· Bordeaux varietals wine program moved from Sonoma County to Dry Creek Valley

· Moved Reserve wine program to small lot single vineyard designation to emphasize terroir

· Huge capital investment into winemaking facility

· Enhanced grape picking parameters to identify specific blocks

Several new wine releases are the Meritage, Chardonnay, Dry Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and the flagship Fumé Blanc.

· DRY CREEK VINEAYRDS 2003 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley $18: "Aromas and flavors of citrus, hazelnut, pear, spicy nuances, dense and complex, minerality, excellent structure and richness"

· DRY CREEK VINEAYRDS 2003 Meritage, Dry Creek Valley $28: "Aromas and flavors of cherry-vanilla, rose ptal, cassis, blackberry, red currant, black cherry notes, well balanced, rich, ripe supple tannins, with long finish"

· DRY CREEK VINEAYRDS 2003 Merlot, Dry Creek Valley $18: "Aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry, black plum, currant and spice, chocolate, well integrated and ripe soft tannins, layered with moderate acidity, enjoy with steak and mushrooms"

· DRY CREEK VINEAYRDS 2004 Dry Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg $11.50: "Aromas and flavors of orange blossom, lemon zest, ripe pear, pinapple, green apple and citrus, balanced acidity, enjoy chilled with oysters and Asian inspired cuisine"

· DRY CREEK VINEYARDS 2004 Fumé Blanc (dry Sauvignon Blanc), Sonoma County $13.50: "Our Fumé Blanc's quintessential varietal character has make it a benchmark California Sauvignon Blanc and a flagship wine at DRY CREEK. It shows citrus, grapefruit, melon and lemongrass with vibrant lemon-lime, gooseberry and touch of minerality. The balanced, crisp acidity cleanses the palate and invites an array of foods, including cheeses, seafood and fresh oysters."

· DRY CREEK VINEYARDS 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley $21: "Well focused and precisely balanced, this wine has rich aromatics of black stone fruit and firm, mouthcoating tannins. Ripe flavors of black plum and black cherry combine with complex undertones of bittersweet chocolate, spices and cedar from oak. Layers of fruit and spice co-mingle with hints of vanilla and rich round tannins linger."

______________________________________________________________________________

VALLEY OF THE MOON has released the 2004 Carneros Pinot Noir $20. "Pinot Noir is perhaps the wine world's most capricious grape - it needs very specific soils and climate to produce well, and it doesn't like weather that is atypical or changes suddenly. But sometimes this grape is so capricious, it does the unexpected. The 2004 growing season in Northern California had enough twists and turns to make Pinot Noir producers crazy, yet the resulting 2004 Valley of the Moon Carneros Pinot Noir is elegant, complex and totally delicious. The Carneros is one of the coldest grape growing regions in Sonoma County. Here shallow clay soils and cool, marine-influenced climate on the edge of San Francisco Bay enable Pinot Noir grapes to ripen slowly, developing generous fruit character and fine balancing acidity. In 2004, the growing season began with a warm spell that caused unusually early bud-break. A cold, foggy summer delayed the grape maturation process, only to be followed by back-to-back heat waves in August that resulted in the earliest harvest on record. Fortunately, Valley of the Moon was ready. The grapes were harvested at peak maturity and careful winemaking - including a year in small French oak barrels - did the rest. The wine has complex aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla and forest earth with a sweet, toasty oak background, silky and smooth on the finish."

______________________________________________________________________________

HERZOG WINE CELLARS has released three new wines from the new Oxnard Winery. "The first three wines from the new facility have some truly fantastic fruit from this year that allows me unprecedented opportunity to push the envelope in terms of both quality and creativity,” explains winemaker Joe Hurliman.

· HERZOG WINE CELLAR: “With the successful completion of the first harvest in our new winery, the Herzog family has taken major steps towards its two primary objectives: first is the ongoing quest to improve wine quality, and second is the exploration of new and interesting wines that will provide the diversity our customers expect from us,” explains winemaker Joe Hurliman. As a result, two new wines have been created: HERZOG WINE CELLAR 2005 Late Harvest Zinfandel and the BARON HERZOG 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon “Jeunesse”, Central Coast. The Late Harvest Zin draws on the rich, concentrated fruit from 70 year-old vines in Lodi’s Watt’s Vineyard. With 9.6% residual sugar and just 9% alcohol, the wine can be served as an aperitif or at the end of a meal. Suggested retail is $20. In a related style, “Jeunesse” celebrates the fresh, fruity quality of young red wine. Not for the cellar, this easy-drinking Cabernet is ready to be enjoyed with all manner of meals. Suggested retail is $13. Both wines will be available at fine wine retailers in March.

· HERZOG WINE CELLAR 2003 Special Reserve Edna Valley Syrah $30, "had harvest occurring late in the season that benefited the wine greatly from extended hang time.
______________________________________________________________________________

JARVIS 2002 Jarvis Estate Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, unfined, unfiltered $70: This wine scored really big at the prestigious VinoChallenge International competition. Competing against 900 other wines, the JARVIS 2002 Cabernet Franc earned two gold medals and was also chosen "Best of Show." Winemaker Dimitri Tchelistcheff considers the varietal to be one of the best wines he produces. It shows hints of toasty vanilla, peach and cassis aromas from 18 months barrel aging in new French Nevers oak with a combination of blueberry and black cherry flavors throughout the elegant finish."

______________________________________________________________________________

KENWOOD Vineyards produces wines worthy of the designation; wines drawn from their best vineyards, given extra care at the winery, then tasted and winnowed so only the best barrels go into limited-production, limited release reserve bottlings. The 2002 Kenwood Reserve Merlot and 2004 Kenwood Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir are two such wines - real reserves that show their special heritage. The process of producing Kenwood Reserves begins with its best vineyards in the best appellations for the grape varieties, the heart of the Sonoma Valley for the Merlot, where warm (but not hot) days and cool nights enable Merlot to develop flavor, body and characteristic smoothness, and Russian River Valley for the Pinot Noir, where cold climate brings forth fruit complexity, depth, delicacy and balance. In the winery, the Reserve vineyard lots are handled separately and given a special barrel regimen; Merlot gets more than two years in seasoned French oak to develop complexity and softness, while Pinot Noir receives just over a year in new French oak to gain generous vanilla notes. Last but not least, the selection process is barrel-by-barrel, with only a small number of barrels making the cut to become Reserve. Less than 3% of Kenwood's Merlot production in 2002 was chosen for Reserve. For Pinot Noir in 2004, Reserve comprised less than 4% of the total.

· KENWOOD 2004 Sonoma Valley Reserve Merlot, $25: "Blueberry, Italian plum, herb and cinnamon dominate the nose and blueberry and plum fruit also dominate the medium-bodied flavor, with herb and sweet vanilla notes contributing understated complexity. The rich fruit flavors support integrated tannins, enabling this Merlot to be smooth on the palate now, yet capable of additional evolution with cellaring."

· KENWOOD 2004 Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir, $25: "Vivid aromas of red plum, raspberry, and strawberry seem dipped in semi-sweet chocolate and with generous flavors of raspberry, strawberry and vanilla, and a lithe, light texture combine for elegance on the palate. Bright and vibrant throughout, the wine nevertheless finishes soft and smooth. Just 1,500 cases of the 2004 Kenwood Vineyards Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir were produced. It is available nationally at a suggested retail of $25.

______________________________________________________________________________

GALLO Family Vineyards announced a new era. "As we approach the 75th Anniversary of our winery, our family wines that have been known as Gallo of Sonoma begin a new era with a new name and a new look. We have created Gallo Family Vineyards to become our flagship brand around the world, and we are expanding the line to include wines for every occasion. The three redwood trees on our label represent three generations of our family sharing a single passion. The era begins with four starting wines, listed below.

· GALLO Family Vineyards 2004 Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay $13: "The wine marries the rich, full flavors of melon and citrus fruits, peach, mango and pineapple with a mellow undertone of vanilla. The oak aging and malolactic fermentation build a luscious mouthfeel with toasty, buttery flavors followed by a crisp, clean finish."

· GALLO Family Vineyards 2003 Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $15: "This wine opens with aromas of red currant, raspberry, black cherry and spice. The palate follows with flavors of currant, fresh crushed berries and fine tannins with a round, balanced mouthfeel."

· GALLO Family Vineyards 2003 Sonoma Reserve Merlot $13: "The wine opens with warm, inviting aromas of baked berry pie, fresh berries and vanilla. The palate fills in with dark and deep flavors of blackberries, wild berries and jam. This wine is enjoyable on release but will reward with a couple years aging."

· GALLO Family Vineyards 2004 Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir $15: "Medium bodied, this Pinot Noir had dark garnet color and great typicality in its balance of earthy mushroom undertones and luscious black fruit flavors that roll out in layered sequences."

______________________________________________________________________________

RAYMOND has released two new "District Wines" from its Napa Valley landmark family wines and vineyards. A difference of only a few steps between the St. Helena and Rutherford appellations is all that is needed to find varying style nuances that define the two districts. Prior to the wines' District creation in 2001, the fruit was blended as part of RAYMOND's Napa Valley Reserve wine--one district for its elegance and one for power. These vineyards have been in RAYMOND's estate program since the 1970s and 1980s. "District wines are true renderings of the basis for designating an appellation," says Winemaker Walter Raymond. "A blend is a different animal, and we thought there was enough difference between these two wines as they matured to show those differences." Driven by limited yields, District Wines also give a glimpse at RAYMOND's small production wine program.

· RAYMOND 2002 Rutherford District Cabernet Sauvignon $50: "Aromas of black cherries, currants, warm sweet spice, cocoa, hint of smoke leads to a palate of ripe plum, blackberries, cedar and smoky vanilla oak, a rich wine, well-rounded with soft tannins and a long silky finish to this medium-full bodied wine. Enjoy with grilled steak, cherry-glazed pork tenderloin or hearty stews."

· RAYMOND 2002 St. Helena District Cabernet Sauvignon $50: "Complexity with aromas of cherry, blackberry, chocolate, spice, tobacco and flavors of ripe plum and dark berries, smooth earthy finish with nutty vanilla, well balanced and structured, moderate tannins, medium-bodied, pair with grilled steaks, rack of lamb, rich pastas, lasagna and hearty soups and stews."

______________________________________________________________________________

ROW ELEVEN WINE COMPANY was founded in 2004 to produce wines under four distinct brands, each producing a single varietal and the first release was January 2005. The eponymous ROW ELEVEN brand exclusively produces Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley, Santa Rita Hills and the Russian River Valley. Winemaker Richard de los Reyes says the exceptional quality begins with 30 years experience in the California wine industry. "I consider only those vineyards with a solid history of producing world-class wines with an impressive track record from third-party endorsements of the wine and lifestyle media," he says. "I harvested my first promising grapes from the famous Q block of Bien Nacido Vineyards, from the eleventh row in its sister vineyard Soloman Hills in Santa Maria Valley and from the eleventh row in the Sanchetti Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, so we named the company ROW ELEVEN." In a decade, California has doubled the crush of Pinot Noir, from 32,000 tons in 1994 to 70,000 tons in 2004. ROW ELEVEN's two 2002 Pinot Noirs were chosen as two of the top 30 Pinot Noirs in the country at the 2005 Pinot noir Shootout. Winemaker Richard de los Reyes believes his 2003 wines are even better! "They were made to accent the fruit forward character of a true California Pinot Noir."

· ROW ELEVEN 2003 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir $30: "The wine has some Dijon clones but is predominantly made of the Pommard clone from Bien Nacido Vineyards. Darker than most Pinot Noirs, it is rich in ripe black cherry and cola spice, with great length and a sublime smoky nuance." Bottled November 2005, released February 2006 and only 1200 cases produced.

· ROW ELEVEN 2003 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $36: "From the renowned Sanchetti, the wine is a blend of Martini, Pommard and Dijon clones. Dry and full bodied, this Pinot Noir tastes of black and red cherry fruit and toasted oak. It has silky smooth tannins that make it elegant and full flavored." Bottled November 2005, released February 2006, only 690 cases.

______________________________________________________________________________

HANDLEY CELLARS has three new releases. Reaching beyond the usual Anderson Valley designation, these wines are blended from grapes grown in several sub-appellations (eight altogether) within Mendocino County--a place with a long tradition of grape growing going back to the first Spanish land grants in the 1850s. The warmer inland appellations, where summers are hottest and driest, provide the perfect climate for Zinfandel and Syrah. Milla Handley purchases fruit from a small number of growers whose vineyard practices are in keeping with her own standards for sustainable farming.

· HANDLEY CELLARS 2003 Syrah, Mendocino County $20: "Destemmed and crushed, the grapes were transferred to open-top tanks to ferment for ten days, then aged for ten months in French and American oak. It has aromas and flavors of cocoa, cherries, strawberries, hints of violets, a velvet texture, rich berry flavors and long silky finish. Serve with red meat curries and cheeses."

· HANDLEY CELLARS 2003 Zinfandel, Mendocino County $20: "Destemmed and crushed, the grapes were transferred to open-top tanks to ferment for one to two weeks, then settled and racked to French and American oak (22% new) for 8½ months before bottling. It has fruity aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, blackberries and with a lovely dusting of cocoa and accents of cedar and cassis.. Serve with chicken dishes, roast lamb and eggplant parmigiana."

· HANDLEY CELLARS 2004 Pinot Noir, Mendocino County $19: "Fermented in open tanks for up to two weeks, then racked to French oak barrels (45% new) for ten months before bottling. Aromas and flavors of strawberries and violets and coffee, and subtle oak adds depth and complexity to bright Bing Cherry flavors. Serve with a variety of dishes, including hearty beef stew or grilled portobello mushrooms."

______________________________________________________________________________

PROVENANCE VINEYARDS has released two new red wines. Winemaker Tom Rinaldi makes delicious red wines from Napa Valley and I was pleased to visit him and tour the winery and vineyards last September during harvest. Tom is called a character for good reason, mostly because he is distinctive, straight forward and honest. He dresses in his classic Hawaiian shirt and baggy Bermuda shorts and rides his bicycle to and from and through the vineyard rows--almost speaking to each vine to encourage it to do its best. He must convince because his wines are soooooo good--beautifully balanced and fruit intensive. Enjoy these wines with an array of cheeses, roasted red meats, pastas and steaks.

· PROVENANCE VINEYARDS 2003 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $40: The majority of the grapes are grown on the well-drained alluvial fan at Vineyard Georges III, replanted to modern clones and rootstocks in the late 1980s and now fully matured. "We destemmed all the grapes but did not crush them. We cold soaked them for two days, added selected yeasts and monitored fermentation. Careful fermenting, separation of wine from skins, natural clarification by gravity and age-old techniques produced this elegant and powerful wine," Tom explains. "Initially closed in showing mescal, minerality and beeswax, this wine opens to mocha, soy, French-vanilla cream with chocolate nuances and the classic cocoa-dust finish. It has depth, fruit elegance and subtlety with a surprisingly soft and approachable with sweet oak spice and black olive finish."

· PROVENANCE VINEYARDS 2003 Napa Valley Merlot, $35: "2003 saw a difficult spring and one of the wettest Aprils on record," Tom says. "Loose clusters and small-than-normal berry size were common in most red varietals. Overall, the quality of the resulting 2003 red wines was excellent, with great depth of varietal character and superb structure. This Merlot initially shows herbaceous notes, then opens to fleshy, rustic red currant, bacon and floral aromas, hints of citrus and green olive, and a mouth of raspberries and fresh zesty, lively flavors and a lovely elegant structure." ______________________________________________________________________________

CUMULUS WINES, Australia, has made its inaugural North American release with two brands--ROLLING wines and CLIMBING wines--made by Australian Winemaker Philip Shaw. Managing Director Ron Mertz says, "We are proud to present the American public with Phil Shaw's ROLLING wines and CLIMBING wines of CUMULUS Wines Inc. Phil has crafted wines that capture the cool climate, higher elevation, and bright sunshine of the Orange and Central Ranges wine regions of Australia. And once again he demonstrates his respect for the consumer by offering wines that raise the bar on quality but also offer a modern, sophisticated experience. Crafted by this master (Shaw spent 20 years at Rosemount and then three with Southcorp Wines) Phil's sense of fun and adventure with ROLLING and CLIMBING is stylish. ROLLING wines are as diverse and approachable as the people of the region they celebrate--their local pride, relaxed pace, comfortable familiarity and individual expression. The label features the fictitious Beatrice, a proud country woman who lover life and hometown and shows her meandering journey across the hilly landscape. The Central Ranges area offers fruit with vibrant color, lifted fresh flavors and distinct varietal definition. Four powerful yet balanced wines comprise the ROLLING brand: ROLLING 2005 Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, ROLLING 2005 Chardonnay, ROLLING 2004 Cabernet- Merlot and ROLLING 2004 Shiraz. CLIMBING Wines are a toast to the pursuit of adventure and the giddy blend of nerves and excitement when undertaking a great personal challenge. The label artwork, inspired by an 1890s poster of the Hawaiian Dive Circus, exudes the eccentric and adventurous character of a region dominated by the peaks of extinct volcano Mount Canobolas (4,580 ft.) The CLIMBING brand consists of four varietals that showcase the clean, elegant essence of Orange, Australia's cool climate and high altitude. CLIMBING is an active reference to the higher elevation vineyards of the wine's fruit source: CLIMBING 2005 Chardonnay, CLIMBING 2004 Shiraz, CLIMBING 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon and CLIMBING 2004 Merlot. www.cumuluswines.com

______________________________________________________________________________

The FAIVELEY family in the Burgundian wine business, according to Hugh Johnson, represents an unbroken family succession since 1830 and has the biggest domaine in Burgundy. "Faiveley owns 282 acres with 178 acres in Mercurey, where the family 18-acre 'monopole' Clos des Myglands is their best-known wine. Faiveley wines are solidly structured, built-to-last burgundies." Negociant is the French word for wine merchant, a word with more meaning in Burgundy than the USA. A negociant is a merchant who also ages the wine and bottles it--also known as negociant-éleveur. Many negociants also own vineyards.

· FAIVELEY 2002 Mercurey, Domaine de la Croix Jacquelet, Nuits-Saint-Georges, France $19: "This red burgundy is powerfully structured with ripe, supple tannins and moderate avidity. Ripe cherry fruit aromas and flavors dominate. The finish is long, velvety and very fruity with cherries and strawberries lingering. It complements light and dark meats." Domaine de la Croix Jacquelet is a single estate wine from Faiveley's estate vineyards in Mercurey.

· FAIVELEY 2002 Montagny, Les Joncs, Nuits-Saint-Georges, France $19: "A lovely pure green fruit nose with textured flavors of creme brulee, toast, carambola, caramel, pineapple and lychee. Includes a touch of minerality and plenty of vibrant acidity." Montagny is the southernmost appellation of the Cote Chalonnaise and is restricted to growing only chardonnay. "Les Joncs" means bulrushes, which grow around a spring at the bottom of the vineyard. The wines have been described as buttery, nutty, apple-like Chardonnay with fruitiness and crisp acidity."

· FAIVELEY 2003 Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Rouge, Nuits-Saint-Georges, France $17: "Fragrant scents of cherries and spices, well balanced with fine harmonious tannins, enjoy with light and dark meats."

· FAIVELEY 2003 Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Blanc, Nuits-Saint-Georges, France $17: "Well balanced on the palate with rich and supple expressions of freshness, citrus, lemony flavors with hints of vanilla-oak from fermentation in new oak casks. Enjoy with shellfish, especially scallops."

______________________________________________________________________________

MADRONA VINEYARDS' Maggie and Paul Bush celebrated 30 years of his parent's business in wine, and a successful transition from founders Leslie and Dick Bush to the next generation. To commemorate this milestone, Paul has created a one-vintage-only 30th Anniversary collection of wines: an ultra-reserve Chardonnay--a tiny lot of only 25 cases and a "Small Block" 104-case Zinfandel from the best part of the home vineyard. A joint ownership and transition plan was enacted in 2003 and son Paul and his wife Maggie assumed management of the winery and vineyards, but there's been no lounging for the younger Bushes and their staff. Paul is Vineyard Manager and Winemaker, and Maggie, a certified accountant, is the General Manager. Recent innovations include a solar powered energy system.

· MADRONA VINEYARDS 2003 30th Anniversary Zinfandel, Estate Grown, El Dorado $38 (only 104 cases): "This classic Madrona Zin is a brilliant ruby with aromas of ripe black cherry, red currants and wild raspberry and sweet spice. Definitely food oriented, the palate is impeccably balanced. A medium to full bodied wine and a blast of fruit on the forward palate which lingers to the finish. Bing cherry, dark chocolate, dry on the finish, young tannins are deceptively rounded. Enjoy with grilled meats."

· MADRONA VINEYARDS 2003 30th Anniversary Chardonnay, Estate Grown, El Dorado $36 (only 25 cases): "For the first time ever, we are offering an unfiltered, unfined Chardonnay. The aromas are rich butter-cream characters splashed with oak, layers of fresh fruit that make it multi-dimensional, full bodied, oak notes, balanced with ripe apple, concentrated cream and a butterscotch and lemon tart finish. Enjoy with salmon and other rich dishes."

______________________________________________________________________________

Book Reviews: A Life Uncorked, by Hugh Johnson and The Driskill Hotel, by David Bull and Turk Pipkin will be two welcomed editions to your library.

The Driskill Hotel, Stories of Austin's Legendary Hotel and A Cookbook for Special Occasions gives delightful stories and recipes for pleasurable reading in the living room and a kitchen filled with delicious cooking. Built in 1885-86, the Driskill Hotel has been the major hospitality place for ranchers and cattle barons, politicians and celebrants, University students and professors, and folks of all kinds who love quality. It has been home to some of the finest food in Texas. Texas' first-lady-of-cuisine Helen Corbitt revamped cooking at the Driskill Hotel in the 1950s--her Hot Turkey Mornay Open Sandwich was a specialty--before Stanley Marcus lured her to Dallas to manage the restaurants for Neiman Marcus. In the early 1970s I enjoyed the incomparable freshly baked donuts and huge yeasty sweetrolls on Sunday mornings sitting on the swivel stools at the counter in the coffee shop. Later I volunteered to work as a Heritage Society waitress in the 1886 Lunchroom and Socializing Parlor when the Heritage ladies were instrumental in saving the building from being torn down to make way for modernity. Today Chef David Bull relies on both tradition and innovation to make grand occasions your own special event. The Driskill Hotel is a remarkable experience and this book documents some fine times and good cooking. (The Driskill Hotel, 124 pages, 300 color photographs, www.driskillhotel.com)

A Life Uncorked, by Hugh Johnson. Hugh Johnson is the preeminent wine writer of our time. I learned much of what I know about wine from reading his The World Atlas of Wine and Modern Encyclopedia of Wine (what monumental works!) and both still valid today. This new book is his first major work in a decade--stylish and intimate. It is a delightfully opinionated autobiographical tour through the world of wines, weaving his ruminations, memories and observations on his remarkable life together with information on every aspect of wine. (University of California Press, 384 pages, 200 illustrations, $35, www.UCPress.edu)

List of Wineries of the Month: began September 2001 43^rd Newsletter; Splurge Wine began with 67^th Newsletter

· 76^th Joseph Phelps, Feb. 2006 (“Splurge wine” is Insignia)

· 75^th Ramos Pinto Porto, Jan. 2006 ("Splurge wine" is Mission Hill Icewine $100, 375ml)

· 74^th Schramsberg, Nov. 2005 (“Splurge wine” is Schramsberg 1999 J. Schram $80)

· 73^rd Gloria Ferrer, Sept. 2005 (“Splurge wine” is Jarvis 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $75)

· 72^ndSpring Mountain, July 2005 (“Splurge wine” is Spring Mountain 2001 Elivette, Napa Valley $90)

· 71^stRodney Strong, May 2005 (“Splurge wine” is Iron Horse 2001 Thomas Road Pinot Noir, Sonoma $60)

· 70^thDutton-Goldfield, March 2005 (“Splurge wine” is Alexander Valley Vineyards 2000 CYRUS $50)

· 69^th Duckhorn, Jan. 2005 (“Splurge wine” is Quintessa 2001 Napa Valley Red Wine, $100)

· 68^th Lolonis, Dec. 2004 (“Splurge wine” is Lolonis 2000 Petrous, Heritage Vineyards $65)

· 67^th Flora Springs,Oct. 2004 (First “Splurge wine” is Richard Partridge 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa $75)

· 66^th Dominus, Sept. 2004

· 65^thEberle, July 2004

· 64^th Chalk Hill,June 2004

· 63^rd Shafer, May 2004

· 62^nd Schug, March 2004

· 61^st J. Lohr, Jan. 2004

· 60^th Monticello, Nov. 2003

· 59^th Caymus, Sept. 2003

· 58^th Bollinger

· 57^th Fall Creek

· 56^th Special attention.: ZD 30 years of Chardonnay; Iron Horse; Fess Parker

· 55^th Port special

· 54^th Sparkling wine special

· 53^rd Domaine Chandon

· 52^nd Mondavi

· 51^st Fetzer

· 50^th Ch

· Creek; Grgich Hill anniversaries

· 48^th Kendall-Jackson

· 47^th Geyser Peak

· 46^th Signorello

· 45^th Handley, Dec. 2001

· 44^th Beringer

· 43^rd Penfolds, September 2001

· ateau Montelena

· 49^th Dry

Sarah Jane: sarahjaneenglish@sbcglobal.net

Webmaster:Texas Computer Technologies