The Sarah Jane English Newsletter:  85th Edition
September 23, 2007

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


 WINERY OF THE MONTH; ZD WINES; ZD WINES President Brett deLeuze tells me that "it seems we were just walking the vineyard to decide when to harvest the grapes for this wines, and here it is in the bottle!  And now you don't need a corkscrew to open it.  (please see below).   ¶    ZD Wines has been producing world class wine almost since two former aerospace engineers (Norman deLeuze and Gino Zepponi) launched their dream of making fine wines in 1969.    ZD's mantra of "(Z)ero (D)efects" is based on co-founder Norman deLeuze's history in aerospace which set the tone for the wineries focus on quality, consistency and style.   A six-acre parcel of land was purchased along the Silverado Trail in Rutherford, Napa Valley.   Here, a new winery was built in 1979.   It was after 10 years of experience producing California wines that a four varietal focus was taken (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot).    Quality, consistency and style are the credo that ZD Wines has developed and nurtured over the last three decades of winemaking.   ZD's quality is achieved through intimate, personal attention to detail and masterful blending of winegrapes carefully selected from prime vineyards.  The ZD style is to craft rich, flavorful wines that reflect true varietal character.    Consistency is a description that has been earned from the development of a style that gives the wines a distinct, consistent, and recognizable character.     Over the years, ZD Wines have graced the tables of White House dinner parties, spanning three administrations, and a multitude of devoted wine buyers--including me.   ZD Chardonnay has been a favorite of mine since my first sip--which happened at a dinner in the home of Barbara and Gina Zepponi shortly before he was killed in an automobile accident.   ZD  wines have garnered approximately 350 awards of excellence in prestigious competitions over the years.  The quality is constant and undeniable.  Producing world class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, ZD Wines is located in Rutherford on the beautiful Silverado Trail and owned and operated by the deLeuze family.  The ZD style is to craft rich, flavorful wines that reflect the varietal character of the grape.   ZD's Estate Vineyard's are certified organic reflecting a commitment to the health of the environment surrounding us.  The winery welcomes visitors seven days a week for public tastings.  In addition, appointments may be arranged for special tours, barrel tastings, cheese pairings and aroma seminars.  800-487-7757

SPLURGE WINE OF THE MONTH:BAROSSA OLD VINE WINE COMPANY (BOVC) 2003 Shiraz Barossa Valley $100: "BOVC wines are made from a regional blend of 150+ year old,  prephylloxera vines.  Yields never exceed two tons per acre.  If you revere excellent Shiraz (Syrah) this wine is the one for you.

NEWS

 

LES DAMES d'ESCOFFIER fundraiser dinner: Eat, Drink, Experience!At the Chef's Table. The 2nd Annual Les Dames d'Escoffier fundraiser dinner at Texas Culinary Academy is Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 6:00pm for $75 per person.  Wines will be paired with foods prepared by eight of Austin's premier female chefs.  Using identical ingredients, chefs will prepare sumptuous feasts that highlight their unique skills.  Texas wines, co-owned by Les Dames members, will be paired with the dinners:  Alamosa Wine Cellars, Fall Creek Vineyards, Flat Creek Estate and Texas Hills Vineyards.  For information and reservations: www.ldeiaustin.org or telephone 512/733-2831.

ANOLON®, the Gourmet Authority, does indeed bring excellence to its fine line of professional cutlery.   ANOLON®'s hand-crafted exacting standards create knives that make chopping, cutting and slicing seem balletic.  I received the versatile ANOLON® Advanced Collection kyotsu,  a 7.5"/19cm functional knife that features a wide tall blade for more controlled and uniform slicing.   The forged blade is high quality German carbon steel that stays sharp with proper care and is stain and rust resistant.  It has a glass finished edge for smoothness and is ice-hardened to create a stronger blade that holds sharpness longer.    The tang and handle have a convenient weight and balance for durability, precision, confort and control.  It is a joy to use for all sorts of easy food preparation.   For information on all ANOLON® products, please see  www.anolon.com 

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RAYMOND VINEYARDS celebrates thirty years of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon production (September 2007) with the release of the 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.  Roy Sr., Roy Jr. and Walter Raymond purchased the winery’s estate property in 1971.  They've been instrumental in Napa Valley’s wine growth, popularity of Cabernet Sauvignon, and in gaining international recognition for Napa wines.  In 1974 Napa Valley had 2,834 bearing acres of Cabernet Sauvignon with 10, 222 tons harvested averaging $454 per ton.  In 2004 Napa Valley had 15,917 bearing acres of Cabernet Sauvignon with 42,385 tons harvested that  averaged $3,948 per ton.  Walter Raymond, head winemaker since the winery’s inception, helped plant the original Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards (with his father and brother) on the Rutherford estate. “My brother and I worked in the cellar and vineyard from a young age.  Early on, we knew these areas were great for growing Cabernet Sauvignon,” comments Walter, “and selected Rutherford for our winery to focus on Cabernet Sauvignon.  It has been an incredible experience growing and making Cabernet Sauvignon from the same vineyards for over 30 years." www.raymondvineyards.com  

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ALASKA TRAVEL: For years Ketchikan cruise passengers have gotten to take a peek under the sea with a snorkeling tour unavailable to independent travelers. But now Snorkel Alaska is offering the Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure to non-cruise visitors. The clear waters off the coast of Ketchikan reward guests with a surprisingly colorful array of sea life, such as urchins, sea cucumbers and sea stars. To keep warm, guests wear quarter-inch thick wetsuits with a hood, boots and gloves, but because of the Japanese Kiroshio current, long summer days and the lack of glaciers in this area, surface temperatures average a surprising 55 degrees in the summer. For more information about snorkeling, visit www.snorkelalaska.com. (907) 247-7783 E-mail:snorkelalaska@kpunet.net
More and more travelers are seeing the importance of giving back to the communities they visit. In Sitka, visitors need only hike to contribute. Sitka Trail Works, a non-profit organization, recently began offering guided hikes and interpreted nature walks to travelers through Shore to Summit, an inexpensive operator with a range of hikes for all abilities. The best part about that low cost? Shore to Summit uses its revenues to maintain and expand Sitka's trail system. To plan a trip to Sitka and book a hike with Shore to Summit, go to www.sitka.org and www.shoretosummit.org.    Late-season whale-watching opportunities are on Alaska's islands.  When whales leave Alaska for warmer winter environs, it's a great time to watch them depart.   Come October, as the gray, fin, minke and humpback whales migrate south past Kodiak Island, resident will celebrate the new Kodiak Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.  It is near the waterfront, Kodiak Visitor Information Center, the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry terminal and several museums.  For more information, http://home.gci.net/~kodiakgraywhaleproject/index or www.kodiak.org.
The annual Sitka Whalefest is held Nov. 2-4 and features presentations by world-renowned biologists and researchers; whale watching cruises; an artisans market; silent auction; sea chantey concert; clam chowder cook-off; Good Dog children's concert (Alaskan musical duo featuring songs for kids inspired by the marine environment); the Maritime Monthly Grind showcasing Sitka's local talent in song, dance and a dessert contest; and other community events. Alaska Airlines is offering 10 percent off scheduled fares to Sitka for the Whalefest. For information visit www.sitkawhalefest.org or www.alaskaair.com. 

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WORLD LEADER IN CORK, Corticeira AMORIM, GIVES FIRST SUSTAINABILITY REPORT: Public awareness of cork's crucial sustainability role is renewing worldwide interest in natural cork as the most viable wine closure.  The AMORIM report reflects how to contribute to an effective sustainable development.

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THE DIVAS UNCORKED WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL inaugural event will offer two days of  wine and food sampling on Martha's Vineyard, August 10 and 11.  An array of wineries and restaurants will welcome guests to the Divas Grand Tasting Tent at a favorite island entertainment venue, Outerland, in Edgartown.  Showcase events featuring vintners and chefs presented in a relaxed and fun style will make wine more approachable to all!  August is the height of the tourist season and we expect hundreds of wine and food lovers to attend the first wine festival ever staged on the island! 

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MARTIN CODAX Albarino Takes Top Honors at Spanish Wine Festival: The 2006 Martín Codáx Albariño has won the Gold Medal in the annual Albariño Festival of Cambados. This is one of the most prestigious and popular wine festivals in Spain, attracting as many as 40,000 participants.  Albariño is the aromatic signature white wine of Galicia in northwest Spain. Visitors flock to the festival in the heart of the Rias Baixas winegrowing region to sample the local wines along with the famous seafood of the coastal province.  This wine has won the Gold Medal in this competition twelve of the last 21 years.   Martín Codáx Albariño is imported and marketed in the U.S. by E & J Gallo Winery of Modesto, CA. 

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CALIFORNIA TRAVEL & TOURISM COMMISSION (CTTC) AND WINE INSTITUTE Form Historic Partnership To Promote Culinary Travel:  Building on California's allure as America's "Capital of Culinary Travel," the Wine Institute and CTTC will partner to promote the State's wine and cuisine to the travel segment of culinary connoisseurs and its aspirants. California is America’s largest wine producer with nearly 2,300 wineries and 90 percent of U.S. wine production.   Winegrowing regions are located throughout the state, which is the fourth largest wine producer in the world, behind only France, Italy and Spain. California also has nine of the top 10 U.S. agricultural counties, which grow a diverse assortment of fresh produce that many fine chefs demand in California’s 80,000 restaurants and eateries.  According to the Travel Industry Association, 17 per cent of American leisure travelers (27.3 million people) engage in culinary or wine-related activities while traveling. These travelers are well educated and more affluent than other U.S. travelers. They cross most age groups, and take 6.8 domestic and international trips per year, 15 percent more than the average U.S. leisure traveler. These travelers range from those who deliberately select trips and destinations due to food or wine related activities, to “accidental” travelers who participate in such activities simply because they are abundantly available. 

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EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF DAVID GUAS Goes Solo: Ten years ago, Chef David Guas left his hometown of New Orleans to join his mentor, Chef Jeff Tunks, in Washington D.C. to open D.C. Coast.   Eventually, Guas became Executive Pastry Chef of TenPenh, Ceiba and Acadinana as well--developing dessert menus for wide-ranging styyes of cuisine.  In September Guas will launch his career as a private consultant to restaurants around the country.    He will also do local catering while he finishes his first dessert cookbook.   More later . . .

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VINIVIA specializes in organizing "Exclusive & Luxurious Wine Tours."  The southern France incoming agency offers customers unique travel experiences in the wine world; for example, wine tasting and training with famous winemakers in their cellars.   Additionally, VINIVIA partners with French gastronomy that includes starred-Michlin restaurants, cooking lessons and cultural activities that involve local history, trips to castles, abbeys, art galleries, musical events, spas, and outdoor sports.  The agency also offers self-drive programs and full-package escorted tours.  Special customized tours are planned on request.  For information, www.vinivia.com or telephone +33 (0)8 77 36 73 70

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KENDALL-JACKSON Vice President George Rose reports that "With the successful launch of its Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Meritage red wine, our family-owned, affordable luxury winemaker announces our intention to become dominant in the premium category of blended red wines.  Imports crowd the low-end category, and dozens of  Meritage wines are found at the high end, so we think Kendall-Jackson is perfectly situated to lead the $12  and above price range for premium blended red wines, during this year's celebration of our 25th year."  Meritage (pronounced "heritage") is a Bordeaux-style blended wine of traditional grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.   In order to use the name Meritage on a label, the winery must be a member of the Meritage Association and use two or more of the key grape varieties.  The association formed in 1988 to distinguish itself from the government-mandated generic "red table wine" label.  For information,   www.kj.com

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MOUNT VEEDER Winemaker Dave Guffy reports on harvest. "This vintage is another lucky seven", says Hess Collection winemaker, Dave Guffy, "after 1987, 1997 and this perfect growing year.   We started with about half the usual winter rain which created smaller vines.   At Hess, we believe in smaller vines--even in high rainfall years -- we shape smaller vines through reducing irrigation and pruning; you get a smaller crop but higher quality.  Shoot growth stopped at near-perfect length, enough to ripen grapes without hedging that produces lateral growth." Guffy added, "The 2007 weather has also been near perfect:  a warm spring to create even and quick cluster flowering, and a very even summer without any heat waves.  Harvest occurs a bit later on Mount Veeder than down on the Valley Floor.  Although we are harvesting now, we'll pick our 210 different blocks of mountain estate fruit  well into November.  Of course, Mother Nature is in charge, but so far, we couldn't be happier," Guffy concluded.    

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SAVVY VODKA is a super-premium vodka handcrafted in the Austin, Texas Hill Country.  SAVVY's small quantities are  dedicated to quality.  The pure straight vodka comes only in 750 ml. bottles.  This focus on one flavor-one size is the kind of the attention to detail that speaks to the quality, a superior quality that results in a pure, silky smooth vodka with subtle flavors.  SAVVY was founded by Chad Auler, a lifelong resident of Austin and sixth generation Texan.  Mr. Auler has been active in the alcoholic beverage industry for 13 years through his affiliation with Texas wine producer, Fall Creek Vineyards, and Perfect 10 Wines from California. www.savvyvodka.com  

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KENDALL-JACKSON'S HEIRLOOM TOMATO FESTIVAL Hosted FOOD & WINE "Best Chefs" Competition: Four of Food & Wine Magazine’s "Best New Chefs" will be competing in the Chef’s Challenge during Kendall-Jackson’s 11th Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival on Saturday, September 8, from 11 to 4pm at K-J Wine Center, 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa.   Back to defend his title from last year is E. Michael Reidt of Santa Barbara’s Sevilla restaurant.  Attempting to dethrone Reidt will be Sean O’Brien of San Francisco’s Myth restaurant, Matthew Dillon of Seattle’s Sitka & Spruce, and Gavin Kaysen of San Diego’s El Bizcocho.  For information: (800) 769-3649 or www.kj.com    

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NEW RELEASES (quotes are winemakers'; wines are listed as received; prices are producers' suggested retail)   

VALLEY OF THE MOON Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay released: "Many consider Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay so similar there is little to differentiate them.  In reality, they are distinctive--each demanding meticulous winemaking to let the essence of each shine.   ¶       Both grow best in the same cold climate; show similar-looking grape varieties in the vineyard; both can display citrus, tropical fruit and pear in varying degrees, but they produce wines that differ stylistically.   Chardonnay is rich in bouquet, fruit and texture, with a forward nose, lots of weight and body on the palate, and moderate acidity.  Pinot Blanc is fresh and racy; while possessing ample fruit aromas and flavors, it is light and lean on the palate and usually finishes with impressive crispness.

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KENWOOD VINEYARDS 2006 Sonoma County Chardonnay $15 expresses the classic fruit character of grapes grown in a cold vineyard region, but it excels especially in a cold vintage.  Kenwood draws on vineyards in the coldest corners of Russian River Valley and the southern Sonoma Valley for the fresh, crisp fruit in this wine. The unusually cold and protracted 2006 growing season gave the fruit distinctive green apple, abundant natural acidity and exceptionally steely structure.   For polish and complexity, two-thirds of the juice fermented in French oak barrels and aged on the yeast lees for six months with a majority undergoing malolactic fermentation for smoothness and balance.   The wine displays fresh, forward aromas and flavors of green apple, pear and citrus, with   tropical fruit hints and spice notes.  Medium-bodied yet polished on the palate, this structured Chardonnay finishes long and delicately crisp.

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ESTANCIA: Fall will be here before we know it, so ESTANCIA has released a trio of wines to complement the remaining weeks of summer into fall.  ESTANCIA 2006 Pinot Grigio $12 will be a handy welcome for guests.  Crisp and zesty, it's a favorite to keep in your fridge.   For outdoor parties, splurge with ESTANCIA 2005 Stonewall Pinot Noir $25 from the highly acclaimed Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, Monterey.  It has the right fruit and touch with sweet spice to pair with delicious foods and an elegant sunset.  As fall arrives, enjoy an end-of-summer party with your famous pot of stew or barbeque with ESTANCIA 2004 Meritage Paso Robles $33--a bold, full-bodied wine with jammy notes of dark fruit.       

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RAYMOND VINEYARDS celebrates thirty years of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon production this September 2007 with the release of the 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.  Roy Sr., Roy Jr. and Walter Raymond purchased the winery’s estate property on Zinfandel Lane in 1971to found Raymond Vineyards.   Their first harvest was the 1974 vintage.     The Raymonds have been integral in Napa Valley’s wine growth and increased popularity and Cabernet Sauvignon has been instrumental in gaining international recognition for Napa Valley wines.  Interestingly, in 1974 there were 2,834 bearing acres of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley and 10, 222 tons were harvested that year with an average selling price of $454 per ton.  Fast forward to the 2004 harvest and the numbers were quite different.  Napa Valley had 15,917 bearing acres of Cabernet Sauvignon with 42,385 tons harvested and an average price of $3,948 per ton.    ¶   Walter Raymond has served as head winemaker since the winery’s inception and helped to plant the original Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards along with his father and brother on the Rutherford estate. “Growing up in the valley, my brother and I worked in both the cellar and vineyard from a young age. Early on, we recognized that Rutherford and St. Helena were great areas for growing Cabernet Sauvignon,” comments Walter. “That is why when we had the opportunity, we selected the site in Rutherford to establish our family winery with a focus on producing quality Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been an incredible experience growing and making Cabernet Sauvignon from the same vineyards for over 30 years.”   ¶  The Raymond family’s roots in the Napa Valley wine industry date back to 1876, when Jacob Beringer and his brother Frederick founded Beringer Brothers Winery.  Five generations later, Craig and Krisi Raymond continue the family’s winemaking legacy at Raymond Vineyards.

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EPICUREAN WINES is the importer for several stunningly delicious Australian Shiraz wines.  Kaesler and Langmeil and Barossa Old Vine Company (BOVC) were recently tasted with great applause.  Kaesler is a privately owned wine company that produces estate grown wines from vineyards as old as 1893.  The Kaesler family were pioneers who settled in the Barossa Valley in the 1840’s.  In 1891 they bought a parcel of land and in 1893 planted their first vines.  Today Kaesler wines are made from these ancient, dry grown vineyards, by the third owners of this magnificent property.  Langmeil emigrants settled in the Barossa Valley in 1842 when the village of Langmeil was established.  A 32-year-old blacksmith, Christian Auricht, with his wife and four children settled in Langmeil where he acquired the largest allotment of land. Once cleared he planted a fruit orchard and a Shiraz vineyard.  The property remained with the family until the 1930s.  The property was purchased in 1996 by three local businessmen whose families have lived in the Barossa Valley for several generations: Richard Lindner, Chris Bitter and Carl Lindner. They restored the remaining old buildings and the village well, refurbished the winery and named it Langmeil, after the original village. BOVC wines are, as the name suggests, sourced only from the finest old Barossa fruit.  For more than 20 years Carl Lindner has not wavered in his passion for old vines and his desire to enhance the character and heritage of the Barossa region.  The region's history is punctuated with tragic tales of vine pulls, a lack of understanding, and drives for more modern viticultural practice.  Only a few, very special, old vine gardens remain.  BOVC has a share of them, but production can never be on a large scale because of their low yields. Any wine bearing the name BOVC strives to be of the highest quality and, because of its origin, have a style of rare standard. 

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GRAHAM BECK Wines is now entering its third generation as a family winery.  It was established in 1983 when entrepreneur Graham Beck purchased Madeba farm in the town of Robertson outside the Western Cape province of South Africa to establish a world-class winery.  Its success has been extended to the second Graham Beck cellar in Franschhoek, one of the oldest wine-making regions in South Africa.   Commitment, skill and access to the finest quality grapes have made the wines a success as has the vision and dedication of Graham Beck.  "Our four diverse farms in the Western Cape give the Robertson and Franschhoek Cellars access to grape varietals that best suit the climatic conditions and soils: Franschhoek 97ha; in Stellenbosch, Skoongesig 36ha and Vredenhof 64ha; and Madeba in Robertson has 189ha.   Stellenbosch’s Helderberg district provides most of the premium red varietals to the Graham Beck range.  Stellenbosch is universally recognized as South Africa’s premier wine region.  An extensive renewal program has resulted in premier red and white varietals on all our farms.  Careful attention matches the most suitable variety to the obliging micro-climates and rich variety of soils, giving our winemakers   optimum quality fruit to make their specific wines. 

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LAKE SONOMA 2006 Chardonnay Russian River Valley $18 "shows the virtue of moderation," reports V.P. Margie Healy.  "In contrast to the 'bigger is better Chardonnay'--massive fruit, lavish oak and high alcohol-- Lake Sonoma Chardonnay charms rather than overwhelms.  Its generous fruit, subtle complexity and moderate alcohol give it appeal as an aperitif and with food.    This moderate approach begins with Sonoma’s Russian River Valley vineyards.   Blessed with one of the coldest growing seasons in California, the region produces Chardonnay with delicious fruit character and moderate sugar (which means moderate alcohol) at maturity.  Grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed, which eliminates over-extraction.  Barrel fermentation, aging and malolactic fermentation in small oak barrels give understated oak nuances and polished texture.  This wine’s aromas of apple and pear are complemented by subtle vanilla notes and also highlight bountiful flavors and a background of crème brûlée.  The  wine has medium body with a crisp, lingering finish.

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FOREST GLEN has a new label that culminates a three-year plan to strengthen the brand and upgrade the vineyard sources for these benchmark wines.   Winemaker Ed Moody says these wines are great examples of this new, reinvigorated line and work well with a full range of cuisines.

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CAMERON HUGHES has two new District Cabernets--Rutherford and Yountville--that represent his wine program; that is, "a grower with unrenewed contracts that resulted from the wine glut  in 2001, so the grower is forced to make wine and bulk it out.  These high-quality, conscientiously made wines are imperative to sell against a much oversupplied bulk market.  Both the Rutherford and Yountville were made with new 100% French oak.  Yountville is five good miles south of Rutherford and considerably cooler with very different soil structures (volcanic loam for better drainage), resulting in wines of greater concentration, color, and fruit. The smaller degree temperature days contribute to a more Bordeaux-like structure.                       2005 CAMERON HUGHES Lot 35 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville District $14: "Still an infant, it will begin to flesh out and develop even more bottle bouquet over the next few months and change considerably over the next year. Overall outstanding structure, tight on the nose with hints of blueberry, blackberry, sweet prunes and hint of eucalyptus.    A dusty earth palate with black cherries, currant, tea leaf and sage and an interesting mineral component.   A lingering finish of well-integrated tannins, vanilla, white pepper and toasty oak.  While drinkable now, this wine requires serious decanting.  Clearly it's one for the cellar.     2005   CAMERON HUGHES Lot 36 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford District $14: "Ripe nose with aromas of violets, red cherries and plummy earth and palate of raspberries and currants followed by flinty, smoky notes.  This is a laser-focused style with more high-toned fruit.  Long finish fleshes out nicely.   This wine is very young, and typical of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons, the tannins are very well integrated and smooth though this wine is a bit bigger than the normal style of Rutherford.   Another layered, complex beauty!

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FERRARI-CARANO: Since 1985, Ferrari-Carano has been a leading producer of nationally acclaimed, world class wines.  Vintage after vintage, the wines exhibit a remarkable consistency of style and elegance.  Don and Rhonda Carano's commitment to quality and excellence reflects their desire to produce memorable wines that enhance gracious entertaining.   FERRARI-CARANO presents its finest blend of the five classic Bordeaux red wine varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot – from the best selections of all our dry-farmed vineyards in Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys.   Aptly named “Trésor” for “treasure,” the grapes are hand harvested from dry-farmed, low yielding vines primarily on our mountain vineyards. Expansive, ripe aromas of blackberry and licorice from the Cabernet Sauvignon pair with exotic notes of blueberry, cherry and currant from the Malbec and Petit Verdot.  With a full bodied and richly textured tannin profile, this blend exudes a concentrated palate of intense red and black berries, chocolate and espresso.   Upfront silkiness and a roundness make for a charming wine now,  and will drink well for 7-10 years.   FERRARI-CARANO merlot grapes were chosen from vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek, Russian River and Napa/Carneros to create this balanced and full-bodied 2004 Merlot. A multidimensional, velvety wine with a dark ruby color and complex nose of ripe cherry, blackberry, and exotic notes of licorice and cedar, this year’s Merlot is accented by intricately woven flavors of boysenberry, currant fruit and dark chocolate, with caramel lingering on the silky finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine will continue to provide drinking enjoyment to 2013.  

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KENDALL-JACKSON (K-J) Vice President George Rose reports that "With the successful launch of K-J Vintner’s Reserve Meritage red wine, our affordable-luxury winemaker announced the intention to become dominant in the premium category of blended red wines.  Imports crowd the low-end category, and dozens of  Meritage wines are found at the high end, so Kendall-Jackson is perfectly situated to lead the $12 and above price range for premium blended red wines.  The newly released Cabernet Sauvignon also represents the careful blending of grapes from the various K-J properties.  Vintner's Reserve exemplifies our "Jackson Estates Grown" approach to winemaking."

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RODNEY STRONG Winemaker Rick Sayre continues to honor Rod Strong's memory and enterprise with all his delicious wines.  "Rod Strong established our heritage sauvignon blanc vineyard in 1971, naming it Charlotte's Home in honor of his wife. Today that vineyard remains the core of our Charlotte's Home sauvignon blanc, along with other select estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley as well as the Russian River Valley.    The 2006 vintage began with a rather late bud break during an unseasonably cool and wet spring. March rains slowed shoot growth down considerably, and set the timer for a late harvest.  After a fine May and June, much of July was a scorcher, including a 10 day stretch where every day saw temperatures over 90 degrees, and several days topped out at 110!  Fortunately, the delayed development of the grapes kept sun scorch to a minimum.  Harvest began in early September as usual, but continued all the way into early October, rather unusual for sauvignon blanc.  This extended ripening period was accompanied by mild weather and promoted excellent flavor development, with the last of the grapes harvested on October 6th.  

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DRY CREEK Vineyard Director of Communications Bill Smart tells me that the essence of the growing sustainability movement is to find new ways to satisfy our needs without compromising future generations' needs. "Our desire is to leave the land to our children in better shape than how we found it," he says.  "To that end, we embrace a more earth-friendly approach to vineyard management called integrated crop management.  This farming uses numerous nature-based strategies to deal with pests and other viticultural issues.  For growers and consumers alike, this is a good thing.  By adopting more environmentally responsible farming and business practices, we up the odds of survival for our irreplaceable Planet Earth."

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SBAGIA Family Vineyard owner Ed Sbragia says his Home Ranch Vineyard has been farmed for decades.  "It is located on the east side of Dry Creek in Sonoma County.  The five-acre sauvignon blanc parcel benefits from temperatures that are a bit cooler than most of the appellation, resulting in a Sauvignon Blanc wine with bright fruit flavors, good structure and a nice balanced acidity, he says.  "We chose 100 percent stainless steel fermentation to protect the brightness of the fruit and use no new oak aging but instead was put in three-year-old barrels.  A unique feature of this wine is the Vino-Seal glass closure which combines the ease of opening with a hermetic seal, effectively protecting the bouquet and fragrance of the wine. 

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BRONCO WINE COMPANY has released several wines from its portfolio.

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CHATEAU ST. JEAN Sonoma County wines are appellation blends of the varietal.  Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren says these wines give her the opportunity to blend together the distinct characteristics from each sub-appellation to make the best wines of the vintage.  "I find that blended wines from the diverse Sonoma County are even more explosive in intense fruit flavors so I relish the chance to blend each year," she says.

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J. LOHR: Distinctively, there are two stylistic expressions at the core of the estate-grown J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines portfolio.   "J. Lohr's wines are produced from vineyards that we own and tend," Jerry Lohr says.   " From vineyard to bottle, we control quality from the ground up.  Our Estate series of wines is selected from the winery's best vineyard blocks in Monterey County and Paso Robles, including Riverstone Chardonnay, Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon, South Ridge Syrah, Bay Mist White Riesling, Wildflower Valdiguié, and the Los Osos Merlot.  2006 could be called “A Tale of Two Seasons.” The first half   was unseasonably warm with a late spring followed by major cooling at the beginning of June.  After a 10-day heat wave in July, the final 2006 growing season was cool – pushing back ripening two to three weeks. 

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E. & J. GALLO Wine Company is the largest wine company in the U.S. with annual sales of 62,000,000 cases, according to Wine Business Monthly, in its fourth annual ranking by U.S. case sales.  These Top 30 U.S. wine companies represent more than 90 percent of the U.S. wine market. GALLO Family of Wines has released several enticing beverages from its varied portfolio for your pleasure: BRIDLEWOOD, DANCING BULL, FREI BROTHERS,  LOUIS M. MARTINI, MIRASSOU and GALLO FAMILY VINEYARDS.

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BONNY DOON VINEYARD Marketing Director Burke Owens informs me that they are quite pleased with the efforts in 2005 and 2006.  "Both VinGris de Cigare and Le Cigare Blanc show more specific character and fineness of detail than past editions.  Our renewed mission for Bonny Doon is to create great wines of finesses, subtlety, specificity and terroir.  Our much slimmed down line of wines and our commitment to biodynamically grown grapes and eventually, to 100% Estate grown wines, will allow us to produce ever more highly distinctive Cigare family wines.  The harvest 2007 offers us richer opportunities to aim higher and higher as we continue in our quest."

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CELLAR No. 8 has released three easy-drinking wines for your pleasure.   They're reommended for all your favorite dishes.

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HESS 2006 Chardonnay, Monterey $12 is a wine for "daily consumption and made with the same attention to detail as HESS Vineyard Designate and Mount Veeder series to provide high quality wines at prices for weeknight dinners.  It has ripe tropical fruits like pineapple, passion fruit and guava, and crisp apple, melon and pear flavors.  Medium bodied, it is layered with flavors of nectarine and pear and zesty citrus.  Pair with light seafood, spicier Asian foods and richer creamy dishes."

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GRANT BURGE of Australia: Established in 1988, Grant Burge Wines has grown to become one of the top 10 privately owned wine companies in Australia. The company has a strong commitment to its loyal Australian consumers and also energetically pursues overseas markets in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, the United States and Asia.   Grant Burge is a fifth generation winemaker  committed to the Barossa Valley.   He believes that fine wines are born in the vineyard--the cradle of wine quality.   With this in mind, he has developed one of the most extensive networks of premium Australian quality vineyards positioned in the Barossa.  With each of his Barossa vineyards having different climates, soils and characters, Grant matches them with suitable grape varieties, ensuring harvests of the best quality fruit.  Barossa Valley wines has released two new bottling packaged with screwcap closures. 

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WORLD LEADER IN CORK, Corticeira AMORIM, GIVES FIRST SUSTAINABILITY REPORT: Public awareness of cork's crucial sustainability role is renewing worldwide interest in natural cork as the most viable wine closure.  The AMORIM report reflects how to contribute to an effective sustainable development.

 I - WHY NATURAL CORK FORESTS MATTER: The world’s cork oak forests’ role in mitigating the effects of CO2, in preserving biodiversity and in combating desertification, is now recognised as both fundamental to, and a unique example of, true sustainable development.     The viability of natural cork forests and thousands of farming communities, however, is determined by the creation of value-added products manufactured and distributed by companies such as Amorim. As a result, cork oak forests represent a centuries-old, vital balance between ecosystem conservation, creation of wealth and social development that benefit millions of people across the entire Western Mediterranean.

II - CORTICEIRA AMORIM AND GLOBAL WARMING: Cork Forests’ Global Positive Impact: As described, natural cork is important in fighting climate change.   Estimates of CO2-retention capabilities for Portugal’s cork forests reach as high as 4.8 million tons annually (approximately 5% of the country’s total emissions) and are 32% of the world's 2.3 million hectares (5.7 million acres) of cork forests. Cork by-products can be a source of energy, which helps fight climate change.   In 2006, Amorim supplied 46% of its energy needs with vegetal biomass power. It also uses lower-pollutant maritaine transport when possible.  Also, evergreen cork trees are often the only obstacle to fast-advancing desert in certain areas, allowing for crucial fixation of organic matter and water retention that helps endangered species. Additionally, cork producers provide environmentally sound jobs to farming communities to help sustain and fix populations to the land rather than migrations to already crowded cities.  Corticeira Amorim,the world's leading producer of natural cork wine closures (three billion sold annually) is committed to sustainable business practices.  Please see www.corticeiraamorin.com/en or www.corkfacts.com.

MENDOCINO AND LAKE COUNTY WINE REGIONS – Many pioneers immigrated toCalifornia during the 1850s Gold Rush.  Few were successful prospecting, but others discovered the liquid gold of winegrowing in California’s farmlands.  Gold-rush immigrants first planted winegrapes in Mendocino's mountainous terrain and inland valleys in the 1850s.  Today 60% of the county's wineries are family owned, producing fewer than 5,000 cases annually.  There are ten American Viticultural Areas (AVA): Anderson Valley, Cole Ranch, Covelo, Dos Rios, McDowell Valley, Mendocino, Mendocino Ridge, Pottere Valley, Redwood Valley,Yorkville Highlands and Mendocino County is also part of the larger North Coast AVA.  Mendocino is a leader of certified organic vineyards with 2,800 of its total 17,000 vineyard acres certified organic.  There are 59  tasting rooms open to visitors. www.gomendo.com.       Lake County is east of Mendocino's bordering mountain range and has been producing premium winegrapes since the 19th century.  Before Prohibition, this region was one of the largest wine producers in California with 28 wineries and over 8,300 acres under vine.     ¶   Post Prohibition recovery was slow, but today the region has six AVAs: Benmore Valley, Clear Lake, Guenoc Valley, High Valley, Red Hills Lake County and the county is also part of the larger North Coast AVA.  While known for their diverse soils and microclimates, all enjoy the temperate influences of Clear Lake.  Clear Lake is where the county derives its name, as well as stakes its claim in the history book as the largest natural lake in the state.  Classisc varieties do well here: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and some sauvignon blanc.  For information, www.lakecountywinegrape.org    and www.californiawineevents.com         

SONOMA COUNTY WINE COUNTRY: Sonoma County is a top premium winegrowing region that is comprised of a vastly diverse range of topography, including numerous small valleys with distinct microclimates, the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean. A moderate climate with a cooling maritime influence, Sonoma County embodies ideal and diverse grapegrowing weather: from valley to hillside, moist ocean coast to dry inland, and cool southern regions that complement the warmer, more northern areas.   ¶  HISTORY: Sonoma County reflects the character of old California, and grapes and wine have been integral to its history.  In 1812, Russian colonists planted and cultivated grapes at Ft. Ross on the coast; however, Spanish Franciscan monks laid the foundation in 1823 when Padre Jose Altimera planted several thousand grape vines. Cuttings from those vineyards were carried throughout northern California in the following decade, starting a plethora of new vineyards. When the missions were abandoned upon order of the Mexican government, General Mariano Vallejo took over the vineyards and planted more vines on his lands. Sonoma County continued to expand its vineyard land with the arrival of Count Agoston Haraszthy who is credited with bringing to Sonoma 100,000 vines of some 300 varieties. Sonoma was home to 256 wineries pre-Prohibition, only 50 of which survived by the time Prohibition was repealed. Today, Sonoma is again home to about 300 wineries. ACREAGE and PRODUCTION: Sonoma County totals more than one million acres of land of which 60,000 acres are planted to winegrapes. Stretching from the Pacific coast to the Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma County offers a rich and varied landscape. In 2006, the county’s wineries crushed nearly six percent of the state’s total crush or about 216,000 tons of winegrapes, representing a farmgate value of $430 million, according to the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture 2006 Grape Acreage Report.  WINEGROWING AREAS AND VARIETIES: Sonoma’s vineyard acres are planted among the county’s 13 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), defined grapegrowing areas distinguishable by geographic, climatic and historic features, and the boundaries have been delineated in a petition filed and accepted by the federal government. AVAs are one kind of appellation. An appellation can also be a political designation, such as the name of a country, a state or states, or a county or counties within a state. More information on AVAs and appellations can be found on the Wine Institute website at www.wineinstitute.org/ava/index.html http://www.wineinstitute.org/ava/index.html.   Sonoma County AVAs include: Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Carneros, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Northern Sonoma, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Valley Green Valley, Sonoma Mountain and Sonoma Valley. The county is also part of the larger North Coast AVA. The principal varieties grown in the county include: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.    CLIMATE Sonoma’s climate is tempered by cool maritime breezes and coastal fog that creep into the valleys via large crevices such as the Petaluma Gap and up from the south through the San Francisco Bay. Summer daytime averages are 71F. Starry summer nights average 40F. Winter temperatures are equally pleasant, accompanied by moderate rains, rarely experiencing hail or snow, providing the optimal growing conditions.     TASTING ROOMS AND WINERIES There are some 300 wineries, half of which are less than 20 years old. And, just like it was over 150 years ago, small, family-owned wineries continue to exist comfortably alongside larger entities, each producing premium wine in its own unique style.  ¶  TOP ATTRACTIONS The towns of Sonoma, Healdsburg and Santa Rosa offer boutique shopping, art galleries, nationally-reviewed restaurants, tasting rooms, spas and hotels around their picturesque town squares. Take a hot air balloon ride in the morning, then spend an afternoon on the coast, walk the beach in Bodega Bay, or play golf at one of more than 20 golf courses in the county. Take a sip and cycle excursion with one of three tour companies that provide the perfect experience. One can alternatively enjoy a picnic at one of the 45 winery picnic grounds or tour one of the several wine caves throughout the county. Ecotourism is plentiful, but the history of the land may be best expressed at the Armstrong Redwoods State Preserve where one can gaze at a 1400-year-old tree, the oldest known redwood in Sonoma County. One can also take it to the wild side on an African Safari, enjoying African animals, wine, music and dance. The bounty of Sonoma County provides 18 various farmers markets throughout the week. See: www.farmtrails.org/farm_markets.html http://www.farmtrails.org/farm_markets.html.  

© 2007 Sarah Jane English
Sarah Jane: sarahjaneenglish@sbcglobal.net
Webmaster:Texas Computer Technologies

f Shiraz planted in 1899.  The 2005 Bogan is a cracker - generous nose, with baked plums, blueberry and cola.  The oak shows quite spicy with a bit of mocha and chocolate on the back palate.  Quite accessible as a young wine.  Structure is plump with a good length of aftertaste.   The Bogan is designed to highlight the unmistakeable synergy between Barossa Shiraz and good quality American oak. This is very much the new Australian style. LANGMEIL 2005 Shiraz "Three Gardens SGM" Barossa Valley $18: "This wine comes from Three Gardens, chosen for their distinct Barossa style and complementary characteristics.  The blend of Shiraz (48%), Grenache (42%), and Mourvèdre (10%) shows good balance and intergrated structure.  It has full, ripe fruit, supported by firm but fine tannins.  The overall flavours are cherries and blackberries, with hints of cloves and cinnamon.  Enjoy over the next five years or so." LANGMEIL 2005 Shiraz "Valley Floor" Barossa Valley $23: "This wine is a classic example of honest traditional Barossa Shiraz.  Ripe, rich, and  plummy with dark cherry fruit with earthy tones and hints of spice, it displays fine toasty oak tannins resulting in a medium to full-bodied wine with an exquisite soft dry finish." BAROSSA OLD VINE WINE COMPANY (BOVC) 2003 Shiraz Barossa Valley $100: "BOVC wines are made from a regional blend of 150+ year old,  prephylloxera vines that are dry-grown in sandy loam over clay.  Only vines over 100 Years old can be used in the BOVC.  Yields are low never exceeding two tons per acre.  Minimal handling and no fining or filtration, ensure the principles of BOVC are maintained.  The grapes were hand-picked and destemmed, but not crushed, open fermented and basket pressed.  New French and America wood as well as older oak were used and a very limited production.  

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GRAHAM BECK Wines is now entering its third generation as a family winery.  It was established in 1983 when entrepreneur Graham Beck purchased Madeba farm in the town of Robertson outside the Western Cape province of South Africa to establish a world-class winery.  Its success has been extended to the second Graham Beck cellar in Franschhoek, one of the oldest wine-making regions in South Africa.   Commitment, skill and access to the finest quality grapes have made the wines a success as has the vision and dedication of Graham Beck.  "Our four diverse farms in the Western Cape give the Robertson and Franschhoek Cellars access to grape varietals that best suit the climatic conditions and soils: Franschhoek 97ha; in Stellenbosch, Skoongesig 36ha and Vredenhof 64ha; and Madeba in Robertson has 189ha.   Stellenbosch’s Helderberg district provides most of the premium red varietals to the Graham Beck range.  Stellenbosch is universally recognized as South Africa’s premier wine region.  An extensive renewal program has resulted in premier red and white varietals on all our farms.  Careful attention matches the most suitable variety to the obliging micro-climates and rich variety of soils, giving our winemakers   optimum quality fruit to make their specific wines.