The Sarah Jane English Newsletter:  90th Edition
June 26, 2008

TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH (store prices vary; if suggested vintage is unavailable, look for current release) $Best Buy

WINERY OF THE MONTH: SONOMA-CUTRER, Founded as a vineyard company in 1973, Sonoma-Cutrer was built upon a selection of several key vineyard properties in the marginal benchlands, hillsides and rocky foothills in what later became the Sonoma Coast Appellation–an area with long, even growing seasons due to the cool and foggy coastal climate.   Initially, the company planted several grape varieties.  By the end of the '70s, Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay grapes reputation for excellence led to discussions of a cutting-edge winery, and a cadre of wine experts, including Terrence Clancy, Brad Web, Bill Bonetti, Robert Haas, David Reid and Chuck Bennett made the decision focus on one wine: Chardonnay produced exclusively from Sonoma-Cutrer's own vineyards.  Ground was broken for a new winery in 1981.  Sonoma-Cutrer winery uses prototype sorting tables and cooling tunnels to preserve the highest-quality grapes and was one of the first California wineries to use membrane presses to crush whole clusters of grapes and to construct a temperature- and humidity-controlled cave-like cellar for barrel aging.  No expense was spared in the production of the wine.   Today, Sonoma-Cutrer's flagship wine, Russian River Ranches, has been selected once again in an annual poll of top US restaurants as America's favorite Chardonnay for 17 of the past 19 years.  ¶  Winemaker Terry Adams studied in France to gain a deeper understanding of the Grand Cru philosophy.  He was certain their vineyards possessed a higher potential to produce even more distinguished wines by incorporating important Grand Cru methodologies.  "I realized," said Adams, "that although Sonoma-Cutrer had produced excellent Chardonnays throughout the 1980s, we could raise our standards even higher and produce truly distinctive wines."  In 1992, Sonoma-Cutrer officially launched its own Grand Cru program for the Les Pierres and The Cutrer Chardonnays.  While wines labeled Grand Cru are made only in Europe, the term is a fitting title for Sonoma-Cutrer's program, which is defined by the same exacting standards and ideology.   ¶   Terry Adams became winemaker in 1991 following the retirement of his mentor and long-time friend, Bill Bonetti.  This critical period marked the inauguration of Sonoma-Cutrer's groundbreaking Grand Cru program.  Terry played a pivotal role in implementing the program, overseeing essential projects from the crafting of barrels in France to bottling of the first vintage of The Cutrer without fining or filtration.   ¶  In subsequent years as winemaker, Terry has honed his own style and philosophy, blending the wisdom imparted by Bonetti with what he has learned from time spent in Burgundy and with his own experience in the vineyards and cellar.  His goal is "to make wines that exemplify the character of the vineyards – that are fresh and lively - yet at the same time focused, balanced and structured." 

SPLURGE WINES OF THE MONTH, from FOSTER'S WINE ESTATES 5th Annual Winemakers Tour: CHATEAU St. JEAN 2004 Cinq Cépage Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County $75; BERINGER 2004 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $80; ÉTUDE 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley $100; PENFOLDS 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707, Australia $85-- Having enjoyed tastings all these stellar 2004 Cabernet Sauvignons with the winemakers during the Fosters Annual Tour, I simply cannot limit your splurge wine to one!!  Enjoy all of them.

NEWS   

ROBERT MONDAVI Dies at Age of 94, May 16, 2008 (From The Wine Spectator): Robert Mondavi, a visionary winemaker and brilliant marketer who helped lead California wine into international prominence, died at 9 a.m. today at home in Yountville, Calif.  He was 94.  ¶   Outspoken, energetic and charismatic, Mondavi was one of the most influential and admired winemakers in California history. He was the driving force behind his namesake winery in Napa Valley, which he established in 1966 and which for years was the most famous winery in California, until it was sold in 2004.  ¶   "Robert Mondavi left an indelible legacy on the California wine industry," said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. "He touted California wines as world class--as good as the best of Europe--and tirelessly traveled the world spreading that message, making believers out of millions of wine lovers."   ¶   In a career that spanned eight decades, Mondavi often led by example, setting lofty goals for his winery and inspiring California winemakers to make wines to compete with the best in the world. His name, influence and passion for wine and life spread well beyond Napa and California. Winemakers around the world credited Mondavi with encouraging them to set higher standards and make better wines.

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LITTLE BLACK DRESS (LBD) WINES: Updates Award Winning Portfolio--French Pinot Noir Joins Line, Italian Pinot Grigio Follows Chardonnay Package For a Makeover. Little Black Dress Wines expands its award-winning line with a 2006 Pinot Noir sourced from France, and will introduce Chardonnay in a traditional Burgundy package with the 2007 vintage release.  Pinot Grigio will be tested in an Italian-sourced version to help meet rising demand for Pinot Grigio.  ¶   With the addition of Pinot Noir, the current varietals will now include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Syrah Rosé, and Merlot-- wines are $10  with Syrah Rosé in limited markets.    LBD Wines were introduced in 2006.  In a partnership with the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation, LBD Wines has helped raise more than $65,000 through online auctions of celebrity dresses and celebrity-signed LBD bottles. For information about Little Black Dress Wines Celebrity Dress Auction or any of LBD’s products, please visit www.littleblackdresswines.com. 

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FOSTER'S WINE ESTATES 5th Annual Winemakers Tour came to Austin with seven stellar winemakers who showcased their superb wines for the enthusiastic crowd.  A panel of the seven winemakers explained the process of growing and making their 2004 Cabernet Sauvignons to a captivated crowd.  It was indeed "An Unparalleled Celebration of Luxury Wines."  Laurie Hook, Beringer Vineyards; Margo Van Staaveren, Chateau St. Jean; Jon Priest, Etude; Simon Graves, Penfolds; Danielle Cyrot, St. Clement; Ed Killian, Souverain;, and Kevin Morrisey, Stags' Leap Winery led an exemplary tasting of their excellent 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.  A "Grand Tasting of New Releases and Reserve Wines" followed the panel discussion.  It was really a privilege to attend this event!  Please see some of my tasting notes below under NEW RELEASES. 

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SICILY has wines: Paul Wagner of Balzac Communication writes that Sicily is a huge, incredibly diverse, and fascinating wine property.  He says that "Sicily has more vineyard acreage than Australia, and a broader range of varietals than just about any other place on earth.  It has wonderfully ancient vines and vineyards—from the legendary Marsalas and Muscats to more recently famous Nero d’Avola…and a stunning collection of wines surrounding those primary stars:  on a recent trip there, I tasted absolutely world class wines made from Grillo, Frappatto, Perricone, Nerello Mascalese, Fiano…and more.  Not to mention breathtaking scenery, and a culinary scene that has to be seen and tasted to be believed.  All this wrapped in a panoply of history that captures all of the wonders of the Mediterranean.  If the Mediterranean is the Sea in the center of the Earth, then Sicily is the island in the center of that Sea…and has all the colors, traces, ruins, and shadows of those who have passed over or through it for the past 5,000 years."  Stay tuned for more information on Sicilian wines.  I recently tasted the ARANCIO wines.  Please see below under NEW RELEASES.  

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SONOMA-CUTRER WINEMAKER Terry Adams Visits Texas; Tasting Sonoma-Cutrer wines with Winemaker Terry Adams accompanied by enticing platters at Fleming's is mighty fine living.  The genial, affable, interesting man charms the listener with wine stories and clear answers to wine questions.   He has introduced Texans to a Stelvin® screwcap closure for the SONOMA-CUTRER Russian River Ranches Chardonnay, selected once again in an annual poll of top US restaurants as America's favorite Chardonnay for 17 of the past 19 years.  "It's simple really," Terry says.  "I want people to enjoy the wine as I made it, and as I hoped they would be able to enjoy it when it left the winery.  It's no different than any quality decision we make.  We always choose on the side of our consumers," Terry explains.  "A screwcap helps me share my very best wine.   It's like capturing a little bit of Sonoma County in every bottle."   Terry and I also enjoyed the Sonoma-Cutrer 2004 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast--in a word, lovely. 

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UNITED STATES' Wins Gold in 2008 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles International Wine Competition; U.S. wineries win 14 medals at Europe’s wine competition– Several United States wineries showed strongly at the 15th annual Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) competition, one of the top international, professional wine and spirits competitions in the world.  Eight U.S. wineries were awarded a total of 14 medals at this year’s competition: one Great Gold, six Gold and seven Silver medals.   U.S. wines showed particularly well   when compared to the total average number of medals awarded at the competition, earning medals over twice as often as the competition average with 61% of the wineries receiving awards – compared to 28% from all other entries combined.  The U.S. entrants also outperformed many of the world’s top wine producing countries, including Italy (by 37%), France (by 36%), Spain (by 28%), Australia (by 26%) and Chile (by 20%).    “The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is one of the most prestigious international wine competitions in the world,” says Thomas Costenoble, Director of the CMB. “With an esteemed panel of 240 internationally renowned judges and almost 6,200 wines and spirits being judged, the medals awarded to these U.S. wineries are a true testament to their place amongst the best in the world.”     Snows Lake Winery, located in Lake County, CA, demonstrated it deserves to be among the best wines of the world after receiving a Great Gold medal as well as three additional Gold Medals in this year’s competition. Great Gold medals are awarded to those wines with a combined score of 96% or above by the panel of judges.  They were awarded to fewer than 1% of the total number of entries. Cass Winery, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Rancho Zabaco Winery, St. Supéry, Trefethen Winery and Ventana Vineyards were also award recipients.  All U.S. medals awarded at the CMB 15th were: Great Gold–2005 Snows Lake “One”; Gold–2005 Cass Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon; Gold–2006 Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull Zinfandel; Gold–2005 Snows Lake “Two”; Gold–2004 Snows Lake “One”; Gold–2004 Snows Lake “Two”;Gold–2004 Trefethen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; Silver–2004 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon; Silver–2006 Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc; Silver–2004 Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel; Silver–2006 Silver Boot Meritage; Silver–2003 St. Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon; Silver–2006 Trefethen Estate Chardonnay; Silver–2006 Ventana Vineyards “Rubystone.”   The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles was created in 1994 to reward the best wines and spirits produced worldwide.  In 2006, in order to reinforce their international character, CMB began holding the competition beyond its original borders.  Consequently, the 16th annual competition will take place in Valencia, Spain.  For information, go to http://www.concoursmondial.eu/.

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SONOMA WINE COUNTY WEEKEND, LABOR DAY 2008 The smell of harvest will hover in the clear skies when Sonoma County vintners and tradesmen open their doors to guests August 29 - 31.  Please see full story below. 

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KENDALL-JACKSON Hosts the 12th Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival on September 6, 2008, from 11am to 4pm at the KENDALL-JACKSON WINE CENTER, 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, CA 95439.  Proceeds benefit The School Garden Network.  Tickets are $55 per person in advance through June and go on sale July 1 for $65.  This event sells out each year and tickets will not be available at the door.  Order tickets toll-free (800) 769-3649 or on www.kj.com  

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FOURSIGHT WINES, NEW ANDERSON VALLEY WINERY; The newest Anderson Valley winery, FOURSIGHT Wines, has been launched.  FOURSIGHT is a small, family owned and operated winery.  They produce only a few hundred cases annually of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, wines you'll enjoy getting to know.   Please see full story below.

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KENDALL-JACKSON wine barrels find new life.   TerraCycle, a New Jersey-based company known for its unique eoc-friendly home products, is offering refurbished Kendall-Jackson wine oak barrels transformed into The Rotary Composter™  and Rain Barrel™  water storage containers.  The wine barrels turned garden tools are made of French or American oak and are completely clean, safe and perfect for outdoor household use. For information www.terracycle.net/main_lawn_garden.htm

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MARGARET DUCKHORN of DUCKHORN WINE COMPANY New Wine Institute Chairman:   Margaret Duckhorn has been elected Wine Institute board chairman for the 2008-2009 fiscal year at the 74th Annual Wine Institute Meeting of Members.  She is Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Industry Relations at Duckhorn Wine Company, which includes Duckhorn Vineyards in St. Helena, Paraduxx in Napa Valley and Goldeneye in Anderson Valley. Also elected were Raymond Chadwick of Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, headquartered in Napa, first vice chairman; Tom Klein of Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg, second vice chairman; David Kent of the Wine Group, headquartered in San Francisco, treasurer; and Kathleen Heitz Myers of Heitz Wine Cellars in St. Helena, secretary.

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THE INN at LOS BRISAS has 463 vegetables has 463 vegetables:  This Texas-based, 300-acre property Relais & Chateaux property reserves two acres for the intensive farming of most of the produce served at the Inn's award-winning restaurant.   The gardens, orchard and greenhouse are carefully tended by the staff, which includes a horticulturist and an organic production manager.  And Chef Jason Robinson even keeps track of 150 tomato varieties!  The Inn at Dos Brisas, 9400 Champion Drive is off FM 1155 in Brenham, Texas 77833, (979) 277-7750, $575 per night,   www.dosbrisas.com   Please see full story below.

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FREESTONE VINEYARDS GUEST CENTER opened by Joseph Phelps.  Driven by the goal to produce world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Phelps team searched for a a vineyard site to plant both varietals, and in 2000 planted approximately 100 acres on the Sonoma Coast near Freestone, California.  The winery building was completed in time for the 2007 harvest, and now the Guest Center is ready--open Friday through Monday from 11am till 4pm.

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FOLIO FINE WINE PARTNERS showcase multiple Pinot Noirs from several viticultural regions.  (full story below)

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ROTARI WINES PRIZE TALENTO TITLE: Talento signifies excellent Italian sparkling wines and the name is reserved for Metodo Classico sparkling wines that use only chardonnay, pinot nero and pinot bianco grapes.  The finest have a minimum of 15 months second fermentation.  Please see full story below.

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B.R. COHN 2005 Olive Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Awarded Gold Medal at The Dallas Morning News 2008 Wine Competition, its 24th year.  The family owned and operated Sonoma Valley B.R. COHN Winery won three awards for three varietals: Gold for the 2005 B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; Silver for B.R. Cohn’s 2005 SyrCab--a blend of Syrah and Olive Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bronze for B.R. Cohn’s 2005 Zinfandel.   A panel of wine editors, sommeliers and wine directors awarded the medals from among 3,500 entries around the globe.  B.R. Cohn Winery is a unique winery that brings together an array of joyful lifestyle elements:  award-winning wines, extra virgin olive oils, handcrafted vinegars, gourmet food products, a variety of wedding, culinary and corporate events and an annual fund-raising music festival each fall (Cohn is the longtime manager of The Doobie Brothers and other musical acts) as part of the winery’s ongoing commitment to charitable community causes.  For more information B.R. Cohn Winery, visit www.brcohn.com.  The winery’s tasting room and outdoor patio are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and until 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.  Winery tours are offered by appointment and can be arranged by calling (800) 330-4064 ext. 124.   B.R. Cohn Winery, 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, CA 95442.

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NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS' AUCTION (NVVA):  The annual fundraiser earned $10.35 million for the area's charities despite a challenging economic climate--a five percent over 2007.   Guests from around the globe gathered for the four-day event celebrating the NVVA's 28th year at the Relais & Chateaux Meadowood.   Items for bids were barrel futures, one-of-a-kind wines, winery verticals and rare bottlings with vintner's dinners, luxury  items and travel.   there were 44 Live Lots, 128 Barrel Lots, and 87 E-Lots.  The weekend centerpiece for the largest grossing lot was "Fund a Need," which provided funds (without a prize) for health care for those most in need through Community Clinic Ole.    A beginning bid of $1000 led to a challenge by Ovid Winery principals Dana Johnson and Mark Nelson.  They bid $350,000 challenged other to match it--which it was--bringing the total to $1.7 million!  Established in 1981 by Napa Valley Vintners, the auction has given nearly $78 million for healthcare over 27 years.  For information: Terry Hall 707/968-4217, thall@ napavintners.com
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NEW RELEASES (quotes are winemakers' comments; prices vary from store to store)

FOSTER'S WINE ESTATES 5th Annual Winemakers Tour came to Austin with seven stellar winemakers who showcased their superb wines for the enthusiastic crowd.  A panel of the seven winemakers explained the process of growing and making their 2004 Cabernet Sauvignons to a captivated crowd.  The 2004 vintage has been rated excellent; that is,  concentrated with grand color, rich and firmly structured, with pleasantly mild tannins and expected to evolue into complex and balanced wines that are delicious to drink--the best vintage since 2001.  In any event, it was indeed "An Unparalleled Celebration of Luxury Wines."  Laurie Hook, BERINGER Vineyards; Margo Van Staaveren, CHATEAU St. JEAN; Jon Priest, ETUDE; Simon Graves, PENFOLDS; Danielle Cyrot, St. CLEMENT; Ed Killian, SOUVERAIN;, and Kevin Morrisey, STAGS' LEAP WINERY led an exemplary tasting of their excellent 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.  A "Grand Tasting of New Releases and Reserve Wines" followed the panel discussion.  It was really a privilege to attend this event!

BERINGER Vineyards Winemaker Laurie Hook and the 2004 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $80: Beringer Winemaster Ed Sbragia and Winemaker Laurie Hook are delighted to share yearly updated tasting notes on Private Reserve Cabernet. "It's extremely rewarding to watch these wines age," Laurie tells us.   "Generally, wines often taste best 10 -15 years after release.  However, there's no one magic moment when the wine metamorphoses into a supple, perfect drink.   Each bottle is a living substance that changes according to its own rhythms. Young Cabernet Sauvignon is quite different from a 20-year-old  wine.   Some typical bottle age characters that we often find in aged Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet include: soy, tobacco, leather, earthiness, blackberry, cocoa, cassis, brown spice, black olive and tea."

CHATEAU ST. JEAN Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren and the 2004 Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County $75: Cinq Cépages ("Five Varieties") is a Bordeaux-style blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (9%), Cabernet Franc (7%), Malbec (4%), and Petit Verdot (3%).  Each component is aged separately for two years in small French oak barrels (47% new) before blending.  Once the wine is assembled, it spends six months in the bottle before release.  "Inviting aromas of boysenberry and violet define the nose of this flagship Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.  A rich and dense entry begins with layers of black raspberry, mocha and hints of blueberry.  The palate offers a graceful balance between fruit extract and fine-grained tannins.  This deep, concentrated wine has a classic Cinq Cépages structure with beautiful oak integration and a lushness throughout that leads to a lingering finish."

ÉTUDE Winemaker Jon Priest and the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley $100: "Superior grape growing diminishes the need for intervention by the winemaker, resulting in a wine that is grown, not made.  This remains our approach today as we continues to build the ETUDE legacy.  This 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon has inviting aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and gingerbread begin the nose of this ripe, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon and mingle harmoniously with notes of cocoa powder and olive.  The palate has wonderful fruit saturation, opulent texture and balance.  Dark berry flavors and hints of the signature Rutherford dust linger on the finish.  While wines of this style can be aged for many years, it would be a shame not to enjoy this wonderfully ripe, young wine in the near term before putting some away for the long haul."

PENFOLDS Winemaker Simon Graves and the 2004 Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz, Australia $25 and Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, $85: Penfolds is one of the most celebrated names in Australian winemaking.  Through 150 years of outstanding achievement, Penfolds has become synonymous with Australian wine quality and continues to strive for ever-higher standards.  The wine is rounded, supple, a multi-regional blend with aromas and flavors of several berries and spices, oak, a big texture with dominating berries and plums.  And the PENFOLDS 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 $85 Simon says, "Bin 707 is Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Grange equivalent: ripe, intensely-flavored fruit; completing fermentation and matured in new American oak; and expressing the Penfolds’ policy of multi-vineyard, multi-region fruit-sourcing.   Named by an ex-Qantas marketing man, Bin 707 was first vintaged in 1964.  The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 (when the focus shifted to Bin 389) nor in 1981, 1995 or 2000 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available).  Full bodied and with good cellaring potential, Bin 707 has a secure place among the ranks of Australia’s finest Cabernets."  

ST. CLEMENT Winemaker Danielle Cyrot and the 2004 Orropas Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $55: "2004 had near-perfect weather.  With the exception of a very warm March and a few hot days in June, the growing season was sunny, long and mild.  Consequently, the harvested grapes had vibrant acidity, beautifully mature tannins and fully ripe flavors.   Our fruit came from valley floor vineyards throughout southern Napa and Rutherford.   I added Merlot and Cabernet Franc for structure and a lengthy mid-palate with ripe fruit notes, keeping the lots separate through harvest and fermentation.  After eighteen months in French oak, we made the final blend before bottling.  This rich, ruby Cabernet has luscious varietal features, aromatics of red cherry, boysenberry, cassis and vanilla spice on the nose, and flavors of strawberry jam, cherry cola and black licorice intertwine with clove and hints of cocoa powder on the palate.  Integrated, supple tannins create the refined structure that carries this well-balanced Cabernet to a lengthy and flavorful finish."

SOUVERAIN Winemaker Ed Killian and the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley $35: "We has a sixty-year history of unsurpassed wine quality as noted by the wine press," says Winemaker Ed Killian.  "Our wines, exceptional wines for daily pleasure, are the best expression of each varietal and Alexander Valley."  At Souverain, our goal is to make authentic wines that are the best expression of each varietal and Alexander Valley. We believe our consumers deserve to drink great wine every night, so our wines are exceptional & attainable. Our love affair with producing wines has stretched back over 60 years and during that time our award winning wines have received numerous accolades and praise from the wine press.  In the end, though, the most important award to us is a satisfied consumer.  This wine has layered nuances of vanilla, fresh roast coffee, nutmeg and clove. This balanced Cabernet Sauvignon is well-structured with fine-grained tannins that lead to a long, powerful finish."  correct

STAGS' LEAP WINERY Winemaker Kevin Morrisey and the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $49:  "On one of California’s earliest wine estates, a unique terroir and ideal microclimate support a classical standard of viticulture, land use, and winemaking that is as relevant today as it was over a century ago.  An intimate valley within the greater Napa Valley, Stags’ Leap is a place of natural beauty, storied buildings and gardens, a lively history, and a reputation for elegant wines showing finesse and intensity.  Cabernet Sauvignon is synonymous with the Napa Valley in general and Stags Leap District in particular.  In our Estate vineyards, we take full advantage of this ideal location, planting Cabernet vines in deep, well-drained loamy volcanic soils.  For this wine, I blended Estate fruit with grapes from key vineyards located in many of the other prestigious Napa Valley appellations.  This is a well-balanced, luscious and velvety wine with complex layers of plum, spice, and coffee." 

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JOSEPH PHELPS was founded in 1972.   Joseph Phelps Vineyards is an independent, estate-based winery near St. Helena on a knoll in bucolic Spring Valley.  The redwood winery overlooks vineyard-studded hills, the town of St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west. "After years of studying the complex relationship between wine quality and place, Phelps has developed estate-owned vineyards in the premiere growing regions of Stag's Leap, Rutherford, Oakville, Oak Knoll and the eastern foothills of Napa.  In Sonoma County in 1999, land was purchased and vineyards developed along the Sonoma Coast.  Today Phelps has 80 acres of Pinot Noir and 20 acres of Chardonnay planted in Freestone.  A small winery in the midst of the Freestone vineyards is currently 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.  Annual production fluctuates between 65-80,000 cases, and it is a source of pride that 90% of all wine produced comes from estate-owned vineyards.

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NAPANOOK was created by Christian Moueix in 1996 to propduce a wine to be enjoyed in its younger years.  Napanook is a blend of the Bordeaux varietals coming from vineyard lots chosen for their finesse, lively fruit and subtle tannins. The goal is to find the perfect equilibrium between these elements, creating a wine that is harmonious and, of course, pleasurable to drink. Napanook is made to be enjoyed young and consumed with your food.  Alternatively, it can be aged for approximately 10 years after its release.  NAPANOOK 2005 Red Wine, Napa Valley $42 vintage is dark crimson in color, with a fragrant, rich nose full of blackberries and dark forest fruits. The aroma slowly reveals subtle notes of smoky sandalwood, chocolate, and sweet almonds. The entry on the palate is round, but firm; precise and enveloping. Well-balanced tannins open throughout the evolution, and linger on the finish with cherries, cedar and cacao.  2005 marks the 10th vintage of Napanook, probably the best to date.  Napanook 2005 is comprised of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot and is solely from grapes grown at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, Napa Valley.  Napanook is blended from blocks in the vineyard that were carefully selected for their lively fruit, soft tannins and early maturing characteristics.The winter was typical, with only slightly above-average rainfall. We received 28" during the winter, 6" in March and 4" in May. Rains were light and spread out over 68 days. Temperatures throughout the season were quite moderate; we saw a cool spring that delayed budbreak, and a summer without excessive heat. 2005 was a year with only 23 days over 90°F, and one day over 100°F – July 23rd. The beautiful weather contributed to a long growing season and very even ripening. With no threat of a heat wave or rain during the harvest period, the grapes reached full maturity at a slow, steady pace.      

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SONOMA CUTRER 2006 Chardonnay, Russian River Ranches (13.9 alc) $22: "Russian River Ranches is a cuvée from estate vineyards, each contributing its own distinct personality.  The gentle elevation, moderate temperatures and fine sandy clay loam of Vine Hill make it ideal for growing Chardonnay.  Owsley Ranch stands closest to the Pacific and is influenced by cooling fog pushing through Bloomfield Gap each day.  The soils at Shiloh reflect an ancient seabed and volcanic ash that changed our topography eons ago, while Les Pierres is situated atop an old rock quarry that imparts a flinty mineral character. Vines rooted in clay at Kent Vineyard are cooled morning and night by fog, allowing for extended maturation, while the vines at the Cutrer Vineyard struggle through soils marked by the eruptions of Mt. St. Helena.  The wine has flavors and aromas of jasmine, rose,  pineapple, mango, roasted hazelnuts, almonds and a finish with a touch of lime.  Medium-weight and clean with a crisp acid backbone, the wine expands in the glass to offer grapefruit, lemon, pear, kumquat with subtle vanilla bean and herbal mushroom.  The lingering finish displays hints of minerality, apple, and lime.  Pair with poultry, sea bass or halibut - especially with cream or butter - or rich, buttery cheeses like young Gouda."

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DOMINUS is owned by Christian Mouiex from Libourne, France.  His goal, supported by the team at the winery, is to produce great wine representing the unique terroir of the Napanook vineyard in Napa Valley.  "Our philosophy is very traditional—that is, in order to produce great wine we need the best possible grapes.   Therefore, we concentrate our efforts in the vineyard.  The vines are meticulously manicured—we believe in crop-thinning, 'nettoyage,' washing the grapes, and other labor-intensive activities."  During each visit to California, Christian Moueix spends most of his time in the vineyard, not only because he loves it, but also to better understand the natural expression of the vintage.  "We monitor the maturation of the clusters in order to harvest the grapes under the best conditions.  When the fruit enters the cellar after harvest, it follows a natural process of fermentation with few interventions.  Our approach is that of a minimalist's.  After fermentation, the wine is blended in a manner that expresses the natural qualities of the fruit, not forced into a style with preconceived notions."   DOMINUS is the proprietary red wine produced at the Napanook Vineyard by Christian Moueix and his team.  Since its first release, Dominus has become known for its complexity and earthy character, which pay tribute to the Napanook terroir. Christian Moueix believes wholeheartedly that producing a wine begins in the vineyard.  For that reason, each vintage is unique with different varietal blends reflecting the vineyard and climate conditions of that particular year.  In the early years of Dominus (1983-1990), recognizing that the wine was in its infancy and did not yet have its own identity, a series of artists' portraits of Christian Moueix was commissioned for the labels.  By 1991, the wine had become well established and a classic Bordeaux-style label replaced the artist series.

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RAYMOND VINEYARD & CELLAR 2007 Napa Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc $15 has been released.  "Raymond Napa Valley Reserve wines reflect the proud heritage of five generations of Raymond family winemaking in the Napa Valley.   Beginning with their first vintage in 1974, the Raymond's have developed elegant, powerful wines that are distinctly characteristic of the Napa Valley appellation.   With each vintage, the wines are beautifully balanced with intense fruit, good acidity and solid structure.  This wine, 95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5%, Semillon with intense opening aromas of grapefruit give way to floral honeysuckle, lemongrass and citrus notes followed by zesty grapefruit, orange, pear and lemongrass flavors with a smooth finish touched with honey and vanilla. Refreshingly bright and lively with balanced acidity and a rich, full mouth feel."

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REDWOOD CREEK wines are released. "We had a light crop in California in 2006, but we had outstanding quality, and flavors in the fruit were intense.   We've had a lot of fun and had good comments with our outdoor theme, is I'm offering some campfire pairings for you," says Winemaker Cal Dennison.

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ÉTUDE 2006 Estate Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley $42: Etude specializes in two classic reds – Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon – while also producing limited amounts of several other varietals. Etude’s Pinot Noir and white varieties are crafted from grapes grown in the cool Carneros region. Fruit for Etude’s Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the warmer, upper reaches of the Napa Valley.  "ETUDE 2006 Estate Pinot Noir comes from our vineyard tucked away in the far northwest corner of the Carneros which are composed of  variations of volcanic origin.  They are well-drained, rocky upland soils.    The Estate Pinot Noir is aged for 12 to 14 months in the finest French oak barrels. Our goal is to produce a distinctly styled Pinot Noir of the highest quality, a wine that can satisfy any “Burgundian” urge and yet be proud of its California roots. The 2006 Estate bottling offers inviting cool climate aromatics of raspberry, pomegranate and sandalwood with a touch of turned earth. Classically structured, the palate bursts with flavors of sweet frambois strawberries, red cherries and mocha.  The lush fruit combined with the baking spice notes from aging in French oak creates a defined Pinot Noir with elegance and length."

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MONTES Winemaker Aurelio Montes searches around the world for the finest terroirs – in Chile, Argentina, and within the next year, Napa.  Now in Chile, the Montes team is finishing the harvest season, so after days in the fields, Aurelio and his crew like to enjoy the fruits of their labor--their refreshing wines for all seasons, such as the ones listed below.

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VALLEY OF THE MOON 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley $20: " The statement “fine wine begins in the vineyard” has become a cliché in recent years, but only because it is true. However, the very best wine often begins in more than one vineyard and even more than one region. By bringing together wines from various locations, winemakers can utilize the strengths of each to create a more “complete” wine than usually can be produced from a single vineyard. Such is the case of the newly released 2005 Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon; a combination of two Sonoma County appellations, this impressive young Cabernet showcases all of the variety’s fabled character and complexity.  ¶  Grapes for the 2005 VALLEY of the MOON Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from hillside vineyards in Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley.  Sonoma Valley, where growing conditions include a temperate climate and fertile, well-drained soils, produces fresh, elegant Cabernet with excellent natural acidity. Dry Creek Valley features a climate of very warm days and very cool nights, and soils that are poor and gravelly; here Cabernet develops bold fruit, intriguing spice and firm structure. This blend of the two regions highlights the best qualities of both.  ¶  The 2005 VALLEY of the MOON Cabernet Sauvignon captivates the senses with saturated red-black color and assertive black cherry, blueberry, cocoa and cedar aromas. Concentrated black and red fruit flavors gain complexity from generous notes of black pepper, spice and vanilla. In contrast to the bold flavors, the palate displays polished texture and integrated tannins, both of which stay smooth through the long finish.  In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery produces Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Rosato di Sangiovese and Cuvée de la Luna, a Bordeaux-inspired blend.

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KENWOOD TABLE WINES: Our quality, value-priced KENWOOD WHITE TABLE WINE and KENWOOD RED TABLE WINE are made from grapes grown in the best wine regions of California and are perfect everyday drinking wines.  The Red Table Wine is full of fresh fruit flavors and the complexity of spicy notes.  The wine is viscous with medium tannins, approachable and ready to enjoy. This year's bottling blends Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Barbera.  Using the cuveé winemaking method, Kenwood’s winemaker keeps each vineyard lot separate throughout fermentation and aging. This enables him to enhance the individual flavors of each vineyard. After fermenting in stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 18 months.     

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FEUDO ARANCIO wines from Sicily: Celebrated for its hot sunny climate, historic monuments and rich culinary tradition, Sicily has been producing rich flavored and full-bodied wines since Greek and Roman times. Well known for its warm Mediterranean climate, hot sun, intense light, and fertile soil, Sicily has blossomed into one of the world’s most promising wine regions.  ARANCIO cultivates its own grapes in two large estates along the windy south coast of the island.   A total of 1,500 acres of estate vineyards are planted in single varietal fields in order to offer 100% single varietal wines to the final consumer.  Arancio’s new state-of-the-art facilities are utilized to take full advantage of what this bountiful land has to offer. A new generation of talented and passionate Sicilian winemarkers and vineyard managers produce Arancio wines that are consistent representations of Sicilian and International varietals grown in the hot Sicilian climate. Arancio wines are well received by all major international magazines, year after year.

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ROSEMOUNT has released its Estate's Diamond Label range of wines.   "These wines are made in the classic fruit-forward, fresh and approachable style that has made Rosemount a consumer favorite for the last 30 years.

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L. LOHR Vineyards & Wines founder Jerry Lohr has focused on building a world-class estate vineyard program.  Over the years specific estate vineyards in Napa Valley, Monterey County and Paso Robles have emerged as sites of rare distinction.   To capture the character and complexity of these unique estates, Jerry created the J. Lohr Vineyard Series.  Now released in this series are the J. LOHR Hilltop Vineyard 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles $35 and the  J. LOHR 2006 Fog's Reach Vineyard Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco $35.   "J. Lohr Vineyard Series, limited in production and utmost in quality, is our entreé into the luxury wine category. 

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KENWOOD VINEYARDS releases two Cabernet Sauvignons, each with its own distinctive personality.  The 2005 Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon and 2005 Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon are different, but each will gain plenty of fans for fine quality and impressive character.

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ZACA MESA 2005 Z Cuvee Estate Grown and Bottled,Santa Ynez Valley $18: "After a very wet winter, the 2005 season was very mild and dry with the steady warmth of August and September.  Gradual ripening allowed greater flavor development at lower sugar levels than usual for a beautifully balanced wine.  The unique combination of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault is inspired by the Chateauneuf-de-Pape’s where they have been blending these wines together for centuries, creating wines that are greater than the sum of their parts.  After hand harvesting, the grapes were gently de-stemmed, fermented and barrel aged separately for seven months, then combined and aged for an additional nine months in French oak barrels. Each grape adds its own nuance: Grenache adds rich raspberry flavors; Mourvèdre brings notes of blueberry; Syrah, flavors of blackberry and ripe tannins and a touch of Cinsault’s dusty berry notes.  These layers of flavor enable this wine to pair with a wide variety of foods from mushroom pizza to rosemary crusted leg of lamb.   Enjoy this wine now or cellar for the next five to seven years."
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OOPS is the name of a new wine, and while the name is clever and unforgettable, the wines are good too!  "There's a good reason the Merlot grown in Chile doesn't taste like other Merlots.   Many of the vines are not entirely Merlot, but instead a blend of Merlot and another grape: Carmenère, a.k.a., 'The Lost Grape of Bordeaux.'  Carmenère root stock had been transplanted to Chile from France over a century ago before the particularly nasty root louse threatened its very existence.   Soon forgotten, the Carmenère grapes grew freely with Merlot grapes and were assumed to be Merlot until, suddenly in 1994, viticulturist Jean-Michel Boursiquit revealed the mistake. Oops!  Early in the eighteenth century there were six noble grapes of Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. These grapes helped build the reputations of some of France's grandest and most famous wine Chateaux.  Then, in the 1860’s, a devastating root-feeding aphid, phylloxera, abruptly wiped out the vineyards throughout Europe.  Later, when the replanting began, only the finicky late-ripening carmenère proved too difficult to resurrect. Although merlot and carmenère grapes look alike, carmenère is something in between merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Carmenère has great depth of deep-purple color, a jammy-fruity aroma, and soft tannins, just like merlot – but it also has more complexity and earthiness, like cabernet. Today, the same carmenère grapes that have enhanced the merlot of Chile for over 100 years add a distinctive style and character to all our (OOPS) wines. Cheers!"

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NOVY FAMILY WINES respected winemakers Adam and Dianna Lee (Texas transplants and also Sidiri winery owners) celebrate the Novy Family Wines 10th anniversary with a clarification about California Syrah.  They have identified and befriended the best vineyard owners and in some cases help farm particular rows (for Sidiri Pinot Noir and Novy Syrah).   Declared “hot” by the Wine Spectator nearly 10 years ago, Lee says that Syrah often became a victim of its easy adaptability and was widely planted across California.  This hodge-podge of styles eventually created an identity crisis and Syrah sales slumped.  The Lees reviewed their Syrah-making process and the NOVY 2006 releases reveal their commitment to California-style Syrah.  The key was grapes from cool climate sites that produce complexity. Adam Lee explains “We took measures in the vineyard and the cellar to define the California style of Syrah, with a focus on complexity rather than 'bigness.'  The result is Novy Syrah that reveals weight in balance with complexity and a range of flavors.  Consequently, the vast majority of Novy’s vineyard designated Syrahs will come from cooler growing regions, like Russian River and Santa Lucia Highlands, for wines that ripen more slowly.  This develops a wider range of flavors and a greater maturity at lower sugar levels.  We'll use more whole-cluster fermentations and less new oak so complex flavors to show in the wine. Novy bottles only the finest possible blend as a vineyard-designated Syrah, and we'll keep prices as reasonable as possible.  www.novyfamilywines.com.

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CHATEAU MARIS is the vision of Englishman Robert Eden, a pleasant, gracious and highly enthusiastic man about his wines from France.  Robert says that he emigrated to France over 20 years ago to pursue his dream of crafting wines that reflect, rather than mask the land on which the  grapes are grown.  His approach to winemaking is based on the fundamental premise that wine is "grown," not "made."  To craft wines that reveal the true character of the land, Château Maris strictly adheres to biodynamics, which is a supercharged system of organic farming.  Biodynamics farming adopts a holistic approach that views the entire vineyard as a living system that is impacted by its surroundings.  The practices encourage vitality in the vineyard by introducing live matter into the soil through intensive composting.  In addition, biodynamics places a strong emphasis on harnessing naturally occurring cycles.   While France is known as a country that is famous for wine regulations, the Languedoc enjoys a great amount of freedom in its winemaking.  With over 700,000 acres under vine, some tasty, best-value wines are coming from this enormous and diverse wine region.  The area stretches from the Rhône River to the east, along the land bordering the Mediterranean Sea until it   almost reaches Spain on the west.  Only 10% of the wines from the area are AC, with the remaining wines in the Vin de Pays or Vin de Table category. 

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BONNY DOON VINEYARD has released three enticing CIGARE wines for your pleasure.  "The spring release of our LE CIGARE family wines is quite a momentous time here in Santa Cruz.  Arranging for their safe and comfortable transport is uppermost in our minds though even the wines get caught up in the excitement of release.  LE CIGARE VOLANT ($30) as the pere takes it all in stride befitting his greater maturity while mama CIGARE BLANC has learned to take deep breaths as she looks over her list of things to doon.  But it was little VIN GRIS who really excites himself while rocketing around the winery waiting to be packed up.  It's not often that a blanc, a vin gris and a rouge all arrive at the same time on your front door!   However as they are quite a close family it seemed unfair to ship them out separately into the world!  2007 VIN GRIS de CIGARE ($14) is a  superlative example of our ideal rose-dry, savory, medium bodied and redolent of strawberries, mint with a pleasingly complex texture.  Our new 2006 Le CIGARE BLANC ($22) is unusually light on its feet as its blend is reversed from years past--70% Grenache Blanc combined with 30% Roussanne, quite elegant for a single vineyard Biodynamic white Rhone blend.  The place of honor is reserved for our starship red, 2004 LE CIGARE VOLANT.   Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault are all in the mix with Grenache taking the lead in this year's model.  We suggest a gentle decanting prior to tasting this excellent example of a red Rhone in Doonland."

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FOLIO FINE WINE PARTNERS: "At Folio Fine Wine Partners, our mission is to find one-of-a-kind wines and bring them to you through your local restaurant or retailer.  We manage a collection of exceptional wines from all over the world—not only the most innovative wines from California, but also from emerging regions such as Spain, Austria and New Zealand.  We love sharing high-quality, authentic wines from small wineries, where families have passed down their winemaking traditions from generation to generation.  We bring you new classics from renowned producers, too, such as the exceptional offerings from the Frescobaldi family of Italy. The several Pinot Noirs include HANGTIME CELLARS (Carneros, Arroyo Seco, Burgundy and New Zealand), I'M WINES (Willamette Valley, OR), HUNTERDON WINES (Santa Lucia Highlands), and MAYRO-MURDICK (Carneros).   ¶  HANGTIME CELLARS: If you're a Pinot Noir fan, seek wines from Hangtime Cellars (www.hangtimewines.com). Winemaking team Rob Mondavi and Tony Coltrin travel the globe for the finest fruit from the established and emerging wine regions where Pinot Noir thrives.  ¶  HANGTIME refers to the amount of time the grapes spend hanging on the grapevines.  “The longer grapes spend on the vine, the more time they have to develop the concentrated fruit character that results in wines of distinctive, delicious varietal expression.  Appellations have to be warm enough to fully ripen grapes, yet cool enough to prolong this ripening while maintaining the natural acidity that balances rich fruit flavor.  Our winemakers seek such vineyards for the highest quality Pinot Noir.  They source fruit from cool spots all over the world.  While there are stylistic similarities—all the wines are well-balanced with aromas of well-ripened fruit—each wine maintains its own distinct nuances, reflecting the unique characteristics of its region.”  ¶  I'M WINES from Oregon--“Enjoy a delicious glass of wine with friends and family and don’t fuss over it.”   These words embody Isabel Mondavi’s joie de vivre—and the panache she used to fashion her own brand --I’M Wines.  Inspired by wine industry icon Michael Mondavi's peripatetic wife Isabel; the I'M WINES (www.imwines.com) deliver pure enjoyment, elevating good times shared with friends and family with their flavorful, cuisine enhancing style.  The refined, well-balanced  I’M Wines represent cutting edge concepts, in packaging, varietal composition, land stewardship and terroir.  A reflection of Isabel’s world travels, and cultured palate, each I'M wine represents a little vignette on the theme of her 'my favorite things'-- varietals, growing regions and wine styles as interpreted by her son, third generation winemaker, Rob Mondavi Jr.   Rob crafts silky Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley in Oregon.  A family affair every aspect of the I'M WINES brand is family run.   Dina, Isabel’s daughter, handles marketing and works with her mother to create the label and packaging aesthetics, while husband Michael takes on the role of brand advocate introducing converts and fans alike to the pleasures of the I'M WINES.  ¶  HUNTERDON WINES and MAYRO-MURDICK owners Mike and Tina Cox are the husband-and-wife team behind HUNTERDON and MAYRO-MURDICK.  They have always loved Pinot Noir and have spent considerable time learning about and exploring the great Pinot Noir growing regions around the world.  Both bring extensive wine experience to the partnership—Mike has almost two decades of experience making Pinot Noir and is well-recognized and lauded as a Pinot Noir winemaker.  Tina also comes from a distinguished career in wine marketing.  A decade-long dream became reality with the introduction of two unique wines from MAYRO-MURDICK —2003 MAYRO-MURDICK from the cool Carneros region of Napa Valley, where wines develop a bold spice and sweet cherry finish, and 2005 HUNTERDON from the well-regarded Santa Lucia Highlands appellation on California’s Central Coast.   Here, the cool Monterey climate maintains optimum acidity to balance the grapes’ rich cherry character. Each wine is unique, representing the best of its’ growing region and both pair exceptionally with food. While stylistically different, both MAYRO-MURDICK and HUNTERDON have loyal followings, and continue to receive critical praise.  The name HUNTERDON comes from the name of the county that Mike's family is from in New Jersey and MAYRO-MURDICK (www.mayro-murdick.com) is a combination of the first names of Mike and Tina’s paternal grandfathers. They’ve involved the rest of their family too—Anne Cox, Mike’s mother, creates sumptuous recipes to pair with HUNTERDON and MAYRO-MURDICK wines.   Our wines are the perfect complement to the fine works of the Chef'."

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LAKE SONOMA WINERY 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, $24 (alc. 14.5%): "Cabernet Sauvignon by nature is a robust, structured red; rich in color, aromas, flavors and tannins.  While Cabernet develops polished texture with time – from several months to several years – in the bottle, achieving such smoothness in a young wine can be daunting.  The just-released Lake Sonoma Winery Cabernet Sauvignon captures that elusive supple character beautifully and--in its progression from vine to bottle--illustrates the origins of smooth.  ¶   The smoothness of this 2005 Lake Sonoma Cabernet begins with grapes grown in Alexander Valley--where exceptionally warm (but not quite hot) days and cool nights in summer and autumn mature Cabernet with generous fruit and soft, elegant tannins.  The grapes were lightly crushed, fermented at warm temperatures and gently pressed, all to limit tannin extraction.  After settling, the wine was racked into small, mostly seasoned oak barrels for an unusually long 28 months to gain complexity and to soften through limited exposure to oxygen.   ¶  The 2005 Lake Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas and flavors of ripe blueberry and raspberry with subtle cedar, anise and semi-sweet chocolate nuances and touch of mint.  Medium-bodied yet uncommonly smooth, this Cabernet shows grace and balance through the lingering finish.   Delicious now, it nevertheless will continue to develop in the bottle for the next few years.  Established in 1977, Lake Sonoma Winery follows a “best of the best” philosophy in producing wines that express classic Sonoma County character.  Sonoma County visitors can sample these wines at its award-winning tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. 

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MAYACAMAS VINEYARDS:  In 1968, the winery was purchased by its present owners, Robert and Elinor Travers.  Under their direction, aging facilities have been enlarged and refurbished, neighboring land has been purchased, and the clearing, planting and replanting of vineyard are an ongoing process.   In addition to Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, small blocks of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are grown.

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SOUVERAIN 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley $22 (14% alc.): "At Souverain I put everything I can into making wines that represent the best of Alexander Valley," says Winemaker Ed Killian.  "As has become tradition, I keep each varietal and vineyard lot separate from harvest to barrel to the final blend.  Consequently, the developing wine reflects its origin.  Fruit was picked at full maturity and fermented for 10 to 14 days for complete dark color extraction and rich flavors.  Each gently pressed lot is racked and aged in oak barrels for 18 months before blending and bottling.  The 2005 vintage uses 73 percent French oak together with Hungarian and American oak for added complexity.  My days are spent keeping a close watch on each lot throughout the aging process to help determine which wines will make up the final blend."  Rich aromatics of roasted coffee, black and red fruit on the nose lead to flavors of black cherry, black plum and blackberry on the palate. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon creates dark, brooding yet structured tannins along with subtle layers of vanilla, bittersweet chocolate and baking spices. This balanced wine offers a well-structured mouthfeel that contributes to a long, toasty oak finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful introduction to Alexander Valley. (Components: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah, 1.5% Petite Sirah, and 1.5% Cabernet Franc)

SOUVERAIN 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Alexander Valley $15 (13.9% alc.): The fruit for this wine was whole cluster pressed in order to maintain varietal character and yield the most delicate juices.  Winemaker Ed Killian opted for a classic, varietal-character style with a softer mouthfeel.  A combination of cool tank fermentation (14%) and barrel fermentation (86%) allows for a richer flavor profile while retaining typical citrus zest aromatics.  In order to achieve a delicate oak balance, the juice was fermented in mostly once-used French oak barrels and aged for five months on the lees before final blending and bottling. The 2007 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc offers just the right balance between bright, crisp varietal character and a gentle touch of barrel influence from the winemaker’s hand.  Inviting aromas of , grapefruit zest and passion fruit with an orange blossom   floral background.  Flavors echo the bright aromas and include a soft hint of vanilla and dried herbs from barrel fermentation.  The finish is supported by a crisp acidity that accentuates the medium-bodied  Sauvignon Blanc and a long juicy finish." 

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BRONCO WINE COMPANY has released money-saving wines described by Market Watch and Beverage Dynamics as "Hot."

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RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS has a spiffy new packet of press materials.   "Rodney Strong Vineyards ::: A Historical Perspective" has some spectacular photographs of young Rod jumping and dancing the light fantastic during his Broadway and Paris stints.   During an entertainment at his winery, I had the pleasure of dancing with Rod on the terrace just before he sold the property to Tom Klein.  Another time when Rod came to Texas for The Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, folks cleared the dance floor during the celebratory Festival chefs dinner for the two of us to perform.   Those were very happy times and I miss Rod dearly.   Fortunately, Rod left us the fine heritage of his wines under the careful guidance of Rick Sayre who started working for him in 1979 and still guides the winemaking today.  Several new wines are available for your pleasure.

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MEYERS FAMILY CELLARS 2004 Syrah, Mendocino County: This wine represents an important step in Yorkville Highlands winegrowers Matt and Karen Meyers' decade-long journey toward crafting their ideal cool-climate Syrah.   With 41 percent Yorkville Highlands fruit, the 2004 Syrah has attributes of both warm and cool regions.  In 2011, the Meyers expect to release a 2006 of almost 100% Yorkville Highlands Syrah.  Matt’s passion for a single varietal was influenced by his parents Bonny and the late Justin Meyer, founders of Silver Oak.  Matt is drawn to Syrah, a varietal that delivers the fruit and spice that suits the way he and his contemporaries like to cook and dine.  Karen, the Australian-born enologist who is now his wife and winery partner, shares his enthusiasm for Syrah.  Both Matt and Karen’s stylistic aspirations were shaped in Australia for the elegant, high-toned, harmonious syrah they are crafting.  Karen adds to this her experience in the Rhone.   Returning to the Yorkville Highlands vineyard and winery Matt launched, the two continued vineyard research that ultimately led to their present solid commitment to Yorkville Highlands as their ideal syrah growing region.  "In our experience, this is a wine to create new Syrah enthusiasts."  

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STARBOROUGH 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand $13: STARBOROUGH Winemaker Wayne Donaldson tells me he considers this wine to be one of the stars of Marlborough--a wine growing region on New Zealand's South Island and known as a source of brilliant Sauvignon Blanc.  "While typical in many ways, I think you'll find it distinctive on the nose and palate with wonderful tropical components."   He says the wine has a plush, approachable style, highlighted by the refreshing fruit accents and bold acidity that characterize wines from the region.  "It has flavors of honeydew melon, passion fruit, and a peach over a citrus background."  

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B. R. COHN wines are made from B.R. Cohn’s respected Olive Hill Estate vineyards as well as fine grapes sourced from Northern California vineyards.  Proprietor Bruce Cohn and Winemaker Tom Montgomery nurture the estate vineyards through sustainable farming with minimal environmental impact.   Their goal is to produce the highest quality wines.  This pursuit has earned B.R. COHN a reputation for consistently elegant hand-crafted, well-balanced premium wines.   ¶  In addition to award-winning wines, B.R. Cohn Winery offers extra virgin olive oils, handcrafted vinegars, gourmet food products, a variety of wedding, culinary and corporate events and an annual fund-raising, fall music festival (Cohn is longtime manager of The Doobie Brothers and other musical acts) as part of the winery’s   commitment to charitable community causes. 

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BAREFOOT WINES & BUBBLY Winemaker Jennifer Wall says, "Part of the joy of working at Barefoot® Cellars is having the freedom to create and release new wines which people can enjoy. It is wonderful to know that people share our wines with family and friends while having a great time! The packages are vibrant and fun. The wines are fantastic and affordably priced."

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ROTARI WINES PRIZE TALENTO TITLE: "History or legend, the name Rotari derives from the Longobard King Rotari who fought one of the most important battles along the valleys of this territory in his conquest of Italy and made history with his famous 'Edict of Rotari,' a book about the rules of winemaking.    Located in the heart of the Dolomites, ROTARI is equipped with the best technology and tools for producing quality spumante (sparkling wine).  We're on the cutting edge of metodo classico production processes, from preparing the cuvée base, to the remuage, to the degorging and ultimate shipping of Rotari.  Metodo Classico is the name for the earliest, most refined production method for sparkling wines.  The Talento seal guarantees that all ROTARI  sparkling wines are made in the classical bottle fermentaion method using chardonnay, pinot nero and pinot bianco grapes.  The finest have a minimum of 15 months second fermentation.  ¶  Trentino (in heart of Italian Dolomites) represents a fine area for  producing Talento wine.  It enjoys the perfect combination of terrains and a variety of micro-climates.  ROTARI'S aging on the lees lasts for a minimum of 24 months and produces a sparkling wine that is both a perfect aperitif as well as a noble companion to both Italian and International cuisines. Full and toasty, with aromas of wheat bread and Golden Delicious apples, ROTARI is consistently recognized for its consistent quality, year after year.
The main production phases of “Talento” are the following:
BASE WINE: Grapes arrive quickly at the winery after harvesting and immediately undergo soft pressing.  The must, after sedimentation, is transferred to large steel tanks in the Rotari Winery, where the first fermentation at controlled temperatures (around 18°C) is initiated. Subsequently, the Chardonnay and Pinot Nero are carefully mixed to obtain the various “base” cuvees for the sparkling wine.
TIRAGE: The bottling starts in spring: carefully selected sugars and yeasts are added to the base wine, which subsequently is bottled.  The bottles are sealed with a aluminium crown cap and are placed in large steel cages, which are then stored and left to rest for more than 2 years at a constant temperature of 13 °C
SECOND FERMENTATION AND REFINEMENT: The second fermentation (or “prise de mousse”) commences inside the bottles which are stacked in horizontal position. The characteristic bubbles of Rotari emerge due to the elaboration of the yeasts. This marks the beginning of a long period of ageing and refinement during which the aromas of the grapes are harmonized and evolve together with those released by the yeasts.
REMUAGE: After conclusion of ageing, the riddling (“remuage” in French) operation is initiated in which the bottles are turned from a horizontal position to a vertical position (upside down). This process, which traditionally is done by hand with the help of the “pupitres” (traditional wooden riddling racks) is now performed by machines called “giropalletes”. The riddling process is managed by cautiously set-up programs overseen by our oenologists. The metal cages, containing 504 bottles each, are rotated a small amount each day and gradually moved to a neck-down orientation, so that the sediment ('lees') slides down the necks of the bottle and is collected in the cap. At this point the bottles are transported to an upper level where the disgorging (“dégorgement” in French) and packing takes place.
DISGORGING: The bottles, still in a vertical orientation, are inserted in a cooling solution which freezes the neck of the bottle at -25 °C to -30 °C, isolating the sediments from the wine. The pressure built-up inside the bottle expels the frozen plug from the bottle by simply removing the crown cap, leaving the wine crystal clear. At this point a dosage of “liquore della casa” (a blend of treasured wines refined in barrique) is added. The bottles are then closed with a traditional cork, sealed with a capsule and a metal wire cage, labelled and packed. The ROTARI is left to rest for a few months, until all precious elements have perfectly blended, obtaining its own characteristics, unique bouquets and extreme finesse.
Rotari’s aging on the lees lasts for a minimum of 24 months and produces a sparkling wine that is both a perfect aperitif as well as a noble companion to both Italian and International cuisines. Full and toasty, with aromas of wheat bread and Golden Delicious apples, Rotari is consistently recognized for its consistent quality, year after year. 

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FOURSIGHT is NEW WINERY in ANDERSON VALLEY:Boonville, May 8, 2008  "The newest Anderson Valley winery, FOURSIGHT Wines, has been launched.  FOURSIGHT is a small, family owned and operated winery.  They produce only a few hundred cases annually of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.  The winery's inaugural releases--2006 Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir ($46, 425 cases) and 2007 Anderson Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($20, 189 cases)--are now available on the web site: www.foursightwines.com.   FOURSIGHT Wines is a collaboration between two generations of the Charles family: Nancy and Bill Charles are local winegrowers, their daughter Kristy, who manages communications, and her fiancé, Joe Webb.   The name Foursight recalls the family's history on the land where four generations have lived and worked, initially operating a timber mill, then farming the land and raising livestock, and now as winegrowers.  Producing wine is their effort to look forward and provide for future generations.  ¶  The 2006 Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir was hand-harvested from the family vineyard and fermented with indigenous yeast and ML strains.  The 2007 Anderson Valley Sauvignon Blanc came from the Ferrington Vineyard and was made in 100% stainless steel, preserving the bright acidity and fruit flavors present in the grapes.   ¶ From farming to packaging, Nancy, Bill, Kristy and Joe are completely involved with every aspect of the business.  All vineyard work is done by the family, with help only during pruning and harvest.  They serve as winemakers, harvest hands, and art and marketing directors with each person contributing their individual skills to the family business.  ¶  A tasting room should be open in fall 2008--constructed from timbers milled at the family ranch and recycled for this purpose.  ¶   Foursight Wines strives to be an environmentally responsible business at every level, from farming the vineyard sustainably, to using only 100% recycled materials for all our printed pieces, and even in our selection of glass for our wine bottles.  ¶   For more information about Foursight Wines, please visit www.foursightwines.com and view our blog at www.foursightwines.blogspot.com. Biographies of principals, wine tech sheets and downloadable high-resolution images are also available online. 

SONOMA WINE COUNTY WEEKEND, LABOR DAY 2008:By combining the Sonoma County Showcase of Wine & Food with the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, food and wine lovers can enjoy on one weekend the popular TASTE of Sonoma event before bidding at the 16th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction.  It’s a convenient partnership of two great events with one goal: Celebrating Sonoma’s bounty of food, wine and fun while raising funds for Sonoma's local charities. ¶   Participants experience the diversity and world-class quality of the region’s artisan wines and foods.  Two main events, Taste of Sonoma County at MacMurray Ranch on Saturday, August 30, and Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Cline Cellars on Sunday, August 31 are the signature attractions.  More than 110 wineries and 60 chefs offer wines and food for sampling at Taste of Sonoma, which also includes wine seminars, chef demonstrations, vineyard experiences and a top chef competition.  ¶  The Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction continues with a Swingin’ Sixties theme to raise funds for local charities.  Winemaker lunches and dinners on Friday, August 29 and dinners on Saturday, August 30 offer a select group of ticket holders a more intimate Sonoma food and wine experience.  ¶  Sonoma Wine Country Weekend (produced by Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation) proceeds benefit local charities, including students, children, farm workers and people in need. For more information on this year’s beneficiaries of the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. Please see www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com 

THE INN at LOS BRISAS has 463 vegetables: Many top chef shop at organic farmers markets for fresh-picked produce to serve guests that week.  Some chefs even have standing orders with local growers to have their restaurant’s vegetables ‘custom grown’; a lucky few even boast their own patches of kitchen garden out the back door.  And then, there’s The Inn at Dos Brisas. ¶ This Relais & Châteaux property deep in the heart of Texas sits on over 300 acres, approximately two of which are dedicated to the intensive farming of nearly all the produce served at the Inn’s award-winning restaurant.  It is progressive in all the right ways:  sustainable, organic, diverse – and imaginative.  The gardens, orchard, and greenhouse are lovingly planned and tended by their own staff, which includes a Horticulturist and an Organic Production Manager.  How else could Chef Jason Robinson keep track of the 150 tomato varieties produced on site for his rarified kitchen?    That’s right – tomatoes happen to be the specialty of Organic Production Manager Richard Kouyoumjian, whose master’s thesis for his degree in Sustainable Agriculture involved the production of heirloom tomatoes – lots and lots of heirloom tomatoes.  This spring alone, he’s got 124 varieties in the ground, whose evocative names range from Ivory Egg to Lemon Drop to Aunt Ruby’s German Green to the unlikely Royal Hillbilly and slightly sinister sounding Orange Russian 117….  ¶  It’s hard to believe that there’s still room in the allotted garden space for 463 Vegetables to grow! Just starting naming and counting - the asparagus (five varieties, from Purple Passion to Very Wild) beets (13 varieties, including Bull’s Blood and Tall Top Shiraz) three different Brussels sprouts, and 24 carrots (Japanese Imperial Long).  But wait – that’s not all:  who’d have expected 15 kinds of cauliflower, and 14 kinds of garlic?  The 28 squash represented [Eight Ball to Buttercup] are counted separately from the eight different zucchini [Meteor to Cashflow.]  Even the kale, kohlrabi, leeks and tomatillos enjoy a diversity of at least two varieties in this garden.  Lettuces [18 varieties!] include Mascara and Flashy Trout Back; radishes [also numbering 18] include Easter Egg and Red Meat.  The 16 potatoes you might encounter this spring range from All Blue to King Harry to Swedish Peanut; the 13 eggplants include Kermit, Orient Express, and Calliope.  There are even six different kinds of melon – not including the ten distinct varieties of watermelon – and five different pumpkins! ¶  Come this fall, there will be new organic delicacies at Dos Brisas for Chef Jason Robinson to choose from, including thirty-one micro bench varieties of specialty greens from the exotic Komatsuna and Garnet Red Amaranth Greens to Russian Red Kale.   Kouyoumjian is also bringing in mushrooms; planning an apiary to produce his own honey; and still looking for additional varieties of southern regional heirloom vegetables.  As he points out, “heirlooms are exactly that:  they each have a story, a history, an agricultural anthropology all their own.”  Imagine the tales a chef could spin with this depth of culinary culture right at his fingertips – the reality is only as far as The Inn at Dos Brisas.   The Inn at Dos Brisas, 9400 Champion Drive (Off FM1155), Brenham, TX 77833, 979.277.7750, reservations@dosbrisas.com, www.dosbrisas.com $575 per night.  

© 2008 Sarah Jane English
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