Sigman Bottle Shop - Wines of the Month!

February 2012  Wines of the Month   Ferrari Carano - Pinot Grigio 2010   Ferrari Carano - Siena 2009   Croft Pink Port with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Warre's Otimo 10 Year Old Tawny Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage 2005 Port
	Ferrari Carano - Pinot Grigio 2010 With its delicate aromas and delicious flavors, our 2010 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio is a perfect, light, white wine for sipping or as an aperitif. Sister wine to Ferrari-Carano’s Sangiovese-blend, SIENA, our Pinot Grigio has aromas of lime, honeysuckle, melon, green apple, and mineral complemented by clean, refreshing flavors of lemon and peach with a round mouth-feel and a crisp, lingering finish. Tasting Notes Click Here
	Ferrari Carano - Siena 2009 Ferrari-Carano’s Italian heritage is reflected in this Sangiovese-based, easysipping blend. Select lots of grapes are chosen from our vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys to create a beautifully-balanced and medium-bodied wine. SIENA has delicious aromas of cherry pie, raspberry jam and spice with lingering flavors of ripe wild berries, pomegranate, vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak. Elevated tones of dried cherries, cranberries come out along with deeper, darker nuances of blueberry preserves, cherry cola and cinnamon. Tasting Notes Click Here
	Croft Pink Port with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries It's pink and it's a port - the world's first Pink Port first released last year. The photograph really doesn't do justice to the elegant design - a unique tapered bottle, classy label; an obvious gift purchase. But is the stuff inside any good? Yes, it's fine. Rather nice in fact. Lighter in style than a traditional port it is sure to garner many a fan.
	Warre's Otimo 10 Year Old Tawny with Flourless Chocolate Cake Warre’s has established itself as one of the most forward thinking Port producers, balancing its long tradition with total dedication to premium quality and successful innovation. Warre’s launch of Otima 10 & 20 Year Old Tawny caused a revolution in Port that introduced a completely new concept to consumers, helping to rejuvenate Port’s image in the main markets. Otima is now widely acknowledged as the most successful new development in the Port trade for over 25 years.
	Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage 2005 Port with Milk Chocolate This superb Late Bottles Vintage port is aged to full maturity in oak vats. It is then drawn off into bottle with no fining or filtration. As a result the wine loses none of its richness and concentration and preserves all of its natural fullness of body and flavor. As the wine is in filtered, a haze or light sediment may form after a year or two or if the wine is subjected to the cold. This is a natural process and its quite normal. If it occurs, the wine will benefit from being decanted.
January 2012  Wines of the Month   The Dreaming Tree   Wines from Dave Matthews
	When Steve Reeder and Dave Matthews first met, they realized they had a few things in common, like a passion for making wine at least as strong as their passion for drinking it. They set out into wine country, looking for a way to make quality wines accessible to everyone. Along the way, they found inspiration in the down-to-earth characters and unforgettable flavors that give the region its rare kind of charm. Crush - Blend - Tasting Notes Chardonnay - Tasting Notes Cabernet Sauvignon - Tasting Notes
December 2011  Wines of the Month   Collectible Gift Ideas   Gift Ideas for The Connoisseur   Stocking Stuffers and Party Wines!   Happy Holidays!
	Collectible Gift Ideas Lewis Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2007 95 points, Wine Spectator August 2010 Firm, rich, intense and concentrated, with a layered mix of blackberry, currant, black licorice, spice, cedary oak and mineral notes. Full-bodied, well-structured and focused, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2020. 1,700 cases made. JL Krug Brut Champagne 1995 Mesnil-sur-Oger, France at RELEASE PRICE! 98 points and a Collectibles designation from the Wine Spectator: "Deep and complex, here's a vinous style, laced with graphite, honey, citrus and woodsy aromas and flavors, with more citrus and floral notes emerging on the palate. Its firm structure is seamlessly integrated into the fine-grained texture, ending with a mouthwatering finish. Incredible combination of lightness and intensity. Drink now through 2025. 120 cases imported."
	Gift Ideas for The Connoisseur Domaine Servin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon Chablis, France 2009 92 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate August 2011 The 2009 Chablis Vaillons shows gorgeous vibrancy and freshness throughout. Freshly cut flowers, sweet herbs and peaches are some of the notes that emerge from this wiry, focused offering. The Vaillons impresses for its impeccable balance and poise. A finely knit fabric of expressive fruit caresses the palate from start to finish, where high-toned saline notes add the last nuances of brightness. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. —AG Cristom "Mt. Jefferson" Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, Oregon 2009 "Dark ruby red, it offers up aromas of rose petal, spice box, incense, cherry, and raspberry. On the palate it displays medium body, sweet fruit, plenty of spice, and enough ripe tannin to evolve for 1-2 years. However, it can be approached now and over the next 6-8 years. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, continuity and consistency are the keys to Cristom’s success. The winemaking team led by Steve Doerner rose to the occasion, taking full advantage of the great raw materials provided by the 2008 vintage. " 90 Points The Wine Advocate Stag's Leap Winery 2008 Merlot Napa Valley, California Winemaker's Notes The Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Merlot 2008 has significant structure that is complemented by soft, supple tannins. The 2008 blend highlights how complex Merlot can be, starting with aromas of clove and cocoa followed by intense flavor notes of black cherry, plum and coffee. Neige: NV Neige Apple Ice Wine 375ml Wine Enthusiast — 5/1/2010 Score: 90 points A beautiful Quebec classic ice cider, with vibrant notes of fresh apple slices drizzled with honey and clove. Round and full in the mouth without being overly heavy and cloying, the tangerine citrus lifts up the sweeter ripe baked apple and superripe stone fruit flavors. Long and immensely satisfying on the finish; a great after dinner sipper for company.
	Stocking Stuffers and Party Wines! Peirano Estate "The Other" Red Blend 2008 Lodi, California A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a crowd-pleaser. Okay, the label art of the silhouetted ladies backside is a little lame, but the wine is terrific. Well balanced and very vinous, this is a serious little bottle of wine that is sure to please a diverse crowd of revelers. Ferrari-Carano Belle Luce Bianco 2009 The premiere release of Ferrari-Carano’s unique, proprietary, white wine blend — the 2009 Bella Luce, which means “beautiful light” in Italian — is the sister wine to our SIENA and Pinot Grigio. The goal of Bella Luce was to create a fragrant and light white wine blend from varietals that would complement one another in aromas, flavors and texture. Bella Luce accomplishes this with delicious layers of peach, vanilla and floral aromas, and wisps of orange blossom, pear and lime. Distinctive and round on the palate, Bella Luce’s flavors of cream, vanilla, citrus, and apple shine through. Domaine des Aubuisieres Vouvray Brut NV. Loire, France 89 Points The Wine Advocate The latest rendition of Aubuisieres Non-Vintage Vouvray Brut Methode Traditionelle smells of ripe melons and narcissus, with a whiff of snuffed candle wick. Pineapple and lime join the melons on a juicy, delicate palate, with hints of salt as well as pungent citrus zest and smoke adding to the invigoration conveyed by a fine stream of bubbles. I was surprised to find the finish entirely satisfying and fruit-filled despite there being a mere 2 grams of residual sugar. The latest installment of what is surely the consistently best value in its appellation.
November 2011  Wines of the Month   2009 Turley Zinfandel   2009 T.A.T.T. Red Wine   2010 Roscato Rosso Dolce   2010 St. Bris Sauvignon
	2009 Turley Zinfandel Turley is the name when it comes to blockbuster Zinfandels. These are California's richest, most powerful, and most exotic Zinfandels, taken from forgotten old-vine holdings throughout central and northern California (and now even down to Baja California!)   Bright red-ruby. Aromas of raspberry liqueur, mace and licorice pastille. Complex, smoky and deep, with good energy to the superripe raspberry and chocolate flavors. This very rich, sweet wine boasts a creamy middle palate and impressive stuffing but seemed to shut down in the glass. With its suave tannins and solid kick of acidity, it should be better for a couple years in the bottle. Love that price!
	2009 T.A.T.T. Red Wine Trust Cellars TATT Tried and True Red Wine 09 - featuring a different tattoo artist on each label. 44% Syrah (Lewis, Lonesome Spring, Davidson) 31% Cab Sauv (Double Canyon in the HHH) 25% Grenache (Cockburn Ranch in WW) 409 cases produced "The idea is that every time we bottle Tried and True, the artist will change. I know it's a weird idea to have your cheap wine be your artist series, but that's what it is. The first bottling features a work by Lindsey Johnson from Beyond the Ink in Seattle. The next artist will probably be from Oregon."
	2010 Roscato Rosso Dolce Northern Italy provides a spectacular backdrop for Roscato, a violet-hued red with aromatic notes of cherry, blackberry and red raspberry. A touch of sweetness and bright acidity underlies the appeal of this charming wine.
	2010 St. Bris Sauvignon Saint-Bris is a white wine appellation in the far north-west of the Burgundy region of France. Created in 2003, the appellation was retrospectively valid for the 2001 and 2002 vintages. It specifically applies to the area's crisp cool-climate wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris grape varieties. Saint-Bris wines, which are produced from a total area of around 250 acres (100ha), had previously held VDQS status since 1974. To qualify for the Saint-Bris appellation, wines must be grown and made within the communes of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, Chitry, Quenne, Irancy and Vincelottes. The latter two also produce red wines from Pinot Noir under the Irancy appellation.
October 2011  Wines of the Month   Chapoutier Crozes 2009 Hermitage Blanc "Petite Ruche"    La Ragnie 2005 Brunello del Montalcino   OCTOBERFEST WINES   Seebrich 2006 Niersteiner Oelberg Gewurztraminer Spatlese   Ernst Bretz 2006 Kerner Spatlese   Dr von Basserman-Jordan 2007 Trocken Riesling   Schlink Haus Sweet Dornfelder
	Chapoutier Crozes 2009 Hermitage Blanc "Petite Ruche"  winemaker's notes: Pale yellow with green lights, limpid and brilliant. The nose is very floral with green apple, exotic fruits and citrus aromas. The palate is supple with a lot of freshness, very aromatic (floral, candied fruits). critical acclaim: "Very pure, with lots of white peach, chamomile, quinine and blanched almond notes that stay fresh and vibrant through the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2012. 600 cases imported. " 90 Points Wine Spectator"
	La Ragnie 2005 Brunello del Montalcino Wine Advocate # 188 Apr 2010 Antonio Galloni 93 Drink: 2012 - 2022 $48 (65) The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino captures an attractive middle ground between modern and traditional styles. Sweet scents of oak lead to ripe, succulent cherries, sweet roses, licorice, tar and smoke as this deceptively mid-weight, firm Brunello opens up in the glass. Waves of flavor continue to develop in the glass, balancing the tannins with great class. The only thing that seems a touch out of balance is the oak, but bottle age should help. This is a captivating effort from proprietor Riccardo Campinoti. I can hardly wait to see what future vintages bring. The 2005 Brunello was made exclusively from the estate's holdings at Le Ragnaie, close to Poggio Antico, and among the highest-elevation vineyards in Montalcino. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. This is the first wine I have tasted from Le Ragnaie, and it is a stunner considering the estate's brief history. The small property includes 8.8 hectares of vineyards in three different zones within greater Montalcino; Le Ragnaie and Pietroso (both in Montalcino itself), along with a plot in Castelnuovo dell-Abate. Beginning with the 2008, the estate plans to bottle at least three different single-vineyard selections. The Brunellos are made as naturally as possible, with minimum intervention in the vineyards (certified bio-dynamic in 2009), long macerations that can reach 40 days, and aging in 25-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks.
Octoberfest Wines
	Seebrich 2006 Niersteiner Oelberg Gewurztraminer Spatlese
	Ernst Bretz 2006 Kerner Spatlese
	Dr von Basserman-Jordan 2007 Trocken Riesling Wine Advocate eRobertParker.com # 185 Oct 2009 David Schildknecht 88 Drink: 2009 - 2011 $18 (18) The generic Bassermann-Jordan 2007 Riesling trocken displays ripe quince, peach, musk melon and Comice pear; nut oil richness; wafting lilac floral notes; a satiny texture, and wet stone nuances amid sheer sappy finishing generosity help underscore its other virtues. I would not worry about holding some of this excellent value through 2011. General Manager Gunter Hauck thinks wine maker and vineyard manager Ulrich Mell and the Bassermann-Jordan estate had their greatest aesthetic as well as commercial success yet in 2007. This includes their nearly 26,000 bottles – sold almost entirely by subscription – of seven Grosse Gewache, only three of which they enabled me to taste. (And the estate’s dry wines seem to be virtually absent from the U.S. market.) On the strength of my experience, this is indeed a strong collection at the dry end, although I continue to run counter to the grain of at least most German wine writers in finding the Bassermann-Jordan sweet wines (harvested this vintage already in late September and early October) marginally less impressive and at times overwhelmed by their sheer sweetness, rather than possessing precisely the clarity, elegance, and subtlety that are generally among the strong points of the estate’s dry Rieslings.
	Schlink Haus Sweet Dornfelder Red Wine – Sweet. Dornfelder - A delightfully fruity red wine that is full-bodied with flavors of blackberries.
September 2011  Wines of the Month   Banshee 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa   Bitch 2009 Grenache Aragon Spain   Fattoria Laila 2010 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Italy   Coppola 2010 Sofia Rose California
	Banshee 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa The 2008 Banshee Cab is such a worthy successor to Banshee's previous Cab release. For those fans of the 2007, this wine equals or surpasses it in every way. It deftly balances both rich espresso and black currants with alluring violet perfume. Rarely does one find a wine that so effortlessly and seamlessly combines the masculine and feminine.
	Bitch 2009 Grenache Aragon Spain Dark cherry and raspberry aromas are underpinned with spicy, peppery notes with hints of anise. Aragon Grenache displays extraordinary natural acid balance, even at elevated ripeness levels. I have selected wines, which convey vibrant, juicy fruit together with a very soft, sweet-fruited palate structure. Bitch Aragon Grenache is very approachable now, but don't be deceived into thinking that it won't age. I predict that the wine will develop further personality with 3 to 5 years in the cellar.
	Fattoria Laila 2010 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Italy Directly from the vineyards of the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi area. Varietals: 100% Verdicchio Crushing and Vinification: After a soft grapes pressing follows a slow fermentation of 15 days at Fattoria Laila wineries. During these two weeks must is preserved at a low temperature in special thermo barrels. After its clarification and filtration, wine is put in stainless steel till the racking for the bottling.
	Coppola 2010 Sofia Rose California Our 2010 Sofia Rosé offers alluring notes of pomegranate, crushed strawberries and lavender followed by juicy flavors of cherries, raspberries, tea leaves and cloves. It's crisp, delicate and elegantly fruity with just a kiss of spice on the finish. critical acclaim: "Made from 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache, this blush wine shows cool-climate acidity and a fine minerality that make it racy and clean. There also are long hangtime hints of raspberries and strawberries. It’s a fine rosé to drink with bouillabaisse. From Francis Ford Coppola. Editors’ Choice." 90 Points Wine Enthusiast
August 2011  Wines of the Month   2009 Pascal Jolivet "Attitude" Loire Sauvignon Blanc   NV Sweet Bliss Sweet White Wine   2008 Magness Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
	2009 Pascal Jolivet "Attitude" Loire Sauvignon Blanc Brilliant, pale straw gold with a translucent rim. Nose: fresh, clean and youthful with delicate nuances of lime, grapefruit, green apple and kiwi. Palate:soft entry leading to a polished, supple texture with gentle, well integrated acidity; medium bodied with lingering citrus-apple aromatic notes in the finish. Very true to Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Attitude is fresh, stylish and very easy to drink by itself or with cold shellfish; delicate seafood such as crab, cod or sole; subtle preparations of chicken breasts or veal. critical acclaim: "Long and savory, this tastes like black currants, from the tart fruit to the dusky leaves, with violet notes on top and minerality underneath. A mouthwatering acidity runs through it, handling its weight with grace. For game or wild mushroom dishes." 90 Points Wine & Spirits
	NV Sweet Bliss Sweet White Wine   Sweet Bliss White is a sweet white at about 9% Residual sugar with good acidity and full flavors from the Gewurztraminer and the Muscat. Fresh green apple, citrus blossom. Good acidity, pineapple and subtle streak of caramel. - Winery
	2008 MAGNESS CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY This flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Craig’s “Father in Law Vineyard” (he really does need to come up with a better name). After handpicking the grapes at 25.2 brix, we destemmed and crushed the grapes. After a fourteen day fermentation period we filtered and aged the wine for 18 months in French Barriques. The Barrels are all French of which about 10% are new. The remaining barrels are rotated through to be two to five years old to integrate the wood into the wine. This is a full throttle Napa Cabernet with all the bells and whistles of a wine that is typically priced two to three times this amount. It is the velvet glove on a steel fist of Cabernet. Soft, smooth, and velvety on the pallet but packing a big punch of flavors. This is a classic Left Bank Bordeaux Blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and the remaining 6% is a blend of Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The blending is to add texture and subtleties to our Cabernet Sauvignon. *89 Points* - California State Fair Wine Competition 2011
July 2011  Wines of the Month   2009 Morgan Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Charles Smith Washington State Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2009 Chime California Pinot Noir
2009 Morgan Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc From the International Wine Review: "This pale green Sauvignon Blanc reveals pleasant aromas of citrus, green melon and pear on the nose. The creamy palate shows concentrated fresh pear fruit, good acidity and crispness on the finish." "Morgan's 2009 Sauvignon Blanc features aromas of pink grapefruit, lemon-lime, sweet grass, ginger and limestone. Flavors of lime, tropical fruit and gooseberry are lively and refreshing. Oak aging lightly accents the bright acidity and adds an elegant texture. Try with shellfish, seafood, and Asian-Fusion cuisine with a touch of spicy heat.  http://www.morganwinery.com/index.php/2009-monterey-sauvignon-blanc/
2009 Charles Smith Washington State Kung Fu Girl Riesling Tasting Notes: THIS GIRL IS SERIOUS! Aromatic, smooth, vibrant and tasty. Think tangerine, apricot, wet stone, key lime, clove and nectarine....now stop thinking and start drinking... ‘CAUSE KUNG FU GIRL KICKS ASS! —Charles Smith 2009_Kung_Fu_Girl.pdf
2009 Chime California Pinot Noir This fragrant, spicy, fruit driven wine is a great example of high class Pinot Noir. This complex Marin county Pinot Noir displays a bright crushed raspberry and cranberry bouquet . The wine is flavorful, expansive, and soft, and delicious.
June 2011  Wines of the Month   Laurent-Perrier Demi-Sec 2010 Banshee Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Banshee “Mordecai” Sweet Wine of the Month! Emeri Pink Moscato
Laurent-Perrier Demi-Sec NV Champagne, France Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar   "Pale, healthy color. Bright, nuanced aromas of citrus fruits, minerals and vanilla. A soft, moderately sweet fruit bomb of a Champagne, with pear, apple, peach and pineapple flavors nicely shaped by harmonious acidity. Finishes chewy and persistent. I'm not usually a fan of off-dry Champagne, but this is clean and lively."
2010 Banshee Sauvignon Blanc “Napa Valley” fresh springy sweet grass orange blossomy goodness tuna tacos
2009 Banshee “Mordecai” Proprietary Red Blend Bold with a panoply of dark and red berry fruit but structured enough to be a serious wine, the Banshee Mordecai is like nothing else on the market. It started out as a high class problem. We were able to secure parcels from some of the best, and most well known vineyards in California. Places like Whitehawk, Alder Springs, Grist, Parmalee Hill, and, well, we can't mention any more names. Suffice it to say, there are some heavy hitters in our< possession. That is the high class part. The problem part was that we didn't have a large quantity of any one of those wines. We really didn't want to bottle 8 different wines with only a handful of cases of each available. Our solution? Make a delicious proprietary red wine by daring to cross a few boundary lines. The blend struts some the best Syrah in California, a Turley single vineyard Zin source, Napa Mourvedre, Grenache from Paso and a few other bits and pieces that worked well with the rest of the blend.
Sweet Wine of the Month: Emeri Pink Moscato NV Australia Velvety and full with a persistent bead and fresh finish
May 2011  Wines of the Month   Lewis Cellars 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Fiddlehead Cellars Pink Fiddle Rose of Pinot Noir 2010 Seis Circles Viura/Chardonnay Blend 2009 Quady Electra Black Muscat Dessert Wine 2008
Lewis Cellars 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 93 points Wine Spectator: "Offers wonderful complexity, richness, depth and finesse. Full-bodied, with creamy, mocha-laced oak, currant, mineral, tobacco and plum flavors that are bold yet elegant, focused and polished, ending with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2018." (02/10) The Wine Spectator
Fiddlehead Cellars Pink Fiddle Rose of Pinot Noir 2010 Made using whole cluster Pinot Noir grapes cold soaked for a full 48 hours. Brilliantly hued with cranberry, strawberry and white pepper spice aromas. Bright and playful with good palate weight and a near cream flecked texture. Fun and provocative sipping with cold roasted chicken, Peri-Peri Chicken livers, cold poached salmon and beef tenderloin salad with snow peas and blue cheese.
Seis Circles Viura/Chardonnay Blend 2009 Old vine Viura , combined with young Chardonnay plantings grown in high-altitude vineyards due south of the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain. It has a wonderfully fresh bouquet of citrus fruit, pineapple and wild flowers, typical of the Viura-Chardonnay blend. Perfect as a chilled drink on its own, this white also goes well with delicate foods such as white meat, white fish and Oriental cuisine.
Quady Electra Black Muscat Dessert Wine 2008 Quady makes Red Electra from the Black Muscat Hamburg grape, one of the very few black skinned muscats. Nose is almost fruit-punchy, with a flavor of pineapple, guava, honey & grenadine. Excellent after dinner, with chocolate, or anytime you want a little indulgence, but with lower alcohol than most other wines.
April 2011  Wines of the Month   Tanto Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2009 Abruzzo, Italy La Ferme du Mont "La Ponnant" Rouge Cotes du Rhone Villages 2009
Tanto Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2009 Abruzzo, Italy The Italian word "tanto," loosely translates into "good things" and this crowd-pleasing white lives up to the moniker. Plump and juicy with flavors of ripe pear, golden apple and fresh hay all carried along by a soft and lifting acidity on the finish.  Made exclusively from estate grown grapes, there's a lot of pride and integrity packed into this modest bottle. Perfect for fried fish, soft cheeses, grilled vegetables and simply prepared chicken. 100% Trebbiano fermented solely in stainless steel tank. Brand New in GEORGIA!
La Ferme du Mont "La Ponnant" Rouge Cotes du Rhone Villages 2009 Things at the "Farm on the Hill" have been spectacular of late. Proprietor and winemaker, Stephane Vedeau, has crafted a wine as sleek, suave, and sexy as a Siren. Pure fruit, that recalls blackberry, creme de cassis, black plum and air dried herbes provencal. Pure pleasure is what is in store from this astonishing 2009 vintage bottling. This supple and fragrant  blend is 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, and 100% delightful. Don't wait for the Parker review on this wine, as it will be gone before the ink dries.  Only 4 cases available in Conyers.
March 2011  Wines of the Month   Salneval Albarino 2008 Saintsbury Brown Ranch Carneros Pinot Noir 2003   Il Conte d'Alba Stella Rosa Imperiale Fior D'Arancio
Salneval Albarino 2008 A superb straw-color with green tinges, this wine shows floral aromas and ripe fruit with hints of apple and grapefruit on the nose. Round and well-balanced with great length and a lingering finish, this wine is ready to drink now or in months to come.
Saintsbury Brown Ranch Carneros Pinot Noir 2003 This Flagship red is drinking brilliantly. Time has mellowed the oak treatment and rendered this wine so incredibly Burgundian, that it makes one's head spin. Fragrant, exotic and very smooth, it fluctuates between Old and New World flavors with a taunting and flirtatious ease. International Wine Cellar May/June, 2006  -  Vintage 2003 Rating 92 Points Bright, deep cherry-red color. Exotic red berries, spun sugar, blood orange, licorice, spices and rose petal on the nose. Suave, silky and graceful, with unforced flavors of red fruits and flowers. Understated, pure and light on its feet. Finishes very fresh, with fine tannins and subtle persistence. Extremely stylish California pinot with a restrained sweetness.
Il Conte d'Alba Stella Rosa Imperiale Fior D'Arancio   The northeastern province of Veneto is home to this rare, very unique, semi-sweet sparkling orange moscato. The prized Fior D’Arancio moscato grapes are selected from specific family-cultivated vineyards in the Colli Euganei about twenty miles from Venice. The wine shows a rich, creamy texture with balanced acidity, natural residual sugar, and velvety perlage. It expresses delicate flavors of orange and lemon on the palate. The ultra modern techniques used in production – long, slow temperature-controlled fermentation - allow the full expression of orange blossom and peach aromas. Stella Rosa Fior D'Arancio moscato is perfect for food and dessert pairings. Try it as a delicious aperitif, alongside fresh fruit like peaches and apricots, and mild cheeses with orange blossom honey. It is also an excellent addition to deserts such as fruit tarts, citrus-based tarts and pies, and vanilla bean ice cream.
February 2011  Wines of the Month   Lang & Reed North Coast Cabernet Franc 2008 Badia alle Corti Orvieto Abboccato 2008   Batasiolo Moscato d'Asti Bosc 2008 DOCG
Lang & Reed North Coast Cabernet Franc 2008 Bright, clear and brilliant deep red color with youthful violet on the edge, the aromatics of this wine are a little darker than previous vintages with black cherry, plum, sage and herbs de Provence overlaid with a touch of cedar and tobacco scents. The richness of this wine is very evident upon washing over the pallet exposing deep black cherry, ripe plum and a slight grip of balancing tannins. A little more structured than an easy quaffer, this wine has some legs for aging and good drinking. For More information:  http://www.langandreed.com/lrcartcf/wine_northcoast_2008.html
Batasiolo Moscato d'Asti Bosc 2008 DOCG The vineyards this special product is grown are located on the Beni di Boscareto estate in the village of Serralunga d’Alba. Moscato is a straw-yellow wine with golden highlights, an intense nose reminiscent of the grape, and a full, lingering, sweetly soft flavor with an aromatic aftertaste.Our high altitude vineyards in the Serralunga Hillsides are perfect for producing this luscious, fruity dessert wine. Excellent with all desserts. For More information:  http://www.boissetfamilyestates.com/products/ProductDetails.aspx
Badia alle Corti Orvieto Abboccato 2008 The "abboccato" in the name means the wine is just off-dry, of about the same sweetness as the Vouvray we featured recently. But the Italian word "abbocare" mean "to bite," so we've also go a a nice bright crispness on the finish. The grape here is principally Trebbiano, Italy's most widely planted (and sometimes uninteresting) white grape. Here it is enriched with Malvasia Blanca, giving it a luscious fruit and flowers redolence that makes it most refreshing. For More information:   http://wineandwords.biz/wines/badia-corti-orvieto-classico-abboccato
January 2011  Wines of the Month   Pierano - The Immortal Zin   Schoffit Riesling Harth Tradition
Pierano - The Immortal Zin The deceptively subtle aromas of this wine combine red and black cherry, mineral, earthy rhubarb and red fruit, with slightly spicy characters. In the mouth, the palate is wrapped in a velvety layered mix of sweet red cherry, strawberry, cocoa and juicy red fruit followed by light toast and smooth, chiseled tannins, leading to a lengthy, almost breathless finish. This is a wine for great food, friends and conversation, or an intimate meal for two by a flickering fire. Whichever your pleasure, our “Immortal” Old Vine Zinfandel will make it memorable.
Schoffit Riesling Harth Tradition Stephen Tanzer, November/December 2008   Pale yellow. Fruitier on the nose than the Graves, offering white peach and ginger. Then a bit broader and less austere in the mouth, but still with very good acid cut to the flavors of lemon and orange peel. Some unabsorbed CO2 suggests that this will calm down with 6 to 12 months of patience. Schoffit is now picking riesling earlier than previously "to maintain acidity and minerality" and this and the Graves bottlings are excellent examples of his new style.
December 2010  Wines of the Month   See all the Great Wines Below!
Claude Carre Brut Rose Trepail, Champagne NV   This small grower/producer, designated by the AOC of Champagne as an "RM", recoltant manipulant, is a revelation for Champagne fans tired of the predictability and prices of Grande Marques houses that dominate the market. Crisp and delicate at first sip, this pale onion skin hued jewel builds to a crescendo of slightly sweet Alpine strawberry, red raspberry, and cinnamon candies.
"J"Cuvee 20 Brut California NV The non-vintage J Cuvée 20 Brut gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes are followed by a mix of Fuji apple, grapefruit and a sweet hint of angel food cake. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering, warm pear and lush finish.
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling 2006  "The whites start with the 2006 Eroica Riesling made in collaboration with the Dr. Loosen estate in Germany's Mosel region. Since the project began, this has consistently been among the best non-dessert Rieslings produced in the USA and the 2006 continues in that tradition. Light straw-colored, it offers up a lovely floral, mineral, honeysuckle bouquet, crisp flavors featuring melon and pineapple, excellent balance, and a long, pure, refreshing finish. This wine may well evolve in the manner of one of Dr. Loosen's great Mosel Rieslings. Stashing a few bottles is a very safe bet." Wine Advocate 91 pt rating.
Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2007 To make their Reserve Chardonnay the winemaker’s Rick Sayre and David Ramey select individual grape lots from their best Russian River Valley vineyards. Each lot is individually barrel fermented in French oak. Frequent lees stirring during the 13 months of barrel aging adds a creamy texture and complexity. The Wine Spectator scored this 2007 93 points saying "Floral honeysuckle, ripe fig and melon scents are rich, full-bodied, elegant and refined, showing a light touch of toasty vanilla oak on the finish, where the flavors turn subtle and delicate. Drink now through 2015."
Cline Cashmere, California 2008   Cashmere is Cline Cellars' proprietary blend of 39% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 23% Mourvedre, culminating in a very flavorful and luscious wine with a round and smooth mouthfeel. Big and complementing flavors of cherry, raspberry and chocolate notes mingle in the mouth with hints of cracked black pepper and plums.
Lemelson Thea's Selection Willamette Valley, Oregon 2008  The 2008 Thea's Selection exhibits a slightly roasted character along with notes of cedar, underbrush, clove and black cherry.  On the palate it has excellent grip, considerable density, savory flavors and a forward personality.  Although it has the ability to evolve for 1-2 years, it can be approached now and over the next 6-8 years."   91 Points Wine Advocate
Finca Torremilanos "Cyclos" Toro, Spain 2004  This is one of the wines that I have difficulty believing that it is still available. "This meticulously produced wine is sourced from 85- to 100+-year-old Tempranillo vines with a tiny amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the blend. Torremilanos makes its own barrels, purchasing, aging, and coopering the wood. The 2004 Cyclo is even better than the 2003, more expressive aromatically, firmer and more structured on the palate. Purchasers of the 2004 should be prepared to cellar it for 5-7 years. It will drink well through 2025. If I were a budding wine collector with limited discretionary income, this is the type of wine that I would be laying down. - Wine Advocate 95"
November 2010  Wines of the Month   See all the Great Wines Below!
Daniel Bouland Morgon Corcelette  2009,  Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 13.5% abv 92 points from the Wine Advocate: "Bouland’s 2009 Morgon Corcelette Vieilles Vignes - from a single parcel near his winery - offers a striking combination of richness and lush texture with exuberant primary juiciness, elegance, buoyancy, and both animal and mineral complexity. Charred meat, musky peony perfume, toasted hickory; red and black raspberry tinged with nutmeg and cinnamon, and a suffusion of crushed stone, all add up to an amazing value and complex show that should be worth attending to for at least another 4-5 years." (Aug 2010)
Domaine des Aubuissieres Cuvee Silex Vouvray 2009 The latest installment of what is surely the consistently best value in its appellation a usual lock for 90 points or more from Wine Advocate (the last four reviewed were all 90+). It's 100% Chenin Blanc grown in clay and schist soil. Made to drink now but can be aged 3-5 years.  The 2009 vintage was excellent for the Loire and this might be as good as anything we have had from Bernard Fouquet.  The Wine Spectator writes: "Fresh and unadorned, with white peach, orange blossom and green almond notes backed by a nice minerally edge. Mouthwatering finish."
Victory Vineyards zinfandel 2007 Zinfandel "Parcel 31" Tasting Notes The grapes for our Parcel 31 Zinfandel were chosen from 3 different appellations to showcase the varying complexity and flavor characteristics unique to each area. All of the fruit was sourced from old vines, which we believe adds a depth of complexity not found in younger vineyards. All vineyard lots were kept separated and each was fermented and aged separately. Cooperage was varied based upon vineyard site and appellation. Two months prior to bottling the wines were re-evaluated and blended. The 2007 Parcel 31 Zinfandel is the quintessential Zinfandel. It offers an explosive bouquet of blackberries, currants, crushed rocks and is backed up by enormous body, great purity and tremendous concentration. Layer upon layer of blackberry and raspberry coat the palate. This wine is drinking fabulously now and will only improve with age. Winemaking Notes The wine for the 2007 Zinfandel fermented and aged in French Oak for a period of thirteen months. Technical Notes 100% Zinfandel Alcohol 13.9% by volume California appellation
Ruffino Il Ducale Toscano 2006 VARIETALS 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 20% Syrah   VINEYARDS Place of production: the grapes for Il Ducale are sourced in vineyards located in the most prestigious vine growing areas of Tuscany. Ruffino's estate vineyards also contribute to the production of this wine. Soils: The soil is characteristic for most of central Tuscany with an abundant presence of Galestro rock and a moderate amount of clay. The microclimate is variable from one area to another which confers richness and complexity to the wine. Altitude: Variable from 220 to 450 meters above sea level Growing system: Cordon trained. Vine density: 3000-5000 vines per hectare   VINIFICATION AND AGEING     Picking for Il Ducale started at the beginning of September for the Merlot and continued until the first week of October with the Sangiovese and the Syrah.  The fermentation took place in stainless-steel vats at a controlled temperature of 26/28°C for approximately 8 days. The maceration on the skins continued for another 8-10 days. After completing the malo-lactic fermentation Il Ducale is aged for about 7 months in stainless steel tanks and then for 12 months in tonneaux of first, second and third passage. Il Ducale has spent a finish period of 3 months in concrete vats before being bottled.   Alcohol content: 13% vol.   SENSORY PROPERTIES Colour: Ruby red Aroma: The bouquet is fruity and inviting, with notes of plums, cherries, black berries, and mulberries. The Syrah adds pleasant spicy hints which intertwine with scents of undergrowth and Mediterranean herbs, characteristic of Sangiovese and with the softness and roundness of the Merlot. Tasting profile: The taste is well-balanced, with a rich, fruity core and sweet, yet fragrant tannins. Elegant notes of nutmeg and cigar box meet with layers of wild cherries and blue plums, leading towards a refreshing and long-lasting aftertaste, where hints of fresh mint leaves and plain chocolate appear.   A modern Tuscan wine born from Ruffino's century old winemaking tradition.  First Vintage: 2003
Domaines Ott  Les Domaniers Cotes de Provence Rose 2009 Rose from Provence, France winemaker's notes: This rosé has brilliant pale pink tones and intense fruit on the nose, with aromas of white peaches and exotic fruits. On the palate, it has a lively attack, with a nicely balanced mouthfeel as the fruit aromas noticed on the nose quickly follow through on the palate. The finish leaves a lovely impression of exotic softness. Domaniers Rosé will be a delicious companion to delicatessen meats, poultry, white meats, fish, Provençal and Asian dishes. critical acclaim: "Rich and minerally, with slate and pepper accents to the dried cherry and plum flavors. Features dried mango and citrus on the zesty finish. Drink now. 5,400 cases imported." 88 Points Wine Spectator
Brandborg Gewurztraminer 2006 Umpqua, Oregon We source our gewürztraminer from the Bradley Vineyard in Elkton, which is proving to be a world class terroir for this varietal.  The wine is shimmering pale golden color with hints of green around the edges.  The nose is a complex blend of floral, spice and fruit characters consistent to this exotic variety.  There is evident leeche, tea rose, pink grapefruit and pie spices in the aromas.  The mouthfeel and textures are an intriguing  blend of sweet tropical fruit with a pithy grapefruit acidity keeping the whole impression in balance.   The finish is long and the mouthfeel is full and rich
October 2010  Wines of the Month   2008 Kali Hart Chardonnay  2009 Lucky Star Pinot Noir 2003 Alto Moncayo Garnacha
2008 Kali Hart Chardonnay “Superripe and rich in tropical fruit, pineapple, kiwi and golden mango flavors, with additional notes of buttered toast and caramel. Fortunately, crisp Monterey acidity provides a brisk, clean finish.” 89 Points -Steve Heimoff December 31, 2009 www.talbottvineyards.com WINE ENTHUSIAST
2009 Lucky Star Pinot Noir Click here to read the Wine Fact Sheet!
2003 Alto Moncayo Garnacha A new wine project from Jorge Ordonez, Dan Philips and superstar winemaker, Chris Ringland. "This wine is spectacular, and represents the perfect foil for grilled steak. The 2003 Alto Moncayo (aged in new French and American oak, and bottled unfiltered) boasts an inky/ruby/purple hue as well as a sweet perfume of blackberries and toasty oak, an opulent, fleshy, fruity palate, plenty of muscle and potency, and a long, heady, silky finish. It should drink well for 6-10 years." -/Wine Advocate 93 rated
September 2010  Wines of the Month   Naia Verdejo 2009   Campo de Borja Borsao 2008
Naia Verdejo 2009 The 2009 Naia is 100% Verdejo with 12% of the wine fermented and aged sur lie in French oak, 88% in stainless steel. Light gold-colored, it gives up an impressive perfume of baking spices, floral notes, and pit fruits. On the palate it has surprising richness (from the lees aging and the exceptional vintage conditions), terrific concentration, and a lengthy finish. It should drink well for another 3 years.
Campo de Borja Borsao 2008 Wine Spectator 89pts: This firm red delivers ripe black cherry and boysenberry fruit backed by notes of smoke, mineral and herb. The tannins are well-integrated, and floral and smoke notes linger. Drink now through 2013. According to the Wine Advocate: The 2008 Borsao is a blend of 80% Garnacha and 20% Tempranillo. Purple-colored with an expressive aromatic array of black cherry and blackberry, this well-balanced, lengthy effort is another terrific value from Bodegas Borsao.
August 2010 Wines of the Month Chateau D'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose Proprietary     Blend   Avalon California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Chateau D'esclans Rose "Whispering Angel" Reviews of 2009 Chateau D'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose Proprietary Blend *89 points, Stephen Tanzer* /July 2010/ (unlike the rest of this line-up, this saw no oak) Pale peach skin color. Reticent aromas of orange zest, herbs and honeysuckle are energized by white pepper. Dry and nervy, offering dusty citrus and berry skin flavors but not the round, velvety texture of its more flamboyant sisters. This grown-up wine's uncompromisingly dry, steely character will strike some as austere; others will prefer its restraint to the richness and power of the Clans and Garrus. This is made from a kitchen sink blend of southern French varieties. About 2009 Chateau D'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose Proprietary Blend *About the Winery Chateau D'Esclans* Chateau d’Esclans’ is located on an exceptional site, on elevated land near the Gorges de Pennafort, twenty kilometers northwest of the ancient Roman city of Frejus on the Mediterranean coast. The first traces of the chateau’s site date back to Gaulist times during which its location served as a lookout point to spot intruders coming by boat into the Gulf of Frejus.The chateau’s cellar structure or foundation (known today as the oldest in the region) housed an original Chateau that was given by the Comte de Provence to Gérard De Villeneuve, in 1201. The De Villeneuves, an illustrious family from Marseille, would own Chateau d’Esclans and the land around it for centuries to come. The surrounding land around Chateau d’Esclans is known as La Vallee des Esclans (the valley of the clans). At one point the entire area was part of the chateau’s property and over time was gradually parceled out.In 2006 Sacha Lichine acquired Chateau d’Esclans beginning a new and exciting history for this remarkable chateau and the 267 hectares surrounding it.
Avalon California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 This is a terrific Cabernet Sauvignon from the respected producer, Avalon. What's more, the wine was from the excellent 2007 vintage, and the extra year of bottle aging has resulted in a wonderfully smooth, rich wine with more complexity and depth that you'd ever expect at such a low price. The grapes come from the Central Coast, Monterey, Mendocino and Napa, and a bit of merlot and syrah are blended in for additional depth and richness. And did we mention that the price is only $8.99?! With gas at $4, every dollar counts, and we can't imagine a better Wine of the Month than this oh-so-easy-to-drink Cabernet Sauvignon that combines value and quality. A great summer-time red!
July 2010 Wines of the Month Chateau Houchart Fleur de California Martín Códax Albariño
Chateau Houchart  The wine from Jerome Quiot Chateauneuf superstar is a beautiful light pink color with lovely flavors of strawberry raspberry white peach and hints of almond with a certain minerality that comes from the terroir. The silky texture and wonderful body make this perfect for spring/ summer. A blend of Grenache Mourvedre Syrah and Cinsault that coats the palate with flavor and length. The newly recognized Sainte Victoire appellation (Provence) lies to the east of Aix-en-Provence at the foot of the Sainte Victoire mountain for wine.com. Fleur de California Pinot Noir Fleur de California is our bright, fresh, charming, and flavorful Pinot Noir. The brilliant ruby color sets the stage for aromas of cherry and dried cranberries, with hints of pepper and spice. Effusive fruit flavors dominate the palate while the wine remains soft, supple, and elegant in the mouth. This flower of a wine may be enjoyed today, served cool, alongside an appetizer of pate & smoked salmon, with broiled Portobello Mushrooms with garlic or as an aperitif. Martín Códax Albariño Martín Códax Albariño is a refreshing food friendly wine, showcasing a pale yellowish color with touches of bright gold. It is an aromatic and complex wine that is rich, elegant, dry and crisp. It is full-bodied, with flavors of ripe apples, peach, apricot, melon, grapefruit and lemon zest melded perfectly together with a bright minerality. The striking balance of acidity, body and aromas allows the wine to adapt to the palate exhibiting its versatility of fresh and bright characteristics to a rounder mouth-feel as the meal evolves.  Albariño is an ideal complement to any seafood dish such as blackened scallops over angel hair pasta, grilled oysters and salmon with pear, apple and lime chutney. It will also complement a variety of dishes such as summer salads, pasta and grilled pheasant with a pineapple, orange marmalade.
May 2010 Wines of the Month Valdicava Ross di Montalcino 2007   Atrea "The Choir" White Wine 2007   Torlasco Moscato d'Asti
Valdicava Ross di Montalcino 2007 The 2007 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the more massive Rossos in this vintage. In fact, it is one of the few wines that may actually require a year or two in bottle for the tannins to soften! Super-ripe red cherries lead to kirsch, earthiness, leather and spices as this full-bodied, tannic Rosso struts its stuff. The wine possesses exceptional depth, purity and class. Proprietor Vincenzo Abbruzzese elevates Rosso to another level with this effort, but readers will need to be patient. The Valdicava Rosso is made from the estate’s youngest vines, all of which are Brunello-designated. In 2007 Abbruzzese gave his Rosso an additional 4-5 months in cask above the usual 8-10 months. He describes the wine as “too important for a Rosso” and I tend to agree as this is by no means an approachable, easy going wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. Valdicava has been somewhat of a controversial property over the last few years. The Brunellos are typically very concentrated and dense when young, which can make them hard to assess. Make no mistake about it though; these are very serious wines whose only difficulty lies in giving them a few more years in bottle than the vast majority of Brunellos. A vertical tasting last year going back to 1988 published on www.erobertparker.com showed that the Valdicava Brunellos age exquisitely. 91 points _The Wine Advocate_ Atrea "The Choir" White Wine 2007 I really loved their 2007 Atrea The Choir, a blend of 76% Roussanne and 24% Viognier, fermented in a combination of stainless steel barrels and neutral French oak. This is a beauty, with notes of honeysuckle, marmalade, and lemon oil, tremendous exuberance and fragrance, medium to full body, but great freshness and liveliness. This is a terrific and very fairly priced Mendocino dry white to drink over the next 1-2 years. 90 points _The Wine Advocate_ Attractive wines are emerging from this Mendocino County winery, where none other than David Ramey is their consulting winemaker.     Torlasco Moscato d'Asti The name Moscato, was first used in the Middle Ages with the meaning of “fragrant” from the Latin word “muscus”, alluding to a highly fragrant wine. Sweet, but not cloying, with the incomparable delicate and intense musky bouquet of it’s grapes, reminiscent of wisteria and linden flowers, peach and apricot with hints of sage, lemon and orange blossom. The wine color is pale yellow, with some green reflections. The subtleties that distinguish this wine are the intense aromatic flavor and the harmonious sweetness of its sugar content.
April 2010 Wines of the Month The Seventy Five Wine Company The Sum 2007   Benziger Family Winery Chardonnay 2008   Albert Mann Vin D'Alsace Pinot Blanc 2008
The Seventy Five Wine Company The Sum 2007 From the Seventy Five Wine Company Website: "The inaugural vintage of “The Sum” is a cabernet based blended red wine created by Tuck Beckstoffer who’s family is widely considered to be the most famous grape growing family in the Napa Valley. This amazingly well endowed profoundly rich red wine must be smelled and tasted to be believed. The color is a rich, deep purple garnet and gives but a small hint as to what’s inside. The nose gives off soaring and wonderfully focused aromas of ripe stone fruit, vanilla, cherries, cedar cigar box, blackberries and cinnamon. In the mouth, there are layers upon layers of broad, sweet opulent fruit balanced by firm tannins, great acidity and oak." Benziger Family Winery Chardonnay 2008 From the Benziger Family Winery Website Tasting Notes: "Our Carneros Chardonnay is a bright, clean wine with excellent balance of fruit and structure. In this vintage, flavors of ripe peach and pear are followed by notes of soft vanilla. Barrel aging contributes to a round, satisfying mouthfeel with very subtle oak flavor. Production Notes: “Extreme” would be a good description of the 2008 vintage. The elements played a huge roll in our vineyard management – from frost, to drought, to high winds, to heat waves and eventually smoke from fires hundreds of miles away, we were hard at work from start to finish. Initially, harvest began early in August, but cooler temperatures slowed things down a bit and the rest of the harvest was evenly paced and lasted into October. The 2008 vintage was excellent for Chardonnay. Winemaker Notes: The cool Carneros climate gives us Chardonnay with natural acidity. All of the fruit was whole-cluster pressed before cold barrel fermentation. We fermented and aged the wine in oak barrels for eight months. The traditional practice of batonnage was used to build body, texture and to integrate flavors." Albert Mann Vin D'Alsace Pinot Blanc 2008 From the Albert Mann Vin D'Alsace Website: "The label created by François Bruetschy' The label conceived for the range of products expresses the diversity of the varieties and their period of sunshine, but also the vivacity, the youthfulness and the imagination you find in the wines of the Domaine Albert Mann. The rigour in the elaboration of the wines and the philosophy of the estate, deeply rooted in a tradition of quality, are symbolized by the axes which lean on the square (here, the best of the soil is expressed) ; the two T-squares represent the action of the two families, realizing and guaranteeing this quality. The Pinot Blanc is full of ripe pear and melon aromas with crisp green apple notes. The palate is full and rich with a creamy, spicy finish."