A remarkable lot of top notch pinot noir tickled my palate early in the New Year:

2008 Testarossa Winery, Santa Maria Valley, Sierra Madre Vineyard: Enticing aromas of cherry, berry and vanilla draw you into the glass and remain focused and flavorful with layers of earth, exotic spice and subtle oak. Silky tannins and a persistent add to its charm.

2007 Roar, Santa Lucia Highlands, Garys’ Vineyard: Bright, concentrated perfectly ripe cherry fruit rises from the glass; spice notes and good acidity balances the juicy fruit beautifully; finishes with a sweet oak finale.

2007 Kosta Browne, Sonoma Coast: Dense aromatic bowl of fresh cherries fill the nose, and layers of tar, earth, forest floor and dark berries add complexity on the palate, complex and well structured with smooth, firm tannins.

2007 Patz & Hall, Carneros, Hyde Vineyard: Pretty cherry and berry aromatics persist and mesh attractively with cola and a hint of tobacco and earth on mid palate, balanced and elegant with velvety tannins.

2008 Dahlia Reserve, Monterey County: Dark fruit and oak notes rise from the glass and broaden on the palate alongside dried cherry and shades of raspberry-filled cookie flavors adding interest; nicely structured.

2007 Dutton Goldfield, Marin County, Devil’s Gulch: Earthy forest floor aromas integrate seamlessly into cherry fruit and mushroom notes, delightfully integrated oak and firm tannins complete the luscious package.

2007 Navarro Vineyards, Anderson Valley, Deep End Blend: Pretty berry and cherry fruit on the nose, with spice and tart cranberry notes opening up on mid palate. Delicate and well balanced with a fresh, clean and lasting finish.

2007 Beaux Frères, Ribbon Ridge, The Beaux Frères Vineyard: Earthy, dried cherry aromas followed by cherry cola and spicy notes taking center stage on the palate. Elegant structure with essence of forest floor and wild cherries remaining focused throughout.

2007 Failla Wines, Sonoma Coast, Hirsch Vineyard: Mushroom and earth notes jump from the glass with cherry and herbal essence adding complexity on the palate. Earthy wild cherry qualities remain through the finish; well crafted.

2006 Calera, Mt. Harlan, Ryan Vineyard: Rich dark cherry fruit dominate the aroma. On the palate a lush mouthful of earth and brown spices with dense, concentrated cherries broadens generously; finishes with pleasing smoky notes.

2007 Peay Estate, Sonoma Coast, Scallop Shelf: A hint of judicious Brett on the nose followed by rich, fresh cherry compote flavors and a delightful dose of earthiness on mid palate. Finishes with a dash of root beer and nicely integrated oak.

2007 De Ponte Cellars, Dundee Hills, Baldwin Reserve: Baked cookies sprinkled with cinnamon open up on the nose, wild berries and cherries laced with cocoa join in on the palate; balanced and easy to quaff.

Here we are at the end of 2009, and in my glass this holiday month were some nice surprises and handsomely aged gems to tout about, including:

2004 Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir, Carneros:  A gorgeous melding of raspberry, cherry and earthy tones which capture the terroir of Carneros perfectly.   The nose captivates with enticing cherry and spice aromas, followed by exotic spices and hints of coffee bean that thread through the delicious fruit on mid palate, extremely elegant, well balanced and polished.

Domenico 2005 Miscela Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley:  Miscela (Italian for “blend”) is a delightfully well crafted, approachable wine made from the five primary Bordeaux varieties (85% Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Merlot, 4.5% Petite Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec).  It opens with pleasing aromas of ripe berries infused with coconut, that lead to a succulent mouthful of dark berries and cassis laced with pipe spices and a subtle hint of oak.

Lavender Ridge 2003 Carignan, Sierra Foothills:  Fifteen years old and this beauty still shows impeccable balance with juicy fruit and zippy acidity.  Red and black berry fruits and dried currants with notes of liqueur drenched fruit cake dominate the palate, with a dash of spice on the lasting finish.

Dehlinger 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon, Russian River Valley:   A bouquet of berries with a touch of dusty earthiness fill the nose, and time has not diminished the provocative dark fruit at the core.   Soft and smooth with the berry and currant flavors framed by notes of mushroom, truffle and well integrated oak. 

Silver Oak 1996 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon:   Rich fruit wafts from the glass, screaming Napa Valley fruit!  Dark berry and cassis with a generous sprinkling of brown spice on the nose persist through the richly textured, velvety palate.  Silky tannins with toasty oak sitting pretty in the background.

Paraduxx 2005 Napa Valley:  This stylish blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc aged in American and French Oak displays lush fruity aromas, and from the very first sip a burst of  juicy blackberries, blueberries and plums intoxicate the palate and intertwine delectably with chocolate, a trace of coconut and subtle hints of toast; yummy finish, too.

Santerra 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon:  Crafted from 71% Sonoma fruit and 29% Napa fruit, this Cab has held nicely through the years.  With an ever-so-slight amber meniscus, the nose offers sweet dried fruit and cigar box notes that remain pleasing and focused through the smoothly textured palate to the clean, satisfying finish.

Lavender Ridge 2008 Grenache, Sierra Foothills:   A brilliant hue captures the eye and expressive raspberry aromas with savory, toasty accents wow the nose. At first sip bright, fresh raspberries and cranberries unfold with underlying crushed pink peppercorn notes, and stay focused and juicy through the palate to the silky, pleasing finish. A perfect wine for your Thanksgiving table!

Lavender Ridge 2007 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills:  A dark purple elixir that enthralls the senses with its aromas of dark concentrated blackberry and smoke tinged oak notes commanding full attention.  One it hits your palate, you’re immersed into a powerhouse of a wine. This Petite Sirah is full bodied and tightly woven with brambly boysenberry and huckleberry fruit, tart black plums and sweet spice at the core.  The dense fruit and good level of acidity handsomely balance the firmly structured tannins.

Adelsheim 2007 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley:  Enticing earthy, wild cherry aromas transition to the palate elegantly and keep you wanting more.  Well balanced with a silky texture and good depth of flavors.  Layers of earth, mushroom, dried cherry and allspice unravel delicately and deliciously, and the finish persists forever. 

Flora Springs 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley:  Dark berry and violets fill the nose and lead to a rich mouthful of cherry, berry and cassis marrying well with a nice dose of tobacco.  Beautifully structured tannins and nice oak integration suggest good ageability; but quite approachable now.

Dehlinger 2001 Octagon Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley:  Enticing earthy truffle accented aromas draw you in; and the essence of forest floor, dried cherry and herbs are appealingly layered on the palate.  The subdued fruit, subtle oak and elegant structure lend a Burgundian flair to this stunning RRV Pinot Noir.

Roessler 2006 Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley:   A stylish, nicely balanced Pinot Noir that opens with wild cherries and a pleasing earthiness and expands on the palate with layers of spice, vanilla accents, wild berry and cherry flavors that all meld delectably through the memorable finish.

Barterra 2005 Merlot, Russian River Valley:  Bright juicy fruit, toasty oak and vanilla bean aromas fill the nose and lead to a palate chock full of fresh blueberries, sweet red cherries and pie crust notes.   Nicely structured with silky tannins and a finish that is long and smooth.

Barterra 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley:  Attractive oak notes and peppercorn spice rise from the glass and remain focused on the palate with cassis, dark berry and supple leather melding together harmoniously.  Full bodied with a rich texture and firm tannins.  Approachable now, and should develop beautifully in the bottle for years to come. 

Barterra 2006 Blanc de Noir, Carneros – Napa:  Gorgeous yeasty aromatics draw you in and fresh strawberry, citrus and juicy apple flavors with a hint of ginger unfold refreshingly on the palate.    This impressive well-crafted sparkling wine with its good spine of acidity is impeccably balanced and keeps you captivated through the dazzling finish. 

Arcadian 2006 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills:   Alluring earthy, anise filled aromas showcase the dense fruit, heady spice, dark cherry and truffle notes that explode lusciously upon entry.  Smoky oak and tobacco accents kick in mid palate and linger on the finish.  Here’s rich, decadent Pinot Noir with plenty of depth and complexity.

Martinelli 2007 Woolsey Chardonnay:  From the Russian River appellation, this delectable Chardonnay opens with juicy apple and lemon drop aromas alongside a delicate strand of florality.  On the palate layers of tree fruit and minerality blend harmoniously with the bright acidity creating a wonderful sipper and excellent food pairing wine – think seafood risotto or lobster bisque. 

Martinelli Winery 2006 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay:  Aromas brimming full of fresh pear, apple and spice notes that remain focused on the palate; here’s a Chardonnay that will remain in your memory just like the long, lip-smacking finish it boasts; forever.   Subtle oak notes from the French oak barrel aging nicely accent this full bodied Chard.  It is rich and creamy with plenty of acidity to offset its sumptuousness.

Martinelli 2007 Three Sisters Vineyard Pinot Noir:  From the Sonoma Coast appellation this gutsy Pinot Noir shines with its smoky, spice tinged cherry and raspberry aromas that carry through seductively on the palate along with additional layers of nutmeg and cinnamon spiciness and mouth-watering strawberry rhubarb pie flavors.   Beautifully structured and balanced with deft handling of oak that adds complexity.

Martinelli Vullutini Ranch Zinfandel:  Gorgeous purity of red and black berry fruits and a plethora of fragrant baking pie spices jump from the glass and lead to lush and generous juicy flavors that unfold deliciously on the palate.  Balanced, fresh and clean with subtle oak, a hint of vanilla and black licorice notes that linger on the pleasing finish.

Martinelli 2007 Jackass Hill Zinfandel:   Explosive fruity aromas laced with cola, spice box and earthiness are just a hint of what’s to come with this exotic, stunning Zin.  Tons of complexity with layers of bright and juicy blackberry, black cherry, cola, mixed pepper spice and smoky notes; a masterpiece in a glass.  And if that’s not enough, the memorable finish persists beautifully.   Clearly one of the most praiseworthy examples of Zinfandel (”America’s sweetheart grape”) that I have ever tasted. 

Martinelli 2006 Zio Tony Ranch Syrah:   Aromas of sizzling bacon draw you in; and blend effortlessly with dense, chewy dark berries and plums laced with anise that intermingle with notes of roasted meats.  Rich, full bodied and intensely structured with great depth of flavors unfolding from first sip to the long, lingering finish. 

Mara 2008 Laughlin Ranch Road Pinot Noir:   I was fortunate enough to taste a barrel sample of the Mara 2008 Laughlin Ranch Road Pinot Noir.  I’ve boasted about earlier vintages of this exquisite Russian River Valley appellated PN, and based on this delectable barrel sample I am confident the 2008 vintage will be another stunning, ageable Mara wine.   Aromas of fresh cherries and smoky notes lead to a rich and enticing mouthful of cherry, cola, ginger spice and the essence of new French oak barrel aging, which all come together and showcase an impressive balance of intense, striking flavors.  It is not yet released, but do keep your eye out for this beauty!

Iron Horse 2004 Ultra Brut:   Freshly baked bread and yeastiness dominate the nose of this elegantly structured sparkling wine.   Crisp Asian pear flavors and a dash of citrus unfold on the palate creating a lively mouth feel with a good bit of minerality threading through from start to finish. 

Iron Horse 2006 Wedding Cuvee:  A beautiful mousse and nice yeasty aromas guarantee a celebration is right around the corner; and it is!    Delicate peach and apple notes intriguingly interact with fresh dough spices, and the delicate stream of bubbles persists through the last glorious sip.

Anaba Sonoma Coast 2007 Chardonnay:  Sun ripened tree fruit with a subtle thread of oak on the nose precede a creamy mouthful of juicy pear, Macintosh apple, pie spices and vanilla scented oak.  A generous level of acidity keeps it artfully balanced.

Anaba 2007 Coriol White Sonoma Valley:  This melodious blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc opens with aromas of bright stone fruit and a pleasing dash of fresh chives.  Round and viscous in the mouth with crisp white peach and apple notes surrounded by herbs, spices and minerality lingering through the finish.

Anaba 2006 Coriol Red, Sonoma Valley:   An attractive blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise and Petite Sirah that strikes a beautiful chord.   Pretty raspberry notes dominate the nose and lead to dark berry fruit, a hint of meatiness, and nicely integrated oak on mid palate.  Balanced with a velvety smooth texture; finishing with pleasing vanilla and caramel notes.

Dry Creek Vineyard 2004 Endeavor Cabernet Sauvignon:  This powerful, dense Cab (blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petite Verdot) from the Dry Creek Valley appellation is aged 25 months in French Oak.  Opens with cassis and earthy aromas that lead to dense, expressive layers of blackberries, wild berries, cocoa bean, vanilla notes and a pleasing sprinkling of licorice drops and spice.  Structured and complex; here is one to age, if you can manage to put it down.

Last but certainly not least, Dry Creek Vineyard 2008 Fume Blanc:  Bright and sassy; grapefruit and lemon grass captivate the nose and carry through on the palate with enticing hints of jalapeno.  A great aperitif and/or food pairing wine; perfect with a variety of dishes including oysters, crab cakes, herbed goat cheese or savory shellfish pasta.  Crisp, fresh and clean with racy acidity from first sip to delightfully lingering finish.   Always a personal favorite, always a winner!

Mara 2007 Russian River Valley Laughlin Road Ranch Pinot Noir:    Seductive, inviting aromatics and are just a hint of what’s to come in this handsomely structured Pinot Noir.   Layered and complex with wild cherry fruit, plenty of spice and enticing minerality that glide seamlessly across the palate.   Judicious use of French oak adds another dimension to this classy, food friendly wine.   Showing well now, and count on this beauty to evolve gracefully like a well aged Burgundy; if you can manage to wait!

Campos de Luz 2008:  Aromas of delicate white flowers greet the nose, followed by a burst of freshly squeezed lime and lemon zest that persists on the palate.  This creative blend of Chardonnay, Viura (Macabeo) and Muscat from Spain is refreshing with lively acidity and a bright, clean finish.

Duckhorn Vineyards 2006 Rector Creek Vineyard Merlot:   Swirl, sniff and linger over the glass; this complex Merlot from its rocky soil is not to be rushed.    Dense, spice laden blueberry and cherry compote fills the nose and carries through on the palate with a decadent thread of dark chocolate.  The finely grained tannins and rich, velvety texture coat the mouth delectably, and the finish lasts forever. 

Duckhorn Vineyards 2005 Patzimaro Cabernet Sauvignon:  A plethora of herbs and spices on the nose accent the dense cassis and dark berry fruit deliciously.   Intensely structured and layered with a firm backbone and plenty of grip, this complex Cab explodes on the palate with tobacco, spice and provocative fruit intertwining with aplomb, and finishes with elegance. 

Chateau Montelena 2007 Napa Valley Chardonnay:  Perfect companion for seafood, this lean impressive Chardonnay (with no malolactic fermentation) boasts juicy green apple, crisp pear, fresh herbs and citrus notes alongside a touch of nicely integrated oak and stony minerality.  You’ll want to keep coming back for more.

Chateau Montelena 2002 Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon:   This structured Cab with a touch of Cab Franc is intense and muscular yet has plenty of finesse.   Aromas of dark berry fruit, tobacco and earthiness rise from the glass and lead to a mouthful of cassis, black cherry, licorice, pipe tobacco spices, herbs and a dollop of cedar.   Smooth, rich and full bodied, with an impressive purity of fruit and a finish that persists memorably.

LaZarre 2007 Central Coast Pinot Noir:   Alluring mushroom, vibrant cherry and forest floor nuances on the nose make a perfect entry to the black cherry, raspberry and herbaceous notes filling the palate.  Medium bodied with well integrated silky tannins and toasty oak accents, this Pinot Noir is well balanced and stylish from start to lip smacking finish.

Kelleher 2005 Brix Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon:  This tightly woven beauty opens with cassis and dark berry aromas with a splash of spice and explodes in the mouth with layer upon layer of dense black currant, wild berry, a hint of dust, underlying spice and earthiness and well integrated French oak accents.  A classic Oakville Cabernet with firmly structured tannins that will age for many years to come.

Artesa 2007 Estate Reserve Carneros Chardonnay:  Beautiful pear and pineapple aromas lift from the glass and fill the palate fully with pretty tropical fruit, minerality, hints of smoke and invigorating acidity.   Graceful and artfully balanced with plenty of complexity.

Artesa 2006 Estate Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir:  Florality captivates the nose – imagine walking through a garden blooming with fragrant roses!  In the mouth you’ll find wild berry and forest floor at the core, with mushroom and cherry notes adding depth.  Elegant and well crafted with a lengthy finish.

Artesa 2005 Tempranillo:  Expressive black cherry and berry aromatics give way to spice and juicy black cherries entwined with a dash of earthiness on the palate, ending with lip smacking vanilla notes on the finish.

Artesa 2005 Reserve Merlot:  Generous blueberry and boysenberry aromas lead to consistent flavors that stay focused and glide seamlessly across the palate.  The gratifying fruit is enhanced with a dash of white pepper and a pleasing earthiness, and the finely grained tannins top it off perfectly.

Scott Harvey Wines 2006 Amador County J & S Reserve Barbera:  This stunning 100% Barbera boasts such gorgeous dark fruit in the nose; you’ll want to linger here forever!   But move forward, as juicy dark berries intermingle beautifully with tobacco, alluring cigar box and pretty oak spices creating a delightful orchestration of flavors on the palate and through the long, satisfying finish. 

Calaveras County has long been known for its jumping frogs, caves and caverns, and the awe inspiring redwoods at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, but that’s not all.  A stroll through Calaveras Wine Country this month under abundant sunny skies led me to talented yet humble winemakers and their impressive liquid treasures.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Lavender Ridge 2008 Rousanne:  Stone fruit and crushed pebbles in the nose lead to a lusciously round, full bodied wine with juicy white peach and deep minerality taking center stage.  Mouthwatering acidity; beautiful texture, delicious!

 Lavender Ridge 2008 Grenache Rose:  This delightfully fragrant dry rose boasts fresh strawberry and raspberry flavors and a subtle hint of cinnamon spice.  Refreshing and easy to quaff with lovely acidity to back up the pretty fruit; a charming aperitif.

Hatcher 2008 Pinot Grigio:  Fresh lemon-y aromatics lead to crisp pear and invigorating lime peel on the palate.  Cool and thirst quenching with bright acidity; a nice summer sipper.

Hatcher 2008 Sauvignon Blanc:   Lovely citrus aromas persist and carry through generously on the palate, accenting tasty ripe melon flavors.  Uplifting and well balanced with impressive, bracing acidity.

Muir’s Legacy 2006 Chardonnay:  Aged in neutral French oak, this Chardonnay from vineyards in Napa Valley expresses Burgundian characteristics to the hilt.  Subtle fruit notes of melon and apple marry nicely with the focused acidity and delicate oak integration.

Frog’s Tooth 2008 Marsanne:  Gorgeous floral notes lead to just-ripe tree fruits and minerality that tantalizes the taste buds delightfully.  Lovely texture with zippy acidity and a lasting finish.

Frog’s Tooth 2008 Fume Blanc:  Gentle, captivating oak in the nose integrates perfectly with juicy crisp green apple and a dash of citrus bursting gloriously on the palate. 

Milliare Winery 2007 Gewurztraminer:  Exquisite florality greets the nose; chock full of white flowers and roses.  Enchanting from start to finish with a pleasing combination of summer fruits and a hint of spice.

Lavender Ridge 2006 Alicante Bouschet:  Alluring dark berry aromatics welcome you into the glass of this deeply hued unique grape with red juice.  Approachable and elegant on the palate with rich blackberry and spice blending harmoniously through the lengthy finish.  Aged in French oak, this wine is beautifully structured with round, supple tannins.

Lavender Ridge 2006 Mourvedre:  Full of fresh berries in the nose followed by a silky smooth entry, this Mourvedre shows off a burst of wild boysenberries and cherries, skillfully integrated oak and a nice dollop of spice on mid palate.  Balanced and complex with a lingering, memorable finish.

Lavender Ridge 2006 Syrah:  Intoxicating aromas lead you to a juicy mouthful of dark, delicious black plums and black cherries alongside the characteristic earthy, meaty, spicy components of Syrah.  Powerful and age-worthy with plenty of depth; spot on varietally correct and simply irresistible.

Lavender Ridge 2006 Grenache:  Dripping with chocolate covered raspberry and strawberry fruit on the nose and carrying through scrumptiously on the palate, this stunning Grenache from 25 year old vines really hits the mark.  Well crafted with velvety tannins and a lip-smacking finish.

Newsome-Harlow 2007 Big John Vineyard Zinfandel:   Gobs of dense fruit on the nose grabs your attention, and leads to a mouthful of yummy concentrated dark berry and plum notes cloaked in black pepper spice, cinnamon and vanilla on the palate.  Plenty of complexity and length, too.

Newsome-Harlow 2007 The Donner Party Zinfandel:  Generous spice wrapped around fresh ripened plums and berries rise from the glass and stay focused and intriguing on the palate.  Beautiful purity of fruit and intensely structured without being over the top.  Nice oak integration and a noticeably persistent finish add to its charm. 

Newsome-Harlow 2007 Petite Sirah:  This varietal is full of power, structure and tannins, and this is a good example of how well it can be crafted.  Hugely structured with violet and berry aromas that lead to layers of concentrated blackberry, cassis, licorice and spice.  Approachable now and should continue to age impressively through the years with its muscular tannins. 

Milliare 2006 Clockspring Zinfandel:  Super fruity aromas of jammy black and red fruits dominate the nose and meld seamlessly with mixed pepper spices on mid palate.  Balanced and clean with a punch of ripe juicy berries on the satisfying finish. 

Milliare 2005 Ghirardelli Zinfandel:  Baked berry pie and spice capture the nose and lead to layers of blackberry, black cherry and cocoa notes delectably unraveling on the palate.  This elegant Zinfandel is made from old vines planted on rolling hills in western Calaveras County. 

Chiarella 2007 Zinfandel:  From 90 year old vines, this Zinfandel offers the essence of strawberry jam on the nose.  The palate showcases pleasing warm berry compote flavors with baking spices and caramel notes, and ends with a tantalizing hint of tobacco. 

Chiarella 2007 Syrah:  Aromas of vanilla, mocha and roasted coffee beans waft from the glass and lead to a mouthful of earthy, vanilla scented dark berry flavors on mid palate.  Meaty and full bodied with a touch of astringency on the finish.

Laraine Winery 2006 Sangiovese:  An elegant Sangiovese, this wine expresses red fruit aromatics.  At first sip the palate is coated with a lush richness of fresh cherries, wild berries, strawberries and a touch of earth surrounded by an abundance of fragrant herbs and spices.  A nice level of acidity balances the sumptuous fruit.

Broll Mountain Vineyards 2006 Petite Sirah:  This distinctive Petite Sirah boasts inviting aromas of dark blackberries and spice that lead to delicious layers of black cherry, blackberry and plum flavors entwined with anise and black pepper notes exploding on the palate.  A complex and powerfully built wine with firm tannins to go the distance.

Vina Moda 2007 Clarissa’s Cuvee:   This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah conveys brooding aromas of red and black fruits that open up generously as it crosses your lips.  The juicy berry and clove spiciness of the Zinfandel fruit round out the earthy, meaty Syrah components and focused cassis notes of the Cabernet Sauvignon, and all combine favorably to create a cornucopia of palate pleasing layers of flavors.

Vina Moda 2006 Clockspring Zinfandel:  This old vine Zinfandel from grapes grown in Amador County opens with floral notes and opulent jammy fruit, and the richness flourishes through the finish.  A dash of vanilla and hint of coconut suggests American oak aging.

Zucca Mountain Vineyards 2007 Cooper Ranches Barbera:  Enticing aromatics lead you into the glass and bring to light a delightful blending of new world and old with the earthy components joining hands seductively with juicy wild berry fruit.  The dusty earthy notes carry through to the appealing finish.

If you’re ready for a sunny summer break, leap on over to Calaveras to enjoy nature’s wonders and a sip or two of YOUR favorite palate pleasers.

Last year I wrote about a winery in Corrales New Mexico, Milagro Vineyards.  Winemaker Rick Hobson’s deft handling of fruit and oak treatment clearly captured my attention.  Earlier this year I revisited Milagro’s wines, and was once again taken in by their well crafted wines.  The dedication to the vineyards and good winemaking is oh so evident at Rick and Mitzi Hobson’s winery.   Here is a peak at just a few of their impressive wines I recently tasted:

Milagro 2007 Chardonnay:  Tropical melon and pleasing minerality in the nose lead to a succulent mouthful of just-ripe pear and melon flavors nicely accented by toasty notes (aged in 25% new French oak barrels).  Round and rich on the palate with the minerality carrying throughout and a good dose of acidity balancing the richness impressively.

 Milagro 2006 Cabernet Franc:  Opens with enticing aromas full of dark berry, violets and a overlay of smokiness that make you want to linger here forever.  Move on though, as the rich entry expands on the palate deliciously with layers of ripe plums, berries and tantalizing herbaceousness.  This full bodied, varietally spot on Cabernet Franc is nicely enhanced with well implemented oak integration, and boasts a yummy, forever finish.

Milagro 2003 Merlot:  Smoky, berry aromas fill the nose and lead to a bright, generous, tasty mouthful of red berries, blueberries and spice.  Focused and nicely structured with plenty of depth and texture.  Judicious use of French oak shows through handsomely.  Drinks beautifully now, with plenty of additional life ahead.

Milagro 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon:  From first whiff, inviting aromas of blackberry and dried herbs beg you into the glass, and you will be glad you acquiesced!  Complex with dark red and black fruit, licorice and clove notes adding dimension.  Firm, finely grained tannins and toasty oak accents blend harmoniously on the palate and linger memorably on the long finish.

  If you have the chance to visit Milagro Vineyards (about 30 minutes from Albuquerque), by all means do so.  You can also check out their website: www.milagrovineyardsandwinery.com

Gypsy Dancer 2006 Emily Ann Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mtn, Willamette Valley Oregon:  Pleasing earthy, smoky aromas waft from the glass.  Intriguing spice and wild cherry notes expand on the palate seductively with black cherry, forest floor, a hint of truffles weaving throughout.  A kiss of oak seals the satisfying finish.

 Honig 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley California:  Pleasing berry, chocolate mint and vanilla aromas captivate the nose and lead to good depth, balance and purity of fruit on mid palate.  Black cherry and red currant flavors at the core are surrounded by notes of eucalyptus and subtle earthiness.  Ends with a delightful splash of cocoa on the persistent finish. 

Terra Savia  2006 Sanel Valley Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Mendocino California:  The essence of tropical fruit on the nose moves seamlessly to generous pineapple, minerality and citrus flavors filling the palate.  Simply delightful throughout, with a soft elegant finish.

Terra Savia 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino California:  Fresh aromas of crushed red berries persist from first sniff to the pretty finish.  A lovely purity of fruit at the core with layers of cassis, tobacco, licorice and generous spice accents.  Nicely structured and well balanced.