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.

Canoe Ridge Snipes Vineyard 2006 Riesling:  Enticing floral and mineral notes fill the nose and remain focused with tart apple, bosch pear and white peach flavors mingling harmoniously from first sip to long, memorable finish – glorious!

 Canoe Ridge 2006 Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington:  Brilliant pale hue and attractive tropical aromas start this lovely Chardonnay off beautifully.  The palate showcases a juicy mouthful of pineapple, crisp green apple, ripe melon and a splash of citrus that keeps it fresh and lively, and the nicely handled oak treatment adds complexity.

Canoe Ridge 2005 Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington:  Crushed blueberries and a touch of oak on the nose expand generously on the palate.  Clean, balanced and full to the brim with juicy Bing cherry, blueberry and plum fruit surrounded by chocolaty toffee and spice notes.  Soft and pleasing with velvety tannins.

Canoe Ridge 2005 Block 13 Reserve Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington:  Wow.  Expressive aromatics full of dark black and red fruit grab your full attention.  This impressive Merlot gains complexity on the palate with subtle oak, licorice and a dusting of herbs accenting the juicy fruit.  Smooth, elegant and balanced with well integrated tannins.  Ends with a swirl of caramel on the lingering finish.

Canoe Ridge 2005 Horse Heaven Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley Washington: A burst of blackberries greet the nose and follow through on the palate with dark berry and tart cherry fruits accented by licorice and herbs.  Full bodied and well structured with a delightful kick of mint leaves on the finish.   

Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2005  Block 1 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon:  Cassis and dark berry aromas waft from the glass and lead to an intense, chewy mouthful of dark berries, black currants, tobacco, and freshly ground peppercorns.  Beautifully focused and deeply flavored with silky tannins and a purity of fruit that really shines through from start to everlasting finish.