A delightful trip to Shafer Vineyards recently showed a few notable wines.

Red Shoulder Ranch 2003 Chardonnay
Forward fruit focused aromas lead to layers of tropical fruit and crisp apple flavors that explode on the palate. A rich and creamy, complex Chardonnay with bright acidity and a finish that is long and memorable.

Firebreak 2002
A delightful blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The spicy, earthy characteristics of Sangiovese dominate in the bouquet and the minute it hits your tongue. Dried cherry and berry flavors come alive on the mid palate and finish with pleasing berry and leather notes.

2000 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep, dark berry and cassis aromas lead to an elegant supple richness on the palate. Full bodied and intense, focused black berry and cassis flavors and hints of anise and spice carry through from start to finish. This absolutely gorgeous wine from 100% hillside grown fruit is smooth as silk with refined velvety tannins, a jewel from the highly touted Stag’s Leap region.

Dave and wife Emily at Miner have been producing wines under their family label for many years, and they’ve got a beautiful portfolio of wines:

2003 Viognier
Oh baby, THIS is what Viognier is all about! This wine was made with no ML (Malolactic fermentation) and very little oak treatment. The result is a wine brimming with florality on the nose, ripe succulent peaches and a splash of citrus on the palate and bright acidity that lifts it heavenly.

2002 Wild Yeast Chardonnay
Scents of oak and rich, creamy butter pull you invitingly into this exotic multi-dimensional Chardonnay. Focused mango and tropical fruit flavors and a touch of nuttiness weave through the palate, and finish with lingering vanilla oak.

2002 Garys Vineyard Pinot Noir
A powerfully structured Pinot Noir from the highly acclaimed Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation, this is a complex yet elegant wine. Dark cherry flavors and a pungent earthiness create a beautiful, silky mouth feel that is nicely accentuated by subtle oak integration; and the finish goes on forever.

2002 Petite Sirah
Aromas heat you right up before the wine ever reaches your lips – mmm! On the palate this luscious wine delivers a huge punch of blackberry jam and berry cordial flavors, outlined by persistent spice notes, finishing rich and oh so smooth.

2001 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
From low yielding vineyards planted in rocky volcanic soils comes this full bodied Cabernet, dominated by juicy red and black fruits with attractive leather and herbal notes that kick in on the mid palate. Nicely structured with firm tannins and plenty of complexity.

Through talented winemaker David Gozignato we gained a new appreciation for the wines and winemaking practices at Charles Krug, where the family has owned and operated the facility since 1943. The Redwood Cellar facility, where Peter Mondavi Sr. used to make wine, still stands. The Charles Krug label consists of only Napa fruit which is hand picked and hand sorted, and the wines show the care and dedication.

2004 Sauvignon Blanc
David crafted a winner from grapes harvested early, in August 2004. It’s no surprise this wine took the top White Sweepstake honors at a recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Having seen no oak, it captures the gorgeous varietal fruit characteristics that scream Sauvignon Blanc. Expressive aromatics lead to gobs of juicy kiwi and lively grapefruit that fill the mouth. It is perfectly balanced with racy mouth-watering acidity – what a BEAUTY! It may be tough to find this vintage (sold out at the winery), but I’m betting the 2005 vintage will be as good!!

2002 Generations
Another beauty, this one a blend of 60% Cab Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Petite Verdot, 5% Cab Franc and l% Syrah, Tons of complexity wrapped around a solid core of juicy berries. Peppery notes and beautiful oak integration complete the tasty package. Finishes with elegance!

2003 Generations
From the barrel, the 2003 Generations is developing nicely with focused spice and dense berry flavors and a dollop of cinnamon and plenty of tannin structure. Should be another winner!

Vintage Select 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Here’s a powerhouse Cab!! Deep dark fruited aromas introduce what’s to follow – tons of black and red berry fruit and cassis at the core, framed deliciously by black pepper and cinnamon spices that linger delectably through the finish.

A recent visit to Honig revealed a few special gems:

2004 Sauvignon Blanc
From the first whiff, the varietal expression leaps from the glass. A melodious composition of melon, kiwi and tangy citrus on the palate and a lively finish convinces even a novice that this is Sauvignon Blanc. It is a lovely sipping wine, an extremely versatile food wine and a great value at about $14.

2001 Bartolucci Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
From vineyards at the foot of Spring Mountain, this Cabernet opens up invitingly with berry and full blown cinnamon aromas. Unveiled on the palate are deep, juicy berry and plum flavors that hold the pretty cinnamon accent, ending pleasantly with lingering spices and nice oak integration.

2002 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Opens with pleasing herbal and earth notes that suggest a dose of Cab Franc is present (and it is, along with a bit of petite verdot and malbec). Full cassis and ripe wild berries grab center stage on the palate, and display a rich velvety texture with firm tannins. A nicely crafted wine.

Another “don’t miss” winery is Provenance. If you haven’t been here yet, I suggest you add it to your must visit list.

2002 Mt. Veeder Merlot
Whoa!!! Here is as decadent a Merlot as you can imagine! Deeply hued, with dense, concentrated blackberry and boysenberry flavors laced with cinnamon and dark chocolate, nicely topped off with oak nuances from start to finish. A full throttle yet polished merlot with firm tannins – WOW!

2000 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
From the To-Kalon Vineyard, this Cab opens with a hint of violets and rich berry pie spices filling nose, leading to juicy berry and ripe dark plums, exotic spices and licorice. The tantalizing flavors meld together seamlessly, and the sweet fruit allows for drinking now, yet firm tannins suggest it will benefit from cellaring as well.

Limited Release 2002 Syrah
Smokey bacon and meaty aromas promise a blockbuster wine, which it surely delivers on the palate. Dark blackberries and vanilla blend harmoniously, and a dash of orange peel adds drama. This is a big, chewy incredibly well structured wine. Hats off to Tom Rinaldi, winemaker extraordinaire!

A Thanksgiving feast, with family and friends around the table deserves a worthy wine, and at my house it will be Pinot Noir. In the past six months I have tipped many a glass filled with wonderful wine crafted by Pinot Noir producers from near and far, and I’ve once again been completely wowed. This captivating varietal is grown all around the world, including regions in California, Oregon, New York, the Burgundy region of France, Australia and New Zealand. Each area displays a site specific uniqueness, and yet it is difficult to pick an absolute favorite – although different, one is as lovely as another. What is it about this alluring grape that draws winemakers, tasting professionals and consumers so passionately? The understated strength, the elegance, the velvety tannins, the layers of cherry, smoke and earthiness? Whatever it is, once you’ve been smitten, you’re forever hooked! Many winemakers agree that bigger berries do not produce bigger flavors, rather quite the opposite - smaller berries tend to produce wine with more intensity and concentration of flavors. What are optimal conditions? Well, this cool climate loving grape does NOT like excessive heat. It ripens early, and must be kept away from harsh, long sun exposure. It thrives in cooler regions, appreciates a coastal influence and well drained soils.

From the Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation in California comes a beauty crafted by Winemaker Bill Brosseau at Testarossa Vineyards. Their 2002 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir screams powerful rich fruit in the nose, followed by concentrated, dark black cherries and a hint of earthiness on the palate. Skillfully structured with a long, lingering finish.

Winemaker Christian Roguenant produced a winner in Baileyana’s 2002 Grand Firepeak Vineyard Pinot Noir from the Edna Valley. Intriguing spicy aromas and cherry infused flavors frame the earthy, black cherry core. The cinnamon spice carries beautifully from the nose, through the palate, to the memorable finish.

From France, the 2002 Christophe Perrot Minot Gevrey Chambertin Les Cazetiers Premier Cru is a darkly hued, powerfully structured wine with earth and mushroom aromatics, deep red fruit, richly textured and nicely focused. An elegant, pretty wine from a great Burgundy vintage.

Flowers Vineyard & Winery’s 2000 Camp Meeting Ridge from the Sonoma Coast appellation is stunning! A mere whiff of the seductive smoky, spicy aroma beckons you further into the glass. On the palate dark cherries and bright fruit flavors fill the mouth and unveil layers of spice and mineral notes. Complex and polished, with silky tannins and great length.

Dutton Goldfield’s Devils Gulch Ranch 2001 Pinot Noir (Marin County) grabs the senses quickly with aromatic ginger and cinnamon spice and a hint of oak filling the nose. Spiciness holds through the luscious mouthful of mixed berry and dense black cherry flavors - wonderfully packaged.

Landmark Vineyards 2001 Grand Detour Vanderkamp Vineyard from the Sonoma Mountain appellation opens with welcoming toasty aromatics and hits the palate with a blast of juicy ripe black cherries and a savory dose of mushroom and earth. A well balanced, delicious wine.

The Central Otago region of New Zealand is gaining impressive accolades for this varietal. A fine example is Akarua’s well structured 2002 Pinot Noir. Concentrated plumy fruit, attractive smokiness, and a provocative forest floor earthiness shine on the palate, with great depth and supple generous tannins on the finish.

Steve Rasmussen at Talley Vineyards scored well in the Arroyo Grande Valley with the 2002 Rincon Vineyard Pinot Noir. Nice tobacco and spice aromas lead to generous, dense cherry and wild berry jam and cola notes unfolding on the palate. Finishes with gorgeous velvety tannins.

The Santa Rita Hills appellation is the home of the 2002 TAZ Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir made by Jon Priest. Here is an deeply structured wine that opens with candy apple aromas and fills the palate with intense, ripe black cherry flavors and a hint of minerality.

From Oregon comes Van Duzer Vineyards 2002 Willamette Valley Estate Homestead Block Pinot Noir. Deeply colored with leather aromas, this wine coats the mouth with rich red fruit and spices that linger seductively through the finish. Nicely structured wine from a standout vintage in Oregon.

I just can’t get enough of this versatile varietal. It’s an incredibly beautiful, food friendly wine that will pair famously with your Thanksgiving dinner. I am thankful it will be on my table!

What is it? First of all, pronounced correctly, Meritage rhymes with heritage, It’s a wine made from a blend of two or more of the following Bordeaux varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Malbec, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot, Carmenere). None of the varietals can be more than 90% of the Meritage blend. They range in style from soft approachable red wines that drink nicely now to bold, structured red wines that can age gracefully for many years. California stars include:

Joseph Phelps Insignia
Always a show stopper – Insignia was among the first “Bordeaux blends” produced back in 1974. This vintage showcases tons of dark berries with an overlay of spice and tobacco, and ends beautifully with lingering, supple tannins. The 2002 Insignia received high honors as Wine of the Year!

St Supery 1999 Meritage
Seductive aromas great the nose and draw you into this gorgeous wine. Layers of intense cherry and berry unfold on the palate, lovely cocoa overtones, smoky oak and a hint of clove lead this gem to a memorable finish.

Merryvale Profile 2000
Intoxicating aromatics lead to a mouth filling richness of luscious berry and currant flavors. A kiss of cinnamon and spice, and silky tannins add to the elegance of this impressive wine.

Ferrari Carano Tresor 1997
This awesome vintage richly coats the palate with intense cassis and blackberry flavors and offers great depth and complexity. A beautifully crafted blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

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Also, here are a few great red blend values from California and Washington (under $20):

Cinnabar Mercury Rising 2001 (California)
Nicely balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petite Verdot that won’t break the bank. Delicious ripe blackberries on the palate, toasty oak and vanilla accents top it off beautifully!

Francis Coppola Claret 2000 (California)
Inviting aromas, tons of lip smacking berry flavors on the palate, well integrated spiciness and soft tannins – a juicy blend of Cab. Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc.

Welcome to Ellen on Wine!

As a frequent wine judge and certified Sommelier, I find plenty of time to discover great wines. I’m delighted to share some of my discoveries with you through my new blog. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to your own comments and tasting notes! Enjoy. - Ellen Landis