A pleasant, sunny drive through the lush, picturesque hillsides of the Sierra Foothill wine region in Amador County led to the discovery of a plethora of tasty and memorable wine gems during the Amador Vintners’ Association “Behind the Cellar Door” annual wine celebration this month. Here is a snapshot of some of my favorites:

Bray Vineyards

2007 Verdelho: Spicy captivating aromas lead to lively crisp, citrus flavors upon entry; lime and lemon zest galore! Fills out on mid palate with a pretty texture, plenty of citrus fruit, a touch of pear, and impressive bright acidity – perfectly balanced! Fabulous paired with lemon chicken!

2005 Petite Sirah: Deep and dark, black as midnight in the center of the glass with a flashy crimson rim; this bold PS opens with intense aromatics chock full of dark juicy fruit. Focused ripe blackberry on the palate with alluring chocolate mint accents, velvety tanins and a finish that goes on and on! Marries well with a tempting dish of roasted lamb shanks and cannellini beans.

2005 Tempranillo: Delightfully fruity on the nose, with jammy raspberry taking center stage on the palate, accented with a pleasing touch of vanilla. Approachable, medium bodied wine with gentle tanins and oh so easy to quaff, this Tempranillo is nicely balanced and drinks beautifully now! Serve with a tasty seafood cioppino.

2005 Vinho Tinto (Lodi): Earthy old world essence rises from the glass and leads to layers of dusty forest floor, leather notes and mushroom flavors that surround a wild berry core on mid palate. Continues building with nicely integrated oak and pretty dried cherry accents, and boasts an alluring, velvety texture. Great paired with grilled sausages and strong flavored cheeses.

C.G.DiArie Vineyard and Winery

2006 Barbera: Inviting cocoa aromatics lift from the glass, followed by generous ripe bing cherry and succulent plum flavors that fill out the mouth richly and fully. Balanced with a good bit of acidity, this is a well crafted wine with toasty oak and a shot of vanilla adding complexity. Serve with a strip steak with plum reduction sauce – yum!

2004 Syrah “Southern Exposure” (Fairplay): Big, meaty and powerful, this Syrah opens with chocolatey aromas and a hint of mint that blend harmoniously with a cornucopia of dark plummy, brooding black fruit flavors, tobacco and a ton of spice on the palate. Complexity and firm tanins suggest good ageability. Pair with meaty, spice-laced short ribs for a winning combination!

2005 Zinfandel (Shenandoah Valley): Wafting from the glass are jammy blackberry and boysenberry fruits flavors that dominate the aroma and carry through on the palate. A generous twist of mixed red/black/white pepper spice blend weaves in and out of the lush fruitiness. Nice silky tanins, too. Serve with spicy meatballs!

2005 Sierra Legend (Shenandoah Valley): Wow, truly amazing blend of Syrah (35%), Primitivo (25%), Cab Sauv (20%) and Cab Franc (20%). Meaty nose followed by luscious dark berries bursting onto the palate. Incredibly rich mouth feel; focused black currant and blackberry flavors and provocative spiciness meld together seamlessly. Full bodied, balanced and complex; absolutely worth joining the wine club for! Pair with a sizzling steak hot off the grill.

Sobon Estate

2006 Cougar Hill Amador County Zinfandel: Dense ruby hue, and all about beautifully ripe blackberries in the nose. From beginning to end, a lush mouthful of rich jammy blackberry and black cherry explodes on the palate, with a delicious accent of anise highlighting the black fruits. Full bodied with nice purity of fruit and a lingering finish. Serve with a juicy grilled burger dressed with onions reduced in zinfandel!

Epiphany 2004 Petite Sirah, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
Essence of warm blackberry pie with nutmeg and all spice accents captivate the nose and carry richly through mid palate. Beautifully structured, with great depth and purity of fruit that deservedly command full attention. Ends with a touch of vanilla and spice on the persistent finish. Delicious with a spicy lamb ragout served over savory polenta.

Miro 2005 Petite Sirah, Sommers Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
Darkly hued, with stunning aromas of concentrated berries, peppery spice and a hint of leather wafting from the glass. Explosion of juicy black plums and crushed blueberries take center stage on the palate, surrounded by spice and mineral notes. Powerful fruit and firm tannins are nicely balanced and coat the mouth fully. A complex, ageworthy wine that will go the distance. Pair with a sizzling steak diane!

Parducci 2004 True Grit Petite Sirah, Mendocino County
Big, bold and hearty; just like a Petite Sirah should be. Aromas of wild blackberries and vanilla lead to a mouthful of dark juicy plums accented by a glorious crown of black pepper and anise. Plump, rich texture shows nicely after aeration, rounding out the edges of this powerhouse petite sirah. Serve with a roasted filet mignon with Roquefort sauce.

Ursa 2004 Petite Sirah, El Dorado
Aromas of succulent, jammy blackberry fruit and lip-smacking grape candy lure you into the glass. Gobs of juicy blackberry and boysenberry flavors and a dash of spearmint command full attention on mid palate. Spice notes add complexity to this beautifully structured wine that lingers seductively on the finish. Serve with herb encrusted lamb and a fresh mint sauce.

Ursa Vineyards 2004 Vineyard Blend Petite Sirah
Crushed blackberries and plenty of spice greet the nose invitingly. A luscious mouthful of concentrated plums and mixed red and black fruit explodes on the palate and the intensity continues throughout. With just the right touch of oak, this petite sirah drinks beautifully now; yet shows plenty of structure and tannins to go the distance. Pair with roasted venison with plum sauce – heavenly!

Mounts 2005 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley
Dark inky hue, with deep, pleasing aromas of warm mixed berry compote and herb scented vanilla notes. Love the purity of fruit on mid palate! Blueberry and blackberry flavors galore, velvety tannins, with subtle spice and a hint of smokey tobacco adding complexity. Serve with lamb noisettes and a mixed berry compote.

39 Degrees 2005 Petite Sirah, Lake County
Dusty wild red berry aromas up front; soft and approachable with bright cherry and strawberry flavors and a hint of spice dancing on the palate; this petite sirah is nicely balanced with an elegance about it! Serve with a cherry stuffed pork tenderloin.

Huge, monstrous, yet called petite? The only thing petite about this varietal is the size of the berry (about half the size of syrah berries!) Maybe you are not clear about the difference between petite sirah and syrah? Let me help solve the mystery! Petite Sirah (also called Durif) is the offspring of syrah. Petite Sirah’s two parents are syrah and peloursin.

I love this big bold varietal – it’s ripe fruit and spicy characteristics on the nose carry through with explosive flavors on the palate; and it is one of the most age-worthy wine varietals produced in the new world. It can be smooth and voluptuous on the palate, yet showcase big, firm tannins that give it such longevity. A balance of fruit and tannins is part of the secret of this amazing varietal. Below are a few gems I’ve recently tasted:

Bogle Merritt Island 2004 Reserve Petite Sirah
Opens with brilliantly focused blackberry and vanilla aromas leading to a smooth, abundantly satisfying entry. Lively spice notes frame layers of succulent blackberry, black raspberry and black currant flavors on mid palate. Nicely integrated oak with pretty vanilla notes, along with firm tannins, and plenty of structure and complexity suggest long term aging potential, if you can wait! If you can’t, pair this with robust short ribs with a Petite Sirah reduction sauce – Yum!

Bogle 2005 Petite Sirah, California
Fruit from Clarksburg and Lodi blend to create a pleasing palate of mixed berries from start to finish. Ripe, juicy black fruit dominate the core, with a hint of oak and a dollop of spice that add interest on the palate, make this is a friendly, approachable wine. Pair this Petite Sirah with lamb and vegetable kabobs sizzling hot off the grill!

Silkwood 2004 San Joaquin Petite Sirah
The enticing warm berry compote that lifts enticingly from the glass is a mere hint of the goodness to follow! Gobs of rich, jammy boysenberry with a subtle hint of anise coat the mouth gloriously, and the round creamy texture adds to the fullness and purity of fruit. Paired with grilled venison topped with a berry compote would be heavenly!

Robert Biale Vineyards 2004 Thomann Station Napa Valley Petite Sirah
Intense inky black purple hue gives you the first clue this is Petite Sirah. A prolific cornucopia of spices and hint of florality in the nose lead to concentrated blackberry and cassis on the palate with spices weaving throughout. Lush and full, with beautifully structured tannins that will live on for years and years. Pair with a big dish – a Cuban pulled pork with a Petite Sirah mojo sauce would be a delicious match!

Robert Biale Vineyards 2004 Royal Punishers Napa Valley Petite Sirah
Deep, dark inky color with provocative, mysterious aromas. Once it hits your palate, the intense and chewy berry and leather notes prevail! Gorgeous viscosity – richly mouthfilling with copious dark berry flavors and a muscular structure – powerful. This will likely be another incredibly long lived wine! Pair with a slab of savory barbecued ribs – mmm mmm good!

Foppiano Vineyards 2004 Russian River Estate Petite Sirah
Inviting earthy, wild berry aromas promise a potent mouthful and this wine surely delivers! Rich and full with generous dark berry and peppery spices that tantalize the mid palate. Pleasing spice and earthiness carry throughout, with a nice dash of cocoa on the lingering finish. Persistent firm tannins – absolutely an age-worthy wine. Marry with a Petite Sirah doused mushroom ragout served over a spice-rubbed roast; scrumptious!

Langtry Estates Guenoc 2005 Lake County Petite Sirah
Vanilla and blackberry pie aromas lure you further into the glass, and a brilliant burst of concentrated berries with an anise accent enliven the palate. This wine boasts a rich and smooth texture with a black pepper kick on the finish, and velvety tannins tame the power. I enjoyed this wine with a few savory cheese selections including Maytag blue, extra sharp cheddar, Pecorino and Arina goat cheese; all worked deliciously!

Oak Grove 2005 California Reserve Petite Sirah
All about berries in the nose, this is a soft and fruity, easy to drink Petite Sirah with pleasant red berry and cherry notes and a sprinkle of spice that opens up on mid palate. Nicely balanced with a clean finish. Drink now with a burger hot off the grill!

Mettler Family Vineyards 2004 Petite Sirah
This darkly hued Petite Sirah from the Lodi appellation grabs your attention with dense blueberry and wild berry aromas laced with a hint of menthol. Complex, with cedar and herb notes that tiptoe through the robust plummy, ripe berry core. Plenty of power, yet this wine finishes elegantly. Serve with braised lamb shanks prepared with a splash of Petite Sirah of course!

Concannon 2004 Limited Release Central Coast Petite Sirah
Alluring aromatics of bright raspberry and black cherry blend harmoniously with vanilla, mixed spices and herbal tea notes on mid palate. Perfectly balanced with medium bodied tannins and a beautiful focus on purity of fruit. What a bargain at $14.oo. Paired with filet mignon prepared with a cognac, black pepper, raisin sauce – out of this world!

EOS 2004 Petite Sirah, Paso Robles
A pleasant earthiness along with concentrated blueberry and a touch of mint fill the nose. Tannins grab hold upon entry with dense blueberry and blackberry flavors taking center stage on the palate. Earthiness continues to thread throughout suggesting a meaty dish with mushrooms – pair with beef or lamb stroganoff!

EOS 2003 Cupa Grandis Paso Robles Petite Sirah
Whoa baby, talk about full bodied – layers upon layers of flavors! Here’s a tightly wound bundle of intense blackberry and black currant flavors with pretty oak nuances and spicy pepper accents that won’t quit! This hearty, full bodied rendition benefits nicely from decanting; and will definitely go the distance for years to come. Pair with a rich Steak Diane for a real taste treat!

I recently went to a wine dinner focused on Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak 2003 Cabernet Sauvingons they produce from various appellations. I thought I’d share my wine notes.

2003 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
Round, lush and full on the palate, incredibly balanced wine with beautiful acidity; nice tannins too. Drinking beautifully now!

2003 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Gorgeous spicy aromas lead to a mouthful of ripe pretty berry fruit laced with spice throughout the lingering finish. Plenty of rich tannins suggest good longevity.

2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Intriguing earthy aromas, with dense, dark berry and juicy plum flavors bursting on the palate. A mouthful of huge concentrated flavors laced with vanilla notes continue through the memorable finish.

2003 Claret
A nicely crafted blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. Pretty aromatics lead to blueberry and wild berry flavors filling the palate. Recognizable dose of Petite Verdot adds complexity; lovely velvety tannins persist.

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season!

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!