Gems in My Glass . . . November 2015

Gems in MY Glass . . ., Tasting Notes

Laird Family Estate 2014 Red Hen Chardonnay; Oakville, Napa Valley, California:  This lean, mineral laden Chardonnay displays enticing tree fruit and citrusy aromas.  Vivid and energizing as layers of crisp green apple, clementine, fresh herbs and a subtle touch of oak unfold deliciously on the palate.  Decant to fully appreciate, or cellar for future enjoyment. SRP:  $35 www.lairdfamilyestate.com

Laird Family Estate 2012 Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir; Carneros, Napa Valley, California:  Here is a generously fruited Pinot Noir broadcasting juicy Bing cherries, wild raspberries, black tea and spice box notes from the engaging aroma through the rich, satisfying palate.  Well balanced and mouth coating as it makes its way to the buoyant, lingering finish.  SRP:  $55 www.lairdfamilyestate.com

WineSmith Wines 2005 Mangels Ranch Reserve Syrah; Suisun Valley, California:  Floral and dark berry aromas provide a pretty introduction to this stunning Syrah.  Flavors of blueberry compote, purple plums, and huckleberries meld with earthiness, saddle leather and creamy chocolate notes.  Rich and intense with a striking backbone of tannins.  Splendid now, yet also promises many years ahead.  SRP:  $50 www.winesmithwines.com

Artesa Winery 2012 Estate Reserve Chardonnay; Carneros, Napa Valley, California:  Spicy aromatics wrap around fresh pear, apple skin and floral notes that delight upon entry.  Bright and bracing with Anjou pear, Honeycrisp apple, a dash of clove, and lemon-lime citrus notes that expand exquisitely on the palate and mingle with a thread of minerality and subtle oak.  Energetic and well defined through the lingering finish.  SRP:  $35 www.artesawinery.com

Artesa Winery 2012 Tempranillo; Alexander Valley, California:  Abundant black fruit and hints of spice tempt the nose with this dense yet lithe Tempranillo.  Brambly and rich on the palate with oodles of juicy boysenberries, blackberries, sweet black plums and brown spice creating a marvelous mosaic of flavors on the palate.  Full bodied and pure through the commanding, uplifted finish.  SRP:  $45 www.artesawinery.com

Trojak~Knier 2014 Chardonnay; Napa Valley, California:  The tantalizing, flinty nose of this Burgundian style Chardonnay paves the way to a gorgeous silky entry.   Stimulating the palate are layers of creamy pear, minerality, hazelnut and flaky, buttered croissants melting in your mouth.  Focused and well balanced with spiced barrel notes and lively acidity, this wine lingers well beyond the last graceful sip.  SRP:  $44 www.trojakknier.com

Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2013 The Expedition; Horse Heaven Hills, Washington:  Earthy, wild blackberry notes rise temptingly from the glass as this juicy red blend approaches the nose. A blend of 34.5% Merlot, 26.6% Syrah, 24.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14.4% Grenache, here is a wine with copious fruit showcasing blueberries, blackberries and raspberries that entwine with a twist of pepper, anise and allspice.   Perky and fresh, and a great value too. SRP:  $15 www.canoeridgevineyard.com

Ayoub Wines ??? Vineyards Pinot Noir; Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon:  Red fruit and mushroom aromas jump from the glass with this vibrant Pinot Noir.  The entry explodes with brightness and flavor.  Flavors of wild cherry, juicy strawberry, hints of pepper spice and the essence of forest floor wrap around finely grained tannins, exhilarating the palate.  Finishing with elegance; this wine shows off wonderful depth and purity.   SRP:  $55 www.ayoubwines.com

Ayoub Wines 2013 Mojo; Dundee Hills, Oregon/Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California:  This unlikely pairing of Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir delivers a celebratory homerun.  Rich, full bodied and deeply structured; dark berry and graphite components of Cabernet Franc and black cherry, earthy, minerally elements of Pinot Noir mesh like a meticulously woven tapestry. Complex and precise in balance, with a memorable, lasting finish.   SRP:  $75 www.ayoubwines.com

Maggy Hawk Wines 2012 Afleet Pinot Noir; Anderson Valley, California:  Alluring forest floor aromas draw you into this tightly wound, complex wine.  Cherries, pomegranate seeds and a suggestion of sautéed mushrooms exhilarate on entry and charm the palate, with exotic tea spice and oak nuances chiming in on the extended finish.  Velvety smooth in texture and oh so lively with vibrant fruit and acidity.   SRP:  $66 www.maggyhawkwines.com

Maggy Hawk Wines 2012 Hawkster Pinot Noir; Anderson Valley, California:  Aromas of sun ripened cherries and a hint of fresh mint stimulate the senses as the wine approaches the nose.  Cola, a touch of earth and herbs, purple plums and sweet black cherries offset by upbeat acids saturate the palate.  A smooth, mouth filling wine that broadcasts well integrated oak and a hint of vanillin through the refined finish.  SRP:  $66 www.maggyhawkwines.com

Maggy Hawk Wines 2012 Stormin’ Pinot Noir; Anderson Valley, California:  Decant for full enjoyment now, or cellar for couple years to fully appreciate this intense, full bodied Pinot Noir.  With aeration, it delivers savory spice, earthiness and dusty berry aromas upfront.  On the palate it is powerful and tightly structured with dark cherries, black raspberries, cardamom, anise, and firm tannins.  SRP:  $66 www.maggyhawkwines.com

Domaine Serene 2011 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir; Willamette Valley, Oregon:   From the cool 2011 vintage comes this impressive, zesty Pinot Noir.  Florality, dried cherry, exotic spice, earthy notes and skillfully integrated oak come together in harmony as this ethereal Burgundian style Pinot glides across the palate.  Beautifully restrained in alcohol at 13.1%, this is a chic and graceful Pinot Noir.  SRP:  $75 www.domaineserene.com

Domaine Serene 2013 Clos du Lune Vineyard Chardonnay; Dundee Hills, Oregon:  From their highest elevation Chardonnay vineyard, this cellar worthy Chardonnay begs to be decanted, and you’ll be finely rewarded by decanting if you choose to open it now.  Simply exquisite in structure, texture and balance, this Chard sings with crisp green apple, lemon zest and minerality. Complex and layered, with skillfully managed oak positioned nicely in the background.  SRP:  $70 www.domaineserene.com

Domaine Serene 2012 Grand Cheval; Willamette Valley, Oregon/Walla Walla Valley, Oregon: This blend of 66% Syrah (Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley) and 24% Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley) is available from the winery only and well worth seeking out.  Deep black fruit, roasted meat and bacon notes upfront are enhanced with tobacco spice, cherry licorice, savory spice and shades of oak.  Confident and full bodied, it’s a robust, intensely structured wine.  SRP:  $80 www.domaineserene.com

Robert Sinskey Vineyards 2012 Pinot Gris Late; Los Carneros, California:  Incredibly aromatic, this vivacious late harvest Pinot Gris really delivers, completely satisfying the sweet tooth.  Snappy, bright and in no way cloying, layers of citrus infused poached pears, honeysuckle, caramelized nuts, gingersnaps and crème brulee notes entrance the senses from the first whiff, to the irresistible rich and lively palate, through the elevated finish.  What a way to end the night!  SRP:  $24 (375ml) www.robertsinskey.com