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November 23, 2007
LIOCO Chardonnay "Stuhmuller Vineyard" Alexander Valley 2006 ($26). Forgive us, please, for exceeding the 25 limit but a dollar. Besides wanting to spread the Diary entries around our various pages, we also think this is such a great value that it belongs in "Under 25." This uniquely named winery (it's a combo of the partners last names) brings great frames of reference in the fine wine industry to their project. We met Matt Licklider, a former salesman for North Berkeley Imports and a great fan of White Burgundy. The goal is to make Lioco wines like this. So, we see grapes in very cool, coastal climates made with minimal intervention. We're trying to taste the land in the wine!
"Stulhmuller" is from northern Alexander Valley, near the Russian River, and decidedly cooler than the rest of this appellation. No oak on this wine and tingling acidity make for a refreshing drink. We taste lemons and grapefruits, soda biscuits and lemon curd. The texture is like Burgundy: it's mouth-filling and full. As French style as it is, we are very confidend any lover of Chardonnay will like this new "designer Chard" a lot. 392 cases made.
August 13, 2008
BARREL 27 Grenache "Rock and a Hard Place" Central Coast 2006 ($23) Just tasted yesterday. I really really like this wine. Calls to mind a forward, rich Southern Rhone wine (and with the depressed dollar, I can really say this Grenache competes value-wise with its French counterparts). Barrel 27 is a joint effort of the owners of McPrice Myers and Herrman Story. The Grenache comes from three vineyards, the principals being a rocky vineyard (rock) and a vineyard hard to access (need I go on?). Mmmmm, what a nose of framboise, licorice, soy and allspice. It's like a flamboyant Rhone wines, really. Medium bodied, very forward, silky, pretty and bold. I really like this wine (yes, that's a repeat).
April 21, 2008
CHUKKER 07 ($16) is a Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon blend from "Happy Canyon Vineyards" in eastern Santa Ynez Valley (this is the warmest/hottest part of Santa Barbara County's fine wine country-good for Bordeaux grapes). Chukker stands out as an exceptional value in California wine for it's bursting with sun-soaked berry/cherry flavors, has only the most pleasing qualities of Cab Franc (peppercorns, violets) and is extremely full flavored and long on the finish yet very soft and pliant. It's delicious and versatile with myriad red meat dishes. Tomato dishes, garlic/onion-y dishes, smoky BBQ: Chukker is up to the match we feel. What's a Chukker you ask? In Pakistan, it's a playing period of a polo game (spelled chukka in England and India.)
February 5, 2008
KUNIN WINES “Pape Star” Central Coast 2006 ($19) is a tasty Rhône-style Blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 25% Syrah. Barrel aged in neutral oak barrels for 10 months, this wine reminds us a lot of our favorite old world wines, with a little bit of a new world twist. Bold, juicy berry flavors (raspberry and strawberry), and a nice bit of black pepper and olive to balance. Lovers of both delicious French and California wines will appreciate this rich and affordable gem. Substantial enough to pair with grilled Lamb loin.
November 17, 2007
TRINAFOUR Carignane "Niemi Vineyard" Mendocino County 2006 ($23). Carignane, the red grape of the Mediterranean known for huge yields and modest quality, has found a home the hot, arid, Mendocino inland country. These are old vines, a must for making high quality Carignane. Yields are naturally low, and the power and intensity of the wine is unmistakable. Cracked black pepper, very common to Carignane, hits the nose and lasts to the end. Also taste the briary berries, cola, anise and lavender. The sensation of freshly-turned soil is a good thing...wine comes from the land and the Trinafour comes with a reminder of this. Must have winter on my mind for I'm thinking a homemade meatloaf would be mighty fine with the Trinafour.
January 11, 2008
CASAEDA Syrah Sonoma Coast 2005 ($21) is an outstanding twenty dollar-ish premium California Syrah. It's Karen Culler's second label (we also sell and love her '05 Napa Syrah, by the way). Wild red fruits of cool Sonoma Coast are buffered by a little Sierra Foothills Petite Sirah. The Petite gives a little more structure and blue fruits, which is nice. Taste raspberry liqueur, wild strawberries, black and white peppercorns, dried thyme, rare beef tenderloin and blueberries in the spring. This wine is drinking great. Have that beef filet, or perhaps some slow roast duck!
April 3, 2008 
Ahhh the springtime, when the weather warms up and last year's vintage start coming out. Here's a mighty tasty one for us: TWO WIVES Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2007 ($18). Third vintage of Sauv Blanc for Christina Naylor and Christina Madrigal, both married to Napa winemakers and winery owners. I've had all three vintages of Two Wives Sauv Blanc, and the 2007 is the best yet (and the '05 and '06 set the bar high). Tropical fruits abound-pineapple and mango jump from the glass. No oak nor butter, but still very nicely rich. And, as good Sauv Blanc must have, healthy acidity. First thought with this wine is definitely "delicious." Think the style of Mason but better. Under 1000 cases made.
February 5, 2008 
Yesterday local fireman Dan D'Angelo came in and poured us his new VINO D'ANGELO Sauvignon Blanc Nevada County 2007 ($14), and we are quite impressed with this wine. Only 160 cases were produced, and the wine is refreshing and rich, with a bit of a grassy herbal quality in the nose, and pears, peaches, and grapefruit on the palate. The finish is citrus and a little chalk. We think this is a great wine to enjoy as you're making dinner, along with the main event.
June 20, 2008
ESCA Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2005 ($22). Owners/Winemakers Mario and Anna Monticelli are more than familiar with super high end wines. They're resumes, between them, include Cheval Blanc, Antinori, Bryant Family and Seavey. So, it's particularly refreshing to see them making wonderful SUPERB VALUE wines. The Esca Cab is the best value of them all. Sourced from vineyards up and down the Valley, this wine offers no apologies for being relatively inexpensive. Black cherry, black currants, vanilla, sweet earthiness, big and nicely integrated tannins at the end...this has all the flavors that satisfy Cab fans. Screw cap makes for easy openings. Worth getting a case for future parties.
April 28, 2008
Chenin Blanc could be my favorite grape. Thanks to special Loire Valley Chenins, dry and sweet, mostly. I tasted a dry California Chenin last week, loved it, and
just brought it in: FOXEN Chenin Blanc "Old Vines-Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley 2006 ($22). 40+ year-old-vine, dry Chenin from Santa Barbara County. Foxen's been making this wine for years (a relative drop in the bucket produced). Fun fruit flavors, typical of Chenin, swim through the wine. Peaches, mandarin oranges and Meyer lemons come to mind. Famous for having "minerality" (I love that word), this Foxen has just a smidge. Good acid, forward flavors, undeniably tasty and nicely refreshing in the coming warm days, I could go through a case of this at home in a month no problem.
March 3, 2008
PSYCHEDELIC ROOSTER Rosé Napa Valley 2006 by T-Vine Cellars ($13/bottle). Pink wine in winter. Damn yeah! T-Vine ventured forth into the Rose wine business under their newer label, Psychedelic Rooster.
This is all, or mostly, Grenache. It's bled off the red T-Vine Grenache (maybe the best California Grenache, by the way). Very Southern France recipe here. Drinking it as I compose: nose is cracked white & black peppercorns, red plums, raspberry/strawberry. Flavor is pink grapefruit, strawberry, pastry crust, lime juice. This nicely balanced, fruity, dry Rose is a nice match with myriad foods. We just drank half a bottle with some Sunday afternoon guacamole. Read about our "Guac and Rooster Rosé" snack here.
December 19, 2007 
MOUNT EDEN VINEYARDS Chardonnay "Wolff Vineyard" Edna Valley 2006 ($21) is sourced from the oldest producing vineyard in Edna Valley. The wine is a rich, complex, and full bodied expression of Chardonnay. Nicely creamy and rich on the palate, the wines offers up big flavors of lemon zest, butter, caramel, and apricot, ending in a big, long finish. This is a remarkable wine for a great value. Serve it with your Christmas Eve crab, or any other occasion when a deliciously rich Chardonnay is appropriate.
March 31, 2008
Cooler climate Cab Franc fans must try this: CANIHAN FAMILY CELLARS Cabernet Franc, Sonoma Valley 2005 ($24). The owner came into the shop last week and presented this delightful wine to us, and we liked it! The vineyard is between Napa and Sonoma towns, and only 150 cases exist. All the best attributes of Loire Valley style Cab Francs are here: the spicy plum, the violets and white pepper, the silky, bright and lovely berry/cherry. This wine is just so pleasing to drink! Pair as you would a strong Pinot Noir: roast chicken and grilled salmon are on the top of this list.
November 20, 2007
SCHOLIUM PROJECT "HELIOPOLIS - Delu Vineyards" California 2006 ($25) has graced our racks for over six months. When released, I enjoyed it's oily/musky/petuli aromas. Not many agreed with me, and so it sat and sat and sat. We dusted the bottles often.
Owner/Winemaker Abe Schoener brought us a bottle two weeks' ago and we drank it. I didn't recognize the wine. The musk and petuli oil was no more (sob) and the grapefruit/lemon oil/lemon thyme/lime essence jumped from the glass (hooray!). It's very viscous and still light on its feet. Heliopolis, by the way, is 90% Verdelho (one of Madeira's great grapes) and 10% Vermentino from the windy Sacramento Delta. The warm weather and warm fermentation made for the earthy/herbal aromas when very young. It's evolution is quite remarkable. Go figure. This in not only unique, but now I can say that it IS a wine most everybody should enjoy! 237 cases made.
June 26, 2007 (Return engagement)
Subscribing to the belief that you can never have enough delicious, rich, well made and well priced Chardonnay on hand, we proudly feature JAX “Y3” CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2005 ($22). Brother & Sister team Kimberly and Trent Jackson of JAX vineyards in Calistoga are the proprietors. Rob Hunter makes the wine. Jax buys grapes from Chateau Montelena and also shares a Chardonnay vineyard with Pahlmeyer. Not bad company! We taste sweet cream and butter, deep citrus and tropical fruits, roast nuts and caramel. A splash of lemon/lime gives balance and life. Folks, this is spot-on GOOD Chardonnay. The price is sure to please for such a high quality wine.
Lots of great summer food pairings come to mind for this wine: grilled seafood with buttery corn on the cob, pasta with a light lemon cream sauce. How about steamed lobster and redskin potatoes? Menu aside, take our word for it and give “Y3” a try. Pick up a case and it’s yours for under twenty bucks a bottle: Just $237 for twelve bottles of Jax Y3 Chardonnay.
March 18, 2008
When was the last time your favorite wine merchant recommended Tannat? Well, here you go! CAMBIATA Tannat, Monterey 2004 ($24). Owner/Winemaker Eric Laumann is champion of the "alternative variety" such as this deep, husky, brooding red. Where do you see it normally? French Basque country, in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Tannat and tannic evolve from the same root, to give you an idea of the wine's texture and grip. Note, however, that the Cambiata Tannat is big-boned yet it will not suck the moisture out of your mouth. What I taste, and you'll taste, is smoky black cherries, bittersweet chocolate, dark tobacco, black pepper and espresso. It's a grilled red meat wine if there ever was one.
February 28, 2008
(Return Engagement) Funny name, very good wine: ODISEA "Veritable Quandry" California 2005 ($16) blends four grapes: Grenache, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Syrah. The Golden State is well covered, with vineyards from Lodi, Santa Barbara and Lake Counties represented. We like the dark jammy fruit, cocoa/black pepper smells & flavors, easy-to-like charm, exceptional richness and cool looking bottle. Oh, and the value. Lot of wine for the dough. 205 cases made. We first sold this wine last summer and it was a big, big hit. Lucky for us that the owner uncovered a few cases and let us buy them. Dig in! P.S. Quandry is intentionally misspelled on the label. Not sure of the intention, but they know.
December 19, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
IL CUORE "Rosso Classico" Mendocino County 2005 ($12) is a great choice for any weekday evening. Il Cuore ("the heart" in Italian) is a fun, fresh, fruit forward wine, which pairs well with a variety of foods and isn't meant to be taken too seriously. The blend is 47% Zinfandel, 24% Merlot, 21% Malbec, and 8% Barbera. Medium bodied, with spicy red fruits, including berries, plums, and ripe cherries. Nice concentration and balance. Try a bottle with spaghetti and meatballs on a Tuesday evening soon.
February 28, 2008 (Return engagement) 
WESTERLY VINEYARDS Viognier, Santa Ynez Valley 2006 ($21) hails from the southeastern chunk of Santa Ynez known as Happy Canyon. While Santa Barbara as a whole is best known for cool-climate-makes-me-happy Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and spicy Syrah, the sub-AVA Happy Canyon gets real warm. Hot, even. Cab Sauv and Merlot does well here. The Westerly Viognier balances exceptional ripeness without showing excessive alcohol. Flavors in the Westerly include peach with allspice, orange blossom, chrysanthemum, baked pears, nectarines. It's strong wine but keeps you coming back for more. We think this is an exceptional wine, particularly considering the price.
December 4, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
THREE SAINTS Syrah Santa Ynez Valley 2005 ($17) is my new favorite Syrah, hands down. It is not often that a wine this good, with this kind of pedigree, is offered at such a nice price. Kinda refreshing, isn't it? This is the "value" label for the Dierberg's, who own Dierberg Vineyards and Star Lane Vineyards. They employ Paul Hobbs and David Ramey as their consulting winemakers. David Ramey along with winemaker Nicholas de Luca are responsible for this gem, which is big, and really rich, with lots of deep sappy dark berry fruit, and a little smoky olive. Taste mocha and black pepper, too. This is a Syrah which will certainly appeal to Syrah lovers, and also all lovers of big rich California red wine. It compares favorably with a lot of wines that are retailing for four times the price. Take our advice and stock up on Three Saints for the holidays. You'll be glad you did.
January 19, 2008
The search for our first really good, affordable Petite Sirah of 2008 has reapedrewards! TWO ANGELS Petite Sirah High Valley 2005 ($20) is here, and man oh man is it good. Made by famed winemaker Robert Pepi for Quintessential Wines up at Laird, this is 100% Petite Sirah from Shannon Ridge Vineyards in the new High Valley AVA of Lake County. The vineyard is on a 40 degree slope of red volcanic soil at close to 2200 feet, making it the highest vineyard in California, reminiscent of the Rhone Valley's Crozes-Hermitage vineyards. The wine is very concentrated, with big rich dark berry, roast coffee, cigar wrapper, and spicy oak (from 10 months in a combination of new and used French and American barrels.) Ample silky tannins and a rich round mouthfeel combine in a wine that is great paired with grilled meats (the gamier the better,) or that Cuban cigar you smuggled back from your last trip to Canada.
September 19, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
Along with "Veritable Quandry" just below, we also recieved the ODISEA "Angele"
Paso Robles 2006 ($16). The Odisea is 97% Grenache Blanc from “Blackseth Vineyard” located on Paso Robles' Westside and 3% Viognier from Lodi. “Blackseth Vineyard” benefits from an extremely long growing season due to the coastal influence - the Pacific is just 17 miles away. Aged in neutral French oak, the wine is crisp with nice body and richness, lime and citrus, and ample mineral. Only 60 cases produced.
February 2, 2008
We have long been fans of Willowbrook Cellars, and find their wines to be some of the best values in California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The WILLOWBROOK Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2006 ($19) is a great example. This is darn good Pinot Noir, with a nice sweet core of plum and cherry fruit. A little tangy, and a little spicy, there is a lot of delicious, true, and varietally correct Pinot Noir in each and every bottle for this nice price. 456 cases produced.
November 16, 2007
CL Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2006 ($24). Co-Owner/Winemaker Dave Lattin has "the touch." Pinot after Pinot with the "CL" label aren't just really good, they are really good for the money, too! The Sonoma Coast, his best-priced wine, competes with any Pinot made in the world at this price range. Classic nose of red meat, wild cherry, red roses, espresso and black olive. Bold red cherries and plums take over in the mouth but the complex aromas stick around and make the wine complete. Not your "nice, simple Cal Pinot." It matches with myriad dishes, from fish to beef.
August 1, 2007
The quest for a really good, $20ish local Merlot has ended. LONGBOARD MERLOT "Dakine Vineyard" Russian River Valley 2005 ($22) is surfer dude Oded Shakked's ode to his trusted wave rider. Disappointed with multiple local Merlots lately (from very good winemakers, might I add), the Longboard strikes the balance between rich fruit, pleasing mouthfeel and Merlot spicy/Provence herb complexities. Most importantly, should you fear Merlot, is the finish. It's long and persistent. This is GOOD RED WINE, and we're pleased to FINALLY have a Merlot on the shelf here for a pretty nice price.
October 28, 2007
CLAUDIA SPRINGS Pinot Noir "Klindt Vineyard" Anderson Valley 2004 ($22). This high-quality, charming winery in the heart of Anderson Valley puts out quality wines year in and year out. Always fruit forward, always full bodied, always clean and varietally true, you can count on a good bottle of wines when it's from Claudia Springs. We REALLY like their "Klindt Vineyard" Pinot Noir, a big, forward, strong Pinot Noir withgood acidity and bold wild cherry fruit. Great smells, like a bowl of raspberries,strawberries and red cherries gently mashed together. Excellent presence in the mouth...you really feel it. No wimpy Pinot here. And, more importantly, it's not stretched beyond its limits. This is a strongrecommendation for the price.
January 23, 2008
DOWNHILL WINERY Zinfandel "Unti Vineyards" Dry Creek Valley 2005 ($19) is the latest and greatest in value Zin land. Downhill Winery is career 2.0 for Frank Ashton, who spent the last 20 years building a natural foods grocery business in the South Bay, and then decided to swich gears, and go "downhill" into winemaking. This is 100% Zinfandel, Primitivo clone, sourced from Mick Unti's vineyards in Healdsburg. We like this big Zin a lot. It is rich, spicy, and quite concentrated, with a sweet core of berry and plum fruits and a backbone of Asian spices to balance. Open a bottle, toss a pot roast in your pressure cooker, and enjoy both 45 minutes later.
July 2, 2007
SKYLARK Pinot Blanc "Orsi Vineyard" Mendocino County 2006 ($19) is just plain delicious. Second vintage we've carried. No oak, just the purity of the grape. Pears, peaches, grapefruits and apples. Good stuffing and wonderfully fresh. So far we've liked everything Skylark has made, and this is the next in the line of delicious Skylark wines. As your shelf talker here says, "you can't drink just one Skylark!"
September 6, 2007
FRANUS Sauvignon Blanc Carneros 2006 ($21) is really delicious. Mango, pineapple, grapefruit, meyer lemon, lemongrass, green apple. Real crisp but not particularly tangy, this SB is an intense, refreshing, fantastic drink. Owner/Winemaker Peter Franus is a winemaker's winemaker, thoughtful and consistent. His Sauvignon Blanc boasts cool-climate Carneros crispness, myriad fruits from citrus to tropical and a most pleasing mouthwatering acidity. Barely a shave of grass, this SB is really all about the fruit. 450 cases made.
September 22, 2007
Here's our latest, and I think so far our GREATEST under $20 Napa Cab. MADIGAN Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($18). This is White Rock winery's second label. Madigan wines have been around since the early 90's at least. Always very nice. Their '05 goes a step further, with rich ripe berry/cherry, smoke, cocoa, tobacco and sweet spices making for a complete, delicious bottle of Cabernet. With all the barely drinkable teen-priced Cabs out there, it's a real pleasure to have such a good one on our shelves. Next stop: your table.
April 30, 2007
The return of Jus Soli wines will make many Back Room customers very happy.
When we last carried them, you loved them. Only disappointment was when they sold out. Won't happen so fast this time because we grabbed a good hunk of both. JUS SOLI ZINFANDEL Dry Creek Valley 2005 ($26...over the limit for this page, but I feel you'll understand) is both well endowed and well proportioned. Black fruits, plum jam, Rhone-esque whiff of black pepper and Provence herbs, great concentration. Suffice it to say, if you like big Zins, you'll like the Jus Soli a lot, especially at this price. 285 cases made.
JUS SOLI SYRAH Sonoma Valley 2005 ($25) is equally good in a pure, big Syrah way. Equally ripe and sexy fruitiness with French roast coffee, cocoa and Indian spice notes. It's a big fella as well. 290 cases made.
June 11, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
Made by Jamey Whetstone, the MANIFESTO! Sauvignon Blanc California 2006 ($13) is a great wine to have on hand for those hot summer afternoons. The fruit is from Suisun Valley, just east of Napa, and it is mostly Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc, which is known and loved for its tropical fruit flavors and big aromatics. The Manifesto! is full of guava, papaya, citrus, and pear, and it has nice acidity to balance the fruit, making it very food friendly as well. Try this one with some nut crusted grilled Halibut or Mahi Mahi with mango salsa - you'll be glad you did.
October 10, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
For all around great value for a tasty, full bodied, rich California red wine, try PRAXIS Merlot Alexander Valley 2004 ($16). Merlot? you ask. Merlot! I say. Praxis is full and ripe, with big flavors of black cherry, vanilla, dark berry, and wild thyme. None of those green flavors you often find in inexpensive Merlots here. Just big, deep, sappy rich fruit, with a healthy grip of tannin in the finish. Pair it with that big grilled NY strip steak, and be prepared to be pleasantly suprised.
July 3, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
We really enjoyed a bottle of WILLOWBROOK Chardonnay "JCO Limited" Russian River Valley 2004 ($20) last night with dinner. This is a Chard that will appeal to all of you who like big, rich, fleshy, creamy low acid wines. It is from two vineyards, "Owl Ridge" and Sweeney," both in the Russian River Valley. This wine is designated JCO Limited because the winemaker (Joseph C. Otos) selected a small number of their best barrels of Russian River Chardonnay. As far as food to pair with it, roasted chicked, oilier fish, and of coursegrilled lobster.
May 24, 2007
TULOCAY PINOT NOIR Napa Valley ($19). Friend-of-the-shop Jeff Roy started making the Tulocay wines in 2006. One of his first accomplishments was culling the best barrels of Tulocay Pinot, blending and bottling. This Pinot is mix of 2003 and 2004 vintages. It's GOOD, bright, fruity, nicely concentrated and very easy to like. I'd classify it as a very "fruity" style of Pinot as the wild red cherry/raspberry/strawberry flavors are nicelypronounced. Can't go wrong with this delightful little wine.
July 27, 2007
Etude Winery has produced single vineyard wines that harken back to the good ol' days of Napa and bottled them under the Fortitude label. The spirit may recall the past, yet the winemaking and style is pleasingly modern. We have two red wines to offer you: FORTITUDE "Frediani Field Blend" Napa Valley 2005 ($22) is a mix of Charbono, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane, all from the "Frediani Vineyard" in north Napa Valley, near Calistoga. Wild berry/cherry, citrusy acidity, white pepper, star anise and clove flavors mingle about in this food-friendly, mouth watering, juicy, medium bodied, high intensity wine. Full-flavored, rich meats (grilled duck sausage!) is the choice here.
FORTITUDE "Very Old Vine Zinfandel" Napa Valley 2005 ($22) is from the Luvisi Family Vineyard in Calistoga. With dark cherry, liqueur flavors, cocoa, black pepper, high glycerine, low acid, and exceptional richness, the Zin is a good contrast to the "Frediani." Best food match I can think for this Zin is a rich beef stew.
July 24, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
I happen to like my Viognier like Anna Nicole Smith liked her men; big, fat, rich and slightly oily. That's why I'm particularly fond of the SENSORIUM Viognier "MdR Vineyard" Paso Robles 2006 ($20). This wine is really big and rich, full of all the great aromatics and stone fruit you would expect from good California Viognier. This wine is creamy, low in acid and has lots of peach, orange peel, and tropical fruit. Unoaked, it's a big fella without coming off as hot. Only 120 cases were produced. This would pair nicely with grilled Alaskan Halibut served with a grilled nectarine and heirloom tomato salsa, or peach waffles for Sunday brunch.
May 4, 2007
LADERA SAUVIGNON BLANC Howell Mountain, Napa Valley 2006 ($25) just came out, all 440 case production of it. Best known for their big, wonderful Mountain Cabernets, this SB is also outtasight. Tank fermented and neutral oak aged, winemaker Karen Culler lets the rich, wonderful fruit take front stage here. More white Bordeaux style than anything else, the wine smells & tastes of honeysuckle, yellow peach, grapefruit, pineapple and mango. It's dry, plenty rich, and hard to stop drinking!
September 11, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
GREGORY GRAHAM Grenache "Crimson Hill Vineyard" Red Hills, Lake County 2005 ($21) is a screaming good value for tasty and somewhat rare 100% California Grenache. The red volcanic soils of southern Lake County are quickly becoming known for producing some big, complex, serious red wines. This wine is full of rich berry fruit, pomegranite, black pepper, orange zest and white chocolate. It is an excellent compliment to stronger grilled or smoked poultry, and can even compliment gamey meats such as roast lamb.
March 25, 2007
ALOUETTE CHARDONNAY "Middleridge Ranch Vineyard" Mendocino County 2005 ($16) is a very pure expression of Chardonnay, unencumbered by oak or malolactic fermentation. The result is crisp, dry and concentrated, with pear, pineapple, and grapefruit flavors, a slightly floral aroma, and rich round mouthfeel. 1400 cases were produced.
October 5, 2007
New Boxcar Syrah California 2006 ($23) has arrived. Red Car Winery, makers of wonderful tiny-production Syrahs and Pinot Noirs from Northern & Southern California, put what remains of their tasty wine into Boxcar and sell it for 1/3 the price. What you get from every vintage of Boxcar (so far) is great value, very concentrated, rich and fruit forward wine. This is slightly jammy berries, mole, dark tobacco and French Roast coffee. Goes down too easy. The window of opportunity on Boxcar Syrah has always been too small. May not have it come 2008.
August 15, 2007
PLUNGERHEAD ZINFANDEL Sierra Foothills 2004 ($14) is by Don Sebastiani &Sons, the winery with solid-to-excellent value wines and cool packaging to boot (It has a Zork closure! Don't know what a Zork is? Guess you'd better buy a bottle). Nicely intense, on the spicy side and full of wild raspberry and cherry fruit, there's little doubt you have Zin in your mouth here. We really like Sierra Foothills wines when they're done well, and wish we could find more like this Plungerhead. You'll enjoy this as you would a spicy Rhone orSpanish red.
June 1, 2007
CORE Red Wine Santa Barbara County 2005 ($22) is a Rhone-Style blend from the eastern hills of Santa Barbara. Fairly equal amounts of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. We like the sweet, forward, wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavors. We like the spice: anise, allspice, white & black pepper, clove. We like the hint ofolive and bacon. We like it! Food friendly and by itself friendly both, this is a giving, juicy, most definitely Rhone-style red. We think you should buy a case, but who are we to say?
January 12, 2007
We're happy to have two new wines from Blockheadia Ringnosii. The Sauvignon Blanc "All Tank" Napa Valley 2005 (SOLD OUT) is super zingy. Flavors of lemon, green apple, lime blossom and white peach dance about. If we served steamed mussels here, we'd pour this by the glass and insist our customers have with.
Blockheadia Ringnosii Zinfandel Sonoma County 2004 ($22) includes a dash of Syrah and Petite Sirah for a little more structure and layers. This is a charmer. Raspberries, white pepper, plum preserves, blueberries, cocoa and truffle flavors come to mind. This Zin boasts good acidity. With or without food, you'll enjoy very much. As a food pairing, thin crust pizza with sweet Italian sausage, olives and roast garlic fits the bill.
July 18, 2007 (By Ryan Gaham)
ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY Moscato d'Oro Napa Valley 2004 ($17/half bottle) is grown in the Stag's Leap District, on Wappo Hill around Robert Mondavi's home. The wine is very charming, and suprisingly affordable for the quality of the dessert wine in the bottle. The grape is Muscat Canelli, and flavors of honeysuckle, ripe peach, citrus and spice dominate. This is a great choice to serve with homemade peach crisp and vanilla ice cream on a warm summer night.
July 24, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
MUELLER Pinot Gris Russian River Valley 2006 ($19) is just downright yummy wine. It starts out nice and crisp, and then there is a giant explosion of green apple mid-palate. The wine is aged Sur Lie in stainless steel, which adds to the rich round mouthfeel, and overall complexity. Medium bodied, and oh-so-good, it's a great choice for summer al fresco dining, paired with lighter dishes, poultry, and cheeses.
March 8, 2007
We're mucho impressed with the YORK CREEK TEMPRANILLO Sonoma County 2004 ($25). This is from York Creek's estate vineyard on the the top of Spring Mountain. All the Tempranillo grapes are on the Sonoma County side, thus the designation. The nose is allspice cooking in hot butter along with a deep, dark fruitiness. The flavor is a ton of spicy berry. Good acidity, ample texture and bite and a nice new-world ripeness and precociousness make this wine pretty special and a heckuva bargain. Only 200 cases made.
December 18, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
Just in time for the Holidays, we are pleased to be able to offer you two fantastic options for great California Sparkling Wine at an unbelievable value. The first, a wine that has always been near and dear to my heart, (and has accompanied me to many a party) is the ROEDERER ESTATE ANDERSON VALLEY BRUT ROSÉ. The wine is salmon in color, and real dry and tangy. The blend in the bottle is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, all Estate grown. Five percent still Pinot Noir is added for body and color prior to secondary fermentation; no malolactic fermentation is used. Oak-aged reserve wines from the Estate's cellars make up 10 to 20 percent of the Rosé cuvée. The wine is full of flavors of cranberry, wild cherry, grapefruit and tangerine.
October 9, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
MORGAN "Highland" Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2005 ($24) is consistently one of the best Chardonnay values out there. The wine is sourced from Morgan's own "Double L" vineyard, along with other primo SLH vineyards, including Rosella’s, Vinco, Black Mountain, and the Lucia Highlands vineyards. The wine is really rich, with loads of brown butter, pear, apple, and carmel. This would pair really well with rich seafood - lobster, crab cakes, or even a rich fall cassoulet.
April 26, 2007 (By Ryan Graham) Return engagement
ROCKLEDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON St. Helena, Napa 2003 ($25) is from a small estate vineyard just east of the Silverado Trail, right by Joseph Phelps off Taplin Road. The soils in the vineyard are extrmely rocky, hence the name, adding to the intensity and complexity of the wine. The 590 cases produced were aged 16 months in 60% new French oak barrels prior to bottling. The wine is nicely concentrated, big and spicy, with clove, leather, dark red fruits, and nicely integrated tannins. Enjoy it today after an hour of decanting, or lay it down for a year or two. Either way it's a lot of Cab for the money.
June 27, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
The TIN BARN Zinfandel "Dalraddy Vineyard" Napa Valley 2004 ($19) is sourced from Charlotte Williamson's dry farmed vineyard located in Chiles Valley, in the hills east of Rutherford. The vineyard is more than 30 years old. The wine has a dark red/purple color and deep black cherry fruit, although it is definitely on the more medium bodied side, which makes it a good food wine as well. The wine displays a firm tannic structure and a lovely finish of white pepper spice coupled with a hint of toasty oak. There is a lot of spice in the wine, along with pleasant freshness and intensity. BBQ ribs and chicken, slathered in sauce, and a bottle of Tin Barn Zin make for a great summer evening.
August 17, 2007
4 BEARS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 ($15) is AS GOOD A $15 NAPA CAB WE'VE EVER HAD. Stop the presses! This is wine purchased from different lots around Napa then blended by 4 Bears, i.e. negociantwine. Friend-of-the-wine-shopWill Bucklin (of "Old Hill Ranch" in Sonoma Valley) consults on the 4 Bears wies.Sweet black cherries, malt, whiff of colaand vanilla, lush with healthy tannins tosupport. We're very afraid of overt green and jalapeno pepper flavors in "value Cab." No pepper thing going on here, and Dionysus proclaims, "this is good."
March 20, 2007
Back Room Wines is a huge supporter of MAURITSON ZINFANDEL Dry Creek Valley 2005 ($23 net). You may recall our endorsement of the 2004, and maybe you even bought a few bottles from us. That was really good, and so is this 2005! The Zin is sourced from both Mauritson's own "Rockpile" vineyard and other high quality Dry Creek Valley spots. We really like the power and the balance of this Zin. Blueberry, black raspberry, black pepper, clove, vanilla bean, juicy and very very nice. Plenty of everything good in Zin and not too much of anything. 790 cases made. It's a good thing more people don't appreciate this wine. Means we can offer it to you even longer!
July 2, 2007
BRIDGEWAY CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 ($20), for a very well priced Napa Cab, we find hard to beat. Sweet berry/cherry, cedar, tobacco, white pepper and smoke notes here. Complex, substantial and long. Cab Franc, Merlot and Malbec blended in, giving more flavors and fun. Case of this in your wine locker would be quite nice, and wouldn't set you back very much at all...for good Napa Cab.
March 29, 2007
SULLIVAN "RED INK" Napa Valley 2004 ($22) blends Merlot, Syrah andCabernet Sauvignon in a 21st Century meets "traditional" winemaking style. Whadayamean, Dan? Well, the 21st Century reference explains the black/red cherry preserves and liqueur qualities. "Traditional" style is my way of introducing the earth, acid and tannins in the wine. It's all there, which makes for exceptional complexity in this big "value red" from Napa Valley. It sets itself apart style-wise from the dark, jammy, thick red blend style a la The Prisoner. Good by itself, "Red Ink" will taste twice as good with red meats cooked over an open flame.
July 14, 2007
SPICERACK Syrah “Rack & Roll” Paso Robles 2004 $22/bottle
The following are notes and recap from our Syrah tasting held on June 1:
Interesting story here. Spicerack is owned and made by a Marin winemaker named Jonathan Pey. He helped make this wine when working for a big wine company, then bought the wine in barrel when he left them. From dry, rocky soils in Paso. Many have marked this area as the place to be make outstanding Rhone-like Syrah. This one hits the mark, we think. The texture is as impressive as the flavors. (Go ahead, just feel it for a moment.) 8% Mourvedre. 425 cases made.
Very much enjoyed! We were really pleased by the reaction. Spicy nose, lovely yet subtle fruit, strong mouthfeel, very complete and a good value. The crowd agreed: this is an authentic, tasty, Syrah that's pleasingly underpriced!
March 22, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
We have two fantastic, crisp new whites in the shop, just in time for spring from Skylark Wine Company. SKYLARK PINOT BLANC "Orsi Vineyard" Mendocino County 2005 ($19) is from an organic vineyard just northeast of Hopland planted in 1982. Big fruit flavors of pear, Granny Smith apple, and citrus compliment the bright acidity. Aged in stainless steel and neutral oak with no malolactic fermentation, the wine is dry, crisp, and ever so food friendly. 400 cases produced.
April 4, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
BARRACK HAPPY CANYON VINEYARDS "CHUKKER" Santa Barbara County 2006 ($19) is a Bordeaux style blend of mostly Cabernet Franc, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from warm Happy Canyon in Santa Ynez. The wine is made by Doug Margerum, and the Cabernet Franc definitely shows its colors with flavors of plum, peppercorn, lavendar and herb. The Cab and Merlot ring in as well with ripeness, acidity, and tannin. This is definitely a wine drinker's wine, and also great with food. Think grilled lamb loin, rapini, and roasted fingerlings. As for "Chukker," it is one of 6 playing periods in a polo game.
March 2, 2007
PICCOLO ROSSO Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2006 ($16) is owned and made by Solo Rosa Owners/Winemakers Jeff Morgan and Daniel Moore. This "little red" is a juicy little number, full of brightness and pleasure. The color is more blush than red, and we have had a customer or two who have balked at the wine due to the light color. They're loss, because it's GOOD. What we like about this wine is there are no apologies for this happy Pinot that keeps things simple.
It's very true to the grape. Wild cherry, spiced plum, sweet earth, allspice and nutmeg flavors play off each other nicely. A 2006, this couldn't have been bottled more than two months' ago. I imagine it will get even better with a few months' time in bottle. Interesting to note that this wine really improved the day after we opened it, and was still drinking fine three days after being open. (Not that this is an issue at my home.)
March 6, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
Back for a return engagement are two wines from Etude's new label, Fortitude,made by Etude winemaker Jon Priest. FORTITUDE "FREDIANI FIELD BLEND" Napa Valley 2004 ($22) is a blend of 66% Charbono, 15% Carignane, 14% Zinfandel, and 5% Petite Sirah from 60+ year old vines grown in the Frediani family vineyard near Calistoga. The wine is very concentrated, and has rich dark fruit, and a good bit of spice to it too. There is bright acidity, balanced with softer tannins. This is definitely one to enjoy with all of your favorite grilled meats.
FORTITUDE SEMILLON Napa Valley 2005 ($15) is 100% semillion from the Luvisi family Vineyard near Calistoga. Opening with aromas of Meyer lemon zest, the wine is crisp and vibrant, with nice acidity, a round mouthfeel and bigger, oilier texture. This is definitely a good compliment to Salmon or Sturgeon.
May 15, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
EDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2004 ($20) is from fruit sourced up and down the Silverado Trail. The wine is rich, ripe, and ready to drink now. It's predominantly Cabernet, blended with a little Merlot. It is full bodied, with vanilla bean, dark berries, currant, and sweet toasty oak. We're always excited to be able to offer Cabs this tasty for twenty dollars, and we think this one is a particularly good value.
April 4, 2007
VERTEX "RED CUVÉE - BLEND NO. 611" North Coast ($17) is a blend of Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa & Sonoma Petite Verdot, Cab Franc, Merlot and Malbec. It has two years' harvests in it: 2003 and 2004. In their concerted effort to make super-value red wines, this winery ("The Gabrielle Collection") has shown that you can find extremely good California red wine for under $20. I get the black cherry preserves flavor here along with a little toasty oak, pie spice, cedar and malt. Low acid, quite full bodied but not really tannic, this is a drink-me-now rich red perfect for a weeknight.
November 14, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
In case you are in need of more than one bottle of fantastic Sparkling California wine for your holiday festivities (who isn't?), GLORIA FERRER ROYAL CUVEE BRUT 1997 ($22) should fit the bill nicely. This Sparkler was first crafted for visiting Spanish Royalty, and the wine strikes a balance between high-toned fruit flavors and complex elements realized from seven years of yeast aging. Thirteen different base wines were blended to create the final cuvée, using both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Taste strawberries, green apple, fig, and a good bit of toast and bread dough. Boasts an exceptional, long, fine finish.
November 14, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
Scherrer Chardonnay "Scherrer Vineyard" Sonoma County 2003 ($24). This is the estate vineyard for Scherrer in Anderson Valley. If you like your Chards a bit oaky, this is the wine for you. Nicely concentrated, you'll notice lime and buttered popcorn on the nose, and lemon curd, rich cream, and toasty croissant on the palate. The juice spent one year in French Oak and went through full malolactic fermentation. Definitely a contender to pair with your Thanksgiving turkey.
November 18, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
FROSTWATCH CHARDONNAY BENNETT VALLEY 2004 ($24) This is Chardonnay from cool climate BennettValley in Sonoma County, just southeast of Santa Rosa. Made by Brett Raven, Owner/Winemaker for Frostwatch. Brett is an attorney turned winemaker, and he is also the Cellar Master for David Ramey, and he makes his wine there. The fruit for the wine is sourced from his estate vineyard just below Bennett Peak, and he also buys grapes from his neighbors on either side of him. Some of the fruit is from 30 year old Wente clone vines. It is typical of good cool climate chardonnay, with flavors of apple, cream, citrus, vanilla, and a hint of new French oak. Not over the top, the wine is concentrated and extremely well balanced. 171 cases made
October 26, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
BORRA VINEYARDS "FUSION" LODI 2004 ($19) Fusion is a proprietary blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel, grown on the Gill Creek Ranch, near Lockeford. This is a "more bang for your buck" kind of wine, with big jammy flavors of ripe blackberries and cherries. Low acid, and teeth-staining richness fill out the big fruit flavors. It's a party in the mouth.
October 25, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
TROU de BONDE PINOT BLANC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY 2005 ($20) Owner/winemaker Clay Brock obviously has a sense of humor, because "Trou de Bond" translates to "hole of plug" or bunghole as the case may be. He obviously is serious about his winemaking however, because what is in the bottle is seriously good Pinot Blanc. From the Bien Nacido Vineyard, the wine opens with exotic aromas, and flavors of citrus and green apple. Crisp and dry, with bright acidity and a lingering finish. 600 cases produced.
November 2, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
LAYER CAKE SHIRAZ BAROSSA VALLEY 2005 ($15) This is a new project from Jayson Woodbridge, of Hundred Acre Vineyard California cult Cab fame. This intense wine is a blend of 100% Shiraz from 4 different low-yield, dry climate vineyards in the Barossa Valley in South Eastern Australia. Just a touch of French oak really lets the fruit shine through here, and Layer Cake is big and rich, with black raspberries, blueberries, and a little chocolate and spice. For such a big, inky, luscious wine, the finish is suprisingly clean and balanced. You'd be hard pressed to find many wines this well made for the money.
February 26, 2007
New vintage of ROSENBLUM PETITE SIRAH "Heritage Clones" San Francisco Bay 2005 ($19). Another outstanding big value red from Rosenblum. It's big, rich and spicy. This is all Contra Costa County old vine Petite, which is very special fruit that can't fetch the $$$ it deserves. Oh well, your gain! Speaking to the many lovers of the 2004 vintage of this wine: more tannins, more structure and tighter than the 2004 is RIGHT NOW. It will unwind and be just as good if not better than the 2004. I'm not saying it's too tannic now...it's young Petite Sirah, it's supposed to be tannic. If you're comparing the two right now, you'll like the 2004 better tonight, but you'll like the 2005 a lot too. Come holiday time (can't believe I'm thinking holidays right now) you'll be pleased as punch you have this around.
February 14, 2007
Just revisited one of our favorite "value reds," TOPEL SYRAH "Cuvée Donnis" Monterey 2003 ($22). It reminds me why I like Syrah so much. At its best, it is unmistakably Syrah, i.e. the aromas and flavors are not like any other grape. Also, at its best, the fruit is up front and simply delicious. Not to compare the Topel with Guigal single vineyard Cote Rotie, but "Cuvée Donnis" has fruit, character and deliciousness, all for $22. The Topel home and winery is in Mendocino (near Hopland), and the Syrah comes from southern Monterey County (the warmer part of Monterey). We like this a lot...can't get enough of it.
January 4, 2007
A cool winter night needs, I think, a rich and unassuming red. Guess what, I got one (are you surprised?) Box Car Syrah, California 2005 ($21) is just plain yummy. This is the second label for Red Car winery, who produces deep, brooding, complex, special Syrahs and Pinot. The Box Car is perfect for what it is: a fruit forward, quite low acid, ripe raspberry and blueberry laden, delicious drink. Have this with hot ham & cheese sandwich, or grilled wienies with Boston baked beans on the side.
November 4 , 2006
Should you be a fan of Orin Swift "The Prisoner" (2004 still here, by the way, for $28...the 2005 costs more) then try this on for size: YORK CREEK "MXB" Spring Mountain, Napa Valley 2004 ($25). This is Spring Mountain "Estate" blend of 55% Zinfandel then Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. Of its many qualities, it's super-duper concentration is the most notable. Black fruits abound (MXB stands for "mixed blacks" don't ya know) and are spiked with pie spice, cocoa, maple, curry and black olive. On the 1-10 scale, it gets a 9 for concentration and a 6 for complexity.
February 5, 2007
Here today but gone too soon, the Patassy Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2005 ($24/bottle) competes with Pinots at twice the price. This cold Sonoma vineyard makes nicely rich Pinot with a little (not a lot of) tang. "Silky" is the oft-used description for Russian River Pinots, and the shoe fits here. Slightly spicy cherry nose, seductive fruit flavor, creamy, juicy and friendly. For a solid, versatile Pinot Noir to open at home with dinner (pick your dish...this wine works with most), this is as close to a sure thing as we have.
December 5 , 2006
ELYSE "NERO MISTO" California 2004 ($24) is so darn good. What a classic real-ripe California red blend. It's got everything one wants from such a wine. Jump-from-the-glass fruitiness, spice, power, suppleness, creaminess. Pour this for someone fairly new to the world of fine wine and they'll likely do handstands. I know just enough about "Nero Misto" (Italian for "Mixed Blacks," as in black grapes) to be dangerous. It's a field blend of lots of grapes-Zinfandel for sure, then I'm not sure...Barbera, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet? Goodly dose of Napa fruit in here. My generalities are intentional, for it doesn't matter nearly as much as the total yumminess of this wine!
December 18, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
NAVARRO GEWURZTRAMINER ANDERSON VALLEY 2004 ($19) is everything you could want in a fantastic cool climate white wine. Ever so slightly off-dry, with intense aromatics and a great bit of spice and acidity, this is exactly what you'd expect of good Gewürztraminer. You'll find aromas and flavors of roses, minerals, grapefruit, and lychee. Nice complexity, with richness and layers of flavor, this is a great wine to serve with the Christmas Goose.
October 6 , 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
CL Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2005 ($22) Owner/Winemaker Dave Lattin is a local artisan producer of Pinot Noir, and this wine is a blend of three single vineyard lots on the western Sonoma Coast. This is an intense yet delicate Pinot, bursting with bright cherry and strawberry flavors, pie spice and herbal notes. The fruit and acid are incredibly well balanced, and for the money it’s a smokin’ good value.
Best Zin values out there: MAURITSON ZINFANDEL DRY CREEK VALLEY 2004 ($23). Powerful yet silky ripe, dark berry flavor, alluring spice flavors of anise, clove and mincemeat, quite penetrating as it goes down. Zin lovers' dream for under twenty five we think. The Mauritson family owns "Rockpile Vineyard" due north of Dry Creek Valley. This bargain line from them indicates such by price only, not by quality. We'll be turning you onto this one as long as we can keep getting it.
December 18, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
Should you be a fan of good Zinfandel, or tasty Cotes-du-Rhone for that matter, TEIRA ZINFANDEL SONOMA COUNTY 2004 ($14) may very well be the wine for you. It is medium bodied, and very pleasing on the palate, with lots of wild berries, cherries, white pepper, and dried herbs. It is definitely a Zin for fans of Rhone-style wines. Lower in alcohol (13.9%), and definitely on the more restrained side, it is a well crafted wine in the Old World style. Approximately 600 cases were produced.
September 27, 2006
Pinots are hard to keep on the racks. Our selection of Pinot Noir is really good, and they got bought up and (I assume) drunk up very quickly. Always on the look-out for an exceptional "value Pinot," an old friend just came back: Raye's Hill Pinot Noir "Wightman House Vineyard" Alexander Valley 2003 ($22). The qualities of this Raye's Hill bottling is its lightness, prettiness yet authoritative richness of fruit and length. I've poured this Pinot for guests before, and Raye's Hill "Wightman" Pinot's light color makes skeptics out of some. Not to worry, folks, for the strawberry, plum, wild cherry, pink grapefruit flavors, creamy mouth feel and intensity bely its light color. This is the best roast salmon filet on a Wednesday night wine I can imagine. 196 cases made.
May 10, 2006
"BBQ approved" is stamped on the label of SUTTON CELLARS CARIGNANE "TRIMBLE VINEYARD" MENDOCINO 2004 ($16). Bursting with berry fruit and white pepper flavor with bright acidity and a pure, strong finish, the Sutton Carignane is a gem of a red wine and a great value. Try at our "Reds For The Grill" tasting July 7. 185 cases made.
October 14 , 2006
A long-time customer of mine asked me about Rosenblum Petite Sirah "Heritage Clones" San Francisco Bay 2004 ($19). "Available? What do you think?" he asked. Had no clue, so I found it, tried it, and really enjoyed it. It's interesting since a plethora of wide-bodied Petites have been presented to us lately, and I haven't like a one. Off dry, too oaked out, very clumsy. So, the Rosenblum was particulary refreshing, and rekindled my spirit for the grape. (By the way, the icky Petites I tried were roughly twice the price of this.) "Heritage Clones" is mostly Contra Costa fruit. It's blueberry pie with some cracked black pepper and vanilla bean undertones. It's black-purple and very concentrated, but not really tannic. Big production for a Back Room Wine at almost 10K cases made, but in this case I cannot deny the quality and value.
November 8, 2006
I'm tasting this (for about the fifth time) as I compose this. MARGERUM Sauvignon Blanc "Westerly Vineyards" Santa Ynez Valley 2005 ($19). We received a little of the '05 Ojai SB from this same vineyard, and that was really good, too! We thinks Westerly is a natural for killer Sauvignon Blanc. Dried thyme and a little bay leaf snuggle up to a bucket of fresh peaches, limes and green apples. Not lacking in ripeness nor acidity, the Margerum here is just about perfect Cal SB. We poured this in our Friday night "Parker 92 and higher" tasting (it got 92 from R.P.) and was adored by all.
October 14, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
BRIDGEWAY CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2002 ($20) It’s hard to find a good bottle of Napa Cab for such a great price any more, but occasionally we luck out. This is straightforward, honest, easy-drinking Cab, that’s not trying to be anything more than good wine. The blend is 78% Cab, 9% Petit Verdot, and then 6.5% each Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Big nose of cherries and berries, with sweet oak, bay leaf, and good spice. There is nice richness and complexity, and this wine is a good reminder that good Cabernet doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
June 22, 2006
TREMANI PINOT GRIS RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2005 ($16) pure and simply screams summertime drinking. Pure juicy peach, pear and nectarine flavors, no oak, slight tang of acidity, pure and lovely. Drinks very nicely all by itself, and of course goes great with al fresco dining. For a Cal white in the hot season, this is hard to beat. It's cool Russian River Valley fruit from this ever so tiny winery. You can practically feel the ocean breeze shoot up the Russian River and kiss your cheek as you imbibe in this wine.
October 19, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
CAZAR CHARDONNAY SONOMA COAST 2005 ($22) This is a second label for Bill Hunter, of Chasseur Wines. Cool Sonoma Coast fruit produces a creamy, toasty, buttery chardonnay with tropical fruits, citrus and pear. Drinks like quality Chardonnay for twice the price, and really delivers on complexity and layers of flavor.
August 24, 2006
Crazy that this wine is in the 25 and under category, but here it is: CAFARO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2001 ($25) was a $40 wine that we now sell for this nice price...and can discount on a case! Tried it today, and no apologies, for it's solid Cabernet. In fact, knowing the Cafaro style, this wine is just now beginning to drink like the $40 Cab that it normally is. Cola berry, mulberry, earth, cedar, bakers' chocolate. It's powerful yet elegant at the same time. This Cab boasts good acidity without being tart. Killer diller black pepper coated New York Strip hot off the grill. This is a no brainer if there ever was one.
July 16, 2006
"VERTEX - JUST RED No. 610" ($17) is a California red blend. To be more exact, it's 55% Cab Sauv from the Red Hills of Lake County (an excellent source for rich Cab at a good price, may I add) then Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah and Petite Sirah from Sonoma, Lodi and Napa vineyards. As it's a combo of 2003 and 2004 fruit, it's a non vintage, or multiple vintage, whatever you prefer. "Baby Prisoner" I call it for it's real big on the ripe berry fruit, maintains richness from nose to long finish, and carries a nice spicy thing throughout, too. I had this wine at a charity event, where Gabrielle of "Gabrielle Wine Company" was pouring it. I was impressed, so had her bring it in to try again, and was impressed again. Now you can be impressed. Buy it by the case!
May 28, 2006
GRAFF FAMILY VIOGNIER CHALONE A.V.A. 2004 ($20) has all I want in Viognier: beautiful smells of flowers and fresh peaches, rich mouthfeel, and not too much alcohol. The cool, limestone-etched Chalone area is a natural for Viognier, and here's your example. No oak. Lots of orange blossom aromas too. Just exotic enough. Have with tea smoked duck and Chinese spareribs.
May 10, 2006
ELIZABETH SPENCER PINOT NOIR SONOMA COAST 2004 ($25) "Pinot Noir on steroids" is my pat line for the Spencer Pinot. It’s hulky!. Bing cherry, blackberry, rose petal and five spice flavors dominate. I’ve suggested and sold this Pinot to those who typically drink Cabs, Zins and Syrahs. I’ve been right every time so far, knock knock. 552 cases made.
January 11, 2006
Esca Zinfandel Sonoma County 2003 for $19/bottle. All Dry Creek Valley fruit, this is a classic example of the AVA with its blackberry jam, blueberry/cherry pie, and allspice flavors. A nice nibble of tannins on the end complete the deal. 450 cases made.
January 7, 2006
Always on the hunt for really good Merlot for at least under thirty dollars, the Sandhill Merlot Red Mountain, Washington 2002 for $23/bottle reminds me what good Merlot for a pretty good price can still taste like. And it is this: deep, dark, black fruit flavors with notes of Pernod, vanilla bean and toasted wheat bread. The finish here is nicely long and structured. Red Mountain, FYI, is a sub-AVA within Yakima Valley. This vineyard is coming on twenty years of age. High quality here.
August 12, 2006
MORGAN CHARDONNAY "METALLICO" MONTEREY 2005 ($18) is as good as ever for this very popular wine from Morgan. No ML (i.e. no butter) and no oak (for all intents and purposes). Apple/peach/melon/citrus thing. Substantial mouth feel, yummy fresh flavor, great with fish, great with fried chicken, great with creamy pasta sauces. Morgan continues to make the best value wines in the state, be it this under 25 gem or their superb, single vineyard Chardonnays and Pinots.
August 31, 2006
CASAEDA SYRAH SONOMA COAST 2004 ($22) is a new "second label" for Culler Wines. Karen Culler, winemaker (especially Syrah maker) extraordinaire, crafted this beauty from different Sonoma Coast vineyard lots. Only 223 cases made. Mix of red and black fruits sit sweetly on the palate. Classic Northern Rhone Syrah flavors of white pepper, wild thyme, olive, bacon, lavender make an appearance here. It's rich, pure, totally enjoyable and a fine fine value.
March 29, 2006
After trying this Zin three times now, I’m more convinced as ever that the Teira Zinfandel Sonoma County 2003, $14/bottle, is as good a value as “big” Cal red gets. Fruit from Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys, where the most smooth and velvety Zins are typically made. My notes read: nose of black cherry and currant, whiff of toasty oak, malt and cocoa. Big mulberry burst of fruit, medium to full body, good structure at the end (i.e. it’s got some nice tannins). Very nice flavor, could see this selling for $18-$20/bottle easy.
June 12, 2006
QUPE SYRAH CENTRAL COAST 2004 ($16) Vintage to vintage, the "basic" Syrah from Qupe delivers big flavor for a very good price. This Santa Barbara County stalwart brings it home again with blueberry, anise, vanilla, clove and black pepper flavors. Nice viscous mouth feel. Goes well beyond "gets the job done," this is very good red wine.
May 10, 2006
COPAIN ROSÉ "LE PRINTEMPS" MENDOCINO COUNTY 2005 ($14) is best just slightly chilled, for this Pinot Noir Rosé is rather red wine like. Ripe red cherry, cranberry sauce, black pepper, rosewater and orange zest comes to mind as I enjoy a healthy glass of this.
January 10, 2006
I really like the Brandborg Pinot Noir "Bench Lands" Umpqua Valley, Oregon 2003 ($20/bottle) as a classic, nicely ripe representation of Oregon Pinot. Sweet barrel frame but not too much. The wild cherry and dried wild herb are unmistakable. This wine boasts an intensity of fruit that non-Pinot drinkers would call "light" and Pinot lovers will call "spot-on." God love you for understanding. Excellent Thursday night salmon steak with sautéed spinach, shallots and mushrooms wine. From Umpqua Valley, just south of the better-known Willamette Valley. Umpqua is a little warmer, thus one usually gets a little more briary flavor and weight. And with 2003 being the hot vintage in Oregon, you can imagine the style. But again, not over-the-top. Yes, just right.
January 11, 2006
A small Napa winery by name of Esca is making some rich, full-bodied red wines for very good prices. Just got in Esca Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 ($21/bottle). All Spring Mountain fruit. This Cabernet truly delivers the goods: cocoa, dark & ripe berry/cherry, truffle, tannins. For high quality Napa Cabernet for a good deal, this is the one. 800 cases made.
January 5, 2006
Morgan Chardonnay Monterey 2004 ($20/btl.) satisfies every urge you may have for quality, rich/buttery/toasty Chardonnay. And, balance! I find discriminating palates who don't usually care for the "big Chards" will happily drink this wine down. Really. Spicy applesauce, peach preserved, buttered warm biscuit, toasted almonds, dry sherry, and of course sweet butter. It's yummy!
March 26, 2006
It's officially spring, so time to bring in a local warm weather white: Two Wives Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2005, $16. Owned and made by Chris Madrigal (wife of Chris Madrigal) and Elizabeth Naylor (wife of Michael Trujillo), this is "Yount Mill Vineyard" fruit from between St. Helena and Calistoga. All steel fermented and aged, bottled young to capture the freshness. This is a richer style of SB in the spectrum of Sauvignon Blancs of the world. This is pear/peach/apple style of SB rather than the grapefruit/citrus style, as I expect from warmer climate Sauvignon Blanc. Serve nicely chilled so the acidity shines, I suggest. 750 cases made.
May 10, 2006
MORGAN PINOT GRIS "R&D FRANSCIONI VINEYARD" SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS 2005 ($18). Year to year this is one of my favorite California white wines. As I sip, thoughts of pink grapefruit, almond, lime zest and seabreeze make me pine for fresh fish of any shape, size or color. With pleasingly brisk acidity and a surprising depth of flavor, it gives all the pleasure of a fine Sauvignon Blanc but with a little more girth.
November 4, 2005
I practically stumbled upon Ursa Petite Sirah "Shell Creek Vineyard" Paso Robles 2003 ($20/btl.), as it was quietly poured for me amongst many just OK wines. For one, this wine fills two slightly embarrassing voids in the store: very good Petite Sirah, and representation of quality wines from Paso Robles. I know next-to-nothing of Ursa winery (except they reside in Placerville, CA) or this, their Petite Sirah (except it's "Shell Creek," one of Paso Robles best vineyards). Under 500 cases made. I do know the flavor, and I'm diggin' it. Classic big big big Petite Sirah deep, dark berry fruitiness. Tannins on the end, but not really tannic. Juicy, black and full. Does more than "gets the job done," in fact it kinda rocks.
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