The Summer 2006 Newsletter
A New Jersey customer (and friend) advised me that "saying I’m a great wine merchant is like saying I’m a good kisser...there’s a lot of those out there." Point being: to remind you, my readers, that the great wines I offer to you are made here, in Back Room Wines’ backyard. The winemakers typically drop their wine off themselves, and I know most of them quite well. I’m your Napa Valley Wine Insider! Got it? This first section is dedicated to my backyard wines, then I branch out (just a little). Enjoy!
From My Backyard
DETERT CABERNET FRANC OAKVILLE NAPA VALLEY 2003 (SOLD OUT) is one of the few wines that merits a "wow" in my tasting notes. How much can I write? Rich, chocolatey, dark, lush and super yummy. This is the type of wine that gets bashed by those who can’t make wine this delicious. The Detert Family Vineyard is in the tenderloin of Napa, mid-valley, at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind "Tokalon." Considering the breed and sheer quality of the wine, you’d think that this would go for $60. Only 200 cases made. Unfortunately for us, the Detert is pretty limited.
FOUNTAINHEAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON "MORISOLI-BORGES" RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($45) is special. Like the Detert, this is A+ property to grow Cab, and the wine shows it. The nose is fun with a Zin-like pepper spice, black cherry, cedar box and berry liqueur. The flavor is rich and seamless. The true sign of quality, I feel, comes just before you swallow. This is when the rich, sweet berry flavor attacks! Great finish. First there’s fruit, then more spice, olive and earth. The food pairing ideas here are endless as this wine has appropriate restraint.
It’s a new vintage for HERON LAKE PINOT NOIR "MISS OLIVIA BRION" WILD HORSE VALLEY 2004 ($37). Annointed "the best Heron Lake yet" by winemaker David Mahaffey, I’m a believer. I’ve always loved the red rose petal/wild cherry nose of Heron Lake, and the 2004 has this in spades. Intense red fruitiness, exceptional intensity, a good strong structure and loads of spice & floral notes make this Pinot real special. With only 250 cases made, I’m lucky to be a preferred merchant for this wine. Still, I doubt it will be around for long.
Pardon me a moment for the pretension, but the FAVIA "CERRO SUR" NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($85) is a true wine-geeks’ wine. "Cerro Sur" is 85% Cab Franc, 15% Cab Sauv from the Coombsville region, just east of Napa-town. Imagine Napa Valley grapes growing in sunny, rocky Chateauneuf-du-Pape: tobacco leaf, five spice and wild thyme mingle with red berry, cherry & currant. This is a wine-insider must-try. 200 cases.
To purchase, Email , go to Order Page,
Or call, Toll Free, 877-322-2576
Can you think of a better way to welcome a summer afternoon than with a glass of crisp, wonderful Sauvignon Blanc? I have for you one of the best, CROCKER & STARR SAUVIGNON BLANC NAPA VALLEY 2005 ($26). Cool-climate "Hyde Vineyard" in Carneros gives the green apple and lime flavors and the warmer "Crocker Vineyard" explains the guava/white peach flavors. Pam Starr’s fine winemaking does the rest. Luscious, pleasingly plump and super-aromatic, this is unquestionably one of the elite Sauvignon Blancs of California.
I have hopes to scoop the competition with this big fella - MARSHALL CELLARS "JULIET PEERY" NAPA VALLEY 2002 ($55). Owner Vera Marshall previewed this wine at Blow Out XVI last month (Blow Out XVII, June 16. Be here.) and this wine stole the show. This is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from "Tokalon Vineyard" in Oakville, with Coombsville fruit finishing it off. It’s delicious! Fruit forward (black cherries, mulberries and such) with the perfect frame of vanilla and chocolate creme brulée...not too much. Rather than going crazy with descriptors, I relay the scene here: some 60 tasters at The Blow Out tried it and went nuts. Now it’s your turn.
The wines of ARNOT ROBERTS are intense. With four wines just released, and total case production at 300, there’s a lot of love put into every bottle. The ARNOT ROBERTS SYRAH "HUDSON VINEYARD" CARNEROS 2004 ($60 net) is spectacular. It’s a Rhone-meets- California-Syrah with all the olive, bacon, truffle, earth and smoke going on with the big black berry fruit. It’s young, so try to wait a year before opening one. ARNOT ROBERTS CABERNET SAUVIGNON "WILD IRIS" 2003 ($80 net) is Chalk Hill, Sonoma County wine. Strong! Charcoal, black currant, cola, smoke, meaty, structured and young read my tasting notes. This is a wine geek special if there ever was one. And, I’m afraid, it’s quite limited.
Neal Family & T-Vine Cellars
If you don’t yet know the Neal Family wines, it’s time. I have two for you to enjoy. The NEAL FAMILY ZINFANDEL NAPA VALLEY 2004 ($24 net) is big Zin. Very big. 9% Petite Sirah helps in this matter. The nose is dynamite with that sun-dried summer berry thing going on. It’s like Zin concentrate in the mouth, with strong tannins at the end. The big fruit balances the bite, so I recommend enjoying this wine right now. NEAL FAMILY CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($45 net) has it all: Bing cherries, black raspberries, crème brulee topping, tobacco, cocoa, cedar and currant. This is the kind of Cab you’ll enjoy first opened and like it more and more as it breathes. I think it’s best after two hours of air time.
I just received three new wines from my buds at T-Vine Cellars to offer you. If you’ve bought wine from me for a while, it’s probable a T-Vine wine or two has made it to your wine glass. Here are three more. They are as rich, yummy and unique (from one another) as they can be.
My favorite I must say is the T-VINE SYRAH "DUARTE VINEYARD" CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 2004 ($33). It’s the last "Duarte" Syrah ever, for these vines were replaced by houses after this vintage. So it goes. The wine is all cinnamon candies, blueberries, anise and black raspberries. It appeals to my love for Rhone Valley Syrah with more fruit than the French versions.
T-VINE ZINFANDEL NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($31) is all "Frediani Vineyard" although the bottle doesn’t indicate such. This is hot Napa Valley Zin at its finest: bursting with black cherries and raspberry liqueur with the perfect complement of allspice and vanilla bean. It also has good bones, and will be decidedly better the end of the year.
T-VINE "T" NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($45) could be called Cabernet Sauvignon since there’s 88% of it in the bottle. 12% Charbono is the rest, and as Charbono does, it gives the "T" a big smell of raspberry jam and pomegranate juice. The "T" requests your patience as well. The toasty oak and fine tannins volley with that signature
T-Vine luscious fruit. Come the holidays, the fruit will take control.
To purchase, Email , go to Order Page,
Or call, Toll Free, 877-322-2576
Two Special Pinots
FREEMAN PINOT NOIR RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2004 ($40) is classic, delicious Russian River Pinot. By this I mean the flavor is wild red cherries, with "fresh" acidity that makes the wine bright, not tart. The Freeman is very juicy and complemented by lovely spice and light oak. It’s silky-smooth and has great flow. Pair this Pinot Noir with simply prepared dishes like roast chicken breast with a garlic-mushroom sauce.
FIDDLEHEAD PINOT NOIR "FIDDLESTIX LOLLAPALOOZA" 2002 ($52) from Santa Rita Hills can go head-to-head with any great California Pinot. This is the 300 case "Reserve" Pinot from Fiddlehead. It’s very concentrated. Black cherry, more common in Cabs, is the fruit that comes to mind. Fascinating, tasty flavors such as smoked meat, pie spice, black truffle, minerals and black olive flavors give Lollapalooza it’s unique, wonderful style. Pinot-heads, come ‘n’ get it.
Twenty Five and Under
I'm a sensitive guy. When it comes to wine, I’m particularly sensitive to the cost. All the wines I feature I really feel are worth it, but they may not be appropriate to open any time. Here are my favorite California wines for drinking without great concern for the cost.
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.
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.
JUS SOLI ZINFANDEL DRY CREEK VALLEY 2004 ($25) could be my favorite dinner companion wine right now. A rich entry, medium body and persistent, soft finish make me think it could fly at The French Laundry as well as the BBQ. Taste wild smoky cherry, fig, raspberry, licorice, black pepper, tobacco and on and on. It’s a very pretty Zinfandel. 280 cases.
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.
"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.
THE 25 & UNDER mixed case!
3 Rosé, 3 Pinot Gris & 2 of each red
$205
(this includes your 10% Case discount)
To purchase, Email , go to Order Page,
Or call, Toll Free, 877-322-2576
French Summer Whites
Alsace, Loire Valley, Burgundy and Northern Rhone Valley are represented in these six great whites. These are appropriate for fancy al fresco more so than simple patio pleasure. Check ‘em out. By the way, this is but a sampling of the import selection at the shop. Check the wine inventory on-line for all the goods.
DIDIER DAGUENEAU POUILLY-FUMÉ "PUR SANG" 2004 ($65 net) is the Sauvignon Blanc master’s latest masterpiece. Holy shmoly this wine attacks the senses with guava, pineapple, grapefruit, coriander, lemon tea, caramel, and bay leaf…descriptors hardly do Pur Sang justice. Awesome concentration, mouth presence and length here. Also available from Dagueneau: "Silex" 2004 ($85 net) and Jurançon "Les Jardins de Babylone" 2004 ($99/500 ML bottle). Buy these while you can!
CAVE DE CHANTE PERDRIX CONDRIEU 2004 ($38) is Viognier at its best: aromatic and intense while staying cool and collected. Wildflowers, peaches and honeysuckle shall tickle your tongue. Condrieu (the town and appellation in Northern Rhone Valley) is the cradle of Viognier, and this wine shows that it is the rightful home.
D et E DEFAIX CHABLIS "CÔTE DE LECHET" 1999 ($42) This is classic Premier Cru Chablis as lemony, briny, minerally and white chocolaty sensations explode. Gosh this is fun. Lemon zest, kumquat, oyster liquor, bay leaf and key lime aromas are in the glass. Then get flavors of preserved lemon, fresh grapefruit, thai spices and the white chocolate. Delicious 60 second finish. This is superb Chablis--lean, fit and pure.
FOREAU SPARKLING VOUVRAY BRUT ($23) is méthode champenoise Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. It’s kinda cool such wines are under-appreciated. It keeps the price down! This wine is real dry and floral, full of green apple & peach flavors and just barely smells of the chalk in which these vines grow. I can see myself lounging on the deck, looking down upon some lovely lake or river, and sipping the Foreau. Sounds pretty nice.
SCHOFFIT PINOT AUXERROIS "LOT 2" VIN D’ALSACE 2002 ($19), like most super-fine Alsace whites, is a great food wine. This is classic Pinot Auxerrois, a cousin of Pinot Blanc, for it’s dry, honeyed, minerally, sleek, slightly exotic and sneaky intense. This is the Weber wine of the bunch.
Try the French White Mixed Case
3 Vouvray, 3 Pinot Auxerrois, 2 Pur Sang, 2 Condrieu, 2 Chablis $385
Big, Bigger, Biggest
KERPOW
If size matters in wine to you, then here are four sure things. Like a prizefighter cradling a baby, these hulks do have a tender side.
BIG is an appropriate description for SEDNA CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($34). An Estate wine from just north of Napa town, the Sedna Cabernet is big on the blueberry flavor...15% Syrah added partly explains this. This is particularly complex Cabernet with cola berry, bittersweet chocolate, cassis and that notorious wine descriptor: minerality. While previous Sedna Cabs have been very fruit forward and delicious, this 2003 is the most complex, structured and "serious" Cab they’ve made yet. Only 350 cases made.
Even BIGGER is WOODWARD CANYON CABERNET SAUVIGNON "ARTIST SERIES" COLUMBIA VALLEY 2003 ($39). By all accounts 2003 is a great vintage for Washington state Cabs. Bold, very ripe and juicy, this vintage will please every big red wine lover. For a review, I welcome Bob Parker. "Thanks Dan. Woodward Canyon’s Artist Series Cabernet boasts intense aromas of candied black fruits, notes of sweet cedar, and oak-laced spices. This medium to full-bodied effort has terrific mouthfeel. Its velvety-textured personality broadens on the palate to reveal a harmonious core of jammy blackberries. Its long, angle-free finish is sensual and silky. Dan, I give this wine 91 points." Thank you, Bob. Wanna beer?
BIGGEST is the SEQUUM CABERNET SAUVIGNON "FOUR SOIL MELANGE" NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($55). This rousing follow-up to the 2002 has all the same power and polish of its predecessor. Bordeaux-esque aromas of new leather wallet, bakers’ chocolate and fresh black currants set you up for a sweet entry of black berries and cherries. The wine blossoms in the glass and gets even bigger and more complex with a little time. I suggest this wine to all Cabernet fans, unconditionally.
Lastly, KERPOW is the word for SCHOLIUM PROJECT "BABYLON" SUISUN VALLEY 2004 ($80 net). This is "Tenbrink Vineyard" Petite Sirah. It’s like drinking a humongous red wine straight out of the barrel. There’s nothing shy about this wine. Still, if you like ‘em real real big, then you’ll dig drinking this wine today. That written, it’ll be best in 2008. 400 cases.
Get the big, bigger, biggest, kerpow mixed case
3 bottles of each wine
$580
To purchase, Email , go to Order Page,
Or call, Toll Free, 877-322-2576
Back Room Wines' Mixed Cases
#1 "From My Backyard" Case
Here are six world-class wines from my neighbors.
Detert Family Cabernet Franc Oakville, Napa Valley 2003
Fountainhead Cabernet Sauvignon "Morisoli-Borges" Napa Valley 2003
Favia "Cerro Sur" Napa Valley 2003
Marshall Cellars “Juliet Peery” Napa Valley 2002
Crocker & Starr Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2005
Heron Lake Pinot Noir "Miss Olivia Brion" Wild Horse Valley 2004
6 Pack Price (one of each): $280
12 Pack Price (two of each): $540
#2 The Big, Bad Cab Case
These shall please the pickiest Cab fan. Fathers' Day is June 18, by the way.
Arnot Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon "Wild Iris" Chalk Hill 2003
Sequum Cabernet Sauvignon "Four Soil Melange" Napa Valley 2003
Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon “Artist Series” Columbia Valley 2003
Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003
T-Vine "T" Cabernet Sauvignon/Charbono Napa Valley 2003
Sedna Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003
6 Pack Price (one of each): $285
12 Pack Price (two of each): $550
#3 Subjective Dan
These are my favorites to share with family and friends.
Fiddlehead Pinot Noir "Fiddlestix-Lollapalooza" Santa Rita Hills 2002
T-Vine Syrah "Duarte" Contra Costa County 2004
Morgan Pinot Gris “R&D Francsioni” Santa Lucia Highlands 2005
Jus Soli Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2004
D et E Defaix Chablis "Côte de Lechet" 1999
Foreau Sparkling Vouvray Brut M.V.
6 Pack Price (one of each): $185
12 Pack Price (two of each): $350
All 6 packs are listed at 5% discounted price.
All 12 packs are listed at 10% discounted price.
To order, E-Mail me or visit my Order Page
Or call me! 877-322.2576 TOLL FREE
Shipping rates
Per 12 bottle case of wine to a business.
East of The Mississippi $40
Midwest $36 Western U.S. $27
California $25 Bay Area $21
Add $2 for shipment to a residence. This is FedEx Ground.
Please call or Email Back Room Wines for more info.