2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415.337.4083
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: www.goldengatewinecellars.com
Exciting news: our showroom is finally open! We’ve endured many sleepless nights, but our patience paid off; now you can stop by anytime to see what is new and meet the faces behind Golden Gate Wine Cellars. While waiting for the showroom to materialize, I also had a chance to plan a local wine tasting circuit. A tasting schedule will be posted on our website with times and locations shortly. Speaking of tastings, I would also like to announce our October wine tasting in New York, which is turning out to be a success, well in advance. The event will be held at The Phillips Club on W. 66th Street and Broadway across from The Lincoln Center on Friday October 10, 2008. Come taste some of the finest California wines and enjoy a night out in beautiful Manhattan. Tickets ($98.00) must be purchased in advance, no later than September 12, 2008. I hope to see some of you there!
To celebrate the opening of our showroom we will be offering FREE SHIPPING* with the purchase of $600.00 or more from NOW until July 31, 2008
*Free shipping is via ground UPS, and does not include insurance or handling.
If you opt for AIR shipping, we will gladly deduct the FREE shipping fee from the higher airfreight fee
Please CALL us directly to receive FREE SHIPPING!
Fantesca 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Spring Mountain Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 59.99
This is Heidi Barrett’s latest venture, and it shows beautifully. If you liked the 2003, you would love this; it is more amazing than the 2003 and the price is the same, even with Heidi on board! Another winner, this is only the third release from this winery. It displays the finesse and opulent style that are the hallmarks of Spring Mountain District. When swirled, notes of spice and berries capture your attention. When tasted, its rich and supple body tantalizes the palate. Only 500 cases produced!
Coho 2005 SummitVine Ranch Cabernet, Diamond Mountain Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00
Coho’s SummitVine Ranch Cabernet is a big burly wine on both the nose and palate, loaded with concentrated fruit. This is a stunning wine with tons of intensity and luscious fruit. Impeccably balanced and complex. Tannins are there, but not overly aggressive. A must have!
Redmon Family Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Napa Valley
Retail 75.00 – GGWC 64.99 - SHOWROOM SPECIAL 59.99 (ends July 31)
Awesome wine and an awesome family. Lisa and Scott (husband and wife, owners, winemakers) gave me the premier opportunity to taste and purchase this new release. I jumped on it like a hawk on his prey. This is one of those sleeper wines that would leave many of the big-names in the dust when tasted side-by-side, which I do often. Grapes harvested from one of the last remaining dry-farms in the valley produces complex fruit flavors and rich deep color. The wine's aroma is very intense and intriguing. The palate is coated with luscious fruit and the finish does not seem to end. Each bottle is personalized with hand-numbering. Only 250 cases produced!
Andrew Geoffrey 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mtn. Napa Valley
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 73.99
An awesome follow-up to their stellar 2002 and 2003 vintage. Again, a very limited production. Distinct and intense nose of spicy berries, highlighted with bright blueberry and a touch of leather and coffee. Intense on impact, loaded with flavors and of viscous and ripe black fruit, good tannin structure.
Sage 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Mount Veeder Napa Valley
Retail 72.00 - GGWC 63.99
Another revelation in Frank’s Boutique Wine Selections™ book. The wine is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec sourced from the Sage estate. The wine has lots of intensity on the nose with hints of black cherry, boysenberry and a touch of chocolate and spice. The wine is full in body with a touch of sweet earth, which is somewhat a-typical for Mt. Veeder AVA, lots of blackberry. The palate is smooth and the finish is silky and soft, and very long-lasting. Only 450 cases produced.
Sage 2005 Veeder Crest Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 38.99
This wine is partially from the Sage estate (40% Cabernet); Merlot (30%) is from Gardner Vineyard and Cabernet Franc (30%) from Dimate Vineyard. This wine is equally pleasing on the palate, almost silky on approach. Medium to full in body with a slight silkier touch versus its Cabernet Big Brother. This wine offers lots of structure and flavor. Definitely a winner in my book.
Gain Bay 2005 Andrew’s Cuvee, Napa Valley
Retail 24.00 - GGWC 19.99
This wine is made by my very best friend Peter Posert. We worked together, drank together and attended each other’s weddings. As a matter a fact he was my best man! You would think that I am pushing my best friend's wine! No I am not. Even his wine undergoes the same rigorous treatment I give every other wine. This blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 12% Merlot was sourced from very reputable Napa Valley vineyards (can’t disclose them, but I can tell you that they are very good!)
This medium to full bodied wine has a very nice aroma of bright red stone fruit with a hint of spiciness on both nose and palate. A subtle touch of toasty vanilla harmonizes this well-rounded, great value wine. On the mid-palate plum and black currant dominate while the silky long finish shows modest tannins that will allow for drinking now. This wine should drink well for 4-6 years. 800 cases produced!
Buoncristiani 2005 Syrah "Artistico" Napa Valley
Retail 65.00- GGWC 55.00
W.A.W (What A Wine!) The ‘05 blend was sourced from small lots harvested exclusively from the Caldwell Vineyard in Coombsville, the Stagecoach Vineyard in the Vaca Mountains above Oakville, and Larry Hyde’s vineyard in Oak Knoll. These three vineyard sources are some of the most sought after in the Napa Valley, and it is no surprise that the final result was an amazing wine! The Buoncristiani brothers created the series “Artistico” to fuse winemaking passion with other forms of art expression. The different vineyard and barrel components are blended in several phases creating optimum complexity while retaining balance, varietal character, and superior quality. As always the Buoncristiani Boys only produce small quantities, so that means that this wine will sell out very fast.
Peacock 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate” Spring Mountain Napa Valley
Retail 85.00 – GGWC 74.99 – SHOWROOM SPECIAL 69.99 (ends July 31)
Only 600 cases of this big, bold estate wine were produced this year! And I say only, as the demand for this wine is always high, and that should not be a surprise! This lush, powerful wine is loaded with intense black stone fruit, and has an incredible balance of ripe plums, black stone fruit, a touch of crème de cassis and subtle acid. The wine has an amazingly long and soft finish.
Bonanno 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 24.00 – GGWC 17.99
The word Bon Anno translates to a GOOD YEAR, and I can tell you that the 2006 vintage was just that. It reminded me a whole lot of the 1997 vintage in which great wine was made and larger crops were harvested.
This wine was made from grapes purchased from some stellar Napa Valley vineyards and the final product is worth a look at. The wine has a nice perfumy aroma of Bing cherries, and is medium to full in body. The palate is nicely coated with lush flavors and fruit and it finishes with nice silky tannins. I told you before; it does not always need to cost a lot to be very good!
Hoopes 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 70.00 – GGWC 59.99
The 2005 Hoopes Family Cabernet Sauvignon is a very intense and complex wine. The aromas of black stone fruit jump out of the glass. On the palate you will encounter hints of a spice cabinet combined with lush blackberry and raspberry flavors. The wine finishes long with ample tannins. I let this wine breathe for about 2 hours and it was well worth it!
Fountain Head Cellars 2005 Cabernet (Morisoli), Napa Valley
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 42.99
With great patience, Jason and Mike have crafted another stellar example of the Morisoli-Borges vineyard. It’s a flat-out fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon. Densely structured, with fine, integrated tannins, this beautifully dark wine opens up slowly in the glass to reveal an intriguing nose of haunting, woodsy-mushroom aromas and high-toned cherry seltzer and raspberry liqueur. Showing strong hints of Rutherford dust on the nose and palate, the wine tastes of rich black cherry, plum, and blackberry, brightened by firm acidity. Like many young Napa Valley Cabernets, it’s quite enjoyable at this early stage, but it’s also an eminently age-worthy wine that should improve with several years in the bottle.
Hauck Cellars 2005 Meritage, Sonoma County
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 36.99
This great Meritage is a blend of 73% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% each Petit Verdot and Malbec. This great quality wine is yet another of Frank’s Boutique Wine Selections™ finds. This full-bodied wine is chocolate covered cherries in a glass, with hints of lavender with a subtle touch of toasty vanilla. Limited availability with only 50 cases produced!
Piocho 2005 Proprietary Red “Happy Canyon” Santa Ynez
Retail 34.00- GGWC 28.99
Doug Margerum concocted yet another great wine! This Cabernet Sauvignon based blend with a good dose of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the beautiful Happy Canyon Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley is a wonderful balance between the restraint and balance of a true Bordeaux with the ripe fruit of California. Great value and a real crowd-pleaser!
Trespass 2005 Estate Merlot, Napa Valley –
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 42.00
Kirk Venge did it again! This limited production all Estate Merlot is amazing. It is not a wimpy, soft silky wine! This baby is amazing, in-your-face, dense black stone fruit 2005 Merlot. Hints of blue and blackberry fruit combined with a touch of mocha and chocolate are found in this powerful but o so elegant, full-bodied Merlot. Its finish is long and robust and can be consumed now and over the next 5-10 years. 200 cases produced only!
Matthiasson 2005 Merlot, Red Hen Vineyard, Napa ValleyRetail 80.00 – GGWC 69.99
This is not you’re a-typical Merlot! This puppy is amazingly big and intense, very Bordeaux-like in style. I was surprised that it did not contain any Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Verdot, as it has that color and density.
The wine has great structure, lots of richness and an amazing aromatic profile. The vineyard is known for strong cherry and chocolate aromas, and it is balanced by notes of tea and earth. Long lasting finish.
The bad thing – only 70 cases produced!
Branham 2006 Zinfandel Rockpile, Sonoma
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 23.99
This appellation has become one of the most sought after for those who love Zinfandel! Branham planted this vineyard in 1994, not knowing that this would become a “collector-like” appellation. The results are amazing. Today he cannot produce enough of his stellar Zin! The vines are head trained and non-irrigated. Deep ruby in color with brilliant purple tones, ample dark berry aromas with like smoky tones. The signature blackberry flavor of the Rockpile Zinfandel sings at the finish. 350 cases produced.
Ottimino 2005 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Retail 35.00 – GGWC 29.99
Only 400 cases of this old-vine Russian Valley Zin were produced. Blackberry and black cherry dominate the aromas, with white pepper and oak chiming in. The flavors add hints of blueberry, raspberry and cassis. Bold fruit at entry leads to a broad middle, and the finish is firm and persistent. This Zinfandel was designed for its versatility with food, and its heartiness should lead you to a broad spectrum of exotic pairings.
Frank Family 2006 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 32.75
Frank Family Vineyards’ 2006 Zinfandel (92% Zinfandel and 8% Petite Sirah) is dark and rich in color, reminiscent of violets. This classic Zinfandel leads with sweet blackberry jam, white and black pepper and clove spice. Further opulence emerges as layers of black cherry, blueberry and Asian spice are exposed. The palate is big, bold and ripe with juicy brambleberry and warm plum pudding, supported by integrated tannin and spice, giving a full mid palate and setting the stage for the long supple finish.
Bella 'Lily Hill' Zinfandel 2006, Dry Creek Valley
Retail 39.00 – GGWC 32.99
Bella is a small Dry Creek producer specializing in single vineyard Zinfandel. Lily Hill is their Estate property with vines reaching almost 100 years old. The wine is classic old vine Dry Creek Valley. It is full in body with velvety and luscious, intense black raspberry, spice and sweet vanilla flavors on the mid-palate. The wine has a long, elegant finish that does not seem to end.
Castello Della Paneretta 2005 Chianti Classico, Tuscany Italy
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 21.99
This is an extraordinary wine, which offers a saturated dark purple color that is followed by an intense aroma of black raspberries and cherries with a touch of toasty vanilla. The wine is full in body, dense concentrated and, superb harmony. If offers copious amounts of silky tannins. This is a must have Chianti!
Hauck Cellars 2005 Sonoma Cuvee, Sonoma
Retail 27.50 – GGWC 22.50
This is a multi-varietal blend of 48% Petite Sirah, 28% Syrah, 18% Cab Franc and 6% Zinfandel. It represents the best of Sonoma County: Bacigalupi Petite Sirah and DeLaMontanya Syrah from the Russian River Valley; Cab Franc from the Alexander Valley; and, Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley. This cuvee offers intense aromas of exotic black and red stone fruit with similar flavors touching the lush palate. Concentrated flavors don’t seem to overshadow the elegance of this 130 cases production.
Copain 2006 Syrah L’Hiver, Mendocino
Retail 21.00 – GGWC 16.99
This is a100% organically grown Syrah from Mendocino County. It has cool climate characteristics which emphasize blue fruit over black. There is no new oak, but good grape tannins with lots of spice and lively acidity. Definitely a 'bang for the buck' wine that drinks much more expensive than its actual price!
Bjornstad VanderKamp Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Retail 52.00 – GGWC 46.50
From the first pour, the lifted aromatics of this wine are varied and intriguing, inviting another visit. There are the pretty red fruit aromas of cherry, raspberry and the mixed fragrances of a wild berry patch. Next are the subtle, smoky, meaty aromas that are inherent to the Vanderkamp Vineyard. Flavor follows fragrance seamlessly onto the round and rich palate, supporting these defined flavors with restrained oak and spice, ending with a firm finish. Only 220 cases produced.
Sierra Madre 2006 Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Maria
If you opt for AIR shipping, we will gladly deduct the FREE shipping fee from the higher airfreight fee
Please CALL us directly to receive FREE SHIPPING!
Fantesca 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Spring Mountain Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 59.99
This is Heidi Barrett’s latest venture, and it shows beautifully. If you liked the 2003, you would love this; it is more amazing than the 2003 and the price is the same, even with Heidi on board! Another winner, this is only the third release from this winery. It displays the finesse and opulent style that are the hallmarks of Spring Mountain District. When swirled, notes of spice and berries capture your attention. When tasted, its rich and supple body tantalizes the palate. Only 500 cases produced!
Coho 2005 SummitVine Ranch Cabernet, Diamond Mountain Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00
Coho’s SummitVine Ranch Cabernet is a big burly wine on both the nose and palate, loaded with concentrated fruit. This is a stunning wine with tons of intensity and luscious fruit. Impeccably balanced and complex. Tannins are there, but not overly aggressive. A must have!
Redmon Family Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Napa Valley
Retail 75.00 – GGWC 64.99 - SHOWROOM SPECIAL 59.99 (ends July 31)
Awesome wine and an awesome family. Lisa and Scott (husband and wife, owners, winemakers) gave me the premier opportunity to taste and purchase this new release. I jumped on it like a hawk on his prey. This is one of those sleeper wines that would leave many of the big-names in the dust when tasted side-by-side, which I do often. Grapes harvested from one of the last remaining dry-farms in the valley produces complex fruit flavors and rich deep color. The wine's aroma is very intense and intriguing. The palate is coated with luscious fruit and the finish does not seem to end. Each bottle is personalized with hand-numbering. Only 250 cases produced!
Andrew Geoffrey 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mtn. Napa Valley
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 73.99
An awesome follow-up to their stellar 2002 and 2003 vintage. Again, a very limited production. Distinct and intense nose of spicy berries, highlighted with bright blueberry and a touch of leather and coffee. Intense on impact, loaded with flavors and of viscous and ripe black fruit, good tannin structure.
Sage 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Mount Veeder Napa Valley
Retail 72.00 - GGWC 63.99
Another revelation in Frank’s Boutique Wine Selections™ book. The wine is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec sourced from the Sage estate. The wine has lots of intensity on the nose with hints of black cherry, boysenberry and a touch of chocolate and spice. The wine is full in body with a touch of sweet earth, which is somewhat a-typical for Mt. Veeder AVA, lots of blackberry. The palate is smooth and the finish is silky and soft, and very long-lasting. Only 450 cases produced.
Sage 2005 Veeder Crest Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 38.99
This wine is partially from the Sage estate (40% Cabernet); Merlot (30%) is from Gardner Vineyard and Cabernet Franc (30%) from Dimate Vineyard. This wine is equally pleasing on the palate, almost silky on approach. Medium to full in body with a slight silkier touch versus its Cabernet Big Brother. This wine offers lots of structure and flavor. Definitely a winner in my book.
Gain Bay 2005 Andrew’s Cuvee, Napa Valley
Retail 24.00 - GGWC 19.99
This wine is made by my very best friend Peter Posert. We worked together, drank together and attended each other’s weddings. As a matter a fact he was my best man! You would think that I am pushing my best friend's wine! No I am not. Even his wine undergoes the same rigorous treatment I give every other wine. This blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 12% Merlot was sourced from very reputable Napa Valley vineyards (can’t disclose them, but I can tell you that they are very good!)
This medium to full bodied wine has a very nice aroma of bright red stone fruit with a hint of spiciness on both nose and palate. A subtle touch of toasty vanilla harmonizes this well-rounded, great value wine. On the mid-palate plum and black currant dominate while the silky long finish shows modest tannins that will allow for drinking now. This wine should drink well for 4-6 years. 800 cases produced!
Buoncristiani 2005 Syrah "Artistico" Napa Valley
Retail 65.00- GGWC 55.00
W.A.W (What A Wine!) The ‘05 blend was sourced from small lots harvested exclusively from the Caldwell Vineyard in Coombsville, the Stagecoach Vineyard in the Vaca Mountains above Oakville, and Larry Hyde’s vineyard in Oak Knoll. These three vineyard sources are some of the most sought after in the Napa Valley, and it is no surprise that the final result was an amazing wine! The Buoncristiani brothers created the series “Artistico” to fuse winemaking passion with other forms of art expression. The different vineyard and barrel components are blended in several phases creating optimum complexity while retaining balance, varietal character, and superior quality. As always the Buoncristiani Boys only produce small quantities, so that means that this wine will sell out very fast.
Peacock 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate” Spring Mountain Napa Valley
Retail 85.00 – GGWC 74.99 – SHOWROOM SPECIAL 69.99 (ends July 31)
Only 600 cases of this big, bold estate wine were produced this year! And I say only, as the demand for this wine is always high, and that should not be a surprise! This lush, powerful wine is loaded with intense black stone fruit, and has an incredible balance of ripe plums, black stone fruit, a touch of crème de cassis and subtle acid. The wine has an amazingly long and soft finish.
Bonanno 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 24.00 – GGWC 17.99
The word Bon Anno translates to a GOOD YEAR, and I can tell you that the 2006 vintage was just that. It reminded me a whole lot of the 1997 vintage in which great wine was made and larger crops were harvested.
This wine was made from grapes purchased from some stellar Napa Valley vineyards and the final product is worth a look at. The wine has a nice perfumy aroma of Bing cherries, and is medium to full in body. The palate is nicely coated with lush flavors and fruit and it finishes with nice silky tannins. I told you before; it does not always need to cost a lot to be very good!
Hoopes 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 70.00 – GGWC 59.99
The 2005 Hoopes Family Cabernet Sauvignon is a very intense and complex wine. The aromas of black stone fruit jump out of the glass. On the palate you will encounter hints of a spice cabinet combined with lush blackberry and raspberry flavors. The wine finishes long with ample tannins. I let this wine breathe for about 2 hours and it was well worth it!
Fountain Head Cellars 2005 Cabernet (Morisoli), Napa Valley
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 42.99
With great patience, Jason and Mike have crafted another stellar example of the Morisoli-Borges vineyard. It’s a flat-out fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon. Densely structured, with fine, integrated tannins, this beautifully dark wine opens up slowly in the glass to reveal an intriguing nose of haunting, woodsy-mushroom aromas and high-toned cherry seltzer and raspberry liqueur. Showing strong hints of Rutherford dust on the nose and palate, the wine tastes of rich black cherry, plum, and blackberry, brightened by firm acidity. Like many young Napa Valley Cabernets, it’s quite enjoyable at this early stage, but it’s also an eminently age-worthy wine that should improve with several years in the bottle.
Hauck Cellars 2005 Meritage, Sonoma County
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 36.99
This great Meritage is a blend of 73% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% each Petit Verdot and Malbec. This great quality wine is yet another of Frank’s Boutique Wine Selections™ finds. This full-bodied wine is chocolate covered cherries in a glass, with hints of lavender with a subtle touch of toasty vanilla. Limited availability with only 50 cases produced!
Piocho 2005 Proprietary Red “Happy Canyon” Santa Ynez
Retail 34.00- GGWC 28.99
Doug Margerum concocted yet another great wine! This Cabernet Sauvignon based blend with a good dose of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the beautiful Happy Canyon Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley is a wonderful balance between the restraint and balance of a true Bordeaux with the ripe fruit of California. Great value and a real crowd-pleaser!
Trespass 2005 Estate Merlot, Napa Valley –
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 42.00
Kirk Venge did it again! This limited production all Estate Merlot is amazing. It is not a wimpy, soft silky wine! This baby is amazing, in-your-face, dense black stone fruit 2005 Merlot. Hints of blue and blackberry fruit combined with a touch of mocha and chocolate are found in this powerful but o so elegant, full-bodied Merlot. Its finish is long and robust and can be consumed now and over the next 5-10 years. 200 cases produced only!
Matthiasson 2005 Merlot, Red Hen Vineyard, Napa ValleyRetail 80.00 – GGWC 69.99
This is not you’re a-typical Merlot! This puppy is amazingly big and intense, very Bordeaux-like in style. I was surprised that it did not contain any Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Verdot, as it has that color and density.
The wine has great structure, lots of richness and an amazing aromatic profile. The vineyard is known for strong cherry and chocolate aromas, and it is balanced by notes of tea and earth. Long lasting finish.
The bad thing – only 70 cases produced!
Branham 2006 Zinfandel Rockpile, Sonoma
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 23.99
This appellation has become one of the most sought after for those who love Zinfandel! Branham planted this vineyard in 1994, not knowing that this would become a “collector-like” appellation. The results are amazing. Today he cannot produce enough of his stellar Zin! The vines are head trained and non-irrigated. Deep ruby in color with brilliant purple tones, ample dark berry aromas with like smoky tones. The signature blackberry flavor of the Rockpile Zinfandel sings at the finish. 350 cases produced.
Ottimino 2005 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Retail 35.00 – GGWC 29.99
Only 400 cases of this old-vine Russian Valley Zin were produced. Blackberry and black cherry dominate the aromas, with white pepper and oak chiming in. The flavors add hints of blueberry, raspberry and cassis. Bold fruit at entry leads to a broad middle, and the finish is firm and persistent. This Zinfandel was designed for its versatility with food, and its heartiness should lead you to a broad spectrum of exotic pairings.
Frank Family 2006 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 32.75
Frank Family Vineyards’ 2006 Zinfandel (92% Zinfandel and 8% Petite Sirah) is dark and rich in color, reminiscent of violets. This classic Zinfandel leads with sweet blackberry jam, white and black pepper and clove spice. Further opulence emerges as layers of black cherry, blueberry and Asian spice are exposed. The palate is big, bold and ripe with juicy brambleberry and warm plum pudding, supported by integrated tannin and spice, giving a full mid palate and setting the stage for the long supple finish.
Bella 'Lily Hill' Zinfandel 2006, Dry Creek Valley
Retail 39.00 – GGWC 32.99
Bella is a small Dry Creek producer specializing in single vineyard Zinfandel. Lily Hill is their Estate property with vines reaching almost 100 years old. The wine is classic old vine Dry Creek Valley. It is full in body with velvety and luscious, intense black raspberry, spice and sweet vanilla flavors on the mid-palate. The wine has a long, elegant finish that does not seem to end.
Castello Della Paneretta 2005 Chianti Classico, Tuscany Italy
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 21.99
This is an extraordinary wine, which offers a saturated dark purple color that is followed by an intense aroma of black raspberries and cherries with a touch of toasty vanilla. The wine is full in body, dense concentrated and, superb harmony. If offers copious amounts of silky tannins. This is a must have Chianti!
Hauck Cellars 2005 Sonoma Cuvee, Sonoma
Retail 27.50 – GGWC 22.50
This is a multi-varietal blend of 48% Petite Sirah, 28% Syrah, 18% Cab Franc and 6% Zinfandel. It represents the best of Sonoma County: Bacigalupi Petite Sirah and DeLaMontanya Syrah from the Russian River Valley; Cab Franc from the Alexander Valley; and, Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley. This cuvee offers intense aromas of exotic black and red stone fruit with similar flavors touching the lush palate. Concentrated flavors don’t seem to overshadow the elegance of this 130 cases production.
Copain 2006 Syrah L’Hiver, Mendocino
Retail 21.00 – GGWC 16.99
This is a100% organically grown Syrah from Mendocino County. It has cool climate characteristics which emphasize blue fruit over black. There is no new oak, but good grape tannins with lots of spice and lively acidity. Definitely a 'bang for the buck' wine that drinks much more expensive than its actual price!
Bjornstad VanderKamp Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Retail 52.00 – GGWC 46.50
From the first pour, the lifted aromatics of this wine are varied and intriguing, inviting another visit. There are the pretty red fruit aromas of cherry, raspberry and the mixed fragrances of a wild berry patch. Next are the subtle, smoky, meaty aromas that are inherent to the Vanderkamp Vineyard. Flavor follows fragrance seamlessly onto the round and rich palate, supporting these defined flavors with restrained oak and spice, ending with a firm finish. Only 220 cases produced.
Sierra Madre 2006 Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Maria
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.00
The 2006 Pinot Noir opens beautifully in the glass, with refined aromas of ripe red cherry, violet, strawberry, and barrel toast. Its bright acidity balances nicely with rich flavors of red plums, black cherry, brown spice, and anise. Additional cellaring of this, our premiere vintage of Sierra Madre Pinot Noir, will encourage development of classic earthy, forest-floor notes in the wine, and will hasten the softening of its subtle but firm tannins. Long on the palate, this wine offers a sleek silky, cherry-strawberry finish. It will age gracefully in the bottle for many years to come.
Branham 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Retail 40.00 - GGWC 34.99
The Sonoma Coast appellation has become a great source for many Pinot producers alike. Gary Branham was able to source some amazing vineyards to blend this wine into a stellar final product. The nose is earthy with a touch of barnyard and red cherries. On the palate the cherry overtones and very noticeable. The wine is full in body and very elegant. True to its heritage, this Pinot Noir is a real food wine!
Pey-Lucia "Frisquet" Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Retail 45.00 - GGWC 37.00
This superb, mature site in one of California's most respected Pinot Noir AVA's, situated next door to "Rosella's" Vineyard is the source for this great Pinot Noir. If offers bright acidity and expresses sense of place and purity of the noble Pinot Noir grape. The Pommard clone, originally brought into the US in the 1940's from Burgundy's Château de Pommard makes up half of this cuvée and is renowned for its excellent color, intense fruit and superlative spice elements. The balance of "Frisquet" comes from the Wädenswil clone, much celebrated in Oregon and which showcases impressive perfume and finesse. Together their collaboration exceeds the sum of their parts. 370 cases produced!
B Kosuge 2006 'The Shop' Pinot Noir, Carneros
Retail 36.00 – GGWC 30.99
This well-made wine is not super ripe or heavily extracted, and has a modest dose of toasty vanilla. Those who know the 2004 & 2005 will note that the 2006 version is a bit darker and more brooding, with some spice and smoke in the background. It shares with the 2004 a lusciousness and fruitiness on the palate that I like quite a bit. If you are the patient type, it should reward laying down for awhile, but it does not need a lot of time to open up. 500 cases produced.
Freeman 2006 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Retail 46.00 – GGWC 39.25
Winemaking team Ed Kurtzman and Akiko Freeman doing it again. This stellar vineyard (which is used by many other great wineries in the Russian River Valley), was the source of this latest release. This wine showcases both of their Burgundian tendencies. The nose of pomegranate and a touch of earthiness give way to lush, ripe plums on the rich palate. The wine ends elegantly with soft round, silky tannins.
Sierra Madre 2006 Estate Chardonnay, Santa Maria ValleyRetail 35.00 – GGWC 29.99The 2006 Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay is our first vintage of this fine white varietal. In the glass, the wine bursts with aromas of fresh green apple, vanilla bean, toasty oak and wet stones. The long hang-time the vintage was afforded is evident – the fully ripened fruit offers up lush, unctuous flavors of pineapple, mango, banana and white peach, and a touch of minerality… the perfect combination of fruit-forward delivery, balanced weight on the palate, and a long, elegant finish. This stylish Chardonnay will provide excellent drinkability in the short-term, but will continue to develop wonderfully in bottle with additional cellaring at cool temperatures.
Bjornstad Porter Bass Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Retail 52.00 – GGWC 46.50
This wine is initially smoky and meaty in the glass; it evolves and unfolds an amazing, delicate complexity of aromas and flavors. Subtle scents of lime and white flowers invoke sweet and spice from honeysuckle, jasmine, and freesia blossoms that resolve into flavors of lime, pear, green apple and pineapple. The texture is lean, crisp and full with a long finish of a lingering green apple, citrus and smoke. 160 cases produced.
Alondra 2007 Chardonnay, Cox Vineyard Mendocino
Retail 18.00 – GGWC 14.99
The 2007 Alondra Chardonnay was sourced from the Cox vineyard in Mendocino. Aromatics of granny smith apples and roasted lemon explode from the glass, opening into a tropical fruit mix of banana and mango. The palate suggests its Old World sensibility, with balance and acidity framing the fruit into a long mouthwatering finish. 600 cases produced.
Laird Estate 2007 Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley
Retail 22.00 – GGWC 17.99
The Laird Family is one of the largest wine growers in the Napa Valley. They have growing grapes for years, but the commercial winery part did not start until just a few years ago. This latest release offers a pale straw color with hints of citrus, creamy and mineral aromas enhanced by delicate lime blossoms and orange blossoms. Subtle flavors of tangerine, green apple, Anjou pear and stone fruit are complemented by stronger notes of grapefruit and creamy key lime. Excellent summer wine!
Tremani 2006 Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley
Retail 18.00 – GGWC 15.99
This fun small producer has been a true delight! They started out as dairy farmers, but soon were bitten by grape bug and the rest is history. This latest release, only 700 cases, offers a bright, crisp, and fruity aroma. It is medium in body, with lush crisp and fresh fruit flavors on the palate. This is a wine that can be savored on its own or can stand up to any fare you pair it with.
Greg Graham 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Red Hills Lake County
Retail 20.00 – GGWC 15.00
As soon as the cap is opened the aromas of key lime, citrus, and passion fruit fill the immediate area. The wine is big on flavors of citrus and lime with a lively texture that yields to the freshness and pleasure of a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Serve this wine with just about any medium to light fare. The wine can be enjoyed on its own or with anything that calls for fresh, flavorful Vin Blanc.
Graziano Fontana 2006 Mueller Thurgau, Trentino Italy
Retail 22.00 – GGWC 18.00
Mueller Thurgau is somewhat the ugly duckling in the wine white industry. During my blind tasting of this wine this ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan! This wine has an exquisite perfumed aroma that seems to jump out the glass. The wine is silky and elegant on the palate, offering lush white stone peaches and crisp green apple-like flavors. A spectacular wine that is pleasing from start to finish.
Pey Marin 2007 Riesling, The Shell Mound Marin County
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 20.00
The 2006 Pinot Noir opens beautifully in the glass, with refined aromas of ripe red cherry, violet, strawberry, and barrel toast. Its bright acidity balances nicely with rich flavors of red plums, black cherry, brown spice, and anise. Additional cellaring of this, our premiere vintage of Sierra Madre Pinot Noir, will encourage development of classic earthy, forest-floor notes in the wine, and will hasten the softening of its subtle but firm tannins. Long on the palate, this wine offers a sleek silky, cherry-strawberry finish. It will age gracefully in the bottle for many years to come.
Branham 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Retail 40.00 - GGWC 34.99
The Sonoma Coast appellation has become a great source for many Pinot producers alike. Gary Branham was able to source some amazing vineyards to blend this wine into a stellar final product. The nose is earthy with a touch of barnyard and red cherries. On the palate the cherry overtones and very noticeable. The wine is full in body and very elegant. True to its heritage, this Pinot Noir is a real food wine!
Pey-Lucia "Frisquet" Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Retail 45.00 - GGWC 37.00
This superb, mature site in one of California's most respected Pinot Noir AVA's, situated next door to "Rosella's" Vineyard is the source for this great Pinot Noir. If offers bright acidity and expresses sense of place and purity of the noble Pinot Noir grape. The Pommard clone, originally brought into the US in the 1940's from Burgundy's Château de Pommard makes up half of this cuvée and is renowned for its excellent color, intense fruit and superlative spice elements. The balance of "Frisquet" comes from the Wädenswil clone, much celebrated in Oregon and which showcases impressive perfume and finesse. Together their collaboration exceeds the sum of their parts. 370 cases produced!
B Kosuge 2006 'The Shop' Pinot Noir, Carneros
Retail 36.00 – GGWC 30.99
This well-made wine is not super ripe or heavily extracted, and has a modest dose of toasty vanilla. Those who know the 2004 & 2005 will note that the 2006 version is a bit darker and more brooding, with some spice and smoke in the background. It shares with the 2004 a lusciousness and fruitiness on the palate that I like quite a bit. If you are the patient type, it should reward laying down for awhile, but it does not need a lot of time to open up. 500 cases produced.
Freeman 2006 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Retail 46.00 – GGWC 39.25
Winemaking team Ed Kurtzman and Akiko Freeman doing it again. This stellar vineyard (which is used by many other great wineries in the Russian River Valley), was the source of this latest release. This wine showcases both of their Burgundian tendencies. The nose of pomegranate and a touch of earthiness give way to lush, ripe plums on the rich palate. The wine ends elegantly with soft round, silky tannins.
Sierra Madre 2006 Estate Chardonnay, Santa Maria ValleyRetail 35.00 – GGWC 29.99The 2006 Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay is our first vintage of this fine white varietal. In the glass, the wine bursts with aromas of fresh green apple, vanilla bean, toasty oak and wet stones. The long hang-time the vintage was afforded is evident – the fully ripened fruit offers up lush, unctuous flavors of pineapple, mango, banana and white peach, and a touch of minerality… the perfect combination of fruit-forward delivery, balanced weight on the palate, and a long, elegant finish. This stylish Chardonnay will provide excellent drinkability in the short-term, but will continue to develop wonderfully in bottle with additional cellaring at cool temperatures.
Bjornstad Porter Bass Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Retail 52.00 – GGWC 46.50
This wine is initially smoky and meaty in the glass; it evolves and unfolds an amazing, delicate complexity of aromas and flavors. Subtle scents of lime and white flowers invoke sweet and spice from honeysuckle, jasmine, and freesia blossoms that resolve into flavors of lime, pear, green apple and pineapple. The texture is lean, crisp and full with a long finish of a lingering green apple, citrus and smoke. 160 cases produced.
Alondra 2007 Chardonnay, Cox Vineyard Mendocino
Retail 18.00 – GGWC 14.99
The 2007 Alondra Chardonnay was sourced from the Cox vineyard in Mendocino. Aromatics of granny smith apples and roasted lemon explode from the glass, opening into a tropical fruit mix of banana and mango. The palate suggests its Old World sensibility, with balance and acidity framing the fruit into a long mouthwatering finish. 600 cases produced.
Laird Estate 2007 Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley
Retail 22.00 – GGWC 17.99
The Laird Family is one of the largest wine growers in the Napa Valley. They have growing grapes for years, but the commercial winery part did not start until just a few years ago. This latest release offers a pale straw color with hints of citrus, creamy and mineral aromas enhanced by delicate lime blossoms and orange blossoms. Subtle flavors of tangerine, green apple, Anjou pear and stone fruit are complemented by stronger notes of grapefruit and creamy key lime. Excellent summer wine!
Tremani 2006 Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley
Retail 18.00 – GGWC 15.99
This fun small producer has been a true delight! They started out as dairy farmers, but soon were bitten by grape bug and the rest is history. This latest release, only 700 cases, offers a bright, crisp, and fruity aroma. It is medium in body, with lush crisp and fresh fruit flavors on the palate. This is a wine that can be savored on its own or can stand up to any fare you pair it with.
Greg Graham 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Red Hills Lake County
Retail 20.00 – GGWC 15.00
As soon as the cap is opened the aromas of key lime, citrus, and passion fruit fill the immediate area. The wine is big on flavors of citrus and lime with a lively texture that yields to the freshness and pleasure of a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Serve this wine with just about any medium to light fare. The wine can be enjoyed on its own or with anything that calls for fresh, flavorful Vin Blanc.
Graziano Fontana 2006 Mueller Thurgau, Trentino Italy
Retail 22.00 – GGWC 18.00
Mueller Thurgau is somewhat the ugly duckling in the wine white industry. During my blind tasting of this wine this ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan! This wine has an exquisite perfumed aroma that seems to jump out the glass. The wine is silky and elegant on the palate, offering lush white stone peaches and crisp green apple-like flavors. A spectacular wine that is pleasing from start to finish.
Pey Marin 2007 Riesling, The Shell Mound Marin County
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 20.00
This is not your typical Riesling. This wine redefines California Riesling and brings more purity, freshness and finesse. It required meticulous work in the vineyard, and unlike most red and most white wines, once the grapes were picked, very little was done to it in the winery. It sees no oak, no malolactic and no blending. In short, what was farmed is what you get. And what we have is very special indeed. Crisp, with hints of lemon candy, racy and dry – the perfect wine for any seafood.
Saxon Brown 2006 Semillon “Casa Santamaria” Sonoma
Retail 24.00 – GGWC 18.99
I love this wine and its style: lively and refreshing with good food affinity. The ‘06 Semillon fits the bill. In addition to vibrant white peach, citrus blossom and fig flavors, the wine offers a rich, slightly yeasty mouth-feel and a lingering creamy finish. NO OAK. Only 300 cases produced of this 75 year old vine vineyard!
Copain 2007 Viognier “Tous Ensemble”, Mendocino
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 18.99
The Copain guys have always amazed me with their personality and winemaking skills. This latest release offers fleshy aromas of peach, apricot, and green papaya that carry well to the palate picking up a slight touch of crisp minerality. Sound acidity keeps the wine refreshing and avoids the overt fatter waxy texture this varietal can have when lower in acidity. Winemaker Wells Guthrie “beefed” up the body with 10% Roussanne from the James Berry vineyard, which lends extra length and complexity. The wine is well balanced with a long, pleasant finish.
Cold Heaven 2006 Viognier “Vogelzang” Santa Barbara
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 20.99
Lush tropical fruits and exotic white flowers overlay an invigorating acidity that keeps the wine fresh and lively. Morgan is very careful with her Viognier harvesting at just that paradoxical moment when both a sylph-like sleekness and a siren's seductiveness share center stage. A lovely wine.
Leo Steen 2007 Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley
Retail 23.00 – GGWC 18.99
Only 350 cases of this almost 30 year-old vine Chenin Blanc were produced. It is grown in a loamy soil in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma. This wine has a pale straw complexion with nice aromas of spring flowers and lemon peel. This medium bodied summer wine has flavors of green apple and citrus accompanied by lively acidity, which leads to a crisp finish.
Matthiasson 2007 Proprietary White Blend, Napa Valley
Retail 39.00 – GGWC 33.00
This wine is a new-world conception of a mythical ideal old-world wine…a California wine with a spiritual connection to Friuli, Italy and Graves, France. It really rocks, and you cannot have enough of this in your cellar! It is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Ribolla Gialla, and Semillon. The Sauvignon brings a clean fresh citrusy acidity. The Ribolla Gialla gives a unique minerality, spice, and structure to the blend. The Semillon contributes viscosity and the ripe fig and beeswax character that adds gravity and weight. The acidity and fruit expression is balanced by the rich lees character and the sweetness of the oak. There is interplay in the wine between lightness and richness, and focus and complexity. The Ribolla Gialla, with its weight and slight tannic grip, ties the wine together and brings a dimension of length and interest. 200 cases produced!
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine!
Saxon Brown 2006 Semillon “Casa Santamaria” Sonoma
Retail 24.00 – GGWC 18.99
I love this wine and its style: lively and refreshing with good food affinity. The ‘06 Semillon fits the bill. In addition to vibrant white peach, citrus blossom and fig flavors, the wine offers a rich, slightly yeasty mouth-feel and a lingering creamy finish. NO OAK. Only 300 cases produced of this 75 year old vine vineyard!
Copain 2007 Viognier “Tous Ensemble”, Mendocino
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 18.99
The Copain guys have always amazed me with their personality and winemaking skills. This latest release offers fleshy aromas of peach, apricot, and green papaya that carry well to the palate picking up a slight touch of crisp minerality. Sound acidity keeps the wine refreshing and avoids the overt fatter waxy texture this varietal can have when lower in acidity. Winemaker Wells Guthrie “beefed” up the body with 10% Roussanne from the James Berry vineyard, which lends extra length and complexity. The wine is well balanced with a long, pleasant finish.
Cold Heaven 2006 Viognier “Vogelzang” Santa Barbara
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 20.99
Lush tropical fruits and exotic white flowers overlay an invigorating acidity that keeps the wine fresh and lively. Morgan is very careful with her Viognier harvesting at just that paradoxical moment when both a sylph-like sleekness and a siren's seductiveness share center stage. A lovely wine.
Leo Steen 2007 Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley
Retail 23.00 – GGWC 18.99
Only 350 cases of this almost 30 year-old vine Chenin Blanc were produced. It is grown in a loamy soil in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma. This wine has a pale straw complexion with nice aromas of spring flowers and lemon peel. This medium bodied summer wine has flavors of green apple and citrus accompanied by lively acidity, which leads to a crisp finish.
Matthiasson 2007 Proprietary White Blend, Napa Valley
Retail 39.00 – GGWC 33.00
This wine is a new-world conception of a mythical ideal old-world wine…a California wine with a spiritual connection to Friuli, Italy and Graves, France. It really rocks, and you cannot have enough of this in your cellar! It is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Ribolla Gialla, and Semillon. The Sauvignon brings a clean fresh citrusy acidity. The Ribolla Gialla gives a unique minerality, spice, and structure to the blend. The Semillon contributes viscosity and the ripe fig and beeswax character that adds gravity and weight. The acidity and fruit expression is balanced by the rich lees character and the sweetness of the oak. There is interplay in the wine between lightness and richness, and focus and complexity. The Ribolla Gialla, with its weight and slight tannic grip, ties the wine together and brings a dimension of length and interest. 200 cases produced!
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine!
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