Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
SWANSON 2004 MERLOT SPECIAL OFFER:
RETAIL 36.00 - GGWC 28.99(20% OFF) on six bottles or more!
I usually don't "promote" larger wineries, and I had to think twice to write this one up (not because of the quality, their quantity). After tasting the wine numerous times, I had to give in, and decided to give them a shot. The 2004 Swanson Merlot is a powerful, concentrated expression of the variety. The nose shows black cherry, smoke, blackberry, and espresso. The flavors in the mouth echo the aromatic expression nicely. The fine-grained tannins for which our Merlots have become known provide the round, ripe texture of this wine. While drinking surprisingly well today, this wine will improve and be enjoyable for at least the next 6-8 years. Close your eyes and you may find yourself on the Right Bank in Bordeaux.
Have a great day, and remember our motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Frank
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Cabernet Week at Golden Gate Wine Cellars
Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Cabernet Week at Golden Gate Wine Cellars!
Another gem in Frank’s Boutique Wine Selection™ list! 2005 Grassi Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00!
Mark Grassi planted his four acre vineyard after consulting with longtime friend and viticulture guru at Harlan Estate, Mary Maher.
I rarely quote publications, but I will see this much Wine Spectator’s score was too low at 91 points! "Fresh and vibrant, with complex currant, blackberry, loamy earth and spicy, cedary touches that are elegant, refined, balanced and well-proportioned. Drink now through 2013. 720 cases made."
"The 2005 is the first release of Grassi Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine makes a strong first impression with its vibrant dark ruby color, nearly opaque, and still with a touch of purple. The aromas are complex: black cherry, allspice, cinnamon, ripe plum, cassis, coffee, and ginger. The flavors are lively, refreshing, and fresh, with a firm structure and the appropriate degree of acidity to wake up the palate. The alcohol level is very modest for California Cabernet."
A few other hot cabernets while they are still in stock are the 2005 Joseph Family Cabernet, which has been a real crowd pleaser the past 3 years in a row! We are offering the wine at $37.99 (Retail 44.00). This wine got a 92 point rating from Wine Enthusiast!
Gary Lipp did it again. This latest Coho 2005 Headwater release blend is delicious blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot showcasing some of the best of Napa at an affordable price! This wine is lush and full in body, and loaed with pure blackstone fruit, offering good complexity and acidity. Silky finish. Very Limited Release! This awesome wine receieved a nice Wine Spectator score of 94 points! Retail 46.00 - GGWC 39.99
Our movie producing friend Doug Barr with the help from hot winemaker Celia Masyczek produced yet an ultra concentrated gem from the 2480 Hollywood & Vine winery. The 2005 Cabernet was given a 93 point rating from Wine Spectator! "A big, bold, rich and expressive style that packs in lots of flavor yet manages to be elegant and stylish without being heavy. Deep perfumed currant, floral, spice and berry flavors coat the palate, ending with ripe integrated tannins. Drink now through 2014." The wine sells at $79.99 (Retail is 90.00)
Have a great day, and remember our motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Frank
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Cabernet Week at Golden Gate Wine Cellars!
Another gem in Frank’s Boutique Wine Selection™ list! 2005 Grassi Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00!
Mark Grassi planted his four acre vineyard after consulting with longtime friend and viticulture guru at Harlan Estate, Mary Maher.
I rarely quote publications, but I will see this much Wine Spectator’s score was too low at 91 points! "Fresh and vibrant, with complex currant, blackberry, loamy earth and spicy, cedary touches that are elegant, refined, balanced and well-proportioned. Drink now through 2013. 720 cases made."
"The 2005 is the first release of Grassi Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine makes a strong first impression with its vibrant dark ruby color, nearly opaque, and still with a touch of purple. The aromas are complex: black cherry, allspice, cinnamon, ripe plum, cassis, coffee, and ginger. The flavors are lively, refreshing, and fresh, with a firm structure and the appropriate degree of acidity to wake up the palate. The alcohol level is very modest for California Cabernet."
A few other hot cabernets while they are still in stock are the 2005 Joseph Family Cabernet, which has been a real crowd pleaser the past 3 years in a row! We are offering the wine at $37.99 (Retail 44.00). This wine got a 92 point rating from Wine Enthusiast!
Gary Lipp did it again. This latest Coho 2005 Headwater release blend is delicious blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot showcasing some of the best of Napa at an affordable price! This wine is lush and full in body, and loaed with pure blackstone fruit, offering good complexity and acidity. Silky finish. Very Limited Release! This awesome wine receieved a nice Wine Spectator score of 94 points! Retail 46.00 - GGWC 39.99
Our movie producing friend Doug Barr with the help from hot winemaker Celia Masyczek produced yet an ultra concentrated gem from the 2480 Hollywood & Vine winery. The 2005 Cabernet was given a 93 point rating from Wine Spectator! "A big, bold, rich and expressive style that packs in lots of flavor yet manages to be elegant and stylish without being heavy. Deep perfumed currant, floral, spice and berry flavors coat the palate, ending with ripe integrated tannins. Drink now through 2014." The wine sells at $79.99 (Retail is 90.00)
Have a great day, and remember our motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Frank
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Special Barolo offer - 30% OFF!
Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
SPECIAL BAROLO OFFER 30% OFF!
BOASO 2003 BAROLO SERRALUNGA
-------------------------------------------
REGULAR RETAIL 56.00 - GGWC SPECIAL 39.99 (30% OFF!)
SIX BOTTLE MINIMUM FOR SPECIAL PRICING, smaller orders will still receive a 20% discount (45.00)
Just tasted this wine, W.A.W. (What A Wine)! A powerfully masculine wine, with musky, autumnal tones reminiscent of rain-drenched woods-a deep, dark, throaty wine with cedar and liquorice emerging from the velvety feel. Pleasant fruit, firm tannins. Fresh finish. Great with a rack of lamb, rib eye steak and other hardy cuisine!
I need to remind everyone that Golden Gate Wine Cellars' New York Wine Tasting is selling out fast. We only have a small amount of tickets left. Tickets can be obtained via our website (or use the link below). Also for those planning to come with some friends, if you buy five tickets in a bundle, you will receive a free bottle of wine at the tasting!
To buy tickets for the New York tasting, click on the following link or paste it into your browser -
http://www.localwineevents.com/New-York-City-Wine/event-191259.html
In Vino Veritas
Frank Melis
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
SPECIAL BAROLO OFFER 30% OFF!
BOASO 2003 BAROLO SERRALUNGA
-------------------------------------------
REGULAR RETAIL 56.00 - GGWC SPECIAL 39.99 (30% OFF!)
SIX BOTTLE MINIMUM FOR SPECIAL PRICING, smaller orders will still receive a 20% discount (45.00)
Just tasted this wine, W.A.W. (What A Wine)! A powerfully masculine wine, with musky, autumnal tones reminiscent of rain-drenched woods-a deep, dark, throaty wine with cedar and liquorice emerging from the velvety feel. Pleasant fruit, firm tannins. Fresh finish. Great with a rack of lamb, rib eye steak and other hardy cuisine!
I need to remind everyone that Golden Gate Wine Cellars' New York Wine Tasting is selling out fast. We only have a small amount of tickets left. Tickets can be obtained via our website (or use the link below). Also for those planning to come with some friends, if you buy five tickets in a bundle, you will receive a free bottle of wine at the tasting!
To buy tickets for the New York tasting, click on the following link or paste it into your browser -
http://www.localwineevents.com/New-York-City-Wine/event-191259.html
In Vino Veritas
Frank Melis
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Frank’s Wine Week in Review August 9 - August 15, 2008
Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Frank’s Wine Week in Review August 9 - August 15, 2008
Another cold and foggy week in the City-By-The-Bay. A typical Mark Twain-like day – “The coldest winter I ever spend, was a summer in San Francisco.” It has been cold and foggy, but that is great to taste through a lot of wines, which I did again this week.
Before we talk about this week’s wines, I need to remind everyone that Golden Gate Wine Cellars' New York Wine Tasting is selling out fast. We have only 20 tickets left, and you can obtain yours via our website. Also for those planning to come with some friends, if you buy five tickets in a bundle, you will receive a free bottle of wine at the tasting!
Watched the movie “Bottle Shock” this week, nothing to be "shocked" about and nothing to really write home about. I do want to give you heads up on the next movie that will come out about the same subject. Robert Kamen, owner of Kamen Vineyards and Winery, and writer extraordinaire is releasing both his wine (2005 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon, Sept 15 2008), and his movie shortly. His movie should be more detailed and informative. No, this has nothing to do with Montelena going “French,” for those who did not know, Chateau Montelena was sold to Cos D’Estournel.
On that note, we only deal with the smaller guys (and girls!), but it is amazing what a weak Dollar will do. A few months ago Duckhorn was sold for $250 Million and Stag’s Leap for $185 Million, while Montelena “only” fetched $110 Million, a steal!
Enough said, Frank’s Wine Week in Review notes.
I tasted a bunch of “stuff” that was not worth my time, but I am a nice guy and I give everyone the same time and respect, ditto for my clients. I never give my clients the cold shoulder, nor does the single bottle customer get less service versus the multi case buyer.
In this age of fast and faster, and a world of technology one seems to forget that customer service is still appreciated, and that is the main thing we “preach” at Golden Gate Wine Cellars – Take Care of That Customer, if not, he will take it elsewhere.
Jelly Roll 2006 Syrah, Santa Barbara
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.00
This stellar Syrah was sourced from the well-regarded Larner and Stolpman vineyards, and those familiar with these sources know that they produce killer juice! This lush, full-bodied Syrah offers a powerful blackberry and cassis aroma and flavor on the silky but intense palate. The wine “rolls” over the palate like a sweet “Jelly” candy. Limited production!
Forstwatch 2005 Merlot, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County
Retail 32.00 – 28.00
Brett Raven was David Ramey’s longtime assistant, and it shows in this latest release from this fairly new appellation (south of Santa Rosa). This cool climate appellation produced a wine with great complexity and richness. The wine exhibits plum and dark cherry fruits along with notes of spice and dark chocolate. You can open this wine before dinner and enjoy its opulence, yet pair it with a multitude of foods and find that it complements the food without overpowering it with alcohol. 175 cases produced!
Miura 2005 Syrah Antiqv2s Pisoni Vineyard
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00
Pisoni is synonymous with high-quality wine, and Master Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji (a mentor of mine while the Wine Director at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco in the early 90’s) produced an amazing wine from this property. This is a very intense wine that offers both the best from the Rhone Valley and California in one package. The wine shows an amazing amount of intensity, but at the same time is silky and lush with a touch of bacon-fat and creamy blackberries a touch of pure cocoa and spice. The wine is amazingly intense but o-so elegant one could scoop it rather than drinking out a glass.
Flying Goat '06 Pinot Noir Rio Vista, “Dijon Clone” Sta Rita Hills
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 38.00
No, not Grey Poupon, but yes, Dijon clone. The Dijon clone yielded a dark burgundy (of course!) color that foretells the depth of this wine. Upon a swirl classic notes of cherry, black cherry and holiday cranberry are unleashed. A silky texture precedes fruit notes of dried cherry, rhubarb and blackcurrants, then some nice elegant dusty tannins, a mineral-laden earthiness and more cran-cherry. Beautifully balanced with firm structure and a yin-yang of fruit notes. So…”please pass the Dijon?”
Very small production, as usual in Frank’s Boutique Wine Selections™ so hurry up!
Last week I tasted through a large amount of German Rieslings, and some really stood out.
Here we go:
Josef Bernard Kieren 2006 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling “Spatlese” Mosel
Retail 31.50 – GGWC 25.50
Only 300 cases were produced of this “Spatlese”, which means late harvest in German.
This is a vineyard that produces age worthy wines. This wine offers a very good interplay between floral flavors, mineral acidity and citrus aromas. It is crisp and transparent with precise balance and a classic Mosel profile. Long, mouthwatering finish. Perfect balance, weight and acidity, and very well-structured with a touch of tropical fruit at the end.
Johnn-Wilhelm 2007 Urziger-Wurzgarten Riesling “Auslese” Mosel
GGWC 32.50 – GGWC 26.50
This vineyard is the best-of-the-best in the village of Urzig (Mosel). Awesome aroma that jumps out of the glass! The noble sweet wine with fine residual sweetness and ripe acidity has a medium to full body that is oh-so flavorful. Lusciously spicy with hints of tropical fruit and a very long finish, this is a must have in your collection.
Frank Melis Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Frank’s Wine Week in Review August 9 - August 15, 2008
Another cold and foggy week in the City-By-The-Bay. A typical Mark Twain-like day – “The coldest winter I ever spend, was a summer in San Francisco.” It has been cold and foggy, but that is great to taste through a lot of wines, which I did again this week.
Before we talk about this week’s wines, I need to remind everyone that Golden Gate Wine Cellars' New York Wine Tasting is selling out fast. We have only 20 tickets left, and you can obtain yours via our website. Also for those planning to come with some friends, if you buy five tickets in a bundle, you will receive a free bottle of wine at the tasting!
Watched the movie “Bottle Shock” this week, nothing to be "shocked" about and nothing to really write home about. I do want to give you heads up on the next movie that will come out about the same subject. Robert Kamen, owner of Kamen Vineyards and Winery, and writer extraordinaire is releasing both his wine (2005 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon, Sept 15 2008), and his movie shortly. His movie should be more detailed and informative. No, this has nothing to do with Montelena going “French,” for those who did not know, Chateau Montelena was sold to Cos D’Estournel.
On that note, we only deal with the smaller guys (and girls!), but it is amazing what a weak Dollar will do. A few months ago Duckhorn was sold for $250 Million and Stag’s Leap for $185 Million, while Montelena “only” fetched $110 Million, a steal!
Enough said, Frank’s Wine Week in Review notes.
I tasted a bunch of “stuff” that was not worth my time, but I am a nice guy and I give everyone the same time and respect, ditto for my clients. I never give my clients the cold shoulder, nor does the single bottle customer get less service versus the multi case buyer.
In this age of fast and faster, and a world of technology one seems to forget that customer service is still appreciated, and that is the main thing we “preach” at Golden Gate Wine Cellars – Take Care of That Customer, if not, he will take it elsewhere.
Jelly Roll 2006 Syrah, Santa Barbara
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.00
This stellar Syrah was sourced from the well-regarded Larner and Stolpman vineyards, and those familiar with these sources know that they produce killer juice! This lush, full-bodied Syrah offers a powerful blackberry and cassis aroma and flavor on the silky but intense palate. The wine “rolls” over the palate like a sweet “Jelly” candy. Limited production!
Forstwatch 2005 Merlot, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County
Retail 32.00 – 28.00
Brett Raven was David Ramey’s longtime assistant, and it shows in this latest release from this fairly new appellation (south of Santa Rosa). This cool climate appellation produced a wine with great complexity and richness. The wine exhibits plum and dark cherry fruits along with notes of spice and dark chocolate. You can open this wine before dinner and enjoy its opulence, yet pair it with a multitude of foods and find that it complements the food without overpowering it with alcohol. 175 cases produced!
Miura 2005 Syrah Antiqv2s Pisoni Vineyard
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00
Pisoni is synonymous with high-quality wine, and Master Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji (a mentor of mine while the Wine Director at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco in the early 90’s) produced an amazing wine from this property. This is a very intense wine that offers both the best from the Rhone Valley and California in one package. The wine shows an amazing amount of intensity, but at the same time is silky and lush with a touch of bacon-fat and creamy blackberries a touch of pure cocoa and spice. The wine is amazingly intense but o-so elegant one could scoop it rather than drinking out a glass.
Flying Goat '06 Pinot Noir Rio Vista, “Dijon Clone” Sta Rita Hills
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 38.00
No, not Grey Poupon, but yes, Dijon clone. The Dijon clone yielded a dark burgundy (of course!) color that foretells the depth of this wine. Upon a swirl classic notes of cherry, black cherry and holiday cranberry are unleashed. A silky texture precedes fruit notes of dried cherry, rhubarb and blackcurrants, then some nice elegant dusty tannins, a mineral-laden earthiness and more cran-cherry. Beautifully balanced with firm structure and a yin-yang of fruit notes. So…”please pass the Dijon?”
Very small production, as usual in Frank’s Boutique Wine Selections™ so hurry up!
Last week I tasted through a large amount of German Rieslings, and some really stood out.
Here we go:
Josef Bernard Kieren 2006 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling “Spatlese” Mosel
Retail 31.50 – GGWC 25.50
Only 300 cases were produced of this “Spatlese”, which means late harvest in German.
This is a vineyard that produces age worthy wines. This wine offers a very good interplay between floral flavors, mineral acidity and citrus aromas. It is crisp and transparent with precise balance and a classic Mosel profile. Long, mouthwatering finish. Perfect balance, weight and acidity, and very well-structured with a touch of tropical fruit at the end.
Johnn-Wilhelm 2007 Urziger-Wurzgarten Riesling “Auslese” Mosel
GGWC 32.50 – GGWC 26.50
This vineyard is the best-of-the-best in the village of Urzig (Mosel). Awesome aroma that jumps out of the glass! The noble sweet wine with fine residual sweetness and ripe acidity has a medium to full body that is oh-so flavorful. Lusciously spicy with hints of tropical fruit and a very long finish, this is a must have in your collection.
Frank Melis Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415 337.4083
Fax: 888 790 WINE (9463)
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Friday, August 1, 2008
Frank's Wines of the week August 1 - August 8 2008
Golden Gate Wine Cellars
Retail Showroom Address:
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415.337.4083
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine!
August 1, 2008
Frank’s Wine Week in review.
We are one month into the opening of our new showroom, and have met many new local faces. When your work, pleasure or wine country visit would bring you to California, please stop by and visit us!
Lots of excitement on the wine front to announce this week.
Every week I taste a bunch of wine, and this week I had some decent, good, and outstanding wines. It is the outstanding that I look for. So you see, I do “your” homework. I tasted 120 wines and came up with about 10 gems! Someone has to do the dirty work, and it might as well be me.
Carter Cellars wines are made by Nils Venge and Jeff Fontanella. All small lots from either their estate or some high-end well regarded vineyards are produced. I tasted through six of their newly released wines and three made the grade – see below.
Carter Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coliseum Block- Napa
Retail 130.00 – GGWC 115.00
The 2006 Coliseum Block Cab is another in an impressive line of well-behaved brutes. Massive, dense black fruits pull in alongside currants, dried herbs, plums, and bittersweet chocolate to form a powerhouse Cabernet that brings the senses to attention. Only 243 cases produced.
Carter Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer/ToKalon - Napa Valley
Retail 130.00 – GGWC 115.00
The last two vintages of this wine from the legendary original To Kalon vineyard have garnered Spectator ratings of 95 and 96 points respectively. The ’06 could very well be a 97! This wine is a seamless montage of cassis and dark berries, with alluring notes of spice inviting the senses ever deeper into the wine’s many-nuanced flavors. Dense and concentrated, this Cab delivers the size, length, and depth one would expect from a truly great wine.
Carter Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Revilo Napa Valley
Retail 100.00 – GGWC 89.99
I would say that this is the most elegant, approachable of the bunch. This elegant wine shows off a bright, red fruit core, tempered with superbly integrated tannins. A profusion of berries, currant, and spice flavors drape themselves over a fine structure, ending in a stylish, long-drawn finish.
Grassi 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00
The 2005 is the first release of Grassi Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine makes a strong first impression with its vibrant dark ruby color, nearly opaque, and still with a touch of purple. The aromas are complex: black cherry, allspice, cinnamon, ripe plum, cassis, coffee, and ginger. The flavors are lively, refreshing, and fresh, with a firm structure and the appropriate degree of acidity to wake up the palate. The alcohol level is very modest for California Cabernet.
Hirsch 2006 Estate Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00
Only 376 cases of this amazing wine were produced. Upon opening, deep earth, loam aromas emerge against a background of bergamot, black tea, Bing cherry, and a touch of toastiness. The big, broad mouthfeel harbors flavors of ripe plums and rich cherries. It is full and plush. Supported by healthy tannins, its nice acid balance is fully present through to the long, persistent finish. With air, pronounced pinot notes emerge: leather, tobacco, autumnal earth. The mid-palate broadens and the tannins integrate. David Hirsch is amazing. His knowledge of the terroir blew my mind, and I can see why he could talk for hours about this wine – it is amazing!
Dutton Goldfield 2006 Zinfandel, Morelli Lanem, Russian River Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 38.00
The long, cool 06 growing season well suited the old vines at Morelli Lane, giving them plenty of time to perfectly ripen. This wine displays the soft elegance and bright raspberry/cherry fruit that makes it so prized. The 06 is a particularly easy drinking version of the old vine Zin, with its moderate alcohol, exceptionally supple tannins and bright acidity. On the nose it shows the classic Morelli frambois, coupled with lots of Bing cherry and some toasty overtones. It follows with candied cherry along with a bit of spice and toffee in the mouth, and lingers with sweet tannins and berry fruit. Its elegant balance yields a perfect pairing with foods like lasagna, many cheeses, and just about anything off the barbeque. 248 cases produced.
Vogelzang 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 26.00
Elegant intensity is the most appropriate way to describe the 2007 offering. This wine bursts with distinct and clear fruit expressions of pineapple, pear, and lime, complimented with a wonderful minerality reminiscent of Bordeaux Blanc that we now recognize as a classic Vogelzang Vineyard aroma profile. The mouthfeel is amazingly broad and rich, yet it maintains an excellent natural acidity true to the varietal. Seamlessly elegant from start to finish.
Lattanzio 2006 Pinot Noir, W.E. Bottoms, Russian River Valley
Retail 41.00 – GGWC 33.99
This very small, 3 acre vineyard is located near the town of Occidental in the coolest part of the appellation. This great Pinot Noir is light ruby to purple color. It offers aromas of dried herbs, a hint of clove, and fresh red cherries. Medium bodied with good concentration, silky texture and flavors of red raspberry and cranberry. Finishes firm with refreshing acidity and lingering silky tannins. 230 cases produced.
Lattanzio 2006 Syrah Fredrick Ranch, Sonoma Coast
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 31.50
Only 100 cases of this puppy were produced, and I can tell you that every drop of this juice was meticulously selected and evaluated before it was bottled. This stellar wine possesses a deep plum color that is accompanied by aromas of smoked meats, black cherries, and black currants. This exquisite, medium to full-bodied, delicious Sonoma Coast Syrah offers good purity and length as well as a broad, dense concentration, and velvet-textured mouthfeel. Enjoy it over the next 4-6 years.
Dillon 2005 Chardonnay, Estate Yountville Napa Valley
Retail 26.00 – GGWC 21.00
Only 250 cases of this stainless steel fermented (FYI – no oak!) were produced. It offers a fresh kiwi, guava-like aroma with similar tropical flavors on the palate. The wine is full in body with a bright, balanced acidity that generates an appealing mouthfeel and leaves a lingering finish on the palate.
Esoterica 2007 Riesling, Rossi Vineyard Rutherford Napa
Retail 20.00 – GGWC 17.00
Only 340 cases of this wine were produced. Enjoy this wine; it offers the perfect balance between sweetness and acid. It has a lovely nose as only Riesling can, and the flavor is full of flowers and fruit. Comically enough, as young as this wine is now, I think that it will age very gracefully for many years. To me it has the characteristics that a Riesling needs to sit in the bottle and get better and better, just like some older Mosel Riesling would.
Our New York wine tasting (10.11.08) is selling out fast. To buy tickets for the New York tasting, click on the following link or paste it into your browser http://www.localwineevents.com/New-York-City-Wine/event-191259.html
Retail Showroom Address:
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Tel: 415.337.4083
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: http://www.goldengatewinecellars.com/
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine!
August 1, 2008
Frank’s Wine Week in review.
We are one month into the opening of our new showroom, and have met many new local faces. When your work, pleasure or wine country visit would bring you to California, please stop by and visit us!
Lots of excitement on the wine front to announce this week.
Every week I taste a bunch of wine, and this week I had some decent, good, and outstanding wines. It is the outstanding that I look for. So you see, I do “your” homework. I tasted 120 wines and came up with about 10 gems! Someone has to do the dirty work, and it might as well be me.
Carter Cellars wines are made by Nils Venge and Jeff Fontanella. All small lots from either their estate or some high-end well regarded vineyards are produced. I tasted through six of their newly released wines and three made the grade – see below.
Carter Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coliseum Block- Napa
Retail 130.00 – GGWC 115.00
The 2006 Coliseum Block Cab is another in an impressive line of well-behaved brutes. Massive, dense black fruits pull in alongside currants, dried herbs, plums, and bittersweet chocolate to form a powerhouse Cabernet that brings the senses to attention. Only 243 cases produced.
Carter Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer/ToKalon - Napa Valley
Retail 130.00 – GGWC 115.00
The last two vintages of this wine from the legendary original To Kalon vineyard have garnered Spectator ratings of 95 and 96 points respectively. The ’06 could very well be a 97! This wine is a seamless montage of cassis and dark berries, with alluring notes of spice inviting the senses ever deeper into the wine’s many-nuanced flavors. Dense and concentrated, this Cab delivers the size, length, and depth one would expect from a truly great wine.
Carter Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Revilo Napa Valley
Retail 100.00 – GGWC 89.99
I would say that this is the most elegant, approachable of the bunch. This elegant wine shows off a bright, red fruit core, tempered with superbly integrated tannins. A profusion of berries, currant, and spice flavors drape themselves over a fine structure, ending in a stylish, long-drawn finish.
Grassi 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00
The 2005 is the first release of Grassi Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine makes a strong first impression with its vibrant dark ruby color, nearly opaque, and still with a touch of purple. The aromas are complex: black cherry, allspice, cinnamon, ripe plum, cassis, coffee, and ginger. The flavors are lively, refreshing, and fresh, with a firm structure and the appropriate degree of acidity to wake up the palate. The alcohol level is very modest for California Cabernet.
Hirsch 2006 Estate Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 56.00
Only 376 cases of this amazing wine were produced. Upon opening, deep earth, loam aromas emerge against a background of bergamot, black tea, Bing cherry, and a touch of toastiness. The big, broad mouthfeel harbors flavors of ripe plums and rich cherries. It is full and plush. Supported by healthy tannins, its nice acid balance is fully present through to the long, persistent finish. With air, pronounced pinot notes emerge: leather, tobacco, autumnal earth. The mid-palate broadens and the tannins integrate. David Hirsch is amazing. His knowledge of the terroir blew my mind, and I can see why he could talk for hours about this wine – it is amazing!
Dutton Goldfield 2006 Zinfandel, Morelli Lanem, Russian River Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 38.00
The long, cool 06 growing season well suited the old vines at Morelli Lane, giving them plenty of time to perfectly ripen. This wine displays the soft elegance and bright raspberry/cherry fruit that makes it so prized. The 06 is a particularly easy drinking version of the old vine Zin, with its moderate alcohol, exceptionally supple tannins and bright acidity. On the nose it shows the classic Morelli frambois, coupled with lots of Bing cherry and some toasty overtones. It follows with candied cherry along with a bit of spice and toffee in the mouth, and lingers with sweet tannins and berry fruit. Its elegant balance yields a perfect pairing with foods like lasagna, many cheeses, and just about anything off the barbeque. 248 cases produced.
Vogelzang 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 26.00
Elegant intensity is the most appropriate way to describe the 2007 offering. This wine bursts with distinct and clear fruit expressions of pineapple, pear, and lime, complimented with a wonderful minerality reminiscent of Bordeaux Blanc that we now recognize as a classic Vogelzang Vineyard aroma profile. The mouthfeel is amazingly broad and rich, yet it maintains an excellent natural acidity true to the varietal. Seamlessly elegant from start to finish.
Lattanzio 2006 Pinot Noir, W.E. Bottoms, Russian River Valley
Retail 41.00 – GGWC 33.99
This very small, 3 acre vineyard is located near the town of Occidental in the coolest part of the appellation. This great Pinot Noir is light ruby to purple color. It offers aromas of dried herbs, a hint of clove, and fresh red cherries. Medium bodied with good concentration, silky texture and flavors of red raspberry and cranberry. Finishes firm with refreshing acidity and lingering silky tannins. 230 cases produced.
Lattanzio 2006 Syrah Fredrick Ranch, Sonoma Coast
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 31.50
Only 100 cases of this puppy were produced, and I can tell you that every drop of this juice was meticulously selected and evaluated before it was bottled. This stellar wine possesses a deep plum color that is accompanied by aromas of smoked meats, black cherries, and black currants. This exquisite, medium to full-bodied, delicious Sonoma Coast Syrah offers good purity and length as well as a broad, dense concentration, and velvet-textured mouthfeel. Enjoy it over the next 4-6 years.
Dillon 2005 Chardonnay, Estate Yountville Napa Valley
Retail 26.00 – GGWC 21.00
Only 250 cases of this stainless steel fermented (FYI – no oak!) were produced. It offers a fresh kiwi, guava-like aroma with similar tropical flavors on the palate. The wine is full in body with a bright, balanced acidity that generates an appealing mouthfeel and leaves a lingering finish on the palate.
Esoterica 2007 Riesling, Rossi Vineyard Rutherford Napa
Retail 20.00 – GGWC 17.00
Only 340 cases of this wine were produced. Enjoy this wine; it offers the perfect balance between sweetness and acid. It has a lovely nose as only Riesling can, and the flavor is full of flowers and fruit. Comically enough, as young as this wine is now, I think that it will age very gracefully for many years. To me it has the characteristics that a Riesling needs to sit in the bottle and get better and better, just like some older Mosel Riesling would.
Our New York wine tasting (10.11.08) is selling out fast. To buy tickets for the New York tasting, click on the following link or paste it into your browser http://www.localwineevents.com/New-York-City-Wine/event-191259.html
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