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™ !