Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco , CA 94127
Tel: 415.337.4083
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
W: www.goldengatewinecellars.com
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™!
Another Week in Wine Review
-------------------------------------
As May comes to an end, the wine landscape is just starting to blossom some more. I tasted a ton of wine this week, and I have some great DEALS to offer you as well. Remember FREE (ground) SHIPPING - $500.00 or more to the same address!
Canihan 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Valley – Retail 38.00 – NOW 28.00 (25% OFF)
Only 300 cases of this Estate Pinot Noir were produced! Aromas of raspberry, plums, violet and floral tones fold into black cherry and cedar as the wine is swirled. The wine’s texture is rich and full, with a deep, lingering finish. A fun, easy drinking wine. So buy six bottles of this wine, and receive 25% OFF!
August West 2007 “Rosella Vineyard” Chardonnay – Retail 48.00 – GGWC 39.99
2007 was only 3rd vintage of the Rosella’s Chardonnay, and this wine benefited from the longest fermentation on record for August west: 10 months. The length of the fermentation added to the complexity of the nose and the palate. There’s a hint of the citrus fruit aromas very characteristic of the Rosella’s Vineyard Chards, and this is followed by a soft, full-bodied palate. Only 94 cases were produced.
August West 2007 “Graham” Pinot Noir, Russian River V. – Retail 55.00 – GGWC 48.00
After the prolific 2006 vintage at Graham, 2007 was back to normal at barely over 1 ton per acre. The wine has a nose of ripe Russian River Valley fruit mixed with spicy, earthy aromas that will evolve for many years to come. Only 310 cases were produced, and it will surely be sold out quickly. 300 cases produced.
Molnar 2007 “Poseidon” Chardonnay, Carneros – Retail 28.00 – GGWC 22.99
This Chardonnay has an inviting aroma of Kaffir lime and lemon custard. Upon first sip the wine is lively and fresh with the pinpoint acidity of green apples and lime. Ever-present notes of flint and minerality maintain the focused character. As the wine blossoms, flavors of crème Brule and custard fill out the palate, and a kiss of toasty vanilla adds a final touch of complexity to the wine's finish. 90 pt. Robert Parker.
Kesner 2006 Hudson Chardonnay – Retail 65.00 – GGWC 59.99
Quite possibly the best Hudson Vineyards produced to date. A simply magical growing season allowed us to pick the fruit at moderate sugar levels with a little less acid and lower yield than the previous vintage but with all of the fruit to back it up. The wine is brimming with the tones of a classic Hudson Vineyards Chardonnay. Grown in the cool and windy Carneros, where the old loam, clay and river stone foot hills meet the bay. Lifted essence of citrus, grilled stone fruit and mineral infused undertones. James Kesner has managed the Hudson vineyard for a decade and since 2008has joined Kistler Winery. He will fill Steve Kistler’s shoes when he retires as the Kistler winemaker in the (near) future.
Kazmer Blaise “Primo’s Hill” Pinot Noir, Carneros – Retail 56.00 – GGWC 49.00
This is one of the best Pinot Noir’s to come across my palate as of late. Brambly blackberry and cherry are deeply embedded in the wine's aroma but go un-noticed at first due to the dramatic overlay of campfire, leather, oils, waxes and sandalwood. This is a dark-toned wine, decidedly masculine for the absence of floral fragrance. The texture defies the expectations of the nose, and although the wine has weight, there is a rose-petal nap to the feel of the tannins. It is fine-grained, lush and wholly seductive. The wine received a 91 Point rating from Robert Parker and 94 Points from Wine Enthusiast. Only 249 cases produced!
Obsidian 2006 Cabernet Estate, Red Hills Lake County – Retail 32.00 – GGWC 27.99
The bouquet is filled with spices of bay, clove and anise amidst a core of red cherries, dried cranberries and ripe red plums. With each sip we're reminded of the terroir at Obsidian Ridge with the subtle hints of chaparral throughout. This is a rich and densely structured wine. It maintains appropriate acidity that carries forth the flavors of dark cherries finishing with espresso beans coated in dark chocolate. This is undeniable mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with ample tannin to secure its longevity for ten or even fifteen years. Under 30.00 not a bad find!
Obsidian 2006 Syrah “Estate” Red Hills Lake County – Retail 32.00 – GGWC 27.99
Only 216 cases of this gem were produced! This wine is ample to say the least. The bouquet is filled with aromas of blackberries mulled with ginger, graham cracker and spice. An undercurrent of smoke and meatiness keep this Syrah true to character. The wine is rich and surprisingly silken despite ample tannin that flesh out the mid-palate. The wine maintains appropriate acidity that works well with the fruit to keep this Syrah fresh and lively.
Last call for those who did not sign up for the 2007 DuMOL wines (see last week’s email – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah). 750’s and Magnums available!
Ramian’s Chapter Six Cabernet Blend and their Cabernet Franc are almost sold out as well. So hurry to get some of this much sought after wine!
Also, I have started a pre-order list for the 2007 Coho Headwaters Cabernet Blend. As you might recall the previous three vintages scored 94 and 95 points, and this one could be higher. I tasted the wine, and can tell you that it will leave the 200 far behind! Those of you that purchased some of the 2006 are on the “A” list for the 2007 vintage.
I suggest you sign up fast, as we have pre-sold 56 cases and we will only receive 75 cases this vintage! Retail TBA, but will be about (if not totally) the same as the 2006 vintage.
Lastly, Black Kite’s 2007 Pinot Noir “Kite’s Rest” which received a 92 point rating in Wine Spectator and 94 Points in Wine Enthusiast is almost sold out as well.
This offer is good while supplies last.
*Free Shipping is GROUND UPS and has to go to the same address - anywhere in the CONTINENTAL US!
Frank Melis
aka St. Frank - The Patron Saint of Tannins
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: www.goldengatewinecellars.com
"Wine, madam, is God's next best gift to man." - Ambrose Bierce, Devil's Dictionary 1907
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Mid May Wine Notes
Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francicso, CA 94127
Tel: 415.337.4083
W: www.goldengatewinecellars.com
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine!
PAHLMEYER SPECIAL OFFER
Pahlmeyer “Jayson” 2006 Pinot Noir – Retail 65.00 NOW 49.99
Minimum order 6 bottles to secure the “big discount price”
In the years that Pahlmeyer produces awesome quality and quantities, he creates his name sake Jayson. This label is always very limited! We compared notes with the 2006 Pinot Noir, which got 94 Points in Robert Parker, and for half the price, one cannot go wrong with the Jayson Pinot Noir!
Pahlmeyer “Jayson” 2005 Proprietary Red – Retail 60.00 NOW 49.99
Minimum order 6 bottles to secure the “big discount price”
I just tasted (and compared) the Pahlmeyer Regular which received 96 Points in Robert Parker and the “Jayson” Pahlmeyer – a mere image and at less than half the price one would make a big mistake not to jump on some Jayson 2005 Proprietary Red!
2005 Mirror Cabernet, Napa Valley – Retail 85.00 – GGWC 74.99
Hourglass Fans - I have another surprise in the bag! Jeff Smith owner of Hourglass and Rob Lawson (Jeff's partner and winemaker at Fisticuffs) partnered with Rick Mirer, former NFL Quarterback to create MIRROR, a limited production Cabernet sourced from two famed St. Helena and Oakville estates. I featured the wine at our bi-monthly Wine Extravaganza and it was a BIG HIT! Only 500 cases of this gem were produced, and my crowd of almost 100 was shocked that the wine only retailed for $75.00! It tasted like Colgin, Spottswoode, etc at a much lower price! We sold a good amount of it at the event, and I do not anticipate having it around for a long time. So hurry up, and get some of this well-structured, well-balanced, Cabernet! On the nose one is greeted by lively black berries, followed on the full-bodied palate by similar flavors and a touch of toasty vanilla and anise. The wine is intense but not in your face. On the palate it delivers a lush, ripe and richly concentrated core of dark fruits (cassis, blackberries and dried cranberries). I did decant it, and allowed it to breathe for a good 2 hours prior to serving. It opened nicely, and turned many heads! That said, the finish was superb and long.
Hurry Up! As I will N.F.L. - Not have the wine For Long (NFL hahaha)
Ramian 2006 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Napa
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 36.99
This must be the BEST Cabernet Franc I have ever tasted. Cab Franc is one of those “forgotten” varietals, but with the right touch one produces an amazing wine. That is what Brian Ramian achieved with this latest release. This wine reveals a superb fragrant bouquet of red and black stone fruits and a touch of anise. The wine is full in bodied but well-balanced. Not the in-your-face, concentrated, super-tannic monster, but a well-made wine that offers ripeness, as well as excellent fruit, acid and purity. It finishes long, with subtle, silky tannins. 375 cases produced.
Ramian 2006 “Chapter 6” Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Retail 70.00- GGWC 56.99
This sixth release, thus Chapter Six is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. On the nose this wine has an old world elegance and shows dark black fruits, coffee, black liquorices, smoked meats and sweet vanilla. A big fat opulent mouthfeel of ripe blackberries, black currants, roasted coffee beans and chocolate dominate the mid-palate with a long toasty oak finish. This is an elegant, multidimensional, well balanced atypical Napa Valley red. 257 cases produced.
Ramian 2007 Reserve White Blend (Viognier/Roussanne)
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 24.99
This wine is a blend of 57% Viognier and 43% Roussanne. The micro climate of this valley is perfect for growing Viognier. Warm sunny days along with a constant cool breeze yield optimum conditions for achieving perfect ripeness. Bananas and immense amounts of white tropical fruits provide a telling story on the nose that carries off perfectly onto the palate and soft long, lingering finish. Only 130 cases produced.
Bedrock “Heirloom” Proprietary Red, Sonoma Valley
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 32.49
The inaugural release of the Bedrock Heirloom Red is a classic California field blend. Composed of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Barbera. Typical of Sonoma Valley , this year’s wine features a dazzling aromatic profile of crushed red berries, kirsch, pumpkin pie spice, bright, clarified, fruit flavors and rich structural components imparted by the mixed blacks which ground the wine and indicate that it will age gracefully for 8-10 years. 185 cases produced. (92 Pt Wine Spectator)
Black Kite 2007 Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – Retail 50.00 – GGWC 45.00
Jeff Gaffner (Saxon Brown) produces the awesome Black Kite wines! This latest release offers layers of raspberry, dark chocolate, mocha, lavender and violets with hint of clove, cassis, cedar and rose petal. On the palate this full-bodied, but elegantly structured wine offer a graceful interplay of fine-grained tannins, focused acids and ripe fruit. This is a wine that could benefit from some time in the cellar, although decanting it for an hour or two would do wonders as well.
Wine Spectator 92 Pt : 2007 Black Kite "Kite's Rest" tops the charts this week, with a ripe, fleshy offering. Very ripe and rich. Full-bodied, with tiers of black cherry, wild berry, plum and spice. Picks up a spicy, minerally edge and gains body on the finish, where the fruit is pure and fleshy. Drink now through 2014. 726 cases made." — James Laube.
Saracina 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 22.99
The Saracina folks are all about bio-dynamic, organic farming! Their 25- to 40-year-old, lower yield organically farmed vineyards produce intense fruit with excellent varietal character. The palate reveals pronounced citrus, white peach, key lime and ripe quince flavors, balanced by a crisp, dry acidity. This intense mouth-feel is enhanced by the extended lees aging and batonnage. The classic aromas of lime, grapefruit and wet river stone recall a Loire-style Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a laser beam on the palate! 750 cases produced.
Atrea 2007 “The Choir” Mendocino
Retail 22.50 – GGWC 19.99
David Ramey produced yet another gem! This blend of 76% Roussanne, 24% Viognier offers a hugely aromatic nose of apricot, honeysuckle, orange blossoms and jasmine has become the hallmark of The Choir. The palate carries similar flavors with emphasis on pitted fruits. It sports richness without excess weight. Wine can be powerful and vibrant simultaneously when made well, as The Choir demonstrates. This wine will appeal to the "ABC" (Anything But Chardonnay) crowd. 800 cases produced.
Verdad 2008 Albarino, Central Coast
Retail 22.00 – GGWC 19.99
Albarino is a unique Spanish grape variety that makes lovely aromatic and lively wine. This wine has fresh white peach aromas and flavors, layered with hints of orange blossoms, almonds and exotic citrus with a dry, crisp finish. Only 448 cases were produced.
Walter Hansel 2006 Chardonnay North Slope
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.99
This wine received a 94 point rating from Robert Parker – so what else is there to say about this. The wine has a touch of minerality on the nose. On the palate this full bodied wine offers gobs of citrus and a touch of tropical fruit notes. It is a fruity wine, but well balanced with the right amounts of acid. A real crowd pleaser, and as always limited production.
Bravante 2006 Merlot, Estate, Howell Mountain
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99
Bursting with huge mountain black fruit and silky tannins, this wine is a perennial sell-out. The mouthfeel shows off the luscious mountain fruit, while the silky tannins remind you of cedar, earth and chalk - typical Howell Mountain trademarks. The nose is intense, with aromas of blackberries, provincial herbs, and the usual hints of mushrooms, chalk and cinnamon that our wines always turn up. The finish tracks the aromas and palate with the addition of just a hint of spicy oak, and the wine is so firm and balanced, you only notice the oak as the gentle, "velvet glove" holding it all in place.
Chronicle 2006 Zinfandel “Gaddis” Russian River Valley – Retail 44.00 – GGWC 35.99 The Gaddis Zin possesses a brilliant red-purple hue. It is led in the nose by deep and complex aromas of raspberry and anise, highlighted by spice and chocolate ganache. The wine has a balanced attack of mouthwatering red fruit, framed by excellent acidity. Gaddis shows certain elegance in its infancy. Only 119 cases produced!!
Chronicle 2006 Zinfandel “Old Vine” Russian River Valley – Retail 35.00 – GGWC 27.99
A blend of 23% Bacigalupi, 321% Gaddis and 45% Gambogi. This old vine Zin is "bang-for-your-buck"! Charm and tons of fruit! Bacigalupi brings brambly blackberry and mid palate richness; Gaddis brings backbone and structure, and Gambogi brings intriguing chocolate and claret-like aromatics and flavor profiles. 400 cases produced.
Chronicle 2006 Pinot Noir “Cerise” Anderson Valley
Retail 55.00 – GGWC 47.99 Ace winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai) produced 240 cases of this amazing Pinot Noir! Cerise is a low-yielding property in the Anderson Valley at 800 - 1200 feet elevation. Those familiar with Ted's winemaking and for that matter Cerise vineyard, know that he is "the" Pinot man! This wine aroma offers of a touch of barnyard with hints of black and raspberry. On the palate this medium to full bodied Pinot offers similar flavors. Well-structured and with good concentration (good balance of fruit and acid!), this wine has a modest tannic finish that will enable you to store this wine and enjoy it for many years to come!
Chronicle 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Retail 44.00- GGWC 34.99
Ace Winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai, etal) produced a stellar Pinot Noir sourced from three Sonoma Coast vineyards. Only 495 cases of this little gem were produced. The Sonoma Coast Pinot shows hints of spice and sandalwood with pronounced notes of strawberry and Bing cherry. This medium to full-bodied wine offers up a dose of almost sweet cherries and strawberries. The wine is elegant and drinks amazingly well. It is structured and balanced, and finishes will silky and lively tannins.
DUMOL NEW RELEASES!!!!!!!!
I just sampled the new DuMol wines - WAW (What a "bunch of" Wines!). The 2007 Russian Valley Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah were all amazing. I also sampled the designated vineyards which will not be available until this fall.
Remember, those of you on the Spring DuMol list always get first pick in the fall!
The wines will be arrive at the end of this week and we have pre-sold about 75% of them! So don't procrastinate any longer. You have to CALL or EMAIL me as we are NOT posting them on our website (yet). We want to give our regular clients first buying rights before the crowd of hungry DuMol fans "finds" us before you had a chance to buy your allocation!
2007 DuMol Chardonnay, Russian River Valley - $54.99
Light green/yellow color. Multi-layered aromas of lime zest and white flowers then cantaloupe, an edge of ginger and some exotic lychee. Initially zesty grapefruit on the palate followed by wonderful fruit richness with a core of baked apple, sweet lemon honey and nutmeg. Great snappy acidity balances the long oily-rich finish. Serve no cooler than 55 degrees to ensure full flavor development. Drink between release and 2013.
2007 DuMol Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley $65.00
Bright garnet color that darkens in the glass; Orange peel, fresh raspberry and briary aromas darken to kirsch, clove and blackberry. Great purity of Pinot fruit: sweet plum, spicy cola and wild berry flavors that are vivid and juicy lead to black tea, dried cherry and licorice complexity. At once supple then broadly structured with a long fresh expansive finish.
2007 DuMol Syrah, Russian River Valley $58.00
Bright ruby purple color; intensely floral aromas of violet with ripe plum, black raspberry and soy notes with an edge of smoked meat. Lovely ripe fruit core: blackberry and boysenberry with roast coffee and dried thyme then a plush velvety mid-palate and balanced tannins and acid on the supple finish. Maintains freshness and elegance throughout with developing complexity in the glass.
This offer is good while supplies last.
*Free Shipping is GROUND UPS and has to go to the same address.
Frank Melis
aka St. Frank - The Patron Saint of Tannins
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: www.goldengatewinecellars.com
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
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"Wine, madam, is God's next best gift to man." - Ambrose Bierce, Devil's Dictionary 1907
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Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
INQUIRE ABOUT OUR FREE(ground) SHIPPING OFFER
anywhere in the CONTINENTAL US!
Orders of $500.00 or more qualify (same address only!)
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francicso, CA 94127
Tel: 415.337.4083
W: www.goldengatewinecellars.com
E: frank@goldengatewinecellars.com
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine!
PAHLMEYER SPECIAL OFFER
Pahlmeyer “Jayson” 2006 Pinot Noir – Retail 65.00 NOW 49.99
Minimum order 6 bottles to secure the “big discount price”
In the years that Pahlmeyer produces awesome quality and quantities, he creates his name sake Jayson. This label is always very limited! We compared notes with the 2006 Pinot Noir, which got 94 Points in Robert Parker, and for half the price, one cannot go wrong with the Jayson Pinot Noir!
Pahlmeyer “Jayson” 2005 Proprietary Red – Retail 60.00 NOW 49.99
Minimum order 6 bottles to secure the “big discount price”
I just tasted (and compared) the Pahlmeyer Regular which received 96 Points in Robert Parker and the “Jayson” Pahlmeyer – a mere image and at less than half the price one would make a big mistake not to jump on some Jayson 2005 Proprietary Red!
2005 Mirror Cabernet, Napa Valley – Retail 85.00 – GGWC 74.99
Hourglass Fans - I have another surprise in the bag! Jeff Smith owner of Hourglass and Rob Lawson (Jeff's partner and winemaker at Fisticuffs) partnered with Rick Mirer, former NFL Quarterback to create MIRROR, a limited production Cabernet sourced from two famed St. Helena and Oakville estates. I featured the wine at our bi-monthly Wine Extravaganza and it was a BIG HIT! Only 500 cases of this gem were produced, and my crowd of almost 100 was shocked that the wine only retailed for $75.00! It tasted like Colgin, Spottswoode, etc at a much lower price! We sold a good amount of it at the event, and I do not anticipate having it around for a long time. So hurry up, and get some of this well-structured, well-balanced, Cabernet! On the nose one is greeted by lively black berries, followed on the full-bodied palate by similar flavors and a touch of toasty vanilla and anise. The wine is intense but not in your face. On the palate it delivers a lush, ripe and richly concentrated core of dark fruits (cassis, blackberries and dried cranberries). I did decant it, and allowed it to breathe for a good 2 hours prior to serving. It opened nicely, and turned many heads! That said, the finish was superb and long.
Hurry Up! As I will N.F.L. - Not have the wine For Long (NFL hahaha)
Ramian 2006 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Napa
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 36.99
This must be the BEST Cabernet Franc I have ever tasted. Cab Franc is one of those “forgotten” varietals, but with the right touch one produces an amazing wine. That is what Brian Ramian achieved with this latest release. This wine reveals a superb fragrant bouquet of red and black stone fruits and a touch of anise. The wine is full in bodied but well-balanced. Not the in-your-face, concentrated, super-tannic monster, but a well-made wine that offers ripeness, as well as excellent fruit, acid and purity. It finishes long, with subtle, silky tannins. 375 cases produced.
Ramian 2006 “Chapter 6” Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Retail 70.00- GGWC 56.99
This sixth release, thus Chapter Six is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. On the nose this wine has an old world elegance and shows dark black fruits, coffee, black liquorices, smoked meats and sweet vanilla. A big fat opulent mouthfeel of ripe blackberries, black currants, roasted coffee beans and chocolate dominate the mid-palate with a long toasty oak finish. This is an elegant, multidimensional, well balanced atypical Napa Valley red. 257 cases produced.
Ramian 2007 Reserve White Blend (Viognier/Roussanne)
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 24.99
This wine is a blend of 57% Viognier and 43% Roussanne. The micro climate of this valley is perfect for growing Viognier. Warm sunny days along with a constant cool breeze yield optimum conditions for achieving perfect ripeness. Bananas and immense amounts of white tropical fruits provide a telling story on the nose that carries off perfectly onto the palate and soft long, lingering finish. Only 130 cases produced.
Bedrock “Heirloom” Proprietary Red, Sonoma Valley
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 32.49
The inaugural release of the Bedrock Heirloom Red is a classic California field blend. Composed of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Barbera. Typical of Sonoma Valley , this year’s wine features a dazzling aromatic profile of crushed red berries, kirsch, pumpkin pie spice, bright, clarified, fruit flavors and rich structural components imparted by the mixed blacks which ground the wine and indicate that it will age gracefully for 8-10 years. 185 cases produced. (92 Pt Wine Spectator)
Black Kite 2007 Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – Retail 50.00 – GGWC 45.00
Jeff Gaffner (Saxon Brown) produces the awesome Black Kite wines! This latest release offers layers of raspberry, dark chocolate, mocha, lavender and violets with hint of clove, cassis, cedar and rose petal. On the palate this full-bodied, but elegantly structured wine offer a graceful interplay of fine-grained tannins, focused acids and ripe fruit. This is a wine that could benefit from some time in the cellar, although decanting it for an hour or two would do wonders as well.
Wine Spectator 92 Pt : 2007 Black Kite "Kite's Rest" tops the charts this week, with a ripe, fleshy offering. Very ripe and rich. Full-bodied, with tiers of black cherry, wild berry, plum and spice. Picks up a spicy, minerally edge and gains body on the finish, where the fruit is pure and fleshy. Drink now through 2014. 726 cases made." — James Laube.
Saracina 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino
Retail 25.00 – GGWC 22.99
The Saracina folks are all about bio-dynamic, organic farming! Their 25- to 40-year-old, lower yield organically farmed vineyards produce intense fruit with excellent varietal character. The palate reveals pronounced citrus, white peach, key lime and ripe quince flavors, balanced by a crisp, dry acidity. This intense mouth-feel is enhanced by the extended lees aging and batonnage. The classic aromas of lime, grapefruit and wet river stone recall a Loire-style Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a laser beam on the palate! 750 cases produced.
Atrea 2007 “The Choir” Mendocino
Retail 22.50 – GGWC 19.99
David Ramey produced yet another gem! This blend of 76% Roussanne, 24% Viognier offers a hugely aromatic nose of apricot, honeysuckle, orange blossoms and jasmine has become the hallmark of The Choir. The palate carries similar flavors with emphasis on pitted fruits. It sports richness without excess weight. Wine can be powerful and vibrant simultaneously when made well, as The Choir demonstrates. This wine will appeal to the "ABC" (Anything But Chardonnay) crowd. 800 cases produced.
Verdad 2008 Albarino, Central Coast
Retail 22.00 – GGWC 19.99
Albarino is a unique Spanish grape variety that makes lovely aromatic and lively wine. This wine has fresh white peach aromas and flavors, layered with hints of orange blossoms, almonds and exotic citrus with a dry, crisp finish. Only 448 cases were produced.
Walter Hansel 2006 Chardonnay North Slope
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.99
This wine received a 94 point rating from Robert Parker – so what else is there to say about this. The wine has a touch of minerality on the nose. On the palate this full bodied wine offers gobs of citrus and a touch of tropical fruit notes. It is a fruity wine, but well balanced with the right amounts of acid. A real crowd pleaser, and as always limited production.
Bravante 2006 Merlot, Estate, Howell Mountain
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99
Bursting with huge mountain black fruit and silky tannins, this wine is a perennial sell-out. The mouthfeel shows off the luscious mountain fruit, while the silky tannins remind you of cedar, earth and chalk - typical Howell Mountain trademarks. The nose is intense, with aromas of blackberries, provincial herbs, and the usual hints of mushrooms, chalk and cinnamon that our wines always turn up. The finish tracks the aromas and palate with the addition of just a hint of spicy oak, and the wine is so firm and balanced, you only notice the oak as the gentle, "velvet glove" holding it all in place.
Chronicle 2006 Zinfandel “Gaddis” Russian River Valley – Retail 44.00 – GGWC 35.99 The Gaddis Zin possesses a brilliant red-purple hue. It is led in the nose by deep and complex aromas of raspberry and anise, highlighted by spice and chocolate ganache. The wine has a balanced attack of mouthwatering red fruit, framed by excellent acidity. Gaddis shows certain elegance in its infancy. Only 119 cases produced!!
Chronicle 2006 Zinfandel “Old Vine” Russian River Valley – Retail 35.00 – GGWC 27.99
A blend of 23% Bacigalupi, 321% Gaddis and 45% Gambogi. This old vine Zin is "bang-for-your-buck"! Charm and tons of fruit! Bacigalupi brings brambly blackberry and mid palate richness; Gaddis brings backbone and structure, and Gambogi brings intriguing chocolate and claret-like aromatics and flavor profiles. 400 cases produced.
Chronicle 2006 Pinot Noir “Cerise” Anderson Valley
Retail 55.00 – GGWC 47.99 Ace winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai) produced 240 cases of this amazing Pinot Noir! Cerise is a low-yielding property in the Anderson Valley at 800 - 1200 feet elevation. Those familiar with Ted's winemaking and for that matter Cerise vineyard, know that he is "the" Pinot man! This wine aroma offers of a touch of barnyard with hints of black and raspberry. On the palate this medium to full bodied Pinot offers similar flavors. Well-structured and with good concentration (good balance of fruit and acid!), this wine has a modest tannic finish that will enable you to store this wine and enjoy it for many years to come!
Chronicle 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Retail 44.00- GGWC 34.99
Ace Winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai, etal) produced a stellar Pinot Noir sourced from three Sonoma Coast vineyards. Only 495 cases of this little gem were produced. The Sonoma Coast Pinot shows hints of spice and sandalwood with pronounced notes of strawberry and Bing cherry. This medium to full-bodied wine offers up a dose of almost sweet cherries and strawberries. The wine is elegant and drinks amazingly well. It is structured and balanced, and finishes will silky and lively tannins.
DUMOL NEW RELEASES!!!!!!!!
I just sampled the new DuMol wines - WAW (What a "bunch of" Wines!). The 2007 Russian Valley Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah were all amazing. I also sampled the designated vineyards which will not be available until this fall.
Remember, those of you on the Spring DuMol list always get first pick in the fall!
The wines will be arrive at the end of this week and we have pre-sold about 75% of them! So don't procrastinate any longer. You have to CALL or EMAIL me as we are NOT posting them on our website (yet). We want to give our regular clients first buying rights before the crowd of hungry DuMol fans "finds" us before you had a chance to buy your allocation!
2007 DuMol Chardonnay, Russian River Valley - $54.99
Light green/yellow color. Multi-layered aromas of lime zest and white flowers then cantaloupe, an edge of ginger and some exotic lychee. Initially zesty grapefruit on the palate followed by wonderful fruit richness with a core of baked apple, sweet lemon honey and nutmeg. Great snappy acidity balances the long oily-rich finish. Serve no cooler than 55 degrees to ensure full flavor development. Drink between release and 2013.
2007 DuMol Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley $65.00
Bright garnet color that darkens in the glass; Orange peel, fresh raspberry and briary aromas darken to kirsch, clove and blackberry. Great purity of Pinot fruit: sweet plum, spicy cola and wild berry flavors that are vivid and juicy lead to black tea, dried cherry and licorice complexity. At once supple then broadly structured with a long fresh expansive finish.
2007 DuMol Syrah, Russian River Valley $58.00
Bright ruby purple color; intensely floral aromas of violet with ripe plum, black raspberry and soy notes with an edge of smoked meat. Lovely ripe fruit core: blackberry and boysenberry with roast coffee and dried thyme then a plush velvety mid-palate and balanced tannins and acid on the supple finish. Maintains freshness and elegance throughout with developing complexity in the glass.
This offer is good while supplies last.
*Free Shipping is GROUND UPS and has to go to the same address.
Frank Melis
aka St. Frank - The Patron Saint of Tannins
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: www.goldengatewinecellars.com
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
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Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine™ !
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Friday, May 8, 2009
May Wine News
Golden Gate Wine Cellars
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA
Tel: 415.337.4083
Fax: 888.790.9463
www.goldengatewinecellars.com
frank@goldengatewinecellar.som
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine
April came and went. We tasted through tons of wines, some awesome and some awful! That said, I don't mind, as I know that the end result is important. I need to get the best wines to you, and I feel that I succeed doing that task.
We had our bi-monthly wine extravaganza last weekend; again a great turnout and about 30 excellent wines poured by the various winemakers and winery owners. Thank you to all of you for coming out. I also need to apologize as this event is always a big draw and we have a limited capacity due to fire marshall regulations. So for those who missed the tasting, sign up fast for the next one!
It is Mother's Day weekend and we need to put our best (wine) forward to make mom happy. Sorry, my wife gets the best wine 365 days a year, and she does not demand a special bottle on this special day. I buy flowers every week, so she does not demand flowers on this day either. My policy is the same - great wine, flowers, love, attention, doing the dishes, laundry every day not just on Mother's Day. But I will do something special on Mother's Day with my daughter's for "mommy!" We will make breakfast and serve it to her in bed. The girls are almost 4 and 6 and they like to help, and it makes mommy really happy.
Sunday night we will go out for a nice dinner (mother-in-law in tow - she is great I am not making fun of her!), and of course have some GREAT wine! Live is about great wine; thus Always Drink Great Wine as our motto!.
On a wine note; I had fun tasting wine the last week, and I could have written up 50 wines, but decided to keep it down to 15! I want to keep encouraging the wine public by continuing or effort to strengthen the US economy and to offer FREE SHIPPING for the rest of May!!!
*2005 Mirror Cabernet, Napa Valley – Retail 85.00 – GGWC 74.99
Hourglass Fans - I have another surprise in the bag! Jeff Smith owner of Hourglass and Rob Lawson (Jeff's partner and winemaker at Fisticuffs) partnered with Rick Mirer, former NFL Quarterback to create MIRROR, a limited production Cabernet sourced from two famed St. Helena and Oakville estates. I featured the wine at our bi-monthly Wine Extravaganza and it was a BIG HIT! Only 500 cases of this gem were produced, and my crowd of almost 100 was shocked that the wine only retailed for $75.00! It tasted like Colgin, Spottswoode, etc at a much lower price! We sold a good amount of it at the event, and I do not anticipate having it around for a long time. So hurry up, and get some of this well-structured, well-balanced, Cabernet! On the nose one is greeted by lively black berries, followed on the full-bodied palate by similar flavors and a touch of toasty vanilla and anise. The wine is intense but not in your face. On the palate it delivers a lush, ripe and richly concentrated core of dark fruits (cassis, blackberries and dried cranberries). I did decant it, and allowed it to breathe for a good 2 hours prior to serving. It opened nicely, and turned many heads! That said, the finish was superb and long.
Hurry Up! As I will N.F.L. - Not have the wine For Long (NFL hahaha)
*Ramian 2006 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley – Retail 45.00 – GGWC 36.99
This must be the BEST Cabernet Franc I have ever tasted. Cab Franc is one of those “forgotten” varietals, but with the right touch one produces an amazing wine. That is what Brian Ramian achieved with this latest release. This wine reveals a superb fragrant bouquet of red and black stone fruits and a touch of anise. The wine is full in bodied but well-balanced. Not the in-your-face, concentrated, super-tannic monster, but a well-made wine that offers ripeness, as well as excellent fruit, acid and purity. It finishes long, with subtle, silky tannins. 375 cases produced.
*Ramian 2006 “Chapter 6” Proprietary Red, Napa Valley – Retail 70.00- GGWC 56.99
This sixth release, thus Chapter Six is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon , 4% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. On the nose this wine has an old world elegance and shows dark black fruits, coffee, black liquorices, smoked meats and sweet vanilla. A big fat opulent mouthfeel of ripe blackberries, black currants, roasted coffee beans and chocolate dominate the mid-palate with a long toasty oak finish. This is an elegant, multidimensional, well balanced atypical Napa Valley red. 257 cases produced.
*Ramian 2007 Reserve White Blend (Viognier/Roussanne) – Retail 30.00 – GGWC 24.99
This wine is a blend of 57% Viognier and 43% Roussanne. The micro climate of this valley is perfect for growing Viognier. Warm sunny days along with a constant cool breeze yield optimum conditions for achieving perfect ripeness. Bananas and immense amounts of white tropical fruits provide a telling story on the nose that carries off perfectly onto the palate and soft long, lingering finish. Only 130 cases produced.
*Bedrock “Heirloom” Proprietary Red, Sonoma Valley – Retail 38.00 – GGWC 32.49 The inaugural release of the Bedrock Heirloom Red is a classic California field blend. Composed of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Barbera. Typical of Sonoma Valley, this year’s wine features a dazzling aromatic profile of crushed red berries, kirsch, pumpkin pie spice, bright, clarified, fruit flavors and rich structural components imparted by the mixed blacks which ground the wine and indicate that it will age gracefully for 8-10 years. 185 cases produced.
*Black Kite 2007 Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – Retail 50.00 – GGWC 45.00
Jeff Gaffner (Saxon Brown) produces the awesome Black Kite wines! This latest release offers layers of raspberry, dark chocolate, mocha, lavender and violets with hint of clove, cassis, cedar and rose petal. On the palate this full-bodied, but elegantly structured wine offer a graceful interplay of fine-grained tannins, focused acids and ripe fruit. This is a wine that could benefit from some time in the cellar, although decanting it for an hour or two would do wonders as well.
Wine Spectator (92 pts) wrote: 2007 Black Kite "Kite's Rest" tops the charts this week, with a ripe, fleshy offering. Very ripe and rich. Full-bodied, with tiers of black cherry, wild berry, plum and spice. Picks up a spicy, minerally edge and gains body on the finish, where the fruit is pure and fleshy. Drink now through 2014. 726 cases made." — James Laube.
*Saracina 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino – Retail 25.00 – GGWC 22.99
The Saracina folks are all about bio-dynamic, organic farming! Their 25- to 40-year-old, lower yield organically farmed vineyards produce intense fruit with excellent varietal character. The palate reveals pronounced citrus, white peach, key lime and ripe quince flavors, balanced by a crisp, dry acidity. This intense mouth-feel is enhanced by the extended lees aging and batonnage. The classic aromas of lime, grapefruit and wet river stone recall a Loire-style Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a laser beam on the palate! 750 cases produced.
*Atrea 2007 “The Choir” Mendocino – Retail 22.50 – GGWC 19.99
David Ramey produced yet another gem! This blend of 76% Roussanne, 24% Viognier offers a hugely aromatic nose of apricot, honeysuckle, orange blossoms and jasmine has become the hallmark of The Choir. The palate carries similar flavors with emphasis on pitted fruits. It sports richness without excess weight. Wine can be powerful and vibrant simultaneously when made well, as The Choir demonstrates. This wine will appeal to the "ABC" (anything but chardonnay) crowd. 800 cases produced.
*Verdad 2008 Albarino, Central Coast – Retail 22.00 – GGWC 19.99 Albarino is a unique Spanish grape variety that makes lovely aromatic and lively wine. This wine has fresh white peach aromas and flavors, layered with hints of orange blossoms, almonds and exotic citrus with a dry, crisp finish. Only 448 cases were produced.
*Walter Hansel 2006 Chardonnay North Slope – Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.99 This wine received a 94 point rating from Robert Parker – so what else is there to say about this. The wine has a touch of minerality on the nose. On the palate this full bodied wine offers gobs of citrus and a touch of tropical fruit notes. It is a fruity wine, but well balanced with the right amounts of acid. A real crowd pleaser, and as always limited production.
*Bravante 2006 Merlot, Estate, Howell Mountain – Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99 Bursting with huge mountain black fruit and silky tannins, this wine is a perennial sell-out. The mouthfeel shows off the luscious mountain fruit, while the silky tannins remind you of cedar, earth and chalk - typical Howell Mountain trademarks. The nose is intense, with aromas of blackberries, provincial herbs, and the usual hints of mushrooms, chalk and cinnamon that our wines always turn up. The finish tracks the aromas and palate with the addition of just a hint of spicy oak, and the wine is so firm and balanced, you only notice the oak as the gentle, "velvet glove" holding it all in place.
*Chronicle 2006 Zinfandel “Gaddis” Russian River Valley – Retail 44.00 – GGWC 35.99 The Gaddis Zin possesses a brilliant red-purple hue. It is led in the nose by deep and complex aromas of raspberry and anise, highlighted by spice and chocolate ganache. The wine has a balanced attack of mouthwatering red fruit, framed by excellent acidity. Gaddis shows certain elegance in its infancy. Only 119 cases produced!!
*Chronicle 2006 Zinfandel “Old Vine” Russian River Valley – Retail 35.00 – GGWC 27.99 A blend of 23% Bacigalupi, 321% Gaddis and 45% Gambogi. This old vine Zin is "bang-for-your-buck"! Charm and tons of fruit! Bacigalupi brings brambly blackberry and mid palate richness; Gaddis brings backbone and structure, and Gambogi brings intriguing chocolate and claret-like aromatics and flavor profiles. 400 cases produced.
*Chronicle 2006 Pinot Noir “Cerise” Anderson Valley – Retail 55.00 – GGWC 47.99 Ace winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai) produced 240 cases of this amazing Pinot Noir! Cerise is a low-yielding property in the Anderson Valley at 800 - 1200 feet elevation. Those familiar with Ted's winemaking and for that matter Cerise vineyard, know that he is "the" Pinot man! This wine aroma offers of a touch of barnyard with hints of black and raspberry. On the palate this medium to full bodied Pinot offers similar flavors. Well-structured and with good concentration (good balance of fruit and acid!), this wine has a modest tannic finish that will enable you to store this wine and enjoy it for many years to come!
*Chronicle 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast – Retail 44.00- GGWC 34.99
Ace Winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai etal) produced a stellar Pinot Noir sourced from three Sonoma Coast vineyards. Only 495 cases of this little gem were produced. The Sonoma Coast Pinot shows hints of spice and sandalwood with pronounced notes of strawberry and Bing cherry. This medium to full-bodied wine offers up a dose of almost sweet cherries and strawberries. The wine is elegant and drinks amazingly well. It is structured and balanced, and finishes will silky and lively tannins.
*Free Shipping is GROUND UPS and has to be delivered to the same address.
2337 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA
Tel: 415.337.4083
Fax: 888.790.9463
www.goldengatewinecellars.com
frank@goldengatewinecellar.som
Our Motto: Always Drink Good Wine
April came and went. We tasted through tons of wines, some awesome and some awful! That said, I don't mind, as I know that the end result is important. I need to get the best wines to you, and I feel that I succeed doing that task.
We had our bi-monthly wine extravaganza last weekend; again a great turnout and about 30 excellent wines poured by the various winemakers and winery owners. Thank you to all of you for coming out. I also need to apologize as this event is always a big draw and we have a limited capacity due to fire marshall regulations. So for those who missed the tasting, sign up fast for the next one!
It is Mother's Day weekend and we need to put our best (wine) forward to make mom happy. Sorry, my wife gets the best wine 365 days a year, and she does not demand a special bottle on this special day. I buy flowers every week, so she does not demand flowers on this day either. My policy is the same - great wine, flowers, love, attention, doing the dishes, laundry every day not just on Mother's Day. But I will do something special on Mother's Day with my daughter's for "mommy!" We will make breakfast and serve it to her in bed. The girls are almost 4 and 6 and they like to help, and it makes mommy really happy.
Sunday night we will go out for a nice dinner (mother-in-law in tow - she is great I am not making fun of her!), and of course have some GREAT wine! Live is about great wine; thus Always Drink Great Wine as our motto!.
On a wine note; I had fun tasting wine the last week, and I could have written up 50 wines, but decided to keep it down to 15! I want to keep encouraging the wine public by continuing or effort to strengthen the US economy and to offer FREE SHIPPING for the rest of May!!!
*2005 Mirror Cabernet, Napa Valley – Retail 85.00 – GGWC 74.99
Hourglass Fans - I have another surprise in the bag! Jeff Smith owner of Hourglass and Rob Lawson (Jeff's partner and winemaker at Fisticuffs) partnered with Rick Mirer, former NFL Quarterback to create MIRROR, a limited production Cabernet sourced from two famed St. Helena and Oakville estates. I featured the wine at our bi-monthly Wine Extravaganza and it was a BIG HIT! Only 500 cases of this gem were produced, and my crowd of almost 100 was shocked that the wine only retailed for $75.00! It tasted like Colgin, Spottswoode, etc at a much lower price! We sold a good amount of it at the event, and I do not anticipate having it around for a long time. So hurry up, and get some of this well-structured, well-balanced, Cabernet! On the nose one is greeted by lively black berries, followed on the full-bodied palate by similar flavors and a touch of toasty vanilla and anise. The wine is intense but not in your face. On the palate it delivers a lush, ripe and richly concentrated core of dark fruits (cassis, blackberries and dried cranberries). I did decant it, and allowed it to breathe for a good 2 hours prior to serving. It opened nicely, and turned many heads! That said, the finish was superb and long.
Hurry Up! As I will N.F.L. - Not have the wine For Long (NFL hahaha)
*Ramian 2006 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley – Retail 45.00 – GGWC 36.99
This must be the BEST Cabernet Franc I have ever tasted. Cab Franc is one of those “forgotten” varietals, but with the right touch one produces an amazing wine. That is what Brian Ramian achieved with this latest release. This wine reveals a superb fragrant bouquet of red and black stone fruits and a touch of anise. The wine is full in bodied but well-balanced. Not the in-your-face, concentrated, super-tannic monster, but a well-made wine that offers ripeness, as well as excellent fruit, acid and purity. It finishes long, with subtle, silky tannins. 375 cases produced.
*Ramian 2006 “Chapter 6” Proprietary Red, Napa Valley – Retail 70.00- GGWC 56.99
This sixth release, thus Chapter Six is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon , 4% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. On the nose this wine has an old world elegance and shows dark black fruits, coffee, black liquorices, smoked meats and sweet vanilla. A big fat opulent mouthfeel of ripe blackberries, black currants, roasted coffee beans and chocolate dominate the mid-palate with a long toasty oak finish. This is an elegant, multidimensional, well balanced atypical Napa Valley red. 257 cases produced.
*Ramian 2007 Reserve White Blend (Viognier/Roussanne) – Retail 30.00 – GGWC 24.99
This wine is a blend of 57% Viognier and 43% Roussanne. The micro climate of this valley is perfect for growing Viognier. Warm sunny days along with a constant cool breeze yield optimum conditions for achieving perfect ripeness. Bananas and immense amounts of white tropical fruits provide a telling story on the nose that carries off perfectly onto the palate and soft long, lingering finish. Only 130 cases produced.
*Bedrock “Heirloom” Proprietary Red, Sonoma Valley – Retail 38.00 – GGWC 32.49 The inaugural release of the Bedrock Heirloom Red is a classic California field blend. Composed of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Barbera. Typical of Sonoma Valley, this year’s wine features a dazzling aromatic profile of crushed red berries, kirsch, pumpkin pie spice, bright, clarified, fruit flavors and rich structural components imparted by the mixed blacks which ground the wine and indicate that it will age gracefully for 8-10 years. 185 cases produced.
*Black Kite 2007 Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – Retail 50.00 – GGWC 45.00
Jeff Gaffner (Saxon Brown) produces the awesome Black Kite wines! This latest release offers layers of raspberry, dark chocolate, mocha, lavender and violets with hint of clove, cassis, cedar and rose petal. On the palate this full-bodied, but elegantly structured wine offer a graceful interplay of fine-grained tannins, focused acids and ripe fruit. This is a wine that could benefit from some time in the cellar, although decanting it for an hour or two would do wonders as well.
Wine Spectator (92 pts) wrote: 2007 Black Kite "Kite's Rest" tops the charts this week, with a ripe, fleshy offering. Very ripe and rich. Full-bodied, with tiers of black cherry, wild berry, plum and spice. Picks up a spicy, minerally edge and gains body on the finish, where the fruit is pure and fleshy. Drink now through 2014. 726 cases made." — James Laube.
*Saracina 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino – Retail 25.00 – GGWC 22.99
The Saracina folks are all about bio-dynamic, organic farming! Their 25- to 40-year-old, lower yield organically farmed vineyards produce intense fruit with excellent varietal character. The palate reveals pronounced citrus, white peach, key lime and ripe quince flavors, balanced by a crisp, dry acidity. This intense mouth-feel is enhanced by the extended lees aging and batonnage. The classic aromas of lime, grapefruit and wet river stone recall a Loire-style Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a laser beam on the palate! 750 cases produced.
*Atrea 2007 “The Choir” Mendocino – Retail 22.50 – GGWC 19.99
David Ramey produced yet another gem! This blend of 76% Roussanne, 24% Viognier offers a hugely aromatic nose of apricot, honeysuckle, orange blossoms and jasmine has become the hallmark of The Choir. The palate carries similar flavors with emphasis on pitted fruits. It sports richness without excess weight. Wine can be powerful and vibrant simultaneously when made well, as The Choir demonstrates. This wine will appeal to the "ABC" (anything but chardonnay) crowd. 800 cases produced.
*Verdad 2008 Albarino, Central Coast – Retail 22.00 – GGWC 19.99 Albarino is a unique Spanish grape variety that makes lovely aromatic and lively wine. This wine has fresh white peach aromas and flavors, layered with hints of orange blossoms, almonds and exotic citrus with a dry, crisp finish. Only 448 cases were produced.
*Walter Hansel 2006 Chardonnay North Slope – Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.99 This wine received a 94 point rating from Robert Parker – so what else is there to say about this. The wine has a touch of minerality on the nose. On the palate this full bodied wine offers gobs of citrus and a touch of tropical fruit notes. It is a fruity wine, but well balanced with the right amounts of acid. A real crowd pleaser, and as always limited production.
*Bravante 2006 Merlot, Estate, Howell Mountain – Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99 Bursting with huge mountain black fruit and silky tannins, this wine is a perennial sell-out. The mouthfeel shows off the luscious mountain fruit, while the silky tannins remind you of cedar, earth and chalk - typical Howell Mountain trademarks. The nose is intense, with aromas of blackberries, provincial herbs, and the usual hints of mushrooms, chalk and cinnamon that our wines always turn up. The finish tracks the aromas and palate with the addition of just a hint of spicy oak, and the wine is so firm and balanced, you only notice the oak as the gentle, "velvet glove" holding it all in place.
*Chronicle 2006 Zinfandel “Gaddis” Russian River Valley – Retail 44.00 – GGWC 35.99 The Gaddis Zin possesses a brilliant red-purple hue. It is led in the nose by deep and complex aromas of raspberry and anise, highlighted by spice and chocolate ganache. The wine has a balanced attack of mouthwatering red fruit, framed by excellent acidity. Gaddis shows certain elegance in its infancy. Only 119 cases produced!!
*Chronicle 2006 Zinfandel “Old Vine” Russian River Valley – Retail 35.00 – GGWC 27.99 A blend of 23% Bacigalupi, 321% Gaddis and 45% Gambogi. This old vine Zin is "bang-for-your-buck"! Charm and tons of fruit! Bacigalupi brings brambly blackberry and mid palate richness; Gaddis brings backbone and structure, and Gambogi brings intriguing chocolate and claret-like aromatics and flavor profiles. 400 cases produced.
*Chronicle 2006 Pinot Noir “Cerise” Anderson Valley – Retail 55.00 – GGWC 47.99 Ace winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai) produced 240 cases of this amazing Pinot Noir! Cerise is a low-yielding property in the Anderson Valley at 800 - 1200 feet elevation. Those familiar with Ted's winemaking and for that matter Cerise vineyard, know that he is "the" Pinot man! This wine aroma offers of a touch of barnyard with hints of black and raspberry. On the palate this medium to full bodied Pinot offers similar flavors. Well-structured and with good concentration (good balance of fruit and acid!), this wine has a modest tannic finish that will enable you to store this wine and enjoy it for many years to come!
*Chronicle 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast – Retail 44.00- GGWC 34.99
Ace Winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai etal) produced a stellar Pinot Noir sourced from three Sonoma Coast vineyards. Only 495 cases of this little gem were produced. The Sonoma Coast Pinot shows hints of spice and sandalwood with pronounced notes of strawberry and Bing cherry. This medium to full-bodied wine offers up a dose of almost sweet cherries and strawberries. The wine is elegant and drinks amazingly well. It is structured and balanced, and finishes will silky and lively tannins.
*Free Shipping is GROUND UPS and has to be delivered to the same address.
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