Month: February 2016

Well I did it.  Last night I asked HR to go pick out a bottle for me.  There it is, the girl brings up a 2009 Baldacci Stag’s Leap, Black Label.  Forget it….the earth shook and the heavens opened up.  What a spectacular wine.  The small winery has put forth some exciting and spectacular wines.  The winery is nestled into the stag’s leap district, a few acres snuggled in  with a cave.  A must see for anyone heading out to Napa.

The winemaker for Baldacci is Rolando Herrera.  He is a story unto himself. But, undoubtedly one of the best winemakers of the past 50 years.  One day I would really like to just tell his story. But tonight is all about the wine.

This is probably the softest, silkiest wine you will every have..and full bodied to boot. The nose is pure red fruit.  Cherry jumps at you then plum, raspberry followed by a little smokiness.

But oh the taste.  The full richness envelopes you as you pour the juice into your mouth.  The depth reeks havoc on your senses.  Your body quivers as tears slowly role down your cheeks.  Simple perfection.  The tannis are so silky just leaving that velvet glove touch in your mouth. I cannot put into words the beautiful pleasure.  You must  try, and you know my motto.  “Everyday is a special day.”

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ENJOY

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Just look at that. My mouth is watering now.

Truth be told I am a huge fan of the Boisset family wines.  I have never had one that was anything less than exhilarating , I have had the pleasure of visiting their wineries in California and Burgundy.  The Christophe series is from vineyards in Oakville.

The nose is full of currant, plum and cassis. The juice is concentrated, full bodied, well balanced and rich. What can I say.  It has a slight earthy note on the tongue.  Featuring notes of vanilla, and cocoa.  Long finish with very bold tannins.  It requires protein to build on. A great dinner wine.  Make it a great meal.

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Enjoy

 

 

Have you seen anything so dark and rich.  20160210_172458.jpg

I have to say Spanish wines are becoming my favorites.  In a short period of time they have progressed so far.  While other wine regions are stagnant or progressing slowly, Spain is moving forward rapidly.

Speaking of progress and change, the Montsant region is one.  A recently established DO, 2001, with only about 57 wineries.  And my I add producing some robust wines.

Tonight I am talking about Can Blau.  Oh damn so good.  The nose is very floral, lavendar, violet all of those dark floral notes.

The juice is luscious.  A complex blend of Mazuelo, Syrah and Garnacha.  WOW, what an effect.  A beautifully gorgeous full bodied wine.   Notes of dark berries, black pepper and spices.  This is a spectacular example of Spain.  Robust, full bodied and rich.  I am not sure if Penelope Cruz is from Spain, but oh my God this would be her wine.

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Enjoy

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Can you see the beauty.  Pretty label and all.

A totally unique blend.  Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay to top it off.
The nose gives off reminders of the holiday. Orange, nutmeg, pepper and spice. 
The wine hits your tongue and the complexity of flavors throws the mind into free fall.
Bright red fruit, cherry, strawberry and even a note of plum.   I know plum sometimes gives that note of stewed fruit…kinda like that cabernet from Paso Robles.
Perennial is best known for pinot blends.  I am not positive this blend works.   It is a decent wine, but for the price I wanted more.  I am not saying it is bad, and I would have it again, just not great.
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Enjoy

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When  most think of cabernet, California comes to mind automatically, mainly Napa but sometimes Sonoma.  What about Washington state, or Idaho? Idaho are you kidding me?   No, pinot maybe,-noir or gris- but cab?

What if I were to tell you about a little winery in Columbia Valley that makes a phenomenal cab.  The winery is owned by Kimber Gates.  It is uniquely located in Coeur D Alene, Idaho, with vineyards in Washington state, mainly Columbia Valley.

The wines are SPECIAL!!!!! Very small production with a total commitment to quality.

I had the extra special pleasure of the 2010 Cabernet.  Pedigreed with cabernet grapes from the Bacchus vineyards, and cab franc from McKinley Springs Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills.  Can  you imagine this lineage.

The wine is so deep and rich. Cherry and mocha notes right off the bat.  Wow, the wine is so supple and full.  Full bodied with long muscled tannins.  SUPREME!  Chocolate and cherry, who can resist.  Plain out damn good…

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Enjoy

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