Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon

What can I say, I loved the label and had to taste the wine.  Now admit it ... you've purchased wine because of the label too.  

Educated Guess 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon  is from Roots Run Deep Winery, Napa Valley, California.  This is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.  The grapes are from Napa Valley (85% Rutherford and St. Helena, and 15% Yountville, Oak Knoll and Calistoga).  Quite the blend.  Quite a nice wine.  Educated Guess is dark purple with a jammy aroma of blackberry, some earthiness and tobacco.  The flavor was tobacco and spice.  Medium tannins. Nicely balanced.  While I was on Roots Run Deep's website getting the winemaker's notes I saw that the 2009 is available.  I am going to have to search that out.  

Winemaker's Notes:  It’s rich, ripe and focused with juicy blackberry and cherry fruit, cocoa and hints of mint all tied together with a creamy french vanilla middle and a finish that in a word is . . . lingering. Educated Guess fills all the requirements that a serious cabernet lover is looking for, while remaining fun, approachable, and food friendly!

New Age White Wine

During a few of my tastings customers have asked if the store carried New Age.  It has finally hit the shelves and I had to taste it.  

New Age White Wine, NV ($10) is from Mendoza, Argentina and a blend of  90% Torrontes, 10% Sauvignon Blanc. A pale light straw color, this wine is sweet and fruity with a little frizzante.  The aroma was sweet with a hint of citrus and grassiness.  The flavor was fruity with a hint of honey and minerality.  A great surprise for me and perfect for a hot summer day.  The back label suggests serving New Age over ice with a lime wedge.  This is a popular cocktail in Argentina called "Tincho".  I tasted New Age with a lime wedge and with a lemon wedge.  Lime was best, but I still prefer New Age chilled and straight up.  Additional cocktail recipes can be found on the website for Quintessential Wines.  

Winemaker's Notes:  A light yellow/green colored wine, with fruity and floral aromas of great intensity. Balanced acidity leads to soft, semi-sweet and slightly effervescent flavors and mouth feel. It is an extremely refreshing, vivacious and sensual wine.  This wine should be served well-chilled as an aperitif or dessert. Also tastes great with spicy Thai, Indian, Chinese or Japanese cuisine.

Berringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008

It has been a while since I've tasted Beringer wines.  There is so much wine on the market that I tend to stay away from those that have been around forever (e.g. Kendall-Jackson, Mondavi).  However, I have been hearing about Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon so ... yup, had to try it. 

The rich black cherry and smoky tobacco aroma of Beringer Knights Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon pulls you right it.  The flavor is also black cherry with star anise.  It's nicely balance with mild tannins and not overly acidic.  Just short of being smooth.  Quite enjoyable.

Winemaker's Notes (bottle back label):  Notes of blackberry, dried herbs, and star anise balance with distinct, rich tannins. 

Winemaker's Notes (website): The 2008 Knights Valley Cabernet exhibits the characteristics that I've come to know and love from this iconic vineyard – rich fruit, accented by rustic qualities. Aromas of red cherry, anise and blackberry preserves are followed by abundant flavors of black cherry and pink peppercorns. The round tannins are embraced by juicy fruit – this vintage is approachable from the start. Dusty, savory characteristics linger into the finish.

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, 2008

I enjoy Two Hands Angels Share Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia and reviewed it on March 16th.  Costco had Two Hands Gnarly Dudes 2008 Shiraz ($23) from Barossa Valley, Australia and I had to taste it.  I purchased it with the hopes that I'd enjoy it as much as I do Two Hands Angel Share.  It did not let me down.

Two Hands 2008 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz had a dark purple color.  The intense aroma of blackberry and tobacco was heavenly.  A jammy flavor of tobacco, earthiness and spice was delicious.  Nicely balanced.  Complex.   

Winemaker's Notes: COLOUR: Black on black in colour. AROMA: This has a very intense bouquet of mineral, roasted chestnuts, fresh crushed currants, burnt toffee, spices, dark chocolate and lavender; this is brooding and will take a few more months to develop further. PALATE: The palate is very full on and juicy, starting with a huge amount of layered and penetrating black fruits. The mid palate is quite extended and leads nicely to a moderately long and supple finish. This is all very dark fruits, with an almost Christmas cake/chocolate tart-like texture, which is really fun ride. The tannins are initially sweet then bone dry finishing nicely on slow, drawing tannin. This is a drink now wine that will age well in the medium to short term and will give great pleasure for up to 5 years.

14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009

Once again I am cooking from a cookbook that I purchased while in California Wine Country.  I always cook with a wine I enjoy drinking (yes it's in the recipe).  

14 Hands 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is from Washington state and the grapes are sourced from various regions in the state.  Not 100% Cabernet - Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petite Verdot are also blended in.  A subtle aroma of  red fruit and hint of cocoa, with a flavor of cherry and chocolate.  The tannins are smooth and this is well balanced.  Another favorite of mine that I recommend to customers.  

Winemaker's Notes: 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of red currants and raspberries with subtle hints of spice. Spiced cherry & plum flavors are joined by notes of cocoa and complemented by fine, velvety tannins.  Pairs well with Tomato-basil bruschetta, eggplant parmesan, herb crusted prime rib, grilled beef steak, hearty venison stew.

Kris Pinot Grigio

I enjoyed Kris 2008 Pinot Grigio.  Their 2009 ... not so much; the acidity was overpowering.  Their 2010 is finally on the store shelves and I had to taste it.  

Kris 2010 Pinot Grigio ($9.89 at Costco) is 100% Pinot Grigio and from Delle Venezie, Italy, DOCG.  A clear, pale, straw color this wine has a floral aroma with a hint of honeysuckle.  A crisp lime flavor that is not too tart.  Nice acidity.  Once again, I can enjoy Kris Pinot Grigio again.   

Winemaker's Notes:  Acacia flower, lime, honey and a unique almond touch.

California - Caymus Winery

     My visit to Caymus gave me the opportunity to taste five wines.  All were enjoyable.  I've now added Caymus and the Wagner Family vineyards to my list of must haves.


Belle Glos 2009 Taylor Lane Pinot Noir is from Sonoma Coast.  100% Pinot Noir, this is a blend of Dijon clones 113, 114, 115 and 777.  A light bodied wine with a dark ruby color.  A fruity aroma including raspberry and black cherry, also smoke and oak.  The flavor is black cherry, oak and spice.  Nicely balanced and complex. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Very dark ruby color. Deep aromas of bright berries mixed with sweet toasty cedar notes. The flavors of cherries, berry pie and cola are abundant with great focus. The medium weight on the palate with balanced acidity lead the flavors through and beyond a supple, tannin laced finish.

Caymus Napa Valley 2005 Sauvignon Blanc is a winery only wine*, producing 800 cases.  Aromas of citrus and grapefruit with a hint of oak.  (This wine is made in the old world style and oak aged.)  The flavor is grapefruit and grapefruit pith. Not as fruit forward as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  Nice acidity.  Crisp and refreshing.  

Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available)


Caymus Napa Valley 2007 Zinfandel  has a little Petite Sirah blended in.  Also winery only* (750 cases were produced).  The aroma is black cherry, plum and licorice.  A marvelous flavor of  licorice, black cherry and spice.  Soft tannins, medium body and silky.   

Winemaker's Notes:  A deep, purplish-red color, this vintage offers a rich raspberry aroma which includes ripeness and rustic qualities. Abundant black cherry and plum are full, forward and richly-flavored, with the zinfandel’s high acidity balanced by fruit.

Caymus Napa Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet.  This is a big Cabernet with a dark garnet color.  The aroma is black cherry, chocolate and coffee.  The flavor is black cherry, spice and a hint of oak.  A lucious long silky finish.  Balanced.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Dark scarlet color and near opaque. Nose is assertive with a vibrant array of showy characteristics—cassis, vanilla, cranberry, French oak, coffee and potpourri. The palate of this wine shows ripeness of mature grapes, fruit impressions then expands to richness with fine gritty tannins.    Abundant with layered flavors of brown spice, toasted oak, white pepper and creme de cassis— very rich yet harmonious and supple.


Caymus Special Selection 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is a big full body Cabernet and has 14% Merlot blended in.  The grapes are from several Napa appellations -

32% Rutherford, 15% Atlas Peak, 14% Oak Knoll, 9% St Helena, 6% Yountville, and the remaining 24% are lesser known. Again, dark in color, the aroma is cassis, and a hint of dark fruit.  The flavor is spice and dark fruit with a long silky finish and tannins.   

Winemaker's Notes:  Dark youthful purple color. Nose of berries, cassis and brown spice – expresses crushingly rich, homemade, rustic yet supple characters. Flavors have nuance of ripe Cabernet grapes, cocoa, dark chocolate, vanilla and cassis. The abundant array of flavors is supported by fine grain “chocky” texture. This vintage exhibits a balance in abundant ripe tannins and serious fruit – grape skin extraction and French oak provides a tasting experience that begins delightful, broadens and expands on the palate – a brooding, supple, finely textured wine.

*I've included the winery only wines just to indicate the quality of wine Caymus produces.  Besides, if you ever have the opportunity to visit Caymus you know you should taste these wine. 

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir

Yesterday I posted about Mer Soleil Chardonnay which I purchased at Kroger.  From Kroger I headed to Costco to run errands.  I can't pass by the wine section.  I have to browse.  I came across Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir.  This is another Wagner Family vineyard. Another reminder of a great trip to California. I just had to taste it!    Luckily this cost less than the Mer Solieil.  

Belle Glos Meiomi 2009 Pinot Noir ($18) is from California.  The grapes are from the following counties: 47% Sonoma, 34% Santa Barbara, and 19% Monterey.  Bell Glos Meiomi 2009 Pinot Noir  is elegant and AMAZING!  A dark garnet color with rich aromas and flavors that just keep unfolding.  Aromas of dried fruit, blackberries, cherry cola, earthy, and leather.  Flavors of cherry cola, leather, and an earthiness.  A medium finish and a nicely balanced, complex wine.  I could have sniffed, swirled, sniffed, and sipped all night.  I am going back to Costco to purchase a few more bottles and also get some for gifts.  Belle Glos Meiomi 2009 Pinot Noir leaves you wanting more.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright, deep garnet color. Aromas of cola, blackberries and a sweet cedar note. A greatly layered palette abundant in flavor and texture. The first entry encases the mouth with a velvety richness. Then the wine unloads with flavors of bright cherry, cola, dried leaves undertoned with vanilla, leather and high style oak. The many layers emerge independently, then refocus while the supple tannins carry the wine through to a lingering, succulent finish.

     Since I reviewed two Wagner Family wines yesterday and today (Mer Soliel and Belle Glos), tomorrow I'll have to review the wines I tasted at Caymus (also Wagner Family) when I was in California.

Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay

While browsing the wine department of my local Kroger I spoted this unique bottle.  Intrigued, I picked it up and read the label.  It was from Mer Soleil (a Wagner family vineyard, as is Caymus) and  fermented in cement tanks (I saw these French cement eggs, and learned about them, when I visited Rudd winery last month in my Culinary Institute of American wine class).  I began to reminisce about my wonderful trip to California and I just had to taste a wine fermented in cement tanks!  Parting with $30 didn't thrill me especially since I do not enjoy unoaked Chardonnay.  Ever hopeful, I put the wine in my grocery cart.

Cement eggs, from France, for fermentation (Rudd Winery).

Mer Soleil 2009 SILVER Unoaked Chardonnay is from the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, California.  It is bottled in a silver-gray ceramic bottle that is "meant to reflect the cement vessels that we use when fermenting and aging Silver Chardonnay."*  The wine's color is straw.  An earthy and mineral aroma and flavor.  There was also a tart finish on my palate, but it was not a citrus tartness.  Looking at the winemaker's notes, I believe the tartness was gooseberry.  (Dave and I did not get any citrus on our palate.)  Crisp and refreshing.  Nice acidity and balanced.  I can see this pairing easily, and perfectly, with food.  Better than a Chardonnay from stainless tanks.  Glad I spent the $30.  

Winemaker's Notes:  The wine is fermented and aged in natural cement tanks imported from France, allowing for this varietal's clean aromas to shine bright.  This wine sees no wood, helping to maintain the bright fruit characters and minerality produced from the Chardonnay grapes.
     Mineral driven nose with citrus shining through.  Cement tank fermentation and aging bring out aromas remindful of the first rain of the season or a wet rock.  Soft and round entry with an acid backbone informs you these grapes are grown in a cooler climate.  Mid palate reveals ripe fruit such as lemons, gooseberry and grapefruit.  Finishes dry while the acid comes and goes in a balanced fashion.  Laser sharp minerality carries through from start to finish on both palate and aroma. 

*From the back label of the wine bottle.

Casillero del Diablo Carmenere and Clos du Bois Chardonnay

The two wines for Saturday's tasting were Casillero del Diablo 2010 Carmenere and Clos du Bois 2009 Chardonnay.  

Casillero del Daiblo 2010 Carmenere ($10) is from Chile and one of many labels from Concha y Toro.  A bold raspberry aroma.  Flavors of blackberry and smoke, with a long spice finish.  Mild tannins.  Customers enjoyed this.  

Winemaker's Notes:  "Dark, deep and bright purple.  Chocolate, coffee and spicy aromas combine with raspberry and blackberry flavours in this Carmenere, Chile's very own grape.  Perfect to enjoy with  winter stews or grilled summer barbecues.

Successful matches with Carmenere: 
      Carmenere is a soft, spicy red wine that goes brilliantly with spicy meat dishes. Try it with a lightly spiced lamb biryani or curry.
      Good Carmenere is really ripe and juicy, making it the perfect wine to go with rich tomato based dishes sprinkled with lots of herbs.
      With its rich berry fruits and mocha flavours, Carmenere can even go with dark chocolate. Go for a really good quality chocolate with a high cocoa content."


I won't beat a dead horse with the Clos du Bois Chardonnay.  This is the third tasting I've done on it (first reviewed on March 18th)  and most customers still did not enjoy it.

flipflop Wines

Friday's tasting was on four flipflop wines from California.  Priced at $5.89 they are not bad wines for the money.  While talking to the wine consultant where I was doing the tasting, he told me that flipflop is the competition for Barefoot wines.  With that said, I'd say they are both price and flavor comparable.  All the flipflop wines were well received by the customers.


flipflop Riesling (NV) has a very fruity tropical aroma, along with a fruity tropical flavor.  It is a sweet Riesling, but not as sweet as a late harvest Riesling.  This was crisp and refreshing.  If you don't want to pay a lot for a Riesling then I suggest you try this.   

Winemaker's Notes:  Medium-bodied, Riesling with peach, apricot and melon which lead to a satisfying, smooth finish. Tropical notes and sweet aromas. Eat with tofu stir-fry, shredded pork tacos and sake sashimi


flipflop 2009 Merlot had some nice fruit to it.  Although I could not get an aroma in the plastic tasting cup, the flavor was cherry and blueberry (unlike what the Winemaker's Notes say I had fruit on my palate as did the customers).  Soft tannins.  This would be perfect to use for homemade Sangria.

Winemaker's Notes: Medium-bodied, silky Merlot with plum and mocha notes, soft tannins and a balanced, luscious finish.  Eat with Texas chili, black & blue sliders, cheddar cheese broccoli or your favorite tacos.


flipflop 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was reviewed on June 5th for a previous tasting.  This is not a big Cabernet, but for hamburgers or pizza, I'd say, "go for it".








flipflop 2010 Moscato.  What can I say ... it's definitely a Moscato.  Light body, fruity, flavorful, crisp and sweet.

Winemaker's Notes:  Light-bodied Moscato with floral aromas, semi-sweet palate, and a soft, lingering finish. Crisp, bright aromas balance sweet notes.  Eat with Pad Thai, Chinese chicken salad or vegetable curry.
 
flipflop wines are affordable and easy drinking; everyday table wines. The only flipflop varietal I have not tasted is their Pinot Noir.

Yalumba Viognier, 2009

It's always fun to walk around Costco.  Their wine section is one of the first places I'll head.  You never know what you'll find and the prices are always great.  My latest purchase was Yalumba 2009 Viognier.  

Yalumba 2009 Viognier is from Eden Valley, Australia and was $13.89.  The color was light straw.  Aroma's were sweet and floral, with tangerine and ginger.  Flavors were a tad grassy, with light ginger and a pithy tart finish.  This was medium body, on the dry side and nicely balanced.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright yellow straw with green tinges, the 2009 Y Series Viognier has an eclectic mix of aromas, namely orange blossom, fresh ginger, camomile flowers and hazelnuts. The palate displays richness and texture from wild fermentation and lees aging with the flavours characterised by grapefruit pith, ginger and lemongrass. A clean, persistent finish, complemented by some exotic spices, this wine will reward if served with Thai-style dishes such as pad thai or pandan chicken.

California - Francis Ford Coppola Winery (3)

Today is the third, and final, review of the wines I tasted at Francis Ford Coppola in Sonoma, CA.  The wines tasted were offerings  for the "Neighbors Tasting" and "Archimedes Tasting".

Director's Cut 2009 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay and oak aged.  A delightful aroma of peach and creme brulee is followed by honey, and banana (not in the Winemaker's Notes, but definitely on my palate) flavors with a bit of creaminess.

Winemaker's Notes:  Using only Russian River Valley fruit, we crush the grapes whole-cluster and ferment entirely in French oak barrels to produce a wine with a seductive, round texture and notes of sweet vanilla. This technique also serves to highlight the green apple, honeysuckle and citrus flavors, which are the hallmark of Russian River vineyards.  Flavors of passion fruit, honey, creme brulee, peach, apple, citrus and spice.


Director's Cut 2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is 100% Pinot Noir and oak aged.  A bold cherry aroma with a hint of roses.  The flavor was cherry and spice.  Balanced.  Wish I could have spent more time on this wine to reveal the many layers a Pinot Noir has. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Cloves, tea leaves, roses, red cherries, cranberries and plums.


 
Francis Coppola Reserve 2008 Dry Creek Valley Syrah is a blend of 90% Syrah, 6% Viognier, 4% Petite Sirah and oak aged.  This had a fruit aroma with a hint of smoke.  Flavors were cherry and plum with slight tannins.

Winemaker's Notes:  Loaded with rich flavors of black cherries, raspberries, and plums, the sweet fruit is accented with a smoky edge and alluring notes of cloves and anise.


Francis Coppola Reserve 2007 Knight's Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet and aged 20 months in French oak.  This was a nicely balance wine with a rich aroma of raspberry, cassis and clove.  The flavor was all spice on my palate.

Winemaker's Notes:  Our 2007 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the decadent scent of crushed raspberries draped over chocolate soufflé and dark, rich flavors of cassis, cherries, cloves, and vanilla toasted oak.


2006 Archimedes is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) and 24% Cabernet Franc (Knights Valley).  An aroma of cherry, the flavor was spice and tobacco.  I found it to be slightly drying on my palate.  While dining in Rustic (the restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola) this wine was ordered at many of the tables and at $50 per bottle, I'd say it was a very popular and enjoyable wine.

Winemaker's Notes:  Incredibly smooth, with velvety tannins and intense aromas of dark sour cherries, cranberries and sandalwood, this rich, robust wine exudes an amaz­ing array of berries and cassis, plus a tapestry of wood, spices, and tobacco.