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Through the Years Wine Sample: Schug Pinot Noir
2008 Schug Carneros Pinot Noir: Both complex and approachable, it is very pleasant on the nose and an easy to enjoy palate lead the way as the bright, fresh and tangy flavors last into the finish. A lovely wine to enjoy at the start of a meal or with hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy this wine tonight or cellar for the next several years.
2009 Schug Carneros Pinot Noir: This classic Carneros region Pinot Noir offers a wide range of flavors and aromas, in the tradition of the finest red Burgundies of France. `Clonal diversity´ is achieved by carefully blending several vineyard lots, each retaining its own unique clonal signature in the blend. The result is a complex wine with a rich bouquet of cherries, berries and hints of spicy new oak. It has flavors reminiscent of black cherry, currant and strawberry, followed by a rich, spicy texture and a long silky finish. This wine pairs nicely with lamb, duck, even grilled fish, and will improve with additional cellaring for 2 to 5 years.
2010 Schug Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir: The microclimates of the Sonoma Coast AVA include the western portion of Carneros and the Petaluma Gap. The cool climate and low yield of these vineyards allow Pinot Noir grapes to mature slowly while retaining their natural acidity, resulting in a balanced wine with ripe flavors, silky texture and crisp acidity. Bright ruby color with aromas of cherry skin, dried cranberries smoky undertones. The palate shows more cherry and dried fruit flavors with earthy notes. Clean with a nice solid backbone completed by a racy acidity. Balanced and tight, an ideal accompaniment to grilled fish and fowl or barbecued meats.
Value: $108.00
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Schug Wine Sample: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
2006 Schug Carneros Syrah: A masterful example of the varietal, from the originator of post-prohibition California Syrah. Elegant, plush and deeply delicious, this wine delivers an unparalleled drinking experience. Winemaker Michael Cox has crafted a Syrah that any red wine lover would love – and and Syrah lover would go crazy for. Beautifully balanced, this wine easily rides the margin between dark and dusky and bright and elegant. With plenty of fruit and a soft mouthfeel, this wine is as easy to drink as it is delicious. Pair with nearly anything, of enjoy it all on its own.
2007 Schug Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: A wine that’s supple and generous, it’s a solidly built Cabernet blended
in the classic Bordeaux style. A wine crafted with a generous portion
of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, its blend culminates with charm
and grace. Showing a ripe mouthful of currant and cherry flavors, and
framed by fine tannins and a touch of spicy oak, it has a classic
bouquet bursting with berries, cassis and spice.
2008 Schug Carneros Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir: A spicy bouquet of roses and cherries greets the nose, with flavors of black cherry, tangy cranberry and brown spices to follow. The long spicy finish is accented by a hint of toasty oak from 16 months aging in French oak barrels. We anticipate this wine will continue to age gracefully in the cellar for up to 10 years.
Value: $103.00
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2007 Duckhorn Vineyards "The Discussion"
Autographed by Winemaker Bill Nancarrow. Over three decades ago, before crafting their first vintage, the
Duckhorns and their winemaker had a passionate discussion at the kitchen
table. Though they debated making a cuvée, they chose to focus on
varietal wines. Even so, Duckhorn Vineyards has always
remained fascinated by the artful blend of varietals from diverse Napa
Valley vineyards. Embodying the depth and complexity of a world-class
Estate program, "The Discussion" represents the pinnacle of the Duckhorn
Vineyards portfolio and the ongoing dialogue
that defines great winemaking.
A selection from three estate vineyards – Patzimaro at the base of
Spring Mountain, Rector Creek in Yountville and Stout on Howell Mountain
– this is 60 percent cabernet sauvignon blended with merlot and aged in
new French oak barrels. The layers and detail
those vineyard selections provide are apparent from the moment the wine
is opened, and continue to gain clarity over the course of several
days. There’s high-toned refinement to the cherry-plum flavor,
brightened by scents of red raspberry and conifer. There’s
also a plump feel to the tannins as they broaden out, carrying the
range of fruit flavors in several directions at once. It’s zesty,
luscious and delicious, one of the best wines we’ve tasted from
Duckhorn. Bordeaux-like
in its complexity, range of flavor and structure, this taut red shows flavors that are full-bodied
and firm nicely on the finish. Drink now
through 2021.
Value: $109.00
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2007 Ridge Vineyards California Montebello
1 magnum [1.5 L] - 2007 California Montebello. About as close to Bordeaux in California as you get, from the classic cigar box, cedar, tobacco leaf and dill scents to the tight band of mineral, dried currant, sage, cedar and sandalwood notes. Full-bodied, elegant and persistent, this is most interesting on the finish, where the flavors are long and lingering. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2024. 4,700 cases made.
Value: $95.00
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2010 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs
1 magnum [1.5 L] - 2010 Lytton Springs. This is first and foremost Lytton Springs, and a product of the 2010
vintage second. Firm tannins frame an expressive core of dark red
cherries, flowers, and sweet herbs. The inner perfume of Zinfandel
resonates on the finish.
Value: $80.00
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Byington Winery - Wine Tour and Tasting for Ten
Byington Winery and Vineyard is located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. With your group of up to ten, enjoy a tasting of 5 premium Byington wines during your private tour of our the wine property. Winery guests enjoy vistas of sloping vineyards, redwood forests, and the Monterey Bay.
Groups joining for a tour and tasting are welcome to reserve a picnic area for lunch or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon. You are welcome to arrange your own lunch or Byington can make catering recommendations.
Tasting participants must be 21 years or older. There is a tour minimum of 6 people. Groups must have reservations in advance. Expires April 30, 2014.
Value: $150.00
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Peju Winery - Wine Tasting for Six
Welcome to Peju! Our family has been making wine here in Rutherford for more than thirty years. We invite you to come taste and experience our Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Fifty/Fifty, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Provence, a proprietary blend of red and white varietals in our landmark tasting room tower. Experience our pristine gardens, unique food and wine events, library and barrel tasting. We have wine gifts, wine accessories and three different wine clubs, for both the occasional wine drinker and wine connoisseur.
Prior appointment required. Expires Dec 31, 2015.
Value: $120.00
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2009 von Strasser Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
1 magnum [1.5 L] The Diamond Mountain District Cabernet is a blend of all of our Cabernet
vineyards with a small amount of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite
Verdot. A blend of our five single-vineyards, this garnet-colored wine is a
softer style highlighted by its fruit forward nature. Dark, ripe
cherries layered with fig and plum compliment fine tannins that last and
add to an elegant, long, and dry finish.
Value: $160.00
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Steve Warila Memorial Wine Sample: Cabernets 1-2-3
Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2001 - $86 value
Stephen Tanzer's IWC, Feb 2005, 93 points: "...vibrant aromas of cassis, black cherry, licorice and violet. Juicy, supple and sweet, with an intense cassis and tart red berry fruitiness complicated by cocoa powder, licorice, fresh herbs and tree bark. Bright acids give this highly concentrated, very pure cabernet a lovely light touch. Finishes with firm but suave tannins and excellent length..."
Fisher Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Lamb Vineyard 2002 - $80 value
“One of my favorite Northern California vineyards is Napa's 12-acre Lamb Vineyard, which often produces wines with a character not dissimilar from a Bordeaux such as La Mission Haut-Brion. Fisher's 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Lamb Vineyard reveals that Bordeaux-like personality with notes of scorched earth/hot rocks, chocolate, black and blue fruits, and a strong mineral component. Beautifully made with excellent, concentrated fruit, this 2002 requires 2-3 years of bottle age. It should drink well for 15+ years.” - Robert Parker
Behrens & Hitchcock Cabernet Sauvignon Herrick-Moulds 2003 - $80 value
Tasting Notes for Cabernet Sauvignon: Blackcurrants (cassis), cherries, cedar, spice, plum, tobacco, mint, eucalyptus. "Bright ruby-red. Aroma of sour cherry. Sweet on entry, then tight in the middle, with cooler flavors of violet, licorice, brown spices and mint. The chocolatey finishing flavor does not quite hide the slightly green tannins." Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. (iwc, 05/01/2006). Rating: 89(+?).
Value: $246.00
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