The first word that came to mind was simply delicious. This blend of 30% each Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah with 10% Zinfandel has a nose of cherry chocolate. Rich fruit and soft tannins offer up those same cherry and dark cocoa powder flavors with spicy notes and hints of vanilla and smoke. A great red wine at the price from Lava Cap.
This sumptuous Chardonnay from Chatom Vineyards opens with a soft nose of baked apples. A round mouth-feel with flavors of ripe apple and pear that give way to flavors of apple pie, cinnamon, ripe citrus and tropical fruits with finishing notes of vanilla Crème Brûlée. 80% stainless steel fermentation creates nice acidity to balance the rich flavors.
Available from VML Winery (Healdsburg, Sonoma) and web-order only. A great example of a Russian River Chardonnay. Apple and pear flavors give way to citrus and Meyer lemon. Notes of toasty oak, butterscotch, and creme brulee with a touch of balanced acidity come together in this beautiful Chard.
A rich and somewhat unique Pinot, still in the winning James MacPhail style. Flavors of ripe dark cherry, plum, toasty oak vanilla and plenty of spice with very well integrated tannins adding complexity. Definitely a big-boy Pinot and a real joy to drink.
A full-bodied pinkish colored dry Pinot sparkler. Delicious flavors of juicy strawberry, ripe raspberry, citrus with hints of rhubarb and blood orange. A touch of toasty yeast and honey notes add to the complexity. Don’t wait for a celebration to pour this lovely. Paired beautifully with salmon, grilled rare .
