Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Recent Arrivals

2005 Dry Creek Vineyard-Sonoma County Fume Blanc-Aromas of citrus, grapefruit and lemongrass are echoed on the palate by lemon lime flavors and peppery spice notes. $13.00

2006 Westerly Vineyards-Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc-
Melon-y on the nose, with some tropical fruit and lime notes as well. Rich but lively on the palate, with citrus as well as tropical fruit and some melon flavors. Bright acidity leads to a long, clean finish. $18.00

2006 Work Vineyards-Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc- Fresh, bright aromas of Sauvignon Blanc show profiles of pink grapefruit and zesty citrus. The mineral laced aromas of clean washed river stone, a signature of this vineyard, come forth on the palate. Fresh flavors of tangerine, pears, melon and passion fruit make the texture and body vibrant and lively; the long, round finish lingers. $24.00

2005 Handley-Anderson Valley Pinot Noir-To quote the winery notes, "The mix of clones that go into our Anderson Valley Pinot Noir provided different characteristics to its flavor profile. The Dijon clones we used (115, 667, and 777) provide beautiful aromatics of roses, violets, chocolate, blueberry, and strawberry. The Martini and Roederer clones from our Estate Vineyard lend dark cherry acidity and silky tannin structure to the blend, while the Pommard clone offers good mid-palate texture and long finish." Put more clearly, simply a wonderful Pinot. $30.00

2005 Hirsch Vineyards-Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir-Again, the winery says, "A vintage of challenges, resulting in a tiny harvest, creating a wine of massive structure. Dark ruby, this wine opens with aromas of deep black plum and hard spice: nutmeg and cinnamon. With air, the fruit aromas broaden to dark cherry, tobacco and black tea. On the palate, the primary fruit is complemented by firm minerality typical of our site." $60.00

2004 Mathis-Sonoma Valley Grenache-Juicy and delicious! The aroma is dominated by ripe black cherries and dried cranberries, followed by a spice kissed apricot, pomegranate, blackberry and strawberries in the mouth. The ’04 Mathis Grenache is immediately easy to appreciate but rewards those who allow for some breathing time. $34.00