September 22, 2013 – Three Tasty Reds

Okay, so I am combining the tasting notes from three nights into one, but these three wines are all deserving of each other’s company.  The prices and compositions of these wines are dissimilar, but the quality and strength are what brings the consistency.  To pick a favorite would be pointless, but I am leaning towards the least expensive of the bunch.  All three wines featured terrific balance.

2002 Macauley Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

This was the first of the three wines and it was the only Cabernet.  I am loving the way that the 2002 Napa Valley Cabernets are turning out, and this wine is no exception.  This wine needed a minimum of 90 minutes to open up on the palette, but once it did, it delivered.  The nose was quite prominent, followed by a nearly rich palette that delivered a delicious complexity of red and dark fruit and minerals.  This wine was the most expensive of the lineup.

2005 Carter Truchard Vineyards Merlot

When I first bought this wine, I had to open a bottle to decide (1) whether to get more, and (2) how long to hold onto the wine.  Well, the first answer turned to “yes!” simply based on the gorgeous nose.  The second answer was “quite a while” as the tannins were monstrous.   When I finally opened the second bottle a year and a half ago I was astounded at how well this wine was performing.  Thanks to bottle variation, this one still has some tannins to resolve (more than the bottle from last year).  But, the flavors have developed nicely (and vintage typical) with cranberry, red cherry, chalk, pomegranate, and minerals.  And the wine still retains its great nose.

2003 Saint Clement Oroppas Red Wine

This wine is actually performing better in the half bottle than in the full bottle.  The full bottle was nice and seemed to be near its peak, while the half-bottle has more structure and tannins to resolve.  Being a blend of Cabernet and Merlot, this wine tends to capture the strengths of both and builds on it with balance and richness.  On the palette, I sensed cranberry, pomegranate, mint, leather, mineral, and a touch of lime on the finish.  Of the three wines, this one was the least expensive and my favorite.  But I would long for any of these three wines again.

Freemark Abbey, September 18, 2013

http://www.freemarkabbey.com/

It was time again to pick up my wine club shipment, so I decided to bring my friend up to Freemark Abbey.  After a quick (and tasty) sandwich in Yountville, we drove up the valley past Saint Helena to the historic Freemark Abbey winery.  Of course, being a wine club member, I am obliged to head for the members’ tasting room to enjoy my wines and pick up my shipment.  While lacking in historic value, the members’ tasting room is by far more comfortable.  The large room has an abundance of natural light and a number of comfortable places to enjoy your pours.  I prefer to stand at the large tasting bar and enjoy the woodwork in the large wine rack along the wall.  The wine rack is not only handsome, but it also provides some temperature stability for the bottles stored there, allowing them to rest gracefully while awaiting a welcoming home to take them.  (Yeah, kind of like puppies.)

The handsome wine rack in the memober's tasting room at Freemark Abbey.

On this visit, I was able to try a number of new wines that I had not yet experienced (plus one familiar wine).  My flight started off with the 2008 Howell Mountain Chardonnay, which was surprising for two reasons.  First, I had never had a Chardonnay from this far up the valley, let alone from up on Howell Mountain.  Secondly, this is one of the older Chardonnay wines being released and it just shows how well white wines improve with a few (2 to 5) years of time in the cellar.  Next, I tried the 2009 Mount Veeder Zinfandel, followed by the 2009 Howell Mountain Merlot, and the 2009 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon.  (In all, a mountainous flight.)  My favorite of the flight was the Merlot.
 

A full review was written already about Freemark Abbey during my visit on December 28^th, 2012.

September 21, 2013 – Wine: 2007 Wind Racer Russian River Pinot Noir

I spotted this bottle sitting on a clearance table at my favorite wine store, and my mind began to wonder.  It was a 2007, which was the same year as the fantastic Gary Farrell I opened recently.  It is also from the same Russian River area and originally priced slightly higher.  This wine was nearly 30% off and that was enough to convince me to give it a try.  Tonight I uncorked it.  The first impression of this wine is vintage-typical.  The flavors included blueberry, cranberry, baking spices, and very subtle mineral, all delivered with incredible smoothness.  But the wine lacked the acidity that typifies a delicious Pinot Noir … until the wine had been open about two-and-a-half hours.  Then the acidity emerged above the smooth fruits bringing the balance needed to make this a wonderful Pinot Noir.  If you have a bottle of this waiting to be opened, be sure to let it breathe two-and-a-half hours.

Waiting for Wine Bought on Futures

A few months ago, I posted about buying wines on futures.  In that article, I talked about some of the reasons you would consider buying domestic wines and import wines using a futures program.  Specifically, buying Bordeaux wines on futures can mean the difference between getting the wines and missing out on the vintage.  It can also mean the difference between being able to afford wines in a good vintage or not.  Of course, buying wines on futures has one noticeable drawback: it requires patience.

I bought 2009 Bordeaux wine futures from three different wine retailers in my area.  One giant has a prominent internet presence, while the other two are smaller operations.  All of my purchases were for half-bottles.  While browsing another site that specializes in half-bottles, I noticed the same 2009 wine for sale that I had ordered from one shop in San Francisco.  When I called to see if my order had arrived, they assured me that it would arrive in the next month.  I waited and it arrived as anticipated.  The same wine (in the same format) sent to different vendors arrived months apart.  Across the bay in Oakland, where I have placed far more futures orders, all but one of my 2009 futures have arrived and been picked up.  In fact, all but one of my 2010 futures have arrived and been picked up.  When I asked about the remaining two wines, I was given exact dates for their anticipated arrivals (both should be in by the New Year).  That leaves one last order from a shop in Berkeley.  Every time I have asked about the delivery date for my 2009 Bordeaux wines, it got pushed out further.  I was originally told in the spring, then the summer, and now the delivery date is sometime in December.  (I will be notified via e-mail when my shipment arrives.)  So, all I can do now is wait.

Americans have been associated with being an instant gratification culture, and when I consider my impatience with the arrival of these wines, I have to wonder if that is not part of what is causing my angst.  On the other hand, there is a great deal of inconsistency of the arrival dates for wines being shipped across the globe.  Much of it depends upon the retailer and the wholesalers they work with.  Of course, I have to remind myself that even if these wines arrive tomorrow, I still won’t be uncorking any of them before 2016.  So, even though I know there is no rush, I’m the type of person that just likes to know.  Are they here yet?

September 17, 2013 – Wine: 2007 Hendry Blocks 7 & 22 Zinfandel

I went to Hendry winery with my wine-tasting buddy back in 2009.  At that time, they poured a couple of 2006 Zinfandels and a 2005 Cabernet.  All three were available in half-bottles and delicious.  By the end of our tasting, we were 20 minutes late for our next tasting and we dashed off quickly with a mixed case of half-bottles of these three wines.  When I opened the first bottle at home, I noticed that I had been given 2007’s of this wine instead of the 2006’s I had tasted.  The wine was a little too tannic, so I let the rest lay down for a few years.  Tonight, my patience was rewarded.  The tannins are still subsiding, but the wine is nicely balanced, with good red fruits and minerals.

September 14, 2013 – Wine: 2007 Boa Ventura Petite Sirah

When my sister and I discovered Boa Ventura winery and their wonderful half-bottles, she stepped aside with the winemaker who led her back to the barrel room.  There, he offered her a sample of their 2007 Petite Sirah in the hopes she would buy some on futures.  I convinced her to get half-bottles and we split the case between us.  Her share was gone within four months of delivery.  Tonight, I opened the last remaining bottle.  This bottle was by far the best from the lot.  The funky taste that is either from the soil or the barrels was gone.  The fruit was delicious and typically Petite Sirah, with black and blue fruits, pepper, tea, and leather.  I enjoy a well-rested bottle of Petite Sirah like this one.

2007 Boa Ventura Petite Sirah

Clos du Val, September 18, 2013

Winery - 6 / Wines - 7
Range:  1 to 9 (9 is best, 5 is average)
Legacy winery in Judgment of Paris.  Cabernets, Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and whites.
www.closduval.com

It had been well over a year since I last visited Clos du Val (they were pouring the 2007 Cabernets then), so I decided it was time to return.  I was treating a good friend to a day trip to Napa Valley and this place served as our starting point.  When we arrived, the tasting room was busy with visitors.  The long tasting bar was occupied, and I was directed to one of a number of free-standing wine barrels set up as additional tasting tables.  This setup was nice because it allowed my friend and me to discuss whatever we wanted (including the wine) with some privacy.  By the time we wrapped up our tasting, the crowd had dwindled to just two or three other small groups and the energy level had dropped.

Entrance to Clos du Val winery

Nestled along the Silverado Trail toward the southern edge of the Stag’s Leap District you’ll find the Clos du Val winery and tasting room.  The tasting room and operations are set back a distance from the road, putting you in the center of the vineyards for your tasting experience.  As you walk into the tasting room, you pass by a number of outdoor tasting tents where a small group of people can reserve a spot at the vineyard’s edge for their tasting experience.  With the spectacular weather we had today, I was almost tempted to do so, but instead continued inside for the tasting room experience.  The exterior of the building is covered in vines (which look like they change color in mid-autumn).  There is a large wooden door welcoming guests indoors.  Inside, one large window admits some natural light, but the room is kept dark by the Burgundy colored paint on the walls.  Cream-colored accent paint highlights the doors, window, and the L-shaped tasting bar.  The tasting bar surface is a soft grey color that works well with the other colors.  The floor is done in a handsome terracotta pattern.  The middle of the room is furnished with four old wine barrels that serve as overflow tasting tables.  Across the tasting room is a double-door with large windows opening onto the operations room where the steel fermenting tanks were likely processing the recently harvested white grapes.

The tasting bar inside Clos du Val winery

There were two tasting flights available.  To experience the broadest selection of wines, my friend and I ordered distinct flights and then shared our pours.  This allowed us to sample a broader cross-section of wines.  I’m glad I did, as I found one of the wines on my friend’s reserve flight worthy of taking home to cellar.  We started with the 2010 Carneros Pinot Noir and the 2010 Petite Verdot, then had the 2010 Napa Valley Merlot and 2010 Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir, then the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap District and the 2009 Yountville State Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, and ended with the 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.  As a special request, I was given a pour of the 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  Of these wines, the 2009 Yountville State Lane Cabernet Sauvignon was by far my favorite for its crisp acidity and ripe fruits, so I bought a bottle to take home.



Based on this experience, I would rate the winery as a 6 and the wines offered as a 7.  This is consistent with my prior visits.

September 13, 2013 – Wine: 2003 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Cabernet Franc

This wine is tremendous.  I first tasted the 2004 vintage while visiting the winery and was entirely taken by this wine.  Then I came upon one lone bottle of the 2003 vintage in my local wine shop and bought it.  When I opened it, I adored the richness, balance, and delicious mountain grown Cabernet Franc fruit.  My mom and sister are also Cab Franc fans and immediately liked this wine as well.  Last summer, I found one more bottle among some sale items at a large Napa Valley distributor and snatched it up.  This evening, it was every bit as delicious as my previous bottle of the 2003.  This rich, smooth, balanced wine offers up nice red fruits, baking spices, and subtle minerals.  Next I have to open the last bottle of 2004.

September 12, 2013 – Wine: 2002 Clark Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon

I offered my wine-buddy the choice of four very nice Cabernets and he picked this one.  I started to worry that perhaps the Howell Mountain fruit would not be ready.  It might be too heavy and tannic and still in need of cellaring.  When I opened a half-bottle of this wine three years back it was heavy and tannic.  Well, after uncorking and letting it breathe about 45 minutes, I quickly learned that my concerns were wasteful worry.  This wine is drinking quite nicely now.  It is medium bodied and elegant, with a terrific nose, excellent balance, and delicious Howell Mountain flavors of cranberry, red currant, leather, and minerals.  I have one remaining half-bottle which I will probably open just after the new year.

2002 Clark Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon

Elizabeth Spencer, August 14, 2013

www.elizabethspencerwines.com

I was entertaining guests who hadn’t been to Napa Valley in a while, so I decided to enjoy the perfect August afternoon weather outdoors on the Elizabeth Spencer patio.  The weather was perfectly warm, but not hot.  And I was curious to taste their 2012 Sauvignon Blanc.  (So many of the 2012 Sauvignon Blancs from Napa Valley are turning out to be amazing wines.)  And what wine would pair better with this glorious weather than a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.  As it turned out, my coworker had some wines to be picked up for his wine club, so I brought those bottles home for him, saving him a trip.

The patio at Elizabeth Spencer Winery

For my flight, I selected four wines.  I started with the 2012 Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc, which was perfectly light.  Next I tried the 2011 Zinfandel, which like most 2011 reds, seems to be lacking in ripeness.  Third was the 2009 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvinon, which has delicious fruits but tannins that will need more than five years to resolve.  I ended with my favorite, the 2009 Napa Valley Special Cuvee, which is better balanced than the Mount Veeder Cabernet right now.  This was my favorite wine of the flight.


A full review was written already about Elizabeth Spencer Wines during my visit on November 2^nd, 2012.

September 8, 2013 – Wine: 2004 Bell Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon

My sister was visiting from Denver so I decided to bring out something special to sip on.  Nobody wanted a lot to drink so I brought a half-bottle of this Clone 6 Cabernet.  I am so glad that I did.  We each had a substantial taste of this wonderful wine, enough to appreciate what was in the glass.  This wine is holding up magnificently and continues to develop.  The balance is spectacular, with great body, good acids, and richness.  I noted flavors of red and black fruits, baking spices, leather, and well-controlled minerals.  While I no longer have any half-bottles, I am looking forward to opening the 750ml in the next year or two.

Elyse Winery, August 14, 2013

Winery - 4 / Wines - 7
Range:  1 to 9 (9 is best, 5 is average)
Small winey on the Yountville bench.  Rare quality Rhone varietals in Napa Valley.  Reservations required.
www.elysewinery.com

This is what’s fun about shopping for wine in Napa Valley …  I was in the Yountville Ranch Market when I came upon half-bottles of 2005 Elyse Petite Sirah.  I had enjoyed a few Petite Sirah wines before (from Amador) and I knew 2005 was a great vintage in Napa Valley, so I bought a bottle speculatively.  I knew the winery was just 1 mile down the road, so I decided to go for a taste.  I enjoyed the wine so much I immediately returned to the market for a second bottle.  There aren’t many places in the world where you can try a product at the source and pick it up at a market around the corner, so I was thrilled with this experience.  On subsequent visits to the winery I picked up some spectacular deals on cases of wine, so it is worth it to return here periodically.  Alas, it had been four years since my last visit, so I decided to head back to Elyse.  … And I was glad I did.

The entrance to the Elyse Winery tasting room

There is nothing spectacular about the Elyse tasting room.  It is cozy, softly lit, and easy to get into and out of.  From the outside, it is hard to distinguish from the rest of the winery operations, except that a vine-surrounded patio door welcomes guests inside.  In front of the tasting room lies a large concrete pad which was empty today, but during harvest is packed full of bins with the harvest’s bounty beginning its transition from fruit to wine.  It can be interesting to watch the process of punch-downs and pump-overs outside, especially when the winery’s dogs lend a hand with the clean-up work.  (The dogs no longer work at the winery.)  Inside the tasting room, a long tasting bar accommodates about eight people along its length, with plenty of room away from the bar for others to enjoy their pour.

The Elyse Winery sign asks for reservations, but they can handle walk-ins on slow days.

The tasting menu usually features six wines, but this time there were two special wines that were open that they shared with us as well.  We started off with the 2010 Chardonnay, then I asked for the 2009 C’est si Bon (a delicious GSM blend).  We followed with the 2008 Le Corbeau (a Grenache blend), the 2008 Syrah, the 2008 Morisoli Zinfandel, the 2007 Cabernet Franc (by Jacob Franklin), the 2009 Petite Sirah (by Jacob Franklin), and ended with the 2007 Morisoli Cabernet Sauvignon.  I nearly bought the Cabernet because it was so tasty and well made, but my budget forced me to fall back to my second favorite (and everyone else’s favorite), the 2008 Morisoli Zinfandel, which I brought home.


Based on this experience, I would rate the winery as a 4 and the wines offered as a 7.  This is consistent with my prior visits.

September 3, 2013 – Wine: 2003 Clark Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon

Wow!  I was not expecting this wine to come out this good.  I have had a good bottle of the 2002 vintage of this wine, and tasted the 2006 at the winery.  But from all the bad-mouthing I have heard about the 2003 vintage, I was simply amazed by how this wine performed.  The nose was good, but the texture was what so surprised me.  The wine offers up plush tannins that suggest a richness to this wine which is what makes it so appealing.  On the balanced palette are flavors of cherry, pomegranate, hibiscus tea, minerals, and leather.  This was my first of two half-bottles, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next.

Hess Collection Winery, August 14, 2013

www.hesscollection.com

I was entertaining company and wanted to visit a winery that offers an impressive entrance, intimate tasting, and well-made wines at a reasonable price.  That, and I just wanted to go back to Hess Collection again.  I really enjoy the gently winding road through the redwoods that takes you to Hess.  While Napa Valley is itself an escape from the urban madness, Hess is a mountainside escape from Napa Valley in its own right.  Built with an eye for art, you will find art installations nearly everywhere you look.  But the art I wanted to see was the barrel room.  The smell of the wine soaking into the oak and the symmetry of the barrels stacked up appeals to me.

The barrel room at Hess Collection winery

On this visit I selected four red wines to try.  I started with the 2011 Artizin Zinfandel, which seems a little riper than most 2011 reds.  Next I tried the 2011 Artizin Petite Sirah, followed by the 2009 Hess Collection Block 19 Cuvee (a claret/meritage bland), and ended with the 2010 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon.  Of these, my favorite was the 2009 Block 19 Cuvee for its ripeness and balance.

A full review was written already about Hess Collection during my visit on May 12^th, 2012.