Somewhere to the south of us, two states away, is a land that grows a lot of grapes. This fabled land is known for both high end much sought after wines as well as its unnoticed little values. Here a few wines we’ve imported from that legendary region.
2020 Rotation Cellars Rosé $10
Chenin Blanc with a dash of Syrah to give it the color. A great little value rosé from Cali with a beautifully floral bouquet of budding roses. The palate confirms the nose with subtle floral aromas secondary to the wonderfully ripe peach and stone fruits which greet you upon the first sip.
2018 Pozzan, Annabella Napa Valley Chardonnay $13
Great Value CA Chard. Aromas of Asian pear, orange blossom, candied lemon peel, and brown sugar. In the mouth, the wine showcases a well-balanced acidity in counterpoint to a plump, round mouthfeel. Generous flavors of juicy pear, white nectarine, and Meyer lemon blend together with a note of toasted almonds lasting throughout the finish.
2019 Raeburn, Russian River Chardonnay $20
Classic California Chardonnay—elegant and expressive with bright fruit character, creaminess and toasty vanilla. The 2015 vintage is ripe, luscious with fruit tones ranging from pear and Gravenstein apple to nectarine beautifully complemented with toasted oak, vanilla, and hints of Crème Brûlée.
2018 Four Vines, Old Vine Zinfandel $14
A full-bodied Central Coast Zin at a good price. 35-to-80 year old vines. Dark berry notes, a hint of spice, ripe plums and black & blue berries.
2014 Mount Peak, Rattlesnake Zinfindel $20
96% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah
Classic Zinfandel characteristics of Provençal spices, roasted herbs, pepper and oodles of briary black raspberry and black cherry fruit. It cuts a big swath across the palate with loads of glycerin and an unctuous, thick, juicy quality that is provocative.
2016 Dry Creek Vineyard, Old Vine Zindandel $29
78% Zinfindal, 19% Petite Sirah, 3% Carrignan
This vintage presents enticing aromatics of raspberries, cherry and a hint of toast and black pepper. On the palate, brambly flavors of ripe boysenberry and spicy dark chocolate come forward. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by notes of berry syrup and mocha. The tannins are silky and smooth to lend a round, rich mouthfeel.
Dry-farmed Hand-Picked
2017 Meadowcroft, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $26
Dark, ripe berries with a hint of olive and dried fig, this structured and concentrated cabernet sauvignon shows classic Napa Valley style. Flavors of dark chocolate and cigar box shine through the structured, mouth filling tannins.
2017 Sinegal, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $50
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 4% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot
This high scoring Napa Cab exhibits elegant aromas of ripe raspberry, plumb and black cherry, with notes of rose petal, cinnamon and all spice. The subtle oak spice tones are well integrated with the fruit and floral aromas in this wine. On the palate there is a silky texture with smooth tannins and long lingering finish. Flavors of candied cherries, and blackberry kirsch are intermixed with secondary notes of vanilla bean, mocha and coca nibs. Stained Labels Was $100, Now $50
2016 Joseph Phelps, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $72
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
The 2015 vintage is inky purple in color with aromas of dense blackberry jam, cassis and balsamic followed by a layering complexity throughout the mouthfeel of supple, sweet tannins with expressive ripe plum, vanilla and rich black fruit.