In a land to the South of us is a place where the sun shines and the grapes ripen with little threat of rain. With all the grapes that we produce locally, we sometimes forget about this place. Here’s a few wines from there that have recently migrated North and found their way to our shelves. What better way to spend a grey weekend than to sip a bit of sunshine?
2017 Cannonball Eleven, Sauvignon Blanc $14
Dry Creek Valley
This fruity white is balanced by buoyant acidity. Fermented mostly in stainless steel, it offers defined flavors of lemon, melon and lime. Was $20 now $14
2018 Trefethen, Dry Riesling $15
A quality Cali Riesling– Floral aromas of orange blossom and jasmine are complemented by fresh notes of green apple and grapefruit. On the palate, this bright, yet luscious wine evolves with flavors of nectarine, white peach and honey-crisp apple. The minerality and beautiful acidity provide an invigorating finish. Normally $20 Special Price $15
2017 Trefethen, Oak Knoll Chardonnay $15
Aromas of lemon, honeysuckle, and pear greet the nose. The fresh palate features more citrus flavors, as well as green apple, and a clean finish. The oak influence in this wine is subtle but important, adding a note of vanilla on the nose and a pleasant roundness on the palate. Sustainable Was $30 Now $15
2019 Sandhi, Central Coast Chardonnay $20
Pretty aromas of citrus flowers and fruit. Notes of limes, lemons and toasty notes from oak. On the palate it will have good structure and plenty of restraint and balance. Practicing Organic
2018 Flowers, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $30
Bursting with fresh, salty acidity, this appellation wine conjures the coast from which it comes, offering beguilingly soft layers of elegant richness. Apple, pear, nutmeg and a whiff of lemon meringue play well on the palate, with plenty of length and breadth to impress.
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.
2017 Experience, Napa Cabernet $27
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Malbec.
A plush, forward Napa Cab to enjoy with life, now! The winery’s tasting note: “Intense ruby in color, this Cabernet opens with a lovely bouquet of forward fruit, soft notes of oak from the barrel fermentation, some anise and a hint of mocha. Ripe black fruit unfolds on the palate offering cassis, blackberry and black cherry. The finish is long and lingering with a smooth rich texture.”
2017 Sinegal, Napa Valley $50
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 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. Was $100, Now $50