Best Wines of 2011 “Best of the Best”
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White Wine
Maldonado 2008 Los Olivos Vineyard Chardonnay – $32 per bottle
Napa Valley
One of our clients’ favorites and most requested white wines, it’s hard to get more bank for your buck from a Chardonnay than this. Lush, rich Chardonnay with wonderful floral aromas of fresh tulips and roses followed by flavors of ripe peaches, fresh tangerine and lemon, baked apple, toasted hazelnuts and a nice touch of Napa minerality on the long, crisp finish.
Londer 2008 Kent Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay – $39
Sonoma Coast
Kent Ritchie is considered to be a “Grand Cru” quality vineyard, and has been the source of some of the most sought after wines from producers such as Aubert, Ramey, Flowers, and DuMOL.
The Londer Chardonnay is another stunning example of the impressive quality of this vineyard, but at a fraction of the price. This is a HUGE, rich, complex and decadent Chardonnay…yet very balanced and opulent. A total class act! It’s loaded with intense flavors of creamy baked apple, butterscotch, lemon/lime, cinnamon butter and a wonderful toastiness around the edges. Great stuff! Only 299 cases were produced.
Clouds Rest 2009 Chardonnay – $45
Sonoma Coast
Incredibly rich, opulent, almost decadently delicious and dramatic Chardonnay from a remote vineyard on Manchester Ridge on the Mendocino Coast. Intensely aromatic featuring white flowers, stone, steel, spice, and flint; awesome balance and integration of wood, acid and alcohol with flavors of ripe white peaches and pears, hints of honeysuckle and a long, luxurious finish that lingers. Delightful, elegant and memorable!
L’Angevin 2008 Chardonnay Laughlin Vineyard – $48
Russian River Valley
From Robert Parker, Wine Advocate:
“Another brilliant white, the light gold-colored 2008 Chardonnay L’Angevin Laughlin Family Vineyard sees a similar upbringing and the result is abundant tropical fruit, honeysuckle, poached pear and mango intertwined with a hint of creme brulee. Russian River-like in its exuberance and exoticism, this full-bodied in-your-face style of Chardonnay can be consumed over the next 2-3 years. 93 pts.”
Lewis 2010 Sonoma Chardonnay – $50
Russian River Valley
Always a class act, but this 2010 Sonoma Chardonnay from Lewis Cellars is something special. Made with fruit from some of the oldest Dutton Ranch Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, this wine exhibits layers of lemon-lime citrus, nectarine, honeysuckle and toasty tangerine infused with orangey spices. Succulent citrus flavors are fresh and lively on the palate while preserving a supple texture that gradually turns crisp with a final wash of mouthwatering natural acidity.
Peirson Meyer 2008 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard – 59.75
Russian River Valley
The Charles Heintz Vineyard is the source for some of the celebrated wines, including the DuMOL designates. Beautifully balanced and rich flavors of citrus oil, white peaches, tangerines; rich, steely, dense and finely nuanced, this one has it all! 40 year old dry farmed vines create an amazingly concentrated wine with a superbly rich and viscous mouthfeel that coats the palate and lingers endlessly.
Red Wine – Cabernet & Blends
Avenue 2009 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – $28
The best Cabernet for the price, bar none! A client favorite and Best Seller for the past 5 years. The 2009 Avenue is even more special with the main source of fruit coming from the renowned Jericho Canyon Vineyard in northeast Napa Valley, with the remaining juice from a “mailing-list-only” winery in Knights Valley. The flavors are luxurious, captivating and sensual: Ripe Bing Cherry, blackberry, chocolate covered coffee beans, fresh earth, graphite, cassis, with a gorgeous balance of fruit, tannin, acid, alcohol, and oak. Aging 20 months in select French oak is a real bonus for those who enjoy those lush, structured Napa Cabs.
Montagna 2007 “Tre Vignieti” Cabernet Sauvignon – $50
Napa Valley – Pritchard Hill
Bob Long has been known for co-founding the David Arthur Winery with his brother. With Montagna, he ventures out to another part of the extraordinary Pritchard Hill region of Napa Valley (Colgin, Bryant Family, Ovid, Chappellet). It’s inky dark in color, with a huge bouquet of blackberries, cassis and vanilla oak, the mouth-feel and finish is intense and concentrated and has a seamless, silky and supple feel that is only found in the world’s finest wines. Complex and thoroughly over-the top flavors that are full and intense, yet silky and rich on the palate with a finish that lingers forever. It’s a knockout!
Peirson Meyer 2006 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – $83
Another wine from Pritchard Hill, and made by former Peter Michael and Lewis winemaker, Robbie Meyer. This Cabernet is beautifully complex and dense. Full throttle, signature aroma of blackberry extract with notes of mocha and spice. Concentrated, large scaled and beautifully structured, it is beginning to reveal its promise of long term (15-20 years) cellaring.
Finely tuned power and class in the hands of a master! 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Versant Vineyard, Pritchard Hill (Colgin, Bryant, Chappallet, Ovid, David Arthur – it’s a good neighborhood!). Hand sorted, 25 day maceration, 20 months barrel aging in 70% new French Oak. 180 cases bottled, unfined and unfiltered. A classic! Very limited availability. The Versant Vineyard is now owned by Tim Mondavi and is the main source for his Continuum wine.
Barbour 2008 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – $100
Jim Barbour is one of the premier vineyard managers in Napa Valley (Revana, Grace Family, Hundred Acre, Parallel). His long-time friend and associate, Heidi Barrett makes the wine (Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Revana, Paradigm. La Sirena, Amuse Bousche).
A rich garnet color, the 2008 vintage offers a beautiful nose of dark plum, black currant, spicy caramel, and a hint of floral. It follows through on the palate with a touch of cassis and brown earth, along with subtle barrel nuances gained from 20 months in new French oak. Structured and well balanced, the wine will benefit from decanting in its early years and should cellar well for 10-15 years.
The wine is very approachable and “user- friendly”; meaning it has wonderful forward fruit flavors of dark fruits, silky tannins, and a long, smooth finish. A beautifully balanced wine with structure. The seamless integration of all the components is another trademark you’ll find in Heidi’s wines. It’s one of the attributes that has earned her the distinguished reputation as a world-class winemaker.
Lewis 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – $125
Napa Valley
This Cabernet Sauvignon is simply an amazing wine from Lewis Cellars that has consistently produced highly rated wines for over 15 years.
From Wine Spectator:
“Aromas of melted black licorice, dried currant, sage, herb and cedar are firm and focused, full-bodied and restrained, yet deep and complex. Ends with layers of spice, smoke, mocha, mineral and cedar. Drink now through 2020. 1,500 cases made. -JL” 94 points
Lewis 2007 Cuvee L – $225
Napa Valley
The Flagship wine of the Lewis Cellars portfolio, this is the 10 Year Anniversary of the Cuvee L. Made from the best barrels of the best lots from top vineyard sources (mainly Pritchard Hill). Only 225 cases produced. This is a Special Wine! The 2007 CUVEE L is magnificently decadent and luxurious on the palate; black currant, crème de cassis, cigar box, graphite, cocoa powder, and black truffle. Rich, mouth filling, structured, and beautifully balanced with soft, fine-grained tannins that lead to a finish you will taste the next day. BRILLIANT!
Red Wine – Pinot Noir
Lula 2009 Pinot Noir – $39
Mendocino County
The vineyard source in the small town of Comptche, located high in the hills near the Pacific Ocean. This benchmark Pinot Noir has classic aromatics of Bing cherry, cola and spice on the nose. The flavors of cranberry and Bing cherry take center stage on the palate. Complexity develops with nuances of plum, tea, clove, and a hint of vanilla oak. Just the right balance of fruit, tannin and acidity create an extravagant and sensual wine experience. True to its mountain origins, the wine is dark, rich and full-bodied!
Ketcham Vineyard 2009 Pinot Noir Ketcham Estate Vineyard – $48
Russian River Valley
Grace, elegance and beautifully balanced. Aromas of dark red fruits, currants, ripe strawberry, perfumes of French Oak, hints of Summer flowers, Provencal herbs, and mineral nuances blend with the earthy character of mature Pinot Noir vines.
The palate is firm and balanced with a great acidic structure. The texture silky and medium bodied. The mid-palate is distinctly Russian River Valley with a core of rich red fruits married with earth tones, spice, mineral, and forest floor. Great for food pairing – Wild salmon, wild mushrooms, grilled lamb chops with black pepper, rosemary and garlic.
Miura 2007 Pinot Noir Williams Ranch Vineyard – $50 (Reg. $62)
Anderson Valley
Made with fruit from Burt Williams’ (Williams Selyem) vineyard in Anderson Valley. The 2007 MIURA Williams Ranch Pinot Noir exhibits that proverbial “fist in a velvet glove”. Starting off with impressive aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, spice box, and subtle vanilla oak; continuing on the palate with added nuances of cranberry, cocoa, Sarsaparilla, and clove.
The mouthfeel is luxurious and velvety yet structured with supple tannins. Added bottle age has allowed the wine to evolve into a seamless, well-balanced, stunning wine.
Small Vines 2009 Pinot Noir MK Vineyard – $65 (Reg. $71.50)
Sonoma Coast
This is a FABULOUS Pinot Noir. Paul Sloan knows this vineyard inside and out. His skill and talent as a winemaker is evident with this 2009 MK Vineyard Pinot Noir, his best effort to date, evidence that he is now a complete “Vigneron”. Luminous Ruby color lights up your glass. A mix of floral notes and red fruit aromatics. Deep black cherry without being sweet, more savory. Fresh acidity giving vibrancy and at the same time weighty with a unique velvet texture. Structure for days, striking precision, vibrant fruit and a pleasing minerality. This one will reward you with age, enjoy now with decanting or hold for up to 10+ years. 145 cases produced.
Walker Station 2009 Pinot Noir Leslie Vineyard – $68
Russian River Valley
Harry Walker sells fruit to Paul Hobbs, and in turn, Hobbs makes this amazing Pinot Noir for him. More of a “masculine” Pinot Noir, with extensive complexity, structure and depth.
WOW! The 2009 is extremely dark for Pinot Noir; dense, deep ruby to purple. All Calera clone. Intense aromas and flavors that keep unfolding: Chocolate, sweet rich black cherry, kirsch, cassis, baking spices, pie crust, sarsaparilla, cherry pie, sweet cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, a hint of ginger and clove. With a fine, sweet finish, excellent grip, supple yet firm tannins, ample acidity to hold it all together. Rich elegant and very full flavored.
Clouds Rest 2005 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – $100
Often referred to as “The Holy Grail” of California Pinot Noir, the Clouds Rest Pinots are thought by many to be California’s version of “Grand Cru” quality wines. Max Riedel (of the famous Riedel Crystal) had heard about this “remarkable Pinot producer”, so he made a trip from Austria to visit Clouds Rest. He told proprietor, John Saemon that their vineyards were “the healthiest he had ever seen in California” and that the Clouds Rest was “the only Pinot Noir he had ever tasted in America that should be in his Vinum Burgundy glass because no one else makes Pinot Noir in the true Burgundian style like this.” French journalist Blair Graves wrote in the Huffington Post: “I was almost in tears they were so good.” And she lives in Paris, so you can imagine the wines she has access to on a regular basis.
Red Wine – Zin, Syrah & Misc. Red
Gamba 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel Gamba Estate Vineyard – $40
Russian River Valley
Gus Gamba is known as a dedicated, passionate farmer and winemaker who farms his Estate Vineyard with almost fanatical attention to detail. The 110 year old Gamba Estate Vineyard only yields about 1/2 – 3/4 tons per acre. So why does put so much work and effort into farming these old vines? The resulting fruit is incredible intense, making for one of the deepest, most flavor-packed Zinfandels in Russian River Valley. Loads of profound, dark berries, jammy fruit, together with excellent acidity and very well-balanced. A hallmark Zinfandel.
Gamba 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel Moratto Vineyard – $40
Russian River Valley
Another fantastic Old Vine Vineyard in Russian River Valley planted in 1920. This is a hedonistic, juicy, sexy fruit bomb! The wine has a vibrant, deep purple color with ruby edges; heady aromas of blackberry, Bing cherry and sweet raspberry liqueur. Jammy flavors of Bing cherry, blackberry, chocolate, and white pepper are wrapped in gripping tannins, with good acidity that lead to a memorable finish. Rich, voluptuous, juicy, nicely balanced, and such a pleasurable wine. The intense fruit and minerality are impressive. After all, it’s all about balance.
Sanglier 2008 Syrah Kick Ranch – $40
Sonoma County
Dark as midnight with an electric purple tinge. Captivating aromas of blueberry, blackberry, chocolate and leather emerge from the glass. Rich and lush without that over-the-top extraction. The wine is seamless on the palate with focused flavors of blueberry, black raspberry, smoked meats, dark chocolate, and espresso. No “funk” to speak of. Silky smooth, complex and beautifully balanced with dusty tannins and good minerality that brings the flavors front and center.
Full and luxurious mouthfeel with an impressively long finish, this wine begs for another glass, and another…. OUTSTANDING!
Antiqv2s 2006 Syrah Pisoni Vineyard- $47 (Reg. $55)
Santa Lucia Highlands
From Robert Parker, Wine Advocate:
“The 2006 Syrah is a profound Syrah offering gorgeous, meaty notes intermixed with subtle hints of roasted herbs, spring flowers, licorice, pepper, and loads of blackberry and cassis fruit. It is a rich, full-bodied, seamlessly constructed Syrah with no hard edges. The acidity, tannin, alcohol, and wood are beautifully integrated into a masterpiece of Syrah winemaking.” 95 pts
Black Bart 2007 Syrah Stagecoach Vineyard – $60
Napa Valley
95 points Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine!
“Deep garnet, almost black in color; intense aromatics of cider-smoked ham, bacon fat and graphite intertwine with blueberries, raspberries and lavender. A dense, complex palate of black raspberries, blueberries, vanilla, smoky oak framed perfectly by soft, succulent tannins. The wine has great brightness and a very persistent finish.” This one’s got that “WOW Factor”!