Below are the December, 2008 Featured Wines for the Wines by Jennifer Wine Club.

 

White Wine 2006 Inca Torrontes/Chardonnay Calchaqui Valley Salta, Argentina   The isolated mountain valleys of the Salta region of northern Argentina were for many years home to the Incas. Today, they're home to the highest vineyard sites in the world, lying some 2,000 meters above sea level. It is here that the uniquely clear skies, pure mountain air and long, cool growing season provide perfect conditions for the production of quality grapes. This blend of 80% Torrontes (the most prominent white grape of the region) and 20% Chardonnay is a deliciously ripe and juicy white wine, with aromas and flavors of apricot and citrus fruits. Ideal served chilled on its own as an aperitif, or with salads and Thai or Chinese foods.

Red Wine 2006 Château Haut-Colombier Premières Côtes de Blaye Bordeaux, France   Château Haut-Colombier is an award-winning producer from the up-and-coming Premières Côtes de Blaye region of Bordeaux. This 15-hectare estate is owned by the Chety brothers, who have extensive winemaking experience both in France and Australia. The wine is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Malbec from 25-year-old vines planted in the clay and limestone soils on the highest hill in Blaye. Rigorous pruning, de-leafing, and green harvesting combine to minimize yields to 50 HL/hectare, and the grapes are harvested at night to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Aged 12 months in 1/3 new French oak, this wine has an intense purple robe and an elegant yet fruity nose, with hints of vanilla and toasty oak. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and rich, with harmonious fruit from the ultra-ripe Merlot grapes. Good balance from the lovely tannins on a long finish.

Wines by Jennifer is also proud to announce our new "Cellar Club", featuring a new wine each month suitable for long-term aging. Call the shop and ask for Jennifer for all the details on this exciting new Club, or visit our Featured Cellar Club Wine page for details on this month's selection.