Below are the April, 2009 Featured Wines for the Wines by Jennifer Wine Club.

 

White Wine 2007 Clayhouse Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles, California   Clayhouse Wines are created from the earth, cultivated by hand, and nurtured by family traditions, making the 150-year old adobe on the property the perfect symbol for the business. Today, Clayhouse Wines extend that proud family legacy with a selection of exceptional wines, all crafted by hand in a refined, elegant style that reflects the unique character of Paso Robles and the depth of flavor that the Central Coast imparts. Made in a refreshing aperitif style, the Clayhouse Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a bouquet of orange blossom, pineapple, lemon grass, peach and hints of guava. There’s a touch of minerality that enhances the slightly floral notes contributed by the Musque clone. The blend includes 7% Chenin Blanc to boost floral character, and 2% Roussanne to provide body and spice.   Awarded 87 Points and "Top Value" by Wine Spectator - August, 2008

Red Wine 2006 Ñandú Malbec Mendoza, Argentina   Ñandú Malbec comes from the hillside vineyards of Mendoza, sites that rise to 1,200 feet above sea level—an altitude that helps temper the region’s warm sun, yielding grapes of exceptional balance and structure. It’s a challenging area to cultivate, with desert-like conditions and frequent hail threatening crops, but the resulting wine is worth the myriad risks. Ñandú was founded by the Portet family, a family boasting an impressive winemaking heritage. Bernard Portet was raised in Bordeaux where he spent many years working with his dad, a régisseur (technical director) at Château Lafite. Bernard left to start Domaine Nizas in France, then, recognizing the potential in Napa Valley's Stag Leap District before it was even known as such, co-founded Clos du Val on the Silverado Trail south of Yountville in 1972. Named after the large, flightless bird native to Mendoza, this ruby red, brilliant and very intense wine also contains 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its aromas are quite expressive of red fruit (strawberry, raspberry, red currant), with a hint of black fruit (blackberry) and spice. Full, round, fleshy, and very well balanced, the wine also features a velvety texture that carries into a long, smooth finish. Ñandú shows best when opened 15-30 minutes prior to drinking.

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.