White Wines

• Southern Hemisphere Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand receives worldwide acclaim for its distinct and fine wines. This 2005 Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough on the South Island has tropical flavor with grapefruit and lime, fine zesty character, and a persistently refreshing and invigorating palate. This wine is a match for a variety of flavorful dishes, from fresh seafood and light pasta to spicy tomato salsa. Perfect for grilling and sautéing.

• Northern Hemisphere Sauvignon Blanc

The Lake County, California winery produces this second label in which they strive to make wines that are ready to drink now - wines that are fun or unusual. They ferment the juice in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wonderful freshness and character of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Additionally, the 2008 vintage is made without any barrel fermentation or aging and does not go through malolactic fermentation. This helps to preserve the crisp acidity and fresh fruit flavors in the wine. The wine is a field blend, also containing approximately 10% Semillon from the same vineyard. It is a fresh, crisp wine with plenty of bright, lively fruit, with notes of fig, melon, gooseberry and a hint of honey. On the palate, this “lip-smacking good” wine shows fresh grapefruit, gooseberry and tart lime, with a generous, crisp, acidic finish. Great with a pasta salad, summertime finger-foods and grilled goat-cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon.

Red Wines

• Southern Hemisphere Cabernet Sauvignon

This 50-year-old vineyard in Mendoza has extremely poor, sandy soils resulting in a naturally low yield of rich concentrated Cabernet fruit. Their 2007 Cabernet presents a dark garnet red color. The nose offers bright cherry aromas with fresh spice notes and a touch of toast. The mouthfeel is full and rich, with ripe, concentrated red currant and black raspberry fruit flavors interwoven with a touch of chocolate and sweet spice from light oak aging. The finish shows ripe, silky tannins.

• Northern Hemisphere Cabernet Sauvignon

This 2006 California Cab is aged in a combination of new and used American and French oak barrels for a backdrop of complexity to add to its fruit-forward demeanor. Dark red and black fruits suggesting currants and black cherries are complemented by light overtones of chocolate. A medium- to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, it matches boldness with finesse.

• Northern Hemisphere Merlot

Winemakers around Washington State agree that the 2005 vintage was a classic Columbia Valley growing season. The resulting wines are notable for their deep color, wonderful aromatics and delicious complex flavors. The blend is 92% Merlot, 6% Cabernet, and 2% Petit Verdot. It has deep, rich, black cherry, raspberry and mocha aromas, and flavors that linger beautifully across a long, focused finish. Its refined, well-integrated tannins add to the wine’s polish and grace.

• Southern Hemisphere Merlot

Wines from this Stellenbosch, South Africa producer typically have intense fruit, excellent structure and great maturation potential. All of their wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel. Thirty-five percent new French oak and 5% new American oak was used. The 2003 vintage also includes 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a deep red color, dark cherry and plum nose, with spices and roasted oats complementing. This is a big, intensely flavored Merlot with a rich, mouth filling palate and a classic long, firm finish. Drink now until 2013. Ideal with strongly flavored grilled red meat.

 

Appetizer of the Week

Roasted Pineapple & Habanero Dip over Cream Cheese - $7

 

For more specific information on these great wines, or to taste for yourself, stop by the Tasting Room at Wines by Jennifer this week. We look forward to seeing you!