White & Sparkling Wines

• The grapes for this wine come exclusively from Lake County's Shannon Ridge Ranch vineyards, which boast extremely volcanic, red pumice stone terroir. Hugging the mountain rims along the eastern edge of the High Valley AVA at close to 2,200 feet, the area is reminiscent of the Rhone Valley’s Crozes-Hermitage vineyards. The grapes were hand sorted twice, once before de-stemming and once after. The wine then went through extended cold fermentation (three weeks at 50*F) to preserve the natural, vibrant fruit characteristics of the grape. This 2007 Sauvignon Blanc displays a complex blend of melon, citrus blossom, fennel, and honeysuckle. Elegant and balanced, this vintage has a clean, crisp, long finish. It is excellent with roasted Cornish hens and pan-seared potatoes!
  
  
• Appropriate for our Valentine's theme, the name of this 2007 Chardonnay is a tribute to the Italian immigrants who first planted the North Coast of California to vine in the late 19th century. The success of wine grapes in Mendocino has long been attributed to complex soils, warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. This wine boasts fresh apple and pear flavors, complemented by floral nuances in the bouquet. This is the 11th vintage and has 5% Viognier to enhance aromas and add complexity on the palate. Enjoy with shellfish, crab cakes, light pasta, vegetarian casserole and mildly spicy Asian cuisine.
  
  
• The vineyards at this Burgenland winery seem to go on endlessly, blending into the vastness of the Austrian landscape. The wines here are made according to biodynamic methods, which include respecting both the earth as a living organism, and the interrelationship of soil, plant and climate in response to the rhythms and activities of the larger cosmos. This light, non-vintage sparkling wine gets its beautiful salmon color from a short skin contact during fermentation. It is well rounded with a slightly off dry fruitiness, yet finishes crisp and dry. It is perfect as an aperitif. It has a love story, so ask your server!

Red Wines

• This California winemaker is a big believer in selecting great vineyards, cultivating them to create complexity, then letting the wine express the fruit. For Pinot Noir more than any other variety, the style of the wine should be dictated by the vineyard. Share a bottle of this 2005 from Santa Barbara County with your sweetheart over rack of lamb or encrusted pork tenderloin.
  
  
• The name means "love of life." This 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend exhibits ripe fruit traits and spice in a light, easy drinking style. Throw down a blanket in your living room, create a picnic for Valentine’s Day and enjoy this wine with your loved one. This one will get you ready for spring!
  
  
• This fabulous 2005 Napa Valley wine is made from 85% old-vine Zinfandel, 14% Syrah, and 1% Petite Sirah. It spent 16 months in American oak barrels, 30% of which were new. On the nose, red delicious apples open up to rose petals and cranberries and other fruits such as raspberries and blackberries, even exotic fruit like mango. The oak adds nice soft vanilla and spice notes. The palate is seamlessly balanced with the weight of the wine to the expressive fruit nature. The flavors range from light red fruits and apples to spicy currants, toast and vanilla. The full, silky texture and extreme length to the finish make this wine extremely desirous. Enjoy this wine with your favorite multi-layered gourmet lasagna recipe.

 

Appetizer of the Week

Onion Blossom Horseradish Bagel Bites - $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!