Chardonnays

• The 2007 vintage from Chile's Casablanca Valley is golden yellow in color with ripe golden delicious apple, melon, and toasty bubblegum-like spice aromas. A round entry leads to a tangy medium-bodied palate with tart apple, citrus, melon, and spice flavors. Finishes with a tangy citrus, honey, and toast fade. Pairs well with most fish and poultry recipes.
  
  
• This 2007 Napa Chard shows aromas of mixed fresh peach, pear and hints of vanilla. On the palate, it shows crisp acid, good mineral texture, and finishes with rich, lingering body and flavor. This wine shows a touch of oak (French), but not overdone. The balance of this wine makes it a pleasure to savor on its own or enjoy with a wide variety of foods. We like this wine with stuffed Cornish hens.
  
  
• This 2006 vintage from McLaren Vale in Australia displays aromas of tropical fruit, pineapple, summer flowers, figs, guava and some oak notes. The wine is well-structured, a perfect balance of acidity, flavors and oak aging. The tropical fruit flavors of passion fruit, mango, and pineapple really shine through. The finish is smooth with crisp acidity. A creamy fettuccini and seafood dish would be wonderful.

Cabernets

• Arguably the world's most esteemed premium red grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the best California vineyards produces grapes of considerable concentration and finesse. The wines are typically full-bodied and intense, with lasting flavor. This 2007 vintage shows ripe black cherry and cedar aromas combined with rich Cabernet grape flavors. Velvety and soft yet intense on the palate, with a long, smooth finish. Enjoy with grilled game birds, poultry, sausages, mild cheese and lighter dishes.
  
  
• The wine makes an outstanding first impression with its vibrant ruby color and distinctive aromas of black cherry, spice, black pepper and tobacco. Silky tannins and dark cherry flavors stand out against a backdrop of spicy notes and hints of vanilla. This 2005 Napa Cab is perfectly balanced with a soft entry, well-integrated oak and a long, rich finish. It will pair well with roasted game, grilled meats and moderately rich sauces.
  
  
• The 2006 vintage shows the warmer notes of South Africa's Paarl district, highlighted with some vanilla/toast and more distinctive but subtle hints of tar, earth and roasted herb that all play a supporting role to the darker red fruit, raspberry and currant on the nose. Medium-fuller bodied, there is a nice, ripe dark plum and red currant flavor profile with some toast, herb and charcoal on the back end, touched up with finer grained tannins on the dry finish. This should easily develop nicely over the next 7-8 years as it has the structure and balance with supporting fruit to carry it.
  
  

Appetizer of the Week

Jennifer’s Seafood Dip & Flat Bread - $8

 

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!