Riesling Wines

• The grapes for this 2005 California Riesling were sourced from vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA of Monterey County, where high winds, dry days, and bay fogs create a cool, but very long, growing season. These growing conditions are ideal for cool-climate grapes such as Riesling, and lead to full, forward fruit flavors and ideal acidity. Grapes were harvested at an ideal balance of sugar and acid, and the wine was fermented in stainless steel. Before fermentation was complete, the wine was chilled to arrest fermentation, allowing the wine to retain a small amount of residual sugar. This Riesling features fresh peach and apricot notes framed by firm acidity. The “off-dry” style makes the wine ideal with food.
  

• These vineyards are established in the premier winemaking region of Oregon’s North Willamette Valley, nestled by the banks of the Willamette River. This 2007 off-dry Riesling shows a beautiful bouquet of pears and melons, then transitions onto the palate with a smooth, subtle sweetness and ends with a crisp, clean finish. Fermented in stainless steel.
  

• The history of this family as winegrowers can be traced back to 1425, and the cellar dates back to 1772. It houses large oak barrels that are over 100 years old (the oldest dates back to 1827). This 2006 Alsace Riesling shows a lively nose of flowers and minerals, becoming elegant and robust in the mouth. Serve with fish, crustaceans and shellfish.
  
  

Pinot Noir Wines

• The deep but muted ruby hue hints at the silky tannins of this dynamic and multi-faceted 2006 Monterey County Pinot. The white and black pepper background aromas blend nicely with clove fragrances on the front. When given time, the wine evolves from edgy to extreme bliss with a tangy burst of fruit and spice, backed by cool-climate acidity that carries each separate flavor component on to the next sip. The structure and balanced acidity of this wine allows the flavors to hang for a moment before it finishes with a light, slow and even departure that leaves the mouth infused with fresh pomegranate flavors.
  
  
• The 2007 vintage is blended from wine made from over 30 vineyards representing each of the Oregon AVAs that produce Pinot Noir. It is true to variety and vintage with bold aromatics and a palate to please. This wine has moderately-deep color and a tannin profile to match. The dark spices on the nose and palate complement the flavors you would expect from a good Oregon Pinot Noir: blackberry, raspberry, black cherry and earth. The oak profile is restrained and the natural acidity from this vintage gives the wine precision and tautness.
  
  
• Bourgogne Pinot Noir is the regional appellation and the fruit can come from any part of Burgundy, France. Only the best grapes from the best vineyard plots make this 2006 "cuvee," which represents quality and value for money. This wine exhibits the characteristics of the great red Burgundies. Noble and full, it has a resplendent color combining grace with vigor and associating strength with finesse. On the palate, fresh raspberries are in evidence when the wine is young.

Appetizer of the Week

Hot Pepper Peach Cheese Ball & Toasts - $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!