Sparkling Wine

• At 4300 feet, these vineyards are some of the highest in the United States, so regardless of how hot the days might be, the temperature at night can drop as much as 30 degrees, cooling the fruit and slowing down the maturation process on an otherwise short growing season. Sandy, loamy soil and a lack of humidity that might contribute to rot gives a consistency of fruit year in and year out, allowing the winery to produce award-winning wines without the use of pesticides. Made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this non-vintage sparkler shows a fine salmon color, toasty aromas, and a juicy flavor of raspberry. Perfect as an aperitif.

White Wines

• Beautiful aromas of orange blossoms and jasmine are accented by hints of figs and pears. On the palate, this medium bodied 2007 Oregon Pinot Gris bursts with tropical flavors of papaya, banana and mango, with a dash of nectarine. The bright, lively mouth feel follows through to a clean tropical fruit and citrus finish.
  
  
• Easily America’s favorite white grape, Chardonnay traditionally exhibits flavors of apple, peach, tropical fruit, and citrus. This 2007 Chardonnay is a blend of fruit from the producer's Missouri estate vineyard along with vineyard sources in California. This wine was aged in neutral barrels and stirred sur lie every two weeks, which continuously adds the toasty yeast and softness. It shows nice, spicy pear and peach fruit. The bouquet is as clean as a whistle with nice acidity, providing for a well-balanced wine.
  

Red Wines

• This is a family-owned vineyard and winery that takes great pride in making handcrafted, premium wines from 13 different Kansas-grown grapes made by sustainable farming practices, pruned and harvested entirely by hand. This is the winery’s signature red wine. It is a meritage blend of estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chancellor grapes aged in American oak barrels for 18 months. This 2006 vintage is a multiple gold medal winner and Jefferson Cup National Invitational finalist. Perfect with grilled buffalo.
  
  
• This Washington producer has concentrated their efforts on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and the concept of terroir since their first vintage in 1987. The 2007 vintage is structured yet approachable, with soft fruit flavors framed by subtle hints of oak. This Cabernet (42%), Merlot (51%), Syrah (7%) blend is a fantastic complement to almost any food and is the perfect introduction to the enjoyment of red wine.
  
  
• This 2005 Lodi Zin comes from some of the oldest vines in California. It has abundant cherry, blackberry and plum fruit that is offset by notes of pepper and spice. The addition of 10% Carignane grapes creates further complexity. Excellent with spicy beef kabobs on the barbeque.
  

 

Appetizer of the Week

Herbed Tomato Basil Soup with Spiral Pasta - $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!