White Wines

• The Mosel is the fifth largest winegrowing region in Germany, and Riesling, the queen of grape varieties, rules supreme. Nearly 5,000 hectares of Riesling are grown here, more than anywhere else. The combination of vine, microclimate and soil produces, over a lengthy ripening period, unique and fragrant wines. The slate soil retains heat from the sun during the day and gives it back to the vine at night. The roots of the vines penetrate deep into the ground to find water and minerals. During its long ripening period (often until as late as November), the Riesling vine collects natural sugar, valuable minerals and vitamins. The winemaker's skill is to maximize nature's potential. The 2006 vintage shows a fruity bouquet, with peach and lemon following through on the palate.
  
  
• The 2005 vintage in Sonoma's Russian River Valley has produced a highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc showing extraordinary perfumes of flowering jasmine, lilies and gardenias. The earlier harvested fruit gives a slightly grassy, herbaceous character to the wine, while the later picked grapes have provided more fruit forwardness, with flavors ranging from a bright citrus right through to an exotic tropical.
  
  
• A smooth wine from the Western Cape, with a crisp, fresh flavor and a lingering finish. Rich tropical fruit and guava on the nose is followed by crisp citrus flavors and hints of vanilla. Enjoy this 2007 South African Chardonnay now or within two years of harvest. Serve chilled on its own, with summer salads, mild cheese, or pan-fried salmon in a lemon butter sauce.

Red Wines

• 100% Sicilian Pinot Noir displaying an intense red color with hints of violet. On the nose, a vibrant bouquet of blackberries and strawberries, with hints of wood and black and white pepper. The taste is mature and full-bodied with aromatic elegance and a hint of spice. The good balance of aromas and fruitiness makes this 2007 vintage a distinctive wine that pairs well with roasts, red meats and pastas with meat sauces.
  
  
• For over one hundred years, the family has been involved in the American wine industry from their home ranch in the Russian River Valley. They are Sonoma County's oldest family-owned winery, founded in 1896. The 2005 vintage was made entirely from fully mature 18-year-old vines grown on the family’s ranch. This medium-bodied Merlot is a rich garnet color and has a lush mouthfeel. The nose exhibits violet, rose, and spicy black peppercorn. On the palate, this wine demonstrates pronounced black cherry, currant, and plum fruit. The finish has lingering black cherry and toasty vanilla earth tones, making this a very food-friendly wine. Best served with prime rib, medium-bodied pasta dishes, brie, and pork tenderloin.
  
  
• Before it was taken from its cradle in France and raised in the New World as a muscular brute, Cabernet Sauvignon had aristocratic roots that obliged it to greatness by striving to inspire rather than to assault. This California winery’s notion of Cabernet Sauvignon aligns not with the fruit-forward, fleshy style of Australia, but with the sinewy, deeply energetic offerings of Bordeaux. Unexpectedly for its Lodi address, this 2007 vintage possesses a very distinctive terroir expression that reminds of a German chocolate cake with a raspberry glaze. Sweet oak vanilla, toffee and espresso aromas derive from medium- and heavy-toast French oak from the forest of Alliers. The balanced finesse possesses nevertheless a firm strength that suggests longevity and invites the opportunity for bottle development. On the other hand, the wine offers today splendid aromatics to linger on the palate and enter into playful dialogue with other elements of your dinner.
  

Appetizer of the Week

Wine Marinated Meatballs - $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!