White Wines

• Sauvignon Blanc is one of Napa Valley's hidden treasures, almost an endangered species. The 2007 vintage is simply lush and lively! A mouth-watering entry of bright citrus follows through to a palate of melon, mandarin and lemongrass, while traces of mineral lead to a lengthy, succulent finish.
  
  
• While Romania has a rich history of wine making (dating back 2500 years), it is a relative newcomer to the wine exporting market. In fact, Romania currently ranks 12th in world wine production. Romania’s vineyards, once owned by the government, are now privatized, creating an emerging wine-producing market with traditional winemakers eager to compete on the international market. This dynamic is attracting experienced French and Italian winemakers who recognize that the rich soil and climate are perfect for producing high-quality wines. This outside expertise, combined with a skilled Romanian workforce, newer technology and highly fertile soil makes for a satisfying wine experience. This 2008 Chardonnay is a pale, gold-straw color, with lemon citrus aromas, and a dryish, medium-bodied taste of dried apple and tropical citrus.

Rose Wine

• This 2007 vintage was produced from 100% Lake County, California Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Franc, a delicious wine with fresh aromas and flavors of raspberry and strawberry, with fresh lemon acidity. A dry Rosé with a creamy texture and full volume, it pairs well with Mediterranean dishes, bouillabaisse, seafood, grilled fish, white meats, grilled chicken and mildly spicy foods. A delicious complement to pasta topped with a quick sauce of chopped green olives and herbs, or as a chilled aperitif on a hot summer day.

Red Wines

• Coteaux de Tricastin is the northernmost wine-growing AOC in the southern Rhône. The vineyards straddle both the true Mediterranean and the Continental climatic regions where the transition is rapid, winter snow being frequent in Montélimar but rare some 20 - 30 kilometers further south. The wine received its AOC status in 1973. This 2007 vintage is 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 5% Cinsault. Ruby red color, bright cherry and red berry fruits, herb scents and spice on the finish.
  
  
• The owner of this winery inherited his passion for wine and his love for the Languedoc region from his father. His wines share a common identity: balance, elegance and a pure expression of fruit. This 2007 vintage is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fleshy in texture, full bodied, and intensely flavored (black currant, blueberry, dark plum, toast, dark chocolate, spicy oak, vanilla), well balanced, and very long on the finish.
  
  
• The winery was founded in St. Helena and today is based in a 100,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in American Canyon at the southern end of the Napa Valley. The fruit is sourced from approximately 1000 acres of vineyards under contract throughout California. The winemaker studied in France and spent extensive time working in wineries in Burgundy and the Loire. As a result, their wines, while definitely Californian in fruit, have always had a distinctly “French” or “European” styling. This 2006 Zinfandel is produced from Amador County fruit and shows layers of ripe black fruit with raspberry high notes, along with aromas of cola, baking spices, anise and leather.

Appetizer of the Week

Salmon Canapes - $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!