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Tasting Notes Carmenet, 1998 Dynamite Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast Appellation, (707) 996-5870 Sonoma, CA A rich, bold Cabernet with fragrant aromas of ripe currants, old leather, spices, and cedar with a soft velvety finish that lingers on the palate. It is enjoyable now as a young wine or let it age in the bottle for added complexity. A perfect accompaniment with rich tomato pastas, grilled beef or lamb. Mirassou, 1997 Harvest Reserve Monterey County Merlot, (408) 274-4000 A complex full-bodied wine, crimson in color with ripe cherry and blackberry springing from the nose with subtle spiced aromas. The well-rounded tannins allow the finish to be long and smooth. Enjoy this wine with hearty meat dishes and rich tomato pastas. The Monterey Vineyard, 1998 Pinot Noir, (800) 709-7667 Napa, CA This versatile and inexpensive Pinot Noir has soft fruit highlights and oak undertones. Light spice of pepper, clove and cinnamon are gentle on the palate making this wine a nice accompaniment to grilled pork loin and roasted quail. Pedroncelli, 1999 Zinfandel Rose (707) 857-3531 Geyserville, CA The Pedroncelli winery has been producing Zinfandel Rose since 1955, longer than any other winery. This experience and refinement of style is evident in the abundant fresh fruit flavors of ripe red berries and spicy accents with a long, pleasant, velvety finish on the palate. The Monterey Vineyard, 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon, (800) 709-7667 San Jose, CA A classic medium bodied Cabernet having deep red color and aromas of chocolate, black cherry, and oak. This wine displays excellent character for it's price and finishes with soft tannins making it ready to drink now as an accompaniment to lamb and beef dishes. Lake Sonoma Winery, 1996 Alexander Valley Cabernet, (707) 473-2999 Geyserville, CA On the nose this wine has fruit forward berries sprinkled with light oak undertones, in the mouth these flavors become more concentrated with dark red fruit and aged oak. The spiced berries flow down the palate transforming into a full bodied satisfying finish. Enjoy this versatile Cabernet with rack of lamb or pizza. Valley of the Moon, 1997 Sonoma Valley Zinfandel, (707) 996-6941 Ripe red blackberries emanate from the nose of this Zinfandel. The light smokiness and a smooth spicy finish are a perfect accompaniment to bold flavored dishes like grilled beef and venison.
WHITE WINES: Dry Creek Vineyard, 1998 Reserve Wines, (707) 433-1000 Healdsburg, CA 1998 Reserve Fume Blanc, A wonderful wine with aromatic dried grass undertones and soft melon highlights. Full of flavor, ripe apricots and juicy citrus are elegantly balanced and slightly spiced. Enjoy this wine now or age between four and eight years. Roasted chicken with fresh herbs and grilled bell peppers of various colors would accentuate this wines subtle complexity. 1998 Reserve Chardonnay, Rich juicy fruit of papaya and mango coated slightly in butterscotch drip from the nose of this outstanding vintage. Where some Chardonnay's can be tart, this is ripe and fresh with all the character of warm tropical sunshine. The finish is long and memorable and melds elegantly with roasted seabass with citrus hinted beurre blanc or a fresh tropical-fruit-salsa. Meridian Vineyards, 1999 Santa Barbara Chardonnay, (805) 237-6000 A well-crafted wine with distinct classic aromas and flavors. Aromatic ripe fresh pear and apple with juicy-pineapple touched with rich sweet-vanilla flavors, followed by a long toasted oak finish. Pair this wine alongside creamy pastas and grilled halibut with caramelized fennel. Chateau St. Jean, 1998 Belle Terre Vineyard Alexander Valley Chardonnay, (707) 833-4134 Kenwood, CA An intense tropical-fruit-forward nose emanates from this Chardonnay with some sweet blossoming flower accents. This is a rich wine with a clean smoked oak finish. The complex full texture and flavor will lend itself to accompany hearty shellfish such Cajun grilled prawns or a salad of Heirloom tomatoes with fresh mozzarella. Chateau St. Jean, 1999 Fume Blanc, This stunning Fume Blanc has pronounced fruit forward aromas with honeydew melon and lemongrass highlights. Subtle fresh herbs, sweet summer fruit such as peaches and white nectarines massage the palate. This wine finishes with clean refreshing citrus, oak, and vanilla qualities. Excellent on its own but pairs nicely with salads and spicy Asian-fusion cuisine. St. Clement, 1999 Sauvignon Blanc, This is a wine of subtle complexity allowing it to stand out from other Sauvignon Blancs. Deep floral and fruit emanate both in aroma and while in the mouth, allowing this wine too effortlessly compliment rich shellfish such as, Dungenous crab or barbecued oysters. From beginning to end this refreshing wine exhibits a wealth of character and flavor and is ideally balanced and ready to drink now. Mirassou, 1998 White Burgandy Monterey County Pinot Blanc, San Jose, CA The aromas delight the senses with a touch the tropics where pineapple and banana mingle with wisps of clove. Creamy pear flavor is elegantly followed by touches of crisp green apple. This medium bodied wine is very versatile with dishes such as proscuitto and melon salad or grilled salmon fettucine with lemon cream sauce. |
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