San Bernabe Vineyard 1997 Syrah
- Monterey/Monterra (Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca,
CA 95336, 209-824-3500, www.delicato.com) Spicy aroma is a combination
of spice and leather with brawny characteristics that lead to
a berry fruit. The taste reflects currant, blackberry, oak and
faint flora /herbal components as well as a vibrant lingering
finish drink this now or hold this wine. Varietal Blend: 75.7%
Syrah 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 4.1% Petite Syrah .2% others. Retail:
9.95
Columbia Winery 1997 Syrah Yakima
Valley -Washington - (Address: 14030 N.E.145th Street, Woodinville,
WA 98072, 425-488-277) Bright purple color with moderately light
body with moderate legs...Blackberry fruit, licorice nose with
a vibrant flavor hinting of black pepper. Quite a lively and
snappy flavor with nice fresh acidity. A youthful style to pair
with outdoor or casual dining. Retail: 14.00
Delicato Vineyards 1997 Syrah
- California (Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca, CA 95336,
209-824-3500 www.delicato.com) Medium deep purple red hue. Sweet
plumy aromas. Rich on the attack getting richer when swirled
in the glass. Leads with a medium bodied palate with tight fruit
flavors but not much character or persistence. Carbonic aromas
and easy drinking style. Drink it now.
Delicato Family Vineyards-1998
Syrah California - (Address: 12001 South Hiwy. 99, Manteca,
CA 95336, 209-824-3500) Varietal blend of 86% Syrah 10% Petite
Syrah 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Features bright flavors of cherry
fruit black currant and spice with vanilla oak nuances. Serve
with slightly spicy foods or barbecues should go well with casual
outdoor dining. Retail: 5.99
Perry Creek 1997 Mouvedre - Wenxell Vineyard.
(Address: 7400 Perry Creek Rd., Somerset, CA 95684, 530-620-5175,
www.perrycreek.com) Deep complex blackberry and cinnamon spice
smells combining for a beautiful aroma. The cinnamon spice holds
up through the palate, accompanied by a hint of licorice. This
Mourvedre has great legs with silk-like tannins and a long complex
finish. Excellent for now but will build character when held.
Varietal blend 84% Mourvedre, 8% Syrah, 8% Carignane. Retail $12.00
Perry Creek Syrah 1997 El
Dorado (Sierra Foothills) (Address: 7400 Perry Creek Rd., Somerset,
CA 95684, 530-620-5175, www.perrycreek.com) The aromatic fragrance
is reminiscent of ripe blueberry enhanced by hints of died spice
and creamy oak. Full bodied with a strong character of full
tannins and nicely integrated oak flavors, 100% Syrah. Complex
smoky, black currant fruit and peppery spice taste gives this
wine a memorable finish. Do it now or hold it for next Valentines
day, but do it with a friend. Retail $15.00
Columbia Winery 1997 Syrah
Red Willow Vineyard (Address: 14030 N.E.145th Street, Woodinville,
WA 98072, 425-488-2776) Deep red with a purple colored rim.
Fresh raspberry fruit nose with smoky toast undertones. Intense
fruit flavor backed by velvet textured tannins. Fine intensity
in the grapes.
Perry Creek- Viognier 1998 -
Estate Bottled- El Dorado (Address: 7400 Perry Creek Rd., Somerset,
CA 95684, 530-620-5175, www.perrycreek.com) The Perry Creek
Viognier offers the best California wine making techniques with
the perfect matching of grapes. Complexity with well balanced
acidity and bright fruit flavors. The foreword fruit aroma contains
tone of peach and honeysuckle blossoms with just a hint of vanilla.
The taste is round on the palate with fresh fruit flavors and
the scent of fresh flowers a wonderfully balance wine they sent
two bottles and we drank them both now. It reminded me of young
love buy the honeysuckle bushes. Give this to someone in love.
100% Viognier.
SOBON Estate 1998 Viognier
- Estate Bottled - Shenandoah Valley of California (Address:
14430 Shenandoah Rd. , Plymouth, CA 95669, 209-245-4455, www.sobonwine.com)
Floral front aromas give this wine an inviting nose. Which leads
to a deep rich spicy flavor. This is a noticeably full bodied
100% Viognier. The wine has a strong character and a round texture
with a nice long finish drink it now or hold for the future.
Limited availability.
SOBON Estate 1998 Rhône Rose
- Shenandoah Valley of California (Address: 14430 Shenandoah
Rd. , Plymouth, CA 95669, 209-245-4455, www.sobonwine.com) Refreshing
light and very drinkable blend of 46% Grenache, 16% Syrah, 38%
Mourvedre. Fruit and floral forward nose, with a fresh fruity
taste hinting of cherries and berries. A round dry refreshing
finish with intense old growth character. You will find it crisp
and refreshing. Drink it with grilled fish or other summer fare.
Columbia Winery 1997 Syrah
Yakima Valley, WA, (Address: 14030 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville,
WA 98072, 425-488-2776) This wine has a bright purple color,
blackberry fruit, licorice nose with a vibrant flavor hinting
of black pepper. It builds in the mouth to a lively and snappy
flavor with nice fresh acidity. A youthful style to pair with
outdoor or casual dining. Retail Price: $30.00. Drink it now
or hold.
Delicato Vineyards 1998 Syrah
California.( Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca, CA 95336,
209-824-3500, www.delicato.com) Medium deep purple red hue with
sweet cherries, cedar and spice. Rich on the attack and builds
even richer when swirled. Medium bodied palate with tight yet
subtle fruit flavors for an easy drinking style. Blend of 86%
Syrah, 10% Petite Syrah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now. Retail:
5.99
Benzinger Family 1998 Imagery
Viognier Alexander Valley. (Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd.,
Glen Ellen, CA, 707-935-3000) Refreshingly floral and peach
nose. Rich flavors of peach, pineapple and banana finishes with
toasty vanilla evolve into a classic Viognier style. Wonderful
paired with light dishes or salads. Retail 20.00
Kendall-Jackson Syrah 1997 Vintners
Reserve (Address: 421 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA, 707-544-4000)
Dark royal-crimson color 100% Syrah, oak aged 14 months, fruitful
aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, spice and toast
with the hint of oak. Very enjoyable and drinkable now. Will
pair very well with meats and cheeses.
Mazzocco Vineyards 1997 Carignane
Alexander Valley. (Address: 1400 Lytton Springs Rd., P.O. Box,
Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-433-9035) Dark red color to the top,
deep blueberry aromas with notes of chocolate and a hint of
smoke in the nose make this a wine you looking foreword to tasting.
Inviting taste of bing cherry components accentuate textured
layers of spice and current. This wine has rich jammy flavors
that complete the long creamy finish...a wine with smooth easy
soft tannins very drinkable now. Retail: $14.00
Joseph Phelps 1998 Viognier
Napa Valley (Address: 200 Taplin Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574,
707-963-2745, www.jpwines.com) Very refreshing. Aroma of peaches.
Peach flavors almost that of a peach marmalade and honeysuckle.
Nice soft balanced character with a lingering finish. Drink
now with Nicoise salad or peppered tuna or light poultry.
Joseph Phelps 1998 Pastiche Red California.
(Address: 200 Taplin Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574, 707-963-2745,
www.jpwines.com). 47% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache, 17% Syrah, 4%
Merlot, 4% Alicante Bouschet. This is a medium-bodied dry wine
with good fruit that displays spicy, strawberry aromas. Berry-like
flavors, with a smooth, well balanced finish. A nice approachable
red wine It is a perfect choice for stews, and spicy Mediterranean-style
meals. Drink now
Morgan 1997 Syrah - Monterey (Address:
590 Brunken, Salinas, CA 93901, 831-751-7777). This rich medium-full
bodied wine shows a deep ruby color in the glass and the nose
is full of well-developed aromas of blackberry, plum with pepper
overtones. The flavors deepen onto the palate and are complemented
with hints of cloves and spice. Soft tannins and a long finish,
we feel this wine will improve with 6-12 months of bottles age.
It is a perfect choice for casual dining. Retail. 20.00
Paraiso Springs Vineyards 1997 Syrah
Santa Lucia Highlands. (Address:38060 Paraiso Springs Rd, Soledad,
CA 93960, 831-678-0300) The Paraiso Springs Vineyards Syrah
exhibits the saturated red-violet hue. The nose sports aromas
of ripe raspberry and black cherry that are accented by spice.
The rich fruit flavors and velvety mouthfeel carry through to
the finish added by a hint of blackberry. This is very drinkable
wine that added time in the bottle will add to the balance Retail:
22.00
Rey Sol 1997 Le Mediterané Blanc Mount
Palomar Winery (Address: 33820 Rancho
California Rd. Temecula, CA 92591, 909-676-5047) Deep golden
color, moderately extracted wine has excellent nose appeal with
aromatic honey, yeast, tropical fruits, leading into butter
with big ripe, honeyed flavors. Full and rich in the mouth,
though well balanced with juicy acidity gives this a soft dry
finish. This Rhône style white wine will go well with grilled
chicken or mesquite grilled seafood. Retail: 18.00
Tablas Blanc 1998 Tablas Blanc - Paso
Robles (Address: 9339 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446,
805-237-1231) Blend of 50% Roussanne, 25% Viognier, 25% Marsanne.
The color is a pale straw-gold. The fruit forward nose is of
floral rose and peaches. Big and intense, rich palate with spicy
ripe fruit and a hint of spice. A round and savory flavor with
depth. This dry, but round wine attains nice complexity and
length. Drink now but it will improve with time.
Tablas Blanc 1997 Tablas Rouge - Paso
Robles (Address:9339 Adelaida road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-237-1231)
Blend of 34% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 6% Counoise.
The wine shows very deep cherry red color to the rim and presents
a ripe berryish nose with smoky leather overtones. Complex and
layered with jammy red fruit and a whisper of oak. Good and
full tannins hold their depth and finishes long. Holding this
wine will bring out more complexity as it matures. Good wine
with gourmet foods and cheeses.
Zaca Mesa 1998 Roussanne, Santa Barbara
County (Address: P.O. Box. 899 , Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-9339)
A golden color opens to a rich, full-bodied, and focussed wine.
Rich aromas of peach, floral and fruit. Full-bodied mouthfeel
with balanced acidity. Smooth finish with a mineral texture.
Drink now. Retail: 16.50
Zaca Vineyards Syrah 1996 - Santa Barbara
County (Address:P.O. Box. 899 , Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-9339)
As dark as a midnight Montana sky. A blend of 80% Syrah, 20%
Viognier offers layers of black current, cherries, and other
fruit. The lively nose leads to a big juicy palate of fruit
with a glimpse of peach and apricot. Smooth with good tannins
make it perfect for holding or drinking now. Retail: 20.00
Zaca Mesa 1997 Z Cuvee, Santa Barbara
County (Address: P.O. Box 899, Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-9339)
A bright violet-red color with aromas of ripe cherry fruit.
Medium-bodied palate alive with flavor of berries. plum, strawberry,
cherries and earth. Layered with textures and a solid backbone.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape styled blend of 51% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre,
12% Syrah, 10% Cinsaut, 5% Counoise. Drink now or hold. Retail:
16.50
Zaca Mesa 1998 - Z Gris Santa
Barbara County (Address:P.O. Box 899, Los Olivos, CA 93441,
805-688-9339) This dry, Rhône style rosé is a royal red blend
of 47% Syrah, 31% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache, 5% Cinsaut, 5% Viognier.
Up-front aromas of cherries, mint, jasmine lead to flavors of
plum and strawberries with dark fruit with spice on the back
end. Dry and drinkable now or hold. Retail: 9.00
Rey Sol 1997 Viognier Temecula Mt. Palomar
Winery, (Address:33820 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, Ca 92591,
909-676-5047, www.mountpalomar.com) Lively nose of ripe fruit
and peach. Full-bodied, smooth, a rich blend of 85% Viognier,
9% Chardonnay, 3% Roussanne, 3% Marsanne. Oak accent with low
acidity makes for versatile pairing with a variety of smoked
or grilled foods. Retail: 18.00
Rey Sol 1997 Roussanne Temecula Mt. Palomar
Winery (Address: 33820 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, Ca 92591,
909-676-5047, www.mountpalomar.com) Enjoyable aroma from a deep
golden color. Tropical flavors combine with ripe fruits of peaches
and apricots. A blend of 92% Roussanne and 8% Chardonnay. It's
full and long with a buttery-honey accent on the finish. Well
suited for spicy foods or with rich cream sauces. Retail: 18.00
Rey Sol 1997 Le Mediterrane Blanc Temecula
Mt. Palomar Winery, (Address: 33820 Rancho California Rd., Temecula,
Ca 92591, 909-676-5047, www.mountpalomar.com) Very refreshing
and full-bodied. Rich with abundant flavors. Unique, moderately
extracted blend of 45% Roussanne and 20% Marsanne with soft,
dry finish. Great with Asian cuisine or grilled seafoods. Retail:
16.00
Foppiano Vineyards - Petit Syrah 1997
- Sonoma County (Address: 12707 Old Redwood Hiwy. P.O. Box 606,
Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-433-7272) It is not difficult to appreciate
a wine whose stellar reputation proceeds it. Deep rich purple
colors with full and deep flavors. From nose to finish this
Petit Syrah delivers. Ripe berries, chocolate and spice in the
nose. Berry fruit accents layered with vanilla and a hint of
black pepper. Retail: 17.00
Tablas Creek Vineyard Tablas Rouge 1997
Paso Robles (Address: 9339 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446,
805-237-1231) Dark red color with aromas that grows into ripe
berry nose with leather. A blend of 34% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache,
30% Syrah, 6% Counoise shows deep flavors of jammy fruit providing
a linger presence on the palate. Layers of flavors. Cases: 725.
Retail 27.00
Tablas Creek Vineyard Tablas Blanc 1998
- Paso Robles (Address: 9339 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446,
805-237-1231) Rhône varietal blend of 50% Roussanne, 25% Viognier,
25% Marsanane culminate into a color of pale straw-gold. Aromas
of peach and rose lead to a big and rich palate of spicy fruit.
A fine example of vines cloned from Chateau de Beaucastel. Deep
and lengthy. Retail 32.00
Villa Helena Winery 1998 Viognier - Napa
Valley (Address: 1455 Inglewood Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574,
707-963-4334) Classic Viognier envelops layers of aromas and
soft palate that combines flavors of apricot, melon and honeysuckle.
Full-bodied, rich and satisfying. Retail: 16.50
Benzinger Family 1997 Syrah California
(Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen, CA, 707-935-3000)
100% Syrah has complex aromas of black fruit, smoky tar and
dried herb. Soft palate of black cherry and herb. Rich ripe
fruit finishes long. Hold or drink now. Retail: 21.00
Benzinger Family 1998 Imagery Viognier
Alexander Valley (Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen,
CA, 707-935-3000) Refreshingly floral and peach nose. Rich flavors
of peach, pineapple and banana finishes with toasty vanilla.
Evolves into a classic Viognier style. Pair with light dishes
or salads. Retail 20.00
Beringer Vineyards 1998 Rosé de Saignée
California (Address: 1000 Pratt Avenue , St. Helena, CA 94574,
707-963-7115) A blend of primarily Pinot Noir along with Syrah
and Grenache. Aromas of ripe berries, earthy spice, orange and
lime accent. Ripe and gallant flavors layered with spice and
fruit. Bright full-bodied and a long finish. Drink now. Retail:
16.00
Carmenet 1996
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Moon Mountain - Sonoma Moon Mountain
(Address: 1700 Moon Mountain Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476, 707-996-5870,
www.carmenetwinery.com) Late-ripening Bordeaux grape varietals
of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot,
produce a stylish, non-overbearing nose, with aromas of cherries,
black currant and spice. The fruit flavors provide a soft after-taste
and enjoyable finish. The Chef's favorite at the tasting. Drinkable
now and should cellar nicely. Retail: $40.00
Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 -
Alexander Valley Moon Mountain (Address: 4001 Highway 128, P.O.
Box 158, Geyserville, CA 95441, 800-499-7644, www.wines.com/murphy-goode/wines)
Colorful aromas of black fruit and spice. Full flavors lingers
across the palate. Blend of 83.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot,
1.5% Petit Verdot. Sweet fruit and ripe tannins make for a it
very drinkable now and will cellar. Retail: 20.00
Sterling Vintners Collection 1997 Cabernet
Sauvignon Moon Mountain (Address: P.O. Box 500, Rutherford,
CA 94573 , 707-942-3300) Ruby red in the glass with a floral
nose of fruit, raspberry and a trace of oak. Balanced with medium
tannins and good flavor. Shows off the varietal blends of 85%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Food friendly.
Drink now or hold. Retail: 12.99
Calina 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon - Valle
Central Chile. Full fruit flavors cloaked in deep-dark purple
color. Spicy blackberry aroma with a hint of oak and cherry
palate. This wine has the layered character that finishes longer.
This is surprisingly good value-to-quality. Drink now. Retail:
$9.00-11.00
Epoch - Millennium Cuvee 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Dry Creek Valley Dry Creek Vineyard (Address: 3770 Lambert
Bridge Rd., Healdsburg - 707-433-1000) The berry nose layered
with cherry, berry, and chocolate of this wine will please the
palate; subtle spices, mint earth and leather in the background.
90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot combine for a rich harmonious
jammy experience. Epoch has a smooth, lingering finish like
fingers up your spine. Aging potential 8-12 years. Packaged
in a custom, four-bottle, wooden lay-down box. This is a gift
for that Food & Beverage Director who likes very special wines.
Buy now, limited quantity. Retail: $60.00 per bottle (tasting
room only)
Merlot Mazzocco Vineyards 1996
Dry Creek Valley Merlot Moon Mountain
(Address: 1400 Lytton Springs Rd., P.O. Box, Healdsburg, CA
95448, 707-433-9035) Dark, inky color comes forward, the nose
is alive with numerous influences; cedar, jammy scent intertwined
with hints of toasty oak. Generous offerings of cranberry fruit
in the mouth followed by lush raspberry pie flavors linger on
to a smooth clean finish. A nice balance of soft, if not under
stated, tannins and hints of tobacco make this wine very drinkable
now. Retail: $20.00
Carmenet Dynamite Merlot 1997 North Coast
Moon Mountain (Address: 2750 Las Amigas Road, Napa, CA 94559,
707-226-9991) Deep colors and foreword nose lead to intense
development of color and flavor...offering up lush ripe cherry
flavors and a deep rounded finish. While this wine is delicious
to drink now, it will continue to improve in character and richness
as it ages in the future. Retail: 19.50
Sterling Vintners Collection 1997 Merlot
Moon Mountain (Address: P.O. Box 500 , Rutherford,CA 94573,
707-942-3300) The wine shows inviting ruby-red color with a
nose of plum and berry fruit. Ripe, tight, full, complex bl
LunaVineyards 1997 Merlot Napa Valley
(Address: 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, 707-255-5862
www.lunavineyards.com) Dark ruby red with the aroma of rich
black fruits, coca, and vanilla. Flavorful, jammy blackberries,
and cocoa create a long full finish. Retail: 28.00
Echelon 1998 Chardonnay
Central Coast P.O. Box 518, Soledad, CA 93960 This wine is fresh
and full, complex and very drinkable, very soft and intriguing.
Echelon showcases Chardonnay's versatility. Slow fermentation,
oak aging and malolactic fermentation. Give this a forward nose
and quaffable taste. Released Dec '99. This wine pairs effortlessly
with most foods. Chill and serve. 100% Chardonnay. Retail: 14.50
Chalone Vineyard 1998 Chardonnay - (Address:
Chalone P.O. Box 518, Soledad, CA 93960. 831-678-1717) Demonstrates
an incredible level of balance. A dominating nose of tropical
fruit with aromas of pineapple, peaches, apples and tangerines.
The enigma is that the fruit intensity and pure ripeness, which
should make for a sweet wine, is actually dry. This big wine
goes well with all types of seafood, chicken, or even pork dishes.This
wine will improve over the next year and will hold for three
to five years. Good choice. Retail: 31.00
Echelon 1998 Pinot Noir
Central Coast, [A Chalone Wine Estate] (Address: 621 Airpark
Rd, Napa, CA 94558, 707-254-4250) Deep in color displaying character
on the palate. At first the flavors and aromas seem almost jammy,
but in time in the glass the fresh berry influence comes through.
The hint of dried herbs and cinnamon with a dry, spicy character
make this good today, but will certainly improve with time in
the bottle. The wine contains smoky roast notes and hints of
oak. Recommended. Retail: 14.50
Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir 1997 - Russian
River Valley 4001 Highway 128, P.O. Box 158, Geyserville, CA
95441, 800-499-7644, www.wines.com/murphy-goode/wines Their
first Pinot is a winner' Wild strawberry flavors and spice .
Complex ripe fruit flavors with smooth tannins. Drink now or
good for cellaring. Limited 3 bottle limit at $30.00 ea. (6-pack/750ml)
Edmeades Vineyards 1996 Pinot Noir -
Anderson Valley 5500 Highway #128, Philo, CA 95403, 707-544-4000,
Spicy, exotic fruits with a long finish. Earthy with vanilla
yet not over powered by oak aromas. This is a full-bodied wine
with backbone. Could cellar for 10-20 years. Retail $20.00
Acacia 1998 Pinot Noir - Napa Valley
- Carneros 100% Pinot Noir. very fine soft silt of tannin coats
the tongue and the modest acidity make drinking this now delightful
This wine is luxurious with a plush texture and an evolving
length. But with the character of fruit, we expect that time
will treat this wine well Drink it now or contribute to its
complexity by cellaring for several years. Retail: $25.00
Geyser Peak Winery 1997 Shiraz
- Sonoma County (Address: 22281 Chianti Rd. Geyserville, CA
95441, 800-945-4447, www.peakwinesinternational.com) Blend of
90% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon cloaked in a rich ruby red
color. Fruity nose with plum, black cherry, dove and vanillin
oak nuances. Soft on the palate with a silky medium-body. Plum
flavors glide over fine-grained tannins. Enjoyable style.
