Visiting Frog's Leap Winery in Napa Valley

Frog’s Leap has been around since 1981 and their focus has remained resolute to this day. They grow their grapes organically utilizing dry farmed vineyards. Their wine making techniques are classic and old school in intent and execution. Neither their vineyards nor their wines are over manipulated. They are also stewards of the land they inhabit and strive to be community members that make a difference. Towards that end they have been a solar powered facility since 2005. The folks at Frog's Leap take their work, their wine and their place in the neighborhood quite seriously, but they do so while having fun, giving a wink and a smile so to speak. A couple of days ago I made a visit to Frog’s Leap in Napa Valley. Though I’ve enjoyed a number of their wines over the years it was my first time visiting. Along with a couple of friends I made my way into their reception area and we were quickly seated even though we arrived quite a bit earlier than our scheduled appointment. They have an open porch with tables to host tastings, from that vantage point we could look at some of their vines as well as one group of visitors playing a game on the lawn while they enjoyed a taste of wine.

It was a beautiful day and Frog’s Leap is an excellent atmosphere in which to taste wine. After being seated we had someone dedicated to pouring us wine and telling us anything we might want to know about the facility and the wines. Their standard flight features 4 selections and the tastings are priced at $20. In addition to the four we were lucky enough to sample a few other releases.  On weekdays they also offer tours by prior appointment. What follows are my thoughts on a few of my favorite selections I tasted on my visit.

Frog’s Leap 2011 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc: This 100% varietal wine is what got things off the ground for Frog’s Leap more than 30 years ago. All of the fruit for this offering comes from Rutherford. It was fermented and aged in stainless steel. This wine has a suggested retail price of $20. Citrus and mineral aromas pop out of this wine’s nose. The palate is gently layered with tropical and citrus fruit characteristics. Zippy acidity, spices and minerals galore are at play here as well and they continue through the finish which is clean, crisp and refreshing. My overriding desire after taking a sip was simply to take another. This is a lovely Sauvignon Blanc whose flavors are not forceful or over the top but rather persistent in their complexity and depth.

Frog’s Leap 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon: In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc are blended into this wine. It was aged for 21 months in French oak and it has a suggested retail price of $42. The small dollop of Cabernet Franc in this blend really helps the nose pop. As a result cherry and leather aromas are in striking abundance. The palate here is smooth and approachable with deep berry flavors; Blackberry and plum are of particular note along with continued cherry. Earth and a bit of mocha emerge on the finish which has impressive length for the price. This wine will drink well for a number of years but it’s incredibly engaging and exuberant right now, there’s simply no reason to wait on this one.

Frog’s Leap 2010 Zinfandel: This wine is made in classic Field Blend style. This wine is composed of Zinfandel (77.5%), Petite Sirah (22%) and Carignane (0.5%). All 3 varietals were picked, fermented and aged together. Barrel aging took place over 12 months in French oak. This wine has a suggested retail price of $27. This Zinfandel really emerged after it was sitting in the glass for 15 or 20 minutes. Cherry aromas came out in droves along with a dollop of vanilla bean. Both red and black berry flavors dominate the palate along with a nice complement of spices such as clove, cinnamon and pepper. The finish is lengthy with sour cherry, bits of chocolate sauce and a final bit of biting spice. This is a proportionate Zinfandel made in a classic style. It’s spicy, fun, delicious and easy drinking without being over the top or simplistic. It’s a wine that will pair as beautifully with a pizza as it will a burger or soft polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms. Whatever you pair it with, you’re likely to love this terrifically well made Zinfandel.

Frog’s Leap 2010 Petite Sirah: This selection is 100% varietal and all of the fruit came from Rutherford. Aging took place over 11 months in French oak. The Frog’s Leap Petite Sirah has a suggested retail price of $37. In the glass this wine is as black as night. The aromas that emerge are dark and brooding to match. The first sip reveals Blackberries, blueberries and plum pudding spices. The finish has good length with hints of earth and a bit of chicory. This Petite Sirah is young and a bit tight right now with firm tannins. Time in the bottle will soften this wine and really help show off its charms. I’m fond of aging well made, balanced Petite Sirah that has good structure and acid. The Frog’s Leap Petite hits all those marks and I can’t wait to see where this wine is in about a decade. Of course you could decant it for a few hours and speed up the process. In any case this is a promising example of one of my favorite varietals.

It took me way too long to make it to Frog’s Leap for the first time, suffice it to say my second visit won’t take nearly as long. This is a great winery to visit in the heart of Napa Valley. The wines are terrific and well made. Each of them was balanced and proportionate with reasonable alcohol content, bucking current trends. The Zinfandel in particular stood out for being under 14%, something worth noting in an environment where some folks are making Zins that tip the scales over 16%. The wines are also clean and fresh with pure fruit flavors bursting through. Additionally the atmosphere is welcoming and charming with lovely understated décor that is soothing to the eye. The folks working at Frog’s Leap are incredibly friendly, accommodating and quite knowledgeable about the wines and Frog’s Leap in general. Next time you’re in Napa Valley, I strongly urge you to make a beeline to Frog’s Leap.

Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Cellars - 2010 North Coast Red Rocks

Cornerstone Cellars has been making exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley for just over 20 years. For the last few years they have also been making wine under their Stepping Stone label. These wines are produced from fruit sourced in Napa as well as some other regions in California. Additionally they have a few releases sourced in Oregon. Today I’ll look at the newest vintage of a Stepping Stone release. The Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Cellars 2010 North Coast Red Rocks blends together Zinfandel, Syrah, and Merlot. The lots of fruit for this wine were sourced in Lake County, Sonoma and the Napa side of Carneros respectively. Just more than 1,000 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18.

Blackberry and vanilla aromas leap with some intensity from the nose of this 2010 red blend, those aromas are augmented by bits of smoke and bacon. Lots of red and black fruit flavors are in evidence from the first sip to the last one. This is a very tasty, appealing, and easy to drink red wine. Willing and eager fruit flavors complemented by bits of spice continue through the finish which has decent length. This is a terrific little blend for the money and a fine example of a new world wine that is enthusiastic and loaded with fruit flavors but still even keeled.

What I like best about this wine is that it’s a fun, well priced wine that will appeal to large crowds of wine drinkers. It’s also a well made wine that will pair with a wide array of foods. It’s primed for immediate drinking so enjoy this over the next 1-2 years to get the most out of its agreeable, young fruit flavors.

Drink Pink: A Quartet of Tasty Rosé’s Perfectly Suited for Summer !!

Rosé is one of the things in the wine world that I most enjoy about summer. Theoretically they taste just as good in cooler months. However to my lips, when the temperature rises, well made Rosé is even more delicious and tempting. Part of their appeal is their versatility with food. Their refreshing nature and the fact that they feature some of the characteristics of both red and white wines all lend to what makes them cherished by many wine lovers. Today I’ll look at a quartet of current Rosés from California producers. First up is the Pedroncelli 2011 Dry Rosé of Zinfandel. This Rosé is produced from fruit sourced in the winery’s home appellation of Dry Creek Valley. It’s a 100% varietal wine. Pedroncelli has been making Rosé since the 1950’s. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. This wine saw no oak treatment. Just fewer than 1,000 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $11. Aromas of strawberry and raspberry emerge from the welcoming nose of this Rosé. Cherry flavors dominate the palate along with hints of white pepper. Vanilla, and continuing juicy red fruit flavors continue on the crisp and refreshing finish. This a lovely dry Rosé of Zinfandel with some perceived sweetness from all the engaging fruit flavors. This is an excellent choice for a picnic.

Next up is Clayhouse Wines 2011 Adobe Pink. This wine was produced from fruit sourced at the winery’s Red Cedar Vineyard located at the outskirts of Paso Robles. It’s a blend of Mourvedre (38%), Grenache Noir (37%), and Syrah (25%). Harvesting, crushing and processing of the grapes was handled as white varietals would be. Following fermentation in stainless steel, 25% of the wine spent 2 months in neutral oak. 600 cases of this selection were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $14. Bright red fruit aromas and hints of citrus are apparent on the nose of this wine. Strawberry, cherry and bits of vanilla bean are apparent through the palate. This wine is incredibly fruity and juicy with just a touch of sweetness to round things out. Raspberry and continued cherry flavors close things out with bits of spice weaving in and out. This Rosé works particularly well ice cold.

Today’s third wine is the Cornerstone Cellars 2011 Stepping Stone Corallina Syrah Rosé. The fruit for this wine was sourced in the Oak Knoll appellation within Napa Valley. This offering was produced entirely from Syrah. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel followed by 5 months of aging in neutral French oak. 455 cases of the Corallina were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $20. The Corallina Rosé from Cornerstone opens with a highly engaging and deeply perfumed nose. Red and black cherries are joined by a crush of spices including vanilla bean. The palate is loaded with continued red fruit characteristics including strawberries, cherries, hints of green herbs and a crush of spices led by nutmeg and white pepper. This wine is crisp, dry and refreshing. The finish shows off wisps of sour red fruits and a touch of crème fraiche. This is an very nice example of Rosé from Napa Valley and it will be an excellent partner to a wide array of summer foods.

Today’s final wine is the V. Sattui Winery 2011 North Coast Rosato. This wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignane. Fermentation took place with select yeast in temperature controlled stainless steel. This Rosé is available directly from the winery for $21.75. The first thing you’ll notice about the V. Sattui Rosé is that it has a slightly darker hue than the average. Made up of classic varietals the nose of this wine leaps from the glass with rich, red fruit aromas. Strawberry, red plum and a hint of red apple are apparent on the palate along with a bit of quince. Bright cherry, red raspberry, black and white pepper are all part of the finish which shows off the impression of sweetness due to all the engaging fruit flavors. This wine has a bit more heft than the other Rosé’s above and thus will stand up to some more substantial foods. Anything off of the grill will work perfectly.

This quartet of Rosé’s should keep your taste buds lit up all summer long. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing glass of wine to enjoy on your deck or something to pair with the foods of summer, I urge you to enjoy some Rosé this summer.

Dutcher Crossing Winery - 2009 Bernier-Sibary Zinfandel

The Facts: The Dutcher Crossing Winery 2009 Bernier-Sibary Zinfandel is a classic Dry Creek Valley Field Blend. In addition to Zinfandel this single vineyard effort contains Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mourvedre. The grapes are picked at the same time and co-fermented. Barrel aging was accomplished over 14 months in French oak; 30% of them were new. This wine has a suggested retail price of $39.

Dutcher Crossing Winery is located at8533 Dry Creek Roadin Healdsburg. They’re open every day from 11 AM until 5 PM. They close on a handful of major holidays. Please check their website for those specifics, or call them at 866-431-2711.Toursand private tastings are also available by prior appointment.

Gabe’s Take:

Aromas of black raspberry and plum fill the heady nose of this 2009 Zinfandel. The palate is rich, layered, powerful and simply loaded with an overflowing abundance of intense dark fruit flavors. A host of spices such as black pepper and nutmeg are present as well. The finish shows off a bit of bacon fat as well as sour black cherry characteristics in droves followed by an intense wallop of dark chocolate sauce. This wine is big and powerful to be sure but it retains balance and grace, never going out of proportion. It’s a classic example of Bernier-Sibary Zinfandel from Dutcher Crossing Winery. This release has established itself as one of the very best single vineyard Zins inDryCreekValleyyear after year. In a valley famous for it’s Zinfandel, that’s no small feat. Kudos to Deb Mathy and her team for the quality wines they keep putting out.

Windmill 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel

The Windmill 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced in Lodi California. Windmill is a sub-label of the Michael David family of wines. In addition to Zinfandel some Petite Sirah was blended into this offering. Barrel aging was accomplished over 12 months in American oak. This is a nationally available Zinfandel that has a suggested retail price of $12. Raspberry, strawberry and black cherry jam aromas come together to form an enticing nose. A bit of vanilla bean and hint of crème fraiche are present as well. The palate of this Zinfandel is loaded with zippy red fruit flavors. Cherry, raspberry, plum and strawberry are all accounted for.  White pepper, cardamom and anise are the most prominent of a host of spices that accompany the fresh, bright and vibrant fruit flavors. Rhubarb and cranberry flavors emerge on the finish which has more than reasonable length for its category.

It’s nice to see a widely available Zinfandel in this price category that is balanced and proportionate. Often times Zinfandel that is priced for everyday consumption is either out of balance, overly sweet in impression, or both. The 2010 Windmill Zin is not. What this Zinfandel represents however is a wine you may want to consider a case purchase of to keep around as a house wine. I imagine you’ll be as you’ll be just as happy drinking it alongside a burger off of your grill as you would with a dish of pasta. Drink it over the next two years to get the most of the fresh and eager fruit flavors it possesses.

Folie à Deux - Sonoma - 2010 Chardonnay / 2010 Merlot / 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon / 2009 Zinfandel

Folie à Deux is probably best known by consumers for their popular Ménage à Trois line of wines. Both the red and white blends in those wines have been offering consumers’ value driven offerings for many years. There are also some varietal wines in the Ménage à Trois tier which are produced from fruit sourced in a range of places throughout California. I recently tasted some new wines that Folie à Deux has released. These offerings focus on specific areas within Sonoma County. I’ll take a look at the four new releases today. The Folie à Deux 2010 Chardonnay was produced from fruit sourced in the Russian River Valley. This offering is 100% Chardonnay. Fruit was fermented almost exclusively in French oak barrels. Barrel aging occurred over five months in a combination of French and American oak; 22% of the barrels were new. 16,500 cases of this Chardonnay were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18. Pineapple aromas dominate the nose of this 2010 Chardonnay along with hints of vanilla bean. The palate shows off an explosion of pure fruit with Granny Smith and Yellow Delicious apple characteristics stealing the show. Lemon zest and Anjou pear flavors are present as well. Pie crust, baker’s spices and white pepper all emerge on the finish which has good length. This is an appealing Chardonnay that shows off good varietal character. It’ll work well all by itself or paired with lighter foods.

The Folie à Deux 2010 Merlot was produced from fruit sourced in several Sonoma County appellations. Most of the fruit however came from Alexander Valley. This wine is a blend of Merlot (92%), Syrah (7%), and Petite Sirah (1%). Barrel aging occurred over nine months in a combination of French and American oak; 36% of the barrels were new, 13,000 cases of this Merlot were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18. Aromas of leather, black cherry and vanilla fill the nose of this Merlot. Raspberry flavors emerge on the palate along with continued cherry characteristics (red and black). Tobacco, kirsch liqueur, minerals and white pepper all show themselves on the finish which has good length. This Merlot has firm structure and is true to its varietal. Those are both excellent qualities in a well priced wine that will be easy to find nationally.

The Folie à Deux 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced exclusively from fruit sourced in Alexander Valley. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel aging was accomplished over 18 months in a combination of French and American oak; 17% of the barrels were new. 19,600 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $24. Aromas of smoke, leather, cherry and bits of green herb fill the appealing nose of this 2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Black plum, raspberry, blackberry and cherry flavors fill the palate of this wine which is towards the upper end of medium bodied. Bits of graphite, sour cherry, black pepper and cardamom spice emerge on the finish which has very good length for its category. This Cabernet features firm acidity and soft, yielding tannins; it also shows off the virtues of good Alexander Valley Cabernet while simultaneously being primed for consumption early in its life when it’s appealing fruit flavors are at their best.

The Folie à Deux 2009 Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced in Dry Creek Valley. This selection is a blend of Zinfandel (90%) and Petite Sirah (10%). Barrel aging was accomplished over roughly 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. 10,300 cases of this Zinfandel were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $18. The jam laden nose of this Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel shows off plum and raspberry aromas. Cherry and blackberry lead a brambly palate which is interspersed with bits of maraschino cherry. The generous dollop of Petite Sirah in this blend really helps the bottom end with deep, dark flavors such as black plum and boysenberry. Black raspberry, pepper spice and nutmeg emerge on the finish which has more than sufficient length. This wine has just enough of a jam component to make it a juicy and very forward, appealing Zin right out of the gate, It also has medium tannins and firm acidity making it a killer food wine perfectly suited to pair with anything off of your grill.

This quartet of wines from Folie à Deux does a fine job of showing off a few of the appellations within the broader scope of Sonoma County. Their friendly price points and wide availability also add to their appeal as go to wines when you’re out shopping for some selections that have crowd appeal for a summer BBQ or other get together.

Dry Creek Vineyard - 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel

The Facts:

The Dry Creek Vineyard 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced at vineyards throughout Dry Creek Valley. In strictly keeping with their ideal of the Old Vines designation the vines soured range in age from 85 to more than 110 years old. In addition to Zinfandel (92%) this offering also contains a small amount of Petite Sirah (8%). Barrel aging took place over 18 months in a combination of French (71%), American (18%) and Hungarian (11%) oak; 51% of the barrels were new. Just fewer than 2,700 cases of this Zinfandel were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $28. Dry Creek Vineyard is located at 3770 Lambert Bridge Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Private tasting options and tours are available by prior appointment. Check their website for the details or call them at 800-864-9463.

Gabe’s Take:

Dry Creek Vineyard makes several fine Zinfandels each year. The vineyard designates are quite special in their own right. Their Old Vine Zin though has its own unique appeal. Vintage after vintage this wine showcases what an excellent cuvee style offering made from true Old Vines in the heart of Zin country is all about. After tasting the 2008 I can report that it’s no exception. Blackberry and dark plum aromas are in strong evidence on the nose. The first sip reveals raspberry and cherry characteristics in abundance. Darker fruit characteristics reveal themselves just a moment later and carry through the finish which shows off hints of pencil lead and graphite as well as a veritable avalanche of spices. As it has been over the years this is a classically styled Zinfandel that is an absolutely archetypal example of Dry Creek Valley.

Wilson Winery - 2009 Sydney Vineyard Zinfandel

The Facts:

The Wilson Winery 2009 Sydney Vineyard Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at the wine’s namesake vineyard. This property which was planted in 1989 sits at an elevation of 1,500 feet. The Sydney Vineyard Zinfandel is a 100% varietal wine. Fruit was hand harvested and fermented in open top vessels with punchdowns three times a day. Aging took place in a combination of French and American oak over a period of 18 months. 540 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $36. Wilson Winery is located at 1960 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 11 AM until 5 PM. Several tasting options are available (some require a prior appointment). They close on some major holidays so check their website for those specific details or call them at 800-433-4602.

Gabe’s Take:

Wilson Winery has a fairly sizeable portfolio of wines and utilizes many of the grapes Dry Creek Valley is famous for. As it happens, Dry Creek Valley’s best known grape, Zinfandel, is also what Wilson specializes in. I enjoy tasting the various vineyard and style designations they produce each year. The 2009 Sydney’s Vineyard Zinfandel has a deep, dark nose loaded with Blackberries, plums, and blueberries as well as white pepper and vanilla bean. The palate is intense and layered with tons of flavors. Black Cherry, red and black raspberry and a ton of spice characteristics are all present. Rhubarb, pomegranate and lingering kirsch liqueur notes are in evidence throughout the persistent finish which has terrific length. This is a balanced Zinfandel that highlights bold fruit flavors and firm acidity. Without question this wine is made to be paired with some full flavored foods.

Gnarly Head - 2010 Authentic Red

Their Old Vine Zin remains the best known selection from Gnarly Head. But every now and again they expand their portfolio. The latest addition is Authentic Red and eventually it may well become the most popular of the Gnarly Head wines. Each of their selections is crafted with crowd appeal in mind. These are wines that are widely available throughout the country and well priced. Today I’ll see how Authentic Red stacks up. The Gnarly Head 2010 Authentic Red was produced using fruit sourced in Lodi California. This offering is a blend of Zinfandel (50%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%), Petite Sirah (10%) and Syrah (3%). The fruit was hand picked and de-stemmed prior to being pressed. Fermentation took place over a nine day period. 25,000 cases of this wine were produced in 2010 and it has a suggested retail price of $11.99.

This blend leads with a big jam-laden nose that’s studded with dark and brooding fruit aromas as well as bits of eucalyptus and vanilla. Cherry and blackberry flavors are prominent throughout the palate as well as plenty of baker’s spices and black pepper. Sour Cherry and wisps of dark chocolate emerge on the finish which has good length for its category. Fine acidity keeps things in check.

What I like most about this wine is its balance. While it features bold, upfront fruits it maintains it’s heartiness through the palate and a more than reasonable finish. This wine is fruity and fun and just dying to be paired with food. It’ll work best when matched with something substantial and bold. The deep, rich stews of winter and slow cooked BBQ dishes immediately come to mind. There are a lot of options in the category of Red California Blends around $10. Authentic Red is one of the better ones out there. Some of the others can be over the top and sickly sweet. While this is a bold wine, it’s never goes too far and it’s a selection you won’t have trouble finishing a bottle of. It continues the Gnarly Head tradition of fun wines that are solid values which are also easy to find. If you're looking for an everyday or house red to purchase by the case, Authentic Red is a solid choice.

Benessere Vineyards - 2010 Rosato, Napa Valley Rosé

Rosé is one of the many reasons I look forward to warm weather. I’m glad to report that as a wine culture in this country we’ve gotten better in the last few years when it comes to embracing good, dry Rosé. Just about every wine making country has a Rosé tradition; this is particularly true in Europe. In Italy the tradition is Rosato and Napa Valley’s Benessere Vineyards, whose focus is Italian varietals, makes their own Rosato which I’ll look at today. The Benessere Vineyards 2010 Rosato was produced using Napa Valley fruit. This Rosé is composed of Zinfandel (49%), Sangiovese (41%) and Merlot (10%). Small amounts of the juice from each grape were bled off just prior to fermentation. This blend which becomes the Rosato was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Less than 300 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $16.

The nose of this Rosé brings to mind a bowl of fresh ripe red fruits. Cherry and raspberry flavors lead the palate which also shows off a nice core of spices. Red raspberry and a bit of blackberry emerge on the finish which is crisp and clean. This Rosé is fruity with just a bit of perceived sweetness poking through. The Benessere Rosato has a bit more heft than the average Rosé and will stand up to more substantial foods quite nicely. That said it’s perfectly delectable all by itself.

Benessere Vineyards makes Napa Valley wines that allow the Italian varietals they often work with to shine. Their portfolio is filled with wines which are elegant, balanced, food friendly and fairly priced. The 2010 Rosato is just one example of that. Check back soon for my look at their Zinfandels.

V. Sattui - 2008 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

There are a handful of regions in California that are particularly well suited for Zinfandel. Each of them stands apart by imparting unique character in the wines grown there. Sonoma County is particularly lucky because it has two areas that can grow exceptional Zin. Dry Creek Valley is one and the other is Russian River Valley. Pinot Noir comes to mind first for most people when it comes to Russian River Valley, but the Zinfandel is often equally compelling. Today I’ll look at one from Napa Valley’s V. Sattui that they sourced in the Russian River Valley. The V. Sattui 2008 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel was produced using Russian River Valley Fruit. This is a single vineyard effort with all of the  fruit coming from the namesake Gilsson vineyard. These vines were planted in the 60’s. This particular piece of property sits on the edge of Russian River Valley, right near where the Chalk Hill appellation starts. That gives it some influence from both areas. This limited production wine sells for $36.

An absolutely intoxicating nose is led by strong cherry aromas that have a hint of  liqueur to them. Raspberry and cherry flavors, both red and black, are prominent throughout the palate. Sweet dark chocolate, black pepper, chicory and earth elements are all part of a long, lusty, lingering finish. The chocolate notes in particular echo on and on memorably. Well integrated tannins show necessary firmness along with terrific acidity for good overall structure.

This wine has the balance, restraint and complexity to age for a decade or more. At its core this wine is an absolutely textbook example of top notch Russian River Valley Zinfandel. The bottom line is that this Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel from V. Sattui is a lovely wine. If you’re a Zinfandel fan, this is a fine offering, well worth your time and money.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2009 Zinfandel / 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

The names Paul Dolan and Mendocino County go hand in hand. His work there with a number of producers over the years is legendary. Today he helms Paul Dolan Vineyards and is a partner in Parducci Wine Cellars. I’ll take a look today at a couple of releases from his Eponymous winery. First up is the Paul Dolan Vineyards 2009 Zinfandel. It was produced using mostly fruit sourced at the Parducci Home Vineyard. This is a benchland vineyard. In addition to Zinfandel (99%), this wine also contains a splash of Syrah (1%). All of the fruit is 100% organic, certified by California Certified Organic Farmers. Once fermentation was completed this wine was aged in a combination of barrels and redwood tanks; 10% of the barrels were new. 2,727 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $25.

The aromas that emanate from the nose of this 2009 Zinfandel bring to mind a large bowl of fresh, fleshy dark berries and plums. Hints of bramble and earth underscore all that fresh fruit for a nice counterpoint. Sweet even keeled dark fruit flavors emerge on the palate along with plum pudding spices and a few herbaceous characteristics. Rhubarb, black pepper, vanilla bean and just a bit of jam fruit flavor are all part of the finish which has nice length.

This Zinfandel from Paul Dolan Vineyards is typical of Mendocino in that the region tends towards more classically styles Zins. By and large these wines tend to be more balanced and proportionate than Zinfandel from some other regions. This wine is just loaded with terrific Zinfandel characteristics.

The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit sourced at the Parducci Home Vineyard and Paul Dolan’s Dark Horse Ranch. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (97.5%), this wine contains a bit of Petit Verdot (2.5%). This wine is also made from certified organic grapes. Once fermentation was complete it was aged for 15 months in American oak; 50% of the barrels were new. 2,800 cases of this Cabernet were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $25.

Ripe berry fruit and hints of eucalyptus emerge from the nose of this 2009 Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and fleshy plum are all part of this wines palate. Toast, espresso and earth emerge on the finish along with black pepper, vanilla bean and a little tinge of kirsch. This Cabernet has firm tannins that yield with some air and solid acid structure. This is a solid Cabernet for the price. It’s not meant for long term aging but it’ll drink well over the next 6-8 years; but why wait its delicious now.

These wines are emblematic of the Paul Dolan wines at large. The releases bearing his name are jammed with pure fruit flavors, balanced so they can pair well with food and quite fairly priced in their respective categories. I honestly believe you cannot go wrong buying any wine Paul Dolan is associated with.

Big House - 2009 "Cardinal Zin" Beastly Old Vines Zinfandel

Fourth of July weekend is one of the times each year when it’s definitely important to have wine on hand that will please a large crowd. Whether you’re grilling at home, celebrating with friends and family, or dining out, there are sure to be a wide array of taste buds in most gatherings. Quenching those taste buds at a reasonable cost is what I look to do on these occasions. The folks at Big House have been making widely available wines with crowd appeal that won’t bust your budget for years. Today I’ll look at one of their Zins to see if it fits the bill for this holiday weekend. The Big House 2009 Cardinal Zin Beastly Old Vines Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced from a number of appellations throughout California. In addition to Zinfandel (80%), this wine also contains Mourvedre (10%), Carignane (8%), and Petite Sirah (2%). 35,000 cases of this offering were produced. It’s available in traditional 750 ml bottles as well as 3 Liter boxes or casks as they call them. The respective suggested retail prices are $9.99 and $22.

Red raspberry and cherry aromas burst forcefully from the nose of this 2009 Zinfandel. Loads of sweet red fruit flavors appear throughout the palate; they’re interspersed with hints of dark fruit such as blackberry and black cherry. Candied fruit flavors emerge on the finish along with black and white pepper spice, pie crust and rhubarb.

This is a very appealing wine that will delight its core audience, large groups of people having a BBQ or party. It’s an easy drinking Zinfandel that will pair very well with just about anything that comes off of your grill. In the 3 Liter format it works out to just over $5 a bottle. That’s hard to beat especially when you take into account that housed in this Eco-Friendly format this offering will drink well for about a month after it was first opened.

Rodney Strong Vineyards - 2008 Knotty Vines

Zinfandel and Sonoma County go hand in hand. For my money, most of the best examples of Zinfandel come out of one or another area in Sonoma. Sometimes these wines are single vineyard efforts, other times cuvee style offerings. And in this case we have a widely available wine from stalwart Rodney Strong Vineyards that delivers quality, consistency and sheer pleasure vintage after vintage. Today I’ll look at the 2008 edition of the Knotty Vines Zinfandel. The Rodney Strong Vineyards 2008 Knotty Vines Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at Estate Vineyards in the northern part of Sonoma County. In addition to Zinfandel (98%), small amounts of Syrah (1%) and Merlot (1%) are blended in as well.  Barrel aging took place in a combination of French (62%) and American (38%) oak over a period of 17 months. This offering which is available nationally has a suggested retail price of $18.50.

Black raspberry, vanilla and a gentle undercurrent of herbs all fill the nose of this 2008 Zinfandel. Cherry flavors of varying types, from red and black to kirsch liqueur are the dominating characteristics through the palate along with an overriding core of spices that accompanies them. Dark chocolate and earth notes lead the finish which has good length; spice notes continue to ring out as well, particularly black pepper. This is a well balanced Zin with good acidity. It’s tasty on its own but as is the hallmark of the Rodney Strong portfolio, this offering is meant to accompany a meal.

Year after year this wine delivers good Zinfandel characteristics and terrific value. It has a suggested retail of $18.50 but if you shop around you’ll find it for close to $15. This wine is a no doubter that you can turn to time and again to provide drinking enjoyment at a reasonable price.

Brazin - 2008 Lodi Zinfandel

Lodi California is a name that anyone who drinks Zinfandel will immediately recognize. There are oodles of Zins emanating from that region on store shelves all over the country. There can be so many that it’s hard to pick one without a guide sometimes. When Zinfandel from Lodi is done right it can be an excellent expression of the varietal and thus they’re well worth exploring. Today I’ll look at the current release of Brazin. The Brazin 2008 Lodi Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at several Lodi Vineyards. All of the vineyards sourced feature head-trained vines. They’re also older vineyards ranging from 40 to 60 years of age. This offering is 100% Zinfandel. Barrel aging took place over 7 months in a combination of French and American oak. 5,800 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $17.

Black Raspberry aromas lead the nose of this Zinfandel. Hints of violet and nutmeg are present as well. There are a potpourri of berry pie flavors that fill the palate of this wine with intense, full bodied, yet even-keeled flavors. Black cherry, plum and raspberry are the most prominent components. Sweet dark cocoa and loads of spicy white and black pepper notes are present on the finish along with emerging cranberry characteristics. This wine is balanced by solid acidity.

The bottom line for me is that the 2008 Brazin is a fine example of Lodi Zinfandel. It’s bright, bold and a bit boisterous. Ultimately though it’s balanced and a great partner for full flavored foods. The Retail price is $17, but if you shop around you’ll probably find it for several dollars less than that.

Tamás Estates - 2009 Pinot Grigio / 2008 Zinfandel / 2008 Double Decker Red

With Holiday time upon us a lot of folks are looking for wines to drink at gatherings of all sorts. Sometimes the occasion calls for a special bottle of some kind. Perhaps in those cases you either pull out something you have tucked away or you might step outside of the normal spending budget to get something different, unique or limited. Conversely the Holiday Season also inspires a lot of more casual get-togethers with friends and family too. People in general seem more prone to call and say they’re going to pop by. It’s a times like these it’s really handy to have some everyday wines on hand to share. You want something that isn’t going to break the bank, but you’ll want it to be tasty too. Riding that line between budget and quality can be tricky. I believe the selections I’m looking at today from Tamás Estates make it a little easier. First up is the Tamás Estates 2009 Pinot Grigio. This wine was produced using fruit sourced in California’s Central Coast. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks. It has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Green apple and hints of citrus fill the nose of this Pinot Grigio. Zesty lemon-lime ice is apparent through the palate. Crisp sour fruits, hints of cream and spice make of the finish. This wine is refreshing and showcases firm acidity.

Next up is the Tamás Estates 2008 Zinfandel. This wine was also sourced from Central Coast fruit. Fermentation took place in stainless steel followed by aging in a combination of French, American and Eastern European oak; both new and neutral barrels were used. This wine has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Jam laden red fruits and touches of vanilla are present in the nose of this Zinfandel. Black raspberry and huckleberry are present in droves through the palate. Those berry fruit flavors continue through the finish along with black cherry, earth, graham cracker crust, plum pudding spice and toasty oak. This is Zinfandel built to pair with food.

Finally today is the Tamás Estates 2008 Double Decker Red. This blend was produced from Central Coast fruit. It combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera. After fermentation in stainless steel, aging occurred in both neutral oak and stainless steel. This wine has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Plum and blueberry aromas fill the nose of this blend. Cherry and continued blueberry and plum are prominent through the palate. Sour cherry emerges on the finish along with rhubarb and both black and white pepper. This is a very appealing red that will pair with a host of medium to full flavored foods.

This trio of wines from Tamás Estates is great for the purpose I described above; they’ll give you something tasty to open for a casual get together without breaking the bank. Wines like this are also handy to keep around the house when a friend or neighbor shows up and gives you an unexpected gift. A bottle of wine in a gift bag paired with a dark chocolate bar or a small bag of nuts is a convenient gift to have lying around for those occasions. And worst case if the holidays end and you didn’t use them for that purpose, open them on a random Tuesday with a slice of pizza.

Fontanella Family Winery - 2008 Chardonnay / 2008 Zinfandel / 2007 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

During a summer 2009 trip to Napa Valley a friend recommended Fontanella Family Winery to me. I stopped by and tasted their wines, which were impressive. You can read about my experience here. So with 2010 almost out it seemed like a good time to taste their current releases and see if I felt as strongly about these as I do the previous vintages. My impressions of them follow. First up is the Fontanella Family Winery 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay. This wine which is all Chardonnay was produced using fruit from Mt Veeder (50%) and Carneros (50%). It was aged in French oak for 9 months; 30% of the barrels were new. It has a suggested retail price of $30. Note: The 2009 has recently been released; it’s a Mt. Veeder selection and also sells for $30.

The nose of this 2008 Chardonnay shows off orchard fruit, baker’s spices, and light hints of toasty oak. A host of fruit types are on display through the palate. Mango, nectarine, pear, apple and hints of peach are all in strong evidence. In truth it’s a very appealing potpourri of fruit flavors with a prominent vein of spices running through it. The stone fruits in evidence hang on through the lengthy finish along with continued spice such as nutmeg and white pepper. There’s a touch of unctuousness in the finish which is generally quite fresh and vibrant with racy acidity. This wine has terrific complexity and is clearly an example of Chardonnay that is enhanced by judicious use of oak.

Next up is the Fontanella Family Winery 2008 Zinfandel which was produced from fruit sourced in several prime Napa Valley Appellations; Mt Veeder and Oakville are the most prominent. This offering is 100% Zinfandel. Oak aging occurred over 11 months in American barrels. 442 cases of this release were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $36.

Right up front the nose opens with a burst of jam laden fruit. This is underscored by wisps of vanilla and bramble. Both blackberry and raspberry are prominent through the palate which is rich with layer after layer of sweet, appealing berry fruit flavors. Chocolate sauce leads the finish and really lingers right through persistently as the last note echoing on your taste buds. Along with it the fruit flavors and spice notes such as black pepper and a hint of plum pudding spice also join in. This is a Zinfandel that can easily be enjoyed either on its own or with a meal. It’s hefty and hearty but also quite well balanced and proportionate.

Finally we have the Fontanella Family Winery 2007 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. 100% of this fruit was sourced on Mt Veeder. 92% is Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% is Merlot. Barrel aging occurred over 20 months in French oak; 83% of the barrels were new. 650 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $50.

Eucalyptus, toast, and vanilla are the first aromas out of the chute. They’re followed immediately by a heady brew of dark leaning berry fruit. As with the Zinfandel this wine is loaded with layers of complexity that simply don’t stop. Most of the flavors lean towards dark fruits; plum, blackberry, boysenberry and quite prominently, black cherry to name a few. Chicory, dusty baker’s chocolate and hints of earth all emerge in the lengthy finish. This wine his firm tannins that yield with some air. If you’re going to drink this Cabernet now, I’d recommend a couple of hours in the decanter for maximum pleasure; however if you have some patience, lay it down for a few years and you’ll be rewarded with an even more beautiful wine.

The wines from Fontanella Family Winery are distinct and elegant. In their price points they represent fine values. The Cabernet Sauvignon in particular is an excellent deal. Terrific Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t cheap. With that in mind; this offering is actually a bit of a bargain. If you haven't had a chance to try the wines from Fontanella Family Winery yet, now is as good a time as any. Highly recommended.

V.Sattui - 2007 Black Sears Zinfandel

One of the constantly fascinating things about wine is the sense of discovery that waits around every corner and in most every bottle. Depending on how adventurous you are you may find new things in your local wine shop, online or when you visit the wine regions of your choice. V.Sattui Winery is one of the age old secrets that await you in Napa Valley. They sell their wines through the tasting room and online, direct to consumers. So unless you’ve been to Napa or a friend has gifted you a bottle, you might not know about them. That would be a shame as they’ve been turning out a diverse selection of fine wine for a long, long time. Today I’ll look at the current release of one of their Zinfandels. The V.Sattui 2007 Black Sears Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced exclusively at the vineyard of the same name. Black Sears Vineyard sits on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. This offering is 100% Zinfandel. Aging occurred over 16 months in French oak; half of the barrels were new, the other half previously used. A mere 400 cases of this wine were produced and it sells for $40.

Bramble, vanilla and berry fruit aromas are all present in the nose of this 2007 single vineyard Zinfandel. Throughout the palate cherry, plum, and blueberry come together as a trio to form the core of this wines gloriously dry flavor profile. This Zinfandel has a lengthy finish which shows off sour cherry, minerals, earth, espresso, and black pepper. This wine has impressive structure with firm, gripping tannins, and excellent acidity.

What I like best about this wine is the impeccable balance it shows off. This is a Zinfandel made in a style that is both restrained and loaded with flavor. The V.Sattui Black Sears Zinfandel is delicious today, however those with patience will be rewarded. This wine is an ager to be sure. It’ll improve over the next 5-8 years and drink well for at least 4-6 after that. One of the most impressive Zinfandels I’ve tasted this year. If you love Zin, grab this small production beauty before it’s gone.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2007 Zinfandel

The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced in two distinct appellations. The majority (79%) is from Mendocino with the remaining 21% coming from Amador County. Barrel aging was accomplished over 20 months in American oak. The grapes used were organically grown and certified as such. Just fewer than 3,000 cases of this offering were made and it has a suggested retail price of $25. Aromas of black mission fig and dark berry fill the nose of this 2007 Zinfandel. Zippy black raspberry flavors along with blueberry and droves of cherry are joined by a wealth of spices such as black pepper and nutmeg throughout the bold and layered palate of this wine. Black tea, minerals, chicory, earth, dusty baker’s chocolate and a hint of coal are all present in the lengthy finish of this Zinfandel.

What I like most about this Zinfandel is its depth. Too often Zinfandel is a lot of up front flash without much substance or backbone supporting it. That’s not the case here as this wine, while plenty big enough, including a nice bit of jam laden fruit is also well proportioned. I paired this Zinfandel with Cuban Beef Stew served with a side of Cilantro Rice and it was a marvelous match. I went back to this wine after it had been open for a full 24 hours. I found that not only had it held up it was drinking even better than it had the first night. This is first rate Zinfandel from Paul Dolan Vineyards.  At a pricepoint of $25 it also represents a very good value.

Gnarly Head - 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel

The Gnarly Head 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced from vines between 35 and 80 years old. The fruit is hand harvested from these old head trained vines. These vineyards in Lodi are primarily located in the Mokelumne River area. Fermentation took approximately 9 days followed by racking and then barrel aging. This wine has a suggested retail price of $10.99. This 2007 Zinfandel leads with a jam laden nose loaded with both bright and dark berry fruit. These aromas are underscored by wisps of eucalyptus and vanilla bean. Cherry, raspberry and blackberry flavors all play key roles in the palate of this even keeled Zinfandel which is simply loaded with sweet fruit flavors. A hint of sour raspberry leads the finish which also shows off toasty oak and white pepper. Sufficient acidity keeps things in check.

This wine is a good choice for pizza night. It’s widely available and priced right at $10.99 (less if you shop around). If you’re looking for an everyday Zinfandel or even a house red this is one to consider. In addition to the fact that it’s reasonably priced on shelves across America this wine also boasts a flavor profile that will appeal to the masses looking for a glass of something tasty. Of course I’d love to have Filet Mignon and First Growth Bordeaux every night, but the reality for most people, is both wine and food that’s a bit more casual, more often than not. That’s where the likes of Gnarly Head comes in. I also found this wine pairs nicely with dark chocolate, give it a shot.