JULY WINES, 2008 ► All wines we taste and review are current releases and can be found and purchased locally, at the winery or on the web ◄

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

–

ANYTIME!

For August, we were offered the chance to taste some big-time winning wines from the 2007 NORTH OF THE GATE wine competition – how could we refuse? With the choice of any varietal we wanted, we chose Cabernet Sauvignon because there's something about Cabernet that's “season-less”. GOT FOOD? Cabernet is so “right” – with so much – in fact just about anything bold and flavorful. Barbecue? Absolutely! It's great with just about anything grilled but It will overpower very delicate dishes – and, like any big red, it's not a first choice with shellfish. If it's a high alcohol wine, keep it away from spicy-hot foods, and don't forget what a heavenly match it makes with a rare Ahi tuna.

THE WINES! LISTED IN THE ORDER TASTED – TASTING REVIEWS FOLLOW

Wine A Wine B Wine C Wine D Wine E Wine F Wine G Wine H

◙ ◙ ◙ ◙ ◙ ◙ ◙ ◙

2004 2004 2004 2003 2005 2004 2005 2004

BALDACCI WINERY – IV SONS TRINCHERO Stagecoach Vineyard VIN NOSTRO MILANO FAMILY WINERY Queirolo V'yds RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY RAY'S STATION VINEYARDS EDUCATED GUESS HENDRY Hendry Vineyard

Stags Leap District Napa Valley Alexander Valley Mendocino Napa Valley North Coast Napa Valley Napa Valley

$30 $50 $38 $28 $18 $15 $20 $55

 The prices listed are winery suggested retail prices.  Each Tasting Panelist has selected their Favorite (F) and their Value pick (V) of this tasting. You'll find this noted with their individual summary comments. “Breaking the code”



Terms used in the reviews that follow

Balance  Refers to Fruit, Acid and Tannin. When they are all perceivable in equal amounts and one doesn't appear to be excessive or lacking, the wine is in “balance”.

Hot

 refers to percentage of alcohol. If the alcohol is noticeable, it's not in “balance” and makes the wine unpleasant or “hot”. This can be perceived in both aroma (think Vodka), and taste. – a bitter, peppery and very fruity – often a 'sweet', sensation , even in a 'dry' wine. It can also be more viscous – or 'full' bodied. □

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According to each individual taster's perception, every wine will have the following self-explanatory terms to describe the FRUIT, ACID and TANNIN. Ideal (or “just right”) 'Slightly' excessive or 'Slightly' lacking, Excessive or Lacking (more than 'slightly') 'Very' excessive or 'Very' lacking (definitely too much or too little) Over The Top (“OTT”) (self-explanatory) ENJOY THE REVIEWS – ENJOY THE JOURNEY! 0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

WINE “A” 2004 BALDACCI WINERY – IV SONS Stags Leap District

$30 14.5% alcohol

Baldacci Winery came into existence in 1997, when Tom Baldacci purchased 20 acres of vineyard in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley. IV Four Sons is Baldacci's 2nd label – named for Tom and Brenda Baldacci's four handsome young sons who, as the family looks at it, can sink or swim together. The blend for this wine is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged for 20 months in 95% French and 5% American oak, followed by 9 months bottle aging before release. 700 cases were produced. PANEL EVALUATIONS AND COMMENTS

Donna

Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid: Ideal; Tannin: slightly excessive

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Raspberry aromas turn into flavors and finish of spice and pepper. The high alcohol makes it “hot” but it would stand up to hearty foods – or perhaps a well-marbled steak. Rob

Fruit and Tannin: Slightly excessive; Acid: Ideal /

Medium body, Med-long finish

I like this wine, but it's a bit hot (high alcohol). Aromas of plums dusted with cocoa and flavors of cranberries, dark fruits and chocolate. Slight bitterness in the finish Jim A Mary

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance / Med-full body, Med-long finish (F) (V) Nice, nice, nice! What a Cab should be. Nice fruit, delicious – it would bless a fillet mignon! Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Nice nose – a bouquet of plum, tobacco, spice, mushroom. A little hot in the finish but I think it's an all around pleasing wine. James H

Fruit: Excessive; Acid: Ideal; Tannin: Slightly lacking /

Med-full body , Medium finish

Nice fruit aromas but quite hot and jammy. Very dense mouthfeel, but lacking structure. little age potential for a Cabernet. Linda

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Full bodied, Long finish

Nice wine. Smooth and full. Great fruit, nice finish and worth buying. Bill

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance /

Very

(F)

Full bodied, Med-long finish

Intense fruit in the nose, plus some spice and wood. Good balance and body, but also hot. Could use more tannins for age potential. Von

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance /

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Aromas of Bing cherry, chocolate and oak. Though a little hot, an overall very pleasant wine. It's smooth and a “drink now” wine with soft tannins. Jim P (Guest panelist) Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid: Slightly excessive; Tannin: Ideal

/

Medium body, Medium finish

This is a dark, serious wine – smooth, but high in alcohol which first comes through in the nose.

0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

WINE “B” 2004 TRINCHERO Napa Valley

$50 13.5% alcohol

Stagecoach Vineyard

Trinchero Family Estates is a family-owned California wine company. In 1947, Mario Trinchero purchased Sutter Home Winery and turned it into the fourth largest wine producers in the nation. The family has now added other properties, both in CA and Australia, to its wine portfolio and makes wines produced from their own estates as well. This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, barrel aged for 18 months in 80% new French oak, 20% American oak. A small-production wine, 1,008 cases were produced. PANEL EVALUATIONS AND COMMENTS

Donna

Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid and Tannin: Ideal;

/

Medium body, Medium finish

Coffee and eucalyptus hints on the nose. This is a lighter touch Cabernet with less intense flavors, but pleasant. I think it would age another 1 – 3 years. Rob

Fruit and Tannin: Slightly excessive; Acid: Ideal /

Medium body, Medium finish

A nose of black cherries and dusty chocolate. It's a nice wine with lots of fruit and a nice finish, though a little hot. I can see it with a hearty steak and a dollop of gorgonzola. Jim A

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All slightly lacking /

Medium body, Med-short finish

The main impression is one of softness. Nothing offensive about it – a good wine for sipping. Mary

Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid: Ideal; Tannin: Excessive /

Medium body, Med-long finish

I tend to like more fruit, but if you're a fan of tannins you'll like it. It has flavors of black cherry and spice, with a hot finish. A hearty stew or roast would balance it out. James H

Fruit and Tannin: Ideal; Acid: Lacking /

Medium body, Med-long finish

Delightful nose, but flavors of overripe fruit. Long, jammy finish. Also a bit hot. Linda

Fruit and Acid: Ideal; Tannin: Slightly lacking

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Berry aromas, full body but not too heavy. A wonderful, lasting finish. Would be great with heavy spice, garlic dishes! I'd buy it. Bill

Fruit and Tannin: Ideal; Acid: Slightly excessive / Medium body, Medium finish

Moderately fruity aroma with some wood. Slightly hot and acidic. Von

Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid and Tannin: Ideal /

Medium body, Med-long finish

Very nice aromas of berries and currants, plus some spice and mint. This is a very nice food wine with a great finish. Overall = yum. Jim P (Guest panelist) Fruit: Ideal; Acid: Slightly excessive; Tannin: Slightly lacking /

Med-full body, Medium finish

A beautiful wine with a delightful earthy, woody nose. Balanced mature Cabernet that would compliment any roast meat.

0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

WINE “C” 2004 VIN NOSTRO Alexander Valley

$38 14.8% alcohol

So much of California's wine history comes from Italian roots and Vin Nostro, owned by Dario Zucconi, is one of the latest additions. The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon come from very low yielding vines in the Meola Vineyard in the Alexander Valley. The blend is unknown, but the grapes were fermented using native yeast, then barrel aged for 24 months in a combination of French and American oak. Only 200 cases of this wine were produced. PANEL EVALUATIONS AND COMMENTS

Donna

Fruit: Ideal; Acid and Tannin: slightly excessive

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Aromas of coffee, menthol and raspberry. The wine is a bit “chewy” in a pleasant way, with toasty oak and character and smooth mouthfeel. Easy to pair with meat loaf and steak. Rob

(F) Big, dark, brooding aromas. Now that's a cab I can sink my teeth into. Serve this with almost anything. The wine has a beautiful balance and would add to any dish. Lingering, luscious finish. Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

Jim A

/

Full body, Med-long finish

Fruit and Tannin: Slightly lacking; Acid: Lacking

/

Medium body, Med-short finish

A nice, pleasant cab. Would definitely go well with food, though could use more acidity. Mary

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

This wine is a delight! A bit hot, but creamy and fruity. Plums and blackberries abound! It would be great with food – sharp cheese, apples or olives – but I would also drink it alone. Yum! James H

Fruit and Tannin: Ideal; Acid: Slightly lacking

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Jammy fruit, berry and oak aromas. Alcohol detracts from this wine, and for me, the fruit is overripe. Not much age potential due to alcohol. Linda

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Great color – and I love this kind of “punch you in the nose” Cab. It's young, has some aging to do and I'd definitely buy it. Yum! Bill

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance /

Medium body, Med-long finish

Nose is complex – citrus, fruit, spice. Balanced wine with agreeable tannins. Von

Fruit: Slightly excessive; Acid and Tannin: Slightly lacking

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Nice aromas of chocolate, berry, ripe plum, cassis and soft oak. Very ripe fruit, but I'd find it much more pleasant if it weren't quite so hot. Jim P (Guest panelist) Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid: Excessive; Tannin: Lacking

/

Med-light body, Med-short finish

To me, this was a little rough , though a simple drinkable wine. I would have liked more substance.

0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

WINE “D” 2003 MILANO FAMILY WINERY Mendocino

Queirolo V'yds

$28 14.9% alcohol

Milano Family Winery is located in a historic hop kiln just south of Hopland. In the mid 1940's Jimmy and Frank Milone built the old kiln to dry hops for making beer. In the mid-70's the kiln was converted, and wine has been made continuously in the old hop kiln since 1977. Only 390 cases of this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon were produced. It was barrel aged for 21 months in French Oak – 25% new, then was bottle aged an additional year before it was released. PANEL EVALUATIONS AND COMMENTS

Donna

Rob

(F) Very interesting nose – mint, menthol, eucalyptus, then plum and blueberry. I wanted to like this wine – and did – if only because of the aromas. A smooth wine. Try it with prosciutto. Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All slightly lacking

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

Fruit and Tannin: Slightly lacking; Acid: Slightly excessive /

Medium body, Med-short finish

The nose was very sharp, and somewhat strange – melon. I think it would be good with prosciuttowrapped melon with figs. Very dry wine – and hot – perhaps some aging would help calm it down. Jim A

Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid and Tannin: Slightly excessive; Med-full body, Med-long finish

Great nose – a cornucopia of aromas. A bit hot, but I like it like that. On the dry side – good with a rare steak. More sophisticated style of Cab. Mary

James H

Fruit and Acid: Ideal; Tannin: Slightly lacking / Medium body, Med-long finish (F) Wonderful nose – bright, candy apple. A little hot, but I love this wine! Smooth, fruity. I'd love to have this with elk, or calves liver – or alone. Creamy mouthfeel, balanced and yummy. Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All slightly lacking /

Medium body, Med-long finish

The nose was medicinal and I couldn't taste anything through the alcohol. No fruit comes through – this is just hot, hot, hot. Linda

Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid and Tannin: Slightly excessive

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

Very different nose – melon and some metallic notes – not like a Cabernet. To me, the tannins coated the entire mouth and made it hard to pick out flavors. A “maybe” buy for the future. Bill

Von

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance / Med-full body, Long finish (F) (V) Interesting, complex, appetizing nose. Excellent balance – will go well with food. Full-bodied, with very agreeable tannins that contribute to the flavor of the wine. I would buy this. Fruit and Acid: Slightly excessive; Tannin: Slightly lacking /

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Classic Cabernet aromas – cassis, berries. Very ripe fruit with young tannins. This would have been a much nicer and more enjoyable wine for me with a lower alcohol level. Jim P (Guest panelist) Fruit and Acid: Ideal; Tannin: Excessive /

Med-light body, Medi-short finish

Some subtle cherry aromas, but the tannins were very puckery and astringent. Not my style.

0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

WINE “E” 2005 RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY Napa Valley

$18 13.5% alcohol

Rutherford Ranch started life in the 1970's as Round Hill and evolved into four labels under one roof – Rutherford Ranch, Story Ridge, Grand Pacific and, of course, Round Hill. The company philosophy is to offer top quality wines at affordable prices – a challenge for any Napa Valley winery. The 2005 Cabernet is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 4% Syrah and 3% Cabernet Franc and barrel aged for 16 months in French and American oak. PANEL EVALUATIONS AND COMMENTS

Donna

(V) A “typical” Cabernet nose. The mouthfeel is silky-smooth with some pepper on the finish. This wine would be easy to pair with food – anything from burgers and meat loaf to prime rib.

Rob

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance / Medium body, Medium finish (V) Subtle aromas of blackberries and other fruits. Velvety smooth. This wine keeps me wanting another sip. Nice finish, too. I like it and could drink it all evening. Yum.

Jim A

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

Fruit: Ideal; Acid and Tannin: Slightly lacking

/

Medium body, Medium finish

/

Medium body, Med-short finish

A lighter style wine. I personally like a bigger Cabernet than this one, with more acid and tannin. Mary

(V) Aromas of smoke and spice. A nice Cabernet. It would be a good barbecue wine – tri-tip, h hamburgers. A good weekday daily drinker.

James H

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance / Medium body, Med-long finish (F) (V) Ripe cherry, cassis, berry and toast aromas. Delightful! A very nicely balanced wine – creamy texture, good structure and acidity for food – and it's not 'hot'!

Linda

(V) Maybe because it followed a much bigger, fruitier Cabernet, but to me, this one is gluggable but lacking in flavor. A wine I may, or may not, buy in the future.

Bill

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Medium body, Med-short finish

Fruit: Lacking; Acid: Excessive; Tannin: Slightly lacking

/

Fruit: Ideal; Acid: Slightly excessive; Tannin: Slightly lacking

Med-light body, Med-short finish

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

Intense fruit aromas. Nice, medium-bodied wine with a long finish that became a bit acidic. Von

(F) (V) Bright fresh fruit aromas. A very nicely balanced, “drink now” Cabernet with soft tannins. An overall yummy wine that would be good for sipping and good with food. Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance /

Medium body, Med-long finish

Jim P (Guest panelist) Fruit: Slightly excessive; Acid and Tannin: Ideal

/

Med-full body, Medium finish

Very nice aromas – a little oak and mint. This is a very good, fruity and balanced wine with great flavors. I'd save this for a special romantic dinner....

0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

WINE “F” 2004 RAY'S STATION VINEYARDS North Coast

$15 14.1% alcohol

Ray's Station, named for a mid 1880's adventurer and outdoorsman John G. Ray, was a resting point for travelers making the mountainous trek to the natural spring geysers of Northern Sonoma County. The grapes for this Cabernet come from mountain vineyards in Alexander Valley and Knights Valley and the wine consists of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 2% Syrah and 1% Cab Franc, and spent 16 months aging in mostly French oak barrels. PANEL EVALUATIONS AND COMMENTS

Donna

Fruit: Ideal; Acid and Tannin: Slightly excessive

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

Lots of cherry and berry aromas. I would have liked a little more fruit. This wine was a little too tannic for me – and a little hot and peppery on the finish. Rob

Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid and Tannin: Slightly excessive

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

Unusual aromas of more chocolate and pistachio than fruit . It's a bit flat – not a big Cabernet, but it gets better as you sip on it. Jim A

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Medium body, Med-short finish

A decent Cabernet. Despite it's short finish, it's brighter than most and could complement a Caesar salad – doesn't need a steak. I suspect this is a lower priced wine. Mary

Fruit and Acid: Ideal; Tannin: Excessive /

Medium body, Med-short finish

Cedar, earthy, and flinty aromas. The wine was a little earthy and tannic for me. It would appeal to those who don't care for a big, fruity style wine. James H

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Med-light body, Med-short finish

Oaky, dusty aromas. A very soft and gentle Cabernet with cherry notes, but all of its elements blended well together into the wine's own character. The wine is at its peak – drink now. Linda

Fruit: Lacking; Acid and Tannin: Ideal

/

Med-light body, Short finish

Not a big, flavorful wine. Later sips were better, but the flavors disappeared in the short finish. Bill

Fruit: Lacking; Acid: Slightly excessive; Tannin: Ideal

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

Had trouble identifying aromas. For me, it needed more fruit and less acidity. Von

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance /

Med-light body, Med-short finish

Subtle

berry aromas with an earthier quality to them. Not a blockbuster style of Cabernet so something like veggies or Gardenburger should go well with it.

Jim P (Guest panelist) Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid and Tannin: Slightly excessive

/

Med-full body, Short finish

Aromas were elusive but the wine itself was quite drinkable and very enjoyable. It could be served with almost any main course.

0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

WINE “G” 2005 EDUCATED GUESS Napa Valley

$20 14.1% alcohol

The story: The name “Educated Guess” came about during a lively conversation about winemaking styles, vineyard sites, and the progressive escalation of wine prices without comparable increases in quality. The discussion then proceeded to the “art vs. science” aspect of winemaking and after a few more glasses of wine…“Educated Guess” was born! This wine is 85% CS, 12% merlot, 2% Petite Verdot and 1% Malbec. The wine spent 9 months in French oak and 3 months in American oak. 18,000 cases were produced. PANEL EVALUATIONS AND COMMENTS

Donna

Fruit and Acid: Ideal; Tannin: Slightly excessive

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Aromas of toasted oak, eucalyptus and coffee. Flavors of plum and berry. Becomes better with each sip. Rob

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance /

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Subtle aromas of dark fruits and herbs. This wine is a bit soft but has lovely balance and a warm, inviting mouthfeel and finish. Jim A

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All slightly lacking

/

Medium body, Med-short finish

A lighter style Cabernet – soft and smooth. Mary

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

A nutty, full-flavored wine. Really nice – creamy, balanced and smooth. Great with smoked meats, a barbecue, anything from prawns to filet mignon. James H

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

A jammy, smoky character with a viscous feel, slightly hot and just a hint of bitter on the finish. Linda

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Med-full body, Med-long finish

Rich, complex aromas. Yum! I really like this wine. Full, rich, smooth, long lasting and pretty. I'd definitely buy this one! Bill

Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid and Tannin: Slightly excessive

/

Medium body, Medium finish

Some vegetal characters on the the nose. A little hot. For me, I would have liked more fruit and a little less tannin and acidity. Von

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance /

Medium body, Med-long finish

Berry and

herb aromas. Soft tannins on this wine, but in balance with the fruit and acidity, making it a good food wine. As soft as it is, it's a drink now wine with very little aging potential.

Jim P (Guest panelist) Jim did not review this wine.

0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

WINE “H” 2004 HENDRY Napa Valley

$55 14.5% alcohol

Hendry Vineyard

Located in southern Napa Valley where the benchlands below Mt. Veeder meet the Carneros, Hendry is small estate winery and ranch in the southwestern part of the Napa Valley. George Hendry has lived on the ranch and has been growing grapes all his life, farming the same ground his father farmed before him. The winery is only five years old and is a state of the art facility. This wine is make from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 22 months in 90%-100% new French oak barrels.

PANEL EVALUATIONS AND COMMENTS

Donna

Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

Plum, toasted oak and vanilla aromas. A silky mouthfeel and a bit of pepper on the finish. A little hot, but still a good food wine. Rob

Fruit and Tannin: Slightly excessive; Acid: Slightly lacking

/

Med-full body, Medium finish

Aromas of dark chocolate, molasses and black cherries. A wine with a hint of raspberry with a very dry, astringent mouthfeel. Jim A Mary

Jim did not review this wine

Fruit and Tannin: Slightly excessive; Acid: Ideal

/

Medium body, Mediumt finish

A complex wine with fruit and spice aromas and a little heat in the finish. This would be a good food wine. James H

Fruit: Excessive; Acid and Tannin: Slightly lacking

/

Medium body, Med-long finish

Very ripe fruit aromas. The wine is very dense and jammy and its over-ripe character makes it less food-friendly than I like. Linda

Linda did not review this wine.

Bill

Bill did not review this wine.

Von

(F) Wonderful aromas of cassis, dark cherry and chocolate. This is a rich, flavorful, balanced wine that I found to be very enjoyable, though just a bit hot. Should age well for the next 5 – 10 yrs. Fruit, Acid and Tannin: All ideal and in balance /

Medium body, Med-long finish

Jim P (Guest panelist) (F) Yes – I like it! This is pure delight! Lovely mouthfeel. This will age well, and will pair well with any strong flavored food. Fruit: Slightly lacking; Acid: Ideal; Tannin: Slightly excessive

0080701

/

Medium body, Long finish

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved

AND FINALLY... A VERY SPECIAL, AND ONGOING THANK YOU TO...

Linda and Donna, the delightful owners of PELICAN ART GALLERY in Petaluma who continue to so graciously offer their beautiful gallery for our tastings. We're surrounded by beautiful art while tasting exciting wines. Life is good. Incidentally, it turns out that Linda has an impressive palate for evaluating wines and has become an indispensable member of the panel!

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH FOR MORE WINES TO EXPLORE, MORE WINES TO ENJOY!

0080701

© Yvonne Hurson,

2008, all rights reserved