Fall is here, the holidays are coming, the weather is cooling, and the wine of choice switches from light and crisp to big and bold.  At El Cajon, we’re gearing up for the season by adding lots of great Cabernets!

Join us Friday evening, as we taste a selection of the new, award winning Cabs that have recently arrived!

~ Patrick Campbell

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, October 11th, 2013 5pm – 7pm

759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Cabernet Tasting

This weeks selections: $15.00

Fieldfare Chardonnay 2011   ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Fieldfare tends to get gobbled up quickly by Central Coast locals. We’re happy to have gotten our hands on some! Think red apple, citrus rind, and toasty vanilla, followed with deep pear and silky crème brûlée. 94 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Fisticuffs 2011   ($25.99 During Tasting)

• Dark ruby color with tantalizing aromas of dark chocolate, cinnamon, espresso beans and black cherries, leading to a concentrated palate of blackberry, black raspberry and cassis. The tannins are fine grained and velvety, providing a full bodied wine with a lingering finish of baking spices, vanilla and black cherry.

Press Cellars 2010  ($33.99 During Tasting)

• Juicy, rich berry flavors  balance with the gripping tannins and firm acidity, leading to a long, lingering finish.  A bold cabernet, that gets better and better the longer it opens.

Terra Valentine 2010   ($38.99 During Tasting)

• Black currants and cedar mingled with loamy earth and sage on the nose followed by chewy bright fruit on the palate with a smooth and rich mocha finish. 94 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Smith Madrone 2007   ($39.99 During Tasting)

• Complex flavors of blackberries, black currants, green olives, anise and cedar abound. It demonstrates the balance of the 2007 vintage and the ageability of Spring Mountain wines. 94 Points – W&S

Long Meadow Ranch 2009   ($39.99 During Tasting)

• Sometimes these rich wines can be heavy, but this one combines tartness with its elaborate blackberry jam, anise and cedar wood flavors, which makes it sing. 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

See you all Friday!

We have two blockbuster events on tap for this weekend.  I know many of you missed us not being around last week, so we plan to make it up to you with a powerhouse schedule.  On Friday we will take a little tour of France.  Many of you remarked that the last tour of France was the best wine tasting we have had yet.  So let’s go back to the well this week.  We will start in Burgundy with a Premier Cru Chablis and a high quality Pinot Noir.  Then we will move to Bordeaux for a couple of wonderful Baron de Lafit Rothchilds wines. We will culminate our tour in Chataneuf-du-Pape, with the 93 Point Andre Brunel CDP.  Wow!

On Saturday Jeffrey Cruz from Duckhorn Winery will be present to tell us all about five different wines from Duckhorn.  Jeffrey does the wine tasting events for Duckhorn in California, and knows the wines thoroughly.  If we are ever going to have an expert here, Jeffrey is the one.  It will not be a tasting event to miss. Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent more than 30 years establishing itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn has crafted a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, October 11th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, October 12th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, October 11th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “A Tour of France”:

2009 Patrick Puize Premier Cru Chablis ($54.99)

• Patrick Piuze’s resume includes stints with Olivier Leflaive, Jean-Marie Guffens and Domaine Brocard. A desire for more of a hands-on approach in all facets of winemaking led Piuze to start his own micro-negociant operation a few years ago. All of the wines are fermented with ambient yeasts and are aged on their lees in steel and neutral oak with no batonnage “The 2009 Chablis Butteaux shows more focus than the Forets. Clean, well-articulated aromatics yield to beautifully nuanced fruit in this nicely balanced Chablis. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate – 90 Points

2011 Barons de Rothchilds Bordeaux ($19.99)

• “The Barons de Rothschild Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Blanc is a terrific wine for everyday drinking. It is a blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc. While predominantly Semillon, the nose of the wine showcases the Sauvignon Blanc component with aromas of grapefruit peel, lemons and limes. On the palate, the Semillon helps to balance the more volatile Sauvignon Blanc, making the wine softer and rounder and adding in flavors of oranges and orange marmalade. Together, these two grapes make a food-friendly and delicious wine, perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, grilled fish or even a pasta primavera dish.” Winemaker Notes

2006 Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny ($44.99)

• “Fine lace and silk are the words most often associated with this wine. It has a bright, and intense color and complex aromas evoking violet, black cherry and damp earth. According to the vintages, there are also notes of truffle and game. Refined tannins coat the palate. Good balance between texture and acidity. This wine shows a long aftertaste, with notes of cherry and candied fruit.” Véronique Boss-Drouhin

2007 Chateau d’ Armailhac Grand Cru ($54.99)

• “Slightly dullish deep red. Aromatic nose offers currant, tobacco leaf and herbs lifted by a peppery quality. Juicy and light on its feet, with brisk acidity and a repeating peppery quality giving precision and energy to the perfumed mid-palate. Very crisp, delineated wine that can be enjoyed soon or held.” Steven Tanzer – 90 Points

2010 Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($49.99)

• This has a nice old-school edge, with toasted chestnut and singed juniper notes leading the way for dark cassis, blackberry and plum fruit flavors. A strong tarry spine drives the finish, where hot stone, lavender and tobacco lurk as well. For the cellar. Only 100 cases imported. – JM - Wine Spectator – 93 Points

Saturday, October 12th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of Duckhorn Winery:

Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent more than 30 years establishing itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn has crafted a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today.

2012 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc ($31.99)

• A barrel-fermented style of Sauvignon Blanc, fermented for five months sur lie in 100% new French oak, it’s 83% Sauvignon Blanc with the addition of 17% Sémillon. Like most grapes in the region, the Sauv Blanc set a huge crop, but the long, warm growing season brought it to ripeness just fine. Expect richness and tropical fruit, melons in the glass.

2011 Duckhorn “Migration” Chardonnay ($29.99)

• Capturing both the sophistication and richness of cool-climate Russian River Valley Chardonnay, this wine displays inviting aromas of pineapple and fresh pear, alongside notes of nectarine, Meyer lemon and orange zest. The stone fruit and citrus elements continue on the palate, with layers of nectarine, tangerine and lemon curd, as well as hints of crème brulee, Gravenstein apple and subtle toast notes. Though the mouthfeel is long and rich, the wine’s natural acidity adds poise, focus and balance.

2010 Duckhorn Merlot ($59.99)

• Our Napa Valley Merlot is a complex blend of several individual vineyard lots, incorporating fruit from our Estate Vineyards and from top independent growers throughout the Napa Valley. The final wine is a rich and cohesive expression of the entire Napa Valley, reflecting the varied microclimates and soils of this unique appellation.

2010 Duckhorn Cabernet ($64.99)

• At Duckhorn Vineyards we have been producing Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978. Bringing together fruit from Estate vineyards and top independent growers, this wine embodies the flavorful complexity of Napa Valley winegrowing, while offering a seamless balance between fruit, oak and tannins. To add nuance to classic Cabernet elements of currant, cherry and plum, the blend also includes Merlot, yielding a layered with that is approachable in its youth, yet worthy of cellaring.

2010 Paraduxx Z Blend ($49.99)

• Fusing the robust flavors of California’s native Zinfandel with the grandeur of Cabernet Sauvignon, Paraduxx has embraced the best of both core varietals to produce a world-class blend with a decidedly Californian personality. It has aromas of bright ripe raspberry and blackberry notes, deeper elements of molasses, nutmeg and caramel, and hints of vanilla, pepper and dried sage. On the palate, this wine is rich and mouth-coating with abundant blackberry jam, bramble and holiday spice. 90 Points – Wine Enthusiast! 

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

Friday night in El Cajon we’ll complete our two part Italian tasting with a sample of Tuscany.   When most people think of powerful wines from Italy, they think of Super-Tuscans or Brunellos.  We’ll taste some, as well as some fantastic Chiantis.

We hope you’ll join us for this amazing tasting!

~ Patrick Campbell

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, October 4th, 2013 5pm – 7pm

759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Tuscany Wines

This weeks selections: $15.00

La Spinetta Vermentino 2009    ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Wonderful aromas of peach, papaya, citrus and rosemary, flavours of apricot and peach with a refreshing minerality and long, crisp finish. Delicious and invigorating. A great wine with sashimi and raw oysters. 89 Points – Wine Spectator.

Fontodi Chianti Reserva 2001   ($59.99 During Tasting)

• Very fresh on the nose with lots of dried flowers, berries and crushed fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, with good tannins and a bright, fruity finish. Solid, beautiful yet refined … as always. 91 Points – Wine Spectator

Fontodi Chianti 2006  ($32.99 During Tasting)

• Beautiful aromas of rich plum and black cherry follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. 90 Points – Wine Spectator

Cupio Brunello 2004   ($32.99 During Tasting)

• Intense perfume of cherries, raspberry, smooth tannins, nicely structured, powerful, ripe and balanced.

Poggio Bonelli 2005   ($47.99 During Tasting)

• The intense and persistent bouquet of red jams and spices (pepper, cinnamon) gives way to hints of tobacco and cocoa and closes with a burnt earth and leather sensation. Powerful tannins on the palate. 85% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot

Fabius 2004   ($24.99 During Tasting)

• Big, juicy and caressing, with loads of ripe fruit, plum and blackberry character. Full, long and delicious. 100% Syrah. 91 Points – Wine Spectator

See you all tonight!

On Friday we will try one Chardonnay from Catena winery and four reds from Cuvelier Los Andes Winery.  Cuvelier Los Andes is owned by Bertrand and Jean-Guy Cuvelier, part-owners of renowned Bordeaux Chateau Leoville-Poyferre in Saint Julien. The estate is located in the Uco Valley at the foothills of the Andes. They concentrate on red wines highlighted by Malbec production.  It is a great set of wines.

On Saturday we will taste an assortment wines form 4Play Wine Distribution and have a special guest, Brian London, here to tell us about the wines.  These are five brand new wines that I recently tasted and was excited to bring into Jonathan’s.  We will start with a 2 lovely whites- a Sauvignon Blanc from Farella and a Chardonnay from Hilliard Bruce. We will finish with three reds- a Santa Barbara Pinot from Sandler, and two Napa Reds Squirt Gun and Carne Humana respectively.

Just a note that next weekend there will be no wine tastings in El Cajon as I will be in Paso Robles for my sisters wedding.

Hope to see you all tonight or tomorrow!

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, September 27th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, September 28th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, September 27th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Cuvelier Los Andes:

2010 Catena Alta Chardonnay ($39.99)

• The 2010 Alta Catena Chardonnay includes just a touch of botrytis that Alejandro Vigil believes adds a little complexity. That is evident on the bouquet, which offers wild honey, jasmine, nectarine and crushed stone aromas that are well-defined. The palate has good weight on the entry, with subtle notes of orange zest, dried apricot, quince and shaved ginger. It builds in the mouth, delivering a very focused, intense finish that you could say, sits comfortably between Old World and New. Drink now-2017+” Neil Martin – Wine Advocate – 93 Points!

2010 Cuvelier Los Andes Cabernet ($24.99)

• “The 2010 Collecion Cabernet Sauvignon displays darker fruit and a bit more richness. Supple, ripe, and velvety on the palate, it will offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2020.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate – 90 Points!

2008 Cuvelier Los Andes Colleccion ($29.99)

• “Medium ruby. High-pitched aromas of blackberry and fruitcake, with a medicinal note of licorice. Dense and suave on entry, then concentrated and firm in the middle, even a bit youthfully bound-up, with sound acidity framing the black fruit flavors. Less pliant today than the winery’s two 2009 bottlings, finishing with strong black fruit flavors, substantial tannins and excellent grip. This needs at least a couple years of bottle aging. Very serious juice for the price.” Steven Tanzer – 90 Points!

2009 Cuvelier Los Andes Colleccion ($34.99)

• “The 2009 Collecion is a blend of the varietals. Purple in color, with a brooding bouquet, it is a dense, structured, rich wine with impeccable balance, volume, and length. It has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years but can be approached now. It, too, is a great value.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate – 92 Points!

2009 Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Malbec ($64.99)

• “The flagship is the 2009 Grand Malbec, a contender for Malbec of the vintage at this early stage. A glass-coating opaque purple color with legs that ooze down the glass, it offers up a beautiful bouquet of sandalwood, exotic spices, truffle, floral notes, red licorice, and black cherry. Voluptuous on the palate, this sweetly-fruited, dense, nicely proportioned Malbec will evolve for 4-5 years and deliver prime drinking from 2015 to 2029.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate – 94 Points!

Saturday, September 28th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of 4Play Distributors:

2012 Farella Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99)

• Our Sauvignon Blanc is framed in the tradition of the fresh, lively white wines of Italy. Fermented in stainless steel at low temperatures to retain the fruit characteristics, the 2012 is lovely and delicious with bright honeydew, honeysuckle, citrus and a touch of honey. Crisp, clean and lively, as always.

2011 Hilliard Bruce Estate Chardonnay ($49.99)

• The only white I tasted and a beautiful Chardonnay, the 2011 Chardonnay opens with classical white peach, toasted hazelnuts, citrus blossom and tinges of baking bread to go with a pure, medium-bodied, focused palate. Not a heavy weight, with medium concentration, it has a lively, chiseled feel on the palate. Aged 16 months in 30% new French oak, it’s impressive and should drink nicely for 3-4 years. Drink now-2017.” Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate – 92 Points!

2010 Sandler Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($32.99)

• Sandler pinot is made from fruit drawn from the Garys’ and Rosella’s vineyards. Bright ruby-red with sexy aromas of red and dark berry preserves, cola and anise, with slow-building florality.  Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of black cardamom.  It shows intensity on the finish, where the floral and cola notes echo strongly.” Steven Tanzer – International Wine Cellar – 91 Points!

2010 Squirt Gun Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($29.99)

• Squirt Gun is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 4% Petite Verdot from vineyards in Oakville and Yountville. This delicious crowd pleasing cab has all the good traits of a great cab. Aromas of bing cherries, blackberries and tobacco. It is lush on the palate with aromatics of dark berries and current, anise and vanilla of course. Squirt gun has a decidedly smooth and rich finish.

2011 Carne Humana Napa Valley Red Wine ($34.99)

• Carne Humana is a red wine blend sourced from six vineyards throughout the upper-Napa Valley sub-appellations of Calistoga, St. Helena, and Rutherford. Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and Zinfandel are among the grape varieties chosen for this vintage. This wine has a scarlet purple edge in the glass with a crimson black core to confirm the bright freshness and ripe intensity of the wine. Aromas include cool pomace, dried fig, black licorice and cranberry. Supple tannin and mild acidity complement the fleshy fruit character – A broadly extracted wine with mild grip and texture and a full polished finish.

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

The Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise Zin just hit the market this week, meaning the eagerly awaited Chronic wines are all available again, though probably only for a very short while!

We’ll celebrate their arrival this Friday in El Cajon by tasting all three – Sofa King Bueno, Dead Nuts, and Purple Paradise.  The brainchild of Jake and Josh Becket, the new generation of wine producers at Paso’s Peachy Canyon, their first vintage of Chronic was in 2008.

To round out the evening, we’ll throw in a Tobin James wine and the brand new Prisoner production, Cuttings Cabernet blend.  This wine is also highly allocated, and this will be a rare opportunity to taste it!

Special Note: We will be sampling these wines both Friday and Saturday night, so if you cannot make it out on Friday, join us on Saturday.

See you out there!

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, September 27th-28th, 2013 5pm – 7pm

Saturday, September 28th, 2013 3pm – 5pm

759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Chronic Cellers

This weeks selections: $15.00

Chronic Cellars Sofa King Bueno 2011   ($20.99 During Tasting)

• This wine is youthful and fleshy! Bueno has many layers that fill the nose and palate. It is a full bodied wine with balanced tannins and different spices. 79% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 5% Petite Syrah, 4% Grenache. 90 Points – Cellar Tracker.

Chronic Cellars Dead Nuts 2011 ($26.99 During Tasting)

• This wine has a slight hint of fresh baked cherry pie. Dead Nuts is firm with bright acidity and mild tannins. This will be a crowd pleaser for many years to come.  37% Zinfandel, 26% Tempranillo, 24% Petite Sirah, 13% Tannat

Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise Zin 2012  ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Juicy fruit flavors, chocolate, ripe strawberries and a dark richness. Full bodied, mildly tannic with good acidity.  This just released Zin, Syrah, and Mourvedre blend has been anxiously awaited in the market, and is sure to sell out rapidly!

Tobin James Cacheflo 2010   ($9.99 During Tasting)

• One of the top selling red blends over the last 4 years, TOBIN JAMES has done it again with this can’t miss full-bodied crowd-pleaser! 

Cuttings Cabernet Blend 2011   ($47.99 During Tasting)

• This Cabernet Sauvignon based wine called Cuttings is a just released new wine from Prisoner Wines.  An amazing blend of Cabernet (65%), Syrah (15%), Petite Sirah (15%) and Zinfandel (5%), it’s kind of a reverse blend of original Prisoner. These grapes come mostly from Napa vineyards near Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, and one key property in Sonoma. Cuttings combines the richness, complexity and depth of Cabernet with the structure and intensity of Petite Syrah and Syrah, all the while channeling the robust character of Zinfandel.

On Friday we will be visiting our friends just north in Santa Barbara County.  This area is well known for its cool climate vairetals, primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  We will begin with a Rhone Style White Blend Edelzwicker before moving to our second white the highly regarded Melville.  For reds will be try to pinot noir’s Melville and Foxen.  Steve Clifton of Brewer-Clifton fame has done a fantastic job with cool climate Italian Varietals in the area, so we willculminate the tasting with his  Palmina Nebbiolo.

On Saturday we will take another short trip from San Diego to Paso Robels. This AVA is well known for its heritage varietal Zinfandel, Rhône-style wines, and “Crazy Blends,” blends and styles that are unique to Paso Robles Wine Country.  We will begin with two whites. First, a Sauvignon Blanc from Niner Winery, and then second Tablas Creek, who is well known for their Rhône-style wines, with their Esprit De Beucastel Blanc which received 94 Points from Robert Parker. We will enjoy two of those “Crazy Blend” red wines from Ancient Peaks and Niner Wineries respectively before finishing with the Austin Hope Syrah, which made the prestigious top 100 wines of 2012 from Wine Spectator.

See you this weekend!

~ Jason

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, September 20th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, September 21st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, September 13th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Santa Barbara County:

2008 Edelzwicker Santa Barb County White Blend ($24.99)

• “Continuing in the style of our 2007 blend, comes the 2008 Edelzwicker, this time with equal proportions of Riesling and Pinot Blanc, both harvested around 23.2 brix from the same vineyards we used in 2007. Separately fermented in stainless tanks, and masterfully blended with 20% Gewurztraminer we harvested from Alisos vineyards. Bottled early February of 2009, this is a slow ager. Expecting to last well over a decade with intense fruit expression, the wine is showing fantastically now, and will continue to gain complexity over the next 4-6 years… and beyond. 278 cases produced.” Chien Wines

2010 Melville Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay ($24.99)

• The 2010 is a bright yellow-gold in color with pungent aromas of pear skin, iodine, anise and green cardamom. It shows intense orchard fruit and lemon pith on the palate, with a chalky mineral quality adding lift. The wine closes on a chewy note, with lingering notes of bitter citrus and quinine and impressive length. This is even better with an hour or so of aeration so don’t hesitate to decant it.” Stephen Tanzer 92 Points! Wine Enthusiast 90 Points!

2011 Melville Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir ($34.99)

• The 2011 Pinot Noir Estate, offers up a translucent ruby color as well as a complex, savory bouquet of currants, black cherries, stem, pepper, smoke and a gun flint-like minerality. This medium-bodied, supple 2011 has good ripeness, a light, clean texture and solid length on the finish. Drink now-2017. Winemaker Greg Brewer and grower Chad Melville continue to knock it out of the park with these Melville releases. The wines have individual characters and, stylistically, lean toward the more complex, finesse-driven side of the spectrum. They “wow” more for their balance and nuance than their power and richness. They also remain reasonably priced!” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate 91 Points!

2011 Foxen Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir ($39.99)

• As Foxen’s most fruit-forward Pinot Noir,this wine displays the bright red summer fruit of cherries and strawberries, with notes of cinnamon and clove, a velvety texture and a long lingering finish. The majority of fruit for this bottling comes from the Pommard clone block at our Block 8-Bien Nacido Vineyard.

2004 Palmina Santa Maria Valley Nebbiolo ($54.99)

• The 2004 Nebbiolo Sisquoc Vineyard has the classic tobacco leaf, licorice, truffle, red cherry, and kirsch notes. It is medium to full-bodied, more powerful than its two predecessors (14.5% alcohol) with good freshness, and a long, heady finish. Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90 Points!

 All Wines 15% Off Friday Only!

Saturday, September 21st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of Paso Robles:

2012 Niner Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99)

• This Sauvignon Blanc has inviting tropical and floral aromas of lychee, passion-fruit, tart papaya and plumeria that jump out of the glass, tantalizing taste buds. A bright, crisp mouthfeel with balanced acidity and an underlying roundness.

2008 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc ($39.99)

• The flagship white is the 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc, a blend of 65% Roussanne, 30% Grenache blanc, and a rarity of 5% Picpoul. This is really great stuff in 2008. The wine displays plenty of honeyed citrus, spring flowers, white peach, apricot, quince, and loads of wet rocks, giving a steely definition to its opulent, full-bodied, yet fresh flavors. This is a tour de force in dry white and Rhone Ranger blends. It’s impossible to know how long it will last, but I would drink it sooner rather than later.” Robert Parker 94 Points Wine Advocate!

2010 Ancient Peaks Renegade ($24.99)

• “The 2010 Renegade comes from our estate Margarita Vineyard on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. From missionaries to gunslingers, roughriders to outlaws, a colorful cast of characters has traversed the ranch’s rugged terrain since the 18th century. In that spirit, we have made an intensely flavored blend that pushes the envelope and resists conformity, adding an adventurous twist to our family of wines. Defiantly bold and daringly elegant – this is Renegade.”- Winery

2009 Niner Twisted Spur ($31.99)

• This delicious estate blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Carmenere is redolent with many of the qualities that we love in these varieties – notes of juicy blueberry, blackberry, mocha, caramel and sweet tobacco fill the glass. These flavors transition into beautiful earthy aromas of cedar, lichen and forest floor. Firm tannins and ideal structure combine in this lively Paso Robles blend.

2010 Austin Hope Syrah ($44.99)

• This red exhibits pure, rich, ripe and concentrated layers of blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice, with tannins that give the flavors depth and traction. Drink now through 2022. 1,175 cases made. –JL Wine Spectator 93 Points! #76 Top 100 of 2012!

   

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

Friday night in El Cajon we’ll taste some incredible wines from Northern Italy.  When most people think of powerful wines from Italy, they think of Super-Tuscans or Brunellos.  We’ll make the case that Nebbiolo and Corvina grapes can produce wines just as powerful and age-worthy.

Saturday afternoon we’ll demonstrate that Merlots have been unfairly relegated to secondary status in the American wine consciousness.  To help prove the point, we’ll be pouring the most iconic Merlot California has ever produced!

We hope you’ll join us for this amazing weekend!

~ Patrick

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, September 20th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm

759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Northern Italy

This weeks selections: $15.00

Anselmi San Vincenzo  ($10.99 During Tasting)

• “Fresh and floral, with lovely finesse to the finely meshed flavors of ripe melon, exotic dragon fruit, mandarin orange and fleur de sel–tinged mineral, honey and ground spice. Delivers a clean, lasting finish. Garganega, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.”  (Top 100 last vintage) – 89 Points – Wine Spectator.

Produttori Barbaresco 2008 ($33.99 During Tasting)

• “The Produttori’s 2008 Barbaresco is simply fabulous. A sweet bouquet melds into expressive fruit in a Barbaresco that is exceptionally polished and refined.  Unusually sweet, silky and refined, the 2008 will take the better part of a decade to show the full breadth of its pedigree …. one of the very finest values in ageworthy wine from anywhere in the world.”~ Robert Parker 92 Points – Wine Spectator.

Campofiorin Corvina Blend  2009  ($14.99 During Tasting)

• Intense, deep, dark ruby red color; very viscous with purple edges. Strong and attractive cherry aromas on the nose with a pleasing spiciness. Great power and balance on the palate, with aromas of ripe fruit, cherries and blackcurrants. Soft and well balanced tannins.

Palazzo della Torre 2008   ($18.99 During Tasting)

• “This sleek, polished red offers juicy blackberry and black fruit flavors, backed by refined tannins and well-integrated acidity. Hard to stop sipping. Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Sangiovese.” 90 Points – Wine Spectator To 100.
  

Tommasi Amarone 2008   ($63.99 During Tasting)

• “Rich, smooth and very dense, with wonderfully tactile flavors similar to the aromas. This very pure Amarone finishes creamy-sweet but fresh, thanks to sound acidity. An extremely successful entry-level Amarone made from grapes that were air-dried for roughly four months.” 93 Points – Steven Tanzer

Grotta del Ninfeo Recioto 2008   ($29.99 During Tasting)

• Round, full and velvety on the palate. It’s the sweet version of Amarone, it shares the same production method for the drying of the grapes, however, ferments differently in that the process is interrupted before all the sugar turns into alcohol. A very concentrated wine.

Saturday, September 21st, 2013 – 3pm – 5pm

759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Merlot ~ Love it or leave it?

Todays selections: $10.00

Roth Sauvignon Blanc   ($16.99 During Tasting)

• For a cool, refreshing starter, this S/B features floral and pepper aromatics that complement the lemon, pear and apple flavors, along with crisp acidity. 89 Points – Wine Spectator

Stonestreet Merlot 2005  ($22.99 During Tasting)

• Sourced from gravel benchlands in the Alexander Valley, this Merlot displays opulent restraint.  The palate flavors are both savory (espresso/walnut) and fruit driven (pomegranate/cherry).  The winemaker likes to say that it has “one foot in the New World and one in the Old”.

Frog’s Leap Merlot 2007  ($29.99 During Tasting)

• This opens with fresh cherry and currant aromas which are underscored with notes of chocolate.  Ripe flavors of cherry, cassis and plum are laced with herbs and cigar box.  The famous “Rutherford Dust” essence is understandably reflected. 91 Points – Wine Spectator

Robert Keenan Merlot  2007   ($24.99 During Tasting)

• “A delicious Merlot, drily tannic and rich in blackberries, cherries and chocolate. Nearly as good as the winery’s much more expensive Reserve.” 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast
  

Duckhorn Merlot 2010   ($50.99 During Tasting)

• The aromas are rich and inviting with layers of amaretto, sweet spice and cedar. On the palate, lush flavors of plum, blackberry and cherry dominate, with the tannins adding structure and depth.  A lovely and age-worthy wine that shows how much Merlot can excel.  Typically a high scoring wine with the critics, the 10 is a recent release and has not been scored yet.

See you all at the tasting!

This Friday we will visit South America and are going try wines from Chile and Argentina.  We will start with a couple whites from Argentina, a Torrontes, and a Chardonnay.  Our last wine from Argentina will be a Cabernet, before we move on to Chile.  From Chile we will sample a Syrah and a Carménère.  The Carménère is the highly regarded “Purple Angel,” which perennially lands scores in the mid nineties from major reviewers.

On Saturday we will head to the land down under.   We will begin with a nice New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc before our tour of Australia, however.  The Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2010 made the Wine Spectator top 100 wines of 2012, and we are fortunate to be able to try the last of the vintage.  In Australia we will try two wines from the well known Molly Dooker winery, as well as a big Shiraz from Marquis Philips before culminating with the Petit Syrah “The Howling Dog.”

Hope to see you all this weekend!

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, September 13th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, September 14th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, September 13th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of South America:

2012 Crios Argentinan Torrontes [Argentina] ($15.99)

• “The 2012 Crios Torrontes comes from Cafayate in Salta, Altamira and La Rioja from 33-year-old vines. It has much more presence and vivacity than the Chardonnay, with scents of lime, peach and melon that are well-defined. The palate is well-balanced with a prickle of white pepper on the entry. It displays moderate length in the mouth, while the finish is crisp and taut. with notes of pear, bruised apple and dried orange peel. This is worth seeking out for the price. Drink now-2014.” Neal Martin – Wine Advocate – 88 Points!

2011 Catena Chardonnay [Argentina] ($19.99)

• This vintage was also harvested 20 days earlier. It is a blend of three vineyards that are divided into lots at harvest. It is whole cluster pressed and aged for ten months in French oak. It demonstrates great clarity on the nose with scents of dried honey, linden, crushed stone and dried white flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp acidity and is a taut, focused Chardonnay with lively notes of tangerine and quince towards the finish. This is well-crafted and complex for its price point. Drink now-2016.” Neal Martin – Wine Advocate – 90 Points!

2006 Kaiken Ultra Cabernet [Argentina] ($24.99)

• “The 2006 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon was 80% aged in French oak for 12 months. More saturated than the “regular” bottling, this purple-colored wine has a nose of cedar, tobacco, black currant and blackberry. On the palate, this medium to full-bodied effort reveals some silky tannin, spicy, savory fruit, and excellent length. Drink it from 2010 to 2017.” Jay Miller Wine Advocate 88+Points

2005 Casa LaPostolle Syrah [Chile] ($29.99)

• Dark, but pure and focused, with espresso-tinged tannins carrying the dark plum, briar, fig cake and bittersweet cocoa notes. Long, muscular finish is fine-grained and should cellar nicely.” Wine Spectator – 91 Points!

2010 Purple Angel Carmenere [Chile] ($74.99)

• A dark, ambitious red, with ample toast and mocha to the macerated plum skin, dark cherry and grilled fig fruit that pumps out layers of humus, iron and olive paste before the fruit returns for an encore on the finish. Carmenère and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020. 500 cases imported. – NW  - Wine Spectator – 93 Points!

 All Wines 15% Off Friday Only!

Saturday, September 14th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of Australia & New Zealand:

2010 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99)

• “A lip-smacking acidity is a nice background for the ripe mandarin orange, pomelo and lime flavors, with herb and almond skin notes on the finish. Drink now. 600 cases imported. – NW – Wine Spectator – 87 Points!

2009 Molly Dooker “The Violinist” Verdelho ($29.99)

• “The current Mollydooker collection begins with the one white wine, the medium straw-colored 2009 Verdelho The Violinist. It was partially barrel-fermented and aged on its lees in barrel and tank. It gives up fragrant aromas of toast, baked apple, mango, and other tropical aromas. Creamy textured, round, ripe, and concentrated, this long, tasty wine can be enjoyed over the next couple years.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate – 90 Points!

2012 Molly Dooker “The Boxer” Shiraz ($29.99)

• This wine has a massive array of flavors, and awesome intensity but the thing that really finishes the wine off is the creamy layers and smooth mouth feel. It’s so voluptuous. Peter and Andrew Sweet, multi layered fruit, chocolate, fresh plum – a complete flavor spectrum.

2007 Marquis Philips Shiraz ($44.99)

• “The 2007 MP Shiraz 9 was aged for 18 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak barriques and hogsheads. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers an excellent nose of cigar box, spice notes, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied and firm on the palate, it has excellent depth, enough structure to evolve for several years, and good integration of oak, tannin, and acidity. Drink it from 2010 to 2020.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate – 91 Points!

2006 Massena “The Howling Dog” Petit Syrah ($54.99)

• “The 2006 Howling Dog Petite Syrah spent 20 months in French oak hogsheads. Purple/black in color, it delivers an expressive nose of pure blackberry and licorice. Dense and structured on the palate, it has the full tannin characteristic of the grape as well as loads of spicy black fruit. It will require extended cellaring of at least 6-8 years to begin to open up but the balance is there for a very long life. Drink it from 2016 to 2046.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate – 93 Points!

All Wines 15% Off Saturday Only!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

Catherine Uzeta of Monterey Bay distributors will join us Friday night in El Cajon.

Catherine will be pouring a selection of her favorite wines that she represents, including the 97 point Stephanie Red Blend from Hestan Vineyards – what a treat!

We’ve been having  a great time at the Friday night tastings……we hope you’ll join us!

See you all out here!

~ Patrick

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, September 13th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Monterey Bay Portfolio

This weeks selections: $15.00

Gruet Blanc de Blanc ($18.99 During Tasting)

• The three years of aging has contributed a pronounced classic toastiness with accents of roasted almonds and minerals. The palate is creamy and long, and the style is elegant, dry and crisp, with great complexity. Only 1,000 cases produced.

Alfaro Pinot Noir 2012   ($23.99 During Tasting)

• Ruby in color, medium in body. Bright cherry and raspberry on the nose, with abundant Bing cherry, spice and vanilla flavors on the palate. This wine has well-integrated tannins and refreshing acidity.

Stephanie Red Blend 2007   ($49.99 During Tasting)

• “This wine is a masterpiece of balance and complexity. On the nose, it exhibits notes of cedar, spice, licorice and mocha. On the palate, the purity of fruit is stunning by revealing aromas of blueberry, black currant and blackberry in endless layers of flavor. The wine finishes with long, persistent waves of flavor. This is Napa Valley red wine at its finest. ~ Robert Whitley – 97 Points.

Adelaida Version  2008   ($29.99 During Tasting)

• “Version is an absolutely delicious, joyous red Rhone style blend bursting with fruit” ~ Robert Parker- Wine Advocate – 90 Points.
  

Old Vine Wine Co. Zinfandel 2009   ($18.99 During Tasting)

• “Beautiful blackberry and lightly toasted oak on the nose and palate. Turns to spices and meat. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long finish. Balanced and pretty.” 92 Points – James Suckling

See you all at the tasting!