This Friday will be the battle of the Zinfandel’s.  And, our timing could not be better with Thanksgiving on the horizon.  A lot of people say Pinot Noir is the wine for Turkey Day, but if you prefer a bit more body and spice, Zinfandel is a great wine to pair with turkey and the smorgasbord of sides that come with it. Zinfandel’s dark berry fruit and spicy finish (think: Black pepper, cinnamon and hints of anise) pair exceptionally well with a spice-rubbed and BBQ’d bird, cranberry dressing and wild mushroom stuffing. -RB Cellars. Come out and see who will win the battle of the Zin.

We had a request for a “Big Red Saturday,” so I turned to no other than Napa Valley.  “When I hear the term “Big Red,” I tend to think of a flavorful, full-bodied, rich wine with good concentration and balance. Big red wines also tend to be a bit heady (alcoholic), even tannic, but balance is the key”-myvinespot.  We will begin with two delightful white wines, before turning to our three big California Cabernet’s which culminates with the opulent Kristen Story Rhapsodie.

See you this weekend.

~Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, November 15th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, November 16th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, November 15th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “The Battle of the Zinfandel”:

2011 Walt Sonoma County Chardonnay ($34.99)

• This appellation blend is crafted from the fruit of several Dutton family proper ties in the Green Valley, the coolest sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley. In addition, we sourced select fruit from the Sangiacomo family’s vineyard in the Sonoma Coast, a cool and breezy site that produces wines of terrific fruit concentration. A bright golden color with tints of green, the wine has a nose that delivers stone fruits, toast, honeysuckle and hints of vanilla. The palate is broad and full with flavors of pear, lemon curd, and melon that lead into a lively, fruity finish.

2011 Rombauer Napa Valley Zinfandel ($39.99)

• Rombauer is strikingly fruit-forward. A dark red in color with a ruby hue, it is bursting with aromas of ripe cranberries, blackberries and crushed raspberries. Nuances of clove and mint add character and dimension to the ripe fruit flavors. Beautiful acidity intertwined with richness seamlessly creates an expressive and dense mid-palate. Vanilla and plum flavors round out an unforgettable finish.

2008 Grgich Napa Valley Zinfandel ($39.99)

• ‘This wine’s gentle richness frames floral Zin flavors of red raspberry and crushed red peppercorn. It’s tightly formed while maintaining that textural caress.” Wine and Spirits 91 Points! “Tart and lively, with appealing cherry and bell pepper aromas and crisp red plum, anise and pepper flavors that linger toward a hint of rustic tannins. Drink now through 2016.” Wine Spectator 89 Points!

2011 Orin Swift “The Prisoner” ($39.99)

• The wine has a dense red and black hue that is framed in vibrant crimson. Aromas of Bing cherry, espresso, roasted fig and vanillin oak accents are persistent. The entry is powerful and generous supported with lively acidity while flavors of ripe raspberry, pomegranate and wild berry fruit linger harmoniously. Soft, integrated tannin chains allow the wine to be approachable now and provides for a pleasant finish. —Dave Phinney, winemaker  51% Zinfandel,19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah,12% Petite Sirah,2% Charbono, and 1% Grenache

2010 Duckhorn Paraduxx Z Blend ($44.99)

• 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. 90 Points – Wine Enthusiast!

Saturday, November 16th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Wines of Napa Valley”:

2012 Tamber Bey Chardonnay ($34.99)

• This wine is Tamber Bey’s first release of a ‘Oakless’ Chardonnay, made from the same Dijon Chardonnay Clone that is in the renowned Deux Chevaux Vineyard Chardonnay. Fermented and aged entirely in Stainless Steel, this new wine brings out and incredible bright and fresh sensation of the fruit. It all starts with an explosion of banana, ripe Danjou pear and an undertone of melon. Then the soft entrance evolves on roundness, a sap-like flavor and texture supported by the acidity, with notes of banana again, sweet-gum and touches of salinity.

2012 Cade Sauvignon Blanc ($27.99)

• The 2012 vintage of Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of pear, green melon, cucumber, peach, Mandarin orange blossom, and white flowers. The palate is laced with flavors of lemon, lime, green apple, and grapefruit. The combination of oak and stainless steel gives the wine smooth texture and weight and a kiss of oak without overpowering the vibrant fruit aromatics. The finish is bright in acidity with flavors that linger on the palate of cantaloupe, orange blossom, Asian Pear, and lemon cream pie.

2009 Tyler Florence Cabernet ($19.99)

• Our 2009 Tyler Florence Cabernet Sauvignon has opulent rich cherry dark berry and cassis cherry, character perfectly balanced by supple tannins and hints of toasted vanilla and toffee — a classic expression of this world-famous Cab region.

2011 Honig Cabernet ($44.99)

• “An elegant, balanced Cabernet with flavors of black cherry, plum, and black tea, and hints of nutmeg, allspice, cassis, vanilla, and anise. The broad mid-palate is rich, the finish is long, and the tannins are lush.” The 2011 vintage has yet to be rated, but the 2009 vintage received 92 Wine Spectator Points and the 2010 vintage received. 93 Wine Spectator Points

2006 Kristian Story Rhapsodie ($59.99)

• “The 2006 Kristian Story Rhapsodie exhibits a deep black-crimson color with inviting aromas of black cherry, currant, and fresh earth. Despite significant tannic structure, the palate generously offers concentrated flavors of crème de cassis, mocha, and blueberries interlaced with graphite, mineral and sage. The intense fruit and earth elements persist through a long memorable finish, complemented by firm tannins and a touch of acidity. Anticipated maturity: 2010 – 2021.”

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

On Friday, upon request we will visit the Burgundy region of France for two whites and three reds. The most famous wines produced here, those commonly referred to as “Burgundies,” are dry red wines made from Pinot Noir grapes and white wines made from Chardonnay grapes.  The highlight white wine of the evening is a Grand Cru Blanchots Chablis from Patrick Piuze that received 93 and 92 Points from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate respectively.  The feature red of the evening is a Premier Cru Volnay from Nicolas Rossignol that scored 92 Points from Wine Spectator, “Purity, class, and delicacy mark this red with eloquently displayed raspberry and cherry flavors.”  Don’t miss this one.

Turkey alone pairs with virtually anything, whether it is a fruity Zinfandel or a peppery Syrah, the important thing is to pair them appropriately. A good rule of thumb is to pair opposites like sweet with spicy or savory, and big fruit flavors with mild or soft.  For this reason, white wines and tame slightly tannic reds do particularly well with turkey dinner. On Saturday we will go down the list of some of the more highly recommended Thanksgiving wine varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah.  If you are searching for those Turkey day wines, be sure to join us.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, November 8th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, November 9th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, November 8th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “The Wines of Burgundy”:

2010 Laroche Tete De Cuvee ($19.99)

• A bright clear yellow in color the Laroche 100% Chardonnay Tete De Cuvee has elegantly fruity notes, and is lively and balanced, showing characteristic flavors of white Burgundy.  2010 was a vintage of patience.  The key to success was a generous and perfectly timed ripening period in September. As a consequence, very healthy, well-balanced, richly flavored grapes were harvested, showing liveliness and remarkable wine aromas. This vintage bears the imprint of the Laroche style.

2008 Patrick Piuze Blanchots Grand Cru ($84.99)

• “Piuze’s 2008 Chablis Blanchots smells of ocean breeze, fresh lime, as well as fusil, smoky emanations as if from crushed chalk. Pronouncedly mineral on the palate, it at the same time exhibits a succulence of grapefruit and white peach that goes beyond the other wines in its collection. It offers a startlingly pungent and piquant burst of fresh lime, cherry, peach, cherry pit, and tenaciously persistent maritime mineral character. A real essence of Kimmeridgian terroir, I would not be surprised to see this prove worth following for a decade.” David Schildnecht – Wine Advocate 92 Points! Wine Spectator 93 Points!

2006 Joseph Drouhin Chambolle Musigny ($44.99)

• “Fine lace and silk are the words most often associated with this wine. It is bright, intense in color with 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. It shows a long aftertaste, with notes of cherry and candied fruit.” Veronique Boss- Drouhin

2010 Jaffelin Bourgone Les Chapitre ($19.99)

• Founded in the Rue Paradis at the heart of the old part of Beaune, the Maison Jaffelin has retained the traditions of the Chapitre – which is home to the famous cellars constructed in the thirteenth century by the Notre Dame Collegiate Church.  Jaffelin practices rigorous selection combined with traditional vinification to ensure this wine will express its terroir fully.  The high acidity in the wine ensures a longer life and allows this wine to taste bright and fruity.

2006 Nicolas Rossignol Volnay Santenots 1er ($79.99)

• “Purity, class and delicacy mark this red. The floral and berry aromas and freshly crushed raspberry and cherry flavors are eloquently displayed. Glides to a lingering finish. The bright structure is integrated. Best from 2013 through 2024. 525 cases made.” –BS Wine Spectator 92 Points!

Saturday, November 9th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Thanksgiving Pairing Wines”:

2012 Stepping Stone Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99)

• Sauvignon Blanc frequently shows crisp citrus flavors making it an ideal pairing for turkey and mashed potatoes. This wine to exude a fresh and invigorating aromatic mix centered on layers of tropical fruits. Pineapple, honeydew melon and passion fruit are lifted by bright citrus notes.  The palate is crisp, lively and extremely playful offering citrus and intense tropical notes.

2006 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling ($64.99)

• A white wine that may either be bone dry or fairly sweet, excellent with any dishes that are spicy, salty or sweet. Riesling’s innate flavors of apple, apricot, honey and its clarifying acidity give it a significant pairing edge with the likes of sweet potatoes, turkey meat and spice-laden or herb-filled stuffing. This is citric and vivacious thanks to high acids, so the balance strikes me as ideal. Lime, grapefruit, litchi, and coconut in the nose give this the aura of a Riesling-Gewurztraminer blend. Chalky, alkaline notes on the palpably dense but satiny palate are joined by enlivening citrus juice, leading to a long, saliva-inducing finish.” David Schildnecht Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2011 Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir ($29.99)

• One wine that the Wine Spectator recommends for Thanksgiving is the Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir.  Rich earth, loam and truffle notes elevate the core of fresh, crisp cherry and cranberry flavors. The floral and spice aromatics leading to a firm finish. Wine Spectator 90 Points!

2008 T-Vine Napa Valley Zinfandel ($37.99)

• This would be a great wine pick for those looking for a heartier red wine with the capacity to accommodate spice, bitter and sweet flavor profiles. In 2008 the decade old vines chose to produce much less fruit, but didn’t hold back on the intensity. The result is spicy goodness, and the classic blackberry jamminess which is the trademark of Jim Frediani’s Vineyard.

2010 Gramercy Syrah ($69.99)

• The prevalent peppery notes of Syrah will partner well with the herb-infused stuffing and both the white and dark turkey meat. Therefore, I have chosen the This wine is “perfumed, intense and complex, with Northern Rhone-like aromas of wild berry fruit, smoked bacon, lavender and black pepper, it flows onto the palate with a classically constructed, firm mouthfeel that carries vibrant acidity, beautiful richness and a great finish.” Jed Dunnuck Wine Advocate 95 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, there is no better time to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner menu and selecting wines to complement the feast.  The big question – which wines to go with the variety of tastes, textures and aromas that uniquely present themselves on Thanksgiving Day? Should you choose one wine to carry you through appetizers to desserts – a tough request, but doable. Or should you choose several wines to accent different components of the meal and cater to a variety of guests’ palates? The choice is entirely up to you, but this weekend in El Cajon, we’ll give some options to get you started.

We’ll finish with a delicious dessert wine that can pair with more decadent desserts, or serve as one itself – the Chocolate Amore!

See you Friday!

~ Patrick Campbell

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, November 8th, 2013  5pm – 7pm

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

Thanksgiving Wines

This weeks selections: $15.00

Milbrandt Chardonnay 2012   ($15.99 During Tasting)

• Sleek and distinctive, with tangerine-accented pear and tea leaf flavors. Comes together smoothly on the lively finish, revealing a salted caramel note. 89 Points Wine Spectator.

Monchof Riesling     ($12.99 During Tasting)

• Fresh and racy, this features firm minerality and flavors of ripe apricot, baked pear and guava. Lush midpalate, finishing with notes of clove and hints of basil. Expressive. From Napolean’s former vineyard. 90 Points Wine Spectator.

Siduri Pinot Noir 2012   ($21.99 During Tasting)

• Tucked away in a nondescript industrial zone in Santa Rosa, California, Siduri’s Adam Lee produces a manic variety of much-praised, small-lot and single vineyard Pinot Noir. But the nicely priced appellation series–Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, and Sonoma Coast–are as eagerly anticipated as they are quick to sell out.

Il Fauno Super Tuscan 2008     ($24.99 During Tasting)

• “This is a thickly layered and opulent Tuscan blend that is enhanced by territory-driven aromas of grilled herb and rosemary oil. The best part for me, however, is the soft richness this wine delivers in the mouth.” 94 Points Wine Advocate.

Piedrasassi Syrah  2012     ($16.99 During Tasting)

• “Offers up gorgeous purity of fruit with layered, complex notes of blackberries, olive, underbrush, pepper and hints of leather all emerging from the glass. It’s a screaming value and readers need to latch onto a couple of these.” 90 Points Robert Parker.

Trentadue Chocolate Amore    ($18.99 During Tasting)

• Made from Merlot grapes grown in Geyserville, this opulent dessert wine combines the rich headiness of Port with a hint of chocolate extract. What a pairing! Pour some of this over ice cream or sip with molten chocolate cake.

See you all Friday!

There’s been much written about the French wine establishment, and well it should have been, as they set the standards for all the major wine varietals for the modern age.  But, as the Judgment of Paris tasting revealed, the California versions of the major varietals has to be taken seriously.

Friday night in El Cajon, we’ll examine some intriguing interpretations of each of the main grape varietals done California Style.  Come and let your voice be heard, as we search for the varietal interpretations that best fit each grape.

~ Patrick Campbell

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, October 25th, 2013  5pm – 7pm

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

California Style Tasting

This weeks selections: $15.00

Atalon Sauvignon Blanc 2012   ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Shows complex flavors of citrus fruits, Asian pears, lychee, cashews, vanilla, minerals and white pepper, with a touch of honey.  Editors Choice! 92 Points Wine Enthusiast!

Benziger Chardonnay 2010    ($12.99 During Tasting)

• Bold and silky with buttery aromas of butterscotch and warm croissants. Flavors of ripe peach and pear are followed by notes of soft, creamy vanilla.  Carneros ~ Certified Sustainable. Double Gold SFC

Baileyana Pinot Noir 2011   ($24.99 During Tasting)

• This is a big Pinot, with great acid structure, but soft, smooth tannins. Aromas are of anise, cola and deep dark cherry along with smoky barrel notes. Flavors of candied cherry and red licorice are followed by a spicy mid-palate and a nice vanillin, faintly smoky finish.

Amelie Malbec    ($12.99 During Tasting)

• Once a Bordeaux blending grape, Malbec is now the calling card of Argentina.  Beaucanon shows a California interpretation, made by a French winemaker in Napa.

Honig Cabernet 2011    ($36.99 During Tasting)

• An elegant, balanced Cabernet with flavors of black cherry, plum, and black tea, and hints of nutmeg, allspice, cassis, vanilla, and anise. The broad mid-palate is rich, the finish is long, and the tannins are lush.  Has not been scored yet, but the 2010 got a 93 rating from Wine Spectator.

Bonaccorsi Syrah 2006     ($24.99 During Tasting)

• Explosive aromas of blackberry, mulberry, smoked meat and dark chocolate. Deep, palate-staining dark berry flavors are energized by a note of cracked pepper and pick up floral character with aeration.

See you all Friday!

The Jonathan’s Wine Tasting tour bus will visit five different AVA’s here in California while concentrating on what each does best.  The cool climate of the Russian River AVA as well as the Sonoma Coast AVA are well known for their Chardonnay’s and we have two great ones on tap, Dutton Goldfield and Athair.  We will stay in the cool climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands for a Miura Pinot Noir before moving on to Napa for the stellar T-Vine Merlot.  The evening will end in Paso Robles with a nice blend from RN Estate.

Bordeaux is the largest wine growing area in France. It is responsible for producing wines ranging from large quantities of everyday table wine, to some of the most expensive and prestigious wines in the world.  On Saturday Jonathan’s wine tasters will experience Bordeaux, and taste wines ranging from every day wines like the Barons de Lafitte Rothschild, to the prestigious Grand Cru Chateaux Smith Haut Lafitte.  It will not be an event to miss.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, October 25th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, October 26th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, October 25th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “A California Tour”:

2011 Dutton Goldfield Russian River Chardonnay ($35.99)

• This presents a rich mix of white peach, nectarine and white flowers, both potent and graceful, lingering with a citrusy finish. Drink now through 2018.” James Laube – Wine Spectator – 90 Points!

2012 Athair Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($29.99)

• Our 2012 Sonoma Coast Sangiacomo Vineyards Chardonnay was produced from vineyards perfectly suited for Chardonnay grapes with the coastal influence and well-drained soils.  The Sangiacomo Family practices what they call ‘precision viticulture’ which includes pruning, irrigation and canopy management in close partnership with their clients to maximize quality and minimize environmental impact. Jim is very involved in this process, making adjustments along the way to foster the qualities he desires in the wine. This Chardonnay has a golden-hued color and aromas of honeydew melon and pear. On the palate it displays a juicy mix of concentrated flavors, smooth textures and a dollop of creamy, European butter. Excellent natural acidity lends depth, balance, and a lingering finish and allows it to have a cellaring potential of 5-7 years.

2007 Miura Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($49.99)

• “Deep blueberry and black raspberry fruit notes intermixed with hints of charcoal and incense emerge from this medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir. Silky tannins, good acidity, and a layered, rich mouthfeel suggest it can be drunk over the next few years.” R Parker – Wine Advocate – 91 Points!

2008 T-Vine Napa Valley Merlot ($37.99)

• There are just 420 cases of T-Vine’s Napa Valley Merlot out in the world, and it’s a sad thing, since it’s just the kind of Merlot detractors need to taste to redeem this varietal’s damaged reputation. Made from fruit grown on Calistoga’s Kenefick Ranch, this Merlot is beautiful, with plum and blueberry fruit, saddle leather and spice, all coming together in wonderful, integrated harmony.

2005 RN Estate Pasa Robles Cuvee De Trois ($49.99)

• 59% cabernet sauvignon, 23% cabernet franc and 18% merlot) Ruby-red. Fresh blackberry and oak spice aromas are suave and impressively pure. Lush, open-knit dark berry and red cherry flavors are tannin-free and quite deep, finishing with an echo of vanilla and baking spices. This is drinking very well now.” Steven Tanzer – 90 Points – Tanzer International Wine Cellar

Saturday, October 26th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of “Bordeaux”:

2011 Barons de Rothschild Bordeaux Blanc ($17.99)

• 60% Semillon 40% Sauvignon Blanc this wine is a bright, pale straw-yellow in color. The nose is intense and elegant, with good aromatic complexity of white flowers, citrus fruit, and mineral notes. The palate has a good balance between body and liveliness.  It shows aromas of fresh fruit with a long finish. This is a wine for pleasure, intense and easy- drinking.

2011 Barons de Rothschild Bordeaux ($17.99)

• Barons de Rothschild Lafite Collection Reserve Speciale Bordeaux is a wine that comes awfully close to having one of the highest-priced sounding names in the world.  That is because of its proximity to Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, the first-growth estate of Pauillac in the Medoc region of France. The primary elements on the palate are in fact quite directly built of merlot. Acids bolster the fruit to give it a little verve, but the tannins are subdued. The bright finish does end very clean.

2005 Domaine de la Solitude ($24.99)

• A garnet red in color with a light rim. The nose is dominated by juicy plums, blackberries, vanilla and a slight hint of blackcurrant. Displays a light mouth feel for a wine with 55 % Cabernet Sauvignon. The 35% Merlot is surprisingly dominating.  Right now the wine has very little tannins, nevertheless, it is a balanced and delicate Bordeaux.

2005 Chateau Le Doyenne ($29.99)

• “A sensational bargain, this unfined/unfiltered blend of 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc exhibits a deep ruby color along with a big, sweet nose of sandy, loamy soil, spice wood, damp earth, and copious quantities of cherries and currants. Hedonistic, lush, elegant, and pure, it can be enjoyed over the next 3-4 years”. Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 88 Points!

2006 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte ($99.99)

• “A top-notch success, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2006 Smith-Haut-Lafitte offers aromas of smoky, juicy black currants, graphite, earth, truffles, and forest floor. Full-bodied with superb purity, noticeable but sweet tannins, this round, generous, long wine should drink nicely for 15-20+ years.  One can’t say enough about the work proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard have done at Smith-Haut-Lafitte.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 93 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

This week the Jonathan’s wine tasting tour will be heading to South America for two great events highlighting wines that received great reviews.

On Friday we will taste wines of Argentina.  All five wines on tap received a minimum of 90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.  We will enjoy a nice Torrontes and Chardonnay before moving to the reds.  The red wines include a Zolo Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bordeaux blend highlighted by Malbec from Cuvelier Los Andes, and then finally the highly acclaimed Luca Malbec.

On Saturday we will taste wines of Chile.  Likewise, it is a group of wines which were awarded fantastic press.  I am excited to pour three new wines which have never been carried at Jonathan’s from Errazuiz winery.  We will begin with the Errazuiz Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, then taste a Syrah and Cabernet from Casa Lapostolle, before culminating with the weekends brightest star the Errazuiz Don Maximiano which received 94+ Points from Robert Parker. I tasted this wine for the first time this week and it is absolutely stunning.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, October 18th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, October 19th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, October 18th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of “Argentina”:

2012 Hermanos Torrontes ($16.99)

• “Beginning with the entry-level Hermanos range, the 2012 Hermanos Torrontes from Cafayate in Salta is from 26-year-old vines. It has a superb bouquet of peach skin, pear and a hint of lime flower that has a Riesling-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and a precise, mineral-rich finish that shows what Torrontes can do in the right hands. Excellent. Drink now-2016.” Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 92 Points!

2011 Catena Alta Chardonnay ($39.99)

• “The 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+” Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 93 Points!

2010 Zolo Cabernet ($24.99)

• “The 2010 Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy follow-up to the 2009. It has a sedate, well-defined bouquet of kirsch, cranberry, raspberry and that gravel note. The palate is full-bodied and well-balanced with earthy ripe black fruit. It is a little broody, but draws you in, and the finish is powerful but wonderfully focused. This is a classy Cabernet. Drink 2013-2020+” Neal Martin- Wine Advocate 93 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.  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.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 92 Points!

2010 Luca Malbec ($35.99)

• “The 2010 Malbec (100%) was sourced from 46-year-old vines and spent 16 months in 60% new French oak. It offers up an inviting nose of exotic spices, incense, cherry cola, wood smoke, and black cherry. On the palate it opens to reveal a plush, moderately structured Malbec that will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age. Drink this lengthy, seamless effort from 2013 to 2022.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 93 Points!

Saturday, October 19th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of “Chile”:

2012 Errazuriz Max Reserva Sauv Blanc ($22.99)

• “Hot off the press, the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc shows great promise. The nose is vibrant and peachy with great definition and vigor. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, lively lime-tinged fruit and a refined, clean crisp finish. This should be worth seeking out when it becomes available later this year. Drink 2013-2017.” Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2011 Errazuriz Max Reserva Chardonnay

• “The 2011 Chardonnay sourced from Aconcagua is fermented in French oak, 5% new, then aged for 10 months. It has a taut, minimalist bouquet with citric peel and freshly cut lime, while the palate offers ripe mango and passion fruit, crisp acidity and a clean, apricot and peach tinged finish. This is a fine, flavorsome Chardonnay. Drink now-2015.” Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2005 Lapostolle Syrah Las Kuras Vineyard ($37.99)

• “Casa Lapostolle is French owned by the proprietors of Grand Marnier.The 2005 Syrah Los Kuras Vineyard “Cuvee Alexandre” is a saturated purple color with alluring scents of meat, game, bacon, and blueberry. Layered, ripe, and full-flavored on the palate, this lengthy wine will reveal greater complexity with another 2-3 years of cellaring. Drink it from 2010 to 2018.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2009 Lapostolle Cabernet ($24.99)

• The 2009 Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon is a 95% cluster selection raised in French oak for 12 months (43% new). It has an expressive, rich bouquet with macerated dark cherries and a touch of cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, taut tannins. It has good structure and backbone, fine balance but with a rather terse, tannic finish that needs a couple of years to soften. Drink 2013-2018.” Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 88+ Points!

2007 Errazuriz Founders Reserve ($89.99)

• The 2007 Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Syrah that spent 20 months in new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it surrenders an enticing nose of toasty new oak, graphite, scorched earth, cinnamon, clove, violets, blueberry, and blackberry. On the palate, it reveals a suave personality that combines elegance and power. Impeccably balanced, it has the structure to evolve for 4-6 years and should provide pleasure through 2027.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 94+ Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

This week we welcome Jeff Cruz from Duckhorn Winery to the El Cajon wine bar.  Jeff will be pouring his favorite wines for our enjoyment, including Duckhorn Merlot and Duckhorn Cabernet!

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.  If you’ve been to Napa Valley, you’ve probably visited Duckhorn.  If not, you owe it to yourself to go, as their tasting room on the Silverado Trail is as classy and as fun as it gets in Napa!

We hope you’ll join us Friday to taste what many consider the finest set of wines ever assembled in California.

See you all Friday!

~ Patrick Campbell

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, October 18th, 2013  5pm – 7pm

759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
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Duckhorn Wine Tasting

This weeks selections: $15.00

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2012    ($26.99 During Tasting)

• Duckhorn sets the benchmark for Sauv Blanc.  A smooth-textured entry gives way to tingling acidity that shows off the citrus elements beautifully, while adding length to flavors of cantaloupe, Asian pear and Fuji apple.

Decoy Chardonnay 2012    ($16.99 During Tasting)

• The palate is soft and velvety, offering vibrant citrus flavors intermingled with rich tropical fruit. Excellent acidity adds length and brightness to a satisfying finish.

Duckhorn Merlot 2010   ($47.99 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.  Another benchmark setting wine from Duckhorn.

Duckhorn Cabernet 2010    ($55.99 During Tasting)

• On the palate, the entry is soft and smooth with blueberry and bittersweet chocolate flavors, as well as notes of red currant, cedar and sweet spice. The tannins are firm and youthful on the long finish, adding structure and the promise of a long life in the cellar.

Decoy Red Blend 2011    ($24.99 During Tasting)

• Abundant layers of dark fruit and well-developed tannins, with rich fruit notes on the palate, and  a long, structured finish. Blend: 47% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot

Paraduxx Red Blend 2011    ($37.99 During Tasting)

• This wine is rich and mouth coating with abundant blackberry jam, bramble and holiday spice flavors. The finish is long and lingering with subtle notes of vanilla, dried tobacco leaf, tarragon and chocolate-covered cherries. Blend: 63% Zinfandel, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot

See you all Friday!