This Friday we will be sampling some great wines from Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles.

More than a decade ago, 1996 to be exact, Niner Wine Estates owner Dick Niner came to Paso Robles to investigate a sunglass manufacturer called Dioptics that was in some sort of financial/management difficulty. Eventually Niner gained control of the company and in doing so, fell in love with the surrounding area. He began visiting wineries in the Paso Robles area and learned what he could about the groundswell of attention the entire Central Coast area was receiving on a national and international basis. He asked a bunch of questions and finally made the decision to attempt to acquire some property that he could make into a winery. Niner Wine Estates owns and operates three estate vineyards: Bootjack Ranch located on the east side of Paso Robles, Heart Hill Vineyard located on the west, and Jespersen Vineyard located in the Edna Valley.

Niner winemaker, Amanda Cramer, has held positions at Far Niente, Chimney Rock, and Paradigm and also furthered her craft in both Australia and Chile.

We are sure you will enjoy these wines.

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 8th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

This weeks selections: $15.00

NINER SAUV BLANC ($22.99 During Tasting)

• Balanced on the palate with bright acidity and tropical fruit flavors of kiwi, pineapple and lychee, this S/B lends itself to many food-pairing possibilities. 93 Points – Gold Medal Central Coast Wine Competition.

SUMMERS CHARDONNAY RSV ($22.99 During Tasting)

• Fermented and aged sur lie for eight months in French Oak, this Alexander Valley wine possesses a golden color, lovely fragrance layers of pineapple, pear, apple and lemon cream pie, with a soft finish of nutmeg and citrus blossoms.

NINER SANGIOVESE ($22.99 During Tasting)

• Aromas include malt chocolate, hot cocoa mix, a dried woody character and tart cran-cherry. Vanilla, caramel and nutmeg baking spices round out the velvety flavor profile, with big texture and good tannin structure. In true Italian-style, this Sangiovese simply begs for food! 94 Points – Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle  Competition

 NINER TWISTED SPUR ($27.99 During Tasting)

• 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. 91 Points – LA Competition

NINER FOG CATCHER ($46.99 During Tasting)

• Beginning with wood characters followed by tart berry and lovely notes of rosemary and thyme, the flavors are full and big but not overripe, with chalky tannins and a long, dry leafy finish. Gold San Francisco Chronicle Competition.

NINER PETITE SYRAH ($22.99 During Tasting)

• This wine is well-structured with complex fruit characteristics of plum and blackberry intertwined with pleasing herbal notes. On the nose, there are hints of cedar. In the mouth, the wine is rich yet dry, with chewy tannins and an extended, lingering finish. 90 Points – Rhone Report

See you all at the tasting!

On Friday night we have a special guest joining us. Susan Fobes from Tamber Bey Vineyards will be with us to discuss and sample some of their great wines. Tamber Bey is a family-owned and operated winery that produces wine from its two estate owned vineyards at the heart of the Napa Valley, the Estate Vineyard in the Oakville Appellation and the Deux Chevaux Vineyard in the Yountville Appellation. In 2008, Winemaker Thomas Brown  made history as the youngest winemaker to score not just one, but two perfect “100 point” scores from Robert M. Parker’s, The Wine Advocate at Schrader Winery.

On Saturday we will sample sample some French and California Rhone’s. The Rhône is generally divided into two sub-regions with distinct vinicultural traditions.  The northern region produces red wines from the Syrah grape, sometimes blended with white wine grapes, and white wines from Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier grapes. The southern region produces an array of red and whites, often blends of several grapes such as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. American Rhone-style wines are made from the same grapes that have flourished for centuries in France, and to their growing popularity in America speak to their versatility with food, wide range, and skills of American winemakers.

Hope to see you out this weekend.

- Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 2nd, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, August 2nd, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Tamber Bey: (15% Off During Tasting)

2012 Chardonnay Trio Vineyard (Was $34.99) (Tonight: $28.99)

• 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. 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 Sauvignon Blanc (Was $29.99) (Tonight: $24.99)

• This 100% Sauvignon Blanc shows a clean expression of the varietal. The nose is all boxwood and gooseberry with a touch of pear and whole nutmeg. In the mouth, the wine is really fresh with a bright acidity. Lime, grapefruit and mineral notes are lingering with a hint of gun powder and a fresh hazelnut finish.

2010 Cabernet Deux Chevaux (Was $44.99) (Tonight: $37.99)

• The nose offers a mix of dark stone fruit intermingled with light notes of leather, earth, beef broth, cacao powder and black licorice. Black currant and black cherry sweetness is followed by notes of cola. The finish provides rich flavors of tobacco leaves, crushed stone and bitter chocolate. This elegant, medium-bodied wine is a classic expression of a valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon.

2010 Rabicano (Was $54.99) (Tonight: $45.99)

• The 2010 Rabicano introduces itself with vivid, dark ruby color outlined with a pink rim. The floral nose expresses red raspberries and strawberries mixed with incense, sage and a hint of clove. The mouth feel is lush and creamy, thanks to the addition of Merlot that tones down the bold structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Pomegranate and red currant fruit intermixes with spices and smokiness. The finish delivers notes of graphite and clay.

2007 Cabernet Oakville (Was $134.99) (Tonight: $114.99)

• The dark garnet color leads to an enormous nose of pure cassis, black cherries and classic Oakville notes of saddle leather, lead pencil shavings and dried herbs. True to this site, this wine reveals perfectly ripened Cabernet Sauvignon fruit enveloped into a pillowy-like texture on the mid pallet. Here it gains intensity propelling the finish into a rush of exotic black and red fruits slathered with chocolaty nuances and powdery tannins that melt away.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines from French and California Rhone’s

2008 Tablas Creek Esprit Blanc ($44.99)

• 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.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 94 Points!

2009 Clos Du Papes CDP Blanc ($99.99)

• Creme brulee notes intermixed with honeysuckle, peach and apricot marmalade are all present in this gorgeous wine, which possesses good definition but lower acidity and less minerality than the 2010. It is certainly a more flattering and exuberant style, so there is a choice between two completely contrasting vintages of the white wine from Clos des Papes.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate – 94 Points!

2009 Andrieux & Fils Cotes du Rhone Villages ($14.99)

• This outstanding 2009 vintage gives this wine a beautiful deep ruby color and a well concentrated nose with old vines offering complexity with aromas of raspberry and blackberry. The mouth is rich, round, and very well balanced delivering a long and smooth finish.

2006 Leal Vineyards “Threesome” ($24.99)

• Comprised of 66% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 9% Mourvedre, this wine has a gorgeous nose of ripe blackberry fruit, cassis, milk chocolate and baked cherry. Fabulous depth and fresh acidity help create a full-bodied wine that is layered with complexity and flavor.

2008 Tablas Creek Esprit Rouge ($44.99)

• The 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel flows with sweet dark cherries, flowers, tobacco and spices. It is a beautiful, classically built wine graced with striking inner perfume, lovely mid-palate juiciness and a round, utterly harmonious finish. Well-integrated, silky tannins linger on the close. This is a fabulous wine from Tablas Creek. My sense is that the wine should be tasted upon release and then again only after a number of years in bottle. In 2008 the blend is 38% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 26% Syrah and 6% Counoise. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate – 94 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

Blind Tasting Challenge this Friday in El Cajon.

There is no such thing as a universal tasting experience, and no such thing as a perfect palate.  Each of us has differing sensitivities and abilities, and the deductive tasting method allows all tasters to discover their strengths and weaknesses, to gather the most complete set of descriptors, and to build a personal storehouse of descriptors, in order to skillfully analyze and identify wines in a blind tasting.  By developing and practicing these skills, the taster becomes adept at understanding the style, character and quality of all the wines that he or she is assessing.

The Deductive Tasting Method breaks down into four criteria:

• Sight – Provides valuable information about a wine’s age or condition
• Nose – The most important aspect of tasting, smell is 85% of taste
• Palate – Confirming what you have already smelled
• Conclusion – Taking evidence gained and known “markers” to form the best possible conclusion.

Join us Friday evening at Harvest Ranch Market in El Cajon, as we sharpen our tasting skills with a Blind Tasting of an array of stellar wines!

I look forward to seeing you here.

- Patrick Campbell

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 2nd, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Giorgio Rivetti of La Spinetta in Piedmont started out as a Moscato d’Asti producer but dreamed of making a serious red wine. First he got into Barbera with his extraordinary Cà di Pian. Next he took on Barbaresco and Barolo and became a powerhouse in the region. Now at La Spinetta’s estate in Tuscany, he’s producing a stunning Vermentino.

The Howell Mountain AVA is an American Viticultural Area located within Napa Valley AVA. Howell Mountain is located in the Howell Mountains on the northeast side of Napa Valley around the town of Angwin, and overlooks the town of St. Helena, California.

Designated an AVA in 1983, Howell Mountain was the first sub-appellation within Napa Valley AVA. Most vineyards in the Howell Mountain AVA are planted between 1,400 feet and 2,200 feet above sea level, well above the elevations in Napa Valley that are most affected by the cool fog and winds from San Pablo Bay. The soil in the appellation is volcanic with excellent drainage. It is an ideal terroir for Cabernet and Merlot.

See you in La Jolla.

Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, July 19th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, July 20th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, July 19th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Georgio Rivetti “La Spinetta”

2010 La Spinetta Moscato D’Asti ($19.99)

• “The 2010 Moscato d’Asti Bricco Quaglia is simply lovely in this vintage. Clean, minerally notes frame a precise, beautifully sculpted core of fragrant, varietal fruit. This is a winner from La Spinetta.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 89 Points!

2010 La Spinetta Vermentino ($19.99)

• Light golden color. Rich yet complex bouquet with scents of pine and sea grass. A perfect example of what Vermentino should be, brimming with fruits and floral notes adding minerals at the end. Medium-bodied with fresh peach and lime. The crisp acidity and long finish help show this wine’s true indigenous Tuscan class. Serve with poultry, fish and any type of appetizers a classic bruschetta (garlic and newly pressed olive oil on toast), with pastas such as cacia pepe or pesto.

2005 Casa Della Spinetta ($34.99)

• The 2005 Colorino di Casanova is the darkest and most powerful of these three wines. A dark, plush core of wild cherries, plums, underbrush, leather and licorice hides behind a wall of imposing tannins. The wine needs a few years for the elements to meld together, but there seems to be quite a bit of potential here as the wine opened up beautifully with some time in the glass. Sweet menthol, spice and mineral notes linger on the long, satisfying finish. This is a beautiful effort from Giorgio Rivetti. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2007 La Spinetta Nebiolo ($34.99)

• “The 2007 Langhe Nebbiolo is simply beautiful. Medium in body, it floats on the palate with red cherries, flowers, spices and minerals, showing an ethereal, delicate personality that is utterly convincing. The fruit blossoms nicely on the palate, with an attractive roundness that balances that tannins exceptionally well. This entry-level red is the hidden gem in La Spinetta’s line-up, and it is highly recommended.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 91 Points!

2004 Campe Della Spinetta Barolo ($99.99)

• “Good full medium red. Explosive aromas of strawberry, mocha, dried flowers, minerals and caramel. Powerful and tight-gained, with terrific concentration and grip. This very backward, minty wine comes across as cooler than the 2004 Barbarescos and all the better for it. A wine with outstanding depth of texture and big, building, thoroughly ripe tannins.” Wine Spectator 95 Points! “Georgio Rivetti is running the risk of compromising his non-riserva bottlings” – Robert Parker 93 Points Wine Advocate!

Saturday, July 20th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the Battle of Howell Mountain Merlot

2008 The Terraces Chardonnay ($24.99)

• “There’s lots to like about this cool-climate Chardonnay, from the ripe pineapple, kiwi and lime flavors to the rich touch of lees and vanilla. It has a sharp cut of acidity that’s almost Champagne-like, and calls for extremely rich fare to balance.” Wine Enthusiast 87 Points!

2012 Cade Sauvignon Blanc ($27.99)

• For the 2012 vintage, Cade’s winemaking team sourced fruit for this bottling from key growers in the Napa Valley and blended the Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon to enhance the wine’s mouthfeel and aroma. Notes of tropical fruit and lemon zest greet your palate with a clean, refreshing finish. As the first organically farmed, LEED Gold Certified Winery in the Napa Valley, Cade takes pride in not just thinking green but acting green.

2006 Bravante Merlot ($46.99)

• Their Merlot has long garnered attention and is the wine they have been known for, for a number of years. This is not a delicate Merlot by any means. Rather its a big mountain grown wine that expresses rich dark mountain grown fruit and more resembles a Cabernet Sauvignon than your typical Merlot. The 2006 vintage is a dark wine with big aromas including chocolate, blackberry and hints of sage. The wine is very concentrated, especially on the mid palate. The finish shows dusty expressive tannins which are broadly distributed; this helps maintain a very balanced structure.

2005 Ladera Merlot ($49.99)

• The 2005 Ladera Merlot is dark ruby in the glass, but leaning more heavily toward garnet than one might expect for a 2005. The nose is fruit-centric with black cherry, canned plum and cassis accented gently by notes of spice and coffee. The palate is nearly full-bodied with strong tannins but a finish of just medium length. Flavors include black cherry, espresso, dark chocolate and dark spice. The 2005 Ladera Merlot Howell Mountain is a well-crafted wine with attractive flavors.

2006 La Jota Merlot ($59.99)

• “The 2006 Merlot (99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon) is unquestionably a sleeper of the vintage. Lots of chocolate, cocoa, black cherry, earth, and subtle herbs make for a creamy, lush, full-bodied, sexy wine that is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate 90 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

Legend has it the ugly duckling is passed over by everyone, until finally, it becomes the beautiful swan; at which point everyone wants it.

This Friday at El Cajon, we will sample some “ugly duckling wines” that have been passed over on a consistent basis for more popular brethren.  Our contention is that these wines are ready to morph into “swan status”.

Stop by and join us…….! You’re sure to uncover a swan or two!

See you here.

Patrick Campbell

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, July 19th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

This weeks selections:

Laird Chardonnay Red Hen Vineyard. 2010 ($25.99 During Tasting)

• Considering the amount of vineyard land the Lairds own, and the fact that Paul Hobbs makes their wine, Laird Chard does not get the recognition one might think.  Add to this the fact that the 09 vintage got great press, and a 93 point score from Wine Spectator, and you see why it landed on our “Ugly Duckling List”.

Field Recordings Fiction Blend 2011 ($11.99 During Tasting)

• A blend of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat that is ripe, sweetly fruited, and surprisingly food friendly.  Sure to please anyone who likes Caymus Conundrum (but wants to spend a little less!).  Winemaker Andrew Jones spends most of his time planting and tending vineyards around California, which allows him to get access to small lots of fine fruit from around the state.

Torii Mor Pinot Noir 2005 ($49.99 During Tasting)

• “It’s a pleasure to taste Oregon Pinot from vines this old; they have a certain grace and sensuous elegance that the young vines can’t muster. Beautiful aromas are complex with mixed fruits, hints of mushroom and dried leaves. It’s a silky, nicely defined wine that should age along Burgundian lines.” 91 points Wine Enthusiast

Ch. De Bel  2009 ($14.99 During Tasting)

• With the sheer number of Bordeaux wines on the market, it’s no wonder Ch. De Bel gets overlooked.  However, this wine over delivers in a massive way.  It’s made so many Best Buy lists, it’s easier to just say “remember de Bel”.  2009 was also a great vintage for Bordeaux!

Robert Foley Charbono 2007 ($29.99 During Tasting)

• Ripeness and brightness together, tannins silky soft, and a nicely balanced, tangy acidity resolve in a long flavorful finish.  This suave and distinctive wine is very food-friendly: Winemaker Foley suggests pairing it with oily sea bass or pork-or pizza or a cheeseburger.” 90 points ST.

Darms Lane Cabernet 2009 ($45.99 During Tasting)

• Darms Lane is one of those wineries that travels under the radar, but it really is worthy of your attention.  With this superb 2009 Cab from their Oak Knoll vineyard, they’re continuing a string of successful bottlings with prices that have held steady for many years. 93 points Wine Enthusiast

See you all at the tasting!

In celebration of our Independence Day I have decided to up the ante somewhat on our wines.  Therefore, our most faithful wine tasters are in for a treat. On Friday we will begin with a couple great value whites that successfully hold their own versus a number of more expensive whites.  The Foxglove Chardonnay has received 91 or 92 points from Robert Parker at only $15.00 cost.  From there we will move on to some really flashy big California Cabernet’s.  The night will be highlighted by the 2008 Forman Cabernet.  Robert Parker has touted Forman as “One of the better values in high-end California Cabernet.”

On Saturday we also have a stellar lineup in store.  We will once again keep it local in honor of the July 4^th celebration.  As with Friday we will start with a couple great value whites before moving into some blockbuster red blends.  Both the BSide Red Blend, as well as Kuleta’s Frog Prince Bordeaux Blend are brand new editions to Jonathan’s, that I tasted recently and was very excited to bring aboard.  Anyone who has had a chance to taste the Niner wines I just brought in should be anxious to give these a whirl.  The night will culminate with the 2007 Cain Five, possibly the most highly touted wine we have opened at a tasting yet.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, July 5th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, July 6th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, July 5th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring California Big Reds

2011 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc ($12.99)

• “Lemongrass, Meyer lemon, apple and tangy apricot flavors are aromatic, bright and very refreshing, with fresh ginger on the finish. Drink now.”  Wine Spectator 88 Points!

2011 Foxglove Chardonnay ($14.99)

• The Varner brothers make some of our favorite value wines in California under their “negociant” label, Foxglove–always fruit-filled, balanced and polished–and this $15 Chardonnay is a fantastic offering from the cool 2011 vintage. We like it, and so do the critics: the previous four vintages of Foxglove Chardonnay scored 90 or 91 in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and have been called “one of the top values in California wine.”

2009 Whitehall Lane Cabernet ($39.99)

• “What a beautiful wine this is for drinking now and over the next few years. it’s lush and approachable, but it also has plenty of complexity, offering waves of blackberry, cherry, red currant, mocha and delicately toasted oak.” Editors Choice 92 points Wine Enthusiast

2007 Jaffe Estate Metamorphosis ($59.99)

• Classic bench-land, Napa Cabernet Sauvignon flavors with ripe, Bing cherry and plum most prominent.  The palate is weighted towards the entry which is big and bright.  This launches the fruit across the palate to a fine, elegant finish.  Supple tannins extend from the palate entry to the finish without showing a rough edge.  Polish and balance is the theme for this delicious wine.  The finish is extended by a harmonious suggestion of vanilla and spice. This is a thoroughly contemporary bottling made in a traditional style which reinterprets qualities that made Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon famous: balance, elegance, restraint and longevity.

2008 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon($89.99)

• “One of the better values in high end Napa Cabernet, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Elegant Bordeaux-like aromas of berries, loamy soil, graphite, mocha, black currants and cedar are followed by a medium-bodied, stylish wine with excellent texture, underlying floral notes and a long finish. Nearly as French-like as Napa’s Dominus wines, it should age effortlessly for 10-15 years.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91 Points; Wine Spectator 93 Points; Stephen Tanzer 92 Points!

Saturday, July 6th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring California Meritage

2011 Whitehall Lane Sauv Blanc ($19.99)

• This 2011 wine follows Whitehall Lane’s style of a fruit forward and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. 70% of the fruit was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and 30% in new French oak barrels. The barrel-fermented portion was aged for only seven weeks. Utilizing both tank and barrels for fermenting accentuates the crisp fruit flavors and layers of complexity. 12% Semillon was blended in for enhanced sweet, round flavors and mouth-feel. This is a refreshing wine with aromas of grapefruit, lemon grass and just a hint of toasty oak. It is light to medium bodied and delivers rich and mouth watering citrus flavors, excellent balance and a clean finish.

2009 Clos Du Val Chardonnay ($24.99)

• Clos Du Val’s 2009 Chardonnay is pale gold in color with aromas of crème brulée accented with hints of pear, white peach and apricot. The palate is met with rich, tropical fruit flavors and a subtle touch of citrus. While creamy and full bodied, this chardonnay exhibits a balance and elegance which are characteristic of Clos Du Val’s style. The result is a wine that complements food and culminates in a long, crisp finish.

2010 B-Side Red Blend ($24.99)

• In crafting the 2010 B Side Napa Valley Red Wine Blend, winemaker Greg Kitchens used five different varietals from over seven sub-appellations. The wine opens with a heady bouquet of black cherries, dried plums, blackberries and peat moss. One’s first sip is greeted by a flavorful cacophony of black currants, dried blueberries, and Blackstrap molasses with hints of black pepper and toasted coconut emerging on the finish. This full-bodied wine is lush and rich with finely integrated tannins, yet it also shows impeccable balance. If Cabernet Sauvignon represents the “A” side of Napa Valley, then this artfully blended wine demonstrates just how great the “B” side can be.

2009 Kuleto Frog Prince ($29.99)

• Kuleto’s Frog Prince is gorgeous, opulent, and intense.  A Bordeaux style blend of 67% Cabernet delivers right out of the bottle. Feels softly tannic, yet opulent, with enormously complex flavors of blackberry, cassis, cola, violets, minerals, cedar and finishing with a delicious cake batter note! This is a wine to savor now and cellar for easily a decade.

2007 Cain Five ($99.99)

• Cain makes some of the most classically styled and age-worthy red wines in California. They are not bawdy, voluptuous wines, but wines of grace and class. The 2007 Cain “Five” is the perfect example of this. From an incredible vintage where a lot of winemakers made flashy wines, this blend of 68% Cabernet, 16% Merot, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc shows remarkable restraint. Made entirely from fruit grown in the Cain Vineyard, the “Five” is balanced and rich, but still intense. It will benefit from aging five to seven years, and even up to a decade or more.

Hope to see you all out this weekend!