The Zinfandel Wine Tasting Event

Tasting Dates:

Friday, April 22nd, 2016 – 5pm to 7pm

Tasting Cost: $25

THE ZINFANDEL WINE TASTING:

Here are the wines we have selected to share with you.

• Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley – $29.99 (Glass Price: $14) This is a big fat, juicy fruit bomb of a Zin.  Velvet textured , full bodied, heady, aromatic and flamboyant.  So silky it’s impossible to resist!

• Rombauer, California – $29.99 (Glass Price: $14) This is the brand new release (last week) of Rombauer’s most popular red wine.  Lush and concentrated with plenty of ripe cherry, vanilla, blackberry and spice.  The perfect summer BBQ wine.

• Seghesio, Sonoma – $27.99 (Glass Price: $13) Showing plenty of earth, white pepper, saddle leather and dark berry fruit.  Rich and ripe on the palate and a luscious texture.  Always great!

• Boneshaker, Lodi - $19.99 (Glass Price: $9) Aromas of dried plums, black cherry jam and a hint of vanilla.  One sip unveils blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice.  91 pts Wine Enthusiast!

• Ch. Montelena, Napa Valley - $39.99 (Glass Price: $19) Cocoa, espresso and cedar on the nose followed by flavors of blackberry, fig, and mint.  Quite dense and rich with great balance. Nice new package!

Special Event Bottle Pricing:

Purchase 3 Bottles – Save 10%
Purchase a Case (12) – Save 15%

NOTE: If you purchase a case of wine (12 bottles) we will refund your $25.00 tasting fee on top of the 15% discount.

Meat/Cheese Pricing:

Small Plate $9.99
Large Plate $14.99

To reserve a space for this event, sign up on our Facebook event page.

Some of our wines are steady sellers because they are customer favorites and we’ll share some of them with you at this weekend’s tasting. What they all have in common is that they are particularly food-friendly.

We’ll start off with a cool-climate Chardonnay and then focus on the reds, with a fruity Pinot Noir from coastal grapes, a highly rated Italian Chianti Classico and an equally high-rated Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah. We’re also featuring the popular Decoy Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon.

Please stop by and enjoy the company of your fellow tasters and host Bill Callahan, who will put out another fine assortment of cheeses and other goodies.

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, July 18th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, July 19th, 2014 3pm-5pm

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

This weekends selections: $15.00

Navarra Correas Chardonnay 2009      ($11.99 During Tasting)

• Grapes for this Argentina white originate in high-altitude vineyards located in the foothills of the Andes. Alluring aromas of fresh apple, pear and citrus are apparent in the elegant bouquet and linger on the palate.

Terlan Pinot Noir 2010     ($16.99 During Tasting)

• This Italian red offers a fresh, stimulating nose with an aromatic spectrum ranging from blackberry to a hint of cherry brandy with notes of licorice. On the palate it offers a delightful balance between ripe fruit and a delicate tannin structure which confers elegance on this minerally red wine.

Antucura Malbec 2012     ($15.99 During Tasting)

• A knockout Argentina red from Mendoza that has posted some amazing scores from critics and we challenge you to find a better wine at this price. Ripe red fruit and floral aromas and a full, soft and lush palate with notes of cherries, sour cherries and blackberries on the finish. – 95 Pts Decanter Magazine

Newton Cabernet Sauvignon 2010     ($25.99 During Tasting)

• Our string of great ’10 Napa cabs continues with this richly flavored and beautifully balanced wine. Layers of black plum, white chocolate, vanilla and anise aromas leap from the glass. On the palate, smoky plum, blackberry and supple leather flavors are supported by smooth yet substantial tannins.

  Sandalford Shiraz 2004     ($27.99 During Tasting)

• The winemaker recommended cellaring for at least a decade so here we are with a fantastic shiraz with a nose and palate loaded with super-ripe blackberries, mulberries and plum flavors. Blended in are the traditional shiraz spicy elements of pepper, cinnamon and anise.

Included in the selection are a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, a French Gamay, an Argentine Bonarda and a luscious Italian blend. Please stop by and enjoy this flight of wines with our fine cheeses and snacks.

~ Patrick

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, June 13th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, June 14th, 2014 3pm-5pm

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

Featuring the “Hidden Gems Wine Tasting”

This weekends selections: $15.00

Benziger Chardonnay 2011    ($12.99 During Tasting)

• Has well-developed flavors, from long hang times that the cool growing season allowed. This vibrant, engaging wine is bursting with mouth-watering fruit and lively acid. Flavors of lemon, apple, pear and apricot pop on the palate, before subtle, creamy butter and meringue notes and a luscious, refreshing finish.

Patton Valley Pinot Noir 2012   ($19.99 During Tasting)

• Aromas of graphite, cherry crumble, coriander and rose petals grace the expressive bouquet of this Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. On the palate this wine exhibits flavors of brown sugar, red cherry and citrus rind with big, yet soft tannins. The wine finishes with a touch of acidity and a rich mouthfeel.”

Morgon Gamay 2005   ($21.99 During Tasting)

• A product of Burgundy, Beaujolais, notably Morgon and Moulin à Vent, can taste more and more like Pinot as they age, even though they are made exclusively from Gamay grapes.  This vintage offers aromas of blackcurrant and raspberry, leading to pleasing fullness on the palate.

Tilia Bonardo 2011   ($10.99 During Tasting)

• The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and very good weight. There is an underlying minerality here, a sense of symmetry that is very satisfying. Light on its feet and pretty on the saline-tinged finish, this is a superb Argentine Bonarda.

Poggio Bonelli Tramonto 2005   ($42.99 During Tasting)

• The intense and persistent bouquet of red jams and spices (pepper, cinnamon) gives way to hints of tobacco and cocoa. Powerful tannins on the palate. Warm and savory on the finish. 85% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot.

“Let’s Go Cabbing Tasting”

It’s been a while since we’ve sampled a flight of Cabernet Sauvignon so let’s do it this weekend. We’ll open up with a lush Orogeny Russian River Chardonnay before moving into the reds.

The first Cab comes from Tuscany, a Tommasi Poggio al Tufo, followed by a Columbia Valley, Wash. Cab, our own favorite Press Cellars from Napa and we’ll cheat a bit with a Cab blend from Farrier in Sonoma.

Please join your host, Bill Callahan, and sample this interesting assortment of terrific wines served up with our usual fine fruits and cheeses.

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, May 30th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, May 31st, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring the “Let’s Go Cabbing Tasting”

This weekends selections: $15.00

Orogeny Chardonnay 2012   ($23.99 During Tasting)

• This Chardonnay shows the lushness and brightness typical of the Russian River Valley’s cool climate. Tropical peach-mango overtones are balanced with bright Meyer lemon flavors for a food-friendly wine.

Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2011   ($13.99 During Tasting)

• “Fragrant, with intense aromas and flavors of black currant, cherry and licorice, augmented by spice. Supple and balanced, delivering vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins on the long finish.” - 91 Points Wine Spectator

Chateau St. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2012   ($15.99 During Tasting)

•  This winery always produced dependable Cabs and this one offers concentrated Washington red fruit in an accessible style. This is an inviting Cab with plenty of complexity and structure with silky tannins.

Press Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010   ($32.99 During Tasting)

• This Howell Mountain Napa Valley appellation is positioned well above the fog, leveling out spikes in heat that tend to be more exaggerated at lower elevations which, translates into a rich diversity of complexity and flavor in your glass. Robust, yet smooth on the palate.

Farrier Presshouse 2009   ($18.99 During Tasting)

• Okay, we snuck a blend in and it’s terrific with a mix of Cab, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley. The nose immediately captures your attention: pencil shavings, sandalwood, dried orange rind and black currant over lush, ripe blueberry. Rich and tasty blackberry flavors.

Their wines consistently score high ratings and are reasonably priced and we’ll share them with you this weekend. We’ll have some Casas Del Bosque representatives joining us to share their knowledge of these excellent wines, including a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Please join us. – Bill Callahan

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, February 28th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, March 1st, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring the “Bueno Chile!” Tastings

This weekends selections: $15.00

Casas Del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc 2013   ($11.99 During Tasting)

• Intense notes of key lime, grapefruit and fresh ginger dominate the nose and in the mouth there are bright flavors of ginger and citrus. – 90 Points Tanzer

Casas Del Bosque Chardonnay 2012    ($13.99 During Tasting)

• Aromas of walnut, ripe pear and quince dominate. In the mouth a citrus backbone finishes with a subtle smoky/woody note. – 90 Points Tanzer

Casas Del Bosque Pinot Noir 2012     ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Rich notes of crushed strawberry and bramble dominate the nose followed by spicy notes of cinnamon, cedar and red cherry. – 90 Points Tanzer

Casas Del Bosque Carmenere 2012     ($11.99 During Tasting)

• On the nose, notes of black pepper, black cherry with a hint of fresh rosemary. In the mouth red plum, sweet tobacco and cinnamon surface. – 89 Points Tanzer

Casas Del Bosque Cabernet Sauvignon 2012     ($13.99 During Tasting)

• Deep ruby red, on the nose this wine exhibits lifted notes of dark cherry, plum and expresso bean. In the mouth ample flavors of cassis, cinnamon and nutmeg dominate. – 91 Points Tanzer

See you all this weekend!

We’ll start off with an absolutely sensational Talbott Cuvee Audrey Chardonnay that won a 95-point rating from Robert Parker. Then, we’ll taste a Couer de Terre Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, from what was widely considered Oregon’s greatest vintage in 2008.

Next will be a William Hill Central Coast Merlot, a Domaine Font Sarade Vacqueyras Rhone blend, and a Stolpman Santa Ynez Syrah that Robert Parker also raved about. We’ll wrap up with a Rombauer Zinfandel. I think they’re all fun wines so please join me and see if you find any new favorites.

– Bill Callahan

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, February 21st, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, February 22nd, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring the “Let’s Have Fun” Tasting

This weekends selections: $15.00

Talbott Monterey Cuvee Audrey 2011   ($59.99 During Tasting)

• A delicious Chardonnay with heady, complex scents of candied peach, vanilla, anise and iodine, with a smoky element. – 95 Points Robert Parker

Coeur de Terre Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2008    ($29.99 During Tasting)

• This vintage is widely considered Oregon’s best and this smooth, focused offering was described by Wine Spectator as one of “10 Exciting Oregon Reds.”

William Hill Estate Central Coast Merlot 2012     ($13.99 During Tasting)

• A bold Merlot with aromas of blackberry, black cherry and toasty oak that set the stage for a palate of decadent black cherry, pepper and chocolate.

Domaine Font Sarade Vacqueyras 2007     ($16.99 During Tasting)

• An elegant, precise Rhone blend with sweet raspberry and candied cherry flavors, supple texture and good mineral lift. – 89 Points International Wine Cellar

Stolpman Syrah Santa Ynez Valley 2011     ($26.99 During Tasting)

• “Exhibiting pretty raspberry, flowers, violets, herbes de Provence and licorice, this medium-bodied, finesse oriented Syrah has good to moderate concentration and silky tannin.” – 90 Points Robert Parker

Rombauer Zinfandel 2011   ($20.99 During Tasting)

• Always a quality zin label, this Rombauer is dark red in color with a ruby hue and offers bursting aromas of ripe cranberries, blackberries and crushed raspberries.

See you all this weekend!

From there we’ll step up to three heavyweights that earned very high scores from the wine critics beginning with a Morgan Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. That will be followed by a Haywood Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon and a Landmark Sonoma Syrah.

Please join the flavorful tasting and merriment with your host, Bill Callahan, who, like Bruce Springsteen, was born in the U.S.A.

See you this weekend.

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, February 14th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, February 15th, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring “Made in the USA” Tasting

This weekends selections: $15.00

Great American Wine Co. Chardonnay 2012   ($10.99 During Tasting)

• This white was constructed with 100 percent Chardonnay grapes fermented in stainless steel to retain the vibrant fruit nature.

Great American Wine Co. Red Blend 2012    ($10.99 During Tasting)

• Dominated by the Zinfandel for which Rosenblum is noted, this fruit-forward wine also is blended with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Great American Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon 2012    ($10.99 During Tasting)

• Like the American spirit, this Cab has a bold, rugged character. The nose is big and captivating and black cherry flavors surface on the palate.

Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir 2012     ($27.99 During Tasting)

• Power and finesse from the Santa Lucia Highlands, this wine is incredibly food-versatile. Number 83 of WS Top 100 wines of 2012.

Haywood Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2009     ($46.99 During Tasting)

• This Los Chamizal Cab is a dark, rich winner with black cherry and cassis flavors carried in a long finish that earned a 93 Point Wine Spectator rating.

Landmark Steel Plow Syrah 2008   ($25.99 During Tasting)

• A splendid Syrah with a touch of Shiraz that earned 90 points from Robert Parker, who wrote “it represents a California version of a ripe, full-bodied Crozes-Hermitage from the northern Rhone Valley.”

See you all this weekend!

While the Super Bowl crowd back in New Jersey (not New York) fights off the chill we’ll begin our toasty afternoons with one of Patrick Campbell’s bargain finds: a sensual Carmenet ’12 Chardonnay that is delicious.

We’ll move on through and assortment of blends that combine classic Bordeaux and Rhone combinations from California vintners, including a return of the Steltzner claret (this time an ’08) that was your favorite a few months ago. JAM’s fruity blend of Sonoma grapes, another killer from always-dependable Adelaida in Paso Robles and an ‘05 Panacea Merlot-based Napa blend will follow.

We’ll wrap up with BV’s ’09 Beaurouge that the winery describes as “a symphony of tastes.” No surprise considering it’s a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Touriga and Mourvedre. It carries great fruit flavor without being jammy.

Stop in, pick out your favorites for your Super Bowl party and enjoy yourself with your gregarious host…

Bill Callahan

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, January 31st, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, February 1st, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring “Blend of the Month” Tasting

This weekends selections: $15.00

Carmenet Chardonnay 2012   ($8.49 During Tasting)

• We scored a terrific buy on this tasty, fruity Carneros Chardonnay and stocked up on it. This is a great bargain for the price.

JAM Sonoma Red Blend 2011   ($17.99 During Tasting)

• A Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend that is fruit-forward with strong flavors of blackberry and raspberry with hints of vanilla and clove.

Panacea Vendetta Napa Red 2005   ($19.99 During Tasting)

• Interesting blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot from the Spring Mountain District opens up nicely to berry flavors.

Steltzner Napa Claret 2008    ($17.99 During Tasting)

• You loved the ’07 and we think the next vintage of this Bordeaux-styled blend is better with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc.

BV Napa Beaurouge 2009    ($24.99 During Tasting)

• Wow! Kitchen sink blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Touriga and Mourvedre. Great fruit flavor without being jammy.

Adelaida Paso Robles Version 2008   ($29.99 During Tasting)

• Our friends on the Central Coast crafted this classic Rhone-style blend of Mourvedre, Syrah and Grenache that is impressively rich and smooth in flavor. 91 Points – Wine Enthusiast 

See you all this weekend!

We’ll begin with a white from a mile-high vineyard, an Hermanos Torrentes that earned a 90-point rating from Robert Parker followed by a fruity Molnar Family Pinot Noir from Carneros.

Then we’ll turn back to Argentina for more full-bodied wines. The Diamandes Perlita is a sensational buy for under $10, dynamite blend of Malbec and Syrah from Mendoza followed by an always-dependable Catena Malbec, this time the 2010 which won a 91 from Parker.

Next up will be a unique Napa Grenache from T-Vine Cellars, a winery that always promises bold-tasting offerings. We’ll finish up with a 2007 Jaffe Napa Metamorphosis, structured in the traditional Napa style.

Please stop by and join in the merriment with your gregarious host, Bill Callahan.

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, January 17th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, January 18th, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring “Argentina and more Tasting”

This weekends selections: $15.00

Hermanos Torrentes Valle de Cafayate 2011   ($14.99 During Tasting)

• “Finca Domingo’s 2011 Torrontes comes from a Cafayate vineyard located at 5500 feet of elevation. Its fragrant tropical fruit aromas set the stage for a dry, medium-bodied, vibrant wine with a lingering, fruit-filled finish.’’  — Wine Advocat. 90 Points – Robert Parker

Molnar Family Pinot Noir    ($25.99 During Tasting)

• This Carneros juice is loaded with focused, fresh fruit from the initial aroma to the flavors on the palate. What at first seems like a more delicate wine, with overtones of just-picked red plums and cherries filling the glass, turns much broader in the mouth.

Diamandes Perlita Malbec/Syrah 2010   ($8.99 During Tasting)

• Terrific buy on a tasty, full-bodied blend of 80 percent Malbec and 20 percent Syrah from a French-backed vintner in Argentina’s Mendoza Valley. Great with barbecues.

Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec 2010    ($21.99 During Tasting)

• Catena wines consistently achieve high ratings and the 2010 Mendoza maintains that tradition. The taste is rich and concentrated, with blueberry and blackberry notes and a touch of leather and cinnamon that finishes with exceptional length. 91 Points – Robert Parker

T-Vine Napa Valley Grenache 2008    ($27.99 During Tasting)

• The winemaker writes “I like my wines the way I like my families and friends…obnoxiously forward” and this bottle of one of the world’s most planted grapes definitely has its own unique personality and vibrant taste.

Jaffe Metamorphosis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007    ($44.99 During Tasting)

• A classic Napa Cab with ripe fruit flavors, most prominently Bing cherry and plum. This is a thoroughly contemporary bottling made in a traditional style of balance, elegance, restraint and longevity.

See you all this weekend!