MAY Flowers

Wines From May 2017

2013 Bodegas Breca Garnacha Del Fuego Old Vine Garnacha  Aragon, Spain

The best vineyards of Aragon are situated high on the hillsides, 3000 ft. above sea level, where, despite the poor gravelly soil, the old gnarled vines produce the finest grapes possible in this arid, desolate region. Only the ripest clusters are chosen, thus producing a wine of considerable depth and finesse. The wine exudes intense aromas of sweet cherries and dark plums with an exotic spicy finish reminiscent of white pepper. - Winery

One of my favorite “school night” wines – available for under $10 – a wine with decent fruit, moderate body and great price point. Bottle is jazzy looking, flames and such, but the wine is a decent old vine Garnarcha from Spain.  Enjoy with pizza, spaghetti or about anything.

2013 Franciscan Stylus Cabernet Sauvignon  Napa Valley, California

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet in color with aromas of cassis and ripe blackberry layered with dark cocoa, dried herbs, and black peppercorn. Dense and well-structured, the broad palate and firm tannins are hallmarks of the powerful 2013 vintage. Dark plum and cassis flavors are highlighted by spicy notes of anise and clove and hints of vanilla and espresso. Long and layered finish of black cherry, dark chocolate, and baking spices.

91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 4% Merlot

Stylus represents our highest expression Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and is our signature bottling of this noble variety. We create wine in hundreds of small lots, keeping each vineyard block separate to maximize its potential, and then blend to achieve harmony and perfection. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most interesting and complex grape varieties. I love its body and texture, and its ability to express power and intensity with finesse. Stylus is a joy to make because of the extraordinary fruit that comes from our vineyards; my role is to shepherd the wine through to the bottle, bringing out its potential and allowing the fruit to express itself fully. - Janet Myers, Winemaker

A nice Napa Cabernet, although maybe not as good at over $100 price point. The bottle could use a couple more years in the cellar, and the fruit would meld with the tannic frame. Certainly not a bad bottle, but too young at this point to really say it was great. A Birthday wine…

2014 Scarpetta Sauvignon Fruilli Coli Venezia, Italy

Aromatics: Kaffir Lime, apricot and quince. The hidden element of Colli Orientali Sauvignon Blanc is its overly herbaceous notes and beautiful stone fruit aromatics.

 Palate: Medium bodied Sauvignon Blanc with big attack of citrus - lime, candied lemon with stone fruits (apricot and peach). A firm spine from the medium + acidity.

Not many reviews of this wine and that’s a shame. This Sauvignon Blanc from Italy has great citrus fruit, minerality and a pleasing finish. Matches many foods – from fish to fowl – price range is around $20. Nice change from the NZ wines. Gotta love the pig on the label!

Shooting Star Scarlet Red Wine, Lake County, California

Our harvest procedures are consistent throughout each harvest season with grapes arriving as quickly as possible to the winery post picking.  The red grapes are crushed upon arrival and allowed to soak for 24-48 hours before inoculation. 

We will age the red wine for this blend in neutral American oak, older Hungarian and French barrels. Typically, the wine will age 8-18 months, depending on the varietal.

This sinfully delicious blend is amazingly balanced with lively cherry and dark berry notes, cloaked in dark chocolate tannins.  A clean acidity runs through the finish.  A single glass is not possible.   

The blend consists mainly of Cabernet Franc (~40%), Syrah (~20%), Zinfandel (~10%), Pinot Noir (~10%) with the remaining 20% consisting of various varietals. This bottling is not vintage specific. 

From the winery: "This sinfully delicious blend is amazingly balanced with lively cherry and dark berry notes, cloaked in dark chocolate tannins. A clean acidity runs through the finish. Pair this wine with eggplant parmesan, dry rubbed New York Strip or an assorted cheese and charcuterie plate."

From the winemaker Jed Steele, who loves Lake County, a non-vintage red wine that is a wide ranging blend of grapes. The blend works well, there is good acidity to match to foods as well as good fruit and hints of tannins. Around $12, this is a great addition for “School Night” wines.

2015 Farnese Fantini  Montepulciano d’abruzzo, Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC: 100% Montepulciano from vineyards located within the townships of Ortona, San Salvo, and Pollutri and covering a total of 825 acres. The grapes undergo soft pressing and de-stalking, before maceration on the skins and fermentation for 15 days. Ruby red with garnet reflections, the bouquet is fruity and quite persistent, reminiscent of red fruits, marasca cherries, and plums with vanilla nuances; full-bodied, with good balance and firm tannins, flavorful and long on the palate, immediately appealing and versatile.

Another bargain – for around $10, you get a nice fruit, hints of smokiness, nice acidic balance with only modest tannins. Very good food wine – great with grilled items – this is a good wine to keep on hand at all times.

Well, another month has flown by! Hope to talk to you again soon, but in the meantime, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.