On Friday we will feature a block buster $50 event with 6 elite wines.  We have two whites and four reds in store for you from wine regions all over the world.  We will begin with Patrick Piuze’s Grand Cru Chablis and the Clos Du Papes Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc.  The reds are equally as exciting beginning with a Premier Cru Pinot Noir and finishing with three extremely fine blends.  Please note you may opt for a $20 tasting and sample the three wines indicated with an * on your tasting notes.

On Saturday I have put an exceptional lineup together of some of my favorites.  We will tour various regions of California and explore a number of different varietals.  Since we only have a couple of tastings left at Jonathan’s I wanted to share some of my favorites with the you.

See you this weekend.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, May 9th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, May 10th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, May 9th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $50.00 per person

Our $20 tasting includes only the wines marked with an (*)

Featuring the “Best of the Best” Tasting

*2008 Patrick Piuze Blanchots  ($84.99)

• “It seems a bit pinched now in 2010.  It displays an airy quality and racy structure. A mix of lemon, apple, green plum and stone flavors is underscored by a stony intensity. This is long, so give it some time to come together. Will be at its best from 2013 through 2030. 75 cases made. –BS Wine Spectator 93 Points!

2009 Clos De Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($114.99)

• “A fatter, more buttery, more tropical fruit and honeyed style of wine is the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc. 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.” Parker Wine Advocate 94 Points!

2007 Nicolas Rossignol Pommard ($124.99)

• “The Rossignol 2007 Pommard Les Epenots – representing 75 cases from 50 year old vines – features rare meat juices; tender, ripe red fruits; and a subtly saline savor, informing a polished palate and joined by tobacco, soy, and Szechuan pepper in its long, savory finish. There, the wine’s tannin becomes evident, but is entirely well-integrated. This is one serious, multi-registered 2007 that ought to be worth following for at least a decade!” David Schildknecht Wine Advocate 92 Points!

*2005 Cain Five ($89.99)

• The 2006 is a warm, plump, plush wine. A Dark Crimson in color with a The nose is subtle nose of black juicy fruit and hints of roasted walnuts. It speaks of a warm sun and ripe fruit with no hint of overripe dried fruit. The palate tells the same story with its full, plush tannins that slip right down without grabbing at the back of your throat.

Saturday, May 10th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Jason’s Favorites”

2009 Wedell Cellar Chardonnay ($74.99)

• Our 2009 Wedell Cellars ”Hillside Vineyard” Chardonnay is all about Terrior. The wine is unlike any other Chardonnay from the Edna Valley Appellation. Although it has undergone 100% malolactic fermentation there is no hint of butter and while it has been aged for a considerable amount of time in new French oak, the oak is complimentary but not overpowering. This Chardonnay has an incredible rich mouth feel, immersing you in a spectacular balance of oak, fruit and acidity with a lingering complex finish. Because it is so balanced, we feel that we have created a wine that while enjoyable now will age and mature beautifully for many years to come…

2012 Dragonette Cellars Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir ($54.99)

• Bright red. Energetic red berry and Asian spice aromas are complicated by notes of smoky minerals, orange zest and pungent herbs. Taut, linear and gently sweet, offering vibrant redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. A sexy floral pastille element comes up with aeration and carries through a long, supple and gently tannic finish.

2005 Ladera Howell Mountain 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. It is bright with lightly pigmented legs. 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 wine did not change noticeably with extended decanting. The 2005 Ladera Merlot Howell Mountain is a well-crafted wine with attractive flavors. It won’t spawn lengthy conversation, but will go very well with a flavorful steak or braised short rib. Drink now through 2016. Highly Recommended.

2010 Tamber Bey Rabicano ($49.99)

• 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.

2009 Haywood Cabernet ($54.99)

• “A ripe, opulent style, with rich, juicy plum, blackberry and wild berry flavors, showing touches of licorice, spice, cedar and light dusty earth. Tightly focused, offering mild tannins that give the flavors the right amount of traction. Drink now through 2024. 120 cases made. –James Laube Wine Spectator 93 Points!

Hope to see you this weekend.

“Let’s Go Exotic Tasting”

We’ve put together an exotic combination of wines from California’s Napa Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands, Southern France, Spain and Argentina for your tasting pleasure this weekend.

We’ll start off with a Napa white blend and Chardonnay and then move into a punch-you-in-the-mouth Miura Pinot Noir followed by an Alto Moncayo Granacha that is the little brother of an Alto Moncayo that garnered a 100-Points rating from Robert Parker. This one only got a shameful 92!

We’ll wrap up with a D 66 Orin Swift Rhone blend from Dave Phinney’s French vineyards and a Norton Reserve Malbec that was No. 36 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2013.

Please join your non-exotic host, Bill Callahan, and sample these terrific wines that are offered at our usual wine-tasting discounted prices.

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, May 9th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, May 10th, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring the “Let’s Go Exotic Tasting”

This weekends selections: $15.00

Cameron Green White Blend 2012   ($11.99 During Tasting)

• This Napa Valley white  is comprised of 60% Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Old Wente Clone Oak Knoll Chardonnay and 20% Oakville Pinot Grigio fermented in neutral French oak and features flavors of citrus and pear.

Acacia Carneros Chardonnay 2012   ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Appealing flavors of baked apple, ripe d’Anjou pear and white nectarine punctuated by Meyer lemon zest, honeycomb, ginger spice and crème brûlée.

Miura Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard 2007   ($49.99 During Tasting)

• This winery’s pinot noirs have been described as “not for the faint of heart” and this vintage delivers a striking nose of intense berry bombast and is rich and lush on the palate with full-bodied black cherry flavor.

Alto Moncayo Veraton Granacha 2011   ($24.99 During Tasting)

• “A fabulous nose of spring flowers, ground pepper, blackberries and black cherry liqueur is followed by a full-bodied, super-intense wine that easily competes with wines priced two to three times higher.” – 92 Points Robert Parker

D 66 Orin Swift Vins de Pay des Cotes Catalanes 2009   ($24.99 During Tasting)

• The inaugural release of this wine from winemaker Dave Phinney, D66 is a project based in the south of France in the village of Maury. The wine is the classic Orin Swift style,  80% grenache with 12% syrah and 8% carignan.

See you all this weekend!

On Friday we are featuring wines of the highly regarded Rombauer Winery.  Rombauer Chardonnay has become iconic and is simply the most highly desired wine at Jonathan’s Market.  They also dabble in reds as well and we will taste their Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all of which are sorced with Napa Valley Fruit.  Because Rombauer only has four wines available for retailers, we will finish the evening with a nice Jericho Canyon Cabernet.  If you have heard about Rombauer and never gotten the chance to try out their wines, now is your shot.

On Saturday we will be enjoying some great wines from Spain.  It is a red wine lovers lineup with five of them on the docket.  One of the features of the evening will be a new blend that I just brought into the store that received 93 points from Robert Parker and is our newsletter featured wine of the month.  I am excited to taste it and the newest version of Alto Moncayo Veraton which always over delivers.  It is the little brother of the wine that will close out the evening- the 100 Point Robert Parker Alto Moncayo Grenache.  That’s right folks a 100 point wine!

Where else can you taste wines this fine other than Jonathan’s Market?

See you all this weekend!

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, April 25th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, April 26th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, April 25th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of “Rombauer Winery”

2012 Rombauer Chardonnay ($39.99)

• We have a unique style of Chardonnay that has developed over time with select vineyards from the Carneros region. The cool climate and clay soils offer ideal conditions for Chardonnay grapes.  A soft yellow color that will darken with age. Bright, vibrant tropical fruit aromas flow from the glass. Underlying grapefruit and lime add depth and character to the aroma. Seamless, textured layers of cantaloupe, pineapple and vanilla flood the palate. A mouthwatering finish entices another sip. This wine will develop flavors of fig and apricot, giving richness, as it ages in the bottle.

2012 Rombauer Merlot ($29.99)

• The Carneros region with its climate and clay soils allows us to produce a Merlot which is true to the varietal’s characteristics. The longer growing season allows the fruit to reach maturity slowly, giving us fruit which is soft and elegant, yet rich and full flavored. Deep ruby color with a crimson hue. Subtle nuances of cherry and mint aromas support an abundance of mulberry and plum fruit. A soft and supple bouquet of lush plum, cedar and hints of blackberry are framed with silky tannins. Blueberry essence builds on the back palate for a smooth finish.

2012 Rombauer Zinfandel ($29.99)

• This 2012 vintage delivers classic Rombauer Zinfandel. The weight and dimension are immediately apparent by the dark purplish-ruby color. Ripe boysenberry, clove, black pepper and hints of raspberry aromas perfume from the glass. Plush and velvety flavors of dark berry fruits and vanilla flood the palate. A lengthy finish lingers for several minutes. Enjoy now through 2018.

2012 Rombauer Cabernet ($44.99)

• A stunning portrayal of the Napa Valley. The fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from our vineyards in Stags Leap, Atlas Peak, St. Helena and Calistoga.  A cool vintage with small yields, this Cabernet Sauvignon delivers. Dark purple with a cherry red hue in color. Inviting aromas of dark berry fruit, chocolate and spice. Exhibits richness and depth throughout the palate. Blackberry and wild cherry flavors evolve for a full bodied mouthfeel. Integrated tannins and an attractive finish with lingering mocha. Drink now through 2016.

Saturday, April 26th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Wines of Spain”

2011 Bodegas Breca Garnacha ($19.99)

• “The 2011 Breca was fashioned from remarkable yields of .4 tons of fruit per acre, and was aged 21 months in French oak. The wine offers enjoyable notes of strawberries, black cherries, dusty, loamy soil and meaty, peppery characteristics. Consume this medium-bodied 2011 over the next several years.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate 87 Points!

2010 La Montesa Rioja ($19.99)

• “The 2010 Finca La Montesa, a blend of 75% Garnacha, 20% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo sourced from the family vineyard La Montesa del Monte Yerga in Alfaro, displays an attractive bright red ruby color, subtle notes of perfectly ripe red cherries, flowers, spices, flowers, wild herbs and some chalk sensations. It is extremely elegant. The palate is supple, vibrant, pure, balanced and long. Simply delicious and a great value. Drink 2014-2018.” Luis Gutierrez Wine Advocate 93 Points!

2011 Alto Moncayo Veraton ($29.99)

• Remarkably, the 2011 Veraton is just as strong with an even higher alcohol content of 15.5%. A fabulous nose of spring flowers, ground pepper, blackberries and black cherry liqueur is followed by a full-bodied, super-intense wine made from incredibly low yields, and aged 17 months in a combination of French and American oak before being bottled unfiltered. This superb wine easily competes with wines priced two to three times higher. It, too, should drink well for a decade.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92 Points!

2005 Alguiera Ribera Sacra ($29.99)

• From an obscure D.O. located in Galicia, the 2005 Algueira is 100% estate grown Mencia aged for 11 months in French oak. Medium to dark ruby-colored, it offers Pinot Noir-like aromatics with plenty of spicy red fruits and a touch of oak. This leads to an elegant wine with incipient complexity, a silky texture, sweet red berry flavors, and good length. The wine should evolve with 1-2 years of additional bottle age but can be enjoyed now and over the next 6 years.” Jay Miller Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2007 Alto Moncayo ($99.99) ***100 Points

• “I tend to drink Alto Moncayo during its first 5-6 years of life. Although I was sure they had aging potential, I did not realize just how much longevity these wines possess. If you are not into flavor concentration or care about artesian wines from great terroirs that have been ignored for centuries, this may not be the wine for you. I gave perfect scores to the prodigious 2007 and 2009, two of the greatest expressions of old vine Grenache from the province of Aragon that anyone could have desire. The both possess plenty of black raspberry, blackberry, kirsch and licorice characteristics as well as an undeniable minerality and precision that are remarkable given their full-bodied, massive concentration and intensity.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate 100 Points!!!

Hope to see you this weekend.

We’ve put together an interesting assortment of wines for this Friday (Saturday tastings will resume next week) that serve a variety of purposes. Take one to a restaurant (The Junction? No corkage fee), home for dinner or hold for a special occasion.

A budget-friendly, butterscotch Chardonnay will be followed by an elegant Chianti, a fruity California Grenache and a delicious Southern Rhone-style blend.

We’ll wrap up with two new arrivals, The Paring Red Blend featuring some Screaming Eagle Oakville grapes and a winner red blend from Washington’s Columbia Valley.

Please join your Friday Night Favorite, Bill Callahan, and our wonderful tasters who make Fridays such special experiences!

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, April 25th, 2014  5pm – 7pm ONLY!

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

Featuring “The Friday Night Special Tasting”

This weekends selections: $15.00

Carmenet Chardonnay 2012   ($8.49 During Tasting)

• A terrific bargain sipper with hints of apple, banana and vanilla, this opulent and sensual wine finishes with butterscotch and tropical fruit.

Frescobaldi Reserva Chianti Rufina 2008   ($22.99 During Tasting)

• The nose shows sour cherry, raspberry, and dried plum and a long finish with abundant aromatic fruit, completes a harmonious, well-balanced elegance.

T-Vine Grenache 2009   ($26.99 During Tasting)

• T-Vine was the first Napa winery to make wine from this varietal with fruit from high on Mt. Veeder as well as valley floor vineyards in Calistoga. With a bouquet of raspberry and cherry cola wine opens to a slight earthy component.

Adelaida Version 2008   ($29.99 During Tasting)

• “The 2008 Version is an absolutely delicious, joyous red bursting with fruit. It is a relatively floral, red fruited wine considering the prevalence of Mourvedre and Syrah in the blend.” – 91 Points Robert Parker

The Paring 2010   ($21.99 During Tasting)

• This Bordeaux-inspired blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Sangiovese, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Syrah includes grapes from Screaming Eagle’s Oakville vineyards and offers focused fruit flavors.

See you all this weekend!

On Friday we will have a special guest Catherine Uzeta from Springboard Distributors here to show some fine wines from Eric Kent and Sean Thackrey Wineries.  The Eric Kent wines are brand new to the store and I was truly overwhelmed by the Sauvignon Blanc.  Winemaker Sean Thackrey has a truly cult following and I highly encourage you to check out his website http://www.wine-maker.net/ just so you can see the type of eccentric winemaker we are dealing with.  His wines are beautiful, see you Friday.

On Saturday we will be having a wine tasting despite it being the day before Easter.  Hopefully some of you can make it out to kick off the holiday with a Battle of the Domestic Syrah’s.  We have four California Syrah’s and one Washington one in store for you.  It will be a red wine lover’s night that will end in fine fashion with the fabulous Gramercy Syrah that received 95 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, April 18th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, April 19th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, April 18th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of “Eric Kent and Sean Thackrey Wineries”

2013 Eric Kent Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99)

• We tweaked our approach to further preserve Sauvignon Blanc’s mouthwatering acidity and freshness. You’ll find the same wonderful texture and heady tropical and floral aromatics displayed by the 2012, all with bit more snap and verve. Honeysuckle, peach, pineapple, juicy pink grapefruit and notes of citrus zest on the finish produce a wine that satisfies on every level.

2013 Eric Kent Rose ($19.99)

• Beautiful dark reddish hue, with a nose of watermelon, ruby red grapefruit, white pepper, savory spice and a wonderful mineral note on the finish. The first sip delivers fresh cranberry, rhubarb and hints of ripe apple peel all similar to last year, but the follow-through highlights a seductively round tannin intermingled with crushed rock notes that make it a fascinatingly “serious” wine for rosé.

Sean Thackrey Pleiades XXIII ($24.99)

• “*Editors’ Choice* How many ways can you say delicious? It’s impossible to exaggerate how appealing this light-hearted wine is. It’s vibrant with candied raspberries, pomegranates, orange zest, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon spice flavors, yet finishes dry and clean. The blend includes Sangiovese, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre.” – 93 Points Wine Enthusiast

2009 Sean Thackrey Andromeda ($49.99)

• The Pinot Noir Devil’s Gulch Ranch has a nice foresty/earthy nose with hints of strawberry, black cherry, and spice. Dark medium/ruby, the wine displays nice fruit, and a round texture.  One of California’s most iconic and mystical winemakers, Sean Thackrey has logged in 20 or more vintages of consistently stunning wines that perhaps say it all with the simple quote on his label: -Sean A. Thackrey, Vintner, Bolinas, California.-” – Robert Parker

Saturday, April 19th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Domestic Syrah”

2012 Tensley Santa Barbara County Syrah ($24.99)

• Mormann’s Vineyards mild days and cool nights lend its fruit notes of cedar, black and white pepper and spice. The rest of the fruit comes from the Thompson, Tierra Alta, Colson Canyon and Camp Four vineyards. Camp 4 brings in bright notes of raspberry and red plums while the Thompson steps in with structure, earth, and chewy tanins. The Tierra Alta is floral notes and finesse while the Colson rounds this wine out bringing depth, pepper, chocolate and jammy blackberry and purple plum flavors.

2010 Tensley Los Padres Syrah ($24.99)

• “A new entry level wine and a knockout effort that represents a serious value, the 2012 Syrah Los Padres (2% Viognier) was aged 3 months in neutral oak before being moved to stainless steel tanks and bottling. Showing real Syrah character with lively blackberry fruit, bacon fat, game, violets and hints of rosemary, it is soft and upfront on the palate and delivers loads of character in an easygoing package. It’s a brilliant mid-week drinker and worthy of a multi-bottle purchase. Drink now-2017.” Jeb Dunnuck Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2011 Novy Syrah ($24.99)

• “Starting off the reds and spending 17 months in barrel, the inky-colored 2011 Syrah offers up a deep, decadent profile of smoked black fruits, lavender, bacon fat and crushed flowers on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, rich and mouth-filling on the palate, with juicy, integrated acidity, this knockout Syrah is a joy to drink now, yet should evolve gracefully through 2017. Drink now-2017.” Jeb Dunnuck Wine Advocate 91 Points!

2011 Ramey Sonoma Coast Syrah ($44.99)

• “Ramey’s 2011 Syrah is flat-out gorgeous. In this vintage, the Syrah includes the Rodgers Creek fruit, so it is more varietal than is typically the case. Savory herbs, dried flowers, black cherries and black pepper are some of the many notes that flow through to the finish. Quite simply, the 2011 is an extraordinary wine in its price range.” Wine Enthusiast 94 Points!

2010 Gramercy Syrah ($64.99)

• “More rich, full and voluptuous, while still not losing the house style, the 2010 Syrah Lagniappe is a knockout Syrah that easily matches the brilliant 2009. 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. A 100% Syrah from Red Willow, Minick and SJR vineyards that spent 23 months in 14% new French oak, it builds brilliantly in the glass and will thrill for 10-12 years. Drink now-2022.” JD Wine Advocate 95 Points!

Hope to see you this weekend.

The Pinot Noir Challenge Tasting

We’ve had a lot of customers asking for another of our periodic Pinot Noir challenges and this week we have a good one. It’s Oregon going toe-to-toe against California’s Central Coast.

These are the two main challengers to Sonoma and Carneros for supremacy in U.S. Pinot Noirs and we’ll provide a variety from the wet and wonderful Willamette Valley to the cool Pacific slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Please join your referee, Bill Callahan, in sampling an interesting assortment of Pinot Noirs and give us your scorecard afterward!

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

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

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

Featuring “The Pinot Noir Challenge Tasting”

This weekends selections: $15.00

Underwood Pinot Noir 2013   ($10.99 During Tasting)

• This Oregon offering exhibits aromas of plum, blueberry and raspberry. The palate is filled with raspberry and cherry fruits with warm cocoa tones.

Kings Ridge Pinot Noir 2012   ($14.99 During Tasting)

• The combination of cool and warm Willamette climates found in these regions produces Pinot Noirs stacked with intense raspberry, cherry and floral flavors and aromas. A Wine Spectator Best Buy

Domaine Serene Yam Hill Cuvee 2010   ($42.99 During Tasting)

• This Willamette Valley Pinot Noir “has a pleasing roundness and an immediate accessibility, with flavors of red fruit and light chocolate in the foreground and brambly berries at the core.” – 90 Points Wine Enthusiast

Luli Santa Lucia Pinot Noir 2012   ($16.99 During Tasting)

• An elegant and powerful Pinot Noir with aromatics bright and vibrant with notes of wild strawberry, boysenberry, rose petal and earl grey tea. The palate is broad and full, with lasting flavors of bing cherries and baking spices.

Kali Hart Santa Lucia Pinot Noir 2012   ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Spicy red currant and strawberry on the nose and in the mouth. Light-bodied and refreshingly bitter, with good clarity and a subtle touch of jamminess.

See you all this weekend!

On Friday we have a special guest Sarah Curtwright who represents Bock Wine and Spirits.  She will be describing five new wines never before tasted at Jonathan’s.  I tasted all of these personally and was particularly blown away by the Pinot Noir’s in store for us.  The latter one sourced from the renowned Rochioli Vineyards. Please come out and share some of my newest acquisitions.

On Saturday we will be doing a little Tour de France.  Our tour will take us through the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Bandol, and Chateauneuf du Pape.  Similarly to Friday we will be enjoying five wines never previously tasted at Jonathan’s.  I am excited to share some of my newest finds with all of you.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, April 11th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, April 12th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, April 11th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of “Bock Distributors”.

2010 Alysian Chardonnay ($39.99)

• Bright aromas of lemon zest and tangerine literally “leap from the glass” and accurately predict the lean, vibrant Chablis-like structure and flavors that follow. This wine is bursting with lemon, lime and tangerine fruit that is wonderfully staged against a subtle backdrop of oak and roasted almonds. The finish is dry, crisp and nuanced; but firmly focused on a deep core of bright, citrus-based fruits. Impeccable balance and mouth-watering acidity make this wine an ideal companion to fresh oysters or spicy seafood.

2012 Sante Arcangeli Pinot Noir ($39.99)

• Editors’ Choice* With a pale color and mouthwatering acidity, this delicately structured Pinot goes well beyond its immediate flavors of raspberry tea, pomegranates, persimmons, orange peel, exotic spices and oak to offer a Burgundian touch of earth and mushrooms. There’s also a firm, stony minerality on the palate. This gorgeous Pinot was produced in tiny quantities of 300 cases and will drink well over the next six years. Sante Arcangeli has made a 2012 Split Rail Vineyard, from the Santa Cruz Mountains that knocked my sox off.” Steve Heimoff Wine Enthusiast 94 Points!

2010 Alysian Pinot Noir ($69.99)

• When researching the history of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, there is no more recognizable, admired or envied grower than Joe Rochioli. Considering very few wineries (including Williams Selyem, Gary Farrell, Rochioli and Alysian) receive allocations from his vineyard, we are indeed fortunate.  As is generally true with our winemaking style, this wine is an investment in time. Cool climate acidity and elegant structure provide the perfect framework for its abundant fruit components; which include fresh cherry, strawberry and plum. Always one of our most cellar-worthy and exciting releases from two of Russian River Valley’s most coveted vineyards.

2010 Mira Flores Zinfandel ($27.99)

• Muscular and beautifully layered, featuring black currant, loam and black olive aromas, with dense but rich flavors of wild berry, licorice and pepper that build toward the big but ripe tannins. Best from 2015 through 2021. 510 cases made. –TF Wine Spectator 91 Points!

Saturday, April 12th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the “Tour de France”

2012 Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre ($26.99)

• This wine is fermented in 100% stainless steel with 2-3 months lees contact which gives it a fuller mouthfeel.  It shows a very pure Sancerre aroma that is generous and fresh, without grassy edges.  The palate is expansive, with a fresh little lemony whisper which makes it a fabulous complement to simple fish dishes. The finish is long, dry and simply lip-smacking good.

2011 Domaine Prieur- Brunet Meursault ($54.99)

• A 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy aged for 12 months in 25% new oak.  This wine combines the liveliness of Vireuils and the suppleness of Perchottes Vineyards.  It offers notes of white flowers, truffles, rhubarb, and toasted hazelnuts.  It displays an amazing complexity length and precision. It pairs well with poultry and hearty seafood such as halibut and sea bass.

2010 Chateau Macquin Saint Emilion ($24.99)

• A Bordeaux blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet, and 10% Cabernet Franc aged for nine months in French oak. It is a garnet red in color with an intense nose of bright red fruits.  In the mouth it is fresh and rich and endowed with tannins of great intensity. This wine is a great pairing with red meats, game and fowl.

2008 Chateau Vannieres ($44.99)

• Bandol is one of the oldest vineyard sites in France and Chateau Vannieres is classified as one of the most six prestigious wineries from there.  This wine is 95% Mouvedre and 5% Grenache, and pairs well with duck lamb and red meats.  Chateau Vannieres is a wine of great concentration but remains yet elegant.  It is also built to last and can be aged upwards of thirty years.

2009 La Celestiere Chateauneuf du Pape ($44.99)

• “The dark ruby-hued 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition is a sexy, full-bodied, textbook offering with lots of black cherry liqueur intermixed with licorice, underbrush, spice box and pepper. Full-bodied and seductive with low acidity, but plenty of glycerin and flesh, it should be consumed over the next 6-8 years.” Wine Advocate 92 Points!

Hope to see you this weekend.

“The International Tasting”

We’re taking a flight of fancy this week and offering an enticing assortment of wines from around the world that we think you will enjoy immensely. We’ll start in-state with a Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc as the California representative and then wind through wines from Washington’s Columbia Valley, Argentina’s Mendoza highlands, Spain’s Toro region, the French Rhone Valley and the Italian Piedmont.

No need to bring your passport, just show up and join in the merriment with your tasting guide, Bill Callahan.

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, April 11th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, April 12th, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring “The International Tasting”

This weekends selections: $15.00

Atalon Napa Sauvignon Blanc 2012  ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Lively wine of brilliant pale-straw color. Aromatics of lemon, goose berry lead to crisp, clean, bright flavors of citrus, grass, goose berry and mineral.

Produttori del Barbaresco 2009  ($33.99 During Tasting)

• This Nebbiolo from the Piedmont boasts bright cherry, strawberry, floral, licorice and herbal aromas and flavors highlight this fragrant, elegant red. Silky and pure, with fine ripe tannins for support. – 93 Points Wine Spectator

Buried Cane Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011  ($11.99 During Tasting)

• Black fruits and cassis dominate the nose of this, dark-toned Cab. On the palate there are supple textures and cozy tannins smoothed with 20% Merlot.

Domaine de Cassan Gigondas 2006  ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Alluring, exotic bouquet of black raspberry, creme de cassis, white pepper and potpourri. Sweet red and dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth with a sexy lavender note. — 90 Points International Wine Cellar

Antucura Mendoza Malbec 2012  ($16.99 During Tasting)

• Another bomb from Argentina! “A wonderful velvet texture with great purity. Dense bramble fruit with hints of violets. Good length and lovely juiciness, and with a firm, fine tannic structure.” – 95 Points Decanter Magazine

See you all this weekend!

On Friday we will take our first visit to South Africa where we will sample a pair of whites and reds from there.  The tasting will begin with two Mulderbosch wines, a Chenin Blanc and a Sauvignon Blanc.  The reds are represented by the well regarded Chocolate Block (a blend of Syrah and Grenache) as well as the Tokara Directors Reserve (a classic Bordeaux style blend with 73% Cabernet).  After the first two whites we will try one wine from Napa, the extraordinary Buccella Merlot.  The Buccella Merlot is never submitted for press but their Cabernet typically scores 95 Points or more. It should be a great event.

On Saturday we will have a special guest here to tell us about Niner Winery in Paso Robles. We did a Niner tasting last year and it was a resounding success.  We are featuring four wines from Niner and a nice Rusack Pinot Noir that I just brought in. The Niner wines include the Sauvignon Blanc, the Sangiovese, the Twisted Spur Rhone Style Blend of blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Carmenere, and the Bordeaux style blend, “The Fog Catcher.”  It will be a great event as well.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, April 4th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, April 5th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, April 4th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of “South Africa”.

2011 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc

• “The 2012 Chenin Blanc comes almost entirely from dry farmed bush vines and was fermented in 20% French oak and the remainder in stainless steel, after which is remains on the lees for six months before blending. It has a rather reticent nose that is difficult to engage with, though the palate appears nicely balanced with sharp citric fruit and a twist of sour lemon on the finish. Perky and lively- Drink 2014-2018.” Neal Martin - Wine Advocate 86 Points!

2011 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc

• “The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is blended with 8% Semillon and sees extended lees contact in barrel. It has plenty of green pepper, nettle and asparagus scents on the nose that has plenty of personality too. The palate is well-balanced with gooseberry and asparagus on the entry, a fine line of acidity and a slightly phenolic finish that just needs a little more tension. Otherwise, this is a fine Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now.” Neal Martin - Wine Advocate 88 Points!

2008 Bucella Merlot ($74.99)

• Our Merlot fruit comes from two blocks atop a knoll in the famed Hyde Vineyard, where harvests typically yield less than two tons per acre. It’s a youthful wine that’s invitingly approachable, while still offering the richness and decadence we love. The intense nose fairly jumps out the glass with lovely black cherry, boysenberry, and ripe raspberry.  Hints of caraway, anise seeds, and cocoa complete the picture.  The wine is full, soft and mouth filling, whilst still retaining those fresh berry flavors in the mouth.  The finish is very soft with lingering flavors of cherry juice and a hint of cinnamon.

2011 The Chocolate Block ($34.99)

• “The 2011 Chocolate Block is a blend of 69% Syrah, and the rest Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier that sees a judicious 11% new oak. It has a compact bouquet of blackberry and licorice with hints of mocha just in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, minty opening. The tannins feel lithe in the mouth and the acidity is well-judged. Though the finish is uncomplicated, it is nicely focused with plenty of fresh blackberry and raspberry notes to satisfy the masses that continue to enjoy this wine. Drink now-2015.” Neal Martin  Wine Advocate 88 Points!

Saturday, April 5th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of “Niner Winery”

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.

2011 Rusack Pinot Noir ($34.99)

• Well-proportioned, featuring a core of wild berry and raspberry, with a dash of anise, firm, grippy tannins and a loamy earth edge. Drink now through 2020. 1,341 cases made.

2010 Niner Sangiovese ($24.99)

• 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!

2009 Niner Twisted Spur ($29.99)

• 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.

2008 Niner Fog Catcher ($54.99)

• This barrel select blend has complex aromatic and flavor layers that evolve in the glass, beginning with wood characters followed by tart berry and lovely notes of rosemary and thyme. Flavors are full and big but not overrige, with chalky tannins and a long, dry leafy finish. For a soft approach, we recommend decanting this wine.

“The latest from Spain Tasting”

Our last tasting of Spanish wines was so popular we sent our wine sleuth, Patrick Campbell, scouring the Spanish countryside for more nuggets and he returned with some sensational finds.

Actually, he’s not the only one to notice how good they are. Most of these wines received 90 + ratings from Robert Parker and other top wine reviewers.

So, please join us for an exciting assortment of Riojas from the North near the Basque country and Priorats from southwest of Barcelona that boast quality and a superb variety of tastes that, as always, are reduced in price for the tastings hosted by Senor Bill Callahan.

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, April 4th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, April 5th, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring the “Why Not Us” Tasting

This weekends selections: $15.00

Telmo Rodriguez Rueda Basa Blanco 2012  ($11.99 During Tasting)

• This blend of Verdejo, Viura, and Sauvignon Blanc is a vivacious and energetic white from the Rueda region of Spain that is ultra refreshing.

Cune Rioja Crianza 2010  ($11.99 During Tasting)

• A blend of 80% Tempranillo with Garnacha and Mazuelo. All grapes come from the ‘Rioja Alta’ subzone, where higher altitudes and Atlantic influences make for a climate ideal for producing wines of elegance and finesse. — 90 Points Wine Advocate

LA Montesa Rioja 2010  ($16.99 During Tasting)

• “Displays an attractive bright red ruby color, subtle notes of perfectly ripe red cherries, flowers, spices, wild herbs. Delicious and a great value.” – 93 Points Robert Parker

Artadi Vinas de Gain Rioja 2010  ($24.99 During Tasting)

• From 30-50-year-old vines, the palate is explosive, with clean acidity and balance, pure, hedonistic with great depth. It slowly develops some minty, balsamic aromas coating the red fruit, with notes of fennel. — 91 Points Wine Advocate

Martinet Bru Priorat 2005  ($37.99 During Tasting)

• A blend of 45% Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah is “Pinot noir-like in its clarity and red berry flavor expression, picking up weight and chewiness on the back end.” – 91 Points Wine Advocate

See you all this weekend!