El Cajon Wine Tasting Selections for 2/28/14-3/1/14

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

Casas Del Bosque is a family boutique winery established in 1993 and is located 70 km from Santiago, the capital of Chile. Its grapes come from the Casablanca Valley, the preferred place for premium wine production in Chile

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!

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La Jolla Wine Tasting Selections for 2/21/14-2/22/14

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

On Friday we have a special guest, John Dragonette, here to present five wines from Dragonette Winery. They focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Rhone-style blends, primarily from Syrah and produce wines of the utmost quality and purity from the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County. We will begin with their highly acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc before moving on to four reds.  They include the Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, a small production single vineyard Pinot Noir, and two of the aforementioned Syrah based Rhone style blends. It will be a great event.

On Saturday we will enjoy five red wines from Paso Robles, highlighting Chronic Cellars Winery.  Chronic Cellars was a vision of  Josh and Jake Beckett.  “The concept of Chronic Cellars came about in the midst of harvest in 2004. We had used the term “The Chronic” to describe likable objects before, but we had never considered it a suitable descriptor for wine.  We sat alongside the crush pad one evening in our wine stained clothes and wet boots laughing about the idea of a wine that targeted a casual lifestyle.” We will sample three of Chronic Cellars Rhone Style Blends before finishing with a Wine Spectator Top 100 wine, Austin Hope Syrah and the well received Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge which received an astounding 94 Points from Robert Parker.

- Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, February 21st, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, February 22nd, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, February 21st, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Talbott Winery”

2012 Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon ($29.99)

  • “An outstanding white, the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc offers up subtle grassy notes as well as white peach, cream and citrus blossom to go with a medium-bodied, richly textured palate that stays pure and fresh. Barrel-fermented and aged just under eight months on lees, it has notable richness, yet never seems heavy or cumbersome. Enjoy it over the coming 3-4 years. Drink now-2017.” Jeb Dunnuck Wine Advocate 91 Points!

2011 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills ($44.99)

  • Kicking off the reds and a deep, slightly earthy effort, the 2011 Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied, elegant red that has solid length and texture. Showing plenty of spice, underbrush, earth and darker-styled fruits, it has wonderful freshness and should provide prime drinking for another 5-6 years, possibly longer. Drink 2014-2019.” Jeb Dunnuck Wine Advocate 89 Points!

2009 Pinot Noir Hilliard Bruce ($49.99)

  • “The 2009 Pinot Noir Hilliard Bruce Vineyard emerges from the glass with layers of dark fruit, crushed flowers, hard candy and French oak. It is another perfumed, juicy wine endowed with a generous personality and plenty of style. Only a slightly bitter note on the finish keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017.” Galloni Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2011 “Seven” ($39.99)

  • This wine (95% syrah, 3% grenache and 2% mourvedre) is inky ruby with smoky aromas of black and blue fruit liqueur, cola, olive tapenade and floral oils. It is very syrah-like, offering gently sweet blueberry and cassis flavors that provide impressive palate coverage. Becomes spicier and more floral with air and finishes smooth, sweet and long, with only a suggestion of tannins.” Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar 92 Points!

2007 MJM Syrah ($49.99)

  • “Two solidly made red wines from Dragonette Cellars include the 2007 MJM, a blend of 96% Syrah, 3% Grenache, and 1% Viognier. Its attractive dark ruby/purple color is followed by sweet black currant, black cherry, damp earth, and forest floor-like aromas. Medium-bodied with good to excellent concentration as well as a slightly clipped finish, it should be drunk over the next 4-5 years.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate 88 Points!

Saturday, February 22nd, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Chronic Cellars & Paso Robles Wines”

2012 Chronic Cellars Purple Passion ($17.99)

  • Purple Passion is a blend of 73% Zinfandel, 18% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre, 3% Grenache, and 3% Counoise.  A dark purple hue with romatics of Vanilla, Mocha, Dark Cherries, White Pepper, Roasted Almonds and Cedar. On the palate lots of juicy fruits, ripe strawberries, chocolate and leather.  It is fullbodied with dark richness, mild tannins and balanced acidity.

2012 Chronic Cellars Sofa King Bueno ($24.99)

  • What else do you get from Chronic Cellars, than a big, juicy Rhône-style blend with más sabor–this one’s 43% Syrah, 32% Petite Sirah, 11% Mourvedre, 8% Grenache and 6% Tannat. From Chronic Cellars; “The Rhone King! We take the best of the best, carefully blend them together – and you get Sofa King Bueno. Dark Color, black and red fruits, big game, full tannin and savory flavors are a dream come true.”

2012 Chronic Cellars Dead Nuts ($27.99)

  • A blend of 63% Zinfandfel, 15% Tempranillo, 14% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah and 2% tannat. Zinfandel is California’s heritage grape. At Chronic Cellars we love Zin and love to blend with it even more. It has all the fruit that one could want and is always accepting to bring in some friends to play with. The added spice of Tempranillo compliments the white pepper of the zin. Then there’s the meat, smoke and leather of Syrah, which one can never go wrong with. Add in petite sirah and tannat with its big tannins, and it will always be a game winner.

2010 Austin Hope Syrah ($44.99)

  • This red exhibits pure, rich, ripe and concentrated layers of blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice, with tannins that give the flavors depth and traction. Drink now through 2022. 1,175 cases made. –James Laube Wine Spectator 93 Points!

2008 Tablas Creek De Beaucastel Esprit ($54.99)

  • 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.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

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El Cajon Wine Tasting Selections for 2/21/14-2/22/14

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

Over the last six months as your tasting host I’ve been fortunate enough to sample some wonderful wines that have turned out to be personal favorites and I’m proud to share them with you this weekend in our weekly gathering.

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!

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La Jolla Wine Tasting Selections for 2/14/14-2/15/14

Posted on February 14, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

Just a quick addition to our scheduling for this weekend, we will be holding an impromptu wine and spirit tasting on Friday afternoon 2/14/14 (Valentine’s Day) from 1pm-4pm at Jonathan’s.  This event will pour small samples with reps featuring William Hill Wines and Greenbar Craft Spirits.  We would certainly love to have you all show up a little bit earlier if you can make it before our Friday tastings.

Here are our regular tasting notes:

On Friday we will be featuring Talbott Winery.  Talbott Vineyards devotes itself to handcrafting world-class wines.  Furthermore, Jeb Dunnuck from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate was extremely impressed with the Talbott offerings he tasted claiming, “I was blown away by these current releases.  Across the board the wines show beautiful balance and loads of class. In addition, the Kali Hart and Logan releases are serious values that should not be missed!”  The evening will feature two Chardonnays and two Pinot Noirs and then culminate with a great little Cabernet from Fisticuffs Winery.

On Saturday we will be featuring California Petite Sirah. The “petite” in the name of this grape refers to the size of its berries and not the vine, which is particularly vigorous. Petite Sirah produces dark, inky colored wines that are relatively acidic, with firm texture and mouth feel; the bouquet has herbal and black pepper overtones, and typically offers flavors of blue fruit, black fruit, plums, and especially blueberries. We will begin with the elegant Hanzell Chardonnay before diving into the Petite Syrah selections. First one from the boutique winery Andrew Will, then two from wineries many of you know I have an affinnity for, Niner and T-Vine.  We will finish with the 94 point Jaffurs Winery.

See you this weekend!

Jason

 

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, February 14th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, February 15th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, February 14th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Talbott Winery”

2012 Talbott Logan Chardonnay ($24.99)

  • “This wine is a light, bright yellow. It shows musky pear skin, peach pit and citrus pith on the fragrant nose. On the palate, spicy orchard, pit fruit flavors, sweeter honeydew, and tangerine qualities gain strength with air. It closes silky and long, with resonating spiciness and lingering sweet citrus fruit qualities. This elegant wine has the balance to repay a little patience.” Steven Tanzer 90 Points International Wine Cellar!

2011 Talbott Diamond T Chardonnay ($54.99)

  • “The 2011 Chardonnay Diamond T Vineyard is decadent stuff. All barrel-fermented and aged for 14 months on lees in 45% new French oak, it’s a rich, full-flavored effort that stays balanced and pure, with knockout detail and clarity on the palate. Offering up notes of grilled peaches, toast, honey, vanilla custard and flower oil, it’s a full-bodied, balanced white that has great underlying acidity and focus. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years. Drink now-2017.” Jeb Dunnuck Wine Advocate 94 Points!

2012 Talbott Logan Pinot Noir ($24.99)

  • Talbott Vineyards devotes itself to handcrafting world-class wines.  This wine is crafted using carefully selected all estate grown grapes from our Sleepy Hollow Vineyard. This wine combines fruit from both mature vines and youthful elite Pommard and Dijon clone vines, to create a lush medium bodied Pinot Noir with flavors of ripe cherry and blueberry.

2011 Talbott Sarah Case Pinot ($69.99)

  • “My favorite of the Pinots and more fresh and lively than the Diamond T Pinot Noir, the 2011 Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Cuvee Sarah Case offers gorgeous complexity and elegance, with sweet cherries, red currants, spice box, underbrush and earthy nuances giving way to a rich, medium to full-bodied red that has silky tannin, great acidity and an all-around classy feel. It will be better in another year or two and have a decade of longevity, possibly longer. Drink 2014-2021.” Jeb Dunnuck Wine Advocate 93 Points!

2011 Fisticuffs Cabernet($29.99)

  • This Napa Valley Cabernet can spar with the heavyweights! Hourglass Winery owners Jeff & Carolyn Smith team up with their good friends, winemaker Rob Lawson (Ghost Block, Mirror & The Fearless Rider) and his wife Pavi to produce a delicious, crowd pleasing and affordable wine that delivers a mean uppercut. Classic flavors of black fruit, cassis and baking spice surround the ring and the aromas on this wine and will beat any smelling salts after a knockout punch.

Saturday, February 15th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “California Petit Sirah”

2008 Hanzell Chardonnay ($64.99)

  • The attractive, high-toned aromas are of citrus blossoms, pear, green apple, vanilla, lemon oil, anise, clove, graphite, and clean mineral. A bit tightly wound initially, the mouth-watering acidity belies the full body and concentrated, sweet lemony fruit. As the wine opens up, the inherent richness and flavor intensity rise to demonstrate the quality and longevity of the vintage. The unfolding flavors are of ripe apple, citrus, clove and caramel on a long, mineral-laden finish.

2007 Andrew Lane Petite Sirah ($19.99)

  • Andrew Lane draws fruit from some of the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley, specializing in an Oakville-hillside Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay Noir and Petite Sirah Their small, artisan winery celebrates community around the world through limited production wines. The Petite Sirah shows blueberry on the palate with huckleberry, blackberry, pencil lead, roasted thyme, and earth. It has a silky mouthfeel, with a long rich and lush finish.

2008 Niner Petite Sirah ($27.99)

  • This wine is well-structured with a balance of earth, spice and black olive. On the nose, there are hints of cocoa followed by brambly blackberries, and a sweet and savory tobacco facet. The wine finishes with chewy tannins.

2008 T-Vine Petite Sirah ($37.99)

  • T-Vine was founded in 1992 by winemaker Greg Brown, with the intent to produce small lot wines of old vine origins such as Grenache, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Though full-bodied and densely packed with dark rich fruit and thick tannins, the 08 Petite Sirah is remarkably balanced, polished and smooth – a Greg Brown winemaking calling card. It is worth noting that among the sources of this limited production Petite Sirah is the half-acre Oak Glade Vineyard, unique for its pre-prohibition cuttings. Only 670 cases made.

2011 Jaffurs Petite Sirah ($44.99)

  • “Last of the 2011s and one of the most elegant Petite Sirahs out there, the 2011 Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard is a knockout effort that offers up thrilling aromas of smoky black and red raspberries, tar, licorice, mineral and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, tannic and structured, yet also seamless and silky, with loads of depth and richness, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will have 15+ years of total longevity. Drink now-2026.” JD Wine Advocate 94 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

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El Cajon Wine Tasting Selections for 2/14/14-2/15/14

Posted on February 14, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

As the American trade deficit continues to dip we’ll contribute to the Buy American campaign with an interesting assortment of Made-in-the-U.S.A wines. We’ll start off with three offerings from Rosenblum Cellars, historically noted for their flavorful Zinfandels. The winery has created a new line dedicated to the American Spirit with three interesting, affordable wines, the Great American Wine Company Chardonnay, Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon. Terrific everyday wines at a reasonable price.

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!

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Harvest Ranch/Jonathans February 2014 Newsletter

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

Our February Newsletter is packed with great party and tailgating items.

Click here to view our newsletter PDF.

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La Jolla Wine Tasting Selections for 2/7/14-2/8/14

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

On Friday we will enjoy wines from Italy.  Italy is the home of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, and Italian wines are known worldwide for their broad variety. Italy shares with France the title of largest wine producer in the world.  We will begin with the Elena Walch Gewurtreminer, which is showing wonderfully with a couple years in the bottle.  Then we will try four different red wines from various regions of  Italy.  The evening will close with the 2004 Terralsole Brunello di Montulcino which received 96 Points from Wine Spectator and landed at #31 on their Top 100 Wines of 2010!

On Saturday we will explore Napa Valley Cabernet Franc.  This varietal is one of the major red wine varietals grown worldwide.  It is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone.  Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, making a bright pale red wine color and contributing finesse and a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes.  We will begin the evening with a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc from Honig Winery before diving into four different Cabernet Franc’s.  The evening will culminate with the highly acclaimed Keenan Merlot. Robert Parker considers Keenan a, “one of the finest producers in California and a marvelous source of top notch Cabernet Franc.”

See you this weekend.

~Jason Perry

 

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, February 7th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, February 8th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, February 7th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “The wines of Italy”

2010 Elena Walch Gewurztraminer ($19.99)

  • “A pale, golden-tinged straw in color. Subdued aromas of grapefruit and green fig are complemented by cinnamon and floral elements. It is soft and smooth in the mouth, with flavors similar to the aromas but only average intensity. The finish displays moderate persistence. A solid entry-level gewürztraminer.” Steven Tanzer 87 Points!

2003 Gualdo del Rennero Merlot ($39.99)

  • Gualdo del Re’s 2003 Il Rennero (100% Merlot aged in barrique) performed very well when tasted blind alongside some of the region’s more famous bottlings. A deep, dark ruby, it presents a compelling mix of blueberry jam, cassis, chocolate and sweet toasted oak, with an engaging, plump personality, notable length on the palate and outstanding freshness considering the vintage. Though not the most complex Italian Merlot, it is sure to please many with its generous, up-front qualities. Antonio Galloni. Wine Advocate 91 Points!

2006 Basilisco Aglianico($39.99)

  • The 2006 Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco is a fabulous wine loaded with varietal character. Juicy dark cherries, plums, spices, leather, earthiness and game come together in this unusually supple, refined wine from Basilisco. The finish is equally composed, with superb integration of aromatics, fruit and structure. This is a highly enjoyable red from Basilicata’s Vulture district. Needless to say, it is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016.” Antonio Galloni. Wine Advocate 91 Points!

2007 Valdisanti Tolanai ($44.99)

  • The 2007 Valdisanti is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 16 months in French oak. It is the most complete of these 2007s, redolent with heady scents of dark fruit, licorice, leather and smoke. Balsamic notes develop in the glass, adding further layers of complexity and depth. This finishes with a joyful exuberance that is impossible not to admire. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.

2004 Terralsole Brunello di Montalcino ($74.99)

  • “This changes all the time as you taste it, with aromas of dark fruit and porcini mushroom turning to cigar box and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with masses of fruit and chewy tannins. Really powerful and long. Best after 2011. 1,450 cases made.” –JS Wine Spectator 96  Points!   #31 2010 Wine Spectator Top 100!

Saturday, February 8th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Napa Valley Cabernet Franc”

2012 Honig Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99)

  • The 2012 Sauvignon Blanc offers plenty of fig, melon and caramelized grapefruit characteristics in its fresh, crisp personality. With excellent texture and medium body, this delicious, dry, complex, satisfying Sauvignon should provide plenty of enjoyment over the next year. The good news is there are 50,000 cases. This winery has a long and impressive track record working with Sauvignon Blanc and continues to produce a classic/textbook example of this varietal in Northern California.

2006 Beaucannon Cabernet Franc ($24.99)

  • This Full-bodied Cabernet Franc shows bright acidity vying with prominent tannins that quickly fade as juicy black cherry and red apple fruit comes to the fore. Deeper layers of the wine reveal notes of cocoa and cinnamon spice.

2008 Dare Cabernet Franc ($36.99)

  • “This is a good full bodied red. Displays a very floral nose, with suave oak treatment. The Dare shows attractive, pliant flavors of red berries and flowers. The finish features building tannins that coat the teeth and very good energy and floral lift.” Tanzer.  International Wine Cellar 89 Points!

2006 Revolver “The Fury” Cabernet Franc ($44.99)

  • Look for amazing character from this wine right from the first aroma– violets, blackberry, and sweet herbs are a very intriguing lead into a depth filled pallet balanced by slightly toasted oak and moderate tannins. Definitely enjoyable now and previous vintages have proved to grow in intensity and some of the ruggedness turns suppler with time. The Fruit for this wine comes from a select few Cabernet Franc vineyards all south of Yountville in the Napa Valley.

2006 Keenan Cabernet Franc ($59.99)

  • “Keenan is a marvelous source of top-notch Cabernet Franc, as evidenced by the small quantity (350 cases produced) of their 100% Cabernet Franc, one of the finest made in California. The 2006 version reveals an ethereal nose of bouquet garni, red and black currants, and a hint of spring flowers, followed by a layered, medium-bodied red that is remarkably light on its feet. The tannins are round and silky, and the finish is long and velvety. This beauty will be even better with several more years of bottle age, and it should evolve for 15+ years.” Robert Parker. Wine Advocate 91 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

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El Cajon Wine Tasting Selections for 2/7/14-2/8/14

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

Valentine cards and candies may be nice and sweet but we feel there’s no better way to share a day celebrated to love than with a nice bottle of wine with your sweetheart. This weekend we’ll be sharing a charming international assortment of wonderful flavors.

We’ll start off with an essential for any Valentine’s Day celebration: the bubbly. Ours is a pleasing French brut, Placere, which takes its name from the Latin word for “pleasure.”

That leads to the Hitching Post, or in this case, a Hitching Post Central California smooth and charming Pinot Noir. By now passions are beginning to rise and who embraces love more than the Italians, from whom we present a passionate Sicilian Merlot followed by another salute to love from Argentina – the delicious Enamore, a blend that is made in the Amarone style.

An absolute favorite of our customers, the Stephanie Cabernet Sauvignon, which draws nothing but loving reviews from anyone who has taken home a bottle will be next. A perfect pairing with an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner.

Finally, what would love be without sex and our final wine with be the 2012 Sexual Chocolate, a seductive blend of syrah, zinfandel and petite sirah from Napa, Sonoma and Santa Barbara.

Please join your favorite cupid, Bill Callahan this weekend and enjoy the wine and company.

 

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting Event:

Friday, February 7th, 2014  5pm – 7pm
Saturday, February 8th, 2014  3pm – 5pm

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

Featuring “Be My Valentine” Tasting

This weekends selections: $15.00

Placere Les Filantes Champagne NV   ($25.99 During Tasting)

  • The name for this French champagne is taken from the Latin word for pleasure and this tasty brut is a pleasure to share with your Valentine.

Hitching Post Pinot Noir 2011   ($25.99 During Tasting)

  • Hook up with this Central Coast offering of nice berries tasty enough to smooth over the bumps in any relationship. – 89 Points Robert Parker

Feudi del Pisciotto Valentino Merlot 2008    ($27.99 During Tasting)

  • Ah, from the Italians, who claim to have invented love, comes this Sicilian Merlot brimming with the island’s passionate approach to life.

Allegrini & Renacer Enamore 2011    ($25.99 During Tasting)

  • Marry Argentinean Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Bonarda and Malbec for a wine that delivers a flavor crafted in the Amarone style. Absolutely delicious.

Stephanie Cabernet Sauvignon 2008    ($46.99 During Tasting)

  •  Cupid’s instruments of love: a bow, an arrow and a harp. The harp’s on the front of this fabulous Napa Cab. A fantastic gift to share with a sweetheart  – 96 Points Wine Enthusiast

Sexual Chocolate 2012   ($22.99 During Tasting)

  • A delicious blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Zinfandel and 10% Petite Sirah the winemakers warn sweethearts to “enjoy responsibly, just not conservatively.”

 

See you all this weekend!

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La Jolla Wine Tasting Selections for 1/31/14-2/1/14

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

On Friday it is our good friend and wine tasting regular Arie Troyce’s birthday, and upon his request we are going to pour wines from Spain.  All five wines for the evening are red, so if you prefer whites, Saturday will be the tasting for you.  We are featuring five wines from the highly acclaimed Jorge Ordonez collection. The first four are relatively inexpensive but receive great press from Robert Parker.  These relatively inexpensive wines will allow us to finish with the 2005 Finca Allende Aurus which received 98 Points from the Wine Advocate, and was called, “a thick, rich, opulent, massive wine with an exceptionally lengthy finish.”

On Saturday we will be featuring three wines that I just brought into the store from Benton Lane Winery.  The night will begin with a nice Willamette Valley Rose of Pinot Noir from Cardwell Hill before moving on to an outstanding Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc from Benton Lane.  Our first of two reds is the Benton Lane First Class Pinot Noir which received 93 Points from Wine Spectator.  In an effort to maintain the high standards it has set, Benton Lane does not produce a “First Class’ Pinot Noir every year, and releases these only during the best of vintages.  The last wine will be a Sangiovese from the well received Leonetti Winery.  Leonetti has developed quite an impressive resume for producing some of the best wines available in Washington.

See you this weekend!

Jason Perry

 

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, January 31st, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, February 1st, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

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

Friday, January 31st, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “The wines of Spain”

2012 Garnacha De Fuego ($11.99)

  • “The 2012 Garnacha de Fuego offers straightforward, simple, but delicious cherry fruit intermixed with notions of loamy soil, pepper and earth. Drink it over the next several years. Just when you think you have found the wine worlds greatest value, along comes the Bodegas Brecca.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 86 Points!

2011 Bodegas Breca 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 long aging regime appears to have resulted in a slight  austerity, and the fruit seems slightly faded. Nevertheless, 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.” Parker Wine Advocate – 87 Points!

2009 Vina Real Crianza ($19.99)

  • Another sensational value is the 2009 Rioja Vina Real Crianza. Made from 90% Tempranillo blended with other authorized varietals, this effort comes from vineyards in the foothills of Sierra Cantabria. Exceptionally ripe with a dark ruby/purple color, excellent texture, and outstanding concentration, length and equilibrium, this is one of the finest value-priced Riojas in the marketplace. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years.” R. Parker Wine Advocate – 91 Points!

2011 Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill ($19.99)

  • “The 2011 Tarima Hill is made from old vine Mourvedre grown at a high elevation of 2,000-2,500 feet. Aged 20 months in French oak, its sensational inky/purple color is followed by a sweet bouquet of acacia flowers, blueberry liqueur, blackberries and graphite, and a full-bodied, rich mouthfeel. This sensational red wine could easily sell for three to five times the price with no complaints. It should age easily for another 5-6 years.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 91 Points!

2005 Finca Allende Aurus ($129.99)

  • “The 2005 Aurus raises the bar.  It is 85% old-vine Tempranillo and 15% Graciano. It was aged for 24 months in French oak and bottled unfiltered. Purple/black in color, the aromatics seem to have an extra dimension of complexity. Notes of pain grille, pencil lead, crushed stone, blueberry, and blackberry are superb. This leads to a thick, rich, opulent, massive wine with an exceptionally lengthy finish and a decade of aging potential. Drink this behemoth through 2040.” Jay Miller Wine Advocate – 98 Points!

Saturday, February 1st, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring “Benton Lane Winery”


About the Winery:

Steve and Carol Girard founded Benton-Lane in 1988. They shared a passionate desire to produce great Pinot Noir but, after careful consideration, looked to Oregon where the cooler climate offered the possibility of producing Pinot Noir with better balance, structure, and more interesting flavors. Benton-Lane produced Pinot Noir exclusively until 2003, when small quantities of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc were produced from small 1 and 2 acre experimental plantings of each in the Benton-Lane vineyard. These wines were sold exclusively in the tasting room. In 2004, the winery began full-scale commercial production of Pinot Gris from grapes purchased from carefully selected Willamette Valley growers.

2012 Cardwell Hill Rose ($16.99)

  • Terrific domestic pink from the gang at Cardwell Hill. Produced from 100% Pinot Noir from the outstanding 2012 vintage, this joyous, bouncy bottle of summertime truly engages with its surprisingly dense strawberry and watermelon flavors.

2011 Benton Lane Pinot Gris ($19.99)

  • The 2011 Pinot Gris exudes aromas of honeysuckle blossoms, grapefruit and comice pears. It is crisp and refreshing to the palate with flavors of white peach, honeydew and lime zest. The lively acidity makes it a wonderful food wine, especially with shellfish and fresh salads.

2011 Benton Lane Pinot Blanc ($22.99)

  • Exhibiting complex aromas of honeysuckle, butterscotch and baking spices; this Pinot Blanc is medium bodied, with a lightly creamy texture carrying a hint of meringue with tamarind and ripe pear flavors.

2011 Benton Lane First Class Pinot Noir ($59.99)

  • “Fresh and vibrant, deftly playing its cherry, orange peel and black tea flavors against a veil of crisp tannins. Persists impressively on the expressive finish. Drink now through 2017. 525 cases made.” –HS Wine Spectator – 93 Points!

2008 Leonetti Sangiovese ($79.99)

  • “The 2008 Sangiovese is redolent of dark cherries and spices. Intense, racy, and structured, this beautifully proportioned wine will perform optimally from 2012 to 2023.” Jay Miller  Wine Advocate – 93 Points!“Ripe and floral, this is tightly wound with refined tannins, as carnation and violet overtones add interest to the cherry fruit. Finishes with finesse. Best from 2012 through 2017. 809 cases made.” –HS  Wine Spectator – 91 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

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El Cajon Wine Tasting Selections for 1/31/14-2/1/14

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Harvest Ranch Market

As January blends (Get it? That’s our theme.) into February we invite you to join us and our friends Friday night and Saturday afternoon in El Cajon for a sampling of an assortment of red blends and a budget-friendly, tasty Chardonnay.

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!

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